Staten Island's Vietnam War Fallen 
They Made the Ultimate Sacrifice for Their Country

(NOTE:  THIS PAGE IS A BETA VERSION UNDER CONSTRUCTION - PLEASE REPORT ANY ERRORS OR OMISSIONS)

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ROBERT A. ABRUZESE
RANK PFC - E-3 PRIVATE FIRST CLASS
BRANCH U.S. ARMY
MARRIED NO
RELIGION CATHOLIC
COMP SELECTIVE SERVICE
MOS 11B10 - INFANTRYMAN

UNIT

 

B CO, 1ST BN, 61ST INF RGT, 5 INF DIV

5 INF DIV  61ST INF RGT
HOME Hartsdale, New York
DATE OF BIRTH Sunday, 03/27/1949
START OF VIETNAM TOUR Friday, 8/8/1969
CASUALTY DATE Sunday, 12/28/69
CASUALTY LOCATION Quang Tri, South Vietnam
CASUALTY TYPE Hostile, Died of Wounds
CASUALTY REASON Multiple Fragmentation Wounds - Ground Casualty
AGE 20
TIME IN COUNTRY 0 Years 4 Months 20 Days
WALL PANEL Panel 15W Line 101

AWARDS & CITATIONS

   

 

Combat Infantry Badge, Purple Heart, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign

CAMPAIGNS

 (2) - Vietnam Summer-Fall 1969, Vietnam Winter-Spring 1970

OTHER LINKS
 

POSTINGS ON THE VIRTUAL WALL

REMEMBERED by his comrades in arms from VVA Chapter 421

 

 

ROBERT J. ARAUJO
RANK PFC - E-2 PRIVATE FIRST CLASS
BRANCH U.S. MARINE CORPS
MARRIED (information not available)
RELIGION (information not available)
COMP (information not available)
MOS 2531 FIELD RADIO OPERATOR

UNIT

 

H BTRY, 3RD BN, 12TH MARINES, 3RD MARDIV

 3rdmaf.gif3RD MARDIV  12TH MARINES
HOME New York, New York
DATE OF BIRTH Friday, 04/04/1947
START OF VIETNAM TOUR Thursday, 04/20/1967
CASUALTY DATE Saturday, 10/14/1967
CASUALTY LOCATION Quang Tri, South Vietnam
CASUALTY TYPE Hostile, died outright
CASUALTY REASON Other explosive device - Ground casualty
AGE 20
TIME IN COUNTRY 0 Years 5 Months 25 Days
WALL PANEL Panel 27E Line 106

AWARDS & CITATIONS

   

Combat Action Ribbon

Purple Heart, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign, Combat Action Ribbon

CAMPAIGNS

 (2) - Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase II, Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase III

OTHER LINKS
 

POSTINGS ON THE VIRTUAL WALL

16 Aug 2002 REMEMBERED by his comrades in arms from VVA Chapter 421.

A memorial initiated by another Vietnam veteran Lester Modelowitz.

01 Feb 2003 REMEMBERED by his brother Ted Araujo, USMC
 

NOTES FROM THE VIRTUAL WALL

In the second week of October 1967 the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, relieved BLT 2/3 as the defense force for the recently built bridge north of Strongpoint C-2. The construction of the bridge had permitted the reopening of the vital road to Con Thien washed out by the heavy September rains. The battalion defended the bridge because the 3rd Marine Division was concerned that if the enemy destroyed the bridge they would cut the only supply line to Con Thien.

 

The defense of the bridge was no easy task for Lieutenant Colonel Hammond's battalion. Since its move north from Camp Evans on 11 September, constant combat around Con Thien had worn the battalion down from a "foxhole strength" of 952 to about 462. The 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines had great difficulty in manning all the defensive positions prepared by the departed full-strength BLT-2/3. 

The defensive position around the bridge was divided into quadrants by virtue of the road, which ran roughly north and south, and the stream, which ran east and west. Golf Company had the northwest quadrant; Hotel Company was on the same side of the road but across the stream in the southwest quadrant. Fox Company was in the northeast; Echo Company in the southeast. The battalion command group set up beside the stream in Golf Company's area and near the center of the position.

At 0125 on 14 October, 25 artillery rounds, rockets, and 135-150 mortar rounds hit Hotel Company. An ambush squad posted in front of the company reported an enemy force moving toward it, and immediately took the advancing enemy under fire. The Marine squad leader notified his company that he had three casualties and that the enemy seriously outnumbered his squad. The company commander, Captain Arthur P. Brill, Jr., ordered the squad to pull back and, at the same time, called for night defensive fires to block the avenues of approach to his position. The battalion requested flare ships to illuminate the area. Using starlight scopes, sniper teams watched the enemy as they massed only 50 meters in front of the company. The snipers and two tanks attached to the company opened fire, forcing the North Vietnamese to start their assault prematurely. The rest of the Hotel Company held fire until the NVA troops reached a clearing 20 meters from the wire. Of the entire attacking unit, only two NVA soldiers reached the wire and Marines killed both as they tried to breach that obstacle.

