Private Ross McGinnis
By AUSTIN BOGUES
Published: June 2, 2008
WASHINGTON - President Bush awarded the military’s highest honor to a 19-year-old soldier who was killed in Iraq after falling on a grenade to save his fellow soldiers.
At a White House ceremony on Monday, Mr. Bush presented the award to Romayne and Tom McGinnis, the parents of the soldier, Pfc. Ross A. McGinnis of the Army.
Private McGinnis, of Knox, Pa., was killed in a Baghdad neighborhood on Dec. 4, 2006 when a grenade was thrown into the gunner’s hatch of the Humvee in which he was riding. Mr. Bush noted that Private McGinnis had enough time to jump out and save himself but instead dropped into the hatch and covered the grenade with his own body, absorbing the fragments. He was killed instantly. All four crew members were saved.
“When Ross McGinnis was in kindergarten, the teacher asked him to draw a picture of what he wanted to be when he grew up,” Mr. Bush said. “He drew a soldier. Four men are alive because this soldier embodied our Army values and gave his life."
Also in attendance at the ceremony were Vice President Dick Cheney and other military officials. Private McGinnis was posthumously promoted to specialist. He also received the Bronze Star and Silver Star. On Tuesday, Private McGinnis will be inducted into the Pentagon Hall of Heroes. A newly engraved headstone will be unveiled in a ceremony Wednesday at Arlington National Cemetery.
Mr. Bush said that people remembered Private McGinnis for his sense of humor. The President also added that Private McGinnis was known for being a regular guy who enjoyed basketball and working on cars.
“In high school and in the Army, Ross became known for his ability to do impersonations,” Mr. Bush said. “A buddy from boot camp said that Ross was the only man there who could make the drill sergeant laugh.”
According to the Web site of the United States Army, the Medal of Honor was first authorized in 1861 for sailors and marines and the next year for soldiers as well. Nearly 3,500 have been awarded.
just for today, regardless of our opinions or what side we take, i thought we could take a moment and remember that there are real people, fighting a real war, yet still willing to give everything of themselves for someone else. every once in a while the human race does manage to surprise me. Private McGinnis has done a wonderful job of renewing my faith in us. for today.