MEMORIES
Je me souviens
Lt Colonel John W Swaren Jr
HHC 1-61st Infantry 5th Infantry (Mech)
16 November, 2016
What can you say about John W. Swaren II? John W Swaren Jr was born in Washington DC. After high school Jack received an
appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1950. He graduated
in 1954 and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant. In 1955, he started his first 2-year
assignment as a platoon leader with the 2nd Battalion of the 3rd Infantry Regiment and was soon promoted to 1st Lieutenant when hisduties were expanded to XO and eventually to CO. He married Noreen McGann
in circa 1957. Also in that year, Jack was reassigned to the 2nd Battalion of the 85th Infantry Regiment in Germany. Within a year he was transferred to the 1st Battalion of the 48th Infantry Regiment as their CO, also in Germany. During that time, his two sons, John W. III and Thomas L. were born. Promoted to Captain, Jack returned to the States in
1960 where he was assigned as an instructor at The Infantry School. Captain Swaren’s first combat assignment was as a battalion advisor attached to the 25th ARVN Division in 1963 where he served one year with distinction. He was promoted to major prior to his return to the US. His next assignment was as a
Professor of Military Science at the University of San Francisco. In 1967 he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel
and returned to Vietnam in mid-1969 to the 1st Battalion of the 61st Infantry, 5th Infantry (Mech). As the commanding officer of Task Force 61, Lt Col Swaren distinguished himself in the Battle of Hill 162 (aka The November Battle) from November 11-13, 1969. In the field with his men for two days, and outnumbered 10-1 at times, he and the 1-61st held the line and soundly defeated three battalions of the 27th NVA Regiment, rendering them combat ineffective from that time on. He remained in Vietnam patrolling the Northern I Corp and the DMZ till mid-1970
and commanded units of his battalion to other victories in engagements fought in January, March, April and June of 1970.
In 1970 Jack returned to the 48th Infantry in Germany for two more years before returning to the States to fill the post of Staff Chairman of the Armed Forces Staff College, where he held that post for three years. Followingthis, he was deployed to the I Corp of the Korean theater for a year. He then returned to the States where he directed Army Training Support Center of the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command prior to his retirement. He will be missed by his men of the 1st of the 61st and we will be tipping a glass to him at reunions to
come. Sp4
Louis Pepi 3/A/1-61/5th
Inf Mech (1969)
From 1969 to 1970, as Lieutenant Colonel John Swaren, we knew him as part of our chain of command—the battalion
Commander of the 1st of the 61st Infantry. Back then he was called “The Old Man” and we mostly saw him when he was flown into the field in his Loach to check on us and personally deliver new operational orders. As retirees and discharged veterans, we knew him simply as “Colonel Jack”. Over the past thirty years he built this web-site you are on right now page by page and self-taught—compiling history from various military archivists—but mostly from the words of the
troopers who lived the history themselves.
Colonel Jack passed away on November 16, 2016 after a long illness and he will be sorely missed on many levels—as a family man, a gallant warrior for his Nation and a United States military veteran who was dedicated to the well being of his men till his final breath. Through this site, he helped us find each other as civilians and was the glue that has held us together as a group even till today. Granted, we were a small unit compared to others, but our leader had an enormous heart that was second to none. This web-site was a labor of love to him where he became our spiritual leader. But Jack’s story starts well before we knew him in back in 1969.
His decorations included the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star with V with 3 OLC, Meritorious Service Medal
with 2 OLC, Air Medal with 6 OLC, Joint Commendation Medal with 2 OLC, Army Medal with 2OLC, Purple Heart, Vietnamese
Honor Medal with 2 OLC, Vietnamese Gallantry Cross with 3 OLC, Korean Order of National Merit, Combat Infantry Badge, Expert Infantry Badge and Jump Wings.
Michael George Allendorf
HHC 69th Inf
Bde (Seperate)
11 MAR 1969
Din Toung
Prov. RVN _ Co C 2/39th Inf, 9th Inf
Div
BS with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters and
PH
The Wall - Panel 29 W, Line 3
Mike and I grew up together. He was a very likeable guy, always with a smile and a greeting, and enjoyed
teasing the girls in our neighborhood. The last time I saw Mike, was at Ft. Carson Colo. I ask him to keep his head down and not be a hero. He said when he got to Nam he would dig an extra
large fox hole so we could share it. Three and one half months later, I
said good bye to him at his funeral.
Mike my friend and bro. Rest in peace man, you are not forgotten.
Steve and Jackie Brandenburg
sjbrandenburg@holtonks.net
Harold Lynn Chitwood
22 February 1970
Company A, 1/61
The Wall - Panel 13W, Line 46
Harold Chitwood
was a friend of mine before he was killed in action on February 22, 1970, on the
DMZ of Vietnam. He was a very likable fellow with an easy going personality.
