09 Jul 2007 John Evans was my Sergeant. John, there is no doubt that you are a true hero and America's finest. Your courageous act that night our camp got hit will never be forgotten by those of us that made it out of there. I still had very close calls the rest of the year , but made it home and to you, to this day, I give my thanks for saving my life that night. I was new in country with no combat experience and you were on your second tour with the Big Red One. I remember you running back and forth to the hooches to make sure everybody was out while the mortars and rockets were flying over the camp. I could hear you yelling "Run, run, run!" While running I fell down and you came back to pick me up, holding me up. Right behind us where you picked me up a rocket hit. I turned to look and then I headed to the perimeter. A few minutes later you got hit in the foxhole next to mine. You will forever be with me, John. You were already a hero to us because you were in your second tour. I will meet you in heaven someday, for we have spend our time in hell! From a friend and comrade-in-arms, Israel Barrera Jr 212 Fairview Dr. Kingsville , Texas 78363 israel_barr@yahoo.com

 

10 July 2007 The following article is taken from the July 30, 1967 issue of the Daily Intelligencer Journal, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania: Columbia Soldier Killed In Vietnam Army Sgt. John R. Evans, 24, a former resident of Sixth and Union Streets, Columbia, was killed in Vietnam Friday while his camp was under mortar attack by the enemy. He became the 16th countian to die in the conflict. Evans, the son of Raymond E. Evans and the late Dorothy Ringler Evans, had returned to Vietnam in June to begin his second tour of duty there. He had already completed a full year of duty in the war zone, having entered combat in the spring of 1966. According to a telegram received by his father Sunday, Sgt. Evans was hit by rifle fire while helping another individual out of a foxhole. A native of Reading (PA), he attended Columbia High School and entered the service when he was 18. Evans had completed more than six years of military service, including service in Germany, before going to Vietnam. Evans was a member of the Salome Evangelical United Brethren Church and the Vigilant Fire Co. of Columbia. Surviving besides his father are three brothers: Raymond Jr., Barry Lee, and Jack Evans; and a sister, Shirley Evans. From a native Philadelphian and Marine, Jim McIlhenney christianamacks@comcast.net

 

20 Apr 2008 It's been 41 years now, Jerry, I still remember that night! I am so sorry! I remember it like it was yesterday. You saved me that night from getting hurt and died for it. My guilt will never end. I know you are in heaven with your momma now and and you probably understand that I was young and green and did not know what I was doing, so, please look down and forgive me and I hope to say it in person someday. That is the only reason I have not ended it already, as I believe you cannot go to heaven if you do it yourself, so thank you for that! I guess you saved me again because I have to see you someday and I have to be good to do that. Goodbye for now, Al seymoural@aol.com

 

A Note from The Virtual Wall A mortar and rocket attack on the Lai Khe Base Camp on 27 July 1967 cost the 1st Bn, 20th Infantry eight men: SGT William Gazard, New York, NY, A Co SP5 Harold E. Young, Virginia Beach, VA, HQ Co SP4 William L. Amos, Culloden, WV, HQ Co SP4 Kenneth L. Hendrix, Picayune, MS, HQ Co SP4 David L. Meyers, Milan, IN, HQ Co SP4 Bobby G. Peterson, Idaho Falls, ID, HQ Co PFC John C. Biondillo, Youngstown, OH, HQ Co (Bronze Star "V") PFC Richard J. Wehrhein, Des Moines, IA, HQ Co It is believed that Sergeant Evans, who died of wounds on 28 July, was injured during this attack.

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