The enemy withdrew, leaving bodies behind, but they were far from finished. At 0230, enemy mortars shelled Golf Company. Direct hits by RPGs destroyed a machine gun emplacement and several backup positions on the primary avenue of approach into the company position. The NVA force attacked through this break, overran the company command post, and killed the company commander, Captain Jack W. Phillips, and his forward observer. Three platoon leaders, two of whom had just arrived in Vietnam that morning, also died. The battalion sent its S-3A, Captain James W. McCarter, Jr., to replace Phillips, but enemy fire killed him before he reached Golf Company. During the confused, hand-to-hand combat some of the North Vietnamese fought their way within grenade range of the battalion command post in the center of the position.

In the command post, although wounded by a grenade, Sergeant Paul H. Foster, a member of the fire support coordination center, continued to direct mortar and artillery fire upon the enemy. Another grenade landed among a group of six Marines. Sergeant Foster threw his flak jacket over the grenade and jumped on top of the jacket. The grenade blast mortally wounded him, but this action saved his fellow Marines. Before the melee ended, the North Vietnamese killed or wounded the entire forward air control team. The enemy also killed the battalion medical chief, and wounded the fire support coordinator, headquarters commandant, and battalion sergeant major.

Lieutenant Colonel Hammond moved what was left of his command group to a better location within Hotel Company's position. He ordered Fox Company to move to Golf Company's right flank and counterattack to push the NVA forces out of the perimeter. Illumination and automatic weapons fire from "Puff," the AC-47 requested at the beginning of the fight and which arrived about 0330, aided the counterattack. By 0430, the enemy began retreating out of the position, pursued by Echo Company.

The next morning the 2nd Battalion reconsolidated and evacuated casualties. There were twenty-one dead (18 from 2/4 Marines) and two dozen or more wounded. The NVA lost at least 24 killed. That afternoon, Lieutenant General Cushman and Major General Hochmuth visited the bridge site. They granted a request from Lieutenant Colonel Hammond that the new bridge be named "Bastard's Bridge" to honor the 18 Marines of the 2nd Battalion who gave their lives in its defense. At 1400, Hammond's battalion turned over the bridge to Lieutenant Colonel Needham's 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines and then moved to Dong Ha where it assumed the mission of regimental reserve after 42 days of close combat.

The men killed in action at Bastard's Bridge were

H Btry, 3rd Bn, 12th Marines
1stLt William F. Mullins, Short Hills, NJ
Sgt Paul H. Foster, San Francisco, CA (Medal of Honor)
Pfc Robert J. Araujo, New York, NY

G Co, 2nd Bn, 4th Marines

Capt Jack W. Phillips, Mission, KS (Silver Star)
1stLt Charles Yaghoobian, Pawtucket, RI
2ndLt Eric C. Egge, Hopkins, MN
LCpl John P. Avery, Elizabethton, TN
LCpl Duane J. Foss, Hastings, MN
LCpl Frank Foster, Meridian, MS
LCpl Phillip S. France, Baltimore, MD (Silver Star)
LCpl Donald A. Gehling, Grand Meadow, MN
LCpl Morris J. Sensat, Egan, LA
Pfc Robert D. Buchanan, Bristol, VA
Pfc Gary C. Griswold, Bethel, CT
Pfc David A. Hamilton, Springfield, OH (Silver Star)
Pfc William I. White, North Vandergrift, PA
Pfc Stephen R. Worley, West Monroe, LA

H&S Co, 2nd Bn, 4th Marines
Capt James W. McCarter, New Orleans, LA (Silver Star)
HM2 Robert E. Bardach, Arlington Heights, IL
HN John I. Higgins, Chula Vista, CA
HN Doyle G. King, Vinemont, AL (Bronze Star "V")

 

Description of the battle taken from
OPERATION KINGFISHER Report

 

CHARLES A. BAKER
RANK BM-3 - E-4 BOATSWAINS MATE 3RD CLASS
BRANCH U.S. NAVY
MARRIED (information not available)
RELIGION (information not available)
COMP (information not available)
MOS BM Boatswains Mate

UNIT

 

PBR-29, RIVDIV 51, TF-116, USNAVFORV

USNAVFORV  TF 116

HOME New York, New York
DATE OF BIRTH Tuesday, 01/18/1944
START OF VIETNAM TOUR UNKNOWN
CASUALTY DATE Sunday, 09/11/1966
CASUALTY LOCATION Vinh Long, South Vietnam
CASUALTY TYPE Hostile, died outright
CASUALTY REASON Gun or small arms fire - Ground casualty (or inland waterway)
AGE 22
TIME IN COUNTRY UNKNOWN
WALL PANEL Panel 10E Line 086

AWARDS & CITATIONS

   USN PBR

 Purple Heart, Good Conduct, National Defense, Vietnam Service, Vietnam Campaign

Combat Action Ribbon

Purple Heart, Navy Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign, Combat Action  Ribbon

CAMPAIGNS

(1) - Vietnam Air Offensive

OTHER LINKS

POSTINGS ON THE VIRTUAL WALL

8 Aug 2002 REMEMBERED by his comrades in arms from VVA Chapter 421.

A memorial initiated by another Vietnam veteran Lester Modelowitz.

