STRIKE

Vietnam War Weekly History

th th July 10 – July 16 2016 Issue: 4

st nd nd Brief History of the 501 , 502 and 2 Brigade

The 502nd, or “five-oh-deuce”, was activated July 1, 1941 at Fort Benning, Georgia as the 502nd parachute infantry battalion, as an experimental unit formed to test the doctrine and tactics of parachute assaults. The 502nd entered combat in World War II on June 6, 1944, by jumping into Normandy, with allied forces landing on D-Day and the Battle of Normandy. Between 1945 and 1964. A major reorganization took place on 3 February 1964, when the 2nd Brigade of the 101st Airborne was activated at Fort Campbell, replacing the 1st Airborne Battle Group, 501st Infantry Regiment. The reorganization from the battle groups to brigades and battalions placed two battalions of the 502nd in different brigades of the 101st.

The 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry was in the 1st Brigade with 1-327th and 2-327th Infantry. Which deployed to Vietnam and arrived at Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam on 29 July 1965, they were commanded by the most notable commander LTC Hank “The Gunfighter” Emerson.

The new 2nd Brigade’s original organic battalions were the 1st and 2d Battalions, 501st Infantry, and the 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry. December 1967 the 501st, 502nd and 2nd Brigade deployed by C-141 aircraft and arrived at Bien Hoa Airbase on 13 December 1967. Over the next five years, Soldiers of the “Ready to Go” Brigade participated in twelve campaigns, compiling of a distinguished combat record as well as an enviable reputation for success in the rehabilitation of a war-torn nation. The Brigade redeployed to Fort Campbell in April 1972.

Prepared by: Ryan P. Niebuhr

During this week, in the span of 8 years since the 501st Infantry Regiment, 502nd Infantry Regiment and 2nd Brigade, deployed in support of the the following are from After Action Reports, Staff Duty Logs, and Personal Accounts.

10 July 1967 Operation MALHEUR: The battalion less one company left under the operational control of the 2d Battalion (Airborne), 502d Infantry, conducted airmobile assaults into the southeastern portion of extended ZON AO and commenced search and destroy operations in Base Area 124, 10 tons of rice were discovered and extracted. Seven light contacts by the 2d Battalion (Airborne), 502d Infantry (reinforced) resulted in 7 VC 1(A (C) and capture of 3 detainees and 1 individual weapon.

10 July 1968 1-502 IN conducted full scale operation with PF's, making 2 CA's, the enemy was elusive. Several weapons were found, 4 NVA KIA and 1 VC KIA.

10 July 1968 Paratroopers of A/2-501 IN destroyed 10 enemy sampans in a no boating zone of the Song Bo River 7km west of FSB T- Bone. Alpha Company also captured one tone of rice. (Rendezvous with Destiny (Volume 1, Number 3); Fall 1968)

10 July 1969 Activity was light throughout the AO as 1-502 reported scattered contact with small enemy forces. At 1040H, B/1-502, vic. BS043995, captured 1 NVA who wandered into the company position as it waited near an LZ. At 1443H, D/1-502, vic. BS040999, engaged a small enemy force and in the ensuing fire fight suffered 3 US WIA; there was negative enemy assessment. At 1600H, A/1-502, vic. BS037991, found a hooch and bunker complex containing tow individual weapons.

10 - 17 July 1970 FSB Ripcord: On July 10, Alpha Company 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry combat assaulted from FSB O’Reilly to relieve pressure against Ripcord. Joining Alpha on the 12th in a two-pronged ground assault on Hill 805 was D Co., 2nd Bn., 501st Inf. (Delta Raiders), commanded by Capt. Christopher Straub and now under operational control of the 2/506th. After some minor skirmishes, Hill 805 was seized by Alpha and Delta. They dug in, expecting the worst.

At 10:30 that night, four enemy columns, led by black-painted sappers, slammed into the defenders on Hill 805. The Americans slammed back. The enemy was stopped in his tracks by U.S. artillery and mortar fire, shredded in a murderous crossfire of rifles, machine guns and grenade launchers, and turned away. Blood smeared the approaches to Hill 805, but it was NVA blood, not American.

Battered, but undeterred, the NV continued their costly assaults against Hill 805 for four more nights. Delta Raiders stayed to defend the key hilltop, relieving some of the pressure on Ripcord and buying valuable time for its defenders. “It was costly,” recalled Sgt. Ray Blackman, “but many of our wounded refused evacuation, preferring to stay to fight alongside their friends.” When they were finally withdrawn on July 17, Straub’s company strength had been cut in half.

Meanwhile, the remainder of 2nd Bn.,501st Inf. (Geronimo’s), commanded by Lt. Col. Otis Livingston, air-assaulted near Hill 1000. Leading with his battalion scouts and following with A, B and C companies in echelon, Livingston led his battalion up the backside of this VA-infested stronghold.

Four times Livingston’s battalion attacked uphill against fierce opposition, and four times it was turned back by superior numbers of enemy troops.

Each time the Geronimo’s retaliated with fighter-bomber air strikes and Cobra rocket attacks. But it was no use. On the 17th, Livingston and his exhausted soldiers were withdrawn. Taking the place of the Geronimo’s was a single rifle company from the 1st Bn., 506th Inf.—D Company, commanded by Capt. Don Workman.

