Da Hawg Frog Blog

America lost a true hero, living legend and great warrior. Col. Robert L. Howard passed away in Waco, Texas Wednesday, December 23, 2009. He was the most highly decorated soldier living at the time of his death. Colonel Howard was nominated for the Medal of Honor three times in a thirteen month period, but due to the highly classified nature of his work in the Army Special Forces he was awarded the honor only once. His citation reads:

Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Place and date: Republic of Vietnam, 30 December 1968. Entered service at: Montgomery, Ala. Born: 11 July 1939, Opelika, Ala. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. 1st Lt. Howard (then Sfc .), distinguished himself while serving as platoon sergeant of an American-Vietnamese platoon which was on a mission to rescue a missing American soldier in enemy controlled territory in the Republic of Vietnam. The platoon had left its helicopter landing zone and was moving out on its mission when it was attacked by an estimated 2-company force. During the initial engagement, 1st Lt. Howard was wounded and his weapon destroyed by a grenade explosion. 1st Lt. Howard saw his platoon leader had been wounded seriously and was exposed to fire. Although unable to walk, and weaponless, 1st Lt. Howard unhesitatingly crawled through a hail of fire to retrieve his wounded leader. As 1st Lt. Howard was administering first aid and removing the officer’s equipment, an enemy bullet struck 1 of the ammunition pouches on the lieutenant’s belt, detonating several magazines of ammunition. 1st Lt. Howard momentarily sought cover and then realizing that he must rejoin the platoon, which had been disorganized by the enemy attack, he again began dragging the seriously wounded officer toward the platoon area. Through his outstanding example of indomitable courage and bravery, 1st Lt. Howard was able to rally the platoon into an organized defense force. With complete disregard for his safety, 1st Lt. Howard crawled from position to position, administering first aid to the wounded, giving encouragement to the defenders and directing their fire on the encircling enemy. For 3 1/2 hours 1st Lt. Howard’s small force and supporting aircraft successfully repulsed enemy attacks and finally were in sufficient control to permit the landing of rescue helicopters. 1st Lt. Howard personally supervised the loading of his men and did not leave the bullet-swept landing zone until all were aboard safely. 1st Lt. Howard’s gallantry in action, his complete devotion to the welfare of his men at the risk of his life were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army. (Source: U.S. Army Center of Military History)

During the 54 months Col. Howard served in Vietnam he was wounded fourteen times. He received eight Purple Hearts. Colonel Howard was awarded many additional medals and honors during his 33 years of service, including the Distinguished Service Cross and multiple Silver and Bronze Star. He was more highly decorated than the legendary Audie Murphy.

The 70-year-old Howard died in a hospice in Waco, according to a report in the San Antonio Express News today. The paper, quoting a longtime friend of Howard’s, retired Sgt. Maj. Benito Guerrero, said Howard had been suffering from pancreatic cancer.

Howard began his Army career as an enlisted man. During one 13-month tour in Vietnam he was nominated for the Medal of Honor three times, but in the first instance the award was downgraded to the Distinguished Service Cross. Several biographies say that downgrade, as well as another — to the Silver Star — was to avoid the problem of noting in the Medal of Honor citation specifics of the combat operations, which were covert. (Source: Military.Com)

Rest in Peace Colonel Howard, this nation owes you a debt that can never be repaid.

Sergeant Thomas Lavin served his country for eight years in the Marine Corps. He saw duty in the Dominican Republic during the revolution and later in Vietnam with the 1st Marine Division. After he left the military he returned home to St. Petersburg where he again served his community as a police officer. Tom died the other day at age 63. He was a lifelong friend.

I first met Tom in the early 1950s. We attended classes together from junior high to high school. As a team we got in a lot of trouble and enjoyed every minute of it. We were even suspended together a couple times. To get back into class we had to submit to ten whacks each for our infractions. The whipping we got in school couldn’t compare to what we got at home. Yes, back in the day whipping was the norm. There was none of this psycho-babble about the harm it did. We took our licks and turned out pretty good. We had a lot less problems in school back then. After the assistant principle, Cherokee Charlie, got through with Tom the boy turned around and asked, “is that the best you can do?” That was just the way Tom was, he could take whatever anyone wanted to dish out.

