Today is the birthday of
an American hero, Marine Corporal John Edward Parton. He would be 67, probably
retired and enjoying grandchildren. Instead, he gave his life for our country at
age 24 on the Fourth of July 1972 in Vietnam.
Corporal Parton is one of
the men profiled in my book, Died on the
Fourth of July. He is remembered by many people, including his commanding
officer in Vietnam, former Congressman Steve Kuykendall.
Corporal Parton is part
of every speech Kuykendall makes about veterans. Here’s what he said the first
time he spoke of Corporal Parton, during a Memorial Day speech in 2008:
“Today, I wanted to specifically
remember Corporal John Edward Parton. His family has a special relationship
with the Fourth of July. As a nation, we
celebrate our Independence that day. Corporal Parton’s family celebrates a
personal loss to themselves and a gift to our Nation.
“We are a grateful nation and the
service and sacrifice of Corporal Parton and all the others who have served are
posted in the ledger book that records the cost of freedom.”
Although it's been more than 40 years since Corporal Parton died, he is still honored by those who knew him. After the book was
published, I recently discovered a remembrance of Corporal Parton posted
online by Danny M. Thomas who served with Corporal Parton. In November 2014 he
wrote:
“My time with you at MCRD San Diego has had an impact on my
life. We trained hard, played hard and committed to our fellow Marines. I share
your story at every opportunity! I am proud to have served with you and to have
known you. I will never forget you! RIP, Semper Fidelis.”
Corporal
John Edward Parton is buried at the Custer National Cemetery in Montana.
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