Hero of the Week 90

 Welcome back viewers

This week we will honor a team of heroes

They are:

Dr. William Beaumont and Alexis St. Martin

William Beaumont was an American surgeon from Lebanon, Connecticut. Alexis St. Martin was a Canadian voyageur from Berthierville, Quebec. They grew up in different settings and aimed to pursue different careers in life. Little did they know, their lives were on a collision course. One that would change the course of medical history.

On June 6, 1822, Alexis was working at a fur trading post on Mackinac Island. All of a sudden, a musket discharged and struck him in the side of his torso. William Beaumont arrived on the scene and did his best to treat the gaping wound in Alexis's stomach. Despite Dr. Beaumont's best efforts, Alexis was not expected to survive. The blast had torn out pieces of his stomach muscles, cracked his ribs, perforated his diaphragm, and exposed a lung. 

Beaumont refused to give up. For the next 17 days, he treated St. Martin by bleeding him and giving him a cathartic (similar to a laxative) that allowed him digest food. To everyone's astonishment, Alexis began to recover and get his strength back. By the end of the month he could eat on his own and get out of bed. However there was still one exception. In the two and half weeks he was being treated, his fist-sized gunshot wound had not closed. Instead, it had healed to form a fistula aperture. In other words, Alexis St. Martin now had a gaping hole in his stomach that could not be closed (Beaumont drew a sketch of it).

Dr. Beaumont however, saw this as a major scientific opportunity. The hole in St. Martin's torso had also exposed his digestive system. Beaumont realized that he could observe the mechanics of human digestion and present them to the scientific community. Although he was reluctant to do so, Alexis St. Martin agreed to become an experiment for Beaumont in exchange for payment. 

For the next year, Beaumont conducted a series of science experiments on St. Martin's open stomach cavity. His most common practice was to dangle a piece of food from a string (beef, pork, stale bread, and red cabbage), lower it into the hole, and then withdraw it after a period of time. Beaumont observed and concluded that the food was dissolved and digested due to gastric juices inside the stomach. 

After at least two years of experiments, William Beaumont and Alexis St. Martin parted ways. Four years later, they bumped into each other again. To Beaumont's astonishment Alexis revealed that he was in desperate need of money and volunteered to become a test subject again. From 1829 to 1833, Beaumont conducted another 200 experiments on St. Martin until they parted ways for good.

William Beaumont published an account of his findings in 1838. Ultimately he had made at least 51 conclusions about human digestion based on his experiments on St Martin. Beaumont became known as the, "Father of Gastric Physiology" by the scientific community. He passed away on April 25, 1853. Alexis St. Martin continued to work as a laborer in Canada. He lived with his deformity for the rest of his life. He passed away on June 24, 1880. His family refused to bury him until his body had decomposed in order to prevent anymore experiments by any other "curious doctors".

The strange relationship between William Beaumont and Alexis St. Martin ultimately led to some of the greatest achievements and advances in the medical field. Although the issue of human experimentation is a hotly debated topic, there is no question that in this case, it had yielded astounding results. These results helped to expand the knowledge of the human body and save many lives in the future. William Beaumont and Alexis St. Martin's story is one that definitely deserves to be told.

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/grisly-story-human-guinea-pig-alexis-st-martin-180963520/

https://hekint.org/2020/02/06/william-beaumont-and-alexis-st-martin/

https://mynorth.com/2017/05/the-gruesome-medical-breakthrough-of-dr-william-beaumont-on-mackinac-island/

https://www.sciencehistory.org/distillations/magazine/probing-the-mysteries-of-human-digestion

Hero of the Week 89

 Welcome back viewers

This week we will honor two heroes who share a connection

They are:

Francisco Menendez and Joseph Cinqué 

Intro:

Francisco Menendez and Joseph Cinqué were two freedom fighters who fought against tyranny. They lived at different times, yet both would rise to the challenge of fighting back against bigotry and winning their freedom. They would both become icons in the fight to end slavery and help shape the future of a growing nation.

Part 1

Francisco Menéndez is believed to have been born in the Gambia, before 1709. Early in his life, he was captured by slave traders and was then shipped to the Carolina territory of North America. At some point, he escaped from his captors and hid in the Spanish Florida territory. For at least a decade, Menéndez hid in the Florida swamps evading slave hunters. He decided to come out of hiding and when he learned that the Spaniards were offering refuge to any escaped slaves who volunteered to serve in their local militia. His services would be instrumental in Spain's coming war with Great Britain.

A nine-year war broke out between Spain and Great Britain in 1738. This conflict would be known as the, "War of the Jenkins' Ear". Although most of the fighting took place around the Caribbean Islands, there were a substantial and pivotal number of battles that took place in the territories of Georgia and Florida. Francisco Menéndez would find himself right in the middle of one of these crucial engagements.

To prove his loyalty to the Spanish Crown, Menéndez was given command of a small outpost (and a garrison of a few dozen former slaves) outside of St. Augustine, Florida. The outpost was named, Fort Mose. In June of 1740 a small British force of 170 regulars and native warriors invaded Florida from Georgia. As the enemy force approached Fort Mose, Menéndez realized he was severely outnumbered. He quickly retreated to St. Augustine and then returned with reinforcements.

At the dawn of June 15, Menéndez and 300 free blacks, Seminole warriors, and even some Spanish regulars returned to Fort Mose. They then launched a brutal attack that caught the British completely off guard. With swords, muskets, war clubs, and tomahawks, the joint force viciously slaughtered more than half of the British force within less than two hours. When it was over, the British casualties were 75 killed and 34 captured. Menéndez's army had lost only 10 killed and 20 wounded. What remained of the British army quickly fled into the marshes in complete disorder.

Part II

Joseph Cinqué was born in the year 1814, in British Sierra Leone. His original name was Sengbe Pieh of the Mende Tribe. He grew up as a rice farmer in the territory before he was illegally kidnapped by African slave traders and sold to the Spanish. He was then imprisoned on a slave ship called, Tecora. He was then taken with hundreds of others, across the Atlantic Ocean and sold to man named, Jose Ruiz. Cinqué (with 52 others) was then transferred to another slave ship called, La Amistad. Although the situation seemed to be dire, Cinqué had no intention of becoming a slave. He intended to regain his freedom or die trying.

On the night of July 1, 1839, Joseph Cinqué used a nail file to pry off their manacles. Once they were free, they armed themselves with cane knives and proceeded to attack the crew. The slaves quickly slaughtered most of the Amistad's crew and took control of the ship. They spared two members of the crew and demanded to be returned to their home continent. However the two surviving Spaniards, tricked the freedmen into sailing north along the coastline of the United States. On August 26, an American cutter (USS Washington) approached and apprehended the Amistad. Cinqué and all the other former slaves were taken into custody in New York.

What followed was a series of legal cases regarding what was to be done with the Amistad, its surviving crew, and the former slaves. Spanish authorities demanded that Cinqué and the others be turned over to Cuba to face punishment for their uprising. The case was known as, United States v. Schooner Amistad. At least three different trials were held in the state of Connecticut. Among those to defend Cinqué was former American President, John Quincy Adams. Finally in March of 1841, the United States Supreme Court ruled in favor of Cinqué and the Mende people. They were officially released on March 9. A year later, Joseph Cinqué and 35 others boarded an American ship and were returned to Africa.

