SALUTE
   To Vinegar Joe

The old gray warrior has done his part:
Remember the iron pressure of his hand,
The kindliness within his valiant heart,
His tolerance toward those of every land,
Furrowed by full years, his gentle face,
Humorous... deep-bronzed by Burma's sun
Is touched with the simplicity and grace
Of all great men whose missions are well done.

Yet in the troubled days ahead, a spry
Lean ghostly figure will be seen along
The Ledo Road - his campaign hat awry -
Roaring in his jeep down toward Mogaung.
Past lifting jungle hills, and we shall say,
"You see?" He never really went away!

by Sergeant Smith Dawless

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