VIEW ALL PHOTOS (2)
HONORED ON PANEL 50E, LINE 51 OF THE WALL
GEORGE WESLEY MONTGOMERY
WALL NAME
GEORGE W MONTGOMERY
PANEL / LINE
50E/51
DATE OF BIRTH
CASUALTY PROVINCE
DATE OF CASUALTY
HOME OF RECORD
COUNTY OF RECORD
STATE
BRANCH OF SERVICE
RANK
REMEMBRANCES
LEFT FOR GEORGE WESLEY MONTGOMERY
POSTED ON 1.3.2010
POSTED BY: Robert Sage
We Remember
George is buried at Sierra View Memorial Park in Marysville, CA. PH
POSTED ON 12.18.2001
POSTED BY: Richard D. Smith
VIETNAM, AS I LIVE
This was written for the dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Washington, DC and in memory of George Montgomery.
Vietnam, As I Live
by: Richard D. Smith
a.k.a. John Doe - Company D
1st Bat. 8th Infantry 4th Infantry Division
Pleiku/Central Highlands 1967
AS I LIVE, I recall those who parished
in a phantom world called Vietnam.
AS I LIVE, I remember entering the fabled "Valley of Death"
only to escape its grasp with unforgiving memories.
AS I LIVE, I encounter the aging residue of far too many
youthful confederates.
AS I LIVE, I ponder several dangling ornaments once intended
to signify honor/courage and now considered symbols
of an unwarranted past.
AS I LIVE, I reflect on the merits of this gruesome conflict
which determined not who was right - but who was
left.
AS I LIVE, I dream an unsettling philosophy that says, life is
"A comedy to those who think, a tragedy to those who
feel".
AS I LIVE, I pursue a notion of peace and tranquillity
only to be reminded that insanity is my foe.
AS I LIVE, I beg man to consider the wisdom surrounding
Vietnam's demise and plead that they thwart the
thirst for folly.
AS I LIVE, I stand mute before a solemn marble wall - infant
son in my arms, fresh tears in my eyes, comrades
names in my mind, desire to live in my heart.
AS I LIVE, I honor Prisoners Of War and the Missing In Action.
AS I LIVE, I NOTE: it could have been - should have been - me.
AS I LIVE, I LIVE TO - ENCOURAGE THE AVOIDANCE OF HERESEY AND
SEE MY SON GROW INTO AN ELDER STATESMAN.
Vietnam, As I Live
by: Richard D. Smith
a.k.a. John Doe - Company D
1st Bat. 8th Infantry 4th Infantry Division
Pleiku/Central Highlands 1967
AS I LIVE, I recall those who parished
in a phantom world called Vietnam.
AS I LIVE, I remember entering the fabled "Valley of Death"
only to escape its grasp with unforgiving memories.
AS I LIVE, I encounter the aging residue of far too many
youthful confederates.
AS I LIVE, I ponder several dangling ornaments once intended
to signify honor/courage and now considered symbols
of an unwarranted past.
AS I LIVE, I reflect on the merits of this gruesome conflict
which determined not who was right - but who was
left.
AS I LIVE, I dream an unsettling philosophy that says, life is
"A comedy to those who think, a tragedy to those who
feel".
AS I LIVE, I pursue a notion of peace and tranquillity
only to be reminded that insanity is my foe.
AS I LIVE, I beg man to consider the wisdom surrounding
Vietnam's demise and plead that they thwart the
thirst for folly.
AS I LIVE, I stand mute before a solemn marble wall - infant
son in my arms, fresh tears in my eyes, comrades
names in my mind, desire to live in my heart.
AS I LIVE, I honor Prisoners Of War and the Missing In Action.
AS I LIVE, I NOTE: it could have been - should have been - me.
AS I LIVE, I LIVE TO - ENCOURAGE THE AVOIDANCE OF HERESEY AND
SEE MY SON GROW INTO AN ELDER STATESMAN.
POSTED ON 12.13.2001
POSTED BY: Richard D. Smith
Monty, My Best Friend
George, a.k.a. Monty was my best friend in Vietnam. I remember his first day in the field and I will forever remember his last.
George was a kind and loving person, with a heart of gold and the ability to carry all things of importance in his ruksack. We fought together, were almost brothers, built bunkers, roasted marshmellows (have picture of same), hid in B-52 craters together, and frequently did night outposts together. More often than not, Monty followed me when I walked point. During our breaks at camp or along the trail we would talk about getting back to the world - having children/raising our sons. We shared a great many personal details. He told me about his family, described his experiences as a professional folk dancer, and explained a deeply personal family experience he had after AIT training and just prior to leaving for Vietnam. In many respects Monty was a marvel of a person. Like all of us he endured the heat, bugs, mountains, valleys, swamps, firefights and the constant request to "saddle-up". During our months together, Monty protected me and I protected him.
