Another one gone, and there are only 99 left. And this Pentagon doesn't seem interested in adding to that total, seeing as how it has somehow become The Medal of (Posthumous) Honor these days.
I had the honor of chatting with Colonel Nett, some years ago. Great fun.
Retired Col. Robert B. Nett, the last of five Medal of Honor recipients who resided in Columbus, died Sunday. He was 86.
Nett enlisted in the Connecticut National Guard in 1940 and graduated from Officer Candidate School in 1942. His distinguished career included service in World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam.
Nett earned the nation's highest military award for valor on Dec. 14, 1944, for heroic actions during hand-to-hand fighting with Japanese soldiers at their heavily fortified stronghold on the west coast of Leyte near Cognon in the Philippines. The commander of E Company, 305th Infantry Regiment, 77th Infantry Division, Nett spearheaded the assault, killing seven Japanese soldiers with his rifle and bayonet. Though he was seriously wounded three times during the attack, he was later able to rejoin his company and participate in the Okinawa campaign.
"He was the greatest patriot that ever lived in Columbus, Ga.," said Nett's long-time friend Jim Rhodes.
I had the honor of chatting with Colonel Nett, some years ago. Great fun.
Rank and organization: Captain (then Lieutenant), U.S. Army, Company E, 305th Infantry, 77th Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Cognon, Leyte, Philippine Islands, 14 December 1944. Entered service at: New Haven, Conn. Birth: New Haven, Conn. G.O. No.: 16, 8 February 1946. Citation: He commanded Company E in an attack against a reinforced enemy battalion which had held up the American advance for 2 days from its entrenched positions around a 3-story concrete building. With another infantry company and armored vehicles, Company E advanced against heavy machinegun and other automatic weapons fire with Lt. Nett spearheading the assault against the strongpoint. During the fierce hand-to-hand encounter which ensued, he killed 7 deeply entrenched Japanese with his rifle and bayonet and, although seriously wounded, gallantly continued to lead his men forward, refusing to relinquish his command. Again he was severely wounded, but, still unwilling to retire, pressed ahead with his troops to assure the capture of the objective. Wounded once more in the final assault, he calmly made all arrangements for the resumption of the advance, turned over his command to another officer, and then walked unaided to the rear for medical treatment. By his remarkable courage in continuing forward through sheer determination despite successive wounds, Lt. Nett provided an inspiring example for his men and was instrumental in the capture of a vital strongpoint.
Drink 'em under the table at the Green, Colonel. If you'd like to hear a little bit about Colonel Nett, in his own words, produced only a week or so before he died - click here and visit WRBL TV.
Now is the time at Castle Argghhh! when we dance: In Memoriam for Colonel Robert Nett, US Army, holder of the Medal of Honor.
John,
Thanks for bringing this to our attention. It's unfortunate that, as you point out, these national treasures are an ever dwindling resource. I've never had the honor of meeting a recipient myself, but I try to learn from their example each day.
For those who may not know, the Pritzker Military Library has an amazing ongoing interview series with Medal of Honor recipients which they podcast. Plop it in your iTunes subscription and enjoy...saves me from having to listen to the radio on my commute.
v/r
Chris H.