With two engines gone
and the plane practically out of control, the American bomber
returned to its base after dark and made an emergency landing. The
mission had been accomplished.
The name of that pilot is Captain Hewitt T. Wheless, of the United
States Army. He comes from a place called Menard, Texas--with a
population 2,375. He has been awarded the Distinguished Service
Cross. And I hope that he is listening.
These stories I have told you are not exceptional. They are typical
examples of individual heroism and skill.
As we here at home contemplate our own duties, our own
responsibilities, let us think and think hard of the example which
is being set for us by our fighting men.
Our soldiers and sailors are members of well disciplined units. But
they are still and forever individuals--free individuals. They are
farmers, and workers, businessmen, professional men, artists,
clerks.
They are the United States of America.
That is why they fight.
We too are the United States of America.
That is why we must work and sacrifice.
It is for them. It is for us. It is for victory.
September 7, 1942.
My Friends:
I wish that all the Americans people could read all the citations
for various medals recommended for our soldiers and sailors and
marines. I am picking out one of these citations which tells of the
accomplishments of Lieutenant John James Powers, United States
Navy, during three days of the battles with Japanese forces in the
Coral Sea.
Pages:
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245