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

Malcolm Shelby

BMCS Malcolm Shelby, USN (Ret.) passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 15, 2004. “Boats” served on T-111-11 in 1967. You may contact his family at: 12528 Ophella Dr., Pensacola, FL 32506

Roger Jensen

Roger Jensen passed away on February 11, 2004 in Hastings, MN. He served on the USS Benewah (APB-35) as the Executive Officer (LT/USN) in 1966-67.

Charles Lemmex

Charles served aboard the USS Askari (ARL-30) from March to August 1971. You may contact the family at: 5506 67th Avenue NE, Marysville, WA 98270-8865.

Charles Horowitz

Captain Charles Horowitz, ComRivRon NINE – 1966-67, passed away on June 10th after a long hard fought battle with cancer. You may contact his wife, Lee Horowitz, at: 18334 N. Sterling Drive, Surprize, AZ 85374 – (623) 556-9276

Click HERE to read what Al Breininger, Chief Staff Officer, RAD 91 has to say about his former Commanding Officer…

Mark M. Weachter, Sr.

Mark was a CTO3 with COMNAVFORV – TF-116/117 at Binh Thuy in 1971-72. He passed away on June 22, 2004.

Jon Boudreau

Jon Boudreau served in A-CO 3rd/47th 1966-1-68. You may contact Jon’s family at the following address: 35 Garrison Av. Somerville, MA. 02144 – (617) 776-2829

Ray Marshall

Ray Marshall was a member of RivRon 13 – 1968-69. He passed away on 02/02/04. You may contact his widow, Joyce Marshall, at: 2744 SW 82nd St, Oklahoma City, OK 73159-4743

Captain William Nation

Captain William Nation, (USN Ret.) was Commander TG 115.3 – 10-66/10-67. He passed away on 02/21/04. You may contact his daughter, Susan Hern, at: 10102 Pemcrest, San Antonio, TX 78240

Frank Haverchuck

Frank Haverchuck served with Co. C 15th Engineers in 1969. You may contact his sister, Ann Murtha, at: 800 Garfield St, Franklin Square, NY 11010-3726

Julian Curles

Julian Curles served on A-132-3 in 1968-69. He passed away on 05/11/04. You may contact his widow, Flora Curles, at: PO Box 27, Lowland, NC 28552

Autry Rogers Cumbie

Autry Cumbie, 61, passed away on January 28, 2004. He served with A Company, 2nd Battalion, 39th Infantry with the 9th Infantry Division during the Vietnam War and was highly decorated. You may contact his family at: 268 Ridge Dr., Saluda, NC 28773-9792.

Clyde Ramsey Huston III

Clyde Huston passed away May 20, 2004 due to heart failure. He served with Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 39th Infantry from July 1968 to July 1969.

Mike Kolanik

Mike served with the 162nd Assault Helicopter Company from April 1968 to September 1969. His family can be reached at: 235 Fieldstone Terrace #3L, Bronx, NY 10471-3064 – (718) 549-1508

Leo Schoenle, Jr.

Leo passed away on August 15, 2004. He served onboard the USS Askari (ARL-30) in 1966-67. You may contact his daughter, LeAnn, at the following address: 2024 Crestview Lane, Brainerd, MN 56401

Joe Ropel

Joe passed away on October 2, 2004. While in Vietnam Sgt Ropel served with E Company, 3/60th Infantry. Joe ran a booth at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in DC for years. He was on of the founder members of the MRFA. You may contact his sister, Chris, at the following address: 12 East Lampost Lane, Somerdale, NJ 08083

Alvin Rogers

Alvin passed away of a heart attack on October 12, 2004. He served with C Company 3/60th Infantry. You may contact Alvin’s family C/O Rhonda Rogers, 6895 South Broadway #21, Haysville, KS 67060

James E. Nyland

James passed away from a rare lung disease (cause unknown) on August 10th, 2004. He served on T-152-9 from 6/68 -6/69. You may contact his family C/O Mrs. Barbara Nyland, W1691 Hilltop Ln., Ixonia, WI. 53036 – bnyland@execpc.com Barbara says that “James enjoyed being a member of the MRFA and really enjoyed the newsletter.”

