WE NEED YOUR HELP! ... Statue of Medal of Honor recipient headed to scrap heap

Shocking news from Stamford CT.

For the last year the City of Stamford has proposed to spend $7 million of tax payers funds to renovate Veterans Memorial Park. Details were not made public until December 16. A local business district development organization headed by Sandra Goldstein, was appointed to head the project.

Memorial Park includes stone monuments with the names of Stamford Veterans who served and died during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. It includes the bronze statue of Master Sergeant Homer L. Wise, recipient of the Medal of Honor, during World War II, one of the most decorated soldiers of the war and a resident of Stamford until his death in 1974. He was wounded three times by German snipers and mortar round which landed a few feet from the fox hole he was in.

The statue was dedicated on May 26, 2013, before one of the largest crowds to ever attend a military ceremony in Stamford. The keynote speaker was Paul W. Bucha, recipient of the Medal of Honor for heroism in Vietnam in 1968. The Master of Ceremonies was Morton Dean, former CBS and ABC news anchor and correspondent.

The statue was designated a Historic Landmark by the State of CT. The statue was paid for with private funds and is owned by the Homer L. Wise Memorial Committee, Inc.

It was announced on December 16, 2015, that the master plan for the park calls for the removal and stockpiling of the statue of Medal of Honor recipient master sergeant Homer L. Wise. (see pages 23 and 29) stockpiling means that this magnificent work of art honoring one of the most decorated soldiers of World War II is going to end up in the scrap heap. To be replaced with a memorial to Brian Bill a soldier killed in Afghanistan. Brian Bill was a very brave solider. Homer L. Wise was honored by the city of Stamford for the fact he was a Medal of Honor recipient. Further the monument with the names of those killed during World War II, Korean war and Vietnam all deserve special recognition and will not be honored beyond the name on the stone monument.

“As I have told the rest of these young men who have been here before me, I would much rather have that medal around my neck than to be President of the United States. It is the greatest honor that can come to a man. It is an honor that all of us strive for, but very few of us ever achieve.” President of the United States Harry S. Truman, October 12, 1945 after presenting 15 World War II heroes with the Medal of Honor.

Tell me what is their reason for destroying this statue of a Medal of Honor recipient.

Link to Master Plan to Renovate Veterans Park, Stamford CT and remove and destroy the bronze statue of Medal of Honor recipient Homer L. Wise.  See pages 23 and 29.  The writers of the plan deemed it unnecessary to identify Sgt. Wise with his name.  Instead they used initials HW.

Please Email (or Call: 203-977 4140 (M-F, 7:30am - 4:30pm) ) your OBJECTION to destroy the Homer L. Wise  statue to Mayor Martin at the City of Stamford.
(Email: dmartin@stamfordct.gov)

$25 MILLION AWARDED TO PORT ST. LUCIE. FLORIDA FOR VETERANS NURSING HOME NAMED AFTER MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT ARDIE R. COPAS HERO OF VIETNAM WAR

Washington, DC,  December 10, 2015, The Department of Veterans affairs announced today they have released $25 million to pay for a Veterans Nursing Home in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

The home will be named for Medal of Honor recipient  Ardie R. Copas, who was killed in action in Cambodia, on May 12, 1970.  He was born in Fort Pierce, Florida

According to Steve Murray, Director of Communications of the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs, “the home would be the first state veterans home to offer all private rooms. Spouses including those of the same sex, will be allowed to share rooms as long as both are military veterans and need services.”

President Obama, on March 18, 2014, awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously, at a ceremony at the White House

Medal of Honor Citation SPECIALIST FOURTH CLASS ARDIE R. COPAS

COPAS' DAUGHTER, SHYRELL JEAN COPAS , 
RECEIVES THE MEDAL OF HONOR 
FROM PRESIDENT OBAMA
ON MARCH 18, 2014, AT THE WHITE HOUSE