Epilogue

The victory at Fort Mose made a major impact on the British invasion of Spanish Florida. Later in June, the British were soundly defeated at the siege of St. Augustine. Francisco Menéndez was later captured at sea by a British warship. However, he successfully escaped back to Florida and was granted his freedom. In 1759 he returned to the sight of Fort Mose and established the first free black community on American soil. Unfortunately, this did not last very long. In 1763, Great Britain emerged victorious in the Seven Years' War. The treaties that came from that conflict forced Spain to trade Florida to the British. Menéndez and his fellow freedmen were then forced to abandon Fort Mose for good and evacuate to Cuba. From there, Francisco Menéndez disappeared from history.

Joseph Cinqué returned to Sierra Leone in November of 1841. To his horror, he found the most of his family had been killed in his absence. The Mende people had been plunged into civil war that quickly engulfed the country. Cinqué was forced to become a trader along the African coast. Like Menéndez before him, Joseph Cinqué also disappeared from history and is believed to have passed away in the year, 1879. His ultimate fate remains unknown.

Although neither of these men knew it, their courage and valor in fighting for their freedom had had a major impact on the anti-Slavery movement in the United States. Thousands of people across the country heard their stories and were inspired to support the abolishment of slavery. They also inspired other freedmen to get involved as well. Among those that they inspired, were Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass. Today, both Francisco Menéndez and Joseph Cinqué continue to inspire millions of people around the world.

https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/staugustine/timeline/the-english-menace/

https://myfloridahistory.org/frontiers/article/79https://www.encyclopedia.com/history/news-wires-white-papers-and-books/menendez-francisco

https://www.pbs.org/wnet/african-americans-many-rivers-to-cross/history/what-was-americas-1st-black-town/

https://spartacus-educational.com/Scinque.htm

http://law2.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/amistad/AMI_BCIN.HTM

https://whereilivect.org/the-long-journey-of-sengbe-piehjoseph-cinque/

Hero of the Week 88

 Welcome back viewers

This week's hero is...

Mary Elmes

Mary Elisabeth Jean Elmes was born on May 8, 1905, in Cork, Ireland. In 1928, she enrolled in Trinity College Dublin where she gained a first in the languages of French and Spanish. After she received a certificate in international studies joined the University of London's ambulance unit. In 1937, Elmes was sent to Almeria, Spain, during the Spanish Civil War. Once there, she worked at a children's hospital for those who had been wounded in the crossfire. Her experience during the Civil War in Spain would pale in comparison to what she would face in World War II.

In 1940, Elmes was present in Perpignan, France when the Nazis invaded and took over the country. France was then divided into two parts. Northern France was occupied by the Nazis while Southern France was under the control of a puppet government of collaborators (Vichy France). They soon began to aggressively target those who were deemed threats to the state or unfit to live. The Vichy government was more than willing to comply with the Nazi's demands.

By 1941, thousands of Jews in Vichy France had been arrested and transported to a transit camp in the commune of Rivesaltes. Conditions inside the camp were deplorable for those that were imprisoned within. It was highly infested with rats and lice and had very little shelter. Those that were able to survive at least a year in the camp soon found themselves on trains that took them to death camps located in Germany and Poland.

Although the country of Ireland had declared itself neutral during World War II, Mary Elmes had no intention of standing by while innocent people were being persecuted. She and a group of volunteers decided to try and smuggle some people out of Rivesaltes. Elmes personally oversaw their transfer to safe-houses and to neutral Spain, beyond the Nazis's reach. She personally bundled six children in the boot of her car and drove out of the camp to a shelter. After doing this, Elmes returned to the camp and brought out another six. 

Unfortunately, her actions caught the eye of the German Gestapo. In January of 1943, Elmes was arrested and imprisoned in Toulouse and later Paris. For a period of six months, she was held at the notorious Fresnes Prison. While this was happening, more than 2,000 prisoners were transferred from the Rivesaltes transit camp to a notorious death camp near Lublin, Poland. It was a place called, Majdanek. Most of them would not survive. 

For her part, Mary Elmes had successfully rescued more than 400 people (mostly children) from being deported. She survived the war and returned to humanitarian work in France. She eventually got married to a Frenchman and had two children. For her heroic work during World War II, Elmes was awarded France's Legion of Honor (however she declined the award on the grounds of unwanted attention). She passed away on March 9, 2002, at the age of 93. In 2015, Mary Elmes was posthumously awarded the title of Righteous Among the Nations by Israel. She was the first (and so far only) Irish citizen to receive such an award. 

The heroism and humanity shown by Mary Elmes was among the bravest and most noble during World War II. Although her country chose to not get involved in the conflict, she committed herself to doing what she could to help people in need. She is definitely someone who should be held in high regard.

https://hetireland.org/programmes/mary-elmes-prize/mary-elmes-biography/

https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/arid-30953568.html

https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/corkwoman-helped-jewish-brothers-and-many-others-avoid-auschwitz-1.454767

Hero of the Week 87

 Welcome back viewers

This week we will honor a team of heroes

They are...

The crew of the SS Meredith Victory

The Meredith Victory was an American liberty ship that was part the Merchant Marine fleet. It was launched on June 23, 1945. The ship and her crew saw very little service during World War II. Five years later however, the SS Meredith Victory would be called to service again. Her crew could never have predicted what they would be faced with in the winter of 1950.

Part 1

In the winter of 1950, the situation on the Korean peninsula had become dire for the United Nations. The Chinese army had recently entered the war and launched a devastating counter attack. The UN armies (mostly American and South Korean) were decisively defeated and forced to retreat back across the 38th Parallel. By December many of them had pulled back to the North Korean port city of Hungnam to be evacuated by sea. 

While the UN armies were busy evacuating, thousands of North Korean civilians began to arrive in Hungnam. These people were anti-Communists who had supported the UN invasion of North Korea and feared harsh punishment as soon as the Communist armies returned. They had come to Hungnam hoping to be evacuated to South Korea. 

A South Korean doctor named, Hyun Bong-hak urged General Edward Almond to also evacuate the civilians as well. General Almond appealed to President Harry Truman and the latter issued Presidential Proclamation 2914. He ordered all American liberty ships to dispose of their cargo and let the refugees onboard.

Part II

At that time, the Meredith Victory was under the command of Captain Leonard LaRue with a crew of 47. It was one of the last liberty ships to arrive in Hungnam's harbor. By then most of the soldiers and refugees had been successfully evacuated. However, more than 14,000 still remained within the city and the North Korean and Chinese armies had Hungnam in their gunsights.

Captain LaRue quickly ordered the cargo doors to be opened. Although his ship was only built to carry around 60 people, he decided that nobody was going to be left behind. Thousands of refugees were crammed into every available space on the ship. Captain LaRue described them as being, "packed like sardines in a can".

At 11 AM on December 23, the last refugee had boarded and Meredith Victory cast off from Hungnam. By then, the ship was carrying over 14,700 people. This was the largest sea-borne, military evacuation of civilians under combat conditions in American history. It was also the largest ever done by a single ship in maritime history (a Guinness World Record). As soon as it left the harbor, the US Navy opened fire on Hungnam harbor and obliterated anything that could've been used by the Communists.

