Total Pageviews

( ME) PFC GREGORY PAYNE

( ME)  PFC GREGORY PAYNE
LONG BINH BMB - CAMP FREZNEL AND JONES JAN 24. 1969 VIETNAM

HALL OF HONOR

HALL OF HONOR
THIS SITE WAS ORIGINALLY HALL OF HONOR

199th LIGHT INFANTRY BRIGADE NATIONAL HALL OF HONOR

199th LIGHT INFANTRY BRIGADE NATIONAL HALL OF HONOR
199th LIGHT INFANTRY BRIGADE NATIONAL HALL OF HONOR

HALL OF HONOR

HALL OF HONOR
THIS SITE IS A GENUINE "HALL OF HONOR" SITE

FEEDBURNER

FEEDBURNER
FEEDBURNER - PLEASE CLICK ON THE ABOVE BANNER TO SUBSCRIBE AND JOIN THIS WEBSITE'S FEED AND GET UPDATES FOR YOUR WEBSITE OR YOUR "MY YAHOO!" THEN JUST BACK CLICK TO RETURN HERE

199th LIGHT INFANTRY BRIGADE NATIONAL HALL OF HONOR

199th LIGHT INFANTRY BRIGADE NATIONAL HALL OF HONOR
199th BRIGADE NATIONAL HALL OF HONOR - A website to help preserve our History of the 199th Light Infantry Brigade in Vietnam for Generations yet to come. It is also a site where all "Redcatchers" former members of the 199th Light Infantry Brigade that served with the Brigade between the years of 1966- 1970 in combat in Vietnam can now receive a 199th L.I.B. Unit Patch posted in front of their names in their honor when they sign-up on my site.

FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER

GOD IS MY POINTMAN

U.S. VETERANS NATIONAL MEMORIAL HALL OF HONOR

U.S. VETERANS NATIONAL MEMORIAL HALL OF HONOR
U.S. VETERANS NATIONAL MEMORIAL HALL OF HONOR "PLEASE CLICK ON THE BANNER POSTED ABOVE THIS MESSAGE"

199thLIB-CAMO AND COLORED-SHOULDER-PATCHES

199thLIB-CAMO AND COLORED-SHOULDER-PATCHES
199thLIB-CAMO AND COLORED SHOULDER-PATCHES

199th LIGHT INFANTRY BRIGADE

199th LIGHT INFANTRY BRIGADE
199th LIGHT INFANTRY BRIGADE

199th LIGHT INFANTRY BRIGADE VIETNAM

199th LIGHT INFANTRY BRIGADE VIETNAM
199th LIGHT INFANTRY BRIGADE VIETNAM

199th LIGHT INFANTRY BRIGADE TROOPS POP GREEN SMOKE WAITING FOR THE CHOPPER AT THEIR LZ PICK UP

199th LIGHT INFANTRY BRIGADE TROOPS  POP GREEN SMOKE WAITING FOR THE CHOPPER AT THEIR LZ PICK UP
199th LIGHT INFANTRY BRIGADE TROOPS POP GREEN SMOKE WAITING FOR THE CHOPPER AT THEIR LZ PICK UP ZONE

REDCATCHER - 199th LIGHT INFANTRY BRIGADE ASSOCIATION

REDCATCHER - 199th LIGHT INFANTRY BRIGADE ASSOCIATION
REDCATCHER - 199th LIGHT INFANTRY BRIGADE ASSOCIATION "PLEASE CLICK ON THE BANNER POSTED ABOVE THIS MESSAGE"

199th LIGHT INFANTRY BRIGADE'S COMBAT UNITS IN VIETNAM

199th LIGHT INFANTRY BRIGADE'S COMBAT UNITS IN VIETNAM
A TRIBUTE TO REDCATCHER - 199th LIGHT INFANTRY BRIGADE 'S COMBAT UNITS IN VIETNAM

COMBAT INFANTRYMEN'S ASSOCIATION

COMBAT INFANTRYMEN'S ASSOCIATION
COMBAT INFANTRYMEN'S ASSOCIATION TO JOIN THE COMBAT INFANTRYMEN'S ASSOCIATION PLEASE "CLICK ON THE BANNER POSTED ABOVE THIS MESSAGE'

