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GUEST BOOK

Welcome to the Alpha Avengers Guestbook. Please leave your comments about our web and about your Vietnam experiences.

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PAST COMMENTS

 

1/9/2010 8:24:15 PM.

Name entry maker: Ann Marie Dombrowski
Email address: shmilyp@aol.com
Comment:
Thank you all for serving. You''re all heroes, everyone one of you. God Bless

I''m Michael Dorch''s daughter. He''s my hero


From: Michael Dorch
To: Barth Cunico
Sent: Monday, January 04, 2010 3:23 PM
Subject: Re:

I'm from Tampa Fl not Panama City Fl. My name is Michael E Dorch not Michael F Dorch. I personally knew Joe Hooper.. The day he got his CMH I got a ACM/V. Went from PVT to SGT real fast. I had the pleasure of talking to first Sgt Brander a couple months before he died. I was an original in 67. I need a favor. I need to know my COs name its important. Is he from Brunswick Ga. I salute you for the work you are doing Sir. Do you think u can give a special website salute to Lowell Lockhart from Whitwell Tn. I apreciate this very much. If u would like to know my background with the company go to http://home.att.net/~lzvietnam/fb173dd.htm.

phou yen was a lot of inglorious bastards. Which i say with utmost respect and admirability. If u hear from anybody from 2nd platoon or the whole company please give them my email address. Would like to hear from them. 24/7 Geronimo. Im in Alvin TX now. (813) 363 8393 Thank you Shortround. Eagleeyez Sgt ret Michael E Dorch.

 


From: fullwoodronniedd@bellsouth.net
Sent: Tuesday, December 22, 2009 1:04 PM
Subject: Re: Firebase Airborne
 

Merry Christmas Jennifer and family and Pam and family!  I hope all is well with you all and you are enjoying this wonderful Christmas Season. I haven't talked with either of you in some time but wanted to let you know the Tennessee Highway Commission recently approved the memorial sign for my friend Cleabern Hill Jr that was killed on Firebase Airborne. We hope to have a nice service and dedicate the memorial signs on Hwy 142 this spring here in our little small town of  Stantonville, Tennessee.

I still have been researching and reading as much as I can about this battle. Jennifer if you have any reading info or anything along that line that you once mentioned, I still would love to read it. I would also like to get in touch with Ken Counts if either of you have an address or phone number. I would like to write him first and maybe send a copy of the letter he wrote to Junior's parents just after he was killed. I don't want to bring up any bad memories for him but I sure would like to talk to him sometime. I did get a nice e-mail sometime back from Capt Gordon Johnson and he did remember Junior although not too well. He remembered they both grew up on farms, Capt Johnson from Ky and Junior from Tn.  I know he had many men to keep up with and couldn't possibly remember them all.  Again I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas.

Ronnie Fullwood

 

 


From: fullwoodronniedd@bellsouth.net
Sent: Wednesday, October 21, 2009 3:34 PM
Subject: Info on Vietnam KIA Friend

Hi Pam!

It was so good to talk to Bob the other night on the phone. Please tell him how much I appreciate him taking the time and talking about such a delicate matter. I do hope to gather up all my info, letters, and photos and maybe come to the next reunion. I did get in touch via e-mail with Capt Gordon Johnson who was my friend's company commander and he too was very nice and informative. Of course he had so many men under his command he could not remember very many specifics about my friend, Junior. I really want to write or talk to Sgt Ken Counts since he was Junior's squad leader and would probably know much more. Bob suggested when I write Ken Counts maybe I could send a copy of the condolence letter he wrote to Juniors Mother just after he was killed on Firebase Airborne. Ken explained in his letter how Junior was killed and about sending some of his personal effects. I just think he would remember much more if I could contact him and maybe even send a photo of Junior. You had said you thought you had his address or phone number and I would sure like to have them if you don't mind. I just think it might be better to write him first so he can think about things and not be caught off guard with a phone call. Thanks again for all your help.