Charles L. Osment, Jr.

Charles passed away unexpectedly at home. He served in 4th Platoon, B Company 3/60th, 9th Infantry Division in 1966-1967. Charles is a Purple Heart recipient. You may contact the family C/O 47 Mound St. Canal Winchester, OH. 43110 – (614) 833-1698

Richard “Zero” Coontz

Dick passed away on October 20, 2004 after a long bout with heart problems and diabetes. He served on C-152-1 from August 1968 to August 1969 receiving the Purple Heart Medal. Dick is survived by his wife Jean and daughter Amber. You may contact the family at: 525 Jostes Rd, Rochester, IL 92563-9350 (217) 498-9530 – jcoontz11@msn.com

Joseph F. Longshaw

RMC Longshaw (USN Ret.) passed away on October 26, 2004. While in Vietnam he served with RAS 11 onboard A-111-4 and T-112-12 from 12/68 to 12/69. Joe was proud of his service in Vietnam and felt privileged to be designated as a “River Rat”. You may contact the family at: Addie Longshaw, RR-1 Box 55, Preston, MO 65732 – (417) 722-4637 – luddite@positech.net

Joe Mangan

Joe passed away November 4, 2004. While in Vietnam he served as a squad leader in Echo Company 3rd/60th, 9th Infantry Division from June 1967 to June 1968. Joe was a good man and will be missed by all. You may contact the family C/O Joe’s Brother: Tom Mangan, 194 Utica Street, Brockport, NY 14420 – (585) 637-7033

John Ward

John passed away on December 25, 2004 due to liver cancer. While in Vietnam he served with Bravo Company 3rd/60th, 9th Infantry Division from June – December 1967. After the war he moved to Springfield, Vermont. You may contact his loving wife, Jackie, and son Jerome at the following address: 115 South St., Springfield, VT 05156-3217

Raymond A. Lang

BMCS Raymond A. Lang, US Navy (Ret)., passed away Sunday January 23, 2005 due to complications with a brain tumor and lung cancer. Senior Chief Lang was a founding member and plank owner of the association. He will always be remembered for his winning smile and ways. Chief always carried himself in true military fashion, with dignity, and was always a delight to be around. He was one the few last remaining association members to have served in WWII, Korea and the Vietnam War. During the Vietnam war Chief Lang served as Boat Captain on Monitor 112-1 during 1967-68. Ray Lang served his country for 30 years with pride and distinction and will be missed by all his shipmates of the Brown Water Navy and Army. Chief Lang was one of the truly last old sailors of our life time he likes will never be seen again.. “Farewell BOATS!” You may contact the family C/O of his son: Ray Mikalauskas, 204 W. Cottesmore Cir., Longwood, FL 32770 – (407) 788-6609

Billy Scantlin

Mrs. Scantlin called to tell us that Billy Scantlin passed away January 27, 2005 after a long battle with cancer. He served on the USS Harnett County (LST 821) in 1969-70. The family may be contacted at: Rt 2 Box E Haskell, OK 74436 (918) 486-7531 (May Billy rest in peace)

George Lang

 

Medal of Honor recipient, Specialist (SPC) 4 George Lang, 57, passed away on March 16, 2005 due to cancer. George served with A Company/3rd Platoon, 4th/47th, 2nd Brigade under the 9th Infantry Division banner from August 1968 to February 1969. He was a humble man despite being recognized for “Conspicuous Gallantry and Intrepidity”. George became one of the most prominent historians regarding the “Medal of Honor” spending thousands of hours of research on the subject. He helped compile the two volume “Medal of Honor Recipients 1863-1994” that was published in 1995. Despite being in a wheelchair from wounds received during this own personal MOH heroism, George was always positive. You may contact his wife, Jacqueline, C/O: 3886 Clark St, Seaford, NY 11783-2101 Here is a tribute to Mr. Lang:

www.9thinfantrydivision.com/html/lang1.htm

Daniel Williams

Sergeant Major Daniel Williams passed away on February 25, 2005 due to a heart attack. While in Vietnam he was attached to the 62nd Transportation Group, 9th Infantry Division, delivering food, ammo and supplies to Bear Cat, Cu Chi, Tay Ninh, Dong Tam, Saigon and other locations. His unit was located at Long Binh and Saigon. You may contact his family C/O Ruth Williams, 286 S Dorset Apt. 202, Troy, OH 45373 – danruthwilliams@msn.com

