My name is Mike Wynn and I was born on January 17, 1947. I grew up in Marion, Ohio, and attended Olney Ave. Elementary, Edison Jr. High, and graduated from Harding High School in 1965. I played baseball and football for Harding for 3 years.
I enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1966. After high school I attended Otterbein University on a football scholarship. During the season I concentrated on my studies to keep my eligibility to play football. After the season I found other interests and let’s just say I came to a mutual agreement with the school that I would not be returning the next semester. Four of us, including my best friend Dan Schott, decided to join the Marine Corps for 4 years. We were in from 1966-1970. My motivation to join was a mixture of patriotism and seeking excitement and adventure.
I had never been on a plane or seen the ocean so I was excited when the recruiter said I would be flying to San Diego for boot camp. When it came time to leave there was an airline strike so we had to take a 3 day train ride instead of flying. It was so crowded we had to stand between cars and play cards most of the trip. California seemed like paradise with the ocean and palm trees. Boot camp soon changed that.
New recruits always arrive to boot camp in the middle of the night in the Marine Corps. It is planned that way to increase the shock value. When we arrived by bus all hell broke loose. The drill instructors got on the bus yelling and nearly throwing us off the bus. I was wondering what I had gotten myself into. Boot camp was brutal both physically and psychologically. I went in weighing 210 pounds and came out at 190 pounds. The psychological side was the worst as they completely break you down and build you up as a Marine. I hated it then but appreciated it later in Vietnam. The last day they got us all together to tell us what our job would be and where we were going. 90% of us were infantry and got orders to Vietnam. I was now a grunt in the Marine Corps.
After 6 months of infantry training I was off to Okinawa which was a staging area for guys heading to Nam. I guess because of my rifle range scores I was put into sniper training. My buddies were all off to the war and I was stuck on Okinawa for many months of training. After a month or so I went to the commanding officer and requested a transfer to Vietnam. He was happy to oblige.
I was attached to the 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines who were getting ready to leave Okinawa for Vietnam. The unit was a Special Landing Force that was based on several ships and made helicopter and amphibious landings into Vietnam. I left on the USS Okinawa, which was a small aircraft carrier for helicopters.
A thousand of us lived aboard the ship for a short period and then went by helicopter for operations in and around the DMZ. We were usually in country for 1-2 weeks and then back to the ship for a few days until the next insertion. While on operations we walked all day and then dug a hole at night to sleep. At night we were on watch 2 hours on and 2 off, so there wasn’t much sleep going on.
I have several memories that I will never forget. In April of 1967, we were on Operation Beaver Cage and were walking in 2 columns along a river-one column on each side of the river. All of a sudden we were hit by automatic fire-snipers-and mortars. The whole hillside seemed to move with camouflaged North Vietnamese Army (NVA) soldiers. I was on the opposite side of the river as the ambush and saw many Marines go down. We returned fire and called in air support. The firefight lasted for hours. The next day we had to pick up our dead. The thing I remember the most is how quiet it was after the action. There wasn’t even a bird tweeting. I had a minor shrapnel wound and went back to the ship for a day to get stitched up. We had 55 killed and 151 wounded on that operation.
On May 18 we were aboard ship and got up at 4am for our customary steak and egg breakfast the Navy cooked for us the morning of an operation. We were going on Operation Beau Charger which was the first authorized American entry into the DMZ. We were landing 3 miles from North Vietnam. My group took off at about 9:00am and by 9:15am bullets were ripping through the chopper. Contrary to popular belief Vietnam is not all jungle. We landed in open sandy terrain with large scrub covered sand dunes. My platoon was in the open walking towards some large dunes when the fire opened up and guys were dropping all around. I was carrying a radio at the time because our radio operator had been killed. The Platoon Commander told a group of us to charge the dune head on. I took off the radio so I could run quicker and my squad did as we were told. I was running and firing next to the squad leader and he went down. He had been shot in the foot and couldn’t walk. He was laying in the open so I threw him over my shoulder and started running for a small ditch about 18 inches deep. The next thing I know I’m laying on the ground with no idea how I got there. I could feel blood running down my back and realized I had been shot. It turns out that a bullet went through the squad leaders arm and through my flack jacket into my chest. I was able to make it a few more yards to the ditch. My squad leader made it but to this day I feel guilty about not picking him up the second time and getting him to that ditch. A Marine should not leave another Marine behind. In that operation 8 out of the 12 men in my squad were killed or wounded. A total of 142 were killed and 896 were wounded.
