The Ramblings of a Crusty Old Sailor - Honoring the United States Navy

Founded on October 13th, 1775 as the Continental Navy to fight the Revolutionary War, the United States Navy is the largest and most well-equipped Navy in the entire world. Over 245 years have passed since its’ founding, the US government officially recognized the United States Navy by its current name on June 3rd, 1784 to replace the disbanded Continental Navy.

Along with being the 3rd largest Air Force in the world with its aerial fleet, the US Navy also has the worlds’ largest aircraft carrier fleet, with 11 active carriers in-service and 2 more under construction.

There are nearly 20 million Veterans of the United States Military with U.S. Navy Veterans making up a large portion of that number. The US Navy has been involved in nearly every major conflict the United States has fought in dating back to the founding of our country, to include the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Mexican-American War, Civil War, Spanish-American War, World War 1, World War 2, Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War, Iraq War, War in Afghanistan, and the GWOT (Global War on Terrorism).

The Ramblings of a Crusty Old Sailor - Honoring Army Sgt. Shawn M. Dunkin

Honoring Army Sgt. Shawn M. Dunkin who selflessly sacrificed his life fourteen years ago in Iraq for our great Country. Please help me honor him so that he is not forgotten.

The Ramblings of a Crusty Old Sailor - Honoring the life and ultimate sacrifice of: Peter M. Guenette - Vietnam War - U.S. Army - Medal of Honor Recipient

Today we honor the life and ultimate sacrifice of:
Peter M. Guenette | Vietnam War | U.S. Army | Medal of Honor Recipient

Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sp4c. Guenette distinguished himself serving as a machine gunner with Company D, during combat operations. While Sp4c. Guenette's platoon was sweeping a suspected enemy base camp, it came under light harassing fire from a well-equipped and firmly entrenched squad of North Vietnamese Army regulars which was serving as a delaying force at the entrance to their base camp. As the platoon moved within 10 meters of the fortified positions, the enemy fire became intense. Sp4c. Guenette and his assistant gunner immediately began to provide a base of suppressive fire, ceasing momentarily to allow the assistant gunner time to throw a grenade into the bunker. Seconds later, an enemy grenade was thrown to Sp4c. Guenette's right flank. Realizing that the grenade would kill or wound at least four men and destroy the machine gun, he shouted a warning and smothered the grenade with his body, absorbing its blast. Through his actions, he prevented loss of life or injury to at least three men and enabled his comrades to maintain their fire superiority. By his gallantry at the cost of his life in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, Sp4c. Guenette has reflected great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.