Comments on: Marine Sergeant Al Schmid - September '96 World War II Feature http://www.historynet.com/marine-sergeant-al-schmid-september-96-world-war-ii-feature.htm From the World's Largest History Magazine Publisher Thu, 23 May 2013 20:02:56 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 By: carolyn freedman lewis http://www.historynet.com/marine-sergeant-al-schmid-september-96-world-war-ii-feature.htm#comment-819769 carolyn freedman lewis Wed, 03 Oct 2012 18:11:51 +0000 #comment-819769 hi john my name is carolyn elizabeth freedman lewis i am betty freedman daughter my family and i would love to hear from you hi john

my name is carolyn elizabeth freedman lewis i am betty freedman daughter my family and i would love to hear from you

]]> By: Heather Seda http://www.historynet.com/marine-sergeant-al-schmid-september-96-world-war-ii-feature.htm#comment-819626 Heather Seda Tue, 02 Oct 2012 21:24:23 +0000 #comment-819626 Hi. I am Betty's great granddaughter. We too have been searching for information about Johnny, you, and well, everyone. Please contact me at sedafamily@comcast.net. We would love to get to know family :) Hi. I am Betty's great granddaughter. We too have been searching for information about Johnny, you, and well, everyone. Please contact me at sedafamily@comcast.net. We would love to get to know family :)

]]> By: Peter Flahavin http://www.historynet.com/marine-sergeant-al-schmid-september-96-world-war-ii-feature.htm#comment-817275 Peter Flahavin Fri, 07 Sep 2012 05:49:28 +0000 #comment-817275 My friend Wilbur Bewley was there and saw Rivers body after the battle. He said he had got a full burst in the chest from a Japanese machine gun that blew his back out and the MG water jacket was full of holes. My friend Wilbur Bewley was there and saw Rivers body after the battle. He said he had got a full burst in the chest from a Japanese machine gun that blew his back out and the MG water jacket was full of holes.

]]> By: Barbara Glad http://www.historynet.com/marine-sergeant-al-schmid-september-96-world-war-ii-feature.htm#comment-804994 Barbara Glad Sat, 26 May 2012 17:09:36 +0000 #comment-804994 C. Prather, have you read Mr. Freedman's posts carefully? He wasn't "gripping" about the lack of spin. His argument and complaint was about the spin that was put on the action at the Tenaru. Al Schmid's son agreed that Mr. Freedman should be angry. Not only did Schmid's son agree but offered an apology. If that is not an endorsement of Mr. Freedman's complaint, I don't know what is. Additionally, if you want to present an argument in any forum and not show disrespect; learn to write respectfully. I refer to your personal attack on Mr. Freedman. Furthermore, WASP isn't derogatory term. It is an abbreviation for White Anglo-Saxon Protestant . "The term WASP has many meanings. In sociology it reflects that segment of the U.S. population that founded the nation and traced their heritages to...Northwestern Europe. The term...has become more inclusive. To many people, WASP now includes most 'white' people who are not ... members of any minority group William Thompson & Joseph Hickey, Society in Focus 2005" I "Googled" Mr. Freedman's name and failed to find anywhere else on the Internet with a "gripe" about the lack of "spin" . Your post reads, "It's a shame that racists like William Freedman can get on a sight(sic) like this and spoil it with talk about WASP's(sic)." Freedom of speech one of the principles on which this country was founded. So important our first Constitution had to be amended before the state delegates would sign it. Freedom of speech was the first "Freedom" the Nazi's took from the occupied countries. In my opinion you disparage the memories of all those who fought for the freedoms which we as Americans enjoy by wanting to deny Mr. Freedman the right to express his opinion. Finally, before replying to a post and tickling the keys of your computer. Be certain of what you have read. When you write, use spell check , re-read your post and don't make personal attacks.. C. Prather, have you read Mr. Freedman's posts carefully? He wasn't "gripping" about the lack of spin. His argument and complaint was about the spin that was put on the action at the Tenaru. Al Schmid's son agreed that Mr. Freedman should be angry. Not only did Schmid's son agree but offered an apology. If that is not an endorsement of Mr. Freedman's complaint, I don't know what is. Additionally, if you want to present an argument in any forum and not show disrespect; learn to write respectfully. I refer to your personal attack on Mr. Freedman.

Furthermore, WASP isn't derogatory term. It is an abbreviation for White Anglo-Saxon Protestant .

"The term WASP has many meanings. In sociology it reflects that segment of the U.S. population that founded the nation and traced their heritages to…Northwestern Europe. The term…has become more inclusive. To many people, WASP now includes most 'white' people who are not … members of any minority group William Thompson & Joseph Hickey, Society in Focus 2005"

I "Googled" Mr. Freedman's name and failed to find anywhere else on the Internet with a "gripe" about the lack of "spin" .