Whenever I received a box from home, he was always around because my mother
would send canned goods and stuff from the states. Like smoked
oysters, clams and palm hearts to enhance our CRats.
We would talk of home and the things we would do back in the world. My mother
would also send Bacardi rum and Canadian Club to ease the pain of combat. Chitwood would partake and we always had a good time. I miss
him and the stateside jokes he would tell. He was a hell of a man and well thought
of by those who knew him. February was a bad time for all
that were in the line company around Rocket Ridge areas that we fought
for.
No man is an island out of water.
Patrick Maddalino
Co. A, 1/61
SP 4 Danny Collins
15 May 1995
Company A, 1/61
To "The
Mick"--Danny Collins A 1/61 1968 second tour of the Nam. 25th lst time.
Great friend,
character, drinker, hell of a tube sight mortar man. Found out that Mick passed away on 5/15/95.
Too young. We all miss you, pal. Great times scrounging
booze and beer up at A3. Stealing ice cream from the mess
hall. Pole-vaulting the fence to steal C rats
for food. The kitchen in the bunker. The Club. It was the Mick.
Rest in peace you crazy Irishman.
SKI
Co. A, 1/61
Edward Raymond Davis
28 March 2001
World War II Airborne
Father
My dad passed away on
the 28th of March 2001. His death was a surprise to no one and a shock to everyone.
He was 82 and for the last decade he faced with great courage a deteriorating
heart condition. He knew all along that it would kill him but he never let that
get in his way of trying to live a normal life. He was a guy of a tremendous
amount of Guts when Guts counted. Like most men of his generation, he was a
product of growing up in the great depression and WW deuce. And, I never heard
him Bitch about it. My brother and I did his Eulogy. I related a
story about a private moment my dad and I had the night before I left for
Vietnam. He took me aside and said that he was worried because he had never prepared
me for this. Then, he gave me a Swiss Army Knife. Probably one of the best
gifts I can ever remember getting. As far as not preparing me for this, all I
can say is "Yes you did Dad, yes you did". I'm gonna
miss him. He was a great guy and I know in my heart he's havin
that Budweiser with my buddy Joe right now and Joe welcomed him home.
Sgt. Ed Davis
1/61 5th INF (Mech)
August '69 - June '70
SGT Tommy Dorris
19 October 2001
5/4 Artillery
So many people remember
Tommy. So many lives were touched by Tommy. So much is owed to Tommy. No one
paragraph can say it all. No book could say it all. But a collection of words
from different people with different views sets the tone for our collective
feeling of sadness and loss.
No names, no dates. Just words that express our loss.
"I keep waiting for the
'Tommy' emails." - "Tommy sure brought a lot of brother and sisterhood
to a lot of folks." - "We lost a good one." - "
Yep!" - " God Never Wastes." - "He
brought life back into my life." - "One of the Brotherhood of War,
God bless him" - "Adios Tommy, you will never be forgotten." - "His
legacy will live on through the lives he helped change." - "I am in
shock." - "Now he is with the angels and we will forever miss
him." - "Tommy was a good man, a soldier, and a friend." - "Every
once in a while we'd have a Quang Tri moment but this is the worst." - "We
never seem to get to keep the good ones long enough." - "I don't
think anybody can replace Tommy!" - "Damn..."
We became friends on the Internet
A friend became a Brother
I will never forget
He brought me laughter
And life ag'in
To shed some shadows
I held so grim
So to you Brother
I pay my respect
I will love you forever
And a day
CAPT Robert P.
Gallagher
14 November 1969
Company A, 1/61
The Wall - Panel 16W, Line 63
Company Commander is a strange
job. A good one is part leader, out in the bush with the troops fighting and
shooting; and part commander, worrying about supply, personnel, administration
and training, all at the same time. In combat it is the hardest job around. No
staff, no fancy helicopter, just him and his 1st SGT. and a couple of battery
powered radios.
When you find a good one you
hang on to him like glue. The real test is found in the answer to two questions.
Does he accomplish the mission? Does he keep his casualty rate down? In other
words can he do the job and not have any of his troops killed. If so, he is
good. Don't care if he is not tall, blond and handsome. Don't care if he talks
with a funny accent. Don't care if he has the personality of a stick. If he
passes the Infantry Commander Test then he is golden and you love him.
Bob Gallagher passed the test.
Always got the job done. Took fewer
casualties that anyone could hope for. He died doing his thing. Controlling
air support and directing fire onto the enemy. When I knew A Co was being hit I
knew it was going to be bad. And when I heard how big a hit it was I knew it
was going to be worse. And I was thankful that Bob was the man on the job. Not
many Co Cmdrs could have kept it together. Bob did
and in the end paid the combat leader's price. But by his actions others lived.
I loved him. Still do.
