HI Cousins... Here is a poem that Don Marler (our DYESS cousin) sent to me. I want to share it with the group. Cousins....we have some great historical figures in our lines!!! kaite... (Carolyn Dyess Bales) Here is the poem: The Last Command [Image] When you speak of heros and legends, There's many, through out our land Colonel Dyess stands tall, among heros He was killed, at his last command At the Marshaall Islands, his troops stormed the beachhead, The fighting became hand to hand He led an attack, on a bunker That victory, was his last command The marines have many traditions, The officers are an elite Corp band Colonel Dyess, was true to that creedo, To the end, at his last command His widow was summoned to Washington, The Medal of Honor, was placed in her hand, Her husband, and father of her children; Had died, at his last command We who survived those battles Know it cost us many a good man A toast to Colonel Dyess A legend, at his last command Stand firm in your love of our country Be ready to lend her a hand, Be proud of our heritage and heros Who died at their last command. *In memory of Lt. Col Aquilla James Dyess, Medal of Honor, Commanding officer 1st Btl, 24th Rgt. 4th Marine Div. -- KIA Marshall Islands Feb 1944 �Copyright Carl Dearborn Avon Park Florida 1998