Tribute
to James McGovern by Richard T. Bellis, Captain USMC, Retired
from Clan McGovern Guestbook
I
was a young Marine at the American Embassy in Saigon from July
51 till July 53. I became a good friend of McGoon(Most everyone
called him Earthquake or McGoon, but occassionally you heard Jim)
and we hung around mostly at Chez Jean and sometimes at Hotel
Majestic.
I
was quite awed by him as were the two other Marines that he hung
out with, as he was an imposing character and we considered it
an honor for him to put up with us.
I
didn't know his name was McGovern until a few weeks before I left
when he gave me his address in New Jersey and asked me to visit
him when I was in DC. ( He said he was going to visit his mother
for the first time in years. This was in July 1953, and I regret
that I didn't make that visit) Anyway, when he wrote his name
on the paper, I asked who McGovern was and he said a couple of
bleeps and really laughed. He then added "boy you Marines
are dumb" you're nice to have around in a fire fight, but
otherwise you guys are really dumb."
I
was quite pleased that Earthquake McGoon had made fun of me, and
have told the story many times. I have tried to get him some recognition
and wrote Don Bellisario, but received the letter back unread
as they said they only accept ideas from agents due to the possibility
of legal problems.
Jim
"Ëarthquake"McGovern was a helluva man in this old Marines
opinion, and I'll continue to try toi get him the recognition
he deserves. I'm delighted to find out that others are doing the
same. Good luck to all his relatives, friends etal.
Richard T. Bellis, Captain USMC, Retired.
Copyright
1955 by Felix Smith"
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"Copyright
1955 by Felix Smith"
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"Copyright
1955 by Felix Smith"
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