This is a poem that Uncle Bern (a.k.a. Bernard Ten Bears) wrote for our cousin, Cpl. Dustin Libby, who died in Iraq in December, 2006. I didn’t know Dustin well, but I am humbled by what he did for the country and the men around him. He is a hero.
This was published by Leatherneck Magazine in April, 2007. You can find it here.
Dusty’s on the Gun
A “hellion” from the backwoods of Castle Hill in Maine,
The Marines gave him a duty and a job of purposed gain.
He was called to Iraqi Freedom in a time of bitter war.
Seems he became a hero for the country he adored.
When he saw our boys taking fire, a brother corpsman tells,
he ran up to the rooftop and began to give ‘em hell.
The rooftop was a shakin’ when Dusty manned his gun
The lead and brass were flying; he put insurgents on the run.
He took a bullet in the neck – it came from down below.
He didn’t see it coming; there’s something I’d like you to know.
When they found him on the ground gone from worldly pain,
His hand was on the trigger; this is where he gained his fame.
Semper Fi, boys, Semper Fi! He did his best to protect you.
Drape the flag, fire the guns and press his new dress blues.
Bury him with honors and give his mom Old Glory.
He lives on, as does the Corps; relive and tell his story.
Bernie Howes
In honor of Cpl. Dustin J. Libby, who died Dec. 6, 2006
in Ar Ramadi, Iraq
To learn more about Dustin and read articles about him, you can visit this link.
Always Faithful,
Mike, Oscar, Hotel….out.
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