AUSA taps `The American Soldier’ for 2004 Marshall Medal

Army News Service ^ | October 28, 2004 | Sgt. Lorie Jewell

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Pfc. Douglas Long, 38th Signal Battalion, Fort Shafter, Hawaii, takes a closer look at the George Catlett Marshall Medal awarded to "The American Soldier" Oct. 27, at the 50th Association of the United States Army meeting in Washington, D.C. The medal is annually awarded to the person who embodies selfless service.

- Sgt. Reeba Critser

AUSA taps `The American Soldier’ for 2004 Marshall Medal

By Sgt. Lorie Jewell

October 28, 2004

WASHINGTON (Army News Service, Oct. 28, 2004) – In recognition of the selfless and loyal service of those in uniform, the Association of the United States Army chose “The American Soldier” as its 2004 George Catlett Marshall Medal recipient.

“These noble and selfless patriots who serve causes larger than themselves are known as American Soldiers,” said retired Gen. Gordon R. Sullivan, AUSA president, in presenting the award at the organization’s annual George Catlett Marshall Memorial Dinner Oct. 27. “They consistently embody all that is good about America.”

Marshall served as the Army’s chief of staff during World War II, from 1939 to 1945, and following his retirement, as secretary of state from 1947 to 1949. He created the Marshall Plan, which provided economic and military aid to foreign nations. Marshall received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1953.

Sgt. Maj. of the Army Kenneth Preston accepted the award with a robust “Hooah!” generating a resounding round of hooahs in return.

“What a great night to be a Soldier,” Preston said, thanking the association for the honor on behalf of Soldiers everywhere. “We are very humbled by this tribute to the American Soldier.”

Preston noted that throughout the Army’s 229-year history, every Soldier has had a story as unique as the various cities and towns they came from. He shared a few stories that best exemplify the Soldier’s Creed.

In the War of Independence, for example, Preston recalled Deborah Sampson of Plimpton, Mass., who disguised herself as a young man in order to join the fight. Her masquerade lasted for three years and through two injuries. When her true gender was discovered, she was discharged. Gen. George Washington lobbied on her behalf to ensure she received the same pension and benefits afforded other veterans.

Once asked if she fought to advance the cause of women’s rights, Preston quoted Sampson’s reply:

“I was heeding the call of freedom; that call goes to both man and woman.”

Preston also described the heroic efforts of 1st Sgt. Powhatan Beaty of G Co., 5th U.S. Colored Regiment in leading what was left of his unit during a bloody Civil War battle at Fort Harrison, Va. Beaty was awarded the Medal of Honor.

There was also Sgt. Alvin York who in World War I picked off a slew of enemy snipers with his carbine, charged an enemy stronghold and single-handedly captured 132 prisoners.

World War II also created the legend of Pfc. Martin of the 325th Glider Regiment, 82nd Airborne. During the Battle of the Bulge, the story goes, a tank destroyer came upon a solitary Martin digging a foxhole. Martin greeted the tank sergeant, asking if they were looking for a safe place. Affirmative, the sergeant replied.

“Well, buddy, just pull your tank in behind me,” the private replied. “I’m the 82nd Airborne and this is as far as they go.”

Master Sgt. Anthony Pryor, a Special Forces Soldier fighting with his unit in Afghanistan, earned the Silver Star for his actions during a raid of an enemy stronghold. Credited with killing four enemy fighters, including one in hand-to-hand combat, Pryor was left bloodied and broken. Still, he just wanted to make sure his Soldiers were okay.

In Iraq, Pfc. Jessica Nicholson of the 1st Armored Division proved herself a warrior and team member when she apprehended a man twice her size at a checkpoint she was guarding. The man was loaded with grenades.

Throughout the ages, the conflicts and wars they’ve born, Soldiers have consistently met the challenge of defending our country, Preston said.

“Some names may be lost to history, but their contributions will never be forgotten,” he said.

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

High-Res   ~*~

On behalf of the American Soldier, Sgt. Maj. of the Army Kenneth O. Preston accepts the George Catlett Marshall Medal from Association of the United States Army president, retired Gen. Gordon R. Sullivan, at the 50th annual AUSA meeting Oct. 27, in Washington, D.C.

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

[hershey]

Wow!

[Ciexyz]

Inspirational bump. May God bless our brave soldiers stationed around the world.

[Taxbilly]

Devils in baggy pants. Death from above.

[laurenmarlowe]

Thanks for the ping Tonk, to an awesome story!

[Alamo-Girl]

Bump!

[Lady Jag]

America is blessed.

[SE Mom]

HOOAH!

[JLO]

Bump

[Raffus]

Our military men and women are the best. Let me repeat that - THE BEST. GO W!

[RebelTex]

Great post.

I remember a fellow Texan that should also be on that list.

A movie, TO HELL AND BACK, was made from his autobiography him and everyone should see it if they get a chance:

Critic's Choice
PO Box 749
Itasca, Illinois 60143
(800) 367-7765 (24 hours a day)
Email:
Titles:

TO HELL AND BACK

Catalog# MCA045013

$14.95

Released 1955 by Universal Pictures, TechniColor, 106 min., mono sound
Directed by Jesse Hibbs
Produced by Aaron Rosenberg
Written by Gil Doud based on the autobiography Audie Murphy
Film Editing by Edward Curtiss
Cinematography by Maury Gertsman
Music by Henry Mancini
 

Everyone should learn about this guy, most decorated soldier of WWII:

Audie Murphy

Audie Leon Murphy, son of poor Texas sharecroppers, rose to national fame as the most decorated U.S. combat soldier of World War II. Among his 33 awards and decorations was the Medal of Honor, the highest military award for bravery that can be given to any individual in the United States of America, for "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty." He also received every decoration for valor that his country had to offer, some of them more than once, including 5 decorations by France and Belgium. Credited with either killing over 240 of the enemy while wounding and capturing many others, he became a legend within the 3rd Infantry Division. Beginning his service as an Army Private, Audie quickly rose to the enlisted rank of Staff Sergeant, was given a "battle field" commission as 2nd Lieutenant, was wounded three times, fought in 9 major campaigns across the European Theater, and survived the war.

During Murphy's 3 years active service as a combat soldier in World War II, Audie became one of the best fighting combat soldiers of this or any other century. What Audie accomplished during this period is most significant and probably will never be repeated by another soldier, given today's high-tech type of warfare. The U.S. Army has always declared that there will never be another Audie Murphy.

More eyewitness reports here: http://www.audiemurphy.com/documents.htm

Never forget our heroes!

[RebelTex]

Thanks for the ping - I added another heroe that should be remembered.

[JLO]

Wish I kept an Airborne ping list. I don't, so will ping others who may share that great photo. Thanks Ragtime!

[BIGLOOK]

Raised my spirits, Tonk. Thanks.

[BykrBayb]

I'm the 82nd Airborne, and this is as far as the bastards are going.

Truly an Army of one.

[barker]

When I was a girl and Audie Murphy was making movies I had such a crush on him. Back then I had no idea what he had done in the war. Now I have so much respect for for him and the soldiers like him.

[E.G.C.]

BTTT!!!!!!!

[blackie]

The American Soldier ~ Bump!