Veteran's Day 2015

Al Maples - Vietnam War Veteran

Recently each year on Veterans Day I try to write something about friends or family who have served. As I wrote in a previous post I had the opportunity to catch up with and visit with an old friend, Al Maples. Many years ago I had read a description of how Al received a Silver Star while serving in Vietnam. I have never forgotten that and have always been impressed by how heroic he was. Al and I were best friends all through high school and ran one season of college cross country together before he went into the army. Nothing that happened in our years growing up together would have even hinted that Al would one day be a hero and to me that makes it even more impressive. Al did what he needed to do and for that reason I wanted to honor him in my blog this year. When I visited Al and his wife Patty I was able to get a copy of his Silver Star Award citation and here is what it said, word for word:

"Specialist Four Maples distinguished himself by gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 26 January 1969 while serving as a squad leader with Company E, 2d Battalion, 3d Infantry, 199th Infantry Brigade (Separate) (Light), in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date when the reconnaissance platoon of Company E came under heavy enemy automatic weapons fire, Specialist Maples spotted two of the enemy and directed effective machine gun fire toward them. He then advanced toward the entrenched enemy and successfully silenced the position with hand grenades. Shortly thereafter, an incoming mortar round landed in the middle of the platoon command post and seriously wounded several members, including the platoon leader and the platoon sergeant. Specialist Maples immediately assumed command and began coordinating medical evacuation, first aid and security efforts. His calm and competent actions under trying circumstances inspired the remaining members of the platoon and saved many lives. Specialist Four Maples' outstanding courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army."

I'm proud to call Al a former teammate and lifelong friend and honored to share his story of heroism. We never know where our heroes will come from or what will bring out that heroism and that's why when someone does demonstrate the willingness to risk it all for others they should be honored.