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Show TIm Sampler, July 11, IMS He '' fit by Lisa Simunaci A crowd was gathered in a small room to view a fellow worker being honored by the post commander. In the background two telephones ' ' can't Wait to be a sergeant major were ringing. Some observers were looking at each other, wondering if they should walk out during the presentation to answer them. Spec. 4 Glenn Wait, the command- ers driver, stepped out to answer them, eliminating disturbance. .the ' "He does a lot of little things that help make things run smoothly," said Com- mand Sgt. Maj. John Sharpe. "When he's escorting visitors and is supposed to pick NO TIME TO WAIT them up for breakfast at 7:30 a.m. he will arrive at - Spec. 4 Glen Wait salutes the Colon- 7:15 a.m. in case they want to eat early," said Sharpe. "If they forget or need anything from a toothbrush el as he prepares to drive him to the next destination. (U.S. Army Photo by Ruth Mecham) POWMIA's honored July 19 'Greater love hath no man but This story is printed to honor July 19, which has been designated National POWMIA Recognition Day. A small group of family and friends gathered at "Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia recently to witness the posthumous awarding of one of the military's highest decorations. In a ceremony conducted at his gravesite July 1, Lt. Col. William T. McDaniel re- to a pillow, Wait will get it for them. He has a knack for this type of work," noted ' Sharpe. "He has a cheerful ality and a lot of tact. We work him weekends and on his own time, he never complains. He has a mission first attitude that sometimes puts a strain on his family ' but they're supportive of him," said Sharpe. . "He's always on the run, doing things he doesn't have to do," said Lucille Fait, a secretary in the command, section. "I think it's just his nature, he goes that extra ' mile." , called upon. "I have to be 'gumby,' in this job. Plans change and I have to be flexible to do the job," said Wait. a man lay down his life for friends' this-t- hat had already been decorated. tary personnel heart for McDaniel. He proved he meant it by re- Army to reconsider. Once notified, the service had to reconstruct McDaniel's service records, which had been destroyed by fire in 1973. In receiving the distinguished service cross, McDaniel holds a unique place in military history. According to an official at the mili awarded such high decora-tioxis for actions as a prison- commending McDaniel for the medal of honor in 1951, shortly after his own suc- cessful escape. review mistakenly concluded the reAdministrative commendation was for heroism for which McDaniel Smith discovered the mistake in 1977, and asked the ceived the Distinguished Service Cross for heroism during the Korean conflict. . That heroism led to his death at the hands of the Korean forces some 35 years ' Offi- cial said, "I'm not aware of "The job I have now is an -- Wait "I've met important people and been a lot of interesting places. When I leave here, I'll be behind a desk ' again." a Wait has big goal of being a command sergeant ma"I have to have jor someday. I can make so that big goals said. he little goals," my for He recently ' That's not true. I just do my job." When Wait is not busy in - the command section, he's helping Capt. David Stod-"I dard, protocol officer. help him set up for visitors, three more years. "I enjoy there's a lot of planning in- being a soldier' he said. volved to make things run He's also working on a desmooth." gree in business "I keep pretty busy be re-enlist- D other decoration for that matter for actions as a POW. McDaniel's award is 1, 23801-600- - ARNEWS 0. '- ago. On July 20,1958, McDaniel was captured by the North Koreans. A month later, he became the senior officer of some 350 American prisoners being marched north. . His fellow prisoners were suffering from hunger,' wounds, brutality and disease. McDaniel repeatedly sought better treatment for his men, disregarding the consequences to himself. In addition, he sanctioned and materially aided any prisoners who planned to escape. In presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Helen J. Mahone, McDaniel's widow, Army Secretary John O. Marsh Jr., called the man a "dedicated leader" and a "great American sol- ' ' . - dier." He said, "Lt. Col. McDaniel is an example of the . hopes, ideals and inspirations that we wantvto instill in today's soldiers." Marsh summed up the story of McDaniel's nlife, by quoting a single Biblical verse: "Greater love hath no man but this that a man lay down his life for bis friends." That description fits McDaniel well according to fellow prisoner of war J. B. Smith. A captain at the time of his capture, Smith remembers what McDaniel did for the prisoners in his column. He remembers how McDaniel helped him and others escape, but refused to well-know- - leave himself.. "He had several opportun- ities to participate in successful escapes, but he refused to leave. He was the senior officer - the leader. He had to stay with his men. It was his loyalty and com, passion that had kept them going," Smith said. "He willingly sacrificed himself for the good of the prisoners remaining." As their leader, McDaniel encouraged each man to assist other soldiers who were falling out of line during marches because of sickness or exhaustion. That was important, Smith said, because breaking ranks Perhaps the most important key to McDaniel's courage and leadership during his captivity was his faith. "Religion was very impor-- . tant to all of us," Smiths aid. "We prayed every day. That's what kept us going. There wasnt an atheist in 1 : anyone would be shot instantly. Filfl)1 Wt Mr I II II JV I E"3 I in- teresting change from the usual admin work," said ed - any other Soldier, up until Vietnam, who has been awarded the cross - or any highly unusual." administrative specialist. Soldiers' are encouraged to submit ideas and suggestions for improving tools and minor items .of equipment to the Army's Tool Improvement Program Suggestions (TIPS). To submit a suggestion, either fill out SF 368, Qualon a ity Deficiency Report, or write the suggestion Comto send it and piece of paper labeled TIPS," mander, USAMC Materiel Readiness Support Activ(TIPS), Lexington, KY ity, ATTN; AMXMD-M40511-510or to Commander, U.S. Army Logistics (SMART), Fort Lee, VA Center, ATTN; ATCL-CS- T awards branch in Alexari- dria, VA., few soldiers are er of war. "In fact", the 1 -- and the sergeant major doesn't intimidate Wait. "I respect their positions but I also realize that they are just people with more rank and experience than I have. People think that in my position I'd have to be a brown-nose- r. tween the command section and protocol," said Wait. HI Lothar try. to help out4.11-Dr. -. JI. SOiomon, bciciiuim; uucwior and his secretary Lucille whenever I can." Wait is trained to be an TIPS wants tool ideas center's the group. Smith said he'll always have a special place in his .. Wait is considered key and essential. When something needs to be done, he's "I feel I have a lot of responsibility, I don't just drive. I keep my professional military bearing in mind, when I'm driving visitors I'm also representing a DPG enlisted soldier, I have to look good." Working with the colonel I v1pMvJ lrialln) h "n 1 II 1111111)111, I I . |