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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsDefense Sec Chuck Hagel to be reunited with the long-lost ‘brother-in-arms’ not seen since Vietnam
When U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel calls someone 'one of the best military officers ever', it's high praise indeed.
This is how Hagel remembers Lieutenant Jerome Johnson, his platoon commander during the Vietnam War.
The Defense Secretary has searched for 45 years to find his former lieutenant, who is now a grandfather living in Chicago. The two men are set to be reunited this spring in Washington, D.C
agel remembers that when he met Johnson in 1968, America was losing thousands of young men on battlefields in Vietnam.
Tensions were also running high among African-American and white soldiers at that time. It was a destabilizing period for the civil rights movement in the U.S. following the assassination of leader Martin Luther King Jr in April 1968.
Hagel said that Lt. Johnson, an African-American, told his men that their in-fighting had to stop.
The commander told his platoon that their purpose while serving was to protect each other so everyone would live to come home.
Pics and Video at the Link
agel remembers that when he met Johnson in 1968, America was losing thousands of young men on battlefields in Vietnam.
Tensions were also running high among African-American and white soldiers at that time. It was a destabilizing period for the civil rights movement in the U.S. following the assassination of leader Martin Luther King Jr in April 1968.
Hagel said that Lt. Johnson, an African-American, told his men that their in-fighting had to stop.
The commander told his platoon that their purpose while serving was to protect each other so everyone would live to come home
Continued with pictures and video at link:
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2562061/Chuck-Hagel-reunited-brother-arms-Vietnam.html#ixzz2thqEB3C5
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pinboy3niner
(53,339 posts)It's long-overdue, but to have your leadership recognized by one of your troops--who is now SecDef?
I thought it was a big deal when my medic found me after 20 years--and for these guys it's 45 years!
More power to these brothers-in-arms!
okaawhatever
(9,478 posts)at my new high school. My dad was thrilled. Me, not so much.
I think it's funny that Hagel was describing this guy, African American, calm, easy going a quiet leader. I'll bet Obama reminds him of this guy.
pinboy3niner
(53,339 posts)But I doubt Hagel was making a connection to the President. He had a platoon leader in combat, in the midst of other social pressures, who ignored the divisive influences and focused on what was important. These guys were in a unique, extraordinary situation and went through a lot of shit together. I doubt Hagel is thinking of anything outside of that.
okaawhatever
(9,478 posts)old Lt. I only say that because the words Hagel used to describe his old platoon leader are the words people usually use to describe Obama. Of course, after being around McCain I'm sure Hagel appreciated anyone who was reserved or quiet.
nadinbrzezinski
(154,021 posts)NCOs are the backbone, but good Ltees and captains also matter. As one of my guys used to say, NCOs keep officers in the straight and narrow, so officers can sign paperwork away.
I never had that discussion of who was more important it was best...
I am sure the Sergeant and the Ltee will have a cold one in memory of those that did not come home.