John Milton Harrington

	West Point 1963. Courtesy BGen Ong.

The database page for John Milton Harrington

It is with deep gratitude we are remembering you and all the others who served and died in times of war so that we may enjoy the Freedom and Liberties that make the United States of America great. From a West Point Classmate, USMA 1963, Clark T. Ballard, Jr., M.D., Colonel, U S Army (Ret) 66 Leschi Drive, Steilacoom, WA 98388-1514 n6qg1@yahoo.com   7 Jul 2001

17 May 2002 A final salute to a fine American and my West Point Classmate. From a Vietnam veteran, Ramon M. Ong Brigadier General (Ret) Armed Forces of the Philippines USMA Class of 1963 azrong@cox.net

28 May 2004 It was once long ago, on a sunny day, that I visited my father's uncle, "Buddy" Harrington in Durham, N.C. As a young child, I can remember his home even to this day, running through the same halls that his own son, John Milton ran through. At the time though, I did not know John Milton. You see, John Milton died in service to his country 2 years before I was even born, but on that bright sunny day, I was told that he was as gregarious and energetic as I was at that age. It was at that time that I began to realize that I was kin to a hero. Throughout my life, I've visited the moving wall and seen his name, I've watched true story movies depicting the first battles of the Vietnam Conflict, and each time I do these things, I cry. Not for the loss... no.... I cry because his dedication, as well as the dedication of all the other soldiers of the United States military, protected what so many hold dear and so many more take for granted.... Freedom. I am proud to say that my cousin John Milton was a member of that group of people that did fight for what they believed in, giving us what no one should ever take for granted. Do I wish I got the chance to know him? Sure... Do I grieve because I didn't? What makes you think I don't? Because of John Milton I can say "I'm Proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free... And I won't forget the men who died, to give that right to me...." (Lee Greenwood, "Proud to be an American") May your spirit carry on, John Milton, and I ask that you will watch over my son when he enters the Navy, guiding him in the strength and courage it takes to do what you did.... I love you From a cousin, Kris Harrington Sheeley ksheeley@myndworx.com

11 Mar 2006 John and I served together in the 4/31 Infantry. We were wonderful friends and I was there the night he was killed. The hardest thing I have ever had to do was to take John's remains to the people in base camp at the graves registration unit and say good bye to him forever. Today, March 12 2006 (Sunday), my wife and I will be dedicating a large memorial flag in our church in honor of John and Manzie Glover who was also killed that night. Both were wonderful people and I am proud to have served with them. From a friend who was with John, Sid Field then 1st Lt, US Army sidfield@direcway.com

A Note from The Virtual Wall Two men from HQ and HQ Company, 4/31st Infantry, died on 19 Sep 1966 in what is commonly known as a "friendly fire" incident: CPT John M. Harrington and SP4 Manzie Glover of Elizabeth, NJ.

The point-of-contact for this memorial is a West Point Classmate, USMA 1963, Clark T. Ballard, Jr, M D, Col U S Army Ret n6qg1@yahoo.com 7 Jul 2001

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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Last updated 03/12/2006