Manchus, honor and emotions

As mentioned in a previous post, 22 November 2008 was spent honoring the memory of a young man who, through his selfless acts, gave his life so that others might live.  His heroism and dedication to his comrades has become a gauge for me….of the type of man I want to be…the example set to which we should all aspire.

Am I suggesting that we need to die?  Of course not.  What I mean is that Nicholas Cutinha, whom his comrades in Charlie company called ‘Porky’, demonstrated on a regular basis, that character is something one displays in all they do.

At the far-too-young age of 23, Nickie displayed the type of courage and loyalty that anyone should admire…and I certainly do.

On 2 March 1968, arguably the worst day in terms of loss of life during the Viet Nam conflict, this young man fought a fight he must have known he could not win.  He fought against odds which were clearly and definitely tremendous…and he did it with “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.”

Those words are taken directly from the Medal of Honor which was presented posthumously in honor of his actions on that fateful day, in service to a grateful nation.

There is a wealth of information on Charlie company and its history…as well as that horrible day in our nation’s past.  For those interested, start your journey at Manchu website and consider purchasing the book, written by Larry James, entitled ‘Unfortunate Sons’  which is a most compelling read, imnsho.

For those interested in the wealth of pictures taken as a record of our Medal of Honor ceremony, I’ve posted all of them, unedited, here…but will be putting together a selection for the American Legion Post 130 on their site soon.

I’ve rambled in this post, but will end with my most sincere thanks to those who contributed to the success of our ceremony and helping to properly commemorate the life and sacrifices of one Nicholas Cutinha.

I won’t name names, as I’ve not received permission to do so, but thank you all for making 22 November 2008 a day I am most proud of….not only because of the ceremony’s success, but because of the connection to the past which it has created for those of us who did not serve but appreciate those who have and do.