As the brown water flowed from the hills to the sea
and the wind howled unbridled and free;
Many men paid the price -
the supreme sacrifice
from Da Nang to the South China Sea.
Through the dim, cloudless light
when the monsoons held tight
and the stars were tucked safely away,
There were countless brave men
with a strong will to win
Working hard to keep Charlie at bay.
They were easy prey
each and every day
with the threat of death all around.
But with bullets and beans
they provided the means
for their mates to bring the foe down.
On sleepless nights
when the moon shined just right
you could see each performing his chore.
Young and old, large and small
each one gave his all
for his country had called him to war.
Many tales have been told
of these brave men so bold
and 'tis true, they deserve every praise.
Like a strong mother hen
through each battle's din
They protected their brood night and day.
Heroes one, Heroes all
each one heard the call -
Honored patriots to their last breath.
No complaints passed their lips
as they manned their frail ships
far from home on the rivers of death.
Many lives were saved
by the dangers they braved
and support they provided so well.
And they won't have to wait
When they reach heaven's gate
for in life, each one did excel.
© 2002
Larry Dunn
Vietnam Veteran
For those members of all Support Forces involved
in Navy Riverine Operations in South Vietnam.