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TAPS
Fading light dims the sight,
And a star gems the sky,
Gleaming bright.
From afar drawing nigh,
Falls the night.
Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lake, From the hills,
From the sky.
All is well, safely rest,
God is nigh.
Then good night, Peaceful night,
Till the light of the dawn
Shineth bright,
God is near, do not fear,
Friend, good night. |
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BORN:
May 12, 1870 at Portsmouth, VA
Entered Service in the US
Marine Corps from Virginia
Earned
The Medal of Honor During the Mexican Campaign For heroism on
April 21 - 22, 1914 at Vera Cruz, Mexico
DIED: July
08, 1930 at the age of 60
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In an effort
to force out General Victoriano Huerta, who had seized the
presidency of Mexico in a bloody coup d' etat, President Woodrow
Wilson sent three Navy vessels to Vera Cruz under the command of
Rear Admiral Frank Friday Fletcher. On the morning of April 21
nearly 1,500 American combat troops were put ashore, and that
night another 1,500 reinforcements landed. By noon on April 22nd
the American forces had taken control of the city. In the two
day action Fletcher lost 17 men killed, 63 wounded. The Mexicans
had nearly 800 dead or wounded. Lieutenant Colonel Wendell
Neville commanded the 2d Regiment Marines, and through two days'
fighting was almost continually under fire from soon after
landing, about noon on the 21st, until American forces were in
possession of the city, about noon of the 22d. "His duties
required him to be at points of great danger in directing his
officers and men, and he exhibited conspicuous courage,
coolness, and skill in his conduct of the fighting. Upon his
courage and skill depended, in great measure, success or
failure. His responsibilities were great and he met them in a
manner worthy of commendation."
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