Those gone but not forgotten

This page is dedicated to the memory of our deceased MRFA members

Our prayers and best wishes go out to those left behind. The Brothers and Sisters of the Mobile Riverine Force Association wish the departed fair winds and following seas and our thoughts will always be with you….

TAPS Tribute to a Fallen One

Michael Yates

Member Michael Yates passed away on January 12, 2017.  Michael served on the USS Epperson (DD-719) from 1960-63.  You may contact the Family C/O: Joyce Yates, 3047 Saint Ann St., Owensboro, KY 42303-6349.

Louis De Old
   

Member Louis “Lou” De Old passed away from a cancer related illness on January 22, 2017.  While in Vietnam he served with Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division from August 1966 to November 1967.  You may contact the Family C/O: Craig De Old, 26 Dixfield St., South Boston, MA 02127 – cdeold@gmail.com

Francis M. Convery Sr.

Francis M. “Fran” Convery Sr. passed away on January 20, 2017.  While in Vietnam he served with Delta Company, 3rd Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division from March 1968 to March 1969).  You may contact the Family C/O:  Linda Convery, 4126 E Howell St, Philadelphia, PA 19135-3940

Woodrow Sweeney

Shipmate Woodrow Sweeney passed away in early February 2017.  While in Vietnam he  served onboard the USS White River (LSMR-526) from October 1966 to August 1969 as a 2nd Class Shipfitter.  You may contact the Family C/O: 12371 George Drive, Brooksville, FL 34613

Patrick Thomas Phillips

Member Patrick Thomas Phillips passed away on March 6, 2017.  While in Vietnam he served with River Assault Squadron 11 – River Assault Division 112 – onboard A-112-3 from May 1966 to December 1968.  You may contact the Family C/O:  Carolyn Phillips, 303 Henryville Bluelick Rd, Henryville, IN 47126-8587 – (812) 294-3464

Cliff Watts

Member Cliff Watts passed away on April 17. 2017 from complications due to pneumonia.  While in Vietnam he served onboard the USS White River (LSMR-536) from October 1965 to March 1968 as an Enginemen 2nd Class.  Cliff was a long time member of the M.R.F.A.  You may contact the Family C/O:  Alice Watts, 368 Connor Cir., Evans, GA 30809 – (706) 738-7640 – cliff.watts@yahoo.com

William J. Arbogast

William J. Arbogast passed away on March 20, 2017.  While in Vietnam he served as a BM2 with River Assault Squadron 13 – River Assault Division 131 onboard Tango-131-5 and then with River Assault Interdiction Division 72 (RAID-72) from March 1969 to March 1970.  You may contact the Family C/O: Cynthia Arbogast, 5825 Teakwood Ln N Apt H, Minneapolis, MN 55442-1595

 

Ted F. Fetting
   

Member Ted F. Fetting passed away on April 1, 2017.  While in Vietnam he served with Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division from October 1967 to February 1968.  At the time of his death Ted was residing in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.

Gary Lee Covey

Member Gary Lee Covey passed away on April 17, 2017.  While in Vietnam he served with River Assault Squadron 13 – River Assault Division 131/132 onboard A-132-3 and Z-131-1 from August 1968 to July 1969.  You may contact the Family C/O:  Rebecca Covey, 13437 E Chapel Rd, Solsberry, IN 47459-6012 – (812) 825-9645 – recovey@indiana.edu

Richard Pisacreta

Member Richard “Rip” Pisacreta passed away on June 9, 2017.  While in Vietnam he served on the USS White River (LSMR-536) from December 1966 to December 1968.  You may contact the Family C/O: Larraine Pisacreta, 4100 Coit Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525-2128 – (616) 361-9346.

“Without a doubt one of the most interesting and funniest people I have had the great pleasure of knowing and an absolutely incredible storyteller. He will be missed.” – Brother Bill Brennan.

