Carlisle was a gawky kid from Roswell, NM. At that time, I tolerated him, thinking him sort of nerdy. I recognize in him now, with some of my own maturity, qualities that make good leadership.
I can tell he came from a good home, that he was well-loved by his parents, had done well in school and tried hard at whatever he put his hand to. He was humble to a fault, which demostrated itself as insecurity, but as he gained confidence, I can now see that with greater confidence he had strength to lead, and the humility not to lord it over others.
Carlisle was a good man, cut short. I would be willing to serve with him and under him if he had been given the chance.
I know less of Gunney Harris. I served under him and tried to serve well and give him little grief, but I had little interaction with him, outside of work and outside his circle of friends within the platoon.
He was a likable man, always cheerful and quick with a joke. He was easy to get along with, but tried to keep an appropriate distance to those in lesser ranks.
Gunney Harris knew his job well and made sure it got done, either by himself directly or by others through delegation.
He seemed to love the Corp, but understood it for what it was -- a means to and end and not the end itself. From him I learned, "Hey Doc, don't sweat the small stuff; it's all small stuff."
He loved his family and did what he did for their sake. I'm sure he is missed by his family.
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And so I remove my cover for two men whose lives were taken too soon.
Semper Fi, Cpl. Carlisle, Gunney Harris -- I'll never forget you.
God bless our troops past and present.
Deeply touching.
Thank you.
bttt