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Title: Thousands fill streets for return of soldier’s body
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URL Source: http://www.salisburypost.com/News/0 ... shue-in-concord-kannapolis-qcd
Published: May 1, 2011
Author: Joanie Morris
Post Date: 2011-05-01 22:49:16 by sneakypete
Ping List: *Military or Vets Affairs* Subscribe to *Military or Vets Affairs*
Keywords: None
Views: 8849
Comments: 34
For the Salisbury Post Sons of the Dark and Bloody Ground Ye must not slumber there, Where stranger steps and tongues resound Along the heedless air. Your own proud land’s heroic soil Shall be your fitter grave; She claims from war his richest spoil -- The ashes of her brave. — Theodore O’Hara 1847 Excerpted from “Bivouac of the Dead” CONCORD — You can only speculate about the last moments of a Vietnam soldier killed in action. Imagine the choking clouds of dust followed by a heavy pattering of rain, those adrenaline-filled heartbeats of a soldier, ready to do what his country asked him to. Imagine that soldier, fingering a lucky Zippo lighter in his pocket, another touching a cross nestled around his neck, all of them checking their weapons. They take fire, three don’t make it out. Things similar to these may have happened during the last moments of Sgt. First Class Donald “Donnie” Monroe Shue. Shue, an Army Green Beret, was serving with two others when they went missing on a mission Nov. 3, 1969. Shue, Staff Sgt. William Brown and Staff Sgt. Gunther Wald were last seen wounded 30 miles inside Laos, near Ban Chakevy Tai in Saravane Province. According to military documents, Shue and the other two men — as well as several men who escaped — were attached to a unit performing highly classified maneuvers throughout Southeast Asia. The family was notified and Shue was listed as missing in action. On Jan. 15, 1979, he was classified as killed in action, and a military marker was put above an empty grave at Carolina Memorial Park. Saturday, Shue finally came home. His remains were found after lines in Southeast Asia were redrawn and the location where Shue, Brown and Wald were last seen was shifted to Vietnam’s control. The U.S. sent a recovery team into the area. According to military records, the team found a Zippo lighter with Shue’s name engraved on it in the remains of the three men, discovered on a farm. The men were found two years ago. Saturday, Shue made his way slowly from Charlotte-Douglas International Airport behind a procession of police officers, motorcyclists and military escorts. Behind him, the family cars, followed by nine miles of motorcyclists — members of the Patriot Guard, Rolling Thunder, Ghost Riders and more. “Donnie left behind grieving parents,” said Concord Mayor Scott Padgett, addressing a crowd packing the streets in downtown Concord. Padgett added that he left behind loving sisters and lifelong friends. “He left behind others who never met him but wore his bracelet.” During the somber ceremony in Concord, American Red Cross workers handed out water and snacks, and employees of the city of Concord’s Buildings and Grounds Department volunteered to hand out small American flags to the crowd. Flags billowed in the breeze of the afternoon, teasing the arms and necks of people close enough to feel them. Concord resident Laura Raynor performed “God Bless America” as birds sang along, continuing to be heard throughout the ceremony. Danny Plyler, of Kannapolis, held up a sign through the entire ceremony. Written on it, “Welcome home Donnie! We love you Betty!” Though his arms may have tired, Plyler held the sign high, which had little American flags taped to it and was decorated with hearts. “We know the sisters, Betty and Peggy,” said Plyler. “We’re here to finally give closer to them.” First Lt. Michael Kluttz, a member of the N.C. National Guard and currently working at the Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office, attended the service with his brother Capt. Todd Kluttz, who is serving on active duty at Fort Bragg. “Our father served in Vietnam and was in high school with Sgt. Shue here in Concord back in the ’60s,” said Lt. Kluttz. “When we came home from Iraq, there was a big welcome home. These guys never got that. We’re here for him and all the vets who never got a welcome home.” Andrew Cave, of Charlotte, is also stationed at Fort Bragg. “My dad has a friend that was a friend with him in high school,” said Cave when asked why he attended the ceremony. “I figured I’d come out and show my support.” The stories of why people came continued. At least half of the people in attendance could claim some connection to the U.S. military — their son or daughter serves in Iraq