Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Tucker
The Ruptured Duck
Several years ago (when Dad was still alive) I was looking through his World War II citations and decorations as he explained what each one represented. I respectfully picked up the Bronze Star which was still nestled in its original box. He had previously told me that a total of 400 infantrymen were to secure the village of Morhausen, Germany. Unfortunately, the other company of 200 that was to enter from the opposite side never made their objective. The village was full of Hitler’s SS troopers. Out of the 200 U.S. soldiers engaged in this horrific battle, 183 were either killed or wounded. My dad was never wounded in the war. After telling me this detailed incident of earning his Bronze Star, he walked out of the room and bawled like a baby.
My brother and I were very proud of our father’s military heroics. I appreciate the booklet Randy wrote entitled, “Step by Step in Patton’s Third Army,” which was Dad’s personal account of his service during World War II. While writing this column, I fought back tears as I fingered through all his military insignia, and studied the U.S. Army Combat Infantryman Badge in my hands. This was awarded to Dad for performing duties under fire and engaging in active ground combat in the 90th Infantry Division. I can still hear Dad explain, “Nobody got one of these unless he’d fought on the front lines.”
“Carry on” is a military command that means to continue with what you were doing. It describes someone who continues with his/her assignment despite difficulties. I think Christ followers should adopt this terminology as well. No matter what is going on in the family, at work, church, our Nation, or the world, we must persevere in the face of obstacles. God will reward us for carrying on and being faithful. When my dad died, I was heartbroken and took it very hard. During that season of sorrow, I was reminded of his two beautiful Army pins that read “Carry On.” Those two little words encouraged me to pull myself up by my bootstraps and carry on with life. Of course, I couldn’t have done that without God’s strength and grace. “If my heart is broken, I’ll find God right there; if I’m kicked in the gut, He’ll help me catch my breath” (Psalm 34:18 MSG.)
Dad’s Honorable Discharge pin displays our national eagle inside a wreath. A lot of the service men, including my dad, referred to it as the Ruptured Duck. Many WWII vets wore this pin on their civilian lapels for years after the war’s end as proof of their service. While writing this column, I also found a piece of “sweetheart jewelry.” Mom wore a smaller and delicate USA Army Staff Sergeant pin to show that her young 21-year-old husband was currently in the military (1944 to 1946.) This was considered a fashionable and personal way to support the war effort during that era.
I love, appreciate, and honor our U.S. military heroes. When I salute our United States flag, I proudly think of all our past and current brave men and women who put their lives on the line for our freedom. They deserve our deepest gratitude and utmost support. They carry on, no matter what. Retreat or surrender was simply not in General Patton’s vocabulary. When life turns into a hot battle, the enemy (Satan) will try to convince you to wave a white flag. Don’t do it — just carry on! “If your faith remains strong, even while surrounded by life’s difficulties, you will continue to experience the untold blessings of God! True happiness comes as you pass the test with faith, and receive the victorious crown of life promised to every lover of God! (James 1:12 TPT.)
The Key: If you want that Ruptured Duck (crown of life), you gotta “carry on.“