We were both flown to the Hospital Ship USS Sanctuary for treatment. I spent nearly 2 months in the hospital and he got sent back to the States. It took me 30 years to find him but I finally did and we talk on the phone about every month or so.
After my hospital stay I was sent back to my unit to finish my tour but got a 3rd relatively minor shrapnel wound a few months later and left Vietnam.
I spent the rest of my time in the Corps in California and 2 years on the island of Guam. I was discharged as a Sergeant in 1970.
After I got out I went back to college at Long Beach State University and got a Bachelors Degree. I worked as a fireman in Southern California for nearly 10 years and then moved to Australia in 1982. I am now retired and live a quiet life near a small rural town in Queensland.
I am proud of being a Marine and my service in Vietnam. I am proud of the 3 Purple Hearts and other medals I have earned. It took me longer than it should have to get that pride because of the way Vietnam Veterans were treated upon their return and for years after. I experienced this first hand and for years did not mention that I was a Vet. I hope veterans are never treated like that again. People who have never experienced combat can not possibly understand it. We were just doing our job-it was not a political issue. I can honestly say that I never thought about which politician was responsible while I was in the combat zone. I only worried about the guys next to me and my own survival.
Semper Fidelis
Written by Michael Wynn April 2019
Honoring Marion Ohio Veterans 
Very nice article and continued insight into our hometown heroes. Thank you for sharing these stories. And, as always, thank you for giving so unselfishly.
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Being on the other side of your world when you were fighting for freedoms when I was a young boy gives strength, Your commitment to the defence of the free world along with your colleagues wlll never be forgotten. I and my children who were born many years following thank you. Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum
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Hi Bryan
Thanks for your kind words. It is true that we want peace but must be prepared for conflict.
Semper Fidelis
Mike
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Hi Mike
Thanks. It looks real good. There is one small error that stands out to me but most wont notice. In the headline the Corp should be Corps. The layout looks great! Again thanks for your interest in Marion Vets.
Semper Fidelis
Sent from my iPhone
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I read your story with great interest Michael. You gained fame of course for being the face of The Smiths album Meat is Murder, and that photo says so much about how young many of the soldiers were in the Vietnam conflict. I’m so glad you survived the war and went on to have a long, fulfilled life since.
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Thanks Sophie
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Hi I was wondering was it a shock to see your image appear in record stores worldwide on the smiths album cover
Also are you a smiths fan
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Hi Craig. It was a shock and still amazes me that there is still so much interest in the photo today. I can’t say I’m a fan-my era was the 60’s.
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Hello sir I found a helmet at a thrift store here in San Diego underneath the helmet it says 21 July 1968 and the meat is murder written on the camo cover looks like your handwriting where you ever down here in San Diego during your time as a firefighter could this be your helmet?
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Hi Shawn
Thanks for your message. Unfortunately I wasn’t in San Diego much after 1968. I became aware of the album in the mid eighties. I never wrote on any helmets except the original. Thanks for thinking of me. Semper Fidelis.
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Great Post .
Thank you for your service.
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Hi Mike, thank you for your service & the sacrifice you all made . It is amazing what veterans of war experienced at such a young age . Thank you for sharing your story & thoughts so eloquently. I am from Marion & am pretty sure you were friends with one of my brothers( Tim or Ron Kreiter ) I will try to send this link to them. I remember Dan Schott being at our house …
Such an indelible time in our lives back then. Regards, Sherri Nelson
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Hi Sherri
Thanks for your comments. I was good friends with Tim at school and on weekends. We played football and baseball together. Give him my regards. Mike
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Thank you for posting your story.
I enjoyed reading this as I’m retired VA Nurse & spent some time @ Camp Pendleton myself in early 1990’s. My husband (Randy McCormick)served in the Army 125th Infantry 1967-70 near Plei Keu (I’m not spelling the cities correctly but then the names have been changed now too) Tei vein & into Cambodia (even though we were never there😉)
My uncle (Jim Hindman)served as MP in Long Bin; but I’m not certain of the dates; he recently passed with cancer.
I have a deep respect for our Veterans after having 14years experience treating them & so many different ways that wars impact them & their lives.
