THE GREATEST HERO
On March 21, 1969, a Marine patrol in Vietnam descended a steep bank to fill their canteens in a stream. As they stooped in two feet of water, the area suddenly exploded with machine-gun fire and grenades. Several men were hit. According to an official report, one solider, “with complete disregard for his own safety . . . assisted several Marines . . . Despite the heavy fire, he made several trips . . . until he himself was wounded and unable to continue . . .” Twenty- one years later, one of the men who had been pulled out of the water learned that the one who had rescued him was still alive. He set out to see that he was recognized for his heroism. The Marine eventually found his friend, Jim Lahr, who had been paralyzed from the waist down. With a heart full of appreciation, he saw Jim receive a long-delayed and much- deserved Bronze Star. I am…
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