Tomorrow is Patriot's Day...this is a huge holiday around Boston with the reenactments of Paul Revere's ride from Boston to Lexington, the confrontation battle of British soldiers & Minutemen on Lexington Green, and the defeat of the Red Coats at Old North Bridge in Concord.
Last fall I made a promise to Chris Surtees to build a knife for his Dad. As I had previously made knives for his sons, I agreed except I wouldn't get back to my forge until after deer season. Chris laughed and understood hunting priorities. I wish I could have given this knife to Chris so he could present it properly to Larry.
Now I needed to add something personal to Larry's knife. Larry sent me a couple of Chris's military badges. I was going to present the knife to Larry at Bear Quest camp in June...but thought it would be fitting to show to Chris's Trad Gang friends on Patriot's Day...Doc
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Surtees%20Knife/SurteesKnife009.jpg)
FOLLOW ME
I AM THE INFANTRY!
I am the Infantry--Lord of Battle! For two centuries I have kept our Nation safe, purchasing freedom with my blood. to tyrants, I am the day of reckoning; to the suppressed, the hope for the future. Where the fighting is thick, there am I...I am the Infantry! FOLLOW ME!
I was there from the beginning, meeting the enemy face to face, will to will. My bleeding feet stained the snow at Valley Forge; my frozen hands pulled Washington across the Delaware. At Yorktown, the sunlight glinted from the sword and I, begrimed and battered...saw a Nation born.
Hardship...and glory I have known. At New Orleans, I fought beyond the hostile hour, showed the fury of my long rifle...and came of age. I am the Infantry!
West I pushed with wagon trains...moved an empire across the plains...extended freedom's borders and tamed the wild frontier. I am the Infantry! FOLLOW ME!
I was with Scott at Vera Cruz...hunted the guerrilla in the mountain passes...and scaled the high plateau. The fighting was done when I ended my march many miles from the old Alamo.
From Bull Run to Appomattox, I fought and bled. Both Blue and Grey were my colors then. Two masters I served and united them strong...proved that this nation could right a wrong...and long endure. I am the Infantry! FOLLOW ME!
I led the charge up San Juan Hill....scaled the walls of old Tientain....and stalked the Moro in the steaming jungle still...always the vanguard. I am the Infantry!
At Chateau-Thierry, first over the top, then I stood like a rock on the Marne. It was I who cracked the Hindenburg Line...in the Argonne, I broke the Kaiser' spine...and didn't come back till it was "over, over there." I am the Infantry! FOLLOW ME!
A generation older at Bataan, I briefly bowed, but then I vowed to return. Assaulted the African shore...learned my lesson the hard way in the desert sands...pressed my buttons into the beach at Anzio...and bounced into Rome with determination and resolve. I am the Infantry!
The English channel, stout beach defenses and the hedgerows could not hold me...I jumped into Normandy's shore....broke out at St. Lo, unbent the Bulge...vaulted the Rhine...and swarmed the Heartland. Hitler's dream and the Third Reich were dead.
In the Pacific, from island to island I hopped...hit the beaches and chopped through swamp and jungle...I set the Rising Sun. I am the Infantry!
In Korea, I gathered my strength around Pusan...swept across the frozen Han...outflanked the Reds at Inchon...and marched to the Yalu. FOLLOW ME!
Around the world, I stand....ever forward. Over Lebanon's sands, my rifle steady aimed...and calm returned. At Berlin's gate, I scorned the Wall of Shame. I am the Infantry!
My bayonet....on the wings of power...keeps the peace worldwide. And despots, falsely garbed in freedom's mantle, falter...hide. My ally in the paddies and the forest...I teach, I aid, I lead. FOLLOW ME!
The world's headlines roar when evil men are put to flight, as I descend by parachute into the night. Grenada's students rescued, Noriega's drug dealers imprisoned, Haiti's curse lifted...I lead the way into battle through the darkest nights. I am the Infantry!
I fight from the Sky, over the land, across the sea..through desert sands...to free a Kuwaiti city, across frozen mountains to keep the peace in Balkan lands--I hold the key to peace or war: FOLLOW ME!
Where brave men fight...there fight I. In freedom's cause...I live, I die. From Concord Bridge to Heartbreak Ridge, from the Arctic to the Mekong...The Lord of Battle!
Always ready...then, now and forever. I am the Infantry!
FOLLOW ME!
I AM THE INFANTRY!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Surtees%20Knife/SurteesKnife011.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Surtees%20Knife/SurteesKnife012.jpg)
The knife is forged 5160 carbon steel with an OAL 10 1/2 inches. The incredible Curly Koa scales were donated by Lin Rhea...very special as Chris's wirehaired Dachshund is named Koa. Finally and Oh so important to me, Shell will be adding her magic with a sheath.
WOW! Thats all I got to say about that......good on you sir.
That is simply awesome....good job Doc & a great tribute to Chris!
:campfire:
Excellent work Doc!
And what a great example for all of us!
Land of the free because of the brave!
God bless America!
Shoot straight, Shinken
Beautiful work, and a fine tribute. I am sure that Larry will be thrilled.
Good job Doc.
Very very nice! That is something that is going to strike close to the heart, I am sure he will love and apprieate the knife. Exellent tribute! Just love it!
Hats off to you Doc and to the infantry...I say Thank You!!!
Oh my Doc, that is incredible. What a fitting tribute and honor to a special person. I know Larry will carry it with pride and honor to his son.....
