Category Archives: selfless service

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Wear Out or Rust Out: The Service of John T. Corley

Life lessons of a Warrior

We all make choices daily that determines how we lead our lives in what we value. John T. Corley is an example of a man who took tenacious action to support what he valued. His vigorous performance of duty over a lifetime to defeat fascism and defend freedom led him to be one of the most decorated soldiers in American history. His life offers some lessons that we can apply today.

Before Theodore Roosevelt became a military officer, a Governor or even President he always sought out an active lifestyle. In 1895 he wrote, “A soft, easy life is not worth living, if it impairs the fibre of brain and heart and muscle. We must dare to be great; and we must realize that greatness is the fruit of toil and sacrifice and high courage… For us is the life of action, of strenuous performance of duty; let us live in the harness, striving mightily; let us rather run the risk of wearing out than rusting out.”

John T. Corley was a man who aimed to wear out rather than rust out.

Normandy Invasion “D-Day” , June 1944. Troops wade ashore from a LCVP landing craft, off "Omaha" Beach, 6 June 1944 (Photo: U.S. Army)

Normandy Invasion “D-Day” June 1944. Troops wade ashore from a LCVP landing craft, off “Omaha” Beach, 6 June 1944 (Photo: U.S. Army)

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Selfless Service of Theodore W. Miller

Selfless Service of Theodore W. Miller

Have you ever walked by a memorial plaque and wonder about the story behind it? Why did people spend the time, money and effort to erect it? Or like most of us, you walked by without even noticing it. This story is about a memorial plaque with name Theodore Westwood Miller affixed to it. He was born with the proverbial silver spoon in his mouth. He was the epitome of the “golden boy.” What he did next may surprise you.

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Why I’m writing this blog: Inspirational stories of virtue

Inspirational stories of virtue tested in battle

Why I’m writing this blog: Inspirational stories of virtue

Inspirational stories of virtue tested in battle:

  1. Educate readers on little known or forgotten stories from military history.
  2. Entertain readers who share the love for military history.
  3. Elevate readers by sharing stories of virtue to inspire us to be better people.
To understand where I’m going with this, perhaps it may be help to start with what inspired me early in life and what brought me to writing stories about military history.

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