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

A Soldier Died Today

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

Harold S. Lee

Member Petty Officer 1st Class Harold S. Lee (USN Ret.) passed away on January 10, 2022.  While in Vietnam onboard the USS Krishna (ARL-38) from January- December 1969.  Harold is survived by his wife Verna

Daniel Diamond

Member Daniel Diamond passed away in January 2022.  While in Vietnam he served as a GMG onboard the USS White River (LSMR-536) from July 1968  to May 1970. – “Dan attended many MRFA Reunions over the years and I am sure he enjoyed them immensely.” – Shipmate Bill Brenna

Samuel Erskine Ferguson III

Member Samuel “Sam” Erskine Ferguson III passed away on January 18, 2022.  His exposure to Agent Orange caused his progressive neurological disorder.  While in Vietnam he served with Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division from January to October 1968.  Sam is survived by his wife Michele

Johnny Lee Nelson

Member Johnny Lee Nelson passed away on February 1, 2022 following a long 3 year battle with Urothelial Bladder Cancer due to Agent Orange.  While in Vietnam he served onboard the APL-26, a non-propelled Barracks Ship.  Johnny is survived by his wife Linda. – “He always enjoyed reading the magazine and was a very proud Member of your organization.” – Lind

Lesley E. Simons

Former Member Lesley E. Simons passed away in early February 2020.  While in Vietnam he served with River Assault Squadron 13, River Assault Division 131 onboard T-131-4 from March to July 1969

Roy Dillard Spivey Jr.

Member Roy Dillard Spivey Jr. passed away on January 4, 2022.  While in Vietnam he served with Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division from March 1967 to March 1968.  He is survived by his wife Nancy

Wade Tesar

Member Captain Wade Tesar (USN Ret.) passed away on February 12, 2022.  While in Vietnam he served with Naval Support Activity, Danang from June 1968 to June 1969.  Wade is survived by his wife of 29 years Denise

Ronald W. Ramsey

Former Member Ronald W. Ramsey passed away in February 2022.  While in Vietnam he served onboard the USS White River (LSMR-536) as a LTJG Weapons Officer from October 1965 to August 1967.  He is survived by his wife Marilyn.

Stanley H. Lambert

Member Stanley H. Lambert passed away on March 15, 2022.  While in Vietnam he served onboard the USS Mark (AKL-12) as a Yeoman and 20mm gunner from October 1970 to July 1971.  Stan was preceded in death by his beloved wife Lena

Patrick F. Ryan
 

Former Member Patrick F. “Pat” Ryan (USN Ret.) passed away on April 25, 2022.  While in Vietnam he served with River Assault Squadron 11 – Division 112 onboard T-112-10 & 11 in 1967.  Pat served 20 years in the U.S. Navy and is survived by his spouse Charlotte

Michael R. Holcomb

Member Michael R. Holcomb passed away suddenly at his home on May 5, 2022.  While in Vietnam he served with River Assault Squadron 9 – River Assault Division 91 onboard T-91-5, the “Delta Queen”, as a Plankowner from October 1966 to December 1967

Lawrence Henry Dudley

Member Lawrence “Larry” Henry Dudley passed away due to Agent Orange related disabilities on April 16, 2022.  While in Vietnam he served with Bravo Company, 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry from May to October 1969. Then he was transferred to Charlie Company, 5th Battalion, 60th Infantry for the remainder of his tour.  Sadly Larry lost his wife of many years, Carolyn, 14 months earlier due to a sudden heart attack. – “Larry was wounded twice and was awarded an Army Commendation Medal for Valor, a Bronze Star for Valor as well as a Silver Star Medal.” – Fellow soldier Bruce Hierstein

John R. Balliet III

Member John R. “Jack” Balliet III passed away on May 27, 2022.  While in Vietnam he served with River Assault Division 153 onboard A-54 from April 1969 to October 1970.  John is survived by his wife Sandra.