During high school the war in Vietnam escalated. Tom’s dad, Tom Senior, was a Marine who had served in the Pacific theater. Senior saw action in Guadalcanal and was a tough son of a bitch. Tom idolized him and joined the Marines himself right out of high school. He was the perfect Marine. Tom stood about 6 foot 4 inches and weighed nearly 300 pounds when he was a senior in high school. Every bit of it was hard muscle and determination.

After eight years and a purple heart Tom found he had too many bullet holes in him to continue life as a Marine. He wanted to stay, but by time he was in his mid twenties he was released with a disability. He struggled with the VA for a long time and finally got a 100% disability after years in and out of VA hospitals. He had wounds you could see and some you couldn’t. Tom battled PTSD most of his life. He never fully returned to civilian life and had little patience with those who had not served. He was one of those guys who would tell you that if you hadn’t been in combat you didn’t know shit.

Tom and I camped and fished all across the state of Florida for years after he returned. He loved Florida and especially the Ocala and Gainesville area. He was a Gator.

More than twenty years ago I asked Tom to be my best man. I was getting married, again. Tom refused. He said he didn’t want to be held responsible if it didn’t work out. I’m still sorry he didn’t accept. Jane and I are still married and it worked out well this time. Tom did not have a lot of luck in relationships. It was not until eight years ago that he found someone who would share his life with him and accept him for what he was, not what they wanted him to become. He left behind a family who thought the world of him. I am glad he was able to find someone to share his last years with.

Tom was laid to rest at the National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida. Now he is surrounded by all those heroes who went before him. I know he is in good company. Tom was always a communicator. I’m sure he is catching up for lost time with all his fallen comrades.

Farewell brother. You will be missed by all who knew you. It was an honor and privilege to be your friend.

Lewis L. Millet was born December 15, 1920 in Mechanic Falls, Maine. He grew up in South Dartmouth, Mass. Colonel Millett died November 14, 2009 in Loma Linda, California. During the colonel’s colorful life he distinguished himself many times over.

When war broke out in Europe Millett joined the Army in 1940. He was determined to help in the fight against fascism. But when it looked like the United States was not going to enter the war he deserted, joined the Canadian army and was stationed in England. After America joined the war he turned himself into the American Embassy and rejoined the United States Army.

In 1942, while Millet was serving in London, the United States entered the war. Millet turned himself into the U.S. Embassy there. He was eventually assigned to the 1st Armored Division. As an antitank gunner in Tunisia, Millet earned the Silver Star after he jumped into a burning halftrack filled with ammunition, drove it away from allied soldiers and jumped to safety just before the vehicle exploded. He later shot down a German fighter plane with a vehicle-mounted machine gun.

As a sergeant serving in Italy during the war, his desertion to join the Canadian forces caught up to him. He was court-martialed, fined $52 and denied leave. A few weeks later he was awarded a battlefield commission. After the war, he joined the 103rd Infantry of the Maine National Guard, and attended college, until he was called back to active duty in 1949. (Source: Military.com)

While he was a company commander in Korea he read some captured documents that stated the communist feared cold steel. He was determined to become their worse nightmare.

“We had acquired some Chinese documents stating that Americans were afraid of hand-to-hand fighting and cold steel,” he told Military History. “When I read that, I thought, ‘I’ll show you, you sons of bitches!’ ” (Source: Washington Post)

It was during the Korean war that he was awarded the Medal of Honor. He was credited with leading the last full fledged bayonet charge in American history. The first since Cold Harbor 1864.

Citation

Capt. Millett, Company E, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action. While personally leading his company in an attack against a strongly held position he noted that the 1st Platoon was pinned down by small-arms, automatic, and antitank fire. Capt. Millett ordered the 3d Platoon forward, placed himself at the head of the 2 platoons, and, with fixed bayonet, led the assault up the fire-swept hill. In the fierce charge Capt. Millett bayoneted 2 enemy soldiers and boldly continued on, throwing grenades, clubbing and bayoneting the enemy, while urging his men forward by shouting encouragement. Despite vicious opposing fire, the whirlwind hand-to-hand assault carried to the crest of the hill. His dauntless leadership and personal courage so inspired his men that they stormed into the hostile position and used their bayonets with such lethal effect that the enemy fled in wild disorder. During this fierce onslaught Capt. Millett was wounded by grenade fragments but refused evacuation until the objective was taken and firmly secured. The superb leadership, conspicuous courage, and consummate devotion to duty demonstrated by Capt. Millett were directly responsible for the successful accomplishment of a hazardous mission and reflect the highest credit on himself and the heroic traditions of the military service. (Source: Congressional Medal of Honor Organization)