now, they have served or one of their parents or siblings served. Mike Gearing, a special forces Army veteran from Lincolnton, served in the same unit as Shue, though he never met the young man. Christina Kazakavage, of Harnett County, attended the event in support of the family. A Gold Star Mother, she lost her son, Tech Sgt. Adam Ginette in Afghanistan in January 2010. Maj. Gen. Gregory Lusk, of the North Carolina National Guard, spoke briefly at the service on Shue’s sacrifice. He described Shue and the men who served with him as having backbones of steel and wills of iron. “There are no amount of flowery words that will ease the pain of the loss of a loved one,” he said, addressing sisters Betty Jones and Peggy Hinson. “He will forever be that young man with the infectious smile. Addressing the hearse carrying the flag-draped casket of Shue, Lusk was brief. “I now ask you Sgt. First Class Shue to rest,” he said. “You have been relieved of your duty. You gave all of your tomorrow so we may have today.” Jeff Phillips, president of Rolling Thunder N.C. Chapter 2, spoke on the men and women still missing in action from war. “We could very well be doing this next week,” said Phillips, gesturing to the crowd packed onto Union Street. “Only one third of Vietnam veterans are alive today. If there are any POWs still alive (over there), they don’t have much time. “We want them home,” he shouted to the crowd. “Nothing less.” He suggested that anyone kin to anyone who is missing in action contribute DNA to the proper authorities. There are bodies still unidentified at Pearl Harbor, where Shue’s body was held before flights brought him home Saturday. “We want our boys home,” he said. “We will not stop until it happens.” Lou Deseta rode his motorcycle from New Castle, Del., to help welcome Shue home. “I served in Vietnam in the same unit as Don,” said Deseta. Though he left before Shue got there, he feels a connection. “I want to give honor to him and see this beautiful town. It’s a great honor to be here with the family.” For Doug Letourneau, of Nashville, Tenn., the homecoming of Shue was bittersweet. “Donnie replaced me on the team,” said Letourneau. “He took my bed, and all my gear out. We are connected that way.” He knows it could just as easily have been him who died on that remote farm in Laos. It could have been, but it wasn’t. Those young soldiers who died on the field of battle on Nov. 3, 1969, died doing what they loved. As was said more than once during the day Saturday — gone but not forgotten. “At last we welcome home our native son,” Lusk said. “The circle is now complete.” Continued at link with several photos http://www.salisburypost.com/News/0 ... shue-in-concord-kannapolis-qcd">Click for Full Text! Poster Comment: BTW,Donald Shue was one of the guys that Roy Benavidez (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Benavidez) won the Medal of Honor trying to rescue. I have to tell you that it makes me proud to be an American to look at the photos of those thousands of people who took the time out of their busy lives 40+ years after this man went missing to welcome him back home.
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#1. To: sneakypete (#0)
This is good news pete.
Tag line: I wuz HACKED, cuz I SAY so!
Special Forces Creed •I am an American Special Forces Soldier! •I will do all that my nation requires of me. I am a volunteer, knowing well the hazards of my profession. •I serve with the memory of those who have gone before me. I pledge to uphold the honor and integrity of their legacy in all that I am - in all that I do. •I am a warrior. I will teach and fight whenever and wherever my nation requires. I will strive always to excel in every art and artifice of war. •I know that I will be called upon to perform tasks in isolation, far from familiar faces and voices. With the help and guidance of my faith, I will conquer my fears and succeed. •I will keep my mind and body clean, alert and strong. I will maintain my arms and equipment in an immaculate state befitting a Special Forces Soldier, for this is my debt to those who depend upon me. •I will not fail those with whom I serve. I will not bring shame upon myself or Special Forces. •I will never leave a fallen comrade. I will never surrender though I am the last. If I am taken, I pray that I have the strength to defy my enemy. •I am a member of my Nation's chosen soldiery, I serve quietly, not seeking recognition or accolades. My goal is to succeed in my mission - and live to succeed again. •De Oppresso Liber I was wrong about this. Roy operated out of CCS and Donald Shue operated out of CCN. As you can guess,one was in the north of VN and the other in the south of VN. My apologies.
