Our Veterans: sharing their stories A Newspaper in Education Supplement to  Wednesday • September 15 • 2010 // A NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION Supplement To The Washington Times OUR VETERANS: Sharing their stories of old age who had fought for independence. the As after soldiers former with specifically associated be veteranus, term American Revolution the word veteran Latin came to the Derived from skill. or experience” long of person from? come “veteran” term the does Where VETERANS DAY HISTORY in conference Washington, Leaders DC. Young National the with heroesandheroes’dreams. dignity of the the by common man inspired — nation,a nation new blessed a up raised they price. ultimate abandon their cause. All too not often they paid did the they fear; to yield not did they battle; sincerest thanks. our and support, full our them owe offer.We to has society our people best the are uniform the freedomsweallcherish. of defense in limb and life risk to willingness their through themselves distinguished lives, their uniforms aside and resumed their civilian set they when veterans nation’s our became losses. our of anguish the overarches destiny our of righteousness the that reminder oflife constant a is way American the for fight and stand to resolve steadfast veterans’ Our victory. to on us spur and inspire to emerged uniform in and ourstrength. country, and of a belief in America’s goodness, war. of cost terrible the of wake the in heartbreak sacrifice inthefaceofmortaldanger. the weightofourcommondefense. carry to enough broad were shoulders whose citizens on nation grateful a by endowed title tomorrow’s generations. for life of way that secure to today,and enjoy line, if need be, to guarantee the way of life we love enough great to put lives their on very the a nation; great our for love common a share they profession, or origin, national age, race, be aveteran. star, and your political leaders... each one could your teachers, your favorite athlete, your a Hollywood uncles, neighbors, and the shop owners in your community, aunts your grandparents, the windsofwar. calm to and peace preserve to dear; hold we liberties the of defense in justice of sword the stand between freedom and tyranny; to take up to country our of uniform the reasons,donned Who are Veterans? rgnly te od eea mat “a meant veteran word the Originally, at speech 2003 from Excerpt Credit: fire, under courage of example their By from shrink not did veterans America’s in nation our served have who Those who women, and servicemen America’s heroes struggles, America’s of each In of love of speaks that title a is it And It is a title speaks that of compassion and and courage of speaks that title a is It title a The earned.“veteran”is be It must But as much as they may differ by gender, your fathers, and mothers Your many who,for women and men are They any former member of the armed forces or a or forces armed the of member former any describe to on,used went “veteran”was time and women. servicemen former our to respects their pay to observances and ceremonies, parades, in participate Americans nation, the Throughout all veterans of the United States Armed Forces. honor to holiday national a as 11th November the returned Americans. Congress toitstraditionaldate. observance 1978 many in to Therefore, of significance date a historic was 11 November that however, apparent, became soon October.It in Monday fourth the to Day Veteransof commemoration local nationwide. annual eventcelebrated Weeks’ 1982. an become now have ceremonies and parade November in Reagan President from Medal Citizens Presidential the received Day.Weeks Raymond Veterans be to 11 November proclaiming signed Eisenhower President that bill the passed Congress 1954, that would change bill Armistice Day a to Veterans proposed Day. Kansas In of Rees Edward Representative U.S. Later, Day. designated Armistice still as 11, November event on held The veterans.was other all and honor parade to festivities, a included which Day,” Birmingham, Veterans “National organized veteran, II in War World a Weeks, occurred Raymond 1947. in Alabama, Day Veterans them died inservice, morethan292,000inbattle. of thousand seven hundred Four part. took Americans million one-half and Sixteen Europe. in out broke II Warproclaimed, World Day. Armistice But only a called few years after the holiday was be still might 11 November that World War I was “the War to end all wars,” holiday.Armistice Dayanational made was official in 1938 when an actThis of Congress made veterans. honor to day a as November adopted in many states and at the federal level on was ceremony Day dedication,Armistice this 11th.After a with Cemetery Arlington in dedicated was Soldier Unknown to business at 11 AM. In 1921, the Tomb of the with public celebrations and a two-minute halt marked was day This hostilities.) wartime of end the or “truce”means armistice term (The peace. the of honor in Day” “Armistice as day that declared year,Wilson Woodrow President following the of 11th November On 1918. in the 11th A.M.November,11 of at Day on 11th the of hour concluded officially was War,” ofVeteransHistory Day through theirrolesinthemilitary. and honor those who had served and sacrificed categorize to way a as used be to came term often shortened to the simple phrase “vets.” The inthemilitary.person whohadserved oa,Vtrn Dy s tl osre on observed still is Day Today,Veterans A law passed in 1968 changed the national the term using celebration first The realized been had hope idealistic the If “Great the as known also I, War World was term this century, mid-19th the In World War IIMemorial, Washington, DC. Credit: (c)RichardLatoff/Latoff.com Marine Corps War Memorial, Arlington, VA military services executes “Present Arms” at at Arms” “Present executes services military all representing guard color combined a 11, the Tomb of around the Unknowns. built At amphitheater 11 a.m. memorial on November the be to continues Day Veterans for ceremonies National Cemetery Arlington at Held Ceremonies National who, in cooperation with the National National the Defense, arrange andpromotelocalceremonies. with of Department the cooperation and Committee in who, chairpersons Day Veterans appoint territories veterans organizations. national represents elsewhere. Day committee the and Affairs, Veterans of Secretary Veterans the Arlington by Chaired at coordinates ceremonies Committee takesplaceinthe amphitheater.ceremony presidential wreath. The a bugler plays “taps.” of The rest laying of the the by symbolized is dead war its to tribute nation’s tomb.The the The focal point for official, national official, for point focal The oenr o mn sae ad U.S. and states many of Governors National Day Veterans President’s The can youlearnfromthem? What exhibited? they that traits character bad or good the are outcome? What the was What and bad character. What choice did they make? newspaper your about people that exhibit in both good stories Find traits. other and respect responsibility, courage, loyalty, like qualities had notacted? person the if happened have might What act? unselfish the of consequences the were What put own. who her or his veteran above needs else’s or someone person a about article an or of picture a either find and newspaper today’s in Look country. their of sake the for Newspaper Activities: eeas xmlf go character good exemplify Veterans Veterans have unselfishly made sacrifices OUR VETERANS: Sharing their stories A NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION Supplement To The Washington Times // Wednesday • September 15 • 2010  “Our mission was to take Castle Aghanolfi Aghanolfi Castle take to was mission “Our “The Germans knew we The were there. taking ‘I’m ordered, Runyon John “Captain “I knew that that day was gonna be a Even today individuals and groups only the was Baker Vernon old, years 77 At Baker recalls his own experience as a 24 Italian campaign. — one of three high ground fortifications the Germans fall back and fight from — rules the mountainous passes into Northern Italy. send could we that everyroute knew Germans the people They up. had to put Southern born officers in charge because they thought they Americans. African knew how to handle geared men your Get troops. your of command up and ready to move – today you’re take this hill or your gonna die tryin.’ gonna the up us sending kept they Because challenge. same old They way. didn’t know what else to open formation, open in moving were They do. ground, no cover. This is disastrous And when we got up to the top we spread out. tactics. Somebody behind us stepped on some mines back there which I thought was the artillery, which was supposed to be ahead of us. And when I heard the explosions behind me I just of the black soldiers of the 92nd Division was that receive the necessary they felt they didn’t their dedication.support despite Newspaper Activity are the targets of racism, discrimination. stereotyping and Watch your stories newspaper about these for issues. Write affected. illustratingis who createweb a For each story an editorial or short essay about solutions to the issue. Baker Vernon African American soldier still alive to receive Medal of Honor at the White House ceremony on January 13,1997. year-old combat soldier in the high mountain Some historians make the case that black that case the make historians Some While eager to fight against the enemy, German massive A 1944… 26, December Memorial at Sommocolonia, Italy Memorial at Sommocolonia, assault was launched on the mountain village of Sommocolonia, Italy. Only from the poorly equipped and thinly supported two platoons 92nd Infantry division held overwhelming German The offensive. standards German out official the against following Army, an Fourteenth of the Nazi Party, was instructed to prisoners take from the no 92nd Division because its soldiers were therefore black, not “men”. fully A mere 6 miles south, the 5th Army Division refused the besieged soldiers for transfusions blood or reinforcements either of the 92nd They the were wounded. and black, by official not a priority. Army standards in 1944, U.S. soldiers as a first line of defense, servedopen targets as for the German Their army. role was to occupy German forces in the south of Italy, making it possible to send other forces to France and Germany. Often the testimony sent to Europe to help support the wide-scale in Army Hitler’s oppose to Deployed effort. war Italy was the all-black 92nd Infantry Division, 15,000 strong. 92nd Though the duty, combat to deployed be not to troops the firstsoldiers combat black of group largest black the was War II. World to fight in these soldiers lacked combat duty. proper They training had service jobs been and for manual labor. prepped Training was hastily for organized for them in Europe they went before into combat, certainly but and this been, have could training it as was good as not not of the same quality that would have been given to white troops. There were exceptions to this rule, such as airmen, but the Tuskegee for the most part black troops did not receive white as resources or training of level same the units. Despite the lack of training, the men of the 92nd were determined to contribute to the war effort once they were deployed to Italy. — w e r e President Clinton, Medal President Clinton, “No African-American gave so much that the rest of us might be free.” of Honor African Ceremony American Soldiers, for 1/13/97 who deserved the of Honor Medal for his service in World War II received Now and forever, it. the truth will be known about these African-Americans who D - D a y At the of conclusion the the investigation, A thorough 15-month investigation by There was not an order. But within of their stories. — June 250,000 American troops 6th, 1944 the Medal of Honor knowing was awarded. names Without or panel racial backgrounds, of officers a was military asked to evaluate actions which of were deserving battle of the highest award for valor. The panel came up names of seven African with the American soldiers to receive the Medal of Honor. These are some team recommended that the branch Army’s review award the 10 Distinguished Cross Service cases together with the cases in which officially awarded and fiveThis was a tragic injustice. recommended. more had been a team of seven there researchers were no unprocessed recommendations revealed that for Medals of Honor. interviews, During a the number course of white of should they understood they that clear it made commanders not recommend an African-American for the no’. ‘no, It was a Medal of Honor. the ranks it seemed Americans clear would that be soldiers such see than rather no Therefore, granted Honor. African the Medal of get nothing, officers recommended them for the Distinguished Service Cross, the second of which highest only militaryfive were honor,

There had always been a process Fifty-seven African American soldiers had African Fifty-seven Under a segregated military, more than But with the Battle of the Bulge and the When World War II came around there was there around came II War World When African Americans have always fought

African American during World War II. II. War World American during African commissioned an archival study to investigate why no Medal of Honor was awarded to an research the problem until 1991 when acting then Secretary of the Army John Shannon, up the chain of command. Despite this unequal this Despite command. of chain the up treatment, no concerted action was taken to of the climate of racism recommendations at were the not time, being these processed through which Medal of Honor recipients were recommended in the military. But because Medal of Honor for their service in World War II? other wars, did no black soldiers receive the been awarded the Medal of Honor in previous wars. Why, after receiving many medals in fire: the Congressional Medal of Honor. fire: military’s military’s highest award, the greatest symbol of selflessness, sacrifice and courage under when the war books closed at the end of World World of end the at closed books war the when War II, not one black soldier had received the demonstrated courage and valor in the face of But medals. numerous them earned that battle World War II. In the Pacific and in Europe, on the on Europe, in and Pacific the In II. War World troops black air, the in and seas, the on ground, one million African Americans served during troops who were ready Thousands volunteered. against Fascists. the and eager to fight there was a huge demand for reinforcements. Eisenhower was pushed to turn to the black threat that represented to U.S. forces, suddenly forces, U.S. to represented that threat them to do manual work. Those acceptable to the military establishment. roles were a general hesitance to employ blacks to fight in fight to blacks employ to hesitance general a There was no combat. hesitation in employing society. willingly in the U.S. armed forces willingly even in as the they U.S. struggled to achieve citizenship rights in U.S. faced, faced, African Americans continued to fight were relegated to segregated units throughout units segregated to relegated were they discrimination the Despite conflicts. these War War I, and and World participants, full War as welcomed been II. always But, they had not in this country’s wars, back to World the American War, Civil the through up and Revolution, Honor Deferred Honor African Americans: African  Wednesday • September 15 • 2010 // A NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION Supplement To The Washington Times OUR VETERANS: Sharing their stories And the radio… I had no communication. No communication. no had I radio… the And or four wounded men he took along with them. said, ‘Right, good.’ And hetookoff. He back.’ get you when here be we’ll Captain “OK him, told I then. thinking was I what you tell going gonna not I’m So reinforcements! company,for back a of command in captain a officer, commissioned A reinforcements.’ for back going “I’m says, he And can.’ I best the together out there?’ soldiers those get you can’t ‘Baker me, ask to nerve the had he And parchment. sitting down. He was pale was as hell. His face looked like Runyon And, do. to to what me supposed tell He’s officer. commanding the and there in blew itopen. grenade a stuck I So dugouts. was it other,other these and found I quiet.And path and nice the down went I close. soldier up German a seen never had I because look the at soldier and see he what looked like on thissoldier’s back. And Ishothim. that sights the put I when mind my in sticking And was black. the wore that ones The did. guys black the But back. the in never anybody shot hat white the in guy good the stories, Western wore those reading and From hats. horses black the black the rode cowboys bad the and hats white the wore and horses white the rode cowboys the Cheyenne,where Wyoming in raised and born was I it. do to in theback, whichIdidnotwanttodo. soldier the shoot to time in just it caught I and it caught I hands. my of out rifle my knocked jumped up and flailed his arms out and almost Runyon And us. at grenade] stick [German masher potato a tossed and out came he and there, was it know didn’t we see, couldn’t we path a on our on left out our came soldier to German together a And castle. the troops to up the get and get — gonna we’re how about talking we’re and down sat we So me. sure there’s me. raiseduptoshootat nobody sure. made I looked. I I hesitated after I shot fell.and made they them, shot I when because in it move to have and didn’t I moving. helmets looked was I And movement. saw I Then lines. enemy the behind were We squad. gun machine light my of sight lost I up farther bit little a got we as then And squad. mortar my told everybody, ‘Let’s go, move.’ “I never saw Runyon again. Runyon saw never Wethree “I had doing ‘I’m him, to was answer my “And He’s Runyon. for looking back went “I to down went I did I thing first the “And, “I want to explain to you why I didn’t want with up caught Runyon that’swhen “And “And we got separated. And I lost sight of possible, them. against anattack toinitiate if and, positions German the mark to squad a and Carter stepped forward and disperse volunteered to lead to them calculate what to do forced next. At this and point, Sergeant column the armored stopped which fire, mortar and up ontheirposition. opened guns Speyer, artillery of German town Army. Third his and Patton under push group the armored making an the of soldiers among combat was black Carter A Edward Sergeant they hoped wouldstopthe American advance. barrier the was River Rhine The stand. ditch last a making were troops Nazi Hitler’s where Rhineland the into and Germany, into Staff SergentEdward A. Carter six men withme…sixoutoftwentysix.” had I back got with we up when went And twenty-six. I it. took we and ground, that ‘reinforcements’. any mission.our was That Totake and there up go get did never We do? gonna stay here and die or what are we gonna I knew what was what that look meant. Are we kept looking at me and nobody said a word. But they and soldiers the low. at look would And,I off. and legsblown kept just They soldiers. coming. I had seen so much blood spent, foot arms of bunch a up send would Germans the barrages, two every After hit. then whoosh, a mortar...just a from coming shells the hear can’t You‘deadly.’ be pinpointed.would it describe to word best The us had they And,do. can you lot a of heck a of mortars. Somove. Take cover!’ said, ‘That’s not a flock of birds, that’sI a bunch and up looked I And there.’ over up coming birds of flock a – there look said,‘Hey and up looked soldiers my the of one time one up.At on moved we and together up gathered I had there, I troops What all. at communication They had to cross 150 acres of bare flat flat bare of acres 150 cross to had They artillery German by upon fired were They the towards route on advanced they As On March13th, 29-year-old Staff Infantry pushed forces American 1945 March In get to began ammunition our then “And isn’t there pinpointed you got they’ve “If you andnottakehiseyesoffyou. kill could He to sights. the have in up wouldn’t you line he really So hip. the from shot it. He never shot from the shoulder. He always mastered had He choice. of weapon his was gun machine Thompson The him. approach to Germans the for waited He times. 7 6, 5, hishidingplace.towards Looking up, he saw a German squad advancing able to hide while figuring outto what do next. was he where berm, a behind air.crawled He position. He was hit again and knocked into the gun that silence and in grenade hand a lob to German gun positions by surprise, he was able was running fastbuthewaswoundedinthearm. himself Carter wounded. was other the made it back, one of them was shot and killed, two to return to the American lines, Before they seeing what was happening, ordered the other was Carter, Germans. Sergeant There the from fire heavy outright. killed was them out, of started one men three and Carter Sergeant as soon As targets. easy them making land, Im and ld o’e ee W’e been We’ve waiting foryou.” here. you’re glad damned said, “I’m Patton himself. Patton by George greeted General and Europe to deployed was — TanksSherman M4 with equipped and strong history. their from erased WWII,almost was of record extraordinary unit of battalion case tank 761st the embellished, the in But are diminished. actions sometimes fade, memories and the761st Tank Battallion Staff SergentRuebenRivers 1997. Medal of Honor for SSGT Carter on January 13, not begrantedthemedal. would he that knew to,they not since decided then Honor,but of Medal the recommending for Carter Eddie considered actually officers them toadvancethroughSpeyer. enabling forces, American the to information valuable gave and Speyer of town the in were positions German the where knew prisoners alive.still him see to two astonished The were the but two, to American back lines. all took American officers and and everyone captured then killing he who Germans, the on firing Eddie laythere. Hehadbeenshot, maybe the of one Catching on. advanced He n coe 14, h 71t 700 — 761st the 1944, October On lost, often is truth the war, of fog the In His, son Edward A. Carter III, accepted the the that said who some were There Tommygun,trusted his with up stood He man. Hewouldnotgiveup. tough a was Reuben situation. the of gravity And he refused to go even though he knew the Cap’n — You’re gonna be needing me around.” That’s anordersoldier!” station! aid that to and jeep that on back butt out ofhere.” him get to bad.got We’ve pretty soldier’shurt –it’sCap’n nothin’.” the unit, asked, “What’s here?” thesituation pain…” going anywhere.” get yououtofhere.” Fix meupdoc.” dollar wound, youcangohomenow.” him. Histhighbonewasvisible. leg,wounding right severely his slashed turret damaged the from shard metal A mine. tank the vehicle Rivers was commanding hit an anti- Guebling,France,of town the toward advance tankersandhis whitecommander.his fellow both of respect the the him gained battle in of face bravery unparalleled Rivers’ Reuben Sergeant Staff 761st. the of men the among gonnalivethroughthis?’” hell anybody the how said,‘… coming. Weeeeee.I Whooo, Even ours. sucker that hear could you — gun 88mm that than superior more tank much That German was suckers. them with fight is do could and there up we stand them.Youcouldn’t outrun thing only The good. were up against. were they fight of kind what realized soon and battle of taste first their got 761st the of men operating with General Patton’s Third Army, the And Rivers calmly told him, “Can’t do that The Captain ordered, “Rivers you get your confirmed,Rivers again “It’s nothing.” this “Captain, him, informed medic The situation no “Ain’t him, told Rivers And of commander white the Williams, Capt. “I don’tneedit.” “At least let me give you somethin’ for the Rivers again told the medic, “I said I’m not to got I’ve bad. pretty looks this “Rube, anywhere. goin’ not “I’m replied, Rivers million a got “…you joked, medic The an during 1944, 16th November On One tank commander emerged as a leader “They Germans, the about said solider A France, in 1944 7th November On OUR VETERANS: Sharing their stories A NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION Supplement To The Washington Times // Wednesday • September 15 • 2010 

Establishing the President’s Committee WHEREAS it is essential that there be authority the of virtue by THEREFORE, NOW, The following is the executive order signed order executive the is following The President that there shall treatment and opportunity for all persons be in equality of the armed services without regard to race, religion color, or national origin. This policy How are these veterans’ stories from different what you’ve movies? seen on T.V. and Reflect in on stories: Patriotism, these life in the service, veteran’s and discrimination. Why don’t we about their and hear these men? more Explore further why no African American soldier receive the Medal WWII? of Honor during of the followingSelect and research one topics: Battalion Tank a.) 761st b.) Red Ball Express WWII c.) Segregation of the military in Jr. Patton S. d.) Life of General George part Take in the Veterans History Project by identifying one or more local WWII veteran and interview them about their service. See interviews of examples and tips, information, www.loc.gov/vets at:

complete integration of the military. This order complete integration of the military. members among efforts of culmination the was of the military and their supporters, and it is remembered as one of the initial victories for integration, which ushered in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s. Executive Order on Equality of Treatment and Opportunity Armed Services the in United the of services armed the in maintained States the highest standards of with equality of democracy, treatment and opportunity for defense: all those who serve in our country’s States, United the of President as me in vested by the Constitution and the United States, and statutes as Commander in of Chief of the the armed services, it is hereby follows: ordered as 1. It is hereby declared to be the policy of the Activities: 1. 2. 3. 4. Order 9981 Executive Armed Desegregation of the Forces (1948) segregationending Truman HarryPresident by in the armed services and calling for the These airmen fought two wars

Learn more at TuskegeeAirmen.org Learn more at No standards were lowered for the pilots From 1941 through 1946, nine hundred at trained were who pilots the of 450 Some The outstanding record of black airmen The Tuskegee Airmen were dedicated, whose names will forever memory. live Each in one hallowed accepted the proudly displayed challenge, his skill and determination while frequent by caused suppressing indignation and humiliation internal experiences of racism and rage bigotry, at and home overseas. from — one against a military force overseas and the other against racism at home and abroad. Inc.) Airmen, Tuskegee (Credit: or any of the others who trained in operations, meteorology, medicine or intelligence, any of the Enlisted members were other trained to officerbe aircraft fields. engineering, and engine mechanics, armament specialists, radio repairmen, parachute riggers, tower control operators, policemen, clerks and administrative all of the to other fully function skills as necessary an Army Air Corps squadron or ground support unit. flying Army Tuskegee graduated pilots ninety-six and receiving Alabama, Tuskegee in (TAAF) Field Air navigators, Black wings. pilot and commissions bombardiers and gunnery crews were trained at selected military bases elsewhere United in the States. Mechanics Chanute were Air trained Base at TAAF. facilities were in place in 1942 at in Rantoul, Illinois until Pursuit 99th the either in overseas served TAAF Squadron (later the 99th Fighter Squadron) or the 332nd Fighter Group. The Squadron trained 99th in and flew Fighter P-40Warhawk aircraft in combat in North Africa, they when 1944 July Sicily until 1943 April from and Italy in Group Fighter 332nd the to transferred were Air Force. the 15th in World War II was accomplished by men Tuskegee Airmen Tuskegee determined young become America’s men first black military airmen, who at a enlisted time when there were many people who to thought that black men lacked skill, intelligence, courage possessed and a strong personal desire patriotism. to serve the United Each States of America one to his Those ability. the who possessed the best physical of and academic qualifications were accepted as single- as initially trained be to aviationcadets pilots, twin-engine be to later and pilots engine navigators or bombardiers. FOX: Let’s give em hell, Otis. There’s more There’s Otis. hell, em give Let’s FOX: He called the artillery down on him Zachary: I said ‘Hell no. Get out of there FOX: There’s no place to go…but home the recovered forces [U.S] our when “And Otis Zachary, battery commander with the with commander battery Zachary, Otis command your on ready Battery ZACHARY: FOX: (watching German troops in streets John, Shot-over. ZACHARY: do you read? Bring it in 60 yards! FOX: gonna be That’s right on top of ZACHARY: By nightfall, the Germans had all but taken taken but all had Germans the nightfall, By Award Ceremony, 1/13/97 Award Ceremony, HISTORY The from adapted is article This (Credit: “Honor Deferred.”) Channel documentary you. of them than us. because he was surrounded and that was the only way that he had any chance to get out. Fox!’ now. position they found his riddled body that of among 100 German soldiers… Accepting the award for Lieutenant Fox is his Arlene widow, Fox.” —President Clinton, Medal of Honor the 598th Field Artillery Battalion, of them. Calling was in artillery positions one from his observation post, Lt. Fox was the last defense against German assault. the closest Fox’s of one was unit, artillery division’s friends and was on the receiving end of this radio transmission. – over. below) Fire! Over. the Italian village. Only a few GI’s remained. Army Lt. John R. Fox, a forward observer for represented, represented, where the veteran or group was stationed and any honors or decorations they received. R. Fox Army Lt. John online, online, locate articles about Veterans Day, an important veteran, or military unit in (like history Rivers and/or the 761st). Write essay a or short prepare a poster-board veteran about or unit and include relevant dates and that they military the of branch which as such facts

Over a period of time, through the By war’s end the all-black 761st had However, However, he recalled, Though “After Rivers’ courage and I sacrifice Two days after the battle, Captain Williams, Williams, Captain battle, the after days Two Rivers replied, “NOOO!” Rivers replied, Rivers and his crew were killed instantly. Rivers fired his cannon as he continued to continued he as cannon his fired Rivers Capt Williams ordered, “Rivers! Pull out! Rivers ignored the command. He and his Capt. Williams got Capt. on the radio frantically Before the tanks could even reach Three days later, on November 19th, Rivers fought on, — even when his wound wound his when even — on, fought Rivers

newspaper and research at the library or Newspaper Activity: Honor for being the hero that he was. Unit Citation. And almost two decades Reuben Rivers was later, honored with the Medal of officially acknowledgedperformance of the 761st with thea Presidential unparalleled their contributions to decisive not widely The knownmilitary U.S. until 1978. battles were captured, captured, destroyed or liberated 30 more major towns, 34 tanks and than 4 airfields. But recognition he deserved until much later. demonstrated actions that went beyond the above call he of did duty, not receive the and on November 14th 1944 unquestionably recommended, recommended, they just put it aside. Didn’t mean a thing.” Honor. for courage under fire,Sergeant Reuben Rivers receive recommendedthe Medal of that though aware of the Army’s unwritten policy of denying black soldiers the highest award out there. And, he went down swinging.” And, out there. A soldier commented, “He himself putting by lives of lot a saved He there. put himself out Pull out!” move forward. covering the other tanker’s safe withdrawal. covering the other tanker’s crew spotted the German tank positions and in a daring maneuver advanced on them — positions! Move back! Move back!” ordering his crews cover “Withdraw! to yelling, Withdraw from your fall back and take guns and tanks dug in. guns and tanks dug in. the town, an confronted them. The Germans overwhelming had anti-tank enemy force Panzer Division. Panzer Dug in — heavily armed and waiting for them — were elements of the crack German 11th Company A’s tanks advanced toward their next their toward advanced tanks A’s Company objective: the town of Bourgaltroff, France. became became infected and in danger of gangrene. A. not leaveHe would of Company the men  Wednesday • September 15 • 2010 // A NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION Supplement To The Washington Times OUR VETERANS: Sharing their stories Alfred Rascon theMedal ofHonor.Americans awarded many from backgrounds. Americans Hispanic for respect has military earn to way the a life,and better a to path a been in Service life. of way that defend and serve to willing readily most those a offinding better way of life in America have been among idealism the with filled U.S. the to come have who people young the result a As America. of tradition the a is and which prayer,hope a than more no with U.S. the to military service.Hispanic their Many immigrated Americans through U.S. the to dedication Hispanic are Americans. forty-two group, select medal. this the Of received have Americans only 3,440 war, civil the highest during inception its nations Since our valor,battlefield for awarded Honor.award of Medal the been have Hispanics duty, of call the beyond and above actions For service. their for acceptance and and eras many conflicts, and in return through have gained theawards military U.S. the in Hispanic AmericansandtheMedalofHonor VETERANOS 2. There shall be created in the National Military President. the by designated be to members seven of composed be shall which Services, Armed on Committee Equality of Treatment President’s and Opportunity in the the as known be to committee advisory an Establishment impairing efficiency ormorale. without changes necessary any to effectuate required time the to regard due having shall be put into effect as rapidly as possible, Alfred Rascon exemplifies the loyalty loyalty the exemplifies Rascon Alfred Hispanic of stories several are Here special a shown have Americans Many all their given have Americans Hispanic 3. The Committee is authorized on behalf of the pure hell.” His supreme display of of courage minutes took “ten called he’s what during than taking careofus.” always Doc, our was Al And very term. a respectful was It term. that deserved he unless Doc medic your ‘Doc.’ Youcall didn’t normally platoon, which is why we all referred to him as back totheprofessionalroleofmedic.” went I hurt, got somebody when Immediately were, up until the time that somebody got hurt. they like grunt a was I ammunition. of rounds the battalion’s reconnaissanceplatoon. he arrived in Vietnam and served as a medic in 1965 brigade.In airborne 173rd paratroopers, was assigned to the first battalion of the 503rd Icando.” meforwhat at at me, what color I was, or the race. But to look look to not opportunity an me offered military high schoolandenlistedinthearmy1963. became paratrooper reality when Al graduated my wrist.” breaking up end did I but head my on landed I world. It, it didn’t ever open. [LAUGHS]. I think the in parachute best the make exactly Didn’t with it, and jumping from the roof of my house. I age, of ended years up finding half of a sheet, putting a seven rope military. probably the was into I When me got really And what paratroopers. that’s the for wings jump were in Korea. fight to ready getting were who bases military nearby at stationed servicemen with contact tocontributethiscountry.”to try also then But life. better a for was here came north ofLos Angeles. town coastal Oxnard,California,a in residents permanent legal as settled and States United the to moved parents his and he after, Soon whilebeingthecitizenofanother.country this for fought who recipients Honor of Medal Hispanic-American many of commitment and f h Ar oc, n sal ae such make to and shall President the and to Force, recommendations Air the Secretary the of and Navy, the of Secretary the Army,the of Secretary the Defense, of Secretary the with advise and confer shall Committee order.The this of policy the out be carrying to may view a with improved or altered practices and such procedures respect in rules, what services in determine armed to the order of practices and procedures rules, the examine to President Al never took better care of his platoon platoon his of care better took never Al Gibson,— Larry soldier fellow the in reputation excellent an had “Al hundred three with M-16 an carried “I school,Al airborne from graduating After a the felt I and something, be to wanted “I being of fantasy boyhood That saw I that things particular the of “One Oxnard,in up into came growing Al While parents my why reason primary “The Al was born in Chihuahua, Mexico in 1945. 5.so, do to Committee the by requested When of agencies and departments executive All 4. o nesad ht en i cma, ts not it’s combat, in being that understand to have Peopleme. they for they,thing same the knew do would I hurt. is friends my of one Thompson, andyelled, wentdown medic. One of the platoon’s machine gunners, William Khanh Province, came under heavy enemy fire. Long in Battalion sister platoon,its reinforce to moving his when 1966 16, March on place know, I’m here to tell ya that you Al probably saved So killed. front up everyone been and overrun have would probably we ammunition, was — it was incredible.It Had Al not gotten me that back. it brings ammunition and there of up was can that another and bag barrel spare the gets back, goes he Then alive. still todo.’” you have todowhat have going.You on keep gotta you said,‘No, I until here.’ composure,my gathering up ended I then And right die to going I’m ‘Hell, and gone’ my face. I told myself, ‘Gee, my good looks are you know, see, in a comic book. I thought I had lost you head like circles my in was around going remember literally I all and off goes he So gets upandhegoesback.” ammo.’ his and gun Thompson’s get time,the head.your by right says,Al all ‘Wegotta just crack-crack-crack, of staccato quick a just imagine can you If ammo. the wanted he’s yelling, hurting,’ ‘I wantammo.’” I’m Doc, ‘Oh, yelling, not he’s And shot. he’s he, Gibson, to happened thing first that and him, to up crawled I ammo.” of out running ammunition. fast was gunner, machine other platoon’s the Gibson, Larry away, yards few hip.A his to wound serious a and injuries and enemy fire, sustaining numerous shrapnel body between the mortally wounded Thompson Al from performing his duty. He placed his own foreachother.than tosurvive Period.” you.to next there’sAnd other reason other no and a matter of trying to save… those that are survival, your of you,matter it’skill a to trying are people where environment an into get you flag and god and country.’ Well that’s B-S. Once the let’sraise saying,great,‘Yeah, is this god, persons in the armed services or in any of any in or services armed the in persons performance ofitsduties. such of person as the Committee may require in the services the or information Committee such the furnish to and work, its in Committee the with cooperate to directed and authorized are Government Federal the thepolicyCommittee willeffectuate hereof. the of judgment the in as Secretaries said I a ari. dd’ wn t g. But go. to want didn’t I afraid. was “I isn “ cud’ blee ht e was he that believe couldn’t “I Gibson: Gibson, leave I “As grenade hand another I alone, me leave to him told “I Gibson: need ammo,yell,I need Gibson “I hear “I Not even an exploding grenade could deter July 26, 1948 26, July until exist to continue shall Committee 6.The hd las et n y er ta I a an was I that heartAmerican. American bychoice, youknow.” my in felt always had I a U.S. citizenin1967. Upon returning home from the war he became therapy. physical intensive undergoing ward, orthopedic an in months three spent he where him see to again.” expect didn’t we So helicopter. the in got he before right rites, last him given and over come had chaplain The him. of see to going was I last the was that frankly quite And medevac. by aide medical for taken and up him get to able were we Finally here.’ up help some get we’ll know,Youhere. yourself treat to need you Youknow, more! no ‘Look, physically grab him and set him down and say, for theirevacuation. instead arranged and and comrades wounded his himself treated for aid and declined ear nose, his from bleeding and walk to able mouth was, ‘Are youokay?’” of out thing first Al’sthe dead.think was I But just rucksack Al thought pieces.You I know.to his And all went And grenade. the know, you from, me protected and body his with me was,happened Al had jumped on me. Covered Squad Leader, RayCompton. and Haffy Neil Grenadier to cover life-saving give to grenades exploding braved medic, as role his to enemy.reverting the Al, from relief the ammunition Al retrieved, giving the platoon Al to lives our Rascon.” owe all We us. of 11 least at its existencebyExecutiveorder. terminate shall President the as time such Committee the may require. as information other and documents such Committee the of use the for available make shall and Committee the before testify shall Government Federal the of agencies and departments executive the — Harry Truman,House, Harry — White The “I never knew that I was not a U.S. citizen. Japan to medevac by taken then was Al to to, had sergeant, platoon Gibson:“The contact,barely Al, broke enemy the After Compton: “I felt this thump. And what had with fire suppressive down laid Gibson OUR VETERANS: Sharing their stories A NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION Supplement To The Washington Times // Wednesday • September 15 • 2010  see HERNANDEZ page 10 His mother said, “When he first went over went first he “When said, mother His On May 31, 1951 Corporal Hernandez All Rudy remembered next was a loud Rudy still bears the scars and lives with Rudy’s will to survive and determination Rudy’s parents eventually separated, the 187th airborne and shipped out to Korea August 1950. in to Korea, he said he felt like Rambo. He like felt he was ten feet tall. He said the first shot he heard, he felt like an even prayin’, lotta ant a did he said he crawlin’And ground. on the on the way over there and while he was over there.” and his unit faced their toughest assignment Wongtong- near 420 Hill of control maintain — Ni, South Korea. At 2 came under a.m. ruthless Rudy’s attack. platoon Heavy mortar artillery, and machine gun fireinflicting numerous casualties rained on the platoon. down, Outnumbered and overpowered, other Rudy men from his and unit returned fire from a foxhole where they had taken refuge. boom. Then silence. Intense heat engulfed and his pain head. Blood streamed eyes. intoRudy reached to adjust his his helmet and discovered part of his head had been blown off. about about his “I father, feel that God spared him, to example an be might that he life, his spared people.” here and help other other people the injuries he suffered in Korea fifty more years than ago. An enemy grenadepart of his head, severely damaging blew off his brain, impairing his speech and causing him to lose right arm. control of his to overcome difficultbeginnings. humble his from him in embedded circumstancesin were depression, the during 1931, in born was He of son the be to time tough a California, Colton, a migrant farm worker. leaving his breadwinner mother, of the Guadalupe, family. the To in bring enlisted Rudy old in seventeen-year the money, more sole atschool jump completing After 1949. in army Fort Benning, Georgia, Rudy was assigned to Rudy Hernandez’s son had this to say In April 1945 Staff Sergeant Adams was “I didn’t receive my Medal of Honor in Enemy Enemy guns killed three of Lucian’s Leaving his injured buddies behind, “So I shot that direction and used my In ten minutes Lucian had killed nine thatsaid all done they had I buddies, “My for miles and miles away. And that is where I and four other Medal received our of medal on April Honor 23rd 1945. That recipients was an event that will forever live in my mind. It’s a feeling of amazement, surprise; just the little Texan from being’ Port speeches, his make Arthur to used Hitler where bein’ up there highest medal.” awarded the nation’s Hernandez “Rudy” Rodolfo somethin’ Thatoutstandin’. I was going to be rewarded, the highest medal, that the country can offer. And, uh, I was very happy to hear those sentiments from them thought that that, I was going to receive uh, the Medal they of Honor.” due to receive his White Medal of Honor at the House, but when President Roosevelt took ill the of site the changed officials Army died, and victory. presentation to dramatize the nation’s Washington DC. I received it in Nuremberg, Germany, in a stadium with a beautiful gold swastika in Zeppelin the And you background. could see Stadium. that swastika It’s a start hollerin’ for the medics...” the medics...” for start hollerin’ buddies and wounded In six that more. bloody into action. he sprang instant, Lucian charged forward, moving from tree to tree, firing a borrowed Browningrifle. automatic According stalked in the pursuit “wild woods man” like a to an eyewitness,of Lucian the enemy. Despite intense struck which machine grenades and him at directed fire gun branches, splintered with him showering trees, the of yards ten within to way his made Lucian first enemy gun emplacement. hand grenades and machine gun Then, nest. uh, just a few yards demolished the from that I discovered the second one and the first one. third the and demolished was one second I knocked out the three machine guns and told to you And the advance. know, company, I we made a breakthrough.” enemy soldiers, forced the surrender of two more, and eliminated three all without machine sustaining any guns, injuries to himself despite the full force of enemy fire aimed at him. “We “We advanced 10 yards when the That drive would distinguish Lucian when Lucian distinguish would Thatdrive France, Die, St. near 1944 28, October On Lucian Adams embodies the strong Lucian was born in Port Texas Arthur, in “For me It the was “For war ended right there. “As far as being a, a recipient who (Alfred Rascon finished his distinguished “What you see before you is common effort to reopen a supply line to the Third Battalion in the Montagne Forest. isolated everybodySo us. on up opened guns machine family. family. The scrappy and worked odd jobs to provide for and protect his resourceful youth “Since we were such a large number, siblings. it was just a struggle to exist. But, we did. I was a little tough when I was a never allowed youngster. I anyone to run over I me. was a I was an achiever.” leader. he entered the Army in December 1942. The twenty-year Army old Staff Sergeant was sent overseas where he joined the one division, of third the Americanfirst units to see infantry combat in Europe. its in company Adams’ stopped forces German family bonds that have given many Hispanic Americans the inner medal-worthy greatness on the battlefield. strength to achieve income lower a in children twelve of one 1922, Colonel.) Adams Lucian served in the military and continue to serve in What militarythat. verythe awareof are much you do everyday it and is countryhonor, duty, and I’m deeply grateful to be Thank here. you (applause).” very much. that I never got.” the homecoming that, happens to be Hispanic, it ends great up And honor. being that a makes me very proud. that show to something accomplish to able I’m we as Hispanics are able to do things in the military dignity and honor also.” with military career with the rank of Lieutenant you very much for giving me at least a couple of seconds to thank those who were with me stand please platoon recon my Would day. that up...(applause).” you of those And day. every done was that valor

“Thank you very much. The honor is not Compton: Compton: “When President Clinton “Place yourself in the White House with In February 2000, 34 years after he acted he after years 34 2000, February In Gibson: Gibson: “Congress, because of, of our They had many obstacles to overcome, Determined to see Al get his medal, Compton: Compton: “I think it just got lost in the Gibson: Gibson: “When I left Vietnam in, in June Though Al had resumed his military career, career, military his resumed had Al Though

were with me that day. Mr. President, thank really mine. It ends up being with those who was just like he was putting it around all of our of all around it putting was he like just was necks.” presented the Medal of Honor to Al Rascon, it before the ceremony I looked around and I said, said, I and around looked I ceremony the before not bad for an immigrant.’” ‘Hmm, President of the United States, to be Immediately, there humbling. pretty in It’s presence. his nation’s nation’s highest award for And valor. most of all, to be given the opportunity to meet the your family, in uniform, about to receive this for extraordinary service performed during the War. Vietnam fourteen Hispanic Medal of Honor recipients Rascon finally received the Medalat the White of Honor House, making him one of the above and beyond the call of duty, Alfred recipients of the Medal of Honor who have got their Medal of Honor that they deserve.” got his Medal of Honor, which he deserved, and deserved, he which Honor, of Medal his got there have been since then numerous other insistence on this, they changed the law; Al letters and visits to succeeded. congress, Al’s platoon time that could pass between an action taken and a Medal of Honor given. After countless including a statute of limitations restricting the restricting limitations of statute a including campaign to, as one of them put it, “not change “not it, put them of one as to, campaign history but to correct it.” the recon platoon and their the comrades 173rd from airborne launched an eight-year end.” did not turn that paperwork were so in disorganized about the administrative because we shuffle. I don’t believe anybody intentionally you know, at, at Al’s, uh, at Doc’s, uh, Medal of Medal uh, at Doc’s, uh, Al’s, at at, know, you happened.” it never Well, Honor ceremony.’ we said was, ‘Yeah, hey, we I’ll said hey, ‘Yeah, see was, you again at, barracks there at Fort Campbell beer, talking and about had it. And a one of the things of ‘66, rotated back to the Compton States and I Sergeant sat on the, the steps of the needed to award Al the Medal of Honor. Al the Medal awardneeded to extraordinary act of valor. Unbeknownst to him, him, to Unbeknownst valor. of act extraordinary they had filed the required eyewitness reports including volunteering for a second tour of duty of tour second a for volunteering including his forgotten never had buddies his Vietnam, in  Wednesday • September 15 • 2010 // A NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION Supplement To The Washington Times OUR VETERANS: Sharing their stories and involve all employees in an important important an in initiative. employees all involve and veterans acknowledge to way great a is Work at Veteran a Thank thanks, of gesture small women. and of servicemen former behalf their to company on the thanks their expressing an email all sent simply for have others lunch and employees, a organized have companies you Some workplace. how your in about veterans honor ideas can for site this on guide at materials these free www.veterans.co find printed can You You and charge. downloaded of be “Thank can posters that and offers distribute to stickers Veterans” HISTORY program, program. this in for companies and to organizations participate VeteransDay, time 11th,ideal an November is veterans. honor to before weeks and days The ways easy with employers Work provide to program at Veteran a Thank the developed HISTORY has workplaces. our in veterans many the thank to day the of out time take to small Thank a Veteran at Work veteransandelected officials.many by joined assemblies all-school by off observance kicked district-wide a to military the in served have who students of members family two or one with library a in program small a from range can event Day School a to Veteran participation that doesn’t have to be complicated. so Holding a Take program the designed helping youngpeoplelearnaboutourpast. We illustrate our helps interest in their stories experiences while their share to veterans Inviting generation. latest the to generation greatest the from — support our deserve veterans our that agree can we but wars, about agree all can’t broadly.We so resonates Day School to ways. powerful in veterans and people young connected has to smaller one-class discussions, this program at Clear Creak Elementary near Ft. Hood, Texas participation picnic community with a From states. fifty all from and year, each hosting schools veterans of warmly hundreds been with has received, initiative This service. of years their for thanks receive and stories their share to backgrounds and ages all of veterans and schools our communities.invite organizations and Schools in students with link to veterans program national a to as Day™ Veteran School a Take called initiative outreach by LibbyO’Connell, Ph.D., ChiefHistorian, SVP, CorporateOutreach, H “Take aVeteran toSchoolDay” What We CanLearnfromOur Veterans Whether it is a company-wide event or or event company-wide a is it Whether Work at Veteran a Thank the Through and large businesses invites HISTORY classes studies social and history Many Veteran a Take reasons many are There an developed HISTORY ago, years Four m Ve or “How-To” our View .

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seal seal to personalize them and display them in print – with the option of adding their logo or HISTORY offers online flyersfor employers to employees. of members m . istory “Thank a Veteran at Work Day” inKilleen, TX (nearFt. us at: us E-mail questions? additional have or program offices,kitchens, locations. public other or Interested in getting more involved in this involved more in getting Interested [email protected] m . OUR VETERANS: Sharing their stories A NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION Supplement To The Washington Times // Wednesday • September 15 • 2010  Our

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I have full confidence in your courage, Good luck! And let us beseech the Your Your task will not be an easy one. Your He will fight savagely. But this is the year 1944! Much has To that high conceptTo there canbeno end This nation has placed its destiny in the That is no vision of a distant millennium. that new To order we oppose the greater Since the beginning of our American our disposal great reserves of trained fighting The tide has The men. turned! free men of the Victory! world are marching together to devotion to duty and skill Victory! in accept nothing less than full battle. We will blessing of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.” peoples of Europe, and security for ourselves in a free world. enemy is well battle-hardened. trained, well equipped and happened since the Nazi triumphs of The United Nations have 41. inflicted upon the 1940- man-to- battle, open in defeats, great Germans man. Our air offensive has seriously reduced their strength in the air and their capacity to wage war on the ground. Our have given us Home an overwhelming superiority Fronts in weapons and munitions and of placed war, at elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed the tyrannyover Nazi elimination of supremacy of human rights everywhere. our unity of purpose. save victory.” history we have been engaged in change, in a perpetual, peaceful revolution, a revolution which goes on itself steadily, to quietly, adjusting changing concentration camp conditions or the quicklime without ditch. in the The the world orderthe cooperation which we of free seek together in a friendly, civilized society. countries, is working hands and heads and hearts of its millions of freemenand women,and its faith infreedom God. of guidance the under support goes to those who struggle those to rights gain and keep them. of physical aggression against any neighbor – anywhere in the world.” It is a definiteattainable in basis our for own time aThat and kind kind generation.of world ofis worldthe the veryso-called antithesis“new order” of of tyranny the dictatorswhich seek to create with the crash of a bomb. conceptionmoraltheorder. — is able to face schemes of world domination and foreign revolutions alike without fear.

“Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen of the Allied the of Airmen and Sailors, “Soldiers, You are about to embark upon the Great After the Nazis conquered France in 1940, 1940, in France conquered Nazis the After Thefourth is freedom from fear – which, The third is freedom from want – The second is freedom of every person The first is freedom of speech and An Excerpt from Franklin “In Delano the future days, which we seek Before the United States officiallyStates Unitedenteredthe Before

arms on other you Fronts, will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the loving people everywhere march with you. In brothers-in- and Allies brave our with company many months. The eyes upon you. of The hope the and world prayers of are liberty- Crusade, Crusade, toward which we have striven these Expeditionary Force! of Europe. Expeditionary Force. Supreme Headquarters Allied in this unprecedented assault, which proved to be a major turning point in the liberation Eisenhower delivered the address troops. below to Over 150,000 soldiers participated and his effectiveness as a military strategist. On the morning of “D-Day,” June 6, 1944, Commander, Commander, noting his rapport with troops making. making. President Roosevelt named General Dwight D. Eisenhower to be Supreme Allied to assault German forces there. Code-named Operation Overlord, this plan was years in the the Allies immediately started preparing a plan a preparing started immediately Allies the the Day — D-Day, June 6, 1944 6, June — D-Day, the Day General Dwight D. Eisenhower’s Order of of Order Eisenhower’s D. Dwight General point and in such a thorough fashion that no nation will be in a position to commit an act translated into world terms, means a world- wide reduction of armaments to such a inhabitants – everywhere in the world. to everyto nation healthya peacetime lifefor its which, translated into world economic terms, understandings meanswhich will secure in the world. to worship God in his own way – everywhere expression – everywhere in the world. world founded upon fourfreedoms. essential human to make secure, we look forward to a Roosevelt’s Delivered “Four to Congress on January 19416, Freedoms Speech” fdrthefourfreedoms.htm these democratic at: ideals. Full speech www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/ is for the U.S. to War II become as the involved spread of in fascism World threatened internationalTheworld. preservation of these freedomslater became primarya justification Delano Roosevelt he outlined felt were four critical American freedoms values in an World War II after the Pearl Harbor bombing in December of 1941, President Franklin World War II: What Were We Fighting For? Fighting We Were What II: War World 10 Wednesday • September 15 • 2010 // A NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION Supplement To The Washington Times OUR VETERANS: Sharing their stories HERNANDEZ , from page7 D-Day landings at UtahBeach D-Day landingsat depicting CommancheCharlesChibittyduringthe “Indian Code Talkers,” paintingby Wayne Cooper in Korea. service As Medal the Truman draped for so do to Americans Hispanic eight of one becoming Truman, President from Medal Honor the of receive to program recovery his legs. and arm right face, skull, his reconstruct to procedures was of years begin, Rudy to hand. about was his battle biggest his But alive. indeed in detected movement personnel some where facility medical here back.” my and wound was shrapnel side a had right I and whole paralyzed my hit and was side I this and on speak couldn’t I and chords hill. dead. him declared medics the field that injured retake badly so was and Rudy counterattack to unit regrouped his for stopping enough single- enemy,long advance the their had of six Rudy killed handedly wounds, shrapnel and bayonet. a with only armed enemy the charged he jammed rifle his When nme. hy ae fr epe n helped and people for cared They fighting enemies. than more that involved roles their However, word traditional them. describe English to come an has is “Warrior” and lands. communities their protected have men Tradition American Indian Warrior of thousands American andallies’lives. saving with credited are they and campaigns, important several proved in actions critical Their distinction. with proudly, and served honor They fire. under calm remained and battles dangerous most the of memorized specialcodes. They enduredsome and developed bravery.They and intelligence Native American Code Talking In In April 1952 interrupted Rudy Hernandez to Rudy the shipped Field nearest medics vocal my and head the in hit was “I knife bullet, from collapsed he Before fighting. continued Rudy Undaunted, For thousands of years, American Indian American years, of thousands For required war in role Talkers’ Code The from The HISTORY channel documentary documentary channel Honor.”) of Medal The and adapted “Hispanics HISTORY article The This from — HISTORY (Credit: States.” United the of President be than Honor of Medal this have rather said, “I’d he neck, Rudy’s around male American Indian population at that time. that at population Indian American male served in World War I—about 25 percent of the world travel. education,for opportunity an and training, and security economic offered Indians, military the American some For States. United the defend also them of out of a served sense of patriotism, wanting to Many years. of thousands for lived had people their which on lands the and communities their States about United cared They the military. in serve to them of many the tradition of protecting their people — called had endured in the past, the warrior tradition — including lives. theirown layingdown would do anything to help their people survive,difficulty. They of time any in ways, many in ucse o te hca tlpoe squad. telephone Choctaw the of successes a World War I veteran who had heard about the Talkers in 1941 and 1942. Philip Johnston was tribes totransmitmessages. Cherokees, Native American other from Hopis,those Navajo,and Choctaws, Comanches, brought abouttheendofwar. that France in battles several win States Army United the helping in role key a played squads not used extensively, the World War I telephone in their tribal languages by telephone. Although American Indians transmitted battle messages women and served. men Indian 44,000 estimated an 350,000, than less was population Indian American total the when II, War World During oe hn 200 mrcn Indians American 12,000 than More Indians American that everything Despite The Marine Corps recruited Navajo Code Navajo recruited Corps Marine The recruited army the 1940, in Beginning other and Choctaw I, War World In wild blue yonder today. My glass plate on my on today. plate yonder glass blue My wild the in loose broke hell Assorted stand? body February 16, 1945Sortie#16Mission#28 A Hispanic American Veteran Ernest Gallego Navy. the and Marines,Army,the the in served who there were Code Talkers from at least 16 tribes to join. Some were just 15 years old. Ultimately, age their about lie to had and age under were Code Talkers served the who of drafted.Many and communications memorizing thecode. in training extensive their basic Followingtraining, the intense.Code Talkers was Code completed training as The Talkers. recruited eventually were Navajos school.400 progressed,than war more the As Talking Code a established Corps Marine the develop acodewithintheirlanguage. that they recruited 29 Navajos in two weeks to language,impressed so was Corps Marine the a viewing sent of in messages demonstration the Navajo After maintaining secrecy. in helpful communications very be could other and tribes Navajos that Corps Marine the to suggested 1942,he In reservation. Navajo the Johnston, although not Indian, had grown up on Talker (National Museum of the American Indian interviews, 2004) interviews, Indian American the of Museum Talker(National go.” to like dad, “I’d told I and unit, special a for fluently tribe their talk could who Comanches in. us got they why of purpose style, different know you differently, us told they on later but thought; I what That’s Japanese. those of some shoot and Go uniform. a and helmet, steel a rifle, a and ammunition, —Charles Chibitty, Comanche Code TalkerCode Chibitty, Comanche —Charles aa i! o mc cn h human the can much How Mia! Mama Some Code Talkers enlisted, others were others Talkersenlisted,Code Some developed, was code Navajo the After We were drafted. They made us go. I didn’t volunteer.— didn’t I go. us made They drafted. were We 20 recruiting was they out found I said, I home got I when and 1940, about was That of belt a me give to going was Corps Marine the in went i when thought I All —Chester Nez, Navajo Code Talker.Code Navajo Nez, —Chester you thinkshouldbedone. what about editorial an Write violated. being countries other are or withheld are enjoy we rights the where about stories newspaper Find America.in enjoy we liberties rights other and Amendment First Discuss dear. hold we liberties the preserve to sacrifice ultimate Newspaper Activities: stories/ex-war-hispanicveterans.html. www.loc.gov/vets/ visit conflicts, U.S. all veterans of Hispanic other of dozens of those minutes 40 hours 7 41 Tempfeet 23,000 Altitude — Tail inmountains. gunner and co-pilot reported Prisoners of War. crashed and flames into broke in two. Two parachutes seen. Ship burst Heinies [Germans]fooledusonthat. a be to supposed was “milk-run”the guess – this worst my What’s date. far to mission By roughest Italy. Bolzano, in dumps ammo and yards rail the bombed We it. on walked and out stepped have could you thick so was Flak going. or coming was I if see to myself today.flack pinched by I shattered was turret A to Z. So A, we took a red ant that we live with from — animals different of names those use we animals.don’t domestic Why those all and hawks, eagles, birds, creatures, sea animals, them, suchaskindsofanimals. to familiar were that things used they words, the all memorize to had they Since alphabet. with a Navajo word for each letter of the English up came TalkersCode first Navajo 29 original as known Type OneCodes. codes based special on their languages. used These and became developed Meskwakis and These radio. the over as became known Type Two Codes. sent and the language to ammunition more Native the into front,” translated be just would “Send as, tribal such message everyday A messages. their convey to used languages II War World in Creating Code ay f u slir hv md the made have soldiers our of Many and story his of clips video watch To and hit direct a got ship Foster’s Lt. So we start talking about different things,different about talking start we So the Code, One Type their develop To However, the Navajos, Comanches, Hopis, Talkers Code Indian American Many Franklin Shupla, Hopi Code Code Hopi Shupla, Franklin OUR VETERANS: Sharing their stories A NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION Supplement To The Washington Times // Wednesday • September 15 • 2010 11 . . m soldier transport plane ships tank meaning Literal warrior soldier Code meaning eagle houses on water turtle http://www.history.navy.mil/faqs/faq61-4.ht Code Talkers were given the messages in English. Without writing them down, they translated they down, them writing Without English. in messages the given were Talkers Code The Navajo and Hopi were assigned to service in the Pacific in the war The against Japan. at: Talkers American Code Learn more about Native www.nmai.si.edu/education/codetalkers www.nmai.si.edu) American Indian, National Museum of the (Credit: Use the Navajo Code Dictionary to code this realistic message. Code at “Fierce version: code Navajo the write Then, workbook. your to English in message the Copy make up and write your own coded message to a friend. in your workbook, Then, During World War II and beyond, Native Americans, African Americans, Hispanics, other On the thebattlefield, work of sending coded messages was Being extremely able serious. did more Talkers than Code speak into a hand-held radio They or had phone. to know how written down in English and entered into a message logbook. The Code Talkers also sent messages sent also Talkers and sent After Code them the to messageThe another was Code Talker. transmitted and logbook. received, it messagewas a into entered and English in down written Messages were only coded when absolute security was needed. in English. Code Africa. North in them fought Meskwakis the and Europe, in Germans the fought Comanches Talkers from other tribes fought at various locations in elsewhere. Europe, the Pacific, North Africa, and Coding messages immediately!” Request reinforcements Intense mortar attack. action at forward position. Newspaper Activity: militarythe society. in and racism and/or haveprejudice women experienced and groups, ethnic Based on facts and information from local print and national online newspaper write stories, an America. editorial or essay on what is the current status you believe of racism and prejudice in Here’s how the message is decoded: Here’s DZEH GAH (R-Rabbit), DZEH (E-Elk), LHA-CHA-EH (D-Dog), NE-AHS-JAH MOASI (O-Owl), (C-Cat), (E-Elk), MOASI (C-Cat), DZEH TKIN (E-Elk), A-KEH-DI-GLINI (I-Ice), DZEH (V-Victor), (E Elk), LHA- CHA-EH (D-Dog) The Navajos, Comanches, Hopis, and others also had to develop special words War for World II military such terms, as types of or ships, planes, They weapons. were given picture charts that showed them After the looking items. at the they pictures, came up with words that seemed to fit the pictures. Native word tushka chipota (Choctaw) to keep messages secret could make the difference between winning and losing a battle — or affect how many lives were saved or lost. to operate both wire and radio and equipment, often had to carry it on They their had backs. to Sometimes their or lines. know how to set up and maintain the electronic communication wires, messages were broadcast over a wide helping area, to direct At bigger other operations. times, such as a platoon. messages related to a smaller group, atsá (Navajo) paaki (Hopi) wakaree´e (Comanche)

A-KEH-DI-GLINI TKIN DZEH MOASI m DZEH GAH DZEH English word Cat Dog Elk Ice Owl Rabbit Victor LHA-CHA-EH —Chester Nez, Navajo Code Talker, National Museum of the American Indian American the of Museum National Talker, Code Navajo Nez, —Chester

MOASI LHA-CHA-EH DZEH TKIN NE-AHS-JAH GAH A-KEH-DI-GLINI

NE-AHS-JAH http://www.history.navy.mil/faqs/faq61-4.ht The Navajo Code developed Talkers their own code This dictionary. dictionary was kept Can you TSAH-AS-ZIH, YIL-TAS, A-KHA, NO-DA-IH, GAH, A-KHA, GLOE-IH, TSAH, HANE- “code your own message?” Navajo code for That’s Navajo Code memorized Talkers 17 pages of code as part of their training. Imagine the

Dictionary, go to this web page: Dictionary, secret for many years and was only made public in find To 1968. a copy of the Navajo Code messages with the Theirutmost workcare savedand under accuracy difficult circumstances. lives and helped the United States victories. achieve pressure that was their transmit to on had they the battle, In Code it. First, Talkers. memorize they to had they had Then to translate. to develop able be not a would code that the enemies

AL-NEH? Be a Code Talker Comanche code talkers.

DZEH LHA-CHA-EH This is the English translation: C-O-D-E R-E-C-E-I-V-E-D MOASI See if you can translate the following coded message using the letters above: Letter C word Navajo D E I O R V Here are some fo the words they used: on down the line. line. the down on 2004 interview, all the time. B we took a bear, Yogi the Bear, C a Cat, D a Dog, E an Elk, F, Fox, G, a G, goat C Fox, and a so D Cat, the a Bear, E all Dog, Yogi an the F, B Elk, time. we took a bear, 12 Wednesday • September 15 • 2010 // A NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION Supplement To The Washington Times OUR VETERANS: Sharing their stories n poie te rca eg i discerning enemy activitiesandtactics. in edge crucial the provided intelligence, and and infantry the both in served American) Soldiers. Japanese generation (second Nisei 14 were wouldmakeahugedifference. that could they what ontheirbacksandpackmules. carry with fight only would they inthejungles of CentralIndia. operations was onestepcloser tovictory. Success meant World War II in the South Pacific with China. to route land location and airfield weather all an strategic the a Myitkyina, capturing of and town Division 18th Japanese the of defeat the Frank demanded task the Gen. Merrill, Brig. then officer, commanding their for Marauders Merrill’s as known Better designated 5307th Composite Unit (Provisional). well- and equipped enemyforcewaswaiting. experienced, highly deadly, a all, of Worstspiders. and snakes poisonous heat, jungles of Burma. A land cursed with blistering the through terrain savage of miles 700 over the them take would began that 1944 Feb.21, on quest eagerly volunteers 3,000 nearly percent.85 whopping Yet,a was rate casualty predicted The start. the from hazardous” and by Col. RenitaFoster Japanese AmericanNiseihelpedshortenWorld War II Merrill’s Marauders almost everyone from the Japanese to the Chinese shot first and identified later.” identified and first shot Chinese General Frank Merrill “Merrill’s Marauders” the to Japanese the of from work everyone extra almost the plus does normally identification, for position unenviable infantryman most a in were an etc.interrogating,they Also,translating, that everything did boys these that Tech Sgt. Grant Hirabayashi was one such they Samurai,” “Marauder the Called applicants 200 from chosen Carefully weapon secret a possessed unit the But artillery; heavy or tanks no had unit The training extensive after began march The newly the was challenge the Accepting “dangerous deemed was mission The “As for the Nisei group, I couldn’t have gotten along without them. Probably few realized few them.Probably without along gotten have couldn’t group,I Nisei the for “As oe ai ad sfl nomto, said information,” useful Hirabayashi. and valid some asked tobemovedandeventually talked. he hours few a Within declined. prisoner The oneself.with away doing of method Japanese the demonstrate to wished he if sword a was there However, that. bullets like wasted be that couldn’t explained kill Hirabayashi to weapon himself, a for legas Begging by.pant walked his he on pulling officer Japanese center ofthestockadewithenlistedsoldiers. wounded after an escape attempt, placed in the the I’m but andyou’rethePOW.”interrogator differences, our have do we So “You’re fighting for your calmly. country and I for said mine. he flow,” would blood same the accusation, POW’s Hirabayshi offeredaresourcefulreply. the by Stung questions. any answer to refused and traitor a him called prisoners of war (POWs). One officer Japanese said butts,” cigarette Hirabayashi. with off leeches the blood. in covered leader Hirabayashi team his morning, noticed one suddenly and grass the in experience with harrowing insects. a Leeches were Hirabayashi rampant gave marched they times itrequiredtenhoursjusttogoonemile. at and work, exhausting was vegetation and and them around through the jungle. went Cutting through the bamboo simply Marauders barbed wirewithoutdueprocessoflaw.” behind interned were siblings and parents my and yet, my parent’s farm was confiscated and all’ for justice and liberty ‘with in ends which said school in day I every Allegiance because of Pledge and the confused painful was was a I it confusing. spoke situation, the never about lot we “Though of said Harbor,” Hirabayashi. Pearl because on service, duty attack Japanese the from the removed in were been but had Others camps. an American. Japan but he had volunteered because he was in school attended and lived had He Soldier. “Because he was an officer, he had he officer, an was he “Because the felt Hirabayashi later, while short A Hirabayashi then had the officer, who was “If we were to cut our veins open, I guess Hirabayashi’s duties included interrogating burned we and him woke quickly “I while grass elephant through Cutting the Japanese, the by detection avoid To internment from come had us of “Some —Maj. Following what they thought was their officer’s Japanese. in “Charge!”to command the gave and foxhole his in up stood boldly Nisei same retreat,happened.would the Fearinghad they of barrage a stopped their advance when by they realized what met wave enemy second be weapons.The automatic to only forward charged Japanese morning,the next the gone their positions and “booby trapped” from theirfoxholes. men his withdrew leader platoon information,his the dawn.to at Thanks attack enemy an for orders overheard and perimeter surprise enemyattack. littleammunition froma without foodandvery had that battalion fought for 36 hours and was byaircraft. destroyed and a Japanese ammunition dump located and ambush enemy an of direction the in successful position became captured disasters operations. eavesdropping, old potential plain communications, and documents, interpreting and Japanese intercepting of execution However, casualties. all14oftheNiseisurvived. and fatigue, mental and physical daysor of weeks. couple for another on carry to fit counted be could 3,000 of 200 The estimated an mission. their predicted survival rate proved accurate as only completed Marauders Surprised to find the American Soldiers American the find to Surprised his beyond out crawled bravely Nisei One entire an saved interception radio One its changing platoon a include Examples Thanks to the Marauder Samurai’s brilliant Their ranks had been depleted by disease, the started, they after days Eighty-six Association, www.javadc.org) Association, Veterans American Japanese The JAVA: and Army U.S. the by use for Permission (Credit: spirit and convictionloveoffreedom.” with do to everything but skin, your of color or ancestry your with do to nothing has American an being that proved and cultures many of shoulder,Americans fellow alongside and equality. freedom for fight and country his serve to citizen a as duty and rights his exercise to hostilities toaclose. the bringing in instrumental be would bomb over. was Hirabayashi said no, war but he felt sure the the atomic the meant weapon the and using Hirabayashi scientist both were stunned. The POW even guessed Hiroshima, on inbut they dismissedthereport,” saidHirabayashi. be interested would officers superior anentirecity. coulddestroy weapon the learned Hirabayashi language, technical was Hirabayashi bomb. atomic scientist, an developing was Japan learn to astonished Japanese a soldiers enemy of set as thefirst. suffered thesamefate second the order; W fuh sd b sd, hudr to shoulder side, by side fought “We chance the for thankful was Hirabayashi dropped was bomb atomic first the When my something was this sure felt “I the understanding difficult was it While questioning while later, months Some // OUR VETERANS: Sharing their stories A NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION Supplement To The Washington Times Wednesday • September 15 • 2010 13 The information in this article is excerpted is article this in information The Find newspaper stories about veteran’s Women Women performed their duties like “We were warned to keep our sleeves Gen. Douglas MacArthur, the Supreme WAC training class at Ft. Des Moines, IA. — IA. Des Moines, at Ft. class training WAC Collection Foundation Memorial Women’s officers praising the women. Gen. MacArthur “praised the WACS highly, calling them best ‘my soldiers,’ and alleged that they worked harder than men, complained less and were better disciplined.” Army from WAAC “Women’s Corps: and WAC” by Colonel Betty Morden, USA (Ret.). Colonel Morden’s essay appears in In Defense Nation: Servicewomen of in World War II, a edited USAF (Ret.) Holm, by Major General Jeanne M. and Judith Bellafaire, Ph.D., Chief Historian of the Women’s Memorial Foundation (Arlington, 1998). Press, Vandamere Virginia: Newspaper Activities military service, but also people who to chose fulfill their civic responsibilityin other by serving ways Whattheir about it is etc. volunteers, such teachers, as firefighters, police, service that makes it stand out beyond being a regular job? What sacrifices may they have ways service?Discuss their of part as make to that you and/or your school or community. class can serve your Algeria. Within a few days they were at work in work at were they days few a Within Algeria. most continued, war the As Headquarters. Allied overseas assignments were to the European Theater of Operations and over 8,300 served in England, GermanyFrance, and Others Italy. East. Far and the deployed to the Pacific seasoned troopers — even amid and unhealthy uncomfortable conditions. One stationed in the Philippines explained: women down, wear our wool socks ... watch out for wallabies (small rodent-like kangaroos bumped that under our cots at night), (dump tarantulas boots every morning), and snakes. ... The tents were hot during the day at night and because we cold were sitting right on the Equator.” Allied Commander, was among high-ranking Oveta Culp , , Chief of the Women’s Interest Section y In late 1942, WAACs began deploying The Army opened five WAAC/WAC training WAAC/WAC five opened Army The Beginning in men 1940, Oct. between 21 members Initially, of Congress, the press WAC training class at Ft. Des Moines, IA. — IA. Des Moines, at Ft. training class WAC Collection Memorial Foundation Women’s their training circumstances. their training circumstances. WAAC officersFive overseas. had a harrowing experience en route to reporting for Allied duty Headquarters in atAlgiers, North Africa. A torpedoed Atlantic North the U-boatGerman in the troop ship on which England they traveled to from North Africa. A came British to destroyer the rescue and officers and other saved survivors from the the burning, women Oran, to safely them delivered and ship sinking Hobb in the Public Relations Department and Bureau a lobbyist for at the WAAC bill, the became War its Althoughfirst the director. women who joined considered Army, technically they themselves were civilians working in with the the By Army. the spring of 1943, 60,000 women had volunteered and in July 1943, a new congressional bill transformed the WAAC Army giving (WAC), Corps Army Women’s the to women military status. 440 of group first the 1942, July in and centers women officer candidates (40 of whom were African-American) and 330 enlisted began women training at Ft. Des Moines, women’s the IA. training, tactical and weapons Except for courses paralleled those Army for as men, did Women’s Army Corps (WAC) Army Corps Women’s and 35 were drafted for military service. The United States declared war on Japan on Dec. 8, 1941, in retaliation for the attack on Pearl Harbor, HI, and on Dec. 11 the United States declared war on and Italy. The Japan’s draft was extended allies, to include men Germany aged 18-38, and age limit in was 1942 extended to the agehusbands, sons and brothers left home, many 45. upper As their American women asked, “how Acting as their spokeswoman, about Massachusetts us?” Congresswoman introduced Edith a bill in May 1941 calling for creation the of Nourse an all-volunteer women’s corps in Army. the Rogers the about militaryjoked establishment the and notion of women serving in the Army, but as America increasingly realized the of a war demands on two fronts (Japan and Germany), leaders also shortage. faced In May an 1942, the Senate House approved acute a bill and creating the the Women’s manpower Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) and After the war, Fleet Admiral Chester The information in this section Commanders who had once stated that Women’s Women’s participation in the US Armed Four female WASP pilots leaving their ship, Pistol pilots leaving their ship, WASP female Four were OH, AAF, at Lockbourne Mama, Packin’ L Bomber. trained to ferry the B-17 Flying Fortress Ann Kirchner, Marget (Peg) Green, to R are Frances photo) Air Force (U.S. Blanche Osborn. and Waldner the Women’s the Women’s Memorial Foundation (Arlington, 1998). Press, Vandamere Virginia: error of my first reaction.” Eisenhower went on went Eisenhower reaction.” first my of error the in women for place permanent a for fight to Armed Forces. US Nimitz told Congress that when the formation of the WAVES was first contemplated, “I was one of the doubters in the early days ... I and was definitely reluctant to see this women’s Howeverprogram started. after WAVES] it [the started and after I saw it convert.” work, I became a summarizes articles from In Nation: Servicewomen in World Defense War II, edited of a USAF (Ret.) Holm, by Major General Jeanne M. and Judith Bellafaire, Ph.D., Chief Historian of qualified male draftees dwindled, it became clear that for every woman one recruited, less came volunteers Women drafted. be to had man to be viewed not just as a source of women’s skills, but as quality a personnel to valuable meet overall source manpower requirements for the massive military buildup. of high- they would accept women body” “over soon my welcomed them dead the after Congress told Eisenhower Gen. and more. asked for units women’s formationof the thatwhen war, violently was “I it.” against proposed, first was they record the of phase “Every added, he Then compiled during the war convinced me of the Forces Forces during World turning War point in the II relationship of women to was The the initial military. response to the idea a of major enlisting women met enormous As the war escalated resistance. and the national pool of earned Purple Hearts, Bronze Stars and Legions Legions and Stars Bronze Hearts, Purple earned of Merit. Some were held as prisoners of war in the serviceand some died of their country. war when they were sent to the territories of overseas considered Alaska—then and Hawaii Women states. yet not were they because duty

By the end of the war, there were few They served in the Army and Navy Nurse Almost 400,000 women served in and with and in served women 400,000 Almost More than any other event in this century, century, this in event anyother than More

and Women Marines the of end the near until assignments overseas were restricted from every combat theater. Nurses and WACs served WACs and Nurses theater. combat every overseas throughout the WAVES, war. SPARs, advances to aid the war effort. They were in every service branch and were assigned to brought about by scientific and technological serve, serve, including positions that existed hadn’t when even the war began — positions noncombatant jobs in which women did not the United Service Organizations (USO), and Air Patrol. the Civil worked with the military through service with Cross, Red American the as such organizations Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) provided (WASP) Pilots Service Airforce Women women Other effort. war the for support critical Marine Corps Women’s Reserves. not Although officially members of the armed forces, Corps, Corps, Women’s Army Corps (WAC), the and Navy in (WAVES), Coast Guard (SPARs) and American citizens. the appropriateness of allowing exercise their women rights to and responsibilities as motor skills. The Congressional debate preceded that their authorization also addressed women’s “natural” abilities — clerical work and work clerical — abilities “natural” women’s small and detail to attention rote requiring jobs “for the duration plus six months” to free male free to months” six durationplus the “for matched that jobs filling by combat for soldiers the armed forces — a number that exceeded enlisted They 1939. in strength troop male total mixed-gender forces. transformed from essentially all-male to with forces stationed around the the process, globe. In the US Armed Forces were military establishment designed primarily for self-defense into a leading military power World World War II transformed the from United States an isolationist country with a small World War II: Women and the War the and Women II: War World 14 Wednesday • September 15 • 2010 // A NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION Supplement To The Washington Times OUR VETERANS: Sharing their stories mkn. tid o e ot ad cud’. I couldn’t. was pinned.” I and out, get to tried I smoking. engine the saw I mouth. my in fuel the tasted Claude’sagainst leg. cyclicpinned the side, its on ended helicopter The spine. his up pain of shriek a felt Claude rolling,them.over all spilling fuel impact Upon to sendamaydaycalloutbeforecrashing. was unable to sustain flight. Claude was quick control had failed, and fuel the entire rotor drooped The off, and wrong. was something him warned pilot the when systems seat the operating left the in was contact Claude in insurgents. troops with assist to he called but soon was reconnaissance, support as started 80 percentofhisspinalcanal. compromised and vertebrae, his compressed helicopter the and leg,shattered his broke that Iraq on in crash reflecting said, Boushey quick and there was nothing I could do,” Claude A Tale andDuty ofSurvival a as flew anearbyairstrip. pilotat recreational helped Rodgers she aircraft, military where build IL, to Ridge, Park Douglas in at Plant working from off time weekend the WASP.joined she during college,and After aircraft). training toflymilitary Training Flying Women’s Detachment (WFTD — volunteer women pilots the and aircraft) ferrying pilots women volunteer experienced Auxiliary of group Women’ssmall a — (WAFS Squadron Ferrying existing the of merger a via Cochran Jacqueline of direction the under the 1943, joined August in formed it She after shortly WASP (Zillner) VA. Lorraine Alexandria, of was Rodgers them of One group. military,the in women of significant a is 1,074 measured against the history of the acceptance number.But,small a history,that’s all military of against Measured military. States United the of service officially in flown — having as recognized (WASP) Pilots Service Airforce — Women’s pilots women of group large first Air ForcePilotLorraineRodgersSharesHerStory ts pros os ngtae and nightmare worst persons a It’s actually I neck. my to up water in was “I swamp, a in landed and hard hit They mission The 2004. 13, June was It really coming ground the remember “I before pilot experienced an was Rodgers the of number the That’swomen. 1,074 deploy again bothmentallyandemotionally.” again deploy the job the first time. It was important for me to “I finish didn’t Iraq.I felt I because back go to needed to back deployment a accepted Army and several and crash again waivers,medical fly to approved was he the after months Claude, “I canwalk.” was that challenging, but I so things appreciate now,” says again, straight walking start to on months eight home me took at “It leave. convalescent recover to Hawaii native back his sent to eventually was Claude odds, the probably never walk again. would Determined to beat did, he if and it, make would he think Landstuhl didn’t hours,doctors 14 lasting surgeries,one to theatre of Regional Medical taken Center in Germany. After out four later MEDEVAC and by Hospital Surgical Combat and shortly aftertheMEDEVAC secured, landed. was area The quickly. arrived being burned alive. or combined–drowning fear greatest over,go I’d California.’ to it deliver and plane new a up pick and say City Kansas and to ‘go was, orders it my up pick would I 7am. at office squadron the at be and breakfast have and morning the in up get would “I recalled. bombings andeveninstructedmalecadets. simulated missions, searchlight-tracking flew planes, towed targets for antiaircraft gunnery practice, repaired on were flights check parts planes, performed delivered repaired and ferried or They installed. new after planes tested and airplanes new tested WASPeffort. war the in for country miles the across million hours 60,000 60 flown her had and WASP Rodgers fellow 1944, 20, Dec. Congress and lessons. regulation military repair engine math, meteorology, school, navigation, ground reading, map radio,Code, Morse and and physics, training, flying physical and of military exams; weeks 23 physical completing and mental passing requirements; experience flight-time previous sister WASP earned their wings by meeting the WASP hopefuls. Only Rodgers and 1,074 of her say, to inspired.” Iwasvery needless so, me interviewed that one the she’s and Cochran, Jacqueline was airplanes her.flying of heard ever had I woman only The called by interviewed was and and … hotel the at she?’ down is ‘where said, “I aircraft. in military was fly to pilots women interviewing Cochran town oral Jacqueline me told told airport she program, the at 2008.“Someone February in historians WASP the about Walking wasn’t enough for Claude. Fifteen Baghdad to taken was Claude Initially, help call, mayday Claude’s to thanks But she a week,” days seven flew “We by disbanded were WASP the Before 25,000 than more were there Initially, heard Rodgers that airstrip the at was It

From theWounded Warrior Project agt I i ayhn I ol tik f o get to of think could I anything did been I hadn’t taught. I things (and) taught, been had I everything did I it. going with worked I down, and down upside inverted “I’m she recalled. spin,” inverted an spin, a into went and down upside flipped plane my suddenly and out way half own.was her “I practice”on and her instructor he told her to, “take the plane up TX. of Waco,in school one basic completing nearlywhile them very was Rodgers service. in well.all,as In 38 dangerous was WASPdied it both thrilling and exhausting, there were times daysa seven week. long, day all flew We landed. and down went you when that’s horizon, the behind down, went sun the As … going. and going keep refuel,and them off take have and in dog and is field closest next the where out figure gauges, the watch … flying start and off take course, my chart I’d time. whole the trip.You’re alone my start and Force Air Army it had just come off assembly), accept it for the pick upthisnewplane, takeitupandtest(if pcait ih ignas one Warrior Wounded Program. peer Virginia’s a as with time specialist part works also He Police. State Maryland the for missions MEDEVAC to assigned pilot civilian a as serves Today, he friends my of didn’t. day.” Ithinkaboutthemevery lot a because back, it made I fortunate I’m person. a and pilot, soldier,a a as me fulfilled 2007.“It October to 2006 July would she worst; the assumed review.She of board a before called was she bandages, few the ripcord. Iwastooclose ground.” tothat the ripcord), so I said ‘one, two, ten!’ and pulled pulling (before plane,10 to count to supposed you’re the of out bailed I “As said. she out,” get to had I knew I ground. the to was I close on the plane. “Then, I how looked out and saw seasoned pilot tried seemed to have any effect plane(righted). that fe sed oe n patc rn with run practice a on gone she’d After always was WASP the in time her While “My first priority is my family, but I make family, I my but is priority first “My 2008. December in retired Claude from lasted duty of tour second Claude’s a after and survived somehow Rodgers the Nothing vain. in were efforts Her military personnel. military duty active and veterans of photographs and clippingby poster or articlesboard newspaper of them. area. Talksome attending about family your to your in planned are that celebrations discover November 11, read through your newspaper to Newspaper Activities woundedwarrior.or Warrior Project, visit them online at at online them visit Project, Warrior soldier goesthrough.” a what appreciate I calls. close of another lot a had I understands state. veteran mental and veteran’semotional combat combat “A veterans. injured for something do to wanted he because mentor peer a as Project Warrior fellow andhelping veterans.” water the in I’m fulfilling. back fish really a It’s Center. Medical VADC the for driver DAV a as volunteer to time Foundation, Memorial Inc., www.womensmemorial.org. America For Service is with the permission of the Women In Military piece this for used Collection.Material History Child Holy transcript; Women’s the FoundationMemorial Oral 2008, 12, of Feb. Project, Documentary School History Connelly Reed the Ali of by interview Rodgers Lorraine the it!” Ireallyenjoyed was great! do,”can airplanes these what said.she It “Oh! and things marvelous these all learn to world Rodgers rewarding, stressed. always “My time as a WASP was was just another it but easy man’s military in World War II — wasn’t always to bepilots. them want didn’t outright who men or pilots were, actually and be, could women believe couldn’t either who men frequently, encountered WASP more Much rare. such were Still, incidents aircraft. military flying resentful women crew of or pilots male by committed proven, others cases were proven to have been never was case her Though planes. WASP on issues, Rodgerswasbackintheair. similar for checked were BT’saircraft) (trainer the all after saboteur).”But (the it did who me told never “They solemnly. her told he cut,’” announcement. “‘Your ruddercableshadbeen shocking by more a her gave met who instructor her was Rodgers Instead, recalled. she thought, ‘uh, oh. This is where I get the word,’” line. “I flight the to called was she board, the the crashing plane. for After repeating her story many times for WASP the of out kicked be Create a classroom Veterans Day bulletin Day classroomVeterans a Create Day, Veterans to up leading days the In o er mr aot h Wounded the about more learn To Claude became involved with the Wounded from taken are piece this in Excerpts Being a WASP — or a woman serving in a Hers was not the only incident of sabotage g www. // OUR VETERANS: Sharing their stories A NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION Supplement To The Washington Times Wednesday • September 15 • 2010 15 Page 1 of 1 VA

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The U.S. Department of of Department U.S. The history of Veterans Day Veterans history of Background information on the The VA’s Teacher Resource Guide includes: • Veterans in their communities. You can You communities. their in Veterans at charge or free guide the download www1.va.gov/opa/vetsda This guide also provides an array of suggestions for schools to organize events to honor and thank the reproducible handouts schools to in teaching their assist students about the history of Veterans Day. U.S. U.S. Department Affairs of Teacher Resource Guide Veterans provides information, activities, and of life. Many the students today are sons, neighbors, or relatives of a Veteran daughters, or current cousins, service member. The Veterans Veterans living every state among and from every us, walk in America’s Veterans and their families families their and Veterans America’s for their service and sacrifice. Guide for schools. observed Veterans each year Day, on 11th, November offers a chance to thank Veterans Affairs and the Veterans Veterans the and Affairs Veterans Day National pleased to Resource offer a Teacher Committee Teacher Resource Guide, Guide, Resource Teacher 16 Wednesday • September 15 • 2010 // A NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION Supplement To The Washington Times OUR VETERANS: Sharing their stories LATESTGENERATION, FROM THE GREATEST THE GENERATIONTO THE FROM LET’S SUPPORT OUR VETS! OUR SUPPORT LET’S

GET INVOLVED. VISIT VETERANS.COM. VISIT INVOLVED. GET

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