Carolina Gold

The first day of high school was over for Chris. As planned, he was waiting for Jenny in the courtyard. She had promised to take him to his father’s memorial. Jenny was right on time, but late on Chris’ time. He was always early. Jenny walked up beside him and smiled. “How were your classes?” “Not bad. I really think I will like our history teacher, Mr. Ray. He really knows his American history.” Jenny frowned. “He's alright as a teacher. But he is really defensive and nothing ever seems good enough for him. He's just not a happy person.” “I know. I looked him up. He plagiarized someone else’s paper and didn’t get his Ph.D. I'm surprised anyone would hire him.” Jenny nodded. “I think Principal Wilson went to school with him or something and decided to give him a chance.” “Mr. Wilson seems to be a decent guy so that makes sense.” Chris paused then looked up at Jenny. “OK, let's go.” “You know it is pretty special to have your school named after your dad.” “Depends on what he did to earn it.” Jenny looked down realizing she may have said too much. “You're right. I'm sorry.” Chris gave her a half smile then they headed to the auditorium. It was on the opposite side of the school campus, just outside the 'Cub' building that houses the Math and Science classrooms. When they reached the auditorium, they entered the anteroom and turned to the right. There, at the far end, in a glass case, was a presentation of an American hero. The backdrop was the tattered American flag Chris’ dad had brought back from his first tour in Iraq. There were dozens of pictures of his father from the Naval Academy and Iraq. There was one taken at the Naval Academy graduation ceremony with his dad, mom and Bill Thompson, Principal Thompson's husband. His mom was pregnant. Chris had never seen any of these pictures and had never seen his father’s Medal of Honor. Jenny stepped back and let Chris examine all the pictures and documents. In the center of the display, laid out prominently, was the medal. Directly above it was the citation housed in a beautiful wooden frame. Chris read the citation from the President describing how and why his dad earned the Medal of Honor. The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Stephens, John C. Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, Special Warfare Task Unit, 1st Marine Division. Place and Date: Najaf, Iraq, 14 April 2006. Entered Service at: Los Angeles, California. Born: 11 October 1979, Santee, South Carolina Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Task Unit Leader, Special Warfare Task Unit, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines (Reinforced), Regimental Combat Team 7, First Marine Division (Reinforced), on 14 April 2006. Lieutenant Stephen's unit was conducting a reconnaissance mission near the town of Abu Sukhayr, Iraq when they received a down-pilot alert. Lieutenant Stephens led his Special Operations Team to the area identified as the landing site. When Lieutenant Stephens and his Marines reached the small village, they saw enemy combatants preparing to video tape the killing of the captured pilot. Lieutenant Stephens entered the building where an unknown number of enemy combatants held the pilot. Aware of the imminent danger and without hesitation, Lieutenant Stephens entered the room and tossed grenades at the enemy combatants then covered the pilot with his own body, bearing the brunt of the explosion and shielding the pilot from the blasts. The remainder of the unit entered and extracted the pilot moving him to a safe area outside the village. Lieutenant Stephens in an ultimate and selfless act of bravery, in which he would be mortally wounded, remained behind providing cover fire to prevent enemy combatants from following his fellow Marines. By his undaunted courage, intrepid fighting spirit, and unwavering devotion to duty, Lieutenant Stephens gallantly gave his life for his country, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. While Chris was staring at the picture of his mom and the President in the Oval Office, Jake entered the anteroom. He walked up beside Jenny and stood quietly looking at the memorial. After reading the citation from the president and looking at all the pictures, Chris turned and walked toward the door without speaking. Jenny leaned her head against Jake’s big arm and glanced over at Chris. “Bye Chris. See you tomorrow.” Chris waved without turning. Jake looked at Jenny and pointed at the presentation case. “This guy was awesome.” Jenny raised her head. There were tears streaming down her cheeks. She stood staring at him for a moment then whispered, “He was Chris’ father.” Jake looked at the memorial then turned and watched Chris as he walked away. Jenny stepped over in front of Jake and put her arms around his waist. She lowered her head resting it on his chest and tightened her hug. “Maybe you should be nicer to him.” Jake didn’t reply.