David,
An old soldier's lament.....
I was discharged a half a century ago as a Korean War vet. Most of my 3 year
duty, however, was Cold War stuff in Germany; practicing killing, not
actually doing it. As a teenager I took Basic with the 101st Airborne and
jump school with the 82nd. I too was Infantry. In those days this is where
the Army put you if you couldn't pass any of their qualifying tests for high
skilled schools. You know, schools like clerk-typist or cook or vehicle
maintenance.
The mid-fifties was the era of the old "brown gowns" (Ike Jackets) and M-1
Garands. Yes, I still have one each left in my closet. Highest rank held
(briefly), Sgt; discharged Cpl.; evidence of a disquieting trend.
The paratrooper songs in those days were "Beautiful streamer, open for
me..." "There was blood upon the risers, there was brains upon his
chute...." and "Gorey, gorey, what a helluva way to die..." These were sung
more as ballads as opposed to the martial cadence of your attached version.
However the Military Utube rendition still rings true to the soldier's need
for invincibility. I salute that from the bottom of my heart.
Now let me share a really random thought with the list. Years ago, when we
hooked up to the static line in a thunderously loud C-119, Flying Boxcar, at
1200 msl slow flight, there was always the feeling of uncertainty, anxiety
and apprehension. That in-your-gut feeling is the same one we feel on the
starting grid at the track; very little difference. So maybe FOT needs a
blood and guts race song.
Back to the Utube video, I was disappointed that, presumably for political
correctness, the George C. Scott clip of Patton's speech was censored for
cultural epithets. Wussies!!
And thank your brother from all of us for serving his Country.
Richard Taylor
Subject: [Fot] For the Military
My Brother will be graduating from Army Basic this week and then he
is off to Advanced Infantry School. For those on the list(s) that
have a Military background I saw this song referenced on the
Blackfive milblog today. iTunes proceeds go to a Military charity.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTs6a0ORdQU
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