Incredible Military Stories
Doorsteps of Hell by Tom Williams

Doorsteps of Hell by Tom Williams

As the son of a military officer who grew up in an always-moving military household, it makes total sense that Tom Williams would also grow up to be a military officer. His adoptive father was U.S. Air Force Maj. Carl Williams, but young Tom was destined for the Marine Corps and for the Vietnam War. "Doorsteps of Hell": Insight into Tom Williams' Vietnam Tour "Doorsteps of Hell" is the first book in Tom Williams' autobiographical "Heart of a Marine" series and covers his early years and his...

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SM2 Humphrey Bogart, U.S. Navy (1918-1919)

SM2 Humphrey Bogart, U.S. Navy (1918-1919)

While Humphrey Bogart is primarily celebrated for his legendary performances on the silver screen, his contributions off-camera during World War I remain a lesser-known yet significant aspect of his life. Beyond the glitz of Hollywood, Bogart served his country with honor and distinction, embodying courage and resilience. From Privilege to the Stage: The Early Dramas of Humphrey Bogart Humphrey Bogart, born on December 25, 1899, in New York City, had a childhood marked by privilege. His...

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LTC Paul Riley, U.S. Army (1990-2014)

LTC Paul Riley, U.S. Army (1990-2014)

Of all the medals, awards, formal presentations, and qualification badges you received, which one(s) are the most meaningful to you and why?:

My initial battery commander humorously referred to the collection of awards on an Army dress uniform as a ‘sausage.’ The term resonated with my fellow platoon leaders and me, as it vividly captured the mishmash of colors, textures, and symbols resembling a chaotic mosh pit when adorning the chest. During my time in ROTC, cadets sported extensive racks of awards reminiscent of a Russian Field Marshal post-Battle of Moscow, fostering a sense of accomplishment. However, upon graduating college and ROTC, the slate was wiped clean. After completing the Officer Basic Course, new officers were granted the privilege to wear the Army Service Ribbon and the National Defense Service Medal, offering a modest start to their uniform embellishments.

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SP 4 Tom Hirst, U.S. Army (1969-1971)

SP 4 Tom Hirst, U.S. Army (1969-1971)

Of all the medals, awards, formal presentations, and qualification badges you received, which one(s) are the most meaningful to you and why?:

“What is that?” asked the person parked next to me in the “VETERANS ONLY” parking space at Home Depot. “That’s the COMBAT MEDICAL BADGE,” explaining my vanity license plate. “It’s the Army Medic’s version of the Combat Infantry Badge.” “I’ve seen some of the other Florida license plates, with medals and stuff, but I’ve never seen that one. I was in the Air Force.”

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A1C Joseph Jr. Carvalko, U.S. Air Force (1959-1964)

A1C Joseph Jr. Carvalko, U.S. Air Force (1959-1964)

Of all the medals, awards, formal presentations, and qualification badges you received, which one(s) are the most meaningful to you and why?:

Post Cuban Crisis, October 1963, I was honored as Outstanding Airman of the 818th Strategic Aerospace Division Lincoln, AFB. I had three consecutive monthly wing recognitions while serving in the 307th Bomb Wing, Medium, SAC, Armament, and Electronics Squadron. Now, from a pool of 6,000, I, amongst five others, was nominated for the Award that included two bomb wings and a missile wing. I took home the honor, partly due to my role in the critical launch of the final B-47 Bomber during the Cuban crisis.

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HM1 Robert Hays, U.S. Marine Corps (1967-1969)

HM1 Robert Hays, U.S. Marine Corps (1967-1969)

Of all the medals, awards, formal presentations, and qualification badges you received, which one(s) are the most meaningful to you and why?:

On April 9, 1969, an event happened which made bona fide heroes out of three of us. I was sitting on my cot writing a letter and heard an explosion. When I looked up, I saw a ball of fire rising from the ammo dump about 200 yards away. This dump was a big one. It was about 300 yards long and 200 yards wide, covered with pallets of ammo and explosives of every size and description.

