Ronald James Paniccia
Corporal
1ST PLT, A CO, 5TH BN, 60TH INFANTRY, 9TH INF DIV, USARV
Army of the United States
Rochester, New York
April 07, 1949 to November 22, 1968
RONALD J PANICCIA is on the Wall at Panel W38, Line 37

slvrstar2.gif  
 
cib.gif
 
bsphbnov.gif
 
Ronald J Paniccia
usarv.gif 9infdiv.gif ARGT-60THINFANTRY.gif

 
21 Nov 2003

When I arrived "in country" we were part of 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division, at Lai Khe. That was August 1968 and Ron was already a seasoned, highly motivated young warrior. After we were transferred as a Battalion to the 5th/60th 9th Infantry Division in Rach Kien, Ron's role became even more important to the success of our missions. As Ron's Platoon Sergeant, I knew without doubt that the safety and well being of his fellow "Nam Brothers" was foremost in his mind. Ron's role as our beloved pointman was one of the most dangerous assignments we had and yet he accepted that role with tremendous pride. I learned to trust Ron's judgement on many situations we were faced with. His positive attitude and good team spirit helped us become one of America's finest fighting forces in Vietnam. I will never forget Ronnie's heroic actions that tragic November 22, 1968 day. He placed himself in harm's way to save his fellow Nam Brothers. The entire Platoon wept as we loaded Ron on the helicopter, including this old tough Platoon Sergeant. Now 35 years later this old ex-Platoon Sergeant still grieves and gets teary-eyed when he talks about his beloved pointman. We love you, Ronnie, and just want to thank you once again for sharing part of your life with us. We remain Vietnam Brothers Forever.

PanicciaRJ01d.jpg

Mrs. Ruth Woods displays medals awarded her son, Ronald,
who was killed in Vietnam. His sister, Sandra, is at right.
Portrait of Ronald is in background.
Photo is scanned from contemporary newspaper report.

PanicciaRJ01e.jpg


Contact Us © Copyright 1997-2019 www.VirtualWall.org, Ltd ®(TM) Last update 08/15/2019.