That said, I recall the comment of "Hoot," as portrayed by Eric Bana in the film, Blackhawk Down, "...it's about the man next to you. And that's it. That's all it is." I have come to believe, for reasons that I will keep private, that this is true. It's about individuals as much as--if not more than--love of country, liberty, etc. While informed patriotism is likely what got our heroes into their respective roles, I believe it is a love of individuals--the faces in their minds--that motivate(d) their gallantry.
Today, one of our County Commissioners, Jerry Ewen, spoke at our local ceremonies and made the observation that today many likely have names and faces of individuals in their minds as they reflect with gratitude upon their sacrifices. Fittingly, he recited those that were in his mind from his honorable service in Vietnam. It is in that spirit that I offer this tribute to my Uncle, Callis C. Gwynn, my mother's brother. |
| Memorial photo of Callis C. Gwynn, KIA April 14, 1945 |
On April 14, 1945 Callis Gwynn was a relatively new sailor aboard the USS Sigsbee, DD-502, under the command of Gordon Chung Hoon. The Sigsbee was in a picket formation within 50 miles of the coast of Okinawa when she came under attack just before 2 pm.
The USS Hunt was grazed just previously by a single-engine fighter kamikaze attempt. Bogeys were reported at about 4 miles out and closing. As gunners scanned for the aircraft, they observed a single Japanese plane closing off the starboard bow. It was believed to be a "ZEKE"and was approaching at about 025 degrees, about 100 feet off the deck and closing at over 200 knots. Cmdr. Chung Hoon ordered left full rudder and emergency flank speed, which brought the guns at mid-ships to bear. While all guns within view of the approaching plane were firing, it seemed to have little effect.
My mother was contacted a few years ago by one of Cal's shipmates, who related to her some of what he saw that day. He was manning one of the guns at mid-ships and, of course, had vivid memories of that approaching Japanese plane. He related to her that the plane was flying directly at him and he was firing desperately to stop it from hitting him and the ship--they all were. He said that about 50-100 yards away from the ship, the plane suddenly veered toward the rear of the Sigsbee, striking the guns manned by Cal and others on the fantail of the ship. He said that he remembers looking at Cal's guns as the plane struck. He said that Cal never flinched, never stopped firing and showed no hint of any inclination to abandon his post. He was, of course, killed along with 21 others.
We call them heroes and we gather annually to speak of valor and gallantry in action. We rightly ascribe great honor to these valiant men who laid their lives upon the "altar of freedom." We talk of their devotion to their country and to freedom, all of which is true and right. But I have come to believe that in that moment of supreme sacrifice, their minds are not likely on those vague though noble things. I believe that they are most concerned with those men at their side. So on days like today, tears of love and gratitude are appropriate. And it is perhaps likewise appropriate that we shed a few tears of sorrow that we must be deprived of their ennobling influence and virtue. Perhaps through reflecting and remembering, though, we can add a little of that nobility, bit by bit, to our own lives. We can strive to emulate their examples and pass on some sense of what their sacrifice means to our children that it might not be in vain. May we take such opportunities as this to resolve within ourselves that we will live in such a way as to honor them and their sacrifices.
Again, thanks darlin'. Excellent thoughts.
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