10 July 1971 Colonel Thomas A. Ware Jr. assumed command of the 2nd Brigade of the 101st ABN Div.

11 July 1967 Operation MALHEUR: The Reconnaissance Platoon of the 2d Battalion (Airborne), 502d Infantry (reinforced) engaged an estimated VC company armed with mortars, 57mm recoilless rifles and small arms, Artillery, flare ships and gunships supported the operation and one other company was maneuvered to reinforce. Results were 2 US KHA, 18 US WHA; 1 VC KIA (C) and 1 AK-47 captured. A search of the area at daylight revealed 24 newly dug positions and numerous bloody trails, bandages, and bloody clothing. A Prisoner of War captured the following day revealed that the contact had been made with the elements of the 90th Battalion, 1st VC Regiment. Five other light contacts by the 2d Battalion (Airborne), 502d Infantry resulted in 8 VC KIA (C) and 1 individual weapon captured.

11 July 1969 101st Airborne Division Support Command elements reopened the FSSE facilities in the 1st Brigade area of to provide logistical support to 2nd Brigade units participating in Operation Campbell Streamer. Corregidor Hook Pad once again became a center of resupply activity, as the 2d FSSE funneled supplies through Corregidor to units deployed in the Bach Ma area on this operation.

Prepared by: Ryan P. Niebuhr 11 July 1969 1-502 IN Operations continued with CO. "D" securing An Lo and working with dozer. Charlie Company searching in vic. YD6530 for caches. Other units conducted search and clear operations. Light contact with 1 VC KIA and 2 Hoi Chanh's. The Hoi Chanh said they had given up because of the Rome plows and eagle flights. They said 20 other VC fled to the mountains, that day.

11 July 1969 At 0700H, A/1-502, vic. BS042994, found 1 NVA KIA in an earlier fire fight.

12 July 1967 Operation MALHEUR: Eight light contacts by the 2d Battalion (Airborne), 502d Infantry (reinforced) resulted in 6 VC KIA (C), 12 detainees and capture of 1 individual weapon.

12 July 1968 D/1-502 IN continued Rome plow operations south of An Lo on the west side of the river. They continued to destroy bunkers, buildings and found small caches. Alpha, Bravo, and Charlie Company continued search and destroy operations with light contact. Alpha Company had 2 US WIA by BBT. Bravo Company found excess of a ton of rice and captured 1 VC, vic. YD7132. One Hoi Chanh, turned himself into Bravo Company.

12 July 1968 B/1-502 IN, Recon, and PF’s established cordon around village in vic. YD6438, with Sweet Banner 65 to sweep from the south. The totals were B Co: 4 VC KIA, 4 WPNs; PF’s 19 VC KIA, 16 WPNs, 4 VC Captured, 2 VCS. Delta Company continued Rome plow operations while Charlie Company found 5 tons of rice.

12 July 1969 Activity increased in the AO as the 1-501 reported light contact and a Brigade LOH reconnaissance team recorded significant contact. At 1140H, B/1-501, vic. BS258967, observed and engaged 1 enemy recording 1 VC KIA. At 1350H, B/1-501, vic. BS258965, found the remains of 1 VC NVA by an earlier airstrike.

12 July 1969 The 2d Brigade, 101st Airborne Division and 54th ARVN Regiment begin Operation CAMPBELL STREAMER to clear Elephant Valley south of the Bach Ma Mountain, Thua Thien Province.

13 July 1967 Operation MALHEUR: Four light contacts by the 2d Battalion (Airborne), 502d Infantry (reinforced) resulted in 3 VC KIA (C) and capture of 2 detainees. One company of the 1st Battalion (Airborne), 327th Infantry conducted an airmobile displacement and assumed the security mission of CHAMPS Fire Base under operational control of the 2d Battalion (Airborne), 502d Infantry (reinforced).

13 July 1968 2nd Brigade troopers continued to rob the enemy of their stolen rice by capturing 8300 pounds of enemy held rice. (Rendezvous with Destiny (Volume 1, Number 3); Fall 1968)

13 – 31 July 1969 Operation CAMPBELL STREAMER: was initiated at 130600H with the combat assault of 2-502 Infantry into FB SLEDGE (ZC 063927) followed by the 1-54 and 3-54 ARVN Battalions into their respective landing zones. This attack was aimed against the 4th NVA Regiment in the Bach Ma Region. A two phased operation – the first phase a reconnaissance in zone to the north by the three assaulting elements to locate and destroy the enemy forces on the north side of the Bach Ma. Contact was very light during the first phase. The second phase commenced on 27 July with the deployment of 1-327 to a screening position south of the Bach Ma in Elephant Valley, and the three maneuver battalions reoriented to the south. On 28 July elements of the 1-54 ARVN Battalion made the first significant contact by killing 27 NVA and capturing 22 individual and 9 crew-served weapons. This operation continues with the maneuver elements conducting detailed searches in zone and the 1-327 Infantry screening to the south. Results as of 31 July were: 51 NVA/VC KIA, 1 NVA POW, 27 individual and 14 crew-served weapons captured. (HQ, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile); Operational Report – Lesson Learned, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile) for period ending 31 July 1969; 09 December 1969)

13 July 1969 Operation CAMPBELL STREAMER: Well-coordinated air assaults into the Bach Ma region are conducted by the 2nd Bn (Ambl), 502nd Inf. in conjunction with elements of the 54th ARVN Regt. Fire Base Sledge is constructed by the 326th Engr. Bn (Ambl) on the side of a French resort area atop the 4500 foot mountains. Aimed at the destruction of the 4th NVA Regt., elements of the 2nd Brigade maneuvered to the north and south in areas surrounding the fire base.

