About 2 hours southwest of Richmond, Virginia, you will find yourself in the sleepy little county of Halifax.  The people are hard working and full of patriotism.  For one family, their son exemplified true patriotism by joining the United States Army and, unfortunately, gave his life for his country.

            The Carr family was the typical American family. Parents, James Carr, Sr. and Dot Carr, were active in their children’s lives and in their community.  Their son, Jason, followed in his parent’s footsteps by joining the Student Council at Halifax County High School and being a member of Halifax Presbyterian Church.  Jason’s involvement in the community fostered his dream of becoming a soldier in the Army and defending his family and friends if such a time arose.

            In the spring of 1985,  Jason graduated high school and embarked on an unknown journey full of excitement and potential danger.  The United States Army was his surrogate family, and in 1991 his vow to protect both families became a reality.  His unit was deployed to the Persian Gulf in January to help with Operation Desert Storm, and Jason never returned home.

            Before arriving in the Middle East, Jason had been promoted to the rank of Sergeant and was a 67 T-UH60 helicopter mechanic and crew chief gunner with the 1^st Infantry Division.  On Wednesday, February 27, 1991, Jason and his crew were transporting other soldiers back to port when his crew became disoriented and became a flying target to the enemy.  Heavy fire engulfed the helicopter and was ultimately hit. The devastating crash killed Jason and six others.

            With a heavy heart, Jason’s alma mater, Halifax County High School, flew their flags at half staff after learning of the Carr family’s loss.  The family unit would never be the same, but knowing Jason died protecting everything he loved back home made it easier to comprehend.  Jason’s name is etched into the stone wall in the Shrine of Memory where his story will live on with over 11,600 otherVirginia patriots who gave their lives to safeguard our freedoms.

Jason’s name in the Shrine of Memory

Wilton Curtis – 1965

 
Many years ago I joined the Air Force to serve my country in addition to the opportunity for traveling and meeting new people. Today, these goals have come full circle with the honor and privilege of volunteering at the Virginia War Memorial. Each week brings visitors not only from all over the United States but from far flung countries across the globe. Recent visitors from three African nations, a family from England, a former officer in the Army of Taiwan and an Australian group have all graciously listened and learned of Virginia’s Hero’s sacrifices and provided me insights and glimpses of their own cultures.
 
A lifelong love of history, especially that of World War II, has been enhanced with the exhibits, films and opportunities to meet and talk with veterans that working at the Galanti Center affords. It’s like being a chocoholic and asked to work in a candy store! One memorable experience was pointing out to the granddaughter, the inscription of a B-24 Radio Operator killed on the 1 August 1943 raid to the Ploesti Oil Fields. Another was learning that my mother went to high school with a Medal of Honor recipient who died at Omaha Beach on D-Day.
 

With the background of a career in public school education and a love of teaching, I have taken personal efforts to increase awareness of the Memorial and its offerings to visitors. To this end a personal notebook, created while the Galanti Center was under construction and the former Visitor’s Center closed, provided a visual representation for discussion with visitors at that time and is now utilized as a training aid for new volunteers. Additionally, a notebook on the Shrine artifact coffers has been compiled and is now being used.
 
I look forward to each Saturday at the Memorial never quite knowing who will be coming in the door and what new opportunities will arise to inform visitors, especially young people, that there are indeed sacrifices involved for the freedoms we enjoy. Hope to see you there this weekend.
 
Wilton Curtis

Wilton Curtis

Barfoot receiving the Congressional Medal of Honor

Just before the outbreak of the Second World War, a young man by the name of Van Thomas Barfoot decided he would join the United States Army.  Little did he know that in a few short years he would receive the Nation’s highest military decoration, the Congressional Medal of Honor.

Enlisting in the United States Army in Carthage, Mississippiin 1940, Barfoot knew the implications of what his duties would be if called to war.  After Pearl Harbor, those mere dreams of going overseas became a reality.  In 1943, Barfoot was shipped off to Europe with the 157^th Infantry Division, 45^th Infantry Regiment.  He was involved in a series of amphibious landings during the Italian Campaign and reached Carano, Italy by May of ’44.

