Last week I gave short shrift to former Palm Coast resident and Medal of Honor winner James Elliott Williams.
After all, he is the most decorated man in Navy history. As dramatic as that sounds, it still doesn't tell the whole story.
"Just" winning the Medal of Honor, should be enough, because no one just earns that award. It takes an Act of Congress -- literally.
My Webster's Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary defines this award as "the nation's highest military decoration, awarded in the name of Congress to a soldier, sailor, or marine, who, in action involving actual combat with an enemy, distinguishes himself conspicuously, at the risk of life, by gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty."
A recitation of his courageous acts is so impressive that walking on water would almost seem to pale in comparison.
Some, but not all, of Williams' other awards include the Navy Cross, 2 Silver stars, 3 Bronze Stars, 3 Purple Hearts and 5 Good Conduct Medals.
Only 5?
But the Medal of Honor is special. So special that it's against the law to wear it unless you're the recipient. Of the 3,408 people who received this decoration as of 5/13/1997 (19 received it twice!), only one was a woman.
Mary Walker was a Union nurse at the Battle of Bull Run (Manassas to those with a Confederate perspective) who later was appointed assistant surgeon. Towards the end of the war she was captured and held in a Confederate prison for four months.
She was given the Medal of Honor in 1866. Years later; however, the War Department, after investigating reports of abuse and misuse of this award for decades, stripped her of the medal and demanded that she return it, which she didn't.
Apparently some folks were manufacturing and selling fraudulent medals. In 1916, the Department decreed that any past and future awards had to demonstrate overwhelming valor in combat.
As for Walker, President Jimmy Cater reinstated her award in 1977.
Reviewing the history of the nation's highest award is revealing. About half of all Medals of Honor were given to veterans in the Civil War. Up to and including World War I, the percentage increases to 76%. World War II, Korean, and Vietnam War awardees comprise 13%, 4%, and 7%, respectively.
Numbers help.
James Williams was leading a patrol of two so-called PBR's (River Patrol Boats) on the Mekong River. What began as an engagement with two North Vietnamese sampans evolved into a three-hour battle, much of it before air support arrived, against as many as 500 to 1,000 enemy troops, and ended with Williams' group destroying 65 enemy boats.
But numbers alone can never adequately tell the human story.
I spoke with his widow last week and she said that despite his unparalleled military record, he was a humble, respectful man, giving credit first to the men who served with him.
A gentleman at Palm Coast's VFW Post 8696 gave a similar account. He said that Mr. Williams was reluctant to talk about his exploits, choosing to keep those stories and memories to himself.
Today, the original Memorial -- or Decoration -- Day, is an opportunity to think about those whose actions have bequeathed to us our free country.
When you approach the front door at Post 8696, you immediately noticed two black marble panels, one on either side of the entrance. 234 names are inscribed on the "Veterans Memorial." Williams is listed at the top with the words Medal of Honor appearing under his name.
But the story doesn't end there.
Last Saturday the Navy held a ceremony in Darlington, South Carolina, to name an Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyer, DDG-95.
Settling on the title of a Naval vessel is no insignificant task. It must capture the right spirit to inspire those who shall serve on it. It should represent the best traditions of the Navy. It should be special.
The Navy was to provide all the appropriate military pomp for the affair: a band from Jacksonville, color guard, and comments from the brass.
What's the name of this new addition to our fleet?
The USS James E. Williams.
++++
Fred W. Apelquist, III, M.Ed.
Approximately 690 words.
(c) 2001