Where I Stand — Mike O’Callaghan: Two men of distinction

Sunday, April 4, 1999 | 9:37 a.m.

THE UNIVERSITY AND Community College System of Nevada has chosen several outstanding men and women to honor over the years. This year is no exception, and we will have stories on all of the recipients from Southern Nevada during the coming months.

Sometimes we don't know much about the people honored in Northern Nevada. This year a good friend is among them and his story should be known to Nevadans of all ages. During the past year, the saga of World War II has caught the attention of Americans with movies like "Saving Private Ryan." The story of Nevada's Jack Streeter is every bit as exciting.

Jack, a native of Ely, like millions of Americans, went away to war and upon returning carved out a place in society with hard work and participation in helping others less fortunate. The former amateur boxing champion and UNR graduate came home and later graduated from law school.

After being elected and serving four years as Washoe County district attorney he went on to become a distinguished attorney in private practice. After more than four decades of community and state activities he continues, at the age of 75, to practice law.

When the supernuclear submarine USS Nevada was to be commissioned in 1986, it was Jack who made certain the sub's two crews were provided special rings. The battleship USS Nevada distinguished itself during WWII and its records and silverware were presented to the submarine captain by a large group of Nevadans led by Streeter and our congressional delegation.

During WWII it was Lt. Jack Streeter of the "Big Red One" First Infantry Division who distinguished himself as a combat leader after landing on Omaha Beach on D-Day, June 6, 1944. During the next year, he fought in some of the heaviest combat and earned a second bar as a captain. During this time he earned five Silver Stars, three Bronze Stars and five Purple Hearts, plus being decorated by both France and Belgium.

Now let the Army tell one story about this Distinguished Nevadan.

"This citation accompanies his 2nd Silver Star Medal from Headquarters, First Infantry Division, Spring, 1945:

"While attempting to make a breakthrough of the Siegfried Line near the town of Hamschied, Germany, on Feb. 2, 1945, at about 6 a.m., Capt. (then 1st Lt.,) Jack Streeter was in command of the leading assault unit. Upon reaching the Dragon's Teeth, the unit was pinned down by the fire from three separate machine gun nests, and Capt. Streeter calmly and immediately surveyed the situation and realized that when dawn broke the unit would be annihilated, and decided to risk his own life in an effort to save those of his men. He advanced alone through a treacherous minefield and into the murderous fire of the German guns and exploding hand grenades to wipe out one of the machine gun nests, killing the three German soldiers therein.

"He then placed himself in an exposed crouching position and started firing his M1 rifle from the hip into the two remaining machine gun nests, and by his so doing attracted to himself the fire that had been previously placed on his men. While Capt. Streeter stood alone in the deadly hail of bullets that luckily missed him by inches, his unit advanced to a position of safety. Capt. Streeter stood his ground and fired two bandoliers of ammunition while the bullets plowed the snow at his very feet, and two of them tearing holes in his field jacket. He then zigzagged across the open field to rejoin his unit and to lead them in a brilliant attack on the German pillboxes. This act of supreme sacrifice and utter disregard for his own personal safety won Capt. Streeter the undying regard and complete respect of his men and reflects the highest ideals of military service."

Before leaving the subject of special people, let me mention the coming retirement of Sen. John Chafee, a Republican from Rhode Island. All of America will feel the loss of this man who fought as a Marine from Guadalcanal on through the Pacific during World War II. Six years later, he was leading D Company, 7th Marines, First Marine Division in the hot and sweaty summers and bitter cold winters of Korea.

In addition to his outstanding combat record, Chafee has also served Rhode Island and our nation well as a state legislator, governor and four terms as a U.S. senator. He has earned the respect of all who know him and as Sen. Harry Reid says, Chafee represents what is good in our country. Author James Brady in his book "The Coldest War" saw Chafee as a true and modest hero. Brady was a platoon leader under Capt. Chafee in Korea.

The Silver State is honoring Jack Streeter as a distinguished Nevadan. I have to believe that Rhode Island has an equal high honor for John Chafee. The citizens of both states are most fortunate to have been honored by having these men as part of their history.