Medal of Honor Recipient Sergeant Gary B. Beikirch and the best speech I ever heard
Cross Posted from The American Legion in hopes that others can hear the words of Sgt Beikirch.
Man that is in honour, and understandeth not, is like the beasts that perish. Psalm 49:20 KCJ
The other day was Medal of Honor day, and unfortunately, I was out with some back injuries that have been bothering me really bad. If you’ve noticed I’ve missed a lot of postings lately, it’s because I can only sit upright for about 4 hours a day, and then have to get into bed. Even then I am in excurciating pain. Hopefully that won’t last too long. But I wanted to make up for it by doing something on the Medal and those who wear it today.
I’ve always said the best speech I ever heard was Sal Giunta (a man I am proud to call a friend), which was largely because I’d been with him for a few hours before the speech, and as he was going up he asked how long to talk for. Ut oh I thought, this won’t be good, he has nothing prepared. He didn’t need anything, it was the most amazing thing, he had them eating out of the palm of his hand.
But as for speeches that really touched me deeply, none has ever come close to this speech by Gary Beikirch at the Medal of Honor Days down in Gainesville, Texas. I’m going to do this is reverse order, because his citation (as amazing as it is) really isn’t the story:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sgt. Beikirch, medical aidman, Detachment B-24, Company B, distinguished himself during the defense of Camp Dak Seang. The allied defenders suffered a number of casualties as a result of an intense, devastating attack launched by the enemy from well-concealed positions surrounding the camp. Sgt. Beikirch, with complete disregard for his personal safety, moved unhesitatingly through the withering enemy fire to his fallen comrades, applied first aid to their wounds and assisted them to the medical aid station. When informed that a seriously injured American officer was lying in an exposed position, Sgt. Beikirch ran immediately through the hail of fire. Although he was wounded seriously by fragments from an exploding enemy mortar shell, Sgt. Beikirch carried the officer to a medical aid station. Ignoring his own serious injuries, Sgt. Beikirch left the relative safety of the medical bunker to search for and evacuate other men who had been injured. He was again wounded as he dragged a critically injured Vietnamese soldier to the medical bunker while simultaneously applying mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to sustain his life. Sgt. Beikirch again refused treatment and continued his search for other casualties until he collapsed. Only then did he permit himself to be treated. Sgt. Beikirch’s complete devotion to the welfare of his comrades, at the risk of his life are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
Now, PLEASE, I am begging you, set aside some time and watch his speech.
When I heard the speech I feel overwhelming guilt, and did everything I could do to fight back tears. I immediately called my wife and told her what he’d said, and the first thing she said was “I hope you didn’t ask him where the cave is.” My wife gets me. I’ve wanted to live in that cave without even knowing it since I got home, and I didn’t see ANYTHING like what Mr. Beikich saw.
I hope everyone gets a chance to watch, and think about what their cave is. I never fell prey to drinking or truly dangerous behavior, mostly probably because I got out of the Army on a Friday and started Law School the next day.
But every day I can hear that cave calling. It’s hard not to listen to it at times. Who wouldn’t want to escape from everyday life and just live in peace that way? For Mr. Beikirch, he came out of if because of his wife, the same reason I didn’t go into the cave, and for generations of men and women who he served as guidance counselor to at the High School, I thank God he did.
For more on what happened the day he received his medal, and how it impacted his life, The Legion did another video with him:
Category: Politics
My God, what a man.
TSO, thanks for posting this.
I’ve been in that same “cave” for years.
I’m sorry for posting again…..but this is the best speech I’ve ever seen – saying it’s emotional is a huge understatement.
When I say I was fighting back tears, I really was. There were 300 people in the room, but I honestly felt like he was speaking only to me. Not a day goes by I don’t think of his speech, and remind myself that the cave isn’t the answer.
(OH, and to the guy suing me who brings up every comment I post here, I have today off.)