14 July 1967 Operation MALHEUR: Five light contacts by the 2d Battalion (Airborne), 502d Infantry (reinforced) resulted in 5 VC KIA (C) and capture of 1 individual weapon.

14 July 1968 A/1-502 IN continued RIF’s vic. YD6026 to YD 6128; the company had 2 US WIA by BBT. Bravo and Recon, CA’d to YD6929 and YD7029, and continued search and clear operations. Charlie Company searched and cleared vic. YD6630. Sweet Banner 65 vic. YD6334 had contact, killed 7 VC and captured 2 VC. They also found 12 AK44’s in one cache.

14 July 1969 Activity was light in the AO as all units continued RIF and search operations, uncovering numerous enemy KIA from previous contacts and air/artillery strikes. At 1020H, B/1-501, vic. BS268965, found 10 graves with the remains of 10 NVA KIA in earlier air strikes.

15 July 1967 Operation MALHEUR: The 2d Battalion (Airborne), 502d Infantry (reinforced) had three light contacts resulting in 4 VC KIA (C) and capture of 3 detainees.

15 July 1968 1-502 IN continued operations in the same locations. The enemy is becoming more evasive and less willing to fight. This day they had little enemy activity. 2 Hoi Chanh’s turned themselves into PF’s.

15 July 1968 : B/1-327 released from OPCON. B and D/2-502 made sporadic contact with enemy throughout this period.

Prepared by: Ryan P. Niebuhr 15 July 1968 Rice caches dominated the action for the Division as paratroopers from the 2nd Brigade continued to pour tonnage onto the operational total. Today the rice hungry troopers added four more tons to raise the total to 291 tons. (Rendezvous with Destiny (Volume 1, Number 3); Fall 1968)

15 July 1969 Contact was sporadic throughout LAMAR PLAIN as all units continued to seek the enemy with 1-501 uncovering numerous enemy KIA from earlier air/artillery strikes. At 0904, B/1-501, vic. BS260972, found the remains of 1 NVA in a grave. At 1100H, D/1-501, vic. BS261976, found two small huts, one of which contained the remains of 1 NVA KIA by an earlier air strike and a US Browning automatic rifle. At 1125H, A/1-502, vic. BT067013, engaged 1 NVA soldier with small arms, resulting in 1 NVA KIA and 1 AK47 captured.

15 July 1970 : STRIKE Force returned to Camp Eagle for re-fitting in preparation for a new operation.

16 July 1967 Operation MALHEUR: The 2d Battalion (Airborne), 502d Infantry (reinforced) had two light contacts resulting in 5 VC KIA (C).

16 July 1968 A/1-502 IN security of An Lo and Rome plow. Bravo Company, Recon, and PF’s are still working in the fish hook area center mass of YD7029. They found 9 VC KIA, 2 NVA KIA. They also discovered 20 NVA KIA in plastic bags in the river, vic. YD7029. This is further evidence of the blows dealt to VC/NVA.

16 July 1969 Contact continued light in the AO as 1-501 continued to uncover the effects of the previous intensive air/artillery strikes in the area and 1-502 reported one small clash in the late afternoon. At 1045H, B/1-501, vic. BS270975, found a small hut complex containing 1 British SMG (NF1). At 1430H, D/1-501, vic. BS270974, found 2 AK47 and 1 Russian SMG (NF1) and other miscellaneous equipment. At 1440H, B/1-501, vic. BS280985, found and NVA base camp containing 1 NVA KIA by an airstrike, 3 carbines and miscellaneous weapons parts. At 1905H, A/1-502, vic. BT079016, engaged 3 enemy with small arms fire at a range of 50 meters, resulting in 1 NVA KIA.

Prepared by: Ryan P. Niebuhr

During this week, in the span of 8 years since the 501st Infantry Regiment, 502nd Infantry Regiment and 2nd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division deployed in support of the Vietnam War the following awards were awarded to the service members during combat operations.

6 x Silver Star Medal (1 x Posthumously) 8 x Bronze Star Medal with Valor (2 x Posthumously) 6 x Bronze Star Medal (6 x Posthumously) 2 x Army Commendation Medal with Valor 50 x Purple Heart Medal (17 x Posthumously) 2 x Died of Non-Hostile Injury or Illness

10 July 1969 SP4 Elijah W. Burkett (B/2-501 IN) earned the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart Medal (Posthumously) for military merit and for wounds received which resulted in his death from multiple fragmentation wounds in the Thua Tien Province, Republic of Vietnam.

10 July 1969 SP4 Bobby G. Farmer (D/1-502 IN) earned the Purple Heart Medal (Posthumously) for military merit and for wounds received which resulted in his death from small arms gun fire wounds from 08 July 1969 4km NE of Hau Duc Village in the Quang Tin Province, Republic of Vietnam.

