American Veterans Center

09/22/2023

Navy SEAL describes Hostage Rescue and Hand-to-Hand Combat with Taliban

12/13/2022

In July 2011, Technical Sergeant August O’Niell, a pararescueman, was sent to rescue a group of Marines pinned down in Afghanistan when enemy insurgents opened fire on his team’s helicopter.

A round bounced off the helicopter’s door, tearing through both of O’Niell’s lower legs and critically wounding his left. Over the next 3 1/2 years, doctors performed 20 surgeries as they tried to save the limb. In near constant pain, and with the surgeries not yielding the desired results, O'Niell told the doctors to remove his leg.

After countless hours of rehab, and an unwavering determination to rejoin his pararescue brethren, August O'Niell would become the first amputee to serve as a pararescueman on active duty in the United States Air Force

Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to help us capture more incredible stories: http://americanveteranscenter.org/donationsIn July 2011, Technic...

12/12/2022

This unassuming man is one of America's greatest heroes. Almost 52 years ago, from February 18-22, 1971, U.S. Army helicopter ambulance crew chief Spc. 5 Dennis Fujii led the evacuation of wounded South Vietnamese from a raging battlefield. After his own helicopter was downed, Fujii loaded his fellow airmen onto a rescue craft before incoming fire became too hot, forcing him to stay behind. Securing a radio and supplies, Fujii was the only American on the ground, treating injured South Vietnamese soldiers through the night and into the next day. For four days, Dennis Fujii remained behind, badly wounded, directing the defense of the allied encampment before relief arrived.

For his valor, Dennis Fujii was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star, and two Purple Hearts. And yet, even that was not deemed worthy of his actions. Just months ago, on July 5, 2022, Dennis Fujii would be awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism, almost 52 years ago. Yesterday, the AVC had the honor of interviewing this newest entrant into the pantheon of America's greatest heroes at his home in Hawaii. An incredible story from an extraordinary man.

12/07/2022

Eighty-one years ago this morning - December 7, 1941 - 19-year-old Jack Nakamura of Hawaii watched as Japanese planes attacked the nearby U.S. Naval base at Pearl Harbor. To serve his country, Jack joined the Army’s 442nd Regimental Combat Team - the unit of all-Japanese Americans that would become among the most highly decorated in history.

Jack fought at Monte Cassino in Italy. He then took part in the 442nd most legendary mission - the rescue of the ‘Lost Battalion’ in the Vosges Mountains of France - before returning to Italy to fight through the Gothic Line. Wounded in combat, he would receive two Purple Hearts.

Now age 100, Jack sat down with the AVC yesterday to film his epic story at his home, near Pearl Harbor, almost exactly 81 years since the attack that would thrust him - and his generation - into war, writing their legacy into legend.

12/06/2022

Lt. Colonel William Bonelli was at Pearl Harbor on the morning of December 7, 1941, and witnessed the Japanese attack. He survived, and the memories stayed with him.

After Pearl, Bonelli was sent to the Fiji Islands where he worked as an airplane mechanic, mostly on the B-17 Flying Fortress. A chance meeting would give Bonelli the opportunity to become a pilot and fly his beloved bomber.

He went on to fly 30 combat missions over Italy, and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his service as a pilot. He continued to serve after WWII, flying tactical bombers in the 1950s.

Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to help us capture more incredible stories: http://americanveteranscenter.org/donationsLt. Colonel William B...

11/29/2022

A veteran of the famed Japanese American 442nd Regimental Combat team at the end of World War II, Hiroshi 'Hershey' Miyamura returned to duty in Korea, where he remained behind during an overwhelming enemy attack, covering his men's escape, killing some 50 advancing soldiers before being taken prisoner. While a prisoner in North Korea, Hershey was awarded the Medal of Honor - the first in history to be classified Top Secret. 'If the Reds knew what he had done to a good number of their soldiers just before he was taken prisoner,' a general noted, 'he might not have come back.'

Hershey did come back, released after 28 months. Upon release and being told he would be awarded the Medal of Honor, he said, 'This is a good country, my country.'

Hershey Miyamura, one of two surviving Medal of Honor recipients of the Korean War, passed away today - November 29, 2022 - at the age of 97. An American legend. Watch Hershey share his story, in his own words, in this 2020 interview with the AVC: https://youtu.be/TvUycZhp2U4

Rest In Peace, American hero.