199th LIB MUSEUM

199th LIB MUSEUM
199th LIB MUSEUM

199th LIB "TET OFFENSIVE" BEIN HOA, VIETNAM 1968

199th LIB "TET OFFENSIVE" BEIN HOA, VIETNAM 1968
199th LIB "TET OFFENSIVE" BEIN HOA, VIETNAM 1968

199th LIB - BRIGADE PHOTO SHOT 1967

199th LIB - BRIGADE PHOTO SHOT 1967
199th LIB - BRIGADE PHOTO SHOT 1967

199th L.I.B. POW*MIA Page 5

     
                                                                 Last updated April 22, 2001.


 
JOHN   EDWARD   CONGER   JR.

Name: John Edward Conger, Jr.
Rank/Branch: E3/US Army
Unit: Company A, 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Brigade
Date of Birth: 07 January 1950 (Columbus OH)
Home City of Record: Lebanon OH
Date of Loss: 27 January 1969
Country of Loss: South Vietnam
Loss Coordinates: 103954N 1062519E (XS555802)
Status (in 1973): Missing in Action
Category: 2
Aircraft/Vehicle/Ground: Ground
Other Personnel in Incident: (none missing)

REMARKS:

SYNOPSIS: PFC John E. Conger, Jr. was a rifleman for Company A, 3rd Battalion,
7th Infantry Brigade, and was serving in that capacity on January 27, 1969 on a
search and destroy mission in Long An Province, South Vietnam near the city of
Tan An.

The unit was inserted by helicopter and began a sweep. While crossing a field,
Congar's company was taken under fire by enemy machine guns. During the initial
fire four men were wounded. PFC Conger moved up to attempt to knock out the
machine gun nest and was reportedly wounded in the right shoulder and neck.
Attempts to recover Conger and five other wounded individuals at that time were
unsuccessful because of continuing fire.

On January 28, U.S. artillery and aircraft shelled and bombed the area while
U.S. ground forces cordoned off the area. By January 29, the area had been
secured, but Conger and the other individuals could not be located.

On October 13, 1969, the remains of the individuals who had been missing with
Conger were found, but no trace of Conger was located. No further searches were
conducted.

PFC John Conger was declared Missing in Action. It was never learned whether he
was killed that day in January or not. He might have survived to be taken
prisoner.

As reports continue to flow in indicating that Americans are still alive and
captives in Southeast Asia, it becomes increasingly apparent that PFC Conger
could be among them. If so, what must he be thinking of his country.

                        

                                                                

                                                             This page created April 22, 2001,
                                                                Last updated April 22, 2000.


DALLAS ALAN DRIVER

Name: Dallas Alan Driver
Rank/Branch: E4/US Army
Unit: Company A, 5th Battalion, 12th Infantry, 199th Light Infantry Brigade
Date of Birth: 07 May 1948 (Winchester VA)
Home City of Record: Stephens City VA
Date of Loss: 09 October 1969
Country of Loss: South Vietnam
Loss Coordinates: 110546N 1070433E (YD267273)
Status (in 1973): Killed/Body Not Recovered
Category: 4
Aircraft/Vehicle/Ground: UH1D
Other Personnel in Incident: Jimmy R. Garbett; Raymond G. Moore; James L.
Suydam; James H. Turner; (all missing). WO Kilbourne (the pilot - survived);
unnamed crew chief, (survived immediate crash, later drowned - remains
recovered); CW4 James W. Bailey (aircraft commander - remains recovered)

REMARKS: IN RIV - 2 REMS RCV - NSUBJ - J

SYNOPSIS: On October 9, 1969, a UH1H helicopter crew and passengers were
attempting an extraction from a mined pickup zone in eastern Long Khanh
Province, South Vietnam near the shores of the Song Dong Nai River.

During the extraction attempt, the helicopter's rotor blade struck trees,
causing the loss of rotor RPM's and lift capability. The helicopter began
losing altitude, turned right and headed west and downriver in an attempt to
regain air speed. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft struck 15-20 feet of water
in an almost level attitude, and sank on its left side in less than 10 seconds.

