Gaming’s Greatest American Heroes: A Tribute to Sam Gibbons

Last week saw the sobering death of Sam Gibbons; D-Day veteran, Congressman and ‘true American hero.' His remarkable 92 year life encompasses a prolific career in Congress, from which he retired in 1996 having never suffered elective defeat. A bastion of free trade, Gibbons did not neglect his grandmother's mantra, reiterated ad nauseum until the poor bastard fervently wished to punch his own ears in the face while the country was in the throes of the Depression: "Keep ever mindful of the needs of others."

His service to the U.S is also plain in his stint as second lieutenant in the 101st Airborne Division. Gibbons parachuted behind enemy lines on the eve of the assault on Normandy, and his antics (we'll concede, not the operative term for this blood-bleeding conflict) procured him a Bronze Star. As the Tampa Bay Times reports, Tom Brokaw cites Sam as 'a seminal inspiration' for his tome The Greatest Generation, pertaining to the veterans of World War II.

As a salutation to this 'quintessential American,' hit the gallery for a fleeting foray into gaming icons that retain the spirit of Yank-ery ass-spankery. Because, on occasion, national heroes must propel imaginary projectiles into the hairy mansack of a feral ginger beast-man. Bonus kudos for shrieking SONIC BOOM like a mad, mad bastard and giving them the finger whilst doing so.

Sources: The Tampa Bay Times, The New York Times.