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

Richard E. Grambo

Member Richard E. Grambo passed away on January 1, 2013. While in Vietnam he served in Alpha Company, 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division in 1967. You may contact Richard’s family C/O: Angela Grambo, 8501 Appaloosa Trl, Kirtland, Ohio 44094-5147 – glitzy1127@yahoo.com

James A. Brown

Member BMC James A. Brown (U.S. Navy Ret.) passed away on January 29, 2013 from Agent Orange related cancer. While in Vietnam “Boats” served with River Assault Squadron 13 – River Assault Division 131 as Boat Captain of T-131-2 from March 1968 to March 1969. You may contact the family C/O: Rosita S. Brown, P.O. Box 326431, Hagatna, Guam 96932-6007 – jimrose@guam.net

James C. Biggs

James C. Biggs passed away on February 5, 2013. While in Vietnam he served on the USS Tioga County from 1965-67. You may contact the family C/O: Sandra Biggs, 398 Mace Way, Lee, FL. – (850) 971-5140

Art Streeper

Member Art Streeper passed away on January 22, 2013. While in Vietnam he served with River Assault Squadron 9 – River Assault Division 91 onboard T-91-2 from January 1968 to February 1969. You may contact his family C/O: Marcia Streeper, 5020 E North Regency Cir, Tucson, AZ 85711-3037 – (520) 747-1091

Robert G. Scharpnick

Robert “Bobby” G. Scharpnick passed away from esophageal cancer on February 17, 2013 at 66 years of age. While in Vietnam he served as a squad leader in 2nd Platoon, A Company, 3rd Battalion, 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division from February 1966 to February 1967.

Ronald Owen Hildreth

Member Ronald Owen Hildreth passed away on January 18, 2013. While in Vietnam he served in Charlie Battery, 3rd Battalion, 34th Artillery, 9th Infantry Division from February 1968 to February 1969. You may contact the family C/O: Patricia Hildreth, 2679 Cherrybark Ln, Corona, CA 92881-3531 – (951) 279-7699

Rollo R. Larson

Captain Rollo R. Larson passed away on March 12, 2013. While in Vietnam he served with 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. He was Charlie Company’s first Commanding Officer when the unit first formed up at Fort Riley. Later Captain Rollo was the Recon platoon Sergeant for 3rd Battalion, 47th Infantry. You may contact Captain Larson’s family C/O his Son: Darren Larson, 5510 S Rice Avenue #1522, Houston, Texas 77081 – darren.larson@ymail.com

Michael L. Senical

Member SFC Michael L. Senical (USA Ret.) passed away on February 2, 2013. While in Vietnam he served with E Company, 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division in 1967-68. You may contact the Family C/O: Patricia Senical, 13135 Marlstone Lane, Charlotte, NC 28215-7032 – (704) 545-4388

Jack R. Benedick

Member and Major Jack R. Benedick (USA Ret) passed away unexpectedly on March 19, 2013 from apparent heart failure. While in Vietnam Lt. Jack served as an outstanding Infantry Platoon Leader with Charlie and Bravo Companies, 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division from 1966 to 1968. He also served with 3rd Battalion, 60th Infantry. Before retiring, Jack was the only active double amputee infantry officer in the United States Army. You may contact the Family C/O: Nancy Benedick, 651 Golden Eagle Circle, Golden, Colorado 80401

“All who served under Jack in Charlie Company, as well as Bravo Company, 4th/47th knew that because of his excellent leadership far fewer of his troopers fell in battle. While rehabbing after losing both legs in Vietnam, Lt. Jack went on to learn snow skiing and due to his excellent athleticism and leadership skills he went on to be a major force in establishing USA Paralympics Skiing. Jack received numerous awards including induction into the US Ski Hall of Fame. Though Lt. Jack lost both legs in Vietnam and suffered mightily from Parkinson’s disease in his later years, he never complained, thereby setting the standard for all Vietnam Veterans to live by.” – Fellow 4/47th Trooper Bill Reynolds

