A Colonel of Truth: LANCE CORPORAL MIGUEL KEITH, USMC

LANCE CORPORAL MIGUEL KEITH, USMC
By Andy Weddington
Monday, 03 June 2019

Heroism is a matter of choice. Richard Cohen

Yesterday afternoon, before a crowd of several hundred, a Nebraska state representative - his father a Marine - said that since the days of George Washington's Continental Army only 44.7 million have worn the cloth of our nation.

Mull those numbers over for a moment or two.

Of that distinguished cohort, he continued, but 3,523 have been awarded the Medal of Honor.

The math works out to one medal for every 12,688; a rather elite club.

The crowd, in an Omaha city park, came from near and far to honor and celebrate one of the 3,523 on his 68th birthday.

On 08 May 1970, 25 days shy of his 19th birthday, Lance Corporal Miguel Keith, USMC facing a superior North Vietnamese (enemy) force fought as a Bulldozer; ironically, the moniker given him by high school classmates.

Citation:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a machine gunner with Combined Action platoon 1-3-2. During the early morning L/Cpl. Keith was seriously wounded when his platoon was subjected to a heavy ground attack by a greatly outnumbering enemy force. Despite his painful wounds, he ran across the fire-swept terrain to check the security of vital defensive positions and then, while completely exposed to view, proceeded to deliver a hail of devastating machine gun fire against the enemy. Determined to stop 5 of the enemy soldiers approaching the command post, he rushed forward, firing as he advanced. He succeeded in disposing of 3 of the attackers and in dispersing the remaining 2. At this point, a grenade detonated near L/Cpl. Keith, knocking him to the ground and inflicting further severe wounds. Fighting pain and weakness from loss of blood, he again braved the concentrated hostile fire to charge an estimated 25 enemy soldiers who were massing to attack. The vigor of his assault and his well-placed fire eliminated 4 of the enemy soldiers while the remainder fled for cover. During this valiant effort, he was mortally wounded by an enemy soldier. By his courageous and inspiring performance in the face of almost overwhelming odds, L/Cpl. Keith contributed in large measure to the success of his platoon in routing a numerically superior enemy force, and upheld the finest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the U.S. Naval Service.

http://www.cmohs.org/recipient-detail/3325/keith-miguel.php

Lance Corporal Keith made a choice.

A courageous choice. With his bravery the lives of brother Marines saved. His heroism recognized, rightfully.

Yesterday's ceremony unveiled a life-size bronze, sculpted by a Nebraska artist, of Lance Corporal Miguel Keith that now walks point for the park years ago named in his honor.

The governor and first lady present. So was the mayor and district councilman. Too, the Parks & Recreation director. All spoke. As did a Marine colonel in blue/white dress representing the commandant and a shipbuilder.

Sandwiched between the coat and tie and uniformed polished speakers was introduced a short and stocky bluejeans, open-collar shirt, black cowboy hat and boots clad gent. Humble and soft-spoken, a few words from the heart.

Lonnie Keith - Miguel's younger brother.

What are the odds that yesterday morning a short and stocky bluejeans, open-collar shirt, black cowboy hat and boots clad gent carrying a guitar case would approach our front porch and want to accompany me on the banjo?

That happened.

He and family, staying in the Distinguished Visitor's Quarters not 20 yards across the street from our home, heard me picking. He introduced himself simply as Lonnie from a small town near Abilene, Texas. When asking why he was in town he told me. I was stunned. Not knowing about the ceremony, I told him I'd be there. Of course. We played and chatted for some 20 minutes before he had to go.

We visited, albeit briefly, at the ceremony.

Came evening, again on our front porch, we played for about an hour. He and family had been overwhelmed by the day's events. More appreciative he could not have been. He said little of his oldest brother noting he still gets choked up.

An unimaginable impromptu encounter. Bizarre.

Some Medal of Honor recipients I know. Never met family.

Now a recipient I know (of). And met family.

Lance Corporal Miguel Keith, USMC is one of only 624 (amongst 3,523) awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously.

Omaha has ensured their son's heroism endures in the citizenry's eye. The memorial done right - to perfection; in keeping with the way of Marines.

Later this year the USNS Miguel Keith (T-ESB 5) will be christened in San Diego. Sailors from the ship came to Omaha. Lonnie will see them again in a few months.

The park is at the corner of 30th and W Streets. Visit when in the area.

Marines, when next with drink, raise your bottle, can, or glass in honor of Lance Corporal Miguel Keith. Semper Fidelis.

Some snapshots ...