07 Feb 2004 Robert and I were best buddies in the 9th grade at Jefferson Jr. High. When we went into the 10th grade he quit school to join the Marines after turning 17. I can still remember the day at Grand Prairie High that they came to class to get his sister Roberta and take her to the office to inform her of Robert's death in Vietnam. I saved the daily paper that had his picture and article about him being killed by enemy mortar fire after having been in country only several weeks. If there was ever a person who had a bigger heart than Robert I'd like to know who it was. America suffered a tragic loss the day he was taken from us. If we only had a hundred young men like him we would not have gone through the many trials we were to endure during the turbulent times of the 60s. He was a born hero.

 

A Note from The Virtual Wall Shortly before dawn on 04 Sep 1967 NVA and VC troops attacked US Marines in the Que Son Valley, beginning Operation Swift. As the battle escalated, both sides introduced additional forces. On 6 September two battalions of the 1st VC Regiment attacked the lead company of the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines. Bravo Company was isolated and nearly overrun before artillery-delivered tear gas drove the enemy back. The nearby 3rd Battalion was heavily engaged a few hours later. When India 3/5 was dispatched to attack an enemy held hill, it was isolated and nearly overrun by the 1st VC Regiment's previously uncommitted 3rd Battalion. Kilo 3/5 was sent to relieve India and, though it eventually fought through, the two-company force couldn't move because of the many casualties. That night, two assaults were repulsed. In a night attack of their own Mike 3/5 broke through to the encircled companies, completing the disruption of the enemy force. By dawn on the 7th the NVA/VC have withdrawn into the surrounding mountains. One hundred seven Marines were dead. The intensity of the fighting can be judged by the fact that three Medals of Honor and three Navy Crosses were awarded posthumously to Marines and sailors who died in the battle. Bravo 1/5: 21 dead Delta 1/5: 27 dead H&S 1/5: 8 dead India 3/5: 25 dead Kilo 3/5: 4 dead Mike 3/5: 17 dead H&S 3/5: 4 dead HQ Co, 5th Marines: 1 dead 2/11 Marines: 1 dead (arty FO)

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