Now a Technical Sergeant, Barfoot carried out patrols of the area in order to secure enemy lines.  His company was told to attack the town of Carano on the morning of May 23.  Barfoot bravely stepped in to ask to lead a squad.  His patrol of the surrounding areas made him an exceptional leader because of his knowledge of the terrain and enemy mines.  The bravery that was shown on the battleground is intricately displayed in Barfoot’s Congressional Medal of Honor citation, September 28, 1944.  It states,

           “For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty on 23 May 1944, near Carano, Italy. With his platoon heavily engaged during an assault against forces well entrenched on commanding ground, 2d Lt. Barfoot (then Tech. Sgt.) moved off alone upon the enemy left flank. He crawled to the proximity of 1 machinegun nest and made a direct hit on it with a hand grenade, killing 2 and wounding 3 Germans. He continued along the German defense line to another machinegun emplacement, and with his Thompson Submachine gun killed 2 and captured 3 soldiers. Members of another enemy machinegun crew then abandoned their position and gave themselves up to Sgt. Barfoot. Leaving the prisoners for his support squad to pick up, he proceeded to mop up positions in the immediate area, capturing more prisoners and bringing his total count to 17. Later that day, after he had reorganized his men and consolidated the newly captured ground, the enemy launched a fierce armored counterattack directly at his platoon positions. Securing a bazooka, Sgt. Barfoot took up an exposed position directly in front of 3 advancing Mark VI tanks. From a distance of 75 yards his first shot destroyed the track of the leading tank, effectively disabling it, while the other 2 changed direction toward the flank. As the crew of the disabled tank dismounted, Sgt. Barfoot killed 3 of them with his tommygun. He continued onward into enemy terrain and destroyed a recently abandoned German fieldpiece with a demolition charge placed in the breech. While returning to his platoon position, Sgt. Barfoot, though greatly fatigued by his Herculean efforts, assisted 2 of his seriously wounded men 1,700 yards to a position of safety. Sgt. Barfoot’s extraordinary heroism, demonstration of magnificent valor, and aggressive determination in the face of pointblank fire are a perpetual inspiration to his fellow soldiers.”

Colonel Barfoot would later serve in the Korean War and the Vietnam War and was awarded the Purple Heart, the Silver Star, and the Bronze Star, among many others.

He would also serve on the first board for the World War II Memorial Commission, which would later be known as the Virginia War Memorial, and was a faithful friend to its mission.  We will forever be indebted to this wonderful man and patriot.

Barfoot with Governor Bob McDonnell

Seaman Second Class James Herley Fleenor

           On the night of December 7, 1941, two energetic boys sat comfortably on their living room floor playing with toy soldiers and listening to music reverberating in the background from the family radio.  Suddenly, an intense voice came through the worn speakers announcingJapan’s heinous attack onPearl Harbor.  The date that would live in infamy would ultimately change this family forever.

            One of the two boys was James Herley Fleenor, who was not unlike many teenage boys at the outbreak of World War II.  Residing in Bristol,Virginia, James and many of his friends were jumping at the chance to join the armed forces and destroy the Axis powers.  James would come home every day during his senior year of high school with Navy consent papers for his parents to sign and every day his mother would tear them up and throw them in the trash.  Finally, his persistence paid off and on October 11, 1943, at 17 years of age, James was sworn into the United States Navy and rose to the rank of Seaman Second Class.

            After graduating from basic training in November 1943, James began his training for large ships, became a gunner, and was set aboard an Essexclass aircraft carrier, the USS Franklin.  In July 1944, the Franklin was fully manned and set off to the Pacific. The trip was not uneventful for long. Throughout the summer and into the fall of 1944, the Franklin was attacked by Japanese suicide planes.  One such plane hit the deck and dropped down the elevator shaft which inflicted incredible damage. Sixty-nine men were lost as well as countless wounded.  Fortunately, James was unharmed and was given furlough that December while the ship was being repaired.  His younger brother, Bud Fleenor, remembers James’ final trip home. “He was an entirely different person….he aged so much in one year,” Bud said.  One can only imagine the horrors he witnessed at such a young age.