Unfortunately, I left the field the day of the evening he was killed. It brought me great sorrow when I was asked to open a body bag I.D. him back at base camp.
What the world may never know - Monty had been promoted to E-5 and that evening was to have been his last on O.P.
To this day, I hold Lt. L responsible for Monty's death. As reported to me the day after by several who were there, if only Lt. had listened to Monty when he kept telling him to stop bringing the friendly fire rounds in so close to the perimeter. Lt. didn't listen. Monty died.
I have also had the good fortune to meet his mother. She came to Maryland and we visited (pre-Wall). A very sweet woman - so willing to forgive. I love her as much as I loved Monty. I understand that Monty's father was devestated to learn of his only sons death. He was never the same. He just sat on the porch with a dazed look on his face day, after day, after day.
In 1980, I helped raise funds to build the WALL in DC. This was the memorial that no one wanted built except the veterans. The WALL is often referred to as the Vietnam veterans 3rd battle. The 1st was fighting a war and surviving Vietnam. The 2nd dealt with the social rejection veterans experienced after returning home from the war. And the 3rd was the political and economic fight to build the WALL.
When the WALL was dedicated, I brought my 2 year old son to see Monty's name and tell him of our friendship. Though this was very complex and sad for a young child, I tried to explain to him the essence of what Cap Weinberger, Defense Secretary had to say at the dedication -
"When your country called, you came. When your country refused you honor, you remained silent. With time, our nations wounds have healed. We have finally come to appreciate your sacrifices and to pay you the tribute you so richly deserve"
For several years later, I would bring my son with me - often just in time for early morning sunrise. He knew who Monty was, but he never quite understood what the bamboo P.O.W. cages were all about. On other occassions, I would visit the Wall early. I would sit on the grass looking to the Wall center. In rememberence of Nam, Monty and countless others who served and did not come home - I would do something just as I had in Nam - I lit a Dutch cigar (just like the ones my father would send me)then opened a can of ginger-ale and poured in the contents of a small bottle of bourbon (my father also sent me bourbon). With the cigar plus bourbon & ginger, I began to enjoy the quiet solitude. The morning smell of mother nature was pure. But the air of D.C. was not quite as rich and full as we experienced it in Vietnam. It was however very peaceful. My mind went back to more youthful years. As I closed my eyes, I could see their faces and almost hear their voices.
When my son was about 12 years old, I showed him a picture frame that held a quote. A quote that reflected many of the values/beliefs Monty and I shared. Over the years, I used this quote to help guide me. I in turn used it to help guide my growing son. The quote is titled -
Build Me A Son, by Douglas MacArthur, General of the Army.
"Build me a son O Lord, who will be strong enough to know when he is weak and brave enough to face himself when he is afraid; one who will be proud and unbending in honest defeat, but humble and gentle in victory."
"Build me a son whose wishes will not replace his actions
- a son who will know thee, and that to know himself is the foundation stone of knowledge. Send him, I pray, not in the path of ease and comfort but the stress and spur of difficulties and challenge; here let him learn to stand up in the storm, here let him learn compassion for those who fail".
"Build me a son whose heart will be clear, whose goal will be high; a son who will master himself before he seeks to master others; who will learn to laugh, yet never forget to weep; one who will reach into the future, yet never forget the past, and after all these things are his, This I Pray, enough sense of humor that he may always be serious yet never take himself to seriously. Give him humility so that he may always remember the simplicity of true greatness, the open mind of true wisdom, the meekness of true strength;
Then I, His Father, Will Dare to Whisper,
'I HAVE NOT LIVED IN VAIN'."
My son has now turned 21 and he too will always remember Monty.
God Bless You Monty,
Love
Richard a.k.a. John Doe
D Co. 1/8, 4th Infantry Division
George was a kind and loving person, with a heart of gold and the ability to carry all things of importance in his ruksack. We fought together, were almost brothers, built bunkers, roasted marshmellows (have picture of same), hid in B-52 craters together, and frequently did night outposts together. More often than not, Monty followed me when I walked point. During our breaks at camp or along the trail we would talk about getting back to the world - having children/raising our sons. We shared a great many personal details. He told me about his family, described his experiences as a professional folk dancer, and explained a deeply personal family experience he had after AIT training and just prior to leaving for Vietnam. In many respects Monty was a marvel of a person. Like all of us he endured the heat, bugs, mountains, valleys, swamps, firefights and the constant request to "saddle-up". During our months together, Monty protected me and I protected him.