Immediate and continuous air and water searches, loudspeaker broadcasts, and
phamplet distributions were conducted during the period of 9-15 October and
19-21 October, suspended October 16-18 only because of poor weather conditions.
No recovery was made of any of those missing from the aircraft, but the remains
of two personnel aboard were located and subsequently identified.

A LRRP swimmer trying to inspect the site had difficulty staying afloat even
with a rope. The individual reported that equipment seen on the shore after the
crash appeared to be alternately submerged and then reappear. It could not be
determined at the time how many persons escaped the aircraft. One who was known
to escape (unnamed in Army records) reported that he could not make it to shore
and went under. Another survivor reported seeing him go down within 3-4 feet of
him, but never saw him again. One of the individuals who was initially seen to
survive, later drowned or was lost in the indicent.

The only survivor of the original crash was WO Kilbourne, the pilot. The two
remains located were identified as the crew chief, who had survived the
immediate crash, but later drowned. CW4 James W. Bailey, the aircraft
commander, was lost and remains recovered.

The waters of the Song Dong Nai River were swift and treacherous. It is
particularly tragic that men who survived an aircraft would drown trying to
reach safety. Driver, Garbett, Moore and Turner were listed as Killed, Body Not
Recovered. Since their remains were never found, they are listed with honor
among the missing.

Unlike the crew of the UH1H, many of the cases of missing Americans in
Southeast Asia have no clear resolution. Some were known to have been captives,
but simply did not come home. Others were alive and well the last time they
were seen. Reports continue to be received on some, specifically by name and
location. Many authorities believe that there are hundreds still alive being
held against their wills.

Although the U.S. has named the resolution of the POW/MIA issue of "highest
national priority", little seems to have been done for those who wait for their
country to secure their freedom.


Last updated April 22, 2001.
JIMMY RAY GARBETT

Name: Jimmy Ray Garbett
Rank/Branch: E4/US Army
Unit: Company A, 5th Battalion, 12th Infantry, 199th Light Infantry Brigade
Date of Birth: 30 August 1948 (Quitman GA)
Home City of Record: Lake City FL
Date of Loss: 09 October 1969
Country of Loss: South Vietnam
Loss Coordinates: 110546N 1070433E (YD267273)
Status (in 1973): Killed/Body Not Recovered
Category: 4
Aircraft/Vehicle/Ground: UH1D
Other Personnel in Incident: Jimmy R. Garbett; Raymond G. Moore; James L.
Suydam; James H. Turner; (all missing). WO Kilbourne (the pilot - survived);
unnamed crew chief, (survived immediate crash, later drowned - remains
recovered); CW4 James W. Bailey (aircraft commander - remains recovered)

REMARKS: IN RIV - 2 REMS RCV - NSUBJ - J

SYNOPSIS: On October 9, 1969, a UH1H helicopter crew and passengers were
attempting an extraction from a mined pickup zone in eastern Long Khanh
Province, South Vietnam near the shores of the Song Dong Nai River.

During the extraction attempt, the helicopter's rotor blade struck trees,
causing the loss of rotor RPM's and lift capability. The helicopter began
losing altitude, turned right and headed west and downriver in an attempt to
regain air speed. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft struck 15-20 feet of water
in an almost level attitude, and sank on its left side in less than 10 seconds.

Immediate and continuous air and water searches, loudspeaker broadcasts, and
phamplet distributions were conducted during the period of 9-15 October and
19-21 October, suspended October 16-18 only because of poor weather conditions.
No recovery was made of any of those missing from the aircraft, but the remains
of two personnel aboard were located and subsequently identified.

A LRRP swimmer trying to inspect the site had difficulty staying afloat even
with a rope. The individual reported that equipment seen on the shore after the
crash appeared to be alternately submerged and then reappear. It could not be
determined at the time how many persons escaped the aircraft. One who was known
to escape (unnamed in Army records) reported that he could not make it to shore
and went under. Another survivor reported seeing him go down within 3-4 feet of
him, but never saw him again. One of the individuals who was initially seen to
survive, later drowned or was lost in the indicent.

The only survivor of the original crash was WO Kilbourne, the pilot. The two
remains located were identified as the crew chief, who had survived the
immediate crash, but later drowned. CW4 James W. Bailey, the aircraft
commander, was lost and remains recovered.

