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Spring 2005 Issue
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Commander's Message
Notice to all Members and Guests
Feature Articles
Post 281 Committee Reports
Post 281 News and Announcements
Post Calendar
Coming Events
Auxiliary Unit 281 News
SAL Squadron 281 News
A Soldier (Poem)
Commander's Message:
Happy Birthday Post 281
Legionnaires:
Although it’s almost impossible to believe, this is my last Commander’s Message. It will also be my shortest.
It is said that Spring is the season of rebirth and new beginnings. Appropriately, it is also the time for a new Post Commander to take office. Soon, we will have a newly-elected Commander whom I hope will have as much pleasure and satisfaction that I have had being the Commander of the finest American Legion Post anywhere, Stetser-Lamartine Post 281.
The last 2 years had been quite a ride. It’s been a time that I will fondly remember for the rest of my life and will forever be proud of holding the office of Post Commander. It’s also been an experience, an education and a challenge, to say the least. Every decision I made was made with the best interest of Post 281 in mind. Only time will tell if those were the correct decisions.
I wish to thank all of my fellow officers and Legionnaires who supported me during the time I was Commander. I could not have made it through such an intense experience without your help, support and words of encouragement. I especially want to thank, publicly, Unit 281 President Joy Graffius and Squadron 281 Commander Tim Stillman for their unwavering assistance and dedication to the Post.
Our Legion Family continues to grow and prosper. I am proud of what we have accomplished and what we are sure to accomplish in years to come. I feel that my tenure was successful and I owe its success to each and every one of you. I express to all of you my sincerest gratitude.
See you in Wildwood!
James F. Barrett
Commander Post 281
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Notice to All Members and Guests:
The Post 281 canteen operates under a private Club License, issued by the State of New Jersey Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC). The regulations concerning how a private club must operate are specific. Recently, the State Division of ABC has begun aggressively investigating for non-compliance of these regulations, and all indications are that this trend will continue. One of the regulations being enforced concerns who may and may not be served at the bar of a club.
N.J.A.C. 13:2-8.1 is the regulation which defines members: “To be considered a valid club member, a person must be admitted to full voting membership in the manner prescribed by the bylaws of the club.” This means that only members of American Legion Post 281 are considered members, all others are guests. Members may sponsor up to nine (9) guests. Members are not required to sign the guest log, unless they are sponsoring guests.
Guests are defined as “someone expressly invited to the licensed premises and sponsored by a club member.” Guests must be “attended by their sponsor,” which means that the member is responsible for their guests at all times. If the member leaves, the guests must leave also, unless another member chooses to accept responsibility for them and become their sponsor. All guests must be signed in in the guest log, which is by the front door, with their sponsor signing next to them.
Members of Auxiliary Unit 281 and Sons of the American Legion Squadron 281 are considered guests of the club, due to their direct affiliation with Post 281. Members of Auxiliary Unit 281 and SAL Squadron 281 may be accompanied by one additional person who is also considered a guest of the club. Both must sign the guest log by the front door, noting AUX 281 or SAL 281 in the sponsor column.
Members of other American Legion posts and recognized veterans organizations are also considered guests of the club. Members of other American Legion posts and other recognized veterans organizations may be accompanied by one additional person who is also considered a guest of the club. Both must sign the guest log by the front door, noting their organization name and number in the sponsor column.
As our bartenders have never personally seen the membership cards of many of our members, they may ask to see your membership card even though they might have served you during previous visits. If you are a member of Post 281, but do not have your membership card with you, the current Post Roster, which is kept behind the bar, should have your name listed and can be used as proof of membership. No one should feel insulted if asked to prove membership. It is merely part of the process of complying with ABC regulations.
The bartender on duty will have total responsibility to insure compliance with the above. Any further questions can be addressed to the Post 281 Judge Advocate or Commander.
Please take these guidelines seriously. It is our joint responsibility as a private club.
JAMES BARRETT
CommanderCHIP ROACH
Judge Advocate
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Feature Articles:
One:
The USS American Legion
... First, a few facts and figures:• Original Name: SS Badger State
• Displacement: 13,736 tons
• Length: 535 ft.