Hell, TSO….I stopped fighting holding back the tears.
I was shocked when I checked on Youtube and there are only 83 total viewings!!!
I forwarded this link to all in my Vet Group buddies and friends/family in my email address book.
Thanks again for posting this video and especially your comments.
TSO, take care of yourself. Chronic pain is no joke. Here’s hoping you get better real soon.
Hi TSO, I know how you feel with your back pain, I have been going thru that for 20 years now. The narcotics don’t even begin to touch the pain. Recently I had a neuro stimulator implanted in my spine. It helped some, better than nothing. I will be praying for you brother. Try and find a good pain management doctor, he will do you the most good. Good luck brother.
I pray for your improved health, TSO.
And know we all have that cave. For some, the call is louder than others. All we can do is resist the temptation, and when needed, ask for help from friends, family, and the higher power to stay outside.
For those who do not know, B-Detachments were Special Forces.
http://www.specialforcesbooks.com/B24.htm
Beikirch’s name is on the list as “medic”. No mention of his MoH:
Beikirch, Gary B.; SGT; 08/03/69 – 10/02/69; MEDIC
Only made it to six minute mark when tears began to flow.
“I never fell pray to drinking or truly dangerous behaviour, mostly probably because I got out of the Army on a Friday and started Law School the next day.”
My saving grace was the four months I spent in the hospital at Yokohama, Japan and being able to acclimate back into civilian life.
Years ago I was asked to give a talk about my Vietnam experience to my son’s high school class. I opened the talk with, “Vietnam was the best thing that could have happened to me”. The look on the (liberal) teacher’s face was priceless and told me I wouldn’t be coming back for another talk. I went on to explain many of the lessons and values that I learned – so many precisely the same that Sgt Beikirch expressed in his fabulous and eloquent talk. The upshot: about 3 months ago my son relayed that he ran into an old classmate who still remembered my talk and that this wasn’t the first time he had gotten this kind of feedback. We CAN make a difference when we face those experiences, process them, really understand the profound changes we were given and then share those. It is difficult at first, but incredibly liberating as time goes on.
I was fortunate that the Good Lord helped me do a lot of the “cave processing” while I was in Nam. He and I had a lot of talks. One day a sense of warmth flooded me, I felt his presence and I knew what He wanted me to do. I’ve tried my damnedest to follow His guidance since. Having the love of a good woman and me reciprocating nurtures God’s plan. Having the respect and love, and my reciprocating, of my fellow soldiers also nurtures the plan. So in my usual oddball humor, I can say all of you here fertilize my plans me for which I thank you.
Another comment because Sgt. Beikirch’s talk has me charged up.
Sgt. Beikirch touched on it well, but I think the “cave processing” concept needs expanding. What does it take to get through the process? It starts with the person examining their moral and religious beliefs. We are all taught that killing is wrong – even sinful according to most religions. In so many religions, it is the number one rule. So there you are in the middle of combat doing what is considered wrong/sinful. This sets up a moral and ethical dilemma in you. Sure, most religions have an out for war and self-defense, but those outs can be cold comfort. These outs can provide a justification of your actions, but if you firmly believe it is wrong to kill, then you have done wrong and you cannot erase the assault on your morals. Violating one’s morals can be crushing if you have honor, if you have morals, and if you want to define who you are and what you stand for.
Having a belief in a loving and forgiving God is a path for resolving this moral stain you carry. I’m convinced He will guide you if you just ask for forgiveness. I see this in Sgt. Beikirch’s talk. I’ve seen this in my journey.
May I extend my hand thus offering you a virtual, respectful handshake for your comments and experiences.
God Bless, aGrimm!
I am speechless. What a testimony. Thanks TSO.
That was excellent.
Three tours in the ME without a scratch. I still don’t know why I am here when so many better, younger, smarter, stronger men and women that I knew are not. There is no way to make it fair or right. All I can do is honor their memory and pray for forgiveness.