Into Harms Way Bootleg

Over a year ago now, a film crew from The Documentary Group in New York joined us for our visit with Nick's parents after he returned from Afghanistan.  They were selected by the History Department at West Point and the Class of '67 to create a film based on the incredible military experiences of a few alumni.

My father-in-law, Nick Horn, was included in the film as a recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross for his heroic actions during a specific battle while leading troops in Vietnam.  Here is the citation, that you can hear my Nick reading in the film:

"The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) William Whitaker Horn (ASN: OF-111624), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Battery C, 1st Battalion, 8th Field Artillery, 25th Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Horn distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 15 April 1969 while serving as executive officer of two gun sections at Patrol Base Diamond. When the battery came under massive mortar and ground attack and communication land lines were severed, Lieutenant Horn left his bunker and raced through the deadly fusillade to supervise his howitzer crews. As the attacking communists pressed the perimeter defense, he rallied his men and directed their point-blank firing. In spite of the intense hostile barrages, he traversed one hundred fifty meters to the perimeter eighteen times to confer with forward observers and to radio information to his battery fire direction center. When a rocket-propelled grenade impacted upon an ammunition bunker, he fearlessly braved the hostile bombardment to extinguish the flames. He directed the firing of numerous beehive rounds which halted the enemy's advance within ten meters of the perimeter. First Lieutenant Horn's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 2283 (June 27, 1969)

Action Date: 15-Apr-69

Service: Army

Rank: First Lieutenant

Company: Battery C

Battalion: 1st Battalion

Regiment: 8th Field Artillery

Division: 25th Infantry Division"

This award is something you'll never hear him discuss, because that is the sort of man he is. When I stumbled across this information, there are not words to describe just how awestruck I became.  To say that his military example has left a profound impression on us is the understatement of the century.

I recently acquired a copy of the 90 minute film, which is now being shopped to different networks and film festivals.  The personal chronicles that are featured are so moving and presented in such a thought-provoking and artistic manner.  We are so honored to have been included in the project.

Emmy and I took it on ourselves to make a bootleg video of the parts that our family was in, but I will be sure to share any word about where to see the film in it's entirety because the stories of the others are not to be missed.  Please excuse the dogs barking and Emmy talking in this very rude version, it was the very best I could manage (after four previous attempts.) :-P

Here is a summary of the film that I found here:

"The West Point Class of 1967 arrived at the academy during the heady days of the early 1960s when it appeared that America was destined for a century of unrivaled success. Four years later, when the members of that class were graduated and commissioned as officers in the United States Army, the country was embroiled in a strange and unpopular war in Southeast Asia. The Class of 1967 paid a high price in that war, yet most stayed strong, bonding as brothers and as soldiers in a way that has endured through to the present. Using oral history interviews shot exclusively for West Point’s new Center for Oral History, Into Harm’s Way is a ninety-minute documentary, an honest and often painful look at the shadow that war continues to cast long after the guns have fallen silent, and at how this war in particular continues to occupy an unsettled place in the American psyche."