September 12, 2008                                                                                      
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information:
Melissa Reeves, mdreeves@jeffco.k12.co.us, Jeffco Public Schools, 303-982-6567
Lynn Setzer, lsetzer@jeffco.k12.co.us, Jeffco Public Schools, 303-982-6810

 

Jeffco Schools Host Bravest of the Brave

They are American heroes who risked their lives and went above and beyond the call of duty.  Heroes, who ran towards the enemy forces in time of war, showing a pride in country and service.  

The Congressional Medal of Honor Society's Annual Convention, A Celebration of Valor, is being held in Denver from Sept. 16-20.  On Thursday, Sept. 18, three Medal of Honor recipients will be recognized by Jeffco Public School students, staff and community members during assemblies at O’Connell Middle School and Evergreen and Ralston Valley high schools.

The events are closed to the public.  Interested media are invited to cover the events by calling the Communications Services office to arrange interviews and access to Jeffco schools.

O’Connell Middle School, 1275 S. Teller Pl., Lakewood from 9 – 10 a.m. hosts:

Van T. Barfoot -- As a Second Lieutenant in the US Army near Carano, Italy in May of 1944, Lt. Barfoot risked his life above and beyond the call of duty.  With his platoon under heavy assault from the Germans, Lt. Barfoot moved to advance on the enemy. He crawled near the enemy’s machine gun nest and made a direct hit with a grenade, then continued along the German defense line capturing 17 prisoners.  Later in the day, Sgt. Barfoot destroyed a tank and while returning to his platoon position, he helped two of his injured soldiers to safety.   

Evergreen High School, 29300 Buffalo Park Rd., Evergreen from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. and 10:15 – 11:15 a.m. hosts:

Bruce P. Crandall -- Major Crandall showed extraordinary heroism as a Flight Commander in Vietnam while serving in the 229th Assault Helicopter Battalion.  In November 1965, his 16 helicopter fleet was lifting troops for a search and destroy mission. Under intense enemy fire, his chopper was forced to refuel, giving the enemy time to target the landing zone. He was ordered to abort the mission, but refused to leave his fellow soldiers alone in the fight. Continuing to load wounded soldiers aboard his aircraft, his voluntary decision instilled the will and spirit in other pilots to join the mission.  That day he completed 22 flights to re-supply ammunition and evacuate the wounded.

Ralston Valley High School, 13355 W. 80th Ave., Arvada from 9 – 10 a.m. hosts:

Ronald E. Rosser – As a Corporal in the US Army Second Infantry Division in Ponggilli, Korea in January 1952, Cpl. Rosser showed conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty.  While facing heavy enemy fire, his company was stopped.  Cpl. Rosser ignored enemy fire and charged the enemy position armed with only a carbine and a grenade.  He charged the hill and hurled a grenade in the enemy bunker.  Calling on his fellow soldiers, he cleared two more bunkers.  Cpl. Rosser continued to re-supply and advance on the enemy hilltop. After his ammunition ran out and suffering from wounds, he made several trips to help his fellow injured soldiers.

More than 3,400 Medals of Honor have been awarded to the nation's bravest Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen since the decoration's creation in 1861.

For more information about the Congressional Medal of Honor, visit www.medalofhonor2008.org.

 

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