Today, Jan. 16th ... would have been my cousin Guy's "58" birthday ... Guy Lamar Mears, Jr.
Born Jan. 16, 1950 from Rockmart, Ga. ... Guy was KIA in Vietnam - Oct. 17, 1970 .
Guy, was one of only slightly over 1,000 who received The Distinguished Service Cross, out of the approximately 3 million who served in Vietnam.
*MEARS, GUY LAMAR, JR. (KIA)
Citation: The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to
Guy Lamar Mears, Jr. Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with 254th Medical Detachment, 45th Medical Company, 44th Medical Brigade, 1st Logistics Command.
Specialist Four Mears distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on
17 October 1970.
On that date Specialist Mears was serving as a crew chief aboard a medical evacuation helicopter near Tuy Hoa, Republic of Vietnam.
The helicopter in which Specialist Mears was serving as a crew member exploded and started burning as a result of enemy fire.
Specialist Mears escaped from the burning aircraft unharmed, but when he discovered the pilot of the aircraft remained trapped inside he re-entered the fiercely burning aircraft at the risk of his life in order to save the lives of fellow crew members.
Specialist Mears continued his brave rescue attempt with total disregard for his own safety until he became incapacitated by mortal burns.
Specialist Mears' conspicuous gallantry, extraordinary heroism, and intrepidity at the cost of his own life are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit on him, and the United States Army.
Specialist Mears escaped from the burning aircraft unharmed, but when he discovered the pilot of the aircraft remained trapped inside he re-entered the fiercely burning aircraft at the risk of his life in order to save the lives of fellow crew members.
Specialist Mears continued his brave rescue attempt with total disregard for his own safety until he became incapacitated by mortal burns.
Specialist Mears' conspicuous gallantry, extraordinary heroism, and intrepidity at the cost of his own life are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit on him, and the United States Army.
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 23 (May 30, 1972) Home Town: Rockmart, Georgia
* * * * * * *
As I sat here remembering Guy, another song was given birth from the depths of my soul, in loving memory of "Little Guy" ... " A River of Freedom " - (Taps) my spoken appreciation. ( Lyrics below ) Mp3 Coming soon.
I have ALWAYS been acutely aware of the "price" of freedom, and, have NEVER taken "my" freedoms for granted.
It's overwhelming, when you stop and "think" of what each and every person who steps forward in the name of freedom, is actually saying by their actions.
They are putting their lives on the line, and, those of their loved ones & friends ... for whatever they endure, ALL will be affected ... forever ... a ripple effect.
For those who return, they face a lifetime of dealing with the injuries and trauma of war, and, for those they left behind while they served, they too are forever changed as they deal with caring for those who served and, watching the anguish they go through as they struggle to understand the reasons "why" they lived and others died .
And, for those who must face a lifetime of loss, without their loved ones ... they face a lifetime of dealing with their sorrow, and, learning to carry on ... a never ending battle.
No doubt, "we" ... those who serve, have served or have loved ones who've served or paid the ultimate sacrifice ... "we" ... fully understand the meaning of "FREEDOM".
And, for me ... having lost my cousin, having endured my youngest son's deployment & subsequent TBI injuries ... and, having performed for so many of our nation's HEROES ... and talked with so many vets ...
there's " A River of Freedom " ... of appreciation ... that floods my soul ~
" A River of Freedom "
( Taps )
There's a river ... that floods ... my soul.
And, that ... " River of Freedom "
Carries ... my blood,
And, of those ... throughout ALL time
Who, for Freedom
Gave their blood ... Laid their lives ... on the line.
Copyright - Jan. 16, 2008
( Written on what would have been my cousin, Guy Lamar Mears, Jr.'s ... "58" Birthday )
( KIA - Vietnam - Oct. 17, 1970 )
Susan D. Wiseman - " The Tribute Lady "
www.TheTributeLady.com
" Christ-Centered Pieces " - Given Gifts
P.O. Box 1591
Fayetteville, Ga.
30214-1591
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