Honoring the greatest veteran in UT history

[UT Hill Man]

Brigadier General Robert Neyland of the U.S. Army

We salute you, sir!!!

 

[CountVolcula]

I would say its the 4 players that paid the ultimate price

Their numbers are retired

 

[KingNick865]

I would say its the 4 players that paid the ultimate price

Their numbers are retired

Came in here to post this.

 

[GoVols15]

I would say its the 4 players that paid the ultimate price

Their numbers are retired

And no doubt General Neyland would say the same thing! Best post of the year! God bless our nation's finest, past and present!

 

[CNCVol88]

Obviously not comparing him to Neyland or the 4 mentioned earlier, but we can't forget this man who is currently enlisted in an elite group protecting our freedom

EDIT: and no I'm not talking about the Clown on the Right

 

[Rockytoptalker]

Obviously not comparing him to Neyland or the 4 mentioned earlier, but we can't forget this man who is currently enlisted in an elite group protecting our freedom

EDIT: and no I'm not talking about the Clown on the Right

Dooley?

No I kid. Way to go Lincoln!

 

[OneManGang]

The four Vols who gave their Last Full Measure are: Rudy Klarer, Clyde Fuson, Willis Tucker and Bill Nowling.

Then there is General Clifton B. Cates, USMC.

Clifton Cates was born in Tiptonville and graduated from UT with a Bachelor of Law degree in 1916. He was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the Marine Corps in 1917.

He was a platoon leader and company commander in the Battle of Belleau Wood (6 June - 28 June 1918) where he was WIA while earning the Navy Cross and a Distinguished Service Cross. He earned Oak Leaf Clusters on his Purple Heart and DSC. He later earned a Silver Star during the Battle of Soissons (July 1918) with a subsequent Oak Leaf Cluster. He was also awarded the French Croix de Guerre and the Legion d'Honneur.

During World War II he led the 1st Marines (1st Marine Regiment) on Guadalcanal during which time he earned the Legion of Merit with Combat "V." He went on to command the 4th Marine Division during the Marianas invasion (June 1944) and the invasion of Iwo Jima (Feb. 1945).

In 1948, General Cates was sworn in as the 19th Commandant of the Marine Corps.

 

[esarmstrong]

The four Vols who gave their Last Full Measure are: Rudy Klarer, Clyde Fuson, Willis Tucker and Bill Nowling.

Then there is General Clifton B. Cates, USMC.

Clifton Cates was born in Tiptonville and graduated from UT with a Bachelor of Law degree in 1916. He was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the Marine Corps in 1917.

He was a platoon leader and company commander in the Battle of Belleau Wood (6 June - 28 June 1918) where he was WIA while earning the Navy Cross and a Distinguished Service Cross. He earned Oak Leaf Clusters on his Purple Heart and DSC. He later earned a Silver Star during the Battle of Soissons (July 1918) with a subsequent Oak Leaf Cluster. He was also awarded the French Croix de Guerre and the Legion d'Honneur.

During World War II he led the 1st Marines (1st Marine Regiment) on Guadalcanal during which time he earned the Legion of Merit with Combat "V." He went on to command the 4th Marine Division during the Marianas invasion (June 1944) and the invasion of Iwo Jima (Feb. 1945).

In 1948, General Cates was sworn in as the 19th Commandant of the Marine Corps.

How appropriate that a former Vol, such as General Cates, would be mentioned on Armistice Day. After all, he did begin his stellar career in the First World War.

 

[CountVolcula]

The four Vols who gave their Last Full Measure are: Rudy Klarer, Clyde Fuson, Willis Tucker and Bill Nowling.

Then there is General Clifton B. Cates, USMC.

Clifton Cates was born in Tiptonville and graduated from UT with a Bachelor of Law degree in 1916. He was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the Marine Corps in 1917.

He was a platoon leader and company commander in the Battle of Belleau Wood (6 June - 28 June 1918) where he was WIA while earning the Navy Cross and a Distinguished Service Cross. He earned Oak Leaf Clusters on his Purple Heart and DSC. He later earned a Silver Star during the Battle of Soissons (July 1918) with a subsequent Oak Leaf Cluster. He was also awarded the French Croix de Guerre and the Legion d'Honneur.

During World War II he led the 1st Marines (1st Marine Regiment) on Guadalcanal during which time he earned the Legion of Merit with Combat "V." He went on to command the 4th Marine Division during the Marianas invasion (June 1944) and the invasion of Iwo Jima (Feb. 1945).

In 1948, General Cates was sworn in as the 19th Commandant of the Marine Corps.

