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Tomorrow, December 4th...
...it will be six years since Ross Andrew McGinnis violated his training. He was trained to give a warning and then leave the vehicle (a HMMWV where he was manning the ma deuce) when an explosive enters the truck. He gave a clear warning, alright, he just didn't leave the truck. He threw himself on the grenade saving the lives of his crew.
He joined the Army on his 17th birthday. He had wanted to be a soldier since kindergarten. He is one of the youngest servicemen to be awarded the Medal of Honor and, I believe, is the youngest serviceman buried at Arlington. I hope that record is never broken.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ross_A._McGinnis
From his Medal of Honor citation: "Private First Class McGinnis' extraordinary heroism and selflessness at the cost of his own life, above and beyond the call of duty, are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army."
He's the real deal.