Memorial Day, 2021

More than 3500 individuals have been awarded the military's highest honor, the Medal of Honor. Only around 100 are currently alive. First authorized in 1861, it was first awarded to an Army Private named Jacob Parrott. He was part of some Union volunteers who road a train into Georgia, stole the train at a stop, and wreacked havoc on the rails until they were caught. Then there was Dr. Mary Walker, a Union field surgeon at a time when women weren't allowed to serve or even be doctors. Still, she treated civilians and soldiers regardless of their associations. She was shot at and even captured, but she kept it up. The award was rescinded in 1917 and restored in 1977 and Mary remains the first woman to receive it.

During a suprise attack of Japanese forces one night in Iwo Jima, Corporal Charles Berry found himself juggling grenades. Japanese soldiers would lob them into his foxhole and he'd scoop them up and throw them back. When he was unable to reach one in time, he dove on top of it and took the blast to save the men in the foxhole with him.

PFC Bryant Wornack was drafted at 18 and sent to Korea with a medical company. On foot patrol his squad was outnumbered. He was wounded but went on treating wounds, refusing medical attention himself. At one point, a mortar shell exploded near him and took off his right arm. He didn't stop, but continued to direct others to help the wounded until he passed out from blood loss.

Sgt Matthew Leonard served in both Korea and Vietnam. In 1967 he took command of a foot patrol when his commander was wounded. He set up a defensive perimeter and fought off the first assault. When he saw a wounded man outside of the perimeter, he crawled to drag him to safety, getting wounded by a sniper in the process. When the enemy set up a machine gun to finish off the squad, he charged the emplacement receiving multiple mortal wounds and killed the gunners. He killed several more enemy soldiers before succumbing to his wounds.

MSgt Roy Benavidez is a particularly outstanding story. In 1965 he was evacuated to the U.S. from Vietnam after stepping on a landmine. They told him he would never walk again, but he was back in Vietnam in 1968. On May 2, 1968, Benavidez jumped from a helicopter armed only with a knife to help 12-man Special Forces patrol surrounded by 1000 enemy soldiers. Shot seven times, wounded with shrapnel, and stabbed in multiple places, Benavidez managed to save the lives of 8 of his comrades. At one point he was stabbed with a bayonet which he proceeded to extract from his body and turn it to stab the attacking soldier. When it was all over, the doctor was zipping up the body bag when Benavidez spat in his face, letting him know he was still alive. He recovered and retired in 1976.

That's five -- five of the more than 3500 stories of outstanding bravery, heroism, and honor from those who have served with distinction in the U.S. Armed Forces. They acted in keeping with the most cherished traditions of the military service and reflected utmost credit on themselves and the U.S. military. Men, women, all colors and creeds, from all walks of life and in all places that the military fought, there have always been people of valor who have been willing to give all for higher than themselves. It is these and more that we honor on Memorial Day.