During the voyage south, the Meredith Victory's crew encountered an unexpected problem. Some of the refugees who were pregnant went into labor. The only crew member with any medical experience was the first mate (Dino Savastio). Due to the vast amount of people crammed aboard the ship, those who gave birth were forced to do so while standing up while Savastio positioned himself so he could catch the newborn. During the three day voyage, First Mate Savastio successfully delivered five newborn babies. On December 26, the Meredith Victory safely pulled into the harbor of Geoje Island. 

Epilogue

Not one life had been lost during the evacuation at Hungnam. Among the refugees that were saved were the parents of a man named, Moon Jae-in. In 2017, he became the 12th President of South Korea. In total, more than 98,100 people (plus the five newborns during the voyage) had been successfully evacuated to South Korea. Today the descendants of the Hungnam refugees number in the Hundreds of thousands. 

Captain LaRue continued to command the Meredith Victory until the ship was decommissioned in 1953. A year later, he was forced to retire from sea-life due to complications from an infected kidney. He later joined a Benedictine Monastery in Newtown, New Jersey. In his later life he reflected on his unexpected rescue mission during the Korean War. He wrote, "I think often of that voyage. I think of how such a small vessel was able to hold so many persons and surmount endless perils without harm to a soul. And, as I think, the clear, unmistakable message comes to me on that Christmastide, in the bleak and bitter waters off the shores of Korea, God's own hand was at the helm of my ship". Leonard LaRue passed away on October 14, 2001, at the age of 87.

After the war, First Mate Dino Savastio later became captain of his own ship in 1957. In 1978, he became assistant vice-president of the Moore-McCormack Lines. After retiring in 1983, he lived a quiet life until his death in 2008. For their heroism during the Hungnam Evacuation, the crew of the Meredith Victory received the Korean Presidential Unit Citation from the government of South Korea. On August 24, 1960, President Dwight Eisenhower officially named the Meredith Victory as a "Gallant Ship". 

The Hungnam Evacuation went into the history books as one of the bravest and most humane acts during the Korean War. It was both a triumph of the human spirt and dedication to protecting fellow human beings from what would've been a terrible fate. The heroism of the Meredith Victory's crew is especially noteworthy. When the time came for it, they answered cries for help and put other lives before their own. I believe that they deserve to be remembered among America's greatest heroes.

https://arsof-history.org/articles/v7n1_hungnam_page_1.html

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-50805106

https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/opinion/2020/01/137_281072.html

http://nedforney.com/index.php/2018/12/19/hungnam-evacuation-korean-war-timeless/

https://www.vos.noaa.gov/MWL/spring_03/voyage.shtml

http://www.moore-mccormack.com/Cargo-Liners/Meredith-Victory-1.htm

Hero of the Week 86

 Welcome back viewers

This week's hero is...

John Stark

Live Free or Die

Intro

John Stark was born to Scottish immigrants on August 28, 1728, in Londonderry, New Hampshire. When he was eight, he and his family moved to the growing town of Derryfield (present day Manchester). At the time, Derryfield was a large farming community dangerously close to the American frontier. In 1752. Stark and a friend were abducted by Abenaki warriors. While in captivity, Stark was forced to run the gauntlet, however he angrily defied his captors at every opportunity. His defiance ultimately earned their respect and led to his adoption into the tribe. He was released in the spring of 1753 after a year in captivity. Despite his harrowing ordeal, John Stark's defiant spirit had only gotten stronger. It would become an invaluable asset to his country's future.

Part I

Stark saw combat in the French and Indian War while served as a scout for the British. After the war ended, he retired as a captain. He returned to Derryfield, married his fiancée (Elizabeth "Molly" Page), and tried live as a farmer. However, just 12 years later, John Stark was called to the army again. This time he would be fighting against the same army he had once served. 

After joining up with the Continental Army, Stark was placed in command of the 1st New Hampshire Regiment. During the battle of Bunker Hill, his unit was instrumental in stopping the second British assault on the Patriot line. Stark was able to successfully predict how many redcoats would be attacking their position. He quickly placed his men in a staggered formation and waited for the British to approach. As soon as they were in close, the 1st New Hampshire laid them to waste and drove them down the hill in complete disarray. Stark and his unit successfully repulsed a total of three charges and were the only ones to not be driven from their position by the British.

Stark saw combat at the battles of Trenton and Princeton. However, upon learning that he had been overlooked for a promotion, he angrily resigned from the Continental Army on March 23, 1777. He then returned to New Hampshire. Although Stark intended to never rejoin the Continental Army, he never gave up on the Revolution and vowed to continue fighting against the British. Little did he know, he would not have to wait long.

In the summer of 1777, a large British army under the command of General John Burgoyne invaded from Canada. Their intention was to cut New England off from the other colonies by taking control of New York. After capturing Fort Ticonderoga from the patriots, Burgoyne then laid siege to nearby Fort Stanwix. However, his advance was being constantly heckled by scattered groups of patriot militia (namely the, Green Mountain Boys). He learned that they were getting their ammunition and supplies from a small town at the border of New York and the Vermont territory. It was a little town called, Bennington. 

Part II

Knowing that he needed more supplies, Burgoyne quickly dispatched 1,600 soldiers to seize the town. It was a joint force of British, Hessian, and Loyalist soldiers under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Friedrich Baum. The plan hit a snag almost immediately when Baum's artillery units became stuck in mud along the trail. Since he expected Bennington to be defended by less than 100 militiamen, Baum decided to divide his force into two groups. He left 700 behind under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Heinrich Breyman to recover the artillery. He then continued to march on Bennington with the other 900. 

What Baum didn't know was that the Patriots of Vermont and New Hampshire were well aware of the former's advance. The New Hampshire Legislature quickly dispatched John Stark to raise an army. Within six days, Stark had mustered an army of 1,500 soldiers and marched into Vermont. Before departing, he sent Seth Warner who commanded Vermont's Green Mountain Boys to pick up another 400. 

Instead of waiting for Baum to arrive at Bennington, Stark decided to head him off. On August 15, Stark's army arrived at the Walloomsac Heights where the British had set up camp. The following day, Stark arrayed his army in four groups. He intended to launch a pincer movement (or double envelopment) against Baum. At 3 PM, Stark gathered his men and shouted, "There are your enemies, the Red Coats and the Tories! They will be ours tonight or Molly Stark sleeps a widow!".

Spurred on by Stark's words, the Patriots then launched their attack. They quickly overran the first fortifications and easily wiped out the Loyalist ranks. The Patriots then turned their attention to the British and Hessian fortifications. With their superior marksmanship, they picked off the officers and scattered the force. Lt. Col. Baum attempted to break out by launching a saber charge with his remaining force. But he was mortally wounded by patriot volley. The rest of his command were either killed or captured. 

The Patriots began to celebrate their victory by looting the camp and gathering the prisoners. However, during their celebration another enemy force entered the battlefield. It was the other half of Baum's army under the command of Heinrich Breyman, and they were ready to fight. Stark quickly attempted to pull his men back into formation. But his army was too spread out to mount an organized defense. 

Just when it seemed that the Patriots would be routed a large volume of fire ripped into British/Hessian force. It was Seth Warner and the Green Mountain Boys. Now with an army of 2,000, Stark quickly reorganized his men and launched a counter attack. Under the weight of patriot numbers, Breyman watched his army get cut down in droves. Realizing that he was in danger of being surrounded, he quickly ordered a retreat. He had lost a quarter of his army and all his artillery. After five hours of heavy fighting, the Battle of Bennington was over.

