THE WALL OF FACES

I remember Dave well.We went to Hospital Corpsmen School in San Diego together in 1965. David was pretty quiet, but friendly and well liked by his fellow students. I was in Vietnam at the same time, and saddened to hear of his death. I was fortunate to locate David's stepfather after 30 years had gone by. His family called him "Joe" (not David). I fly the flag for you my friend, and for all our friends and shipmates, and Marines that didn't come home from that far away place. I will always remember you and honor you for your sacrifice. Until we meet again...
Semper Fi

Mitch

Dave (Joe) and I were friends during our senior year in high school in Lincoln, Nebraska. We lost touch after graduation. It wasn't until some years later I learned of his death in Vietnam.

It saddens me to think that the time I knew him was near the end of his short time.

I, on the other hand, have lived a very wonderful life with my wife, children and grandchildren and have enjoyed this great country for 40 years since Dave and I were buddies in school. Let me never take for granted the freedoms purchased with such heavy cost.

I am forever grateful, Dave.

Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.

John 15:13

Although we never met personally, I want to thank you David Joseph Branstrom, for your courageous and valiant service, faithful contribution, 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 Branstrom, for a job well done!

FAIR WINDS, AND ETERNAL PEACE MY FRIEND

We never met but I know who you were. I never got to know who you were because you were taken to soon. At the age of 19, heck thats how old I am now and you served our country and were killed doing so. You are my hero for doing your job for your country and for us. Thank you, I just wish that I could of met you. That would of been real cool. From talking to others about you, we would have shared some of the same intrests. Thanks a lot for all you've done. No matter how many people forget about you I never will.

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)