Navy Honors Marine from South Mississippi

This spring the United States Navy Ship (USNS) Lance Cpl. Roy M. Wheat will be deployed to the Western Pacific. This new ship in the Maritime Prepositioning Force will carry an expeditionary airfield, Navy construction battalion equipment, a 500-bed Navy fleet hospital, and seven pieces of Navy lighterage so that the ship can be off-loaded offshore. Though the mission and purpose of every ship defending the safety of America is important, this particular Navy vessel bares a special significance for South Mississippi.

In September of 1966 a young American named Roy M. Wheat from Jones County, Mississippi enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. The next and last year of his life is the stuff of legends and heroes. After his training he was assigned as a rifleman with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division in Vietnam. Over the next few months he suffered wounds to his head and thigh on separate occasions and received the Purple Heart. He returned to combat and was promoted to Lance Corporal. Roy was placed in charge of a team that helped U.S. troops move safely through the difficult jungle terrain by moving ahead to locate booby traps.

On August 8, 1967 Lance Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, Roy M. Wheat threw himself on a triggered mine, sacrificing his own life, but saving two other Marines. He was 20 years old. Wheat had already proven his devotion and bravery having returned to combat after two separate injuries and earning the Purple Heart. Still, his final act was to put the lives of his fellow Marines above his own. As a new generation of Americans go to war, this awesome story reminds us of the sacrifices that are being made for the sake of our freedom and the creation of a better world.

The legacy of Roy Wheat lives on in South Mississippi. He has already been honored in several ways here at home and now I am proud to say the United States Navy has named one of its ships in the Maritime Prepositioning Force after this brave Marine. Like its namesake, the USNS Lance Cpl. Roy M. Wheat will help prepare the way for larger forces of American men and women as they work to make freedom a reality for the oppressed people of the world. In today's high speed military this ship will serve to have Marine Corps equipment and supplies prepositioned in areas of the world where U.S. military and humanitarian assistance is most likely to be needed.

The mission of the USNS Lance Cpl. Roy M. Wheat is vital to the security of our own freedom as we seek to eliminate terrorism. It will also help in the effort to rid the world of cruel and oppressive governments that inhibit the freedom of people all over the world. As Lance Cpl. Roy M. Wheat was an American committed to his country and fellow Marines, so will now this ship have the same commitment to service while bearing his name and carrying on his memory. The Marines this ship will support will be assisted by the ingenuity of a great American Naval vessel and the spirit of a great American.

I am proud to represent the District that was home to Roy Wheat. The values he learned as a child here in South Mississippi were the foundation for the decisions he made as a young man. His loss was a tragedy for all who knew him. His sacrifice is the greatest a marine can make. Wheat is the only Medal of Honor recipient from Mississippi during the Vietnam War. He also received The Navy Commendation Medal, Purple Heart with one Gold Star, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, Vietnam Military Merit Medal, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

To learn more about this American hero from Jones County and the U.S. Navy ship named in his honor you can go to any online search engine and search for 'Roy M. Wheat.' Sites you will find include: www.geocities.com/Heartland/Meadows/4555 /RoyMWheat.htm, www.Virtualwall.org, www.msc.navy.mil, and www.pr.usm.edu. The McCain Library at USM in Hattiesburg has biographical information in their Roy M. Wheat Collection. I invite anyone who may be interested to explore these outlets. Valor is not uncommon in American history, but the story of Roy Wheat is truly exceptional.

 

© Magnolia Political Report 2002 • PO Box 24233 Jackson, Mississippi 39225 FAX 601.355.7885 • scoop@magnoliareport.com Josh Gregory, Editor