I'm the One Called "Doc"

I shall not walk in your footsteps,
but I will walk by your side.
I shall not walk in your image,
I’ve earned my own title of pride.

We’ve answered the call together,
on sea and foreign land.
When the cry for help was given,
I’ve been there right at hand.

Whether I am on the ocean
or in the jungle wearing greens,
Giving aid to my fellow man,
be it Sailors or Marines.

So the next time you see a corpsman
and you think of calling him "squid",
think of the job he’s doing
as those before him did.

And if you ever have to go out there
and your life is on the block,
Look at the one right next to you...
I’m the one called "Doc".

Harry D. Penny, Jr.
HMC(AC)USN
Copyright 1975