I hope you had a wonderful holiday weekend, celebrating our independence from Britain. Filled with family and friends, BBQ & fireworks, we still remember the freedom we have. Through blood, sweat, and tears, we all still do our part today to give the same liberties to our children tomorrow.

The Department of Defense honored Marine Corps Private First Class (PFC) Harold C. Agerholm in a "Medal of Honor Monday" feature. Agerholm, born on January 29, 1925, in Racine, Wisconsin, was one of six children raised by his mother after his father's death. He joined the Marine Corps Reserve in July 1942, following a brief stint as a multigraph operator.

Agerholm's bravery was highlighted during the Battle of Saipan in 1944. On July 7, he single-handedly evacuated approximately 45 casualties under intense enemy fire using an abandoned ambulance jeep. This heroic act was performed despite the risk to his own life. Agerholm was mortally wounded by a Japanese sniper while attempting to aid two other marines.

His actions earned him the Medal of Honor, which was posthumously awarded. Agerholm was initially buried in Saipan but was later repatriated and interred in Mound Cemetery, Racine, in 1947.

Russia launched a devastating attack on Ukraine's largest children's hospital, located in Kyiv. The attack, which occurred amidst a series of widespread Russian strikes across Ukraine, has caused significant damage to the facility, which is known for its pediatric care. Ukrainian President Zelensky confirmed the incident, stating that the hospital was among the targets in the latest large-scale missile attack.

The attack has drawn international condemnation, with many expressing outrage over the targeting of a hospital, particularly one that treats children. The incident has further escalated tensions between Russia and Ukraine, as well as drawing attention to the ongoing conflict and its devastating impact on civilians.

The international community has called for an immediate ceasefire and a peaceful return to negotiations to resolve the dispute.

The U.S. Air Force has unveiled a strategic plan to enhance its tactical aircraft presence in Japan, aiming to bolster regional deterrence and readiness. The initiative involves replacing 48 F-15C/Ds stationed at Kadena Air Base with 36 F-15EXs and swapping 36 F-16s at Misawa Air Base with 48 F-35As.

This deployment of advanced fighter jets is part of a broader $10 billion effort to modernize the Air Force's regional capabilities. Additionally, the Marine Corps is planning adjustments to its F-35B units in Japan, although specific details have yet to be disclosed.

This move is seen as a significant step in enhancing the U.S.'s defensive posture in the Asia-Pacific, aligning with broader strategic goals of maintaining regional stability and security.

On July 8, 1918

Ernest Hemingway, an 18-year-old ambulance driver for the American Red Cross, was severely injured while serving on the Italian front during World War I.

The incident occurred at night when an Austrian mortar shell exploded near Hemingway, who was distributing chocolate to Italian soldiers. The blast knocked him unconscious and inflicted multiple shrapnel wounds on his legs, thighs, scalp, and hand.

Two Italian soldiers standing between Hemingway and the point of impact were killed instantly, while another lost both his legs and died shortly after. Hemingway's bravery was recognized when he received the Italian Silver Medal of Valor for carrying a wounded soldier to safety despite his injuries.

This experience inspired his famous novel, "A Farewell to Arms."

Thank you again for being an active reader of Tip of the Spear. We wish you a blessed week as we move toward mid-July. Keep your powder dry.

Semper Fi,