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Editorial - December 2003 |
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Legion impressively celebrates war hero |
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Published December 10, 2003 |
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Dale Punch and American Legion Post 30 helped this community give proper recognition to a Lincoln native who was a true American hero — Medal of Honor winner Rufus Z. Johnston. And they did it in a classy way. Bringing four living Medal of Honor recipients from other parts of the country who had their own stories to tell, the legion introduced the best possible narrators of military heroism. It was interesting to see how these four men quickly rejected their own heroism as they made somber reference to those who lost their lives in combat. The message each of these veterans send is that war medals aren’t about individuals, but about the ultimate sacrifice given by American soldiers in defense of their country. It’s also interesting to see these “heroes” as normal men who simply answered the call to their country. But when the lives of their fellow soldiers were on the line they put forth valiant efforts in the face of enemy attack. They recalled these events during a banquet Friday night attended by more than 100 people and during visits to area schools. And they helped erect the monument at the courtsquare to Johnston, Lincoln County’s only native Medal of Honor winner. Medal of Honor winner Jerry Crump also lived in Lincoln but was not born here. Johnston was born in Lincolnton in 1874, the son of a long-time Presbyterian minister and schools Superintendent Robert Johnston. He entered the U.S. Naval Academy and embarked on a highly successful military career, ultimately achieving the rank of Admiral. His heroism was recorded during the Battle of Vera Cruz, Mexico, on April 22, 1914, where his leadership was described as “eminent and conspicuous” as he courageously led his men in battle and through the occupation of the city. This was a fitting tribute for Johnston, whose story had not been put in public view until the legion planned this celebration. Most of the community knows about the heroics of our other Medal of Honor winner, Jerry Crump, who was only 18 when he waged a courageous fight on the enemy in Korea and saved several American lives. We’ve named a road after him. Now, thanks to American Legion Post 30, we can remember our other Medal of Honor winner, Rufus Z. Johnston.
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© 2001 Lincoln Times-News |
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