John R. Vetter

MRFA member John R. Vetter passed away on April 8th, 2017.  While in Vietnam he served as an Electrician’s Mate at the Naval Support Activity, Danang from November 1966, to September 1968.  You may contact the Family in C/O of Wife: Susan M. Vetter, 386 Camellia Ct., Freeport, Fl. 32439

Gregory Rockow

Member Greg Rockow passed away on January 27, 2017.  While in Vietnam he served onboard the USS Harnett County (LST-821) in 1968 and 1969.  You may contact the Family in C/O: Lila Rockow, 510 W Sheppard St., Dows, IA 50071-2005 – (515) 852-4186

John Jerry Ortega Sr.

Member John Jerry Ortega Sr. passed away on February 10, 2017.  While in Vietnam he served with River Assault Squadron 11 – River Assault Division 112 onboard T-112-2 in 1968-69.  You may contact the Family C/O: Daughter Carol Ortega Schlottman, 316 Elmwood Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80907-4317 – edschlottman@aol.com

Dr. Harry Reed Jackson

Dr. Harry Reed Jackson passed away on July 1, 2017.  While in Vietnam he served with Charlie Battery, 1st Battalion, 84th Artillery, 9th Infantry Division from July 1967 to July 1968).  You may contact the Family C/O: Lawanda Jackson, 1778 Chadwick Ct, Hixson, TN 37343-2371 – BonnyOaks44@comcast.net

“He was a counselor at the Chattanooga Vet Center. His Vietnam ‘Buddies’ will certainly miss him.” – MRFA Member Allen Ray Moore

Robert H. Stoner

Member GMCM Robert H. Stoner (USN Ret.) passed away on March 1, 2017.  While in Vietnam he was stationed on the USS Nueces (APB-40) from February 1969 to October 1969 when the ship returned to CONUS after the MRF TF-117 was disestablished on August 25, 1969.  In December 1969 Robert received orders to Boat Support Unit ONE where he was posted in the Armory to be trained on the use of several new weapons platforms.  From there he was sent to Mobile Support Team TWO – Detachment “Charlie” at SEAFLOAT from May – November 1970 until the Detachment stood down and rotated home to the U.S.  You may contact the family c/o Joan Whitmer, 4444 N Brendenwood Rd, Apt 318, Rockford, IL 61107-2268

Albert Houston Benge

Member LCDR Albert Houston Benge (USN Ret.) passed away on May 27, 2017.  While in Vietnam he served as Commander River Assault Division 92 (ComRivDiv 92) in 1967.  You may contact the Family C/O: Kathryn Benge, 523 N Key Blvd, Midwest City, OK 73110-5825, 405-707-0655 – katylee1936@gmail.com

Monte Fred Marten

Member Monte Fred Marten passed away on June 11, 2017.  While in Vietnam he served in with Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 39th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division from April 1968 to April 1969. You may contact the Family C/O: Kaye Marten, 5203 W Sherwood Rd, Norfolk, NE 68701-1323 – 402-371-7579

Erick C. Louma

Member Erick C. Luoma (USN Ret.) passed away on July 30, 2017.  While in Vietnam he served onboard the White River (LSMR-536) from October 1965 October 1968.  You may contact the Family C/O: Janet Luoma, 1913 Gambels Way, Santa Rosa, CA 95403-8952 – 707-576-1256

John Edward Nielsen

Member John Edward Nielsen passed away on July 17, 2017.  While in Vietnam he served with Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 39th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division from April 1968 to April 1970.  You may contact the Family C/O his daughter: Becky Stull, 368 Garrison Cemetery Ln, Cookeville, TN 38501-9309

Kenneth E. Jackson

Member Kenneth E. Jackson passed away on August 25, 2017.  While in Vietnam he served with Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division from January 1968 to  January 1969.  You may contact the Family C/O:  Mary Jackson, 447 N Russell St., West Baden Springs, IN 47469-9657 –  (812) 936-9766 – kenandmary@bluemarble.net

