During World War II, Elwin A. Petersen survived a shell explosion in his cockpit, blinding him in one eye, then safely flew his plane back over 900 miles to the base.
In Korea, Lonnie Moseley flew 20 solo medical flights into isolated areas under fire by the Chinese to evacuate wounded and freezing soldiers.
As a medic in Vietnam, Nick Miller risked his own safety to help the wounded, covering their bodies with his own to save them from further injuries while dodging enemy fire.
October 30, 2003 — The University of Utah will honor 12 Utah veterans at a full-dress military ceremony as part of its annual Veteran’s Day commemoration program on Tuesday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. in the Olpin Union Building on campus. University of Utah President Bernie Machen will present commemorative medallions to this year’s honorees. Nearly 100 cadets and midshipmen from the military science ROTC programs will present the ceremony which will include a 21-gun cannon salute.
A morning panel, The War Against Terrorism – Afghanistan, at 8:45 a.m. in the Union Saltair Room, will feature four soldiers from the Utah Army National Guard 19th Special Forces Group who recently returned from service in Afghanistan.
“At this time in our nation’s history, we are especially mindful of the great sacrifice made by all our veterans and appreciate the opportunity to honor them for their service,” says Machen. “This annual commemoration program provides a rare occasion to hear from the people who have played a part in making our country’s history.”
Of special interest this year is a display of military vehicles on the grounds just south of the Union Building from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Nov. 11. From the Karl Smith collection, a half-track (half tank, half truck) used during World War II and a deuce and a half truck with a quad-50 electric gun turret, used in the Battle of the Bulge in World War II, will be accompanied by two historians who will be on hand to answer questions.
Also on display will be an armored truck used in the current action in Afghanistan, courtesy of Charlie Company at Camp Williams, and a Stryker vehicle, courtesy of Dugway Proving Ground.
For a complete schedule of events, which are all free and open to the community, see the attached page, or check online at http://www.veteransday.utah.edu/current/calendar.htm. Also check the University’s Veterans’ Day Web site at www.veteransday.utah.edu.
Note: There will be an opportunity to interview this year’s honorees following the ceremony.
University of Utah
6th Annual Veterans’ Day Commemoration Program
Tuesday, November 11, 2003
– 8:45 a.m. – Panel Discussion: The War Against Terrorism: Afghanistan
Olpin Union Saltair Room
A panel discussion will include four members of the Utah Army National Guard 19th Special Forces Group who recently returned from service in Afghanistan.
– 11 a.m. – Full dress military ceremony
Olpin Union Ballroom
Cadets and midshipmen from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine ROTC units at the University of Utah will present a full-dress military ceremony, including a 21-gun cannon salute, to recognize this year’s 12 honorees.
– 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Informal Reception
Olpin Union West Ballroom
Members of the community who attend the ceremony are invited to meet the honorees, past and present, at an informal reception in the Union West Ballroom following the ceremony.
– 7 p.m., The Utah Army National Guard’s annual Veterans’ Day Concert
Huntsman Center
The concert will feature the 23rd Army Band and the combined choruses of the Granite School District and the 82nd Airborne Choir.
Additional Events
– 8 a.m – 4 p.m. A display of military vehicles located on the grounds just south of the Olpin Union Building will include a half-track used in World War II and a deuce and a half truck with a quad-50 gun turret used in the Battle of the Bulge, with “living historians” to answer questions, both courtesy of Karl Smith; an armored truck used in the recent conflict in Afghanistan, courtesy of Charlie Company at Camp Williams; and a Stryker vehicle, courtesy of Dugway Proving Ground.
– 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. University Bookstore will have military books for sale in the Olpin Union Ballroom. From noon to 1 p.m., Utah Vietnam veteran and writer Manny Garcia will sign his new book, An Accidental Soldier – Memoirs of a Mestizo in Vietnam.