...and then there were 99.

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 10:37:41 -0600

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. 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.

Comment from Chris H. on 2008-10-21

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 12:39:31 -0600

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.

Comments for ...and then there were 99.

...and then there were 99.

Comment from Chris H. on 2008-10-21