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

John LaRoy Miller

Member John LaRoy Miller passed away on January 11, 2019.  While in Vietnam he served with River Assault Squadron 11 – River Assault Division 111 onboard A-111-5 from June 1967 to June 1968.  You may contact the family c/o Suzanne Miller, 675 Overcup St., Westfield, IN 46074  jim675@comcast.net

William McMullen

Member William “Bill” McMullen passed away on February 12, 2019.  While in Vietnam he served with Charlie Company, 6th Battalion, 31st Infantry, 9th Infantry Division from April 1968 to April 1969.  Bill was living in Wellington, Florida at the time of is passing.

Robert Earl Lightwine

Member Robert Earl Lightwine passed away on February 11, 2019.  While in Vietnam he served with River Assault Squadron 11 – River Assault Division 112 onboard T-112-11 from February 1967 to February 1968.  Robert is survived by his wife of 49 years, Esther.

Donald R. Dedon

Member Donald Ray Dedon passed away on February 7, 2019.  While in Vietnam he served with River Assault Squadron 9 – River Assault Division 92 onboard A-92-8 from November 1968 to August 1969.  Donald is survived by his wife of 51 year, Donna.

Timothy R. Woolums

Member Timothy R. Woolums (ENCS USN Ret.) passed away on March 12, 2019.  While in Vietnam he served aboard the USS White River (LSMR-536) from November 1965 to October 1969.  His rate aboard was EN1. You may contact the Family C/O: Daughter Michelle Eck trwoolums@gmail.com

Robert A. French

Member Robert A. French passed away unexpectedly on March 26, 2019.  While in Vietnam he served with Charlie Company, 2nd Platoon, 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division from May 1966 to May 1968 as Lt. Jack Benedick’s RTO.  Bob is survived by his wife Kaye French.

Terry G. Stull

Member Colonel Terry G. Stull (U.S. Army Ret.) passed away on April 6, 2019 at the age of 74 following a battle with congestive heart failure.  As a proud 1966 West Point graduate, Colonel Stull bravely served 2 tours in Vietnam.  One with Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division from November 1966 to December 1967.  He is survived by his wife Arletta of Senatobia, Mississippi.

Daniel Edward Hall

Daniel E. Hall passed away on April 6, 2019.  While in Vietnam he served with Charlie Company, 9th Infantry Division in 1968-69.  This is all the information we have on his unit at this time. – “I’m very proud of my dad.  He will be greatly missed, Lisa Hall.“

Paul F. Kershner

Member BM1 Paul Kershner (USN Ret.) passed away on April 27, 2019.  While in Vietnam he served with River Assault Squadrons 11 and 15, Divisions 112 and 152.  Paul was Boat Captain of Tango 112-12 and Tango 152-10 ( T-50 ) from February 1969 to February 1970.  You may contact the Family C/O: His son Paul Jr. – (484) – 512-0316

Reverend Lester Leon Westling Jr.

Member Reverend Lester Leon Westling Jr. (Chaplain Captain USN Ret.) passed away on May 2, 2019.  After volunteering for the chaplaincy in Vietnam Reverend Westling first served 14 months with the 3rd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment at Camp Carroll in I Corps near the DMZ.  His second tour of duty was with the Naval Support Activity, Saigon.  While there he served as a “Circuit Riding Chaplain” ministering to Army and Navy military personnel throughout the IV Corps combat zone.  He was posted at Sa Dec, but from there he made visits to various Army and Navy units throughout the Mekong Delta region.  When his tour was about to end he was ministering to 65 different units.  His second tour ended in May 1970.  Reverend Westling was also part of the effort to re-integrate POWs back into their families.  He authored the “Manual of Ministry to POW Returnees and their Families” in 1974.

Arthur Kitchen

Member Arthur “Artie” Kitchen passed away on March 15, 2019 after a battle with esophageal cancer.  While in Vietnam he served with the Mobile Riverine Force (Task Force 117) as a Third Class Engineman (EN3) onboard the USS Satyr (ARL-23) repair ship from May 1970 to March 1971.  Artie is survived by his wife of 48 years, Joan, and three sons.

Dennis Edward Sawlsville
      

Member Dennis Edward Sawlsville passed away on April 21, 2019.  While in Vietnam he served with River Assault Squadron 11 – River Assault Division 112 onboard A-112-5 from February 1968 to February 1969.  Dennis is survived by his wife Linda and son Christopher.

Elbert William Martin
 

Member Elbert William Martin passed away on April 27, 2019 following a lengthy illness.  While in Vietnam he served with Bravo Company, 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division from September 1967 to March 1968 when he was severely wounded and send stateside.  Elbert is survived by his wife Helen.