            Returning back to the Franklin after days at home would have been hard for anyone, but there was a war to win. James and the rest of the crew set off to prepare for the invasion of Okinawa. On March 19, 1945, all plans changed indefinitely.  Around 6:55AM, the Franklin started launching over 30 planes to start bombing the Japanese islands. Only six planes made their way off the flight deck when they received word from a neighboring ship, the USS Hancock, that Japanese planes were sighted heading straight towards the Franklin. At 7:03AM, a Japanese plane came within 50 feet above the ship and released two 500 pound bombs.  The first landed on the deck of the ship, and the second went straight down to the third deck. Both bombs exploded, engulfing the ship in flames and vaporizing those close to the explosion.  Over 800 were killed and countless others were wounded.  Of the 2,544 men aboard the initial sailing of the vessel, only 704 returned home.  Regrettably, James was not one of the 704 who would return.  Bud reminisces about the day his family was told the horrible news.  His father was out of town on business, he and his sister were at school, and his mother was alone in the house when a yellow cab pulled up in front and the driver presented her with the telegram.  His family never fully recovered from James’ death, but knows that he gave his life to preserve our freedoms.  Along with the Purple Heart, James was awarded the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic/Pacific Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.

USS Franklin

           The Virginia War Memorial would like to give a special thanks to Bud Fleenor, a dedicated volunteer at the Memorial, for sharing his brother’s story.  James is a true hero and will always be remembered within the glass and stone walls of the Shrine of Memory.

L CPL Troy Lorenzo Gregory

For many 18 year old men, their mind is focused on senior year beach week, fast cars, and girls. One young man had quite different aspirations.

Hailing from Richmond,Virginia, Troy Lorenzo Gregory was a graduate of Henrico High School where his athleticism and academics shown through. His participation in basketball and bodybuilding made him a prime candidate for the United States Marine Corps Reserves, which he joined in 1986 and became a Lance Corporal. By exerting himself both scholastically and athletically, Troy obtained a full academic scholarship toVirginia Union University.  For the next four years of his life, he painstakingly juggled college classes and his position with Battery H as a Fire Direction Controlman. The higher education definitely paid off in the long run. High marks in conduct and proficiency filled his file as well as a selection to attend the Platoon Leaders Course program. Unfortunately, completion of the course was put on hold.

Virginia Union University

In December 1990, Troy answered the call of duty and was deployed to Saudi Arabia. In February of 1991, the 1^st Battalion, 11^th Marines, the unit that Troy was attached to, occupied a new position to help support Task Force Papa Bear. The night of the 25^th, L CPL Gregory and others on a security patrol were assigned to investigate an enemy bunker. In just a split second the situation turned critical. Gregory had stepped on an Iraqi land mine and was mortally wounded. He was quickly rushed to a Naval Hospital but died shortly thereafter from his horrific wounds. One member of the Battalion stated that while being transported to the hospital, Gregory’s only concern was if his actions had caused harm to others in his unit. This sentiment shows immense character and the unbreakable bond that is formed among Marines and all soldiers. He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart.

L CPL Gregory’s name is one of thousands inscribed on the glass and stone walls in the Shrine of Memory. He is placed among other heroes who left the comforts and solidarity of home to protect all that we have today. Their names and memories will live on and will be passed forward to all Americans.

L CPL Gregory's name on the wall in the Shrine of Memory

“I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic….”  These words hold the same meaning to each man and woman who promises to keep them, no matter the color or creed.  Each soldier vows to serve their country in order to protect everything they hold dear.

 For black Americans during the Second World War, equality in the armed forces was not present.  General Matthew Ridgeway stated that the segregation of the military seemed “un-American and un-Christian for free citizens to be taught to downgrade themselves…as if they were unfit to associate with their fellows or to accept leadership themselves.”  It was not until 1947 that the Presidential Order Number 9981 abolished all segregation in all branches of service.  With the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950, this order came at a prime time. One such soldier experienced the desegregation of the armed forces during the war in Korea first-hand.

 Reginald H. Stokes was born in 1934 in Henrico County, Virginia.  Growing up, he attended Maggie L. Walker High School in the city of Richmond, Virginia, where he was editor of his school’s art class.  Reginald took pride in his school work, but that was by no means the only thing that occupied his time. His involvement in the community was prevalent through the Boy Scouts and Bethlehem Baptist Church.  Reginald showed exceptional leadership skills which became acknowledged during his time in the United States Army.

