October 2, 2009

The Enlisted Man

I fought in every battle
I forged our history
With my wounds, I signed in blood
Our freedom guarantee

I stood with General Washington
Faced the winter and starvation
My spirit and undying will
Claimed for us, a nation

I marched proudly into Gettysburg
A battle like no other
Charging into blazing rifles
Felled by my brother

With the birth of aviation
I was among the first to fly
Overcoming great adversity
I helped command the sky

I fought the wars in Europe
And Korea, Vietnam
I died at the hands of terrorists
And pushed back Saddam

I follow without question
The orders of command
Though often their necessity
I do not understand

I wear the Medal of Honor
For action without thought
Often paying with my life
The lives of friends I bought

I’m the one who stood the watches
The one who dug latrines
I took care of my buddy
As a matter of routine

I’m the backbone of our service
I did more with less
I kept the mission going
With innovation and finesse

I stand a quiet vigil
Making very few demands
Officers prize my respect
I am the enlisted man