Larry Dean West

Member Larry Dean West passed away on August 11, 2017.  While in Vietnam he served with 2nd Battalion, 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division from January 1968 to December 1968.  You may contact the Family C/O:  Carol Ann Sprague West, 1308 SW Orchard Ave, Gresham, OR 97080-9645 – (503) 667-3498

Anyone that knew Larry please contact Jerry Kawecki B Co. 3rd/47th Inf., 503-667-7903 – kawecki0277@comcast.net

David P. Justin

Member Lt. David P. Justin passed away on July 30, 2017.  While in Vietnam he served with Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division from December 1966 to November 1967.  Dave was known to his friends as “P. Diddy” or “Prospector Dave“.  At the time of his passing he resided in Chicago, IL.

 Robert Stucka

Member BMCM (SW) Robert Stucka (USN Ret) passed away on August 3, 2017.  While in Vietnam he served with River Assault Squadron 9 – River Assault Division 91 onboard M-91-2 and A-91-5 from November 1967 to October 1968. At the time of his passing, he resided in Clearwater, FL.

Corwin Allan Bell

Member CDR Corwin Allan Bell (USN Ret.) passed away on August 22, 2017.  While in Vietnam served with the River Assault and Interdiction Division 72 as Senior Advisor from March 1969 to March 1970.  Corwin is the author of “Sea Story!” & Other Sketches – Memories and Musings from a Life of Adventure”.  You may contact the Family C/O:  Marla Bell, 7633 Hazard Center Dr., San Diego, CA 92108-4502 – (619) 293-0010

Cecil Harvey Martin

Lt. Cecil Harvey Martin (USN Ret.) passed away on September 18, 2017. While in Vietnam he served as a Boat Captain with PBR River Division 531. Cecil earned the Navy Cross Medal as a Mineman 1st Class (MN1) while his unit was serving at Rach Soi south of Rach Gia. He was a Mustang Officer advancing himself up to the rank of Lieutenant before he retired. On March 12, 2010 Martin Hall was dedicated in Cecil’s name at the Mineman Warfare Training Center in San Diego, California. Cecil is survived by his wife Kazuko.

“I knew Cecil through the years as my T-152-1 boat was down at Rach Soi along with T-152-10. He was not only a hero, but a stand-up citizen in his community. Cecil won several awards for his wildlife carvings.” – Mike Harris

Paul Nace

Member Paul Nace passed away on March 16, 2017.  While in Vietnam he served onboard the USS Colleton (APB-36) from September 1968 to November 1969.  You may contact the Family C/O: Sally Jackson, 30 Old Nugent Farm Rd, Gloucester, MA 01930-3167 – jackson@jackson-co.com

Peter Petersen

Member Colonel (Dr.) Peter Petersen (USA Ret.) passed away on October 18, 2017.  While in Vietnam during his first tour of duty he served as an Army Special Forces Green Beret in 1962-63.  During his second tour he served as Commanding Officer of the 3rd Battalion, 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division River Raiders from November 1968 to August 1969.  You may contact the Family C/O:  Janet Petersen, 925 Wood Haven Ln SW, Vero Beach, FL 32962-6970 – (772) 562-4890 – janetpetersen8@yahoo.com.  Pete loved the troops and how much he thought of their courage and perseverance.  He would do anything for them.  He’ll be sorely missed by his family.

David A. White

Member David A. White passed away on September 9, 2017.  While in Vietnam he served with Task Force 116 – River Division 593 from June 1968 to March 1969.  You may contact the Family C/O: Deborah White 122 Briarwood Dr. Killen, AL 35645 – dawhite5348@bellsouth.net

Jasper Northcutt
    

Member Jasper Northcutt passed away on November 12, 2017.  While in Vietnam he served as a platoon leader with Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 47th Infantry (Mech), 9th Infantry Division from November 1966 to January 1968.  Jasper enjoyed the reunions and the trips to DC and the friendship and brotherhood that everyone shared.  You may contact the Family C/O:  Avis N. Huizar, 393 RS County Rd 1274, Emory, TX 75440-6965 – avishuizar@yahoo.com

Lucien E. Bolduc Jr.
   

