RED WHITE & BLUES

03/04/2026

Medal of Honor Monday: Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Jack Williams

By Katie Lange

As a hospital corpsman in World War II's Pacific theater, Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Jack Williams' job was to save the lives of the Marines who fought around him. During the bloody Battle of Iwo Jima in 1945, Williams saved more than a dozen Marines and sacrificed his own life so they could live. His selflessness led him to receive a posthumous Medal of Honor.

Williams was born Oct. 18, 1924, in Harrison, Arkansas, to William and Dorothy Williams. He had a younger sister named Fern.

During high school, Williams worked at a local theater and was a member of the Future Farmers of America. As World War II raged during his senior year, he registered in the Selective Service System but didn't wait to be drafted. As soon as he graduated in June 1943, he enlisted in the Naval Reserve.

Within a few months, Williams had completed training to become a hospital corpsman. By May 1944, he'd reached the rank of pharmacist's mate 3rd class and was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 28th Marines, 5th Marine Division.

In late December 1944, the division deployed to Hawaii and began training for the invasion of Iwo Jima, a tiny island in the Pacific with strategic airfields that could better position the Allies for an assault on mainland Japan.

Williams' unit arrived off the volcanic island's coast in mid-February and was part of the first assault waves to land there. Over the next several days, the 28th Marines took part in efforts to isolate and secure Mount Suribachi, where the now-iconic photo of Marines raising a U.S. flag was taken.

On March 3, 1945, the unit had moved into rugged terrain to continue fighting an entrenched enemy. Williams had already given aid to more than a dozen wounded Marines, but when he saw his friend, Marine Corps Pfc. James Naughton, lying in no-man's-land after being wounded in a fierce gr***de battle, he ran to him.

Williams dragged Naughton to a shallow depression and knelt to give him first aid, using his own body as a screen from the continued enemy fire, which hit Williams in the abdomen and groin three times.

Williams was momentarily stunned, but he quickly recovered and finished aiding Naughton before applying bandages to his own wounds.

Despite needing urgent medical attention himself, Williams continued his work. He stayed in the perilous, fire-swept area to help yet another Marine he found there. Through his pain and profuse bleeding, Williams dressed that man's wounds before trying to make his way to the rear of the fight to get aid for himself. Along the way, he was struck down by a Japanese sniper bullet.

Williams collapsed and later died, giving his life to help his fellow warfighters survive. For his sacrifice, he was awarded a posthumous Medal of Honor, presented to his mother at the family home March 8, 1946.

Williams is buried in Springfield National Cemetery in Springfield, Missouri.

In total, 27 Medals of Honor were awarded to men who fought on Iwo Jima, the most of any World War II battle. Aside from Williams, three other pharmacist's mates received the medal: Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Junior Pierce, Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class George Wahlen and Navy Petty Officer 1st Class John Willis.

To honor Williams, the Navy commissioned a guided missile frigate, the USS Jack Williams, in 1981. The ship was in service until 1996, when it was sold to Bahrain's navy. According to the Central Arkansas Library System's Encyclopedia of Arkansas, the ship's bell was removed after service and now resides in the lobby of the county courthouse in Harrison.

Just a few years ago, Williams' hometown also opened the Jack Williams Veterans Resource Center as a place to serve local veterans.

03/02/2026

Two American Heroes Awarded Medal of Honor During State of the Union

Feb. 24, 2026 | By C. Todd Lopez

Tonight, in the nation's capital, two heroic Americans were honored with the country's highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor.

At the conclusion of his State of the Union address, President Donald J. Trump announced that Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Eric Slover and retired Navy Capt. Royce Williams were both medal recipients.

Slover, still on active duty, earned the medal for actions last month in Venezuela, while Williams — now 100 years old — received the medal for actions during the Korean War in 1952.

In early January, Trump announced the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, following a successful overnight joint U.S. military mission in Venezuela's capital of Caracas.

Both Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores de Maduro, were captured by U.S. military forces during that raid, and the two are facing criminal court proceedings tied to a 2020 indictment from the Justice Department on multiple federal charges, including narco-terrorism and drug trafficking.

Slover was part of the military effort to capture Maduro during that raid Jan. 2, Trump said. He was responsible for planning a helicopter mission involving a CH-47 Chinook.

"Slover planned a mission and was the flight lead in the cockpit of the first helicopter," Trump said. "Eric steered the Chinook under the cover of night and descended swiftly upon Maduro's heavily protected military fortress."

