William Harold Hjorth

The database page for William Harold Hjorth

He was a gift of life and he gave it freely for his Country! A note from The Virtual Wall 1st Brigade, 5th Infantry Division The Marines' Army The 1st Brigade, 5th Infantry Division, arrived in Vietnam early in July 1968 and was placed under the Operational Control (OPCON) of the 3rd Marine Division and for tactical purposes became an asset of the USMC. Initially set up in and around Camp Carroll, by August 1968 the 1st Brigade was ready for combat in the area south of the DMZ. During the spring of 1971 the NVA launched frequent and heavy indirect fire attacks against Fire Support Bases A4 and C2. During an attack on C2, May 21, 1971, 1st Battalion, 61st Infantry, suffered its heaviest casualties during a single engagement. One 122mm rocket penetrated a bunker and exploded inside. The rocket caused the death of 29 troopers and wounded an additional 33: 1st BDE 5th INF DIVISION Combat Operations After Action Report 080001H Apr 71 to 111200H Jul 71 211735H C-2 1-61 started to receive 122mm rockets equipped with delayed fuzes. Altogether 11 rockets landed within the perimeter. At 1744H the seventh rocket struck the club bunker which was occupied by an estimated 65-70 personnel. The bunker collapsed on those inside and rescue operations were begun immediately. All available personnel and equipment were requested and employed, and C/1-61 arrived from Quang Tri CB as a reaction force at 2100H. Excavation rescue and dustoff activities finally ceased at approximately 0200H on 22 May. From the incident there were 29 KIA's and 33 WIA's. Verbatim from the 1st Bde 5th Inf Div Combat Operations After Action Report

A memorial initiated by his cousin, Brenda Brown E-mail address is not available. 17 Jan 2002

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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Channing Prothro, former CAP Marine
Last updated 08/10/2009