• Beam: 72 ft.
• Draw: 31’ 3”
• Speed: 17.5 knots
• Complement: 682
• Armament: 1x5 in. gun; 4x3 in. guns
• Class: Wharton.At the 86th American Legion National Convention, held in Nashville, TN in the Summer of 2004, the Maryland delegation originated the following resolution, Resolution No. 204:
WHEREAS, The American Legion is an organization of war veterans, who have dedicated themselves to the service of the community, state and nation; and
WHEREAS, American veterans from all the branches of the armed forces have served or been transported on ships of the United States Navy; and
WHEREAS, There was a US Navy ship named the AMERICAN LEGION during World War 2 which has been decommissioned; and
WHEREAS, the naming of naval ships is recognized as a method of bestowing honor to persons, places, or events; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, By the American Legion in National Convention, assembled in Nashville, TN on Aug. 31, Sept. 1 and 2, 2004, that The American Legion urges that a ship once again be named for the world’s largest veterans organization by the Dept. of the Navy at its earliest convenience and that it be called the USS AMERICAN LEGION.
Submitted by:
Charles Donohue, Sr.
Information on this page gathered from the Naval Historical Center and DANFS.The USS American Legion (AP-35)
While sitting at the Post 281 canteen one recent March evening, I fell into conversation with Past Commander Charlie Donohue, who right then and there told me something totally new to my ears. This new data concerned an old World War 2 Navy ship, the USS American Legion. As an old tar myself, like Charlie, I thought it very interesting that our organization’s namesake ship was relatively unknown, unsung and almost forgotten– at least until now.
The USS American Legion was originally built as a civilian passenger ship, the SS Badger State and was completed in July, 1921. What is more pertinent to us here at Post 281, in Camden County, is the fact that the ship was built by the New York Shipbuilding Corporation in Camden, New Jersey.
The ship remained idle until 1926 when she began plying the Atlantic waters between New York City and South America. The 13,736-ton ship was then laid up in early 1939 when her owners experienced financial difficulties. Later that year, she was taken over by the War Department as a troop transport and made her first voyage for the US military (actually for the Army, at first) in February, 1940, serving the US East Coast and Caribbean areas. In mid-1940, the vessel was involved in the rescue of the Norwegian Crown Princess and others from the European war zone. The ship’s cargo included a Swedish 40-mm Bofors anti-aircraft gun mounting, which became the prototype for thousands of such guns built for the US Navy during World War 2. You don’t have to look far to see one of these types of guns. The “big gray Navy gun” that now sits in front of Post 281 is of the same type of gun that became standard equipment on US Navy battleships and cruisers during both World War 2 and the Korean War.
By 1941 the US Navy had taken over the ship and christened her the USS American Legion (AP-35). The ship made a voyage to Iceland, then to the Caribbean, before embarking on a voyage to the South Pacific in April, 1942.
In August, 1942, the USS American Legion was involved in the initial US landings at Guadalcanal, where she operated for the next 6 months in the successful American attempt to seize and hold the island. It carried to Guadalcanal elements of the 1st Marine Division. After the landings, the American Legion made troop and supply runs between Guadalcanal, Tulagi, Australia, Samoa, New Caledonia and New Zealand.
In February, 1943, the American Legion (AP-35) was reclassified as an Attack Transport and was given the new hull number APA-17. The ship’s next and final combat mission was at Bougainville in the beginning of 1943.
Later that year, the American Legion returned to the US for a much-needed overhaul. After work was completed in 1944, she was used as a training ship for the Amphibious Forces along the California coast for the rest of the war. After hostilities ceased, the American Legion made 2 round-trip trans-Pacific voyages in 1945 to bring back American troops from the Pacific Theater of Operations.
The proud USS American Legion was decommissioned in March, 1946 and sold for scrap in 1948.
Tom Lowe
Newsletter Editor
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Two:
PH1 David M. Tapper
1971-2003Facts about PH1 Tapper's life
Born: 16 August, 1971 in New Jersey.
