Randy E. Richmond

GOLD STAR QUINTET

A friend named Bill Ball had given his all
At Pearl in late forty-one
So these brothers by birth, at five times the worth
Decided what was to be done

The Waterloo boys put away all their toys
They went down as a group and enlisted
We won’t be split up… we’ll drink the same cup
On this point they all had insisted

We’ll hold to our creed, wherever it leads
Stick together through thick or through thin
One after the other they all kissed their mother;
Then departed with no thought but to win

In Navy blue these Sullivans true
Sailed away to points south and west
Where they found the war raging with fierce battles waging
Their proud ship was soon put to the test

On a November night while joined in the fight
A torpedo fired hot, straight and true
With eyes in the dark, it soon found its mark
Devastating the Juneau and crew

A handful were found, many others were drowned
At their stations died many young men
On the list that were saved from a Pacific grave
Not a Sullivan brother among them

If only these five had come home alive;
What things might their lives have impacted?
The horses un-mounted by descendants uncounted
Dear God, think what war has subtracted.

The Sullivan Brothers: Waterloo, USA Museum Display
Photo Copyright June 12, 2004 by Anthony W. Pahl