Free Republic

FORT HUACHUCA — One island-hopped during World War II fighting the Japanese. Another slugged it out with the Viet Cong in Vietnam. Both were wounded. On Saturday, former Pfc. James Gann, 85, and former Spc. 4th Class Frederick Golladay, 59, finally received their Purple Heart Medals, with Gann also being presented a Bronze Star Medal and Golladay an Air Medal. It was past time for the two men to be honored, Democratic U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords said in Fitch Auditorium, where a number of younger soldiers watched the ceremony at Fort Huachuca. “I am honored to be on the post...

A Black Hawk helicopter pilot had a surprise visit four days before Christmas, receiving an Army Commendation Medal, Air Medal and promotion to major. Maj. Ladda “Tammy” Duckworth, of the Illinois National Guard’s 1-106th Aviation, is recuperating from injuries at Walter Reed Army Medical Center after a rocket-propelled grenade hit the helicopter she was piloting in Iraq Nov. 12. “I hope this is the worst thing that happens to anyone in the 106th during this deployment,” said Duckworth. “This is not so bad, there is always somebody worse off than you are. I’m just glad it was me and not...