Epilogue

The British/Hessian force had been virtually annihilated. They lost 207 killed, 700 missing & captured, and nearly all were wounded. The Patriots' casualties were: 30 killed and 40 wounded. John Stark's victory at Bennington had devastating consequences for General Burgoyne. The latter had lost a significant portion of his army and his supplies. His plans to cut off New England had been ruined. Two months later, Burgoyne was decisively defeated at the Battle of Saratoga and surrendered with 8,000 soldiers. 

For his part, John Stark was commended by George Washington for his excellent leadership that led to the American victory. He continued to serve with distinction until the end of the Revolution. Stark then retired as a major general and returned to his farm in Derryfield (later Manchester). In 1809, veterans of the battle returned to the sight to commemorate their victory. Although Stark wished to attend, he was in ill health and too weak to travel. Instead, he sent a letter to his former soldiers. It read, "Live free or die: Death is not the worst of evils". 

John Stark continued to live in Manchester for the rest of his life. He died on May 8, 1822, at the age of 93. At the time of his death, he was the last living general of the American Revolutionary War. In 1945, the state of New Hampshire officially adopted the words, "Live Free or Die" as the state motto. To this day, John Stark is remembered as one of the greatest and most noble leaders of the American Revolution. His courage and patriotism continue to inspire thousands across the country. He truly is someone to be held in high regard.

https://www.benningtonbattlemonument.com/battle.html

https://www.battlefields.org/learn/revolutionary-war/battles/bennington

https://www.battlefields.org/learn/biographies/john-stark

https://www.nhmagazine.com/john-stark-a-hero-for-his-time-and-ours/

https://www.historynet.com/general-john-stark-a-patriot-who-rose-above-rank.htm

Hero of the Week 85

 Welcome back viewers

This week's hero is...

Enrique Camarena

Enrique "Kiki" Camarena Salazar was born on July 26, 1947, in Mexicali, Mexico. His family immigrated to Calexico, California when he was only six. After graduating from high school, Kiki enlisted in the US Marine Corps. After serving for three years, he received a discharge and joined the Calexico Police Department in 1970. 

While serving in law enforcement Kiki quickly distinguished himself as an undercover narcotics investigator. In 1973, the government established the Drug Enforcement Administration to investigate and dismantle the trafficking of drugs (namely cocaine, marijuana, and heroin) over the US-Mexican border. The DEA began to aggressively recruit Spanish speaking officers to serve as government agents. Due to his experience with going after drug dealers, Kiki was offered a position as a special agent. He readily accepted.

In 1980, Kiki was sent to the Mexican city of Guadalajara. His mission was to infiltrate the local cartel and report the locations of marijuana plantations. For the next four years, Kiki successfully weeded out information of the drug cartels and helped coordinate numerous arrests and killings of Mexican drug lords. In 1984, a tip from Kiki to Mexican police led to the discovery of a 2,500 acre marijuana plantation in the Allende municipalities. It's destruction caused the Guadalajara Cartel to lose more than $8 billion dollars. 

Unfortunately, corrupt officials in the Mexican government betrayed Kiki to the cartel. On February 7, 1985, he was abducted by the drug lords and tortured for over a 30 hour period. When he refused to give any information he was murdered. His body was found on March 5. Little did the Guadalajara Cartel leaders know, that murdering Kiki Camarena would bring about their destruction.

Outraged over Kiki's violent murder, the DEA launched it's largest homicide investigation ever taken. The murderers were quickly identified as having ties to the Mexican government. Under pressure from the DEA, Mexican President, Miguel de la Madrid ordered the apprehension and trial of three high-ranking drug lords. Ultimately at least seven men were arrested, extradited, and sentenced to decades in prison for kidnapping and murdering Kiki Camarena. With the arrest and incarceration of it's leaders, the Guadalajara Cartel ultimately went defunct in 1989.

Today, Enrique Camarena Salazar is remembered as one of America's bravest and most noble DEA agents. For his heroism, he was posthumously awarded the Administrator's Award of Honor. His story was later told in the Netflix series, Narcos: Mexico. He truly is someone to be held in high regard.

https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/news/politics/2020/02/27/enrique-camarena-dea-agent-murder-narcos-mexico/2566023001/

https://www.justthinktwice.gov/article/special-agent-enrique-kiki-camarena

https://www.latimes.com/world/mexico-americas/la-fg-mexico-gallardo-20170824-story.html

Hero of the Week 84

 Welcome back viewers

This week's hero is...

William B. Hazen

William Babcock Hazen was born on September 27, 1830, in West Hartford, Vermont. He entered the US Military Academy (West Point) in the 1850s and graduated in 1855. For the next 4 1/2 years he served along the American frontier and fought skirmishes against Comanche natives. Little did he know, this would pale in comparison to what he would face in the winter of 1862.

On December 30, the Federal Army of the Cumberland was camped outside the small town of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The Confederate Army of Tenessee was camped just 700 yards away. For the last two days, the two armies had been camping directly parallel to each other awaiting orders from their commanders. Both sides knew that the next day, thousands were going to die.

On the morning of December 31, the Confederates launched their attack. They successfully broke through the Union right flank and drove the latter across the nearby Stones River. Most of the Federals fled in disarray but one key point in the Union line held firm. At the left wing, Colonel Hazen pulled the 2nd Brigade into a tight perimeter at the Round Forest. With their backs literally to the river, four regiments from Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio dug in and stopped the Confederate attack. 

Despite being severely wounded, Col. Hazen ordered his brigade to hold their position at all costs. Within minutes of stopping the first Confederate attack, another one quickly followed. For the next five hours, Hazen's brigade repulsed four assaults and drove back the Confederates. Finally at 4:30 PM, the Confederates decided to withdraw. By then both sides had suffered thousands of casualties. After the battle, William Hazen and his soldiers would officially refer to the Round Forest as, "Hell's Half Acre". Of the whole Army of the Cumberland, they were only ones to hold their positions that day.

The stand of Hazen's brigade at the Round Forest had successfully bought time for the Army of the Cumberland to reorganize and regroup. There was little fighting the next day. But on January 2, 1863, when the Confederates launched a new attack, the Federals were ready. They caught the Confederates in a vicious artillery crossfire and forced them to retreat. This concluded what would be known as, the Battle of Stones River (or Murfreesboro). The casualties were >12,900 for the Union and >11,700 for the Confederates.

For his heroism at Stones River, William Hazen was promoted to Brigadier General. He went on to fight in the Chattanooga Campaign and the March to the Sea. After the war, Hazen worked in the US Signal Corps. In 1880, President Rutherford Hayes promoted him to the rank of Chief Signal Officer, a position that he held until his death on January 16, 1887. General Hazen was buried in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors.

In the summer of 1863 (while the war was still being fought), members of Hazen's brigade returned to Hell's Half Acre and erected a small monument to their fallen comrades. It reads: Hazen's Brigade/ To the Memory of it's Soldiers who fell at Stones River, Dec. 31st 1862/ Their faces towards Heaven, their feet to the foe. It was the very first (and currently the oldest) civil war monument to have ever been erected on the original battlefield. Today it remains a solemn memorial to a brave group of soldiers led by a great commander who made a critical difference in the American Civil War. 

https://www.battlefields.org/learn/biographies/william-babcock-hazen

http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/wbhazen.htm

https://www.nps.gov/places/hazen-brigade-monument.htm

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-1990-01-07-9001034345-story.html

Hero of the Week 83

 Welcome back viewers

This week's hero is...

