"Taps" is a bugle call T- a signal, not a song. As such, there is no associated lyric. Many bugle calls had words associated with them as a mnemonic device but these are not lyrics.

A Horace Lorenzo Trim wrote a set of words intended to accompany the music:

Day is done, gone the sun,
 From the lake, from the hills, from the sky;
 All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.

Fading light, dims the sight,
 And a star gems the sky, gleaming bright.
 From afar, drawing nigh, falls the night.

Thanks and praise, for our days,
 'Neath the sun, 'neath the stars, 'neath the sky;
 As we go, this we know, God is nigh.

Sun has set, shadows come,
 Time has fled, Scouts must go to their beds
 Always true to the promise that they made.

While the light fades from sight,
 And the stars gleaming rays softly send,
 To thy hands we our souls, Lord, commend.

Taps part 6

To

They came this way but once. Yet, they touched our lives in many ways while they were here. We shall remain eternally grateful for their friendship and for the influence each bestowed upon us.

2nd Recon Battalion memorializes three fallen Marines

 CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq (May 27, 2006)

Marines from 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion paused operations to memorialize three Marines who died as a result of wounds sustained in combat.

The three – Sgt. Alessandro Carbonaro, Cpl. Cory L. Palmer and Cpl. William B. Fulks – were remembered by their fellow Marines at Camp Fallujah’s Chapel of Hope May 27. They were wounded in an attack May 1. Palmer died as a result of his wounds May 6, Carbonaro died May 10 and Fulks died May 18. All were assigned to A Company, 1st Platoon.

Lt. Col. James N. Bright, 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion’s commander, said the three Marines were “the true embodiment” of what it means to be a Recon Marine. He used words such as “honor, perseverance, spirit and heart” to describe the three, adding each was “willing to answer their nation’s call to serve; each willing to deploy into harm’s way to help a people and nation live a dream that we all take for granted. That dream is freedom.”

Capt. David M. Moreau, A Company’s commander, said the three shared a common bond with the more than 200 Marines and sailors gathered to honor them. He said those shared qualities were spirit, drive, initiative and selfless devotion to duty and ultimately, to one another.

“Sgt. Carbonaro, Cpl. Palmer and Cpl. Fulks stood tall on the battlefield in Iraq as in all areas of life,” said Moreau, a 35-year-old from Pittsburg, Pa. “They stood tall above the competition. The mere fact that they set foot in that humvee on May 1, along with the other members of their team – knowing that threat was prevalent – was testament that they were there not for themselves, but the man their left and the man on their right.”

“Sgt. Alessandro Carbonaro personified wisdom,” said 1st Lt. Thomas J. Waller, 1st Platoon’s commander. “Refined in his ability to communicate, Alex quietly commanded the attention of the platoon. His words and opinion were valued among every man and his good judgement was often sought by those both above him and below him.

“As his fellow Marines treated his wounds, he continued to ask about his team members, ignoring the pain that he himself endured,” said Waller, a 25-year-old from Ponchatoula, La. “He truly cared for others more than himself, which is the mark of a great man and a true leader. Alex and his caring nature and his wisdom will be missed.”

Carbonaro, from Bethesda, Md., graduated from Sandy Springs High School in 1997 and briefly worked for his uncle’s publishing company in Naples, Italy. He joined the Marine Corps, graduating boot camp in 1998 and attended school for aviation electronics in Pensacola, Fla. He was then stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan. Following that tour, he was assigned to Inspector and Instructor Staff, Marine Aircraft Group 49 in Newburgh, N.Y. Carbonaro passed reconnaissance screening in November 2002 and was assigned to Reconnaissance Training Platoon and graduated Amphibious Reconnaissance School in December 2003, followed by Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape School in Brunswick, Maine. This was his second tour in Iraq.

Carbonaro’s awards include the Purple Heart with gold star in lieu of second award, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal with bronze star in lieu in second award, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. He was 28.

Cpl. Ryan M. Scott, a 22-year-old from Gonzalas, La., spoke of Carbonaro, whom his friends called “Car Bomb.”

“He was dedicated to his family and his job most,” Scott said. “We came to know that loved his fiancé, now his wife. He even invited us to his wedding in Washington D.C. We also got to know that he couldn’t see three feet in front of him during night patrolling and that he would sometimes just disappear or fall away from the patrol. Alex will be greatly missed by both his family and ours. Tomorrow was his one year wedding anniversary.”

Palmer was described as energetic, full of intellect and strong-spirited. Commanders commended him for his strength of character in adverse times and man of high standards. He enjoyed sports, including surfing, wakeboarding, swimming, baseball, track and field, skateboarding and boxing. He spoke often of his family.

“Cpl. Cory Palmer personified enthusiasm, enthusiasm for the Marine Corps, for having fun, but more importantly for his family and his brother Marines,” Waller said. “He was a man who had great courage; courage to speak his mind and the courage to take the enemy face on. Cory and his enthusiasm will be missed.”