Your post reads, "It's a shame that racists like William Freedman can get on a sight(sic) like this and spoil it with talk about WASP's(sic)." Freedom of speech one of the principles on which this country was founded. So important our first Constitution had to be amended before the state delegates would sign it. Freedom of speech was the first "Freedom" the Nazi's took from the occupied countries. In my opinion you disparage the memories of all those who fought for the freedoms which we as Americans enjoy by wanting to deny Mr. Freedman the right to express his opinion.

Finally, before replying to a post and tickling the keys of your computer. Be certain of what you have read. When you write, use spell check , re-read your post and don't make personal attacks..

]]> By: C. Prather http://www.historynet.com/marine-sergeant-al-schmid-september-96-world-war-ii-feature.htm#comment-804986 C. Prather Sat, 26 May 2012 16:07:11 +0000 #comment-804986 Fact is, I bet William Freedman never put on a uniform? The act of serving and putting on the uniform is bravery. Audie Murphy said the real heroes are the ones' who didn't come home. Fact is, I bet William Freedman never put on a uniform? The act of serving and putting on the uniform is bravery. Audie Murphy said the real heroes are the ones' who didn't come home.

]]> By: C. Prather http://www.historynet.com/marine-sergeant-al-schmid-september-96-world-war-ii-feature.htm#comment-804962 C. Prather Sat, 26 May 2012 14:19:45 +0000 #comment-804962 It's a shame that racists like William Freedman can get on a sight like this and spoil it with talk about WASP's. Truth is, there is no color in a foxhole and Mr. Freedman is on other sites gripping about the lack of "spin" as he calls it, for native or otherwise non-white americans. He needs to tell someone who gives a S**t and shut up. He is demeaning and insulting brave american marines. It's a shame that racists like William Freedman can get on a sight like this and spoil it with talk about WASP's. Truth is, there is no color in a foxhole and Mr. Freedman is on other sites gripping about the lack of "spin" as he calls it, for native or otherwise non-white americans. He needs to tell someone who gives a S**t and shut up. He is demeaning and insulting brave american marines.

]]> By: William Rivers Freedman http://www.historynet.com/marine-sergeant-al-schmid-september-96-world-war-ii-feature.htm#comment-794255 William Rivers Freedman Wed, 04 Apr 2012 00:43:35 +0000 #comment-794255 I'm not in search of hero status for my Uncle, just the truth. Not just the truth for an orphan Indian boy but the truth for all the young men sent to war. They deserve it and we owe it to them. I'm not in search of hero status for my Uncle, just the truth. Not just the truth for an orphan Indian boy but the truth for all the young men sent to war. They deserve it and we owe it to them.

]]> By: al schnid http://www.historynet.com/marine-sergeant-al-schmid-september-96-world-war-ii-feature.htm#comment-794254 al schnid Tue, 03 Apr 2012 23:42:41 +0000 #comment-794254 I GUESS I GOT CAUGHT UP IN ALL THE INCORRECT INFO, PEOPLE WHO RECEIVED CREDIT AND NEVER SHOULD HAVE, AND THOSE WHO REALY DESERVED TO BE CALLED HERO. YOU SHOULD BE ANGRY FOR YOUR UNCLE. I THINK I AM GRATEFUL TO HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO TALK TO MY FATHER AND A FEW OTHERS ABOUT THAT NIGHT. I LIKE YOU GET ANGRY WITH THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STORY. I HAD DIFFICULTY IN UNDERSTANDING WHY THERE WERE SO MANY DIFFERENCES IN THE STORIES OF BEFORE DURING AND AFTER THE BATTLE AND WHAT WENT ON YEARS LATER. AS TO THE RECORDS REGARDING MY GRANDMOTHER WELL THERE WERE REASONS THERE ALSO. SO BE IT I HOPE YOU FIND WHAT YOU ARE SEARCHING FOR BUT I CAN TELL YOU THIS MY FATHER ONLY CONSIDERED ONE HERO IN THAT FOX HOLE AND THAT WAS YOUR UNCLE JOHNNY RIVERS. GOOD LUCK I GUESS I GOT CAUGHT UP IN ALL THE INCORRECT INFO, PEOPLE WHO RECEIVED CREDIT AND NEVER SHOULD HAVE, AND THOSE WHO REALY DESERVED TO BE CALLED HERO. YOU SHOULD BE ANGRY FOR YOUR UNCLE. I THINK I AM GRATEFUL TO HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO TALK TO MY FATHER AND A FEW OTHERS ABOUT THAT NIGHT. I LIKE YOU GET ANGRY WITH THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STORY. I HAD DIFFICULTY IN UNDERSTANDING WHY THERE WERE SO MANY DIFFERENCES IN THE STORIES OF BEFORE DURING AND AFTER THE BATTLE AND WHAT WENT ON YEARS LATER. AS TO THE RECORDS REGARDING MY GRANDMOTHER WELL THERE WERE REASONS THERE ALSO. SO BE IT I HOPE YOU FIND WHAT YOU ARE SEARCHING FOR BUT I CAN TELL YOU THIS MY FATHER ONLY CONSIDERED ONE HERO IN THAT FOX HOLE AND THAT WAS YOUR UNCLE JOHNNY RIVERS. GOOD LUCK