Colonel Millett served for 35 years. During Vietnam he was a part of the Phoenix operation. He would later found the Royal Thai Army Ranger School with help of the 46th Special Forces Company. Millett also earned the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star, two Legions of Merit and four Purple Hearts during his military career.

He was a warrior. Rest in Peace.

This is a classic. I hope you enjoy it.  Have a good Veterans Day, you’ve earned it.

In the early 1970s I was serving in Germany. At that time we had two dog handlers and their partners patrolling and protecting our missile site at all times. Everyone loved these wonderful animals and their devotion to the troops they protected was unsurpassed. But even though he was every troop’s friend, those he didn’t know approached at their own peril. Then one day a group of Bader-Meinhof gang members probed our tactical site and in the process shot one of our dogs. To this day I’ll never forget Rex and his warm nature. I also remember the tears we all shed when he died in the snow by our guard shack.

There is a movement here in the United States to finally recognize the contributions of man’s best friend.

These have always been the virtues against which soldiers are measured. For these distinguishing qualities, a soldier is given medals and the recognition of his country. Military working dogs also possess these qualities. They have served without compensation or recognition, nor been honored for their sacrifice. These gallant dogs have more than earned the right to be fully recognized for their service to this country. That recognition will be the National War Dogs Monument.

For nearly a century, an estimated 100,000 dogs have served in the United States military, doing jobs in explosive and mine detection, tracking, and scouting. Dogs have carried messages and stood watch as sentries. Early on, dogs were donated by the civilian population in order to fill military needs. Later they were specially bred for the job. Dogs have served all over Europe, Vietnam, Bosnia, Kosovo, and today, are serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. (Source: National War Dogs Monument)

Not only have these courageous animals protected and served along side our soldiers in combat, they have also been instrumental in helping our wounded heal. Therapy dogs have been visiting and comforting our returning wounded quietly across the nation.

VA hospitals nationwide are integrating service dogs into treatment plans for disabled vets, said Will Baldwin, a vocational rehabilitation counselor for the VA in Denver. The program was formed after Freedom Service Dogs, a Denver-based nonprofit, recently partnered with the VA.

Training takes up to nine months and costs $23,000. Service Dogs doesn’t charge its clients but relies on private donations and foundation grants.

“The population is growing exponentially down in Fort Carson with the Wounded Warriors program,” said Freedom Service Dogs’ Diane Vertovec, referring to the Army unit that prepares wounded Soldiers for civilian life. “We feel like a dog can help a vet meet physical challenges but, more importantly, can really, really help them overcome a lot of the mental instability that they’re feeling.” (Source: Military.Com)

At a VA hospital in Maine Petty Officer 2nd Class Johnson and his partner, Sierra, a Great Dane, visit and help wounded veterans recover. Not only do they bring joy to the wounded they visit, they also help heal.

“The interaction between the dogs and patients encourages healing, lowers blood pressure, and helps develop emotional relationships,” said Alice Workman, the administrator of Courtland Rehabilitation and Living Center in Maine. “Not only is this beneficial to patients, it is also a great way to strengthen the bond between the dogs and their owners.”

There are two types of animal-assisted interactions. Animal-assisted therapy, where the dog or other animal works with a patient to achieve set goals, and animal-assisted activities, such as visitation, in which the dog visits with the patient, stands quietly and allows the patient to pet it.

“Animals bring unconditional love and caring to the bedside,” Johnson said. “And patients, if they are animal lovers, truly respond.” (Source: Military.Com)

But it doesn’t stop there. These wonderful creatures help preserve the sanity of our men and women serving. Recently we’ve heard many tales of our troops befriending indigenous canines in Iraq. Sometimes they have managed to bring their faithful friends home with them. And then sometimes their beloved friends have come home without their masters. And they have helped the families of those who lost loved ones cope with the pain of that loss.

