Honoring an American warrior.

Dr. James G. Roche, secretary of the Air Force

Remarks at the presentation of the Air Force Cross to the family of Tech. Sgt. John Chapman, Pope Air Force Base, N.C., Jan. 10, 2003

Family and friends, fellow members of our Air Force, colleagues from our sister services, distinguished visitors, ladies and gentlemen, good morning. It is my high honor to be here on this occasion.

We assemble this morning to honor a fallen comrade--an American airman whose life stands in the tradition of many patriots who have gone before. We gather to recount his bravery, to acknowledge his heroism, and to accept the obligation his sacrifice places on us. We hold this ceremony to recognize him for his lifetime of service, and for the tremendous sacrifice he and his family have made for our country. We come to Pope Air Force Base to present the Air Force Cross to Tech. Sgt. John Allan Chapman.

Some 2,400 years ago, not long after the Peloponnesian War had begun, the Greek statesman Pericles delivered his famous oration to commemorate those Athenians who had fallen in battle. However, he did more than eulogize the fallen heroes before their comrades and families and loved ones. By articulating the unique qualities of Athenian democracy, he celebrated a people tied together by bonds of mutual trust and energized by a shared desire for freedom. Clever, tolerant and fiercely independent, Athenians were both ruled and rulers, and those who died under her flag became a new ideal for the civilized world of a citizen warrior that inspired generations, from the Romans to our own founding fathers.

When Abraham Lincoln spoke at the cemetery in Gettysburg, more than two millennia later, he placed our own nation's values firmly in the context of that wider canvas of heroism without righteousness, of valor without vilification, of victory without triumphalism. He praised those who had fallen and called upon the living to fulfill the ideals of those who had made the ultimate sacrifice at that place.

As America was conceived in liberty, Americans have fought and died for those cherished values linking us to a transcendent heritage. From battlefields on our own continent to foreign shores where thousands gave their lives to defeat tyranny and liberate nations, Americans have answered the call to serve. In the present day--in this mission to defeat global terror--the traditions of service and sacrifice persist. Our citizens continue to dedicate their lives to defend this grand and timeless idea that is America. In this honorable tradition, John Chapman answered the call.

In just a few moments, you will hear the citation that recounts John's actions in combat March 4, 2002. To his comrades, John's personal bravery in the face of the enemy was emblematic of his warrior ethos; to his family, those actions were merely the latest in a lifetime of devotion to others. His conduct culminated in his selfless decision to place his own life in jeopardy to save a fellow warrior. Thus, by his sacrifice, we the living are called upon to adhere daily to the values of this country, to cherish freedom, to respect and to watch over each other, and to defend liberty and justice against any who would seek to remove them from us.

We've heard accounts of the life and death struggle that raged that day near the summit of a 10,000foot mountain in eastern Afghanistan. During the Battle of Roberts' Ridge--named for a Navy SEAL, Petty Officer 1st Class Neil Roberts--many courageous men went into harm's way--on the ground and in the air. John was part of Petty Officer Roberts' special operations team when it came under attack. As the pilots struggled to get out of the kill zone and gain control of their severely damaged helicopter, Neil Roberts was lost and the crew was forced to make an emergency landing. John and his teammates were obstinate in their refusal to leave their fallen comrade behind.

Despite the imminent danger presented by a well-armed and entrenched enemy, John and his comrades returned to attempt a rescue. Characteristic of this unit, their voluntarism was not merely a choice, but a self-imperative borne of a code of conduct thoroughly internalized. Back on top of the mountain, John's helicopter again took heavy enemy fire. Still, he raced to engage the enemy to help rescue his team member--his fallen comrade--giving his life in an attempt to save Neil Roberts, and, ultimately, saving the lives of his entire team. The words of Pericles apply:

"And they are surely to be esteemed the bravest spirits who, having the clearest sense both of the pains and the pleasure of life, do not on that account shrink from danger."

Thus, we should not limit our recognition of John to his heroism in combat; indeed, we can be comforted by the glory of those who are gone.

We remember him for the example he set in the way he lived his life. He was a devoted husband and father. He provided for his family and loved them with all his heart. He was consumed with serving his country and was committed to perfecting his warfighting skills. He deeply loved the heritage and spirit of the combat controller family--his comrades. He was a true professional and proudly wore the Air Force uniform for 17 years. For each of these qualities, we should admire his example, and we should emulate all the goodness of his life.

Tech. Sgt. John Chapman was an American's American. He personified the ideals we hope to find in all of our service members. Through his family and friends, and through the combat controllers who follow, his spirit lives on. With this decoration, the highest award our Air Force can bestow, we pay homage to his bravery, his selflessness and his enduring character.

We can say to the Chapman family, as Pericles did to the parents of the Athenian heroes, "They may be deemed fortunate who have gained their utmost honor, whether an honorable death like theirs, or an honorable sorrow like yours." To his comrades, the combat controllers, who have instinctively reached out to protect and care for Valerie and her daughters, I note that each of you can look at your comrades and now see, now feel, now understand and now can internalize the depth of meaning of the words Shakespeare attributed to Henry V at Agincourt: "We few, we happy few, we band of brothers."

On behalf of the U.S. Air Force and a grateful nation, we present this award as recognition of John's extraordinary heroism and as a symbol of our deep gratitude for his loyal service. Thank you, and may God bless America.