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Divernan

(15,480 posts)

27. OMG! That's my high school friend - 2nd man sitting to the right of the podium

Reply to Playinghardball (Original post)

Tue Feb 12, 2013, 06:51 PM

Feb 2013

USMC retired Brigadier General Thomas V. Draude (in second row of seats, w/shadow across bottom of his face). He received two Silver Stars for heroism in Vietnam, he was awarded the Purple Heart, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal and the Navy Commendation Medal. The last three with the combat “V” for valor.

Here is the very moving story of his valor, as recounted by General Charles C. Krulak, Commandant (1995-1999) USMC, of the events which earned him his first Silver Star. http://www.mike37.org/ms_66_01.htm

High school valedictorian, football team captain, US Naval Academy graduate and all round natural leader and kind human being. His closest guarded secret in high school was that his middle initial, "V" stood for Valentine. I knew that cause I worked in the school office but never told anyone - until now!

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They say he stole the show...I believe it.... [View all] Playinghardball Feb 2013 OP

Saw the clip of him.He is so adorable. nt sufrommich Feb 2013 #1

What a precious little boy! CaliforniaPeggy Feb 2013 #2

Did you notice thos blue ribbons around their necks? hootinholler Feb 2013 #10

Very glad that little guy still has his dad--so lucky. TwilightGardener Feb 2013 #3

That's a good pic. Uncle Joe Feb 2013 #4

Are the Republican Chickenhawks demanding an iNvesTigaTion? Berlum Feb 2013 #5

Naw...the chickenhawks ReRe Feb 2013 #11

Thanks for the reassurance Berlum Feb 2013 #13

Well, I agree... ReRe Feb 2013 #15

Republicans turn back on honorable US Veteran & former Republican Senator Bob Dole Berlum Feb 2013 #24

What a cutie!! Control-Z Feb 2013 #6

Here is the video... countryjake Feb 2013 #7

Thank you, countryjake!! Control-Z Feb 2013 #9

And here's a virtual one for you! countryjake Feb 2013 #12

... Control-Z Feb 2013 #32

that was nice, normally those guys with their uniforms always have a serious look JI7 Feb 2013 #20

I know, that OP pic with all of the happy eyes, medals hanging on their necks... countryjake Feb 2013 #36

actually i don't think that was the dad but someone else JI7 Feb 2013 #37

The daddy, Staff Sgt. Clinton Romesha, was on Letterman... countryjake Feb 2013 #44

Don't you know your Daddy Big-Boots once wore little boots, like you? SaveAmerica Feb 2013 #41

ain't no one gonna dis a tyke whose daddy is getting the medal of honor dembotoz Feb 2013 #8

And he came home redstatebluegirl Feb 2013 #23

No One "Wins" The Medal of Honor cer7711 Feb 2013 #14

I watched this soldier's eyes when the President put the medal annabanana Feb 2013 #16

Indeed! cer7711 Feb 2013 #18

He appeared to have been crying Control-Z Feb 2013 #34

Good point, and good poem. n/t denverbill Feb 2013 #22

fil was awarded silver star ww2 bluemarkers Feb 2013 #30

100% correct. I think people lose Ilsa Feb 2013 #33

I Didn't Mean to Particularize This cer7711 Feb 2013 #38

I think you said it wonderfully. Yes, DU is a great board! nt Ilsa Feb 2013 #39

true heaven05 Feb 2013 #42

THANK YOU GiveMeFreedom Feb 2013 #43

Very cute. I would have held him while getting the medal. eggplant Feb 2013 #17

what a cutie dressed up in that little suit JI7 Feb 2013 #19

Where were the secret servicemen? smccarter Feb 2013 #21

I, too, have questioned the competence of the Secret Service rocktivity Feb 2013 #29

Made me giggle!! Control-Z Feb 2013 #35

how cute can you get.... WCGreen Feb 2013 #25

What is Edward G. Robinson doing behind him in the first pic? Elwood P Dowd Feb 2013 #26

OMG! That's my high school friend - 2nd man sitting to the right of the podium Divernan Feb 2013 #27

that's so cool! renate Feb 2013 #40

Gorgeous malaise Feb 2013 #28

Love this photo! rosesaylavee Feb 2013 #31