A Root Beer Float (continued)
PFC Douglas "Swampy" Impson's ITR (Infantry Training Regiment) photo, courtesy of John Impson and Steve Haisley.
Parents Never Recovered
​
A year or so ago I received a phone call from your brother, John.
He told me about you and your family and how your parents never recovered from the devastation of your death.
He sent me a photograph of you, which was taken just weeks before you were killed.
Even after seeing the picture I don’t remember your face.
​
On this Memorial Day I honor you and all the brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives for our great nation.
My Marine Corps flag is flying proudly, and I will have the root beer float that the young Marine from Louisiana never got to enjoy.
Semper Fidelis.
​
In memory of PFC Douglas G. Impson
“H” Co 2nd Battalion 26th Marines
KIA September 15, 1968
RVN
PFC Douglas Impson's grave with a root beer float ornament on its base. Photo courtesy of Steve Haisley.
Epilogue:
​
On July 18, 2016, my wife and I had the honor and privilege of meeting your brother, John, and his wife. We went out to dinner and then came back to our home and talked for hours.
John talked about his memories of you and all the things you did together as you were growing up. He also brought several childhood pictures.
​
He told us about your parents and how they were never the same after you were killed.
​
Meeting John is one of the best things to ever happen to me.
It only took 48 years, but it was as if someone lifted a tremendous weight from my shoulders. As I told John, it closed the door on another ghost in my closet from Vietnam.
