A Hero Died Today!

Poem by Harry Hahn
June 10, 2020

He joined the Navy to see the world, but the Delta was his future plan.
Today nobody knew the whole story, nor did he tell it, this old man.
His family was wrought with fear
when they heard his orders in this, his youngest years.
On a boat, on a River, didn’t sound that bad, but Vietnam made those orders  become no easy ride.

A Hero died today!

Off to intense training, off to Vallejo, his green uniforms were nice and sharp.
Then after months of salt, grime and river water they no longer looked that part.

A Hero died today!

He cherishes his Camo Beret, it’s tassels cut and gone.
Firefights took their toll, his face was now dark and drawn.
Rockets and bullets were fired at him at almost every bend.
Somehow he kept his spirit and protected his mates to the end.

A Hero died today!

His family wondered why they never heard all the stories of that terrible tour.
He wore his medals on few occasions but no one knew how they were earned, for sure.

A Hero died today!

When the River banks were not covered in Cong or NVA, they were cleared of vegetation by some magic dust.
That stuff would later take his Brother’s away, silently, painfully, one by one, their new battle that was so unjust.

A Hero died today!

One day this hero left the country, but the country was always near.
Each loud sound and nightly dream replayed all his fears.

A Hero died today!

His hearing battered, his body torn, his ninth life aching and now old.
This hero now rests with his Brothers, their stories also never told.

A Hero died today!