Author Archives: Sons

Shocked. Numbed. Angered. Those involved in the profession of arms develop not an ambivalence but grudging acquiescence that in combat they or someone close may, no will, be here one moment and abruptly gone the next. Pat was supposed to … Continue reading →

I was a 25-year old knucklehead know it all 1stLt and barely three years into my Marine career when I met up with 40-year old Patrick Leo Townsend who was in the last year of his Marine career. Pat and … Continue reading →

Here is one of my favorites from the 80s, specifically in 1983, in Kansas City at the 9th Marine Corps Recruiting District HQ. I was with Pat for maybe six months and then our secretary left for a promotion. We … Continue reading →

Early on during my tenure with Pat I asked him about an award he had received. In a very humble manner, Pat told me the story of when he was the commanding officer of the 8” Artillery Battery in Vietnam. … Continue reading →

The picture of the Townsend family (80s) in the white shirts with red sleeves has some background. Pat and family had eaten at the world famous (or infamous depending on your viewpoint) family-style restaurant called “Strouds” in Kansas City. They … Continue reading →

Pat was an athlete. He was not overly athletic but he competed; so in my book that made him an athlete and in our 14 months together I played in a lot of sporting activities with him. I have known … Continue reading →