Thank you for your Service Sgt!
Glad you made it safely back to the world!
Sempre Fi!
Sally McCormick
Dept Veterans Affairs-Ret
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Hi Sally
Thanks for your comments and your families service. I have a soft spot for the nurses that treated us on the hospital ship. The were angels. Mike
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Hi Mike touching story.. Thank you for your SERVICE ..God bless you! I wonder if you knew my brother Doug Long he was A Sartgent in the 101 st airborne paratrooper served in Vietnam he also went to Olney Edison and Harding ..would love to know people that knew him,as I was 10 years younger
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Hi Teri
Thanks for your comments. Sorry I don’t remember Doug but I seem to remember a Greg Long when I was growing up. Mike
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Hi Mike,
I have wondered many times where you ended up. I ran across Buck Schott’s email address a year or two ago and said Hi. Thanks for your service and very glad you have a nice life in Australia.
All the Best.
Rick Toms
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Rick, Michael Wynn has asked to make contact with you. Can you send me your e-mail to MarionOhioVeterans@gmail.com. Or you can share his article on your Facebook? And he will see it.
Thank you.
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Hey Mike, do you recall when you first saw your picture on The Smiths album?
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Make war not love. Thanks for your service sir.
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Thanks for your service sir. In case you have not seen this yet, your image is featured on one of the newest Jackets from Supreme which will be released during their Fall/winter season: https://www.supremenewyork.com/news/757/
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Hi SC. Yes the jacket has been released by Supreme. I hear it’s selling well
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Dear Mike, thank you for taking the time to read my recent comment. Hope you don’t mind me asking but I was wondering what made you emigrate to Australia? Happy Birthday too by the way!
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Sophie We moved to Australia to buy an apple orchard and get away from the crowds in California. Thanks for birthday wishes. The older I get-the better I was.
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Hi Mike. First off thank you for your service. I had a quick question about this jacket/ the skateboard that Supreme did with your likeness. Did you agree to have the wording on your helmet changed for these images? I just wanted to check because I have it hanging on my wall and wouldn’t want it up if you didn’t like what they did to it. I hope life is treating your well and I hope to hear back!
-Brett
(I think my first comment that was about the same thing was deleted by a moderator so if you see the same questions from me twice don’t feel like to you have to respond again)
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Hi Mike, found this article after seeing your Vietnam photo on a jacket. I had remembered the photo from The Smith’s album cover and thought I would do some research to see who the infamous soldier was. Glad to see you are living a peaceful life. I’m wondering though, what happen to your 3 other friends that joined with you? Did they serve in the war and make it back safely?
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Hi Jenna. We all made it back home. I have lost contact over the years
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Interesting article, thanks. It would also be interesting to have your comments on the iconic shot with the helmet. Where and when was it taken, what was the context of “make war not love”, etc.
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Just in case he doesn’t get back to you, from what I have read the photo was taken in Da Nang, South Vietnam in Sept 1967. He was 20 at the time. The hippie slogan was “Make love, not war.” So he opted to reverse the words.
Would love to get more background from him as well.
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The smiths meat is murder brought me here…. thanks for your service . Some pretty grisly stories.
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Really interesting read, thanks Mike. Like the previous comment, im brought here by the album cover. Which i have tattooed on my arm if you are interested in seeing it!
Alan
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Hi Alan. Love to see your tat.
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[Image] [Image] Hi Mike.
Here you go. Hope you like it!
________________________________
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Not sure if those images came through! Try this link!
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It didn’t come through Alan
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Still looks like its not playing.
If you mail me at alanarmstrong AT hotmail DOT com i will send it over.
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Alan Armstrong. It didn’t come through
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I was also brought here by searching for background info on the soldier who was on the album cover by the Smiths. I have so many questions about your take on it: What did you think of the use of your face on that cover? Did the alterations made to the statement on your helmet bother you? Did the band approach you at all or do they only have to ask permission from the photographer? When did you learn that you were on an album cover by a British band? Hopefully you benefited from it in some way. Anyway, I’m happy to hear that you’re well, and glad that my interest in music led me to learn of your fascinating story. Thank you for your service, Sergeant!
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Hi Jenna. We all made it back home. I have lost contact over the years
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Hi Pat H. Thanks for your interest. I’ve never been approached about the use of the photo. I wasn’t real happy about the Smiths changing the wording. I first learned of it when my sister happened to see the album while she was shopping.
