Tribute

Go forth young man onto the battlefield:

Never to retreat, never to yield.

In Casablanca and Anzio you hit the shore;

To Berchtesgarden at the end of the war.

From Lucian K. Truscott to the dirty dog face,

You were a part of history, you earned your place.

You shed your blood; you shed your tears,

Your faced your enemies, overcame your fears.

The medals you earned now kept in a drawer,

You were an American Soldier, no less, no more.

The freedom for which you fought did not come cheap;

We will remember you dear friend and we shall weep.

Michael D. Monfrooe

For Russell O. LaDuke

12/23/1919 to 3/8/1992