Photo By Capt. Rebekah Malone | Medal of Honor recipients retired Command Sgt. Maj. Gary Littrell (center) and retired...... read more read more
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BAGHDAD — With only 97 Medal of Honor holders currently living, the opportunity to meet a recipient of the nation's highest military decoration is not something that happens every day.
Recently, Soldiers from the 225th Engineer Brigade of Pineville, La., Multi-National Division — Baghdad, were provided the opportunity to meet two living heroes: retired Col. Robert Howard and retired Command Sgt. Maj. Gary Littrell, during their visit to Camp Liberty, last week.
These veterans received the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry and fearlessness in action while risking their lives during the Vietnam War.
Howard and Littrell retired with 36 and 24 years of service, respectfully, but their Army service did not stop there. Now on their sixth visit to Iraq, the best friend-duo say they feel "called" to visit Troops to show their support for what they refer to as the most professional Soldiers in the history of the U.S. Armed Forces.
"I have a great appreciation for Americans serving this great country. It's our privilege to be here with you," said Howard. "You are very privileged to have the greatest leaders we have had in our services, especially in the United States Army in the past 235 years, because of your level of professionalism."
"But it's more than professionalism," he continued. "It is dedication and love of your country.....or you wouldn't be here. I applaud you."
Among the Soldiers who met the American heroes was a fellow Soldier drafted during Vietnam, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Wilson Quebedeaux of Marksville, La. Quebedeaux has served in Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom and now, Operation Iraqi Freedom.
"It is always an honor to be able to visit with any retired veteran and distinguished Medal of Honor recipient. Few people ever get to do this because most who have received this medal died because of their heroic actions. Their families received the medal in their honor," Quebedeaux explained. "Any time you have an opportunity to talk to veterans of foreign wars, it always brings back the memories from when you were there."
More than 200 Soldiers filled the small Engineer Chapel at Camp Liberty to listen to the living legends give advice, encouragement and, more than anything, to be in the presence of two Americans who displayed acts of the highest caliber of courage in defense of their nation and fellow Soldiers.
"I was humbled and honored to meet true American heroes," said Master Sgt. Lisa Bates, of Mena, Ark. "It was a privilege to meet them and something I will always remember. It's not every day you get to meet Soldiers like that."
| Date Taken: | 04.21.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 04.21.2009 12:59 |
| Story ID: | 32664 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 504 |
| Downloads: | 417 |
This work, Medal of Honor: Louisiana Soldiers meet heroes in Iraq, by CPT Rebekah Malone, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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