11 January 1970
I just heard the worst news! Apparently Bob Burnes was killed in Laos just recently. I saw and talked to him on the first when I was in Danang. The pilot was Maj. Robinson. I also talked to him in Danang. As far as I can find out, their plane was shot down and neither one got out of the plane! I’m so stunned I just can’t think of anything else. I keep thinking about his wife and baby and wondering how she’ll take it.
I spent all day with Rick. We went bicycling around the base and saw some historic things and took a lot of pictures. Rick is going to the Kobe beef restaurant tonight with some other guys. He doesn’t know about Bob yet, so I guess I’ll tell him when he comes back to get his things here in my room.
Bob was growing a mustache and it really looked awful. I just can’t believe he’s dead. Maj. Robinson was an instructor at MAWTU at Cherry Point and was probably one of the finest pilots in the Marine Corps.
When I ate supper tonight I observed a couple and their two boys eating at the next table. The boys looked about 6 and 4 and the little one was real cute and mischief looking. I was eating my heart out and mentally kicking myself for not being in the Air Force! It was such a happy family. The little boy had a hot dog and ate all the wiener out of it! He also had a big glass of chocolate milk and wouldn’t drink it all.
Links to Vietnam Memorial Wall
http://thewall-usa.com/info.asp?recid=6873
http://thewall-usa.com/info.asp?recid=43931
Photos - Left - Major Larry Wayne Robinson, USMC, KIA in Laos, 5 January 1970
Right - 1/Lt. Robert Wayne Burnes, USMCR, KIA in Laos, 5 January 1970
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