Private First-Class Carroll Gene Minshew, United States Marines, was honored and presented with the Quilt of Valor on February 26, 2023 at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, surrounded by family and friends. As the Marine Hymn was played, his grandsons and grand nephews led the service marching in with the American flag. After an opening prayer by Justin Turner, son-in-law, the Pledge of Allegiance was recited and America the Beautiful was sung, led by Leah Minshew Turner, his daughter.
Master Sergeant Terry Morris, retired Army/National Guard, made the presentation, giving an in depth, heartfelt history of Carroll Gene’s service while on active duty in Vietnam, 1966-1967, including heroic measures on the infamous Hill 881, where Carroll Gene led his troop out of harm’s way. As the troop came under intensive machine gun fire, Carroll Gene sustained wounds, which earned him two of his three Purple Hearts. He watched close friends lose their lives on the hill. They will never be forgotten. Master Sergeant Morris then thanked Carroll Gene for his service and presented him with the QOV certificate, at which time family members wrapped him with the Quilt of Valor, lovingly made by the Swamp Fox Quilters of Florence.
As Johnny Eller, soloist, sang “God Bless the USA”, family and friends took the opportunity to thank Carroll Gene for his service and sacrifices made to protect and defend the United States of America.