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Legendary Navy diver Brashear dies
WVEC ^ | 7/25/06

Posted on 07/25/2006 3:12:33 PM PDT by Borges

He made history as the first African American US Navy Master Diver.

Tuesday afternoon, 75-year-old Carl Brashear died at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth,

His story was told in the 2000 film “Men of Honor,” and he was portrayed by actor Cuba Gooding, Jr.

Brashear joined the United States Navy in 1948 at the age of 17. He became the only amputee deep-sea diver to reach the status of Master Diver and was the only black man to ever become Master Diver of the United States Navy, a position he held from 1975 to 1977, according to the Navy.

He retired as a Boatswains Mate Master Chief.

Naval hospital officials said Brashear died at 2:45 p.m. of respiratory and heart failure.

His Marine Corps helicopter pilot son, Phillip, was home from Iraq on emergency leave and was at his father’s side.

“Carl Brashear was a man of integrity. He was well-loved and admired by the hospital staff,” said NMCP Commander Rear Adm. Thomas Cullison. “It was an honor to provide the care for this American hero. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family members.”


TOPICS: Culture/Society
KEYWORDS: americanhero; biography; brashear; carlbrashear; diver; hero; navy; obituary; restinpeace; scuba; usn
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1 posted on 07/25/2006 3:12:34 PM PDT by Borges
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To: Borges

A truly incredible man. Prayers for his family.


2 posted on 07/25/2006 3:17:11 PM PDT by proud_yank (If you think healthcare is expensive now, wait until its free.)
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To: Borges

God Bless you and take care of your soul Master Chief!

Thank you for your service!!!


3 posted on 07/25/2006 3:18:35 PM PDT by Syntyr (Food for the NSA Line Eater -> "terrorist" "bomb" "plot" "kill" "overthrow" "coup de tas")
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To: Borges; SandRat; 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub

FYI ping


4 posted on 07/25/2006 3:18:45 PM PDT by proud_yank (If you think healthcare is expensive now, wait until its free.)
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To: Borges

Rest in Peace Master Chief.


5 posted on 07/25/2006 3:19:55 PM PDT by Mike Darancette (999-TNS)
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To: Borges

Brashear and his family are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless him and all he did for AMERICA.


6 posted on 07/25/2006 3:20:07 PM PDT by JOE43270 (JOE43270, God Bless America and All Who Have and Will Defend Her.)
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To: Borges

PRESENT ARMS

Thank you for your service Master Chief. Go to your rest, you have earned it.


7 posted on 07/25/2006 3:26:25 PM PDT by taxcontrol
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To: Borges

That was a terrific movie and and by all accounts he was a terrific man.


8 posted on 07/25/2006 3:28:25 PM PDT by Peach (Prayers for our dear friends in Israel.)
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To: Borges

RIP BMCM Carl Brashear, USN


9 posted on 07/25/2006 3:33:39 PM PDT by ConorMacNessa (HM/2 USN, 3rd Bn. 5th Marines, RVN 1969. - St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle!)
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To: Borges

Men of Honor was an EXCELLENT film and tribute.


10 posted on 07/25/2006 3:34:56 PM PDT by cyborg (No I don't miss the single life at all.)
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To: Borges; Diver Dave; xzins; CMS; The Sailor; txradioguy; Jet Jaguar; Defender2; OneLoyalAmerican; ...
Master Diver of the United States Navy
Boatswains Mate Master Chief Carl Brashear
Rest In Peace Master Chief.



11 posted on 07/25/2006 3:35:17 PM PDT by 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub (Have you said Thank You to a service man or woman today?)
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To: Borges
Our Prayers Are With You
Click the Pic

12 posted on 07/25/2006 3:40:04 PM PDT by Fiddlstix (Warning! This Is A Subliminal Tagline! Read it at your own risk!(Presented by TagLines R US))
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To: Borges

I loved that movie. Rest in Peace, Master Chief.


13 posted on 07/25/2006 3:41:42 PM PDT by The KG9 Kid
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To: proud_yank

RIP and following seas, Master Chief


14 posted on 07/25/2006 3:43:45 PM PDT by Robe (Rome did not create a great empire by talking, they did it by killing all those who opposed them)
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To: Borges; 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub

Boatswains Mate Master Chief Carl Brashear, one of America's finest.

God Bless him and his family.


15 posted on 07/25/2006 3:45:24 PM PDT by jazusamo (DIANA IREY for Congress, PA 12th District: Retire murtha.)
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To: 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub
We just saw this movie again the other evening - he was a true Man of Honor.