Over 100,000 dogs have served our country in war. They have saved thousands of lives and given comfort and friendship to many. If you, like I, believe that is time we honor these wonderful creatures then visit the National War Dogs Memorial and lets give them the recognition they deserve.

And to my old friend Rex, who sacrificed his life for us in Germany, you are not forgotten.

I was rummaging through some of my old favorites on You Tube the other day and came across this video bookmarked there. It is from Super Bowl XXXIX.

For years we’ve been subjected to god awful renditions of “The Star Spangled Banner” at sporting events. It seems like they always get some no-talent, dimwit celebrity to stand there and shriek  our Anthem at us  ruining this beautiful song.  From José Feliciano butchering it to Whitney Houston’s caterwauling, we’ve endured these disgraceful displays for years. Then this past week I rediscovered this video and  heard it sung the way it is supposed to be.

One of the things that made it even more enjoyable was the fact that these are our servicemen and women singing it. In this veteran’s mind the “National Anthem” can never be replaced by “American The Beautiful” or any other half assed, pantie waste song. When done right The Star Spangled Banner is the perfect national song.

God bless our troops.

On June 25, 2009 Lt. Bradshaw was killed defending freedom and democracy in Afghanistan. He died the same day a drug-addled, self-indulgent pop idol died. Lt. Bradshaw never wrote a hit song, nor did he entertain millions while making millions. Brian Bradshaw simply signed a piece of paper stating that he would serve his country and defend it no matter the cost. In this veteran’s mind he gave more to this country and the world than Michael Jackson ever did. I am ashamed of the media for failing to recognize him. Instead of honoring a man who made the ultimate sacrifice they chose to obsess over the self induced death of an accused pedophile. The shallow feeding frenzy that took place was embarassing.

Lt. Bradshaw’s death did not go unnoticed by his comrades. The Washington Post ran a moving letter from members of the air crew who transported his remains from the battlefield to Baghram AFB. Here this letter in its entirety. (Source: Washington Post)

Dear Bradshaw Family,

We were crew members on the C-130 that flew in to pick up Lt. Brian Bradshaw after he was killed. We are Georgia Air National Guardsmen deployed to Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom. We support the front-line troops by flying them food, water, fuel, ammunition and just about anything they need to fight. On occasion we have the privilege to begin the final journey home for our fallen troops. Below are the details to the best of our memory about what happened after Brian’s death.

We landed using night-vision goggles. Because of the blackout conditions, it seemed as if it was the darkest part of the night. As we turned off the runway to position our plane, we saw what appeared to be hundreds of soldiers from Brian’s company standing in formation in the darkness. Once we were parked, members of his unit asked us to shut down our engines. This is not normal operating procedure for that location. We are to keep the aircraft’s power on in case of maintenance or concerns about the hostile environment. The plane has an extremely loud self-contained power unit. Again, we were asked whether there was any way to turn that off for the ceremony that was going to take place. We readily complied after one of our crew members was able to find a power cart nearby. Another aircraft that landed after us was asked to do the same. We were able to shut down and keep lighting in the back of the aircraft, which was the only light in the surrounding area. We configured the back of the plane to receive Brian and hurried off to stand in the formation as he was carried aboard.

Brian’s whole company had marched to the site with their colors flying prior to our arrival. His platoon lined both sides of our aircraft’s ramp while the rest were standing behind them. As the ambulance approached, the formation was called to attention. As Brian passed the formation, members shouted “Present arms” and everyone saluted. The salute was held until he was placed inside the aircraft and then the senior commanders, the sergeant major and the chaplain spoke a few words.

Afterward, we prepared to take off and head back to our base. His death was so sudden that there was no time to complete the paperwork needed to transfer him. We were only given his name, Lt. Brian Bradshaw. With that we accepted the transfer. Members of Brian’s unit approached us and thanked us for coming to get him and helping with the ceremony. They explained what happened and how much his loss was felt. Everyone we talked to spoke well of him — his character, his accomplishments and how well they liked him. Before closing up the back of the aircraft, one of Brian’s men, with tears running down his face, said, “That’s my platoon leader, please take care of him.”

