Camp Shelby MP shot while making rounds

Camp Shelby MP shot while making rounds
The Associated Press
Posted : Saturday Jan 21, 2012 15:13:00 EST
CAMP SHELBY, Miss. — A military policeman at Camp Shelby was shot Friday by someone at the base’s north gate but was saved by the protective vest he was wearing.

Camp Shelby officials said the shooting happened about midnight Friday.
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Orlando Wall that Heals Ceremony forgot about own Medal of Honor Hero

The Wall That Heals, traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall, is in Orlando at Lake Eola but few knew it is here. The turnout was very small for the ceremony this morning. Several news crews were there but so far, I have not seen any of the reports.

There was something else missing from today and that was the omission of our local hero Cpl. Larry Smedley.

The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to
CORPORAL LARRY E. SMEDLEY
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
for service as set forth in the following CITATION:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a squad leader with Company D, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam.

On the evenings of 20–21 December 1967, Corporal Smedley led his six-man squad to an ambush site at the mouth of Happy Valley, near Phouc Ninh (2) in Quang Nam Province. Later that night, an estimated 100 Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army Regulars, carrying 122 mm rocket launchers and mortars, were observed moving toward Hill 41.

Realizing this was a significant enemy move to launch an attack on the vital Danang complex, Corporal Smedley immediately took sound and courageous action to stop the enemy threat. After he radioed for a reaction force, he skillfully maneuvered his men to a more advantageous position and led an attack on the numerically superior enemy force. A heavy volume of fire from an enemy machine gun positioned on the left flank of the squad inflicted several casualties on Corporal Smedley's unit. Simultaneously, an enemy rifle grenade exploded nearby, wounding him in the right foot and knocking him to the ground.

Corporal Smedley disregarded this serious injury and valiantly struggled to his feet, shouting words of encouragement to his men. He fearlessly led a charge against the enemy machine gun emplacement, firing his rifle and throwing grenades until he was again struck by enemy fire and knocked to the ground. Gravely wounded and weak from loss of blood, he rose and commenced a one-man assault against the enemy position. Although his aggressive and singlehanded attack resulted in the destruction of the machine gun, he was struck in the chest by enemy fire and fell mortally wounded.

Corporal Smedley's inspiring and courageous actions, bold initiative, and selfless devotion to duty in the face of certain death were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.[2]

Behind the Wall, behind the speakers and the audience were several pieces from the Museum but no one thought to talk about Larry.

Disabled Iraq veteran aims for chance to represent Army in competition

Brevard man aims for chance to represent Army in competition
12:37 AM, Jan. 20, 2012

Written by
R. Norman Moody
and Lee Nessel


Staff Sgt. Rocco Pepe suffered a traumatic brain injury from two roadside bomb blasts in Iraq. He also recently had back surgery for injuries suffered while in the service.

But the 2000 graduate of Eau Gallie High has been able to continue with his love of marksmanship and is gunning for a chance to represent the Army in the 2012 Warrior Games.

“I’m really confident that I will be part of the (shooting) team,” Pepe said. “We have two more clinics to go.”

Pepe was among 30 ill or injured soldiers who demonstrated their marksmanship last weekend in El Paso, Texas. Based on his skill there, Pepe has been invited to the second competition in February. A total of 75 wounded soldiers are vying for 10 or 15 spots and will get at least one chance to try out.
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IED blast sends ripples through close community

IED blast sends ripples through close community
By Michelle Tan - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday Jan 21, 2012 8:58:17 EST
Spc. Robert J. Tauteris Jr. re-enlisted last summer so he could deploy to Afghanistan with his son.

On Jan. 8, the younger Tauteris, also named Robert, performed the most solemn duty asked of a son. He escorted his father’s remains home from Afghanistan.

THE FALLEN

Four soldiers from the Indiana National Guard’s 713th Engineer Company were killed Jan. 6, when their vehicle hit an improvised explosive device in southern Afghanistan.

They were:

• Staff Sgt. Jonathan M. Metzger, 32, of Indianapolis: Metzger served in the Marine Corps from 1998 to 2005 before joining the Indiana National Guard. He deployed to Iraq in 2008 and volunteered to deploy with the 713th Engineer Company for its 2011 tour in Afghanistan. He is survived by his wife, Erica; his parents, James and Jacquelyn; and two siblings.

• Spc. Robert J. Tauteris Jr., 44, of Hamlet, Ind.: Tauteris joined the Indiana Guard in 2007, serving as a heavy construction equipment operator. He deployed to Afghanistan with the 1613th Engineer Support Company in 2009, and upon completing his service obligation in May 2010, he transitioned into the inactive reserve. Tauteris re-enlisted in July 2011 so he could deploy with his son, Robert Tauteris III, and the 713th Engineer Company. He is survived by his sons, Robert and Matthew; three siblings; and his father, Robert Tauteris Sr.

• Spc. Brian J. Leonhardt, 21, of Merrillville, Ind.: Leonhardt joined the Indiana Guard in 2008 and served as a combat engineer. He was posthumously promoted to sergeant. He is survived by his wife, Dianne Dreger; his parents, Robert and Marie; and seven siblings.

• Spc. Christopher A. Patterson, 20, of Aurora, Ill.: Patterson joined the Indiana Guard in 2009, immediately after graduating from high school. After he qualified as a combat engineer, Patterson joined the ROTC at Valparaiso University, where he was majoring in music. Patterson put on hold his plans to become an officer in order to deploy with the 713th Engineer Company. He is survived by his parents, Robert and Mary; three brothers; and both sets of grandparents.
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6 Marines killed in helo crash identified

6 Marines killed in helo crash identified
Staff report
Posted : Saturday Jan 21, 2012 12:17:57 EST
The Defense Department on Saturday identified the six Marines killed earlier this week in a helicopter crash in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

The Marines were identified as:

• Capt. Daniel B. Bartle, 27, of Ferndale, Wash.

• Capt. Nathan R. McHone, 29, of Crystal Lake, Ill.

• Master Sgt. Travis W. Riddick, 40, of Centerville, Iowa.

• Cpl. Jesse W. Stites, 23, of North Beach, Md.

• Cpl. Kevin J. Reinhard, 25, of Colonia, N.J.

• Cpl. Joseph D. Logan, 22, of Willis, Texas.
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