While We Wait - History of War

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Today we honor Clarence Jones Jr. of Indianapolis, Indiana, who fell in 1966. He is remembered by his life long friend, Orville: 

"Clarence and I went to high school together,I joined the Corps in 1964 but clarence was not old enough,but as soon as he got to that age he went in.I first went to the Man in 1965 with D-1/4,got hurt, came back home and went back in 11/1966 with G-2/26 did not know Cl... See More

 

 

 

Today we honor Eric Steve Kelly of La Crosse, Wisconsin, who fell on this day in 1971. He is remembered by his sister Sandra: 

“Eric, (we called you by your middle name Steve) was the best big brother ever. Took us fishing and frog hunting. Gave us rides to school in his GTO. He wanted to have his own band...so many dreams. He went to Vietnam and never came back. I answered the door the day they came to tell us you were killed..shot down in your helicopter..OMG. Our lives were never the same since that day. l'll see you in heaven some day big brother...!!” 

Thank you for serving: http://bit.ly/1sQ0RAe

 

 

 

Today we honor Clifton Malone of Millington, Tennessee, who was born on this day in 1943. He is remembered by a good friend who served with him, Mike: 

“Clift was a quiet, unassuming, nice young man. A good leader, looked out for his men. RIP brother.” 

Thank you for serving: http://bit.ly/1BcNIHb

 

 

 

"Today we honor Jesus Yanez Jr. of Corpus Christi, Texas, who fell on this day in 1967. He is remembered by his sister, Esmerelda: "

My brother whom us siblings would call him, "Manito" was a wonderful son and brother to us. Manito, we miss & love you dearly. Thank you for giving your service to us and fighting for our Country. Manito was so proud to be serving in the military and be called a "Ma... See More

 

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Today we honor Michael Thomas of Sanford, North Carolina, who fell on this day in 1969. He is remembered by his cousin, Robert: 

"I remember we got a letter from him saying he was a week from coming home, and while moving supplies from the front line he ran over a land mine."

Learn about Michael here and help us ensure he is not forgotten: http://bit.ly/1l4E58K

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Today we honor Norman Byassee of Litchfield Park, Arizona, who fell in 1970. Today would have been his birthday. He is remembered by his best friend, Jimmy: 

"Norman we shared some good and bad times when we were in the Navy together. They will never be forgotten. I guess that's what friends are for. I miss you. R.I.P. Jimmy Riley......."

We remember: http://bit.ly/1vOnY3w

 

 

 

 

Today we honor Terry Reams of Hudson, Michigan, who fell on this day in 1970. He is remembered by his neighborhood friend, Bruce: 

"Remember, Teach, Honor. Never Forgotten." 

We remember: http://bit.ly/1kEKIya

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"Despite grievous physical and emotional wounds, Rob never fled, and never surrendered." 
Marines who deployed with Robert Richards, along with officials at the Pentagon, weigh in on the medically retired corporal's death. Updated story here:http://bit.ly/1pb16WU

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#Onthisday in 1965: Marines launch Operation Starlite, the first major U.S. ground battle of the Vietnam War. The battle lasted for six days and ended with 5,500 Marines destroying a Viet Cong stronghold and scoring victory. 45 Marines are lost with approx. 200 wounded.— with Desiree Warsop.

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Today we honor Billy Wright of Shelby, North Carolina, who passed away in July of this year. Today would have been his birthday. He is remembered by his daughter, Donna: 

"My dad was a loving husband, father, and grandfather! He fought in the Vietnam war and came in contact with agent orange sadly he recently passed away from the side effects! He will be miss very much. I love you dad and you are always watching over me and the grand babies!" 

We remember your service and sacrifice.

 

 

 

 

 

"I am the proud Gold Star daughter of Monty, which is the name my dad preferred to go by, but in Vietnam the LRRP/Rangers he served with simply referred to as "Bull" Durham. I never met my dad, I was 5 days shy of being 5 months old when he died. I have made it one of my life's missions to find out as much about him as soldier and a man as I can. I attend the 1st Cavalry Division Association Reunion every year, so I can spend time with those who personally knew and served with him, and those who came before or after. They all know my daddy, because he wrote "The Ranger Song." At the close of every LRRP/Ranger luncheon during those reunions, they remember and honor my dad and all of those who have made the "ultimate sacrifice" by playing the song. Today, August 23, 2013 would have been his 64th birthday and today I will celebrate his life. I invite you all to do this with me in honor of my daddy, my hero."

