Died in Vietnam on the Fourth of July 50 years ago -- Honor and Remember

As we celebrate this Independence Day, I remember the sacrifice of 18 Americans who died in the service of our country 50 years ago today, July 4, 1966.

Nine of them were killed when in one engagement when a Marine unit was ambushed. They were:

• Esteban M. Alvarez, 19, Tucson, Arizona
• Larasett E. Avington Jr., 19, Chicago, Illinois
• Johnie Lee Blount Jr., 21, Groton, Connecticut
• Stephen C. Forrest, 18, Westminster, California
• Michael Edward Hopkins, 21, Norfolk, Virginia (Navy Cross)
• Glenn E. Spratley, 21, Houston, Texas
• David W. Terrell, 22, Shreveport, Louisiana
• Homero E. Tijerina, 20, Edinburg, Texas
• Raymond Widmann, 18, Lindenhurst, New York
• (A tenth man, Maxwell S. Frantz, 23, East Aurora, New York, was wounded in the ambush and died 18 days later.)

The others who died that Fourth of July were:

• Guillermo Trujil Bonillas, 34, Tucson, Arizona
• Norris James Denton, 33, Dallas, Texas
• James Otto Gregory Jr., 20, Catawba, North Carolina
• Raymond Carson Griffiths, 19, San Francisco, California (featured in the book Dear America: Letters Home From Vietnam)
• Charles L. Moore, 26, New York, New York
• Robert Daniel Richardson, 23, Poplar Bluff, Missouri
• Elmer Wayne Scarborough, Romulus, Michigan
• Daniel Wayne Stutler, 18, Fairmont, West Virginia
• Theodore Williams Jr., 19, Robbins, Illinois

Take a moment to honor and remember them.

Remembering 12 men who died in Vietnam 50 years ago this Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a poignant time for all families who lost a loved one in the service of our country, but today is particularly significant for 12 American families. Fifty years ago today, 12 American soldiers and Marines were killed in action in Vietnam. They are:

DANIEL SPENSER BRITTAIN; Marine Corps, Second Lieutenant, 23; Frederick, Maryland; Married

ROSS ANDREW BROWN; Army; Specialist Fifth Class; 26; Dallas, Texas; Married

 

FRANCOIS JOSEPHI BUILAERT; Army; Sergeant; 31; Wolleston, Massachusetts; Married

FREDERICK CURT BULLINGTON; Army; Specialist Fourth Class; 20; Spencer, Virginia; Single

DELNO BILLY COLLINGSWORTH; Army; Specialist Fourth Class; 21; Mitchell, Indiana; Single

 

 THOMAS EDWARD COLLINS; Army; Staff Sergeant; 32; New York, New York; Single

 KEVIN MICHAEL FLAHERTY; Army; Second Lieutenant; 24; Syracuse, New York; Single

 

GARY ANDERSON HADNOTT; Marine Corps; Private First Class; 19; Houston, Texas; Single

DARROL OREN NELSON; Army; Specialist Fifth Class; 32; Calhoun, Alabama; Married

CHARLES EDWARD NICASTRO; Marine Corps; Corporal; 22; Memphis, Tennessee; Married

JOHN ROBERT RIDDLE; Army; Sergeant; 23; Dryden, Virginia; Single

CARL DANIEL VIOLA; Marine Corps; Lance Corporal; 18; West Monroe, Louisiana; Single

The Graying of the Vietnam Generation --Soldiers' Letters for Sale on eBay

For several years, I've had an interest in postcards and letters written by soldiers during World War II. I wrote a book about WWII postcards a few years ago and continue to research them on eBay. In all my eBay searching over the past few years I've never seen letters from Vietnam. Now, that's changing.

Once a month or so I go to eBay and look for WWII letters and postcards. There are literally hundreds of them offered for sale, most of which probably came from estate sales as members of the "Greatest Generation" pass away. If you want to try it, go to eBay and search for "soldier postcard 1942" (or 1943, 1944, or 1945). You can also search for "v-mail" and see hundreds of letters written by soldiers.

The other day, I decided to search for letters written by soldiers serving in Vietnam. I've done that before and never found anything. Much to my surprise, this time I found five sets of letters written home from Vietnam (my search words were "letter soldier Vietnam). Some of the letters are from husband to wife and are fairly personal, which bothers me.

When I queried the sellers about the origin, they said the letters came from either estate sales or military memorabilia sales. It's further indication (as if I need it) that those of us from the Vietnam Generation aren't getting any younger.

Honoring Corporal George Pace and Colonel Patrick Fallon on Their Birthday

Yesterday our nation paused to honor veterans. Today, I remember two veterans who were born on this date and died in Vietnam on a Fourth of July.

Marine Corporal George Alexander Pace, born November 12, 1944, was a chaplain's assistant. He was killed by shrapnel July 4, 1967 while standing at the altar helping the priest serve Mass at the Dong Ha Marine base. As his sister, Darlene, notes, this is "George's week." Tuesday was the Marine Corps birthday, Wednesday was Veterans Day, and today is George's birthday.

Air Force Colonel Patrick Martin Fallon, born November 12, 1921, went missing when his plane was shot down over the Plain of Jars in Laos on July 4, 1969. In 1979 he was declared "Killed in action, body not recovered." His remains still have not been recovered, and he is the highest ranking officer to remain missing in action from the Vietnam War.

Colonel Fallon

Corporal Pace

Honoring Staff Sergeant Charles D. Sawyers; Born and Died on Veterans Day

While today is a time to honor ALL who served. there is one American soldier who has a  unique connection with Veterans Day. Staff Sergeant Charles Douglas Sawyers of Yukon, West Virginia, was born on Veterans Day, and died serving his country in Vietnam on Veterans Day. Staff Sergeant Sawyers was born Nov. 11, 1942. He and five other combat engineers died in an ambush while working on a road on Nov. 11, 1967, his 25th birthday. He is buried at the Elwood Cemetery in Lorain, Ohio. Sergeant Sawyers is one of 162 Americans who died in Vietnam on Veterans Day.