Courage in Conflict: What it Means to be a Hero

Highly decorated military veterans Allen Lynch, Jason Redman, and Ryan Ahern share their experiences in combat and beyond in this incisive panel discussion on what it means to be a hero. Presented in partnership with the Chicago Public Library's One Book, One Chicago program.

Military service creates some of the clearest paths to achieving heroic status. But how does the public image of medals, ribbons and parades fit with our heroes’ experiences and emotions?

The Museum & Library presents—in partnership with One Book, One Chicago—an exploration of what it really means to be a war hero.

ALLEN J. LYNCH is a Chicago native, a veteran of the United States Army, and a recipient of the Medal of Honor for combat actions in the Vietnam War. On December 15, 1967, Lynch and the rest of his platoon were on their way back for a well-deserved rest when they were called in to support another company that had been outnumbered by an enemy force. Under intense fire, Lynch carried three wounded soldiers to safety, and single-handedly defended them against the advancing enemy force for several hours. His quick-thinking and disregard for his own safety were vital in saving those lives, but his fight on behalf of his fellow soldiers did not end on the battlefield. After leaving active duty, Lynch worked for several years in the Veterans Administration, advocating for increased benefits for disabled veterans, and served most recently as chief of the Veterans Rights Bureau for the Illinois Attorney General's Office. Now retired, he continues that commitment as president and founder of the Allen J. Lynch Medal of Honor Veterans Foundation.

JASON REDMAN is a former lieutenant who spent 11 years as an enlisted Navy SEAL, and four more as an officer. After being severely wounded in Iraq while acting as Assault Force Commander, Redman gained national attention during the intense recovery period that followed when he posted a sign on his door at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, warning all who entered not to "feel sorry for [his] wounds." His sign became both a statement and a symbol for wounded warriors everywhere. For his bravery in battle, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor, the Purple Heart, the Navy Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy Achievement Medal (five awards), and the Combat Action Ribbon (two awards). Redman eventually returned to active duty with the Navy SEALs, retiring in 2013. He is author of The Trident: The Forging and Reforging of a Navy SEAL Leader and the founder of a non-profit corporation called Wounded Wear, which provides clothing tailored for wounded warriors.

RYAN AHERN is an Army Special Forces Green Beret and officer in the Illinois Army National Guard who was awarded the Silver Star — the United States' third highest award for valor — for helping to save the lives of injured soldiers in Afghanistan in December 2009 while protecting a French military unit. Ahern also received two Purple Hearts for separate incidents in Afghanistan, along with the Croix de la Valeur Militaire from the French government. A resident of Glen Ellyn, Illinois and a graduate of the University of Illinois Chicago with a doctorate in Electrical Engineering, Ahern works as a laser physicist in his civilian career.

Kenneth Clarke, President & CEO of the Pritzker Military Museum & Library, is the host and moderator of this discussion.