"I adore John McCain, support him 100 percent and will do everything I can to support his reelection. As everyone knows, I was honored and proud to run with him. And Todd and I were with him in D.C. just a week ago." (Sarah Palin,Dec 2009) ************************************ DID Palin say or write these things or not? (Me) I don't know or F ing care. (Mad Dog posted on 2009-12-26 16:36:33 ET,post # 105 http://libertysflame.com/cgi-bin/readart.cgi?ArtNum=5510&Disp=114#C114)
Great story petey.
Thanks. It's good to hear something positive about Americans,isn't it?
"I adore John McCain, support him 100 percent and will do everything I can to support his reelection. As everyone knows, I was honored and proud to run with him. And Todd and I were with him in D.C. just a week ago." (Sarah Palin,Dec 2009) ************************************ DID Palin say or write these things or not? (Me) I don't know or F ing care. (Mad Dog posted on 2009-12-26 16:36:33 ET,post # 105 http://libertysflame.com/cgi-bin/readart.cgi?ArtNum=5510&Disp=114#C114)
? From the article: What a wild pack of lies designed for the mentally retarded in America.
It's common for people to mock things they don't understand.
"I adore John McCain, support him 100 percent and will do everything I can to support his reelection. As everyone knows, I was honored and proud to run with him. And Todd and I were with him in D.C. just a week ago." (Sarah Palin,Dec 2009) ************************************ DID Palin say or write these things or not? (Me) I don't know or F ing care. (Mad Dog posted on 2009-12-26 16:36:33 ET,post # 105 http://libertysflame.com/cgi-bin/readart.cgi?ArtNum=5510&Disp=114#C114)
At least, I have a personal webpage on LF describing MY thoughts during a fabricated "crisis" called Vietnam which murdered about 50,000 Americans for NOTHING. And you?
You really put a premium on your own opinions, don't you Kissinger?
A real tear jerker ain't it, Pete? And now, here you are crying about some bones found FIFTY YEARS later about the whole shenanigan of America's false war to stop the communists. And you shed a tear. Just crushing. And what about the NEW wars created EVERYWHERE since? No more tears, 'eh? All dried upped, are ya? What a bogus article you posted.
You don't have a personal webpage here on LF do you? I do. All you have to do is click on my monicker any time I make a post.
Kin ah have yore autograph?
"I adore John McCain, support him 100 percent and will do everything I can to support his reelection. As everyone knows, I was honored and proud to run with him. And Todd and I were with him in D.C. just a week ago." (Sarah Palin,Dec 2009) ************************************ DID Palin say or write these things or not? (Me) I don't know or F ing care. (Mad Dog posted on 2009-12-26 16:36:33 ET,post # 105 http://libertysflame.com/cgi-bin/readart.cgi?ArtNum=5510&Disp=114#C114)
What a bogus intellect you are. You not only don't know anything,you don't even suspect anything. That doesn't keep you from walking around with your asshole on your shoulders,though.
"I adore John McCain, support him 100 percent and will do everything I can to support his reelection. As everyone knows, I was honored and proud to run with him. And Todd and I were with him in D.C. just a week ago." (Sarah Palin,Dec 2009) ************************************ DID Palin say or write these things or not? (Me) I don't know or F ing care. (Mad Dog posted on 2009-12-26 16:36:33 ET,post # 105 http://libertysflame.com/cgi-bin/readart.cgi?ArtNum=5510&Disp=114#C114)
I don't care about your personal web page, Chairman Mao. Your posts are full of the childish, broad-brush dismissive pronouncements I associate with people who have never been called upon to establish themselves by their own efforts. You come across as a hothouse flower which can't take an uncontrolled environment.
Well, I care about yours. Since you don't have the time much less the decency to describe a bit about your own REAL political positions without nauseating and ridiculous one-liner "yukons" how can anyone understand your stance?
Thanks, pal. You forgot all about the atrocities of WAR that go nowhere because of the politics of the USA. Okey dokey, pal. Enjoy your weeping over 50 year ol' skeletal remains of some soldier that very well (PROBABLY) was drafted to "serve" for NOTHING but his own death. Can you shed a tear again?