Rolf Nelson

Command Sergeant Major Rolf Nelson (USA Ret.) passed away at his home in Germany on January 9, 2013. In Vietnam he was the Recon Platoon Sergeant for 3rd Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. Later he served with 1st Air Cavalry. After Vietnam he became the European US Army Command Sergeant Major. You may contact his daughter who lives in the US at: Sigrid Owen, 2942 Raymond Road, Twin Lake, MI 49457

“The story goes, as he related to me, that he had worked his way to America on a “steamer” in search of his father and a better life. He got a job and in so doing received a SSN after becoming a US citizen. As he grew older, he was “drafted” in the US Army and served an illustrious career attaining the rank of Command Sergeant Major of the US Army forces stationed in Germany. He was a true solider and hero. Most of the original trainees on Custer Hill will remember him as the bayonet instructor. His famous words were: ‘The spirit of the bayonet is to kill!'” – J.R. Johnson

Lester J. Schneider

Member Lester J. Schneider passed away March 24, 2013. While in Vietnam he with River Assault Squadron 11 – River Assault Division 112 as a Plank Owner onboard T-112-13 from April 1967 to March 1968. You may contact the Family C/O: Mary E. Schneider, 3344 S 69th St., Milwaukee, WI 52319 – jajoman@sbcglobal.net

“Tango 13 pulled my boat Tango 3 back to Dong Tam 6-6-67 when we were blown up on the Xang canal. Thank you Lester and RIP.” – Michael Hoks

Steve L. Pysher

Member Steve Pysher passed away on March 7, 2013 after battling lung cancer. While in Vietnam he served in Echo Company, 2nd Platoon, 3rd Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division from May 1967 to May 1968. You may contact the Family C/O: Martha Pysher, 5028 Coyote Ln, Rio Rancho, NM 87144 – mrfa60@msn.com

“He was a good friend of mine. I know he served in the Delta and was at Dong Tam. Anyone who knows Him and wishes to contact me via email please feel free to do so and I will give them any info I can.” George Leshner – LST-1073 (67-69) snowsnake48@yahoo.com

Thomas L. Hayes

Member Thomas “Tommy” Hayes passed away on January 24, 2013 after a hard fought battle with cancer. He was drafted in May 1966 and was one of the “originals” when the 9th Division was activated! While in Vietnam Tommy served with Recon Platoon, 3rd Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division from January 1967 to January 1968. You may contact his wife C/O: Mary Ann Hayes, 707 Daly, Jacksonville, IL 62650

“A great friend, an exceptional soldier, and a wonderful father and husband. Tommy has passed but will never be forgotten by his RECON Platoon brothers.” – J.R. Johnson

Jimmy R. Bryant

Member SMC Jimmy R. Bryant (USN Ret.) passed away on March 26, 2013. While in Vietnam he served in Task Force 116 with River Division 591 in 1968-69. Jimmy is the author of the book “Man of the River” about his time on PBRs. You may contact the family C/O: Dorothy Bryant, 6289 Memphis Arlington Rd., Bartlett, TN 38153

Charles F. Marling

Member Charles F. Marling passed away on February 28, 2013. While in Vietnam he served on YRBM-16 – NSA Detachment Ben Tre from August 1967 to August 1968. Charles was aboard during the Thanksgiving attack of 1967. You may contact the family C/O: Beverly Diane Marling, 7658 W Surrey Ct, New Palestine, IN 46163-9196 – (317) 861-4773 – scomdm@yahoo.com

Jimmy Lane Booth, Sr.

SFC Jimmy L. Booth (USA Ret.) passed away on April 21, 2013. While in Vietnam he a Sergeant with 2nd Platoon, Company C, 3rd Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division 1967-1968. Sergeant Booth finished that his first tour as an MP. Later he completed Ranger training and returned for a second tour as the leader of a LRRP unit. At one time he was recognized as one of the most highly decorated NCOs in the 9th Infantry.