Gerald Sturvist

Commander Gerald Sturvist, USN (Ret.), passed away on June 23, 2004. Cdr Sturvist was Chief of Staff for River Assault Squadron 15 in 1970. You may contact his family C/O: 39361 Red Rock Rd, Hubbel, MI 49934 – (906) 523-6225

Daniel Bien

Daniel Bien passed away on May 27, 2004. While in Vietnam he served with E Co, 50th Infantry as a LRRP from January 1968 to January 1969. You may contact his family C/O: Joyce Bien, 91S 500 West, Valparaiso, IN 46385-9036 (219) 464-8843

John “Jack” Hermann

Lieutenant Commander John Hermann, USN (Ret.) passed away on April 21, 2005 after a long bout with cancer. “Jack” was Commander River Division 92 during portions of 1967 and 1968. He was one of the founding members of the Mobile Riverine Force Association having been a Member since 1992. May our shipmate of many years rest in peace. You may contact his family C/O: Jane Hermann, P.O. Box 252, El Dorado, CA 95623 – (530) 620-8042 – oro@internet49.com

David Hackworth

Retired Army Colonel David Hackworth, a highly decorated Korean and Vietnam War veteran, died on May 4, 2005 in Tijuana, Mexico while he was receiving treatment for Bladder Cancer. He was 74 years old. David joined the Merchant Marine at the age of 14 and then the U.S. Army at 15 in 1946. At the age of 40 Mr. Hackworth became the youngest Colonel in the Vietnam War where he served for 6 years. He won 80 medals including 2 Distinguished Service Crosses, 10 Silver Star Medals and 8 Purple Hearts. The Colonel commanded the 4th Battalion, 39th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division during the Spring of 1969 in areas west of Dong Tam and Cai Lay. David wrote several books including “About Face” and “Steel My Soldiers Hearts”, which were centered around his command of the 4/39th in the Mekong Delta. May the Colonel rest in peace.

Walter Cullen

Walter Cullen served aboard Z-152-1 from August 1968 to July 1969. You may contact his wife, Kelly, at: 5356 27th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN -55417-1930 – Phone: ( 61) 721-5149

John Frank

John passed away on May 18, 2005. While in Vietnam he served with IUWG-1 / Unit 1 & 2. You may contact his wife, Carolyn, at: 36 Clancy St, Swansea, MA 02777-1902, 508-673-4870.

William Childs Westmoreland

Retired Gen. William Westmoreland, who commanded American troops in Vietnam – the nation’s longest, most divisive conflict and the only war America lost – died Monday night. He was 91.

Westmoreland died of natural causes at Bishop Gadsden retirement home, where he had lived with his wife for several years, said his son, James Ripley Westmoreland.

The silver-haired, jut-jawed officer, who rose through the ranks quickly in Europe during World War II and later became superintendent of West Point, contended the United States did not lose the conflict in Southeast Asia.

“It’s more accurate to say our country did not fulfill its commitment to South Vietnam,” he said. “By virtue of Vietnam, the U.S. held the line for 10 years and stopped the dominoes from falling.”

He would later say he did not know how history would deal with him.

“Few people have a field command as long as I did,” he said. “They put me over there and they forgot about me. But I was there seven days a week, working 14 to 16 hours a day.

“I have no apologies, no regrets. I gave my very best efforts,” he added. “I’ve been hung in effigy. I’ve been spat upon. You just have to let those things bounce off.”

Later, after many of the wounds caused by the divisive conflict began to heal, Westmoreland led thousands of his comrades in the November, 1982, veterans march in Washington to dedicate the Vietnam War Memorial.

