The Combat Leader

I got my platoon, I remember on a rainy day,

“Follow me”, “Take the high ground,” I must lead the way.

I only had a few vets, too damn few,

My men were the best but they were new.

I smiled & assured them that all was right,

Knowing the enemy was near, he owned the night.

God let me do what I know was best;

To lead my men, no medals for my chest.

The men questioned me with their silent stares,

Command was hard, I had to be fair.

I was a leader of grunts, they were tough,

I had to lead them, it had to be enough.

I had three men down: I yelled “Check your gear,”

My voice cracked, I couldn’t hide the fear.

They gave me thumbs up, they moved out slow,

I cared for these men, they would always know.

As in war a lot of good men die,

I learned early on that grown men cry.

We searched for the enemy wherever he would be,

For I was their leader, “Follow Me.”

Michael D. Monfrooe

Dedicated Jim Renshaw, Gary Gresh, Charles Beasly,

James Montano and David Grange Jr.

“The BEST OF THE BEST”