Dying for Life
A boy she loved lacked ambition
though she quarreled not with his smarts.
He set simple goals of the human condition,
Seeking peace in all human hearts.
When called to serve the nation
He trained true to his core
Choosing life over rank or station
As medic in a time of war.
Six weeks after the first shock
Of mud, blood, bugs, and heat
He responded to every “Hey doc”
Until his turn under the shrouding sheet.
They sang him to heaven, weeping.
They praised him for each saved life
They gathered his letters for safekeeping
And learned then of his son
And his wife.
Letter from his commanding officer, Ralph Gradozzi:
He was my corpsman. my friend. You'll always be a part of my life.Mike I knew for a very short time and I shamefully admit I had forgotten your last name until this moment. I'm at the Waltham Public Library searching for names on the wall for an elementary class trip to Washington and the 'Wall'. I want the visit to be touching and personal so I'm making dog tags for all 53 kids and 14 adults.While I was searching I thought I'd try Louisiana and.there you were. I want you to now that at the time of your death there was nothing any one of us could do to save you. You were revered and respected as we sang "The Lord is My Sheperd." We sat over your spirit until the next morning when the medivac arrived. What was so very ironic about it all was the helplessness we felt not being able to help you. knowing that the one person there to save us from harm was in fact harmed and taken from us. During the medivac I received a purple heart as a result of a barrage of mortar fire while we lifted you onto the waiting Jeep. It was nothing compared to your own personal sacrifice.The only redeeming piece of it all is knowing that somewhere there is a son of yours that I'm sure walks with his head held high.much like you. I wish you well in the spirit world and hope to see you again. I wish your family good love, good life.precious. Next to his rifle a marine respects and values his corpsman.thanks for your brief friendship and life long memories.L/CPL. Ralph Gradozzi USMC Monday, May 07, 2001 (End of letter)
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poignant read, touching tribute
NEVER STOP WRITING
m
You must write in post poems more often.
I recall looking for a Marine pilot and former college classmate from my hometown who I drove sometimes back-and-forth between college and home, Paul Derby. I couldn't find his name on the wall as though he were missed. Finally, I found a webpage dedicated to him on the Internet and knew that the family that he left was making sure that he was remembered well.
Ron
Cheers,
Dan