THE WALL OF FACES

In withering fields of fire, through booby traps and mortar bombardments, even with the enemy in close hand-to-hand combat, when the call came for "Corpsman Up!", you left the safety of your cover because one of your Marines needed you.

It was your care that saved the life of that Marine. There were times when you were not able to keep him with us. Even then, a hand held and a soothing word from "Doc" helped to ease the passage of a dying comrade.

Now we hold your hand and tell you that through all eternity, Marines will forever be inspired by your example of courage, devotion and honor. We will remember you and hold a special place in our hearts for the man called "Doc".

Rest in peace,
SEMPER FI

Rest in Peace "Doc"

John Bruneel, HMCM USN (Ret)



"I'm the One Called "Doc…"


I shall not walk in your footsteps,
but I will walk by your side.
I shall not walk in your image,
I've earned my own title of pride.
We've answered the call together,
on sea and foreign land.
When the cry for help was given,
I've been there right at hand.
Whether I am on the ocean
or in the jungle wearing greens,
Giving aid to my fellow man,
be it Sailors or Marines.
So the next time you see a corpsman
and you thing of calling him "squid",
Think of the job he's doing
as those before him did.
And if you ever have to go out there
and you life is on the block,
Look at the one right next to you…
I'm the one called "Doc".


Harry D. Penny, Jr. HMC(AC)USN
Copyright 1975

"Permission to reprint granted
by the author/copyright owner".
(Permission for poem & graphic)