Saturday, May 23, 2015

MEMORIAL DAY


                                      U.S.S. OZBOURN DD846

                                                            
                                                              In memory of


                                                                 ROBERT CORK

ED O'BRIEN

On 12/4/1967 we were on patrol off the coast of Vietnam when our ship received a call for gunfire support,  as we approached the beach, about 1 mile off, we turned broadside and began firing. As we were firing, we started receiving artillery fire from the enemy on the beach. After many rounds bracketing our ship, one round of 81mm mortar went through the after deck at the base of the gun mount where Ed and Robert were passing ammunition and were immediately killed. Another round hit the gun directional room wounding three.



Robert and Ed were my two best friends and shipmates, we spent a lot of time together. We used to spend a lot of time together on the Fantail (after deck) under the stars talking about our dreams and sweethearts. I miss those times and them everyday. R.I.P. my friends, you will always be my shipmates.

19 comments:

Mike Silvius said...

So many ignore the price paid by so few. Except for those that were there and can't ever forget. Hold them in your heart for that way those good men are still with us. Thank you for your service John.

Bushrat John said...

Thanks Mike

CottonLady said...

John, I am sorry for the loss of your close friends. I honor them on this Memorial Day along with a friend and classmate of mine that died in Viet Nam. Thank you for sharing this.

Blessings to you!

Bushrat John said...

Thanks Cotton

Penny said...

What a warm tribute. So many years ago and still such tender fondness for your friends. I'm happy we have at least one day set aside for rememberence, but this "holiday" also evokes a lot of sadness. And to me, it is indeed a Holy day.

Bushrat John said...

Thank you Penny

Mary said...

Very sad, it's good though that you remember them and keep them alive that way.

Bushrat John said...

Thank you Mary

Anonymous said...

Beautiful Tribute to the friends you lost...God Bless you and all the one's who have served and protected our country ... take care my friend.. Bert from Bama

Bushrat John said...

Thanks Bert

Carol said...

Thank you John for sharing those memories with us and I am sorry for the loss of your friends. May God bless you John, all who have served and those who are still in service today. Thank you for sharing those wonderful photos too.

Bushrat John said...

Thank you Carol

KC said...

Thank you for the post sharing your loss of your friends and for your service to our country. I hope you had a good day. Take care, KC

Bushrat John said...

Thanks KC

Anonymous said...

Hope you had a good memorial Day John. Kids came out and we ended up having an impromptu Fish Fry here.. Stay Well Old John

Bushrat John said...

Thank you John, "Clear sailing" you old sailor.

Anonymous said...

John, people have marveled and commented on the camaraderie developed among military personnel especially in times of "stress". I a salty 2nd class, supervised 2 3rd class… and we all 3 pulled Liberty together in all the Far East Ports, while on the USS St Paul CA73, flag ship for Commander 7th Fleet.. We'd have been court-martialed and strung up in today's Navy.. But I like to think we were real "Bluejackets". Connor left Active duty and went to work for the CIA and told us he'd be "out of touch" for awhile.. Smitty went to Scotland, I went to Okinawa.. By this time all 3 of us are married and have family. Years later, with the advent of the internet, I searched for them. Connor found me first, he was retired living in Philly. Two years ago I found Smitty. Actually I found his Obituary. What hurt was the fact our careers had cross paths on several occasions after we'd lost contact. I have a glass of High dollar Brandy (I can't spell counyak) every Memorial day as it was Smitty's favorite drink.

are you doing any fishing yet? Grandkids and I put the big boat in Homer and managed to bring home some Halibut.
take care Old John

Bushrat John said...

Hi John, it's really special when you can meet up with shipmates, in person or via electronics. I do have a friend and shipmate I keep in contact with now and then. Every Memorial Day, I have a special place I go and spend most of the day. I take no phone, just some snacks and a few drinks. I haven't been fishing yet. I'm working on a project that I'm almost finished with. It is hot as hell.

Carol G said...

Beautiful. Your affection for your buddies is beautiful.