Soldier Spotlight

Soldier Spotlight: Sergeant Ardie R. Copas

February 27, 2014 by Daniel

Medal of Honor nominee Ardie R. Copas was from Fort Pierce, Fla.

He joined the U.S. Army, June 18, 1969.

Then-Spc. 4 Ardie R. Copas distinguished himself on May 12, 1970, while serving as a machine-gunner near Ph Romeas Hek, Cambodia. When his convoy was ambushed, Copas repelled the enemy under heavy fire, holding his post while his wounded comrades were evacuated. Copas was killed in action.

In addition to the Medal of Honor, Copas received the Distinguished Service Cross (this award will be upgraded to the Medal of Honor on Mar. 18), Bronze Star Medal with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Marksmanship Badge with Auto Rifle Bar, Republic of Vietnam Military Merit Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Device, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with “60” Device, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm Device, Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Medal Unit Citation, First Class.

Citation for Distinguished Service Cross

For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the republic of Vietnam: Spc.4 Ardie R. Copas distinguished himself while serving as a machine-gunner aboard an armored personnel carrier during operations near Ph Romeas Hek, Cambodia.

In the early morning hours of May 12, 1970, Copas’ company was suddenly attacked by a large hostile force firing recoilless rifles, rocket propelled grenades, and automatic weapons. After Copas began returning fire, his armored car was struck by an enemy recoilless round, knocking him to the ground and injuring four American Soldiers beside the vehicle. Ignoring his own wounds, Copas quickly remounted the burning vehicle and commenced firing his machine-gun at the belligerents. Braving the hostile fire directed at him, and the possible detonation of the mortar rounds inside the track, Copas maintained a heavy volume of suppressive fire on the foe while the wounded Americans were safely evacuated. Undaunted, he continued to place devastating volleys of fire upon the adversary until he was mortally wounded when another enemy round hit his vehicle.

His daring action resulted in the safe evacuation of his comrades and prevented injury or death to fellow Americans. Copas’ extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Medal of Honor

Copas is set to receive the Medal of Honor posthumously in a ceremony at the White House on March 18.

Soldier Spotlight: Staff Sergeant Felix M. Conde-Falcon

February 26, 2014 by Daniel

Biography

Medal of Honor nominee Felix M. Conde-Falcon was born in Juncos, Puerto Rico, Feb. 24, 1938, and raised in Chicago, Ill.

He volunteered to join the U.S. Army in April 1963.

Conde-Falcon distinguished himself on April 4, 1969, while serving as a platoon leader during a sweep operation in the vicinity of Ap Tan Hoa, Vietnam, April 4, 1969. Conde-Falcon was killed in action that day after destroying multiple enemy bunkers and demonstrating extraordinary leadership under fire. He left behind a wife and two children.

In addition to the Medal of Honor, Conde-Falcon received the Distinguished Service Cross (this award will be upgraded to the Medal of Honor on Mar. 18), Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device and one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars, Combat Infantryman Badge, Sharpshooter Marksmanship Badge with Auto Rifle Bar, Expert Marksmanship Badge with Rifle Bar, Marksman Badge with Pistol Bar, Drill Sergeant Identification Badge, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm Device, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with “60” Device, Republic of Vietnam Merit Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm Device, Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Medal Unit Citation, First Class with Oak Leaf Cluster.

Citation for Distinguished Service Cross

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Staff Sgt. Felix M. Conde-Falcon, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company D, 1st Battalion, 505th Infantry, 3rd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division.

Conde-Falcon distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions, April 4, 1969, while serving as platoon leader during a sweep operation in the vicinity of Ap Tan Hoa, Vietnam. Entering a heavily wooded section on the route of advance, the company encountered an extensive enemy bunker complex, later identified as a battalion command post. Following tactical artillery and air strikes on the heavily secured communist position, the platoon of Conde-Falcon was selected to assault and clear the bunker fortifications. Moving out ahead of his platoon, he charged the first bunker, heaving grenades as he went. As the hostile fire increased, he crawled to the blind side of an entrenchment position, jumped to the roof, and tossed a lethal grenade into the bunker aperture. Without hesitating, he proceeded to two additional bunkers, both of which he destroyed in the same manner as the first. Rejoined with his platoon, he advanced about one hundred meters through the trees, only to come under intense hostile fire. Selecting three men to accompany him, he maneuvered toward the enemy’s flank position. Carrying a machine-gun, he single-handedly assaulted the nearest fortification, killing the enemy inside before running out of ammunition. After returning to the three men with his empty weapon and taking up an M-16 rifle, he concentrated on the next bunker. Within ten meters of his goal, he was shot by an unseen assailant and soon died of his wounds.