Salute, Bob
Gallagher.
JOHN SWAREN
BN CMDR, 1st BN 61st INFANTRY
PFC Martin Joseph Grace
26 May 1968
K Co. 3rd Marines, 3rd MAR DIV
The Wall - Panel 66W, Line 006
Joe was the best friend
I've ever had, next to my wife. He was a little guy, but didn't have a chip on
his shoulder like most, but had an aura about him that let people know he
wouldn't put up with their bull shit. He believed in God and his Country. His
dream was to be a Marine.
We both came from lower income families, Joe more so being
his parent's were separated. We spent hours fishing
on the creek not far from our homes, or taking turns shooting Gar fish with my
22 single shot rifle and just talking. We raised hell together and PARTIED,
man, did we ever drink some beer.
Joe was a 60 Gunner with K Co. 3/3. It has taken me 30 yrs
to find out how Joe died. He was wounded four times in a battle at Dai Do, and refused
to give up his weapon each time, the fifth time was between the eye's, and all he received was one Purple Heart. I think Joe
deserved more than that.
When I'm down in my personal hell, my wife comforts me. But when I look over a lake
or the land all alone with no distractions, Joe and Mike come and lift the burden
off my shoulders, and tell me:
IT'S OK MAN, IT'S OK.
God, I miss my Brothers
Steve Brandenburg - 2nd/5th INF DIV (MECH)
sjbrandenburg@holtonks.net
SP4 Terry L Hawkins
14 July 1969
Company A, 1/61
The Wall - Panel 21W, Line 118
Terry L Hawkins was killed on
July 14 1969, his rank was SP4. He was an M-60 gunner
and was as good a friend as you could ever want. He never met a stranger,
always had a smile for you even when it was bad. I loved him then and still do.
He was a good soldier and a deadly shot. He was wounded twice before he got
killed. He was blown up by a mine in the river at Cua Viet.
That is all I got to say.
Richard Carter
Co. A, 1/61
Sergeant Major Daniel F. Hobson
17 October 2001
Co P, 75th Rangers
Sergeant Major Daniel F. Hobson
was my friend and brother. Hobby as he was affectionately know was a soldier heart, body and soul. Hobby served
with Papa 75th Rangers in Viet Nam and later with 5th & 7th Special Forces.
I served with Hobby more than a dozen years in special operations. The patch on
his right sleeve was the red diamond with an airborne tab above it. Hobby was
one of the very few I served with after Nam who was a veteran of the 5th
Division. He wore the 5th combat patch when he could have worn another. I once
asked my friend why he wore a patch few on active duty knew what it was when he
could have worn the symbol of special forces. His
answer was simple, "it was my first combat unit and I am proud to show
it". Danny is currently standing in formation with the great Ranger in the
sky and waiting for his other brothers to join ranks.
God Bless the Boys.
Danny L Mathers
B Co, 1/61 - 1968-69
S/Sgt. Hamid Jouney
4th Marine, FMF
He was and still is my Hero even tho He sleeps.
God Bless Him, You, and ALL!
David H Fekay
SSGT Phillip Kalhagan
19 June 1970
Hq&Hq Co, 1/61
The Wall - Panel 09W, Line 9
Staff Sgt Philip Kalhagan
came from Korea where he served for several years and
decided to volunteer to go to Vietnam, he liked the idea so much he did it for
three years. When I met Phil in 1969 he was on his third tour in nam and was very proud that he was a lifer. We were in the Hd &Hd
Co Recon Platoon of 161 together. Phil had a lot of experiance
and had basicly seen it all bad, good, and indifferant, but he remained a pro army, gungho type of guy. I used to sit with him and ask him
questions about Nam and what should I expect my tour would be like. Phil took
the time to tell me how to stay alive in Nam. "Never let your guard down
the gooks are everywhere, carry enough ammo to sink the New Jersey, learn the
radio, how to do the sitreps and to do the
coordinates so arty could help us", he was always telling us be prepared
and help each other when ever you can. One day in
June of 1970 we went out with a platoon of tanks and another line company and
went into an area known for NVA traffic. We were about to come back to base
when the tank next to me hit a mine and blew a track. It was going to be a
while before we could get started again. We set up a make shift perimeter and
pulled guard for the downed tank so they could fix it. Phil was walking with
our LT and the CPT from the tanks and all of a sudden a gook popped up and took
two shots hitting Phil in the chest and killing him instantly. Phil liked to
wear the Vietnam Camo and to this day I think that is what the gook was
shooting at.
Phil, may God continue to look
over you and thank you for teaching me how to survive.
