A Day to Remember...

Today is Veterans day. As an adult I don't have an assembly to go to this morning to honor those who have served our great nation. I don't have a moment of solidarity with my fellow students to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. In my heart I can hold dear the memories of those who served. Of Grandpa Crummett and Grandpa Peterson who both served at Farragut Naval Base (although at different times). Of the brother who made the journey across the nation to Arlington National Cemetery to see the remains of a beloved sibling laid to rest. There are many who have served and do serve that deserve our appreciation today and everyday. We are the nation we are because of the sacrifice they made. If you have the chance always, thank a Vet!

Here is the story of the first Idahoan to receive the medal of honor. Here is the Wikipedia article.

NEIBAUR, THOMAS C.

Rank and Organization: Private, U.S. Army, Company M, 167th Infantry, 42d Division. Place and Date: Near Landres-et-St. Georges, France, 16 October 1918. Entered Service At: Sugar City, Idaho. Born: 17 May 1898, Sharon, Idaho. G. O. No.: 1 18, W .D., 1918.

Citation:

On the afternoon of 16 October 1918, when the Cote-de-Chatillion had just been gained after bitter fighting and the summit of that strong bulwark in the Kriemhilde Stellung was being organized, Pvt. Neibaur was sent out on patrol with his automatic rifle squad to enfilade enemy machinegun nests. As he gained the ridge he set up his automatic rifle and was directly thereafter wounded in both legs by fire from a hostile machinegun on his flank. The advance wave of the enemy troops, counterattacking, had about gained the ridge, and although practically cut off and surrounded, the remainder of his detachment being killed or wounded, this gallant soldier kept his automatic rifle in operation to such effect that by his own efforts and by fire from the skirmish line of his company, at least 100 yards in his rear, the attack was checked. The enemy wave being halted and Iying prone, 4 of the enemy attacked Pvt. Neibaur at close quarters. These he killed. He then moved alone among the enemy lying on the ground about him, in the midst of the fire from his own lines, and by coolness and gallantry captured 11 prisoners at the point of his pistol and, although painfully wounded, brought them back to our lines. The counterattack in full force was arrested to a large extent by the single efforts of this soldier, whose heroic exploits took place against the skyline in full view of his entire battalion.