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A1C Jim March, U.S. Air Force (1964-1967)

A1C Jim March, U.S. Air Force (1964-1967)

Of all the medals, awards, formal presentations, and qualification badges you received, which one(s) are the most meaningful to you and why?:

USAF Airman’s Medal. Stationed at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas, social opportunities for a young Airman were somewhat limited. My mode of transport was a Vespa motorscooter — not designed to attract young ladies. One Saturday evening, while driving back to the base, I passed by an establishment known as a Texas Ice House. Such establishments were a combination of local delis, local bars, and weekend party sites, serving primarily the Tex-Mex community. Since it was a warm summer evening, there was also dancing to a Mariachi band on the front porch. I decided to stop and check it out.

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1SG Randy Jr. Taylor, U.S. Army (2002-2023)

1SG Randy Jr. Taylor, U.S. Army (2002-2023)

Of all the medals, awards, formal presentations, and qualification badges you received, which one(s) are the most meaningful to you and why?:

From the first day of my arrival at a replacement in Fort Benning in 2002, I waited to go over the hill and start my journey through One Station Unit Training. I silently observed my surroundings and the Army posters and informationals. I often observed a rifle against a rectangular background colored in blue etched in wood and was often positioned as the centerpiece on the walls. As I was brought to formation to receive classes, I would observe this rifle mounted on a rectangular background as a badge worn by my Drill Sergeants. In the Soldier Bay, I would observe this rifle badge in the latrines, in the dining facility, and in the Company Training Area.

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The Battle of Buena Vista

The Battle of Buena Vista

The Mexican War was one of the United States' shortest wars, and it's a conflict that often goes overlooked in American history books. But it was one that literally shaped the country and its future in so many ways. It added more than half a million square miles to the United States, from the Rio Grande to the Pacific Ocean, establishing a southern border and creating a territory that truly spread from sea to shining sea.  It was also where many future commanders of the American Civil War...

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Four Famous Veterans Who Died in 2023

Four Famous Veterans Who Died in 2023

As we enter the early months of 2024, we find ourselves pondering the significant losses of the past year. At TogetherWeServed, we take a moment to honor the memories of renowned veterans whose departure deeply impacted both the entertainment industry and the U.S. Military community. While the list below may not encompass every notable veteran lost last year, we are grateful for the enduring legacies of those mentioned. Their lives were characterized by rich experiences and unforgettable...

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Most Popular Veteran Benefits Don’t Expire

Most Popular Veteran Benefits Don’t Expire

A recent article in a Veteran-focused publication had the headline, "Did you know many of your benefits have an expiration date?" It gave the misleading impression to many that the benefits they have earned from military service could evaporate or disappear. This is inaccurate. The most popular Veteran benefits have no expiration date. As I explain below, you can apply at any point and are not time-bound. Three Most Popular Veteran Benefits For these benefits, there are important dates to...

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A Pilot’s Story from Tennessee Eagle Scouts to General Montgomery’s Flying Fortress by Richard Eager

A Pilot’s Story from Tennessee Eagle Scouts to General Montgomery’s Flying Fortress by Richard Eager

Some say the decades between 1930 and 1970 were the golden age of aviation. For many pilots, this was certainly the case. Aviation technology took a great leap forward during and after World War II. Pilots began testing the limits of their craft, from altitude to the sound barrier. Most importantly, the years saw the creation of the U.S. Air Force as an independent military branch.  About the Author of A Pilot's Story from Tennessee Eagle Scouts Starting from a must-win air war like World...

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Soldier and Writer
Lt Col Michael Christy (USA) Ret.

Many articles contained in this Blog were written by Together We Served’s former Chief Editor, Lt Col Michael Christy, and published in TWS’s Dispatches Newsletter.

Lt Col Christy’s military career spanned 26 years, beginning in 1956 when he joined the U.S. Marine Corps. Following two years active duty, he spent another two years in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves. In 1962, he joined the Army National Guard and in 1966 was called up for active duty with the U.S. Army. After an 18 year distinguished Army career, Lt Col Christy retired from military service in 1984.
Lt Col Christy saw action in Vietnam with Special Forces Units, including the renowned Delta Force, and was awarded two Silver Stars, six Bronze Stars (three with Valor), and two Purple Hearts.
As a military consultant and accomplished writer, Lt Col Christy has contributed to several TV military documentaries, including those found on the History Channel, plus significant military history publications, including Vietnam Magazine.