The Medal of Honor

Portraits of Valor Exhibition

University of Alabama

The Medal of Honor Portraits of Valor Exhibition was recently on display at The University of Alabama from Nov 7 to Dec 1, 2014. During this time, there were many visitors to the exhibit ranging from college students, faculty and staff as well as community members including local school children. The quality of the exhibit honors the service of all the men who are represented in the photos. Their stories are somewhat overwhelming and they have touched the lives of those who took the time to visit the exhibit. Below are just a couple of emails I received with comments about the display along with some local stories from the Crimson White newspaper and Fox 6 news. I think these comments tell the story of how America endures; it’s all about those who will stand and fight, willing to give their lives to keep America free. It is so important for our younger generation to understand this and the Medal of Honor exhibit brings this to life. I cannot count the number of college students that stopped by the exhibit, took the time to read the stories and actually took the time to reflect with other students, faculty and staff. Several of our faculty and staff members approached me during the exhibit and expressed their gratitude for bringing this to campus; they also wanted to see what they could do to help our student veterans. This has been an awesome experience for my staff and I as well as all others on campus. I am extremely proud to be a part of such an experience. I would recommend that all University Leaders take the necessary steps to get this exhibit on their campus. You will not be disappointed!

Stories and Comments:

Dear David,

It was a pleasure to meet you at the Medal of Honor Exhibit of Valor Cocktail Reception last night. I thought the exhibit was very well done. As my wife would say, it had a nice “flow”. The stories of the recipients were touching and inspiring. I was particularly taken by the story of the man who had lied about his age to get into the Marines and turned 17 on Iwo Jima. I remembered the story of a friend’s father who had done exactly the same thing. He too, turned 17 or 18 on that same island.

After a few minutes of taking it all in, I had the sensation that I was walking on hallowed ground. You and your folks did an outstanding job. I was honored to attend.

Sincerely, Bill Buchanan Director of Tourism Development Tuscaloosa Tourism & Sports

I hope you are having a great day today and that your work has been going smoothly.

First of all, thank you for such an outstanding job you and your team have done in bringing this exhibit to our campus. We are incredibly proud that our University has the honor of being the first university to host this display outside of a military school. This fact alone clearly demonstrates how effective and dedicated you are in promoting our University’s mission, and the Ferguson Center applauds you and your team for this admirable accomplishment. As you know, every environment is a learning environment and this exhibit further exemplifies this idea. We are incredibly excited at the numerous opportunities for learning that this exhibit will create for our students, faculty and staff, guests, and surrounding community.

Again, all that you have done for this exhibit is greatly appreciated, and we are honored to be a part of this process.

Thank you, Carl

Carl Bacon

Assistant to the Vice President for Collaboration & Director Ferguson Center Student Union The University of Alabama

It is so touching to have that fine display in the Great Hall of Ferguson. Every time I walk on the balcony, I look down to see someone or ones walking through and reading the display. They are reverent. They are obviously interested. It is never empty. I am so glad that it is up. What a wonderful setting and wonderful honor and wonderful learning experience.

Thank you.

David, As a Marine Corps veteran of the Vietnam War that carries a lot of physical and psychological scars, I find it encouraging to see folks who are engaged in higher education, both as staff and students, investing their time to honor and show respect for Americans from all walks of life, ethnic and racial backgrounds,that came together in some of our Nation's darkest hours to "do what they do", and at great personal sacrifice.

I have never regretted for a minute, any of my time in the Marine Corps or Army Reserve, although there have been times when I questioned my own resolve and wisdom.

Thank you for reinforcing my confidence in the hope for America!

The University of Alabama can take great pride in knowing that they took the lead in showcasing the Exhibit of Valor, a Medal of Honor Recipient initiative!

Sincere best regard,

Norman "Frenchy" LaFountaine Medal of Honor exhibit on display at University of Alabama

Posted: Nov 11, 2014 10:39 PM CST Updated: Nov 19, 2014 7:17 AM CST

TUSCALOOSA, AL (WBRC) -

The Saluting America Foundation recently selected the University of Alabama as the nation's first university to host a Medal of Honor exhibit called “Portraits of Valor.”

It's a special place that gives us a look into the lives of those veterans who gave so much.

Jack Lucas is one of more than 150 Medal of Honor recipients featured in the Medal of Honor exhibit on display in the Grand Hall of the Ferguson Center.

And as many read Lucas' remarkable story, they are in awe of his tremendous courage under fire.

The day after the attack on Pearl Harbor, at only 13 years old, Lucas told military recruiters he was 17. So he was enlisted in the Marines. Three years later, Lucas was shipped overseas to fight for our country.

