May-June 2016, Issue 67 See all issues at the 503rd PRCT Heritage Battalion website: Contact: [email protected] http://corregidor.org/VN2-503/newsletter/issue_index.htm ~ 2/503d Photo of the Month ~ “First In” Paratroopers of the 2/503 arrive Bien Hoa AFB, RVN on 5 May 65 as the first U.S. ground combat force to enter the war. [Photo by LTC George Dexter, (COL Ret.), Bn Cmdr 2/503. See more from the Colonel’s ‘65/’66 photo collection on Pages 69-70] 2/503d VIETNAM Newsletter / May-June 2016 – Issue 67 Page 1 of 100 We Dedicate this Issue of Our Newsletter in Memory of the Men of the 173d Airborne Brigade We Lost 50 Years Ago in the Months of May & June 1966 “Dear soldier, I am writing this to express my undying gratefulness for your willingness to serve the Land of the Free. You gave the supreme sacrifice, being struck down in battle, protecting your country. Our generation has not forgotten you and the generations to come will not forget either. Thank you and God bless.” Jordan Meiss Darrell Wayne Martinson, A/2/503, 5/2/66 Jimmy LaVerne Williams, B/1/503, 5/17/66 “The last picture I have of my “I am very proud and honored to nephew he is holding my newborn call this man my uncle Jimmy. He is daughter of three weeks. Little did my father's big brother. And I grew I know that it would represent the up with his images hanging in our beginning and ending of life. He house, but only as an adult did I was a fine young man and served begin to understand how important his country as his father did.” he was to our family and to our Birdie Bagley Westerdahl country. Named in his honor, my younger brother bears his name, and now my 4 year old nephew is also Jimmy L. Williams. Uncle Jimmy is Leslie Cowper not forgotten, and never will be. Not only do I honor NZN Nurse, 5/2/66 my uncle, but all veterans who sacrifice so much for us all.” Sylvia Williams Allen Morgan Garrett, B/1/503, 5/17/66 “I remember you, the platoon and that day. It was very difficult for all of us. I wish you could have made it. RIP.” Randy Cesani John Edward McMahan, B/1/503, 5/5/66 "’Mac’ was assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 503d Infantry, 173d William E. Walters Airborne Brigade. He was killed on B/1/503, 5/17/66 Operation Dexter about 20 minutes flying time from our Base at Bien Hoa. We were operating in a remote jungle area, away from any VN settlements; I think it was within ‘D Zone.’ We were honored to have served Johnny Harrison, B/1/503, 5/17/66 with him.” Larry Dacunto (Virtual Wall states A/1/503) Richard Michael Patrick, B/1/503, 5/17/66 Richard William Bullock, B/1/503, 5/17/66 “My Grandfather (Richard ‘Dick’ “I looked up your name every time I went to the The Patrick) has passed Mike's medals Wall. You were near my machine gun position when on to me. I'm in the process of you took hits from enemy fire on HIll 72 that late collecting and creating a shadow afternoon when we were ambushed by a regiment of box memorial for our family. It's VC and NVA. I remembered you when you said you taken the family many years, but used to include us in your daily prayers. I will never there is a renewed interest in Uncle forget how you fought to stay alive, saying that the Mike and his life and tragic death Lord will not let you die, because you believed in the (now that we can more freely talk about it without Lord. You and my other brother Paratrooper Tony tearful hearts). We remember him and wish he were Dedman died that day on Hill 72.” here, but Providence didn't grant us that time. For all A US Paratrooper of The Herd that remember Mike we hope the photos will bring back good memories of a truly courageous young (continued….) man.” Kirk Coppinger 2/503d VIETNAM Newsletter / May-June 2016 – Issue 67 Page 2 of 100 Walter L. Burroughs, B/1/503, 5/17/66 Felix Esparza, Jr., B/1/503, 5/17/66 “It was my privilege to serve as “Even though mom was pregnant bugler, and to play ‘Taps’ at the with me and she did not even know gravesite services for Walter when he at the time, you were in Vietnam. You was laid to rest with full military did not make it home and months honors at Maple Grove Cemetery, later