Dedicated to all Hospital Corpsmen

[VIETNAM 1968]

I received this Poem entitled "I'm The One Called "Doc" a few months ago and would now like to post it on the Patriot Files in honor of all Hospital Corpsmen everywhere.

It is also dedicated to my Best Buddy, HM3 Alan R. Gerrish, who was Posthumously awarded the Navy Cross after he died of wounds received in August 1968. Alan was also a Hospital Corpsman and was assigned to the 3rd Military Police Battalion, 3rd Marines, H&S Company (Medical Department). He gave his life trying to provide First Aid to two wounded Marines.



I'm the one called "Doc"



I shall not walk in your footsteps,

but I will walk by your side.

I shall not walk in your image,

I've earned my own title of pride.



We've answered the call together,

on sea and foreign land.

When the cry for help was given,

I've been there right at hand.



Whether I am on the ocean

or in the jungle wearing greens,

Giving aid to my fellow man,

be it Sailor or Marine.



So the next time you see a Corpsman

and you think of calling him "squid"

think of the job he's doing

as those before him did.



And if you ever have to go out there

and your life is on the block,

Look at the one right next to you:



I'm the one called "Doc".


Copyright 1975
Harry D. Penny Jr. HM (AC)
USN


To all my Vietnam Veteran Brothers and Sisters I want to state:

WELCOME HOME:

Vietnam 1968