11/29/2022

Robert "Doc" Werner joined the U.S. Navy at age 16 when his friend's mother forged his own mother's signature. His goal was to see the world by sailing around on a ship. Instead, he served as a Navy corpsman attached to U.S. Marines In Vietnam and received three Purple Hearts due to injuries received in devotion to serving with those men.

Werner vividly describes the job of a a Navy corpsman, walks us through each of his injuries - including the time he and a wounded Marine were left overnight in the jungle after a rescue helicopter came under fire.

Keep exploring at https://brilliant.org/AmericanVeteransCenter. Get started for free, and hurry—the first 200 people get 20% off an annual premium subscripti...

11/24/2022

Much to be thankful for. To those who have served, and those serving us today, Happy Thanksgiving!

11/23/2022

We had the pleasure of sharing the story of Marine, comedian, and actor, Rob Riggle this week. He made us laugh and had some great perspectives on how being a Marine propelled him into pursuing his acting career.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzJ2Z7q1QHM&ab_channel=AmericanVeteransCenter

Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to help us capture more incredible stories: http://americanveteranscenter.org/donationsBefore becoming a fam...

11/22/2022

November 22, 1963. Dallas. Fifty-nine years ago today. In one of the worst moments in American history, Secret Service agent Clint Hill raced to the back of President Kennedy's limousine, climbing aboard to shield the stricken president and the First Lady from further gunfire.

Despite giving his all and putting himself in the line of fire, the moment would haunt Agent Hill until this day. Watch him tell his harrowing story, told to the AVC several years ago, as we honor the man he was so dedicated to protect: https://youtu.be/4WKpHQkHpXo

11/15/2022

Robert "Bob" White was drafted into the Army in 1943 and would ultimately find himself serving as a communications lineman with the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 17th Airborne Division.

On Christmas Eve 1944, White flew across the English Channel and landed in France. His unit moved through the snow towards the sound of distant artillery fire to help quell the last major German offensive operation of World War II, The Battle of the Bulge.

White would suffer minor wounds during the battle leading to him being awarded the Purple Heart. He also witnessed the worst of the N**i war machine, helping to liberate a forced labor camp near Essen, Germany. These memories would lead to a lifelong struggle with PTSD after the war ended.

In 2018, more than 70 years after the end of WWII, White was awarded a long overdue Bronze Star for his actions during the Battle of the Bulge.

Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to help us capture more incredible stories: http://americanveteranscenter.org/donationsRobert "Bob" White wa...

11/11/2022

🎖Happy Veterans Day and thank you to all the brave men and women who have served, and continue to serve, in the United States Armed Forces.

As we commemorate our veterans on this special day, The American Veterans Center is proud to premiere the 2022 ' : A Salute To Our Heroes,' AVC's Emmy-winning TV-special hosted by USMC Lt Col Rob Riggle (ret).

This year's program is truly memorable, highlighting America's heroes from WWII to the present day. Check www.AVChonors.com for local listings!🎖

11/09/2022

You won't want to miss this historic TV special when it broadcasts on a station near you🎖

Check local listings at AVChonors.com🎖

11/07/2022

11/05/2022

The American Veterans Center Conference is a great opportunity for us to continue our ongoing work in preserving our history. Here is a behind-the-scenes look at some of the oral histories we filmed yesterday... to be released on our YouTube channel soon!

11/04/2022

We kicked off AVC's 25th annual conference with an inspiring , hosted by Fox News National Security Correspondent Jennifer Griffin. You won't want to miss this memorable program, airing on Saturday, November 19th on
Fox Business!

10/28/2022

His service beginning in World War II, Royce Williams would go on to fly combat missions in the Korean War. Flying a CAP in the F9F-5 Panther over his carrier group almost exactly 80 years ago, 1952, Royce came under attack from seven Soviet MiGs. In a 30-minute dogfight, Royce held them off, downing four, before limping back to his carrier, 263 holes in his Panther.

Upon landing, Royce was awarded the Silver Star - and ordered to never speak of the incident, to anyone, to avoid inflaming Cold War tensions. Only decades later, after the fall of the Soviet Union, did his extraordinary story come to light.