Mike Sperling
Recon Plat, Hq&Hq Co,1/61
- 1969-70
SSGT Phillip Kalhagan
19 June 1970
Hq&Hq Co, 1/61
The Wall - Panel 09W, Line 9
I didn't find this web
site until yesterday, and wanted to add my belated tribute to SSG Kalhagan. He was with me on the day he died, and his memory
has been with me in all the years since. I was then CO of C/1-77, and SSG Kalhagan's unit was attached to us that day. I had worked with
him before, and trusted his experience and judgment without hesitation. He was
ahead of me, on point; we both saw the NVA lean out of the bunker at the same
time. There were two shots; Kalhagen said "Oh, no!"
and fell. It could as easily have been me, in which case I can only hope he
would remember me as I do him.
Timothy R. O'Neill
A/1/77
PFC William W Kent
12 August 1968
C Co, 1/61
The Wall - Panel 49W, Line 54
I was a buck sgt.in
Viet Nam in 1968. I was wounded on August 12, 1968 near Camp Red Devil. I am so
sorry that I don't know more about the soldier I want to honor. He was only in my
squad a couple of days when he died. We were on a search and destroy mission that
day when we found ourselves chin deep in water searching for charlie. We needed to move faster as
the company was on dry land and getting too far ahead of us. I turned to tell
the PFC to get moving when I saw his back explode. He moved a bush with his
M-16 and was shot at point blank range by a VC and he fell
face first into the water. I was returning fire when I was also wounded. I went
back to the world and he went to see God. This man talked about Texas and that is
about all I know of him. I pray that someone someday can tell me more. I pray
for him all the time. He gave his live so we could be free. God bless this Hero.
Carl Bumgarner
C Co, 1/61 - 1968-69
1st LT William L. Long
20 June 1969
B Co, 1/61
The Wall - Panel 22W, Line 99
Viet Nam was a paradox of conflicting
values and truths. Pete Schmaker coined the phrase
that "the truth changes" back in 1989 as commander of Delta Force.
However, the same thing can be said today, tomorrow and as well in the past.
I remember an officer named 1LT
Long of Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 61st Infantry, 1st Brigade, 5th Infantry
Division (Mechanized). When I arrived to the unit in September 1968 he was the
executive officer of the unit and had finished his time on the line. He was
tall, thin, slightly balding and was liked by all the
enlisted personnel in the company. He was the type of leader you would trust
your life to and would follow him anywhere. I was assigned to a unit that trained
together stateside before deployment, which was close nit and everyone knew
each other. During the period I served with the 5th, we would spend two to three
weeks in the bush, return to the rear for one to two days and were out again.
The time we spent in garrison was good. We would clean the tracks, replace our
ammunition and relax. There was none of the typical garrison BS.
In June-July 1969, the company
commander left the unit while LT Long filled in. We were deployed to the Khe
Sanh area on a search and destroy operation. We were ambushed about five
kilometers south of Lang Ve by the river between Laos
and South Viet Nam. Met a marine recon team on the road that
ran along the border with Laos. They said they had been out of contact
for two weeks, no batteries, no C's, only some beans they found in cache. The
beans were inspected & found to be coffee. Anyway they were glad to see us &
make contact with their higher. Two days later a reinforced regiment of Sappers
attacked us at exactly 0300 hrs in the morning. They
had gained entry into the NDP prior to a coordinated assault by cutting the
throats of a squad in 2nd platoon. We fought hand to hand with the gooks while
dodging 82mm mortars and RPGs. The fighting lasted until daylight, when the
enemy pulled back. That day we beefed up the temporary perimeter and places
mines and booby traps in the old craters around the area the gooks used the
night before. The next morning at the same time we were attacked again. They
pounded the mortar platoon with everything they had. 1LT Long was everywhere
during the attack, checking on status because the gooks had our radios jammed.
He was an inspiration. There was no doubt in anyone's mind that he was
performing above and beyond the call of duty. Unfortunately when the fighting
had stopped, his body was found without his head and the barrel of his weapon
looked like it was cut with a torch. We assumed an RPG caused it.
Two days later we were again
attacked. And again the fighting was intense. Soon we were pulled back to the Rock,
got new leaders & troops and went back.
The new CO told us that headquarters
was putting 1LT Long for a DSC because the quotas for MOH were filled.
Regardless, those who were there knew 1LT Long was a true hero, a credit to his
unit and an inspiration to survive. I have looked for years and have found no
record of a DSC citation of 1LT Long. He deserved one and should have gotten
the recognition he earned.
I guess the truth does change.
Danny L Mathers
B Co, 1/61 - 1968-69
10 May 1970
Company D, 1/11
The Wall - Panel 10W, Line 13
My best friend in basic and AIT
was Bob Luther from New York. Bob was older than I but we had things in common.
