THE WALL OF FACES

Sgt. Mac, ...I've looked and looked for you on the Wall lists, but couldn't remember the correct spelling of your last name. I was starting to think I was nuts; that you didn't die before my very eyes. Now, I've found you. I wish I was nuts after all. Your survival would have been cause to celebrate.

I remember you well, a just, honest man who didn't play favorites. You kicked butt where required, and lent inner support when it was most needed. I looked up to you, with your sure approach to command. You knew how to get us to go that extra klick. Men followed you because they wanted to. You were like the John Henry in the Ballad, a strong man, and a great Marine.

Oh God, I can still hear your final call. The new guy, boot to the Nam, set off the damn mine, which exploded between the two of you. You staggered a step and swayed, as you called to God, "Oh Lord! I'm hit!", then crumpled to the ground and moved no more, gone forever. The new guy was also dead.

I don't recall exactly who called Doc, maybe me, maybe someone else, but there was nothing he could do. We put you in a poncho and waited for the med-evac chopper to come and take you both. It cut the heart of the platoon when you died. Guys just couldn't believe it.

When I got up the courage to start looking for fallen friends, I searched for your name, but couldn't find it. I began to think we had been mistaken, and started to hope you had somehow lived. I regret to see I was right the first time. At least, now I'm sure of where you are.

May you rest undisturbed, Sgt. Mac, you are amongst honorable company. May the Lord, whom you called upon that day, keep you in His Glory. May we meet again someday on the Streets of Heaven. You are sorely missed.

I think of you often with great respect. It was a great pleasure to serve with you.

I think of you often with great respect.

John, I think of the good times we had..