4.09.2009

MAJOR FRANK MAKI: AWARDED SILVER STAR


My Dad's Medals and Patches

Part of the reason I posted about Vietnam was to see if some of the Army kids I used to know might show up here. Today a friend from our Army life did stop by and leave a note on RK. We really appreciate the visit and hope all is well with your family as well. Thank you Bob!

Major Maki

To:
retrokimmer@gmail.com
Bob Evans has left a new comment on your post "Vietnam 1968-1971":

Kim, Our families were close back then as my Dad and yours served together. My son and daughter are visiting the wall this evening and are going to find your dad's name. My dad speaks so well about your dad to this day. Please give our best to your mom and sister from our family.




Award of The Silver Star

For gallantry in action: Major Maki distinguished himself by gallantry in action on 20 - 22 June 1971 while serving as Senior Advisor to the 1st Battalion, 2d Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam at Fire Support Base Fuller in Quang Tri Province.


Major Maki heroically participated in the defenses of Fire Support Base Fuller by accompanying and assisting his Vietnamese counterpart against the North Vietnamese Army thrust. After more than two continuous days of intensive direct and indirect fire and ground attacks, the NVA managed to breech the defenses.


Major Maki then directed many tactical air strikes and aerial rocket artillery against the enemy. During this time he continued to reappraise the tactical situation, adjust supporting fires and coordinate medical aid to the wounded Vietnamese soldiers.


Though he had been sixty hours without rest, he continued to assist his counterparts up until the moment he was mortally wounded by an enemy artillery round. His extraordinary example of leadership and valiant courage radiated throughout the Fire Support Base and inspired the Vietnamese to repulse the enemy attack. Major Maki's conspicuous gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Whose blog is this? I want to thank you for honoring my uncle Frank. Well, all the boys in the family are gone now. My dad's last brother past away about a week ago.

Lisa (Maki) Delrose

Retro Kimmer said...

Lisa this is your cousin Kim's blog
Say hi to Aunt Vi and Greg for me!

Donny Nowak said...

YOUR DAD WAS AND ALWAYS WILL BE A HERO, THANK YOU MAJOR MAKI, A REAL HERO IN MY EYES!

Jimmy Recca said...

awarded The Silver Star our nations 2nd highest military medal,I am grateful for your Service Sir..!and proud to be your daughters friend,,

Nancy Thibodeau said...

Kim.. I actually took a crayon and white piece of paper and rubbed it over your Fathers name on the moveable wall when it was in Novi. I also visited the Wall in DC a few years ago. I read his story and he was a great man although I never knew him.

Retro Kimmer said...

thank you both so much he was a wonderful man who save my life in countless ways.. Thank you Jimmy so kind of you.

Dave Maxwell said...

A true american red white and blue hero!Thanks for your gift

Diane Marie Molinari said...

I miss my Dad too,your Dad looks handsome!

Retro Kimmer said...

LOOKED LIKE ACTOR ED HARRIS WHEN HE PLAYED JOHN GLENN IN THE RIGHT STUFF

Karen Ladany Milem said...

A very handsome man.

Retro Kimmer said...

THANK YOU LOST HIM WHEN I WAS 15 BUT I HAD YOUR DAD IN SCHOOL WHEN I WAS 12 AND HE MADE SUCH AN IMPACT ON MY LIFE. HE GAVE ME THE GIFT OF SELF ESTEEM

TomHenry Stefina said...

Sgt Maki was a ROTC teacher at EMU when I was there. He was a great person always willing to help me. I believe this is him. True?

Retro Kimmer said...

Yes Tom! I am so happy to see some of his guys show up! please feel free to email me I would love to hear from you retrokimmer@gmail.com
My dad went to Vietnam twice and then killed in action. Promoted to Major posthumously.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

addtoany