The waters of the Song Dong Nai River were swift and treacherous. It is
particularly tragic that men who survived an aircraft would drown trying to
reach safety. Driver, Garbett, Moore and Turner were listed as Killed, Body Not
Recovered. Since their remains were never found, they are listed with honor
among the missing.

Unlike the crew of the UH1H, many of the cases of missing Americans in
Southeast Asia have no clear resolution. Some were known to have been captives,
but simply did not come home. Others were alive and well the last time they
were seen. Reports continue to be received on some, specifically by name and
location. Many authorities believe that there are hundreds still alive being
held against their wills.

Although the U.S. has named the resolution of the POW/MIA issue of "highest
national priority", little seems to have been done for those who wait for their
country to secure their freedom.


                                                             

                                                          

Last updated April 22, 2001. 
                                                               


GLENN VIRGIL GARDNER

Name: Glenn Virgil Gardner
Rank/Branch: E2/US Army
Unit: Company B, 4th Battalion, 12th Infantry, 199th Light Infantry Brigade
Date of Birth: 14 August 1947 (Sanger CA)
Home City of Record: San Bernardino CA
Date of Loss: 25 November 1966
Country of Loss: South Vietnam/Over Water
Loss Coordinates: 072730N 1052612E (WP482244)
Status (in 1973): Killed/Body Not Recovered
Category: 5
Acft/Vehicle/Ground: water

Other Personnel In Incident: (none missing)

Source: Compiled by Homecoming II Project 15 October 1990 from one or more of
the following: raw data from U.S. Government agency sources, correspondence with
POW/MIA families, published sources, interviews.

REMARKS: JUMPED OVERBOARD

SYNOPSIS: Private Glenn Gardner was a member of Company B, 4th Battalion, 12th
Infantry, 99th LIB. He was a passenger on troop carrier USNS Daniel I. Salton en
route to Vietnam when he jumped overboard and drowned.

On several occasions, Gardner had threatened to take his life, and to jump
overboard. On this day, he was last seen at 1730 hours, and was reported missing
at approximately 1800 hours following a roll call in which he did not respond. A
search was mounted immediately and continued through the night until 1000 hours
the next day with no results. Gardner was presumed dead, and it was determined
his body could not be recovered.

The Vietnam War touched many lives. Tens of thousands of families lost loved
ones in battle deaths. Tens of thousands saw their sons and brothers come home
maimed physically and mentally from the wounds and torments of the savagry of
war. Some received telegrams that their loved ones drowned in recreation; a few
learned their sons died from drug overdose; and some learned their sons, for
unknown reasons chose to end their lives in Vietnam.

As long as man has been, war has been. As a society, we tend to bury the
unpleasant aspects of war and concentrate on the victory. In Vietnam, we have
only a hollow "Peace with Honor" and must instead, focus on the warriors - men
who willingly served their country when called. Men whose lives we used as the
price for our freedom.

The most tragic of all the warriors are those who still wait, captive and
abandoned by their country in prisons and camps in Southeast Asia. In abandoning
them, we have made the deaths and suffering of thousands a frivolous waste. We
must never neglect the duty we have to the men who must someday answer their
country's call.


                                                                     Last updated April 22, 2001.


 RICHARD EUGENE LOMAX

Name: Richard Eugene Lomax
Rank/Branch: E4/US Army
Unit: Company A, 3rd Btn, 7th Infantry
199th Light Infantry Brigade
Date of Birth: 16 November 1946
Home City of Record: Mansfield OH
Date of Loss: 26 March 1968
Country of Loss: South Vietnam
Loss Coordinates: 110546N 1065542E
Status (in 1973): Killed/Body Not Recovered
Category: 4
Aircraft/Vehicle/Ground: Ground
Other Personnel
In Incident: (none missing)

REMARKS:

SYNOPSIS: Richard Lomax was a rifleman assigned to Company A, 3rd Battalion,
7th Infantry of the 199th Light Infantry Brigade in Vietnam. He was stationed
in Bien Hoa Province, Republic of Vietnam.

At 0800 hours on March 26, 1968, SP4 Lomax was assigned the task of setting
demolition charges on an enemy bunker complex found by his platoon while on a
search and destroy mission. While placing the charges, there was an explosion
in the immediate area of SP4 Lomax and he was never seen again.

