To all who have responded to this thread, thank you so much for the kind words recognizing the sacrifice and valiant service of my 3/5 Brothers. We will never forget them - they live forever in our memories, shining in youth and Valor.
Many of you who have responded to this thread are fellow Veterans, some of the Vietnam War, some of other conflicts and eras. Some are family of our military, past and present, while others are civilians who love the U.S.A. and value the service of our men and women in uniform. Some of you are well known to me from this forum, while I have not had the pleasure of chatting with many of you heretofore. Thank you all for your service and devotion to our Nation! Every person who has responded to this thread is an American Patriot and part of the reason that this Nation, despite its problems, is the greatest Nation ever to arise on the face of the Earth.
My service with the Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, and the time I spent beforehand serving at USNH Quantico, remain for me the salient undertaking of my life. The Brotherhood of the United States Marine Corps is a brotherhood that endures long past one's time of active service. I have been the beneficiary of that Brotherhood, not only in Vietnam, but in numerous ways both before and after that time.
God Bless you all; God Bless our serving military, especially those in Harm's Way; and God Bless the United States of America!
Saepe Expertus, Semper Fidelis, Fratres Aeterni!
HM/2 Tom Mitchell
"Riamh nár dhruid ó sbairn lann!"
Genuflectimus non ad principem sed ad Principem Pacis!
Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)