Member Major General Lucien E. “Blackie” Bolduc Jr. (USA Ret.) passed away on November 30, 2017.  While in Vietnam he served as Commander with 3rd Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division from February 1967 to January 1968).  General Bolduc was a very large part of the Mobile Riverine Force Association since our beginning and up to his passing.  He was liked and respected with honor by everyone who knew him especially those who served under him in Vietnam and those who met him at our reunions.  Blackie really fit the description of an “Officer and Gentleman”.  Some have told me he was hard as a battalion commander, but had to be and he got results.  Hard but fair.  General Bolduc served his country in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam with honor, pride and distinction. Recently one General Officer told me General Bolduc was a great Officer and leader of men.  He is the last of the Battalion Commanders of the 2nd Brigade 9th Infantry Division.  The General will be strongly missed by all hands Army and Navy alike. General Bolduc was one of the best of his and our generation.  May he rest in peace. Happy Trails General Blackie Bolduc.

Frederick H. Miller Jr.

Member Frederick H. Miller Jr. passed away on October 17, 2017.  While in Vietnam he served with River Assault Squadron 9 – River Assault Division 92 onboard T-92-2 from November 1968 to November 1969. You may contact the Family C/O: Amy Miller, 143 E 57th St, Tulsa, OK 74105-7714 – catsend@sbcglobal.net

George Richard Hart

Member George Richard Hart passed away on December 18, 2017.  While in Vietnam he served with 3rd Battalion, 39th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division from March 1966 to June 1967.  You may contact the Family C/O: Maria Carfora Hart, 284 Buttercup Ln, Newport News, VA 23602-6812

Richard E. Nelson

Member Richard E. “Doc” Nelson (USN Ret.) passed away from declining health issues on December 25, 2017.  Richard served his country in the Navy for 22 years. While in Vietnam he was attached to Task Force 117 Staff as a Corpsman with River Assault Squadron 15 from May 1969 to May 1970. Richard was credited with saving LT Tom Kelly’s (MOH) life during an ambush on June 15, 1969. At the time of his passing he resided in the Georgia War Veterans Home in Milledgeville, Georgia. You may contact MRFA Member Frank Jones for more information papsaroni@sbcglobal.net.

Anthony Hector Perry III

Member Anthony Hector Perry III passed away on January 25, 2017.  While in Vietnam he served with in the Army with MMA Detachment 2 from June 1968 to April 1970.  At the time of his passing, he resided in Parkesburg, PA.

Franklin Johnson

Member Franklin Johnson passed away on November 22, 2017.  While in Vietnam he served with River Assault Squadron 11 – River Assault Division 111 onboard on T-111-8 from October 1966 to December 1967.  You may contact the Family C/O: Doris Johnson, 3358 Trinity Dr, Springfield, MO 65803-6164

Phillip H. Mercurio

Member Phillip H. Mercurio passed away on May 1, 2017.  He served onboard the USS Colleton (APB-36) from September 1948 to July 1952.  At the time of his passing, he resided in Dayton, Ohio.

John Edward Madison

Member John Edward Madison passed away on November 23, 2017.  While in Vietnam he served with Bravo Company, 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division.  You may contact the Family C/O: Sylvia Madison, 1205 Lake Glad Rd, Wendell, NC 27591-9651 – (919) 333-5014 – smsmi95@gmail.com

Dennis Kelleher

Member Dennis Kelleher passed away on August 25, 2017.  While in Vietnam he served with Task Force 117 from 1968 to 1969.  Dennis was residing in Suffolk, VA, at the time of his passing.

Norman C. Wilkinson Jr.

