The Fighting Forty Four,
Were the pride of the marines.
The men in this platoon
Were battle ready machines.

The order was received,
One the President assigned.
Seems a Senator's son
Was shot down behind the lines.

These soldiers were ready,
Every man seemed strangely calm.
They knew when they signed up,
They might die in Vietnam.

On their way by morning,
They met resistance that day.
Six of their own were killed,
Driving the VC away.

But these men were prepared,
They knew it wouldn't be long.
This was just the first,
They'd see of the Viet Cong.

When they reached the drop point,
The pilot couldn't be found.
They recovered his pack,
But there was no one around.

Then one of the Marines
Saw something beside a tree.
A small white strip of cloth
Was left deliberately.

Beyond they found some tracks,
They were sure were freshly made.
They feared he'd been captured;
They'd have to come to his aid.

Another strip of cloth
Was found on a bush ahead.
Part of the pilot's chute,
So it seemed he wasn't dead.

When they overtook them,
They could sense something was wrong.
It looked like an ambush,
Set up by the Viet Cong.

The Sergeant had a plan,
To help them save that flyer.
Create a distraction,
And draw enemy fire.

They'd walk into that trap,
And keep the VC engaged.
While thirteen of their best,
Made sure the rescue was staged.

And that's where it ended
For the Fighting Forty Four.
They fulfilled their duty,
And brought honor to the Corps.

Forty four brave marines,
Did their job without a doubt.
Thirty one gave their lives,
Thirteen pulled the pilot out.

These soldiers were hero's,
The pride of the Marine Corps.
And this is the story,
Of the Fighting Forty Four.

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