10 July 1970 SP4 Montez R. Hill (D/2-501 IN) earned the Purple Heart Medal for military merit and for wounds received during action in combat against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. (HQ, 101st ABN DIV; General Orders Number 8742)

11 July 1966 PFC Gilbert E. Black (A/2-502 IN) was awarded the Purple Heart Medal for wounds received in connection with military operations against a hostile force Republic of Vietnam. (HQ; 1BDE, 101st ABN DIV; General Order No. 391; 13 Aug 66)

11 July 1967 SP4 David H. Mitchell (HHC/2-502 IN) earned the Purple Heart Medal (Posthumously) for military merit and for wounds received which resulted in his death from gunshot wounds received while on perimeter defense with an NVA company 7km East of Minh Long Airfield in the Quang Ngai Province, Republic of Vietnam.

11 July 1967 PFC Chris S. Evans (HHC/2-502 IN) earned the Purple Heart Medal (Posthumously) for military merit and for wounds received which resulted in his death from gunshot wounds received while on perimeter defense with an NVA company 7km East of Minh Long Airfield in the Quang Ngai Province, Republic of Vietnam. .

11 July 1969 SGT Robert W. Dean (B/1-502 IN) earned the Purple Heart Medal (Posthumously) for military merit and for wounds received which resulted in his death while on combat operation by friendly fire directed at a hostile force from short artillery round, 4km NE of Hau Duc Village in the Thua Tien Province, Republic of Vietnam.

12 July 1966 PFC William Leon (C/2-502 IN) died from Non-hostile while missing, causes “drowned or suffocated” in the Kontum Province, Republic of Vietnam.

12 July 1968 1LT Randall N. Arney (C/1-501 IN) earned the Purple Heart Medal (Posthumously) for military merit and for wounds received which resulted in his death while on combat operation when hit by fragment from hostile booby trap in the Thua Tien Province, . Republic of Vietnam.

Prepared by: Ryan P. Niebuhr 12 July 1970 The following Soldiers: PFC Ronald W. Grubidt (HHC/2-501 IN); SGT Donald E. Spiares, SP4 Richard C. Policz, SP4 Jay S. Crills, (D/2-501 IN) earned the Purple Heart Medal for military merit and for wounds received during action in combat against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. (HQ, 101st ABN DIV; General Orders Number 8742)

12 July 1970 The following Soldiers: PFC Gary D. Gilliland (HHC/2-501 IN); PFC Eugene N. Paprocky (C/2-501 IN); 1LT John D. Shipley, SGT James N. Brown, SGT James A. Plenderleith, SP4 Dennis W. Belt, SP4 Coy A. Broxton, SP4 Randy C. Davis, PFC Barry L. Barnes, PFC Larry L. Ertel, PFC Lawrence C. Spivey, PFC Paul D. Hall (D/2-501 IN); SP4 Gary C. Taylor (E/2-501 IN) earned the Purple Heart Medal for military merit and for wounds received during action in combat against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. (HQ, 101st ABN DIV; General Orders Number 8740, 5 August 1970)

13 July 1968 SP4 Randall S. Hill (A/1-502 IN) earned the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart Medal (Posthumously) for military merit and for wounds received which resulted in his death as a result of burns and wounds received while on combat operation when hit by a blast from a hostile phosphorous booby trap in the Thua Thien Province, Republic of Vietnam. SP4 Hill was admitted to a military hospital, later transferred to the USS Sanctuary and place on the VSI list where he later expired.

14 July 1968 SGT James E. McClafferty (A/1-502 IN) earned the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart Medal (Posthumously) for military merit and for wounds received which resulted in his death while on combat operation when hit by fragment from hostile booby trap in the Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam.

14 July 1968 1LT Frank W. Cox Jr. (A/1-502 IN) earned the Purple Heart Medal (Posthumously) for military merit and for wounds received which resulted in his death while on combat operation when hit by fragment from hostile booby trap in the Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam.

14 July 1970 SGT Dennis W. Huffine (B/2-501 IN) earned the Purple Heart Medal (Posthumously) for military merit and for wounds received which resulted in his death death from small arms gun fire wounds, on Hill 1000 1km West of FSB Ripcord in the Thua Tien Province, Republic of Vietnam.

14 July 1970 SSG Paul G. Guimond, (C/2-501 IN) earned the Purple Heart Medal (Posthumously) for military merit and for wounds received in action resulting in his death from small arms gun fire wounds while at a night defensive position when the area came under attack by a hostile force, on Hill 805, 24 km W of Hue in the Thua Tien Province, Republic of Vietnam.

14 July 1970 SSG James T. Hembree Jr. (C/2-501 IN) earned the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart Medal (Posthumously) for military merit and for wounds received in action resulting in his death from small arms gun fire wounds while at a night defensive position when the area came under attack by a hostile force, on Hill 805, 24 km W of Hue in the Thua Tien Province, Republic of Vietnam.

14 July 1970 SSG William E. Jones (C/2-501 IN) earned the Purple Heart Medal (Posthumously) for military merit and for wounds received in action resulting in his death from small arms gun fire wounds while at a night defensive position when the area came under attack by a hostile force, on Hill 805, 24 km W of Hue in the Thua Tien Province, Republic of Vietnam.

Prepared by: Ryan P. Niebuhr 14 July 1970 SGT John L. Keister (C/2-501 IN) earned the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart Medal (Posthumously) for military merit and for wounds received in action resulting in his death from small arms gun fire wounds while at a night defensive position when the area came under attack by a hostile force, on Hill 805, 24 km W of Hue in the Thua Tien Province, Republic of Vietnam.