Captain Royce Williams is among the heroes set to join the AVC's 25th Annual Veterans Conference, set for next week, Nov. 3-5 in Washington, DC. Learn how you can join Royce, and dozens of icons from the last 80 years of history, as we 'Commemorate Veterans Day in the Company of Heroes.' https://www.americanveteranscenter.org/avc-events/annual-conference/

10/28/2022

Navy Captain John Ensch, callsign "Fingers," was an F-4 Radar Intercept Officer (RIO) when shot down over Vietnam and later held as a Prisoner of War at the Hanoi Hilton. His left thumb was so severely wounded from the missile shrapnel, doctors decided to amputate it without anesthesia to deliberately cause him pain. On a previous mission, he and his pilot shot down two Mig-17's while on a MIG combat air patrol with their sidewinder missiles.

Keep exploring at https://brilliant.org/AmericanVeteransCenter. Get started for free, and hurry—the first 200 people get 20% off an annual premium subscripti...

10/27/2022

Corporal Wade Spann served with the 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment as an infantryman at Camp Pendleton, San Diego, in 2002. Spann’s first duty in Iraq was to pick up supplies and begin setting up a base for his unit. Upon his unit’s first casualty in Baghdad, Spann noted that “the reality of war quickly struck home.”

Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to help us capture more incredible stories: https://americanveteranscenter.org/donationsCorporal Wade Spann ...

10/25/2022

When Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins splashed down after the Apollo 11 moon landing, the first face they saw was of a U.S. Navy SEAL - John Wolfram. A combat wounded veteran of Vietnam, Wolfram was followed by two frogmen into the water to rescue the Columbia capsule, ensuring that John F. Kennedy's vision of sending a man to the moon and returning him safely to earth would be fulfilled.

John Wolfram is among the dozens of incredible stories from history set to join the AVC's 25th Annual Conference next week from November 3-5 in Washington, DC. To learn how you can be a part of this unforgettable weekend, contact the AVC, or visit: https://www.americanveteranscenter.org/avc-events/annual-conference/

10/18/2022

November 14, 1965. Ia Drang Valley, Vietnam. At Landing Zone X-Ray, Americans of the 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry under the command of then Lt. Colonel Hal Moore clash with the North Vietnamese Army for the first time. The epic story would be told in Hal Moore and Joe Galloway's acclaimed book, We Were Soldiers Once...and Young and the subsequent movie.

From Nov. 3-5 in Washington, DC, surviving veterans of Ia Drang will join the American Veterans Center's 25th Annual Conference, sharing their personal accounts of the battle. Among them company commanders Col. Ramon 'Tony' Nadal, Col. John Herren, Col. Bob Edwards, and Col. George Forrest, along with Distinguished Service Cross Recipient Earnies Savage, and recipient of the Medal of Honor, Col. Joe Marm.

To learn how you can participate in this incredible weekend of heroes from across the generations, contact the AVC or visit our website: https://www.americanveteranscenter.org/avc-events/annual-conference/

10/14/2022

Aboard USS Pennsylvania moored at Pearl Harbor the morning of December 7, 1941, sailor and Navy musician was preparing to perform the morning colors on his French horn. And then the world changed. And Frank Emond spent the battle evacuating the wounded and bombs fell about.

Frank would survive World War II, continuing to serve as a Navy musician. He continues to this day, holding the Guiness World Record as 'World's Oldest Conductor' at the age of 103. And he's not stopping anytime soon, as Frank prepares to break his own record, age 104, in three weeks performing with the U.S. Air Force band at the American Veterans Center's 25th Annual Conference & American Valor: A Salute to Our Heroes. Join us, for this very special occasion, with Frank and dozens of heroes from history, this November 3-5 in Washington, DC: https://www.americanveteranscenter.org/avc-events/annual-conference/

10/13/2022

At the Siege of Bastogne, a young paratrooper with the 101st Airborne Division - Vincent Speranza - set out to find a drink for a wounded buddy. Stepping into the battered town, he spotted a bombed out tavern. Inside, a beer tap, still working. From there, Vince embarked on one of history's great beer runs, filling his helmet and running it to his friend, as other men piped up requesting a drink. The story went down in lore, and is celebrated in Bastogne to this day.

