By: Keith Kappes
Columnist
Carter County Times
The Russian invasion of Ukraine is providing the world with countless stories of heroic actions by Ukrainian soldiers and civilians and by volunteers from other nations who are traveling there to be the next generation of freedom fighters.
Frankly, I’m astounded by the number of civilians and former soldiers from the U.S. and many other nations who are there to do whatever they can to help preserve Ukraine’s independence.
Undeterred by shortages of weapons, helmets, winter clothing and other warfighting gear, many of these would-be fighters have never fired a weapon or had any military training.
As the world becomes more aware of atrocities committed by the Russians, mainly against defenseless civilians, even small children, that disgust hardens into anger and apparently becomes a fighting spirit motivating normal folks to take up arms.
One American volunteer told a TV reporter that he did not want to become “cannon fodder” but he was willing to take his chances on the battlefield because freedom is worth fighting and dying for.
In fact, that type of courage is commonplace in soldiers like the only person I’ve ever known who received the Medal of Honor. His name was Ernie West and he lived in Greenup County.
Now deceased, he reminded all of us that the real heroes in wartime are those who don’t return. As a 22-year-old PFC in Korea in 1952, he saved the life of his commanding officer and other soldiers during an ambush and killed several of the enemy.
He lost an eye and suffered other wounds but never doubted that he was correct in serving his country.
I was his escort several years ago when he came to Morehead for the annual Memorial Day Parade. When he stepped onto the sidewalk wearing that medal around his neck, I immediately saluted him. He returned my salute and shook my hand warmly.
A young soldier standing nearby asked me why I saluted an enlisted man. I told him that those who wear the Medal of Honor are saluted by every soldier, even generals.
The vehicles began moving up the street and I noticed the young soldier running ahead of the parade. He wanted to get ahead so that he, too, could salute Mr. West, a real hero.
Keith Kappes can be reached at keithkappes@gmail.com
