As Second Lieutenant Rescorla of the 7th Cavalry, he saw action in the battle of Ia Drang in Vietnam in 1965, earning the nickname 'Hard Core' because of his bravery. He was awarded medals including the Silver Star and a picture of him in action forms the cover of We Were Soldiers Once...And Young, a book which was later turned into the 2002 Mel Gibson film We Were Soldiers.
Heard his story reading a book called “The Unthinkable: Who Survives When Disaster Strikes - and Why”. A real hero.
Heard his story reading a book called “The Unthinkable: Who Survives When Disaster Strikes - and Why”. A real hero.
To me, Rick Rescorla is the greatest hero of that day. As brave as any who gave their lives, and more foreseeing, wise and effective than any other.
A remarkable man who lived an incredible life.
First off, Amen! However, this story and Hero reminds me that one of the changes in our modern society. The denigration of heroes.
Our kids frequently no longer go to schools named for an American Hero/Heroine [replaced by school board or educators] nor are they taught about heroes unless a full measure of clay feet is included. Obviously certain admirable exceptions can be included if their names are Dr. ML King Jr. or Tubman or Chavez but few others come to mind. I very sincerely believe that we do our kids a great disservice by not giving them something other than comic-book, music or actor role models as presented by our popular culture.
Men like Rick Rescorla may have had faults but such heroism should be included in a modern day Herodotus and studied as exemplars of correct behavior.
RIP Rick and all who perished on that awful day.
” His remains have never been recovered. “ Just look up , he is there in the beautiful passing clouds at sunset :
Maj. Sullivan Ballou’s letter to his wife Sara :
July 14, 1861
Camp Clark, Washington
My very dear Sarah:
The indications are very strong that we shall move in a few days—perhaps tomorrow. Lest I should not be able to write again, I feel impelled to write a few lines that may fall under your eye when I shall be no more . . .
I have no misgivings about, or lack of confidence in the cause in which I am engaged, and my courage does not halt or falter. I know how strongly American Civilization now leans on the triumph of the Government and how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and sufferings of the Revolution. And I am willing—perfectly willing—to lay down all my joys in this life, to help maintain this Government, and to pay that debt . . .
Sarah my love for you is deathless, it seems to bind me with mighty cables that nothing but Omnipotence could break; and yet my love of Country comes over me like a strong wind and bears me unresistibly on with all these chains to the battle field.
The memories of the blissful moments I have spent with you come creeping over me, and I feel most gratified to God and to you that I have enjoyed them for so long. And hard it is for me to give them up and burn to ashes the hopes of future years, when, God willing, we might still have lived and loved together, and seen our sons grown up to honorable manhood, around us. I have, I know, but few and small claims upon Divine Providence, but something whispers to me—perhaps it is the wafted prayer of my little Edgar, that I shall return to my loved ones unharmed. If I do not my dear Sarah, never forget how much I love you, and when my last breath escapes me on the battle field, it will whisper your name. Forgive my many faults and the many pains I have caused you. How thoughtless and foolish I have often times been! How gladly would I wash out with my tears every little spot upon your happiness . . .
But, O Sarah! If the dead can come back to this earth and flit unseen around those they loved, I shall always be near you; in the gladdest days and in the darkest nights . . . always, always, and if there be a soft breeze upon your cheek, it shall be my breath, as the cool air fans your throbbing temple, it shall be my spirit passing by. Sarah do not mourn me dead; think I am gone and wait for thee, for we shall meet again . . .
Sullivan Ballou was killed a week later at the first Battle of Bull Run, July 21, 1861.
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“HEART of a SOLDIER” The Opera = T’was a truly transformational experience, for all the right reasons, in San Francisco last night that just cries out for New York City. Everyone, everywhere needs to feel deeply its living message of S.I.N.G. & L.O.V.E. for others ..fully and completely. RICK RESCORLA was a Man of a 1,000 years, for indeed such a one only comes once ...in a 1,000 years..!!!
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A 9/11 hero’s epic love is brought to life in opera
http://www.nj.com/entertainment/arts/index.ssf/2011/09/a_911_heros_epic_love_is_broug_1.html
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A 9/11 hero’s epic love is brought to life in opera
http://www.nj.com/entertainment/arts/index.ssf/2011/09/a_911_heros_epic_love_is_broug_1.html
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Opera Review: ‘Heart of a Soldier’ (Los Angeles Times)
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/culturemonster/2011/09/opera-review-heart-of-a-soldier.html
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Opera Review: ‘Heart of a Soldier’ (Los Angeles Times)
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/culturemonster/2011/09/opera-review-heart-of-a-soldier.html
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‘Heart of a Soldier’ Opera Chronicles Heroism, Love Amid TRragedy of 9/11 (PBS)
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/entertainment/july-dec11/opera_09-20.html
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NEVER FORGET
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Secretary NAPOLITANO Presents the DHS Distinguished Public Service Medal Postumously to RICHARD RESCORLA
http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/20110921-napolitano-presents-award-richard-rescorla.shtm
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NEVER FORGET
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