24 Comments
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Mark E Johnson's avatar

The love shown after his service was even greater than the incident that almost took his life and saved the life of his fellows. Honor is what he bestowed to those gold star families. Thanks, John Baca!!!

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David K Thiel's avatar

I came here to say this. You beat me to it. Well said, Mark.

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Jim's avatar

Amen to that Mark!

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Donald Jay Flippen's avatar

This has to be one of my favorite Medal of Honor stories you've published. Thank you Ms Tara!

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Wally Firkins's avatar

Yes, Tara, I agree that John Baca's life may have been spared so he could tell others his near death story. His experience surely provides some solace to friends and family members of their loved ones who didn't survive.

His MOH was earned when barely surviving a terrible grenade blast that undoubtedly saved other soldiers.

God bless you Mr. Baca and God bless all who have served or currently serve this great nation. Thank you Tara for another MOH Monday.

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Patty's avatar

What a beautiful story for this Medal of Honor Monday, Tara! It’s so reassuring to hear from those who have near death experiences. There’s no doubt John Baca was very aware of God during those hours. It’s a testament to his character that he sought to make good use of his spared life. The realization that he’d been spared for a deeper purpose and to follow through on that revelation speaks volumes. Vietnam definitely tested our soldiers and our country. Thankful for all the men and women like John who faithfully served during this period in our history.

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David K Thiel's avatar

The Army saved Baca. Then God saved Baca. Then Baca puts his life saved by Grace to good use. Awesome!

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Charlie Kendall's avatar

Thank you John Baca for your courage and bravery in the service to your brothers in arms. Your help to Gold Star Families is no doubt a comfort for the grieving and mourning. I felt peace just listening to your description of your time of being wounded. A remarkable description of the presence of God.

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Gregory Keller ⁷'s avatar

Another beautiful story of heroism and courage. Putting ones life on the line to save others, is the greatest sacrifice one can make. Thank you Tara. I met several Gold Star families when I rode in Run For The Wall. Our mission was to "Ride For Those Who Can't", Say Their Names and Tell Their Stories. Once again, thank you for doing that. Hopefully you read my message regarding a movie titled The Last Full Measure. You especially would love it.

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Ermal Neil Summers's avatar

I did not know a person could survive the grenade blast with a helmet. It was an amazing act, but his work with Gold Star families was just as important.

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Johnny Baker Jr. MLA's avatar

I'm glad this guy covered the 🍍 with his 🪖! Thanks Tara Ross !

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Samuel Vanderburg's avatar

An amazing story that parallels other end of life stories. Baca was selfless in his decision and paid a high price. His humility is becoming the hands of God to comfort and save others is inspiring. May we live worthy of such men who have served our nation.

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Tanya Broughman's avatar

Wow, another hero putting others before self. A blessing to Gold Star Families as well. God saved him by Grace through Faith.

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glenna.p's avatar

Absolutely!

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Larry Stevenson's avatar

Another great story highlighting an unknown hero. I relish Medal of Honor Mondays. Thank you.

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James Sterling's avatar

Thank you for another great history lesson 💯🇺🇸😊

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Edward Jones's avatar

The heroic selfish act of courage to save his fellow soldiers turned out to be more than he ever imagined the outcome would be. God saved his life to go on to provide greater humanitarian acts of courage to comfort Gold Star relatives. I can only imagine what a special act of courage that must have been. God blessed you John Baca. I think you also won your Angel Wings.

❤️🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

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Sika57's avatar

You will never know for sure what kind of man you are until the moment comes and you have to chose your life for those around you. Our natural instinct is survival but love of country and others means sacrificing yourself for them. MOH recipient Baca chose others over himself and God spared his life! A true hero!!! Great story Tara!!

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Frances McGraw's avatar

Wonderful! Love laced with prayer.

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