“Adams and Amistad,” and “Airman Levitow’s Sacrifice,” This Day in History – Feb 24th

“Old Man Eloquent’s” Arguments for Amistad

Back in 1840, the U.S. Supreme Court listened to the opening arguments of former President John Quincy Adams who was known as, “Old Man Eloquent,” for his speaking/debating ability, as he presented the Amistad case against the African Slaves who were accused of mutiny.

History.com stated that, “Adams' skillful arguments convinced the court to rule in favor of returning the Africans to their native country, but later, President Tyler refused to allocate federal funds to send the Africans back to Africa. Instead, the abolitionists had to raise money to pay for the expense.”

Airman First Class Levitow receives Medal of Honor for Saving Fellow Soldiers 

Back in 1969, Airman First Class John L. Levitow saved his fellow soldiers by throwing himself on a North Vietnamese active mortar shell that landed on Douglas AC-47 gunship called, "Spooky."  This hero was able to move the shell across and off this vessel before it detonated and thus saved the lives of himself and his fellow soldiers.  

This quick thinking earned Mr. Levitow a medal of honor, which made him one of only five enlisted airmen to win the Medal of Honor for service in Vietnam. 

According to the U.S. Air force, “Levitow spent about two-and-a-half months in a hospital and was sent back to Vietnam for another tour of duty, and flew 20 more missions. He was returned to the United States to receive the Medal of Honor from President Nixon in ceremonies at the White House on Armed Forces Day, May 14, 1970. After receiving the Medal of Honor, Levitow was told by a member of the Air Staff that the only people to whom he was required to render a salute were Medal of Honor recipients who were of higher rank than himself -- all of them since he was the lowest-ranking one.”

Mr. Levitow died at the age of 55 due to cancer in 2000.

All History facts provided from the link below:

http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/quotgrey-tuesdayquot-brings-mashups-to-the-mainstream?catId=13