Fort Benning Main Post Cemetery

I remember the day we were to meet 2d lieutenant David Braddock. We were in formation. On the company street. With Alpha company barracks to our back. We were the soldiers of Bravo company, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division (Light). I remember someone said his name and I said " With a name like Braddock, he MUST be a badass!" Turns out I was correct. Infact, turns out he had gone to Ranger school with Jack R. Richardson, One of us. Now team leader in first platoon, 2d squad, with me. I was privileged to watch Lieutenant Braddock Confidently Lead his platoon of young Men, Humbly Respect and work with his seasoned squad leaders, Passionately Tutor and Mentor and Set the example ALWAYS for us as we endured the extreme hardships which is the life of the Light Infantryman. My greatest memory of Lieutenant Braddock was this; It was dark. Some hours after midnight as usual. We were training at Ft Hunter-Liggot, California. Among the hills and Mountains. The Company was dug-in on a hill. Lieutenant Braddock Led a squad out of the perimeter on a recon patrol. I was an M60 Machine gunner and as usual stayed put in a defensive position. Whatever ungodly hour it was, I heard some rustling in the brush before me. "HALT!" I whispered loudly. "Who goes there!?" It's hard to recall now, but Lieutenant Braddock identified himself and his patrol. When re-entering a perimeter and challenged by a soldier, in order not to be shot by your own people, you are given chances to validate yourself. A password, maybe I say "whirlpool". To which you would respond "wagon" for example . An addition challenge such as 7. Where I would say "four". You would say "three". And there was a third challenge but the years have hidden it from my memory. Perhaps I asked how many were in his party as it was important to count in the same number as went out. Whatever they were, I challenged all three and Lieutenant Braddock, as ever, was spot on. And brought his Men in. One by one. Counting them as they came in. As permanent as a name etched in stone, I remember the words he spoke as he stealthily came to, and knelt by my position to count his Men through. "Good job Tallbob." I find the value of any accolade is only equal to the source. To me, this was a great medal not worn upon but within my chest. This would prove to be the tone of our existence under the leadership of Lieutenant David Michael Braddock. I am certain I can speak for all of us. Admittedly, my Grammer is not excellent. But my Memories of serving with this GREAT MAN are. And so I am compelled to use capital letters often and absolutely appropriately to Describe such a great Man as David Michael Braddock was, is and shall always be. KEEP UP THE FIRE SIR! Tallbob out. 

DAVID MICHAEL BRADDOCK

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