A legend of World War II, Vince Speranza will be joining the AVC's 25th Annual Conference in Washington from Nov. 3-5. Join him, and other legends of the last 80 years of history, as we 'Celebrate Veterans Day in the Company of Heroes.' Learn how you can be a part of this special weekend! https://www.americanveteranscenter.org/avc-events/annual-conference/

10/11/2022

Marine Captain Elliot Ackerman (Ret.) served five tours of duty in Iraq where he fought in the second battle of Fallujah and Afghanistan, where he received the Silver Star, the Bronze Star for Valor, and the Purple Heart. He later became a CIA paramilitary officer and operated along the border of Pakistan.

Ackerman is now an award-winning author and just released his seventh book on the conclusion of the war in Afghanistan, The Fifth Act. The Fifth Act is an astonishing human document that brings the weight of twenty years of war to bear on a single week, the week the war ended.

Keep exploring at https://brilliant.org/AmericanVeteransCenter. Get started for free, and hurry—the first 200 people get 20% off an annual premium subscripti...

10/11/2022

After training at Camp Toccoa, Georgia, 101st Airborne Division paratrooper Tom Rice jumped into Normandy in the early hours of D-Day, June 6, 1941. He would jump again into Holland, in Operation Market Garden, before being wounded at the 101st's epic stand at Bastogne. After the war, he's kept on jumping, parachuting into Normandy on the 75th anniversary of D-Day, then again last year to celebrate his 100th birthday.

From November 3-5 in Washington, DC, Tom Rice will join heroes and legends from the last 80 years of American history, sharing their experiences at the AVC's 25th Annual Veterans Conference. Contact the AVC or visit our website to learn more about how you can 'Celebrate Veterans Day in the Company of Heroes.' https://www.americanveteranscenter.org/avc-events/annual-conference/

10/04/2022

With the draft looming, and not wanted to sleep in foxhole, Charles Owen made the decision to enlist in the United States Navy in January 1943. After completing basic training in Great Lakes, Illinois, Owens would attend gunnery school where he learned to operate the 40mm anti-aircraft gun.

Owens was assigned to the Iowa-class battleship USS New Jersey, aboard which he would participate in many of the fiercest naval engagements of the Pacific War. Owen's would see action in the Marshall Islands, the Philippines, Iwo Jima and Okinawa before returning home from war.

Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to help us capture more incredible stories: http://americanveteranscenter.org/donationsWith the draft loomin...

10/01/2022

Seven future Presidents of the United States served in uniform during the Second World War. An unbroken string, from the victor of the War in Europe - General Dwight D. Eisenhower - to a young Naval aviator flying daring combat missions in the Pacific - George H.W. Bush. Today, one survives - the 39th President, United States Navy veteran Jimmy Carter, today celebrating his 98th birthday, and seen in his USNA graduation photo with his mother and future wife, Rosalynn. Happy Birthday, Mr. President, and may you long continue to represent your generation of extraordinary Americans.

09/28/2022

28 September, 1942. In the skies of the South Pacific, off Guadalcanal. Attacked by a superior force of Japanese fighters, USMC fighter pilot Harold William Bauer - known to all as 'Joe' - took the enemy on directly, shooting down a bomber. Days later, he would shoot down four more planes, damaging a fifth, and becoming an 'ace.' Two weeks later, he would add to his tally, downing four more.

On 14 November, 1942, Joe Bauer would be shot down over water after downing two more Japanese planes, his remains never found. For his incredible run starting today, 80 years ago, he would be posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. Rest In Peace, American hero.

09/27/2022

Lieutenant Colonel Don Carmichael, joined the Army straight out of high school at 17 years old in 1943 because there was a "big war" going on and he felt obligated.

He fought with the 113th Cavalry from Normandy to the Elbe River. He was an assistant driver, gunner and tank commander in Fox Company, 113th Squadron.

After WWII was won, he considered himself a professional soldier and went on to fight in two more wars — Korea and Vietnam — before he felt his obligation had been fulfilled.

Throughout Carmichael's 30-plus military career, he rose from Private to Lieutenant Colonel.

Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to help us capture more incredible stories: http://americanveteranscenter.org/donationsLieutenant Colonel Do...

09/20/2022

A paratrooper with the 101st Airborne Division, Guy Whidden parachuted into Normandy with the 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment on D-Day. He would jump again, into Holland during Operation Market Garden, where he was wounded in combat.