In a single word, NO.
Yeah,Comrade. Good catch! Special Forces SFC's were all draftees. Everybody knows that.
"I adore John McCain, support him 100 percent and will do everything I can to support his reelection. As everyone knows, I was honored and proud to run with him. And Todd and I were with him in D.C. just a week ago." (Sarah Palin,Dec 2009) ************************************ DID Palin say or write these things or not? (Me) I don't know or F ing care. (Mad Dog posted on 2009-12-26 16:36:33 ET,post # 105 http://libertysflame.com/cgi-bin/readart.cgi?ArtNum=5510&Disp=114#C114)
In a single word, NO. I'm crushed.
"I adore John McCain, support him 100 percent and will do everything I can to support his reelection. As everyone knows, I was honored and proud to run with him. And Todd and I were with him in D.C. just a week ago." (Sarah Palin,Dec 2009) ************************************ DID Palin say or write these things or not? (Me) I don't know or F ing care. (Mad Dog posted on 2009-12-26 16:36:33 ET,post # 105 http://libertysflame.com/cgi-bin/readart.cgi?ArtNum=5510&Disp=114#C114)
Little man, turn off the computer and get a job and develop your soul. Maybe then you will begin to understand the foolishness of supporting socialism/communism. It has failed everywhere its been applied. You come across as a trust fund cranial-anal inversion case, hence your disdain for conservatism which is, by and large a system of values. Liberalism is just a litany of 'isms' that mean nothing. Maybe that's why they appeal to you.
war has to do something for entertainment. The voices in his head aren't speaking to him and his imaginary friends have found reasons not to come over anymore.
Please elaborate more fully. Exactly what kind of values make up the core elements of "conservatism" and while you are jotting those bullet items down for the viewing publick maybe you can differentiate "liberalism" with a method that ensures ample differentiation so that I really know what the HELL you are talking about. But this thread is about a bag of bones rotted out in a jungle after 50 years of decay. The life that was contained THEN has long gone. The belated ceremony is just a publick exercise of shame because of the WAR MACHINE THAT AMERICA IS SO HEAVILY INVESTED IN. There was no reason for American intrusion into Vietnam at all from a military perspective. It was a CIA inspired con-game for the American People to watch and pay for and after all is said and done, what happened? American military fled with thousands of South Vietnamese clinging to our gunships taking off fo rthe nearest air craft carrier possible. Today, Vietnam is all lovey-dovey with America. So, there you got it.... we lived happily everafter. Ahhhhhh.....
Here is what I can do to help you out of your depression: Laff at you.
To recapture your attention, here is what I said: Often, draftees (particularly those with higher placement scores in various personal skills/performance tests) were offered various MOSs with a longer volunteer service contract from 1-4 years beyond the typical two year induction; this offered some unique benefits for some folks. And what was encouraged by that recruitment effort was SF. But you knew that anyway. Where did I say ALL? You said that, pal.
You have nothing to say. Shut your hole.
------------------------------------- It was the magic of the inkpen that modified a "draftee" to an "enlistee" ... it is the TRUTH, too.
I'm always amazed by those who equate or forget to mention: 'enlistment which came with some choices with the alternative of being drafted which came with virtually NO choices' in the Vietnam War era, as being the equivalent of the 'voluntary enlistment with no draft' assumption of the current era.
"http://first-draft-blog.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341c5ced53ef0148c7a28c4b970c-320wi"
Ok,name ONE draftee that was a recon team leader with SOG,and a SF SFC.
"I adore John McCain, support him 100 percent and will do everything I can to support his reelection. As everyone knows, I was honored and proud to run with him. And Todd and I were with him in D.C. just a week ago." (Sarah Palin,Dec 2009) ************************************ DID Palin say or write these things or not? (Me) I don't know or F ing care. (Mad Dog posted on 2009-12-26 16:36:33 ET,post # 105 http://libertysflame.com/cgi-bin/readart.cgi?ArtNum=5510&Disp=114#C114)
There were probably better ways to avoid ground combat in VN back in the 60's that volunteering for Special Forces duty with SOG. And it was very rare for a SF man to get sent to VN against his will. There was an actual waiting list,and I personally knew people that re-enlisted with the contract stipulating it was "for duty with the 5th SFG in VN".