We taxied back on the runway, and, as we began rolling for takeoff, I looked to my right. Brian’s platoon had not moved from where they were standing in the darkness. As we rolled past, his men saluted him one more time; their way to honor him one last time as best they could. We will never forget this.

We completed the short flight back to Bagram Air Base. After landing, we began to gather our things. As they carried Brian to the waiting vehicle, the people in the area, unaware of our mission, stopped what they were doing and snapped to attention. Those of us on the aircraft did the same. Four soldiers who had flown back with us lined the ramp once again and saluted as he passed by. We went back to post-flight duties only after he was driven out of sight.

Later that day, there was another ceremony. It was Bagram’s way to pay tribute. Senior leadership and other personnel from all branches lined the path that Brian was to take to be placed on the airplane flying him out of Afghanistan. A detail of soldiers, with their weapons, lined either side of the ramp just as his platoon did hours before. A band played as he was carried past the formation and onto the waiting aircraft. Again, men and women stood at attention and saluted as Brian passed by. Another service was performed after he was placed on the aircraft.

For one brief moment, the war stopped to honor Lt. Brian Bradshaw. This is the case for all of the fallen in Afghanistan. It is our way of recognizing the sacrifice and loss of our brothers and sisters in arms. Though there may not have been any media coverage, Brian’s death did not go unnoticed. You are not alone with your grief. We mourn Brian’s loss and celebrate his life with you. Brian is a true hero, and he will not be forgotten by those who served with him.

We hope knowing the events that happened after Brian’s death can provide you some comfort.

Sincerely,

Capt. James Adair

Master Sgt. Paul Riley

GA ANG 774 EAS Deployed

Have we become a nation so enamoured by wealth and celebrity that we no longer recognize where our real strengths come from. It is not from the rich and famous who take more than they give. It is from the honest, hard working, brave young servicemen and women who lay their lives on the line everyday. Rest in Peace Lt. Brian Bradshaw, we are proud of you, your sacrifice and the life you led.

Over the past few weeks the media has obsessed about the death of a famous entertainer, Michael Jackson. A man who’s sole contribution to society was some music, videos and lurid gossip. Another rich man who managed to escape justice. Meanwhile a true American hero passed unnoticed.

On June 17, 2009 Darrell Powers died. He was the sharpshooter who’s sacrifices and service was immortalized in the series “Band of Brothers”.

Bravery – and dignity – was a constant, running thread in the life of “Shifty” Powers, both during and after his life as an Army sharpshooter in the actual “Band of Brothers.”

During the war, he fought brutal battles against the German army across France and Belgium.

After the war, Powers served as an eloquent representative for the men he fought with: At one point during the “Band of Brothers” mini-series, he appeared on camera to talk in moving, humane fashion about his grim but necessary task during the war – killing the enemy. (Source: Tri City News)

Sergeant Powers was one of those fortunate combat veterans who was able to make his peace after the war. He did not hold a grudge and he saw his enemies during World War II for what they were, young men called to serve, as he had been. Men who did the best they could to win a war.

In the second-to-last episode of “Band of Brothers,” an HBO miniseries that documented Easy Company’s wartime exploits, Powers spoke on camera about the soldiers he fought and also hinted at the intrinsic tragedy of combat.

“We might have had a lot in common. He might’ve liked to fish, you know, he might’ve liked to hunt,” Powers said. “Of course, they were doing what they were supposed to do, and I was doing what I was supposed to do.

“But under different circumstances, we might have been good friends.” (Source: Roanoke Times)

Rest in peace brother. The legacy you left behind will never be forgotten.

Colonel Kenneth Reusser was one of the most highly decorated pilots in Marine Corps history. He died peacefully at home in Oregon at the age of 89. Colonel Reusser’s life and accomplishments were the stuff legends are made of.

Reusser was awarded 59 medals during his career, including two Navy Crosses, four Purple Hearts and two Legions of Merit. He retired from the service a colonel, The Associated Press and Oregon media reported.

He was shot down five times during 259 combat missions in World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam — at least once in each conflict.

In 1950, Reusser led an attack on a North Korean factory. Despite heavy anti-aircraft fire, he dipped down to window level of the facility and saw that it was being used to repair enemy tanks, according to the citation for his second Navy Cross.

He flew to his aircraft carrier to re-arm with rockets and napalm and then returned to destroy the facility, again braving the anti-aircraft fire.

