Navy Medal of Honor Recipient Laid to Rest at Arlington

[@patsysmith540]

So beautiful that America still remembers.

[@meridithellen]

Fair winds and following season. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. Rest in peace

[@ItsAHedgehog]

Thank you, Arlington National Cemetery and the POW/MIA accounting agency for the work you do to honor these heroes. RIP, Richard Ward.

[@alperdue2704]

Amen

[@rossgage9730]

Also History Flight does a great deal of work.

[@claudiaporter4269]

My Heart is so Happy that there are still USA Citizens that love our country and know that we owe our Military and VETERANS so much. Without them we would no be AMERICANS.

[@michaelchua3942]

This is what America needs now, true patriots, not politicians

[@scottshanklin5533]

Yes an we'll won't ever ecsape politicians , but we will always heros . I am very proud to have served this GREAT COUNTRY , I tried to walk in the foot prints of giants . Sailor at ease rest and thank you for being a great man and a brother , be easy your time is done with pride and blessings to you

[@HowardHopler]

Absolutely yes

[@mikem.s.1183]

Agreed, sir. True Patriots, not politicians.

[@jimtownsend7899]

At my first duty station, I was assigned for one year to the Color Guard & Funeral Detail. I voluntarily extended my assignment the following two years. I considered it a sacred honor and privilege to participate in the rendering of honors to fallen fellow servicemembers. It was always a struggle to contain emotions, though I rarely even knew the shipmate we were honoring. Someday when it is our time, my wife (YNCS, USN-Ret.) and I will be laid to rest at Washington's Crossing National Cemetery, along the Delaware River, close to the spot where patriots fought to establish this Nation. I look forward to spending eternity with all who have served to preserve it. Until then, Fair Winds and Following Seas, Shipmate. You stand relieved. We have the Watch. J. Townsend AWC(AW/NAC) USN-Retired

[@tomedgar4375]

Thank you sir for honoring our fallen heroes.

[@chriswharton]

You good man.

[@jimtownsend7899]

@@tomedgar4375 Thank you.

[@jimtownsend7899]

@@chriswharton Thank you. I try.

[@rcdogmanduh4440]

Just don't rush it son, and thank you for your dedication. I experienced an internment of a family member last summer, humbling at the least and an honor to have been there!

[@gregggonsalves218]

Thank you, Mr Richard Ward. RIP, Sir. A Canadian say Thank you.

[@PaulusN-p3m]

For me, as a foreigner from the Netherlands, this is sending shivers down my spine! The honor which is paid to (deceased) servicemen and veterans is really impressive and moving. The country acknowledging what they did to defend freedom. My country could learn a big lesson from this attitude.

[@laurariggs9060]

The people of Margraten have faithfully attended the graves of American servicemen buried there for 80 years. This American thanks you for not your faithfulness in honoring the men who died liberating the Netherlands.

[@faceit4473]

RIP Sailor! You’ve done your job for Liberty.

[@maxsoon1097]

After so many years gone by, finally he made it home. Salutes

[@donnalindsay3731]

A True-Home at Last! God Bless! Thank you from a Grateful Nation, peace! Tears fell at the words”Stand down, we’ve got the watch”!

[@robdobson5056]

Still the greatest country on Earth with all its problems. Rest easy sailor. Thank you for your ultimate sacrifice.

[@daveinmilwaukee]

Absolutely 100 percent, Sir!

[@MichaelForte-jn5pn]

Absolutely correct

[@deniseeulert2503]

So true. I'm glad to live in a country where people try to sneak in rather than sneak out.

[@DanielKi199]

Our countries have issues, but by God I wouldn't want to live anywhere else in the world. God bless the United States.

[@markburton8680]

Both my parents served during WWII and are resting in peace at ANC. This video reminded me of their service and brought tears to my eyes.

[@beverlyreiner-baillargeon6205]

I felt the exact same way 😢😢😢

[@papasmurf5925]

I flat out cried. I'm a US Navy veteran and every time I hear Taps it brings tears to my eyes. God Bless All our active duty and veterans!

[@darrellsellers]

Me too what our parents do the the extend families of our country

[@timf2279]

He had his whole life ahead of him. However, he made the ultimate sacrifice so others may live theirs. May we never forget his sacrifice.