"I adore John McCain, support him 100 percent and will do everything I can to support his reelection. As everyone knows, I was honored and proud to run with him. And Todd and I were with him in D.C. just a week ago." (Sarah Palin,Dec 2009) ************************************ DID Palin say or write these things or not? (Me) I don't know or F ing care. (Mad Dog posted on 2009-12-26 16:36:33 ET,post # 105 http://libertysflame.com/cgi-bin/readart.cgi?ArtNum=5510&Disp=114#C114)
That's right confine your sole argument [that YOU created] towards your purpose. But, I remind you that this article is full of BS: Who in the HELL is this guy? A GODDAMNED ORDAINED PRIEST? Of course, he is: America is a war society, he is ordained by the US military/industrial complex.
You remind me that YOU are full of Bullshit. Like a child,you rail against things you don't understand.
"I adore John McCain, support him 100 percent and will do everything I can to support his reelection. As everyone knows, I was honored and proud to run with him. And Todd and I were with him in D.C. just a week ago." (Sarah Palin,Dec 2009) ************************************ DID Palin say or write these things or not? (Me) I don't know or F ing care. (Mad Dog posted on 2009-12-26 16:36:33 ET,post # 105 http://libertysflame.com/cgi-bin/readart.cgi?ArtNum=5510&Disp=114#C114)
Ahhh... you can't say much more other than some reflexive, knee jerk reaction in response to your publick weeping because you don't have any thing else to say. You, poor puppy! I almost feel guilty now.
You should,but you're not that perceptive.
"I adore John McCain, support him 100 percent and will do everything I can to support his reelection. As everyone knows, I was honored and proud to run with him. And Todd and I were with him in D.C. just a week ago." (Sarah Palin,Dec 2009) ************************************ DID Palin say or write these things or not? (Me) I don't know or F ing care. (Mad Dog posted on 2009-12-26 16:36:33 ET,post # 105 http://libertysflame.com/cgi-bin/readart.cgi?ArtNum=5510&Disp=114#C114)
I suppose you will wave your little 3" x 6" tattered USA flag for Lt. William Patton's bones. Will you be there at his grave site shedding a tear without Roaring Thunder? As if digging through history, the farmer uncovered the remains of Lt. William Patton's Mustang P-51 plane. French authorities said the pilot had been identified by his military badge, although checks were still being carried out. The discovery is helping to tell the story of Patton's last moments, as his plane crashed in Longueville, France, near the Belgian border more than 50 years ago. Along with his plane, French authorities found his uniform, his life vest, his military tie, his aviation scarf, riddled with bullet holes. His silk parachute, made in Lexington, Kentucky, and on display at a local police station, was discovered unopened, a sign that he had gone down too fast to bail out. Lt. Patton's engine was also bullet-marked. Historians say late in WW II, Mustang pilots sometimes went on missions on their own. The Mustang was the workhorse of the U.S. military, enabling the Allies to gain air superiority over the Germans. The young Americans who flew them were considered brave, and daring, and glamorous _ and Lt. Patton was one of them. Did the Town Hide the Incident? The reason why people in the town of Longueville never reported the accident remains a mystery. According to a newspaper article, dated Jan. 17, 1945, an airplane crash was reported two days earlier but the incident was never mentioned again. Town authorities believe that not knowing whether the wreckage was American or German, townspeople probably simply covered up the accident. Lt. Patton was a victim of both Luftwaffe bullets and French civilian fatigue. But today this community paid tribute as the discovery was displayed at a local police station. "He's someone who died for us so we could be free," said one French policeman. "We are very moved by this." So who was Lt. Patton? Where is his family now? American officials will now investigate. Even his bones, not on display, will be examined for clues. His remains and belongings will be sent home. For now what remains of his torn uniform, his plane, his parachute, have told us at least some of his story and reminded us of the thousands of Americans who were lost or buried somewhere throughout the battlefield of Europe and will never return home. February, 2011
Are you jealous of the attention these men receive because you lack the balls they had? This is all drive by your inferiority complex? You really do come across as a snotty little bitch.
