In 1941, Sergeant Ward, of the Royal Air Force, climbed out on the wing of his Wellington bomber. At 13,000 feet, he had only a rope tied to his waist. He smothered the starboard-engine fire and returned to the aircraft cabin.
When Winston Churchill summoned Ward to No. 10 Downing Street, the low-ranking flyer was dumbstruck before the prime minister.
“You must feel humble and awkward in my presence,” Churchill said to the young man.
“Yes, sir,” Sergeant Ward mumbled.
Churchill said, “Then you can imagine how I feel in yours.”
This is Howard Butt Jr. of Laity Lodge. Churchill was great for what he rose to, and for what he bowed to—the nobility of courage. True nobility knows no rank in the high calling of our daily work.
Gird your sword upon your side, O mighty one; clothe yourself with splendor and majesty. In your majesty ride forth victoriously in behalf of truth, humility and righteousness; let your right hand display awesome deeds.
