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Joe’s USMC Tribute Bike
12 Apr 2010 by Snakebit Sam in Featured Bikes / 11 Comments
The United States Marine Corps is renown throughout the world for it’s esprit de corps especially among those who have experienced combat. Those of us who never served can neither fathom or understand the bounds of brotherhood that only combat veterans know. Joe Wadlow is a Marine Vietnam War combat vet who wanted to pay homage to all those from his old unit who fell in the service of our country. All told 206 Marines and Corpsmen assigned to Mike Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines paid the ultimate sacrifice while it was stationed in ‘Nam from 1966-1971.
Joe wanted something that would express his feelings about those men. He didn’t want something that would just sit in some corner of his house so he decided to have all of their names painted on his Ultra. He took his idea to Pairadice Paints in Pittsburgh and after 230 hours of work this beautiful creation rolled out into the sunshine. The names on the bike are painted just like the tablets at the Vietnam Memorial (The Wall) in Washington, DC. Joe has dubbed the bike “The Wall That Moves” as it is a moving tribute to those on the Wall. It is more than a just his tribute to those men whose names are chiseled into the Wall, it is a reminder to all of us that freedom isn’t free. Well done Joe, Well done!
Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Images Joe Wadlow
Published by Sam Kanish
11 Comments
Jacquie
Joe,
You are the perfect example of heartfelt setiment!
14 Apr 2010 10:04 am
Betty T
AWESOME!!
14 Apr 2010 05:04 pm
LTC (R) Embe Kugler
Joe, I wish my uncle were alive to see this bike. He died this last year from complications from the malaria he got in the Phillipines during WWII. He loved the Marines and participated in unit reunions until his passing.
19 Apr 2010 02:04 pm
Dvid Schultz
I salute you Marine for a job well done.
USMC 1967-1970
Viet Nam 1968 Kilo Co 3rd BN 1st MarDiv
19 Apr 2010 05:04 pm
Dan Pike
Joe, Very tastefully done! Thank you for your service and your Patriotism. It is so important for people to realize the cost of Freedom.
SPC(R)Daniel Pike USA 1986-92
25 Apr 2010 05:04 pm
Robbi robinson
Joe,Things like this are why all those that served with you respect and are proud to have served with you. Semper Fi Robbi Mike3/1 66-67
26 Apr 2010 08:04 am
Martha Noah
Joe, You have done a noble Honor to all of your Marines Buddy, you have honored my son
Vic too. Semper Fi Mama Martha Noah
07 Jun 2010 01:06 pm
Blase Regina
Awesome tribute bike, although I did not see combat. I severed from ’86-’90 went from E-1 to E-4 with a honorable discharge. Now ride with the Empire Crew, Leathernecks MC out of Albany, New York area. Just have to say: “Once a Marine, always a Marine.” Semper fidelis brother!
24 Oct 2010 09:10 am
Jim “Doc” Cook
A beautiful and fitting tribute to the men we served with. You understand that a true warrior’s strength is to serve, not to dominate. I am honored to have served with you. With deep respect,
Doc
16 Jul 2011 08:07 pm
Mary Peters
Thanks for taking the time to let me take pictures of your bike. It is a beautiful piece of art. I just uploaded those pictures so you can have them too!
26 Oct 2011 09:10 am
Wayne B Ostrom
your bike is just beautifil,i am proud to be to be a marin
23 Nov 2011 12:11 pm
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