[doc540]

Both humbled and honored today when my friend, Larry McCabe, surprised me with his Dak To (Hill 875), North Vietnamese, battle flag and militaria he's had since he was seriously wounded on that awful hill.

Larry took two, through-and-through AK rounds but after rehab insisted on returning to his squad instead of taking the ticket home.

It's the most significant gift a friend has ever given me. I will keep and treasure until I draw my last breath on God's green earth.

May God bless and keep ALL soldiers and patriots.

 

[chaosrob]

Wow, that is more than a gift.....

 

[serb]

Wow.That is quite an honor Doc. Nice picture as well.

Whats the story, if you dont mind sharing of why he presented you with it?

Besides being good friends obviously.

 

[keystonearms]

Says a lot about your character Doc for a man to give you something so meaningful. Perhaps someday we can all pass along something to change someones life.

 

[doc540]

Thank you.

I guess Larry knew I'm a student of military history and hold he and his fellow patriots with upmost esteem and respect.

He just said, "I've held it long enough" and handed it to me.

And I don't take lightly his sacrifice and the sacrifice paid by the young North Vietnamese soldier who wore the belt and uniform.

Even though he was the enemy, to me it's a significant and solemn thing to have it in my home and in my hands.

 

[Parrisjr]

Congratulations, a great story and a great friend!

God bless our soldiers; past, present, and future!

 

[Colt-SL]

God bless you both Doc, and thanks so much for sharing this!

 

[Rio]

You cannot measure friendship like that. Great gesture, Larry. It is little wonder that the American people hold veterans in such high esteem, something which never fails to move me each time I visit.

Rio

 

[Matchlock]

Hello Doc;

What a kind and wonderful thing to do for a dear friend. That battle flag probably means more to him than anyone who's never "been there, done that" can ever imagine.

He has proudly given you, (his good friend) a piece of his life, and a piece of his heart. He's saying to you that he loves you, and wants to share his heart with you.

God Bless Mr. McCabe, and you too Doc. May he live forever in the hearts of patriots everywhere.

Bud

Both humbled and honored today when my friend, Larry McCabe, surprised me with his Dak To (Hill 875), North Vietnamese, battle flag and militaria he's had since he was seriously wounded on that awful hill.

Larry took two, through-and-through AK rounds but after rehab insisted on returning to his squad instead of taking the ticket home.

It's the most significant gift a friend has ever given me. I will keep and treasure until I draw my last breath on God's green earth.

May God bless and keep ALL soldiers and patriots.

 

[Malysh]

Wonderful story and wonderful friend.
I wish we all had friends like that, or could be friends that good to another person.

And they say the WWII generation was the greatest. I have nothing but respect for all the WWII vets, but the guys I know who served in Viet Nam should also be included in the greatest generation. They went there, either voluntarily or by the draft (even in WWII when enlistment figures were very high a much larger number of servicemen were draftees), knowing full well that our country would not be overrun by the NVA, whearas in WWII you can bet if the Germans and Japanese could have staged invasions of our homeland, they would have done so.

 

[Matchlock]

You know something Malysh? You are absolutely right, and I do have friends like that, and they are right here on this great Colt Forum. I won't mention any names, but you all know who you are and I am so very grateful for the dear friends that I have been so fortunate to make here these past few years.

Thank you fellas.

Bud

Wonderful story and wonderful friend.
I wish we all had friends like that, or could be friends that good to another person.

And they say the WWII generation was the greatest. I have nothing but respect for all the WWII vets, but the guys I know who served in Viet Nam should also be included in the greatest generation. They went there, either voluntarily or by the draft (even in WWII when enlistment figures were very high a much larger number of servicemen were draftees), knowing full well that our country would not be overrun by the NVA, whearas in WWII you can bet if the Germans and Japanese could have staged invasions of our homeland, they would have done so.

 

[Major Dad]

Doc, God bless you and Larry, too! Great to see you both are still not only vertical, but still "standing tall and looking good!" I could not have had a dry eye, either.

 

[doc540]

Plenty of "value" to go around, and one of them is having a tangible reminder of the reality of duty, honor, and country.

When I look at these "things" their value is amplified by the facts that real men (one is a man I've known personally for nearly half my life) engaged in a life or death struggle, made the ultimate sacrifice, and on a particular day in history, one lived and one died for their respective causes.

To know these aren't random collectibles purchased from some website or gun show is a sobering thought, indeed.

 

[kenhwind]

"Semper Fi"