 
27 Jun 200611 September 1966: PBRs 29 and 82 came under automatic weapons fire on the Co Chien River 26 miles southeast of Vinh Long. The VC killed one PBR forward gunner in the firefight that ensued. BM3 Charles A. Baker was the first U.S. Navy PBR sailor killed in a VC ambush according to U.S. Naval Historical Center's History of U.S. Naval Operations in the Vietnam Conflict Volume III, Part I, 25.

From a historian John Sherwood

E-Mail will be forwarded by the
 Webmaster@VirtualWall.org

 
 

LOUIS J. BARBARIA
RANK SGT - E-4 SERGEANT (Posthumous Promotion As Indicated)
BRANCH U.S. ARMY
MARRIED YES
RELIGION ROMAN CATHOLIC
COMP SELECTIVE SERVICE
MOS 11B20 - INFANTRYMAN

UNIT

 

C CO, 2ND BN, 502ND INF RGT, 101 ABN DIV

 101 ABN DIV  502ND INF RGT
HOME New York, New York
DATE OF BIRTH Tuesday, 04/01/1947
START OF VIETNAM TOUR Monday, 06/30/1969
CASUALTY DATE Saturday, 03/21/1970
CASUALTY LOCATION Quang Tri, South Vietnam
CASUALTY TYPE Non-hostile, Died Of Other Causes
CASUALTY REASON Other causes - Ground Casualty
AGE 22
TIME IN COUNTRY 0 Years 8 Months 19 Days
WALL PANEL Panel 12W Line 028

AWARDS & CITATIONS

  

 National Defense, Vietnam Service, Vietnam Campaign

Combat Infantry Badge, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign

 

CAMPAIGNS

(2) - Vietnam Summer-Fall 1969, Vietnam Winter-Spring 1970

OTHER LINKS

POSTINGS ON THE VIRTUAL WALL

REMEMBERED by his comrades in arms from VVA Chapter 421

 

 

JOHN BARCA, JR.
RANK LCPL - E-3 LANCE CORPORAL
BRANCH U.S. MARINE CORPS
MARRIED (information not available)
RELIGION (information not available)
COMP (information not available)
MOS 0331 MACHINE GUNNER

UNIT

 

 E CO, 2ND BN, 3RD MARINES, 3RD MARDIV

3rdmaf.gif3RD MARDIV  3RD MARINES
HOME New York, New York
DATE OF BIRTH Friday, 04/15/1949
START OF VIETNAM TOUR Monday, 04/01/1968
CASUALTY DATE Saturday, 03/22/1969
CASUALTY LOCATION Quang Tri, South Vietnam
CASUALTY TYPE Hostile, died outright
CASUALTY REASON Other explosive device - Ground casualty
AGE 19
TIME IN COUNTRY 0 Years 11 Months 21 Days
WALL PANEL Panel 28W Line 008

AWARDS & CITATIONS

  

 phndvsvc.gif

Combat Action Ribbon

Purple Heart, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign, Combat Action Ribbon

 

CAMPAIGNS

 (2) Tet Counteroffensive, Tet 69 Counteroffensive

OTHER LINKS

POSTINGS ON THE VIRTUAL WALL

11 Jul 2002 REMEMBERED by his comrades in arms from VVA Chapter 421
A memorial initiated by Lester Modelowitz
 
09 Mar 2003 I only knew him for 17 years, and now it has been 34 years since he died. It seems like yesterday, that I can still see him in his Marine uniform. He was a quiet guy but very well loved by everyone who knew him. I miss him, and soon we will meet. I love you, John, and am always thinking of you. God bless.
 
Your brother Ron.
Ronald M. Barca

NOTES FROM THE VIRTUAL WALL

27TH MARINES 3RD MARINES

The 27th Marines deployed to Vietnam in February 1968 in response to the Tet Offensive, and were withdrawn in September 1968. But not all the 27th Marines went home ... a large proportion of the Regiment's men were transferred to other units and remained in Vietnam.

Lance Corporal Barca started with Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 27th Marines, but went to Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, when the 27th departed Vietnam. He and Pvt Walter Green of Baltimore, Maryland were killed by an "explosive device" 4 kilometers southeast of LZ TORCH, or some 19 kilometers south-southeast of the Khe Sanh airfield.

They are remembered on the 3/27 Marines Honor Roll and on the Echo 2/3 Marines Memorial .

 

 

PETER W. BAXTER
RANK CPL - E-4 Corporal
BRANCH U.S. MARINE CORPS
MARRIED (information not available)
RELIGION (information not available)
COMP (information not available)
MOS 1371 COMBAT ENGINEER

UNIT

 

A CO, 3RD ENG BN, 3RD MARDIV

 3rdmaf.gif3RD MARDIV  3RD ENG BN
HOME New York, New York
DATE OF BIRTH Monday, 12/17/1945
START OF VIETNAM TOUR (information not available)
CASUALTY DATE Friday, 07/01/1966
CASUALTY LOCATION Quang Nam, South Vietnam
CASUALTY TYPE Hostile, Died
CASUALTY REASON Multiple Fragmentation Wounds - Ground Casualty
AGE 20
TIME IN COUNTRY (information not available)
WALL PANEL Panel 08E Line 114

