Lt. Col. Philip W. Latimer, USAR-RET.
WE STILL CALL HIM "POP" –

In the middle of the battle
When we heard his cannons roar
We knew that "Pop" was firing
And would give them hell and more.

The assault guns did his talking
In a language loud and clear
And the message that they carried
Know ye krauts that "Pop" is here.

Then he got himself a company
And the tanks were his delight
But he pushed them ever onward
As he led into the fight.

Steeds of iron would often falter
Hit by cannon or by mine
"Pop" lost three from underneath him
Forward still he gave the sign.

Many Germans got to know him
As he rolled across their land
Then across the Austrian border
Where he met the Russian band.

Now all of us are older
The war was long ago
But we still call him "Pop"
Because we love him so.

I believe in flowers for the living so I have penned this small bouquet to show the high esteem in which I hold my good friend Lt. Colonel Charles A. "Pop" Gates, of Kansas City. May his deeds of valor in World War II live on as a shining example for generations of patriots yet unborn. Written by: Philip W. Latimer, Veteran of the 761st.