Robert W. Phillips

Robert W. Phillips passed away on June 7, 2022.  While in Vietnam he served on boats and then was transferred to a staff position with Coastal Division 11 at An Thoi from June 1969 to June 1970.  Robert is survived by his wife Gerry

Stanley Cierlik

Stanley Cierlik passed away on June 22, 2022.  While in Vietnam he served with Charlie Company, 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division in 1968.  He was seriously wounded on August 12th.  Stanley’s wife, Karlyn, proceeded him in death.  He is survived by his four children

Rodney Den Hollander

Member Rodney Den Hollander passed away on June 6, 2022.  While in Vietnam he served with Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division from December 1968 to October 1969.  Rodney is survived by his wife Beverly

James Christopher Sprehe

Former Member LTJG James Christopher Sprehe passed away on May 31, 2022.  While in Vietnam he served as Chief Staff Officer and Operations Officer with River Assault Division 153 from June 1969 to June 1970. He was a Task Unit Commander in the Rung Sat Special Zone. James is survived by his wife Donna.

Loyless T. Wright Jr.

Member Loyless T. “Tom” Wright Jr. (US Army Ret.) passed away on June 1, 2022.  While in Vietnam he served with Delta Company, 3rd Battalion, 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division in 1968-69.  Tom is survived by his wife Brenda

William James Watton III

Member William James Watton III passed away on August 6, 2022.  He initially served in the U.S. Army from 1961-64.  After enlisting in the U.S. Navy William served in River Assault Squadron 13 – Division 132 onboard T-132-13 from May 1969 to May 1970

Kenneth William McGwin

Member Kenneth William McGwin passed away on July 10, 2022.  While in Vietnam he served as a Machinist Mate onboard the USS Westchester County (LST-1167) from January 1968 to January 1969.  Kenneth was aboard when the VC sabotaged the vessel on November 1, 1968.  He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal w/V for helping save two sailors who were trapped in their quarters.  Kenneth is survived by his by his wife Dr. Julie Ann

Michael J. Kirby

Former Member Michael J. Kirby passed away on October 7, 2022.  While in Vietnam he served with Alpha Company 6th Battalion, 31st Infantry, 9th Infantry Division from June 1969 to October 1970

Milton Thomas Estrella
   

Member Milton Thomas Estrella passed away in October 29, 2022.  While in Vietnam he served with Alpha Company, 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division from June 1966 to July 11, 1967 when he was seriously wounded and medically discharged.  Milton was preceded in death by, Georgia, his beloved wife of 45 years.

Dennis A. Carter

Member RM1 Dennis A. Carter (USN Ret.) passed away on December 14, 2022.  While in Vietnam he served with River Assault Squadrons 11 & 15, Divisions 112 & 152 onboard T-112-12 & T-152-10 (T-50) from February 1969 to February 1970

Donald E. Anderson
   

Former Member Donald E. Anderson passed away on September 26, 2022.  While in Vietnam he served with Delta Company, 15th Combat Engineers, 9th Infantry Division from August 1967 to August 1968.  Donald is survived by his wife Cindy

Daniel Irvin Anders
   

Member Sergeant Major Daniel Irvin Anders (U.S. Army Ret.) passed away on December 24, 2022 following a brief battle with Leukemia.  While in Vietnam he served with Bravo Company, 2nd Platoon, 3rd Battalion, 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division from November 1968 to March 1969.  Daniel is survived by his wife, Louise, of 54 years

Roger Clark Valentine

Member Roger Clark Valentine (USN Ret.) passed away on September 20, 2022.  While in Vietnam he served onboard the USS Askari (ARL-37) from July 1967 to May 1968 as a Commissaryman 1st Class.  Roger retired from the United States Navy in 1972.  He is survived by his wife Louise

Robert F. Schade
   

Member Robert F. Schade passed away on August 22, 2022.  While in Vietnam he served with Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 39th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division in 1967-68.  Robert is survived by Gretchen, his wife of nearly 50 years

Paul R. Kasper

Member Paul R. Kasper passed away on February 25, 2022.  While in Vietnam he served with 15th Engineer Battalion – Zippo (Combat) from March 1967 to March 1968.  Paul is survived by his wife Deborah