Ronnie Fullwood


From: fullwoodronniedd@bellsouth.net
Sent:
Monday, October 12, 2009 3:55 PM
Subject: Fw:
Vietnam KIA Friend in Co A 501st 101st airborne
 

Dear Pam and Gordon

I am a dentist in Selmer, Tn and I got your e-mail addresses from Jennifer Gaines who had an uncle killed at Fire Base Airborne. I think I may have e-mailed you once before Pam but I am not sure if you got this so I will just forward the old message to both of you. My best friend growing up was Cleabern Hill Jr and he was also killed in that same battle on May 13, 1969 . He was in first platoon Co A 501st and carried the M60 machine gun (I have a photo of him holding the M60 just a few days before he was killed).  Jennifer has done quite a bit of research and has shared some of her info with me in recent months. I have several letters from my friend Cleabern Hill Jr and also some sympathy letters just after his death from a Sgt Ken Counts and from Capt Gordon Johnson ( Gordon, I am hoping you are the same Capt Johnson). Jennifer tells me there is a website for those in this unit called alpha avengers (she gave me the site) and she also told me there is a reunion planned again for 2010. I sure would like to visit that reunion and bring some old photos and letters and just talk to some of the guys that were there and might have known my friend. I am not sure if outside visitors are allowed to these reunions or if they can communicate thru the website.

I am also currently spearheading a project in which we are going to dedicate a five mile section of Hwy 142 near Stantonville,Tn in memory of Cleabern. (Each end of the section will have nice memorial state highway signs) We already have the approval of the Tennessee State Legislature and we hope to dedicate and have a nice memorial service this spring of 2010 when we unveil the signs. I really wish we could have some of his old Vietnam Veterans come to this ceremony if some lived fairly close and I could get in touch with them.

I always worry that some of these veterans out there may not want to re-live those bad memories and I sure respect them for that and I would never want to hurt any feelings. I just want to contact any of those willing to share any photos, info or stories about my friend. I hope to hear from you all. Thanks so much!                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Ronnie Fullwood

 


     

From: john [mailto:jcudd@sccisp.net]
Sent: Saturday, August 08, 2009 7:16 AM
To: pmorris@bham.rr.com
Subject: boonie rats

hi, my name is john cudd.
i served with bn hhq originally and was assigned to different co's during '68, shipped over with the brigade in '67.
i'm sending a pic i took of some of the guys. sorry i can't remember the co. we were with at the time. could have been alpha, i am looking to put names on this picture. i really have tried to forget over the years, but now am trying to remember. mission impossible i think. thank you all, and god bless you. you are forever in my heart, even though i can't remember diddly, but a few incidents.

sincerely, john

NOTE: John was with HHC and Delta 2/501 


From: fullwoodronniedd@bellsouth.net
Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2009 3:11 PM
Subject: Vietnam KIA Friend in Co D 501st 101st airborne

 I am writing to see if anyone might know or have any info on my best friend and next door neighbor, PFC Cleaburn William Hill Jr., who was killed in Vietnam in the battle of Fire Base Airborne on May 13,1969. His grave marker states that he was in Co.D /2 501st Infantry 101st Airborne but for some reason I think he was listed in Co A /2 501st 101st airborne as a KIA casualty in the battle of Fire Base Airborne on May 13, 1969. Maybe he had been transferred from one company to another as a fill in ? I have several letters from him that I  have saved, some even from Vietnam. He arrived there in early April  of 69' so he was only there about 6 weeks before he was killed. For many years I was devastated and I just didn't want to know anything and I have never looked up his military record but now that I am older I would like to find out all I can about his experiences in Vietnam and any of  those he  may have known  while in service. He was only 20 years old and I was 4 years younger and all we knew about from our rural west Tennessee farms was cows, horses and tractors. I often think about how lost he must have felt and like me he had probably never been 100 miles from home before going to Vietnam.

 I did find the after action report on the internet about the battle of Fire Base Airborne and there was some names in that report. I found the list of casualties where Junior was listed as KIA.  I sure wish I could find someone that was there and knew Junior (That was the name we all knew him as).

