Forty Years Ago and Today
A Reflection on the Funeral of Corporal Francis M. Trussel
Killed in Action on May 26, 2007
By Al Lynch
I was twenty-one forty years ago and was on my way to Vietnam on the 29th of May 1967. He was twenty–one and was killed by an IED on May 26, 2007. I volunteered to go to Vietnam forty years ago. He volunteered to serve his country, and go to Iraq. I was single but engaged. He married his high school sweetheart and they had two young boys.
We both had our whole lives ahead of us. I came home so did he, a flag draped coffin in a small town funeral parlor chapel.
I attended his homecoming, with Alan VanDan and Tweek, representing the 12th Cavalry Regiment Association. A tear filled ceremony where his, now young, too young widow cried. She cried as only the young and innocent can cry. Heart broken tears from her and the sobs from oh so many others filled the service. His mentor, a reserve officer who was instrumental in his going into the Army, gave the eulogy. The pain in his voice and face, his feeling responsible in part for Corporal Trussel’s sacrifice left a great impression. I think we all felt his deep sorrow.
A pastor read scripture and told of his worry when his son had served. He said “My son could have been in that casket.” He just got back from Afghanistan. So he knew first hand of the worry felt by those at home. The pastor talked about how Corporal Trussel served to protect his family and us. How we all were the beneficiary of the service of others. When he was finished Military awards were presented, a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart, and a Good Conduct medal. As the awards were presented his poor widow cried, it was enough to break the heart of the most callous person. The service concluded with a song, I am a Soldier.
After the service we went outside to wait. The Patriot Guards, who had formed an avenue of flags at the entrance, now formed an honor guard around the Hearse protecting it from view. As we went from the funeral home to the cemetery I had a lot of time to think. Forty years and we are fighting the same war as we fought in Vietnam. Forty years and politicians and the media still don’t get it. Don’t understand the cost of the freedom they are given by those in uniform. Forty years and they still want us to fight a war with our hands tied behind our backs. Forty years and we are still trying to “win the hearts and minds” of a people we simply do not under stand and who do not understand us. Forty years and nothing seems to have changed, I thought.
Then I saw the streets lined with people holding flags some people had their hands over their hearts as the Hearse passed by. I was amazed by the number of people who lined the streets and roads leading to the cemetery. Traffic stopped as we passed by. Some things have indeed changed; I was happy and sad at the same time. Happy that these new service men and women are given the respect and honor they deserve and sad that we who served in Vietnam didn’t get that same respect when we came home.
At the cemetery he was laid to rest with full military honors. A twenty-one gun salute was given; the American flag was folded smartly and presented to the all too young widow. Many in attendance, including Alan, Tweek and myself thanked the Patriot Guards and the military. Then we said our good bys and left. Like Vietnam I came down alone, met with Alan and Tweek, and went home alone lost in my thoughts. I couldn’t and still can’t get her crying out of my thoughts. Every time I think of the funeral I remember all those who have died in service for their country and I think of the loss suffered by all of us as a result.
No one will ever know the full cost of Corporal Trussel’s death, the contributions he could have made, the effect on his two sons who will never know their daddy. On his young wife who will forever be traumatized. The effect his death has on his mentor and all of his friends.
It is true that even the death of one person in a sense diminishes us all.
Webmaster note:
Both Frank Trussel and Al Lynch served in Company D, 1/12th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry
Division.
Allan J. Lynch is a Medal of Honor recipient.