[@scottshanklin5533]

Huh with all due respect , we have forgotten what these heros have done . When you serve this GREAT COUNTRY you can't ever forget

[@timf2279]

@@scottshanklin5533 isn't that what I said?

[@jpwoelfling]

NO greater love has a person than they lay down their life for another. From this sailor, Fair Winds and Following Sea, Shipmate. With the gratitude of a mostly grateful nation.

[@d-rot]

Mostly? Cant leave politics out for even one second.

[@krautyvonlederhosen]

@@d-rot so you acknowledge that the left “mostly” has better things to do?

[@emmyg]

Thank you for your service

[@daveb6214]

Godspeed 🙏 🙏 Fair winds and following seas From the 🇬🇧

[@BMT-by5ve]

What makes America great is how it honors its veterans.

[@rmiller334]

Too bad so many veterans are dismissed and ignored by the system when they need it most.

[@jamesgollan8602]

like the way they treated the Vietnam Veterans?

[@Terry-hm4bs]

​@@jamesgollan8602 as a daughter of a Vietnam Combat Vet, I agree! Why don't they treat the living ones better?

[@jamesgollan8602]

or like how the Commander in Chief calls soldiers from US whom gave their all..losers and PoWs cowards

[@QnBrunhildis]

Our veterans are treated with respect when they die. They are mostly treated shamefully while alive. No veteran should ever be homeless, want for food, a job or the best health care. This Country could do so much better. Rest peacefully now Sailor.

[@rogue___tr00per24]

I am ex military, and from overseas. I have had the distinct honour of visiting Arlington Cemetery, the Iowa Jima monument was on my bucket list, along with the Vietnam Memorial Wall. I have always stated that if you want to see a country respect their fallen, you need to visit here. This ceremony once again exemplifies why this country is so great, and will always have my envy, and RESPECT !!

[@lovedadonald.]

Just another great example of the greatest generation. R.I.P. Sir.

[@63DW89A]

The way a MOH service should be conducted, with the highest military traditions, honors and precision. It warms my heart to see the traditional Navy "Crackerjack" uniform, worn and used with such elegant dignity. Respect to my Navy brethren. Active USMC, 1974-80.

[@mh53j]

They still do the rifle salute as it should be; I've seen it done in a very jerky fashion, the rifle not raised but just kind of tilted over when fired. It's hard to explain, but I'm sure you've seen it. It just looks wrong to me.

[@63DW89A]

@@mh53j Yes, I've seen the rifle salute you describe. I do not like it either, as it looks "sloppy", and not proper for the dignity required in a military funeral.

[@CombatVeteranUSNAVY]

Rest in peace Sailor. He gave his life to save his shipmates.

[@thedevilzeyez23]

I’m speechless every time I watch one of these. So proud to be an American.

[@jemsar2]

RIP Seaman Ward. Your sacrifice is beyond mere words. Thank you for your service above and beyond.

[@buckshot59]

You stand relieved, we have the watch Brother.

[@egosumhomovespertilionem]

This young American sailor sacrificed his life so that others among the USS Oklahoma crew might live. He was 20 years old. When he rose from his bunk on December 7, 1941, America was at peace. When he gave his life, America was at war and 2,000 Americans had been killed as a result of the Japanese sneak attack on Pearl Harbor, and almost 400,000 of his fellow Americans would die before that war was ended in Tokyo Bay four years later. Honor them; they are the reason Americans are free today.

[@wb3gxw]

My father and his brother are WWII veterans who are RIP at Arlington National Cemetery.

[@borugby]

May they Rest in Peace’

[@AnimalisMD]

❤

[@jeffadams9807]

RIP To ALL Veteran's Resting At ANC...

[@robertashby4903]

RIP Seaman Ward , Thank you for your service and sacrifice. Go Navy

[@erikguth4830]

My eyes are burning with the sting of salted tears. Such honor.

[@wilfredbruce5327]

Thank you for your ultimate service to your country. I am a Canadian ex military who has come to understand and respect for those who fought the good fight. You never failed but helped your country survive the tyranny of a global conflict, may it never happen again. All of you are not losers for you served your country with honor. Glory to your God and Country and now rest in peace. I salute you.