AWARDS & CITATIONS

  

 

Combat Action Ribbon

Purple Heart, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign, Combat Action Ribbon

 

CAMPAIGNS

 (1) Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase II

OTHER LINKS

POSTINGS ON THE VIRTUAL WALL

8 Aug 2002 REMEMBERED by his comrades in arms from VVA Chapter 421

NOTES FROM THE VIRTUAL WALL

A Company, 3rd Engineers, lost two men on 01 Jul 1966:

  • Cpl Peter W. Baxter, New York, NY

  • Cpl John H. Raber, New Haven, CT

Their names are engraved on a plaque which hangs in the Company command post of Combat Engineer Company, Combat Assault Battalion, 3d Marine Division on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan. CEC was Company C, 3d Engineer Battalion, and is the only part of the Battalion which has not been deactivated. The crest at the top of this page is derived from the emblem on the plaque.

 

 

ERICK W. BEATTIE
RANK LCPL - E-3 LANCE CORPORAL
BRANCH U.S. MARINE CORPS
MARRIED NO
RELIGION PROTESTANT
COMP SELECTIVE SERVICE
MOS 0311 - RIFLEMAN

UNIT

 

F CO, 2ND BN, 1ST MARINES, 1ST MARDIV

 3rdmaf.gif1ST MARDIV   1ST MARINES
HOME New York, New York
DATE OF BIRTH Saturday, 11/13/1948
START OF VIETNAM TOUR Tuesday, 04/08/1969
CASUALTY DATE Tuesday, 01/27/1970
CASUALTY LOCATION Quang Nam, South Vietnam
CASUALTY TYPE Hostile, Died
CASUALTY REASON Artillery, Rocket, Mortar - Ground Casualty
AGE 21
TIME IN COUNTRY 0 Years 11 Months 21 Days
WALL PANEL Panel 14W Line 070

AWARDS & CITATIONS

  

 

Combat Action Ribbon

Purple Heart, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign, Combat Action Ribbon

 

CAMPAIGNS

 (2) Tet 69 Counteroffensive, Vietnam Winter-Spring 1970

OTHER LINKS

POSTINGS ON THE VIRTUAL WALL

REMEMBERED by his comrades in arms from VVA Chapter 421

 

 

ROBERT C. BECKMAN
RANK CPT - O3 - CAPTAIN
BRANCH U.S. ARMY
MARRIED No
RELIGION PROTESTANT
COMP RESERVE
MOS 1542 - INFANTRY UNIT COMMANDER

UNIT

 

DET A-362, 5TH SF GRP, SPECIAL FORCES

    SPECIAL FORCES 

HOME New York, New York
DATE OF BIRTH Monday, 05/18/1936
START OF VIETNAM TOUR Friday, 09/20/1968
CASUALTY DATE Tuesday, 11/11/1969
CASUALTY LOCATION Phuoc Long, South Vietnam
CASUALTY TYPE Hostile, Died
CASUALTY REASON Gun, Small Arms Fire - Ground Casualty
AGE 33
TIME IN COUNTRY  
WALL PANEL Panel 16W Line 055

AWARDS & CITATIONS

  

Combat Infantry Badge, Purple Heart, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign

 

CAMPAIGNS

 (2) Tet 69 Counteroffensive, Vietnam Winter-Spring 1970

OTHER LINKS

POSTINGS ON THE VIRTUAL WALL

REMEMBERED by his comrades in arms from VVA Chapter 421

 

 

LOUIS W. BELLACH, JR.
RANK CPL - E3 - CORPORAL (Posthumous Promotion As Indicated)
BRANCH U.S. ARMY
MARRIED (information not available)
RELIGION (information not available)
COMP (information not available)
MOS 11B10 INFANTRYMAN

UNIT

 

A CO, 2ND BN, 502ND INFANTRY, 101 ABN DIV

  101 ABN DIV502ND INF RGT

 

HOME New York, New York
DATE OF BIRTH Tuesday, 05/11/1948
START OF VIETNAM TOUR Saturday, 02/25/1967
CASUALTY DATE Wednesday, 09/27/1967
CASUALTY LOCATION Quang Tin, South Vietnam
CASUALTY TYPE Hostile, died outright
CASUALTY REASON Gun or small arms fire - Ground casualty
AGE 19
TIME IN COUNTRY 0 Years 7 Months 2 Days
WALL PANEL Panel 27E Line 018

AWARDS & CITATIONS

  

Combat Infantry Badge, Purple Heart, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign

 

CAMPAIGNS

 (2) Tet 69 Counteroffensive, Vietnam Winter-Spring 1970

OTHER LINKS

POSTINGS ON THE VIRTUAL WALL
 
09 Aug 2002 REMEMBERED by his comrades in arms from VVA Chapter 421
 
29 Mar 2006 To everyone who knew him, he was "Bugger", and always will be. He always said that after he died he hoped his nose would be straightened. We can only hope. One of the funniest things I remember about Bugger was when he met his best friend, Jimmy McKay, for the first time - he said "Wou, wou, wou, could you blank blank blank". Anyway, it was funny any time Jimmy told it. Now the two best friends are together, Bugger and Jimmy, and I always considered them 2 of my best friends and always will.