A longtime friend, Guy was the last World War II veteran who insisted in marching down Constitution Avenue in the National Memorial Day Parade, as his aging comrades all needed to ride. In the early days of the pandemic, Guy made national news when he shaved his head to a mohawk, D-Day-style, to help raise the country's spirits. And just last Veterans Day weekend, the lifelong dancer owned the floor at a reception in Washington, the ladies lined up for a turn.

A battlefield legend with an unmistakable smile, Guy Whidden has passed away, age 99. Rest In Peace, American hero. Until we meet again.

09/16/2022

September 16, 1951. The Battle of the Punchbowl. Korea. Following an enemy breakthrough, 22-year-old USMC Corporal Joseph Vittori singlehandedly fights off the attack, allowing the Marines to regroup, before falling. He would be posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

His Citation reads in full:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as an Automatic Rifleman in Company F, Second Battalion, First Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), in actions against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 15 and 16 September 1951. With a forward platoon suffering heavy casualties and forced to withdraw under a vicious enemy counterattack as his company assaulted strong hostile forces entrenched on Hill 749, Corporal Vittori boldly rushed through the withdrawing troops with two other volunteers from his reserve platoon and plunged directly into the midst of the enemy. Overwhelming them in a fierce hand-to-hand struggle, he enabled his company to consolidate its positions to meet further imminent on slaughts. Quick to respond to an urgent call for a rifleman to defend a heavy machine gun positioned on the extreme point of the northern flank and virtually isolated from the remainder of the unit when the enemy again struck in force during the night, he assumed position under the devastating barrage and, fighting a singlehanded battle, leaped from one flank to the other, covering each foxhole in turn as casualties continued to mount, manning a machine gun when the gunner was struck down and making repeated trips through the heaviest shellfire to replenish ammunition. With the situation becoming extremely critical, reinforcing units to the rear pinned down under the blistering attack and foxholes left practically void by dead and wounded for a distance of 100 yards (91 m), Corporal Vittori continued his valiant stand, refusing to give ground as the enemy penetrated to within feet of his position, simulating strength in the line and denying the foe physical occupation of the ground. Mortally wounded by enemy machine-gun and rifle bullets while persisting in his magnificent defense of the sector where approximately 200 enemy dead were found the following morning, Corporal Vittori, by his fortitude, stouthearted courage and great personal valor, had kept the point position intact despite the tremendous odds and undoubtedly prevented the entire battalion position from collapsing. His extraordinary heroism throughout the furious night-long battle reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

09/13/2022

Cecil Phipps was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa on May 20,1930. After high school, he worked at several jobs before enlisting in the US Army in 1950. He attended basic training at Fort Riley, Kansas before being sent to Okinawa, Japan.

On August 1, 1950 he was deployed to Korea, arriving on a Japanese fishing boat in Pusan where he was assigned to K Company, 35th Infantry Regiment. After being separated from friendly forces, he was captured as a POW by Chinese soldiers in November 1951.

Phipps was transferred from camp to camp before eventually arriving at a large POW compound in Pyoktong County, North Korea.

Cecil Phipps would spend a total of 33 months as a POW during the Korean War. He was eventually released on August 28, 1953.

Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to help us capture more incredible stories: http://americanveteranscenter.org/donationsCecil Phipps was born...

09/11/2022

Decorated with the Silver Star for valor in Vietnam, Rick Rescorla’s photo would don the cover of the epic memoir, ‘We We’re Soldiers Once…and Young.’

Decades later, Rescorla would be called upon once more, as head of security at Morgan Stanley in the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, Rescorla would lead to safety nearly all of the company’s 2,700 employees. He would lose his life in the buildings’ collapse, his remains never found.

One of the great heroes of modern history, and a name we can never forget. Watch Rick’s story as told by his friend and colleague who witnessed his actions on 9/11, Bill Van Scoyoc: https://youtu.be/Wzmgk-G1EW8

09/08/2022

During the Second World War, upon turning 18 Britain's Princess Elizabeth insisted upon joining the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS), the women’s branch of the British Army, trained as a mechanic. Her future husband, Philip, served the Royal Navy in operations around the world, from the Indian Ocean to the Mediterranean, taking part in the invasion of Sicily, and present for the Japanese surrender aboard USS Missouri.

