| Vietnam veterans and Medal of Honor recipients retired U.S. Army Col. Robert Howard and retired U.S. Marine Corps Capt. John McGinty continue to demonstrate their heroism and selfless devotion to duty by bringing their messages of motivation, duty and patriotism to troops in Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan, Qatar, Kuwait and Iraq in late April.
ěThis is a unique opportunity,î said Capt. Jesse Davidson, U.S. Marine Corps, Armed Forces Entertainment circuit manager for Southwest Asia. ěThere are few living recipients of the Medal of Honor who can make this long trip. I accompanied other recipients on their last tour and was able to see the dramatic impact these heroes have on our deployed personnel.î
This is the third Armed Forces Entertainment tour by members of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. Previous tours in April and October 2006 visited personnel in remote locations in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Colonel Howard received the Medal of Honor for his actions on Dec. 30, 1968 in Vietnam. As a sergeant first class, Colonel Howard was the platoon sergeant of a combined American-Vietnamese platoon. When ambushed by a larger force, Colonel Howard took control of the platoon from the wounded platoon leader. His actions while wounded and under enemy fire allowed his platoon to repulse the enemy attacks and successfully evacuate the wounded soldiers. He was later commissioned and retired from the United States Army as a colonel.
Captain McGinty received the Medal of Honor for his actions on Jan, 18, 1966 in Vietnam. As a staff sergeant, Captain McGinty was a platoon leader with 3d Battalion, 4th Marines. Tasked with guarding the rear of the battalion, his platoon was attacked by an 800-man enemy force. Ignoring his wounds, he kept the platoon together and repelled repeated waves of attacks. Directing supporting aircraft and artillery, as well as using his personal weapon, Capt. McGinty led his platoon in routing the larger enemy force. He was later commissioned as an officer in the United States Marine Corps, retiring as a Captain.
ěArmed Forces Entertainment considers it a privilege to host Colonel Howard and Captain McGinty,î said Mr. Davidson. ěTheir valor is an inspiration to all.î
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Armed Forces Entertainment is the lead Department of Defense agency for providing entertainment to U.S. military personnel serving overseas, with priority given to those in contingency operations and at remote and isolated locations. The Department of the Air Force is the executive agent of Armed Forces Entertainment.
Founded in 1951, Armed Forces Entertainment brings a touch of home to more than 500,000 troops annually, embracing the best of Americana that stretches across all genres of entertainment. Visit www.armedforcesentertainment.com for more information.
Contact you local MWR or Entertainment Coordinator for show times and location
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