Vietnam Trip – Wednesday, June 20, 2018

I know why I went back to Vietnam – it was to say goodbye to all my brothers that didn’t come home. I knew I had to be at or near the spot where they took their last step and breath, I needed to be close to them. I wanted to talk to them one last time.

It was through their leadership, friendship, caring, brotherhood and sacrifice that made it possible for me to have a wonderful life that I’ve had over the years, and continue to have. I owe them that life.
Thank you, and you will never be forgotten: Goodbye Bruce Tufts, Juan Ramos, Eldon Reynolds, Jerry Ofstedahl, Robert Swindle, Richard Wellman, Paul Ponce, Joe Mitchell, James Anderson, Danny Carey, Gary Morris, Roger Kidwell, and Willie Matson. Until we meet again.

I will continue to repeat their names every day.

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​Bruce Tufts killed on this hilltop June 14, 1969.

Juan Ramos and Eldon Reynolds killed in their bunker on Hill 4-11, located in the tree line to the front, July 14, 1969.

Jerry Ofstedahl, Robert Swindle, and Richard Wellman Killed August 13, 1969, in this area, the water was a trench in 1969.

Paul Ponce, Joe Mitchell, James Anderson and Danny Carey Killed, to the front center, hedgerow area, of the photograph, August 15, 1969.

These three platoon members were killed in the mountains that are in the background. We couldn't get to their locations.
Gary Morris and Roger Kidwell Killed January 14, 1970.
Willie Matson Killed March 15, 1970.