I remember being the last man to see you alive. I remember you being
on the paddy dike one moment, disappearing the next. I remember
finding your body on the other side of the dike. I remember thinking
it was impossible you had died because I couldn't find the wound.
I remember at last finding the small but deadly wound and crying
out in grief. I remember the anger I felt. I can't forget. The nightmare
of that day still lingers on. Your death marked the end of my youth
and the start of my growing old. Semper Fi, Norm. May God lift you
up to His heavenly kingdom.
W.
Terry Leichner,
USMC India 3/5, combat infantryman
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Childhood
Friend
Casey
was an adventureous lad, and we had lots of good times together.
He was actually the first cousin of my first cousin, but we were
all playmates and school chums. We grew up in a rural area. I also
did a tour in Viet Nam, but I was able to return home and have a
family. I visit our local cemetery several times and I always make
a point to visit Casey's grave and check on the condition of the
site, as I prepare to leave I always give him the commrade's salute
for a job well done. Casey is missed in our circle of friends even
after all these years. Rest O' weary soldier, we will join you soon,
in the twinkling of an eye, we will breathe our last also and cross
the great river into a better land. Lead on Casey, my friend and
brother soldier, for you have gone before us and know the way.~Francis
Howard
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