Medal of Honor

Last night we had the privilege of meeting Sgt. Sammy Davis who received the Medal of Honor during the Vietnam War for his heroic efforts that saved 11 people (12 including himself) during a mission during the war.  The movie Forest Gump used his Medal ceremony and super imposed Tom Hanks face on his body for when Forest Gump received the Medal of Honor, and the character was based on Sammy Davis.  When the movie was being made, they researched Sammy Davis, his life, and those around him and used many aspects throughout the movie with both the Forest Gump character and others as well.  For instance, Lieutenant Dan was based on Sgt. Davis’ captain.  Bubba was based on a friend in the military, etc.

He was a very warm and humble man!

Clara got this picture of her Daddy 

They passed the Medal of Honor around and we actually got to hold it!!  What an honor!

My camera is dead, and I was using Clara’s and have not mastered it yet by any means---it is fuzzy unfortunately, but there is a close up of the Medal.  Beautiful!  He was also given a ribbon, but when wearing the Medal you are not to wear the ribbon.  The ribbon is for when you are not wearing the Medal. 

Medal of Honor recipients are to be saluted by all military personnel first, regardless of rank.  A very deserved honor!  Not all presidents uphold that---very sad!  In my life time there have only been two presidents who have not  

Lucy and Baylee.  Baylee sang the National Anthem for the event.  In fact, that is how I found out about this event.

I had to get in there too  :)  I wish Mike had been here for a picture with him but he had taken Clara to the car by this time as she was getting a bit cranky.  A funny thing—at the end of the engagement Sgt. Davis auctioned off a harmonica to raise money for the aviation museum who sponsored the event last night.  The bidding had gotten up to $3,800 and Clara starts raising her hand!!!  WHAT!!!!  She had two parents leap on her  LOL!  So, people came up to us afterwards and joked about her bidding at the auction.  As a side note, that harmonica sold for $5000!!  Wow!