The Navy Honors a Civil Rights Pioneer

By Navy Secretary Ray Mabus

Today in Jackson, Mississippi, I was privileged to honor a civil rights hero and the millions of Americans who have furthered the cause of liberty. As Secretary of the Navy, I am responsible for naming our ships. Today, I announced that the first ship I will name will be the USNS Medgar Evers.

The ship that will carry Medgar Evers name around the world for a generation is a T-AKE, a critically important supply ship. They are traditionally named for famous American pioneers, explorers, and visionaries. They celebrate the dreams and bold action of the American spirit and they honor men and women who have changed our country and the world for the better - men and women like Alan Shepard, Sacagawea, Carl Brashear, and Amelia Earhart. The ships' namesakes represent the rich tapestry that is America.

Medgar Evers carried on that proud tradition of leadership as a pioneer and visionary of the civil rights movement. As a young man, he served in France during the Second World War. Upon returning to the United States, he took up the cause of freedom, rose to become the Field Secretary of the NAACP in Mississippi, and campaigned tirelessly to end segregation and ensure equal treatment for every American.

No less so than the heroes who have fought and died for our country overseas, he gave his life to defend America and its principles when he was assassinated in his own driveway in June of 1963.

It was an emotional ceremony today when I announced my choice, speaking at the Fannie Lou Hamer Institute on Citizenship and Democracy at Jackson State University. The Institute honors another civil rights leader from Mississippi. I was proud to be joined today by the widow of Medgar Evers, Mrs. Myrlie Evers-Williams, as well as by Congressman Bennie Thompson, Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson, former Mississippi Governor William Winter, and a score of other civil rights activists and Mississippians. Sharing the moment with them was a humbling experience for me. It reminded me of how far we have come, but also of how much others who went before us sacrificed on our behalf, just like the Sailors and Marines I’m proud to serve as Secretary.

I believe today we honored the work of legends and in a small way reaffirmed the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. that "one day the nation would rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed - that all men are created equal."

History: Emlen Tunnell, an unsung hero

Posted by: LTJG Stephanie Young

Written by Dr. David Rosen, Coast Guard Historian

As we head into Super Bowl weekend, it seems only fitting that this month’s history post shares the story of Emlen Tunnell. When most people hear the name Emlen Tunnell, they think of the star athlete and the first black member of the New York football Giants, joining the team in 1948. Nicknamed “Mr. Defense,” the former halfback switched to defense for the Giants, setting records for interceptions and punt returns in 1952 and 1953 – both records that remained unbroken until his death in 1975, with his interception total of 79 still falling only two short of all time interception leader Paul Krause.

Tunnell would end his storied career with the Green Bay Packers in 1961 and, in 1967, become the first African American inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. As fans across America marveled over Mr. Defense’s on-field leadership and heroics, his accomplishments were hardly surprising to those who witnessed his valor and heroism as a Coast Guardsman during World War II.

Tunnell served honorably from 1943-46 as a steward’s mate aboard several ships – twice cited for exceptional acts of heroism.

On April 27, 1944, the Coast Guard-manned cargo ship USS Etamin was unloading 6000 tons of explosives and gasoline while at anchor at Aitape Harbor, Papua New Guinea. Without warning, Etamin was attacked by Japanese aircraft and a torpedo blew a hole 27 feet by 27 feet in the ship’s starboard side.

With the shell plating and shaft alley of Etamin ruptured, gasoline sprayed over the after part of the ship, creating a dangerous situation for all aboard. It was Coast Guard Steward’s Mate Emlen Lewis Tunnel who came to the aid of Mechanics Mate First Class Fred Shaver, who was on fire, pulling him to safety and severely burning his own hands in the process.

Tunnell, who was known to speak in football metaphors, later recalled the sinking ship as, “a small, tough fullback, without much speed, pounding forward every minute of the game.”

On March 17, 1946, Tunnell was nominated for the Silver Lifesaving Medal for once again saving the life of a fellow shipmate.