[@Martin.Wilson]

Out of the hundreds of thousands of sailors who have served with the US Navy, only 15 were awarded the CMH. RIP and our eternal thanks for your service, Seaman 1st Class James Richard Ward.

[@BMF6889]

My dad was a B-17 pilot during WW II. On his third mission on July 26, 1943, to the Hanover Rubber Works in Germany on his third mission, his B-17 was hit by flak and several of the crew were killed, including the Navigator. Communications were cut to the rear of the B-17, so it is unclear who had been killed at that time. The bombing run was successful but the B-17 was damaged and couldn't keep up with the formation on the return to England. My dad's B-17 was shot down by Senior Lieutenant Karl Decker flying a FW-190. How do I know? Because the Germans kept excellent records---the Americans not so much. Of the 10 crew, 5 survived by bailing out and 5 were killed. Decker was shot down and killed on July 30, 1943 by and unknown American P47 pilot. My dad and the 5 surviving crew spent the rest of the war as POWs. My dad was liberated in April 1945 by the advanced forces of Patton's Third Army and finally arrived home in the US at the end of August 1945. I served 21 years in the US Marine Corps as an infantry officer with 3 years in combat. Because I know how intense firefights are and the ultimate sacrifice everyone KIA in combat has given, the Purple Heart isn't enough for them. There needs to be more honor given to those who were killed when our government sent them into harm's way. I don't know what the right recognition should be. But if I were in charge, every KIA would get at least the Bronze Star for their sacrifice or create a new award like the Nation's Appreciation of Your Sacrifice award instead of just the Purple Heart. Personally, I think my dad deserved the Silver Star for completing his bomb run in a damaged plane with dead crew and getting at least 5 of the survivors out alive. BTW, my dad was badly wounded while doing this. Growing up on Air Force bases, I clearly remember my dad had to go to the base hospital every couple of years to have fragments from that air battle removed from his feet as they worked thir way down to the feet over the years. Over 50 years later, I still remember those Marines who were killed and wounded when I was a Marine platoon commander in Vietnam 1968-69. I don't remember all of their names because some of my replacements were killed or wounded the same day or a couple of days after they arrived. I had too many wounded to remember all of their names. But names or not, I remember them all. Our gutless government then surrendered to the North Vietnamese in April 1975 when as a Marine company commander I participated in the evacuation of Saigon. After more than 10 years of war and 68,000 US men and women killed, my country surrendered to a third world cesspool. Remember, we won WW II in less than 4 years. Let that sink in. I don't think the US should go to war without the Congressional commitment to win and then allow the military to win. Anything less is a waste of American lives.

[@mwduck]

How about a Distinguished Flying Cross for your father?

[@Ann-kw1pn]

God bless and keep Arlington and the US military for keeping honor, dignity, and the memory of this young man, among so many others alive.

[@kevinthorrington2131]

May a true hero Rest In Peace.

[@christopherjames6602]

From one Ohioan to another, thank you for your sacrifice, Sailor...Ohio will miss your legendary presence. Thank you Arlington National Cemtery, for giving our fellow Ohioan, the greatest privilege of letting him rest peacefully for all time.

[@Ezewright]

My best Navy friend was from Columbus. He’s still yelling at me from Heaven. I am a Missouri guy.

[@seanfinnerty3661]

Rest in peace Mr Ward. Your duty and service to your county and crewmates fulfilled.

[@anthonyharrison3343]

Thank you James, for your great sacrifice and outstanding bravery. Love to you and all the american people from here in the United Kingdom.

[@toyman9642]

Whenever I drive by the Cemetery at Springbank & Wonderland in London, Ontario, Canada, I always glance over at the rows of identical markers in the veterans' section and say a silent Thank You. All our military personnel active or retired, living or dead deserve our respect and thanks 365 days a year.

[@virginiaaubrey8633]

There's a US Army Silver Star awardee in the cemetery at Arva. First Lieutenant Joseph Marshall III.

[@scottpenland3576]

UK does great job with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission to recognize the sacrifice of it's vetereans. I've also seen some of the German WWII cemeteries on YT as well. Senseless sacrifice of nations youth and so grateful for the Allies who save the free world.