RIP Master Chief Brashear

16 posted on 07/25/2006 3:48:56 PM PDT by Inspectorette
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To: Borges; proud_yank; Diver Dave; scubachick
Oh, I feel Like I know him from seeing the movie dozens of times.. but golly that pix looks like our good buddy Jessie J, doesn't it?

RIP, chief.. you were a testimony of strength, perseverance, focus... Thank you for the thread BOrges
17 posted on 07/25/2006 3:49:03 PM PDT by DollyCali (Don't tell GOD how big your storm is -- Tell the storm how B-I-G your God is!)
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To: Borges
He was a legend and he will be missed. This guy had a great grip.

RIP

18 posted on 07/25/2006 3:51:57 PM PDT by OriginalIntent (Undo the ACLU's revison of the Constitution. If you agree with the ACLU revisions, you are a liberal)
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To: Borges

Fair Winds and Following Seas Master Chief, Well Done!!
Condolences to Family and Friends.


19 posted on 07/25/2006 3:53:48 PM PDT by docman57 (Retired but still on Duty)
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To: Borges

Salute.


20 posted on 07/25/2006 3:53:53 PM PDT by Dumpster Baby ("Hope somebody finds me before the rats do .....")
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To: 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub


RIP


Boatswains Mate Master Chief Carl Brashear


21 posted on 07/25/2006 3:54:24 PM PDT by Soaring Feather
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To: Borges

Is this the gentleman that Cuba Gooding Jr portrayed in "Men of Honor?"


22 posted on 07/25/2006 3:54:57 PM PDT by Extremely Extreme Extremist (404 Page Error Found)
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To: Borges; All

To Phillip, his beloved son...

Your father was a great American, and I thank him for his service. I pray for you, and all of his family. We owe him more than we ever can comprehend.

Thank you, Phillip, for carrying on in service to us. Bear this loss with pride, and let us know if you need help. We are all praying for you and yours.


23 posted on 07/25/2006 3:55:56 PM PDT by jacquej
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To: Extremely Extreme Extremist

As the article point outs. :-)


24 posted on 07/25/2006 3:55:57 PM PDT by Borges
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To: Extremely Extreme Extremist

Nevermind. Duh, I need to read the article.


25 posted on 07/25/2006 3:56:09 PM PDT by Extremely Extreme Extremist (404 Page Error Found)
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To: Borges
“Carl Brashear was a man of integrity. He was well-loved and admired by the hospital staff,” said NMCP Commander Rear Adm. Thomas Cullison. “It was an honor to provide the care for this American hero. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family members.”

This is what I call a very well worded tribute.

26 posted on 07/25/2006 3:57:25 PM PDT by dennisw (Confucius say man who go through turnstile sideways going to Bangkok)
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To: Borges
His Marine Corps helicopter pilot son, Phillip, was home from Iraq on emergency leave and was at his father’s side.

That's a nice thing to do.

27 posted on 07/25/2006 3:58:28 PM PDT by Ramius (Buy blades for war fighters: freeper.the-hobbit-hole.net --> 1400 knives and counting!)
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To: proud_yank

AMEN! AMEN! AMEN!


28 posted on 07/25/2006 3:59:46 PM PDT by Quix (BIBLE says it's coming; prophecies indicate our era; Shrillery is eager; Global tyrannical gov looms)
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To: Jemian

a famous "diver" has returned to his maker. Jemian


29 posted on 07/25/2006 4:00:13 PM PDT by DollyCali (Don't tell GOD how big your storm is -- Tell the storm how B-I-G your God is!)
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To: Extremely Extreme Extremist
Is this the gentleman that Cuba Gooding Jr portrayed in "Men of Honor?"

Yep.

Carl Brashear and Cuba Gooding Jr.

30 posted on 07/25/2006 4:02:33 PM PDT by Drew68
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To: Borges
His Marine Corps helicopter pilot son, Phillip, was home from Iraq on emergency leave and was at his father’s side.

Good to see his family follow in his footsteps - from all accounts he was a helluva good guy.
31 posted on 07/25/2006 4:03:35 PM PDT by af_vet_rr
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To: Drew68
Carl Brashear and Cuba Gooding Jr.

Belay my last. That would be Master Chief Brashear and Cuba Gooding Jr.

32 posted on 07/25/2006 4:04:58 PM PDT by Drew68
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To: Borges

RIP Boatswains Mate Master Chief Carl Brashear. You literally changed my sister's life. After an accident that left her right leg, below the knee useless, she saw the movie "Men of Honor." It was after watching that movie that she had the courage to have a below the knee amputation and try to reachieve the quality of life she had before the accident. Since then, she has competed in triatlon, dressage, cycling, she golfs, plays tennis and swims. Thank you for your service and for giving me back my sister. May God bless you and your family, Cookie.


