Skip to comments.
FReeper Canteen ~ Hall of Heroes: Donald Sloat ~ January 26, 2015
Serving The Best Troops and Veterans In The World !!
| StarCMC
Posted on 01/25/2015 5:00:19 PM PST by 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 ~ Donald Sloat Info from here. |
|
Donald P. Sloat (February 1949 January 17, 1970) was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the Medal of Honor, United States military's highest decoration. His award was made posthumously in 2014 for his actions in the Vietnam War.
Rank and organization: Specialist Four, United States Army, 3rd Platoon, Delta Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 196th Light Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. Place and date: Que Son Valley, Quảng Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam, January 17, 1970 Entered service at: Coweta, Oklahoma Specialist Four Donald P. Sloat distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life, above and beyond the call of duty, while serving as a machine gunner with 3rd Platoon, Company D, 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 196th Light Infantry Brigade, Americal Division, during combat operations against an armed enemy in the Republic of Vietnam, Jan. 17, 1970. D Company operated out of Fire Support Base Hawk Hill in an area of I Corps. They were located south and southwest of Danang providing security for local villages and conducting regular searches for NVA units. The territory they patrolled stretched from the coastal lowlands to the mountains and jungle. North Vietnamese and Viet Cong activity was common in the area, and D Company suffered regular casualties from snipers and booby traps. On the morning of Jan. 17, 1970, Sloat's squad was conducting a patrol, serving as a blocking element in support of tanks and armored personnel carriers from F Troop in the Que Son valley. As the squad moved through dense up a small hill in file formation, the lead Soldier tripped a wire attached to a hand grenade booby-trap, set up by enemy forces. When the grenade rolled down the hill toward Sloat, he had a choice. He could hit the ground and seek cover, or pick up the grenade and throw it away from his fellow Soldiers. After initially attempting to throw the grenade, Sloat realized that detonation was imminent, and that two or three men near him would be killed or seriously injured if he couldn't shield them from the blast. In an instant, Sloat chose to draw the grenade to his body, shielding his squad members from the blast, and saving their lives. Sloat's actions define the ultimate sacrifice of laying down his own life in order to save the lives of his comrades. Specialist Four Donald P. Sloat's extraordinary heroism and selflessness are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service, and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States 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! |
|
|
TOPICS: Culture/Society; Extended News; Free Republic
KEYWORDS: canteen; heroes; military; troopsupport
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first 1-20, 21-40, 41-60, 61-72 next last
To: Kathy in Alaska
2
posted on
01/25/2015 5:00:40 PM PST
by
ConorMacNessa
(HM/2 USN, 3/5 Marines RVN 1969 - St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in Battle!)
To: Kathy in Alaska
Some gave so much for this country.
3
posted on
01/25/2015 5:04:37 PM PST
by
mountainlion
(Live well for those that did not make it back.)
To: ConorMacNessa
Permission Granted!
4
posted on
01/25/2015 5:05:43 PM PST
by
Kathy in Alaska
(((~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one ~)))
To: Kathy in Alaska
5
posted on
01/25/2015 5:06:54 PM PST
by
SandRat
(Duty - Honor - Country! What else need s said?)
To: Kathy in Alaska
Good evening, Kathy and Star!
***HUGS***
Thanks very much coming aboard! Rendering Hand Salutes to our National Colors and to the Officer of the Deck!
And thanks very much to you and Star for tonights Hall of Heroes thread! SP4 Donald P. Sloat, USA (MOH) is most worthy of entry into our Hall of Heroes!
|
|
|
|
6
posted on
01/25/2015 5:10:00 PM PST
by
ConorMacNessa
(HM/2 USN, 3/5 Marines RVN 1969 - St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in Battle!)
To: mountainlion
Yes, some gave all their days forever for their comrades.
January 26 btw is Douglas McArthur’s birthday.
7
posted on
01/25/2015 5:10:46 PM PST
by
yarddog
(Romans 8:38-39, For I am persuaded.)
To: Kathy in Alaska; laurenmarlowe; BIGLOOK; alfa6; EsmeraldaA; SandRat; mylife; TMSuchman; PROCON; ...
Welcome To All Who Enter This Canteen, To Our Serving Military, To Our Veterans, To All Military Families, To Our FRiends and To Our Allies!