He called it “one of the most emotional and proudest experiences of my life.”

William Childs Westmoreland was born near Spartanburg, S.C., on March 26, 1914, into a banking and textile family.

His love of uniforms began early.

He was an Eagle Scout and attended The Citadel for a year before transferring to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He graduated in 1936 and, during his senior year, held the highest command position in the cadet corps. Westmoreland saw action in North Africa, Sicily and Europe during World War II. He attained the rank of colonel by the time he was 30.

As commander of the 34th Field Artillery Battalion fighting German Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, he earned the loyalty and respect of his troops for joining in the thick of battle rather than remaining behind the lines at a command post.

He was promoted to brigadier general during service in the Korean War and later served in the Pentagon under Army Chief of Staff Maxwell Taylor.

Westmoreland became the superintendent of West Point in 1960 and, by 1964, was a three-star general commanding American troops in Vietnam.

After his tour in Vietnam, Westmoreland was promoted to Army chief of staff. He retired from active duty in 1972 but he continued to lecture and participate in veterans’ activities.

In later years, Westmoreland often spoke to Vietnam veterans’ groups, accepting invitations to visit veterans’ groups in all 50 states, his son “Rip” Westmoreland said.

“That became, in effect, his raison d’etre,” the son recalled. “He did have a point of view on Vietnam but he did not speak about that. He was not out there trying to justify anything. He was there looking at the veterans with his wonderful presence.

“He shied away from making money,” his son said. “That was primarily a function of him being old school, and he felt it was unsavory cashing in on his contacts. He actually had an agent at one point, and he fired the agent.”

Albert Moore said: “General Westmoreland had been a members of the MRFA since 1993 making him a plank owner and founding member. He also served in the 9th Infantry Division during WWII and was instrumental in reactivating the 9th Division to Vietnam.”

Rudy Mahanes

Rudy Mahanes passed away on July 18, 2005 at 10 PM. While in Vietnam Rudy served onboard T-131-12. His wife Martha states, “He was a good friend, good father to his son and a decent human being. He will be missed by all who had the honor of knowing him. Rudy’s ashes will be dispersed at sea.” Martha may be contacted at the following email address: rudymahanes@hotmail.com

David Davis

David Davis passed away on March 24, 2005. While in Vietnam he served with HHQ, E Company, 3/60th Infantry from June 1967 to June 1968. You may contact his wife Ingrid at the following address: 4534 Glenda Ln, Evans, GA 30809-3216 – (706) 860-3790

Leroy Thoreson

Leroy Thoreson Passed away from a massive heart attack on September 6, 2004. While in Vietnam he served on the USS Askari ARL-30 from December 1965 to October 1968. You may contact the family C/O Judy Thoreson at: 11930 46th St SE, Fingal, ND 58031 – (701) 924-8389

Roy Heilpern

Roy died on July 31, 2005 as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident. He was born in England, graduated from the University of Southern California and then became a commissioned officer in the United States Navy. He met his wife, Sally (Peterson) Heilpern in Long Beach California and married on September 8, 1962. They were married for 43 Happy and Adventurous years. Roy earned various medals while in the service, a Purple Heart, and The Bronze Star Combat “V” and other commendations.

Roy was known to all who knew and loved him as a true patriotic American who loved his country. He remained active with the Mobile Riverine Force Association. Roy was an active member of the work party responsible for restoring the Command Communications Boat (CCB-18) at the Vietnam Unit Memorial in Coronado, California. A tribute will be placed aboard the CCB-18 to honor Roy and his work. He will be missed by his many friends who had the honor and pleasure of working with him in restoring this important link to the history of the Mobile Riverine Force in Vietnam.

Roy was an avid skier and current President of Don Diego Ski Club. He loved to camp, RV, water ski, tell jokes, play tennis and spend time with family and friends. Roy will always be remembered for his boundless energy, enthusiasm and zest for life. Roy lived his life to the fullest. He was a devoted husband and father who will be truly missed by his wife Sally, daughters Keighm Bostian (Choyce II), Major Tracy Smith (Todd), and grandchildren Choyce III, Cody, Mallory, and Cassondra.