We were both drafted. We both had the same orders coming out of AIT, and we
were both on our way to Vietnam to the 1st BN 11th Infantry. Bob and I were
supposed to meet back at Ft Lewis on a Friday but we got this idea that we would
cheat and stay with our families for the weekend and come back to Ft Lewis on
Sunday. What could they do, send us to Nam? We were already going. When I got
to Ft Lewis I could not find Bob anywhere. I took it for granted that he had
decided to do the right thing and came back on time. Because I was late the
army changed my orders and sent me to 1st BN 161 Infantry. I did find him in
Nam and we did start writing letters back and forth but they soon stopped. Then
I got a letter from his mom asking me how he was killed; I didn't have a clue
he was dead. My best friend. His squad was in a
chopper that had been shot down. If I had stuck to my orders I would have been
in that squad also. He did the right thing and died, I didn't and lived. I have
always wondered about this twist of fate. I have missed his friendship and always
will.
Mike Sperling
Recon Plat, Hq&Hq Co, 1/61
- 1969-70
SP4 Roy D. McLennan
24 August 1969
Company B, 1/61
The Wall - Panel 19W, Line 108
Roy, early in the morning, your
timing in life was off by seconds as you walked past my Armored Personnel Carrier
on Fire Base A4. I was preparing to go out on a mine sweep operation from A4 to
C2 when my platoon leader looked to replace me - I was needed in Fire Direction
Control. He ordered you to take my place. You took my gear, including my
weapon. That stroll past my tracked vehicle cost you your life just outside the
perimeter as you stepped on a large mine taking a total of 3 lives. The only
thing that came back to me was the remains of my M-16... the magazine assembly.
Roy, I visited your widow, Joyce and daughter, Charla, in Waco, Texas June 14, 1969 to pay my respects to you and your family. I let them know exactly what happened, of your bravery and how you died in my place that day. Almost everyday since, my mind lets me step on that mine instead of you. Your timing was horrible but your sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Sgt. Russell Widener
B Company, 1/61.
Patrick Aaron Maddalino
20 July 2000
Company A, 1/61
Hell of a thing, Pat Maddalino is dead. I can't believe
it. Pat is dead.
I knew him in Vietnam. People called him the professor because he had studied anthropology
and sometimes used big words. He also studied explosives and was one of the
best with unmanned Claymore mines. Spend time in A Company and sure enough you
would see Pat doing his thing. And now he is dead.
I left Vietnam and went to Germany, so did Pat. He was assigned to one of the battalions
on the same post as I. And like always, visit the 1/69th Armor and there would
be Pat. Happy face and big words just like in Vietnam. And now he is dead.
After I retired and bought a home, Pat came to visit one day. He brought his wife
Candy and we spent the best part of a week eating, drinking and touring civil
war battlefields. And now he is dead.
Sure I knew he had problems. Drugs, alcohol and flashbacks.
But he seemed to have it under control. He joined the Society of the 5th Division
and, with Candy, attended every reunion. He was getting older but it was still
Pat. Happy face, big words and lots of energy. And now
he is dead.
I just don't understand the program. Pat did what he was asked to do. He did not
get a student deferment to avoid his duty. He went, he saw the elephant, and he
was forever scarred by the experience. He did what men are supposed to do and
paid the price. When others hid or ran Pat did what was right. And now he is
dead.
I wish I could understand the morale of the story. I wish I could explain to Candy
why it turned out this way. I wish Pat was here to help me. But he isn't. Pat
is dead.
I am going to miss you, you scrawny, ugly, outspoken, old friend.
JOHN SWAREN
Battalion Commander, 1st BN 61st INFANTRY
LT David Merrell
October 25th, 1968
Recon platoon HHC 1/61st Inf 5th INF (Mech)
The Wall - Panel 40W , Line 33
Dave, I was one of the last men to join your platoon, before we left
Ft. Carson for Vietnam and I never had the priviledge
to get to know you on a personal level.
When directed to bring relief to A Company, which had been pinned down
under heavy enemy fire during Operation Rich, you led the way for the rest of
us to follow. Only after reaching one of the forward positions and deploying your
men were you stopped by a snipers bullet along with our RTO, Thomas Ray. Those
of us who remain from Recon salute you and regret that we never had a chance to
talk to you again. You were one hell of an Officer.
We will always remember you.
TOM COOPEY
Recon Plat, Hq&Hq Co, 1/61
LT David Merrell
October 25th, 1968
Recon platoon HHC 1/61st Inf 5th INF (Mech)
The Wall - Panel 40W , Line 33
I went through Armor OCS with Dave Merril
and was assigned to Ft. Carson with him after graduation in December 1967. He was
a terrific guy. Mild mannered, soft spoken and fun loving.
His wife Phoebe was also wonderful person and took pitty
on us single Lt's by having us over for dinner occasionally. Needless to say,
we were all shocked and saddened when learning of his unfortunate death.
Rest in Peace David.
