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SgtMunro
Soldier of the King
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
September 23 2002
Status: offline
Donating Member |
 Posted - November 11 2002 : 12:12:27 AM
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THE INFANTRYMAN
The average age of the Infantryman is 19 years. He is a short haired,
tight-muscled kid who, under normal circumstances is considered by society
as half man, half boy. Not yet dry behind the ears, but old enough to die
for his country. He never really cared much for work and he would rather wax
his own car than wash his father's; but he has never collected unemployment
either.
He's a recent High School graduate; he was probably an average student,
pursued some form of sport activities, drives a ten year old jalopy, and has
a steady girlfriend that either broke up with him when he left, or swears to
be waiting when he returns from half a world away. He listens to rock and
roll or jazz or swing and 155mm Howitzers. He is 10 or 15 pounds lighter now
than when he was at home because he is working or fighting from before dawn
to well after dusk.
He has trouble spelling, thus letter writing is a pain for him, but he can
field strip a rifle in 30 seconds and reassemble it in less. He can recite
to you the nomenclature of a machine gun or grenade launcher and use either
one effectively if he must. He digs foxholes and latrines and can apply
first aid like a professional. He can march until he is told to stop or stop
until he is told to march. He obeys orders instantly and without hesitation,
but he is not without spirit or individual dignity.
He is self-sufficient. He has two sets of fatigues: he washes one and wears
the other. He keeps his canteens full and his feet dry. He sometimes forgets
to brush his teeth, but never to clean his rifle. He can cook his own meals,
mend his own clothes, and fix his own hurts. If you're thirsty , he'll share
his water with you; if you are hungry, his food. He'll even split his
ammunition with you in the midst of battle when you run low. He has learned
to use his hands like weapons and his weapons like they were his hands. He
can save your life -- or take it, because that is his job.
He will often do twice the work of a civilian, draw half the pay and still
find ironic humor in it all. He has seen more suffering and death then he
should have in his short lifetime. He has stood atop mountains of dead
bodies, and helped to create them. He has wept in public and in private, for
friends who have fallen in combat and is unashamed. Just as did his Father,
Grandfather, and Great-grandfather, he is paying the price for our freedom.
Beardless or not, he is not a boy. He is the American Fighting Man that has
kept this country free for over 200 years. He has asked nothing in return,
except our friendship and understanding.
Remember him, always, for he has earned our respect and admiration with his
blood.
He is an INFANTRYMAN!
While enjoying your right to free speech and assembly, take a moment to thank those (living or not) who's blood, sweat & tears make these freedoms possible.
Your Humble Servant,
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Serjeant-Major Duncan Munro
Capt. Thos. Graham's Coy.
42nd Royal Highland Regiment of Foote
(The Black Sheep of the Black Watch)
"Nemo Me Impune Lacessit"
-Or-
"Recruit locally, fight globally." |
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securemann
Deerslayer
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
July 08 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - November 11 2002 : 10:49:26 AM
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| Great post Sarge!On this day I would like to remember one special Infantryman dear to my heart:My Dad.He received the Purple Heart in the Battle of the Bulge and also the Bronze Star.God bless him and all VETERANS! |
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SgtMunro
Soldier of the King
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
September 23 2002
Status: offline
Donating Member |
Posted - November 11 2002 : 3:21:29 PM
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Thank you, Securemann, and a very special thanks to your Dad. My Grandpap was also at the 'Bulge', good news was he survived, bad news was that he left part of his rib cage somwhere in the Ardenes Forest. My Grandpap used to tell me, "Tiger, I spent over 30 years in the army fighting in three wars, and I left a little part of me in each place." The man was the master of the understatement.
Your Humble Servant,
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Serjeant-Major Duncan Munro
Capt. Thos. Graham's Coy.
42nd Royal Highland Regiment of Foote
(The Black Sheep of the Black Watch)
"Nemo Me Impune Lacessit"
-Or-
"Recruit locally, fight globally." |
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