From Fox news come the story of an injured Army Ranger thought to be unconscious rendering a salute during his Purple Heart ceremony.
“I cannot impart on you the level of emotion that poured through the intensive care unit that day,” the commander wrote to the Ranger’s wife. “Grown men began to weep, and we were speechless at a gesture that speaks volumes about Josh’s courage and character.”
WARNING: Make sure the office door is closed when reading this…..
UPDATE: Full transcript of the letter Josh’s Commander sent to his wife is over at Guardians of Valor
Dear Lord.
Un farking believeable.
They should canonize that soldier wile he’s still alive.
Wow. Just wow.
If you follow the link at the end of the article through to the local Fox19 story it’s even better…..what I could read of it before I was crying like a baby…
Amazing, I got all teary reading it.
This is why and how our Nation will survive.
Had I seen this earlier, I would not have commented in any other thread. Now that I have seen this Pulitizer picture of this magnificent Ranger, and read the accompanying story, I am done, at least for the day and probably two or three. I am awestruck and ruined in a totally appropriate way.
God bless and keep this young warrior as he takes the long road to recovery. And bless his family as well.
Master Chief, I think you are correct. As long as we have citizens like this, America is going to be O.K.
I pray for his full recovery. We need him — all of us.
Yeah, this is indeed a Wednesday feel good story. God bless you young man and speed your recovery.
A Real Man among other Real Men, Godspeed in your recovery, Ranger!
One other note.
I hope a Ranger took a video of this ceremony and you Army types can get it posted up here soon. I will use this story with my son as I am in character building mode. Just last night I walked him through what happens to a service member during and after an injury like this. Then I cautioned him about complaining about his cuts, bruises and minor aches and pains. He got upset and said, “I know dad, I see you cry when the Wounded Warrior commercial come on during O’Reilly … I will do better.”
Our children need to see this!
He may have lost his legs, but he is still twice the man most men could ever be! RLTW!
Oh. Was just grumbling about something or another. I promise to do better, at least for a while. Maybe think of this warrior.
Thank you. Each and every one of you who offered to give this much, served to improve my life, and helped me along the way.
Now, after being thoroughly humbled, will make some effort to accomplish something which will make my own existence worthy of sharing air with this man.
That is what they do not get. That is dedication to Service.
Rangers aways RANGER UP!!!
If I could go to this MANs bedside, I’d salute him, *GENTLY* shake his hand, hug him and then kiss him and I’M A GUY!!!.
Because of him, I also, too, have hope for our nation and this entire world.
Guts, Character, and Honor. Pure, simple, no spin.
A man’s man.
God bless this young man.
What the Master Chief said, too.
Not to be crass, but does anybody know if there is a fund for Josh and/or his unborn kid? His actions are beyond me, but writing a check is not.
I sent a message to his sister via facebook to see if there is anything like that. I will update if I hear anything back. OT
Words cannot even begin to describe how I feel. I thank God for men like this.
One comment is better then the next. All of you guys make me proud to read and post comments on this web site.
Simply put……awe-inspiring.
GOD BLESS AMERICA!
I hope you don’t mind me posting this, but I found some updated information wherein Josh’s mother is quoted: “Nevertheless, the 24-year-old Dater High grad “sounded amazing when I talked to him. He was in good spirits,” his mother, Laura Heitman, told WCPO.”
The entire article is here: http://www.wcpo.com/news/local-news/hometown-army-ranger-wounded-after-bomb-explodes-makes-emotional-salute
At least we know that he has survived his wounds.
LI Right, Of course we don’t mind, updates are always welcome!
On a day when our community lost a Green Beret in Afghanistan, this was welcome news. G-d bless our warfighters.
What. A. Man.
In the best and literal sense of a highly over-used word… awesome. As in ‘inspiring awe in others’. God bless.
First saw this on Monday. got something in my eye. I’ve seen it several times since then. Each time I had some kind of allergic reaction…
RLTW.
I am humbly honored and blessed to have served with men such as these in my Ranger Regiment.
Steve Croushore
B-3/75 RGR
’91-’94
That’s it, I’m resigning my commission and enlisting. I must serve with these kind of men.
You won’t ever see a US Marine do this……..because they don’t salute uncovered. Ha!
What a nice story.
Damn! It’s dusty in here again. BUt worth it to honor a man’s man