Woodrow Wilson Keeble wins Medal of Honor
I feel chills when I read what Woodie Keedle did. I have seen Fire and Ice on the History Channel. The Korean War was no picnic. Woodie truly went above and beyond the call of duty. It is a great tragedy of our Country that we did not recognize this brave man before he died. It took another 20 years before he would be honored.
Woodrow Wilson Keeble is the first Sioux to recieve the medal of honor.
Update: BTW, I scanned a few of those Right Wing Blogs like Michele Malkin and Drudge - nothing. Air Hot - nothing. Say Anything does have something but then the blog is based in North Dakota where Woodie Keedle was from. I guess my point is I thought that the Right loved our troops?
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The Citation reads:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty:
Master Sergeant Woodrow W. Keeble distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action with an armed enemy near Sangsan-ni, Korea, on October 20, 1951. On that day, Master Sergeant Keeble was an acting platoon leader for the support platoon in Company G, 19th Infantry, in the attack on Hill 765, a steep and rugged position that was well defended by the enemy. Leading the support platoon, Master Sergeant Keeble saw that the attacking elements had become pinned down on the slope by heavy enemy fire from three well-fortified and strategically placed enemy positions. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Master Sergeant Keeble dashed forward and joined the pinned-down platoon. Then, hugging the ground, Master Sergeant Keeble crawled forward alone until he was in close proximity to one of the hostile machine-gun emplacements. Ignoring the heavy fire that the crew trained on him, Master Sergeant Keeble activated a grenade and threw it with great accuracy, successfully destroying the position. Continuing his one-man assault, he moved to the second enemy position and destroyed it with another grenade. Despite the fact that the enemy troops were now directing their firepower against him and unleashing a shower of grenades in a frantic attempt to stop his advance, he moved forward against the third hostile emplacement, and skillfully neutralized the remaining enemy position. As his comrades moved forward to join him, Master Sergeant Keeble continued to direct accurate fire against nearby trenches, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy. Inspired by his courage, Company G successfully moved forward and seized its important objective. The extraordinary courage, selfless service, and devotion to duty displayed that day by Master Sergeant Keeble was an inspiration to all around him and reflected great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Yes for years I have known Mr. Keeble should have received the Medal of Honor. I was a close friend with his son Earl who also has regrettably passed away. I saw the scars on his fathers back, his father did not talk about the war, but on the shelf I saw the numerous citations that Earl’s father had. My grandmother was the one who sewed the many ribbons on his uniform and she told me many great stories about this man. It is about time he was honored for his effort for our country. He was a great athlete, a good man, and one heck of a hero.
Leo –
Thanks so much for your comment. It is truly an honor to hear from someone who actually knew Mr. Keeble.
It’s been my experience that “true” heroes never talk about their work effort and least talent they need to be prompted. They almost never boastful. They’re humility is yet another quality is pretty about these men.
Thanks again for your comments.
I just found your blog trying to search for the details of MSgt. Keeble’s citation. I’d read about him in a fleeting byline on the web & told a Vietnam Vet at work. We both scanned several local papers of various political slants including the left-leaning (Newark, NJ) “Star Ledger” & the right-leaning “New York Post” for the next couple of days but alas, there seemed to be nothing on the story. (In all fairness, I didn’t check the online versions, only the print ones).
Usually the “Post” is very good about such things. It was nice that someone who knew MSgt. Keeble actually wrote in as well. It IS a real shame that people such as MSgt. Keeble aren’t recognized by the media in general for the true heroes they are, rather than focusing n what star is pregnant or having a meltdown at the moment. True heroes are those ordinary people who thrust into the most difficult conditions reach into themselves and find the extraordinary. I’m sure that’s paraphrased from someone, but I’m not sure who… MSgt. Keebles soul surely flies with Eagles!
P.S. Oddly enough the 2nd Google result after yours was a Republican Nlog with a well-written writeup. I found MSgt. Keeble was a BAR man as was one of my great-uncles who was with the Rangers in WWII. http://rncnyc2004.blogspot.com/2008/03/medal-of-honor-ceremony-for-woodrow.html
There’s also a writeup of the ceremony on the White House web site. I must admit that whatever your position is on President Bush, he seems to be genuinely concerned and pleased to help right wrongs such as this. It would have been nice to have more press coverage however.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/03/20080303-3.html
Phil -
Thanks for your comments.
I appreciate you pointing at that Right Wing Blogs are covering this story also.
I agree with you that the President is very pleased to correct this wrong.
Again, thanks for your comments.