Prisoners of War: 2003 and 1945

Jessica Lynch was a Prisoner of War in the 2003 Iraq War. She was part of the Patriot Missile Support Group. While traveling to Nasirayah her division got lost  and ran straight into enemy lines.  Many died as a result of this tactical error.  In addition, she was taken as prisoner.  During her captivity she was brutally beaten. A fierce group of soldiers were led to rescue her behind enemy lines.  She is a humble hero who testified before Congress about her experience.

Henry Mucci led a division of American and Filipino troops behind enemy lines to save hundreds of Allied troops held in a prisoner of war camp on the Philippines Islands.  Following the Batan Death March approximately 500 soldiers were taken captive and brutalized. Their captivity ended when Henry Mucci his men behind enemy lines to save them.  Mucci was a military genius.                 

Sacrifice in Vietnam

During the American Revolution Patrick Henry worked along side George Washington to spark a successful revolt against the British.  He helped organize the revolution and encouraged others to fight against tyranny.  His eloquent words and speeches are historic.  Patrick Henry is the ultimate symbol of sacrifice.  His  Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death! speech is legendary.  Here is another symbol of sacrifice. On Jan. 16, 1969,  Garfield Langhorn was sent on a mission to find fallen soldiers from a downed helicopter crash.   He found their lifeless bodies and brought them back to camp.  Upon his arrival back to camp he saved many wounded soldiers lives by throwing his body on a live grenade. He sacrificed himself to protect his friends.   He was very brave.  Patriots like Garfield Langhorn should never be forgotten.

    

Unsung Hero Article

Unsung Heroes Add Depth to History Lessons

My article on Edutopia.org discussing strategies for finding and incorporating lesser known and forgotten people into your lessons.

Sacrifice in World War II

During the American Revolution Patrick Henry worked along side George Washington to spark a successful revolt against the British.  He helped organize the revolution and encouraged others to fight against tyranny.  His eloquent words and speeches are historic.  Patrick Henry is the ultimate symbol of sacrifice.  His  Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death! speech is legendary.  Here is another symbol of sacrifice.John Robert Fox was a member of the 92nd Infantry Div. during World War II.  His segregated unit fought all over Europe during the war.  He was sent to an Italian village called Sommocolonia for protection. In addition, he volunteered to remain in the village when safety appeared achieved.  In the following days the enemy soldiers, disguised as civilians, returned to re-take the lost land.  He was outnumbered and defenseless against the well equipped enemy.  In order to assist the Allies  J.R. Fox  ordered artillery fire on his exact coordinates. His sacrifice    helped the Allies achieve permanent victory in the Italian village.   Patriots like John R. Fox should never be forgotten.

American Warriors: Courage in WWI and Vietnam

In times of war courageous soldiers often rise up in the face of certain defeat.  During the Vietnam War and World War I two soldiers rose to such occasion. 

World War I: Abraham Krotoshinsky 

In November 1918 a regiment of approximately 500 Allied soldiers found themselves trapped and outnumbered by a German army in the Argonne Forest. With supplies and hope dwindling a volunteer stepped forward to relay a message of desperation to prevent surrender.  A Russian immigrant named Abraham Krotoshinsky saved the "Lost Battalion."  He is a great Hero to study.

Vietnam War: Col. John Ripley

In April 1972 a regiment of approximately 20,000 North Vietnamese soldiers were attacking a smaller and less prepared North Vietnamese regiment supported by American Marines.  With the North's imminent invasion approaching one Marine stopped them ALL in their tracks.  In order to prevent surrender John Ripley diagonally placed 500 pounds of explosives across and below the Dong Ha Bridge to halt the onslaught.  John W. Ripley's strength and courage should never be forgotten.