 
From a friend,
Eugene
 
29 May 2007 In memory of my favorite cousin Corporal Louis W. Bellach, Jr. who I only knew as "Bugger". I was eleven when he was killed in action in Vietnam, 27 Sept 67. I always have and always will remember him fondly. I remember him visiting our home on Staten Island with a 101st buddy before his tour in Vietnam, then his wake and funeral. I was too young to appreciate his service and sacrifice then, and now as I turn 51 his memory reminds me of the good old days in Midland Beach, when all the cousins were young, full of mischief, and protective of each other. May God have mercy on his soul and that of his brother Charlie Bellach.
 
Bill Pentangelo
125 Gravel Hill-Spotswood Rd, Monroe Twp, N J 08831

NOTES FROM THE VIRTUAL WALL

Alpha Company, 2/502nd Infantry, lost two New Yorkers on 27 Sep 1967 - CPL Louis W. Bellach and CPL Steven B. Riccione of Geneva.

 

 

ALAN L. BLAIR
RANK SP/4 - E4 - SPECIALIST FOUR
BRANCH U.S. ARMY
MARRIED NO
RELIGION PROTESTANT
COMP (information not available)
MOS 12B2P - COMBAT ENGINEER

UNIT

 

101 ABN DIV326TH ENG BN

 

HOME New York, New York
DATE OF BIRTH Monday, 09/13/1948
START OF VIETNAM TOUR Thursday, 06/29/1967
CASUALTY DATE Tuesday, 01/02/1968
CASUALTY LOCATION Lam Dong, South Vietnam
CASUALTY TYPE Hostile, Died
CASUALTY REASON Gun, Small Arms Fire - Ground Casualty
AGE 19
TIME IN COUNTRY 0 Years 6 Months 4 Days
WALL PANEL Panel 33E Line 016

AWARDS & CITATIONS

  

Engineers

Airborne!

Combat Infantry Badge, Purple Heart, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign, Army Parachutist Badge

 

CAMPAIGNS

 (1) Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase III

OTHER LINKS
 

 

JOHN T. BROWN
RANK PFC - E-3 Private First Class
BRANCH U.S. ARMY
MARRIED (information not available)
RELIGION (information not available)
COMP (information not available)
MOS 11B10 INFANTRYMAN

UNIT

A CO, 1ST BN, 502ND INF RGT, 101 ABN DIV

usarv.gif101 ABN DIV502ND INF RGT

 

HOME New York, New York
DATE OF BIRTH Sunday, 06/06/1948
START OF VIETNAM TOUR Friday, 12/29/1967
CASUALTY DATE Thursday, 02/01/1968
CASUALTY LOCATION Quang Tri, South Vietnam
CASUALTY TYPE Hostile, Died While Missing
CASUALTY REASON Gun, Small Arms Fire - Ground Casualty
AGE 19
TIME IN COUNTRY 0 Years 1 Month 1 Day
WALL PANEL Panel 36E Line 046

AWARDS & CITATIONS

cib.gif

bsvph.gif

Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign, Army Parachutist Badge

 

CAMPAIGNS

 (1) Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase III

OTHER LINKS

POSTINGS ON THE VIRTUAL WALL

07 July 2002 REMEMBERED by his comrades in arms from VVA Chapter 421
31 July 2002 To my childhood close friend
Now that I have this avenue to vent my years of feelings of loss, I want you to know that I have never forgotten you or our friendship. Your remembrance/funeral card is still displayed on my dresser, and I especially remember, and cry for you, every Memorial Day. You will always be my friend and, as long as I live, so do you - in my heart, mind, and thoughts. I have to close now - the grief is almost overpowering! I am so appreciative of this opportunity to say "good-bye", an opportunity I never had when I lost you, my friend.

 

Good-bye my dear John.
Your friend forever,
Joe


NOTES FROM THE VIRTUAL WALL

Alpha Company, 1/502nd Infantry, lost four men on 01 Feb 1968 - the outset of the Tet Offensive:

  • CPT Joseph P. Holland, Naugatuck, CT

  • SGT James E. Hamilton, Adairsville, GA

  • PFC John T. Brown, New York, NY

  • PVT Larry E. Wittler, Petaluma, CA

 

 

MATTHEW J. BUONO
RANK PFC - E-3 PRIVATE FIRST CLASS
BRANCH U.S. ARMY
MARRIED (information not available)
RELIGION (information not available)
COMP SELECTIVE SERVICE
MOS 13A10 FIELD ARTILLERY BASIC

UNIT

B BTY, 1ST BN, 77TH ARTILLERY, 1 CAV DIV

usarv.gif1 CAV DIV77TH ARTY RGT

 

HOME New York, New York
DATE OF BIRTH Sunday, 06/28/1942
START OF VIETNAM TOUR Thursday, 12/07/1967
CASUALTY DATE Thursday, 04/04/1968
CASUALTY LOCATION Quang Tri, South Vietnam
CASUALTY TYPE Hostile, died outright
CASUALTY REASON Multiple fragmentation wounds - Ground casualty
AGE 25
TIME IN COUNTRY 0 Years 3 Months 27 Days
WALL PANEL Panel 47E Line 059