I would appreciate any info or suggestions as to seeking more information about my dear old friend. Where might I find and get copies of his Military service, etc? Thanks so much in advance for any help. - Ronnie Fullwood



click on pics: McCoy1    McCoy2    McCoy3    McCoy4    McCoy5
 
From: Dawn [joyfulgirl_26@yahoo.com]
Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2009 3:06 AM
To: McCoy, Kalleen; Christine; Dad; Dean DiCarlo; Deborah DiCarlo; Mom
Subject: We made it...

Hi all!

We are back in Ha Giang. We loved the town of Dong Van so much that we extended our trip by one day. So we spent two nights in Dong Van instead of one. Definitely no internet there! It was pretty spectacular. We saw Muong women dressed in their costumes, two markets and a lot of amazing scenary! We have eaten with the locals...as well as drinking...they seem to really get a kick out of us! It's so funny because Vietnamese people are generally very petite people. So all the chairs that they use to sit-on for meals are one foot tall, plastic kids chairs. I'm not even kidding!

You would be hard pressed to find a regular chair around here! We drink local alcohol with dinner...basically moon-shine (either corn or from local fruit) that they poor into water bottles. Our guides would pour four shot-sized glasses...one for each of us...then we would cheers (They say zyo!) and down the hatch! Then, locals would come to our table...only one person at a time...and they would ask our guide if they could have a drink with us.
They would pour a round, toast, drink then the local would shake our hands and leave. It was quite fun and funny!
Needless to say, we have been enjoying ourselves and getting some great pictures in the process.
I'll stop rambling for now. Tomorrow we are on our way back to Hanoi

The pictures I attached are from our first destination, Ba Be National Park. We went to the lake the first evening we arrived (the panoramic shot of the lake). Then, the next morning we got a two hour boat ride around the lake. It was beautiful and a lot of fun. The other panoramic view is of the rice paddies in Dong Van. Enjoy!





  

From: "Perry Lewis" perrylewis@nc.rr.com
To: <info@alphaavengers.org
Subject: Vietnam 1968
Date: Mon, 7 May 2007 23:07:14 -0400

My name is Perry A. Lewis. I served in Vietnam with the 2nd of the 501st, Alpha Company, Third Platoon from 1968-69. I came in as a replacement hooking up with my platoon at LZ Sally in March of 1968. Let me know if these pictures come through in usable fashion, if not I can mail them to you. My computer has the capability of increasing the size of the photos, so let me know if you are able to resize them so they can be appreciated. I know most of the names in the picture, however I am not going to offer them unless you request them and you feel the personnel do not care. I am the soldier holding the snake's head. I just found your web site recently and thought these photos would be appreciated. These pictures were just about faded out and I had them restored. They came out pretty good. They were taken at the end of 1968, I am not sure what month.

I had been in the hospital for awhile from an injury and had recently returned back to my platoon. While I was away the platoon had received a lot of new replacements as it had taken heavy loses on a recent mission. I was appointed the 3rd squad leader and we had just climbed a tall mountain. While we were preparing to set up perimeter, I was ordered to take my squad back down for reconnaissance. All my men were inexperienced so I took the point and followed a rocky wash back down the mountain flanking the trail we followed up. I did this in case the enemy had set up an ambush somewhere along the trail. About three fourths the way down the rocks became very damp and slippery. I lost my footing and landed on my butt and slid the rest of the way down holding my M-16 high overhead and going off a ten to fifteen foot ledge landing in a big pool of water about chest deep. This 18 and 1/2 foot Burmese Python was coiled up in the bottom waiting for unsuspecting prey coming up to the pool of water for a drink. After our encounter, I figured he must would spring up out of the water and snatch the unsuspecting prey. I had never expected to encounter something like this so I don't know who was more surprised me or the snake. He didn't like me invading his territory nor standing on him and we immediately went into hand to hand, well hand to snake combat. I kept using my M-16 to shield his attacks coming up out of the water and loudly blowing and hissing water right in my face, however it didn't take long for him to gain the advantage and get a coil around me. My squad had caught up by then and began trying to help me.

