Worldwide Webb

~~~




Hey look, what's wrong with just being Senators? Senator,
that's pretty good. Whyn't you guys just stay Senators?



It's been a good day for Jim Webb.

The New GI Bill that he introduced 17 months ago, on his first day at work, passed the Senate 75-22. Almost unbelievably, the President has threatened to veto this bill, which will send Iraq and Afghanastan war vets to college. Bush's problem is; if he vetoes, then he has to dance with Jim Webb. Big ups also to Virginia's other Senator, the legendary John Warner, who quietly moved mountains to get this bill through.

As if providing our vets with a lifetime of opportunity wasn't enough for one day, Senators Jim Webb (D-VA) and Hillary Clinton (D-NY) also grilled Generals Patreus and Ordierno during this morning's Senate Armed Services Committee hearings. Still awaiting the official transcripts, but apparently Webb and Clinton took the lead in going nose to nose with the Generals. Clinton asked how long it would take our guys to clear Iraqi air space, were the Commander in Chief to order us out. Webb asked Ordieno to describe - in detail - the military endgame. Ordieno replies:

"A self-reliant government that is stable. A government that will contribute inside of the regional context and the international context. Obviously, that means they need a professional security force. Obviously, a place that will not allow a safe haven for terrorists or extremists that threaten region, or the United States. An economic engine that provides for the continued improvement of the Iraqi people. From a military perspective, the ability to secure themselves, and do it in such a way that allows the government to continue to grow, and we will continue to do less and less."

Then Webb asked the General if he thinks there would be a need for the U.S. military in Iraq if those conditions are met. Ordieno finally says - are you ready for this - OK ... he goes:

"I do not." TA- DA! (confetti)

*****

First Lt James Webb USMC 1969,
one of only 363 Marines to be awarded
the Navy Cross in Vietnam.
He also has the Silver Star Medal,
two Bronze Star Medals, and two
Purple Hearts in a drawer somewhere.

Jim Webb, First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps
Company D, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.) FMF
Date of Action: July 10, 1969

"The Navy Cross is presented to James H. Webb, Jr., First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company D, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam.

On 10 July 1969, while participating in a company-sized search and destroy operation deep in hostile territory, First Lieutenant Webb's platoon discovered a well-camouflaged bunker complex which appeared to be unoccupied. Deploying his men into defensive positions, First Lieutenant Webb was advancing to the first bunker when three enemy soldiers armed with hand grenades jumped out. Reacting instantly, he grabbed the closest man and, brandishing his .45 caliber pistol at the others, apprehended all three of the soldiers.

Accompanied by one of his men, he then approached the second bunker and called for the enemy to surrender. When the hostile soldiers failed to answer him and threw a grenade which detonated dangerously close to him, First Lieutenant Webb detonated a claymore mine in the bunker aperture, accounting for two enemy casualties and disclosing the entrance to a tunnel.

Despite the smoke and debris from the explosion and the possibility of enemy soldiers hiding in the tunnel, he then conducted a thorough search which yielded several items of equipment and numerous documents containing valuable intelligence data.

Continuing the assault, he approached a third bunker and was preparing to fire into it when the enemy threw another grenade. Observing the grenade land dangerously close to his companion, First Lieutenant Webb simultaneously fired his weapon at the enemy, pushed the Marine away from the grenade, and shielded him from the explosion with his own body. Although sustaining painful fragmentation wounds from the explosion, he managed to throw a grenade into the aperture and completely destroy the remaining bunker. By his courage, aggressive leadership, and selfless devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Webb upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service."


http://turcopolier.typepad.com/sic_semper_tyrannis/2006/09/jim_webbs_navy_.html




~~~