Derald Caruthers
The Marine Corps has a habit of taking two people who have never met and making them so close that they would sacrifice their own life for each other. Bill and I felt that way.
We never met until late in 1962 at MCRD in San Diego. From then on we were joined at the hip. Neither , however would ever admit it. I lost track of Bill when we separated in July of 65 I tried many times in the following 50 years to locate him with no success. Bill finally found me two years ago.
My biggest regret is that we allowed 50 years to keep us apart. We did share many memories during the last two years however. I feel cheated by the loss of so many years that we could have continued our friendship.
I would never allow him to hear me use the word LOVE in the same sentence that his name would appear. I have never had a better friend nor will I ever. Hope to meet again.
P.S. I also loved the Marines, even though neither of us would have admitted it 52 years ago....
L/CPL D. F. Caruthers
