Fred McKinley Bailey US52764047-We met in boot
camp, in the same platoon overlooking Drag Ass Hill, Fort
Jackson, Columbia, South Carolina. We were more exposed
to the ways of the world than most guys  there. Fred was able to
handle the ways of the Army better. Fred never seemed to
have a bad day even when the rest of us would be griping.
We pulled our first guard duty together at the rifle
range.  The
night was cold and raining. Both of us did not smoke, nor
have any means of making a fire for warmth. However, he
was able to sleep on that cold mattress without a blanket.
He got his orders for the Infantry, my orders was for the
Medical Corp. I was upset, but Fred assured me it was a
good area of the service to be a part of. We lost contact
after boot camp. I did some research and sadly, I found
out that Fred did not make it home, he lost his life in
Hua Nghia, South Vietnam. In less than three months,
Fred was able to leave a lasting impression on me, and to
a lot of other GI's. He lost his life because he cared
for men under his command, members of the 25th Infantry
Division, station at Cu Chi. In this life every one
should know a Fred, as we can't all be like Fred. May he
rest in peace. Love to his family. Spec 5, Baldwin
Samuels US52764044. |
| Monument
dedicated to male Military personnel that did a "Tour
of Duty" in Vietnam, and returned home. It is located near the southwestern end of the WALL  in Washinghton, DC. Pathway at the
rear leads to monument dedicated to the female Vietnam Vets (WACS, WAVES and WAFCS). To the right is the Lincoln Memorial. Tour of Duty for a Marine is thirteen (13) months and for a Army GI it is twelve months (12) Photo taken Memorial Day 1991 |