Above are two photos of my uncle, Ron "Joe" Burton, in Vietnam during his first tour of duty from 1966-1967. Uncle Ron was in the Third Marine Division and spent a lot of time at such notorious places as "Mutter's Ridge" and Con Thien near the DMZ. He was a fine leader and a hero, at least in my eyes. In the picture at right he is with fellow Marine Roger Flood. The name Ron Burton and the Marine motto "Semper Fidelis" are synonymous.

Below left is a photo from 1995 showing Uncle Ron, who was then the president of the Third Marine Division Association with Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Harvey C. Barnum, another American hero. The photo at right shows my hero in 1997 with his "Hard Ruck - Vietnam" shirt, a kind-hearted reminder of his days in the war. Ron Burton is a great man. When you are with him you can feel his presence. I don't know what else to say, except that I wish he'd write a book about his adventures in the jungles of Southeast Asia where, he never hesitates to make clear, "uncommon valor WAS a common virtue."

Click on the blue framed photos for larger images.
See postscript below.

One final word on Ron Burton. For years now I've been lavishing the "hero" title on him. I think it embarrasses him slightly. In his own words, "I was just one of many Marines that did our job...stayed alive...kept our young Marines alive...AND...got the job done."

That sounds just like Uncle Ron. He is an honest and humble man.

Well, I believe that all Marines who went to war and just did their job should be considered American Heros. Whether or not the Vietnam War was a just war or an unjust war, these men laid their lives on the line because it was their duty and their country called upon them. Many did not return, and a memorial wall was erected in their honor. Those who did deserve our eternal praise, despite any ill feelings some might harbor about the overall situation.

I will always hold our American war veterans (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard) in the highest esteem. The torch of freedom burns brightly because of the honor, sacrifice and dedication of these chosen few.