Richard Mellinger

Member Richard Mellinger passed away on May 26, 2019 due to kidney and heart failure.  During the Korean War he served onboard the USS Benewah (APB-35) from February 1952 to February 1953.  He is survived by his wife Barbara.

Charles Bessey

Member HTC Charles “Bud” Bessey (USN Ret.) passed away on May 5, 2019.  While in Vietnam he served abroad the USS Askari (ARL-30) from October 1967 to November 1968.  Chief Bessey served 21 years in the Navy and is survived by his wife Brenda.

Michael Douglas Hanmer

Member Michael Douglas Hanmer passed away on July 26, 2019.  While in Vietnam he served with River Assault Squadron 15 – River Assault Division 152 onboard T-49.  Then later with River Assault Division 153.  Michael continued his service in the Michigan Army National Guard and retired in 1998 as a Sergeant 1st Class with 25 years of honorable service.  He is survived by his wife Susan and son Michael.

Sheldon H. Marcus

Member Sheldon H. “Shelly” Marcus passed away on April 23, 2019.  While in Vietnam he served with  Alpha Company, 709th Maintenance Battalion from March 1967 to March 1969.  Sheldon is survived by his wife Susan.

James H. Burpo

Member Captain James H. Burpo (USN Ret.) passed away on August 5, 2019.  He served in Vietnam with several units earning 11 campaign stars.  While with the Mobile Riverine Force LCDR Burpo served as Commanding Officer of the USS Washtenaw County (LST-1166) from April 1968 to July 1969.  He was living in Lawton, OK at the time of his passing and is survived by his wife Sue.

Edward Otto Kohler Jr.

Member Edward Otto “Rusty” Kohler Jr. passed away on August 17, 2019.  While in Vietnam he served with the 9th Military Police Company, 9th Infantry Division from December 1967 to January 1969.  He is survived by his wife Kay. – “Rusty was a Gentle Giant and good friend through the years.  I will miss you Hoss.” – Harold Smith – 9th MPs

James David Kaufman

Member James David “Jim” Kaufman passed away suddenly on September 12, 2019.  While in Vietnam he served with River Assault Squadron 13, River Assault Division 132 on board A-132-1 from September 1968 to September 1969.  Jim is survived by his wife Pat

Gerald Weiss

Member Gerald “Jerry” Weiss passed away on September 16, 2019 due to cancer.  While in Vietnam he served onboard the USS Benewah (APB-35) during 1966-1967.  Jerry is survived by his wife Sandra and children.

Patrick V. Riley

Patrick V. Riley passed away on September 28, 2019 in Gettysburg, PA.  While in Vietnam he served with Bravo Company, 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division during 1968-1969.  Pat is survived by Virginia, his wife of 54 years

David P. Meritt

David P. “Pappy” Meritt passed away on October 24, 2019.  While in Vietnam he served with B-3, 3rd Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division from January 1967 to February 1968. – “It is with great sadness that I just learned of the passing of a good friend and fellow warrior. Rest In Peace my Friend.” – Robert W. Bush

Marvin Lawrence Mark

Member Marvin Lawrence Marks passed away on August 1, 2019.  During World War II he served onboard the USS Nicholson (DD-442) and the USS Askari.  The latter was originally commissioned as LST-1131.  She was later converted to ARL-30 and utilized during the Vietnam War.  Marvin earned the Purple Heart Medal as a gunner during WWII.  He was very proud to be a Member of our association.

Michael Leonard Thom
  

Member Michael Leonard Thom passed away on October 15, 2019.  While in Vietnam he served with River Assault Squadron 13 – River Assault Division 131 as a Gunners Mate onboard T-131-6 from May 1968 to April 1969. – “It is with a broken heart and great sadness to let you know Mike passed away on 10/15/2019.  He overcame so much, especially in the last year, but this time he didn’t come home with me, he went home with God.” – Diane Tho

Raymond Tarnecki

Member Raymond “Ray” Tarnecki passed away on December 19,2019.  While in Vietnam he served with Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division as a 1st Sergeant from November 1966 to November 1967.  Ray also served another tour of duty in Vietnam.  He is survived by his wife Alice.  They had been married for 48 years.