I wish you would post more about Tennessee History in The Pub

I find your posts extremely interesting

 

[DMichel123]

Looks like Butch

 

[bamacheats]

I would say its the 4 players that paid the ultimate price

Their numbers are retired

I come from a long family history of military vets. Fortunately, almost all have come home from combat, lost an uncle in Vietnam, and a cousin in Afghanistan.

They say putting yourself in harms way, facing death, is the ultimate sacrifice, regardless of whether you die or not. That, once you've seen combat, the person you were dies any way.

Not trying to minimize death, just trying to properly respect those who could have died, but didn't.
:hi:

 

[Eddie Vol Halen]

OneManGang,

You are a VolNation treasure. Love your posts. I often feel they are too few.

 

[nc vol fan]

I would say its the 4 players that paid the ultimate price

Their numbers are retired

After finding this out I felt bad, cause for so long I would say what did these idiots do to get their number retired, they could not have been better than Wilson , Berry, Suffrage or a few others, only to find out they paid the ultimate price for it.

So to these four I apologize for my ignorance and lack of respect. They have definitely earned the right! I get reminded every veterans day of how I felt of these four. I guess what I am trying to say is do your homework before you begin dishing out who deserves what.

 

[Teeman]

BG Austin Shofner, USMC and 1937 graduate of UT. Member of the football and wrestling teams. He was captured by the Japanese in 1941, but escaped and fought with the guerillas in the Phillippines. He credited Neyland's maxims for his survival. There is a good write-up on him in the book "The Pacific", but sadly his story did not make the movie. If I am not mistaken, 2014 OL Andrew Shofner is his grandson.

 

[SAPPER 5]

OneManGang,

You are a VolNation treasure. Love your posts. I often feel they are too few.

OMG is the essence of quality over quantity. :hi:

 

[volfan2024]

I would say its the 4 players that paid the ultimate price

Their numbers are retired

Exactly.

 

[OneManGang]

This is for Cates' DSC: The first DSC citation reads roughly the same as his one for the Navy Cross. The following paragraph describes the "bar" later replaced by the Oak Leaf Cluster to denote subsequent awards of the same medal.

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Captain Clifton B. Cates, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in action near Bois de Belleau, France, June 13 - 14, 1918. During the night, a severe gas attack made it necessary to evacuate practically the entire personnel of two companies, including officers. Captain Gates, suffering painfully from wounds, refused evacuation remaining and rendering valuable assistance to another company.

Navy Cross Citation

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to First Lieutenant Clifton Bledsoe Cates (MCSN: 0-155), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 96th Company, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action near Chateau-Thierry, France, 6 June 1918. While advancing with his company on the town of Bouresches their progress was greatly hindered by withering machine-gun and artillery fire of the enemy which caused many casualties, one of whom was his commanding officer. Taking command, Captain Cates led them on to the objective despite the fact that he was rendered temporarily unconscious by a bullet striking his helmet and that this was his first engagement. Exposing himself to the extreme hazard, he reorganized his position with but a handful of men. Action Date: 6-Jun-18

Rank: First Lieutenant

Company: 96th Company

Regiment: 6th Regiment (Marines)

Division: 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

BG Shofner's DSC citation:

SHOFNER, AUSTIN CONNER (POW)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Austin Conner Shofner (0-5641), Major, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy while serving with the Philippine Guerilla Forces in the Philippine Islands during the period 15 January 1943 to 13 November 1943. Although physically weakened by eleven months detention in a Japanese camp for American prisoners-of-war, Major Shofner outwitted the Japanese guards on 4 April 1943, made his escape, eluded pursuing patrols and made his way from Davao to Northern Mindanao. Hearing of an American force still operating against the enemy, he continued on foot and by launch to its headquarters, with information of great military value on the defense of Corregidor and the treatment of our prisoners-of-war in Japanese hands. He volunteered his services to the commander of this force and served for nearly six months in responsible staff duties. Combat operations planned and coordinated under his direct supervision did much to reduce the enemy and limit his action. Major Shofner, by his daring escape, his determination, and his voluntary services, made an important contribution to continued resistance in the Philippine Islands and provided valuable information to United States forces. His outstanding heroism and skill reflect highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
Headquarters: U.S. Army Forces in the Far East, General Orders No. 78 (December 6, 1943)
Home Town: Shelbyville, Tennesse

 

[patrick]

The four Vols who gave their Last Full Measure are: Rudy Klarer, Clyde Fuson, Willis Tucker and Bill Nowling.

Then there is General Clifton B. Cates, USMC.

Clifton Cates was born in Tiptonville and graduated from UT with a Bachelor of Law degree in 1916. He was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the Marine Corps in 1917.

He was a platoon leader and company commander in the Battle of Belleau Wood (6 June - 28 June 1918) where he was WIA while earning the Navy Cross and a Distinguished Service Cross. He earned Oak Leaf Clusters on his Purple Heart and DSC. He later earned a Silver Star during the Battle of Soissons (July 1918) with a subsequent Oak Leaf Cluster. He was also awarded the French Croix de Guerre and the Legion d'Honneur.