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I’m glad that i found so much information about you sir. Article is great, it was a pleasure to read it. Hope you’re doing well these days
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Thanks Pavel
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Only wanna input on few general things, The website style is
perfect, the content is rattling wonderful :D.
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Thanks Sophie
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Hi Michael
Thank you for your service. God bless you and everyone else who answered the call. I said that to an ex-serviceman who laughed and said he had been a draftee. It doesn’t matter! All of you showed up!
Cheers,
Fred from California
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Hi Michael, how are you? I’m Fabricio Ferreira Tobias from Sorocaba, Brazil. I have a meat is murder record and I always wanted to know who the soldier was on the cover of the record. You must have many stories to tell about Vietnam. Too bad I don’t live in the states, otherwise I would ask you to sign my album. I’m sorry for my bad English. Hope you’re well.
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Hi Fabricio. Thanks for your interest. Your English is much better than my Portuguese! Mike
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Michael, thank you very much for your service. As someone turning 20 this year it shakes me reading this and grows my appreciation for the fact I haven’t had to experience such events. Hope you are doing well, my friend.
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Thanks Matthew. I hope you never have to experience war. Semper Fidelis.
Mike
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Thanks for your service Mike. Like many others, I’m a fan of the Smiths and that brought me here. Glad to know your personal story, and glad you made it home.
Peace and love. Mo
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Thanks Mo
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Hi Mike! First off thank you for your service. I had a grandfather that flew medical helicopters in Vietnam so I always have had an interest in the war/the veterans who served in it. This was part of the reason I bought a skateboard with your likeness on it from a company called Supreme about a year ago. Were you ever contacted by Supreme when they came out with this https://www.supremecommunity.com/season/itemdetails/5599/fallwinter2019-supreme-is-love-skateboard/ and this https://www.supremecommunity.com/season/itemdetails/5325/fallwinter2019-supreme-is-love-denim-work-jacket/? Those links are two different items that they made using your famous image. I wanted to know if you had agreed to have the words on your helmet changed and if they reached out at all. I don’t really want to have it hanging on my wall if you don’t like what they did to your image. Otherwise, I hope life is treating you well, and I hope to hear back.
-Brett
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Hello Mike. You and I didn’t know each other at Harding, but we graduated together. In fact, I have the exact same birth date as you. I remember seeing you in the hallways and knowing you were in sports. I was a science nerd. Your career took you to Viet Nam and mine to the General Electric Co., where I worked on electronics that were used in military communications. As a young engineer I followed the war through the news but was never an activist. At the time I thought the war was a good thing. I was sorry to see the way war vets were treated upon their return to the states. Your article was very interesting. I am glad you made it home safely and are enjoying retirement – as I am too. Thank you for your service to our country.
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Hi Ron
I remember you as one the intelligent guys who always had a pen and slide rule in your shirt pocket! Being a jock had unreasonable importance attached to it in high school. You guys who
became doctors,engineers,and scientists etc. made valuable contributions to society. Thanks for your note and contribution to military communications. Semper Fidelis
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You may see some humor in this fact: Although I did well academically and was recognized by my classmates for those achievements, my proudest moment at Harding was when I earned a letter in cross country in my junior year. The fact that I was able to excel in a sports activity – even it was only cross country – was very gratifying to me and surprising to my close classmates.
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Ron
You have misunderstood my comment buddy. I was not criticising you at all. I was trying to say that people that excel academically don’t get the credit they deserve. They make a much bigger contribution than some spoiled overpaid professional athlete. The slide rule comment was said in jest.
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Mike, I took your reply to me as 100% complimentary. I agree with it and I thank you for it. It was my bad that I miscommunicated in discussing my experience with cross country. I should have said that I (not you) now find it somewhat humorous that I was so pleased with it.
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All good buddy!
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Just discovered this article when I saw your image used on a album cover — with changed Words. First and foremost, thank you for your service! I grew up on Darlington Court – our backyards faced each other. I also went to Olney, Edison and Harding – Class of 1970. Didn’t you hurt your spleen in a football game?? You were a local neighborhood celebrity – Football player and then the Picture in all the newspapers. Great article – so glad you and your other 3 friends made it home. Enjoy your retirement in Australia. I went to Sydney several times for work. Great place and people. Bill Breen
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Hi Bill
I certainly remember your name but not much more. I can’t remember what I had for breakfast! Yes I ruptured my spleen in a game against Sandusky and missed the rest of that season. At times every 5th draftee was forced into the Marine Corps-always felt sorry them!Thanks for your post and comments. Semper Fidelis.
