Citation1st Sgt. McNerney distinguished himself when his unit was attacked by a North Vietnamese battalion near polei Doc. Running through the hail of enemy fire to the area of heaviest contact, he was assisting in the development of a defensive perimeter when he encountered several enemy at close range. He killed the enemy but was painfully injured when blown from his feet by a grenade. In spite of this injury, he assaulted and destroyed an enemy machinegun position that had pinned down 5 of his comrades beyond the defensive line. Upon learning his commander and artillery forward observer had been killed, he assumed command of the company. He adjusted artillery fire to within 20 meters of the position in a daring measure to repulse ??enemy assaults. When the smoke grenades used to mark the position were gone, he moved into a nearby clearing to designate the location to friendly aircraft. In spite of enemy fire he remained exposed until he was certain the position was spotted and then climbed into a tree and tied the identification panel to its highest branches. Then he moved among his men readjusting their position, encouraging the defenders and checking the wounded. As the hostile assaults slackened, he began clearing a helicopter landing site to evacuate the wounded. When explosives were needed to remove large trees, he crawled outside the relative safety of his perimeter to collect demolition material from abandoned rucksacks. Moving through a fusillade of fire he returned with the explosives that were vital to the clearing of the landing zone. Disregarding the pain of his injury and refusing medical evacuation 1st Sgt. McNerney remained with his unit until the next day when the new commander arrived. First Sgt. McNerney's outstanding heroism and leadership were inspirational to his comrades. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Soldiers reunite to give Houston war hero final salute
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Wednesday Hero
Sgt. Kristopher J. Battles, the combat artist with the National Museum of the Marine Corps, stands in front of his paintings, May 5, 2010, at the John F. Kennedy School of Government for Harvard University. Battles showed several paintings, sketches and portraits for residents and tourists to see the artwork of a combat artist, in Cambridge, Mass., to help tell the Marine Corps story during Marine Week.
Photo Courtesy United States Marine Corps.
These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.
We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived
This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.
--
Christopher Lee
Wednesday Hero
Geek, Conservative, Music Addict
Gooner Til I Die
Our Constitution is a document in which
"We the people" tell the government what
it is allowed to do. "We the people" are free.
Find Me On BloggerWordpressFacebookTwitter Sphere: Related Content
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Sheriff: Suspected child rapist hangs himself in Galveston County Jail
by Michelle Homer / khou.com
Posted on May 10, 2010 at 1:51 PM
Updated yesterday at 6:36 PM
Related:
* Justice for Jennifer: Suspect arrested in 1990 rape of 8-year-old girl
* HPD sketch artist was haunted by 1990 abduction, rape of 8-year-old girl
* Bond set at $1M for 1990 rape case suspect
* Jennifer Schuett: 'I am not a victim'
* Cold case detective grateful for DNA test refusal
DICKINSON, Texas — A suspect jailed for the 1990 rape and attempted capital murder of Jennifer Schuett hung himself in the Galveston County Jail early Monday morning.
Dennis Earl Bradford "fashioned a crude noose from a bed cover" to commit suicide, according to Galveston County investigators.
Bradford was discovered by a deputy and medical personnel on routine rounds shortly after 1 a.m. He was pronounced dead on arrival at UTMB.
"I am shocked and disappointed at the news of Bradford resulting to suicide, as I looked forward to facing him in the court room this Fall, and now feel as though I was robbed of that opportunity," Schuett said in a written statement." I can say that I feel very blessed and grateful that I was able to find out who attacked me all of those years ago, and that he was arrested last year, and taken off of the streets so that he couldn’t harm anyone else."
Bradford, 40, had been in the Galveston County Jail since his arrest in Little Rock, Arkansas last October. It took detectives nearly two decades to solve the Schuett case.
Schuett was 8 years old when she woke up in a field in 1990, naked and covered with fire ants. The man who abducted her from her Dickinson apartment had sexually assaulted her, cut her throat and left her in the field to die.
Schuett was slowly bleeding to death, but she couldn’t scream for help because her voice box had been cut.
Fourteen hours later, some children found her and called for help. Schuett was rushed by helicopter to a Galveston hospital, barely alive.
