Local News - December 2003

Medal winners honor one of their own

Monument erected to Lincoln’s Johnston

By ALICE SMITH, Staff Writer

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The five-point upside-down star clasped around their necks symbolizes the highest form of bravery and courage, but the four men who came to Lincolnton this weekend say that’s not what it’s about.

Jacklyn “Jack” Lucas, Hershel “Woody” Williams, Ronald Rosser and Wesley Fox, all recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor, helped Lincoln County residents honor the late Rufus Z. Johnston this weekend.

The American Legion Post 30 sponsored the event, designed to educate residents about Johnston and other recipients with ties to Lincoln, Jerry Crump and Raymond Davis.

“We are fortunate,” said Dale Punch, legion commander. “There are 132 living Medal of Honor recipients in the United States, and we’re fortunate to have four of them here tonight.”

Each man is hesitant to call himself a hero and focuses instead on his fellow soldiers and friends with whom he fought.

“I wear this great medal in appreciation and memory of the 500,000 who died in World War II,” Lucas said.

Only 3,440 people have received the Medal of Honor, the highest award given to a military member.

Johnston, who was born in Lincolnton on June 7, 1874, received the medal when he was regimental adjutant with the rank of lieutenant commander, for the courage and skill he exhibited during the Battle of Veracruz on April 22, 1914, and in the later occupation of the city. He was later promoted to rear admiral.

Johnston died July 4, 1859.

All male members of the Johnston family have served in the military, said Darrell Harkey, Lincoln County’s historical coordinator.

“It seems that Rufus Z. Johnston was truly destined for greatness based on his ancestry,” Harkey said.

Johnston’s memory was honored at a banquet Friday night and a monument dedication Saturday morning.

“This has been a warm, memorable occasion,” Williams said. “Anytime you are around people who love the great land we call home and America and you see it on their faces and you see it displayed in their hearts, you’ve got to be a proud American.”

Williams, 80, was raised on a dairy farm and admits he had no idea he’d ever be in the armed forces. When he was young, he’d see Marines in uniform walking around his town. They became his idols, and he said if ever went into the military, that’s what he’d be.

In 1942, he enlisted. The recruiter told him he was too short — the Marines had a height requirement at the time — but he kept trying until he was accepted.

And on Feb. 23, 1945, for his actions during a four-hour fight at Iwo Jima, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.

“I was a country boy that would have remained a country boy, but the Medal of Honor changed my life completely,” Williams said. “It did so by my accepting the role that I am a representative of all of those who did not get to come home.”

Lucas, now 75, was the youngest recipient of the Medal of Honor in Marine Corp. history since the civil war.

He joined the Marines at the age of 14 after forging his mother’s consent. He stowed away on a ship and eventually landed at Iwo Jima.

During battle, he threw himself on top of two grenades and saved three other soldiers. For his actions on Feb. 20, 1945, he received the Medal of Honor.

Rosser, 74, the second oldest of 17 children, went into the United States Army somewhat out of necessity.

One day while walking home, his sisters came out on the porch yelling that their mother had just had twins.

“I turned to my brother and said, ‘I’m telling you, there goes my place at the table. I’m joining the Army,’” Rosser joked.

Rosser received his Medal for his actions near Ponggilli, Korea. During an attack, Rosser repeatedly charged the enemy and was responsible for at 13 of their deaths.

Rosser was a close friend to the late Jerry Crump, also a distinguished war hero..

“We became better than brothers. We were each other’s shadows,” Rosser said. “I’ll always remember this place, because yall have been a part of my life.”

Fox, 62, received his Medal while serving as commanding officer in Vietnam.

Despite the death of his executive officer and being wounded twice, Fox led his men through battle.

He refused medical treatment and instead concentrated on evacuating the casualties.

Fox encourages people to appreciate their everyday heroes such as police officers, paramedics and firefighters.

Saturday, while Ethel Garver sang “God Bless the U.S.A.,” the four men and their wives clasped hands.

They don’t like to be called heroes, but they know that with the Medal comes a responsibility — to carry on for those who couldn’t.

“I have endeavored in my life to make those who didn’t get to come home — whose spirit lives with us — proud of my representation,” Williams said. “I hope and pray that I have succeeded.”

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The Rufus Z. Johnston monument is located on the west side of the courthouse.

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© 2001 Lincoln Times-News  

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