Banzai

Banzai

By Richard McClellan

On March 26,1945,
the 46th Fighter Squadron,
advanced on Iwo [Jima],
as escorts for the bomber crews,

~*~

Monday morning early,
while the squad was sacked,
everyone was greeted,
to a Japanese 'Banzai' attack,

~*~

They say around 4 AM,
began a commotion,
as shots rang out, [throughout the tents]
the men awake in disarray, a Banzai in question?

~*~

The soldiers pull together,
n' mount a valorous fight,
to match the competitors will,
killed in action was some' plight,

~*~

The colonel wounded, [in the arm n' leg]
hit by a enemies [hand] grenade,
the commander shipped out,
as the 46th bid retaliate,

~*~

The 46th survived their strike,
the colonel, captain, and you,
fought honorable with unrecognized valor;
fortunate one's, yes, but was it over for you?

~*~

No, the Banzai forever burned,
your life thereafter,
so many haven't clue,
you carried it from Iwo to the grave with you!

(Grandpa Don)