14 July 1970 1LT Terry A. Palm (C/2-501 IN) earned the Purple Heart Medal (Posthumously) for military merit and for wounds received in action resulting in his death from small arms gun fire wounds while at a night defensive position when the area came under attack by a hostile force, on Hill 805, 24 km W of Hue in the Thua Tien Province, Republic of Vietnam.

14 July 1970 SSG Gary L. Schneider (C/2-501 IN) earned the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart Medal (Posthumously) for military merit and for wounds received in action resulting in his death from small arms gun fire wounds while at a night defensive position when the area came under attack by a hostile force, on Hill 805, 24 km W of Hue in the Thua Tien Province, Republic of Vietnam.

14 July 1970 CPL Keith E. Utter (C/2-501 IN) earned the Purple Heart Medal (Posthumously) for military merit and for wounds received in action resulting in his death from small arms gun fire wounds while at a night defensive position when the area came under attack by a hostile force, on Hill 805, 24 km W of Hue in the Thua Tien Province, Republic of Vietnam.

14 July 1970 The following Soldiers: 1LT James W. Kwiechien, 1LT Richard W. Driver, SGT Calvin G. Sawer Jr., PFC Robert Schexneider (A/2-501 IN); 1LT Robert W. Layton (1-OLC) (B/2-501 IN) earned the Purple Heart Medal for military merit and for wounds received during combat in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. (HQ, 101st ABN DIV; General Orders Number 8740, 5 August 1970)

14 July 1970 The following Soldiers: 1LT Robert L. Worrall, SP4 Ronald Froley, SP4 Jay F. Eiler, SP4 Jack L. Richards, SP4 William Perez, PFC Mike V. Dipinto, PFC Dennis Lebrecque (B/2-501 IN); SP4 Rodney B. Collins, SP4 Bruce A. Chandler (D/2- 501 IN) earned the Purple Heart Medal for military merit and for wounds received during combat in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. (HQ, 95th Evacuation Hospital (SMBL); General Order Number 186)

14 July 1970 The following Soldiers: 1LT Victor E. Arnt, SGT James L. White, SP4 David W. Herron (B/2-501 IN); PFC Terry Cooper (D/2-501 IN) earned the Purple Heart Medal for military merit and for wounds received during combat in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. (HQ, 101st ABN DIV; General Orders Number 8742)

14 February 1971 SP4 Larry Bailey (C/1-501 IN) was awarded the Silver Star Medal for gallantry in action in the Republic of Vietnam. (1- 501st Infantry Unit History)

16 July 1970 CPL Richard R. Timmons (A/2-501 IN) died from Non-hostile causes “falling from tree” West of Triple Hill vicinity Ripcord in the Thua Thien Province, Republic of Vietnam.

Prepared by: Ryan P. Niebuhr STRIKE HISTORY (Citation’s and Awards):

11 July 1967 SSG Kenneth Bowyer (HHC/2-502) was awarded the Silver Star Medal for gallantry in action against a hostile force on 11 July 1967 near Duc Pho, Republic of Vietnam. During the early morning hours, the second section of the Reconnaissance platoon, while set up in a perimeter, was suddenly attacked by an estimated reinforced North Vietnamese company with automatic weapons, grenades, and mortars. Staff Sergeant Bowyer immediately began to direct the platoon’s fire as he moved through the heavy fire, giving his men encouragement and pointing out enemy positions. Shortly after the battle started, Sergeant Bowyer was struck in the head and face by grenade fragments and temporarily blinded. Disregarding his own wounds and safety, Sergeant Bowyer crawled through intense enemy fire until the area where his wounded had been placed. Still unable to see, Sergeant Bowyer valiantly crawled among his wounded comrades giving them encouragement. Sergeant Bowyer, realizing the great possibility of being overrun, began to organize the wounded men and prepare them for the defense of an all-out enemy assault. Approximately one hour after being wounded, Sergeant Bowyer’s vision returned and he began to move about the perimeter giving aid to the wounded and, on several occasions, crawled outside the perimeter in order to gather equipment and ammunition for his men. Staff Sergeant Bowyer’s outstanding display of gallantry in action, his devotion to duty and his men are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the . (HQ, AD; General Orders Number 1410; 27 November 1967)

11 July 1967 SP4 Walter Keyes (HHC/2-502 IN) was awarded the Silver Star Medal for gallantry in action against a hostile force on 11 July 1967 near Duc Pho, Republic of Vietnam. Prior to an all-out attack on his unit’s perimeter by a reinforced North Vietnamese Army Company, Specialist Keyes detected two enemy soldiers sneaking up on the defense; he immediately killed them with a grenade. As he did so the perimeter was taken under tremendous attack by grenade, mortar and automatic weapons fire. In the initial stages of the battle, the friendly element suffered heavy casualties; among them, the medic. Specialist Keyes, with no concern for his own safety, began crawling through the heavy fire giving medical aid to the wounded. Observing three wounded men lying in an area exposed to the enemy fire, he unhesitatingly crawled approximately ten meters out in front of the perimeter and pulled one of them to safety. As he returned for the second, an exploding grenade wounded him. Disregarding his wounds and displaying great personal bravery, he continued on and recovered the man. A third time Specialist Keyes crawled through the intense fire to retrieve the last wounded soldier but found him too serious to be moved. He quickly administered what medical aid he could and then placed rucksacks around the soldier to protect him from further injury. When his section Sergeant was wounded, specialist Keyes assumed his duties and distributed ammunition, gave encouragement, and directed fire into the enemy positions. Specialist Keyes was wounded a second time by grenade fragments as he tried to move to, and check on, his wounded comrade still lying outside the perimeter. Even though badly wounded, Specialist Keyes continued to move through the perimeter giving his men encouragement and assisting them whenever needed. The courage and determination displayed by Specialist Keyes resulted in the saving of numerous lives and inspired his men to such a degree that they successfully defended their positions against a numerically superior hostile force. Specialist Keyes never relented in his heroic, determined effort to resist the enemy and to give aid to his wounded comrades. The outstanding gallantry and personal valor demonstrated by Specialist Keyes has distinguished him and reflected the utmost credit upon himself, Task Force Oregon, and the United States Army. (HQ, TF Oregon; General Orders Number 703; 18 September 1967)