Gary Manninger

Member Gary “Nutsie” Manninger passed away on September 12, 2022.  While in Vietnam he served with River Assault Squadron 9 – River Assault Division 92 onboard A-92-5 from May 1967 to April 1968

Courtney Lynn Frobenius

Former Member Courtney Lynn Frobenius passed away on April 11, 2022.  While in Vietnam he served as Bravo 2 with 3rd Battalion, 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division from December 1968 to June 1969.  Courtney was highly decorated earning the Silver Star, 3 Bronze Stars with V and the Army Commendation Medal with V

Dennis R. Bornhoft

Member Dennis R. Bornhoft passed away on December 5, 2022.  While in Vietnam he served onboard the USS Benewah (APB-35) from 1966 to 1968.  Dennis is survived by his wife Linda

Thomas J. Glancy Jr.

Member Captain Thomas J. Glancy Jr. (USN Ret.) passed away on July 24, 2022.  While in Vietnam he served as Logistics Officer with River Assault Flotilla One – Task Force 117 from September 1966 to September 1967.  His wife of 63 years, Joanne, preceded him in death.

Herbert W. Worthington Jr.

Member Herbert W. Worthington Jr. passed away on April 26, 2022.  While in Vietnam he served with Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 60th Infantry, 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division in 1970.  Herb was predeceased by his wife, Angela, of 53 years.

Michael D. Richey

Michael D. Richey passed away on November 26, 2022.  While in Vietnam he served with Charlie Company, 3rd Platoon, 3rd Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division from January 1967 to July 1967.  Michael was preceded in death by his wife Kathy.

Louis Buscareno Jr.

Former Member Louis Buscareno Jr. passed away on July 27, 2022.  While in Vietnam he served with Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division fro August 1966 to August 1968.

Gerald W. Chamberlain

Member Gerald “Jerry” W. Chamberlain passed away on January 21, 2022.  While in Vietnam he served with Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division from February 1968 to February 1969.  Jerry is survived by Sandy, his wife of 54 years.

Kenneth Charles Ford

Member Kenneth Charles Ford passed away on April 1, 2022.  While in Vietnam he was on Staff with Commander River Assault Flotilla One from July 1968 to June 1969.  Ken is survived by his wife Phuong.

Richard Glenn Murphy

Former Member Captain Richard Glenn Murphy (USN Ret.) passed away on August 3, 2022.  While in Vietnam he served as Commanding Officer of River Assault Squadron 13 in 1969.  Richard is survived by his wife, Lynn, of 68 years.

James Granville Storms III

Rear Admiral James Granville Storms III (USN Ret.) passed away on July 19, 2022.  While in Vietnam he served as Commander River Assault Squadron 11.  Admiral Storms also served as Chief of Staff, First SEALORDs and as Commander Task Group 194.4 while in-country.

Christopher Trevor Tyas

Member Christopher Trevor Tyas passed away in 2022.  While in Vietnam he served with 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Regiment in 1968-69.

Douglas S. Smith

Member Douglas S. Smith (Brigadier General USA/Ret.) passed away on January 29, 2022.  While in Vietnam he served as Battalion Commander of 2nd Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division from August 1968 to July 1969.  Douglas is survived by his wife Karen.

William Harvey Skidmore

Member Commander William Harvey Skidmore (USN Ret.) passed away on September 18, 2022.  While in Vietnam he served aboard the USS Colleton (APB-36) from August 1966 to October 1967.  William is survived by his wife Mitty.

Robert Earl Griffin Sr.

Member Chief Robert Earl Griffin Sr. (USN Ret.) passed away on September 21, 2022.  While in Vietnam he served with River Assault Squadron 13 from November 1968 to August 1969.  Robert is survived by his wife Deborah of 54 years.

Robert Dean McAtee

Member Robert Dean “Bob” McAtee (BM1, USN Ret.) passed away on June 15, 2022 following complications from hip surgery.  While in Vietnam he served with River Assault Squadrons 11 and 15.  Bob is survived by his loving wife Joyce.

 

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.