Missing Man Setting
"The Empty Chair"
By Captain Carroll "Lex" Lefon, USN (RET), on December 21st, 2004
"In the wardroom onboard the aircraft carrier from which I recently debarked was a small, round table, with single chair. No one ever sat there, and the reasons, both for the table being there, and for the fact that the chair was always empty, will tell the reader a little bit about who we are as a culture. The wardroom, of course, is where the officers will dine; morning, noon and evening. It is not only a place to eat it is also a kind of oasis from the sometimes dreary, often difficult exigencies of the service. A place of social discourse, of momentary relief from the burdens of the day. The only things explicitly forbidden by inviolable tradition in the wardroom are the wearing of a cover or sword by an officer not actually on watch, or conversation which touches upon politics or religion. But aboard ships which observe the custom, another implicit taboo concerns the empty chair: No matter how crowded the room, no matter who is waiting to be seated, that chair is never moved, never taken.
The table is by the main entrance to the wardroom. You will see it when you enter, and you will see it when you leave. It draws your eyes because it is meant to. And because it draws your eyes it draws your thoughts. And though it will be there every day for as long as you are at sea, you will look at it every time and your eyes will momentarily grow distant as you think for a moment. As you quietly give thanks.
AS YOU REMEMBER.
The small, round table is covered with a gold linen tablecloth. A single place setting rests there, of fine bone china. A wineglass stands upon the table, inverted, empty. On the dinner plate is a pinch of salt. On the bread plate is a slice of lemon. Besides the plate lies a bible. There is a small vase with a single red rose upon the table. Around the vase is wound a yellow ribbon. There is the empty chair.
We will remember because over the course of our careers, we will have had the opportunity to enjoy many a formal evening of dinner and dancing in the fine company of those with whom we have the honor to serve, and their lovely ladies. And as the night wears on, our faces will in time become flushed with pleasure of each others company, with the exertions on the dance floor, with the effects of our libations. But while the feast is still at its best, order will be called to the room we will be asked to raise our glasses to the empty table, and we will be asked to remember:
The table is round to show our everlasting concern for those who are missing. The single setting reminds us that every one of them went to their fates alone, that every life was unique.
The tablecloth is gold symbolizing the purity of their motives when they answered the call to duty.
The single red rose, displayed in a vase, reminds us of the life of each of the missing, and their loved ones who kept the faith.
The yellow ribbon around the vase symbolizes our continued determination to remember them.
The slice of lemon reminds us of the bitterness of their fate. The salt symbolizes the tears shed by those who loved them. The bible represents the faith that sustained them. The glass is inverted they cannot share in the toast. The chair is empty they are not here. They are missing.
And we will remember, and we will raise our glasses to those who went before us, and who gave all that they had for us. And a part of the flush in our faces will pale as we remember that nothing worth having ever came without a cost. We will remember that many of our brothers and sisters have paid that cost in blood. We will remember that the reckoning is not over.
We many of us will settle with our families into our holiday season, our Christmas season for those who celebrate it, content in our fortune and prosperity. We will meet old friends with smiles and laughter. We will meet our members of our family with hugs. We will eat well, and exchange gifts and raise our glasses to the year passed in gratitude, and to the year to come with hope. We will sleep the sleep of the protected, secure in our homes, secure in our homeland.
But for many families, there will be an empty chair at the table this year. A place that is not filled.
WE SHOULD REMEMBER."
Many Thanks To Alfa6 For Finding Capt. Lefon's Chronicle Of "The Empty Chair."
"Träumerei" Robert Schumann (Click)
Never Forget The Brave Men And Women Who Gave Their Lives To Secure Our Freedom!!
|
|
|
|
8
posted on
01/25/2015 5:11:18 PM PST
by
ConorMacNessa
(HM/2 USN, 3/5 Marines RVN 1969 - St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in Battle!)
To: StarCMC; MoJo2001; 007; 1 FELLOW FREEPER; 11B3; 1FreeAmerican; 1stbn27; 2111USMC; 2LT Radix jr; ...
Please note: The author of the Hall of Heroes is StarCMC. Please thank StarCMC for todays thread.
Sending out prayers for Arrowhead1952 as he recovers from his horrible fall.
~ Hall of Heroes: Donald Sloat ~
FR CANTEEN MISSION STATEMENT
Showing support and boosting the morale of
our military and our allies military
and the family members of the above.
Honoring those who have served before.
CLICK HERE TO FIND LATEST THREADS
CLICK FOR Current local times around the world
CLICK FOR local times in Seoul, Baghdad, Kabul,
New York, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, Anchorage
To every service man or woman reading this thread.
Thank You for your service to our country.
No matter where you are stationed,
No matter what your job description
Know that we are are proud of each and everyone of you.
