Where Do We Get Such Men?
In memory of SW2 Robert Dean Stethem, United States Navy Seabee diver, murdered on 15 Jun 1985 by Hezbollah terrorists during the hijacking of the commercial airliner he was aboard… Rest In Peace my Brother
“Where do we get such men?” ~ James A. Michener “The Bridges at Toko-Ri”
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US NAVY UNDERSEA MUSEUM
“Today we honor the courage and ultimate sacrifice of Navy Seabee diver Robert Stethem. On this day in 1985, Hezbollah terrorists hijacked TWA Flight 847 and singled out 23-year-old Stethem for being a U.S. Navy Sailor. Stethem was beaten and tortured for 24 hours after he refused to denounce the United States. The terrorists then shot him and pushed his body onto the tarmac.
Five other Seabee divers on the flight — Stuart Dahl, Tony Watson, Jeffrey Ingalls, Kenneth Bowen, and Clinton Lee Suggs — endured brutal treatment by the terrorists for 17 days.
Stethem was posthumously promoted to Master Chief Constructionman, awarded a Purple Heart and Bronze Star, and was the namesake for an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer commissioned in 1995. In 2015, then-Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus also presented POW Medals to Stethem’s family and five other Seabee divers held captive.”
I remember well when this happened I’m 73 now veteran MM3, it sickening me then when I saw it on TV and it sickens me to this day God rest his soul.⚓️🇺🇸
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Respect. To endure this pain and agony that ended in tragedy, and still have the stamina to NEVER give in.
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I don’t think I could say anything or even have the words to give my gratitude to the sailors and fine men who they were and brave as they were. All I can say is God bless you all rest in peace thank you for the service to your country and your bravery.
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Chief your pics are not coming through.Regards,Booth
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