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Characteristics of what a hero is
What are the characteristics of a hero
What are the characteristics of a hero
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What defines a hero? Is it the amount of courage and individual has that makes them a hero? Could a person become known as a hero simply from their achievement? Are noble qualities required of a person that is considered to be hero? The definition of a hero lies in the eye of the beholder. In my eyes, Hershel ‘Woody’ Williams displayed amazing courage, accomplished outstanding achievements, and had noble qualities, and that is why I believe that Hershel “Woody” Williams was a true hero.
Hershel “Woody” Williams was a displayed his amazing courage by serving his country in the Marine Corps Reserves. He started his military career on May 26, 1943 when he enlisted in Charleston, West Virginia. Woody’s served in the military for a span of 17 years (WebCite Query Result.) His impeccable courage is best displayed in February 23, 1945 on a small island in the Pacific Ocean at the Battle of Iwo Jima where he was serving with the 21st Marines, 3rd Marine Division (Iwo Jima.) His commanding officer was trying to develop a plan to take out the Japanese pillboxes. The pillboxes were buried under several feet of volcanic sand, therefore they could withstand bombs being dropped on them. Tanks were useless in trying to get to the pillboxes because they could not get enough traction in the sand to get close enough to fire. So Hershel took matters into his own hands and strapped on a 70 pound flamethrower, only weighting 150 pounds himself, and began making his way to the pillboxes. With only four Marines covering him, and having to move forward in the upright position because the flamethrower would not allow him to crawl, Hershel made his way through the trenches and took out 7 pillboxes in 4 hours. He escaped from the battle unharmed, but two M...
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...n the United States Armed Forces, 3,463 have been awarded with the Medal of Honor. The medal is the highest award an individual serving in the armed forces can receive. It is awarded to men and women who risk their lives and go above and beyond the call of duty. Only 76 recipients of the Medal of Honor are still living today, Hershel “Woody” Williams is the last living recipient in West Virginia. His heroic actions saved many lives and will be forever noted and remembered in history and will be shared for many generations to follow. Hershel “Woody” Williams is my hero because of the amount of courage he displayed, the achievements he made, and his noble qualities.
Works Cited
"IwoJima." IwoJima. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Feb. 2014.
"MedalOfHonor." CMOHS.org. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Feb. 2014.
"WebCite Query Result." WebCite Query Result. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Feb. 2014.
World War one saw many great airmen, but there were two that stood out among the rest; Captain Edward Rickenbacker and 2nd Lieutenant Frank Luke, Jr. These men both demonstrated courage and bravery that ultimately asked them for their life. Both men received the Congressional Medal of Honor for their deeds of bravery, as well as earning the title of Ace. An Ace is someone that has shot down at least five enemy planes. Rickenbacker was nicknamed “Ace of the Aces”, while Luke was the first of only two men to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor. Luke honored his country through his actions. Frank Luke Jr demonstrated superior characteristics that lead him to make a valuable contribution to World War I through bravery, skilled flying skills, and selflessness.
During World War II, Beckwith joined the Marines, where he received the Purple Heart for wounds in action in 1943. Considering a military career, he app...
Audie Leon Murphy has earned all available U.S. military combat award for valor possible from the United States Army. He was also decorated by Belgium and France for his service. He serviced in the European Theater of Operations along with the Mediterranean. on January 26, 1945 Murphy earned the medal of honor because of what he had did at the Colmar Pocket near Holtzwihr, France when he was only 19 years old. He received it for his defensive actions against German troops- this shows his selfless service and personal courage. While he was wounded he alone stayed in a burning tank destroyer firing at the Germans- their soldiers and tanks- with a fully automatic machine gun. When he was out of ammo he climbed off the tank and led a successful counterattack after he had refused to let his wounds be treated. Another way he showed his personal courage-an army value.
Throughout MacArthur’s service to the United States, he went through various situations which tested him as a man, but because he had formed such a strong opinion of duty, honor, and country, he was able to overcome the troubling situations which led to his receiving of the Thayer Award. MacArthur’s ability to overcome dilemmas is one of the reasons he was the powerful leader he was, and to fully grasp the importance of his speech that shaped the future, one must know his past. At the age of twenty-three, MacArthur graduated from West Point with the highest grades the academy had seen in twenty-five years showing his determination to succeed. After moving
How do you define a hero? Some may define a hero as someone with great courage and bravery; to others a hero might be a strong warrior and leader who wins battles; others may define a hero as one who uses his brain as much as his brawn to win. In Homer's epic poem, Odyssey, Odysseus is portrayed as a hero by every definition.