Reusser’s plane had been damaged and his heavy ordnance was gone, but before returning from the mission, he flew low and pumped his machine guns into a North Korean oil tanker, the citation said. (Source: Stars & Stripes)

The colonel’s career spanned three wars. First he served in the Pacific during WWII, then he saw combat in Korea and finally ended his career with Vietnam.

1950: He’s a major now, still flying the Corsair, but in a different war, leading a division from the famous “Black Sheep,” flying over Inchon, Korea, from the deck of USS Sicily.

Reusser leads an attack against a North Korean vehicle park and factory, but the ferocity of the defense arouses his suspicions.

According to “Leatherneck Magazine,” he “set his Corsair snarling past the large factory building barely above the ground and close enough to actually look in the windows.” It was packed with Soviet-made tanks.

He flies to the Sicily to rearm and refuel, then returns, setting the factory ablaze with rockets and napalm.

He leads a low-level strike on oil storage tanks until all of his rockets and napalm are gone, then sets his sights on a camouflaged oil tanker at Inchon harbor, diving to mast height and raking the tanker with 20 mm gunfire. The tanker explodes, almost blowing Reusser’s Corsair out of the air. (Source: The Oregonian)

During the Vietnam war Colonel Reusser flew helicopters. Rest in peace Colonel Reusser, this nation owes you a debt of gratitude which can never be repaid.

On the night of Oct. 27, 1864, the men of the Union Picket Boat No. 1 volunteered to take on the  Confederate ship CSS Albemarle. The Albemarle was responsible for sinking many Union ship off the coast of North Carolina. It was a suicide mission and each sailor onboard knew that his chances of surviving the night were slim to none at all.

They beat the odds and sunk the CSS Albemarle, but the price was high. Two sailors died in the assault on the CSS Albemare. Seven of the survivors received the Congressional Medal of Honor for their bravery and heroism during the attack. Landsman Lorenzo Denning was one of those sailors.

A result of the dangerous and heroic attack was that ten of the crew members were captured by the Confederacy. They were sent to a prisoner of war camp near Salisbury, North Carolina. Lorenzo Deming was among them. He was 20 years old. The horrendous conditions at the POW camp resulted in Landsman Demming coming down with pneumonia. He died in captivity at the age of 21 and was buried in an unmarked grave along with many other unfortunate prisoners.

Lorenzo Deming, a 20-year-old from New Britain, Conn., was one of the soldiers captured in the attack and was later transferred to Salisbury to one of the 11 prison camps established by the Confederates. Deming died in captivity at the age of 21 from pneumonia, his remains thrown in one of the 18 trenches alongside the bodies with 11,700 other Union prisoners that died from disease and starvation at the camp. For 143 years, his grave has been unmarked. (source: Salisbury Post)

The VA has refused to place a marker on his grave because in 1992 his family had a stone in their local cemetery. Who can blame them. They took great pride in their ancestor. A warrior who for 143 years had no headstone, despite his distinction of being a Medal of Honor receipent. But Landsman Deming does not rest there. His remains still reside in an unmarked trench in Salisbury.

Lorenzo’s Medal of Honor citation reads:

Denning served on board the U.S. Picket Boat No. 1 in action, 27 October 1864, against the Confederate ram Albemarle which had resisted repeated attacks by our steamers and had kept a large force of vessels employed in watching her. The picket boat, equipped with a spar torpedo, succeeded in passing the enemy pickets within 20 yards without being discovered and then made for the Albemarle under a full head of steam. Immediately taken under fire by the ram, the small boat plunged on, jumped the log boom which encircled the target and exploded its torpedo under the port bow of the ram. The picket boat was destroyed by enemy fire and almost the entire crew taken prisoner or lost. (Source: Congressional Medal of Honor Society).

It is time to recognize this young man’s sacrifice and mark the ground where he rest with an appropriate marker. It is understandable his family in Conneticut wished to have a place to visit and remember their  fallen hero. But  the true resting place of this man’s grave must be noted. His final resting place should be marked. Something to remind those visiting Salisbury that beneath their feet lay the mortal remains of an American Hero.  It is time to render the respect this brave warrior earned. Stupid damned regulations be damned.