[Semper911]

I am trying to think of the perfect reply, but there just isn’t one.

I can only thank you for your bravery, your heart, and your service. And for taking the time to tell us about it.

Your writing is gorgeous — please write more! I am sure you have other stories to tell about what you saw and did and about the men who were there with you. Maybe write up a little story each week and post it here on FR. Let me be the first to ask to be on your ping list.

Thank you for your service — not just during the war but for making a career of it and teaching others. You are a very generous man to give so much to your country.

I salute you with the greatest of respect.

[Chainmail]

Thank you very much for your very generous words. It was actually a bit difficult to write this piece because it is - or was - very private. I just felt that on this 50th anniversary, I should put what I remembered into the record for everyone.

I don't really know how brave I was - I just didn't want to let my fellow Marines down. I'm sure that you know exactly what I mean.

I do have a lot of stories, probably too many. The funniest ones were when I was commissioned a lieutenant and had to deal with all those post-Vietnam troops of that time. They were handful but I sure enjoyed the crazy stuff they came up with. We'll see if the Free Republic can stand me and my stories.

Semper Fi!