Specialist Four Ardie R. Copas distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Machinegunner in Company C, 1st Battalion (Mechanized), 5th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division during combat operations against an armed enemy near Ph Romeas Hek, Cambodia on May 12, 1970. That morning, Specialist Four Copas' company was suddenly attacked by a large hostile force firing recoilless rifles, rocket-propelled grenades, and automatic weapons. As Specialist Four Copas began returning fire, his armored car was struck by an enemy recoilless round, knocking him to the ground and injuring four American Soldiers beside the vehicle. Ignoring his own wounds, Specialist Four Copas quickly remounted the burning vehicle and commenced firing his machinegun at the belligerents. Braving the hostile fire directed at him and the possible detonation of the mortar rounds inside the track, Specialist Four Copas maintained a heavy volume of suppressive fire on the foe while the wounded Americans were safely evacuated. Undaunted, Specialist Four Copas continued to place devastating volleys of fire upon the adversary until he was mortally wounded when another enemy round hit his vehicle. Specialist Four Copas' daring action resulted in the safe evacuation of his comrades. Specialist Four Copas' extraordinary heroism and selflessness at the cost of his own life, above and beyond the call of duty, are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

COMMENTARY - The Future of Veterans Park in Stamford, CT - Part 2

The Stamford, CT business leaders have issued an RFP (Request for Proposal) for the renovation of Veterans Park (a link to the RFP is posted below). 

The RFP is clear that the renovation is driven by commercial interests of the Stamford Town Center and Downtown Special District (DDSD) and not to those who served in the armed forces of the United States. Cities and towns across America have placed their Veterans Parks prominently for all to see and to remember. It is sacred ground. The 12 page document barely mentions our Veterans. 

The estimate to renovate the Park is $7 million. Where is the money coming from? The City of Stamford has failed to replace the parking garage at the railroad station. The Stamford station is one the largest transportation hubs in the nation second only to Grand Central Station. 

Many believe the Memorials and statues are in jeopardy. 

It is time the Mayor, our local congressman and United States Senator get involved.

Link to Veterans Park RFP

HISTORIC WORLD WAR II DOCUMENT FOUND ISSUED BY THE WAR DEPARTMENT IN 1944 DETAILING THE AWARD OF MEDAL OF HONOR TO SGT. HOMER L. WISE ON JUNE 14, 1944.

For the afternoon of June 14, 1944, in Italy, when he “threw everything but the tank” at opposing German forces to enable his platoon and battalion to continue their steady advance against the enemy, Staff Sergeant Homer L. Wise has been awarded the Medal of Honor, the War Department announced today. The Medal will be presented overseas.

In winning the award  the 27-year old Infantryman saved the life of a comrade lying wounded under grazing machinegun and rifle fire; used
a submachinegun to wipe out a German officer and two enemy soldiers
halting the advance with automatic fire; employed rifle grenades to clear out entranced Germans who had pinned down his platoon;turned to a Browning  automatic rifle to neutralize a machinegun nest in the path of his men, and finally cleared a stoppage from a tank machinegun while under enemy fire and rode the tank through flanking fire as he directed the driver with his fire.

Born in Baton Rouge , Louisiana, he was employed there as a gas station attendant before he entered the Army on November 9, 1941. His mother, Mrs. Hattie Wise, lives at R.F.D. 4, Baton Rouge. He is not married.

His fellow soldiers in the action, which took place near Magliano, Italy, described afterwards how he refused to allow his squad to be held up by deadly enemy fire that drove them to the ground each time they attempted an  advance.  Each time he went ahead alone to remove the obstacles.

Commanding Officer of his company in the 142d Regiment of the 36th Infantry Division, Captain John T. Johnson of Liberty, South Carolina, described the events he observed.
  “When we were  stopped by heavy machinegun and rifle fire at the start  of the assault on the enemy-occupied ridge a wounded man lay in front under the fire. Sergeant Wise worked his way through the fire to reach the man and carry him back to where aid could be given.  In doing so he saw that automatic fire was coming from the flank from automatic weapons operated by a German officer  and two men.  He took a tommy gun and stood up to advance on them.  He killed all three and we moved on.”

  “When we were again held up by entranced Germans to our front, he took 15 rife grenades and moved to the front into their positions.  But the  platoon was again pinned down by machine gun fire from the front and he knew the range was too great for his submachinegun.  He got a Browning automatic  and went ahead and neutralized the machinegun with his fire.”

Private First Class Thomas Paramly of  Granite City, Illinois, described the advance to the ridge where they were again held up and where a tank, which advanced to the aid of the infantrymen was forced to “buttonup” because of the intense enemy fire.