Carlos Hathcock 

Intro

Carlos Norman Hathcock was born on May 20, 1942, in Little Rock, Arkansas. While he was growing up, he became an expert at hunting. He decided at an early age that he wanted to join the US Marine Corps. He enlisted on May 20, 1959. Once he completed boot camp, he was chosen to be the sniper of his platoon. It would not be long before his skills would be put to the test.

Part I

Hathcock was deployed to Vietnam in 1966. He was assigned to the 1st Marine Division Sniper Platoon. He was known for putting a white feather on his bush hat which earned him the nickname, "White Feather". His unit was posted at Hill 55 near the border of North and South Vietnam. Their missions were to patrol the area and disrupt enemy operations along the border that were supplying the Viet Cong. While on combat missions, Hathcock's skills as a sniper proved to be invaluable. He successfully broke up enemy ambushes and easily plucked enemy snipers from hidden locations in the jungle. He eventually received a very difficult mission from his superiors. He was to cross into North Vietnam and assassinate North Vietnamese general.

This general had been coordinating ambushes on American soldiers and marines. American intelligence reported that the general was located at a hidden camp just a couple miles north of the 17th Parallel. Hathcock decided that he alone would carry out this mission. For the next four days and three nights, he crawled from Hill 55 across the 17th Parallel into North Vietnam. From there, Hathcock crawled another 1,500 yards towards the NVA camp. In order to avoid drawing attention to himself, he only crawled about an inch every hour (a process he called, "worming"). Once he reached the camp's tree-line, Hathcock scanned for his target. He spotted the general exiting the camp and fired a single shot. It struck the NVA general directly in the chest and killed him instantly. Hathcock then wormed his way back to Hill 55 without being spotted to report the mission's success.

Part II

Hathcock's large number of sniper kills on the Viet Cong and NVA quickly made himself a prime target for the latter's own special operations. They referred to him as, Lông Trâng (White Feather). The NVA became so determined to kill him that they placed a $30,000 bounty on his head. In 1967, a female Viet Cong sniper began hunting for him. 

This sniper (called, the Apache by the Americans) was notorious for brutally interrogating South Vietnamese and American soldiers that were unfortunate enough to be captured. One of her favorite methods of torture was castration. Furious over the Apache's atrocities, Hathcock became determined to find and end her. When the Apache was located by Hathcock's spotter (Edward Land), Hathcock put two bullets in her head. He later stated that out of all enemies he killed in Vietnam, that was the only one he enjoyed.

Carlos Hathcock's most famous kill was a sniper known as, "the Cobra". The Cobra proved to be a highly skilled and elusive warrior. Thus began a cat and mouse game. For more than two weeks, the two snipers stalked and tracked the other. Sometimes, Hathcock was spotted in the same location for an entire day, scanning for the Cobra. When he saw the glint of scope, he realized that the Cobra had spotted him and quickly fired a single round. To his astonishment, his shot passed through the Cobra's sniper scope and directly into his eye. He then dropped his rifle and slumped to the ground. In a fraction of a second, Carlos Hathcock had achieved the impossible.

Epilogue

Hathcock continued to serve in Vietnam for another two years. He was forced to return to the United States after being severely wounded by a land mine. His total kill count was at least 93 enemy soldiers. For his valor, he received the Silver Star and the Purple Heart. He continued to serve in the Marine Corps until 1975 when he was medically discharged. In his later life, he established the Marine Sniper School at Quantico. Carlos Hathcock passed away on February 22, 1999, at the age of 56. Today, he is remembered as one of America's greatest and most skillful snipers.

https://www.military.com/marine-corps-birthday/carlos-hathcock-famous-marine-corps-sniper.html

https://www.pilotonline.com/military/article_86afe846-c10b-5119-9703-2f3f6d75af7c.html

https://historycollection.com/legacy-carlos-hathcock-american-sniper-vietnam-war-took-infamous-enemies-shocked-world/

Hero of the Week 82

 Welcome back viewers

This week's hero is...

Dr. Benjamin Rush

Benjamin Rush was born on December 24, 1745. He grew up in the small town of Byberry just 12 miles from Philadelphia. When Ben was only six, his father (John Rush) unexpectedly died. His mother then sent him to live with an aunt and uncle so that he could receive a better education. He went on to study at the College of New Jersey. After receiving his Bachelor's degree, Rush returned to Philadelphia and decided to study medicine. In June 1768, he finally received his medical degree and became a well-known doctor in Philadelphia. However, his expertise in medicine would not be his only major contributions to his country.

When he returned to Philadelphia in 1769, Dr. Rush quickly put his new skills to good use. He wrote numerous papers on medical techniques, politics, and the abolition of slavery. He eventually became a chemistry professor at the College of Philadelphia, where he published the first American textbook on chemistry. His activities eventually caught the eyes of the Sons of Liberty. In 1776, Dr. Rush met a man named, Thomas Paine. Paine was very impressed with Rush's writings on the political situation that was brewing in the colonies and urged him to join the Continental Congress in Philadelphia. Dr. Rush did so in June of that year.

On July 4th, Benjamin Rush voted on the resolution of Independence and signed the Declaration. Almost immediately after, he left Philadelphia and joined the Continental Army where he was appointed, Surgeon-General. However, this appointment led Rush into a nasty dispute between himself and George Washington. Rush was highly critical of the Continental Army's medical service under the Administration of Dr. William Shippen. When Rush accused Dr. Shippen of poor management, Washington deferred to Congress. And when both the Congress and Washington sided with Shippen on the matter, Rush angrily resigned in protest. He would never forgive Washington for this. His unresolved conflict with George Washington would ultimately end Dr. Rush's direct involvement in the Revolutionary War. 

In 1778, Benjamin Rush returned to Philadelphia where he resumed writing medical papers. He wrote specifically on the study of medical care and mental health. He became a major supporter of the US Constitution and advocated for scientific education, building public medical clinics, and abolition of slavery. By 1789, Rush had become a leading pioneer in studying physiology and psychiatry. In 1797, he was appointed, Treasurer of Mint, a position he held until his death on April 13, 1813. 

Due to his poor relationships with other founding fathers (namely, George Washington, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin), the contributions made by Benjamin Rush were largely forgotten in the aftermath of the Revolution. However, Rush's research and medical papers were instrumental in many advances in the scientific community. Today, he is remembered as both a founding father and revolutionary medical doctor whose studies saved thousands of people in the United States. 

https://www.uphs.upenn.edu/paharc/features/brush.html

https://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/rush.html

https://www.americanheritage.com/paradoxical-doctor-benjamin-rush

https://web.archive.org/web/20040126092811/http://deila.dickinson.edu/theirownwords/author/RushB.htm

Hero of the Week 81

 Welcome back viewers

This week's hero is...

Henrietta Lacks 

Henrietta Lacks was born on August 1, 1920, in Roanoke, Virginia. She grew up as a tobacco farmer and got married to a man named, David Lacks when she was 21. After they were married, they moved to Baltimore, Maryland where they raised their five children. For the next decade they attempted to live a normal life in the city. However, Henrietta's life would ultimately take a turn for both achievement and tragedy.