11 July 1967 1LT Clarence Long (HHC/2-502 IN) was awarded the Silver Star Medal for gallantry in action against a hostile force on 11 July 1967 near Duc Pho, Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Long distinguished himself by valorous action when his platoon was hit by a heavy barrage of grenade, mortar, and automatic weapons fire from an estimated enemy company who had succeeded in encircling his perimeter. During the initial stages of the battle the friendly element sustained numerous casualties. Lieutenant Long, with complete disregard for his own safety, moved through his defensive positions and reorganized his men and pulled the wounded to the center of the perimeter. Lieutenant Long continued to expose himself to the hostile fire as he pointed out enemy targets to his men and collected his wounded weapons and ammunition. When wounded by grenade fragments, he disregarded his wounds and crawled to a forward position to place heavy return fire into the enemy positions. Throughout the entire battle Lieutenant Long continually exposed himself to the vicious enemy fire while directing the fire of his platoon; as a result of his outstanding example and leadership, his platoon was able to defend their position from a determined enemy element. First Lieutenant Long’s gallant display of valor, his aggressiveness and determination against a numerically superior hostile force were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army. (HQ, AD; General Orders Number 1286; 18 November 1967)

11 July 1967 SGT Odell Ford (HHC/ 2-502 IN) was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor for heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force. Sergeant Ford distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 11 July 1967 in the Republic of Vietnam. During the early morning hours, a section of Recondo Platoon was attacked by an estimated reinforced enemy company. In the initial stages of battle, the enemy element concentrated a heavy volume of grenade, automatic weapons, and mortar fire on the friendly position and heavy casualties were inflicted. Sergeant Ford, serving as squad leader, realized the precarious situation that could develop and began to expose himself to the withering enemy fire while moving among his squad’s positions giving his men encouragement and directing their fire by pointing out enemy positions. While moving among the positions, he was struck in the head by shrapnel and temporarily blinded. Completely disregarding his painful wound, Sergeant Ford continued to give his men encouragement. His inspiration enabled his men to successfully defend and hold their positions against the numerically superior enemy element. Sergeant Ford’s devotion to duty and personal courage were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army. (HQ, 1BDE, 101st ABN DIV; General Order Number 1733)

Prepared by: Ryan P. Niebuhr 11 July 1967 PFC Ronald A. Gardner (HHC/2-502 IN) was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor for heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force. Private Gardner’s platoon was attacked by an estimated reinforced enemy company. In the initial burst of enemy automatic weapons fire, the medical aidman was killed and other casualties were inflicted. Private Gardner, even though wounded by grenade fragments, began to move through the battle area giving aid to the wounded. With complete disregard for his own safety, he exposed himself to the vicious enemy fire while moving his wounded comrades to a safe area to administer medical aid to them. On one occasion, he crawled out in front of his perimeter through a bullet swept area to within ten meters of an enemy position and pulled a wounded comrade to safety. For approximately two and a half hours, he treated the wounded an allowed his own wounds to be treated only after all his comrades had been given medical aid. Private Gardner’s devotion to duty and personal courage were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army. (HQ, 1BDE, 101st ABN DIV; General Order Number 1737)

11 July 1967 PFC Chris S. Evans (HHC/2-502 IN) was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor (Posthumously) for heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force. Private Evans distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 11 July 1967 in the Republic of Viet Nam. Private Evans' section had set up a perimeter of defense for the night. During the early morning hours of darkness, the element was suddenly brought under heavy fire from a numerically superior enemy element. Private Evans observed that one of his comrades had been wounded and lay in an area exposed to the heavy enemy fire. With complete disregard for his own safety, Private Evans moved through the bullet swept area and pulled his comrade to a safe area. As the enemy fire increased, more casualties were inflicted upon the friendly element and the possibility of being overrun became greater. Private Evans began to move through the battle area to insure all the wounded had been pulled to the rear. Private Evans located another wounded comrade and again rushed through the area and picked the wounded man up and began to carry him to a safe area. As he neared a safe position he was struck by enemy fire and mortally wounded. As a result of Private Evans' courageous actions the lives of two of his comrades were saved. Private Evans' devotion to duty and personal courage were in keeping with the highest tradition of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army. (HQ, 1st BDE, 101st ABN DIV; General Orders Number 1480; 18 July 1967)