 In 1951, he earned the rank of Corporal and was stationed in South Korea with the 9^th Infantry Regiment of the 2^nd Division.  On May 24, Reginald and his unit were caught in heavy enemy fire.  Reginald received a fatal wound while attempting to protect himself and his fellow infantrymen. From this story, we see that the color of one’s skin does not create the soldier, but courage, strength and dedication does.  Corporal Stokes and over 11,600 valiant service members’ names are engraved on the glass and marble walls in the Shrine of Memory.  We forever need to thank and remember their sacrifices in order to remind ourselves that freedom does not come free.

CPL Reginald H. Stokes

The Silver Star

  What ultimately defines a patriot?  How does one find the strength to leave his family and travel thousands of miles away to fight a foreign enemy?  I can not imagine the inner anguish these brave young men must have felt during the outbreak of  World War II.  After the attack on Pearl Harbor, many felt it was their duty to protect their country and loved ones from the oppression and violence abroad.  Still, their lives were uprooted, and some paid the ultimate sacrifice in order to protect the things they treasured most.

          Horatio Cornick Woodhouse, Jr. was one of these soldiers hailing from Norfolk, Virginia.  After graduating from Virginia Military Institute in 1936, Horatio enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and earned his way to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.  Physically, Horatio was a small-framed, slender man.  He did not fit the stereotypical picture of a Marine but was extremely intelligent, sharp, and tactful.  His bravery and tenacity must have been genetic for the simple fact that his great-great-great uncle was one of the original American patriots, James Madison.    

          In May of 1945, Horatio and his men of the 2^nd Battalion of the 22^nd Marine Regiment of “the Striking 6^th” Division were deployed to Okinawa, Japan.  On the 30^th of that month, the weather had gone from bad to worse.  Heavy rains and deep mud made for a difficult trek southward towards the Kokuba Estuary.  Just as the regiment was making its way to their destination, LTC Woodhouse was fatally struck by a Japanese sniper’s bullet.  Unfortunately, his journey ended too quickly but his tenacious spirit lived on through the soldiers in his battalion.

          Today, LTC Woodhouse is interred in the “Punch Bowl” Cemetery at Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, Hawaii.  He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star and the Purple Heart for his gallantry in action and skills as a competent leader. We honor those men and women who have paid the ultimate price by inscribing their names on the glass and stone walls in the Shrine of Memory.  We treasure and remember their stories as a tribute to the next generation of patriots.

Navy Hospital Corpsman

Quite a few people remember the 1960’s as tumultuous, filled with campus demonstrations, sit-ins, and the rise of the Counter Culture. For those who took the opposite route and made the decision to protect our freedoms abroad in a far off country called Vietnam, they perceived the decade a bit differently. Unfortunately, coming back to the States did not present itself as an escape to the horrors of war.

When returning to the States, the soldiers were not always welcomed back with open arms as they once had been during the World Wars and Korea. Even though many received less than a warm welcome, some gave their all for a country that did not always appreciate the courage and bravery of these young heroes. One of these heroes from Richmond broke the stereotype of a Vietnam soldier. George W. Jinkins, III was the son of a Republican candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates. Raised in a normal middle class household, George graduated from Douglas Freeman High School and attended Virginia Commonwealth University for one year before enlisting in the Navy in 1967 at the ripe old age of 19. George worked his way up the ranks to a Private 3^rd Class Hospital Corpsman and tended to numerous wounded soldiers. In Vietnam, these special medical personnel were, sometimes, the only medical caregivers for their units.

On July 10, 1969, George was sent to South Quang Nam province and would stay there until September of the same year. George’s father received a letter on September 3rd from him stating that he was OK and had been assigned to the 5^th Marine Regiment. Two days later on September 5th while aiding injured infantryman in the field, George’s company was ambushed and he received a fatal wound. His memory and spirit were not forgotten. Soon after, George’s alma mater, Freeman High School, dedicated a memorial plaque to his heroism in the line of duty. George, and so many others before him, sacrificed all in order to save the lives of others and will be forever enshrined on the glass and stone walls in the Shrine of Memory. We honor their stories and they will always remain true heroes and patriots.

George's name on the Shrine of Memory

William Randolph Watkins, III

I believe that people hear the call of service at an early age. Their interests become centralized in that specific area and as they grow, they realize that service is not always fun and filled with laughter. Service to country means giving up certain degrees, if not all, of one’s life in order to protect and defend our freedoms.

