JOHN O'DONNELL
MARINE VET
HONORING A BRAVE MARINE HERO
THIS MAN HAS GIVEN OF HIMSELF EVERTHING HE COULD, SO THAT HIS BROTHER MARINES AND THE PEOPLE BACK HOME COULD LIVE A MORE PEACEFUL LIFE. THIS GIFT OF HIS LIFE SHOWS THE GREATNESS OF THIS HERO. HERO'S DON'T WEAR A CAPE OR MASK NO! THEY WEAR MARINE GREEN. AS EACH DAY PASSES,WE MUST TAKE THE TIME TO REMEMBER WHAT THIS HERO GAVE UP! SO THAT WE COULD LIVE IN A FREE SOCIETY. THANK YOU ! SEMPER FI! HERO YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN
Mar 16, 2014 |
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Scott Stevens
slimm_sunny@yahoo.com
neighbor
I recently visited the Wall and took a moment to pay my respects to Colonel Spark. I grew up with his kids and never got the chance to meet him. In fact, I did not know his story until recently, but I am better off knowing than not. Thank you to Col. Spark and to all veterans who sacrifice so much for us.
Apr 19, 2010 |
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j d
Forty years this week
Col Spark: This week is forty years since you gave all for our country and our Corps. Someday we will meet in Heaven with its streets guarded by United States Marines. We served our tours in Hell.You are a decorated hero in the company of many forgotten heroes. Someday we will join you in the hereafter. From those who made it home: Semper Fi!!
Jan 14, 2009 |
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Garnet Jenkins
garijen@bresnan.net
Grand Junction Co
~ In Humble Gratitude, For Your Sacrifice ~
Paying Humble Tribute to you, with So Much Gratitude for your Courage and your Many Years of Service and Dedication to our Country and for Freedom. Rest in Peace Col. Michael Melvin Spark and know that you will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. I am the sister of a young hero, who also made the Supreme Sacrifice in Vietnam 1967... ~ GOD HAS YOU IN HIS KEEPING...WE HAVE YOU IN OUR HEARTS ~
Jun 9, 2008 |
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Vietnam Vet
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Michael Melvin Spark (0-49041), Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as Commanding Officer, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in connection with operations against enemy forces in the Republic of Vietnam on 15 January 1969. During a multi-battalion search and clear operation in the vicinity of An Hoa, Colonel Spark exhibited outstanding courage and presence of mind in the midst of violent combat action. While commanding a bold, highly imaginative, mobile operation in the mountainous terrain, Colonel Spark directed an assault against heavily fortified enemy positions. After ensuring that his men were properly positioned, Colonel Spark went airborne, by the use of a helicopter, to observe and direct the operation. During the process of the operation, it was necessary for the helicopter to descend, and as the helicopter hovered over the landing zone, which had been hastily cut out of the jungle, the enemy took the aircraft under automatic-weapons fire. Despite the enemy fire, he defiantly continued the personal direction of his men until finally the helicopter was hit and caused to crash. As the helicopter impacted, the enemy continued firing upon it, killing all the occupants. Throughout the entire operation, Colonel Spark placed requirements for full and direct support of his combat elements above any concern for his own personal safety. He spent the majority of his time with his forward-most units in order to effectively control the action. This enabled him to maximize exploitation of many situations, and served as an inspiration to the officers and enlisted Marines of his command. By his intrepid fighting spirit, daring initiative, and unswerving dedication to duty, Colonel Spark upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Apr 16, 2008 |
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John O'Brien
seasoldier_usmc@msn.com
Leesburg fl 34788 usa
I was with C Co 1/3 coming down the side of a hill and saw the helicopter being hit by ground fire. It went over us auto gyrating and crashed on the other side of the hill. Rest in peace Col Spark and the other Marines and army personnel on that chopper, you will never be forgotten.
Semper Fi
John O'Brien
Feb 6, 2008 |
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manny g
Fellow Veteran 69-70 An Khe
Union Gap, WA. 98903
“You are Remembered”
Peace and condolence, to the family and friends. "He which hath no stomach to this fight let him depart. But we in it shall be remembered. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers!! For he today, that sheds his blood with me, shall always be my brother”. Rest in peace brave soldier, you have not been forgotten. (W.Shakespeare) May God Bless You for your Sacrifice!!!
Jan 15, 2008 |
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Fellow Marine
Well done Marine rest in peace
THE TIME you won your town the race We chaired you through the market-place Man and boy stood cheering by, And home we brought you shoulder-high. To-day, the road all runners come, Shoulder-high we bring you home, And set you at your threshold down, Townsman of a stiller town. Smart lad, to slip betimes away From fields where glory does not stay And early though the laurel grows It withers quicker than the rose. Eyes the shady night has shut Cannot see the record cut, And silence sounds no worse than cheers After earth has stopped the ears: Now you will not swell the rout Of lads that wore their honours out, Runners whom renown outran And the name died before the man. So set, before its echoes fade, The fleet foot on the sill of shade, And hold to the low lintel up The still-defended challenge-cup. And round that early-laurelled head Will flock to gaze the strengthless dead, And find unwithered on its curls The garland briefer than a girl’s. A.E. Housman, "Don't be afraid, I've redeemed you.
I've called your name. You're mine.
Isaiah 43:1 (REN)
Semper Fi
Jan 15, 2008 |
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D. BURT
A GRATEFUL AMERICAN
Rhode Island USA
**TO HONOR AN AMERICAN HERO NOT FORGOTTEN**
ôOur debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid, they have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrificesö. - PRESIDENT HARRY S. TRUMAN ~ ~ ~ COL MICHAEL MELVIN SPARK, UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS - Although many years have passed, you are not forgotten this day nor will you ever be. I will forever be grateful for your honorable service and supreme sacrifice that you have so courageously bestowed upon our nation. You will forever live in the hearts of all of those you have touched. Rest well brave Marine. "There are only two kinds of people that understand Marines: Marines and the enemy. Everyone else has a second-hand opinion." Gen. William Thornson, U.S. Army ~~~~ I am very grateful and would like to honor all of our Vietnam veterans who have so proudly and courageously served our country. No veteran should ever be forgotten. The veteran who lived through this horrible war, left with everlasting memories and whose lives may be altered forever, the disabled veteran who returned with hardships and many permanent reminders and the pain of that war, the POW/MIA veteran we wait for and whose family and friends are tormented for so, so long not knowing and the fallen veteran who gave his/her life at such a young age leaving their families and loved ones devastated forever - all had one thing in common and that was to fight for our freedom, our country - we owe them so much and a thank you is where to begin and to never forget them for their gallantry, fortitude and valor. I respectfully salute each and every one of our veterans.~~~~
Friday, June 09, 2006 |
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Dan O`Grady
dogrady5@aol.com
Fellow Marine
1434 Orator Street
Pittsburgh, Pa. 15204-1158 U.S.A.
I was one of the marines who witnessed Col. Spark`s helicopter go down and we retrieved the bodies. I`ve heard only good things about him. I met one of his friends in D.C. at 8th and I.My memory of you will be with me forever. Semper Fi! Col. Michael M. Spark forever.
Sunday, May 23, 2004 |
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