The area, Trump said, was heavily guarded by thousands of soldiers.

"While preparing to land, enemy machine guns fired from every angle, and Eric was hit very badly in the leg and hip — one bullet after another," Trump said. "He absorbed four agonizing shots, shredding his leg into numerous pieces."

Despite those injuries, Trump said, Slover pressed on to deliver commandos to the drop zone, where the mission could be carried out.

"[Delivering] the many commandos who would capture and detain Maduro was the only thing Eric was thinking about then," the president said.

"Even as he was gushing blood ... Eric maneuvered his helicopter with all of those lives and souls to face the enemy and let his gunners eliminate the threat — turn the helicopter around so the gunners could take care of business — saving the lives of his fellow warriors from what could have been a catastrophic crash, deep in enemy territory."

After safely landing the helicopter in the right location so the mission could continue, Eric told his copilot, also wounded, to take over.

"The success of the entire mission and the lives of his fellow warriors hinged on Eric's ability to take searing pain," Trump added.

During the State of the Union address, Army Lt. Gen. Jonathan Braga, commander of the Joint Special Operations Command, put the medal around Slover's neck.

The president said there would be a separate event, at the White House, where he would present the medal to Slover.

Nearly 75 years in the making, retired Navy Capt. Royce Williams was also awarded the Medal of Honor. Williams served in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, the president said. His combat actions in Korea earned him the Medal of Honor.

"In the skies over Korea in 1952, Royce was in the dog fight of a lifetime — a legendary dog fight," Trump said. "Flying through blizzard conditions, his squadron was ambushed by seven Soviet fighter planes. It was his first aerial combat of the war. And despite being massively outnumbered and outgunned, Royce led the takedown of four enemy jets and almost destroyed the others — vanquishing his adversaries while taking 263 bullets to his own plane and being seriously hurt."

For over 50 years, the president said, that mission had been kept secret — Williams didn’t even tell his wife.

"But the legend grew and grew," Trump said. "But tonight, at 100 years old, this brave Navy captain is finally getting the recognition he deserves. He was a legend long before this evening."

First Lady Melania Trump placed the Medal of Honor around Williams' neck.

The president also honored other military heroes during the address. Among those were Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Scott Ruskan, a rescue swimmer, who was awarded the Legion of Merit for his rescue efforts during a flood last year in central Texas. Ruskan is credited with saving more than 160 lives.

Additionally, two National Guardsmen were awarded Purple Hearts. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe were shot while on patrol in Washington, Nov. 26, 2025.

Beckstrom died from her injuries just a day later. She was awarded the Purple Heart posthumously, with her parents accepting the medal on her behalf. Wolfe was severely injured but has since recovered. He was present at the Capitol to accept the award.

American Golden Age

This year, the United States will mark 250 years as a nation, and Trump said the United States is stronger than it has ever been.

"Members of Congress and my fellow Americans, our nation is back, bigger, better, richer and stronger than ever before," he said. "Less than five months from now, our country will celebrate an epic milestone in American history: the 250th anniversary of our glorious American independence."

On July 4, Trump said, the United States will mark two and a half centuries of liberty, triumph, progress and freedom, Trump said, adding the best is yet to come.

"You've seen nothing yet," he added. "We're going to do better and better and better — this is the golden age of America."

02/25/2026

Medal of Honor Monday: Army Staff Sgt. Clifford Sims

By Katie Lange

Many Medal of Honor recipients come from humble beginnings, but perhaps none more so than Army Staff Sgt. Clifford Chester Sims, who spent much of his early life with nowhere to call home. Sims grew into a humble and thoughtful man, so when an explosive device threatened his fellow soldiers in Vietnam, he didn't hesitate to give his life to save theirs.

Sims was born June 18, 1942, in Port St. Joe, Florida, as Clifford Pittman. He was orphaned at an early age and sent to live with his stepfather's family, according to an account from his wife, Mary, in a 2015 The Leaf-Chronicle newspaper article out of Clarksville, Tennessee.

However, that family already had many children, so Sims decided he wouldn't stay. To get by, he either spent the night with acquaintances or in an old, abandoned bus shelter in Panama City, Florida, The Leaf-Chronicle article reads.