Exemplary performance has always attracted accolades and numerous prices; this gives morale and vigor for everyone to achieve their best. In the disciplined forces, particularly the marine, the service members always receive a major reward that elevates them in rank; this is the medal. This rewards them for their bravery and contribution in the missions they are involved in. Indeed, they contribute a lot to the peace and security of the world at large and they truly deserve these medals for recognition (Tucker, 2011). This has been a practice for the U.S. Marine to issue Corps medals since the Civil War to present day. Among the Corps Medal categories include American Defense Medal-WWII, Armed Forces Civilian Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, and Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal among others. Since the Civil War there have been over 120 U.S. Marine Corps Medals. This paper identifies Lieutenant General Lewis Burwell “Chesty” Puller and describes why he has been one of the most decorated marines in the history of the U.S.
From being the example for young Marines to a MEU commander changing a long-standing policy, and lastly, giving me the best guidance and mentor to look up to and emulate. His legacy lives on in my teachings to my own junior Marines and Soldiers, by holding the Recon Creed in my heart and passing all that I have learned along I hope that one day, a former team member of mine looks back and thinks the same of the legacy I left for
In 1989 I was a private in basic training at Fort Benning Georgia United States Army Infantry School. In a classroom setting, for a reason that I cannot recall, one of my drill sergeants said “you’re no Audie Murphy.” I made the rookie mistake of asking “Who is Audie Murphy?” The room went silent. I did not know why, but I knew something was wrong because all three of my drill instructors including the senior drill instructor stared at me like I dropped my rifle. The senior drill instructor said, “You’re in the Army and you don’t know who Audie Murphy is?” In a stern voice he told me to find out then report back to tell him about Audie Murphy. I asked other people in the class, and I learned quickly that Audie Murphy is one of the most well-known Army war heroes in our nation’s history.
For many years the American Hero has filled the silver screen and wide screened television sets, along with shelves of countless bookstores. Audiences love to see the protagonist overcome great odds, defeat the forces of evil, and save the beautiful girl at the last second. The character of the American Hero however, is not a new idea. James Cooper, in the 1800’s, created the archetype of the American Hero. Natty Bumpo, also called Deerslayer, embodied many qualities of the great American Hero. Modern day heroes are simply following the example set by Cooper’s creation.
MacArthur, Douglas. “Duty, Honor, Country.” Sylvanus Thayer Award Acceptance. West Point, NY. 12 May, 1962.
Heroism demands self-sacrifice, self-discipline, self-confidence and self-respect. Ulysses S. Grant had these qualities in their most complete form. He set out from humble beginnings, and failed. At the age of 38 was a conspicuous failure. Then, like few of us, he succeeded beyond belief. Had he not had tremendous greatness within him, he could never have accomplished what he did. How did such a simple, honest and humble man raise himself in the eyes of his people and the world to the highest position a man or woman can reach - that of a national hero?
Mr. Felder enrolled in Tuskegee Institute in 1941 and continued his education until 1943 when he enlisted in the U.S. army and became a member of the famed 92nd Infantry Division, a part of the old historic “Buffalo Soldiers Regiment.” From 1943 to 1946, his infantry unit encountered much combat on the front lines in Italy during World War II. He was wounded in combat and returned from the war with a Purple Heart, a Bronze Star, and a shrapnel-fragments of a bomb, shell, or other object thrown out by an explosion-still lodged in his body.
Many people have been born that have struck a chord with the world. Some people have become legends, patriots and even heroes. Though one person stood out among the rest, this one was not made a hero, but was born to be one. He was a hero at what he strived to be in life and he has captured the attention of the public like no other solider has done before or since. This great Canadian Air Force Ace became one of the legendary figures in 20th century air warfare. With his daring and dramatic dogfights in France, he achieved a record of 72 kills in his many encounters. His role on the ground during the Second World War training pilots changed and inspired a whole new generation of fighter pilots. This man is known as Billy Bishop, the legendary and great Canadian hero who captured and won the respect of his enemies, comrades and the world.
A tragic hero is defined as a person of high social rank, who has a tragic flaw or flaws that lead to their downfall. These heroes’ downfalls are usually either complete ruin or death. Tragic heroes face their downfall with courage and dignity. While many characters in Julius Caesar could fit these conditions, the person who fits the role of a tragic hero the best is Marcus Brutus. Brutus develops into a tragic hero throughout the play, and this is shown though his qualifications of a tragic hero, his high status, his tragic flaws, and his courage in the face of his death.
Webster’s dictionary defines a hero as any man admired for his courage, qualities or exploits, especially in war. Some people attribute the term hero mostly to war. My personal definition of a hero is someone who takes a stand against evil or an unjust cause. The term hero can be applied to anyone, it isn’t necessary to save the world from explosion to be a hero. The act of standing up for a friend can also be called a heroic act.