[@siltrpr]

There are no words, there is no ceremony, no awards or medals, that will truly give these individuals the honor and recognition they deserve for their sacrifice in the defense of this country and for all which it stands. While all those that made the ultimate sacrifice should be held in the highest regard, those that were honored by the Congress of this great country were not heroes in their minds, they just went far above and beyond what is expected of any person in their situations. May they all rest in peace and may they all be welcomed by Him with "Well done, good and faithful servant."

[@usnchief1339]

I have tears of pride for this hero...RIP Sailor

[@neillpeabody3379]

As a limey!! and a vet of 22 years America do s it,s vets. PROUD!! Welll done.wish we could say the same

[@lonestar5253]

Now that is respect. RIP.

[@alperdue2704]

Thank you to the Ward family for your loved ones faithful service.

[@ianchandley]

Such a beautiful ceremony. Now Seaman Ward’s family can have final closure and know that he is home.. My great uncle was awarded the MoH posthumously for his actions in the Pacific but his family was able to bring him home at war’s end.

[@donnaproctorbielski9910]

Thank you for your bravery

[@davidcreager1945]

So glad this took place AFTER the pandemic ! Beautiful ceremony !! God bless the US NAVY and it's Sailors !

[@pdxrooster2000]

Respect from a cold war army veteran..SIR!

[@snydedon9636]

Welcome home and rest in peace sailor. I appreciate you.

[@ronaldsmith6829]

Glad to hear this. This man deserved better treatment than he got. My uncle died on the Ommaney Bay in very similar circumstances. The ship was on fire and he made sure all the other officers were out of the ward room and up the stairs (gangway?) before him (this was verified numerous times by the men who served with him and was completely in character for Tom). The Flight Deck collapsed before he could escape. I am told his body was recovered and interred in Manila. My Grandmother never knew where her noble son was buried. These men deserve the utmost respect from us.

[@kristoffermangila]

If you want to know if your uncle is interred at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in Taguig City, may I suggest that to contact the American Battle Monuments Commission. If his body is not there, then his name is certainly in the Tablets of the Missing there.

[@j.e.g2321]

This should have happened years ago so he could have been bured by his bothers than and his parents could see this. God bless Mr ward and thank you for your service to this country. And all those who died on that day. Of course not to many people were I live care or think about it I was the only one with flags up.on December 7 😢😢😢😢

[@troublevince2142]

I have a family member who was on the Ommaney Bay when she sank.

[@jmdec20]

Our uncle was on the Ommaney Bay as well when it went down. No remains, on the Manila marker . some of those records of the ship were available in this past decade.

[@RickLowrance]

The American Cemetery in Manilla is amazingly beautiful.

[@marycoombe2436]

Attending family members being buried at Arlington I know firsthand how moving the ceremony is and how they honor those being laid to rest. Thank you military!

[@glennpetree8554]

Damn fine ceremony! The navy did it right. My respects to the family.

[@jettron1]

The CNO and MCPON were disgraceful. They were there laying to rest a hero from Pearl Harbor and they had nothing to say to the family of SN 1C Ward? They looked like they were moving through the chow line at boot camp, shake a hand and move to the next person. Pathetic.

[@josephweiss1559]

Thank You for Your Service

[@daveblackburn5393]

A grateful nation remembers. Thank you sir for your service. Thanks to all our service members and allies. Respectfully herr Dave blackburn.

[@charlesdavis9937]

RIP. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.

[@gregbuckenara8063]

Fair Winds and Following Seas Sailor. Your Duty Watch is Over. We have the Watch Now.Rest In Eternal Peace Shipmate. Bravo Zulu..

[@Gbluesman]

Thank you for your service for our country. God bless you Sir.

[@Not_So_Weird_in_Austin]

Thanks for posting this video.

[@Robertmacmedia]

Let’s never forget our service members and veterans thank you for serving our country your a hero 🙏Rip

[@TXMEDRGR]

I was at Arlington for a second time in October. Every American should visit the Arlington National Cemetery.

[@johnflo-grif2639]

Every TRUE American!

