Poem from Stars and Stripes that I carried with me in Viet Nam

  "FOR I HAVE SEEN AND HEARD"

I am a young man who has not yet opened life's door
I am a young man who has not yet opened life's door

But I tell you true I have seen war

I have seen the tired looks on men's faces

Walking through rice paddies and countless places

I have heard the hail of enemy fire over my head

Foe I must keep low or I too will be counted among the dead

I have seen the pain in a soldiers eye

And without shame he can cry

I have heard the screams of my comrades in pain

And the gallant field medics who try to save their lives, sometimes in vain

I have seen the sweating faces of burning toil

Look to the trees for a rifle recoil

I have heard the words search and destroy

And how can this bring to my heart any kind of joy

I have seen men fighting in blistering heat

Knowing there can not be one retreat

I have heard the quiet foot steps of an ambush at night

And with each fearful move I pray with all my might

I have seen the death of war take its mighty toll

And witnessing men pray for their soul

Yes my friend what I have said is so very true

And if our Lord God wants, I will see and hear more too.

                            

                     Click Next For Listing of L Company Marines, Who We So Wish 
                         Were Here With Us, But Were Killed In Action 1966 - 1967
                                                  
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