Posted on 12/21/2001 6:30:52 AM PST by Jeff Head
Once again, on FR we were able to get the word out quickly. I hope many more publications pick it up and spread the word.
Rocky's story simply must be told and gotten to as large an audience as possible.
For Rocky and his long overdue recognition.
For Rocky and his long overdue recognition.
It will finally come to pass this spring.
Jeff,let's not forget the efforts of CSM Franklin Miller (ret) and LTC Robert Howard (ret),both Medal of Honor winners themselves who worked long and hard to see that Rocky gets his. Both spent money out of their own pockets,and visited with politicians in DC to help push this effort forward. Sadly,my good friend Miller is now dead himself,but last I heard Bob was still alive and kicking. I hope he feels well enough to make the ceremony. I'm confident he will be there is he is able to attend.
Thanks for educating me on Miller and Howard and their work here. I have great respect for all involved.
Captain Humbert R. "Rocky†Versace has been awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously. On Dec. 20, 2000 then Army Secretary Louis Caldera approved the Medal. On Jan. 12, 2001 former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Henry Shelton signed off on the authorization, sending it to Congress. The final Medal legislation, SR1438, was amended to the Defense Reauthorization Bill. President Bush will award the Medal of Honor to Versace's family this year!
Since the bill has officially passed congress now, the only question left to answer is ... When will the award ceremony be held?
I am hoping that it is soon. Sometime this spring.
God bless and rest Rocky, God bless and rest his mother ... and God bless and rest Colonel Nick Row who was true and faithful to Rocky, his duty and his country until the very end.
Me,too. Rumor control has it that there were some possible MOH actions related to recovering the body of that SEAL,and I am thinking Bubba-2 might wait and award Rocky's along with at least one more. Both were SF,and it ties the fight against communist terrorism into the fight with Islamic terrorism. Whatever the reason and whenever it happens,I'm going to try to do my best to be there.
Bunny? How about you and Billie getting this word out to the usual suspects in your USO threads?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.