Died: 20 August, 2003 in Bagram, Afghanistan.David Martin Tapper was married to Tracey Tapper and their children are:
Raimen Tapper;|
Vanessa Tapper;
Talia Tapper;
Jared Tapper.David Martin Tapper was the only son of Kenneth and Judith Tapper. His 5 sisters are:
Joyce (deceased 1966);
Judi Tapper Dowell (wife of David Dowell);
Ruth Tapper Berwick (wife of Chuck Berwick);
Brenda Tapper Banes (wife of Brian Banes);
Diana Tapper Hicks (wife of Lew Hicks).The medals and awards of PH1 David M. Tapper include:
2 Bronze Stars with valor and oak leaf clusters;
Purple Heart;
Defense Meritorious Service Medal;
Joint Service Commendation Medal;
Joint Service Achievement Medal;
2 Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medals;
2 Combat Action Ribbons.It was back in September, 1986 that I first had the pleasure of meeting David M. Tapper. He was a sophomore in my US History class. At first, he was just mixed in with a bunch of other new faces and it always took me a month or two to distinguish one from the other. But once I able to imprint his face in my mind, one feature of Dave’s I never forgot was that unique smile of his. It was a boyish, confident, joyous smile, with just a hint of mischief. He always seemed ready to crack a smile or a good, gut-busting laugh. He did both regularly.
David Tapper was born in South Jersey on 16 August, 1971 to Kenneth and Judith Tapper. Dave was raised in Atco and attended Waterford Twp. schools before he attended Edgewood. He was a member of the Atco United Presbyterian Church.
I also had the pleasure of teaching 2 of Dave’s older sisters at Edgewood, Brenda (class of 1986) and Diana (class of 1988). I never had trouble with any of them as they were always very courteous, respectful, intelligent and conscientious. They were brought up right.
Dave, like his sisters, was a good student. He wasn’t an honors student, but he certainly had a good head on his shoulders and he had an awful lot of common sense. In other words, he was a really smart kid but was certainly not a nerd.
While at Edgewood, Dave was on the wrestling team. Of average height, he had an athletic build, was lean and muscular, and was strong both physically and mentally.
As I am a US Navy veteran myself, and very proud of that fact, I can’t help but advertise that to my students. After all, I am a history teacher with a lot of travel under my belt as I traversed the Atlantic, Mediterranean and Caribbean in my Navy days, and I still can’t help but incorporate my travels of historic areas into my lessons. Did I have an influence on Dave’s decision to join the Navy? I doubt it, but he certainly heard some of my sea stories.
Either way, Dave Tapper graduated from Edgewood High School in June, 1989 and en- listed in the US Navy on 27 November, 1989. After completing basic training in Orlando, FL, he then attended and completed Photographer’s Mate “A” School at the Naval Tech Training Center in Pensacola, FL. While at “A” School, he was recruited into the Navy SEAL program and in 1990 was transferred to the Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL Training School at the Naval Special Warfare Center in Coronado, California. After graduating with Class 172, he successfully completed the Airborne Course at Ft. Benning, GA and from there was attached to SEAL Team Three.
During a 1992 WestPac deployment, Dave was responsible for instructing foreign nationals in open-circuit diving tactics and gear familiarization during various military exercises from 1992-93. In 1995 he helped train his fellow special ops brothers during Exercise EASTERN EAGLE-95. He was responsible for training over 90 Naval Special Warfare operators and over 32 foreign nationals during more than 800 hazardous training dives, with superior results (Memorial Service Booklet; Sept. 5, 2003).
In September, 1997, PH1 Tapper passed the extremely difficult and demanding 7-month training program at the Naval Special Warfare Development Group (NSWDG) where he later excelled as an operator and lead navigator. (Ibid).
Then came September 11, 2001. After the World Trade Center and Pentagon were attacked, the world was changed forever. And so it was for PH1 Tapper and his family.
By this time, Ph1 Tapper was stationed at the US Navy Amphibious Base in Little Creek, VA and was living in Virginia, Beach, VA with his wife Tracey and his 4 children, sons Raimen and Jared and daughters Vanessa and Talia.
