Remembering a gallant native son on Patriots’ Day

Published in the April 18, 2018 edition

By DAN TOMASELLO

LYNNFIELD — Marine First Lieutenant Allan H. Jordan was recognized for making the ultimate sacrifice for the United States during a ceremony held at the Meeting House on Monday.

The town unveiled a new Gold Star street sign in honor of Jordan, who was killed on Hill 700 during the Battle of Khe Sanh in the Vietnam War on April 6, 1968. The sign will be erected at Jordan Road, which is named in honor of the late Marine.

Fifty residents along with local and state officials attended the ceremony, which featured Allan’s brothers Hal, Robert and Eric. The town held a similar ceremony last November when a Gold Star street sign commemorating Army Private David B. Todd and his older brother Army First Lt. Charles N. Todd was unveiled at Todd Lane.

Army veteran and American Legion Post 131 member Jack Lukas welcomed attendees to the ceremony.

“Today is a bittersweet day,” said Lukas. “It’s an honor and a privilege to be part of this ceremony, however, it is with great sadness we are only here because we lost one of our own.”

Lukas said holding the ceremony on Patriots’ Day was a fitting tribute to Jordan. He recalled the town’s native son, Daniel Townsend, perished on April 19, 1775 in the first battle of the Revolutionary War.

“Allan H. Jordan is also an American hero,” said Lukas. “He gave up his life fighting next to his brothers and for his country. I am here to honor the courage, sacrifice and dedication to others that Lieutenant Allan H. Jordan exhibited on that fateful day in 1968, which resulted in him making the ultimate sacrifice. We are here because we take the responsibility to remember our heroes to heart.”

After Army veteran and American Legion Post 131 Chaplain Ron Nutter said the “Pledge of Allegiance,” Selectmen Chairman Dick Dalton welcomed attendees to the ceremony.

“Today, we gather here to commemorate the opening events of the American Revolution,” said Dalton. “Two-hundred-and-forty-three years ago, a few hundred brave men took on the formidable British Army, an army that was considered to be the most well trained and equipped military in the world at that time. The Battles of Lexington and Concord were the first military engagements of the American Revolution.”

Dalton recalled how the British government declared Massachusetts “in a state of rebellion” before the Battles of Lexington and Concord took place.

“The Colonists had grown tired of the oppressive rule of the British and had begun to openly defy it,” said Dalton. “Concerned that the British would react with a military response, the Colonists began storing weapons and ammunition in Concord and other sites. The British had discovered what the Massachusetts Militia was up to, and the British Army regulars stationed in Boston were given secret orders to capture and destroy the Colonial military supplies. However, patriot leaders had received word weeks before the British expedition that their supplies might be at risk and moved them from Concord and other sites.”

Dalton noted author Ralph Waldo Emerson called the first shot fired during the Battles of Lexington and Concord as “the shot heard round the world.”

“Though greatly outnumbered, the Colonials fought bravely and forced the British troops to retreat back to Boston,” said Dalton. “The American Revolution had begun.”

Dalton said the Battles of Lexington and Concord “marked the beginning of the long and storied history of our military.”

“Young men and women throughout the history of this country have sacrificed so we could live in a democratic society that ensures our individual rights,” said Dalton. “We have gathered here to honor a true patriot, a fallen hero who was one of our own. Marine Corps First Lieutenant Allan Harold Jordan was a young man from Lynnfield who was only 24-years-old at the time.”

Dalton said Jordan made “the ultimate sacrifice in service to his country” 50 years ago. He thanked the Jordan brothers for attending the ceremony.

“On behalf of the Board of Selectmen and the town, we are truly honored that you are here with us to pay tribute to your brother Allan,” said Dalton. “Thank you so much.”

Hal Jordan expressed his deepest appreciation for the town honoring his brother.

“Allan always wanted to be a Marine,” said Hal. “As an adolescent, I remember walking into his room and seeing paperback books about the Battle of Iwo Jima and such. The proudest time I can think of seeing him was when he came home from Officer Candidates School, and he was a brand new Marine Second Lieutenant.

“Allan was awarded the Bronze Star for Conspicuous Bravery. It was certainly a sad day for the family, and I have always been proud of my brother’s service.”

Hal, who also served in the armed forces during the Vietnam War, credited Allan with saving his life.

“I was given a pass and sent to Germany because my brother was killed,” said Hal. “We are very proud of my brother’s service. I would like to thank you all for the opportunity to join you today.”

Eric Jordan concurred with his brother’s sentiment.

“I went to the 50th reunion of Allan’s OSC class,” said Eric. “One quarter of those Marines died. When you sign on that line, you’re taking a 25 percent chance of getting killed and a bigger chance of getting wounded. We were losing 250 men a week.”

After Rev. Paul Ritt of the Lynnfield Catholic Collaborative offered a prayer, Lynnfield High School senior Anthony Wilkinson performed “Taps.”

State Senator Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn) provided some brief remarks during the ceremony.

“Patriots’ Day is a day too many see as a day off,” said Crighton. “It’s great to see so many people here remembering patriots such as First Lieutenant Jordan.”

Veterans Services’ Officer Bruce Siegel provided closing remarks during the ceremony.

“Allan Jordan was a hero,” said Siegel. “I am sure he would disagree, but the one person who would not is Marine Corps veteran David Caldon.”

Siegel noted Caldon wrote a letter to Allan’s parents in September 1997, which detailed how the local war hero was killed.

“(Allan) was standing up on the field of battle, where he was constantly exposed to enemy fire so he could accomplish his mission,” said Siegel while quoting Caldon’s letter. “He knew that he was exposing himself to enemy fire, but he also knew it was the only way he could get the job done. His actions were truly heroic and resulted in saving many Marines’ lives. The fact that he was between me and the mortar round that hit in front of us saved my life. I will be eternally grateful to him.”

Siegel noted Lynnfield High School senior Jack Madden relocated and beautified the Allan H. Jordan Memorial at Jordan Park as part of his Eagle Scout project. While Madden was not present at the ceremony, his father and brother were in attendance.

“Jack really enhanced it,” said Siegel. “It came out really nice.”

Siegel also thanked the Jordan brothers for coming to the ceremony. “Thank you for helping us honor your brother,” he said.