Member Norman C. Wilkinson Jr. passed away on September 20, 2017. While in Vietnam he served in Bravo Company, 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division from March 1967 to March 1968. You may contact the Family C/O: Patricia Wilkinson, PO Box 4144, 115 Cover Cir, Delaware City, DE 19706-4144 – (302) 834-9017

John E. Swart

Member BMC John E. Swart (USN Ret.) passed away on March 11, 2017.  While in Vietnam he served with River Assault Squadron 13 – River Assault Division 132  onboard T-132-1 from April 1968 to April 1969.  John served in the Navy for 28+ years. He was living in Bon Aqua, TN at time of his passing.  You may contact the Family C/O his wife: Darlene, 7084 Hwy 100, Bon Aqua, TN 37025-1384 – (615) 804-5415.

John Winston Young

Member John W. Young passed away on August 22, 2017.  While in Vietnam he served with Charlie Company, 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division from January 1967 to January 1968.  He also served a second tour of duty in Vietnam.

Herman Murphy

Member Herman Murphy passed away on April 7, 2017.  While in Vietnam he served onboard the USS Benewah (APB-35) from November 1967 to December 1968.

George Queen

BMCM (SW) George Queen (USN Ret.) passed away on November 2, 2017.  While in Vietnam he served onboard the USS Benewah (APB-35) from April 1967 to November 1967.  Chief Queen was residing in Randallstown, MD at the time of his passing

George Holsey Sikes

Member George H. Sikes passed away on August 5, 2017.  While in Vietnam he served with Charlie Company, 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division from January to September 1969.  George was living in Iberia, LA at the time of his passing.  He is survived by his wife, Joyce, and several children.

A Soldier Died Today

Written by A. Lawrence Vaincourt
www.vaincourt.homestead.com

He was getting old and paunchy
And his hair was falling fast,
And he sat around the Legion,
Telling stories of the past.

Of a war that he once fought in
And the deeds that he had done,
In his exploits with his buddies;
They were heroes, every one.

And ‘tho sometimes, to his neighbors
His tales became a joke,
All his buddies listened,
For they knew whereof he spoke.

But we’ll hear his tales no longer
For old Bill has passed away,
And the world’s a little poorer,
For a soldier died today.

He will not be mourned by many,
Just his children and his wife.
For he lived an ordinary
And quite uneventful life.

He held a job and raised a family,
Quietly going his own way,
And the world won’t note his passing,
Though a soldier died today.

When politicians leave this earth,
Their bodies lie in state,
While thousands note their passing
And proclaim that they were great.

Papers tell of their life stories,
From the time that they were young,
But the passing of a soldier
Goes unnoticed, and unsung.

Is the greatest contribution
To the welfare of our land,
A guy who breaks his promises
And cons his fellow man?

Or the ordinary fellow who,
In times of war and strife,
Goes off to serve his Country
And offers up his life?

The politician’s stipend
And the style in which he lives,
Are sometimes disproportionate
To the service that he gives.

While the ordinary soldier,
Who offered up his all,
Is paid off with a medal
And perhaps, a pension small.

It’s so easy to forget them
For it was so long ago,
That the old Bills of our Country
Went to battle, but we know,

It is not the politicians
With their compromise and ploys,
Who won for us the freedom
That our Country now enjoys.

Should you find yourself in danger,
With your enemies at hand,
Would you want a politician
With his ever-shifting stand?

Or would you prefer a soldier,
Who has sworn to defend
His home, his kin and Country
And would fight until the end?

He was just a common soldier
And his ranks are growing thin,
But his presence should remind us
We may need his like again.

For when countries are in conflict,
Then we find the soldier’s part
Is to clean up all the troubles
That the politicians start.

If we cannot do him honor
While he’s here to hear the praise,
Then at least let’s give him homage
At the ending of his days.

Perhaps just a simple headline
In a paper that would say:
Our Country is in, mourning,
For a soldier died today.