Bob Forman
A/1/77
PFC David Nicholson
30 Nov 1969
3rd Platoon, A Co 1/61st Inf 5th INF (Mech)
The Wall - Panel 15W , Line 010
How do you go about paying tribute to two fellow soldiers that went
down to friendly fire? How do you make sense of it? It seems so senseless? What
can you say other than it’s a dirty rotten shame—a waste? David Nicholson
Panel 15W , Line 010) and Bobby Vandergriff Panel 15W , Line 011) died this way.
And why was I spared—I was only 10 feet away? I’ve
battled with these questions for years. Why them and not me. They were both
superlative soldiers—and first rate men in my mind. They were loved by others.
I talked to those others. Bobby’s brother met the body at Fort Dix and
accompanied him to Cincinnati. I spoke to a woman in Nashville that had a crush
on him when she was a teen. One of David Nicholson’s friends told me he was
such a kind gentle soul. That’s how I knew him. Another friend told me that he
was a magnificent athlete—could through a pass like a laser. They are both
remembered through the recollections of so many. And they were our beloved
brothers. They live through us at this moment—right now.
Rest in Peace Dave and Bobby. We will never forget.
Sp4 Louis A Pepi
A 1/61st Infantry
Sgt. Stewart W. Oberle
30 June 1969
2nd squad 3rd platoon Co.B 1/61 5th INF (Mech)
The Wall - Panel 21W, Line 39
Sgt. Oberle was wounded and later died of
his wounds on the very day he was to leave the field. We have all heard stories
of short timers that died when they where getting close
to their DEROS date. This is my Tribute to my friend Stewart W. Oberle
Sgt.Oberle took me under his wing when I come to the unit
in December 1968. He showed me by example how to lead and protect the men in
our squad. He had a "Heads Up" out-look on the war we fought in and
near the DMZ. His insight in keeping all the men in our unit safe and out of
harm's way was uncanny. Under his leadership not a single man was wounded or killed
in his squad while I was in the unit. He had earned the respect of all that
served with him. From the CO to NFG like me, he was well liked by all.
Oberle was a zero day short timer. In the hills west of
Quang Tri we said our good byes and 32 squad left on
patrol on foot for the day. All that day I could think of nothing except that I
may never see him again. His was on his way back to the "World" and I
was left behind in this shit hole called Nam. Upon our return a chopper with
mail and chow was leaving the CP. This was the chopper that was taking Oberle back to the LZ Sharon for processing out of country.
As the chopper pulled up and lifted out of sight we heard the sounds of RPG's
and AK-47 gunfire opening up just out side the
northern edge of our unit. We all knew that that two tanks and two APC's where
returning to our base camp for repairs. We had no idea that Sgt.Oberle
was driving the 32 track. The track driver had mashed his hand while making
repairs on the track that day. Sgt.Oberle took his
place. They said he wanted to drive it "One last time". He was
mortally wounded by an RPG when it hit the trim vane.
I owe my life to the man that wanted to keep his squad safe. He taught me how to
stay alive. I will be forever in his debt. Because of his actions and examples
he saved the lives of many that followed.
"No greater HERO than one who gives his all".
Sgt. Terry McGlothin
2nd Squad 3rd Platoon Co.B 1/61 5th INF (Mech)
December 68-69
1st LT. Nick Petanovich
9 SEPTEMBER 1970
Company C, 1/61
The Wall - Panel 7W, Line 50
I went to Infantry OCS with Nick at Ft. Benning, Georgia. We were in 53rd
Company. Nick was a nice guy and we had lots of laughs during our 6 months of
officer's school. We graduated and were commissioned brand new 2d Lt.'s on May
6, 1969. I didn't see Nick again until I arrived to my unit in Vietnam in
January 1970. He was assigned to C Company as a rifle platoon leader; I went to
B Co. as a weapon's platoon leader. Most of the time I'd run into him back at
C-2 in between missions. In early September I took my R&R and ran into him
at the airfield at Quang Tri as he was coincidentally coming back from his own R&R.
He said he had a great time. I went on to Sidney, Australia for the week. When
I returned back to C-2, I found out that Nick had been killed by an RPG that
hit the aerial of the track he was sitting on. He was 22 years old.
It was a shock that still lingers to this day.
JOHN KIEFFER
1st LT, C Co 1/61 Infantry US Army
2nd LT. William Pierpont
12 NOVEMBER 1969
Company C, 1/61
The Wall - Panel 16W, Line 66
LT PIERPOINT WAS MY PLATOON LEADER IN NOV 1969. HE WASN'T WITH US VERY LONG BUT
WE TALKED AT NIGHT AFTER SETTLING DOWN. I KNOW HE WAS FROM MICHIGAN.
I WAS CALLED DOWN INTO A GULLEY WHERE HE WENT DOWN WITH SEVEN VOLUNTEERS TO SILENCE
A SNIPER. SHOWED NO FEAR WHICH I'M SURE HE HAD BUT HE DIED LEADING HIS MEN.