Investigators found Schuett’s pink pajama top and underwear a few miles from where she was assaulted. They also recovered a man’s T-shirt and underwear. Back then, large amounts of blood or body fluids were needed to test DNA, and there just wasn’t enough.
Dickinson Detective Tim Cromie was assigned to the cold case in 2008. He teamed up with FBI Special Agent Richard Rennison.
They convinced the FBI lab to retest the clothing at their lab in Quantico, Virginia and those tests linked Bradford to the case.
After Bradford’s arrest, a tearful Schuett thanked the investigators for their "hard work and dedication."
"Throughout this journey, I’ve had two main goals and they were to find the man who kidnapped, sexually assaulted and attempted to murder me 19 years ago so that he could not hurt anyone else," Schuett said. "And to use my voice in telling my story to as many people as I possibly could over the years in hopes that I may encourage other victims of violent crimes to stand up and speak out against criminals."
Bradford had been living in Little Rock for seven years when he was arrested. He was married with children.
Bradford served time in Arkansas for the 1996 abduction of a 35-year-old woman he had met at a nightclub. He also raped her and slit her throat. He was released from prison after serving four years of a 12 year sentence.
Doctors initially told Schuett’s mother that she would never talk again because of the damage to her voice box. After weeks in the hospital, she proved them wrong.
Now Schuett believes she got her voice back so that she could speak out about her experience.
"I hope that my case will remain as a reminder to all victims of violent crime to never give up hope in seeking justice, not matter how long it may take or how hard it may be," Schuett said. "With determination and by using your voice to speak out, you are capable of anything."
Schuett hopes to get a degree in criminology so that she can use her own horrific experience to help other crime victims.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Wednesday Hero
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Keith Dewayne Andrews, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action during the ground assault of Operation DESERT STORM. Sergeant Andrews showed extraordinary courage once he observed that air support had by-passed two Iraqi machine gun positions, leaving a Humvee with five soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division pinned down by enemy cross fire. Sergeant Andrews negotiated a minefield while fighting his way to the top of the enemy bunker, destroying it with a fragmentation hand grenade. Being out of ammo, Sergeant Andrews resourcefully obtained the enemy machine gun using it to fight his way up the second Iraqi fighting position. Over all, Sergeant Andrews single-handedly killed some twenty-five enemy combatants to secure two enemy bunkers. This allowed for the quick evacuation of the five wounded soldiers thus saving their lives. These brave and selfless actions of Sergeant Andrews bring great credit to himself, his unit and the United States Army.
These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.
We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived
This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.
--
Christopher Lee
Wednesday Hero
Geek, Conservative, Music Addict
Gooner Til I Die
Our Constitution is a document in which
"We the people" tell the government what
it is allowed to do. "We the people" are free. Sphere: Related Content
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Wednesday Hero
This Post Was Suggested By Mark Bell
November 20, 1927 - August 20, 2008
For The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Captain Ed W. Freeman, United States Army, for numerous acts of conspicuous gallantry and extraordinary intrepidity on 14 November 1965 while serving with Company A, 229th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), action against enemy aggressor forces at LZ X-Ray, Ia Drang Valley, Republic of Vietnam, on 14 November 1965 As a flight leader and second in command of a 16-helicopter lift unit, he supported a heavily engaged American infantry battalion at Landing Zone X-Ray in the Ia Drang Valley, Republic of Vietnam. The infantry unit was almost out of ammunition after taking some of the heaviest casualties of the war, fighting off a relentless attack from a highly motivated, heavily armed enemy force. When the infantry commander closed the helicopter landing zone due to intense direct enemy fire, Captain Freeman risked his own life by flying his unarmed helicopter through a gauntlet of enemy fire time after time, delivering critically needed ammunition, water, and medical supplies to the besieged battalion. His flights had a direct impact on the battle's outcome by providing the engaged units with timely supplies of ammunition critical to their survival, without which they would almost surely have experienced a much greater loss of life. After medical evacuation helicopters refused to fly into the area due to intense enemy fire, Captain Freeman flew 14 separate rescue missions, providing life-saving evacuation of an estimated 30 seriously wounded soldiers -- some of whom would not have survived had he not acted. All flights were made into a small emergency landing zone within 100 to 200 meters of the defensive perimeter where heavily committed units were perilously holding off the attacking elements. Captain Freeman's selfless acts of great valor, extraordinary perseverance, and intrepidity were far above and beyond the call of duty or mission and set a superb example of leadership and courage for all of his peers. Captain Freeman's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
In 2002, Capt. Ed "Too Tall" Freeman was portrayed by actor Mark McCraken in the movie "We Were Soldiers". Capt. Freeman passed away in 2008 due to complications of Parkinson's.
