by Pat Burke
Hi, This is Pat’s daughter. Before he passed last October, he asked me to post the letter he posts every March 16th in memory of his last days with a soldier named Ted Williams. March 16, 1967 was the day he was shot in Nam and Ted was killed and died in his arms. Today marks a significant day in my fathers life that he always carried with him. Be warned, it is graphic in the end and may be difficult to read, but I will keep the promise I made to him. Here is his tribute to Ted…(there are three pages/photos). I miss you dad.
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This is incredibly moving. Moreover, wonderfully written. And most importantly, we owe both men thanks and praise. True Warriors.
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Great details of a savage battle that only Marines will understand the Brotherhood we share may God Bless these forever young souls I’m so touched by this article USMC Forever
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Again, John, you have given tribute those of us that served and honored those that gave their all. What a heart-wrenching account of heroism. RIP.
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Rest In Peace my Brothers
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I am mesmerized by his powerful, memory provoking words. I don’t think I can add any more
to this mans, this Marines personal narrative of war and what it meant to be there when his best friend
was killed. He puts into words what that war has meant to so many of us. He paints a picture with his words that few will want to know much less understand.
Vietnam 65-66 / 67-68
MACV / 8th Fld Hosp / 85th Evac
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Thank you John for reprinting this. I spent many hours talking with Pat Burke and convinced him to write his memoir. He produced about 100 pages and and then informed me it was too painful to pull the rest out of his memory. After rereading this story about Ted Willians I understand why Pat decided to nix the memoir. R.I.P. Pat Burke !
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For we who have lost brother Marines in battle, every day is Memorial Day! We shall never forget them or their sacrifice for allowing us to return home. Your Dad was a Marine Grunt whose description of our daily toil at the DMZ, could not be stated more accurately!
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I to know the pain of loss of a brother Marine’s in Nam. The boy’s we were became men in less then 5 shot day and lost 2 of my best friends. I am 74 years old and still miss them every day.
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Well written, sad story, God Bless the USMC, AND THESE BRAVE MARINES.
Richard
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A truly great post, by a brother that definitely articulates thoughts with a great selection of words.
Rest In Peace my brother.
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Was LTCP Williams’ recovered?
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I can’t even think of what to say. How much more intense can it get? No way…and he came out with a memory for forever.
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Awesome !
Sent from my iPad
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I was in NAM 68/69 reading about what your dad and Williams went through was heart wrenching and brought tears to my eyes it’s really ashame your dad went through all of that and then had Agent Orange to deal with like so many of us.I can only say RIP brother your watch is over SLOW SALUTE.
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Incredible & moving !! Took a few tries to get through it all. Thank you both, brothers.
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