His great courage, his ability to act appropriately and decisively in accomplishing his mission, his dedication to the welfare of his men mark him as an outstanding leader Conde-Falcon’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Medal of Honor

Conde-Falcon is set to receive the Medal of Honor posthumously in a ceremony at the White House on March 18.

Soldier Spotlight: Private Pedro Cano

February 25, 2014 by Daniel

Biography

Medal of Honor nominee Pedro Cano was born in La Morita, Mexico, June 19, 1920.

He joined the U.S. Army in 1944, during World War II.

Cano is being recognized for his valorous actions in the months-long battle of Hurtgen Forest. He was advancing with his company near Schevenhütte, Germany, in December 1944, when the unit met heavy enemy resistance. During a two-day period, Cano eliminated nearly 30 enemy troops.

Sometime later, while on patrol, Cano and his platoon were surprised by German soldiers that caused numerous casualties within their platoon. Cano lay motionless on the ground until the assailants closed in, then tossed a grenade into their midst, wounding or killing all of them. It was in this engagement, or shortly thereafter, that Cano sustained serious injuries. He was returned to the States and placed in a Veterans hospital in Waco, Texas. After which, he returned home to his wife and daughter in Edinburg.

Cano would pass away six years later. Posthumously, Cano received the Texas Legislature Medal of Honor. A school in Edinburg, Texas is named after Cano.

In addition to the Medal of Honor, Cano received the Distinguished Service Cross (this award will be upgraded to the Medal of Honor on Mar. 18), Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with one Silver Service Star and Bronze Arrowhead, World War II Victory Medal, Army of Occupations Medal with Germany Clasp, Presidential Unit Citations, Belgian Fourragere, Combat Infantryman Badge and the Honorable Service Lapel Button-World War II.

Citation for Distinguished Service Cross

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Pvt. Pedro Cano, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy, while serving with Company C, 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Germany, Dec. 2, 1944.

On that date, the infantry company with which Cano was advancing near Schevenhutte, Germany, was halted by intense enemy machine-gun fire. Armed with a rocket launcher, Cano crawled through a heavily-mined area, under a hail of fire, and reached a point within ten yards of the nearest emplacement. He fired a rocket into the position, killing the two gunners and five supporting riflemen; fired into a second position killing two more gunners; and with hand grenades killed several and dispersed other protecting riflemen. Then, when an adjacent company encountered heavy fire, Cano crossed his company front, crept to within fifteen yards of the nearest enemy emplacement, and killed the two machine-gunners with a rocket. With another round he killed two more gunners and destroyed a second gun. On the following day when his company renewed the attack and again encountered heavy machine-gun fire, Cano, armed with his rocket launcher, again went forward over fire-swept terrain and destroyed three enemy machine-guns in succession, killing the six gunners. His daring actions, without thought of his own safety, permitted the advance of his company.

Cano’s conspicuous heroism, and his fearless determination and courageous devotion to duty, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 4th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Medal of Honor

Cano is set to receive the Medal of Honor posthumously in a ceremony at the White House on March 18.

Soldier Spotlight: Corporal Joe R. Baldonado

February 24, 2014 by Daniel

Biography

Medal of Honor nominee Joe R. Baldonado was born in Colorado, Aug. 28, 1930.

He joined the U.S. Army as a light weapons infantryman (parachutist) during the Korean War.

Baldonado distinguished himself on Nov. 25, 1950, while serving as a machine-gunner in the vicinity of Kangdong, Korea. Baldonado’’s platoon was occupying Hill 171 when the enemy attacked, attempting to take their position. Baldonado held an exposed position, cutting down wave after wave of enemy troops even as they targeted attacks on his position. During the final assault by the enemy, a grenade landed near Baldanado’s gun, killing him instantly. His remains still have not been found.

Baldonado’s acts of bravery were briefly described in a book, “Disaster in Korea: The Chinese Confront MacArthur.”

In addition to the Medal of Honor, Baldonado received the Distinguished Service Cross (this award will be upgraded to the Medal of Honor on Mar. 18), Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, United Nations Service Medal, Republic of Korea-Korean War Service Medal.

Citation for Distinguished Service Cross

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Cpl. Joe R. Baldonado, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving as a machine-gunner with Company B, 187th Airborne Infantry Regiment, Nov. 25, 1950, at Hill 171 in the vicinity of Kangdong, Korea.

