I have picked up a piece of militaria that spoke to me, although I cannot identify the original owner. This sterling silver ring, a memento vice official military issue item, showed significant wear from the original owner’s affection for this piece of jewelry.
Today marks 16 years since I took my Oath of Office and accepted a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in my beloved Air Force. Today marks the point where I have guaranteed fewer years ahead of me in my career than behind me as I continue the march to retirement. I took this photograph several months back, to highlight the history of my beloved Air Force. It brings me comfort to think that I have left my fingerprints on the history of the world, my nation, and my Air Force.
A rich heritage and an even brighter future…..
From bottom left corner, clockwise:
It has been the study of the “great men” which most historians have focused on. The generals (such as George Patton) who guided armies (such as Third Army) through pivotal moments in great wars have been the focus of most historians’ studies. But among those armies are the microhistories which have shown relatively “minor” men can leave their fingerprints on the course of humanity. The artifacts left behind are evidence of these microhistories. Personally, I feel a calling to tell these stories of my brothers in arms. One such calling hit me on our family vacation last week. The Purple Heart that belonged to Private Royal Gaunt spoke to me from the moment I first saw it. This is the story that emerged from that near seventy year old medal.
This artifact tells two stories: The first, of a man who served his nation in the First World War. The second, how communities decided to honor those who served before the widespread adoption of service medals by the U.S. military.
Technology has permitted us to capture history in the words of those who lived it! I first met COL Ben when I was a cadet at Clemson. I first heard his “Ring Story” firsthand from his own mouth. It added significantly more weight to the ring I wear daily on my right hand. On his 100th birthday, I can think of no more fitting tribute than sharing his story, in his own words.
COL Skardon is a national treasure, and I am humbled to be following in his footsteps as part of the “long orange line” of Clemson officers.
The photo is an old Associated Press photo with the caption typed on a piece of paper glued and taped to the back which reads:
“COL. GERALD R. TYLER, COMMANDANT OF THE SECRET ATOMIC BOMB PROJECT AT LOS ALAMOS, N.M., IS SHOWN AT HIS DESK AT THE OFFICES LOCATED IN MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN 30 MILES NORTWEST OF SANTA FE.”
But, what isn’t told is the link this photo has to an ROTC legend at my alma mater…..
When I was a young, freshly minted Lieutenant, I served alongside Canadian airmen in the 12th Space Warning Squadron at Thule AB, Greenland. I came to have a profound respect for our Northern neighbors. The mentorship of one of their Sergeants contributed greatly to my development as a young officer and my success as a man. I was as proud to wear their Maple Leaf flag on my shoulder as I was my own Stars and Stripes. When I saw two Canadian Decorations in an antique shop in Florida, I wanted to ensure they were given a respectful home.
I have recently began collection militaria connected to the Medal of Honor. I currently have signatures from three recipients in my collection, and my first program from a Medal of Honor ceremony.
The Medal of Honor holds a special place in U.S. military lore, and for good reason. It is the second oldest U.S. military decoration* and was established when President Abraham Lincoln signed into law the Navy’s Medal of Honor. Today, there are three distinct designs for the Medal of Honor. It remains the nation’s highest award for military valor. These artifacts (pictured below) speak directly to the history of the most recent design, the Medal of Honor awarded by the U.S. Air Force.
One thing I have been dealing with during my absence on the blog is the passing of my Grandfather, Fred Brock. Of all the things he left behind, one had special significance to me and it was the one thing I asked for after he passed. His shadow box.
I have not been as diligent as I intended over the last few months, because I was attempting to acquire a piece of militaria. Below is a photo of this unique piece in my collection. Soon, we will be back to your regularly scheduled adventures in micro-history.
The Things We Leave Behind 