[JFK got the Navy and Marine Corps Medal] Kennedy, despite re-injury to his back in the collision [between a destroyer and PT-109], towed a badly burned crewman through the water with a life jacket strap clenched between his teeth.[25] He towed the wounded man to the island, and later to a second island, from where his crew was subsequently rescued.[26] For these actions, Kennedy received the Navy and Marine Corps Medal with the following citation: For extremely heroic conduct as Commanding Officer of Motor Torpedo Boat 109 following the collision and sinking of that vessel in the Pacific War Theater on August 1–2, 1943. Unmindful of personal danger, Lieutenant (then Lieutenant, Junior Grade) Kennedy unhesitatingly braved the difficulties and hazards of darkness to direct rescue operations, swimming many hours to secure aid and food after he had succeeded in getting his crew ashore. His outstanding courage, endurance and leadership contributed to the saving of several lives and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. -- I met another recipient of the Navy and Marine Corps Medal as one of her friends shared her story. I was glad to be able to tell my daughters about Doreen last night on the phone. Chief Hospital Corpsman Doreen E. Lehner, United States Navy, was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for heroism while serving on board the U.S.S. PORT ROYAL (CG-73) in rescuing an Iraqi Southern Oil Company worker overcome by smoke during an explosion on the Khawr Al Amaya Oil Terminal (KAAOT) on 26 May 2006. -- Thank you, veterans and families of veterans. Thank you to the troops, their families, and the support personnel (e.g. the islands firemen, lifeguards, drivers, cooks) and their families. This island is beautiful, but it is also remote. There may not be a child within 1,000 miles of here, and one of my new friends has 6 month old twins.
Posted on: Mon, 10 Nov 2014 04:37:18 +0000
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