Charles Edward Baxter

EN1 Charles “Charlie” Edward Baxter surrendered up his sword to his maker after a prolonged illness and was committed to the Lord in a service at Mt. Tahoma National Cemetery on Friday, April 26, 2013. While in Vietnam Charlie served with River Section 512 in 1966−1967. His service was honorable and our Brother will be sorely missed. Rest in Peace Shipmate

Max J. De La Cruz

Max J. De La Cruz passed away on April 22, 2013 following a battle with lung cancer. He served with Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division at Fort Riley and shipped over with the unit to Vietnam. You may contact the family C/O: Diane De La Cruz, 12430 Avondale Rd NE, Redmond, WA 98052

Carson Kelly Sherwood

Carson Kelly Sherwood, 66, went home to be with the Lord on May 25 , 2013. While in Vietnam he served with the “Spear Headers” of B CO, 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division from May 1966 to May 1968.

Anthony Panichelli

Anthony Panichelli passed away on June 29, 2013. While in Vietnam he served with Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division in 1970 and was wounded in Cambodia. You may contact the family C/O: Sherry Napier, 103 Willow Drive, Vanceboro, NC 28586 – 252-702-9310

“Anthony attended all of our 47th Infantry Regiment Reunion and Veterans Day Wreath Laying Ceremony’s in Washington DC. He was good man and Brother. I, and many others, will miss him always.” – Bob “Doc” Pries

Michael Wark

Member Michael Wark passed away on January 27, 2013. While in Vietnam he served aboard the USS Endurance (MSO-435) from May 1970 to July 1971. You may contact the family C/O: 506 W 6th St, Williamstown, WV 26187-1404

Richard Jackel

Member Richard Jackel passed away on July 17, 2013 following a long and courageous battle with cancer. While in Vietnam he served on the USS Benewah (APB-35) from November 1966 to November 1967. You may contact the family C/O: Linda Jackel, 22 Pinehurst Rd., Farmingdale, NY 11735 – Richdjackel2000@yahoo.com

“Richard was a good man and a good shipmate and will be missed by all whom knew him.” – Albert Moore

Jay E. Quick

Member CDR Jay E. Quick (USN Ret) passed away on May 21, 2013. While in Vietnam CDR Quick served as the Senior Naval Advisor to the Vietnamese Navy (VNN) Amphibious Task Force (ATF) from September 1969 to August 1970. You may contact the family C/O: Clayre Quick, 2909 Espana Ln, Modesto, CA 95355-7951

Gill Greenwald

Member Gill Greenwald passed away on May 13 2013 due to Agent Orange related Cancer. While in Vietnam he served onboard the USS Askari (ARL-30) from November 1967 to December 1968. You may contact the family C/O: Carol Greenwald 32190 Pudding Creek RD., Fort Bragg, CA 95437 – gilgreenwald@mcn.com

George A. Owings

Member George A. Owings passed away on February 7, 2013. While in Vietnam he served onboard the USS Fort Marion (LSD-22) from 1965 to 1968. You may contact the family C/O: Gloria Owings, 699 Oak Park Dr, Choctaw OK 73020-7556 – (405) 390-2319 – owings699@cox.net

Rasmus W. Rasmussen

Member Rasmus W. “Sonny” Rasmussen passed away on June 18, 2013. While in Vietnam he served with River Assault Squadron 9 – River Assault Division 91 onboard T-91-6 from January 1967 to November 1967). You may contact his widow C/O: Margie Rasmussen, 3600 American Way Apt 226, Missoula, MT 59808-1377 – (409) 386-0955 – sonras8@gmail.com

Charles W. Boyd Jr.

Member Charles W. Boyd Jr. passed away from Leukemia on July 7, 2013 following a 7½ week struggle. While in Vietnam he served with B Company, 3rd Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division from January 1967 to January 1968. You may contact his widow C/O: Clara, 8500 Kingsbird Loop Apt 816, Fort Myers, FL 33967-5781 – (417) 883-8624

Louis J. Bokusky

Louis J. Bokusky, age 67, passed away at his home on September 11, 2013. Louie served in the Navy from 1967-1970. While in Vietnam Louie served as a Seaman with River Assault Squadron 15 – River Assault Division 152 onboard T-152-6 from July 1968 to July 1969. He was seriously wounded on June 13, 1969.