PH1 Tapper was first sent to Afghanistan, then to Iraq where he was part of the team that helped rescue Pvt. Jessica Lynch. After the much-publicized Lynch mission, Dave was able to visit his family in Atco before being redeployed back to Afghanistan.
On Wednesday, 20 August, 2003, PH1 Tapper was mortally wounded after his convoy encountered enemy forces near Orgun, in Paktia Province in eastern Afghanistan, close to the Pakistani border. He died later that day at a hospital at Bagram Air Base near Kabul, the Afghan capital. (Courier-Post; 22 August, 2003, p. 1).
During his proud service in the US Navy, PH1 David Tapper had received numerous awards and citations. To just think that I used to brag to my students of my Navy exploits during the relatively peaceful years of the Cold War, well, my former student Dave Tapper certainly outshone my rather mundane military career. That is good. The fact that he is no longer around to relate his own proud exploits is not.
On 5 September, 2003, I attended the Memorial Service of PH1 David Tapper. It was held in the auditorium of his alma mater, Edgewood, now known as Winslow HS. I attended as a former teacher and fellow Navy veteran. The service was poignant, touching, and though sad, was nevertheless celebratory of the awesome career of PH1 David M. Tapper. Though I never saw Dave again after his high school graduation, and I cannot pretend I knew him well, I can say in all honesty that PH1 Dave Tapper is not just an American hero, but my personal hero as well. We all miss PH1 David Tapper.
Tom Lowe
Newsletter Editor
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Committees and Reports:
POST MEMBERSHIP
Congratulations! Post 281 has gone over the top with the 660th membership renewal for 2005. We’ve had a great response to our 2005 membership drive. Our goal for this year is a membership of 700, so let’s continue working together to encourage veterans to join our Post. We just need 40 more!Listed below are members of Post 281 whose membership dues for 2005 are delinquent. If dues for 2005 are not paid up, membership is terminated. If your name is listed below, please contact the Post, stop in or mail in your dues. Remember — we are veterans supporting veterans and we need your continuing membership.
Delinquent Members
Francis W. Aldridge Misty A. Glass Diajuana Porter James J. Amicone Michael J. Hackett Dennis Reid Michael J. Anderson Ray Harris John T. Reynolds Katherine R. Boehly Jeffrey Heckman Joseph Roman Chantel Bullock Eugene Henderson Rafael Roman Vincent T. Carr Charles Hettich William Roman Franklin R. Cavage John C. James Edward G. Ruckenstein Charles H. Charlton Paul Lang Steven Ruff Robert S. Clark Patrick Laphan Pasqual Sasso Walter Clark, Jr. Raymond Martin Michael Saucier John F. Cowgill Michael McCarthy Peter Serra John Davis James H. McDowell, Jr. James V. Siano Harry A. Dean, Jr. Charles McMonagle Ralph Simone James Devlin Joseph Meloni Randolph Torrice Nick DeMattia James Myers Dean Turnbill William H. Enley Bruce Nefferdorf Daniel Underwood Joseph Figueroa Francis Pease Robert Whitcraft Clyde Fleagle, Sr. Carl Pfender William A. Williams Ronald G. Geiss Robert Poiniatowski Christian Wood Albert J. Giampietro Matthew J. Pomianek On February 17, Post 281 held its annual initiation ceremony. New members were introduced to the goals and purpose of the American Legion. Those who attended were: Martin T. Alfano, Robert J. Binder, Norman F. Sooy, Sr., Stephen G. Van Laeys, Raymond Lowe, Gerald A. McDermott & Katie Lazaro.
FRAN McGOVERN
Senior Vice-Commander
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Post 281 HONOR GUARD —The Spring Offensive
Their uniforms have been cleaned and pressed, their rifles maintained and their gear was inventoried. The Post 281 Honor Guard is ready for their annual Spring assault. They will engage in the usual array of Spring activities such as Memorial Day services, which includes flagging local cemeteries, visiting monuments and saluting fallen comrades.The troopers will then provide the firing squad for the annual Locustwood Cemetery ceremony. The parade following the Department Convention in Wildwood will see the Post 281 Honor Guard proudly marching with their new service flags (one for each branch of the service).