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This is hard to believe but true.. I was walking this morning on a trail and encountered a 30 something couple. As I approached them I noticed her T-Shirt. It was the Smiths album cover of YOUR PICTURE — with Meat is Murder on the helmet!! I told them your story and they were really thrilled to hear it. Here I am walking in Oro Valley AZ and see that picture right after discovering it and communicating with you. Darn I regret not taking a picture. Small world.
–bill–
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Bill
The Smiths have a real cult following for some reason. I’ve seen the photo on clothes-skateboards-and even tattoos. Always amazes me.
Mike
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Hey Mike.Proud to know you and what you went through and achieved.Its been awhile since I’ve seen you, always enjoyed your company.Hope your keeping well.Cheers Dave
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Thanks Dave. It has been a awhile buddy. Hope you and your family are doing well. I’m doing pretty good-still vertical! Mike
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Hello Mike, I am so happy to hear from you after so long. We did not know where you lived. Could you let me have your contact number? Our family has grown and we would be happy to share some pictures of them all.
Philippe
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Hello Mike. First off thank you for your service. I know that Vietnam vets weren’t treated like vets should be and it breaks my heart to think of the sacrifices you and others made to come home to an ungrateful nation. I had a quick question about the Supreme jacket and Skateboard that came out with your image on it. I have the skateboard hanging in my house but I wanted to make sure that the change that they did to the wording on your helmet was something they consulted you about. I wouldn’t want it up if you didn’t approve of what they did to your likeness. Either way I hope life is treating you well is Australia and would be honored to hear back from you.
Thanks!
-Brett
PS I think the mods keep deleting my comments. So hopefully only one version of this question I’m trying to ask ends up getting posted
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Dear mike – thank you for your heroic service. I come from a Royal Navy family and tried to join the Royal Marines when I was 18 (but they didn’t take me!) thank you also for letting the world know about your life as your image must have been seen by tens of millions of people. If you ever have the inclination, do listen to the Smiths as they have made some of the most sublime music ever made. Some of their great songs (sometimes written with a humorous tonge in cheek) – the charming man, the headmaster ritual, ask, heaven knows I’m miserable now, the boy with the thorn in his side, girlfriend in a coma. My very best wishes to you and your family and friends. God bless px
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Hi Peter
Thanks for your interest and comments. I hope things get better for you soon. Mike
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👏🏻😂😎✊️Excellent! Yes the Smiths do have a rather depressing quality. One nickname for them was “The Manchester Moan”! I am also a classic rock fan – love the Beatles and Led Zeppelin.
Best wishes and stay well Mike!
Peter
Ps – Aren’t the mangoes good in Queensland?
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Yep. Got 4 trees on my property.
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And long may you enjoy them! This song is based on Elvis’ His Latest Flame so a bit old school:
I love the wordplay and phrasing.
“And when I am lying in my bed
I think about life and I think about death
and neither one particularly appeals to me.”
We have all been there I am sure.
best wishes
Peter
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Semper Fi Mike, God Bless You! That Pic Is a Classic, It just Speaks Volumes! I hope they Paid you!!!
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Thanks Tim. Semper Fi.
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Thanks Manual. Semper Fidelis
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Hi Mike, I am glad to see that you are doing well. I was relaying your story to some friends and one looked you up. I was suprised to find your article about your Vietnam experience and picture. I am glad you have framed all your metals and pictures. You should be proud of them all! You were and always have been quite a man. I tried to find you when I saw the Smith Album cover. It didn’t seem right. Because of that, I discovered that my friend Louise’s cousin lived right up the street from you and your family. Do you remember Mary Mc Kaig? She told me that you all moved to Australia. I am glad it all worked out for you. I am back in AZ living in the old/new Brady house. All is great with me and mine.
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Wow. What a blast from the past. I am glad to hear from you. Yes we were good friends with Mary. Glad you are doing well and back in the great state of Arizona. Michaelewynn@hotmail.com
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Do you guys ever come back to CA? I heard from Mary/Louise that one of your sons works for Fox sports. We have a friend’s son Evan Moore who does. Mary and Louise both live in AZ. Louise still my best friend.
