It was back in the Fall of 2012 when "Flo" Florent saw a suicide bomber coming towards his troops in Afghanistan. Attacking the men the bomb went off and severally injured the Captain and killed several others. Three years later he would be standing at Attention as President Obama draped the Medal of Honor around his neck, as shown below. But Flo was not from the US. He came to America from near Paris France as a youth, would later become a naturalized citizen, join the forces and later become one of over 700 others who, being Non-American born, would reach a major milestone in their military career ...as Medal of Honor men. (That's one in five non-American born heroes earning the medal over its entire history dating back to Civil War days.)
Just a few weeks ago Flo would get another incredible recognition. He would be awarded the Outstanding Citizen by Choice Award. Mr Eric Fanning, the US Army's Secretary attended and while praising the Captain's heroism also ..."Hailed the diversity in the room" and noted that the foreign born members were..."critical to America's strength."
Back in 2009 another Medal of Honor recipient also got the same award by the President. Hopefully you recognize his picture from past blogs. Shown below as well, this is Sergeant Peter Lemon, Toronto born, and a recipient for heroism in Vietnam.
Just a few weeks ago Flo would get another incredible recognition. He would be awarded the Outstanding Citizen by Choice Award. Mr Eric Fanning, the US Army's Secretary attended and while praising the Captain's heroism also ..."Hailed the diversity in the room" and noted that the foreign born members were..."critical to America's strength."
Back in 2009 another Medal of Honor recipient also got the same award by the President. Hopefully you recognize his picture from past blogs. Shown below as well, this is Sergeant Peter Lemon, Toronto born, and a recipient for heroism in Vietnam.
There are a few other news articles of note that I want to tell you about tonight. But first an honourable mention at this time of year to three recipients, all from Canada. The story of each has been told in this space in the past.
The first, Benjamin F Youngs was born at Zorra Ontario and fought with a sharpshooter regiment for the Union back in 1864 when he captured an enemy flag. His award was announced in a General Order dated on 5 December... 152 years ago.
The first, Benjamin F Youngs was born at Zorra Ontario and fought with a sharpshooter regiment for the Union back in 1864 when he captured an enemy flag. His award was announced in a General Order dated on 5 December... 152 years ago.
This is Benjamin's actual Medal of Honor, and presentation box. He was issued 2, a second being a later model, but of course could only wear one at a time and he is not considered what many call... a double recipient. History claims there were 19 double recipients, but history likes to conveniently forget two others, as noted often in this space. And as you shell see in this space very soon, there was almost another double recipient. Benjamin is shown above in his later years.
Navy man William Pelham from Halifax Nova Scotia earned his Medal of Honor in 1864 at the Battle of Mobile Bay. When his ship's cannon blew up and killed many, he helped get some of the wounded below deck and then returned to continue the fight on another gun. He was born on 8 December back in 1847.
Navy man William Pelham from Halifax Nova Scotia earned his Medal of Honor in 1864 at the Battle of Mobile Bay. When his ship's cannon blew up and killed many, he helped get some of the wounded below deck and then returned to continue the fight on another gun. He was born on 8 December back in 1847.
Here you see the reverse of his actual medal. He is shown wearing the medal ... in the center of two other medals. Actually they are badges of membership and attendance at function of the Grand Army of the Republic which started up for the veterans a few years after the CW ended. A very close look at the lapel pin looks like yet a miniature Medal of Honor, but is actually also a GAR membership pin and not a medal for heroism.
On 4 December back in 1915, New Brunswick born John Grady, a naval Lieutenant, would be awarded a Medal of Honor for his bravery about 1 1/2 yrs earlier at Vera Cruz. Going ashore with landing parties, he constantly exposed himself to enemy fire as he led... not a naval unit... but a regiment of Artillery into battle.
On 4 December back in 1915, New Brunswick born John Grady, a naval Lieutenant, would be awarded a Medal of Honor for his bravery about 1 1/2 yrs earlier at Vera Cruz. Going ashore with landing parties, he constantly exposed himself to enemy fire as he led... not a naval unit... but a regiment of Artillery into battle.
John would end up as a naval captain, would earn the Navy Cross during WWl and would become the highest ranking Canadian naval officer to be awarded the MOH.
There are many numbers of Canadians listed on the net as being Medal of Honor recipients and holding the rank of a general. My list is believed to be the most extensive and has 8 men so listed.
Others duties are screaming at me for attention, so I have to leave it off with the above. But On Sunday I want to bring you some very interesting news, touching on Canadians and the Spanish American War where 110 medals were awarded. almost 50 % of which also went to Non American born heroes.
See you on Sunday.
There are many numbers of Canadians listed on the net as being Medal of Honor recipients and holding the rank of a general. My list is believed to be the most extensive and has 8 men so listed.
Others duties are screaming at me for attention, so I have to leave it off with the above. But On Sunday I want to bring you some very interesting news, touching on Canadians and the Spanish American War where 110 medals were awarded. almost 50 % of which also went to Non American born heroes.
See you on Sunday.
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