[@scruffynubbles4792]

Absolutely a beautiful ceremony!!!! God bless Mr. Ward n his family for sharing with us.

[@aking9999]

I admire the Americans for recognising the deceased service men and women after all these years, " They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them. They mingle not with their laughing comrades again; They sit no more at familiar tables of home; They have no lot in our labour of the day-time; They sleep beyond their country's foam.

[@JasonKahn]

I went to go visit my Grandpa Nick at Arlington, the people there treat you so wonderfully, they guide you to the grave allow you to mourn and be with your fallen loved ones, and keep the tourists generally at distance. Really a wonderful group of, Soldier, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Civilian personel doing their best to bring everyone comfort and honor the fallen. A huge thanks to all of them. And unyielding gratitude to all the men and woman who serve.

[@FredSmith-s5t]

Thank you for your service, sailor! RIP! OS1 S. P. M......,US Navy 1970-1993. GO NAVY!

[@chriswharton]

I’m an Australian and this moves me so much. You honour your fallen so well.

[@brianjansen6057]

Makes me cry. This is our countryman. We, the living thank you and the others for your sacrifice.

[@corinne5797]

D'accord avec vous respect à tous surtout ceux qui ont rougi la plage d'homaha pour mon pays la France et surtout pour que je vienne au monde en 1962 libre 🥰🪖😘🇨🇵🤩👌💐 que dieu bénisse l'Amérique 😇😜🏅 avec un grand merci 😊 à tous amitiés 😂🍀🕯️

[@THEPOTUS001]

Rip thank you to the sailor for his service

[@miked7745]

I'm glad i took the time to watch this in its entirety. Truly touching and puts into perspective the cost of our freedom.

[@toddpontious3709]

"Relieve the watch. Relieve the wheel and the look outs. All hands on deck." Fair winds and following seas Ship Mate. Thank you for your sacrifice Seaman 1st Class Ward. I salute you. Senior Chief Petty Officer Air Warfare Todd C. Pontious United States Navy, Retired

[@JoeNicks389]

Thank you James, sail on with fair winds and calm seas always at your back.

[@donmcallister3745]

Very emotional to watch. Thank You for your service, sir… Rest In Peace 💐🇺🇸🕊️

[@richardflick8021]

While I was stationed at the McChord Air Force Base in Tacoma Washington I was a member of Honor Guard funeral services. Whenever I watch one of these services my heart breaks. The selfless actions taken by these true heroes, goes to show just what this country was made from! I only hope that those that are in leader ship of this country, Never forget to honor the sacrifices these men and women and their families made for OUR Freedom! They are TRUE HEROES, NOT LOSERS!

[@robertladue7647]

God bless Medal of Honor Recipient Richard Ward. Thank you for your heroic service to the United States of America.

[@Shield.148]

Much respect to you Sailor!

[@davebooth5655]

Thank you for your service Sir, 🇬🇧🤝🇺🇸

[@wendyyip685]

May God be with all the family and friends of the fallen soldier

[@72floyd]

Godspeed sailor. How appropriate for not only CNO and MCPON to attend, but those two CMOH recipients. The younger one had the look of a SEAL. I as a Navy vet had the privilege of attending services for an Oklahoma sailor in Batavia Illinois. Very moving.

[@noneyabusiness4006]

He was a SEAL. He is Senior Chief Edward Byers Jr.

[@auldersaige6934]

Spot on. And the other MoH recipient here I'm sure is Colonel Harvey Barnum, USMC(Ret). I served with him at USCENTCOM during my first tour of duty, mid-1980s. Left a HUGE impression on this Sailor that lasted a lifetime. One of the finest, most dignified and ethical people I served with during my service. Rest in Peace S1C Ward. We have the watch. CWO3, USN(Ret), 1983-2008.

[@rolandmiller5456]

​@@noneyabusiness4006 Master Chief Byers.... Now retired.

[@mattdillion7646]

rest easy Sailor...we'll take the watch..

[@milliesboy666]

God bless you, good patriot. There is no greater love

[@LtDan-hr1pb]

My father, a 30 Army veteran, brought me and my brothers to ANC a few times, many years ago. Each time, educating us about ANC as we honored a service member that my father served with years prior. Now both my parents are here at ANC and now I share this honor with my family. Richard Ward's story is one more event of history of this great nation, that will never be forgotten.

