Above and Beyond

May 27, 2024?

Dear Leaders,?

The term hero is badly overused, and many of us that served in the military wince at the reference, for there are few genuine heroes in this world, and the casual reference diminishes who they are and what they did.? On this Memorial Day in the USA, we note not only the passing of those who died in serving our nation and the cause of freedom, but especially those who went above and beyond the call of duty to receive our highest award, the Congressional Medal of Honor.?

Two recipients of this award recently passed away, and while famous entertainers dominate the headlines in this age for reasons right and wrong, the passing of these men who should be known to schoolchildren across the country barely rates a mention.?

Specialist Five Clarence Sasser was a medic assigned to an infantry unit in the Vietnam War when they came under heavy fire.? Immediately tending to wounded soldiers, he was shot several times to the point of being unable to walk.? In complete disregard for his own injuries and safety, he crawled 100 meters to treat one soldier and then crawled another two hundred meters to bring other soldiers to safety where he treated their wounds.? Refusing to leave, he remained with the unit for five hours until all were evacuated.? President Nixon awarded the medal to him in 1969.?

First Lieutenant Ralph Puckett led a company of Rangers in the Korean War.? With his unit taking heavy fire from the Chinese, he drew fire to himself by mounting a tank while giving orders to his men.? Moving across open ground, he continued to draw fire away from his unit, leading them to seize the hill, but having to fight off five human wave attacks during the night and being severely wounded.? Knowing they had to retreat, he ordered his men to leave him there, but they refused, and succeeded in getting him off the hill.? He stayed in the Army and retired as a Colonel.? He was originally awarded a Distinguished Service Cross, but his award was upgraded and he received the medal from President Biden in 2021.??

While these men lived to receive their due honors, 618 of the 3,565 awarded paid the ultimate price in their gallantry, and the awards were presented to their families.? Men like Master Sergeant Gary Gordon and Sergeant First Class Randy Shugart, who went to the aid of a downed pilot knowing they might not survive, but never hesitating to help someone they did not know, died believing they did what they had to do.? Of these and all recipients, most were wounded in the course of their actions, and although the citations read that their actions were gallantry and bravery above and beyond the call of duty, each would be quick to respond that their oaths, their dedication to their fellow service members, and their circumstances required nothing less, and none regard themselves as heroes.? ????

Leaders in most professions do not face life and death situations, and do not have to risk their lives, but they are confronted with having to make courageous decisions nonetheless.? Whether it is a difficult conversation, rendering a decision that you know will be unpopular, or reporting official corruption or criminality, leaders can never shirk from their duty in doing what is necessary, regardless of the consequences, for that which is right and true must always prevail.? Even at the risk of your own position and career, you cannot and must not hesitate to remain true to your principles and values and do what is right and just.?

A motivational poster in World War II asked of those supporting the war effort on the home front what had they done today to support it, noting that a soldier at the front died that day, giving his life for the cause of something greater.? For each of us, we remember those who died then, and those who have gone before us, knowing that our leadership serves not ourselves, but those whom we lead, and the impact we leave on their lives defines who we are.?

Lest we forget.?

Sincerely,

Tim