He was my friend.
Posted for: HAROLD ERWIN SIDES:
Harold and I became close friends in our sophmore year. We would drive to the Automobile Building together for the B team basketball games. We would always stop at the convenience store and get our pre game meal of powdered donuts and chocolate milk. We would have lunch together most days. He always had a smile on his face and a kind word for everyone that came his way. The spring semester of our senior year Harold told me he wanted to join the Army and go to Viet Nam. I tried to talk him out of it and to walk on at North Texas and play football. He would have none of that. I some how hoped he would not pass the physical but knew in my heart he would. He told me he indeed did pass it and was off to basic training. I heard that he fell in love and married (Christina) who I believe was a Colonel's daughter. I thought that might keep him out of any tough duty. Then I heard they were going to have a baby and I was relieved because I thought for sure that some how he would receive an easy assignment. But of course that was not Harold. I heard he was operating a 50 caliber machine gun in a helicopter when he made the ultimate sacrifice for his country on September 20, 1970. Knowing Harold, he died passionately doing his duty, protecting his men, with little regard for his own safety and well being. We know that Harold is in a much better place. Where there is no worry only joy. It is much tougher for us still on this earth to carry on with life. I always will miss what I know would have been an excellent friendship with him, especially as I get older. But one day we will all be together again and renew our friendship. I thank the Lord for the time Harold had on this earth and for making my life better having known him.
Posted by: Ken Kuesel Woodrow Wilson Class of 1968
Email: k_kuesel@yahoo.com
Relationship: We were high school classmates
Saturday, September 1, 2007
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Today We Remember
On February 10,
  172 service members made the ultimate sacrifice.
On this day in 1965,
  23 service members made the ultimate sacrifice.
On this day in 1966,
  13 service members made the ultimate sacrifice.
On this day in 1967,
  14 service members made the ultimate sacrifice.
On this day in 1968,
  54 service members made the ultimate sacrifice.
On this day in 1969,
  32 service members made the ultimate sacrifice.
On this day in 1970,
  27 service members made the ultimate sacrifice.
On this day in 1971,
  7 service members made the ultimate sacrifice.
On this day in 1972,
  1 service members made the ultimate sacrifice.
On this day in 1973,
  1 service members made the ultimate sacrifice.
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