07 Jun 2006 I think of West almost every day. I got to Vietnam on 4-1-68 and when I got to my unit I was handed the M-60 as my weapon. On June 12 we were ambushed and I was called up front. As I got there West asked me for the M-60 so I was lying shoulder to shoulder as he fired and I fed the weapon. In what seem less than 1 minute West was shot in the head. I called out his name but he didn't answer me so I started shooting the M-60. Then I was called to another area and the sergeant took my M-60 and started firing and again I was the assistant gunner. In less than a minute we were hit by a grenade but he got the brunt of it. After that we were told to pull back. To this day I still feel quilty that West died in my place. If I remember correctly he had a wife, kids and had about 45 days left. My pysch tells me it was not my fault since I was obeying orders, but that still doesn't cut it with me. My PTSD gets worse in June because of this and June was a very bloody month for our unit. I just want his family to know that in my opinion he died a hero. I cannot believe that no-one has placed a memorial for this great soldier. Rest in peace, my brother. From a Vietnam buddy, Al Martinez 120 Asch Loop Apt 17d, Bronx, New York 10475 E-mail address is not available.

 

A Note from The Virtual Wall D Company, 3/22nd Infantry, lost two men killed in the action described above - SP4 Dallas West and CPL James L. Lawrence of Sylva, NC, a medic attached to Delta 3/22.

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