Memorial Day, sometimes it is hard to remember the significance of this day as we prepare for picnics and cookouts. Today is a day of thanks for those who laid down their life for the freedoms we enjoy.
Lt. John Finn (U.S. Navy ret.) passed away recently and was a unique man: the last Medal of Honor recipient from the attack on Pearl Harbor. His Medal citation states rather clearly what type of hero this man was:
“For extraordinary heroism, distinguished service, and devotion above and beyond the call of duty. During the first attack by Japanese airplanes on the Naval Air Station, Kanoehe Bay, on 7 December 1941, Lieutenant Finn promptly secured and manned a 50-caliber machine gun mounted on an instruction stand in a completely exposed section of the parking ramp, which was under heavy enemy machine-gun strafing fire. Although painfully wounded many times, he continued to man this gun and to return the enemy’s fire vigorously and with telling effect throughout the enemy strafing and bombing attacks and with complete disregard for his own personal safety. It was only by specific orders that he was persuaded to leave his post to seek medical attention. Following first-aid treatment, although obviously suffering much pain and moving with great difficulty, he returned to the squadron area and actively supervised the rearming of returning planes. His extraordinary heroism and conduct in this action were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. ”
It is unfortunate that we need this level of sacrifice from our fellow countrymen, that blood must be the price of our freedom. We, as a country can never repay the debt we owe these brave men and women who serve in our armed forces, as all I have to offer is my heart-felt thanks and eternal gratitude.
Posted on May 31st, 2010 by Shawn
Filed under: General
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