Worth Mayor Mary Werner wanted to share some details about two U.S. servicemen who were the last victims of the Vietnam War.
“April 29 of this year marked the 50th anniversary of the death of the last two American soldiers to die on Vietnam soil,” Werner said during the annual Memorial Day Remembrance at the Eternal Flame Memorial at 111th and Harlem on Sunday morning. “In the final stage of the offensive against Saigon, a North Vietnamese rocket attack on Tan Son Nhut Air Base resulted in the death of two U.S. Marines, Corporal Charles McMahon and Lance Corporal Darwin Lee Judge.”
McMahon was just 11 days short of his 22nd birthday, Werner said. He was a resident of Woburn, Mass. Judge, 19, was an Eagle Scout from Marshaltown, Iowa.
The mayor also mentioned that McMahon and Judge were members of the Marine Security Guard Battalion at the U.S. Embassy in Saigon. They were providing security. McMahon had arrived in Saigon on April 18, just 11 days before the attack, Werner said.
She added that when Operation Frequent Wind — the American evacuation of Saigon — was completed on April 30, it was apparent that the bodies of McMahon and Judge were left behind.
Werner informed veterans, local organizations, and residents at the Memorial Day Observance that these individuals — like others who have died in war and conflicts — have to be remembered. But at least something positive occurred out of this tragedy, the mayor said.
“Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, through diplomatic channels, secured the return of the bodies the following year,” Werner said. “The transfer of the bodies took place on Feb. 22, 1976, at Tan Son Nhut Airport to two of Kennedy’s aides.”
The mayor said their bodies were flown to Bangkok to be received by a U.S. military honor guard. McMahon and Judge arrived home where they were laid to rest.
Werner researched the information on McMahon and Judge to emphasize that every U.S. military death should be remembered. Those who have served and died and those who came back home should be honored for their sacrifice, Werner said.
She mentioned that the average age of U.S. World War II and the Korean War veterans who died was 27. But she also said that 61% of those victims were younger than 21 years old.
“As I look over the memorial and see all the scouts, I hope that there are adults out there who teach them how important this day is,” Werner said.
Steve Werner, finance officer of Marrs-Meyer American Legion Post 991, welcomed the visitors for the Memorial Day Observance. Rich Przybycien, who serves as the chaplain for the post, opened with a prayer and concluded the ceremony by playing “Taps.”
Michaela Weaver opened by singing the National Anthem and concluded by performing “God Bless America.”
During the ceremony, various members of organizations placed wreaths before the monument in remembrance of American servicemen and women who have died in wars and conflicts.
Wreaths were placed by the Marrs-Meyer Post, Auxiliary, SAL Squadron and Riders. Wreaths were also placed at the monument by the PAWS Assisting Wounded Warriors, the Swallow Cliff Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, of Palos Heights, Burbank Marines Auxiliary 072, Girl Scouts Troop of Ridgeland/Whitetail Woods, and Worth Boy Scouts Troop 668 and Cub Scouts Pack 3668.
The Worth Lions Club, the mayor and trustees, and the Worth Park District also placed wreaths at the monument.
Naomi Cordova, a Marrs-Meyer Auxiliary Junior representative, also spoke of the ultimate sacrifice of veterans who died in battle.
“It is important to recognize stories of veterans and to be grateful to the people who have fought,” Naomi said. “It is important for the next generations to realize the importance of those who have served.”
Audra Gray, of DAR, told the crowd about residents of a Dutch village who maintain the graves of American soldiers who are buried near their homes. This goes back decades and continues to this day, she said.
“There is a waiting list to care for the graves,” Gray said. “Memorial Day goes beyond decorating a grave or placing a wreath or wearing a poppy.”
Mike McElroy, president of the Worth Park District Board, reminded everyone that veterans should be remembered every day and not just Memorial Day.
“Freedom is not free,” McElroy said.
