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.

    

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.