Of course, there are always ancillary duties requiring the Honor Guard’s faithful attention. There are always the less desirable, but necessary viewing and funerals to attend to.
Inevitably, something else arises where the men in black, gold and white will grab their gear and ride away from the Post on some new adventure. Whatever the adventure, the Post 281 Honor Guard does it in style.
KEN BAUSINGER
Honor Guard
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DD214's Now Available Online
Veterans and family members of deceased veterans can now go online to request copies of the deceased veteran’s DD-214, the official Defense Department document of separation from military service.Form DD-214 is required for veterans to receive a variety of benefits.
To request a DD-214, go to the National Archives and Records Administration at www.archives.gov/research_room/vetrecs. Users should fill out request forms online, then submit a signature via fax or regular mail.
(Copied from Navy Times; 17 Nov., 2003).
JERRY McALLISTER
Service Officer
Post 281 News and Announcements:Newsletter Deadline
All articles and reports for the Summer edition of the newsletter are due on June 21. We issue the newsletter on a seasonal basis, and the best way to remember the deadlines is to keep in the mind the first day of the season. but you don’t have to wait until then, get them in early!
TOM LOWE
Editor
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Happy Birthday
If you know someone special turning 80 or older, the White House Greetings Office will send him/her a birthday card on behalf of the President. Just submit your request in writing 4-6 weeks before the special day. Include name, salutation (Mr., Mrs., etc), birth date, complete address of the recipient and phone number of the person requesting the card. Mail requests to:
White House Greetings Office
OEOB, Rm. 39
Washington, DC 20500
Or fax to (202) 395-1232
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Renew Your 2005 Dues Now!
Renew your dues for 2005! Send them is ASAP and remain a member of the best Post in South Jersey!
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Visit our Post Canteen...
...the food is great and the camaraderie is too. And the jukebox is awesome! It has a cool selection of “The Hollies,” “Eagles,” “Bob Dylan,” “The Beatles,” “The Rolling Stones,” “Fleetwood Mac” and others. Treat your ears to some great tunes and maybe drown out that obnoxious dude yakkin’ your ear off.
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U.S. Flags are For Sale at the Post
US Flags are for sale at the Post. Order some new flags for the front porch, after they have taken a beating all Winter. Fly a new flag, not an old one.
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Post 281 Congratulates Our Newest Members
Daniel Bishop Ralph Knight Martin Ratigan Sydney Breidenbach Alexander Linnehan James Straud Henry Eden Jesse Matteo William Thompson Monica Godfrey Robert McGettigan Stephen Van Laeys Michael Harris Kiya Muse James Waller Francis Kehoe Alfred Priest We urge all members, new and “old”, to come to our Post meetings, held the first Wednesday of every month in our Post hall. Get involved and find out what the greatest Post in South Jersey is up to!
COMMANDER BARRETT
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In Memory of Our Deceased Comrades
Joe Kopistecki William Ropel Merle Smith Edward Ottaway Frank Senatore Post 281 Calendar
All functions are at the Post unless otherwise noted. MAY 2005 Date Time Event May 3 7:30 PM SAL Meeting May 4 7:30 PM Regular Post Meeting and Elections May 11 7:30 PM Auxiliary Meeting and Initiation of New Members andMay 14 5:00 PM Installation of New Officers for Post, Auxiliary, Squadron May 18 7:30 PM Honor Guard Meeting May 21 Armed Forces Day May 25 7:30 PM Executive Board Meeting May 27 8:00 AM Triton High School Memorial Service May 29 7:00 AM Flagging of township veterans' graves May 30 7:00 AM Memorial Day Services (Glendora VFW is Host Post)
JUNE 2005Date Time Event June 1 7:30 PM Regular Post Meeting June 5 2:00 PM Locustwood Cemetery Services; Honor Guard June 7 7:30 PM SAL Meeting June 9 Department Convention in Wildwood NJ June 10 Department Convention in Wildwood NJ June 11 Department Convention in Wildwood NJ June 14 Flag Day June 15 7:30 PM Honor Guard Meeting June 24 7:30 AM Post 281 Golf Outing, Valleybrook Golf Club June 29 7:30 PM Executive Board Meeting
JULY 2005Date Time Event July 4 Independence Day July 5 7:30 PM SAL Meeting July 6 7:30 PM Regular Post Meeting July 13 7:30 PM Auxiliary Meeting July 20 7:30 PM Honor Guard Meeting July 27 7:30 PM Executive Board Meeting
Coming Events :
Post 281 Annual Golf Outing
Our annual golf outing will be held Friday, June 24, 2005 at the Valleybrook Golf Club. The success of this annual tournament has helped Post 281 achieve many of its stated goals through the years. We hope to have your support again this year.The tournament will be a 4-person scramble with a 7:30 AM shotgun start. The cost will be $80 per person, a $5 increase from last year, but necessary in order to sustain the quality of prizes we distribute. Included with the entry fee, besides golfing, is beer and soda on the course and a fantastic buffet and open bar at the Post afterwards.