Thank you for serving: http://bit.ly/VI6HZu

[Jim1cor13]

Thanks Bump

 

Heart breaking reading some of these stories, and thinking of

how I would assume these folks were changed the rest of their life due to

their experiences. I know in my own family, my uncle was in WW2,

and many years ago my conversation with him was interesting. His

experience forever changed him, not in a good way, but he appreciated

peace much more after WW2. He did some things he had little choice to do

but it haunted him, because the first thing he told me was that when he

killed a german fellow, he threw up, and realized that person in any other

situation could have been his friend. This troubled him until the day he

died, but he did what he had to do.

 

I never forgot what he shared with me, and the cost to him personally, but

he was a great guy, and inside that hardenend shell, he had much pain.

 

Have a good day Bump!

 

Jim

Edited August 23, 2014 by Jim1cor13

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Thanks Jim for sharing your story with us!!  I know that your Uncle finally has peace from the nightmares of what he had to do to survive!  Respect to him!! 

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Today we honor Johnny Nesbit of Danville, Georgia, who fell on this day in 1968. He is remembered by his good friend, Vincent: 

"We were on another bullshit patrol(cake walk), we were out of Dong Tam on this day. I was carrying a 60. We had stopped for awhile,a young boy had come up to me . Him and I were talking. As we started walking, this boy stayed by my side. Johnny was about four or five guys behind me. When all of a sudden there was an explosion, a VC had blown a claymore on us. Johnny was right on top of it, he was killed immediately. I believe if it was not for that young boy by my side, they would have blown the claymore on me, they always look to take out the guy carrying the 60 . Sorry Johnny, it should have been me. Rest in Peace my brother, I will NEVER forget you." 

Learn how you can preserve Johnny's memory by visiting his Virtual Wall of Faces page:http://bit.ly/XNC86n

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Today we honor Marshall Robertson of Portsmouth, Virginia, who fell on this day in 1969. He is remembered by his daughter, Patricia: 

"Our father lives on in his four children and his 8 grandchildren. Always in our hearts. But still missed every single day."

Learn more about Marshall: http://bit.ly/1zAdPEr

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today we honor Roger Thomas of Aberdeen, Mississippi, who fell on this day in 1969. He is remembered by his former fiance: 

"GONE FROM MY SIGHT BUT FOREVER IN MY HEART." 

Learn about Roger here: http://bit.ly/1ARSQPH

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Today we honor Glenn Baker Sr. of Moberly, Missouri, who passed away in 2013. August 23rd would have been his birthday. He is remembered by his daughter, Angela: 

"Happy Birthday in Heaven....Remembering today....Glenn Dale Baker, Sr, (Aug 23, 1940-June 5, 2013) from Moberly Missouri was a Vietnam Veteran, serving honorably-drafted in the United States Army in Vietnam from Mar 1966 - Jan 1968, Glenn "Bill" died peacefully, on June 5, 2013, with his family by his side after a very long battle with Heart Disease and most recently Lung Disease and Demantia, which was the result of his exposure during the Vietnam War. He was a life long resident in the Moberly area, never met a stranger, loved staying connected with extended family, he hosted family reunions for nearly 20 yrs., and would go out of his way to help anyone the best he could. Always missed, never forgotten, he is with us quietly watching over us. Missed dearly by his family: wife of 44 years, daughter, son, 6 grandchildren, other relatives and lifelong Army buddy of 47 years, Terry Crainer."

We honor those lost to Agent Orange and other defoliant spray through our In Memory program: http://bit.ly/19I7xpx

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today we honor Thomas Lind of Pomeroy, Ohio, who fell in 1968. Today would have been his birthday. He is remembered by his high school friend, classmate and teammate, George: 

"Larry served the Air Force for over 22 years,with 2 tours in Viet Nam. He went on to serve his country for another 23 years working civil service jobs for the Navy, Army and Air Force.He died Dec 27,2010 due to complication from Lymphoma from exposure to Agent Orange. He was a true hero,though never wanted the attention. I understand he refused a purple heart. He is missed dearly by his wife.
As many spouses,I wonder about his years and jobs in Viet Nam. He spoke very little of his time there. Only of the men he let behind. We made trips to DC every Memorial Day. He was a true patriot." 

Read more about Thomas here: http://bit.ly/1vmzz95

 — with Larry Wayne Hullett.

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Today we honor Gary Hall of Shrewsbury, Vermont, who fell on this day in 1968. He is remembered by his older brother, Ronnie: 

"My little brother Gary and I were as close as two brothers could be all the time. If I did something, he had to do it also. I went to Veit-nam, so he had to go. I came back but they killed him there so he couldn't copy me anymore. I live with that everyday and it is very hard to deal with."

Preserve the memory of this hero: http://bit.ly/1qndi6B

 

 

Today we honor Albert Eugene Greer of Griffin, Georgia, who passed away last month. He is remembered by his daughter, Sheila: 

"In Loving remembrance of a wonderful man.Thank you for your service. We love you and miss you!"

