So That Others Might Be Free, Part III

 

1. This was, and remains, the most significant and illustrative conflict between freedom and tyranny on record, and thus, it is the conflict we can least afford to forget.

   To those who fought and won World War II, we owe the world of our upbringing.  Riddled with imperfections as it was, at least freedom held forth in a bastion known as the US of A, and holds forth in that bastion to this day.

   Had Hitler and Tojo had their way, however, the world of our upbringing would have been a brutal wasteland of tyranny.

   

   Posted by Tannenberg       05/30/2005  at  09:34 AM  



2. *EPPERSON, HAROLD GLENN

   Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. Born: 14 July 1923, Akron, Ohio. Accredited to: Ohio. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 1st Battalion, 6th Marines, 2d Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on the Island of Saipan in the Marianas, on 25 June 1944. With his machinegun emplacement bearing the full brunt of a fanatic assault initiated by the Japanese under cover of predawn darkness, Pfc. Epperson manned his weapon with determined aggressiveness, fighting furiously in the defense of his battalion’s position and maintaining a steady stream of devastating fire against rapidly infiltrating hostile troops to aid materially in annihilating several of the enemy and in breaking the abortive attack. Suddenly a Japanese soldier, assumed to be dead, sprang up and hurled a powerful hand grenade into the emplacement. Determined to save his comrades, Pfc. Epperson unhesitatingly chose to sacrifice himself and, diving upon the deadly missile, absorbed the shattering violence of the exploding charge in his own body. Stouthearted and indomitable in the face of certain death, Pfc. Epperson fearlessly yielded his own life that his able comrades might carry on the relentless battle against a ruthless enemy. His superb valor and unfaltering devotion to duty throughout reflect the highest credit upon himself and upon the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

   Posted by jackbrownii       05/30/2005  at  02:10 PM  



3. A reminder to all:  The anniversaries of Midway and D-day are fast approaching.  The one, “Incredible Victory” (Walter Lord).  The other, “The Longest Day” (Cornelius Ryan).  Battles like these are the agate points on which history turns.

   

   Posted by Tannenberg       05/31/2005  at  08:11 PM  

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