Full Idaho delegation involved in Binns MOH review
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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. |
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.