Objector ?

 Placed into a difficult  position

not to fight was his decision

strong belief's cannot commit 

 weapon useless as he sits

 they watch his back, some understand

"kill or be killed", a shouted command

he is a medic, with lives to save

fallen  brothers who were so brave

doing his best, helping those who fall

trying to answer their every call

placing many in body bags

hurting inside removing their tags

offering comfort to those he can

not dying alone, holding their hand

if only to take away some pain

knowing his tour was not in vain 

covering a brother, exposing his back

his life for theirs if under attack

taking a life he could not do

 gladly giving his if it meant saving you

© Chuck "Outlaw" Preston 7-10-2001

Thomas Bennett, who attended WVU in the mid 1960s, served as a medic in the Vietnam War. As a conscientious objector, he served in active duty but refused to carry a gun for religious reasons.

He was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously after he died Feb. 11, 1969, trying to reach a wounded man in combat near Pleiku, South Vietnam.

This is only the second time the medal has been presented to an American who entered the military but refused to carry a gun.