MY HERO, --THE PRIVATE.

It may be my hero id Smith, Brown or Jones,
Or Patrick, or Dennis, or Mike;
If these do not suit, there are still other ones,
So choose any name that you like.
He's one of the millions that fill up the ranks,
A loyal American son;
He marches on foot and relies on his shanks;
He's the private that carries a gun.

He goes when the order is heard to advance
To take an objective in sight;
He's brave as the bravest in taking his chance
To come safely out of the fight.
He'll follow the flag through the cold, artic snows,
Or under the tropical sun;
He's ready to meet all his challenging foes,
He's the private that carries a gun.

He lies in his foxhole and watches with care
The trenches that opposite lie;
He penetrates jungles, avoiding each snare
Of enemies cruel and sly.
He's just such a man as is needed to win
The war that was planned by the Hun;
He's fearless of danger, goes through thick and thin,
He's the private that carries a gun.

When lauding the heroes whose arms have maintained
Our country in need, at its call,
Remember who shared in the victory gained, --
There is glory sufficient for all.
Whenever we cheer for the men who have met
And conquered the Jap and the Hun,
There's one that the Nation should never forget,--
He's the private that carries a gun.

By
J. M. RichardsonŠ

My heartfelt to Gary Beatty for sharing this poem!