Palmer, from Seaford, Del., graduated high school in 2001 and attended West Virginia University for one year before enlisting in February 2003. He attended the School of Infantry following boot camp and took the reconnaissance screening, earning a spot at Reconnaissance Training Platoon in August 2003. He completed ARS and SERE School and was assigned to A Company. He graduated Army Airborne School, Marine Corps Sniper School, Marine Combatant Diver School and attended Joint Tactical Air Controller Primer Course.

His awards include the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. He was 21.

“Cory was the type of guy who was always full of life and wanted something bigger and better,” said Cpl. Derek R. Herkes, a 21-year-old from New Lenox, Ill. “We share the same love. That love was for the people we worked with and not necessarily the work. One thing I learned from Cory is it’s not how long you live your life… but how much fun you have living it.”

Fulks was born at Hill Air Force Base and grew up Culloden W.V., in an Air Force family. He attended Midland High, participating in football, track and boxing. He competed in the Golden Gloves Boxing Championship and while a member the Milton Boxing Club, earned the State Championship two times.

“It’s easy to see where Brad developed that strong patriotic spirit,” Waller said. “It’s from his family. He left college after his freshman year, enlisting in the Marine Corps, serving his country with pride. Cpl. Fulks was a stoic, friendly, respectful man, Marine, brother and son.”

Fulks graduated high school in 2001 and attended Marshall University for one year. He enlisted in the Marine Corps and attended boot camp in September 2003. Following that, he completed the School of Infantry, becoming an assaultman. He was assigned to Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment and deployed to Afghanistan in March 2004. Following this deployment, he completed reconnaissance screening and was assigned to 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion. He is a graduate of ARS, SERE and Army Airborne School.

Fulks’ awards include the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.

“I knew Brad Fulks as a tough, quiet, powerful man,” said Cpl. Jeff D. Elmore, a 20-year-old from Southbury, Conn. “He … had the smooth country accent that made people pay attention to what he was saying. Brad was a guy people liked being around. Brad could fight, but he didn’t broadcast it to everyone. He just let you know with a glare and a couple words that you’d gone too far. He was always the guy with a beer or a song for me when I was bored or had a bad day.”

Three inverted rifles, helmets, boots and identification tags were placed in front of portraits of the Marines. On one rifle, in honor of Palmer, a single rifle slug hung from parachute cord, a tribute to his sniper background.

Taps was played and Marines came forward, one-by-one, to offer their final thoughts and prayers.

“We must look at their passing as a passage to a place where their strength, their toughness, wisdom and enthusiasm will be used for a much greater cause,” Waller said. “They remain among us, watching over the platoon, using their talents to protect us against evil, which is a much greater foe than anything we’ll face on earth’s battlefield. Brad, Alex and Cory, we’ll miss you and we’ll miss the joy you brought to our lives.”

A fews weeks before the above men were KIA Bravo lost a Corpsman then a few weeks after a respected team leader was lost who was also Bravo.

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq (May 27, 2006)

Mark Smykowski KIA June 06

Back in Nov. I attended the 2nd Recon Ball and it was my pleasure to meet Mark. Spent a week in the Bn. area so got to see quite a lot of him. A week is not enough time to get to know someone especially if it's spent at his work but you can get the feel of the man. He was an intellegent individual who cared for those Marines around him. The respect he held for those of an earlier generation was most evident in his Marine personality.
   He was respected as one of the most experienced team leaders in Bravo Co. and will be missed by those members of his team who followed him up until his death as well as the Bn. as a whole.
   A week can be a lifetime and in that lifetime I grew to know Mark as well as I knew some of the men I served with in my time. He could have walked in their boots and done the job just as well. Best tribute I can give him is he walked tall and cast a long shadow as a Recon Marine.

Semper Fidelis younger brother.......rest in peace.

Other Bravo WIA's

Cpl Brink and Cpl Freeman are the two marines who were WIA with Mark. They are at Bethesda.

Cpl Shawn Debvoise who suffered a serious head wound prior to Marks death is at the Tampa VA hospital after a short stay in MD. Spent a couple of hours with Shawn on 6/21/06. He was hit 4 times with small arms fire and had several hunks of shrapnel in him. He was in great spirits. When I asked him if he would go back when he recoups he did not hesitate......Yes he would. You have to admire this generation of Reconners.

S/Sgt Eric Kocher and his driver Mitchell Jensen were WIA in another incident. Their Humvee hit an IED breaking Kocher's arm, blowing his ear drum, and injuring his kee. Jensen suffered a broken leg, and mangled arm. Jensen is at Bethesda while Kocher refused a medivac out of country and got away with it.

