who were willing to give their all and served this country when it called
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I joined the United States Marine Corps after graduating from high school in 1970. I trained as an aircraft mechanic and found myself stationed at the Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, NC., assigned to MAG 14. I was but 18 and having the time of my life. I was even lucky enough to ride in the rear seat of an F4 Phantom fighter jet on numerous occasions. Of course the Vietnam War was still taking place. I was very fortunate that I received orders to be transferred to the Marine Corps Recruiting Station Houston, my home town in 1972. During my 3 year tour of duty I meet and married my wife Mary. We also had one child of our two children during this time, Aimee. But shortly after Aimee was born Uncle Sam decided it was time for me to have a tour of duty overseas - Okinawa, Japan. This was one of the most heart breaking experiences of my life when I boarded the plan to leave for a year, and my baby daughter was but a couple of months young. I arrived in Okinawa after a very long flight. By this time the war was winding down in Vietnam and we were evacuating diplomats and other important Vietnam citizens to the Philippines, Okinawa, Japan and a few other places.
Only those that have had to experience a time away from your loved ones can truly understand how tough this duty was. I put in for an early release from active duty to attend college. My request was granted and I returned home in July of 1976 and immediately enrolled at the University of Houston. In my six years of service to the U.S. Marines I attained the rank of SSgt (E-6) and had many more good memories than bad. I saw the world, I met folks from all walks of life, and made a few life long friends.
At 53 I'm still gung ho for the Marines and you will always see the U.S Flag and the U.S. Marine Corps flag flying honorably at my home in San Leon.
Semper Fi!
Rick Drosche
San Leon, Tx. 77539
God Bless
America
Tribute to Those of Us who Gave Their All
It was during the Battle of the Bulge that our 4.2-inch mortars gained a lasting respect from our infantry. We were shoved into a violent world of both bitter combat and bitter cold. It was a time when hearing the soft-spoken words of our prayer, "God help us to help the infantry," was never more prevalent.
The close supporting fire power of our mortars, be it preparatory fire on our entering a German held town, hiding our infantry behind smoke screens at a river crossing, blowing out mines and barbed wire, or the night-time harassing fire we used to wear down our enemy, all of this helped to lighten the heavy burden of our infantry.
Few of us ever thought of ourselves as heroes. But, while we were enduring 117 days of continuous day-and-night combat, we did have the privilege to fight at the side of a few who were.
Maj. Daniel Robert Durkee, U.S. Army (Deceased)
A WWII Vet, Dan served during the Korea and Viet Nam years serving his country in a career spanning 22 years and an adviser during the next 20 years as a Non-Commissioned & Commissioned Officer
Editors note:Daniel was my father.
My ancestor Col. John Durkee was a revolutionary war hero
Please go here and read this very interesting story!
Editors note:Col. John Durkee was my ancestor.
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