The Gantry Launchpad

Was cruising through some Usenet groups a few minutes ago, when I found this:

Legendary Navy diver Brashear dies

He made history as the first African American US Navy Master Diver.

Tuesday afternoon, 75-year-old Carl Brashear died at Naval Medical Center
Portsmouth,

His story was told in the 2000 film "Men of Honor," and he was portrayed by
actor Cuba Gooding, Jr.

Brashear joined the United States Navy in 1948 at the age of 17. He became
the only amputee deep-sea diver to reach the status of Master Diver and was
the only black man to ever become Master Diver of the United States Navy, a
position he held from 1975 to 1977, according to the Navy.

He retired as a Boatswains Mate Master Chief.

Naval hospital officials said Brashear died at 2:45 p.m. of respiratory and
heart failure.

His Marine Corps helicopter pilot son, Phillip, was home from Iraq on
emergency leave and was at his father's side.

"Carl Brashear was a man of integrity. He was well-loved and admired by the
hospital staff," said NMCP Commander Rear Adm. Thomas Cullison. "It was an
honor to provide the care for this American hero. Our thoughts and prayers
are with his family members."

UPDATE: Captain Ed includes his farewell, and some thoughts about Brashear's grit and determination.

GayPatriotWest cites Pat Buchanan's latest idiot remark, and makes a strong case that the Patster shouldn't be considered a conservative any more.

Good stuff. Go read it.

I've been remiss in linking to John of Arrgghhh!!!'s mission to Mexico: to help lead a mossbacked old WW2 veteran return home.

You can first read about the series of fortuitious events which led to the Imperial Armorer's departure.

If that floats your boat (or destroyer, whatever), follow up in the DD 574 USS John Rogers BAM C�itlahuac archives.

This is the kind of magnificent history I could follow all day. The bits and pieces, "fill in the cracks" details and diverse human elements which comprise all true history.