The search was made for his remains, but the only items recovered were some
equipment and remains identified as belonging to another individual who was
also at the site.

SP4 Lomax is listed with honor among the missing because no remains were found.
His case seems quite clear. For others who are listed missing, resolution is
not as simple. Many were known to have survived their loss incident. Quite a
few were in radio contact with search teams and describing an advancing enemy.
Some were photographed or recorded in captivity. Others simply vanished
without a trace.

When the war ended, refugees from the communist-overrun countries of Southeast
Asia began to flood the world, bringing with them stories of live GI's still in
captivity in their homelands. Since 1975, over 6000 such stories have been
received. Many authorities believe that hundreds of Americans are still held
in the countries in Southeast Asia.

The U.S. Government operates on the "assumption" that one or more men are being
held, but that it cannot "prove" that this is the case, allowing action to be
taken. Meanwhile, low-level talks between the U.S. and Vietnam proceed,
yielding a few sets of remains when it seems politically expedient to return
them, but as yet, no living American has returned.
Last updated April 22, 2001.
RAYMOND GREGORY MOORE

Name: Raymond Gregory Moore
Rank/Branch: E4/US Army
Unit: Company A, 5th Battalion, 12th Infantry, 199th Light Infantry Brigade
Date of Birth: 02 April 1949
Home City of Record: Cincinnati OH
Date of Loss: 09 October 1969
Country of Loss: South Vietnam
Loss Coordinates: 110546N 1070433E (YD267273)
Status (in 1973): Killed/Body Not Recovered
Category: 4
Aircraft/Vehicle/Ground: UH1D
Other Personnel in Incident: Jimmy R. Garbett; Raymond G. Moore; James L.
Suydam; James H. Turner; (all missing). WO Kilbourne (the pilot - survived);
unnamed crew chief, (survived immediate crash, later drowned - remains
recovered); CW4 James W. Bailey (aircraft commander - remains recovered)

REMARKS: IN RIV - 2 REMS RCV - NSUBJ - J

SYNOPSIS: On October 9, 1969, a UH1H helicopter crew and passengers were
attempting an extraction from a mined pickup zone in eastern Long Khanh
Province, South Vietnam near the shores of the Song Dong Nai River.

During the extraction attempt, the helicopter's rotor blade struck trees,
causing the loss of rotor RPM's and lift capability. The helicopter began
losing altitude, turned right and headed west and downriver in an attempt to
regain air speed. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft struck 15-20 feet of water
in an almost level attitude, and sank on its left side in less than 10 seconds.

Immediate and continuous air and water searches, loudspeaker broadcasts, and
phamplet distributions were conducted during the period of 9-15 October and
19-21 October, suspended October 16-18 only because of poor weather conditions.
No recovery was made of any of those missing from the aircraft, but the remains
of two personnel aboard were located and subsequently identified.

A LRRP swimmer trying to inspect the site had difficulty staying afloat even
with a rope. The individual reported that equipment seen on the shore after the
crash appeared to be alternately submerged and then reappear. It could not be
determined at the time how many persons escaped the aircraft. One who was known
to escape (unnamed in Army records) reported that he could not make it to shore
and went under. Another survivor reported seeing him go down within 3-4 feet of
him, but never saw him again. One of the individuals who was initially seen to
survive, later drowned or was lost in the indicent.

The only survivor of the original crash was WO Kilbourne, the pilot. The two
remains located were identified as the crew chief, who had survived the
immediate crash, but later drowned. CW4 James W. Bailey, the aircraft
commander, was lost and remains recovered.

The waters of the Song Dong Nai River were swift and treacherous. It is
particularly tragic that men who survived an aircraft would drown trying to
reach safety. Driver, Garbett, Moore and Turner were listed as Killed, Body Not
Recovered. Since their remains were never found, they are listed with honor
among the missing.

Unlike the crew of the UH1H, many of the cases of missing Americans in
Southeast Asia have no clear resolution. Some were known to have been captives,
but simply did not come home. Others were alive and well the last time they
were seen. Reports continue to be received on some, specifically by name and
location. Many authorities believe that there are hundreds still alive being
held against their wills.