In 1951, Henrietta Lacks fell ill and was admitted to the Johns Hopkins Hospital (one of the few hospitals willing to treat African-Americans). Doctors noticed a large growth (a malignant tumor) on her cervix and diagnosed her with cervical cancer. While attempting to treat her, Doctor George Gey removed part of the tumor and began to examine it. To his surprise, he discovered that it was made up of a new type of cells. Instead of dying off after their removal, Dr. Gey noticed that the cells were multiplying at an alarmingly fast rate all on their own.

Dr. Gey concluded that these cells were immortal. He named them, HeLa after the person they had come from, Henrietta Lacks. These were the very first immortal human cells that had been harvested and grown. They would prove to be invaluable to scientific research. Because they reproduced within 24 hours of each other, Dr. Gey was able to use them to test vaccines, study the effects of viruses, and the development of the human genome. HeLa cells would ultimately play a crucial role in developing the polio vaccine.

Sadly, Henrietta Lacks did not live to see the value of her immortal cells that would bear her name. Attempts to treat her cervical cancer were futile. She died on October 4, 1951. She was only 31 years old. Her contribution to scientific research was not revealed until the 1970s.

Although it was not her original intention, Henrietta Lacks had given the scientific community an invaluable asset. Because of this, so many new developments were made in the medical field that were used to save millions of people around the world. To this day, scientists have not yet unlocked all the secrets of HeLa cells. However, it is clear that they will continue to yield more discoveries and facts in the years to come. I believe that Henrietta Lacks is definitely someone to be held in high regard.

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/henriettalacks/

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/henrietta-lacks-immortal-cells-6421299/

Hero of the Week 80

 Welcome back viewers

This week will honor a team of heroes

They are...

The 1936 American Rowing team, AKA: the Boys in the Boat

The Boys in the Boat were a group of 9 young men who were into the sport of rowing. After joining the crew-team at the University of Washington (Huskies), they began training to compete on the country's national rowing team at the upcoming Summer Olympics of 1936. What followed would be one of the most legendary underdog stories in sports history.

By the month of August, nearly 4,000 athletes from around the world traveled to Berlin. The atmosphere at the games in Nazi Germany was very edgy due to the country's new race laws and it's worsening foreign policy. For many nations, these games were both a break and a chance to prove a point. In the diving, track and field events, the American athletes (many of whom were African-American) had far superior results than the ones from Germany (much to Hitler's embarrassment).

However, when it came to the sport of rowing, the German oarsmen successfully outclassed nearly all of their opponents. They won the gold medal in five of the first six events (the double sculls event was won by Great Britain). The final event of the regatta, was the men's eight. Many were braced for another win for the Germans.

When the race started, the Americans quickly fell half a boat length behind the other teams. The first 1,000 meters of the race seemed to be a contest between the German and the Italian crews. But with about 800 meters remaining, the Americans quickly began gaining on the leaders. When there were 300 meters left, they had pulled even to the Germans and Italians. All three teams began struggling to push their bows in front of the other. When they crossed the finish line, it was too close to call at first. The final times were announced minutes later: USA 6:25.4, Italy 6:26.0, Germany 6:26.4. 

Although the boys from the University of Washington were exhausted from their effort they quickly paddled their boat to the dock to receive their gold medals. When the Olympics ended, they received a hero's welcome upon their return to the United States. Their story continues to inspire many Americans in the sport of rowing today.

The Boys in the Boat:

(bow to stern)

Herbert Morris

Charles Day

Gordon Adam

John Watie 

James McMillan 

George Hunt

Joe Rantz

Donald Hume

Robert Moch (coxswain)

http://www.slate.com/articles/sports/fivering_circus/2012/07/_1936_olympics_rowing_the_greatest_underdog_nazi_defeating_american_olympic_victory_you_ve_never_heard_of_.

htmlhttp://www.huskycrew.com/Husky%20Crew%201936%20-%20The%20Boys%20In%20The%20Boat.htm

https://www.historylink.org/File/700

Hero of the Week 79

 Welcome back viewers

This week's hero is...

Alejandro Ruiz

Alejandro Renteria Ruiz was born on June 26, 1924, in Loving, New Mexico. After he was arrested for allegedly stealing a cow, Ruiz was given the opportunity to choose jail or to enlist in the US Army. He chose the latter. Once he completed basic training, he was assigned to the 27th Infantry Division. Less than a year later, the United States entered World War II. Although he had no way of knowing, his decision to enlist would make a major difference in one of the final and bloodiest battles of the War in the Pacific theatre. 

In March of 1945, the US launched an invasion of Okinawa. This island was of strategic importance since it was only 400 miles from mainland Japan. It's capture (along with the nearby volcano island, Iwo Jima) would also be imperative for many American fliers that were going on bombing missions and needed a safe airfield to land at. 

Taking Okinawa would be exceptionally difficult as it was garrisoned by more than 70,000 Japanese soldiers who were determined to give their last full measure. Unlike previous island-hopping campaigns, there was also a very large civilian population on Okinawa. And many of them were loyal to the Japanese. With an increasing number of Kamikaze attacks being carried out on the US Navy, it was clear that many American servicemen were going to die taking this island.

On April 28, 1945, Pfc. Alejandro Ruiz's platoon was patrolling an area near the Okinawa village of, Gasukuma. As they entered a nearby ravine, a concealed pillbox opened fire. In a matter of seconds, nearly every man in the platoon was either killed or wounded. Ruiz was among the few who were not killed or incapacitated in the first few minutes. Knowing that his M1 rifle was not sufficient enough against the Japanese pillbox defense, he grabbed a browning automatic rifle (BAR) from a fallen comrade and took the initiative. 

Ruiz then charged the pillbox and attempted to knock it out. Unfortunately the BAR jammed after just a few rounds and a Japanese soldier then charged him while he was trying to fix it. Ruiz quickly side-stepped and clubbed him down. He then ran back to his platoon's position, grabbed another BAR, and charged the pillbox again. Despite receiving several wounds to his face and arms, Ruiz ran through the enemy barrage and managed to reach the enemy position. He then climbed on top and fired into the pillbox's openings. Within just seconds, all gunfire from the pillbox ceased. When his comrades searched it, the found the bodies of 12 enemy soldiers inside. 

For his extraordinary valor in stopping the enemy attack and saving many of his comrades, Pfc. Alejandro Ruiz received the Congressional Medal of Honor and the Purple Heart. He went on to serve in the Korean War and retired at the rank of Master Sergeant. He lived the rest of his life in California before passing away on November 20, 2009, at the age of 85.

The courage and valor of Alejandro Ruiz truly speaks volumes. When the time came, he answered a call to duty and successfully stopped an ambush against his comrades. As more and more of our World War II veterans pass on, it becomes all the more imperative to tell their stories. Ruiz's story is one that definitely deserves to be told.

https://www.latimes.com/local/obituaries/la-xpm-2009-dec-12-la-me-alejandro-ruiz12-2009dec12-story.html

https://napavalleyregister.com/news/local/veterans-home-p-o-honors-wwii-hero/article_562a525c-f21e-11e1-bf4c-0019bb2963f4.html

https://www.currentargus.com/story/news/local/2017/11/11/veteran-alejandro-ruiz-sr-inducted-carlsbad-hall-fame/854776001/

Hero of the Week 78

 Welcome back viewers

This week's hero is...

