Poxon

from The Collegiate - Dinner Edition 2019

drove the enemy from their positions. His gallantry, indomitable will, and courage are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

As we that are left grow old.

John Nicol ‘65, said at his 50th reunion, “The words on the citation reveal that Bob Poxon was not simply courageous. He was heroically brave and noble in his actions. It wasn’t just gallantry; it was conspicuous gallantry. It is not something you have to go looking for. His actions are there for all to see. It’s obvious. It stands out. It is uncommon.

“Robert recognized that the chance of losing his life was not only possible, it was probable. The danger in his action is indisputable. The consequences were clear, and he did it anyway. Duty compels certain things, certain responsibilities. Robert’s actions on June 2, 1969 were something more. Training cannot account for it. Others do not expect it. Indeed, many others might not have done it. His actions did not simply answer the call of duty. His actions were truly above, truly beyond.”

At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember him.

Poxon’s name is memorialized on the Vietnam Memorial Wall, built in 1982. Bob’s sister Karen and brother David have been part of Memorial Day ceremonies, reading a section of names on the wall, including their brother’s: Panel 23W, line 46, of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. But there are other physical tributes to this brave man. A barracks at Fort Hood was named for Bob, as well as a barracks at Fort Benning in Georgia.

Poxon’s uniform, and Congressional Medal of Honor, are displayed in Frankenmuth, Michigan, at the Military Museum.

Memorial Ceremony on the 50th Anniversary of Robert Poxon’s death.

June 2, 2019 at Noon

Poxon American Legion Post #326 44400 Van Dyke, Suite 102, Sterling Heights 586.292.1824

All De La Salle Collegiate alumni, particularly those from the Class of 1965, or those who also attended St. Juliana’s, are invited to attend.

The Southfield Army Reserve Center, at 26400 W. 11 Mile Road, is named for Poxon. The late Brother George Synan gave the invocation at the dedication ceremonies on November 11, 1979. The Southfield Center is planning on a June 30, 2019 ceremony in Poxon’s memory. The Robert L. Poxon American Legion Post #326 was established June 9, 1997. Post leader Stephen Bilan says the Legion plans a service on June 2, 2019, in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Poxon’s death.

And a display in the main hallway at De La Salle Collegiate remembers this most courageous Pilot. His story continues to be told to a new generation of Pilots.

By Vicki Granger

Editor’s Note: Some lines from this poem were used in writing the article about Bob Poxon.

For the Fallen

Poem by Robert Laurence Binyon (1869-1943), published in The London Times newspaper, September 21, 1914.

With proud thanksgiving, a mother for her children, England mourns for her dead across the sea. Flesh of her flesh they were, spirit of her spirit, Fallen in the cause of the free.

Solemn the drums thrill: Death august and royal Sings sorrow up into immortal spheres. There is music in the midst of desolation

And a glory that shines upon our tears.

They went with songs to the battle, they were young, Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow.

They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted, They fell with their faces to the foe.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.

They mingle not with their laughing comrades again; They sit no more at familiar tables of home; They have no lot in our labour of the day-time; They sleep beyond England’s foam.

But where our desires are and our hopes profound, Felt as a well-spring that is hidden from sight, To the innermost heart of their own land they are known As the stars are known to the Night; As the stars that shall be bright when we are dust, Moving in marches upon the heavenly plain, As the stars that are starry in the time of our darkness, To the end, to the end, they remain.