Editing
"Band of Brothers" Marches On
By Christine Justice
John Childs knew Easy Company's history when he joined the Army.
He knew they were the soldiers constantly thrust to the front lines—the company that was instrumental in winning several victories during World War II.
When the Jacksonville native graduated from Texas A&M University and was commissioned in the Army, he "begged and pleaded" to be placed in the 101st Airborne Division—the famed "Band of Brothers" infantry depicted in the recent HBO 10-part epic miniseries.
"The 101st has a great legacy," Childs said. "Their legacy goes back to the Band of Brothers that helped win World War II."
Childs perpetuated Easy Company's legacy when he commanded the division during his second tour of duty in Vietnam.
"I'm not a hero, but I commanded a group of heroes," Childs said. "It was a real honor to command those guys, they weren't afraid of anything.
"They made me so proud."
During the six-month stint, Childs and his troops fought against the Viet Cong and North Viet Cong "in the delta region and in the highlands north of Hue."
Childs believes the company lived up to its motto: "Rendezvous with destiny."
"They sure had one (rendezvous with destiny) in World War II and Vietnam."
But his Vietnam service isn't something Childs discusses frequently with his wife, Thelma. She wasn't even aware of the company's legacy until she began researching it for herself and her children.
The Band of Brothers in World War II "fought in a war where the nation was behind them, and they fought for the entire duration," Childs said. "They had a just cause, and they stayed together so long and knew each other so intimately, they indeed became a Band of Brothers."
Childs retired from active duty after 21 years of service. He was qualified as a paratrooper and a Ranger and received several combat decorations, including the Bronze Star for Valor and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
"The legacy continued from D-Day to Desert Storm and perhaps in the future," Childs said. "The Band of Brothers division has a great legacy and I hope a great destiny."
The destiny, he believes, will continue through Operation Enduring Freedom.
"This is a different enemy," Childs said. "Now the problem is identifying, finding and destroying the network."
John Childs knew Easy Company's history when he joined the Army.
He knew they were the soldiers constantly thrust to the front lines—the company that was instrumental in winning several victories during World War II.
When the Jacksonville native graduated from Texas A&M University and was commissioned in the Army, he "begged and pleaded" to be placed in the 101st Airborne Division—the famed "Band of Brothers" infantry depicted in the recent HBO 10-part epic miniseries.
"The 101st has a great legacy," Childs said. "Their legacy goes back to the Band of Brothers that helped win World War II."
Childs perpetuated Easy Company's legacy when he commanded the division during his second tour of duty in Vietnam.
"I'm not a hero, but I commanded a group of heroes," Childs said. "It was a real honor to command those guys, they weren't afraid of anything.
"They made me so proud."
During the six-month stint, Childs and his troops fought against the Viet Cong and North Viet Cong "in the delta region and in the highlands north of Hue."
Childs believes the company lived up to its motto: "Rendezvous with destiny."
"They sure had one (rendezvous with destiny) in World War II and Vietnam."
But his Vietnam service isn't something Childs discusses frequently with his wife, Thelma. She wasn't even aware of the company's legacy until she began researching it for herself and her children.
The Band of Brothers in World War II "fought in a war where the nation was behind them, and they fought for the entire duration," Childs said. "They had a just cause, and they stayed together so long and knew each other so intimately, they indeed became a Band of Brothers."
Childs retired from active duty after 21 years of service. He was qualified as a paratrooper and a Ranger and received several combat decorations, including the Bronze Star for Valor and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
"The legacy continued from D-Day to Desert Storm and perhaps in the future," Childs said. "The Band of Brothers division has a great legacy and I hope a great destiny."
The destiny, he believes, will continue through Operation Enduring Freedom.
"This is a different enemy," Childs said. "Now the problem is identifying, finding and destroying the network."
Originally published by the Tyler Morning Telegraph
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