Hello
Ron...
I'm Bruce Barney, and I served with Ed as a scout/ gunner in 3/5th
Cav.
I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. My condolences to you
as his close
friend, and I trust that you will convey same to any
of Ed's family who
survive him.
In these troubled times, in which it has become fashionable to
throw the
word "hero" around as if everyone who ever had anything to
do with the
military (or police/firefighters, etc.) deserved the
homage, you, I, and
the rest of the fellows in D Troop
have the priviledge of knowing that we really did know and
work with an
honest-to-God hero. Ed always impressed me as the
consumate soldier, who
went about the business of war with an air of quiet,
unassuming,
professionalism and courage. He was undaunted in the
face of hostile fire
and certainly accounted for far more than his share of enemy
casualties. He
was a very good man.
It has been some 35 years since last I saw Ed, but well do I
remember him. I
regret that the chance has now passed to be able to meet him
again.
However, though he is gone, he will live on in my fondest
memories ( as well
as those of the other D Troopers who knew him, I'm sure) as
one of the
finest fellows with whom it was my pleasure to serve.
I am somewhat surprised to see that Ed's service will be tomorrow
in
Arlington, which happens to be where I grew up. I am
just down the road
(I-10) in Pensacola, Florida, battling cancer at the Naval
Hospital here.
Had I but known that Ed was in the area of my old home town
all these years,
I would certainly have made the effort to pay him a
visit. An opportunity
missed which additionally saddens me.
Again Ron, my sincerest regrets to you and Ed's family on the loss
of a
really good man. He will be missed, but certainly not
forgotten. Thanks
for your effort in letting us know of his passing.
Best Regards