Jimmy Robertson was in Quang Nam. It was early Feburary. He should of been home in the cold_in the snow. Here on the northeast coast of Vietnam he was hot and muggy. The Cicero resident continued walking. He didn't enjoy the fighting., but he fought for his country, his family. He thought of his family and of his girl and of his unborn child. When would this war be over? His unit was on patrol, watching and guarding against the enemy. Gunfire resonated through the air. The 18 year old was fatally hit. It was Feburary 3, 1968. Thirty two years later , on Veterans Day 2000, The soldier was honored with awards of his Vietnam service, They were given to his son, James Kirk who was born 4 months after his father's death.
Robertson was born on May 9, 1949 in Mississippi. He grew up on the west side of Chicago and attended May School and Austin High School. He had recently moved to Cicero. On April 6, 1967 he enlisted in the Marine Corps. He would fight in the Vietnam War at the age of 18. Before his tour of duty, Robertson met Debra Hall through family and friends.
They made plans to get married. She was carrying his child.
While on patrol with the 3rd Battion, 5th Marines Company M in Quang Nam Robertson was fatally wounded by sniper fire. One day later, On feburary 4th, The First Assembly of god Church in Berwyn read a letter form a soldier in Vietnam. They had sent Christmas gift packages overseas to area servicemen. The letter was written as a thank you note. It read "It is hard for me to understand why so many people want us to get out of here. I fight to keep my family from living as the people of Vietnam do; they are all afraid , and when you are that way the enemy will take over." Idon't want that, There isn't a man over here who wants his family the l ife these people have to live under..." "We don't like to do it, but it's all for all of you that we fight for" The letter was dated Janurary 6, 1968. At the time the congregation was unaware of his death just the day before. Robertson was returned home and buired on Feburary 20, 1968, with full military honors in Woodlawn Cemetery in Forrest park Ill. Four months later, his son was born on May 3, 1968 to Debra Hall. She eventually moved to Oklahoma and married Jerry Kirk. He leagally adopted the child and together they raise James Bradford Kirk, Who now resides in Ponca City Oklahoma with his wife Krista and ther 3 children, Ashlee 13; Angela 6; and James Jr. 8 , He is currently serving in the Army National Guard. Although he has known of his Father his entire life, Kirk still is searching for information about the man he was never able to meet.
In 1998, he was able to come closer to the memory of his father when the traveling Vietnam Wall visited Ponca City. Kirk performed wall duty with his Guard Unit. His wife , had made a wreath and had a picture of Robertson placed by the wall in rememberance. Kirk added a message of his own that read "From the son you never knew you had. I know you are always with me whereever I go. There will be a day that we meet." His message was read by Adj. General Steven P. Cortright of the Oklahoma National Guard at the closing of ceremonies of the traveling wall. He told the story of Kirk's father to the crowd. Many tears were shed. inspired by the emotion of her husband, Krista Kirk called the Bureau of Naval Personnel Retired Records Section in St. Louis Mo. She discovered that Robertson had several awards for his service in Vietnam. Without her husband knowing, Krista was able to attain the awards and surprise James. On August 6, 2000 Robertson's awards were given to James kirk in front of his family and his Guard unit. Robertson had received 6 awards: The Presidental Unit citation, Purple Heart, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Gallantry Cross and Gold Star Lapel Pin. {Note: A seventh award was addionally added, COMBAT ACTION RIBBON} 32 years lafter his death, Robertson was honored and his son, following in his footsteps by serving his country in the National Guard, was the recipient. At the Ceremony on Veterans day 2000. Robertson was officially recognizes, General Cortright presented the awards to Kirk.
The Kirks continue to search for any information about Robertson. Thay have made contact with one man Jim Rodriguez, who was a friend of Robertson. Rodriguez stated " Jimmy was a Marine well-prepared and trained to carry out his miission" . Rodriguez also put them in touch with one of the missions survivors Arthur Miles who served with Robertson, his military occupational skill was 0311 and later 3531.
The Kirks Would appreciate any information the Cicero or Berwyn residents may be able to provide. They can be contacted at 105 W. Prospect Ave, Ponca City Ok 74601.
Foot Note: The Kirks were reunited with the Robertson family in Cicero and he has since changed his name back to Robertson..
and served a tour a duty in Iraq!
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