Dale Winkel

Dale served with C Co. 3rd/60th Infantry from January 1968 to January 1969. He passed away on February 14, 2004. You can contact his wife, DebbieWinkel, at: 5981 US Highway 45 S, Bruce Crossing, MI 49912-9138 – (906) 827-3734

Don P. Jackson

Member BMC Don Jackson (USN Ret.) passed away October 8, 2005 from Agent Orange cancer and was buried October 14th In Osterville, MA. Don was a plank owner of the MRFA and the Inshore Undersea Warfare Group –1 (IUWG-1). Don was a Man that when you meet him for the first time he impressed you with his kindness, and winning personality. He was a Man’s Man, and a sailor’s sailor and I do not know of one person who didn’t like him for the great person he was.

I remember how disappointed I was to hear Don couldn’t join us at the reunion this year, but I knew he had to do what he had to do to try to get rid of his sickness. I know from talking to him that he was putting up a good fight and was in pain, but he still had a chance to laugh once in a while and say that he was going to beat this thing and try to get to see you all at the next reunion.

Don was a great man, and a good friend, he served his country for many years and loved being a Navy man. He is going to be missed by his Extended family of Brothers in both the MRFA and IUWG-1 as well as our families. May he be sitting at the right hand of God in internal peace. Don has gone on before us to make a path for us to follow some day Like foot prints in the sand He will guide us home when our time comes, Don is now one of Gods Special Angles. May he rest in peace?

Jim Meehan

I served with Boats Don P. Jackson in 1968 and part of 1969 at IUWG-1 Det. 1/Vung Tau. Don Jackson was one of the best Sailors I ever had the honor and privilege to have served with. Not only was Don an outstanding Sailor, he was a true gentlemen and once a friend always a friend. My last words with Don was he was wanting to make the reunion in Ft. Mitchell if at all possible but due to the cancer it didn’t happen. He really loved the reunions and being with his fellow Vietnam Veterans. Don had been fighting Agent Orange related cancer for a number of years and he fought hard till the very end. He was a dear friend and will always remain so. You may contact the family C/O 87 Oakville Ave, Osterville, MA 02655 – (508) 428-3661. Don always told me, “Al-B once a Sailor always a Sailor”, and he was truly that.

Albert Moore

Glen Lee “Butch” Tennill

Glen lost his struggle with cancer on July 31, 2005. While in Vietnam he served as Boat Captain of T-91-6 from October 1967 to August 1968. He was proud of his two tours in Vietnam and was honorably discharged as a BM1. His wife, Sandra, stated the following, “My beloved husband was the bravest, most courageous, and honorable man I’ve ever known.” You may contact the family C/O Sandra Tennill, 104 Vivion Ln., Georgetown, TX 78626 – (512) 863-5952

Jimmy W. Young

Jimmy W. Young died in early December from a heart attack. He served with A Co, 2/47th, 9th I.D. from August 1967 to August 1968. Jimmy was in the 4th platoon. He leaves behind his wife Marie and daughter Audrey. His funeral will be at the Pace Funeral Home in Livingston, Texas on Wednesday December 14, 2005. You may contact the family at: P. O. Box 34, Livingston, Texas 77351

Edward Q. Castle

YNCS Edward Q. Castle, U.S. Navy (Ret.), Passed away recently. Senior Chief Castle served on ComRivFlot One Staff from March 1968 to March 1969. You may Contact the family at: 402 Kingsway Dr. E., Terrytown, LA, 70056 – (509) 393-1342

John Magriplis

Member John Magriplis passed away June 15, 2005. While in Vietnam John served in 3rd/34th Artillery – Riverine in 1968-69. You may contact the family at: Dispinia Magriplis, 3604 Anvers Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32210-5003 – (904) 771-9334

Curtis Hatterman

Curtis Hatterman passed away on December 14, 2005 of Lung Cancer. Curt served in Charlie Company 5/60th, 9th Infantry Division from 4/68 to 10/68. He then served in Charlie Company 1st/16th, 1st Infantry Division from 10/68 until 4/69. “Curt was a tireless worker for Vietnam Veterans. His enormous computer skills allowed him to reunite many veterans. He will be deeply missed. ” (William Metz 5th/60th).

