To honor a fallen hero Published Oct. 28, 2008 By Master Sgt. Ross Wood 301st Fighter Wing Fort Worth, TEXAS -- On October 26, two members of the 301st Honor Guard prepared to honor a fallen hero and medal of honor recipient. Quietly they went about their business setting up the bugle, preparing the wreath and walking through the rehearsal that would play out at 1100 hours sharp. No grand overture was required for this simple, dignified ceremony to honor one of Fort Worth's own. Simply put, it was the right thing to do regardless if anyone was there to take notice of the event. Major Horace Carswell, Jr. gave his life in the service of our country off the coast of China on October 26th, 1944. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions and the former Carswell Air Force Base (now Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas) was named for him. Sixty-four years later his remains sit in Oakwood Cemetery next to his parents overlooking the skyline of Fort Worth ... all but forgotten. Our nation survived the ravages of WWII because of men and women like Major Carswell, people of the "Greatest Generation" that were willing to go the distance and make the ultimate sacrifice. Today we are embroiled in a different conflict that has produced yet another great generation of volunteers. While we must continue to honor the sacrifices of today's generation we must never forget those who paved the way in past conflicts. Sunday those two members from the 301st Honor Guard were honored and privileged to have an opportunity to make the connection between the past and the present ... service before self forms the continuity from one generation to the next.