A reign that began with Winston Churchill as Prime Minister, and a link to an age of heroes, long past. Rest In Peace.

09/06/2022

19-Year-Old Private Albert Darago was a fuse-cutter on a 90mm antiaircraft gun for the mobile 143d Antiaircraft Artillery Battalion. By the time he arrived at the Battle of the Bulge, he had never fired a bazooka before.

After be asking by his leadership, he crept down a long, open hill with a loaded bazooka, figuring that he was going to die. He peeked over the top of a hedge and, at a distance of a few yards, fired at a German tank, disabling it.

He then ran back up the hill under heavy fire. He reloaded and proceeded to go back and destroy another tank with his bazooka. For his heroism, Pvt. Darago was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the second-highest award for valor, after the Medal of Honor.

Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to help us capture more incredible stories: http://americanveteranscenter.org/donations19-Year-Old Private A...

09/01/2022

One year ago, as Kabul fell, a band of retired American Special Operations veterans came together for an epic mission to save the lives of Afghan allies trapped in Afghanistan. The leader of Operation Pineapple Express, LTC Scott Mann, has published a book on the experience, and as a reminder that there are still allies left behind today.

Order 'Operational Pineapple Express' wherever books are sold, and watch LTC Scott Mann tell his story of the mission in his interview with the AVC: https://youtu.be/_zgum65Oypw

08/31/2022

August 31, 1950. Southeast of Seoul, South Korea. Then-SFC Ernest R. Kouma personally fights off hundreds of enemy soldiers in a nine-hour battle. Kouma was no stranger to combat, serving throughout World War II and helping to relieve the encircled Americans at Bastogne. His experience proved invaluable in Korea, where his actions would make him among the first soldiers awarded the Medal of Honor in the war.

His Full Citation reads as follows:

M/Sgt. Kouma, a tank commander in Company A, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. His unit was engaged in supporting infantry elements on the Naktong River front. Near midnight on 31 August, a hostile force estimated at 500 crossed the river and launched a fierce attack against the infantry positions, inflicting heavy casualties. A withdrawal was ordered and his armored unit was given the mission of covering the movement until a secondary position could be established. The enemy assault overran 2 tanks, destroyed 1 and forced another to withdraw. Suddenly M/Sgt. Kouma discovered that his tank was the only obstacle in the path of the hostile onslaught. Holding his ground, he gave fire orders to his crew and remained in position throughout the night, fighting off repeated enemy attacks. During 1 fierce assault, the enemy surrounded his tank and he leaped from the armored turret, exposing himself to a hail of hostile fire, manned the .50 caliber machine gun mounted on the rear deck, and delivered pointblank fire into the fanatical foe. His machine gun emptied, he fired his pistol and threw grenades to keep the enemy from his tank. After more than 9 hours of constant combat and close-in fighting, he withdrew his vehicle to friendly lines. During the withdrawal through 8 miles of hostile territory, M/Sgt. Kouma continued to inflict casualties upon the enemy and exhausted his ammunition in destroying 3 hostile machine gun positions. During this action, M/Sgt. Kouma killed an estimated 250 enemy soldiers. His magnificent stand allowed the infantry sufficient time to reestablish defensive positions. Rejoining his company, although suffering intensely from his wounds, he attempted to resupply his tank and return to the battle area. While being evacuated for medical treatment, his courage was again displayed when he requested to return to the front. M/Sgt. Kouma’s superb leadership, heroism, and intense devotion to duty reflect the highest credit on himself and uphold the esteemed traditions of the U.S. Army.

08/30/2022

On April 15, 1942 Ralph Gastelum turned 11-years-old. That same day his uncle, a Marine fighting in the Pacific, was killed in action during the Battle of Corregidor. This loss stayed with Ralph and inspired him to Join the United States Marine Corps in July 1949.

On September 15, 1950 Gastelum along with the rest of the 1st Marine Division made the epic landing at Inchon, and went on to help liberate the capital city of Seoul from the North Koreans communists.

By November, the Marines had advanced into the mountains of the Chosin Reservoir, where they would find themselves surrounded by an overwhelming force of ten divisions of Chinese communist forces and fighting in 40 degree below zero temperatures.

Please consider donating to help us capture more incredible stories: http://americanveteranscenter.org/donationsOn April 15, 1942 Ralph Gastelum turned 11-ye...