If you are interested in historical photos you will find some of those. I have added details and recollections when relevant (although sometimes irreverently and probably not always accurately) and links to other sources in order to provide more information. It also attempts to honor those who should be more than just names on a wall or award citations. The gallery shares experiences and people who were important in my life and the lives of others. They were brave soldiers and I am blessed to have these good friends whose courage and loyalty I respect and treasure. I have had the privilege of reconnecting with many of the guys I served with in the last several years through the magic of the internet. Some were taken by friends or came from archives or other sources. Although most were, not all of these photos were taken by me personally. '67) and 2/28th Infantry Black Lions (Sept. That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day.Photos and memories from a tour in Vietnam as a combat medic with the 2/2nd Infantry (Mechanized) Ramrods (April - Sept. Shall think themselves accurs'd they were not here,Īnd hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks We few, we happy few, we band of brothers įor he to-day that sheds his blood with me Old friends reunite and new friends are made.įrom this day to the ending of the world, The Fifth Division and attend both unit and Division reunions annually. Having served in the 1st Battalion 61st Infantry, have joined the Society of With the passage of time the memories of combat in VIETNAM have fadedīut the memories of comrades and fellowship remain. Was not a happy return to a heroes welcome. In many places there was openĬontempt for the work they had done and for the blood they had spilled. There were no units, just returning soldiers.
Sometimes hitch hiking, the returning men were swallowed up in the socialĪnd political rebellion of the 60s and 70s. The Freedomīirds landed in California and in Washington and the trip from there to a Use browser "BACK"įor many "Home Coming" ended before it started. (Pictures are linked, click for more information. Each walked proud for he knew he was among Way, had contributed to the success and history Vietnam it had seen five different battalion commanders,Īnd an even greater number of platoon and squad leaders. American blood colored the soil of another country,Ĭasualties were high but in this battle political decisions overruled military victory.ĭuring the two and one half years the BN had been in For its actions in Vietnam the BN colors carry 8 new battleīy 1972 the last American combat unit (196th BDE, AMERICAL Division) had The 1st BN 61st INF (MECH) as a combat unit in Vietnam was finished. In August 1971, with the return of the BDE to the US, the role of With the Vietnamazation of the battle, in early summer of 1971 the BN wasĭirected to stand down and prepare it’s tracked vehicles for use by the Army of Vietnam. Excerpts from the BDE After Action Report and radio logs as they pertain to the 1st BN 61st INF are presented as an appendix. Units of the 1st BDE 5th DIV conducted operations during this period as part of the BDE Operation Montana Mustang. The rocket caused the death of 29 troopers and wounded an additional 33. One 122 mm rocket penetrated a bunker and exploded inside.
During an attack on C2, May 21, 1971, the BN suffered it's heaviest casualties during a single engagement. Of 1971 the NVA launched frequent and heavy indirect fire attacks against Fire Support Bases A4 and C2. Were our own worst enemy, even with friends. Near the DMZ was a regular occurence for units of the BN. This did not mean the war was over for the troops of 1/61. More involved in "People to People Programs" and civilian area protection. As the ARVN participation in combat operations increased, the BN became
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