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Acknowledgements
I would like to recognize the assistance I had while putting this project together. As is the case with so many things, we rarely accomplish significant events by ourselves— there are often ‘unseen’ hands, eyes and ears that contribute to one’s success. That is certainly the case here.
The men with whom I served in the First Platoon—in E Company, in The Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, in the First Battalion, Fourth Marines and in other Marine units while I was in ‘the Corps’ made this project possible—I’ll never forget them!
The ‘fellow’ officers in E Company walked the same path as Me—we trained, fought, cried and celebrated—together as we developed our own ‘band of brothers’ fraternity— my story —in many ways—is their story! I leaned on them heavily, as I struggled to remember our time together. They each contributed ideas, memories, suggestions and constructive criticism in writing this project.
The ‘Pine Ave. Apartment’s circle of friends consisted of fellow Marines and their families —I’ll forever remember the good times we had—the support our wives gave to us —and each other—they’re forever included in my fond memories of this special time in our lives.
My Son—Clay. He was my constant assistant—contributing ideas and providing excellent advice re. research and the use of computer technology to enhance the project. I would have been at a big loss without him at my side.
To all Marine veterans who fought in Vietnam and to all soldiers, sailors, airmen and others who also fought in that war—thank you for your service—you deserve to be remembered as having fought in a war that was politically unpopular, often with both hands ‘tied behind your back’ but you fought anyway and did your best under the most difficult circumstances and when you returned—you returned alone—not with parades in your honor—not to cheering crowds waiting on you and your unit at the airport, Navy pier or military base somewhere. Some of us never returned—others returned damaged but
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