]]> By: AL SCHMID http://www.historynet.com/marine-sergeant-al-schmid-september-96-world-war-ii-feature.htm#comment-794247 AL SCHMID Tue, 03 Apr 2012 21:45:31 +0000 #comment-794247 WELL MR FREEDMAN WITH ALL THAT RESEARCH YOU MUST BE CORRECT ABOUT MY GRANDMOTHER. WELL MR FREEDMAN WITH ALL THAT RESEARCH YOU MUST BE CORRECT ABOUT MY GRANDMOTHER.

]]> By: William Freedman http://www.historynet.com/marine-sergeant-al-schmid-september-96-world-war-ii-feature.htm#comment-793722 William Freedman Wed, 28 Mar 2012 23:45:07 +0000 #comment-793722 Al Schmid, First, I loathe to continue mentioning this ; my "resentment" is not with the other Marines at the Tenaru/Ilu/Alligator Creek Battle but with the revisionist historians and media who continue to misrepresent what happened. Most recently, The Pacific Mini-Series which didn't portray the actual events of America's first victory in World War Two. Personally, I think Al Schmid and Lee Diamond should have been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, rule or no rule. What Private Schmid and Corporal Diamond did was far beyond the call of duty and with no regard for their own lives. Both wounded multiple times, no riflemen to cover their flanks and removed their frontal cover as to be able to depress their weapon to eliminate more of the enemy. As far as my WASP statement you are entitled to your opinion. Furthermore, If Al Schmid's mother had native American blood why isn't mentioned anywhere? I've done extensive research(National Archives, Greenbelt Maryland, State of Pennsylvania, Archive at Harrisburg, New York Hall of Records, New York, New York, Navy/Marine Archive at the United States Naval Yard Washington D.C. to mention the more prominent repositories) on the battle and the men in that gun emplacement. Additionally, I had three phone interviews with Lee Diamond shortly before his death. In the days before political correctness ethnic background was part of the enlistment form for the Marine Corps. Al Schmid listed his race as white not mixed. That sir is a fact. Al's enlistment form is a matter of public record. On a personal note if Al Schmid had Native American blood coursing through his veins why didn't he mention it to his best bud and Native American Jack aka Johnny Rivers? There is no mention of Al's heritage in any of Uncle John's letters to my Mom or in any of the archives. Frankly, I don't believe you! In my travels I've met quite a number of people who claim Native American blood but none as yet who are able to prove it. My heritage is a matter of public record. I'm classified as an "other" #5 by the State of Maryland due to my Father as caucasian and Mom as Native American. . Al Schmid, First, I loathe to continue mentioning this ; my "resentment" is not with the other Marines at the Tenaru/Ilu/Alligator Creek Battle but with the revisionist historians and media who continue to misrepresent what happened. Most recently, The Pacific Mini-Series which didn't portray the actual events of America's first victory in World War Two. Personally, I think Al Schmid and Lee Diamond should have been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, rule or no rule. What Private Schmid and Corporal Diamond did was far beyond the call of duty and with no regard for their own lives. Both wounded multiple times, no riflemen to cover their flanks and removed their frontal cover as to be able to depress their weapon to eliminate more of the enemy. As far as my WASP statement you are entitled to your opinion. Furthermore, If Al Schmid's mother had native American blood why isn't mentioned anywhere? I've done extensive research(National Archives, Greenbelt Maryland, State of Pennsylvania, Archive at Harrisburg, New York Hall of Records, New York, New York, Navy/Marine Archive at the United States Naval Yard Washington D.C. to mention the more prominent repositories) on the battle and the men in that gun emplacement. Additionally, I had three phone interviews with Lee Diamond shortly before his death. In the days before political correctness ethnic background was part of the enlistment form for the Marine Corps. Al Schmid listed his race as white not mixed. That sir is a fact. Al's enlistment form is a matter of public record. On a personal note if Al Schmid had Native American blood coursing through his veins why didn't he mention it to his best bud and Native American Jack aka Johnny Rivers? There is no mention of Al's heritage in any of Uncle John's letters to my Mom or in any of the archives. Frankly, I don't believe you! In my travels I've met quite a number of people who claim Native American blood but none as yet who are able to prove it. My heritage is a matter of public record. I'm classified as an "other" #5 by the State of Maryland due to my Father as caucasian and Mom as Native American. .

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