Memorial Day 2010

Today is our nation's official observance of Memorial Day. Unfortunately, due to several hotly contested local races in tomorrow's primary, we've given little attention to this day, a day to honor our country's military who have died in service. Perhaps some readers missed our series of columns from last year; therefore, we will today give them a well-deserved encore.

Some Gay Ball?

Sammy Coker - He Died Twice for his Country

The Don Michael-Audie Murphy Bridge?

Lionel Terry - He Died to Protect an H-Bomb

Alabama Veterans Museum & Archives

Matthew D. Conley - He Never Saw His Daughter


As today we honor those who gave all for America, let us remember to pray for those who are currently serving our country.

Shoalanda

The Don Michael-Audie Murphy Bridge?

Part III in our Memorial Week series:

A new bridge spans the Tennessee River between Florence and Sheffield. Actually, the bridge isn't even that new; and if we consider the decades of planning and politicking that went into the span, it has already reached middle age in this era of planned obsolescence. Yet, the bridge still has no name.

Our December 16, 2008, blog suggested that Gov. Bob Riley name this edifice in honor of Lauderdale native Don Leslie Michael, and several others in North Alabama have made similar requests over the last half-decade--so far with no results. The following is the citation accompanying Michael's Congressional Medal of Honor:


For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Specialist Four Michael, U.S. Army, distinguished himself while serving with Company C. Spec. Michael was part of a platoon which was moving through an area of suspected enemy activity. While the rest of the platoon stopped to provide security, the squad to which Spec. Michael was assigned moved forward to investigate signs of recent enemy activity. After moving approximately 125 meters, the squad encountered a single Viet Cong soldier. When he was fired upon by the squad's machine gunner, other Viet Cong opened fire with automatic weapons from a well-concealed bunker to the squad's right front. The volume of enemy fire was so withering as to pin down the entire squad and halt all forward movement. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Spec. Michael exposed himself to throw 2 grenades, but failed to eliminate the enemy position. From his position on the left flank, Spec. Michael maneuvered forward with 2 more grenades until he was within 20 meters of the enemy bunkers, when he again exposed himself to throw 2 grenades, which failed to detonate. Undaunted, Spec. Michael made his way back to the friendly positions to obtain more grenades. With 2 grenades in hand, he again started his perilous move towards the enemy bunker, which by this time was under intense artillery fire from friendly positions. As he neared the bunker, an enemy soldier attacked him from a concealed position. Spec. Michael killed him with his rifle and, in spite of the enemy fire and the exploding artillery rounds, was successful in destroying the enemy positions. Spec. Michael took up pursuit of the remnants of the retreating enemy. When his comrades reached Spec. Michael, he had been mortally wounded. His inspiring display of determination and courage saved the lives of many of his comrades and successfully eliminated a destructive enemy force. Spec. Michael's actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect the utmost credit upon himself and the U.S. Army.


Historically, most who were awarded the Medal of Honor have received it posthumously; one notable exception was Audie Murphy, who later gained fame in Hollywood. Perhaps we should attach Murphy's name to the project in order to bring our request to the forefront. After all, the Alabama State Legislature already spends more time discussing Miss California than the welfare of the average Alabamian.

Name Bridge for Don Michael

The Patton Island Bridge spans the Tennessee River, a vital link between Shoals cities, the old and the new, yet it has no official name. When Bob Riley took office, he stated that christening the marvel thirty years in the making would be on his to-do list. Six years later, we are still waiting.

Not much is named for Governor Patton, and certainly the appellation Singing River adds a certain ambiance to the utilitarian structure, but isn't there still a better option? Don Leslie Michael, Lauderdale County native and Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, gave his life for our country.

Yes, there are some small memorials that already bear his name, but that's the problem--they hardly reflect the sacrifice this young man made. A friend of mine has campaigned for a number of years to have the bridge named for Don, as have others. If you feel as we do on this subject, please write your state representatives and Governor Riley. If you speak, they will listen.


What's up with this: Construction on the new Patton corridor is officially over, but some 35 mph speed limit signs remain. Perhaps the State Department of Transportation doesn't want the new road confused with the Autobahn?