“…FOR COURAGEOUS GALLANTRY AND INTREPIDITY AT THE RISK OF LIFE ABOVE AND BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY…”
On Veteran’s Day I took my kids to the National Cemetery to honor the men and women who served and perished in war. While we were there we visited the Medal Of Honor Memorial; there we found the names of each of the men and women honored with the highest military decoration awarded by the U.S. Government. Their stories were largely impossible to comprehend and included bravery beyond measure.
I found the name of one man whose story I read as a boy. Desmond Doss was a conscientious objector who refused to carry a weapon or kill but chose to serve his comrades as a medic. The actions which earned him the Congressional Medal of Honor are too numerous to recount but a couple must be shared. During a barrage he refused to leave heavy enemy fire and instead retrieved 75 wounded men one by one and with a rope lowered them to safety. Several weeks later he stayed on exposed ground rather than take cover with the rest of his men; he rendered aid to the wounded and was himself injured by a grenade. He tended his own wounds rather than call for help. Litter bearers found him five hours later and began carrying him to safety but when they encountered a more severely injured man along the way he made the men leave him so that they could tend to the more gravely wounded man. These are just two of the many stories that influenced me as a boy and made me think that a life of service is a pretty great thing.
It’s Thanksgiving here in the United States and it goes without saying that I’m thankful for men and women like Desmond Doss. He was brave, he was principled and he was, beyond all else, selfless. In war and at home, we need more like him.
28 Comments
An honorable man he is… a hero remembered. We should all be thankful to them.
I love this shot… the angle is superb! And you caught the helicopter too
Mono is the best.
Thanks so much Anny! I agree.
Absolutely beautiful dedication Christopher.
Thank you so much Kala!
very original capture!
Thanks yz!
Bold and original composition. Very abstract. I like it.
Appreciate that Pau–thanks!
great result in this high key, perfect in pov and vertical depth, compliments
Thanks Fabrizio!
Wonderful story of this true hero & above all true human being you share here, thanks Chris, and i love the image, the high-key (as in our blown-up minded by war times or just thinking of what wars were & still are everywhere in the world), the lines in your frame are so strong, dynamic & story-telling, and great your kids have such a daddy to let them know the best of human kind in the worst situations. Congrats !
Thanks so much k@–you’re very kind! =]
I love this high exposition… This picture of yours is a great tribute for all that people. I’m waiting for tomorrows photo.. : )
Thank you Verónica! =]
This photo is very moving. What a great man. Thanks!
He was Katie–thanks for stopping by!
A striking photo and a beautifully written tribute. Thank you, Christopher.
Thanks Phil–appreciate that!
It’s really a great way – your work here. I mean the stories to each of your images makes it feels like a reportage, like a diary and like a small world which I like to visit. Thanks for sharing some parts of your life!
Many thanks Nicki–I really appreciate that and I’m grateful that you stop by!
love this shot in B&W and wow that guy is a real hero! Thanks for sharing the stories about him.
Thanks Andy!
I’m not a great fan of high key, but the mood you’ve created with it here works perfectly,
Nice work Chris.
Appreciate that Dave–thanks!
What a great story and what a great man, a not so common hero!
Like Dave Tickell i’m not a great fan of high key, but i think that’s working here.
Thanks PixeLuz!
fantastic and perfect timing!
Thanks Joshi!