The snake was just too strong. By the grace of God I had the presence of mind to jerk my sweat towel from around my neck and wrap it around his eyes blind folding him. He went limp and loosened his coil around and my men finished loosening his grip and freeing me. We pulled him on out of the pool of water and were amazed at how long he really was and how heavy he was. After talking it over with the platoon leader, I was ordered to bring the snake back up the mountain alive. We lifted him up on our shoulders and made the long climb back up, exhausted however successfully. These pictures were taken just after we made it back up. A chopper was sent out and he was hoisted up in a mail sack and taken to the rear area. I don't know what happened to him or where he went or what kind of stories were told about him, however you have the truth from the squad leader whose squad captured him and the pictures to prove it. I live in Dunn, North Carolina.

God Bless You,
Perry A. Lewis
(910) 892-8786
Cell (910) 303-0200




Hello fellow Avengers. My name is Barth "Shortround" Cunico and I served with 2nd Plt, A Co 2/501st Infantry 101st Airborne in Vietnam from the first week of March 1971 until 14 February 1972. Lt. Joe Hooper was my first Platoon Leader. I have recently taken over the webmaster duties from Pam Morris and my first goal was to give the site a complete "facelift" I hope you like the new look. I would be interested in posting Vietnam era photos from anyone who wishes to share them. I would also like to narrow down the "Lost Avenger" list. If you can help, write me at info@alphaavengers.com. Welcome Home and Drive On!!!!


Merry Christmas. Any one out there have photos of Firebase Airborne especially the upper knoll. I am also looking for medal presentation orders for May 13, 1969 on Airborne to either Alpha or Echo Companies. Happy New Year. Mark Weston 
saintmarks@comcast.net


Dianne, I don't know why I did a search for Alpha Avengers tonight, but I did. There was Jim with Bear and Bobby and Ben in our living room. That was a great day - a great weekend. It meant a lot to Jim and it gave me a deeper appreciation of the man I have loved for the past 38 years.

Thank you to Bear and Bob for keeping in touch with and coming to see "Dino". Thank you for remembering him.

This website is a wonderful tribute to all the Alpha Avengers. God bless you all.

Kathy Mannino - wife of Jim "Dino" Mannino

 


Your new site is wonderful. Your memorial page is very touching. Just yesterday I read that of the 2,700,000 of us who served in Nam, only 850,000 of us are left. It just doesn't seem possible. "It Don't Mean Nothing." "Drive On!"

Gary D/2/501 June 69 to June 70


I was on Granite in the spring of 1970.I served as a Pathfinder, helping with the resupply and air traffic control. I remember all of the incoming. Tim Goodner.101st aviation group Pathfinder Platoon. timgoodner@msn.com 

 


FANTASTIC Web Site! We have added a link to our monthly newsletter so that more veterans can be made aware of this tremendous resource. Also, please visit our web site to learn about hidden government benefits you are eligible for and how to significantly increase your service-connected compensation or VA pension. http://www.veteranprograms.com


I am trying to find information about my cousin, Cpl. Douglas Wayne Day who served in the 101st 2-501st E Company. He began his tour in Vietnam on 22-Apr-1970 and was killed at Quang Tri South Vietnam on 06-May-1970. If anyone knows anything about him, or could even give me some info about his unit I'd appreciate it. Also, the information that I have says he was located at FSB Henderson. Thanks to all who have served.

firefighter.emt@hotmail.com


Mom and Pam,

I have finally been able to view this website in its entirety after participating in the San Antonio Reunion. For the longest time I just couldn't bear to see the Memorial Page with dad's picture and the music. It was just too much of a reminder that dad isn't here anymore. I miss dad every day and whenever I'm at work and need a "dad fix" I can just click on this web site and see him. Of course I still can't turn on the volume because of the tears but the pictures are just what I need. Thanks for doing a great job with this web site at memorializing dad, Ray and Tex in addition to the other wonderful vets who have passed away.

It was such a wonderful experience to participate in the Reunion. I was apprehensive to go because I miss dad so much but I am very glad I went. It was a great honor for me to converse with the men who fought with, next to and for the same reasons as dad and I am so proud to have spent some time with them. I know dad was there looking down with a smile on his face, a cigar in his hand and his belly hanging over his shorts. Thanks again mom and Pam and thanks to all the Vietnam Veterans and their families who were present in San Antonio. It meant so much to me.