During World War II he led the 1st Marines (1st Marine Regiment) on Guadalcanal during which time he earned the Legion of Merit with Combat "V." He went on to command the 4th Marine Division during the Marianas invasion (June 1944) and the invasion of Iwo Jima (Feb. 1945).

In 1948, General Cates was sworn in as the 19th Commandant of the Marine Corps.

Wow!

 

[patrick]

This is for Cates' DSC: The first DSC citation reads roughly the same as his one for the Navy Cross. The following paragraph describes the "bar" later replaced by the Oak Leaf Cluster to denote subsequent awards of the same medal.

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Captain Clifton B. Cates, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in action near Bois de Belleau, France, June 13 - 14, 1918. During the night, a severe gas attack made it necessary to evacuate practically the entire personnel of two companies, including officers. Captain Gates, suffering painfully from wounds, refused evacuation remaining and rendering valuable assistance to another company.

Navy Cross Citation

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to First Lieutenant Clifton Bledsoe Cates (MCSN: 0-155), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 96th Company, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action near Chateau-Thierry, France, 6 June 1918. While advancing with his company on the town of Bouresches their progress was greatly hindered by withering machine-gun and artillery fire of the enemy which caused many casualties, one of whom was his commanding officer. Taking command, Captain Cates led them on to the objective despite the fact that he was rendered temporarily unconscious by a bullet striking his helmet and that this was his first engagement. Exposing himself to the extreme hazard, he reorganized his position with but a handful of men. Action Date: 6-Jun-18

Rank: First Lieutenant

Company: 96th Company

Regiment: 6th Regiment (Marines)

Division: 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

BG Shofner's DSC citation:

SHOFNER, AUSTIN CONNER (POW)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Austin Conner Shofner (0-5641), Major, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy while serving with the Philippine Guerilla Forces in the Philippine Islands during the period 15 January 1943 to 13 November 1943. Although physically weakened by eleven months detention in a Japanese camp for American prisoners-of-war, Major Shofner outwitted the Japanese guards on 4 April 1943, made his escape, eluded pursuing patrols and made his way from Davao to Northern Mindanao. Hearing of an American force still operating against the enemy, he continued on foot and by launch to its headquarters, with information of great military value on the defense of Corregidor and the treatment of our prisoners-of-war in Japanese hands. He volunteered his services to the commander of this force and served for nearly six months in responsible staff duties. Combat operations planned and coordinated under his direct supervision did much to reduce the enemy and limit his action. Major Shofner, by his daring escape, his determination, and his voluntary services, made an important contribution to continued resistance in the Philippine Islands and provided valuable information to United States forces. His outstanding heroism and skill reflect highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
Headquarters: U.S. Army Forces in the Far East, General Orders No. 78 (December 6, 1943)
Home Town: Shelbyville, Tennesse

And General Cates would likely say he was just doing his job. Or should I write that both would say they were doing their jobs.

 

[thebjd]

I come from a long family history of military vets. Fortunately, almost all have come home from combat, lost an uncle in Vietnam, and a cousin in Afghanistan.

They say putting yourself in harms way, facing death, is the ultimate sacrifice, regardless of whether you die or not. That, once you've seen combat, the person you were dies any way.

Not trying to minimize death, just trying to properly respect those who could have died, but didn't.
:hi:

Memorial Day is when we celebrate those lost in battle. Veterans Day is when we show appreciation for those who served, are serving and are still with us. Thanks to your family for their service.:hi:

 

[UT Hill Man]

Here's a list of more notable vets from the University:

Burwell B. Bell III, U.S. Army Commander

Lt. Gen. John Bradley, chief of the U.S. Air Force Reserve and commander of Air Force Reserve command.

Robert Emmet Callan, major general in the U.S. Army and assistant chief of staff in the War Department from 1931 to 1935.

Clifton B. Cates, aide to President Woodrow Wilson and later Commandant of the Marine Corps

Thomas A. Davis, Captain of Spanish-American war

Norman C. Gaddis, former Deputy Chief of Staff, Plans and Operations, Headquarters U.S. Air Force.

Robert C. Hinson, former Deputy Commander-in-Chief of United States Strategic Command

Bruce K. Holloway, military commander of Allied Forces

Ridley McLean, rear admiral in the U.S. Navy and wrote the Bluejacket’s Manual, which is still used to teach naval recruits the basics of seamanship

Major General Spurgeon Neel, pioneer in aeromedical evacuation

Austin C. Shofner, World War II U.S. General
Maurice F. Weisner, former Pacific Fleet Admiral