Fifty years ago today, 23 Americans killed in hotel bombing in Vietnam

All across America today, family and friends of 23 American heroes pause to reflect on a tragic day in Vietnam 50 years ago. It was one of the deadliest days for American troops in Vietnam during the period when they were technically just “advisers” to the South Vietnamese. On Feb. 10, 1965, the Viet Cong blew up a hotel that housed American enlisted men, killing 23 Americans and seven South Vietnamese, and seriously wounding 22 other Americans. Ironically, the hotel was named Hotel Viet Cuong.

Shortly after this incident, the American advisory role became one of actual combat. The official U.S. combat role began on March 8, 1965, with the arrival of about 3,500 Marines.

Time hasn’t dimmed the respect felt for these men by their loved ones. Here are a few examples from remembrances posted on www.thewall-usa.com :

David Valkos wrote of his father, Staff Sergeant Francis J. Valkos, “Thank you to all who honor and remember my dad. I wish I knew him better. I was only 4 at time of his death. I'm so proud of him. Thank you and thank God.”

Bill Van Alstine wrote of his father, Staff Sergeant Merle O. Van Alstine, “Thanks for all the memories you left for my heart. The joyful tears that often start. When I think of you DAD I'll never be sad, because forever you'll be a ‘HERO’ to me. With Love and Respect, Your PROUD son, Billy.”

A granddaughter left this message: “Hi I am the granddaughter of James Blair Alexander. My name is Brionna Williams. My grandfather died when my mother was about 2 years old. Even though I didn’t get to meet him I’ve heard a lot about him. I’ve seen all his medals and different pictures. I just want to say thank you grandpa for fighting for our country.”

Roger Berg, a childhood friend of PFC Walter Rickard, left this memory: “Walter was a tall, good looking Hawaiian. We walked barefooted to Kamehameha III School together every day, and surfed on homemade body boards off the rocky shore in front of our houses every afternoon.”

Nancy Wilfong, sister of PFC Paul Eugene Bays, wrote in 2005, “Dear Baby Brother, It has been a very long forty (40) years ago today since you gave your life for this great country, and I still miss you so very much. You will never be forgotten and will always remain a hero to the family who loved you so much. When I hear the song, ‘More Than a Name on a Wall,’ it, always brings tears to my eyes. I will never stop thinking, of you. I love you. Your sister, Nancy.”

Following is a list of the Americans who died that day, along with their age and “Home of Record.” (Home of Record is not necessarily their “hometown.”):

SP5 James Blair Alexander, Jr.; 39; Dover, OH

SP5 Everett Lee Anderson; 32; New Haven, CT

PFC Paul Eugene Bays; 21; Rosemont, WV

SP4 Tommy Joe Belcher; 25; Columbus, OH

PFC Robert Joseph Betz; 19; Cliffside Park, NJ

SP5 David Nelson Clayton; 22; Perryville, MD

SP5 Clarence Leroy Coleman; 35; Indianapolis, IN

PFC Delmer Lee Ferris; 22; Mapleton, IA

SP5 Glenn Howell Kelley; 22; Chattanooga, TN

PFC Dallas Lawson; 22; Nashville, TN

PFC Larry Byron Mc Clanahan; 18; Yakima,WA

SP5 Robert Sherman Mosier; 30; Louisville, KY

PFC Walter L. Rickard; 19; Lahaina, HI

SP5 Harry Emilus Rowley; 22; New Orleans, LA

SP5 Ernest M. Schultz III; 24; Ft. Myers, FL

PFC Peter Anthony Semmer; 23; Long Beach, CA

SP4 Robert Lee Simon, Jr.; 21; Richmond, VA

SP4 Harry Lee Summers; 24; Fries, VA

SSG Francis J. Valkos; 30; Port Griffith, PA

SSG Merle O. Van Alstine; 33; Ft. Wayne, IN

PVT Melvin Lester Waters; 19; Chicago, IL

SP4 Lavon Stephen Wilson; 20; Roswell, NM

PFC Floyd Wynn; 22; Siler, KY