Growing up in the sleepy little city of South Boston, Virginia, William Randolph Watkins, III, felt the call of duty early on in his life. His brother, Barksdale Watkins, fondly remembers sharing a room with his older brother and recalls William’s obsession with airplanes and boats. Models filled the boy’s room and when it became a bit overcrowded, William would take a select few out to the paved driveway and stage an epic battle, which meant something was going to be set on fire. Of course, setting things ablaze was not the only thing William did in his spare time. During his high school years at Woodberry Forest, he participated in numerous plays and was very active in the Episcopal Church where he served as a camp counselor during the summer months.

As time went on, William was accepted to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, where he spent much of his time participating with the Glee Club and earned a degree in Aeronautical Engineering and, later, graduated from Embry Riddle University with a Master’s degree. His next stop was a no brainer – flight school. He became a Naval Flight Officer and did six month deployments in the Mediterranean on the USS Kennedy and the USS Eisenhower, which also happened to be the first ship to have women in a combat zone.

Having an exceptional flying record was quite the accomplishment and did not go unnoticed. In February of 2003, he was asked by a Commanding Officer to deploy to Qatar with the 335th Chiefs in order to instruct and help other young pilots. By this point in his life, William was married with a young son and another baby on the way. His devotion to country had not been augmented but had evolved. In an e-mail to his sister in April of 2003 he had written, “Of all the opportunities that I have had or have missed to fly in combat, this time was the only time I was not planning to be the first in line to go. Not because I didn’t believe in the cause, but because I felt that I was needed more at home…. Ultimately though, my primary motivation in doing this is to make the world safer for my children.” Shortly after this e-mail was sent, William and his crew were flying a mission to drop bombs in a heated area between Baghdad and Tikrit. Unable to obtain proficient accuracy, they were forced to dive to approximately 5,000 feet. Their plane went down on the third or fourth pass. For sixteen gut-wrenching days, the family waited to hear the news they so desperately both wanted and feared. Regardless, they knew William did everything he could to save the lives of his fellow airmen. For his bravery in times of peril, he was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Purple Heart and was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel.

We honor William not because he died in the line of duty, but because he was fighting to defend our freedoms and wanted a better world for his children. He knew that there might come a time for him to sacrifice all, and he was willing to do so.

I would like to thank Barksdale Watkins for sharing these wonderful memories of his brother with me. William was a true hero and his story deserves to be told to all who care for this great nation and the men and women who serve and defend it.

The Distinguished Flying Cross

The Purple Heart

  One of the most controversial topics in 20^thcentury American history belongs to the Vietnam War. Over the course of the conflict, around 58,000 American lives were lost and, sadly, many in America lost both their faith in the United States government and their military.

Vietnam Service Medal

            For Warrant Officer Robert Reade Thruston III, the feelings of animosity towards the troops did not deter him from joining the war effort and establishing himself in the 117^thArmy Aviation Company. Hailing from Fairfax,Virginia, Thruston began his tour of duty on August 11, 1964 at Fort Rucker, Alabama at the age of 24. A short period of time later, he and his company were deployed to the Central Highlands of Qui Nhon,Vietnam. On December 18, Thruston and his co-pilot, Warrant Officer Cary Shelton, made a routine flight up the coastline towards Nha Trang. Since the mission was considered low risk, the helicopter was only escorted by a single ship. Little did they know that a few short moments later, one of the crew members would never return home.

            The flight started out like any other, making their way through Khanh Hoa Province. Clear skies above and blue water below made for a semi-relaxing mission. That is when it happened…..the ground below opened up and bullets began whizzing through the air barely missing the chopper. Then, a lone bullet made its way into the chopper through the front windshield, instantly killing Thruston. Shelton grabbed the cyclic and diverted the helicopter to a safe landing place in Nha Trang.

            Warrant Officer Thruston’s life is a testament to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice even when public opinion was anything but favorable. Thruston’s story is forever remembered, and we should always give thanks to those who showed heroism in the face of uncertain danger in order to protect what we as Americans hold so dear.

Warrant Officer Robert Reade Thruston III's name on the Shrine of Memory