Did you know this about the IW Knights of Columbus?
A true story Part 2 - entitled “Service above and Beyond”. As a small team, we shared duties, including guard duty. I happened to be on guard duty. I was getting ready to wake the next guard up, and a round came in and hit two huge thatched roofs, setting them on fire. That was the start of it. We all scrambled like hell. They had us surrounded by a force of between 500 and 800 and pounded the hell out of us. They damn near came close to overrunning us. They hit us hard.
Out of 300 we were training, 100 of them were [communist] infiltrators. They had standing orders that when the battle started, they would break the neck or slit the throat of the guy next to them. So they had a good plan of attack. And they had the surprise element on us.
As bullets buzzed and mortar shells exploded, Donlon dashed from one position of defense to another, directing soldiers and moving guns and ammo despite sustaining multiple shrapnel wounds. At one point, he eliminated three surprise attackers, known as “sappers,” as they were preparing to blow up the main gate. Later, a voice broke through the din of battle with a message, delivered in Vietnamese and English.
Over our PA system, they told us to lay down our weapons. All they wanted was the Americans. That put a chill on things. So I went to Sgt. Brown, my best mortarman. I said, “Brown, did you hear that?” And Brown, he said, “I’ll take care of it.” I heard, “Lay down your weapons …” — and he didn’t finish it. Brownie put a mortar round in his megaphone. I’ll go to my grave with that mental picture.
The Battle of Nam Dong ended at daybreak, but not before more than 50 South Vietnamese defenders, an Australian military adviser and two Green Berets — Master Sgt. Gabriel “Pop” Alamo and Sgt. John Houston — had been killed.
We had two casualties early — Pop Alamo and John Houston. Their wives were both expecting back home. Casualties of war are not limited to the battlefield. I wear this award on behalf of Pop and John and all those who didn’t come home. Such great responsibility in the war. I’ve had many and great opportunities to share stories of their sacrifices throughout the years.
These days I find myself spending most of my time praying. Counting my blessings. Every snowflake is a blessing, every raindrop. A strong faith gives you perseverance, belief in forgiveness.
Sure, we’ve had hardships. We have a granddaughter right now who’s got a brain tumor. She just turned 24. And her husband has cancer also. All we can give them is our love and support and prayer. So there’s another way to serve. I spend a lot of time with fellow rosary warriors.
In life, it’s almost impossible to stay on course all the time. So when you’re weakened, or you’re distracted, you have to find the strength or be the strength for somebody else, to get back on course. You have God-given gifts; search and find what they are. In my case, I find where I’m able to serve and help others, I’m most gratified.
“You have God-given gifts; search and find what they are. In my case, I find where I’m able to serve and help others, I’m most gratified.”
I became a member of the Knights of Columbus when I was in South Carolina at Fort Jackson. They were always involved. Knights set an example of devotion. Individually and collectively, they are pillars of their respective communities. The strength of our nation is found in the strength of our respective communities, right down to the smallest towns and villages. And that’s where the Knights are found — serving.
Inside my wedding band is an inscription I’d like to share with all Knights of Columbus: “What we are is God’s gift to us. What we become is our gift to God.” Continue in your lives of service. Ask for God’s guidance so you can discover how you’re most equipped and best prepared to serve.
The above article can be found in the K of C’s Columbia On-Line magazine at KofC.org – or on IWKnights9981.com/bulletin, on facebook.com/IWknights9981, and on Twitter at twitter.com/IwKnights or by contacting Rob Schultz at (314) 973-2373.
Links Related to this week’s column:
Service Above and Beyond
Roger Donlon, the first Medal of Honor recipient in the Vietnam war, reflects on his love of God, family and country
By Knights of Columbus' Columbia Magazine (11/1/2022)
Click here to read the article
Rack-in-the-Back . . . . . . . .
Please shop our book and CD Rack-in-the-Back, located in the vestibule leading to the rear parking lot.. Suggested Donation for the CD's is $3.00/title - books on the top shelf are FREE....including copies of the Prayer Book of St Joseph.
We would like to talk with you about becoming an IW Knight. Please visit us on-line at our web site at www.IWknights9981.com/AboutUs. Or call Rob Schultz at: (314) 973-2373.
