Eulogy For A Hero

He did not hold a mighty rank
his name is yet obscure.
But for us few who stood by him
the memory endures.

He did not falter, but stood strong;
nor gave in to his fear.
And others took their confidence
from knowing he was near.

He didn't fight for riches,
for glory, or for fame.
He swore to serve the nation,
and when they called, he came.

He did not choose the nature
of the war he went to fight.
He did his duty day-to-day,
tried to sort wrong from right.

He went as he was ordered,
and countered every threat.
He studied lessons of the past,
that we should not forget.

He made new friends at every step
And never lost the old.
He did not let his purpose turn
his heart and mind so cold.

He tried to be respectful,
though his mission might invade.
He never failed to answer for
mistakes that he had made.

A better friend I never knew,
the chance I think is slim.
But let me tell you why I'm here
today, instead of him.

That day was brilliant, dry and hot,
the distance, a mirage.
Our thirsty, tired foot patrol
was caught in their barrage.

Though bullets whined and crackled
and smoke filled up the air
he never hesitated,
he saw his purpose clear.

When someone fell, he filled their place.
and calmly took a knee.
And I felt near invincible,
to have him next to me.

Together we could turn the tide,
we'd not be overrun.
We'd hold the place and keep them back,
until our help should come.

He saw the shooter I could not
and knew there wasn't time.
He pushed me back and caught instead
the bullet that was mine.

For fear and rage we all fought on
and so the tide was turned.
But as the stillness was regained
an awful sadness burned.

There on the ground lay our good friend,
each one of us was chilled.
His eyes were clear, his face was calm,
his breath and heart were still.

Though we had won, with heavy hearts
we stopped and turned away,
and carried back respectfully
our brother's cold remains.

A Hero walked the field today
but left it in a bag.
They'll send him homeward in a box,
draped with our nation's flag.

My Hero didn't die
to set another country free.
He gave his life to save a friend.
He died protecting me.