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His name was Donald Martin, but he was always Donny to me.
Donny was a dark-haired Louisiana boy with a quick smile and an even quicker temper. One minute he’d be laughing at something and the next he’d be in your face, cussin’ up a blue streak. I liked him, in spite of his unpredictable moods, and in direct violation of the distance I tried to keep between myself and the other guys in the platoon.
He and I were a lot alike, you see. We were both from religious families, and were testing the limits of how far we would go in rebellion against our upbringing. Both of us had enlisted and volunteered to be there. We both read when we got a chance, and passed books back and forth. Both of us had lives we wanted to go back to, parents praying for us, a girlfriend waiting for us.
For decades, I didn’t say anything to anybody about Donny, not a word about the war that wasn’t a war. I wouldn’t even admit to anyone that I’d been to Vietnam, couldn’t watch the ridiculous movies about it, wouldn’t have guns in the house. And sometimes I think that maybe Donny would have been the same way, would have gone through the same stuff and finally ended up more or less okay.
The reason his name’s up on The Wall and he’s not spoiling his grand-kids can be argued, but that’s not what this post is about. It’s an installment on a promise I made to Donny… and to myself… on the day I traced his name.
I haven’t forgotten, Donny, and I hope you rest easy.
M.S. Fowle said:
Thank you for sharing Donny’s story with us. Take care this Memorial Day.
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superphoenix said:
You are quite an inspiration. So I have nominated you for The Very Inspiring Blogger Award -> 🙂 http://superphoenix.wordpress.com/2012/05/30/oh-wow-i-am-an-inspiring-blogger/
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T. W. Dittmer said:
An inspiration? Huh. I’ve thought of myself as a lot of things, but I guess inspirational never crossed my mind. Thanks.
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superphoenix said:
🙂
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Ron Herron said:
I guess I never dived deep enough before to see this post, but I’m glad I did. It brought a tear to my eyes. I knew several “Donny’s” back in the late sixties … who are now also names on that wall I can’t bring myself to go see. Well done, Mr. Dittmer. Well done.
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T. W. Dittmer said:
Thanks, Ron.
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eden baylee said:
You are a such a good, kind man,Tim. Thank you for sharing the story of your friendship with Donny. May he rest easy, knowing he is in our thoughts.
Big big hugs to you, and thank you always for your service,
eden
xox
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T. W. Dittmer said:
Thank you, Eden. Stay safe.
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T. W. Dittmer said:
Reblogged this on T. W. Dittmer and commented:
I remember.
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eden baylee said:
I remember Donny with you , Tim. Your post always brings tears to my eyes. You’re an amazing human being. xo
eden
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T. W. Dittmer said:
Thanks, Eden. I’m glad to know you. 🙂
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danniehill said:
It was a proud, anxious, boring, wild time and then we came home… I too know a small few of the fallen but I know even more of the ones who still suffer the mood and the people of our great nation at the time. And didn’t speak of it or pick up a weapon for years after. A fine tribute to Donny and we can all give honor to him. He is not forgotten
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T. W. Dittmer said:
Thanks, Dannie. I’m glad we made it back and ended up more or less okay. 🙂
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B R Chitwood - My Mission: Writing to Discover Me said:
Beautifully done, Tim…your heart is always in sync with kindness, gratitude, and truth! God Bless you, my friend….
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T. W. Dittmer said:
Thanks, Billy Ray. God bless you. 🙂
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allenrizzi said:
I have a few friends like Donny. The best that I can do is to keep their memories alive through my writing. Thanks for sharing!
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John W. Howell said:
A beautiful tribute to your friendship, Tim. Although you tried to distance yourself, you opened your heart, and I’ll bet Donny loved you for it.
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T. W. Dittmer said:
Thanks, John.
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Liz Gauffreau said:
I was moved by your heartfelt tribute to your fallen friend. It’s so important to remind the world at large that war casualties are not numbers to be tallied and forgotten.
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T. W. Dittmer said:
You’re right, Liz. He was a good guy, not a number. Thank you for stopping by and taking this to heart.
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Liz Gauffreau said:
You’re welcome, Tim.
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Stephanie Seven said:
Thank you for sharing your story about Donny, it is so heart-warming. A beautiful tribute.
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T. W. Dittmer said:
Thank you, Stephanie.
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