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FINEST SON

This verse was written after Ron visited the family of Michael J. Tesarro in June of 2002. Michael was a friend of Ron’s. On January 8th of 1969, their platoon sized base camp came under attack by the Viet Cong. Michael, Ron and several others were wounded that night. Michael died at Ron’s feet on the medivac flight to Lai Khe. It took thirty-three years for Ron to finally meet with Michael’s father and other family members. 

Two men reflected in the Vietnam War Memorial Wall in DC.

Reflection of Ron Mackedanz and Gil (Doc) Thompson at The Wall during the Big Red One reunion, 2005. Photo by Sarah Orlando.

FINEST SON

The year was 1968, and into sixty-nine. 
Brave young soldiers wrote letters home. 
Said, “Mom I’m doing fine.”

When in reality, things were not so well. 
From the rice paddies and the jungles, 
war was a living hell. 
On January 8th of sixty-nine, 
Michael Tesarro died. 
Some men held their heads, 
and some men even cried.

One of America’s finest sons, 
and a brother to us all 
now lies at rest in his family plot. 
His name is on the Wall. 
His name is on the Wall.

By: R.W. Mackedanz 
(07/2002)

Biographical Details

Primary Location During Vietnam: Lai Khe, Vietnam Vietnam location marker

Story Subject: Military Service

Military Branch: U.S. Army

Dates of Service: 1968 - 1970

Unit: Bandido Charlie Company 1st Battalion

Specialty: 16th Infantry (mechanized)

Black and white portrait of a man with military medals.

A note from the author

The verses above were written by a combat wounded veteran of the Vietnam “WAR”. Ron spent ten months of his yearlong tour of duty, out in the field serving with “Bandido Charlie Company” 1st of the 16th, mechanized infantry. He was wounded twice in combat against the Viet Cong and the NVA.

If you are offended by any of these writings, deal with it. We all did, in Nam. Ron makes no apologies, and he asks no quarter. Thirty some years later, a lot of this is just now coming to head. Most Vietnam vets have gone on with their lives, married, taken on respectable work, and tried to put it all behind them. Those who believe that they have accomplished that are either fooling themselves, or trying to find peace in the bottom of a bottle.

War is hell and combat is a M----- F-----. That’s just a fact of life. Combat will change you forever, and not necessarily for the better. However, life must go on.

These memories, and verses are dedicated to Ron’s cousin, Lyle Mackedanz, MIA/POW Vietnam 4/21/68, and to all the Bandidos, and other brave men who gave their all in a far away land, called Vietnam.

Story Themes: 16th Infantry, 1968, 1969, 1970, Army, Art, Bandido Charlie, Family, Hutchinson, Lai Khe, Poetry, Ron Mackedanz, The Vietnam Memorial, The Vietnam Wall

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