Lieutenant John F. Kennedy, right, and his PT-109 crew are shown somewhere in the South Pacific, July 1943.
On August 1, 1943, a Japanese destroyer rams an American PT (patrol
torpedo) boat, No. 109, slicing it in two. The destruction is so massive
other American PT boats in the area assume the crew is dead. Two
crewmen were, in fact, killed, but 11 survived, including Lt. John F.
Kennedy. His actions made him a war hero.
Lieutenant Commander John McCain (right) is welcomed by President Richard Nixon (left) upon McCain’s release from five and one-half-
years as a P.O.W. during the Vietnam War in 1973.
John Sidney McCain III (August 29, 1936 – August 25, 2018)
Among awards presented to John McCain: Silver Star, Bronze Star Medal
(3) with Combat “V”, Purple Heart, Legion of Merit (2) Combat “V”,
Distinguished Flying Cross, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation
Medal (2) with Combat “V” and others.
President Trump presents the Medal of Honor to Army veteran
James McCloughan during a brief but poignant White House
ceremony .
(AP) – President Trump on Monday presented the Medal of Honor to an Army
veteran who 48 years ago repeatedly risked his live to save 10 fellow soldiers
during a deadly days-long fight along Vietnam’s central coast.
In recognizing James McCloughan, now a 71-year-old retired schoolteacher
from Michigan, Trump recounted a gripping tale of selflessness and bravery,
sliding off script occasionally to emphasize just how hellish the battle was and
to marvel that McCloughan and the other Americans who survived managed
to overcome such extraordinary odds.
“He was one of 32 who fought until the end,” the president said, glancing at
McCloughan, who stood stoically a few steps to Trump’s right, “and they held
their ground against more than 2,000 enemy troops. Jim, I know I speak for
everyone here when I say we are in awe of your actions and your bravery.”
Army Pfc. James McCloughan in front of the Vietnam Regional
Exchange Snack Shop, 1969.
U.S. Air Force Academy.
Chesley Burnett "Sully" Sullenberger III was born in Denison, TX.
Famous U.S. Airways pilot and hero Chesley Sullenberger safely landed a
passenger jet on the Hudson River. He was ranked #2 in TIME Magazine’s
2009 list of the Top 100 Most Influential Heroes and Icons.
Capt. Chesley B. Sullenberger in the cockpit moments before
taking off from La Guardia Airport on January 15, 2009.
US Airways Flight 1549 afloat in the Hudson River.
Geronimo ("the one who yawns") was born in what is now
New Mexico. (June 16, 1829 – February 17, 1909)
Geronimo was a Native American hero of the Chiricahua Apache Wars
who led his people in the fight against the U.S. and Mexico. His first wife,
children, and mother were reportedly attacked and killed in 1858 by
Mexican soldiers. He was forced to surrender in 1886 and lived much
of his remaining years as a prisoner of war. Geronimo had nine wives
and fathered two children.
