83-Year-Old Veteran Kept Promise He Made To Fellow Marine In Vietnam War Bunker

Sep 05, 2018 by apost team

The true bond of American Marines knows no bounds. These two friends and brothers-in-arms fought gallantly against oppression and lived. They've kept their promise to each other for nearly 50 years after.

It was the year 1968. Master Sgt. William H. Cox and First Sgt. James T. Hollingsworth found themselves in a very life-threatening situation. They were held up in a Vietnamese bunker deep inside of the Marble Mountains. Cox was from Greenville, South Carolina. Hollingsworth lived his life in various towns throughout Georgia. They no doubt felt a great responsibility towards protecting our country on the battlefield.

They had their own New Year's Eve fireworks show, but instead of dazzling colors, they were surrounded by enemy fire. The brave gentleman stood their ground and upheld their dedication to duty.

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The two soldiers faced a very dark reality.

They might not make it out of this battle alive. They may never get to see their homes again even if they survived the night. The two valiant soldiers made a pact. They promised that if they did make it through to see the morning, then they would spend every New Year's Eve in celebration together. The good news is that they did make it out of those deadly mountains. They also kept their promise for more than 50 years.

Hollingsworth contacted Cox last year to inform him that he had become seriously ill. Cox must have realized that Hollingsworth wasn't long for this world. He requested Cox to speak at his funeral and to lead the event for his family. Cox traveled over 125 miles from South Carolina to Georgia. Hollingsworth had passed away from his sudden illness. Cox truly showed the level of honor and respect he had for his friend at the funeral proceedings.

Cox was now 80 years old but had no issue standing guard at his dear friend's casket. He dressed in his full military dress uniform during the duration of the entire eulogy. He fought through the discomfort that night in Vietnam, and that day in Georgia with his friend by his side.

“There’s a bond between Marines that’s different from any other branch of service. We’re like brothers,” said Cox during an Interview with his local Greenville News representative. “Hollie, you keep ‘em flying, and I’ll keep ‘em firing.”

Those were the last words Cox would say to his friend before the casket was closed.

Are you inspired by the story of Cox and Hollingsworth? Ask your family and friends if they had the privilege to know any brave Veterans throughout their lives.