“The tank’s turret machinegun was out of action and the tank driver could not find the Germans through the tank slits. Seeing this, Sergeant Wise walked into the fire and climbed to the turret. He was warned the turret machinegun was out of action, but with fire coming from all sides he cleared the stoppage  and turned it on the  enemy implacements.  His fire directed the tank driver to the hidden nests.

The situation credits his act with reducing enemy fire from an adjacent ridge so effectively that the battalion was able to occupy its objective.

PLAN TO RENOVATE VETERANS PARK IN STAMFORD, CT RAISES QUESTIONS

Stamford,CT Advocate Report Reveals Controversial  $7 Million Expenditure Proposed

The article, by Angela Carella, one of country’s most respected journalists, reports on a plan to renovate Veterans Park in Stamford.  The plan is vague as to detail.  Those quoted include one veteran. According the advocate the idea to renovate the park “was spurred by the death of Brian Bill, a local veteran who was killed in Afghanistan in 2011.

The park was created in 1975 to honor those who served and died during World War II, Korea and Vietnam. The park includes a statue of unnamed doughboy from World War I, seated Lincoln statue and a bronze statue of World War II Medal of Honor recipient Homer L. Wise.  Wise came to Stamford in 1942 as a soldier while in training, to visit Madolyn Disesa from one  of Stamford’s most prominent families, to whom he became engaged. Wise survived the war though wounded three times.

Following military protocol the statue of Master Sergeant Homer L. Wise faces the memorials of those gave their lives to preserve our democracy.

The sponsors of the project expect to raise $7 million to cover the cost of the entire renovation.

The article said that an amphitheater that would seat 300 to 1000 people will be built for concerts.

The article does not mention how rock concerts would fit in with memorials to those killed in action during recent wars.

NASHVILLE TENNESSEE TO HONOR MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENTS. ORGANIZERS SAY ONLY ONE OF NINE HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS KNEW ANSWER TO 'WHAT IS THE MEDAL OF HONOR". AIM IS TO CREATE MORE AWARENESS OF THE MEDAL OF HONOR.

NASHVILLE,TN  More than two dozen Medal of Honor recipients are coming to Nashville next month for a parade.

 Dennis Cavin, a veteran  said he is on one more mission.

“We asked nine high school seniors a few weeks ago, ‘What is the Medal of Honor?’ And how many do you think knew the answer? One,” Cavin said

During World War II, 16 million men and women served in the armed forces of the United States.  464 were awarded the Medal of Honor. 266 were presented posthumously.

Touch the Names of Those Who Never Came Home

By Jerry Cianciolo

World War II memorials-who notices them anymore They blend into the background like telephone poles.

Chances are your community has a tribute to local men and women who served but it’s
likely you’ve never stopped to visit. Those who fought the Axis powers are out of mind now. “ In three words I can sum up everything  I have learned about life,” said Robert Frost. “It goes on.”
Still, it’s unbefitting that as we pass their chiseled names we fail to acknowledge these patriots for even an instant-especially on Memorial Day 2015, the 70th year after the end of World War II. From high- school history, were all familiar with the vast number. More than 400,000 Americans were killed during the war. Another were maimed or wounded.

They came from nearly every city and town.  And they fell by the tens of thousands at Luzon, Normandy, Anzio, Guadalcanal and Okinawa.“Deeply regret to inform you that your son Sgt.John S-lost his life on March 5th 1943, as a result of aircraft accident. Letter follows. Please accept my profound sympathy.”

Mothers and fathers receiving a telegram like that felt they couldn’t go on-but they did.
The remains of many loved ones were never returned home. Instead they were laid to rest at cemeteries in Manila, Normandy, Luxembourg and elsewhere.

It wasn’t long after V-E and V-J Days in 1945 that thousands of tributes sprang –up in bronze plaques, streaming fountains and granite obelisks. But seven decades have passed since commemorations of these memorials and to most of us now their simply the flag-festooned backdrop for long parades and political speeches in late May and early July.