AWARDS & CITATIONS

  

Artillery

 

Purple Heart, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign

 

CAMPAIGNS

 (3) Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase III, Tet Counteroffensive, Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase IV

OTHER LINKS

POSTINGS ON THE VIRTUAL WALL

11 July 2002 REMEMBERED by his comrades in arms from VVA Chapter 421
 
27 Sep 2007 Although many years have passed you are still remembered and admired by the people of Rosebank.

From a Rosebanker
E-Mail will be forwarded by the
Webmaster@VirtualWall.org

 

 
 

WALTER BURKE
RANK PFC - E-2 PRIVATE FIRST CLASS
BRANCH U.S. MARINE CORPS
MARRIED (information not available)
RELIGION (information not available)
COMP (information not available)
MOS 0311 RIFLEMAN

UNIT

 

D CO, 1ST BN, 1ST MARINES, 1ST MARDIV

3rdmaf.gif1ST MARDIV  1ST MARINES

 

HOME New York, New York
DATE OF BIRTH Friday, 06/30/1950
START OF VIETNAM TOUR Thursday, 10/17/1968
CASUALTY DATE Friday, 11/22/1968
CASUALTY LOCATION Quang Nam, South Vietnam
CASUALTY TYPE Hostile, Died
CASUALTY REASON Gun, Small Arms Fire - Ground Casualty
AGE 18
TIME IN COUNTRY 0 Years 1 Month 5 Days
WALL PANEL Panel 38W Line 033

AWARDS & CITATIONS

  

Combat Action Ribbon

Purple Heart, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign, Combat Action Ribbon

 

CAMPAIGNS

 (2) Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase V, Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase VI

OTHER LINKS

 

POSTINGS ON THE VIRTUAL WALL

16 August 2002 REMEMBERED by his comrades in arms from VVA Chapter 421
 
28 Aug 2002 My name is Edward Behnke and it was Walter Burke who was trying to save me after I was shot through the neck and shoulder. I will never forget Walter Burke. I know that Walter still has a brother and possibly his father is still alive. I would like to sometime meet with them, and would like to hear from family and friends.

Edward Behnke
eddieandsandie@myway.com
 Roscommon, Michigan

 


 NOTES FROM THE VIRTUAL WALL

A fellow Marine, Don Hill, recalls PFC Walter Burke's death:
"Near the beginning of Operation Meade River, on November 22, 1968, Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines crossed the river -- and lost four Marines KIA, med-evaced seven emergency WIA's, and kept a bunch of wounded hanging around and waiting for a more promising helicopter to get them out.

"I'd like to remember Walter Laverte Burke, a young Marine who gave his life while saving the life of Ed Behnke. After Ed had been seriously wounded in the shoulder, neck, and jaw, PFC Burke took him quite aways to a position of relative safety. As Ed scurried over/was pushed over that last elevated rice paddy dike, Burke was shot and killed approximately one foot from safety."

Four Marines from Delta 1/1 were killed in action on 22 Nov 1968:

  • SSgt Kenneth A. Baker, New Bedford, MA (Silver Star)
  • Cpl Andrew A. Ruiz, Clovis, CA
  • Pfc Walter L. Burke, New York, NY
  • Pfc Louis A. Taylor, Atlantic City, NJ

 
 
 

FRANK K. BUSH
RANK LCPL - E-3 LANCE CORPORAL
BRANCH U.S. MARINE CORPS
MARRIED (information not available)
RELIGION (information not available)
COMP (information not available)
MOS 0311 RIFLEMAN

UNIT

 

L CO, 3RD BN, 7TH MARINES, 3RD MARDIV

3rdmaf.gif 3RD MARDIV  7TH MARINES

 

HOME New York, New York
DATE OF BIRTH Friday, 01/12/1951
START OF VIETNAM TOUR Monday, 09/08/1969
CASUALTY DATE Thursday, 05/14/1970
CASUALTY LOCATION Quang Nam, South Vietnam
CASUALTY TYPE Hostile, Died
CASUALTY REASON Gun, Small Arms Fire - Ground Casualty
AGE 19
TIME IN COUNTRY 0 Years 8 Months 6 Days
WALL PANEL Panel 10W Line 039

AWARDS & CITATIONS

  

Combat Action Ribbon

Purple Heart, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign, Combat Action Ribbon

 

CAMPAIGNS

 (3) Vietnam Summer-Fall 1969, Vietnam Winter-Spring 1970, Sanctuary Counteroffensive

OTHER LINKS
   

 

JOSEPH V. CAMERLENGO
RANK SP/4 - E4 - SPECIALIST FOUR
BRANCH U.S. ARMY
MARRIED YES
RELIGION ROMAN CATHOLIC
COMP SELECTIVE SERVICE
MOS 11B10 INFANTRYMAN

UNIT

 

D CO, 3RD BN, 187TH INF RGT, 101 ABN DIV

101 ABN DIV  187TH INF RGT

 

