Alexander's Column
Principled commentary from Mark Alexander, Publisher.
Profiles of Valor: CPT David Christian (USA)
"Although wounded again by an enemy rocket-propelled grenade, he did not permit himself to be treated until the other injured men had been evacuated."
Profiles of Valor: SFC Jorge Otero-Barreto (USA)
"The troops loved him, and they still love him today. No one was a better platoon sergeant than Jorge — no one."
Profiles of Valor: LtCol Harold 'Injun Joe' Bauer (USMC)
"His intrepid fighting spirit and distinctive ability as a leader and an airman, exemplified in his splendid record of combat achievement, were vital factors..."
Profiles of Valor: GySgt Charles Hoffman and Cpl Henry Pruitt (USMC)
Two ordinary men faced with extraordinary circumstances summoned the greatest measure of courage to place their lives in imminent peril to save others.
Profiles of Valor: Chaplain MAJ Charles J. Watters (USA)
"Unarmed and completely exposed, he moved among, as well as in front of, the advancing troops, giving aid to the wounded, assisting in their evacuation, giving words of encouragement, and administering the last rites to the dying."
Profiles of Valor: 'Young Washington' and Red Erwin — The Rest of the Story
"He said to me as I held his Medal of Honor when I was seven years old ... 'freedom isn't free,' and you know he bore the marks of that statement."
Profiles of Valor: LCDR John McCloy (USN)
The recipient of two Medals of Honor and a Navy Cross -- he summoned the greatest measure of courage to place his life in imminent peril to save others.
Profiles of Valor: MAJ Nicholas Dockery (USA)
"Although dazed and wounded himself, he went to the aid of the wounded soldiers who were fully exposed to enemy fire."
Profiles of Valor: COL Robert Howard (USA)
Wounded 14 times and recommended for three Medals of Honor.
Profiles of Valor: LTJG Albert David (USN)
"The first successful boarding and capture of an enemy man-o-war on the high seas by the U.S. Navy since 1815."
Profiles of Valor: CPO Adam Brown (USN)
"Over the course of his career he sustained more significant injuries than most of us combined, but he just kept on operating. He would not quit..."
Profiles of Valor: CAPT Hung Cao (USN)
"I don't need cross-dressers in the military. I need alpha males and alpha females."
Profiles of Valor: SP5 Dwight W. Birdwell (USA)
"His leadership and tenacity under fire inspired the other C Troop soldiers to continue fighting against the superior enemy force, and directly contributed to the enemy's ultimate defeat."
Profiles of Valor: Armed Forces Day
With gratitude for the generations of ordinary citizens who summoned the greatest measures of courage to support and defend our nation.
Profiles of Valor: LTC Bruce Crandall (USA)
"I will always be in awe of LTC Bruce Crandall for his extraordinary bravery and brilliant flying skills under the most difficult wartime conditions..."
Profiles of Valor: Matej Kocak and Louis Cukela
Ordinary men faced with extraordinary circumstances — live your life worthy of their sacrifice.
Profiles of Valor: CAPT Victor Glover (USN/NASA)
"In the military, there's a saying that there are no atheists in foxholes. There aren't any on top of rockets, either."
Profiles of Valor: Citizen Acts of Heroism — Childers and Wactor
"His selfless and courageous actions saved lives and stand as a powerful example of service above self and heroism in its purest form."
Profiles of Valor: Col John Ripley (USMC)
"When you know you're not going to make it, a wonderful thing happens: You stop being cluttered by the feeling that you're going to save your butt."