Two Medal of Honor Heroes from Vietnam visit new generation in Iraq

This is post 6,000 on this blog. Very fitting that it links two of our heroes from Vietnam, both Medal of Honor Recipients paying a visit to our newer generation. Can't think of a better way to celebrate 6,000 posts!

3IBCT Soldiers inspired by visit from heroes
By Staff Sgt. Tim Meyer, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs, 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division - North PAO
May 1, 2009 - 6:46:03 PM


Blackanthem Military News

Sgt. 1st Class Justin Walker, battle captain, Headquarters and Headquarters Co., 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, explains procedures in the brigade’s tactical operations center to Medal of Honor recipients retired Col. Robert Howard and retired Command Sgt. Maj. Gary L. Littrell. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Tim Meyer.)

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, TIKRIT, Iraq - When the two old men arrived their appearance personified a leadership trait that no one could ignore.

The Vietnam veterans were humbly dressed in civilian clothes, but still had a core of military bearing, despite having been retired for many years.

Each retired Soldier wore around their neck a gold medal attached to a sky blue ribbon adorned with 13 white stars -- an image that speaks volumes and the Army condenses into two words: Personal Courage.

Retired Col. Robert Howard and retired Command Sgt. Maj. Gary L. Littrell both received the Congressional Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry under fire, without regard to their own safety, during the Vietnam War, and are among the lucky few who lived to tell about it.

Thirty six years later the Soldiers of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division were lucky enough to meet them April 13 during their tour of Iraq.
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3IBCT Soldiers inspired by visit from heroes