Thank you for serving!

 

 

Today we honor Jackie Dehart of Hampton, Virginia, who fell on this day in 1969. He is remembered by his best friend and fellow servicemember, Ed: 

"I was doing flight prep in my hootch when someone came in and told me to report to the flight line for take off. It was 21:30, and I wasn't scheduled until 23:00. HE SAID, "Jackie is down". My heart sank. We were four Brothers who stayed close. None would go to bed until the last of us returned from our mission. Now we were three. So sad of a night. Jackie, my Brother, you are never forgotten."

Preserve the memory of this hero: http://bit.ly/1tK3N3y

 

 

 

Today we honor Glenn Dean of West Bend, Wisconsin, who fell on this month in 1968. He is remembered by his friend, Laurie:

"Glenn was killed on August 27, 1968 while serving with the Big Red One (1st Inf Div Co D 2nd Bn 16 Inf Reg) in Bihn My. He is fondly remembered and missed. Mark Becker."

Preserve the memory of this hero: http://bit.ly/1lzSCtt

Today we honor Stanley Rogers of Mechanicsville, Virginia, who fell on this day in 2013. He is remembered by his spouse, Vicki: 

"Stan Rogers was an amazing man, loved by all who knew him. In civilian life, Stan was a leader in the field of agricultural business, his church and community. Even when he faced health struggles his last ten years of life, he lived with courage and a positive attitude. Stan was recognized by the Veterans Administration as 100% disabled from the effects of Agent Orange encountered as a USMC 2nd Lieutenant in Vietnam, 1968-69. He leaves behind a wife of 42 years, 2 daughters and a grandson, a large extended family, and friends who miss him greatly."

We remember and honor the sacrifices of our veterans recently taken from us as a result of the Vietnam War here: www.vvmf.org/inmemoryprogram

 

 

Today we honor Nicholas Rymond of North Hollywood, California, who fell on this day in 1969. He is remembered by a fellow serviceman, William:

"His smile was infectious, his stories of parking cars for some movie stars kept us a captive audience. His death broke our hearts. Gone to soon, you are remembered always. Semper Fi Marine. Ed Kenealy 3rd CAG Cap 3-5-3. Vietnam 1968-69."

Preserve the memory of this hero: http://bit.ly/1rEoUps

 

 

 

 

Today we honor Gary Klingler of Morenci, Michigan, who fell on this day in 1968. He is remembered by Amy: 

"Gary's tour began November 16, 1967, 11 days after the birth of of son Gary. Gary was killed in Kontum, South Vietnam during hostile ground casualty gun, small arms fire. Gary was the son of Arlie and Polly
Klingler. He had three brothers, Ken, Mark, and Eric. His wife was Shirley. Gary would be very proud of his grandchildren, Kirtis, Nicholis, and Noah. We have always been so amazed at how his youngest grandson looks like him."

Preserve the memory of this hero: http://bit.ly/1ppY2ba

 

 

 

 

 

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Duc Pho, Vietnam....Members of the 25th Infantry Division drink from their canteens during a break in their patrol operations #onthisday in 1967.

 

 

 

 

 

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Today we honor John Di Domizio of New Hyde Park, New York, who fell on this day in 1967. He is remembered by his nephew David: 

“Thank you for your service, Uncle John, RIP.” 

Preserve the legacy of this hero: http://bit.ly/1lDg7RW

 

 

 

 

 

Today we honor Clifford Constantino of Carteret, New Jersey, who fell on this day in 1969. He is remembered by his brother, Richard: 

"Cliff went into the Army and was stationed in Germany, where he volunteered for Vietnam. He was to marry his High School sweetheart when he returned home. Cliff loved to shoot pool. He was my Brother and "my Buddy."

Preserve the legacy of this hero: http://bit.ly/1pubyo9

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Today we honor John Paul Klabunde of Omaha, Nebraska, who fell on this day in 1967. He is remembered by his close friend, Rebecca:

"John was a kind hearted, talented young man who just turned 21 one
month before he was killed while rescuing another battalion that was
pinned down by the enemy in Con Thien. So many decades have passed but I'll never forget you. Rest in God's arms dear John."

Thank you for your service: http://bit.ly/1quhQta

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Today we honor James Brown Jr. of New York, New York, who fell on Sept. 9, 1966. He is remembered by his sister, Charlene: 

"We all miss you and love you. Ronald, Carolyn, Samuel, Charlene and Mom. Forever in our heart."