When the occasion calls for it, we solemnly remove our hats and pay homage to the “ultimate sacrifice” these country-men.  That is a hollow abstraction until put in everyday terms.
Many young combatants who, as the English poet Laurance Binyon wrote, “fell with their faces to the foes” never set foot on campus.  They never straighten a tie and headed to a first real job. They never slipped a ring on a sweetheart’s finger.They never swelled with hope turning the key to a starter home. They never nestled an infant against a bare chest.  They never roughhoused in living room with an exasperated wife looking on. They never tiptoed to layout Santa’s toys.  They  never dabbed a tear while walking their princess down the aisle. They never toasted their son’s promotion. They never rekindled their love as empty nesters.They never heard a new generation cry out, “I love you grand pa.” A lifetime of big and little moments never happened because of a bullet to the body one day in far-off land. For those who crumpled to the ground, the tapestry of life was left unknit. Early on after the war we bowed our heads on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Their loss was raw then. But as years have passed all that’s left are memorials know one notices-rolling credit we ignore as we go about our lives.

But on Memorial Day, we can make a different choice. A moment’s reflection is all it takes to realize that every name on your town’s monument was a real person. One who bicycled the same streets as you, who sleepily delivered the morning Gazette, who was kept after school for cutting up, who sneaked a smoke out back, in the dog days of summer.With just a little imagination, it’s easy to picture yourself as one of those fresh faced-youngsters only you’ve been blessed with a additional 15,000 or 20,000 mornings, afternoons and evenings of life, and a warehouse  of experiences they were denied.

It’s some consolation that a majestic memorial to those who fought the good fight now stands in Washington. But most of us don’t visit the capital often. There’s simpler, more personal way we can show our gratitude to those whose lives were cut short. On Memorial Day with your smart phone turned off-pay a visit to your local monument. Quietly stand before the honor roll of the dead, whisper a word of thanks, and gently rub your finger across their name. The touch would be comforting.

Jerry Cianciolo chief editor at Emerson & Church, Publishers in Medfield, Mass.
Reach him at jerrycianciolo@gmail.com. 
This article originally appeared in The Wall Street Journal on May 22, 2015.

Hershel W. Williams Hero of Iwo Jima, Medal of Honor recipient, honored at Ohio Veterans Park

Published on Jun 15, 2015

Medal of Honor recipient Hershel Woody Williams was the featured speaker at the Ohio Veterans Memorial Park Monday when the Medal of Honor memorial was unveiled.

View VIDEO      Video - Akron Ohio Daily Record
                               provided to Medal of Honor News
                               by Medal of Honor Society

Hershel W. Williams Medal of Honor Citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as demolition sergeant serving with the 21st Marines, 3d Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 23 February 1945. Quick to volunteer his services when our tanks were maneuvering vainly to open a lane for the infantry through the network of reinforced concrete pillboxes, buried mines, and black volcanic sands, Cpl. Williams daringly went forward alone to attempt the reduction of devastating machine gun fire from the unyielding positions. Covered only by 4 riflemen, he fought desperately for 4 hours under terrific enemy small-arms fire and repeatedly returned to his own lines to prepare demolition charges and obtain serviced flamethrowers, struggling back, frequently to the rear of hostile emplacements, to wipe out 1 position after another. On 1 occasion, he daringly mounted a pillbox to insert the nozzle of his flamethrower through the air vent, killing the occupants and silencing the gun; on another he grimly charged enemy riflemen who attempted to stop him with bayonets and destroyed them with a burst of flame from his weapon. His unyielding determination and extraordinary heroism in the face of ruthless enemy resistance were directly instrumental in neutralizing one of the most fanatically defended Japanese strong points encountered by his regiment and aided vitally in enabling his company to reach its objective. Cpl. Williams' aggressive fighting spirit and valiant devotion to duty throughout this fiercely contested action sustain and enhance the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

VFW Post 9617 Members Featured In News 12 CT Memorial Day Parade story

Thousands of people made their way to Stamford on Sunday to watch the city's annual Memorial Day Parade

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A RARE OF PHOTOGRAPH OF MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT HOMER WISE

THE PHOTO TAKEN ON NOVEMBER 28, 1944 IN EPINAL, FRANCE SHOWS SGT. WISE WEARING THE MEDAL OF HONOR AFTER THE PRESENTATION BY ALEXANDER M. PATCH, COMMANDING GENERAL OF THE SEVENTH ARMY.