"I adore John McCain, support him 100 percent and will do everything I can to support his reelection. As everyone knows, I was honored and proud to run with him. And Todd and I were with him in D.C. just a week ago." (Sarah Palin,Dec 2009) ************************************ DID Palin say or write these things or not? (Me) I don't know or F ing care. (Mad Dog posted on 2009-12-26 16:36:33 ET,post # 105 http://libertysflame.com/cgi-bin/readart.cgi?ArtNum=5510&Disp=114#C114)
#2. To: Wood_Chopper (#1)
(Edited)
#3. To: All (#0)
BTW,Donald Shue was one of the guys that Roy Benavidez (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Benavidez) won the Medal of Honor trying to rescue.
#4. To: sneakypete (#0)
“Our father served in Vietnam and was in high school with Sgt. Shue here in Concord back in the ’60s,” said Lt. Kluttz. “When we came home from Iraq, there was a big welcome home. These guys never got that. We’re here for him and all the vets who never got a welcome home.”
#5. To: Fred Mertz (#4)
Great story petey.
#6. To: sneakypete (#5)
It's good to hear something positive about Americans,isn't it?
“I now ask you Sgt. First Class Shue to rest,” he said. “You have been relieved of your duty. You gave all of your tomorrow so we may have today.”
#7. To: buckeroo (#6)
What a wild pack of lies designed for the mentally retarded in America.
#8. To: sneakypete (#7)
#9. To: buckeroo (#8)
#10. To: sneakypete (#7)
“We want our boys home,†he said. “We will not stop until it happens.â€
#11. To: Rudgear (#9)
#12. To: buckeroo (#8)
At least, I have a personal webpage on LF describing MY thoughts during a fabricated "crisis" called Vietnam which murdered about 50,000 Americans for NOTHING.
#13. To: buckeroo (#10)
What a bogus article you posted.
#14. To: buckeroo (#11)
#15. To: Rudgear (#14)
#16. To: sneakypete (#13)
You not only don't know anything,you don't even suspect anything.
#17. To: sneakypete (#12)
Kin ah have yore autograph?
#18. To: buckeroo (#16)
Enjoy your weeping over 50 year ol' skeletal remains of some soldier that very well (PROBABLY) was drafted to "serve" for NOTHING but his own death.
#19. To: buckeroo (#17)
Kin ah have yore autograph?
#20. To: buckeroo (#15)
#21. To: Rudgear (#20)
... hence your disdain for conservatism which is, by and large a system of values.
#22. To: sneakypete (#19)
I'm crushed.
#23. To: sneakypete (#18)
Special Forces SFC's were all draftees. Everybody knows that.
Enjoy your weeping over 50 year ol' skeletal remains of some soldier that very well (PROBABLY) was drafted to "serve" for NOTHING but his own death.
#24. To: buckeroo (#23)
Why don't you make like a tree and get out of here?
#25. To: Biff Tannen (#24)
#26. To: buckeroo (#25)
It was the magic of the inkpen that modified a "draftee" to an "enlistee" ... it is the TRUTH, too.
#27. To: buckeroo (#23)
And what was encouraged by that recruitment effort was SF.
#28. To: Rek (#26)
I'm always amazed by those who equate or forget to mention: 'enlistment which came with some choices with the alternative of being drafted which came with virtually NO choices' in the Vietnam War era,
#29. To: sneakypete (#27)
“I [ Maj. Gen. Gregory Lusk, of the North Carolina National Guard ] now ask you Sgt. First Class Shue to rest,” he said. “You have been relieved of your duty. You gave all of your tomorrow so we may have today.”
#30. To: buckeroo (#29)
But, I remind you that this article is full of BS:
#31. To: sneakypete (#30)
#32. To: buckeroo (#31)
I almost feel guilty now.
#33. To: sneakypete (#32)
When a French farmer dug an irrigation ditch in this quiet corner of northern France last week, he stumbled upon pieces of metal which brought back the terror that gripped this part of Europe during World War II.
#34. To: buckeroo (#33)
I suppose you will wave your little 3" x 6" tattered USA flag for Lt. William Patton's bones.
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