|
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. |

|
|
|
|

BORN:
October 29, 1929 at Hartford, CT
Entered Service in the US
Marine Corps from East Lansing, MI
Earned
The Medal of Honor During the Korean War For heroism on
October 26, 1952 at Korea
DIED: October
26, 1952 at the age of 22
|
|
When his
observation post was attacked by hostile forces, supported by a
barrage of artillery and mortar fire which severed communication
lines connecting the outpost with friendly firing batteries,
Second Lieutenant Skinner, in a determined effort to hold his
position, organized and directed surviving personnel in the
defense, calling down fire on the enemy by means of radio alone
until his equipment was destroyed. He twice left the protection
of his bunker to direct machinegun fire and replenish the supply
of ammunition and grenades. Although painfully wounded on each
occasion, he refused medical aid until the rest of the men
received treatment. He gallantly directed the final defense
until the supply of ammunition was gone and the position
overrun. During the three hours that the outpost was held by the
enemy, several grenades were thrown into the bunker which served
as protection for Lieutenant Skinner and his comrades. He
directed his men to feign death even though the hostile troops
entered the bunker and searched their persons. Later, when an
enemy grenade was thrown between him and two other survivors, he
immediately threw himself on the deadly missile in an effort to
protect the others, absorbing the full force of the explosion
and sacrificing his life for his comrades.
|
|