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Legendary Navy diver Brashear dies
WVEC ^ | 7/25/06

Posted on 07/25/2006 3:12:33 PM PDT by Borges

He made history as the first African American US Navy Master Diver.

Tuesday afternoon, 75-year-old Carl Brashear died at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth,

His story was told in the 2000 film “Men of Honor,” and he was portrayed by actor Cuba Gooding, Jr.

Brashear joined the United States Navy in 1948 at the age of 17. He became the only amputee deep-sea diver to reach the status of Master Diver and was the only black man to ever become Master Diver of the United States Navy, a position he held from 1975 to 1977, according to the Navy.

He retired as a Boatswains Mate Master Chief.

Naval hospital officials said Brashear died at 2:45 p.m. of respiratory and heart failure.

His Marine Corps helicopter pilot son, Phillip, was home from Iraq on emergency leave and was at his father’s side.

“Carl Brashear was a man of integrity. He was well-loved and admired by the hospital staff,” said NMCP Commander Rear Adm. Thomas Cullison. “It was an honor to provide the care for this American hero. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family members.”


TOPICS: Culture/Society
KEYWORDS: americanhero; biography; brashear; carlbrashear; diver; hero; navy; obituary; restinpeace; scuba; usn
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To: 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub


RIP


Boatswains Mate Master Chief Carl Brashear


21 posted on 07/25/2006 3:54:24 PM PDT by Soaring Feather
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To: Borges

Is this the gentleman that Cuba Gooding Jr portrayed in "Men of Honor?"


22 posted on 07/25/2006 3:54:57 PM PDT by Extremely Extreme Extremist (404 Page Error Found)
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To: Borges; All

To Phillip, his beloved son...

Your father was a great American, and I thank him for his service. I pray for you, and all of his family. We owe him more than we ever can comprehend.

Thank you, Phillip, for carrying on in service to us. Bear this loss with pride, and let us know if you need help. We are all praying for you and yours.


23 posted on 07/25/2006 3:55:56 PM PDT by jacquej
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To: Extremely Extreme Extremist

As the article point outs. :-)


24 posted on 07/25/2006 3:55:57 PM PDT by Borges
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To: Extremely Extreme Extremist

Nevermind. Duh, I need to read the article.


25 posted on 07/25/2006 3:56:09 PM PDT by Extremely Extreme Extremist (404 Page Error Found)
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To: Borges
“Carl Brashear was a man of integrity. He was well-loved and admired by the hospital staff,” said NMCP Commander Rear Adm. Thomas Cullison. “It was an honor to provide the care for this American hero. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family members.”

This is what I call a very well worded tribute.

26 posted on 07/25/2006 3:57:25 PM PDT by dennisw (Confucius say man who go through turnstile sideways going to Bangkok)
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To: Borges
His Marine Corps helicopter pilot son, Phillip, was home from Iraq on emergency leave and was at his father’s side.

That's a nice thing to do.

27 posted on 07/25/2006 3:58:28 PM PDT by Ramius (Buy blades for war fighters: freeper.the-hobbit-hole.net --> 1400 knives and counting!)
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To: proud_yank

AMEN! AMEN! AMEN!


28 posted on 07/25/2006 3:59:46 PM PDT by Quix (BIBLE says it's coming; prophecies indicate our era; Shrillery is eager; Global tyrannical gov looms)
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To: Jemian

a famous "diver" has returned to his maker. Jemian


29 posted on 07/25/2006 4:00:13 PM PDT by DollyCali (Don't tell GOD how big your storm is -- Tell the storm how B-I-G your God is!)
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To: Extremely Extreme Extremist
Is this the gentleman that Cuba Gooding Jr portrayed in "Men of Honor?"

Yep.

Carl Brashear and Cuba Gooding Jr.

30 posted on 07/25/2006 4:02:33 PM PDT by Drew68
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To: Borges
His Marine Corps helicopter pilot son, Phillip, was home from Iraq on emergency leave and was at his father’s side.

Good to see his family follow in his footsteps - from all accounts he was a helluva good guy.
31 posted on 07/25/2006 4:03:35 PM PDT by af_vet_rr
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To: Drew68
Carl Brashear and Cuba Gooding Jr.

Belay my last. That would be Master Chief Brashear and Cuba Gooding Jr.

32 posted on 07/25/2006 4:04:58 PM PDT by Drew68
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To: Borges

RIP Boatswains Mate Master Chief Carl Brashear. You literally changed my sister's life. After an accident that left her right leg, below the knee useless, she saw the movie "Men of Honor." It was after watching that movie that she had the courage to have a below the knee amputation and try to reachieve the quality of life she had before the accident. Since then, she has competed in triatlon, dressage, cycling, she golfs, plays tennis and swims. Thank you for your service and for giving me back my sister. May God bless you and your family, Cookie.


33 posted on 07/25/2006 4:04:58 PM PDT by WV Mountain Mama (God bless Israel and their men and women fighting against an evil, cowardly enemy.)
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To: 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub; Borges

Rest in Peace,
Boatswains Mate Master Chief Carl Brashear


34 posted on 07/25/2006 4:15:03 PM PDT by Gucho
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To: WV Mountain Mama

What a wonderful story!


35 posted on 07/25/2006 4:15:45 PM PDT by cyborg (No I don't miss the single life at all.)
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To: Borges

A great man, a great patriot and his death is a great loss. RIP, Master Chief.


36 posted on 07/25/2006 4:18:02 PM PDT by Ticonderoga34
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To: WV Mountain Mama
Now that's one heck of a great tribute to a true American Hero!
37 posted on 07/25/2006 4:20:11 PM PDT by ArrogantBustard (Western Civilisation is aborting, buggering, and contracepting itself out of existence.)
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To: Borges

Very special prayer ping!!!!!


38 posted on 07/25/2006 4:22:07 PM PDT by GregB (This family supports The U. S Marines!!!!!!)
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To: WV Mountain Mama

Kudos to your sister for overcoming her disability. Thanks for posting her story.


39 posted on 07/25/2006 4:23:25 PM PDT by Ciexyz (Leaning on the everlasting arms.)
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To: ArrogantBustard; cyborg

I remember the night she called me and told me to go rent it, she decided to amputate because of some movie called "Men of Honor." I didn't know what to think, but understood how she felt, especially after watching it. I still can't believe she was brave enough to do that. He definitely gave her the courage to try to get her life back, or at the very least fight for something better. I watch that movie and cry everytime I watch it. What an amazing man.


40 posted on 07/25/2006 4:27:48 PM PDT by WV Mountain Mama (God bless Israel and their men and women fighting against an evil, cowardly enemy.)
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