This is an extraordinary loss to the people of America. Strom Thurmond was a great man and a great Senator representing the people of South Carolina for almost 50 years. Despite your views on his political platform, you must respect the man and how much he dedicated for his country. He was a public servant his entire life, from county school superintendent, to governor, to the longest-serving Senator in American history.
He was a great soldier, being awarded five Battle Stars and eighteen decorations, medals and honors for his service in World War II. They include the Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, Belgian Order of the Crown and French Croix de Guerre.
Despite being exempt from the Draft, he enlisted anyway. He landed on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day, flying past the front lines in order to prevent German reinforcements from reaching the area. Before the end of the war, he helped liberate Paris, fought in the Battle of the Bulge, and helped fight into Germany.
J. Strom Thurmond was a great American and every American should be mourning over this great loss. Please hold his family in your thoughts and prayers.