James Irvin Peter

Member James Irvin Peter passed away on August 16, 2013. While in Vietnam he served onboard the USS Askari (ARL-30) from February 1967 to December 1967. You may contact his family C/O: 51057 155th St, Austin, MN 55912-6191 – (507) 437-1561 – jamesipeter@yahoo.com

Alejo V. Sibuma

Member Alejo V. Sibuma (USN Ret.) passed away on June 13, 2013. While in Vietnam he served with River Assault Squadron 15 – River Assault Division 153 onboard ASPB-6857 from May 1969 to May 1970). You may contact his widow C/O: S. Rene, 9325 51st Ave NE, Marysville, WA 98270-2336 – (360) 658-0839

Daniel P. Hayes

Member LTC Daniel P. Hayes (USA Ret.) passed away on November 22, 2013. While in Vietnam he served in Head Quarters Company – 3rd Battalion – 34th Artillery -9th Infantry Division from June 1967 to January 1968. He was a proud MRFA Plankowner since 1993. You may contact his widow C/O: Mrs. Elizabeth M. Hayes, 6540 SW 51st CT, Ocala, FL 34474

Jerry Broom

Member Jerry “Buffalo” Broom passed away on July 16, 2013. While in Vietnam he served onboard the USS White River (LSMR-536) and USS Tom Green County (LST-1159) from 1965 to 1967. You may contact his daughter C/O: Carrie Cole, 106 Three Greens Dr, Huntersville, NC 28078 – (704) 491-6382 – gc10@msn.com

David L. Anderson

Member and Plankowner David L. Anderson passed away on September 26, 2013. Whilie in Vietnam he served Headquarters Company – 4th Battalion – 47th Infantry – 9th Infantry Division from June 1967 to February 1968. You may contact his widow C/O: Sandra Anderson, PO Box 253, Becker, MN 55308-0253

Frank J. Voll Jr.

Member Frank J. Voll Jr. passed away on November 2, 2013. While in Vietnam he served with 5th Battalion – 60th Infantry – 9th Infantry Division from May 1966 to May 1968. You may contact his widow C/O: Christine Voll, 58 Skyline Dr, Akron NY 14001-1526 – (716) 542-4130

William M. Lueck

Member William M. Lueck passed away on October 14, 2013. While in Vietnam he served with River Assault Squadron 15 – River Assault Division 151 aboard A-151-1 from October 1968 to September 1969. You may contact his sister C/O: Christie L. Lueck, N1577 Kroncke Rd, Poynette, WI 53955-9656

Robert C. Lisko

Member Robert C. “Bobby” Lisko passed away on December 23, 2013. While in Vietnam he served with Delta Company, 3rd Battalion, 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division from October 1967 to October 1968. You may contact the family C/O: Linda D Lisko, 12811 128th St., Broken Arrow, OK 74011 (918) 344-3596 – badgambler@cox.net

“Bobby was a plank Owner member of the MRFA and attend all our reunions and stayed in touch with all the members of Delta Co/3rd/60th 10/67-10/68. He entertained Delta 3/60 with his trays of slides and always had great commentary. Bobby was a big part of our MRFA Reunions.” – John Ellis

Ronnie Lee Boal

Ronnie Lee Boal passed away on October 12, 2013. While in Vietnam he served onboard LCU-1477 from January 1966 to January 1969. He was residing in North Las Vegas at the time of his passing

John A. Viggiano

John A. Viggiano passed away on December 29, 2013.  While in Vietnam he served with River Assault Squadron 15 – River Assault Division 152 as an RM2 onboard T-152-10 from July 1968 to July 1969.

 

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.