Emmett Kelly

Emmett Kelly was born on December 9, 1898. At a young age, he made the decision to join the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey circus. For seven years, Kelly worked as a trapeze artist. In 1931 however, Kelly decided that he wanted to join the clown act. It was not long before he created his own personal character called, "Weary Willie". This character quickly became his most notable performance and is considered to be revolutionary in the circus clown act. However, on one hot day in July of 1944, Kelly would be confronted with one of the worst disasters in American history.

On July 6, 1944, the Barnum and Bailey Circus began to prepare for a performance in Hartford, Connecticut. The circus performers set up a huge canvas tent which was known as the, "Big Top". It wasn't long before thousands of spectators began to arrive and fill the stands. By the time that the first act began, there were more than 7,000 people who were seated around the three circus rings and two stages. The first performance (the lion act) began at 2 PM. The next performance was the Flying Wallendas (stunt performers) high wire act. 

Since nearly everyone's attention was on the stage, nobody knows when or how it happened, but less than 30 minutes after the show began, people began to smell smoke. The circus band conductor then spotted flames on the southwest sidewall of the Big Top. He quickly ended the performance and informed the audience to begin evacuating. However, the fire began to spread at an alarmingly rapid rate. This was due to the Big Top's paraffin wax that was used to waterproof the tent. Within minutes of being spotted, the fire was already beginning to engulf the whole tent. At first, the crowd began an orderly evacuation to the tent's exits. Unfortunately, the Big Top's power shorted out and pieces of burning fabric began dropping on people. This caused the evacuation to turn into mass hysteria that engulfed the crowd of people trying to escape.

Emmett Kelly himself was located outside the Big Top getting ready for the clown act when he heard screams. He quickly grabbed a bucket of water (an iconic image depicts this) and ran to the burning Big Top to help assist fighting the fire in any way possible. Upon seeing how huge the inferno was, Kelly decided to assist people in escaping by ripping holes in the canvas which enabled dozens of people to escape. He personally carried at least six children to safety. Unfortunately, some of the escaping spectators had become separated from their families and many then attempted to reenter the burning tent. Upon seeing this, Kelly quickly yelled for them to keep moving and organized volunteers to keep people from reentering. Just minutes later, the fire caused the Big Top to collapse. 

Although most the 7,000 spectators had successfully escaped, at least 200 became trapped under the burning Big Top. Kelly, police, firemen, and other good samaritans quickly ran to the collapsed tent to try and cut the people out before the fire reached them. Unfortunately, most of those that were trapped died before they could be reached. By the time the fire had been extinguished, 167 people had been killed (mostly women and children) and more than 600 were injured.

Although he was heralded as a hero in the aftermath of the fire, Emmett Kelly never sought any recognition for what he did on July 6, 1944. Like many others, he was forever haunted by the deaths of so many people and often blamed himself for failing to save more. He continued to perform as a circus clown for another decade before he retired. He passed away on March 28, 1979, at the age of 80. In 1994, Kelly was posthumously inducted into the International Circus Hall of Fame.

The circus fire of 1944 will always remain one of the saddest days in American history. However, the heroism of people like Emmett Kelly helped to prevent many more lives from being lost. He is definitely someone who should be held in high regard.

https://www.theparisreview.org/blog/2016/07/06/tears-of-a-clown/

https://www.courant.com/opinion/op-ed/hc-op-condon-hartford-circus-fire-0703-20140702-column.html

O'Nan, Stuart (2008). The Circus Fire: A True Story of an American Tragedy. Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group

Hero of the Week 77

 Welcome back viewers

This week's hero is...

William Ellery

William Ellery was born on December 22, 1727, in Newport Rhode Island. He grew up as the son of a merchant and entered Harvard University when he was only 16. He successfully graduated in 1747. When he returned to Newport, Ellery became a merchant like his father and got involved in the trading business. However, he quickly discovered that this profession was not in his best interest. After working as a customs collector and as a clerk for the Rhode Island General Assembly, he decided to enter politics. Little did he know, he was about to play a role in the future of a nation.

In the year 1776, one of Rhode Island's delegates to the Continental Congress (Samuel Ward) suffered an untimely death while the issue of Independence was being discussed. Since it was the smallest of the colonies, the Rhode Island legislature knew that at least two representatives were needed to make their population's voice heard. By this point, William Ellery had already made his position on the matter clear to his country men. 

In the aftermath of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, Ellery became a major advocate for armed resistance against British occupation. He was quoted as saying, "You must exert yourself. To be ruled by Tories, when we may be ruled by Sons of Liberty, how debasing! There is liberty and fire enough, it only requires the application of the bellows. Blow, then, a blast will shake this country!" His patriotic words inspired thousands of Rhode Islanders to move into Massachusetts and join the growing Continental Army that was converging on Boston. Due to his ardent viewpoints and distinguished credentials, the Rhode Island Congress chose Ellery to become their second delegate on May 4. Less than two weeks later, Ellery joined fellow delegate, Stephen Hopkins at the Second Continental Congress down in Philadelphia.

After the Patriot stand at Bunker Hill, the Sons of Liberty made the decision to sign the Declaration of Independence. Ellery later wrote, "I was determined to see how they all looked as the signed what might be their death warrant. I placed myself beside the Secretary Charles Thomson and eyed closely as he affixed each name to the document. Undaunted resolution was displayed in every countenance". When it was his turn to sign, Ellery made his signature big and clear. It was the second-largest signature after John Hancock. 

After the signing, William Ellery was placed on Congress's Marine Committee and was instrumental in smuggling supplies and clothing to the Continental Army. However, he was prevented from returning to his home in Newport due to the city being captured and occupied by the British. Despite this setback, Ellery continued to serve in the Continental Congress until the end of the war.

After the US had become independent, William Ellery continued to serve in the Congress until 1786. After that, he became an advocate for abolishing slavery. In 1790, President George Washington appointed Ellery as Collector of Customs for the city of Newport, a post he held for the next thirty years. In the last years of his life, he reflected on his contributions to American independence and the life he had lived. He wrote, "I have been a clerk of the court, a quack lawyer, a member of Congress, one of the lords of the Admiralty, a judge, a loan officer, and finally a Collector of the Customs and thus, not without great difficulty, but as honestly, thank God, as most men, I have got through the journey of a varied and somewhat anxious life". He passed away on February 15, 1820, at the age of 92.

Out of all the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence, William Ellery is one of the least well-known. However, he was a very interesting figure who dedicated his life to helping those around him in the best way possible while securing the future of our country. He truly is a person who should be held in high regard.

https://www.dsdi1776.com/signers-by-state/william-ellery/

https://www.revolutionary-war.net/william-ellery/

Hero of the Week 76

Welcome back viewers

This week we will honor two heroes who share a connection

They are...

Congressman Leo Ryan and Tsutsumi Sakamoto

Intro

Leo Ryan and Tsutsumi Sakamoto were two public servants for their countries. When they heard of a dire situation involving their countrymen, they both went to investigate and resolve the matter peacefully. Unfortunately both of them would pay a heavy price for their actions.

