We were relaxing in the Legion lounge. The camaraderie was special, unique. We’d all been there. We told stories of our time in Nam, pranks, lessons learned; but nothing deep or serious. After a few moments of silence my Vietnam brother started talking about the worst battle he’d ever been in. I was so moved, I wrote this poem for him. I tried to tell of the brotherhood and deep emotional bond we shared with friends, but only those we allowed within our emotional armor.
His story: We landed in a typical 3-point Christmas tree pattern. It was supposed to be a secure LZ. No one knew we were coming. But as soon as the first troops deployed and the choppers pulled away the enemy opened up on us. They waited till our choppers pulled away because they knew we don't leave our soldiers behind. We know they knew we were coming because they had already gotten drugged up and had tourniquets on their upper arms and legs so they wouldn't bleed out from wounds. Our choppers kept landing more of our men to support us on the ground. The battle was very bad. Things were happening very fast. All we could do is fight for our lives. Enemy soldiers were literally falling at my feet. I ran out of ammo and grabbed the M16 from my friend who had fallen next to me. Our company suffered over 50% losses in wounded and KIA.

My Brother
I could always laugh with you.
I could always laugh at you.
You bore the brunt of my jokes.
I bore the brunt of your jokes.
Back then, the only time was now.
Tomorrow, might not come anyhow.

And when I had a Hershey bar,
We ate sweets from our land afar.
And when you had only one beer,
Half you gave with smile and cheer.
Back then, the only time was now.
Tomorrow, might not come anyhow.

When mail brought glad tidings from home,
The thrill was not just mine alone.
And if my news from home should hurt,
Your tears fell down upon your shirt.
Back then, the only time was now.
Tomorrow, might not come anyhow.

Then bullets whizzed right by my head.
I saw the horror and the dread.
You came to check upon my fate.
Get back get back, oh no too late.
Back then, the only time was now.
Tomorrow, might not come anyhow.

Brother you were a fine young man.
Your smile I see as here I stand.
Now I salute you tall and straight. SALUTE
Hope to see you at Heaven’s gate.
Back then, your only time was now.
Tomorrow, never came anyhow.

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