Clyde J. Tate

Member Colonel Clyde J. Tate (USA Ret.) passed away peacefully and quietly on August 28, 2019.  While in Vietnam he served with Headquarters, 2nd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division as Brigade S-3 from January 1968 to December 1969.  Colonel Tate commanded the 1st Battalion, 46th Infantry during his 2nd tour.  He was also selected to command the 3rd Brigade “Go Devils”, 9th Infantry Division.  Colonel Tate’s long time wife of 68 years, Sadie, preceded him in death by only 19 days on August 9th.  They are survived by their son, Major General Clyde J. Tate II (USA Ret.) and daughter Jerri Tate McNew

James J. Byrnes

Member James J. Byrnes passed away on October 19, 2019 following a 7 year battle with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.  While in the Navy he served onboard LCM-P7713 as a Hospital Corpsman in Vietnam from August 1961 to October 1962.

Kevin Francis Gillotte

Former Member Kevin Francis Gillotte passed away on November 26, 2019.  While in Vietnam he served with River Assault Squadron 9 – River Assault Division 92 – as an EN3 onboard A-92-8.  Kevin earned the Navy Cross Medal for extraordinary heroism on January 11, 1969.  You can view his Navy Cross Medal citation here

John T. Strickland

Member John T. “Jack” Strickland went missing during a dive expedition on the South Pacific island of Chuuk on October 23, 2019.  At this time his body has not been recovered.  While in Vietnam he served with Delta Company, 3rd Platoon, 3rd Battalion, 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division from October 1968 to July 1969.

Ronald D. Boyd
   

Member Ronald D. Boyd passed away on May 1, 2019.  While in Vietnam he served with Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division from October 1968 to July 1969.  Ronald was living in Tylertown, MS at the time of his passing.

Darwin L. Moody

Member Darwin L. Moody passed away on August 26, 2019 due to complications from diabetes and dialysis attributed to Agent Orange.  While in Vietnam he served with River Assault Squadron 11 – River Assault Division 112 onboard T-112-10 from January 1967 to February 1968.  Darwin is survived by his wife Judy

Doyle Campbell
    

Former Member BM1 Doyle Campbell passed away on October 11, 2019 of Cystic Fibrosis.  While in Vietnam he served with River Assault Squadron 15 – River Assault Division 151 as Boat Captain of T-151-2 from May 1969 to May 1970.  Doyle is survived by his wife, Kelley, of 39 years.

John J. LeBorgne

Member John J. LeBorgne passed away on November 23, 2019.  While in Vietnam he served with Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 39th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division from May 1966 to May 1967.  John is survived by his wife of 53 years, Maryellen.

Morgan Joseph Sincock

Member Morgan Joseph “Butch” Sincock passed away suddenly on August 31, 2019.  He graduated from Officers Candidate School as a 2nd Lieutenant.  While in Vietnam he served with the 25th Infantry Division – Mobile Advisory Team III-84 from November 1968 to May 1969.  When discharged he was a Captain.  Butch is survived by his wife Judith.

Alfred R. Stryzs

Member Alfred “Fred” R. Stryzs passed away of cancer related to Agent Orange on June 4, 2019.  While in Vietnam he served with Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division from March 1969 to March 1970.  Fred is survived by his wife Shari

Thomas Freeland Jr.

Member Thomas Freeland Jr. passed away on March 1, 2019.  While in Vietnam he served aboard the USS Tutuila (ARG-4) repairing riverboats from March 1968 to February 1969.  Thomas is survived by is wife Cindy

Andrew J. Carden Jr.

Member Andrew Carden Jr. (GMC USN Ret.) passed away on November 1, 2019.  While in Vietnam he served with River Assault Squadron 9 – River Assault Division 92 onboard M-92-1 from November 1968 to November 1969.  Andrew continued his Naval service for 20 years and retired as a Gunnersmate Chief Petty Officer

Morgan P. McHenry

Member CWO3 Morgan P. McHenry (USN Ret.) passed away suddenly on September 11, 2019 following a brief illness.  While in Vietnam he served with River Division 553 and River Assault Division 595/153.  Chief McHenry’s spouse, Edith, passed away 10 days before him.

William H. Manville

Member BMC William H. Manville (USN Ret.) passed away on August 22, 2019.  During his 20 year Navy career Chief Manville served three tours in Vietnam.  One tour was onboard the USS Benewah (APB-35) from July 1969 to February 1971. – “Bill was a very large part of the MRFA.  At one time he was our Master of Ceremonies at several reunions and he assisted with Product Sales.  Bill was an all around good person.” – Albert Moore

Howard Newman, Jr.

Member Howard “Howie” Newman, Jr. passed away on March 29, 2019 due to a sudden stroke and heart attack.  While in Vietnam he served with Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division from November 1968 to April 1969. He is survived by Patricia Conners, his fiancé and soul mate of 24 years.

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.