Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends. -John 15:13 NIV
Donald and I were great friends. We were in ROTC together at Florida A&M University. Although Donald was a fantastic football player, I admired his quiet and selfless spirit. Considering others and placing their feelings above his own was a consistent part of his personality.
Upon graduation, we were both commissioned as 2d Lieutenants in the US Army. I was assigned to the Adjutant General Corps and Donald was assigned to the Medical Service Corps. While both of us were assigned to branches of the Army that provided services to soldiers, Donald’s branch served soldiers who were wounded during wartime actions and needed help to survive. We were both Captains assigned to duty in Vietnam. I was assigned to the US Army Headquarters responsible for incoming officers’ assignments. Donald was assigned to the 15th Medical Service Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division as a Medical Evacuation Helicopter Pilot.
On July 20, 1966, an emergency call came for a soldier who needed medical evacuation via helicopter however, the weather was very bad and risky for flying. All pilots refused to attempt the rescue, except Donald! A combination of enemy fire and bad weather resulted in a crash that killed Donald and his crew. Donald, his medic, and gunner were all volunteers despite the inclement weather conditions.
My friend Donald is a true Vietnam War HERO!
Greater love has no one than this, that one lay his life for his friends.
The power of genuine relationship is incomparable!
