Only moments before they were poised to play the crisp notes of the “Star-Spangled Banner,” Navy Band No. 22 found itself amidst an unprecedented event – an aerial attack on an American naval base. Sirens blared through the air and the bandmembers dropped their instruments to join their fellow sa...
It has been 4 yrs 8 mos since I lost my beloved son. Brett was my oldest of 2 sons. He was only 22 yrs old when he was killed on Jan 7, 2006. Brett was such a fun loving child. He and his younger brother, Ed, grew up Marine brats. They were destined to be Marines, but I changed my youngest son's ...
Marine Corp Gonzales was assigned to 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Gonzales was killed when the armored personnel carrier he was riding in was ambushed by Iraqi soldiers dressed as civilians pretending to surrender near An Nasi...
Lt. Ronald Babcock was flying one of the OH6A Loaches and his door-gunner/observer, Fred Mooney, was the scout platoon sergeant. A man in his forties, Mooney was not required to fly, but he volunteered to show the young draftees that old lifers could be as tough as they were. Skimming low over th...
From the days of being your Wingman at UPT finding the best lunch locations for out and backs in the midwest, to finding ourselves flying recon in the 12 over Afghanistan, one thing remained consistent...we still knew how to keep a smile on our faces through it all. Here are some of your last wor...
Mike was killed while giving aid to a soldier from Co E (Recon) below Firebase Vehgel above the A Shau Valley. His and another comrades remains were not recovered for 3 days due to the units in the area being surrounded by around 250 NVA. Many men were wounded and a total of 6 more KIA’s resulted...
My grandad to whom I never knew, I was his namesake, so my grandmother, Marion Ells Hadley told me everything about him.
He was appointed to the Naval Academy from Moro,OR. in 1918. Commissioned Ensign 29 MAY 1922, he served on board many ships, including USS Pennsylvsnia, and USS S-27, and ...
My grandfather, Henry Swanson, was friends with Charles and was with him in when he was KIA. He spoke of him often, referring to him as a good friend and good guy. He was always upset when he spoke of the day Charles died. They went through very hard combat in the Hurtgen forest, and Battle of th...
Keith was a devoted father,son,and friend. As a senior flight medic he was devoted to his men and his patients. He was the reason so many soldiers made it home. He loved being a teacher and mentor. His children and family felt a terrible loss with his passing.We will forever love and remember our...
To the young man that lived a lifetime in just more than 25 years -you gave me another family. Thank you for your sacrafice, drive, and enthusiasm for life. You have an amazing family that truly shares you - each and every time we talk I get to know just a little more of you, Joe. It is becaus...
