In Memory

We’re here today to talk about the great life of Henry Vincent: Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Great Grandfather. He was also a hunter, fisherman, and soldier.

A man raised in rural Alabama, who went on to become a Lt. Colonel in the United States Army. Of course this is not what he started out to be....

As a young man, he did what many young men did at his time. He left school and joined the Marine Corps to fight in World War II. He received his first training in San Diego and went on to fight many battles for his country. Island hopping across the South Pacific, to places he had never heard of before- Guadalcanal, Peleliu, and the April 1^st, 1945 invasion of Okinawa. This battle was a pivotal point in W.W.II, because it was the last ditch effort by the Japanese before US troops would be invading Japan.

Okinawa is an island only 67 miles long and 12 miles wide at the widest point. When the US attempted the invasion they bombed the island for weeks, before the Marines hit the beach. When Henry and his fellow Marines landed, they still had to fight the Japanese soldiers who had retreated from the bombardments into caves and tunnels, honeycombed throughout the island. Of course the Marines were victorious. If it hadn’t been for the atomic bomb in August 1945, Henry might have had to fight in an assault on Japan as well. But after several years of terrible battles, countless bouts with death, Henry was able to return home to Alabama.

And of course as a 12-year boy, I did all the things I shouldn’t have done; like explore the caves and tunnels that the Japanese had used during the war. Never did I realize that just ten years later, I would be marrying Henry’s daughter. Perhaps my future father-in-law may have fought on the very ground that I had explored.

Henry returned to Alabama and attended one of the special "Veterans" classes, so that the soldiers returning from the war could finish high school. He received his diploma from Winterboro High School. There he met Ludie, fell in love, and they married the night they graduated.

He was a foreman in a foundry in Anniston and in the National Guard. However not long after, conflict in Korea broke out. He was going to be called back to duty. Because of his previous experience in World War II, he was sent to leadership school where he graduated with honors. Recognizing his leadership abilities, he was selected to attend Officer Candidate School and graduated as a 2^nd Lieutenant. This was the start of his distinguished military career.

Of course the army sent him into harms way, this time fighting in the bitter cold of Korea. Again Henry survived this terrible war and returned home.

Now he was raising a family, advancing in his career and being stationed at various duty locations; Georgia, Washington, Alaska, California, and a 2^nd tour at the DMZ in Korea. He attended the Command & General Staff College. He advanced to the rank of Lt. Colonel no easy task for anyone.

When I 1^st met Henry I was dating his daughter, Wanda. At the time I was stationed at Ford Ord, California and a lowly E-4. I now got to meet DAD; which can be pretty intimidating by itself, without him being a high-ranking officer. But Henry was not intimidating. He was easy-going and friendly. In fact, he introduced himself as "Henry" not "Colonel." I liked him immediately.

Wanda and I became engaged and we made our wedding plans, but again another call to duty for Henry was sounded. This time he was headed for Vietnam. Another bout with danger and destruction.

He was the ultimate infantry officer who epitomized the infantry battle cry, "Follow Me." Again, he returned home to Ludie and Alabama safe and sound.

Quite a man this guy Henry, three wars, and not a scratch........

Eventually like all good soldiers he retired, 1^st to Washington State and then returning home to Alabama. Although his health was not the best, he still maintained his humor and respect for family and friends.

So today let’s not mourn for Henry. But praise a man who accomplished so much. A man who fought for his country and the rest of the world, so that we could all be free of villains and dictators. A man who was a devoted husband for 51 years. A man who raised his family with all the love and attention he could.

Yes, Henry was quite a man. A man I’m glad to have known. A man that left this world just a little better place, thanks to what he did and who he was.

The Marines have a saying: "There are no Ex-Marines, only former Marines." And even though he spent 24 years in the army, I think Henry was still a Marine at heart.

The Marine Corps’ slogan is "Semper Fidelis", Always Faithful.

This is a saying all young marines learn and live by. It is usually shortened to "Semper Fi", as a rallying cry when getting ready to go into battle or face a new challenge.

Henry is now just facing a new challenge...

Bill Campbell