Lanier
:thumbsup:
There's world class and then there's Doc Tippit!
Here is a salute to the Infantry--Queen of Battle! Always the tip of the spear. The knife is a beautiful tribute to those who live in foxholes and take the most casualties in any war. My utmost respect to 'grunts' everywhere.
Still in awe, even after reading it the 3rd time... Words can't begin to describe the honor that is bestowed with that gift, and I'm not even the one getting it. A salute to all our family in arms and to you Doc, hats off.
Wow, amazing blade and cause.
Outstanding ..!
All I can think of to say is awesome!!! :clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
OUTSTANDING all the way around Doc!!
Amazing!!!!!!!!!
Awesome and moving, from an old jarhead, Semper Fi
RANGERS LEAD THE WAY ! SALUTE....♠
Great job Jeff!! Was great to see you again, your work is truly top-notch! :thumbsup:
6'2 and stout of build: and yet, I read and look and tears run down my face!
My head is bowed in memory of a brother only once met at Rays!
Amazing talent, Doc.
Thanks for sharing and humbling my heart in Chris's name yet again.
great Tribute to a fine man.
I thank you with all of the gratitude my heart can muster.
You have done Chris, Larry, and yourself proud!
Godbless,Mudd
Doc, you are very generous and to be commended, and I am certain Larry will be eternally grateful. Thank you.
What a beauty!!!
Beautiful knife and very moving tribute!Great job,sir,I salute you!
Truly an Excellent Tribute. Well Done.
Great job Jeff! That is awesome!
Beautiful work,outstanding gesture. My hat is off to you sir
:thumbsup:
Gene
Thanks Doc a great knife, in honor of a good man. Larry will be proud to carry this knife. God Bless
A tribute that will be long remembered by all of us, and a wonderful memorial for Larry to carry in Honor of his Son!
Beautiful Knife Jeff. Larry will be proud of it and it is a fitting tribute to our friend. You're a good friend to a lot of people and a Great Man. THANKS
That is just hoooah. I am sure ya made some 11B's choke up with pride and memories there Doc. An amazing and fitting knife. Beautiful.
Semper Fi Doc!!!!!!!!!
All I can do for you sir is "Salute"!
I am in awe...and humbled. What a tribute!!!
Beautiful knife Jeff and a great tribute! You did good my friend!
Most Excellent!!!! I have one of your early knives that I consider priceless. You have come along ways my friend..Still enjoy my knife. GOOD ON YOU!
Very fine tribute :thumbsup:
Well Done
Outstanding!!
Super Doc. That is a thing of beauty. Salute~!!
thats beautiful!
Doc, there was a time when a man's word was everything. Glad to see some of us are still in 'that time'.
Shick
Outstanding Doc. RC
:campfire:
WOW ! now that's special
Tippit: I'm proud to call you a friend! Outstanding. UB
QuoteOriginally posted by TradDad:
Still in awe, even after reading it the 3rd time... Words can't begin to describe the honor that is bestowed with that gift, and I'm not even the one getting it. A salute to all our family in arms and to you Doc, hats off.
The above post from Traddad is right on the mark.
I'm overwhelmed by this Jeff.
I just don't have the words to express my sincerest gratitude for such a gift -- you don't know what this means to me. I will treasure it, and it will find a special place to be proudly displayed.
My wife, granddaughter and myself have read and reread your post and each time it brings tears to our eyes. But they are happy tears.
Thank you so much,
Larry
I too have been staring at this thread for 2 days. Cant quite come up with the proper words to express what i see.
Unreal Jeff. What an incredible gift.
Jack
Tippit, great job! Proud to be associated with the folks here. Larry Bless you and your family.
I just got back yesterday from my once-in-a-lifetime trip to Hawaii (20th wedding aniv) and learned about the Acacia Tree or KOA wood of which these scales are made. The highest populations are on Hawaii, Maui and Oahu. Its name in the Hawaiian language, koa, also means brave, bold, fearless, or warrior.
Although I never had the honor of meeting Chris, from all I've read of him, I thought Doc's choice of wood was a fitting description of Chris the "Warrior"
I did have the honor to stand over the battleship USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor on Saturday...I was moved to tears by the loss of those brave soldiers as I stared down into the water only a few feet above the ship's deck and into their bodies' entombment of steel and sea. I felt small, very small among such brave, bold, and fearless Warriors. Chris is among them and I am thankful for his and his family's sacrifice for my freedom. Thank you Doc, for your tribute, and may God Bless the Surtees family.
:clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
:readit: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :notworthy: :notworthy:
My grandfather just told me about this and it is better looking than his words describe. This is truly a one of a kind knife. I will be thinking about all the kind jestures everyone has done since my father accident on my last plane ride back to the states. Thanks Doc
Chris
Christopher,
You are the main character in my relationship with your Dad & Grandfather. When your Dad went to Afghanistan, he asked for a little help with his son coming of age to be a hunter without him around. That was the first time I had sent one of my knives off to the Surtees Family. I have been in awe of your clan ever since that day. I really appreciate what your Grandfather, Father, and you have done for us in the military.
Thank You...Doc
Very nice, Doc. :thumbsup: You're a good man. Looking forward to seeing you in bear camp. :campfire:
A very fine tribute indeed.
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :notworthy: well done Doc
Excellent Doc, and a great tribute to a soldier,father and son.
Tippit,
Your act of kindness was Incredibly Honorable for a couple of Honorable Men.
Super! Great job.
Fine tribute, Doc. Mighty fine indeed.