HOME New York, New York
DATE OF BIRTH Wednesday, 09/22/1948
START OF VIETNAM TOUR Thursday, 12/05/1968
CASUALTY DATE Monday, 10/20/1969
CASUALTY LOCATION Thua Thien, South Vietnam
CASUALTY TYPE Hostile, Died Of Wounds
CASUALTY REASON Other Explosive Device - Ground Casualty
AGE 21
TIME IN COUNTRY 0 Years 10 Months 15 Days
WALL PANEL Panel 10W Line 039

AWARDS & CITATIONS

  

 

Combat Infantry Badge, Purple Heart, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign

 

CAMPAIGNS

 (3) Vietnam Air Offensive Phase IV,  Tet 69 Counteroffensive, Vietnam Summer-Fall 1969

OTHER LINKS

POSTINGS ON THE VIRTUAL WALL

REMEMBERED by his comrades in arms from VVA Chapter 421

 

 

VINCENT R. CAPODANNO
RANK LT - O3 - LIEUTENANT
BRANCH U.S. NAVY
MARRIED NO
RELIGION ROMAN CATHOLIC
COMP RESERVE
MOS 4105 STAFF CORPS - CHAPLAIN

UNIT

 

H&S CO, 3RD BN, 5TH MARINES, 1ST MARDIV

3rdmaf.gif 1mardiv.gif 5thmarines2.gif

 

HOME Honolulu, Hawaii
DATE OF BIRTH Wednesday, 02/13/1929
START OF VIETNAM TOUR (information not available)
CASUALTY DATE Monday, 09/04/1967
CASUALTY LOCATION Quang Tin, South Vietnam
CASUALTY TYPE Hostile, died outright
CASUALTY REASON Gun or small arms fire - Ground casualty
AGE 38
TIME IN COUNTRY (information not available)
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AWARDS & CITATIONS
  moh_army-s.gif
chaplain.gif

 

 

Medal of Honor, Bronze Star with combat V (not shown), Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon (not shown), Navy Presidential Unit Citation (not shown), National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Silver Star (not shown), Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation (not shown), Vietnam Civil Actions Medal Unit Citation )not shown), Vietnam Campaign

CAMPAIGNS

 (information not available)

OTHER LINKS

POSTINGS ON THE VIRTUAL WALL

10 May 1999 During the Vietnam War 240 men received the nation's highest military award . . . The Medal of Honor. Of those 240 brave men, 149 received the Medal of Honor posthumously, including Vincent Capodanno. All 240 MOH citations are published on Neil Mishalov's web site.

From a friend of Vincent's brother,
Carl Di Maria,
 cdimaria@cdimaria.com

 

 

moh_navy.gif
Vincent Robert Capodanno
Lieutenant
United States Navy

Rank and organization:
Lieutenant, U.S. Navy, Chaplain Corps
3d Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein)
Place and date:
Quang Tin Province, Republic of Vietnam, 4 September 1967

Citation:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as Chaplain of the 3d Battalion, in connection with operations against enemy forces. In response to reports that the 2d Platoon of M Company was in danger of being overrun by a massed enemy assaulting force, Lt. Capodanno left the relative safety of the company command post and ran through an open area raked with fire, directly to the beleaguered platoon. Disregarding the intense enemy small-arms, automatic-weapons, and mortar fire, he moved about the battlefield administering last rites to the dying and giving medical aid to the wounded. When an exploding mortar round inflicted painful multiple wounds to his arms and legs, and severed a portion of his right hand, he steadfastly refused all medical aid. Instead, he directed the corpsmen to help their wounded comrades and, with calm vigor, continued to move about the battlefield as he provided encouragement by voice and example to the valiant Marines. Upon encountering a wounded corpsman in the direct line of fire of an enemy machine gunner positioned approximately 15 yards away, Lt. Capodanno rushed in a daring attempt to aid and assist the mortally wounded corpsman. At that instant, only inches from his goal, he was struck down by a burst of machinegun fire. By his heroic conduct on the battlefield, and his inspiring example, Lt. Capodanno upheld the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the cause of freedom.

Father Capodonno died in an effort to assist
Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Armando Leal
HM3 Leal received a posthumous Navy Cross for his heroism that day.

 

 

29 Jan 2007 Fr. Vincent Capodanno also has several chapels named after him Marine Corps wide. One of these is the Blessed Sacrament Chapel located outside St. Andrew's Crypt Chapel in the basement deck of the United States Naval Academy Chapel. Visitors to the Naval Academy are encouraged to visit the chapel.

