KOREA
There was a time when men were young
The call to war had just begun.
They left their homes and families there
To fight a war, they knew not where.
They were sent to camp, to train and learn
To live or die and some to burn.
To give their lives or take away
The enemy they faced that day.
To take a life is hard to do
You take it though, it could be you.
You bear the pain that lives inside
It claws and keeps you well aware
It lets you know you really care.
You load your tanks and keep them well
You've planned a trip, it's straight to Hell.
You're on patrol behind the lines
The roads are narrow and laid with mines.
The troopers say to stay away
You're drawing fire and we will pay.
The morning fog was thick and low
Their tanks were coming very slow.
The pass was narrow, the roads the same
They came to us with guns aflame.
The lightning flashed and thunder roared
As the battle raged, our rounds had scored.
The fog was gone and we could see
We lost none and they lost three.
We left early that very day
With four more kills along the way.
The war goes on and so do we
We're moving north to set men free.
The weather is bad and very cold
Our charge is fast and very bold.
Our tracks are steel and they do stick
The tanks do move, but not so quick.
We're told to stop and that's not right
we're told to halt and not to fight.
The Chinese came and came and came
They sprung the trap with us the game.
The orders came for some to leave
Except the tanks, they got no reprieve.
Guard the roads and let the troopers out
We did our job without a doubt.
The tanks were left and some came out
And some still guard the roads today.
They gave their lives so we may be
A nation proud, a nation free.
The war goes on and more men die
And life goes on, we wonder why.
God gives us grace to live with death
A nation free, a nation blessed.
And now we're old and now we say
God Bless you sirs that guard the way.
Written by: Former S/Sgt James G. Harris 1992
B Co., 70th Tank Bn., U.S. Army, Korea 1950 - 1951
615 Rosa Drive, Lebanon, TN 37087