Unfortunately, I left the field the day of the evening he was killed. It brought me great sorrow when I was asked to open a body bag I.D. him back at base camp.
What the world may never know - Monty had been promoted to E-5 and that evening was to have been his last on O.P.
To this day, I hold Lt. L responsible for Monty's death. As reported to me the day after by several who were there, if only Lt. had listened to Monty when he kept telling him to stop bringing the friendly fire rounds in so close to the perimeter. Lt. didn't listen. Monty died.
I have also had the good fortune to meet his mother. She came to Maryland and we visited (pre-Wall). A very sweet woman - so willing to forgive. I love her as much as I loved Monty. I understand that Monty's father was devestated to learn of his only sons death. He was never the same. He just sat on the porch with a dazed look on his face day, after day, after day.
In 1980, I helped raise funds to build the WALL in DC. This was the memorial that no one wanted built except the veterans. The WALL is often referred to as the Vietnam veterans 3rd battle. The 1st was fighting a war and surviving Vietnam. The 2nd dealt with the social rejection veterans experienced after returning home from the war. And the 3rd was the political and economic fight to build the WALL.
When the WALL was dedicated, I brought my 2 year old son to see Monty's name and tell him of our friendship. Though this was very complex and sad for a young child, I tried to explain to him the essence of what Cap Weinberger, Defense Secretary had to say at the dedication -
"When your country called, you came. When your country refused you honor, you remained silent. With time, our nations wounds have healed. We have finally come to appreciate your sacrifices and to pay you the tribute you so richly deserve"
For several years later, I would bring my son with me - often just in time for early morning sunrise. He knew who Monty was, but he never quite understood what the bamboo P.O.W. cages were all about. On other occassions, I would visit the Wall early. I would sit on the grass looking to the Wall center. In rememberence of Nam, Monty and countless others who served and did not come home - I would do something just as I had in Nam - I lit a Dutch cigar (just like the ones my father would send me)then opened a can of ginger-ale and poured in the contents of a small bottle of bourbon (my father also sent me bourbon). With the cigar plus bourbon & ginger, I began to enjoy the quiet solitude. The morning smell of mother nature was pure. But the air of D.C. was not quite as rich and full as we experienced it in Vietnam. It was however very peaceful. My mind went back to more youthful years. As I closed my eyes, I could see their faces and almost hear their voices.
When my son was about 12 years old, I showed him a picture frame that held a quote. A quote that reflected many of the values/beliefs Monty and I shared. Over the years, I used this quote to help guide me. I in turn used it to help guide my growing son. The quote is titled -
Build Me A Son, by Douglas MacArthur, General of the Army.
"Build me a son O Lord, who will be strong enough to know when he is weak and brave enough to face himself when he is afraid; one who will be proud and unbending in honest defeat, but humble and gentle in victory."
"Build me a son whose wishes will not replace his actions
- a son who will know thee, and that to know himself is the foundation stone of knowledge. Send him, I pray, not in the path of ease and comfort but the stress and spur of difficulties and challenge; here let him learn to stand up in the storm, here let him learn compassion for those who fail".
"Build me a son whose heart will be clear, whose goal will be high; a son who will master himself before he seeks to master others; who will learn to laugh, yet never forget to weep; one who will reach into the future, yet never forget the past, and after all these things are his, This I Pray, enough sense of humor that he may always be serious yet never take himself to seriously. Give him humility so that he may always remember the simplicity of true greatness, the open mind of true wisdom, the meekness of true strength;
Then I, His Father, Will Dare to Whisper,
'I HAVE NOT LIVED IN VAIN'."
My son has now turned 21 and he too will always remember Monty.
God Bless You Monty,
Love
Richard a.k.a. John Doe
D Co. 1/8, 4th Infantry Division
POSTED ON 12.13.2001
POSTED BY: Richard D. Smith
Monty and Our Squad
POSTED ON 2.28.1999
POSTED BY: Barbara
Cousins
Georgie was my cousin, a bright and shining star in my memory. Funny, smart, loving, and tolerant of a younger girl. He let me ride his bike, I think he even showed me how to ride in the first place. Even after all these years, he is missed, and thought of often. As the years have passed others have gone to join him, so I know that he is not alone. I loved him dearly.
Barbara
Barbara