As keynote speaker William “Bill” Taylor offered an emotional and harrowing account of his time as a U.S. Marine during the Vietnam War, the true measure of sacrifice came into focus for those gathered at Historic Maplewood Cemetery for Crown Point’s Memorial Day service on Monday.
Taylor, author of the book “On Full Automatic,” confessed that it was the first Memorial Day service he has attended. But has come to terms with the sacrifice he and his Marine band of brothers gave in the name of freedom.
At 18 years old, Taylor enlisted in the Marines and was assigned to the First Battalion, Third Marine Regiment, Vietnam, serving nearly all of his 13-month tour during 1967 until he received his third Purple Heart medal and earned a trip home.
Taylor spoke of consistent enemy engagements and fierce battles against North Vietnamese troops. He said he still speaks to the widow of his platoon leader, David Hart, who was killed in action during a landing force invasion assaulting a tree line that “felt like the Civil War days.”
He recalled the loss of numerous fellow Marines during intense battles, including Operation Buffalo.
“I remember we were surrounded by 200 NVA (North Vietnamese Army troops) and my best friend was killed,” said Taylor, choking back tears. “It was that day I also earned by third Purple Heart.”
Taylor’s Marine Battalion received two Presidential Unit Citations while participating in 25 combat operations. His platoon was wiped out several times, once leaving only seven out of 50 men standing. Every platoon lieutenant, sergeant and squad leader was killed, wounded or relieved of command, he said.
Taylor emphasized that the scars of battle are not only physical but mental, and that while many Vietnam veterans succumbed to suicide, the suicide rate among Gulf War veterans “averages 22 a day.”
As a parade through the city featuring America the Royal Regiment and Crown Point High School marching band, the crowd gathered at the cemetery for the posting of colors. American Legion Post 20 Commander Kevin Dvorak, a 10-year U.S. Navy veteran, led with opening remarks, acknowledging Gold Star families in attendance, as well as participation from American Legion Auxiliary, Sons of the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, the Polar Star Battalion of the U.S. Navy Sea Cadets and several local Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops.
Dvorak recalled a more recent loss of American troops.
“Navy SEALs Nathan Ingram and Christopher Chambers attempted to board an unflagged ship in the Arabian sea that was carrying Iranian-made weapons to Yemen last January 11,” he said. “As these two brave men were leaving their ship to climb the contraband ship, waves reportedly widened the gap between the two vessels. Chambers plunged into the water. Ingram jumped in to save him. Both were lost at sea and presumed dead.”
He described Memorial Day as an occasion to honor more than 42 million men and women who died for our nation serving in wars and missions since the American Revolution.
“The Global War on Terror, October 2001 to present, has resulted in nearly 1 million more deaths,” he noted.
Taylor reminded that it wasn’t until the Vietnam War that the country changed its policy to bring all deceased soldiers home.
“Often while the efforts to do so was gallant, it was not always possible,” he said. “Our records still include 90,000 MIAs. Others found peace at Arlington (National Cemetery) or here in Maplewood.”
Dvorak recalled the death on April 1 of 102-year-old Lou Conter, the last living survivor of the USS Arizona, which sunk in the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor.
Quoting Conter’s remarks to the American Legion, Dvorak said, “We’re not heroes. The 1,117 men who went down with the ship are the heroes. You have to remember, we got to go home, get married, have children and grandchildren, and we’ve lived a good life. Those who didn’t get to do that should be called the heroes.”
Speaking on behalf of Crown Point Mayor Pete Land, who was away attending a family funeral, City Councilman Chad Jeffries, D-1st, said the service was an opportunity for the community to come together “united in respect and reverence for the heroes who had given their all.”
“Today, let us also remember the families who have borne the burden of loss with grace and strength,” Jeffries said. “Their resilience is a testament to the enduring spirit of our nation. We honor their sacrifice as well, acknowledging the deep and personal cost of the freedoms we cherish.”
Jim Masters is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