At 4 a.m., Nov. 25, 1950, the Second Platoon of Company B was occupying positions on Hill 171, near Kangdong, when the enemy launched a strong attack in an effort to seize the hill. By 6 a.m., the platoon had expended most of its ammunition in repelling the enemy attack, and the platoon leader decided to commit his third squad, with its supply of ammunition, in the defensive action. Since there was not time to dig in because of the proximity of the enemy, who had advanced to within twenty-five yards of the platoon positions, Baldonado, a machine-gunner of the third squad, placed his weapon in an exposed position and delivered a withering stream of fire on the advancing enemy, causing them to fall back in disorder. The enemy then concentrated all their fire on Baldonado’s gun, and attempted to knock it out by rushing the position in small groups and hurling grenades. Several times grenades exploded extremely close to Baldonado, but failed to interrupt his continuous firing. The hostile troops made repeated attempts to storm his position and were driven back each time with appalling casualties. The enemy finally withdrew at 7 a.m., after making a final assault on Baldonado’s position, during which a grenade landed near his gun, killing him instantly.

Medal of Honor

Baldonado is set to receive the Medal of Honor posthumously in a ceremony at the White House on March 18.

Soldier Spotlight: Specialist 4 Leonard L. Alvarado

February 23, 2014 by Daniel

Biography

He enlisted in the U. S. Army, July 25, 1968. Medal of Honor nominee Leonard Alvarado was born in Bakersfield, Calif., Feb. 13, 1947.

Alvarado distinguished himself on Aug. 12, 1969, while serving as a rifleman during a mission to relieve a sister platoon, in Phuoc Long Province, Vietnam. Alvarado was killed in action after disrupting an enemy raid and saving the lives of several comrades, leaving behind his wife and young daughter.

In addition to the Medal of Honor, Alvarado received the Distinguished Service Cross (this award will be upgraded to the Medal of Honor on Mar. 18), Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal with “V” Device, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with “60” Device, Valorous Unit Award, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm Device, Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Medal Unit Citation First Class, Combat Infantryman Badge and the Expert Marksmanship Badge with Rifle, Auto Rifle and Machine-Gun Bars.

Citation for Distinguished Service Cross

For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam: Spc.4 Leonard L. Alvarado distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions, Aug. 12, 1969, while serving as a rifleman during a mission to relieve a beleaguered sister platoon in Phuoc Long Province, Vietnam.

As he and other members of the small reaction force moved through dense jungle, Alvarado detected enemy movement and opened fire. Despite his quick reaction, he and his comrades were quickly pinned down by the hostile force that blocked the path to the trapped platoon. Alvarado quickly moved forward through the hostile machine-gun fire in order to engage the enemy troops. Suddenly, an enemy grenade exploded nearby, wounding and momentarily stunning him. Retaliating immediately, he killed the grenadier just as another enemy barrage wounded him again. He crawled forward through the fusillade to pull several comrades back within the hastily-formed perimeter. Realizing that his element must break away from the hostile force, he began maneuvering forward alone. Though repeatedly thrown to the ground by exploding satchel charges, he continued advancing and firing, silencing several emplacements, including one enemy machine-gun position. From his dangerous forward position, he persistently laid suppressive fire on the hostile forces, and after the enemy troops had broken contact, his comrades discovered that he had succumbed to his wounds.

Alvarado’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Medal of Honor

Alvarado is set to receive the Medal of Honor posthumously in a ceremony at the White House on March 18.

Soldier Spotlight: Staff Sgt. Joshua Reid and Master Sgt. William Fritsch

December 5, 2013 by Daniel

Crew members from Pedro 61; from left to right: Master Sgt. William Fritsch, Tech Sgt. Justin Wilks, Capt. Brian Dicks and Capt. Ryan Prince. Fritsch and Prince are among those receiving awards. (Air Force)

Fifteen seconds. That’s how long Staff Sgt. Joshua Reid and Master Sgt. William Fritsch were on the ground to pick up four critically wounded soldiers Dec. 10 near Sperwan Ghar, Afghanistan. Getting the soldiers to a hospital was crucial — but so was avoiding enemy small arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades.

Flight engineers Reid and Fritsch received the Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor at a ceremony today at the 55th Rescue Squadron at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., for their roles in the combat rescue. Also honored, with the Air Medal with Valor, were aerial gunner Staff Sgt. Jason St John and pilots 1st Lt. Patrick Mount and Capt. Ryan Prince.

