Full Idaho delegation involved in Binns MOH
review
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June 18, 2011 |
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Navy Cross
recipient Ricardo C. Binns, USMC,
retired, is getting long overdue
consideration for a medal many feel he
should have received 45 years ago, the
Congressional Medal of Honor. |
While the process is thus far quiet, the entire
Idaho Congressional delegation is involved in an
effort by a retired Marine Corps officer now
living in Florida to see that a retired Bonners
Ferry Marine, Ricardo C. Binns, receive the
recognition many feel he deserves for his
actions in a battle in Vietnam that took place
45 years ago this week.
On June 16, 1966, Binns was one of 16 Recon
Marines and two Navy Corpsmen on a remote hill
who held off what has been estimated as a
battalion of North Vietnamese regulars. Those on
the hill who survived, including Medal of Honor
recipient Jimmie E. Howard, gave high credit for
the bravery of Binns as enabling any to survive
at all.
For his actions, Lance Corporal Binns received
the nation's second highest award for valor in
combat, the Navy Cross.
Retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel Robert
Adelhelm studied the Battle of Hill 488 in
Officers Basic School, and came to learn more
about the battle in the years since. He became
convinced that the heroics Binns displayed in
that fight was the only reason any U.S. fighters
came down from that hill, and that he has long
been denied the honor he deserves for his
heroism.
Earlier this year, after gathering documents and
interviews gleaned over a period of years
supporting his position, Adelhelm approached
members of the Idaho Congressional Delegation to
sponsor his application to have Binns recognized
by upgrading his Navy Cross to the Congressional
Medal of Honor.
After running into a wall of silence,
newly-elected U.S. Congressman Raul Labrador
agreed to sponsor the application, submitting
the application to the U.S. Marine Corps for
review.
In addition to Adelhelm's recommendation,
Labrador recieved letters from eight people, one
a retired Navy Rear Admiral, David L. Harlow,
three from Marines who survived the battle, Ray
Hildreth, Tulsa, Oklahoma, Tom Powles,
Vacaville, California, and Charles Bosley,
Verona, Pennsylvania.
He also heard from some of the few people in
Boundary County who came to know Ric Binns and
the Battle of Hill 488.
"My wife and I have know Cpl. Rick Binns, USMC
Ret. for 20 years," wrote former neighbor Tom
Hollingsworth April 10, 2011. "He was awared the
Navy Cross in Vietnam, in spite of the fact that
he deserved the Medal of Honor. I made it a
point to call a Marine that was on the Hill with
Rick in Vietnam, Scott Allen Harris. Scott
Harris was uncomfortable with the injustice done
to Rick. Rick's comrades on the hill that night
saw a wounded Rick Binns, when the commanding
officer, Howard, was incapacitated, take control
of the battle. He brought them ammunition and
showed extreme courage under fire. Rick was
plagued with reminders of the battle and tried
for years to write his side of the story without
bringing disgrace to the Marine Corps or anyone
who wrongfully received an award. Recently, I
happened upon Lt. Col. RP Adelhelm's, USMC Ret.,
web site. He told the story like it was and even
provided additional information to which Rick
didn't have access. He asked for what appears to
me to be long overdue, the Medal of Honor
awarded to Rick Binns -- Rick Binns is a real
American hero! Let's get this injustice
corrected now."
David Wattenbarger, former county extension
agent, also wrote in support of Adelhelm's
effort.
"I realize the congressman has a full plate," he
wrote, "especially as a freshman legislator.
However, I feel this situation needs attention
and brought to a final conclusion."
John Tucker, a retired U.S. Army sergeant first
class and active member of American Legion Post
55, Bonners Ferry, wrote, "The reason for me
contacting you, Congressman, is for my friend,
Rick C. Binns. Rick was assigned as a scout team
leader, Company C, First Reconnaisance
Battalion, First Marine Division (Reinforced) in
Vietnam during the night of 15 June and the
morning of 16 June, 1966. Rick was involved in
the 'Hill 488' battle. I feel that this battle
should be investigated by your office. Any help
that you provide would be greatly appreciated."
Another neighbor, John Sater, formerly an
officer in the U.S. Army, wrote the Congressman.
"I am a neighbor of L/Cpl Rick Binns, USMC," he
wrote. "I have read his account of the battle in
Vietnam where he was awarded the Navy Cross. I
have also looked up information on the Internet
relative to the battle and the awards
information. It disturbs me to see that many
statements from combat members are blanked out
so we can't see their comments and
recommendations. As a former Army Infantry
officer, I find this disturbing. I hope you will
pursue this matter. It appears that L/Cpl Binns
may be overdue for a medal upgrade to the
Congressional Medal of Honor."
Another letter from a bit further away came from
David Erbstosser, a Korea and Vietnam-era
veteran and a military historian specializing in
the Medal of Honor.
"I have been acquainted with RC Binns, who
served with Marine Recon in Vietnam on June 16,
1966, on Hill 488," he wrote. "He reveived the
Navy Cross for his actions that day. I have read
his story and have been involved in my life with
many veterans, and know the difference between a
Navy Cross and a Medal of Honor. I am in full
support of RC Binns having his Navy Cross
upgraded to the Medal of Honor. I have met many
Medal of Honor recipients, and I know there is a
fine line between getting one of the Service
Crosses of the Medal of Honor. It would only be
proper to make this wrong right and push the
issue to see that he gets the Medal of Honor."
In response to News Bonners Ferry requests,
Labrador, who recently brought about and
presented posthumous lost medals to the family
of a World War II veteran, wrote a letter saying
that while privacy laws dictate he respond only
to Binns, gave assurance that he and his staff
will continue to work with the entire Idaho
delegation to bring the matter to an honorable
close.
Senator Jim Risch, who presented several medals
to a Navy veteran of Operation Desert Storm in
Boise on Friday after that veteran asked for
help in obtaining the National Defense Service
Medal he'd been awarded, only to learn that the
veteran was entitled to six other medals he
didn't know about, likewise assured his support
in the effort to have Binns receive fair
consideration for recognition long overdue.
Similar assurances have been received from
Senators Mike Crapo and Mike Simpson as well.
While there is no word as yet, Adelhelm's
application on behalf of Rick Binns is at USMC
Headquarters, where a decision is expected to be
made sometime this month. If the recommendation
is for approval, the recommendation goes to
Congress for additional consideration. |
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