At age 13, however, the young man was adopted by James and Irene Sims and took their family name. Through all that adversity, he continued his education and made it to high school, where he became inseparable from his girlfriend, Mary. They married on Christmas Day 1961, just a few months after he enlisted in the Army.

Sims initially served with the 82nd Airborne Division. In 1965, the unit was sent to the Dominican Republic to protect American interests there during the country's civil war.

Once Sims returned to the U.S., and as the Vietnam War was escalating, he was transferred to the 101st Airborne Division, where he was assigned to Company D of the 2nd Battalion, 501st Infantry Regiment — known as the Delta Raiders.

Shortly before Sims was deployed to Vietnam in late 1967, he and his wife adopted a young daughter, named Gina, who was born to his wife's sister.

Sims was not in Vietnam long before the Tet Offensive began, when North Vietnamese troops and their Viet Cong sympathizers flooded into South Vietnam in an onslaught that caught American and South Vietnamese troops off guard.

While U.S. and South Vietnamese troops were able to retake most of the territory the enemy had taken rather quickly, the fight over Hue City — known as the Battle of Hue — led to weeks of urban combat. That is where Sims gave his last full measure of devotion.

On Feb. 21, 1968, Sims' squad was assaulting a heavily fortified enemy position in a densely wooded area when they came under heavy enemy fire. Sims furiously led his squad in an attack against their aggressors, helping free a platoon that had been pinned down and nearly overrun.

Sims was then ordered to move his squad to provide cover fire for the company command group while linking up with another platoon that was under heavy enemy pressure.

After they had moved about 30 meters, Sims noticed that a brick building stocked with ammunition was on fire. An explosion was imminent, so Sims immediately moved his squad away from it, but not before the stockpile blew and injured two of his squad's soldiers. Still, Sims' prompt actions kept more people from getting hurt.

The squad continued through the dense woods while under fire. As they neared a bunker, they heard a noise no one ever wanted to hear — the sound of a hidden b***y trap being triggered.
Without hesitation, Sims quickly yelled a warning and threw himself on top of the device as it exploded. He sacrificed his life so his fellow soldiers could live.

"Sims saved the lives of at least three of his squad and two of the company headquarters by absorbing the shock of the blast himself," Sims' commander, Army 1st Lt. Cleo Hogan, later wrote in an eyewitness statement. "Sims made the greatest sacrifice a soldier can make … and no mark of tribute can be too great."

For his valor, Sims' wife and daughter received the Medal of Honor from Vice President Spiro Agnew during a White House ceremony on Dec. 2, 1969.

Three other men also received Medals of Honor for their actions during the Battle of Hue: Army Staff Sgt. Joe Ronnie Hooper, Marine Corps Sgt. Alfredo Gonzalez and Army Chief Warrant Officer Frederick Ferguson.

Sims is buried in Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, Florida.

His name has not been forgotten. A state veterans nursing home in Springfield, Florida, and the garrison headquarters building at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, are both named in his honor. And since 2019, the Florida county where Sims grew up has celebrated every June 18, his birthday, as Clifford Sims Day.

02/14/2026

02/12/2026

Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Offers New Hope for Veterans

(Family Features) For generations, America’s veterans have borne not only the visible scars of battle but also the hidden wounds of war. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, traumatic brain injury and anxiety have long haunted those who served, often with devastating effects on their quality of life and their families. While traditional treatments have helped, many veterans continue to suffer in silence – left behind by a system struggling to meet their needs.

However, science is now reopening doors once closed, and therapies previously dismissed are being reconsidered with fresh eyes. Among them are psychedelic-assisted treatments, which have revealed potential in clinical trials to address the most severe mental health conditions afflicting veterans.

The FDA’s Role
Currently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved only one psychedelic-based medication: a ketamine nasal spray to treat depression. However, other compounds are gaining the attention of researchers, clinicians and veterans alike. Psilocybin – the active ingredient in “magic mushrooms” – and a drug similar to L*D have both earned FDA “breakthrough therapy” status for their potential to ease depression and anxiety, sometimes after only a single dose.

In 2017, M**A-assisted therapy was identified as a potential breakthrough treatment option for PTSD; ultimately, the FDA declined to grant full approval. This setback underscored not a failure of science, but the complexity of studying powerful compounds under existing regulatory frameworks. For veterans, it was a disappointment, yet it also spotlighted the urgent need for continued research and funding.