I WILL NOT FORGET HIM.
Mel "Doc Mel" Villicana
Medic C/1/61
CSM Ed "Q" Quiroga
MAY 2001
CSM 1st BN 61st INF
Command Sergeant Major. The words say it all. The senior sergeant
in the command. Some people will tell you it is the most important job
in the Unit, most will tell you it is the least
understood job in the unit. Responsibility but no authority.Requirements
but no staff to help. Full time all the time but no one to back him up. An
impossible job. Impossible unless your name was CSM Quiroga
Everybody knew Q. And Q knew everybody, from Company First Sergeants to fresh
newbees, Q knew them all. He knew their problems, their strong points and their
weaknesses. And he was there to help. Sometimes with a hard word, sometimes
with a kind word but always clearly trying to make each man a better person
and a better soldier. He lost his last battle with cancer
but he is not gone. A little of him lives in all of us that knew him. He made
us all a little better than we were before. Rest easy soldier, I know you are
watching us from somewhere. We will try to live up to your example.
JOHN SWAREN
BN CMDR, 1st BN 61st INFANTRY
PFC James J Rice
7 FEBRUARY 1968
K Co, 3rd Bn, 3rd Regt, 3rd MARDIV
The Wall - Panel 38E, Line 12
James served twelve months with the USMC in Quang Tri Provence. He didn't
say much but he thought a lot. This poem of his, written a few weeks before he
was killed, says what was in his heart.
WHY
Why must man
in greed and hate,
Design the fortunes of his fate,
Fashion the tools
that spell his doom
And haunt him in his
silent tomb?
Why must man
throughout the years
Always live in constant fears?
In fear of death,
famine and flood
Of hunger, war and
wasted blood?
Why must man,
God's gift supreme,
Spend countless years
in useless dreams?
Letting precious years
speed on,
When life, so sweet,
so soon is gone?
Why cannot
"Peace on earth to men"
Come other than by poets pen?
Then, only then, will you and I
Know at last, the answer
WHY?
My friend, I hardly knew you.
Bill Clough
CPL. Reinaldo Rein Rodriguez
16 JANUARY 1971
C Co, 1st Bn 27th Inf, 25th Div
The Wall - Panel 05W, Line 50
Ray was my friend. We went through basic training at Ft. Jackson SC.
He was my responsibility since he spoke no English. My job was to translate everything
the drill instructors said. We went to Vietnam together on July 24,1970,
I became the 60 gunner, he of course became my assistant.
On Oct. 12,1970 I was badly wounded and sent home. I always
worried about him ,wondered who was helping him get along. I got mail from
other friends telling me he was doing well, and had even
learned a little English. Ray turned 22 years old on Jan. 4th 1971.
On Jan. 16th 1971 the squad was ambushed by a much larger enemy force. Although
he was wounded Ray stayed behind so that the rest of the squad could regroup. He
single handily held off the attack of the larger force giving his own life to
save his buddies. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and was promoted
to Corporal. I think about him often and he's always in my prayers I'm proud to
have met him and be able to say he was my friend.
Carlos W. Zena Jr.
A Wolfhound till the day I die.
Co. C, 1st Bn 27th Inf. 25th Inf. Div.
SP4 Dennis Wayne Ross
12 November 1969
1/61
The Wall -Panel 16W, Line67
I would like to pay tribute to my Dad who was KIA November 12, 1969
@ Quang Tri. He was a SP4 in 1\61 1st Brigade 5th Infantry Division (Mech), . I have no memories of him as I was 4 years old when he died
but I have the memories of my family and his friends to help me see him as he
was. They say to know him was a great honor for he truly had a kind heart and
giving personality. He gave his all for a cause he believed in as so many others
did too. This Tribute is to him and the many others that gave their lives and
all for that cause. My Dads name was DENNIS WAYNE ROSS. A True hero to me
always!
Cynthia Ross Roberts
SGT. Eddie Shaffer
23 NOVEMBER 1968
RECON Plat., HHC Co. 1/61
The Wall - Panel 38W, Line 46
I first met Eddie Shaffer (SGT. E-5) after we arrived in Vietnam. He was the TC
of the track next to mine. He
hailed from West Virginia and had a natural ability to communicate with people and
was able to extract the most from his men without effort. He was extremely well
liked and respected. During our first firefight in September of 1968 Sgt. Shaffer
was credited with eleven kills as he steadfastly stood behind his 50 caliber
during a surprise engagement with the enemy. The following month Sgt. Shaffer
was to also survive our dismounted mission into the DMZ (Operation Rich). On
November 23rd of that year we were directed to have two tracks protect a combat
engineer unit overnight. After setting up his defensive perimeter Sgt. Shaffer
found a makeshift bunker to shield his body from incoming and the monsoon
rains. The following morning the bunker was found, caved in by the torrential
rains. Sgt. Shaffer never had a chance to make his way out and had succumbed to
his injuries. For many years I have questioned why this fearless man in battle
would die in such a manner. It's just one of the mystery's of war.