Amie M. Huber - daughter of Ned T. Kintzer


Without A & E/2/501st I more than likely would not be here typing this. Thank You.  You guys were our first line of defense on FSB Airborne during the morning of May 13th 1969. My unit was practically eliminated. I was one of the lucky "10"  & I still remember trying to nail that one sapper with the white head band. Too bad his day was also a lucky one.

Thank You, Thank You !!
Mike Myers
C Btry 2/319 Arty, 101st


May 13, 1969-39 years ago today Fire base Airborne was overrun.  Thank you to those who fought off the NVA and allowed me to come home.

Mark Weston
"E" Co. 2/501st, 101st Airborne
saintmarks@comcast.net



I am so proud to have found this web site . I served with the brave and honorable men of the 2/501st. Avengers from September 1968 to October 1969. I hope to hear from some of them and from the ones that I will never hear from again we must always remember their contribution to the freedom we all cherish so much.
Thank you so much , Andrew Harey


Hi! I'm John Strass and I like your site!
Thank you!


I was browsing the site and on the letters from home page, ran across pictures from Rod Songer. The last picture in the series sure looks like Santos Salinas to me. Do you know anything about it?

Thanks,  Alan Wendt

 


Thank you so much, Pam and Diane for all you have done to document the legacy of A 2/501. In many ways it is like coming home. Thank you Brigadier General James Mitchell for your leadership back in those wild days, and your willingness to take time with each of us in this last year. I would also like to mention my good friend Edward Bishop, KIA Fire Base Granite, 29 APR 1970. He has been and will always be missed.

Alan Wendt

Hard Luck Alpha Aug 69 - Aug 70

                  


 

Just a friend of a Veteran of Alpha Co. 2/501st, 1969-70. He taught me some valuable lessons about life 37 yrs ago when he made it back to the world. Lessons about life because he lived so close to death everyday. You are all heroes. Welcome Home to all of you and Thank You, Thank you, Thank you!!

              


 

Pam & Dianne,

Thank you both for all the endless hours you both must put forth on this awesome tribute to the Alpha Avengers and the memorial to Ned, Ray, & "Tex". I know John "Tex" would be so proud of you for carrying on he and his brother's dream of this association. I know Ned and Ray are proud of you also. I remember when John "Tex" would be searching for fellow brothers, that had not been heard from in years, when he was trying to get the Alpha Avenger Association organized. He wanted everyone contacted, for every soldier was important, no matter what his duty may have been. He put his all into this organization and words cannot express to you how touching it is for me to see the care and love put into this site by the two of you. John "Tex" Fair loved his Alpha Avenger brothers. He always told me how special all of you are. God Bless all of you Alpha Avengers for all the sacrifices you gave for our country and "Thank You," for Loving My Brother!

Sincere Love and Appreciation To All,

CATHY & CARY DAMERON

Sister & Brother-in-law of John "TEX" Fair

ccdameron@htcomp.net


 

A NOTE FROM PAM MORRIS, WEBMASTER, and DIANNE KINTZER, Sec/Treas, OF THE Alpha Avengers of Vietnam Association -

Since the launching of this website on September 21, 2007, we are on our way to almost 1,000 hits. How thrilling for us and for all you Avengers!

We have received so many well wishes and positive comments included in phone calls, e-mails, and notes sent in along with membership dues. It is incredible and at the same time very humbling.

We continue to update and add new information to the website, 
so check back often. Please make it a priority to especially pay close attention to the following pages---HOME, LOCATE LOST AVENGERS, and GUESTBOOK. 
Also, remember to consider making your reservations for the up-coming reunion in June 2008. That'll be here before you know it! We're looking for a lot of new faces, so we highly encourage you to attend.

Again, we sincerely THANK YOU for the overwhelming response to YOUR website.