Veterans and Research at the Forefront
One compound has captured national attention: ibogaine, a psychedelic root traditionally used in ceremonies in central and west Africa. Early studies with special-operations veterans have found improvements in PTSD, depression, anxiety and overall functioning – especially for those living with the effects of traumatic brain injury.

Recognizing this potential, DAV (Disabled American Veterans) is championing these new approaches. At its 2025 National Convention, the organization hosted a groundbreaking psychedelics roundtable that brought together researchers, veterans, advocates and even a former NFL player to discuss the potential of psychedelic-assisted therapies.

The century-old organization supports research into these treatments, pointing out that traditional therapies can fail for as many as 60% of those who try them. It’s also advocating for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to make psychedelic treatments available once they receive FDA approval.

“We are experiencing a watershed moment in medical research as psychedelic-assisted therapies have revealed true potential in clinical trials to treat severe mental health conditions,” said Barry Jesinoski, DAV’s National Adjutant. “This glimmer offers veterans contending with not only PTSD but depression, traumatic brain injury, anxiety and more hope in a world where the status quo is failing them.”

A New Mission
The promising results of these treatments spurred some states to commit funding toward research into psychedelic therapies or conduct legislative hearings to explore their role in advancing this science. The VA is now conducting studies on M**A and psilocybin.

While more research is needed to fully understand their risks, benefits and best applications, for DAV, psychedelic medication represents both hope and responsibility. By advocating for rigorous research and ensuring veterans’ perspectives are central to the conversation, the organization is working to accelerate progress while safeguarding integrity.

Whether through psilocybin, M**A, ibogaine or future discoveries, the mission is clear: fund the research, pursue the science and ensure America’s veterans are given every chance to heal. Learn more at dav.org.

02/12/2026

02/12/2026

Medal of Honor Monday: Navy Lt. Carlton Hutchins

By Katie Lange

Navy Lt. Carlton Barmore Hutchins was a skilled aviator who did his best to save his crew during one of the worst naval air disasters before World War II. He kept his damaged plane in the air long enough for a few crewmates to parachute out. Hutchins went down with his aircraft, but his bravery and selflessness earned him the Medal of Honor.

Hutchins was born Sept. 12, 1904, to Walter and Clara Hutchins. He had two younger brothers and grew up in Albany, New York, before graduating high school in 1922 and attending the U.S. Naval Academy.

After commissioning into the Navy in 1926, Hutchins served on the USS Pennsylvania until 1928, when he went to flight training school in Pensacola, Florida. That same year, he married his girlfriend, Elizabeth Poehler. The couple later had a son, Walter.

By February 1929, Hutchins had earned his wings as a naval aviator. He spent the next few years flying fighter aircraft and scouting planes before studying aeronautical engineering at the California Institute of Technology. In 1937, he served with a seaplane squadron in the Caribbean before being transferred to Patrol Squadron 11 aboard the USS Langley based at Naval Air Station San Diego (now Naval Air Station North Island).

On Feb. 2, 1938, Hutchins was piloting one of several PBY-2 Catalina seaplanes that were taking part in one of the largest fleet exercises of the time about 70 miles off the California coast. According to the Naval History and Heritage Command, nine aircraft were flying in formation at night during a bombing training run when a sudden rain squall began and they flew into a cloud bank without warning. Because of the sudden lack of visibility, Hutchins' aircraft collided with another seaplane.

While the second aircraft crashed immediately, killing all seven on board, Hutchins managed to keep his failing aircraft in the air long enough to give his crewmates the chance to parachute to safety. He was only able to keep the aircraft afloat for a few minutes, but that was enough for four of the six men to jump out. The remaining two were in the plane's forward compartment with Hutchins and died with him as the plane went down.

One of the men who parachuted out died the following day, but three survived thanks to Hutchins' ability to keep calm and steady the aircraft for as long as possible.

The crash killed a total of 11 men. At the time, it was considered one of the worst aircraft disasters in Navy history.

On Aug. 3, 1938, Secretary of the Navy Claude Swanson announced that Hutchins would receive the Medal of Honor for his bravery. The nation's highest honor for valor was presented to his widow in a ceremony 10 days later.
Sadly, Hutchins' remains were never recovered.

In his memory, the destroyer USS Hutchins was commissioned in November 1942 and used throughout World War II.

At the Naval Academy's Bancroft Hall, one of the world's largest collegiate dormitories, Hutchins has a room dedicated to him, as do all other Medal of Honor recipients who attended the prestigious school.