Thomas F. Coopey
Recon Plat, Hq&Hq Co, 1/61
James Clarence Strube
11 June 1969
196th Light Inf Bde
The Wall - Panel 2W, Line 28
JC Was a quiet guy, never bothered anyone and a joy to talk to. JC volunteered for
Nam, got tired of the Mickey Mouse BS he told me. Three month's later, he came home in a bag.
J C my friend and bro, you still live in my thought's..
May You rest in peace.
Steve and Jackie Brandenburg
sjbrandenburg@holtonks.net
1st LT Richard Stube
20 Sept 1970
3rd Plat, Co A, 1/61
The Wall - Panel 07W, Line 80
First Lieutenant Richard H. Stube was a fellow platoon leader with me in A Company. He was the platoon leader of 3rd Platoon, I had 2nd Platoon. We operated out of Con Thien (Alpha-4) during the period that I was with A Company from August 1970.
During the predawn hours of September 20, 1970, a five man LRRP unit, Ranger Team 18 of Co P/75th Rangers, was being inserted by helicopter. It received NVA 51 Caliber machine gun fire and crashed and burned northeast of Alpha-4. A Company was ordered to go to the crash site to secure and rescue if possible. All five of Ranger Team 18 were KIA as were the Huey's four man aircrew.
While searching the crash site, A Company was hit by incoming NVA 82mm mortar fire. This resulted in the additional deaths of two of our unit members. One of them was LT Stube.
In all there were 11 American KIA's there that morning.
Richard was a good friend and a great officer that really cared about his men. He had a terrific sense of humor and we shared a lot of laughs. He also used to tell me about his family back in Montana. He was the oldest of 7 children. Richard was married and had an 18 month old daughter. He used to show me his young family's photo that he carried with him. They were expecting a second child at the time he was KIA.
Richard, there isn't a day since that September morning that I haven't thought about the tragedy of your death. I humbly submit these memorial thoughts in your honor... may you rest in peace.
John Kieffer
1/61st Infantry, 5th Infantry Division
Vietnam, Dec 69 - Dec 70
2nd Lt.David P.Sullivan
4 SEPTEMBER 1968
5th Bn 4th Artillery, FO for Company A, 1/61
The Wall - Panel 45W, Line 39
David was an Artillerymen but his heart was with the Infantry.
Some of my best time in the Army was spent with David at Ft.Carson
and Vietnam, working as FOs and seeing who could out do the other on fire missons.
He would have gone a long way as an officer and
leader of men. David has my respect and admiration as an officer and I am proud
to have served with him as his Recon Sgt.
Rest in Peace David.
Tommy Dorris
SGT, 5th BN 4th Artillery, US Army
JC Summerlin
21 May 1971
A Co 1/61st Inf 5th INF (Mech)
The Wall - Panel W3, Line 48
JC Summerlin was my 1st cousin. Although he was much older
than me I remember spending time with him at family reunions in rural Escambia
County, Alabama. He is still fondly remembered by all of our family and I have
vowed to not only keep his memory alive but to also keep alive the memories of
all 30 soldiers that were killed on 21 May 1971 at Charlie 2.
Please view the attached video tribute to those soldiers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJd5aCs9veo
TSgt Troy Smith, USAF, Ret
Spanish Fort, Alabama
SGT Bobby Vandergriff
30 Nov 1969
3rd Platoon, A Co 1/61st Inf 5th INF (Mech)
The Wall - Panel 15W , Line 011
How do you go about
paying tribute to two fellow soldiers that went down to friendly fire?
How do you make sense of it? It seems so senseless? What can you say other
than it’s a dirty rotten shame—a waste? David Nicholson and Bobby Vandergriff
died this way. Andwhy was I spared—I was only 10 feet away? I’ve battled with
these questions for years. Why them and not me. They were both superlative soldiers
and first rate men in my mind. They were my brothers and loved by others. I talked
to those others. Bobby’s brother met the body at Fort Dix and accompanied him to
Cincinnati, I was told. I spoke to a woman in Nashville that had a crush on Bobby
when she was a teen. One of David Nicholson’s friends told me he was such a kind
gentle soul and a great football player. Another friend told me that he was a
magnificent athlete—could throw a pass like a laser. They are remembered through
the recollections of so many. And they were our beloved brothers. They live through
us at this moment—right now.
Rest in Peace Dave and
Bobby. We will never forget.
Sp4 Louis A Pepi
A 1/61st Infantry
Ave atque vale
(Hail and Farewel)