Here is a great article on Capt. Freeman and his award ceremony.
These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.
We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived
This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.
--
Christopher Lee
Wednesday Hero - Google It
http://twitter.com/NativePatriot
http://rightwingrightminded.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/people/Christhopher-Lee/505116977
Who are you and who am I
To say we know the reason why
Some are born some men die
Beneath one infinite sky Sphere: Related Content
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Wednesday Hero
This Weeks Post Was Suggested By Cindy
506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division
John "Jack" Agnew, one of the original members of an Army unit that operated behind enemy lines in World War II and is often credited with having loosely inspired the movie "The Dirty Dozen", has died at age 88.
Agnew belonged to the Filthy Thirteen, an unofficial unit within the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. He was pronounced dead last Thursday at Abington Memorial Hospital after becoming ill at his home in the Maple Village retirement community in Hatboro, where he and his wife moved about a year ago, his daughter Barbara Agnew Maloney said.
You Can Read The Rest Of The Article Here And More Info On The "Filthy Thirteen" Can Be Found Here
These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.
We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived
This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.
--
Christopher Lee
Wednesday Hero - Google It
http://twitter.com/NativePatriot
http://rightwingrightminded.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/people/Christhopher-Lee/505116977
Who are you and who am I
To say we know the reason why
Some are born some men die
Beneath one infinite sky Sphere: Related Content
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Wednesday Hero
Second Battalion, Fourth Marine Regiment, FIRST Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Major James E. Booker, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Sergeant Major, Second Battalion, Fourth Marine Regiment, FIRST Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, U. S. Marine Corps Forces, Central Command, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM from February to September 2004. Sergeant Major Booker courageously exposed himself to enemy fire while leading Marines and eliminating enemy forces in several battalion engagements. On 31 March 2004 the forward command element came under intense machine gun and rocket-propelled grenade fire. With utter disregard for his own safety, Sergeant Major Booker dismounted the vehicle, engaged the enemy and forced their withdrawal. He pursued his attackers down several darkened city streets and mortally wounded a rocket-propelled grenade gunner who was engaging the Command Group. Sergeant Major Booker subsequently led a search that resulted in the arrest and capture of an eight-man cell and several weapons. On 10 April 2004, the forward command element came under fire from insurgents during cordon and search operations. He calmly led a team of Marines in a counterattack, personally clearing several buildings, eliminating one insurgent fighter, and facilitating the evacuation of a severely wounded Marine. Sergeant Major Booker's efforts enabled the forward command element to regain freedom of maneuver and inspired Marines to fearlessly engage the enemy. By his bold leadership, wise judgment, and loyal dedication to duty, Sergeant Major Booker reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.
We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived
This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.
--
Christopher Lee
Wednesday Hero
Geek, Conservative, Music Addict
Gooner Til I Die
Our Constitution is a document in which
"We the people" tell the government what
it is allowed to do. "We the people" are free.
Find Me On BloggerWordpressFacebookTwitter Sphere: Related Content
Friday, April 9, 2010
Girl's stepdad defends 3 accused of raping her
TRENTON, N.J. — A horrifying case — a gang rape of a 7-year-old girl sold by her teen stepsister to armed men — grew more bizarre when the victim's stepfather showed up outside the Trenton courthouse on Thursday to say that three of the five accused had actually tried to help the girl.
He was summoned to the courthouse by family members of the suspects, who have his phone number on speed dial, a seemingly strange alliance amid a crime that has inflamed a poor community.