To our military readers, we remain steadfast
in keeping the Canteen doors open. The FR Canteen is Free Republic's longest running daily thread
specifically designed to provide entertainment and moral support for the military.
The doors have been open since Oct 7 2001,
the day of the start of the war in Afghanistan.
We are indebted to you for your sacrifices for our Freedom.
NOTE: CANTEEN MUSIC
Posted daily and on the Music Thread
for the enjoyment of our troops and visitors.
9
posted on
01/25/2015 5:23:31 PM PST
by
Kathy in Alaska
(((~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one ~)))
To: Kathy in Alaska
Hi Everybody!
((((HUGS))))
10
posted on
01/25/2015 5:27:24 PM PST
by
left that other site
(You shall know the Truth, and The Truth Shall Set You Free.)
To: Kathy in Alaska
I can’t help but think of that sad old Mother in Oklahoma who lost her child and her future grandchildren, etc.
11
posted on
01/25/2015 5:34:04 PM PST
by
yarddog
(Romans 8:38-39, For I am persuaded.)
To: mountainlion
Good evening, mountainlion....he gave his all.
You are so right...."some gave so much for this country."
12
posted on
01/25/2015 5:42:22 PM PST
by
Kathy in Alaska
(((~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one ~)))
To: Kathy in Alaska
~ Good Evening! ~
~ Go Hawks!!!!!!!!! ~
To: Kathy in Alaska; LUV W; AZamericonnie; HiJinx
14
posted on
01/25/2015 5:48:57 PM PST
by
SandRat
(Duty - Honor - Country! What else need s said?)
To: 2LT Radix jr; 80 Square Miles; acad1228; AirForceMom; AliVeritas; aomagrat; ariamne; ...
15
posted on
01/25/2015 5:55:28 PM PST
by
acad1228
To: ConorMacNessa
Good evening, Mac...*hugs*...are you home safe and sound from your visit? Did you have a wonderful time?
Bright, sunny, COLD day here...should be zero in an hour or so.
16
posted on
01/25/2015 6:05:14 PM PST
by
Kathy in Alaska
(((~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one ~)))
To: Kathy in Alaska
Freep mail me to be on or off the Daily Bread ping list
Strengthen My Hands
Singapores first Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew, is the man credited with making Singapore what it is today. During his leadership, Singapore grew to be rich and prosperous and one of the most developed nations in Asia. Asked if he ever felt like giving up when he faced criticism and challenges during his many years of public service, he replied, This is a life-long commitment.
Nehemiah, who led in the rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem, refused to give up. He faced insults and intimidation from the enemies all around him as well as injustices from his own people (Neh. 45). His enemies even insinuated that he had a personal agenda (6:6-7). He sought help from God while taking every defensive step he could.
Despite the challenges, the wall was completed in 52 days (6:15). But Nehemiahs work was not complete. He encouraged the Israelites to study the Scriptures, to worship, and to keep Gods law. After completing 12 years as governor (5:14), he returned to make sure his reforms were continuing (13:6). Nehemiah had a life-long commitment to leading the people.
We all face challenges and difficulties in life. But as God helped Nehemiah, He will also strengthen our hands (6:9) for the rest of our lives in whatever tasks He gives to us.
Dear Lord, sometimes its easy to get discouraged
when faced with criticism or challenges. Help
me to persevere and grant me the strength to be
faithful to what You have called me to do.
Lifes challenges are designed not to break us but to bend us toward God.
17
posted on
01/25/2015 6:09:55 PM PST
by
The Mayor
(Honesty means never having to look over your shoulder.)
To: Kathy in Alaska; LUV W
18
posted on
01/25/2015 6:22:39 PM PST
by
SandRat
(Duty - Honor - Country! What else need s said?)
To: SandRat
Good evening, Sand...((HUGS))...any warmer today for you?
Ready for the new week?
Clear and cold here.
19
posted on
01/25/2015 6:23:26 PM PST
by
Kathy in Alaska
(((~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one ~)))
To: Kathy in Alaska
Good evening, Kathy...((HUGS))...
Current Weather for Sierra Vista, AZ
Today
Intermittent Clouds at 7:02 pm 55° F / Feels Like 56° F
High: 66° F Low: 42° F
Humidity: 19% Pressure: 30.16 in
Visibility: 10mi Wind: CLM 0 mph
Monday
Showers
55° F/ 43° F
Ready for the new week to come.
20
posted on
01/25/2015 6:29:28 PM PST
by
SandRat
(Duty - Honor - Country! What else need s said?)
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first 1-20, 21-40, 41-60, 61-72 next last
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.
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson