THE REAL STORY BEHIND A REAL HERO
(sharing a letter between two veterans; know you'll like this)
Head east from Carthage on Mississippi 16 toward Philadelphia. And after a few miles. a sign says you're in Edinburg. It’s a good thing the sign is there, because there's no other way to tell. On June 15, 1919, Van T. Barfoot was born in Edinburg. Probably didn’t make much news, either.
Twenty-five years later, on May 23, 1944, near Carano, Italy, Van T. Barfoot, who had enlisted in the Army in 1940, set out to flank German machine gun positions from which fire was coming down on his fellow soldiers.
He advanced through a minefield, took out three enemy machine gun positions and returned with 17 prisoners of war.
If that wasn’t enough for a days work, he later took on and destroyed three German tanks sent to retake the machine gun positions.
That probably didn't make much news either, given the scope of the war, but it did earn Van T. Barfoot, who retired as a colonel after also serving in Korea and Vietnam, a Congressional Medal of Honor.
What did make news last month was a neighborhood association's quibble with how the 90-year-old veteran chose to fly the American flag outside his suburban Virginia home.
Seems the rules said a flag could be flown on a house-mounted bracket, but, for decorum, items such as Barfoot’s 21-foot flagpole were unsuitable.
He had been denied a permit for the pole, erected it anyway and was facing court action if he didn’t take it down. Since the story made national TV, the neighborhood association rethought its position and agreed to indulge this old hero who dwells among them.
"In the time I have left, I plan to continue to fly the American flag without interference", Barfoot told The Associated Press.
As well he should. And if any of his neighbors still takes a notion to contest him, they might want to read his Medal of Honor citation. It indicates he's not real good at backing down.
Van T. Barfoots Medal of Honor citation:
This 1944 Medal of Honor citation, listed with the National Medal of Honor Society, is for Second Lieutenant Van T. Barfoot, 157th Infantry, 45th Infantry:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty on 23 May 1944, near Carano, Italy.
With his platoon heavily engaged during an assault against forces well entrenched on commanding ground, 2d Lt. Barfoot moved off alone upon the enemy left flank. He crawled to the proximity of 1 machine gun nest and made a direct hit on it with a hand grenade, killing 2 and wounding 3 Germans. He continued along the German defense line to another machine gun emplacement, and with his tommygun killed 2 and captured 3 soldiers. Members of another enemy machine gun crew then abandoned their position and gave themselves up to Sgt. Barfoot.
Leaving the prisoners for his support squad to pick up, he proceeded to mop up positions in the immediate area, capturing more prisoners and bringing his total count to 17. Later that day, after he had reorganized his men and consolidated the newly captured ground, the enemy launched a fierce armored counterattack directly at his platoon positions. Securing a bazooka, Sgt. Barfoot took up an exposed position directly in front of 3 advancing Mark VI tanks.
From a distance of 75 yards, his first shot destroyed the track of the leading tank, effectively disabling it, while the other 2 changed direction toward the flank.
As the crew of the disabled tank dismounted, Sgt. Barfoot killed 3 of them with his tommygun. He continued onward into enemy terrain and destroyed a recently abandoned German fieldpiece with a demolition charge placed in the breech.
While returning to his platoon position, Sgt. Barfoot, though greatly fatigued by his Herculean efforts, assisted 2 of his seriously wounded men 1,700 yards to a position of safety.
Sgt. Barfoot's extraordinary heroism, demonstration of magnificent valor, and aggressive determination in the face of point blank fire are a perpetual inspiration to his fellow soldiers.
Rules for Kickin' Ass
Rules for the Non-Military:
Make sure you read #16.
Dear Civilians,
We know that the current state of affairs in our great nation has many civilians up in arms and excited to join the military.
For those of you who can't join, you can still lend a hand. Here are a few of the areas where we would like your assistance:
1. The next time you see any adults talking (or wearing a hat) during the playing of the National Anthem,
“kick their ass”.
2.. When you witness, firsthand, someone burning the American Flag in protest,
“ kick their ass”.
3. Regardless of the rank they held while they served, pay the highest amount of respect to all veterans. If you see anyone doing otherwise, quietly pull them aside and explain how these veterans fought for the very freedom they bask in every second. Enlighten them on the many sacrifices these veterans made to make this Nation great. Then hold them down while a disabled veteran
“kicks their ass”.
4. If you were never in the military, DO NOT pretend that you were. ‘Wearing battle dress uniforms (BDUs) or Jungle Fatigues, telling others that you used to be 'Special Forces'’
Collecting GI Joe memorabilia might have been okay when you were seven years old. Now, it will only make you look stupid and “get your ass kicked”.
5. Next time you come across an Air Force member, do not ask them, “Do you fly a jet?” Not everyone in the Air Force is a pilot. Such ignorance deserves an ass-kicking (children are exempt).
6. If you witness someone calling the US Coast Guard 'non-military', inform them of their mistake
“ and kick their ass”.
7. Next time Old Glory (the US flag) prances by during a parade, get on your damn feet and pay homage to her by placing your hand over your heart. Quietly thank the military member or veteran lucky enough to be carrying her. Of course, failure to do either of those could earn you a “severe ass-kicking”.
9. 'Your mama wears combat boots' never made sense to me; stop saying it! If she did, she would most likely be a vet and therefore would “kick your ass!”
10. 'Flyboy' (*Air Force*), 'Jarhead' (*Marines*), 'Grunt' (*Army*),
'Squid' (*Navy*), 'Puddle Jumpers' (*Coast Guard*), etc., are terms of endearment we use describing each other. Unless you are a service member or vet, you have not earned the right to use them.
Using them “could get your ass kicked”.
11. Last, but not least, whether or not you become a member of the military, support our troops and their families. Every Thanksgiving and religious holiday that you enjoy with family and friends, please remember that there are literally thousands of soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen far from home wishing they could be with their families. Thank God for our military and the sacrifices they make every day. Without them, our Country would get it's ass kicked.
12. It's the Veteran, NOT the reporter, who has given us the freedom of the press.
13. It's the Veteran, NOT the poet, who has given us the freedom of speech.
14. It's the Veteran, NOT the community organizer, who gives us the freedom to demonstrate.
15. It's the Military who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag.
AND ONE MORE:
16. If you ever see anyone singing the national anthem in Spanish,
‘KICK THEIR ASS ‘.
ONE LAST THING:
I WRITE THIS BECAUSE WE, THE PEOPLE ARE VERY, VERY SPECIAL TO ME AND I KNOW YOU’RE PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN.
WE LIVE IN THE LAND OF THE FREE, ONLY BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE!
“IN GOD WE TRUST”
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
Saturday, February 13, 2010
HARRY REID IS GONE IN NOVEMBER, 2010
Before I start, I want to point out that Harry Reid’s retirement party will be held in the streets of Reno and Las Vegas starting the evening of November 2,2010 (my treat; just kidding but I wouldn’t mind being rich enough to pull it off) and probably every American Patriot in the country will be there to celebrate with the Nevadans.
BUT, SERIOUSLY:
Nevada has two main choices: Sue Lowden (whose Constitutionally-principled platform I like,however ...) was the Nevada Republican Party chairman ("professional politician??") and, along with at one time owning the Sahara hotel/casino, is currently the Executive Vice President of the gaming company Archon Corporation; and you have Danny Tarkanian, not a professional politician in any stretch of the word, whose political philosophy is based on constitutional conservatism with limited government who opposes the government takeover of private sector industries. He believe in a smaller government which would leave no restrictions for We, the People to achieve his or her own ambitions. Interesting choices, Nevada: either way, you will get rid of "ol' Harry" in November. My recommendations: Danny T. He has no political dues to be paid (such as owing the RHINOS because someone was the state Party Chair) and no lobbyists to influence him (such as the gambling associations in Nevada, like ?Sue?).
It was pointed out to me by one of your fellow Nevadans that Sue’s record of supporting Harry Reid’s agenda is obvious to the casual observer. To a researcher like myself who vetts his sources, I totally agree. Now that Sue has announced her candidacy, she has claimed that she has “changed”. They all say "I've changed" once they have entered the campaign arena, especially in this climate where We, the People are more involved and refused to stay "dumbed down" anymore. Though I'm from GA, I have a vested interest in getting Reid out of office and replacing him with someone with real principles and values. With Danny in office, maybe he'll rub off on our two Senators (especially Isakkson) and we Georgians will have Senators who vote their conscience based on what their constituents are asking for and not listenting to outside "advisors" (lobbyists). I'll work to support Danny anyway that I can.
I’ve also wanted Reid out because of Yucca Mountain. As an engineer in the Radiological Control field, I've worked with commercial nuclear reactors for 18.5 years and now with DOE sites going thru decommissioning and remediation. I've consistently sent emails (don't ask me how I do it) to Reid's office, along with faxes, pointing out that Yucca Mountain would be a boon to regional employment and businesses. There is a lot that goes into maintaining a storage facility like Yucca Mountain and would require many employees. It is also the best designed storage facility in the world and is the safest (environmentally and radiologically) that anyone could ask for, short of sending the waste into the sun. ;) However, Harry continues to listen to the environmental lobbyists whose rationale on why Yucca Mountain is unnecessary and unsafe is based on conjecture, not scientific basis.
NEVADA, the choice is yours. Either way, you’re going to get rid of Harry Reid and I (and many other American Patriots) support and applaud you for your efforts. The question is: Do you want someone who has no vested interest in becoming Senator, other than representing his constituents from Nevada with the Constitution in his hand at all times, or do you want another “professional politician” who will owe favors to particular lobbyists and comes from the same old state GOP committee who has been supporting Harry Reid throughout the majority of his career as Senator by running lackluster campaigns for your GOP candidates? The answer is clear to me from way over here in Georgia. P.S. GO, RUNNIN’ REBELS.
BUT, SERIOUSLY:
Nevada has two main choices: Sue Lowden (whose Constitutionally-principled platform I like,however ...) was the Nevada Republican Party chairman ("professional politician??") and, along with at one time owning the Sahara hotel/casino, is currently the Executive Vice President of the gaming company Archon Corporation; and you have Danny Tarkanian, not a professional politician in any stretch of the word, whose political philosophy is based on constitutional conservatism with limited government who opposes the government takeover of private sector industries. He believe in a smaller government which would leave no restrictions for We, the People to achieve his or her own ambitions. Interesting choices, Nevada: either way, you will get rid of "ol' Harry" in November. My recommendations: Danny T. He has no political dues to be paid (such as owing the RHINOS because someone was the state Party Chair) and no lobbyists to influence him (such as the gambling associations in Nevada, like ?Sue?).
It was pointed out to me by one of your fellow Nevadans that Sue’s record of supporting Harry Reid’s agenda is obvious to the casual observer. To a researcher like myself who vetts his sources, I totally agree. Now that Sue has announced her candidacy, she has claimed that she has “changed”. They all say "I've changed" once they have entered the campaign arena, especially in this climate where We, the People are more involved and refused to stay "dumbed down" anymore. Though I'm from GA, I have a vested interest in getting Reid out of office and replacing him with someone with real principles and values. With Danny in office, maybe he'll rub off on our two Senators (especially Isakkson) and we Georgians will have Senators who vote their conscience based on what their constituents are asking for and not listenting to outside "advisors" (lobbyists). I'll work to support Danny anyway that I can.
I’ve also wanted Reid out because of Yucca Mountain. As an engineer in the Radiological Control field, I've worked with commercial nuclear reactors for 18.5 years and now with DOE sites going thru decommissioning and remediation. I've consistently sent emails (don't ask me how I do it) to Reid's office, along with faxes, pointing out that Yucca Mountain would be a boon to regional employment and businesses. There is a lot that goes into maintaining a storage facility like Yucca Mountain and would require many employees. It is also the best designed storage facility in the world and is the safest (environmentally and radiologically) that anyone could ask for, short of sending the waste into the sun. ;) However, Harry continues to listen to the environmental lobbyists whose rationale on why Yucca Mountain is unnecessary and unsafe is based on conjecture, not scientific basis.