May you have a most joyous Holiday Season, and may the New Year bring good health and happy moments to you and your loved ones. We pray that one day man will live in a world of PEACE. God Bless You All and all the troops serving our country.

In sincere appreciation,

Pam and Dianne


 

     It is with deepest sorrow I write this letter after receiving the Newsletter that told of the passing of John 'Tex' Fair. Tex and I were in the same platoon for most of our tours of duty. I entered Alpha company during stand down in Nov. 70 , Tex probably a month or so later. Unfortunately, the years have all but erased the memories I have of my year in Viet Nam. I remember Tex as just our "sixty gunner", an easy going guy that got along with everybody.

It was Tex who 'found' me back in the early '90's when he would make blind phone calls trying to locate lost Avengers. He probably didn't even know who he was calling, because very few, if any, knew my name. I was only know by the nickname Ken Forsythe had given me when I joined Alpha company, "Peabody". Still remember Jesse Leos, Sgt. Perry and Pringle. A few others whose names I'm not sure of. I was platoon RTO for a long time and I always set up with the the Lt. and medic, that's probably why I don't remember but a few of the guys. I was probably a pain in the ass that nobody wanted to remember. Jeeze, I don't even remember what platoon we were in or the names of the 3 LT's and medics that we went through.

So long "Tex", it was an honor serving with you. 
Danny "Peabody" Straessle (Nov.'70-Dec.'71)


 

This a great website! I have sent this website to friends of mine and they are so honored to be able to have this website. They send me messages all the time about how they are so drawn to the website. One friend, who did not serve, tells me all the time how much he has learned about Nam from this site and how proud he is of us.

Our three brothers who have left us would be very proud of the website. Gloria and I are making plans to be in San Antonio for the 2008 reunion.

God bless you and all the Alpha Avengers,

Ed(Doc)Cecil


 

Thanks for a great web site! As we approach Veteran's Day 2007, 
I salute the men of A Company, 2nd Battalion, 501st Infantry for their service 
to the nation, the United States Army, and most importantly, to fellow Avengers. 
I remain humbled, proud, and deeply honored to 
have been an Avenger commander to many of 
the finest patriots this nation has ever produced. 
God bless you and your families this Veteran's Day 2007 
and never ever forget those we lost.
 Brigadier General (Ret) James E. Mitchell, USA.


 

There is no one who I have more respect for than our soldiers 
who put themselves in harms way for the benefit of their countrymen. 
They are the greatest and bravest of all. 
May God bless you all. 
Gerald McVay


 

Thanks for your service.  I have more of an appreciation now that my son is serving.


 

Thanks for sharing, I love this website. Please tell Bob we are grateful for him too! 
Thank you from the Ware’s.


 

 

Bob, great hearing from you! I'm humbled by your kind words and it was my honor to have served as your company commander in A Company while in Viet Nam. All of you are truly a vital part of the long line of great patriots who have answered the call of our nation and your sacrifices, under the harshest conditions, are a testament to the greatness of our nation. Unfortunately, most of our citizens fail to recognize the price you and countless others have made in service to our country. I, for one, take nothing you and other veterans did for granted and will be forever grateful and privileged to have walked the ground you walked on. You, like all those who served in A Company, are a special breed of men and I will forever remember each of you fondly. 


As for me, I took the lessens learned from each of you in A Company and charged on until retiring after 30+ years in the uniform. I'd change few things over the course of my career, given the change, and if I could do it all over again I'd enlist tomorrow! Career wise, I stayed in light infantry assignments and operational staff jobs almost totally. I ended up commanding 4 infantry companies, a light infantry battalion, and a light infantry brigade. In between commands and formal schooling I was a battalion S3, division G3, Chief of Current Operations for the Army in the Pentagon, and Deputy Director of Operations for the National Military Command Center, the Joint Staff. I also managed to complete assignments as the Deputy Commander for Operations and Deputy Commander for Support for the 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.  I certainly will put the A Company reunion dates on my schedule for next summer and will make every effort to attend.  Again, great hearing from you and I look forward to continuing the dialogue. 