 

Rest easy, sleep well my brothers.
Know the line has held, your job is done.
Rest easy, sleep well.
Others have taken up where you fell, the line has held.
Peace, peace, and farewell...

John Camara - Reconnaissance Company Korea 1953

Passed away January 2016

It is with deep sadness that we report the news of the death of John Camara. He will be greatly missed by his family & friends. We give thanks for John's life.

Col Herbert Richard “Dick” Oxnam

1st Recon Co. Korea

BIRTH 11 Aug 1929 Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, USA
DEATH 13 Jul 2009 Tucson, Pima County, Arizona, USA

Elizabeth Jane “Betty” & Col Herbert Richard “Dick” Oxnam

Herbert Richard (Dick) Oxnam passed away July 13, 2009.

Dick was born in Chicago in 1929, moved to Tucson in 1932, attended Sam Hughes, Mansfield, and Tucson High, graduating in 1947.

A strong patriot, Dick joined the Marine Corps at 18 and served in Korea where he earned the Purple Heart and Bronze star. He served in the Marine Corp and Reserves for 43 years, retiring as a Colonel.

He received degrees from both the U of A and Texas A&M.

Dick married Elizabeth Jane (Raimar) Oxnam, USMCR, in 1954. They have seven children, Donna Oxnam-Frino, Tom, Eric, Kevin, Andrea Dunn, Bert, and Karl. Dick and Betty are the proud grandparents to 13 grandchildren.

Dick worked for Shamrock Dairy for over 30 years and then for the City of Tucson for 22 years where he was the oldest employee when he retired.

Dick was a Korean War veteran and a member of the Marine Corp League. He also volunteered countless hours and donated continuously to several organizations including the Red Cross, United Way and the Wounded Warrior Project.

Dick was a Marine, a model citizen, a diligent worker, a beloved father, husband, and son. He will be missed by many.

Services at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, 7650 N. Paseo del Norte at 12:00 noon Saturday, July 18, 2009.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to woundedwarriorproject.org.

Col Herbert Richard “Dick” Oxnam

Obituary

Elizabeth Jane “Betty” Raimar Oxnam
BIRTH 31 Jan 1928 Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, USA
DEATH 11 Mar 2016 Arizona, USA
BURIAL South Lawn Memorial Cemetery Tucson, Pima County, Arizona, USA
PLOT Section 2, Block 63, Lot B, Space 9

Go in peace and remember you are not forgotten while I am still on patrol.

Richard F. Davidson

Richard "Dick" F. Davidson
February 27, 1935 - August 18, 2017

He served his country in the U.S. Marines for 8 years. He was a Korean Conflict Combat Veteran and was with the Marine Reconnaissance Company of the Korean War. He received the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star for valor, Naval Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Naval Unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal, Navy Occupation Service Medal, China Service Medal, Arm Forced Expeditionary Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, United Nations Korean Medal, Naval Scuba Diver Isignia, USMC Rifle Sharp Shooter and Marine Recon Army Rangers Medal.

My name is John Peeples Jr., son of SSgt Peeples, John of Delta Company 1st Recon Bn. Marines 1967. I wanted to update your records that my father passed away from agent orange/ cancer throughout his whole body and brain.

SSgt Peeples, John of Delta Company 1st Recon Bn. Marines 1967

John A. Sleeper

John A. Sleeper, 70

Lancaster - John A. "Jack" Sleeper, 70, died Thursday, August 9, 2018, in St. Vincent Hospital, Worcester, after a brief illness.

Michael Lee Hazelton

Click on a photo for a webpage.

Click on a photo for a webpage.

SSGT Jeffrey R. Starling

Message from Rihard J Schadl

rechadl10@comcast.net  (732) 929-3797

August 30th, 2018 4:45pm

Subject: Death Notification

.

Message: It is with great sorrow that I pass on information about the death of Bruce Ware. Bruce served as commander of 3rd platoon, Echo Company, 1st Recon from December 1967 to December 1968. He died August 28th, 2018. Semper Fi, RJ Schadl

Bruce Ware

Bruce served as commander of 3rd platoon, Echo Company, 1st Recon from December 1967 to December 1968.

Taps 7

Sgt. Robert Larry "Bob" Hughes

Add Text Here...

It is with great sadness that I inform you that Pat Grady has had his
last extract. In 1966-67, Pat served in B Company in Viet Nam.

Pat was a fine Marine and among the first to join the 1st Reconnaissance
Battalion Association and later serve as Association Vice President.

Pat lost a valiant fight with the Covid virus.

Our condolences to Pat's wife, Victoria, and his family.

Charlie Kershaw
invictus7@earthlink.net

Patrick "Pat" Grady

 Sulie P. Bourque "Louisiane Frenchy"

Delta Company - Chu Lai Dec. 1966 - Apr. 1967

Frenchy was with Delta Company 3rd Platoon.

He passed away February 8th, 2022 from Covid.
Semper Fi