“These three had nothing to do with nothing; I don't know why they locked them up,” the stepfather said of Gregory Leary, 20; Timear Lewis, 19, and a 17-year-old whom authorities have not identified because of his age.
The Associated Press generally does not identify people alleging sex crimes and is not naming the stepfather to avoid identifying the girl.
In all, five men and boys have been arrested on suspicion of raping the girl. The other suspects are ages 13 and 14. The 15-year-old stepsister also has been charged with promoting prostitution.
Lewis is scheduled to make his first court appearance on Friday. It was his mother who called the girl's stepfather, imploring him to come to the courthouse to talk to reporters.
“Please tell them my son did not do this,” Tracy Lewis said. “He was there but he didn't touch anyone.”
Police say there is DNA evidence of the crime, but the prosecution may hinge on the word of a little girl, her troubled stepsister and the other men and boys who watched the crime.
According to police, the 7-year-old was prostituted out by her 15-year-old stepsister, who watched as she was raped by as many as seven men and boys at a party at the Rowan Tower apartments on March 28. As many as a dozen people were at the party, held in a vacant apartment in the crime-plagued public housing complex not far from the New Jersey Statehouse.
Investigators said that soon after arriving, the older girl took money to have sex with several men at a party, including Leary. The teen then gave some of the money she had collected to the younger girl to let the men start touching her. It soon escalated to rape, police said, and the men threatened to kill the child if she screamed or told anyone, police said.
The girl later put on her clothes and left the apartment; her older stepsister stayed, police say. Two women found the child crying outside the apartment and walked her home, where police were waiting because the girls' parents had reported them missing.
The girl told police what happened and her sister was soon found and arrested.
“She should have never took my daughter there,” the father said of his 15-year-old.
While the father thinks that three of the men may have tried to get the young girl out of the apartment, he doesn't dispute the fact that she was raped by several men.
“My daughter said these guys were trying to help her,” he said. “If you had a gun pointed to your head, you wouldn't be able to do nothing, either.”
Deputy kills man holding rifle in NE Harris County
A veteran Harris County Sheriff's deputy shot and killed a man who had threatened
him with a Taser at a home in the Atascocita area early this morning after an alleged assault at a nearby bar, officials said.
The deputy also shot the man's dog which became very aggressive after the man told the animal to attack the lawman during a confrontation before the fatal shooting.
The shooting occurred at the house in the 3800 block of Beckett Ridge Drive about 12:15 a.m., according to the Harris County Sheriff's Office.
The man, whose name has not been released, was shot at least once and died at the scene.
The deputy, whose name has not been released, was not injured. He’s been with the sheriff’s office for 19 years.
The deputy drove to the home in northeast Harris County to investigate an assault that had taken place a short time earlier at a sports bar on FM 1960, said Deputy Janie Wagner, spokeswoman for the sheriff's office.
When the deputy walked to the front door the man, who was a suspect in the assault, opened the door and was holding a rifle, Wagner said.
The deputy convinced the man to put down the gun and then tried to take him into custody for the assault at the bar. But the man struggled against the deputy. Wagner said the deputy used his Taser on the man, but he was unaffected and yanked the Taser away from the deputy.
He pressed the Taser against the deputy as if he was about to use it. He also commanded his pitbull more than once to attack the deputy.
Fearing for his life, the deputy fired his handgun at least once, hitting the man, Wagner said.
Then he shot the dog, which had become very agitated and aggressive toward him, Wagner added. Officials did not know the the dog’s condition.
The man's wife was at home at the time of the shooting. She was not hurt.
It is unclear what led to the alleged assault at the bar.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Wednesday Hero
Aviation Support Equipment Technician Airman Sasha Sales, from Gulf Shore, Ala., looks away as Sgt. Richard Montes, from San Antonio, Texas, draws blood samples during a blood drive at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.
Photo Courtesy United States Navy taken by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nardelito Gervacio
These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.
We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived
This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.
--
Christopher Lee
Wednesday Hero
Our Constitution is a document in which
"We the people" tell the government what
it is allowed to do. "We the people" are free. Sphere: Related Content
