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Tara Ross's avatar

Some of you asked if the three men survived. I looked up the answer in this book, which I recommend. https://amzn.to/3FyqjJ5 Apparently Millis survived and went home to become a bank teller, then Mayor of his home town. He got married and had four children. Rowell also survived and returned home to get married and have a daughter. He became an insurance broker. The third guy (Philip Montoya) wasn't as lucky. He was still alive when they brought him in, but an artillery shell hit the vehicle he got loaded into for further medical care. He was killed instantly. Montoya was apparently trying to crawl TOWARDS the enemy machine gun nest when he was rescued. This book theorizes that he was trying to take the machine gun nest out, despite his wounds. For some reason, he isn't listed on the Medal citation, which is weird.

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Wally Firkins's avatar

PTSD or "Shell Shock" was largely considered a mental illness in both World Wars as I understand and it was a title that no one wanted. At least, that is what I have come to believe from conversations I had with my father and others who served during WW2.

PFC's Barger and Funk were undoubtedly protected by the same Divine Providence that protected George Washington as it had to have been somewhat of a miracle for them and their stretcher patients to escape such continuous machine gun fire without visible injury. The two obviously deserved the Medal of Honor for their extreme heroism. Were they born to a more current time, perhaps they would have had recognition and treatment for the demons of war that persists long after the action is over.

Thank you Tara for remembering more heroes of war.

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Larry W Mullen's avatar

Heartbreaking. The courage and gallantry they displayed, but took its toll on their lives. Some men are "still over there".

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Charlie Kendall's avatar

Support for veterans should be a top priority. Those with PTSD live in a lonely world. They have seen and experienced things none of us would wish on our worst enemy. Veterans Day is approaching. Buy a meal for a Veteran, acknowledge them by attending a veterans event or just thanking them for sacrificing their young years for the service of our country. The country would not be what it is without them.

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Bill Gross's avatar

Amazing heroism! Sure wish Hollywood would focus more movies on these inspiring, true life tales!

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Howard Whelchel's avatar

Brave, or just plum crazy? Both of these guys were totally dedicated to the Army and its cause...and just like most all MOH recipients, humble!! RIP soldiers and thank you for your service!

Thanks for today's lesson Tara!🇺🇸👍🇺🇸

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Diana Erbio's avatar

The sacrifices of soldiers last well past the battles. We must remember that...thank you for this example, Tara. 🇺🇸

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Patty's avatar

So sad that our government didn’t show proper interest and care for the men they sent into war. It’s heartbreaking 💔 to think of how many broken lives have gone untreated and even disrespected. Two more humble heroes to remember with honor and great respect.

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Al Wagner's avatar

God Bless all who serve this nation, military and first responders, today, tomorrow and all previous years, we are truly a blessed nation. Thank you Tara Roos for all you do to bring our Nations History back.

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susan hepola's avatar

Astounding bravery. And the story of the shell shock is heartbreaking. RIP PFC Barger and Funk

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Dan's avatar

👍👍👍

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Louise's avatar

God was certainly protecting these brave MoH recipients at that time. I have to wonder what happened to the 3 men they saved from the battlefield. ?? How sad that mental health treatment was not available for Barger at that time...perhaps he might have been saved, and with newer medical procedures Funk almost certainly would have survived appendicitis surgery!

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Tara Ross's avatar

Will repost my answer to that in this string, too. :)

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Jim's avatar

God help and bless our service men and women!

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Johnny Baker Jr. MLA's avatar

Betsy Tara Ross thanks again! 🇺🇸 I'm in Facebook Folsom for 29 days! 😆 🤣 😂

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Tara Ross's avatar

Ugh. Sorry about that!

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Pat Foust's avatar

🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

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Linda Mormino's avatar

Excellent story. Bravery beyond imagining. The Good Lord was with them all the way.

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