Major W. George Dragan, USMCR
 gsdragan@juno.com

NOTES FROM THE VIRTUAL WALL

 The 04 Sep engagement described in Chaplain Capodanno's Citation occurred at Chau Lam (1), 5 kilometers east of Que Son, during Operation SWIFT. Seventeen Marines and sailors are known to have died in the engagement:
  • H&S Co, 3rd Bn, 5th Marines
    • LT Vincent R. Capodanno, Honolulu, HI (Medal of Honor)
    • HM3 Armando G. Leal, San Antonio, TX (Navy Cross)
    • HN James C. O'Reilly, Brighton, MA

  • M Co, 3rd Bn, 5th Marines
    • Sgt Lawrence D. Peters, Binghamton, NY (Medal of Honor)
    • LCpl Jack A. Berry, Lubbock, TX
    • LCpl Steven T. Cornell, New York, NY
    • LCpl Thomas W. Fisher, Allentown, PA (Navy Cross)
    • LCpl Andrew M. Giordano, Smithtown, NY (Silver Star)
    • LCpl Richard Guerrero, Corpus Christi, TX
    • LCpl Albert W. Santos, Fall River, MA
    • Pfc Dennis F. Fisher, Alta Loma, CA
    • Pfc Tony E. Gabaldon, Reedley, CA
    • Pfc Raymond G. Hengels, Downers Grove, IL
    • Pfc Charles F. Martin, Littleton, CO
    • Pfc James C. McKenzie, Yorba Linda, CA
    • Pfc Gene A. Mortensen, Salt Lake City, UT
    • Pfc Steven J. Wright, Norco, CA

 

 

 

RICHARD A. CARABBA
RANK LCPL - E-3 LANCE CORPORAL
BRANCH U.S. MARINE CORPS
MARRIED (information not available)
RELIGION (information not available)
COMP (information not available)
MOS 0351 ANTITANK ASSAULT MAN

UNIT

 

G CO, 2ND BN, 4TH MARINES, 3RD MARDIV

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HOME New York, New York
DATE OF BIRTH Wednesday, 03/21/1951
START OF VIETNAM TOUR Friday, 08/08/1969
CASUALTY DATE Saturday, 09/27/1969
CASUALTY LOCATION Quang Tri, South Vietnam
CASUALTY TYPE Hostile, Died
CASUALTY REASON Artillery, Rocket, Mortar - Ground Casualty
AGE 18
TIME IN COUNTRY  
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AWARDS & CITATIONS
  

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Combat Action Ribbon

 

Bronze Star, Purple Heart, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign, Marine Combat Action Ribbon

CAMPAIGNS

 (information not available)

OTHER LINKS

POSTINGS ON THE VIRTUAL WALL

9 Aug 2002 REMEMBERED by his comrades in arms from VVA Chapter 421
 
16 Aug 2005 The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the BRONZE STAR MEDAL posthumously to LANCE CORPORAL RICHARD A CARABBA UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS for service as set forth in the following
 

 CITATION:

"For meritorious service in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam while serving as a Rifleman with Company G, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, Third Marine Division from 9 August to 27 September 1969. Throughout this period, Lance Corporal Carabba performed his duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner. Participating in several combat operations, he repeatedly distinguished himself by his courage and composure under fire as he continually moved to dangerously exposed vantage points from which to inflict maximum casualties on the enemy. During the early morning hours of 27 September 1969, while Company G was occupying a night defensive position near Fire Support Base Elliot, the Marines came under intense mortar fire and Lance Corporal Carabba, unhesitatingly leaving his position of relative safety, maneuvered across the fire-swept terrain to a fighting hole to defend his position against possible ground attack. Boldly exposing himself to the enemy fire he began pointing out hostile targets to the mortar crew and while thus engaged was mortally wounded. His heroic and determined actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in repelling the enemy. Lance Corporal Carabba's professionalism, bold initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service."

The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.

FOR THE PRESIDENT,



H. W. BUSE, JR.
LIEUTENANT GENERAL, U. S. MARINE CORPS
COMMANDING GENERAL, FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC

From his father.

 

09 Mar 2003 Dear Rickey, There is not a day that goes by that I don't think about you after all these years. You were taken from all of us much too soon. You were only eighteen. I was only eleven. I still wonder what it would be like if you were here right now. You are always in my prayers and forever in my heart.

From a sister. 

5 Sep 2005 Dear Rickey,
When you told me you didn't think you would make it home I knew deep in my heart that it would be true. I'll never forget the time you came home and surprised us all. My kids and grandkids know you by what I've told them. You touched many hearts in your short lifetime and I look forward to the time when we can be together again. You're in my thoughts, my prayers and in my heart. I can still hear those drums!

From another sister.

 

 


 

 

VINCENT J. CARAVELLO
RANK LCPL - E-3 LANCE CORPORAL
BRANCH U.S. MARINE CORPS
MARRIED (information not available)
RELIGION (information not available)
COMP (information not available)
MOS 0351 ANTITANK ASSAULT MAN

UNIT

 

G CO, 2ND BN, 4TH MARINES, 3RD MARDIV

usarv.gif101abnsm.jpg502infrgt.gif

 

HOME New York, New York
DATE OF BIRTH Wednesday, 07/4/1949
START OF VIETNAM TOUR Friday, 05/08/1969
CASUALTY DATE Saturday, 09/27/1969
CASUALTY LOCATION Quang Tri, South Vietnam
CASUALTY TYPE Hostile, Died
CASUALTY REASON Artillery, Rocket, Mortar - Ground Casualty
AGE 18
TIME IN COUNTRY  
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AWARDS & CITATIONS
  

Airborne!

 

Bronze Star, Purple Heart, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign, Marine Combat Action Ribbon

CAMPAIGNS

 (information not available)

OTHER LINKS