11 July 1967 SP4 Geral D. Manzer (HHC/2-502 IN) was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor for heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force. Specialist Manzer distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 11 July 1967 in the Republic of Viet Nam. While in a perimeter of defense, Specialist Manzer' s platoon was suddenly brought under a withering hail of enemy grenade, automatic weapons and mortar fire. In the initial stages of the battle, Specialist Manzer was struck by grenade fragments in both legs and seriously wounded, but disregarding the excruciating pain of his badly bleeding wound, and with complete disregard for his own safety, he refused medical aid in order to maintain his position. As the battle progressed in intensity, he realized the increasing possibility of being overran by the enemy. Though weak from loss of blood and unable to walk. Specialist Manzer crawled through the vicious enemy fire in order to better place effective fire into the enemy positions and give his comrades encouragement. Specialist Manzer's actions and courage, though bleeding profusely and in great pain, served as an inspiration for his comrades in the defense of their position. Specialist Manzer’s devotion to duty and personal courage were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army. (HQ, 1st BDE, 101st ABN DIV; General Orders Number 1815; 5 September 1967)

11 July 1967 SSG Daniel E. Mills (HHC/2-502 IN) was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor for heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force. Sergeant Mills distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 11 July 1967 in the Republic of Viet Nam. During the early morning hours, Sergeant Mills’ platoon was viciously attacked by an estimated reinforced enemy company with a heavy barrage of grenades, mortar and automatic weapons fire, inflicting heavy casualties on the friendly element. Sergeant Mills, realizing the possibility of being overran, immediately rushed through the withering hail of enemy fire and began directing the fire of his men and giving them much encouragement. As the enemy element continued to pour a heavy volume of fire into the friendly positions, he was struck in the back by small arms fire and seriously wounded. Disregarding his own safety, Sergeant Mills, even though weak from loss of blood and in great pain, continued to crawl among his men’s' positions distributing ammunition to them and giving them added encouragement until he was wounded for the second time and put out of action. Sergeant Mills' devotion to duty and personal courage were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army. (HQ, 1st BDE, 101st ABN DIV; General Orders Number 1797; 3 September 1967)

11 July 1967 PFC James T. Likely (A/2-502 IN) was awarded the Army Commendation Medal with Valor for heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force. Private Likely distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 11 July 1967 in the Republic of Viet Nam. While on a search and destroy mission, Private Likely’s platoon had just crossed a river and was moving across an open area when they were suddenly brought under a heavy volume of enemy fire. Private Likely, serving as platoon, medic, observed that one of his comrades was seriously wounded and lying in an area exposed to intense enemy fire. With complete disregard for his own safety, he rushed through the withering hail of enemy fire to his wounded comrade, quickly administering emergency medical aid and then pulled the man to safety. Private Likely's devotion to duty and personal courage were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army. (HQ, 1st Brigade, 101st ABN DIV; General Orders Number 1770; 1 September 1967)

Prepared by: Ryan P. Niebuhr 11 July 1967 SP4 David H. Mitchell (HHC/2-502 IN) was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor (Posthumously) for heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force. Specialist Mitchell distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 11 July 1967 in the Republic of Viet Nam. While on a search and destroy mission the Recondo platoon was suddenly brought under a heavy volume of enemy fire. In the initial stages of the battle numerous casualties were inflicted on the friendly element. Specialist Mitchell serving as a medic for the element unhesitatingly began to move through the battle area treating his wounded comrades. As the raging battle progressed, Specialist Mitchell, with complete disregard for his own safety remained exposed to the withering enemy fire while pulling wounded men to covered positions where he could treat them. On two occasions Specialist Mitchell crawled to within twenty meters of the enemy positions to pull wounded men to safety. Specialist Mitchell continued to move through the battel area treating the wounded until he was struck by enemy fire and mortally wounded. As a result of Specialist Mitchell’s courage numerous lives of his comrades were saved. Specialist Mitchell’s devotion to duty and personal courage were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army (HQ, 1st BDE, 101st ABN DIV; General Orders Number 1497; 19 July 1967)

11 July 1967 SP4 Paul E. Potts (HHC/2-502 IN) was awarded the Army Commendation Medal with Valor for heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force. Specialist Potts distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 11 July 1967 in the Republic of Viet Nam. While in a perimeter of defense, Specialist Potts’ platoon was suddenly taken under a tremendous volume of enemy grenade, mortar, and automatic weapons fire. The friendly element received numerous casualties in the initial stages of the attack. Specialist Potts, with complete disregard for his own safety, began to move through the bullet swept area pulling wounded men to safety in the center of the perimeter, When the artillery forward observer and radio telephone operator were both wounded, he again moved through the vicious enemy fire and began to accurately adjust artillery fire against the enemy. Specialist Potts' devotion to duty and personal courage were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army. (HQ, 1st BDE, 101st ABN DIV; General Orders Number 1768; 1 September 1967)

11 July 1967 SP4 Larry D. Woods (HHC/2-502 IN) was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor for heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force. Specialist Woods distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 11 July 1967 in the Republic of Viet Nam. Specialist Woods” platoon became heavily engaged with an estimated reinforced enemy company, inflicting numerous friendly casualties and killing the platoon medic. With complete disregard for his own safety, Specialist Woods rushed through the vicious enemy fire and began pulling the wounded to a safe area. Throughout the battle, he repeatedly exposed himself to the devastating enemy fire to administer the needed medical aid to his wounded comrades. On one occasion, he detected two enemy soldiers attempting to get to a wounded man. Without hesitation, he jumped in front of his wounded comrade and began firing his weapon at the two enemy soldiers, forcing them to withdraw. Specialist Woods’ devotion to duty and personal courage were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army. (HQ, 1st BDE, 101st ABN DIV; General Order Number 1739; 26 August 1967)

