FReeper Canteen ~ Hall of the Heroes: SGT Finnis D. McCleery ~ May 5, 2008

Serving The Best Troops and Veterans In The World | StarCMC and Mumble

[Kathy in Alaska]

Our Troops Rock!  Thank you for all you do!

For the freedom you enjoyed yesterday... Thank the Veterans who served in The United States Armed Forces.

Looking forward to tomorrow's freedom? Support The United States Armed Forces Today!

~ Hall of Heroes ~

SGT Finnis D. McCleery
Info from this website.

           

Finnis Dawson McCleery (December 25, 1927 – July 11, 2002) was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the Vietnam War.

McCleery joined the Army from San Angelo, Texas, and by May 14, 1968 was serving as a platoon sergeant in Company A, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment. During an assault on that day, in Quang Tin Province, Republic of Vietnam, McCleery single-handedly attacked and destroyed several enemy bunkers despite being wounded twice.

McCleery left the Army while still a platoon sergeant. He died at age 74 and was buried in Belvedere Memorial Cemetery, San Angelo, Texas.

 

Platoon Sergeant McCleery's official Medal of Honor citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. P/Sgt. McCleery, U.S. Army, distinguished himself while serving as platoon leader of the 1st platoon of Company A. A combined force was assigned the mission of assaulting a reinforced company of North Vietnamese Army regulars, well entrenched on Hill 352, 17 miles west of Tam Ky. As P/Sgt. McCleery led his men up the hill and across an open area to close with the enemy, his platoon and other friendly elements were pinned down by tremendously heavy fire coming from the fortified enemy positions. Realizing the severe damage that the enemy could inflict on the combined force in the event that their attack was completely halted, P/Sgt. McCleery rose from his sheltered position and began a 1-man assault on the bunker complex. With extraordinary courage, he moved across 60 meters of open ground as bullets struck all around him and rockets and grenades literally exploded at his feet. As he came within 30 meters of the key enemy bunker, P/Sgt. McCleery began firing furiously from the hip and throwing hand grenades. At this point in his assault, he was painfully wounded by shrapnel, but, with complete disregard for his wound, he continued his advance on the key bunker and killed all of its occupants. Having successfully and single-handedly breached the enemy perimeter, he climbed to the top of the bunker he had just captured and, in full view of the enemy, shouted encouragement to his men to follow his assault. As the friendly forces moved forward, P/Sgt. McCleery began a lateral assault on the enemy bunker line. He continued to expose himself to the intense enemy fire as he moved from bunker to bunker, destroying each in turn. He was wounded a second time by shrapnel as he destroyed and routed the enemy from the hill. P/Sgt. McCleery is personally credited with eliminating several key enemy positions and inspiring the assault that resulted in gaining control of Hill 352. His extraordinary heroism at the risk of his life, above and beyond the call of duty, was in keeping with the highest standards of the military service, and reflects great credit on him, the Americal Division, and the U.S. Army.

 

Please remember the Canteen is here to honor, support and entertain our troops and their families.  This is a politics-free zone!  Thanks for helping us in our mission!

[Kathy in Alaska]

And rounding out the top three...Radix bags the bronze!!

[Kathy in Alaska]

[Kathy in Alaska]

Yes, almost Monday already....much too soon. How is Peter? Running circles around you? The former 2Lt? The Army son?

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good evening, Poetgal, Mom of Q!

[SevenofNine]

OMGGGG this what I get when I surf Star Trek fan forums site

Kinda wrong for KHANNNN to hit on Chuck Heston tv wife

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQj9iqL6GOA

[SevenofNine]

Who is biggest playera from Star Trek

KHANNNN

OR Capt Kirk LOL

After seeing this Khannnnn is not bad

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANFKVb_dsh0&feature=related

OH LORDY I just turn to Hallmark channel I just saw Geraldo Riveria get smack chat by Godzilla little b***h Perry mason

[Kathy in Alaska]

Early to bed sounds like a really good idea. Resting is good for you.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good evening, Sand....late is ok.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Great picture, Sand....the girls get to go to school.

[luvie]

Another wonderful, brave hero to honor.

Thanks for reminding us of all of them and giving us a chance to know more about them. They are the bedrock of this country!

God bless ALL our troops, past, present and future!

[Kathy in Alaska]

Welcome to the Canteen, jimfree. StarCMC really finds some great “stories” for us to read. They really are movie script heroics, these brave men who put themselves second to their troops and success.

[luvie]

Thanks for honoring the missing ones!

[SandRat]

Then there was Extreme Home Makeover, I’m naughty.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Luv...are you in Arizona now? Are you safely esconsed in your room? Needing rest from the weekend? How did you do?

Lots of fun????

[luvie]

We are in AZ....and I have met lovely people who I love already!...as I did before I met them!

It’s beautiful weather and I love the condo! Ms. B will, too! I am on the patio with the laptop, my mp3 player, and my diet coke. Ahhhhhhh......

[laurenmarlowe]

Photo by Spc. Samuel J. Phillips, MNC-I PAO May 03, 2008 Spc. Peter Lee, gunner, Task Force Dragon, uses the bore light targeting system to accurately sight in his weapon system. The bore light system gives Soldiers a good zero without having to go to the range.

Photo by Pfc. Eric J. Martinez, 13th Public Affairs Detachment May 03, 2008 Brig. Gen. Robert Hipwell (middle), commanding general, Task Force North, 300th Military Police Brigade, Master Sgt. Gerard Pantin (left), NCOIC C3 reconciliation cell, 353rd civil affairs and Spc. Kym Harley (right), 479th Engineer Battalion, cut a cake in recognition of the Army Reserve's 100th birthday.

Photo by Sgt. Fay Conroy May 02, 2008 The Eighth United States Army Band performs during a parade for the opening ceremony of the 2008 Shanghai Spring International Music Festival in Shanghai, China April 30. The band will also perform at a concert held at Zhengda Indoor Stadium at Fudan University, Shanghai.

[Kathy in Alaska]

LOL! I always forget when it is on, especially since it stays light.

Daylight: 5:42 AM - 10:13 PM

But, it is taping! I’ll watch it later.

[StarCMC]

THANK YOU for posting for me, Ma! *HUG*

[Kathy in Alaska]

I am on the patio with the laptop, my mp3 player, and my diet coke.

Life is tough! LOL!

[laurenmarlowe]

Good evening ConorMacNessa, thank you for the Missing Man Setting.

Hope you have a good week!