“I wasn’t expecting it,” Reid said. “I didn’t feel that we would be given anything extra for just doing our jobs.”

The members of the 55th RQS at Kandahar Airfieldhad just worked a full 12-hour shift when they received a call to rescue the wounded Regional Command South soldiers about 40 miles away. Their flight, Pedro 61 and 62, carried four aircrew members, plus three pararescue jumpers and medics from the 48th RQS on each HH-60G helicopter.

Soldier Spotlight: Sgt. Joshua Moore

October 28, 2013 by Daniel

Marine Scout Sniper Sgt. Joshua Moore will receive the Navy Cross later this week.

Sgt. Joshua Moore Navy Cross — photo credit: Marine Corps

The Navy Cross is in recognition of heroism, and second to the Medal of Honor which is for combat valor.

Sgt. Joshua Moore will be receiving his Navy Cross during a ceremony on Nov. 1 at Camp Lejeune, NC.

So, what’s the story on Sgt. Joshua Moore?

According to Marine Corps Times:

According to his Navy Cross citation, Moore was a lance corporal when his scout sniper element came under fire while occupying a compound north of Marjah. Two Marines were quickly wounded, and an insurgent tossed two grenades over a wall into the structure.

“Without hesitation, Lance Corporal Moore threw the closest grenade out of the compound before it exploded,” his citation says. “Realizing seconds later that the second grenade was not going to explode he charged out of the compound to aid the wounded. Though instantly taken under fire by an enemy force one hundred meters away, Lance Corporal Moore audaciously stood his ground, returning fire with his M4 rifle and M203 grenade launcher.”

Moore’s effort forced the insurgents to abandon their position, buying his team time to regroup and aid the wounded Marines, the citation says. He then assisted in scouting and securing a landing zone for a medical evacuation.

Moore told the Courier-Tribune of Asheboro, N.C., that he recalls being hit in the back with something, and then turned and saw a fellow Marine staring at a pair of hand grenades at his feet. He threw the first one out the window before it exploded, and saw that the second one had corrosion around its top.

“It’s like my brain was kind of processing everything at hyperspeed,” he told the newspaper. “It really was just a divine moment — something giving me the sense that, hey, this is not a threat to you. I knew I was in the frag radius so I just dropped it and I took cover from the first grenade.”

Soldier Spotlight: Army Capt. William D. Swenson receives Medal of Honor

October 18, 2013 by Daniel

Former Army Capt. William D. Swenson received the nation’s highest military award for valor, the Medal of Honor, for actions during a fierce, six-hour battle following a deadly ambush in Afghanistan.

Army Capt. William D. Swenson receives Medal of Honor

WASHINGTON (Army News Service, Oct. 15, 2013) — Former Army Capt. William D. Swenson received the nation’s highest military award for valor, the Medal of Honor, for actions during a fierce, six-hour battle following a deadly ambush in Afghanistan.

Swenson, who is the first Army officer to receive the Medal of Honor for actions in Iraq or Afghanistan, was honored at the White House, Oct. 15.

Guests at the ceremony included other Medal of Honor recipients, members of Swenson’s team, and the families of service members who died in battle.

Secretary of the Army John McHugh, Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Ray Odierno, Under Secretary of the Army Dr. Joseph W. Westphal, and Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond F. Chandler III also attended.

Before draping the medal around Swenson’s neck, President Barack Obama recounted the heroic actions of the Army officer who saved more than a dozen lives during the Battle of Ganjgal in Kunar Province, Sept. 8, 2009.

Swenson is the second person to receive the Medal of Honor for that battle. Then-Marine Cpl. Dakota Meyer was honored for his valor two years ago.

Swenson is a remarkable example to the nation of the professionalism and patriotism that everyone should strive for, the president said.

Soldier Spotlight: Sgt Theresa Vail

September 14, 2013 by Daniel

From Camo to Runway

Theresa Vail isn’t looking to shock the nation at the 2014 Miss America Pageant, but she is trying to empower women to overcome stereotypes and break barriers, she wrote on her blog.

Vail, who is competing as Miss Kansas in the 93rd edition of the pageant, announced in the blog post that she will have her two tattoos visibly exposed during the competition. She is thought to be the first contestant in the history of the pageant to do so.

That decision has generated national attention, including a profile in People magazine. The preliminary portion of the pageant begins Tuesday in Atlantic City, N.J.