Eugene P. Shawver

Eugene passed away on January 21, 2005. While in Vietnam he served as a Yeoman 3rd Class at Song Ong Doc. He was present during the destruction of the base in 1970, receiving shrapnel wounds to his legs and being awarded the Purple Heart Medal. Gene moved from base to base maintaining personnel records. He was married and had one son. At the time of his death he was working for the Coca Cola company.

George Johnson

MRFA Associate Member George Johnson passed away December 19, 2005 from cancer. Some of you may have purchased the small boat models George made for the association. George did an outstanding job on the models having never seen a boat except by photos. He built each boat by hand and took great pride in his work. George was a Korean War veteran having served and fought in Korea during war. He is survived by his widow Sharon Johnson. You may contact Sharon at: 1270 Barnham Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89104 – (702) 382-0507

Reverend Charles Kovich

Reverend Charles Kovich passed away on June 28, 2005. Doc served as a combat medic in B Company 3/60th 9th Infantry Division. Doc had a lifelong goal to become a priest, which he attained 6 years ago. You may contact his family at: Mrs. A Kovich, 167 Rear Chandler Avenue, Johnstown, PA 15906- (814)-539-6176

William Rose

Member William Rose passed away December 18, 2005. William served on the USS St Clair County (LST-1096) in 1965-66. You may contact the family at: Mrs. Ileana Rose, 213 Pearl Street (Gilboa), Ottawa, OH 45875-9774- ( 419) 456-3318

Sabino “Sam” Saavedra

Master Sergeant Sabino “Sam” Saavedra, U.S. Army (Ret.), passed away November 5, 2005. Sam served with C Company, 3/47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division in 1966-1967. You may contact the family at: Lupe Saavedra. 221 Pescara Way, Madera, CA 93638 – (559) 673-9550

Tom Spencer

Tom passed away August 28, 2005 following a courageous battle with cancer. He served in RID-43 in Vietnam from May 1970 to May 1971. Tom’s sister, Rebecca, informed us that Tom valued his friendships from his days with the Navy in Vietnam. You may contact his family at: Rebecca Spencer, Senior Minister, Central Congregational Church of Christ, 396 Angell Street, Providence, RI 02906 – (401) 331-1960

Bernard Harmon

Bernard passed away on April 4, 2005. While in Vietnam he served on the APL-55 with Naval Support Activity, Saigon from December 1967 to December 1968 . You may contact the family at: Phyllis Harmon, 312 Bosley Road, Sunbury, NC 27979 – (252) 465-4228

Freddy Shugart

Freddy passed away on November 17, 2004. While in Vietnam he served with Co C, 3/47th, 9th Infantry Division in 1967-68. Freddy was a Bronze Star w/V recipient. You may contact his wife, Ann, at: 1654 Resaca Lafayette Rd NW, Sugar Valley, GA 30746 – annshugart32@hotmail.com

George R. Leicht

GMG3 George R. “Dutch” Leicht passed away on March 28, 2005 of lung cancer. He served with aboard the USS Ajax (AR-6). Following his tour on the Ajax he served “in country” with Naval Support Activity, Vietnam. He was an avid outdoorsman and a good friend to all.

Michael Tramo

Michael Tramo passed away in May of 2004. While in Vietnam he served in B Co, 6th Battalion, 31st Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. You may contact the family at: 1039 Calhoun Ave., Bronx, NY. 10465 – (718) 829-0695

Dennis A. Gershman

Dennis passed away in September 2004 due to exposure to Agent Orange and other related Illnesses. He served on the USS Harnett County (LST-821) in Vietnam while attached to Task Force 116 from 1967-68. Dennis was very proud of his Navy service. Especially his time on the Harnett County and his time in the Brown Water Navy. He was proud and honored to have served his country. Dennis had been a Member of your association and that’s how I found your e-mail address through a copy of a past newsletter. If anyone would like to contact me please do so at: James Gershman, 230 Ringneck Ave, Indiana, PA 15701 (724) 463-8812) E-mail SYCAMOREINN@WEBTV.NET

Fred L. Kalles

BM1 Fred L. Kalles (USN Ret.) passed away on May 21, 2004. While in Vietnam he served with River Assault Squadron 15, River Assault Division 152 onboard T-152-12. At the time of this post this is all the information we have available.