13 July 1967 SP4 Gary L. Ristine (A/2-502 IN) was awarded the Soldiers Medal for heroism not involving actual conflict with an armed enemy on 13 July 1967 near Due Pho, Republic of Vietnam. While on a search and destroy mission the lead element of Specialist Four Ristine’s platoon approached a river. The pointman quickly checked the depth of the river and determined it was shallow enough to cross but, very swift. The pointman proceeded across the river and after having moved approximately half-way across, he stepped off a drop-off. Specialist Ristine, upon hearing his comrade’s call for help, rushed to the river and quickly removed his equipment and plunged into the turbulent water. Reaching the spot where the man sank, Specialist Ristine began diving in search of his stricken comrade. On his third dive, Specialist Ristine located the man and immediately pulled him to the surface and swam to shore. Specialist Ristine then began to administer mouth to mouth resuscitation until the man revived. Specialist Four Ristine's outstanding display of heroism and unselfish concern for his fellow soldier are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army. (HQ, AD; General Orders Number 1414; 27 November 1967)

14 July 1970 CPL Keith E. Utter (D/2-501 IN) was awarded the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) for gallantry in action in the Republic of Vietnam, on 14 July 1970. Corporal Utter distinguished himself while serving as a rifleman in Company D, 2d Battalion (Airmobile), 501st Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile), during combat action near Hue, Republic of Vietnam. While in a night defensive position, Corporal Utter's unit came under an intense hostile attack, and he immediately maneuvered through the hostile fire to the section of the perimeter that was hardest hit. While directing effective fire on the enemy, Corporal Utter spotted a wounded comrade lying in an exposed position. When his attempt to reach the man was halted by the hostile fire, he noticed small arms fire being directed at the casualty. Corporal Utter immediately rushed to him, but was mortally wounded by hostile fire while attempting to move the man to a protected position. Corporal Utter's personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

14 July 1970 1LT Robert L. Worrall (B/2-501 IN) was awarded the Silver Star Medal for gallantry in action in the Republic of Vietnam on 14 July 1970. Lieutenant Worrall distinguished himself while serving as a platoon leader in Company B, 2d Battalion (Airmobile), 501st Infantry, during combat operations near Fire Support Base Ripcord, Republic of Vietnam. When his platoon’s defensive position came under an intense enemy attack, Lieutenant Worrall sustained several wounds. Despite his wounds, he repeatedly subjected himself to the hostile fire while positioning his men and directing their return fire. Refusing medical evacuation, he remained at his forward position, calling for and adjusting artillery fire. His actions were instrumental in silencing the enemy positions and successfully completing the evacuation of his wounded comrades to safety. Lieutenant Worrall’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Prepared by: Ryan P. Niebuhr 14 July 1970 1LT Robert W. Layton (B/2-501 IN) was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor for heroism in ground combat against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam on 14 July 1970. Lieutenant Layton distinguished himself while serving as a platoon leader in Company B, 2d Battalion (Airmobile), 501st Infantry, during combat operations in Thua Thien Province, Republic of Vietnam. While on a reconnaissance mission, the lead element came under intense small arms, grenade, and machine gun fire. Observing that the lead element was pinned down and had suffered numerous casualties, Lieutenant Layton directed his men to reinforce the besieged element. Subjecting himself to the hostile fire, he maneuvered from position to position, directing the fire of his men and deploying them to gain fire superiority. Despite being wounded, he continued to lead his men and supervise the evacuation of the wounded. Lieutenant Layton’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army. (HQ, 101st ABN DIV; General Order Number 13072, 1 November 1970)

Prepared by: Ryan P. Niebuhr ACRONYMS

AD: Americal Division AO: Area of Operations ARA: Aerial Rocket Artillery ARCOM: Army Commendation Medal ARVN: Army of the Republic of Viet Nam (also known as the South Vietnamese Army (SVA)) BDE: Brigade BN: Battalion BSM: Bronze Star Medal BBT: Booby Traps CA: Combat Assault CANOPY: Heavily Wooded Terrain CO: Company CP: Command Post DSC: Distinguished Service Cross DZ: Drop Zone FSB: Fire Support Base HQ: Headquarters IED: Improvised Explosive Device IFFV: I Field Force Vietnam IN: Infantry KBA: Killed by Air or Artillery KHA: Killed by Hostile Action KIA: Killed in Action KNHA: Killed by Non-Hostile Action LZ: Helicopter Landing Zone MI: Military Intelligence MOH: Medal of Honor MP: Military Police NDP: Night Defensive Position NVA: North Vietnamese Army OBJ: Objective OP: Observation Post PAVN: People Army of Vietnam POW: Prisoner of War PF: Popular Forces PZ: Helicopter Pick-up Zone Recon Platoon: Reconnaissance Platoon RIF: Reconnaissance in Force ROK: Republic of Korea SA: Situational Awareness SIGINT: Signal Intelligence SSM: Silver Star Medal STRIKE Force: 2d Battalion, 502d Infantry SVA: South Vietnamese Army TF: Task Force TOC: Tactical Operations Center USAV: United States Army Vietnam WIA: Wounded in Action WHA: Wounded by Hostile Action WNHA: Wounded by Non-Hostile Action “V”: Valor VC: Viet Cong

Prepared by: Ryan P. Niebuhr