Grenade

This was printed on April 20, 1989.

This was not the first private that Larry saved. One pulled the pin out and froze. Larry yelled for her to throw it, but she was to petrified to move. Larry had to grab her hand and hit it on the cement wall to release the grenade. In doing so, it broke her wrist. She thanked Larry many times after that. she passed the second time, a few days later. Another private froze and Larry had to grab the grenade and toss it. He had just enough time to get the private to the cement wall as the grenade went off. He said the wall shook with the vibrations. The parents of one of the privates, was so thankful, that they came on post to personally thank Larry.

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There's A Star Spangled Banner,
Waving Somewhere

There's a Star Spangled Banner waving somewhere,
In a distant land so many miles away.
Only Uncle Sam's great hero's get to go there,
Where I wish that I could live someday.

I see Lincoln, Custard, Washington and Perry,
Nathan Hale and Collin Kelly too,
There's a Star Spangled Banner waving somewhere,
Waving ov'er the land of hero's brave and true.

In this war with it's mad schemes and distructions,
Of our country fair and our sweet liberty,
By the mad dictators, leaders of corruption,
Can't the U.S. use a Mountain boy like me.

God gave me the right to be a free American,
For that precious right I'd gladly die.
There's a Star Spangled Banner waving somewhere.
That is where I want to live when I die.

Though I realize I'm Crippled, that is true sir.
Please don't judge my courage by my twisted leg.
Let me show my Uncle Sam what I can do, sir,
Let me help to bring the axes down a peg.

If I do some great deed, I will be a hero,
And a hero brave is what I want to be.
There's a Star Spangled Banner waving somewhere.
In that heaven there should be a place for me.

Creed Of The Noncommissioned Officer

No man is more professional than I. I am a Noncommissioned Officer, a leader of soldiers, as a Noncommissioned Officer, I realize that I am a member of a time honored Corps, which is known as "The Backbone of the Army." I am proud of the Corps of Noncommissioned Officers and will at all times conduct myself so as to bring credit upon the Corps, the military service, and my country regardless of the situation I find myself. I will not use my grade or position to attain pleasure, profit, or personal safety.

Competence is my watch-word. My two basic responsibilities will always be uppermost in my mind -accomplishment of my mission and the welfare of my Soldiers. I will strive to remain tactically and technically proficient. I am aware of my role as a Noncommissioned Officer. I will fulfill my responsibilities inherent in that role. All Soldiers are entitled to outstanding leadership; I will provide that leadership. I know my Soldiers, and I will always place their needs above my own. I will communicate consistently with my Soldiers and never leave them uninformed. I will be fair and impartial when recommending both rewards and punishment.

Officers of my unit will have maximum time to accomplish their duties; they will not have to accomplish mine. I will earn their respect and confidence as well as that of my Soldiers. I will be loyal to those with whom I serve; seniors, peers and subordinates alike. I will exercise initiative by taking appropriate action in the absence of orders. I will not compromise my integrity, nor my moral courage. I will not forget, nor will I allow my comrades to forget that we are professionals, Noncommissioned Officers, Leaders of Soldiers!