|
Of course, Mark knew the
risk. We all did. We accepted it. We were soldiers by choice and Special
Forces by choice and we were determined to show the world what we could
do . We would save South Viet Nam even if the Vietnamese themselves did
not care a whit about saving themselves, as long as the Yankee dollar was
rolling in. So Mark is gone from us hopefully to a better place where
we will all meet again some sunny day and laugh and tell the same old jokes
and remember that once upon a time long ago we were soldiers once, and
young. Mark. ole buddy . we miss you and hope you are in Vallhalla where
you wanted to go, among mighty warriors, singing songs of victory. Too
bad we could not give you a victory in Viet Nam. We tried Mark. We really
tried. But it was a doomed effort from the start. The wrong place,
the wrong reason , and assuredly for the wrong people. And above all, the
wrong people in charge.
Back safe in Washington, where there was no mud, no
jungle rot, no leeches, no hunger and no suffering. But, where there
were towering egos and much money to be made no matter what price had to
be paid on the battlefield so far away.
And so it finally came to an end . That bad day of
March 4, 1965, in a faraway place and a different time. Now some 30 odd
years removed from that time and place, we grow older but no wiser. For
we have learned nothing, Most of A324 are getting up in years now, lots
of grey hair, lots of hearing aids and false teeth. A no longer trim body
capable of wondrous feats. Moving much slower now, golf is the game
- not walking point in a combat zone. But we will always remember what
we were and what we did for our country and for ourselves.
Mark, if you are looking, I hope you understand. We
never meant to lose you. and if we could change it, we would. So,
mighty warrior, wait for us, we will be along, and sooner than we
think. A324 will once again become the mighty A Team . Hang on buddy, we
will be there. We who remain,
salute you!
William E. Edge
CSM USASF RET.
|