James Doohan - Montgomery Scott
1920 - 2005
Tribute
War Heros
Hear His Voice
Star Trek Site
Ashes going to Space
Memorial Gathering, Canada
Memorial Gathering, Scotland
When I was little we watched the first moon landings in school. I was fascinated. I totally grokked that this man would explode and DIE if his suit got a hole in it.
I went on to find Robert Heinlein books at the library. I really wanted to be a pioneer, a terra-former on a new planet. Barring that being an astronaut was my second choice.
Then came Star Trek. I wanted IN! I would even be a red shirt! I really wanted to be the botanist. They really needed one!
So today I want to say,"You've done a fine job, Mr. Scott, in showing two generations that being an engineer can be exciting, challenging and rewarding. Many inventions in the past 10 years and in the future will be because you led the way to making the impossible happen. May every science and engineering student hold you as the finest example of their craft. I salute you."
"Mr. Doohan was also a soldier involved in D-Day in 1945, surviving treacherous seas and invading enemy territory. "I got hit by a machine gun, and received four (bullets) in the left knee, and three hit that one finger--and they eventually took it off--" He showed his right hand, missing the middle finger. "--and one hit a sterling silver cigarette case that my brother had given me for being best man at his wedding. And I still have that at home, with the dent in it." He added that he took most of the dent out and continued using that cigarette case until 24 years ago when he quit smoking."
posted by Valerie - Still Riding Forward @ 6:36 PM
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