Christmas for the US Armed Forces in 2003

As our soldiers spend another Christmas on foreign soil I pause to reflect on some of the great moments in American military history. As I think of the great sacrifices and courage shown by those who have served this country I stand in awe of the character and nature of our soldiers. I do not believe there is a record of any nation in known history whose soldiers have fought and died so selflessly for a cause so great as Liberty. The sacrifices of our Armed Forces and their determination to win at the pivotal moments in world history is unequaled. Their dedication to duty, honor and country. Their epic struggles for freedom and liberty stand as a testament to us all. For little or no personal gain they braved ungodly weather and almost unbearable personal hardships. Through unyielding dedication and espirit de corps they have conquered where lesser men would have failed.

This is a brief history of the some of the pivotal moments in military campaigns that have occurred on or around Christmas time. I ask you to think of the members of our Armed Forces who are serving our country so resolutely and steadfastly. Whose dedication has taken them away from their families in Iraq, Afghanistan and wherever their service may take them. I hope you pause to give thanks and a prayer for those who have died in this ongoing war on terror and fight for freedom. The peace and safety that we have is due to their efforts and heroic sacrifices. I am sorry that such fine young men have died. It grieves my heart every day when I read that another soldier has lost his life in Iraq. But I am grateful such men have lived. I am comforted in the fact that they died serving a just cause in a great war for freedom from terrorism. I am confident they will receive an honored place in heaven. Because of their bravery and courage we will be victorious!!!

Trenton - December 25, 1776

The American Revolutionary effort near extinction, George Washington leads an ill equipped army of 2000 fledgling volunteers against 1200 well trained, well equipped German Mercenary Hessian troops in a surprise dawn attack on Trenton, turning the tide of the Revolution. Not one of the Revolutionary troops was injured in the attack, though the fear had been that they could be slaughtered if the Hessians knew they were coming.

Emanuel Gottlieb Leutze, American, 1816-1868
George Washington Crossing the Delaware, 1851
Oil on Canvas; 12 2/5 x 21 1/4 in. (378.5 x 647.7 cm)

Washington Receiving a Salute on the Field of Trenton

Battle of the Bulge - December 16, 1944

"If we are not victorious, let no one come back alive." General George S Patton Jr.

On December 16th, 1944 Field Marshall Von Rundstedt launched a brutal winter attack against the allies line in the Ardennes. Hoping to split their armies and to drive to the sea he put the American army in a desperate situation. With the 101st Airborne brought in to hold the critical road junction at Bastogne, Patton in perhaps his finest hour, pulled his army out of an attack to the east and turned it 90 degrees and attacked north through one of the worst blizzards in European history. With the 3rd Armored Division as a spearhead they pulled off one of the most remarkable maneuvers in military history when they relieved the beleaguered "Nuts" of the 101st at Bastogne on Dec 26th. Patton directed the following prayer to be written by Msgr. James H. O'Neill, Chief Chaplain of the Third Army. It was distributed to all the troops. As a result the weather cleared the next day and they were able to use their overwhelming air support to help achieve their objective.

Patton's Prayer

"Almighty and most merciful Father, we humbly beseech Thee, of Thy great goodness, to restrain these immoderate rains with which we have had to contend. Grant us fair weather for Battle. Graciously hearken to us as soldiers who call upon Thee that, armed with Thy power, we may advance from victory to victory, and crush the oppression and wickedness of our enemies and establish Thy justice among men and nations."

Disabled Tiger at the Battle of the Bulge

Infantry moves on a road toward Vith

Warm Chow at the Battle of the Bulge - Dec 25, 1944

WWII American graves In Luxembourg

By the end of January 1945, the Battle of the Bulge ends.
Over 76,000 Americans have been killed, wounded, or captured.

Link to Patton's complete prayer that he wrote a few days before Christmas 1944

Chosin Reservoir, Nov - Dec 1950 Korea

"The fighting at the Chosin Reservoir was the most violent small unit fighting in the history of American warfare. No other operation in the American book of war quite compares with the show [the battle of the Chosin Reservoir] by the First Marine Division [and attached U.S. Army and British Royal Marines]." General S.L.A. Marshall, Prominent Army Historian

This brutal battle was a high and low point for the American Military. General MacCarthur completely underestimated the Chinese strength and capabilities. The result was one of the most difficult retreats in American military history. The pure guts and determination of the US Marine Corps and attached units allowed them to escape the trap the Chinese had set for them. The resolve of the individual Marine in this battle made the difference. Uncommon valor became a common virtue. It has been called the longest retreat in US military history. Marine Officers unfamiliar with the tactic had to break out the manual. The Marines of coarse, called it a "fighting withdrawal." "Retreat, hell, we're just attacking in another direction." They were not exaggerating as they inflicted staggering casualties on the Chinese as they fought their way out. The injuries from frostbite were severe and more numerous than the many combat casualties. The Marines managed to carry out most of their dead and wounded. Those who survived had a well deserved Christmas dinner on Dec 25th, 1950. They called themselves "We Chosin Few" or the "Frozen Chosin".

H&HS Co. 1rst Battallion/1rst Marines On The Move

Flank Protection

Standing By To Move Out To Koto-ri From Hagaru

S/Sgt Blodgett

The Blown Bridge At Funchilin Pass. The Only Way Out. Replaced By A Treadway Span, ParachutedIn By The U.S. Air Force. Thanks To The Engineers For This Great Acomplishment We Were Able To Make It Across.

Marines who paid the ultimate price.

SmallUSMCemblem

In Memory of General Ray Davis
Medal of Honor Recipient

Passed Away 3 Sept. 2003

Gen. Ray Davis

He earned the Medal of Honor during the Korean War for his extraordinary action in the 1st Marine Division’s historic breakout from an entrapment by overwhelming numbers of Chinese soldiers at the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea. His efforts there secured a mountain pass enabling the escape of two trapped Marine regiments. The regiments had been trapped in and around Yudam-ni for five days. The night before the breakout then Lieutenant Colonel Davis led his battalion across country overnight fighting all the way against vastly superior numbers in sub-zero weather and defeated the Chinese at the mountain pass the next day. The remaining epic fourteen-mile fighting march from Yudam-ni to Hagaru-ri lasted three days.

"In war and in peace, as an Active Duty Marine and as a private citizen, General Davis’ outstanding courage, unswerving devotion to duty, inspiring leadership, and sound judgment have represented the highest traditions of military service and citizenship. He is a true American hero. "

......Senator Zell Miller - Floor Statement on the
Passing of General Raymond G. Davis