  
Warmest Regards,
BG(Ret) Ed Mitchell


 

Dianne & Pam,

I would like to thank you both for the time you spent on the site, it is fantastic.
I know it had to take numerous hours of time and thought 
but it certainly paid off.

Ned, LT Houghton and Tex would be very proud of both of you.
Linda and I are making plans for the San Antonio reunion
 but know it won’t be quite the same without the 3 of them.
Again thanks and I know all of the Alpha avengers are thankful as well.

Jim Sims

Bardstown, KY


 

TO ALL AVENGERS,

PLEASE SEND YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS TO ME SO WE HAVE CORRECT INFO ON ALL  A CO/2ND/501ST/101ST AIRBORNE! IF YOU NEED INFO ON SOMEONE JUST SINGOUT!

IN BROTHERHOOD,

GijoeLudwick@cox.net

(405)819-4653


 

Pam & Dianne Great job on the new Website SALUTE to You !! 

Thank you. Wayne Smyly

11-69 -10-70

3rd Platoon

Namvet049@aol.com


 

This is April Blakeslee, Ray Houghton's daughter. I saw the website over the weekend, and it is absolutely wonderful! I was crying the whole time I was looking at it. It was such a wonderful tribute to my Dad, Ned, and Tex. Really, really wonderful. It was hard to see it at the same time; I still can't believe my Dad is gone. It just doesn't seem like it could be possible. But it's so nice to know he had such friends that cared that much about him to do such a wonderful tribute. So thank you from all of us.


 

PAM, DIANNE,

THE WEBPAGE LOOKS GREAT.

GIJOE LUDWICK

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK.

VIETNAM 1970 ALPHA


 

A wonderful website. Thank you to all of our Nam Vets for their service to our country. God Bless.

John Bouvier

Owensboro, KY


 

Thank you for a job "WELL DONE." A Tribute to Vietnam Vets. It's really hard for many to understand that fighting for someone else's freedom is fighting for our own. Please click on the following:  http://www.operationmom.org/ToOurParents.html

 


 

Great Job. Makes us proud to be from "Hard Luck Alpha" after all.

Best Regards to all.

Bob Nichol

Staff Sgt DEROS Aug, 1970 3d Platoon


 

Specials E-4 May 70 to Jan 71 Richard Olson, good website. Proud Eagle. 
Veteran of Firebase Henderson and Ripcord. 
Would like to name Richard Timmos as All Gave Some award. 
God Bless all Eagles.
09-21-07


 

What a beautiful tribute to our heroes! Great work on the website. I look forward to coming back for updates.

With much appreciation for all those who have served and are serving....

The Brice Family...Chuck, Sue, Mike & Caitlyn

09-21-07


 

What a wonderful memorial 
for your loved ones! Great job! Betty Slaveski

09-21-07


 

Beautiful website! Dianne, I passed it on to the rest of the family especially the two that fought in "Nam"

Love & Prayers to all the families..

God Bless America

Susie H

09-21-07


 

Dear Avengers and Friends,

Words are inadequate to thank you, and to reveal my deepest gratitude to you all for the kindness shown in the passing of my husband, Ned Kintzer.  Your prayers, love, phone calls, e-mails, cards and letters, and contributions given in memory of Ned have made my heart focus on thanksgiving  to God for such precious friends.

A special word of thanks to fellow Avengers, Avery Dalton and his family, for driving the long distance to attend Ned's funeral in N.C., 
and to Glen Means for attending the memorial service in PA. Also, a sincere thank you to Bob Morris, Avenger Past President, 
for sending a beautiful letter which was read at both Ned's funeral and memorial services.

The passing of Ned has dealt a life-altering blow to me and my family, but we will continue to "DRIVE ON".

With sincere appreciation,

Dianne Kintzer and Family

09-20-07


 

Welcome to our new website. We are all excited to hear from everyone.

Bob and Pam Morris

09-20-07


 

To Whom It May Concern:

 I served with 1st Plt A Co 2/501st Infantry 101st Airborne in Vietnam from 31 August 1971 to 15 February 1972.