01/28/2026

Medal of Honor Monday: Army Tech. 5th Grade Eric Gibson

Jan. 26, 2026 | By Katie Lange

Army Tech. 5th Grade Eric Gibson served as a cook during World War II, but his desire for more led him to work out a deal with his superiors to fight on the front lines. During one intense battle in Italy, Gibson consistently went ahead of the soldiers he led and took out threats in their path. He didn't survive the ordeal, but his bravery and leadership earned him the Medal of Honor.

Gibson was born Oct. 3, 1919, in Nysund, Sweden, to Erland and Agda Gibson. In 1924, after his younger brother, Sven, was born, the family moved to Chicago, where Gibson grew up.

Few details of his early life have been published. Still, by February 1941, Gibson had enlisted in the Army as troop numbers soared ahead of America's inevitable involvement in World War II. After basic training, he was assigned as a cook for the 30th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division.

In November 1942, the division deployed to North Africa, where Gibson, as part of Company I, took part in that invasion and the subsequent invasion of Sicily.

As the division plowed through enemy territory, Gibson decided he wanted to make a bigger impact than just being a cook. So, he worked out a deal with his commanding officer that allowed him to serve as a rifleman in an infantry squad whenever the company went into battle, according to the U.S. Army Quartermaster Museum.

In the mountainous terrain of Sicily, where motorized Army vehicles weren't useful, Gibson is credited with leading a pack of mules carrying supplies across several miles of rugged landscape. Later, as the company's main scout, he located several enemy positions and even killed and wounded two German soldiers during ensuing firefights.

In mid-January 1944, the division landed on the Anzio beachhead in Italy. As Gibson's company moved up the coastline, he continued with his dual missions, repeatedly distinguishing himself in combat, according to the museum.

On Jan. 28, 1944, Gibson's company had made it all the way to northern Italy and was near the island of Isola Bella when they came under attack. Gibson quickly mobilized and led a squad of unseasoned soldiers — those sent to the front lines to fill vacancies left by casualties — through a "baptism by fire," his Medal of Honor citation stated. But their efforts bore fruit. They managed to destroy four enemy positions, kill five and capture two German soldiers, all while also securing their company's left flank.

Gibson then continued ahead of his fellow soldiers, moving through a wide stream ditch until he came within 20 yards of a concealed enemy soldier, who opened up on him with automatic fire. Several bullets nearly hit Gibson, but that didn't stop him. He charged, firing his submachine gun every few steps until he got to the enemy position and fired at point-blank range, killing his opponent.

As a smattering of artillery landed in and around the ditch, the impact from one knocked Gibson flat. As soon as he got to his feet, he was fired on by two enemy soldiers who were about 75 yards away. Gibson immediately raced toward them and didn't stop, even when machine gun fire opened up on him about halfway to the position. Gibson killed one foe and captured the other.

Shortly after that, during another spray of heavy machine gun fire coming from about 200 yards further down the ditch, Gibson crawled back to his squad and ordered them to direct as much fire as possible toward the enemy so he could flank that machine gun nest.

Getting to the emplacement required Gibson to crawl 125 yards through an intense artillery barrage that included crossfire from two machine guns, which showered dirt all over him. He made it, however, and once he reached the nest, he threw two hand gr***des into it before charging forward with his submachine gun, killing two enemy soldiers and capturing a third.

When his squad got to a bend in the ditch, Gibson moved forward alone to scout out the situation. That's the last time his fellow soldiers saw him alive.

Gibson's squad later told officials that when they heard an exchange of gunfire, they moved around the bend. About 35 yards toward an enemy outpost, they found Gibson dead. However, before he fell, he managed to kill one more German soldier.

Gibson's fearless actions kept the men in his squad alive, even if it meant his own death. For that, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. His parents were gifted it on his behalf Sept. 15, 1944, during a ceremony at Camp McCoy, Wisconsin.

When Gibson's body was returned to the U.S. in 1948, he was buried in Nora Cemetery in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, where his parents had moved while he was overseas.

Gibson has not been forgotten. Over the years, an Army Reserve center in Berwyn, Illinois, and a dining facility on Fort Lee, Virginia, were named in his honor. In 1995, a Navy container ship was renamed for the fallen soldier, and in 1999, Gibson was inducted into the Quartermaster Hall of Fame.