[@kevindolson3485]

God Bless America.

[@usmc19761980]

I would hope every school aged child could visit this place once during their formative years.

[@davidphillips7321]

Thank You, Veteran's - Welcome Home !!! God Bless...Our Hero's...

[@soupnazi8061]

Rest in peace Sir,thank you for your service.

[@bluewinterwolf]

Rest in Peace and in Heaven, Seaman 1st Class James Richard Ward 😢 🫡 ❤

[@norabongiorno6197]

Greatest military in the world 🇺🇸

[@downunderrob]

That was very moving. Respect from Australia. 🇭🇲👏👏👏 Lest we Forget. 🇺🇲

[@dustysmoke4996]

What is the primary military cemetery in Australia? Many of the men resting at Arlington fought and died alongside your brave men, and those of New Zealand. May our countries always honor and protect freedom together.

[@melodysopinionfrannie4300]

⁠@@dustysmoke4996our main war cemetery is located in Canberra which is our nations capital.. it’s called the Australian War Memorial. Our national day of remembrance is April 25th it’s our ANZAC day in which we remember the 1915 Gallipoli landings as well as commemorating all Australians who have served and died in military operations. 💕🇦🇺💕🇺🇸

[@daveinmilwaukee]

I could not help but get a lump in the throat and a tear in the eye at the awesome beauty, dignity, and majesty of the well-earned ceremony for this great hero after 82 years, especially the precise movements of the honor guard, the chaplain's remarks, and the playing of the Navy Hymn and America, the Beautiful.

[@brustar5152]

Very respectful to see most if not all resent were members of the Navy, friends who served with him, family members and while one or more may have been present, they were not center stage or otherwise made obvious, POLITICIANS.

[@carolecarr5210]

Tears heavy watching this honorable funeral.

[@bunnymaurer5164]

Thank you for your service.

[@BenEberts]

Much respect Mr. Ward and may you rest in peace. Wonderful service. I would like to take a moment to remember all of the forgotten heroes that have sacrificed for the greater good.

[@m.hartyfool]

Beautiful! May God bless and keep you forever. Amen

[@RDARMORTANKERVET-]

Rest in peace. You earned it.🙏🏻🇺🇸

[@Thespiansewist]

This soldier for his part fought for our democracies against dictatorship In these times of great global war concerns may we be reminded democracy is a sacred thing that requires constant vigilance for all free men women & child Let’s not forget this fellow free people Love and respect from Australia

[@edwarddabal3587]

"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends" ~ John 15:13

[@RaulCartagena-n1l]

God bless our service man and woman

[@lucieleimbach]

I’m from Ohio. It was an honor watching the memorial. May God bless you and may you R.I.P. and that you for your service. 🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@jenniferarchdale5206]

RIP Richard Ward,Thankyou for your Service… You Are A Hero A Great Sacrifice You Gave For Your Countres Freedom…God Be With You…From One Forces to another, Brother & Sisters We Stand Together GB Veterans….

[@williamcap2236]

Thank You Sir. For you service and my freedom 🇺🇸

[@beverlyreiner-baillargeon6205]

What a beautiful service. It brought me back to when my 1st husband was laid to rest there. Thank you to all who are laid there and to all that work there. I thankyou for your service and sacrifice to this country 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸❤🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@AnimalisMD]

Go with God sailor. Thank you for your service!❤

[@mbossman2]

His Medal of Honor citation: For conspicuous devotion to duty, extraordinary courage and complete disregard of his life, above and beyond the call of duty, during the attack on the Fleet in Pearl Harbor by Japanese forces on 7 December 1941. When it was seen that the U.S.S. Oklahoma was going to capsize and the order was given to abandon ship, Ward remained in a turret holding a flashlight so the remainder of the turret crew could see to escape, thereby sacrificing his own life.

[@buddystewart2020]

Fair Winds and following seas Sailor, rest easy, we have the watch.

[@tltfaas]

My son's grandfather and great grandfather are laid to rest at Arlington. It is such an honor for them to be interred there.