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Haven’t been back to the States since 1990. My boy works in and around Hollywood but not Fox. My other 2 boys work here in Australia. If you want-send an email.
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Haven’t been back to US since 1990. My son works in and around Hollywood but not with Fox if you want-send me an email.
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My email is nlehnert23@aol.com. Send me yours.
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Mike,
Your story is very inspirational, esp what you went through and made a success of life. And the effort you make in responding to people in this app is a great example to all of us.
You may not remember, but we were both on the little league team Whirlpool, you #7 and the star. From then till your high profile days at Harding, I always wished my mediocre athletic talents could have risen to yours.
I was in the Navy for three year but my ship’s tour in Nam was cancelled due to the wind-down then. Went into business and still working in San Diego, at Flux Power (has good website).
All the best,
Ron Dutt
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Hi Ron
Sorry for the late response. I was going through some old stuff and just saw. I remember you buddy. Whirlpool had a bloody good team. As I remember we won the league several times. I could be wrong because the older I get-the better I was! Hope all is well with you and yours. Mike
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Hello sir,
I recently have been getting into The Smiths and wanted to figure out who the guy on the “Meat Is Murder” cover was. Like every other curious person these days, I looked it up and found this article. I am very pleased to know that you made it out and you’re still around, and I found your story very intriguing. Thank you for your service.
Best wishes,
H.N.
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H.N. Thanks for your comments and interest.
Semper Fidelis.
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Hey Mike, amazing story thanks a ton for sharing. Although I do have just one quick question, I absolutely love the slogan you made up but I can’t help but wonder, what was the inspiration behind the quote? Did you hold disdain for the anti war hippies or does it have some sort of other underlying political motive? Thanks a lot for your time and have a great day.
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Hi Thaddeus
We read about the demonstrations happening in the US and weren’t very happy about it. We felt we were just doing our job. In those days in combat politics was not discussed and we had no idea who was a Republican or Democrat even though we ate-slept-bled-and died together.The slogan was in response to the signs we saw that read”Make Love Not War”.
Thanks for your interest
Semper Fidelis
Mike
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Love your story man. Whatever happened to Dan Schott? Do you ever visit Ohio anymore?
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Hey Chris. I have lost contact with Dan but the last I knew he was in the Pacific Northwest. I was last in Marion in 1990 for a class reunion. Mike
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You should definitely mention in your story the appearence of your picture as a Marine on the Smiths album Meat is Murder. I am huge fan of the Smiths and currently doing a deep-dive into their four studio albums; naturally I was curious about the picture of the young soldier on cover of their second album. It’s a fascinating picture a young looking soldier, looking like a regular nice guy in gruesome situation, with an askew smile. I’m glad found the back story to the photo, and enjoyed reading your story of having served in Vietnam. I salute you Srt. Wynn.
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Hi Fausto
Thanks for your comments and interest in the photo. It amazes me that there is still so much interest in a picture that was taken in 1967. Thanks again.
Semper Fidelis.
Mike
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Mike, after listening to all the Smiths studio albums, Meat is Murder is my second favorite, after the Queen is Dead. However, the Queen is Dead’s album cover is not very good, rather forgettable. But your image on the cover of Meat is Muder is rather brilliant, and fits the music of the Smiths, evoking youth, irony, innocence and barbarism. My favorite song on the album is Well I Wonder, a stunning ballad. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6psa1ptpGTc
My estimation of the Smiths, their stature and relevance, has only grown over time. Their cultural legacy far exceeds what their album sales would suggest. You should be proud to be associated with such an important band.
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Fausto
Thanks for your comments and interest.
Semper Fidelis.
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Hi Mike I have a question
And it may seem a bit mad
But I have a copy of the meat is murder album that I know I can get signed by the band
But was curious how would I go about getting your autograph on my lp
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Hi Craig
I have signed several items over the years. They have been posted to me and I sign them and send them back. It has been done on the proviso that my residential address is not revealed. Semper fi
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Hi Mike thanks for the reply my email is ********
If you could email your address
I will send you the lp cover and a return envelope and cost of postage
And rest assured I would never give out anybodies address
It would be amazing to have your autograph
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Hi Mike thanks for the reply my email is ********
If you could email your address
I will send you the lp cover and a return envelope and cost of postage
And rest assured I would never give out anybodies address
It would be amazing to have your autograph
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I have hidden your e-mail address. If Mr. Wynn did not get it, let me know and I will send it to him. I am just trying to protect your privacy.
