Real Hero Report | March 2019 | 21
Medal of Honor recipient William K. Carpenter greeted Georgia Army
National Guardsman, Lt. Col. Gerald D. Burris, chaplain, 78th Troop
Command, during the Medal of Honor reception at Clay National Guard
Center, Marietta, GA, on February 2, 2019. Carpenter received the Medal
of Honor for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as an automatic
Medal of Honor
recipient Melvin
Morris posed with
members of the
Georgia Guard
at the reception
event at the Clay
National Guard
Center.
“Gentlemen, thank you for the example you set and for what
you have done in the past,” said Simmons. “It shows how you
represent our formation and the integrity, grit and determination
our service has.”
The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds were also at Dobbins gearing
Super Bowl LIII on Sunday. The recipients and the Thunderbirds
had an opportunity for a meet and greet during the weekend’s
events.
When established by President Abraham Lincoln on July 12,
1862, the Medal of Honor became the highest award for valor
in action against an enemy force bestowed upon an individual
serving in the armed forces of the United States. It is generally
presented to its recipient by the President of the United States of
America in the name of Congress.
Only 3,504 servicemen have received the Medal of Honor
in its 157-year history. In addition, Dr. Mary Walker, a civilian
physician, was presented with the Medal of Honor for her
extraordinary contributions to the treatment of soldiers during the
American Civil War. Currently, there are 72 living recipients of
the Medal of Honor.
“What a wonderful day, we have national treasures here,” said
Brig Gen. Richard Kemble, commander, 94th Airlift Wing. “To
the recipients of the highest honor our country can bestow to a
service member, it’s our honor to host this great event.”
The recipients wrapped up the weekend as guests of honor at
Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Dobbins ARB, GA.
Medal of Honor recipient Donald “Doc” Ballard with Dobbins ARB Fire
Dept, signing the Fire Truck.