83-Year-Old Marine Keeps Vietnam Promise ⚔️🇺🇸

Описание: 🎖️ An 83-Year-Old Marine Kept The Promise He Made In A Vietnam Bunker — And Stood Guard One Last Time 🇺🇸😢

🪖 THE PROMISE THAT LASTED 50 YEARS

On New Year’s Eve 1968, two Marines — Master Sgt. William H. Cox and First Sgt. James “Hollie” Hollingsworth — were hunkered down in a bunker in the Marble Mountains of Vietnam, shielding themselves from rockets and mortars raining down all around them.  They were strangers when they first met on their way to Vietnam that year — but war has a way of forging unbreakable bonds. 💪❤️

🤝 THE PACT

While serving together in Marine helicopter squadron VMO-2, Cox as a door gunner and ordnance chief, and Hollingsworth as a mechanic who helped maintain the choppers, the two made a pact that night: “If we survived this attack or survived Vietnam, we would contact each other every year on New Year’s.” 

📅 NEARLY 50 YEARS — EVERY SINGLE NEW YEAR’S EVE

They were little more than kids at the time, but they made good on their promise every New Year’s Eve for almost five decades.  Not once did they break that tradition. Through careers, family life, and the passing of time — Hollie and Cox always showed up for each other on December 31st. 🕛📞

Cox and Hollingsworth told each other things they didn’t tell anyone else. As Cox recalls Hollingsworth once saying: “You know me better than my family.”  🥹

💔 THE FINAL VISIT

Early in 2017, it became clear there wouldn’t be a New Year’s phone call on the 50th year of their pact — Hollingsworth was terminally ill.  Cox made the long trip from Piedmont, South Carolina to Hephzibah, Georgia to say goodbye to his lifelong brother in arms. 😔

After leaving his friend’s house, Cox broke down — not about what he had been asked to do, but because his friend was going to be “checking out of life,” and he was going to be a part of his departure. “But I was obligated,” Cox said.  💔🫡

🎗️ THE FINAL MISSION — October 20, 2017

On October 20, 2017, retired Marine Master Sgt. William H. Cox stood tall, proud, and dressed in his Blues at the head of the coffin of his close friend Retired Marine First Sgt. James “Hollie” Hollingsworth — fulfilling the vow made to his close friend.  🙏🎖️

Cox’s son Bill wrote on Facebook: “Dad has to use a cane most of the time now, but he insisted on not using it during his vigil at the casket and at the funeral.”  Standing straight. Standing proud. One last time. 😭🇺🇸

🎤 HIS FINAL WORDS AT THE EULOGY

At the end of a very emotional eulogy, Cox closed with the traditional farewell the two men used after every single combat mission together: “Hollie, you keep ‘em flying, and I’ll keep ’em firing.”  🙌😢

🏅 A DECORATED HERO

After his service, Cox spent another 20 years in the Marine Corps and later received the Distinguished Flying Cross for his years of service.  A true American hero. 🦅⭐

💬 HIS WORDS ON BROTHERHOOD

🗣️ “There’s a bond between Marines that’s different from any other branch of service. We’re like brothers.” — Master Sgt. William H. Cox

⚠️ DISCLAIMER:
This video is produced for educational, informational, and commentary purposes under the Fair Use doctrine (17 U.S.C. § 107). All media, images, and news references belong to their respective owners. No copyright infringement is intended. Full credit goes to the original reporters and outlets including Greenville News, CNN, and Fox News. This content is shared by OLI Celebs to honor the memory of those who served. 🙏🇺🇸

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