"Lucas hit the beach on Iwo Jima with 40,000 other Marines,” UA student Jake Green said as he read from Lucas' exhibit portrait.

During combat, Lucas threw himself over his fellow Marines to shield them from two live grenades. He also pulled one of those grenades under him to absorb the blast. Nearly left for dead, Lucas survived 22 surgeries to go on to become the youngest person to receive the Medal of Honor.

"To be faced with that type of reality where you are going to say goodbye to all of that, to everyone you love and just dive on a grenade and not know you are going to survive ... that's just incredible,” Green said.

Green says it's amazing how quickly Lucas thought to put others before himself.

"On his picture, its says ‘Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.' And to just see that in a young person, that incredible type of love and patriotism is mind-blowing,” Green said. “They've given everything. To forget them would be really to forget what love and patriotism are."

The Medal of Honor exhibit will be on display until Dec. 1 The exhibit also features rarely seen Medals of Honor representing three military branches.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The University of Alabama has been selected by the Saluting America Foundation as the nation’s first university to host the Medal of Honor Exhibit of Valor from Friday, Nov. 7, through Saturday, Dec. 1, in the Ferguson Center’s Grand Hall on campus.

The Medal of Honor Exhibit of Valor is a traveling exhibition that features some 155 “Portraits of Valor” of the nation’s most honored heroes. The exibit also features rarely seen Medals of Honor representing three military service branches and personal citations describing combat actions. The event, which is being held as part of the UA Office of Veteran and Military Affairs’ Veterans Week activities, is free and open to the public. UA was selected to host the exhibit by the Saluting America Foundation board, comprised of Medal of Honor recipients, because of its outstanding community partnerships.

“Our university is extremely honored to be selected as the first university in the nation to launch this traveling exhibit tour across the United States and other universities,” said Jo Bonner, vice chancellor at UA.

A limited edition series of commemorative coins and Medal of Honor pictorial books signed by some 30 recipients will be available for purchase. Collectors and donors may contact Saluting America Foundation through the UA Veteran and Military Affairs office. For more information, contact the UA Office of Veteran and Military Affairs at 205/348-098.

The mission of the UA Office for Veteran and Military Affairs is to provide, facilitate or coordinate programs and services to meet the special needs of veterans, service members, dependents and survivors in order to ease their transition to college life and fulfill their educational goals.

The University of Alabama was selected as the first university to have the Medal of Honor Exhibit from Nov. 7 through Dec. 1. The exhibit presents Medals of Honor, representing the military branches: Army, Navy/Marines and Air Force.

The Medal of Honor is the nation’s highest military honor and is awarded by Congress for risk of life in combat beyond the call of duty.

“[The University of Alabama] was the first school to make the commitment to this display,” said Suzanne Sigona, director of the Saluting America School Program. “As you realize, it is both powerful and educational, and we are excited to know that others have the opportunity to appreciate the message.”

The exhibit is a part of the Veterans Day activities going on this week, but will be on display throughout the month. Also on display is the book “Medal of Honor: Portraits of Valor Beyond the Call of Duty by Nick Del Calzo.” The book includes 155 portfolios and portraits of Medal of Honor recipients.

According to the The Medal of Honor National Exhibition website, Del Calzo is an award-winning documentary portrait photographer, and 35 copies of his book remain for public display.

Sigona said the last time the exhibit was shown was during the Medal of Honor Convention in 2008 at the Cherry Creek Mall in Denver.

The exhibit is on display in the Grand Hall of the Ferguson Center. Visitors can view the medals, portraits and also the flags of each branch of the military. There is also a comment book, where many people can show their thanks and appreciation for those who have served. UA Hosts Medal Of Honor Exhibit

The University has been selected by the Saluting America Foundation as the nation’s first university to host the

Medal of Honor Exhibit of Valor. The exhibit began Friday, Nov. 7, and runs through Saturday, Dec. 1, in the

Ferguson Center’s Grand Hall on campus.

The Medal of Honor Exhibit of Valor is a traveling exhibition that features some 155 “Portraits of Valor” of the nation’s most honored heroes. The exhibit also features rarely seen Medals of Honor representing three military service branches and personal citations describing combat actions.

The event, which is being held as part of the UA Office of Veteran and Military Affairs’ Veterans Week activities, is free and open to the public. UA was selected to host the exhibit by the Saluting America

Foundation board, comprised of Medal of Honor recipients, because of its outstanding community partnerships.

Respectfully,

David Blair Director, Veteran & Military Affairs The University of Alabama B.B. Comer Box 870251 Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487 Office (205) 348-0983 [email protected]