Experiencing War as a Man of Peace

As a young man, heard Desmond Doss speak
Wounded three times, but had a winning streak
Won the Medal of Honor, for his gallant performance
Conscientious Objector, and not a conformance

Learned a lot from him about courage and strength
Read his book and listened at length
Couldn't think of a better earthly example
Desmond's life lessons are really quite ample

Later in life, I did poorly in school
Goofed off a lot, acted a fool
Made poor grades, but had the knowledge
Drew a low number, was drafted from college

As a conservative Christian, had many objections
The military, weapons and the war, are my recollections
Don't worry, take the white-coats someone said
But the dread of war, is what filled my head

Signed in, as a Conscientious Objector
Thought that was better, than being a defector
Considered Canada, didn't want a shaded past
Wanted to serve my country, when I was asked

Gained lots of respect, from day one
Just because I wouldn't carry a gun
No one asked for any explaining
Was chosen as leader at basic training

Long plane ride across the sea
What aid could this kid be
With such a violent land to trod
Armed only with the Word of God

Being unarmed was ok with me
Can't think of a time when I needed to be
Had my Bible in my shirt
And my War Angel on red alert

With a team like that, how can one lose
"Though shalt not kill" is what I choose
That's the Word by which I live
Answered prayers He will give

Most people didn't know I was a CO
Stayed too busy to be a GI Joe
Too busy saving lives
My mission was who survives

Don't know who's right and who's not
God still loves even those who fought
Ironic they died off one by one
When the only survivor didn't carry a gun

David Rose - Vietnam Veteran - Combat Medic