He was born in Raleigh, in forty four
His dad died as a sailor in the war
On the Lexington for his country dear,
He did his duty and showed no fear
Walked to school alone ’til he was nineteen,
Kids on the bus were cold and mean
No use in tryin’ to avoid the pain,
We’re all gonna see some snow and rain
Turned down by the navy when he was told,
He had the mind of a six year old
But he was strong in body and he could run
Soon he’d carry the Army’s gun
In a sharp new coat and a dark brown tie,
His portrait would make his momma cry
He would man the line for uncle Sam
and do his duty in Vietnam
â’¸ Roger W. Cline, Walnut Run Music (ASCAP)