I was born. I am blessed because North Lewisburg, Champaign County, God chose me to be your little sister. Ohio, in 1966. Walt was the first I love you with all my heart and wish Champaign County casualty of the Viet you were physically here with us, but Nam War. The town turned out in full force to pay him I am so proud of you. We all love you and your legacy the respect and honor he deserved.” lives on through us. My beautiful brother my hero my Ralph Lowell Coleman, Jr. love for you will never end.” Mark Villalobos Artis Wesley Anderson, B/1/503, 5/17/66 Hosea Dennis Adam, B/1/503, 5/18/66 “What a special, joy-filled brother you were! Edward Hamilton, HHB/3/319, 5/17/66 Whenever, I needed a smile or even a shoulder to cry on, whenever, I needed a friend, there you were with some foolishness that would dissolve my woes into giggles. It was impossible to be with you and not have fun. I'll never forget that wild night Alice and I met you at Stillwell, or hanging out on the beach, dining at Oyama, all those nights you saw me safely home, goofing on the base bus, that time we ‘ghosted’ at the Hilltop in Fatema, the night you and the fellas made me an honorary member of E/17 Cav, all the Akadama wine we drank, all the movies we saw, all the games we attended, all the house parties, all the laughs! The war didn't become real to me until I read your name on the Stars & Stripes casualty list. Loosing you changed my entire perspective of the war and life in general. That was the day the Captain's little All- “This photo is of my Brother, Sgt. Edward Hamilton, American girl went from gung-ho to ‘Stop the war 173rd Airborne, United States Army. My brother was now!’ Who'd have thought someone so young, so vital KIA in Vietnam May 17, 1966, and was from Tampa, could be gone in an instant? Thought I'd never smile Florida. This is the best photo I have of my brother. again, but I do. When I remember the sweet, funny, Still missing him.” His Sister, Cindy Underwood protective big brother I never had, I do. I smile Tony Dedman, B/1/503, 5/17/66 whenever I remember those golden days on The Rock when we were young and invincible. And I'm still Kenneth Eugene Duncan consumed with laughter at the sight of a Brazil nutre B/1/503, 5/17/66 calling our private joke.” Lona Maney Harris Kenny Wayne Bullard A/1/503, 5/19/66 “It is our job to remember.” (continued….) ~ Mark Carter 173d LRRP, E-17th Cav 2/503d VIETNAM Newsletter / May-June 2016 – Issue 67 Page 3 of 100 Michael Raymond Kiehl, A/1/503, 5/19/66 Jack Elroy Gardner, A/1/503, 5/20/66 “My brother Mike was such a kind “When we meet next in heaven, and happy person, loving and loved I want another hug. Love, your sister, by all who knew him. He believed in Mary.” Mary Vacalady his country and he believed in God. He knew the evils of war, but he believed in his country enough to make this the ultimate sacrifice so that we could have continued freedom. May God bless all who read and remember my brother not so much as a hero, which he was, but as a loving and kind and genuine human being. Mike was my brother and also my friend. In his last year of high school, Mike played taps during a halftime performance with the marching band at an El Capitan High School football game, which became sadly prophetic a few short years later. To this day, my heart stops whenever I hear taps played. I miss you Mike, and I know you are with Jesus now, no longer in pain or want. Someday I am coming too. Say hi to dad for us.” Ellen Thompson Carter Redmond, A/1/503, 5/20/66 March 1966. Jack Elroy Gardner, holding his brother, “Redmond. You were a very quiet Joel Wayne Gardner. soldier when I knew you. I think of you and Moore daily and keep both Robert Louis Guerin, A/1/503, 5/21/66 of you constantly in my heart. Rest “My name is Henry J. Garcia. I now my brothers in the presence of knew Robert in Viet-Nam, he was my our lord Jesus Christ.” trainer and I was his replacement for Jesus Peralta, A-1/503 173 Abn our unit, A CO 1-503 Infantry 3rd platoon 3rd squad 173 Airborne. He Gilliam Moore, A/1/503, 5/20/66 was shot the same day I was wounded, “Happy Memorial Day Dad.