"17-Vietnam" Memorial

He had the guts to fight and die,
he paid the price, what did he buy?
He brought you life by giving his,
who gives a damn what a soldier gives?

You watch your TV from your easy chair,
but you don't know what it's like out there.
You burn the kids for marching at dawn,
to plant their flags on the White House lawn.

You knock our ways but have your fun,
and then you teach us to use a gun.
There's nothing else that you can do,
yet, I'm supposed to die for you.
 
I'll hate it 'til the day I die,
you made me hear my buddy cry.
I saw his arm, a bloody shred,
I heard them say, "This one's dead."

Copyright 1972 

Dedicated to childhood friends:   www.mrmulcahy.com

PFC Johnny Mailloux, USMC, K.I.A., casualty of war on 24 Nov 68. Found on panel 38 on the west wall, line #50.

CPL Billy Flint, US Army, K.I.A., casualty of war on 01 Sep 68. Found on panel 45 on the west wall, line #18 of the "Vietnam Veteran's Memorial."

Denny Gray, dying later from problems stemming from the war. We grew up in the projects of East Lynn, MA, the po side of town.

Also, to the men and women K.I.A. and P.O.W./M.I.A. in Southeast Asia.

Some gave all!

PFC Michael "Yank" Mulcahy RA 71-73
"17-Vietnam" was composed when I was a young soldier at Fort Hood, Texas
HHC 1st Bn (M) 50th Inf "PLAY THE GAME" 2d Armd Div, "HELL ON WHEELS"

FIFTH US ARMY