Somehow, in our need, such cream has always risen to the top when necessary. Despite the best efforts of our advesaries ... external and internal ... the foundational principles for the liberty that we enjoy in this Republic are still in place amongst the people and therefore still capable of producing such individuals IMHO.
Regards.
Jeff,men of the caliber of Roy and Rocky are rare,indeed. ANY nation that could manage to have just 1% of their military composed of dedicated men of honor like this would be a VERY rich nation. Rich in the things that matter the most. People like them go right past "brave",and straight to "awe-inspiring". I honestly can't think of Rocky standing in that hole in the rain and singing "God Bless America" at the top of his lungs without tearing up. And as for Roy,how many people do YOU know who charge into hundreds of machine gun bearing enemy troops while armed with only a Bowie knife?
I've heard some misinformed people state," There is no such thing in real life as a "Rambo"." I tell them there were real-life people who did things that would make the fictional Rambo faint from fear. People like Rocky,Roy,Bob Howard,Ola Mize,and hundreds of others. All REAL people. Hollywood can only pretend.
By dumb luck or design, on separate occasions I had the privilage and honor to meet two MOH recipients. Joe Foss and Leo Thorsness. I was at a loss for words when trying to verbalize my respect. As I stumbled along each replied in much the same manner..."It was a different time, different place". Such humble responses.
Versace, Benavidez, Rowe...Lance P. Sijan...When I see or hear their names I cannot help but hold myself cheap. Men like these epitomize the spirit of the Medal Of Honor. Then there are men like James Wayne Herrick Jr. whose actions did not warrant national recognition but served with the same spirit. We as a nation truely are rich to have all of them as our sons.