The Navy Cross is presented to James H. Webb, Jr., First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company D, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 10 July 1969, while participating in a company-sized search and destroy operation deep in hostile territory, First Lieutenant Webb's platoon discovered a well-camouflaged bunker complex that appeared to be unoccupied. Deploying his men into defensive positions, First Lieutenant Webb was advancing to the first bunker when three enemy soldiers armed with hand grenades jumped out. Reacting instantly, he grabbed the closest man and, brandishing his .45 caliber pistol at the others, apprehended all three of the soldiers. Accompanied by one of his men, he then approached the second bunker and called for the enemy to surrender. When the hostile soldiers failed to answer him and threw a grenade that detonated dangerously close to him, First Lieutenant Webb detonated a claymore mine in the bunker aperture, accounting for two enemy casualties and disclosing the entrance to a tunnel. Despite the smoke and debris from the explosion and the possibility of enemy soldiers hiding in the tunnel, he then conducted a thorough search that yielded several items of equipment and numerous documents containing valuable intelligence data. Continuing the assault, he approached a third bunker and was preparing to fire into it when the enemy threw another grenade. Observing the grenade land dangerously close to his companion, First Lieutenant Webb simultaneously fired his weapon at the enemy, pushed the Marine away from the grenade, and shielded him from the explosion with his own body. Although sustaining painful fragmentation wounds from the explosion, he managed to throw a grenade into the aperture and completely destroy the remaining bunker. By his courage, aggressive leadership, and selfless devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Webb upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

Why aren't there like 30 movies about this guy?

The bill would provide service members who have served since September 11, 2001 with improved educational benefits similar to those provided to World War II-era veterans. The House companion bill (H.R 2702) was introduced by Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA) and currently has 96 cosponsors. [For a full list of co-sponsors, visit: http://webb.senate.gov/pdf/s22hr2702cosponsors.html]

“After six and a half years of service, our nation’s men and women in uniform deserve a GI Bill that rewards their service and invests in their future,” said Senator Webb. “I see the educational benefits in this bill as crucial to a service member’s readjustment to civilian life and as a cost of war that should receive the same priority that funding the war has received the last five years.”

“The tragic loss of life and limb we have suffered thus far underscores the level of commitment and patriotism that these warriors possess,” said Senator Warner. “We owe them a tremendous debt of gratitude for their selfless service. Our country must provide our service members with a GI Bill fit for a time of war, just as it did for me so many years ago.”

Regarding ruling out of a VP post -- of course that's what he'd say.

Consider Webb strong on national security and military issues, but the people for whom military issues are paramount probably still go with McCain.

Speaking from the perspective of being someone with a deep vested interest in the military affairs of this country, there is no f*cking way in hell I'd vote for McCain.

Quote:

Why aren't there like 30 movies about this guy?

Probably because he's one of those hippie, peace-lovin' Democrats.

Reap, correct me if I am wrong.

Even assuming a lot of other people in your position share this view, the military vote is a lot smaller percentage of the electorate than the militarist vote.