Although the U.S. has named the resolution of the POW/MIA issue of "highest
national priority", little seems to have been done for those who wait for their
country to secure their freedom.

Last updated April 22, 2001.
JOHN WILL ROBERSON

Name: John Will Roberson
Rank/Branch: E3/US Army
Unit: Company D, 4th Battalion, 12th Infantry, 199th Light Infantry Brigade
Date of Birth: 04 January 1947 (Athens TX)
Home City of Record: Malakoff TX
Date of Loss: 22 June 1969
Country of Loss: South Vietnam
Loss Coordinates: 110516N 1072650E (YT673267)
Status (in 1973): Killed/Body Not Recovered
Category: 4
Aircraft/Vehicle/Ground: Ground (some lists say Boat)
Other Personnel in Incident: (none missing)

REMARKS:

SYNOPSIS: On June 22, 1969, PFC John W. Roberson's unit was on patrol in Binh
Tuy Province, South Vietnam at a point where the province meets neighboring
Long Khanh Province. The unit was involved in crossing a stream by means of a
single rope bridge when the rope broke and PFC Roberson, a non-swimmer, was
swept under. He had been at the deepest part of the channel and in the swiftest
part of the stream.

Another team member was able to pull him to the surface twice, but was unable
to control his struggling. Two other men attempted to assist, but Roberson was
swept under and away again. Witnesses never saw him surface again.

For a period of two and one-half hours, 3-6 men participated in a search of an
area 30-40 meters downstream and in the immediate area. The following day, an
additional search was made of the river on both sides for 600 meters, but no
trace of Roberson was found.

War is hell. Men are killed by other men whom they call their enemy. But men
are also killed by "misadventure" - by senseless drowning, falls, and by being
in the wrong place at the wrong time.

At 22 years of age, John Will Roberson had just begun to live.

Because no trace of Roberson's remains were found, his name is maintained among
those who are missing and captured in Southeast Asia. Experts believe that
hundreds of these Americans are still alive, captive, and want to come home.
One can imagine that John Roberson would gladly serve on one more patrol to
help bring them home.

Last updated April 22, 2001.
 
JAMES LAWRENCE SUYDAM

Name: James Lawrence Suydam
Rank/Branch: E5/US Army
Unit: Company A, 5th Battalion, 12th Infantry, 199th Light Infantry Brigade
Date of Birth: 04 October 1948 (Easton PA)
Home City of Record: Stephens City VA
Date of Loss: 09 October 1969
Country of Loss: South Vietnam
Loss Coordinates: 110546N 1070433E (YD267273)
Status (in 1973): Killed/Body Not Recovered
Category: 4
Aircraft/Vehicle/Ground: UH1D
Other Personnel in Incident: Jimmy R. Garbett; Raymond G. Moore; James L.
Suydam; James H. Turner; (all missing). WO Kilbourne (the pilot - survived);
unnamed crew chief, (survived immediate crash, later drowned - remains
recovered); CW4 James W. Bailey (aircraft commander - remains recovered)

REMARKS: IN RIV - 2 REMS RCV - NSUBJ - J

SYNOPSIS: On October 9, 1969, a UH1H helicopter crew and passengers were
attempting an extraction from a mined pickup zone in eastern Long Khanh
Province, South Vietnam near the shores of the Song Dong Nai River.

During the extraction attempt, the helicopter's rotor blade struck trees,
causing the loss of rotor RPM's and lift capability. The helicopter began
losing altitude, turned right and headed west and downriver in an attempt to
regain air speed. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft struck 15-20 feet of water
in an almost level attitude, and sank on its left side in less than 10 seconds.

Immediate and continuous air and water searches, loudspeaker broadcasts, and
phamplet distributions were conducted during the period of 9-15 October and
19-21 October, suspended October 16-18 only because of poor weather conditions.
No recovery was made of any of those missing from the aircraft, but the remains
of two personnel aboard were located and subsequently identified.

A LRRP swimmer trying to inspect the site had difficulty staying afloat even
with a rope. The individual reported that equipment seen on the shore after the
crash appeared to be alternately submerged and then reappear. It could not be
determined at the time how many persons escaped the aircraft. One who was known
to escape (unnamed in Army records) reported that he could not make it to shore
and went under. Another survivor reported seeing him go down within 3-4 feet of
him, but never saw him again. One of the individuals who was initially seen to
survive, later drowned or was lost in the indicent.

