Tribute To Dickey Poem by michael spangenberg

Chapelle, born Georgette
Louise Meyer,1919 - 1965

Tiny woman known for refusal to kowtow
to authority and her signature uniform:
Fatigues, Australian bush hat
Dramatic Harlequin glasses
Pearl earrings
American photojournalist
War correspondent from
WorldWar II thru Vietnam War.

Aeronautical design classes at MIT
By the age of sixteen
War correspondent for National Geographic
Posted with the Marines, Iwo Jima battle
During the Hungarian Revolution of 1956
Captured and jailed for over seven weeks
The silent horrors of solitary confinement
Learned to jump with paratroopers
Earned the respect of both the military
And journalistic community

Despite early support for Fidel Castro
Outspoken anti-Communist
Loudly expressed strong views
Known for her compassionate reports
on simple soldiers, defenseless civilians
the dark under-side of glorious war spirit
Her size inverse to her standing and courage.

Dickey was killed on November 4,1965
Hit in the neck by a piece of Vietnam-shrapnel
Severed her carotid artery; died soon after
Body was repatriated with an honor guard
Consisting of six Marines, full Marine burial
First American female reporter
to be killed in action.