Roy
Jackson, January '68
"He
used to tell me that he hoped he never had to hurt anybody. As it
worked out, he never did."
Roy
Jackson, My Hero
When
I remember Roy, I remember this boyish face. He used to talk about
life on the farm. I used to laugh my butt off when he tried to explain
what a fertilizer hopper was. He would use his hands to show what
different parts were in conjunction with another. Cracked me up.
He
was a real honest to goodness innocent man. He used to laugh with
me. He always made me laugh. Now when I remember him, I cry. I guess
it's because he's not here to laugh with anymore. I wish I could find
a family member. Maybe they would show me a fertilizer hopper. Maybe
someday.
Roy
used to tell me that he hoped he would never have to hurt anyone.
As it worked out, he never did. The last time I saw Roy alive, I was
carrying a wounded Marine to the medevac LZ. I heard this voice say,"Hey
Gunny, you better get your head down, you're going to get hit."I
looked over, and there laying beside a paddy dike was Roy. He had
this big smile on his face. I told him I would as soon as I got back
to the squad.
The
next day, after all the action had ceased, a Marine from his squad
came up to me and told me what had happened. I was stunned. It took
a while for the reality to sink in. Then I cried, and still cry when
I remember that smiling face.
Rest
in Peace my brother. My son carries your name.
John "Gunny" Gundersen, India 3/5