The only survivor of the original crash was WO Kilbourne, the pilot. The two
remains located were identified as the crew chief, who had survived the
immediate crash, but later drowned. CW4 James W. Bailey, the aircraft
commander, was lost and remains recovered.

The waters of the Song Dong Nai River were swift and treacherous. It is
particularly tragic that men who survived an aircraft would drown trying to
reach safety. Driver, Garbett, Moore and Turner were listed as Killed, Body Not
Recovered. Since their remains were never found, they are listed with honor
among the missing.

Unlike the crew of the UH1H, many of the cases of missing Americans in
Southeast Asia have no clear resolution. Some were known to have been captives,
but simply did not come home. Others were alive and well the last time they
were seen. Reports continue to be received on some, specifically by name and
location. Many authorities believe that there are hundreds still alive being
held against their wills.

Although the U.S. has named the resolution of the POW/MIA issue of "highest
national priority", little seems to have been done for those who wait for their
country to secure their freedom.

Last updated April 22, 2001.
WILLIAM DEMPSEY THORNTON JR.

Name: William Dempsey Thornton, Jr.
Rank/Branch: E3/US Army
Unit: Company D, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry, 199th Infantry Brigade
Date of Birth: 19 August 1946
Home City of Record: Terrytown NY
Date of Loss: 28 January 1967
Country of Loss: South Vietnam
Loss Coordinates: 103617N 1064324E (XS885727)
Status (in 1973): Killed/Body Not Recovered
Category: 4
Aircraft/Vehicle/Ground: Ground

Other Personnel in Incident: (none missing)

Source: Compiled by Homecoming II Project 01 September 1990 from one or more of
the following: raw data from U.S. Government agency sources, correspondence with
POW/MIA families, published sources, interviews.

REMARKS:

SYNOPSIS: On January 28, 1967, PFC William D. Thornton, Jr. was a rifleman on a
search and destroy mission in Long An Province, about 20 miles south of Saigon.
During the mission, PFC Thornton and another individual were ordered to carry a
captured boat to the unit's pickup zone.

After carrying the motor for 150 meters, the two men placed the motor in a
sampan they had found. The other individual left the area to retrieve gear he'd
left behind and when he returned to the location, Thornton was in the middle of
the stream going out with the tide.

Thornton was seen coming downstream in the sinking sampan. Two members of his
unit attempted to pull him from the sinking sampan to shore with a rope. He
stood up in the boat to remove his web gear and in doing so, fell into the
stream and was never seen again.

Extensive searches were made including shoreline, surface craft and divers, but
no trace of Thornton was ever found. He was declared dead, due to hostile
causes, body not recovered.

For William D. Thornton Jr., death seems a certainty. For hundreds of others,
however, simple answers are not possible. Adding to the torment of nearly 10,000
reports relating to Americans missing in Southeast Asia is the certain knowledge
that some Americans who were known to be prisoners of war were not released at
the end of the war. Others were suspected to be prisoners, and still others were
in radio contact with would-be rescuers when last seen alive. Many were known to
have survived their loss incidents, only to disappear without a trace.

Tragically, many authorities believe there are hundreds of Americans still alive
in captivity in Southeast Asia today. What must they be thinking of us? What
will our next generation say if called to fight if we are unable to bring these
men home from Southeast Asia?
 
  
   THE POW-MIA
 
I'm just a nameless silhouette; nobody knows my face,
. Though many of you pray for me each day;
The man you said you won. t forget, in a dark and distant place.
I am the POW; I am the MIA.
 
I am a Navy pilot; I am a dead Marine;
I am the wounded grunt they couldn. t find.
But I'm living still, and I. m long dead, and I. m somewhere in between,
And I can. t believe that I was left behind.
 
They killed me in an ambush, and they captured me alive,
And I died when my Huey crashed and burned.
They over-ran my unit, but I managed to survive,
And they brought me North in chains when they returned.
 
They beat me and they whipped me, and they worked me . til I dropped.
To break my will, they made their best endeavor.
When great despair had gripped me, still the torture never stopped,
And they told me: . We can keep you here forever..
 
