THE WALL OF FACES

Eric...Though you may be gone, you will be long remembered. The times we shared, both good and not so good, will be part of me forever. To say you are missed is an understatement.

Even though you are in God's hands now, I miss you.

Although we never met personally, I want to thank you Eric Rudolph Radtke, for your courageous and valiant service, faithful contributions, and most holy sacrifice, given to this great country of ours!

Your Spirit is alive--and strong, therefore Mate, you shall never be forgotten, nor has your death been in vain!

Again, thank you Doc Radtke, for a job well done!

FAIR WINDS, AND ETERNAL PEACE MY FRIEND

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
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