“I am writing this post just weeks away from competing for Miss America because I do not want to shock the nation when I’m seen in a swimsuit, bearing my marks. I want to explain the meanings and reasons behind them, and why I am opting to show them proudly,” Vail wrote on her blog in August.

Vail, who is a 22-year-old student at Kansas State, is a sergeant in the Kansas Army National Guard’s Medical Detachment, an avid bowhunter and an expert marksman.

One of her tattoos is the “Serenity Prayer.”

“I was growing up amidst the bullying and neglect, I found myself asking God on a daily basis to give me peace in knowing I cannot change certain things about myself, but also asking Him to give me the strength to change things that I had the power to. Praying to Him for these characteristics got me through my adolescent years, high school and boot camp. When I was 20 years old, I knew I wanted to always be reminded of my past and its connection to this prayer. Thus, I chose to have it tattooed onto my body. I have no regrets,” the blog explains.

Her second tattoo relates to her military service.

“The second is the military medical insignia. Though much smaller than the prayer, the significance is just as great. Since I was a child, God placed a strong passion for service into my heart. Service to my Country, and service to people through medicine. In the middle of this symbol is the letter ‘D’ to represent my dad, whose influence was paramount in choosing this career path,” she wrote.

On the blog, she defended her decision to leave the tattoos visible:

“Why am I choosing to bear my tattoos? Reference A; my platform! Empowering women to OVERCOME stereotypes and break barriers. What a hypocrite I would be if I covered the ink. With my platform, how could I tell other women to be fearless and be true to themselves if I can’t do the same? Now, had my platform been something entirely different, maybe the tables would be turned. Maybe. But I am who I am, tattoos and all.”

Vail, who won the Miss Kansas title after winning Miss Leavenworth County, is attempting to be the first Miss America from Kansas since 1997, when Tara Dawn Holland, of Overland Park, won.

via Stripes

Soldier Spotlight: Medal of Honor Recipient Chaplain (Capt.) Emil J. Kapaun

August 23, 2013 by Daniel

Kapun carries Soldier — Photo Credit: ACME Photo
Father Emil Kapaun (right) and a doctor carry an exhausted Soldier off a battlefield in Korea, early in the war. The photo shows Kapaun to the GI’s left. The soldier on the GI’s right side was Capt. Jerome A. Dolan, a medical officer with the 8th Cavalry regiment.

Chaplain Emil J. Kapaun, while assigned to Headquarters Company, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism, patriotism, and selfless service between Nov. 1-2, 1950. During the Battle of Unsan, Kapaun was serving with the 3rd Battalion of the 8th Cavalry Regiment. As Chinese Communist forces encircled the battalion, Kapaun moved fearlessly from foxhole to foxhole under direct enemy fire in order to provide comfort and reassurance to the outnumbered Soldiers. He repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to recover wounded men, dragging them to safety. When he couldn’t drag them, he dug shallow trenches to shield them from enemy fire. As Chinese forces closed in, Kapaun rejected several chances to escape, instead volunteering to stay behind and care for the wounded. He was taken as a prisoner of war by Chinese forces on Nov. 2, 1950.

After he was captured, Kapaun and other prisoners were marched for several days northward toward prisoner-of-war camps. During the march Kapaun led by example in caring for injured Soldiers, refusing to take a break from carrying the stretchers of the wounded while encouraging others to do their part.

Once inside the dismal prison camps, Kapaun risked his life by sneaking around the camp after dark, foraging for food, caring for the sick, and encouraging his fellow Soldiers to sustain their faith and their humanity. On at least one occasion, he was brutally punished for his disobedience, being forced to sit outside in subzero weather without any garments. When the Chinese instituted a mandatory re-education program, Kapaun patiently and politely rejected every theory put forth by the instructors. Later, Kapaun openly flouted his captors by conducting a sunrise service on Easter morning, 1951.

When Kapaun began to suffer from the physical toll of his captivity, the Chinese transferred him to a filthy, unheated hospital where he died alone. As he was being carried to the hospital, he asked God’s forgiveness for his captors, and made his fellow prisoners promise to keep their faith. Chaplain Kapaun died in captivity on May 23, 1951.

Chaplain Emil J. Kapaun repeatedly risked his own life to save the lives of hundreds of fellow Americans. His extraordinary courage, faith and leadership inspired thousands of prisoners to survive hellish conditions, resist enemy indoctrination, and retain their faith in God and country. His actions reflect the utmost credit upon him, the 1st Cavalry Division, and the United States Army.

via The United States Army