Thomas I. Lucas

SF1 Thomas I. Lucas (USN Ret.) passed away on August 6, 2004. While in Vietnam he served on the USS Benewah (APB-35).

Charles W. Starck

IC2 Charles W. Starck passed away on August 21, 2004. While in Vietnam he served on the USS Benewah (APB-35).

Kay R. Evans

LTJG Kay R. Evans passed away in September 2004. While in Vietnam he served on the USS Benewah (APB-35).

Charles R. Caverly

BT3 Charles R. Caverly passed away December 9, 2005. While in Vietnam he served with River Assault Squadron 9, River Assault Division 92 onboard A-92-3 from 1968 to 1969.

Raymond G. Phoebus

GMG3 Raymond G. Phoebus passed away on January 28, 2005. While in Vietnam he served with River Assault Squadron 9, River Assault Division 91 onboard A-91-1 in 1968-69.

Clyde J. Ray

Clyde J. Ray, BM3, passed away on May 10, 2004. While in Vietnam he served with River Assault Squadron 11 – River Assault Division 111 onboard A-111-3.

Thomas Ivan Lucas

Thomas Ivan Lucas, SFC (USN Ret.), passed way on August 6, 2004. While in Vietnam he served onboard the USS Benewah in 1966-67.

Charles W. Stark

Charles W. Stark, IC2, passed away on August 21, 2004. While in Vietnam he served onboard the USS Benewah in 1966-67.

Samuel E. Davis

Samuel E. Davis, BM1, passed away on February 18, 2005. While in Vietnam he served with River Assault Squadron 15.

Raymond G. Phoebus

Raymond G. Phoebus, BM3, passed away on January 28, 2005. While in Vietnam he served with River Assault Squadron 9 – River Assault Division 91 onboard A-91-1.

James C. Janssen

James C. Janssen, BM2, passed away on September 30, 2005. While in Vietnam he served with a River Assault Squadron/Division, but at this time we are not sure which unit.

James A. Krone

James A. Krone, BM2, passed away on October 17, 2005. While in Vietnam he served with River Assault Squadron 9 – River Assault Division 92.

Donald D. Warren

Member Donald D. Warren passed away on May 16, 2005. While in Vietnam he served with River Assault Squadron 9 – River Assault Division 91 onboard T-91-2 from June 1967 to June 1968.

David Earl Dawley

David Earl Dawley passed away on April 24, 2005. While serving in Vietnam he was a Boiler Tech 3rd Class (BT3) onboard the USS Mercer (APB-39) from 1968 to 1969. You may contact the family c/o his son: Ty Dawley, 1629 Jay St. Wheat Ridge, Colorado 80214 – ty.dawley@gmx.us

Paul E. Bellmore

Paul E. Bellmore passed away on May 30, 2004. While in Vietnam he served aboard the USS Hickman County (LST-825) from June 1968 to June 1969. After his tour Paul attended Corpsman School in Philadelphia and then returned to Vietnam to serve a 2nd tour of duty aboard the USS Sanctuary (AH-17) in 1970-71. You may contact the family C/O: Michael Bellmore, 5 Ingram St., Hamden, CT 06517-1835 – (203) 288-4014 – mabellmore@gmail.com

William Mammes

William Mammes passed away on May 12, 2004. While in Vietnam he served 3rd Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division.

Lloyd A. Dillavou

Lloyd A. Dillavou passed away on May 1, 2005. While in Vietnam he served with River Assault Squadron 9 – River Assault Division 92 as Boat Captain of R-92-1. You may contact the family C/O: Paula Dillavou, 8859 Lakeview Rd, Lakeside, CA 92040

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.