Filed under: November 2015 | Tags: 173rd Airborne, American Soldier, Big and Rich, Freedom, Lawrence Joel, Patriotism, Vietcong, Vietnam
The sheep spend a day by the pond
November 8, 2015
Today marks the 50th anniversary of a horrible battle in Vietnam. The battle involved the 173rd Airborne Brigade, nicknamed the “Sky Soldiers” during “Operation Hump”. The history of the battle can be easily researched, but in short 400 Us and Australian forces were met in heavy combat by 1200 Vietcong soldiers. The fighting was intense. 49 American men were killed in combat some of which was hand-to-hand, as bullets ripped, men screamed and grenades exploded all around. Death hung in the air and blood soaked that foreign land. Today, I will pause and think of the men, who against incredible odds, survived that day. I will also tip my hat to the men who died for a cause they believed in doing what they we told to do.
There is one other thing to remember, a medic named Lawrence Joel, was awarded the Medal of Honor becoming the first black man to do so since the Spanish-American war. Though severely wounded, (shot twice) he ran from man to man saving lives in the midst of that awful battle. Many men are alive because of Lawrence Joel’s efforts. John 15:13 says, “greater love hath no man than to lay down his life for his brother” Lawrence exemplified this on November 8, 1965. He didn’t die that day, but was willing to do that very thing. Lawrence died in 1984 and is buried in Arlington Cemetery.
So, as I soak up the peace that surrounds this farm. I will say thank you to those who keep us safe. I will especially remember the 173rd today and play the song by “Big and Rich” entitled “Eighth of November”. Hoorah men! Thank you!
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RicelandMeadows 
Although I was not in 173rd I was with the Special Forces and the 82nd Airborn. Our airborn troops are the very best anywhere. I love them all. God Bless. The toughest men on earth.
Comment by Lloyd Bouldin November 8, 2015 @ 12:58 pmLloyd, I couldn’t agree more! Thank you for your service. I served in peacetime, but was attached to the 82nd Airborne for five years of my six year hitch….and yes, they were and still are, some of the toughest men on Earth!
Comment by ricelandmeadows November 9, 2015 @ 7:50 am