Part I

Leo Ryan was born on May 5, 1925, in Lincoln, Nebraska. During World War II he served in the US Navy as a submariner. After the war he worked as an english and history teacher before he moved to California. In 1962, Ryan was elected to the California State Assembly as a Democrat. He served at that position for 10 years before he was elected to the United States Congress from California's 11th District. For the next five years, Ryan advocated for prison and educational reform and made many changes in the state. 

In 1977, Congressman Ryan received word that there were a number of human rights violations and abuses being inflicted on American citizens who were living abroad. The reports were coming from a notorious religious cult called, "Peoples Temple". Headed by a zealot pastor named, Jim Jones, Peoples Temple had relocated from California to the South American country of Guyana. Once there, they had constructed a small town on the outskirts of Guyana's capital called, "Jonestown". By that year, more than 900 American citizens were living in Jonestown. Although many of them called it paradise, it was not long before allegations of abuse and criminal activity began to be inflicted on the Jonestown's residents. And many began to hope for a way out.

At the urging of concerned relatives, Congressman Leo Ryan took it upon himself to investigate the allegations. On November 1, 1978, he publicly announced that with a small group of aides, journalists, and concerned relatives he would personally fly down to Guyana and investigate Jonestown. Two weeks later Congressman Ryan and his group boarded a plane, took off from Washington, and landed in Georgetown, Guyana on November 14.

Three days later Ryan along with his aide (future Congresswoman Jackie Speier), nine journalists, and four relatives boarded a small plane and landed at an airstrip at the town of Port Kaituma, which was a few miles from Jonestown. Upon arrival, Ryan and his entourage received a warm welcome from the people of Jonestown. Through the night, they treated them to a celebration and openly spoke about how Jim Jones had changed their lives for the better and had nothing but praise for their community.

During the celebration however, one of the members of Jonestown (Vernon Gosney) slipped a note to NBC reporter Don Harris (whom he mistook for Ryan). Ryan then made a speech giving his thanks for the warm reception. Once he was finished he walked over and spoke to a handful of individuals who were determined to leave Jonestown. They warned Ryan that things were not at all what they seemed to be and that Jim Jones had become highly erratic and was on the verge of insanity. Ryan also noticed that Jones seemed quite delusional during the celebration and promised the defectors that he would get them out by the next day. 

On November 18, 14 members of Peoples Temple boarded a truck and headed for the Port Kaituma airstrip. Once there, they began to board two airplanes that would fly them out. Just as they were preparing to board however, a large tractor pulled onto the tarmac ahead of the planes. A group of armed men got out and opened fire on Ryan's group. Congressman Leo Ryan, Don Harris, and three others were all killed. Another nine (including Jackie Speier and Vernon Gosney) were wounded. Those that survived quickly fled into the brush.

Part II

Tsutsumi Sakamoto was born on April 8, 1956, in Yokosuka, Japan. He graduated from Tokyo University with a degree in law. In 1984, he officially became a lawyer who represented clients in Japan's civil court. It was not long before he began to put his profession to good use.

Sakamoto quickly gained a reputation as an anti-cult lawyer. Most of the clients he took on were former members of Japanese cults who had filed lawsuits against the groups they had left. One doomsday cult in particular drew Sakamoto's attention. It was the largest in Japan and at its height, one of the largest in the world. Its name was, "Aum Shinrikyo".

Aum Shinrikyo was headed by a self-proclaimed guru named, Chizuo Matsumoto (better known as: Shoko Asahara). Asahara had formed Aum in 1984 using a combination of radical Buddhism and Apocalyptic Christianity. He claimed to be a supernatural being with hidden powers that could perform miracles. It wasn't long before he had successfully recruited thousands of people across Japan. 

However, it was also not long before controversy and abuse allegations began to be leveled against the cult. The allegations included, drug trafficking, sexual abuse of children, and even murders of cult members who tried to leave. Many of those who left began to file lawsuits against Aum. And Tsutsumi Sakamoto was by far, the most successful at winning them. Unfortunately, his successes also made him a target. 

On October 31, 1989, Sakamoto managed to pursuade Asahara to take a medical test and prove that he really did have supernatural powers in his blood. The results revealed however, that Asahara's blood contained no abnormalities nor anything to suggest he was anything other than a regular human being. Sakamoto then gave an interview for the Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS) regarding his activities against Aum. Unfortunately, the TBS members intentionally broke their source protection policy and showed the interview to members of Aum (including Asahara himself). 

Asahara became enraged and decided that Tsutsumi Sakamoto was a threat and needed to be eliminated, not matter the cost. On November 3, 1989, four members of Aum Shinrikyo drove to Yokohama. At 3 AM the next morning, the snuck into Sakamoto's apartment. Once there, they abducted and murdered Tsutsumi along with his wife (Satoka), and his infant son (Tatsuhiko). 

Epilogue

The killing of Congressman Ryan started a chain reaction that would end with hundreds of more people losing their lives. Within minutes of Ryan's departure, Jim Jones called all of his followers to the pavilion for a, "White Night". He then told them that because some members had "betrayed" the group by electing to leave, it was time for the rest to commit a revolutionary suicide. During the meeting, the shooters from the airstrip returned and confirmed that Leo Ryan was among the dead. After this, Jim Jones and more than 900 of his followers either committed suicide or were forced to do so. When the Guyanese army arrived on the scene the next day, there were only six survivors (along with those who survived the shooting at the airstrip). It was the largest loss of American civilian life in a deliberate act until the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

The ghastly murder of the Sakamoto family would not be solved for at least six years. As far as any friends or extended family knew, they had simply disappeared. Like the killing of Leo Ryan before him, Tsutsumi Sakamoto's murder would also bring further tragedy in it's wake. As the years went by, Shoko Asahara's mental state became even more erratic. He became convinced that everyone outside of Aum Shinrikyo was a threat that needed to be eliminated before it became too dangerous. On March 20, 1995, five members of Aum snuck onto three lines of the Tokyo Metro. Once there, they punctured packets containing deadly sarin gas. The result was devastating. At least 12 people were killed and more than 6,000 were admitted to hospitals around the city (many suffered permanent injuries). 

However, this attack quickly brought the full wrath of Japan's law enforcement on the cult. By the end of the year, Shoko Asahara and hundreds of his followers were arrested. It was only then, that the fate of the Sakamoto family was finally revealed. For all the crimes they committed, Shoko Asahara and a dozen others were sentenced to death by the Japanese supreme court. They were executed in June of 2018. 

In the latter half of the 20th Century to the present day, the danger presented by cults had become all too real. However, there have always been good people who have stood up to this danger and tried to do what they could to help those in need. Congressman Leo Ryan and Tsutsumi Sakamoto were among the bravest and most noble of these people. They both used their positions to answer cries for help and both gave their lives for it. I believe that they should be remembered as some of the greatest heroes in the world.

https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/jonestown-bio-leo-ryan/

https://www.nytimes.com/1995/09/07/world/japanese-police-find-body-of-a-lawyer-believed-killed-by-cult.html

https://www.creighton.edu/creightonmagazine/2018smrfeaturehewantedtogothere/

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2018/07/17f82a8e8b7d-aum-executions-spark-mixed-feelings-among-victims-relatives.html

https://www.upi.com/Archives/1996/04/03/Japan-TV-network-fights-ethics-charges/3444828507600/