by Cpl. Robert L. Cook
Jan. 1942-Sept. 1945
Way back in '42.
'Twixt me and a bullet
Was just a thread or two.
Our leggins n’ boondockers
Kept out the bloody sand
They were enuf protection
For most any man.
We had an old poncho
That kept middlin’ dry,
We used it for a cover-up
And for those that did die.
We thought we were getting’ rich
When they brought us MRE’s,
They was somewhat different
Than hash, pork n’ beans.
As wars go on,
As they surely will,
They’re more complex
And better at the kill.
Don’t matter what they issue,
The man upon the ground
Will be the one that takes
That last killing round.
* * *
About the author: Robert Cook served with Reg. Weapons Co.(2d-2d) from 1942-44, at Guadalcanal and Tarawa, during a 33-month overseas tour.