Registration forms are available at the Post. We are limited to 144 golfers, so get them filled out quick. For more information, contact Dave Niessner or Ron Farabaugh.
DAVE NIESSNER
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More Coming Events
Several trips this year are planned for Post members. First, America’s favorite pastime will be enjoyed in 2 different venues, one at Campbell Field in Camden for a Riversharks game, another at Citizen’s Bank Park to see the Fightin’ Phils.On Friday, September 23, we will once again have our annual deep sea fishing trip out of Sea Isle City.
I will provide you with more detail on these trips as our plans are finalized. Look for additional information at the Post website address on the masthead of this newsletter, and also in the next Post Newsletter. To make these trips successful, we need to know as soon as possible who plans to attend, with firm commitments. If interested already, please call the Post or e-mail me at fm2144@comcast.net. Please leave your name, telephone number and number of tickets needed.
We are always looking for new ideas for trips, programs, events, etc. Please give us your ideas.
FRAN McGOVERN
Senior Vice-Commander
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Auxiliary Unit 281 News:
The Auxiliary Unit 281 newsletter is available as a pdf download.
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S.A.L. Squadron Commander's Report:
Wow! It’s hard to believe that it has already been a year since my installation into the office of SAL Commander. I would like to thank all of the members of Post 281 who have given so much help to the Sons of the American Legion this past year. A special thanks to Commander Jim Barrett and President Joy Graffius and all of the members of their Executive Boards for their help and guidance. I would also like to thank the members of the SAL Executive Board for their hard work during this past year.
The SAL’s are proud of the effort that was exerted during our St. Patty’s Day Party as well as our annual Easter Egg Hunt. If anyone has any comments or suggestions regarding changes that could be made to either event, please reach out to me or any member of the SAL Executive Board.
In the last couple of years, the idea of Post 281 Legion Family has really taken on a new meaning. I hope that we can continue to keep this idea as a standard for years to come.
I would like to give a special “thank you” to Al Priest for all his years of service to the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 281. Al has left the SAL’s to take his rightful place among our proud and honored veterans at Stetser-Lamartine Post 281. A veteran of the US Coast Guard, Al was voted in as regular American Legion member at the regular March meeting.
I look forward to this coming year and hope to see everyone at the American Legion Department Convention in Wildwood.
Tim Stillman
SAL Commander
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A Soldier:
A soldier I was proud to be,
I served my country loyally,
Asking nothing in return except,
anger and adventure my reward.I’ve seen the horrors of the war
And felt the chill of fear,
The pain of wounds suffered,
The loss of friends and comrades,
The desolation of towns and great cities,
And the suffering of the innocent,
Caught in a conflict not of their doing.I volunteered for combat duty,
Knowing little of deaths I would see.
I grew older overnight, experience of tragic sights,
I came close to death so many times,
I now thank God that I’m alive.I wear my patriotism in my heart,
Like a badge of honor for my part
In our struggle for our way of life.
I will always remember those GI friends,
Who paid the ultimate price, their reward to keep their country free.Written by Legionnaire Jim Burns of Stratford, NJ in France during World War II, as a member of the 82nd Airborne Division.
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