We remember: http://bit.ly/Zimbp9

 

 

Today we honor David Dodson of Atlanta, Georgia, who fell in 1968. Today would have been his birthday. He is remembered by his sister, Sharon: 

"Rest in peace sweet brother of mine. You left us way to soon but you remain in our hearts. You are loved and never forgotten."

Thank you for serving: http://bit.ly/1xPFTrG

 

 

Today we honor Ronald Gorschboth of Baltimore, Maryland, who fell on this day in 1968. He is remembered by his girlfriend, Sharon:

"Gone far too soon. Always remembered."

Thank you for serving: http://bit.ly/1wjUuKp

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Today we honor Eugene Petty of Farmersville, California, who fell on this day in 1967. He is remembered by his sister, Jenett: 

"I think of you everyday, miss and love you always. You were a great
big brother."

We remember: http://bit.ly/1wiHaD2

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Today we honor Gary Johnson (left) of Omaha, Nebraska, who fell on this day in 1971. He is remembered by his sister, Joann: "You are surely missed. You were my hero first." 

We also honor Michael Nawrosky (right) of Dumont, New Jersey, who fell in 1968. Today would have been Michael's birthday. He is remembered by his sweetheart, Carole: "You are not forgotten, my love. You live on in the many lives you have touched with your love and your kindness. Your star shines bright."

Learn about every American servicemember who fell in Vietnam: www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/ — with Fabian Negron.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tomorrow we will welcome the Vinh Long Outlaws, formed from personnel previously assigned to aviation units that deployed to and operated out of Vinh Long, Vietnam. They were the earliest helicopter unit put into country. Forming in 1964, they lead the way for U.S. military buildup. More than 100 veterans will be present at The Wall, recognizing the 50th anniversary of their deployment to Vietnam. During so, they will read the 64 casualties from their group and present a wreath. Do you have a large group coming to The Wall? Let us know: www.vvmf.org/plan-a-visit (Photo/Vinh Long Outlaws)

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Former Green Beret Melvin Morris of Port St. John, FL will receive the Medal of Honor -- four decades late -- for actions in Vietnam in 1969. Morris found his niche in the military. By 1961, he was one of the first soldiers donning the "green beret" of the U.S. Army Special Forces. Read his story herehttp://www.wtsp.com/story/news/local/2014/03/18/florida-vietnam-veteran-receives-medal-of-honor/6563865/

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Once Missing in Action (MIA), eight servicemen were recently accounted for from the Vietnam War and this year, had their statuses on The Wall changed.http://bit.ly/1wweUNu #POWMIADay

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Today we honor Richard Sparks of Marion, Ohio, who fell on this day in 1968. He is remembered by his wife, Karen: 

"You would be so proud of our daughter; I wish you could still be here
to tell her so yourself. She has another baby who has your eyes, and
she is working on her Master's Degree in visual impairment. She is
beautiful and talented and a wonderful mother. Life with you was so wonderful for two young lovers that we were. I miss you daily and will always love you. These should have been our retirement years together!"

Help preserve the memory of this hero:http://bit.ly/1DnHJjK

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Today we honor Gerald Habecker of Rothsville, Pennsylvania, who fell in 1969. Today would have been his birthday. He is remembered by his brother, Floyd: 

"I honor and miss you, and I'm proud to be your brother. Never got that chance to have a cold one with you. Till I see you again, Bud."

We remember: http://bit.ly/1tZFkHT

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Soldiers carry a wounded comrade through a swampy area., 1969.

 

 

 

 

 

Today we honor Charles Wayne Clinard of Maysfield, Texas, who fell on this day in 1972. He is remembered by Nita, whose husband was best friends with Charles. 

Charles served in the Navy. He fell while on a support mission off the coast of Vietnam, during an explosion that tore through the center barrel of Gun Turret #2, killing 20 shipmates total. Some died in the explosion, others of smoke inhalation. We remember:http://bit.ly/1vvrH1P

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Today we honor Joseph McGuckin of Apopka, Florida, who fell on this day in 1970. He is remembered by his fiance, Janet: 

"I think of you daily. Your tour in Vietnam was getting short and excitement was in the air of your getting home by Christmas. Your life was cut short, however, I am so thankful for the love we shared and I will always hold your memory close to my heart. Thank you for showing me love like I had never known. Thank you for the memories. Thank you for being a wonderful man at such a young age. When our Rock Springs group gets together we always talk of great memories of you and we all miss you terribly. We loved you then and we love you now!"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today we honor David Bohn of Delta, Utah, who fell on this day in 1966. He is remembered by his sister Debra: 

“So many years have passed and not a day goes by that I don't miss you. You will always be in our hearts and my hero forever.”

Help us preserve David's memory: http://bit.ly/1BHAkIB