His shipmate, Alfred Givens, fell off the dock of the Coast Guard Cutter Tampa. Without regard to his own safety, Tunnell jumped into the 32-degree seas and rescued Givens. Tunnell saved his drowning shipmate, and despite being in the water for only fifteen minutes, suffered exposure and shock.

In recognition of Tunnell’s heroic actions, the commanding officer of Tampa, Cmdr. Ralph Jenkins, nominated Tunnell for the Silver Lifesaving Medal. A momentous occasion considering African Americans were not customarily awarded medals at that time in our history. He would receive a posthumous Combat Action Ribbon and is currently being considered for a Silver Lifesaving Medal.

Gates Accepts Patriot Award on Behalf of Troops

By Cheryl Pellerin

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 6, 2010 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates was awarded the 2010 American Patriot Award last night for outstanding contributions to the intelligence, national security, and defense communities.

In accepting the prestigious award, Gates said he was doing so on behalf of all the young men and women in uniform who serve their country in time of war.

Gates received the National Defense University Foundation’s award at a ceremony here for his contributions during four decades of government service.

“Tonight we sit and enjoy this wonderful occasion and each other’s company, but we must never forget that our comfort and safety are borne on the brave and broad shoulders of those young men and women in uniform,” he said.

In honoring servicemembers, Gates quoted Gen. George C. Marshall, the Army chief of staff during World War II and Nobel Peace Prize winner for whom The Marshall Plan to rebuild Europe after the war is named.

“More sacrifices will be required of them to defend the security and freedom of our country in this dangerous new century,” he said. “And it is our duty -- it is, indeed, our sacred obligation -- in Marshall’s words, to make things well for them.”

Their well-being, Gates added, is his continuing highest priority.

Among more than 600 guests were senior defense and military officials, including Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III, senior administration officials, members of Congress and corporate and community leaders.

In his comments, Gates recognized retired Republic of Korea Army Gen. Paik Sun-yup, who traveled from South Korea to attend the gala.

“For those of you who don’t know,” Gates said, “General Paik was the ROK army’s youngest and fiercest division commander during the Korean War and for nearly six decades has been one of America’s most steadfast friends.

“Sir,” Gates told him, “I’m pleased that you came so far to be here, and thank you.”

Marine Corps Gen. James E. Cartwright, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Navy Vice Adm. Ann Rondeau and others spoke on Gates’ behalf.

“The American Patriot Award is presented each year to a citizen whose sacrifice and dedication stand out as remarkable,” Rondeau, president of National Defense University, said.

“To someone who answers the call to public service, patriotism is not a concept. It is a commitment, it is a duty upon which we act,” she added. “This level of commitment is what National Defense University Foundation prizes above all else. It is what we recognize and acknowledge every year and again this year.”

Cartwright thanked the university staff, professors, executives and the National Defense University Foundation for “making a difference” to all the field-grade officers and general officers who attend the institution, educating themselves and enriching their spirits.

One of several standing ovations of the evening acknowledged the gala’s special guests -- more than 40 members from each military service who were part of the 2010 Sponsor a Patriot program. Their commanders chose them based on character and dedication to country, and some came from around the world.

In a video message played during the celebration, former President George H.W. Bush highlighted Gates’ “monumental” contributions to his country.

“For eight presidents, having gone from raw recruit to CIA director and now secretary of defense, Robert Gates has been wisely and relentlessly fighting and winning America’s wars,” Bush said.

The American Patriot Award recognizes exceptional Americans who demonstrate a love of country and whose leadership and dedication symbolize U.S. ideals, values and democratic principles.

Past award recipients include former President George H.W. Bush; former Secretaries of State retired Army Gen. Colin Powell and Henry Kissinger; Army Gen. David Petraeus and the men and women of Central Command; astronaut and retired U.S. Senator John Glenn; and former Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger.

Beyond honoring the recipients, the gala supports the university and its mission of preparing military and civilian leaders from the United States and other countries to examine national and international security challenges through educational and research programs, professional exchanges and outreach.

The main campus is at Fort Lesley McNair in Washington.

The National Defense University Foundation is a nonprofit organization that has provided private-sector support for the National Defense University for more than 28 years.