Alexander's Column
Principled commentary from Mark Alexander, Publisher.
Profiles of Valor: MG Patrick Henry Brady (USA)
"When I have your wounded..." In his two Vietnam deployments, Brady flew more than 2,000 combat missions and daringly rescued an estimated 5,000 wounded Americans and friendlies.
Profiles of Valor: LTC William Swenson (USA)
"He called out to me and said, 'Will, I've been hit.' I was pinned down at the time, and I said, 'All right, hang in there.' He yelled out again, 'Will, I'm losing it. I'm losing blood. Can't keep doing this.'"
The Memorial Day Profiles of Valor
"They gave up two lives — the one they were living and the one they would have lived. ... They gave up their chance to be revered old men. They gave up everything for our country, for us."
Profiles of Valor: CSM Matt Williams (USA)
"That day was one of the worst predicaments of my life. But the experience from that has helped ... remain level-headed and focus on what needs to happen as opposed to what is happening."
Profiles of Valor: SGM Thomas Patrick Payne (USA)
"His extraordinary heroism and selfless actions were key to liberating 75 hostages during a contested rescue mission that resulted in 20 enemies killed in action."
Profiles of Valor: Col Wesley Fox (USMC)
"I figured we would all stay in that valley forever, or we would all walk out together."
Profiles of Valor: CPL Jason Dunham (USMC)
"I want to make sure everyone makes it home alive."
Profiles of Valor: PFC James 'Doc' McCloughan (USA)
"You're getting drafted...you're going to Vietnam."
Profiles of Valor: 1SG Leigh Ann Hester (USA)
"I was trained to do what I did, and I did it."
Profiles of Valor: PFC Monica Lin Brown (USA)
"Rounds were literally missing her by inches. We needed to get away from there."
Profiles of Valor: A Marine's Marine — Lewis 'Chesty' Puller
"We've been looking for the enemy for several days now, we've finally found them. We're surrounded. That simplifies our problem of getting to these people and killing them."
Profiles of Valor: 1LT Alexander Nininger — First WWII Medal of Honor
"Nininger was loaded down with grenades and with a Garand rifle slung over his shoulder."
Profiles of Valor: The 442nd Infantry Regiment
"You fought not only the enemy ... you fought prejudice, and you have won."
Profiles of Valor: Maj. James Capers (USMC)
President Trump, ask DoD to expedite this Medal of Honor certification.
Profiles of Valor: MajGen Smedley Butler (USMC)
"Butler was eminent and conspicuous in command of his battalion."
Profiles of Valor: SgtMaj Daniel J. Daly (USMC)
"The fightingest man ever to serve with the Marine Corps."
Profiles of Valor: The Amazing Pattillo Brothers (USAF)
The twin Pattillo brothers had twin Air Force careers that mirrored each other.
Profiles of Valor: SSG George J. Hall (USA)
"His determined fighting spirit, and his prodigious combat skill exemplify the heroic tradition of the American infantryman."
Profiles of Valor: CPT Hugh Nelson (USA) and PFC Kenneth David (USA)
After many decades and the efforts of mostly those with whom they served...