Valor should always be recognized. Those that earned the Medal of Honor should be recognized again when they pass. They did their duty, above and beyond the call. Now our society is less one great individual.
Down to 98
On April 7, 1943, 22 year old Marine Lieutenant James Swett took off as a rookie division leader of four F4F Wildcats of VMF-221 on his maiden combat mission over the Solomon Islands.
His small band was part of a group of Marine and Navy aviators who were intercepting a wave of 150 Japanese aircraft.
A few minutes after takeoff Lt. Swett and his four aircraft command ran into 15 Japanese bombers. Swett ignored the odds and ordered an immediate attack from above. Personally leading the tight formation of Wildcats, Swett opened the engagement.
Less than 20 minutes later, Swett had scored seven confirmed kills!