They told me that my parents died, that my kids were grown and gone; And
my wife lost hope, and married my best friend. But there. s a prayer I
hold inside, that helps me to go on: That someone still remembers, and
you. ll bring me Home again.v
 
I'm just a nameless silhouette; nobody knows my face,
. Though many of you pray for me each day;
The man you said you won. t forget, in a dark and distant place.
I am the POW; I am the MIA.
 
Tim Murphy �. 1986          
 

 
 
 
   
     
        
                                                                     
      
           
                    
 
                                                     

No comments:

Post a Comment

RSS FEEDS

RSS FEEDS
RSS FEEDS

199th LIGHT INFANTRY BRIGADE NATIONAL HALL OF HONOR

199th LIGHT INFANTRY BRIGADE NATIONAL HALL OF HONOR
Dear Redcatchers, Hi my name is Gregory Payne and I served with D Company 4th Battalion 12th Infantry 199th Light Infantry Brigade in 1969-70, but now I write, design, and publish all my own websites as a free service to you I would like to present to you my "199th LIGHT INFANTRY BRIGADE NATIONAL HALL OF HONOR' Our new Homepage where everyone's History can be preserved for all generations yet to come long after us. This offer is only for Redcatchers who served with our Brigade in Combat with the 199th L.I.B in Vietnam between the years of 1966 - 1970 So please join my website send me your name, rank, unit, and time in country, and U will post a small 199th L.I.B.Unit patch by your name in our membership page so please "Click on the Working Link posted below this banner"

D CO 4th BATTALION 12th LIGHT INFANTRY BRIGADE "DYING DELTA"

D CO 4th BATTALION 12th LIGHT INFANTRY BRIGADE "DYING DELTA"
D CO 4th BATTALION 12th LIGHT INFANTRY BRIGADE "DYING DELTA" "PLEASE CLICK ON THE BANNER POSTED ABOVE THIS MESSAGE"

THURSBY, BOUYER, AND DEBATES MEMORIAL

THURSBY, BOUYER, AND DEBATES MEMORIAL
THURSBY, BOUYER, AND DEBATES MEMORIAL"PLEASE CLICK ON THE BANNER POSTED ABOVE THIS MESSAGE"

US VIETNAM INFANTRY VETERANS ARE NOT "BABY KILLERS"

US VIETNAM INFANTRY VETERANS ARE NOT "BABY KILLERS"
US VIETNAM INFANTRY VETERANS ARE NOT "BABY KILLERS" PLEASE CL ICK ON THE WORKING IMAGE POSTED ABOVE THIS MESSAGE

VIETNAM COMBAT VETERANS

VIETNAM COMBAT VETERANS
VIETNAM COMBAT VETERANS WE NOT "BABY KILLERS" PLEASE CL ICK ON THE WORKING IMAGE POSTED ABOVE THIS MESSAGE

VIETNAM A LONG TIME PASSING - THE HAUNTED GRNERATION

VIETNAM A LONG TIME PASSING - THE HAUNTED GRNERATION
VIETNAM A LONG TIME PASSING - THE HAUNTED GENERATION - "PLEASE CLICK ON THE BANNER POSTED ABOVE THIS MESSAGE"

COMBAT INFANTRYMEN'S ASSOCIATION - (NORTHWEST}

COMBAT INFANTRYMEN'S ASSOCIATION - (NORTHWEST}
COMBAT INFANTRYMEN'S ASSOCIATION - (NORTHWEST) - COVERING THE GREAT STATES OF WASHINGTON, OREGON , AND IDAHO. "PLEASE CLICK ON THE BANNER POSTED ABOVE THIS MESSAGE"

BLOGGER

BLOGGER
BLOGGER "PLEASE CLICK ON THE BANNER POSTED ABOVE THIS MESSAGE"

BLOGGER

BLOGGER
BLOGGER "PLEASE CLICK ON THE BANNER POSTED ABOVE THIS MESSAGE"

199th LIB MEMORIAL

199th LIB MEMORIAL
199th LIB MEMORIAL

Redcatcher 199th LIB Association

Popular Posts

Contact Form

Name

Email *

Message *