Remembering where you came from is what I have slowly been coming back around to since the many months ago, last fall, when I posted my last entry. As you can see to the left.....That was a little more than eight years ago. The World Trade Centers I grew up with were still standing....The Cole hadn't even been bombed, but soon would. It was just a different time for me, but relatively recent in the grander scheme of things.
I do not wish to dwell on why I have been absent so let's sum it up. The boy started crawling....and that's a handful by itself. The wife found out she's pregnant again around New Year's so that's a new adventure. I lost my grandfather at 85 years of age, a man who fought in North Africa under Patton in WWII and still the toughest, most noble man I've ever met. Finally, I started my path toward my Master's Degree in Education.
Now.....On to the Important Stuff----
We all know by now that every time I post I attempt to either tell some amazing Machine Gunner tale, a story of fierce brotherhood, or try to give you a glimpse into the raging inferno that is the mind of a Marine Combat Machine Gunner.
My story tonight is simple, yet a sad and altogether amazing occurrence. My best friend growing up was named Mikey. Mikey's Uncle Jerry was a grunt in the First Marine Division in the Korean War. Uncle Jerry was part of that amazing 78 mile seaward march back down from the Chosin reservoir. Of Uncle Jerry's company, he was one of nine men that walked out under their own power. Another 20 or so were wounded in the trucks and jeeps. The rest, sadly did not make it home.
Some months ago, Uncle Jerry had become very ill with cancer. Sadly but expected, he passed last Sunday. When Mikey wrote me an e-mail to talk about the funeral, he filled in the amazing part of this story.......
Of the nine that walked out of the Chosin more than 57 years ago....6 were in attendance to see their brother off on his final mission. That, my friends, is BROTHERHOOD FORGED IN FIRE!....and it can simply never be undone.
I hope you all enjoyed my short tale. Thank You for your time.
Continue to Push!
-Billy
3 comments:
Dearest Billy,
What a beautiful Friday night gift to see your name, to read all the news about your family and your degree. I am so proud of you.
And though I'm sorry for the losses, I am so thankful for the lives.
I'm moving this post above mine. I had no idea you'd posted! Thank you and you post when you can. Your name and the names listed will remain as long as the blog does. Each author is known to have a life outside of gUnZ uP and our readers appreciate that fact, but never forget that you will always have a home here, Machine Gunner!
0331!!!
Semper Fi,
De'on
What an awesome post and congrats to you and your growing family, Billy. Thank you for the time you took to post this, we always need to hear about the brotherhood of our Military, and the honorable people who have served and are serving. Hoorah!
And the Mom says Amen. VB
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