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 fathers 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.
RIP
Boatswains Mate Master Chief Carl Brashear
Is this the gentleman that Cuba Gooding Jr portrayed in "Men of Honor?"
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.
As the article point outs. :-)
Nevermind. Duh, I need to read the article.
This is what I call a very well worded tribute.
That's a nice thing to do.
AMEN! AMEN! AMEN!
a famous "diver" has returned to his maker. Jemian
Yep.
Carl Brashear and Cuba Gooding Jr.
Belay my last. That would be Master Chief Brashear and Cuba Gooding Jr.
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.
Rest in Peace,
Boatswains Mate Master Chief Carl Brashear
What a wonderful story!
A great man, a great patriot and his death is a great loss. RIP, Master Chief.
Very special prayer ping!!!!!
Kudos to your sister for overcoming her disability. Thanks for posting her story.
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.
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