1. How do I become a member?
2. Also, I have all of my Nam pictures (170+ in .jpg format) as well as my "Task Force 2/501 - Drive On - Phu Bai -- Cam Ranh Bay Republic of Vietnam 1971-1972" Yearbook. 
 

If interested in receiving .jpg pictures of all, I can mail you a CD containing such. I also have copies of my medal awards orders etc.
(listing other comrades), if interested as well.

Please advise.

Yours truly,

Robert O'Bryan

P.S. I am a member of the following veterans organizations (in reserve chronological order):

  • Non Commissioned Officers Association of the United States of America

  • Present; Regular Life Member No. 004182909

  • Combat Infantrymens Association (04 Present, Life Member No. 5382TXL0804-LIFE

  • Vietnam Veterans of America (02 Present, Life Member No. 263979)

  • Chapter 685101st Airborne Division Association, Inc. Life Member No. LM3976

  • The American Legion (83 - Present, "Paid-Up-For-Life Card No. 56417 Post 89, Dpt. TX, Texas City, TX

  • Veterans Of Foreign Wars (VFW) of the United States (82 - Present, Life Member No. 436449), Assistant Adjutant 83 - 84 [VFW Post 5400, Alta Loma,TX

 

Robert E. and Mayet B. O'Bryan
555 Cedar Fork Drive
League City, TX 77573-9051
281-557-1116
07-21-07


SSG Ross, 2nd Plt 2/501st - April 30, 1970 to  November 1970. FSB Henderson and FSB Ripsord. 

Please contact at the following:

 David L. Ross 1sg (Ret) US Army
 4019 Ashland City Road
 Clarksville, TN 37043
 931-362-2692
06-23-07


I am trying to get a message to Clifton Whitaker. I have just found this site and I served with him in 1968. I was in third platoon Alpha Co and my platoon was walking point for him on 20 July 1968. He asked me to walk point man for him that day and after exhaustion, he gave me a break with Evans ( "Cool Pappa") and Gibson both listed as KIA on 20 July 1968. As we scaled a steep mountain I was third man when "Cool Pappa" and Gibson were cut down by an enemy machine gun ambush. The rounds barely missed me as I had just crossed over the crest line. As I dove for cover a trip wire caught me around the neck and I cringed as I hit the ground waiting for the blast.

 I looked in amazement at an old chicomb grenade strapped to a tree as it spewed and sputtered, it was a dud. After realizing we were separated from the platoon and that no help was coming, with God's Grace I was able to crawl forward to "Cool Pappa" against the machine gun fire. Somehow the rounds just wouldn't hit me. When I got to him and realizing how bad his wounds were, I lifted him up and carried him running back down the trail just as a sniper opened up on us. Lieutenant Whitaker had made it up to the crest line and met me when I got there with "Cool Pappa." The sniper's rounds were hitting all around us while we were talking. The Medic, James Cleveland took a round and died on the spot just a few meters away. I told Lieutenant Whitaker that I had promised Gibson that I would go back for him.

His wounds were so bad that I straddled him on all fours and crawled back and drug him back through the sniper fire. I got him back alive. It was a tough and tragic day for us that day. I learned later that both "Cool Pappa" and Gibson went into shock on the Medivac and died enroute to the hospital.

I was devastated that they died and I lived. Lieutenant Whitaker put me in for a Silver Star. I actually didn't get it until after I came home. I wanted to thank him. After I came back with Gibson, Lieutenant Whitaker was amazed that I made it back alive and told me he wanted to talk to me later and get the details and wanted to know how I had accomplished getting them out. Sir, I am reporting the details to you now and it was by the grace of God that I survived that day. "Cool Pappa" had begged me to get him to his family. He saw them standing back down the trail where I carried him and Gibson had made me promise that I would not leave him there for the enemy.

I offered my life to fulfill their promises. God chose not to take mine at that time. I didn't see Lieutenant Whitaker again after that day. I think he had 11 days left and he left on one of the Medivacs that day and I never  saw him again. 
I live in Dunn, North Carolina.

God Bless You,
Perry A. Lewis

 2nd/501st Alpha Company Third Platoon
1968-69
05-06-07

 

 


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