33 posted on 07/25/2006 4:04:58 PM PDT by WV Mountain Mama (God bless Israel and their men and women fighting against an evil, cowardly enemy.)
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To: 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub; Borges

Rest in Peace,
Boatswains Mate Master Chief Carl Brashear


34 posted on 07/25/2006 4:15:03 PM PDT by Gucho
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To: WV Mountain Mama

What a wonderful story!


35 posted on 07/25/2006 4:15:45 PM PDT by cyborg (No I don't miss the single life at all.)
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To: Borges

A great man, a great patriot and his death is a great loss. RIP, Master Chief.


36 posted on 07/25/2006 4:18:02 PM PDT by Ticonderoga34
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To: WV Mountain Mama
Now that's one heck of a great tribute to a true American Hero!
37 posted on 07/25/2006 4:20:11 PM PDT by ArrogantBustard (Western Civilisation is aborting, buggering, and contracepting itself out of existence.)
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To: Borges

Very special prayer ping!!!!!


38 posted on 07/25/2006 4:22:07 PM PDT by GregB (This family supports The U. S Marines!!!!!!)
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To: WV Mountain Mama

Kudos to your sister for overcoming her disability. Thanks for posting her story.


39 posted on 07/25/2006 4:23:25 PM PDT by Ciexyz (Leaning on the everlasting arms.)
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To: ArrogantBustard; cyborg

I remember the night she called me and told me to go rent it, she decided to amputate because of some movie called "Men of Honor." I didn't know what to think, but understood how she felt, especially after watching it. I still can't believe she was brave enough to do that. He definitely gave her the courage to try to get her life back, or at the very least fight for something better. I watch that movie and cry everytime I watch it. What an amazing man.


40 posted on 07/25/2006 4:27:48 PM PDT by WV Mountain Mama (God bless Israel and their men and women fighting against an evil, cowardly enemy.)
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To: DollyCali
but golly that pix looks like our good buddy Jessie J, doesn't it?

Take a look at that pic again. Looks more like Jim Brown to me.

41 posted on 07/25/2006 4:34:06 PM PDT by bad company (When Chuck Norris goes to bed at night, he checks his closet for FReeper kanawa)
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To: Borges
May this great American and sailor Rest In Peace.

*Salute!*

42 posted on 07/25/2006 4:35:22 PM PDT by Gritty (Americans love a winner - General George S. Patton)
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To: Borges

Wonderful story. How could anyone not want to serve under this man? What a leader.
GOD bless and thanks for the class and the lessons on how to behave as humans.


43 posted on 07/25/2006 4:38:40 PM PDT by Joe Boucher (an enemy of islam)
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To: bad company

yes.. I like Jim Brown (as a cleveland browns fan).. and thought he was really great in teh movie Mars Attacks.

It looks like both..


44 posted on 07/25/2006 4:41:46 PM PDT by DollyCali (Don't tell GOD how big your storm is -- Tell the storm how B-I-G your God is!)
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To: Borges; gate2wire; StarCMC

Rest in peace, Master Chief, and thank you for your tremendous service to a grateful nation.


45 posted on 07/25/2006 4:42:10 PM PDT by Coop (No, there are no @!%$&#*! polls on Irey vs. Murtha!)
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To: bad company; pcottraux; rzeznikj at stout
Love your chuck Norris tag-line! Singles thread a few weeks ago was about CN witticisms
46 posted on 07/25/2006 4:46:54 PM PDT by DollyCali (Don't tell GOD how big your storm is -- Tell the storm how B-I-G your God is!)
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To: DollyCali
Mars Attacks????????? Dirty Dozen.
47 posted on 07/25/2006 4:47:46 PM PDT by bad company (When Chuck Norris goes to bed at night, he checks his closet for FReeper kanawa)
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To: Borges; 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub

TAPS

RIP Boatswains Mate Master Chief Carl Brashear


Eternal Father Strong To Save

48 posted on 07/25/2006 4:49:08 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska (~ God Bless and Protect Our Brave Protectors of Freedom~)
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To: WV Mountain Mama
wow, what a testimony to your sister. I am an avid movie fan :& take a lot of "hits" for being so.. reading your comments on your sister, makes me proud of my interest in cinema!

thank you so much for taking the time to share her story. May she continue to excel in great things on this wonderful planet
49 posted on 07/25/2006 4:50:20 PM PDT by DollyCali (Don't tell GOD how big your storm is -- Tell the storm how B-I-G your God is!)
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To: bad company

Jim Brown played a "bouncer" at a casino in Las Vegas in teh movie Mars attacks


50 posted on 07/25/2006 4:51:29 PM PDT by DollyCali (Don't tell GOD how big your storm is -- Tell the storm how B-I-G your God is!)
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