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Hi Mike it’s Bill sturtz lam living good life in key west me and my dog jake take care my friend
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IHi Bill
Wow what a blast from the past. Really good to hear from you! I would like to contact you to catch up. Michaelewynn@hotmail.com
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Yes will do would love for you to visit kw you could fly to Miami I will pay
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Will send email tomorrow
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Hello Mr. Wynn,
First and foremost, thank you so much for your service; it’s so amazing to hear that the young man who adorned my Smiths CD cover is alive and well! If you are inundated with requests, I completely understand, but if I might also procure your signature on my CD, I would of course send return postage / mailer. That, to me, would be even more fantastic than the band’s signatures. Thanks so much for your consideration, either way. Take good care.
Chris
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Hi Chris
If you will give me your email address I will contact you.
Semper Fidelis
Mike
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Hi Mr. Wynn,
Thank you so much for the reply. Hopefully this email gets to you away from the message board itself. Of course any and all correspondence addresses will be regarded with the utmost confidence, rest assured. Thank you for trusting me with your contact and for signing my CD for me. It is truly appreciated, sir.
Best regards,
Chris
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Hi Chris
I still haven’t received your email address.
Mike
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Hi Michael,
I replied to the one email, but I guess it didn’t go through. Ugh. Apologies.
chrispratl@gmail.com
Thank you, sir.
Chris
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Hi Mike, as a Smiths fan living in Brisbane it was pleasantly surprising to hear you’re in the sunshine state as well. Hope you are keeping well in retirement and loved reading about your fascinating life.
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Hi Tim
Thanks for your comments. I think you are the first Aussie to contact me. I lived on the Sunshine Coast for 20 years. I’m now living in the bush and loving it.
Semper Fidelis.
Mike
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Wow. I first saw that picture of you on the Smiths album when it came out, and although it left an impression, I didnt really much about it. At the time I had been in the infantry had carried a PRC 77 like the one in the picture. Decades later, after college and retiring from the Marines, I got that Smiths CD and wondered if the picture was actually real. A little research, and here I am. Semper Fi brother! Glad that you are still around, and what a way to become a global icon!
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Hi Jarhead
Good to hear from a Brother. Yep that PRC was a real treat to lug around. It made a good target too! Doubt if I could carry it too far today. Thanks for your comments and take care of yourself. Good night Chesty wherever you are.
Semper Fi
Mike
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Hi Mike,
Like many I found your post after researching the guy on the cover of Meat is Murder. Your writing is very thoughtful and evocative of what it must have been like in Vietnam. I wasn’t quite born yet to remember the war, but I have a Vietnamese-American colleague who fled the country as a baby in her mother’s arms when Saigon fell. She has taught me a lot about the history and culture of that country. She said there are so many South Vietnamese, her parents included, who love the US and love the men and women of our armed forces who helped them in their fight for freedom. I have to say I never really knew that — so much of what is said about the war is negative. Just wanted to share that. So thankful for your service and I’m glad you survived and shared your experience. Take care!
Ben
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Hi Ben
Thanks for your comments and interest. There are many misconceptions about the war from-television-documentaries-books-magazines-and movies. The average person cannot possibly understand what it’s like to be in a violent combat situation. Nor can they say how they would react in that environment. I’m glad your colleague and her family got to the United States.
Semper Fidelis
Mike
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Hi Mike, I saw on reddit that they are calling you a Virgo, “angry boy” and incel for writing the phrase on your helmet, what do you think about this? In fact, I have the same last name as you, thank you. Peace Love and empathy
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Hey Hailley. I don’t care what people say about me or don’t like what I put on my helmet. Some men are morally opposed to violence-they are protected by men who are not. Semper Fidelis
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Hi Mike
Are you still living in Australia ?
Absolutely love the Smiths album cover with you on it, even though if was out of order they didn’t contact you to use it.
Regards Roy
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Hey Roy
Still living in Australia and like the quiet live. Thanks for the comments and interest.
Semper Fi
Mike
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