Troop 310 - Marshalltown, Iowa
Mid-Iowa Council, Boy Scouts Of America

On April 29, 1975 Americans were evacuating Saigon.  The Vietnam War was coming to a close.  My boyhood friend, Lance Corporal Darwin L. Judge, and Corporal Charles McMahon, Jr. of Woburn, Massachusetts were killed during a mortar attack on Ton Sun Nhut Airbase, the last two of over
58,000 Americans who died serving their country in Southeast Asia.

After a quarter of a century when Vietnam is mentioned we are still left with the question, "Why?".  I am transported back to Marshalltown, Iowa every time I hear the mention of Vietnam and remember standing in the grocery store where I worked, tears streaming down my face, when the news came over the radio that my fellow Eagle Scout had fallen.  I asked the question, "Why?".  At the memorial service in the packed Marshalltown High School gymnasium a few days later we all asked a collective, "Why?".  When I visit Darwin's grave or have gone to the wall in Washington, DC, I still ask "Why?". 

I have come to the conclusion that part of the answer to this question needs to be left to the historians for they will still be asking and trying to answer it long after we join our friends and loved ones in the next life. 

We must never forget, however, the sacrifice and service of the thousands of men and women who served when our nation sent them to Vietnam.  Their call to duty partially answers our question because many were willing to enlist voluntarily when public opinion and demonstrations at home were against them.  Never have American forces been placed in such an awkward position.  Vietnam Veterans are the greatest of soldiers because they put their lives on the line when many in our nation condemned their service.  Their answer to our "why" comes in the ideals of duty, honor and country.  They were willing to look beyond themselves and even met God at an early age because freedom is priceless and needs to be protected around the world.

The last two men killed in Vietnam were U.S. Marines whose motto is:  Semper Fidelis - Always Faithful.  Every Vietnam Veteran is to be thanked for being "faithful" and willing to serve with honor.  Their sacrifice is a reminder to each of us that freedom comes with a price and challenges us who are living to be faithful in maintaining and preserving our great nation by holding to those same ideals.  If we do not keep our nation they will be the first to ask us, "Why?". 

I miss you Darwin.  You exemplify the ideals of Scouting - Duty To God & Country.  We were challenged when we became Eagles to serve others.  You gave your life in the cause of freedom, the ultimate act of service.  By the grace of God through Jesus Christ I know I will see you one day
around the campfire and tell stories and trade patches as we did as Scouts.  Thank you, for serving with honor.

"A Tribute To Darwin L. Judge"

Dear Friend.....
You left the world so soon!
The flicker of the fire we shared at Scout Camp.
Still splashes your memory on the canvas of my mind.

To serve our country with honor,
Even as others mocked.
When you traded your Scout uniform, with Eagle Badge,
For that of the Marine Corps.

When I saw you last, standing proudly in blue,
I did not know it would be the last farewell.
You returned from Saigon,
But in a coffin draped in red, white and blue,
Blurred in my vision by the tears.

I visit your grave when I come home.
People still question the war.
The drumbeat of time still bangs on.
A wall has brought some healing in Washington.

If only we could go back to those camp fires,
Sharing  stories and trading patches.
I do see you sometimes in the young faces today....
Scouts "Trailing The Eagle" as we once did.

I pray we live the ideals of Scouting as you did.
That our country esteems duty, honor and service.
Shown by you and thousands who served in Vietnam.
I miss you my friend.

Dedicated To:

L/CPL Darwin L. Judge, Eagle Scout
Corporal Charles L. McMahon
Marine Security Guards, USMC

The last two men killed in Vietnam who represent over 58,000 Americans
who gave their lives for freedom in Vietnam.

The "Fall Of Saigon" Marines.

Those who served in Southeast Asia from 1955-1975.

The over 2,000 who are still MIA from the Vietnam War.

Ken Locke
Eagle Scout

For more information go to the Fall Of Saigon Web-Site.

www.fallofsaigon.org

"In the future, when your children ask you, "What do these stones mean?"
tell them.
                      Joshua 4:6-7