Beckett, John Wesley, 2LT

Group Photo in Gallery: For those who weren't there, which was probably in October, 1967, that's "Doc" Jamilkowski (our medic) behind the dog, John to the right of the dog, and me in the shadows behind John. Looks like we just got mail in the field, at least John and I did. The jungle wasn't really tall here, which is why we are in the sun, but it certainly was thick. That's a folded topo map in John's left pocket of his pants, a sure sign of a field officer. We're all sitting on our pots (helmets) taking a break with man's best friend, or so some people think. We would have gladly traded him for a good American girl or maybe even one not so good.

Speaking of the dog, he was suppose to locate V.C. by smell and came with a dog handler. Probably about 20% of the time we had a dog and handler with us. What looks like a stick in his chest is actually the end of the strap on his harness. There is a fourth guy just off the picture on the left, Gaston R. Golding, III, who probably was packing the radio. At the moment, Gaston is entertaining the dog and us. As you can see, we did have some good times together, especially with John, and he was always great to be around anytime.


On Nov 28, 2023, at 7:33 PM, Ellen wrote: I was present when the bronze star was posthumously presented for my brother, 1Lt John Wesley Beckett, to my mother. He was from Albuquerque NM. I have a photo of the certificate and a copy of the official letter. My sister currently has the medals, including oak leaf clusters and 2 Purple Hearts. Copies of these records are attached below. What else do I need to do to make this correction? He was killed during a New Years “peace truce,” on Jan 1 or 2, 1968. Thank you.

  
MY COUNTRY'S FLAG CRIED the flag bowed its bars and wept starry tears as it hung at half-mast for a soldier's years. Another youth it had called and another youth had died. I stood and I watched as my country's flag cried. it clothed the drab coffin in it's red, white, and blue, silently protecting the contents for the comfort of a few. It brought strength to some, to others, bitter pride. But, as mourners filed by, my country's flag cried. As it rode to the field where the soldier was laid away, the flag recalled the pledge that he used to stand and say, but to war he went and to keep that pledge, he tried. As the guns fired their last salute, my country's flag cried. As taps rang out, it was folded with care, for the soldier's soul a Chaplain whispered a prayer. He asked god for peace in this world to abide, and in a grieving mother's arms my country's flag cried! Wednesday, September 07, 2005.

POSTED BY: CURT CARTER. REMEMBERING AN AMERICAN HERO. Dear Sir, As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned. May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you. With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir. Curt Carter, May 19, 2012.