NEVADA, the choice is yours. Either way, you’re going to get rid of Harry Reid and I (and many other American Patriots) support and applaud you for your efforts. The question is: Do you want someone who has no vested interest in becoming Senator, other than representing his constituents from Nevada with the Constitution in his hand at all times, or do you want another “professional politician” who will owe favors to particular lobbyists and comes from the same old state GOP committee who has been supporting Harry Reid throughout the majority of his career as Senator by running lackluster campaigns for your GOP candidates? The answer is clear to me from way over here in Georgia. P.S. GO, RUNNIN’ REBELS.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
GEORGIA'S GOV. RACE IS TOO IMPORTANT TO NOT VOTE
Received this from a friend. This plainly points out how important it is for all Georgians to vote this July for their Republican candidate as Governor of Georgia.
Friends & Fellow Georgians,
Tonight, our United States are at the doorstep of their greatest depression. We have been led to that doorstep by a combination of our own complacency and the corruption of charlatans who claim to represent & protect us. These imposters profess a respect for the rule of law, and claim to courageously defend it on our behalf.
But, in the wake of decades under their supposed leadership, are the ruins of a former republic - a bankrupt husk of its former self - struggling for its very survival while these same charlatans bicker mindlessly about how they can each out-surrender their predecessor.
What they are surrendering is YOUR States' Rights & YOUR Constitution. And, they are now promising you that the way they intend to stop that demise, is to make YOUR surrender complete!
Haven't you had enough?
The date of the primary vote is 7.20.10. There are seven GOP candidates for Governor of Georgia on that July primary ballot. Six of them are interchangeable, middle-of-the-road establishment hacks who could not tell the difference between the tenth amendment of the Bill of Rights and the tenth floor of the Sheraton.
Only ONE - is a States' Rights candidate and a constitutionalist. Only one will restore the proper balance and relationship between the sovereign state of Georgia and the servant it created along with the other sovereign states. Only one has pledged both, and only one can deliver.
Republican Ray McBerry
Watch this video for a preview of the understanding, the integrity, the commitment of your Georgia Champion of the Constitution, Ray McBerry.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVdIo7IdKs8
Contemplate the meaning of what you hear. Compare the gravity of Ray's message to the hollow chants of the Surrender Six. Consider whether you and your children can afford to allow the corruption, the cheap tricks, and the treason to continue.
Join us - in this epic undertaking. Please forward this email to everyone who's opinion you value, spread the message & visit this website to learn more and become another member of our growing team:
www.georgiafirst.org
The life, liberty, and property you save - will be your own.
7.20.10
GEORGIA'S LAST EXIT BEFORE TYRANNY
BE THERE
VOTE
Ray McBerry For Governor
Friends & Fellow Georgians,
Tonight, our United States are at the doorstep of their greatest depression. We have been led to that doorstep by a combination of our own complacency and the corruption of charlatans who claim to represent & protect us. These imposters profess a respect for the rule of law, and claim to courageously defend it on our behalf.
But, in the wake of decades under their supposed leadership, are the ruins of a former republic - a bankrupt husk of its former self - struggling for its very survival while these same charlatans bicker mindlessly about how they can each out-surrender their predecessor.
What they are surrendering is YOUR States' Rights & YOUR Constitution. And, they are now promising you that the way they intend to stop that demise, is to make YOUR surrender complete!
Haven't you had enough?
The date of the primary vote is 7.20.10. There are seven GOP candidates for Governor of Georgia on that July primary ballot. Six of them are interchangeable, middle-of-the-road establishment hacks who could not tell the difference between the tenth amendment of the Bill of Rights and the tenth floor of the Sheraton.
Only ONE - is a States' Rights candidate and a constitutionalist. Only one will restore the proper balance and relationship between the sovereign state of Georgia and the servant it created along with the other sovereign states. Only one has pledged both, and only one can deliver.
Republican Ray McBerry
Watch this video for a preview of the understanding, the integrity, the commitment of your Georgia Champion of the Constitution, Ray McBerry.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVdIo7IdKs8
Contemplate the meaning of what you hear. Compare the gravity of Ray's message to the hollow chants of the Surrender Six. Consider whether you and your children can afford to allow the corruption, the cheap tricks, and the treason to continue.
Join us - in this epic undertaking. Please forward this email to everyone who's opinion you value, spread the message & visit this website to learn more and become another member of our growing team:
www.georgiafirst.org
The life, liberty, and property you save - will be your own.
7.20.10
GEORGIA'S LAST EXIT BEFORE TYRANNY
BE THERE
VOTE
Ray McBerry For Governor
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