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Ripcord  Veterans  Honors

 

Fred Spaulding

HHC 2/506

Kenneth Kays

D/1-506

Bob Kalsu

C/2-11  Arty

Randy House

C/158 Phoenix 16

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hit Counter     This Page was last modified on   07/15/2007

 

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Lt. Col. Fredrick L. Spaulding

Inducted into OCS Hall of Fame
 

LTC Spaulding, was inducted into the Infantry OCS Hall of Fame March 30, 2007; and is nominated for the Army Ranger Hall of Fame (if accepted), Induction Date will be August 8, 2007.


     Lt. Col. Spaulding entered the service in June of 1958 and spent the next 9 years as an enlisted man before being commissioned. He retired from service in June 1987 as a Lt. Col. Throughout his career he exemplified the finest spirit of the U.S. fighting man as an Airborne Ranger, Pathfinder, Master Parachutist, Raider/Recondo NCO and Special Forces Officer. His superiors consistently called upon him for the toughest of jobs. Equally important to his combat heroics was his mentoring of classmates during the various schools he attended, particularly during OCS. Several Officer Candidates credited him with their success in graduating.
     He served in three combat areas, Dominican Republic, Korea and Viet Nam; Commanded five rifle companies, two HQs' companies, and 3 Special Forces "A" Teams. He was Selected for United Nations Honor Guard duty at Eighth Army Headquarters, Seoul, Korea; NCO of the Year (1963) for 1st CAV Division, and runner up for Eighth Army NCO of the Year. He has been awarded the CIB, Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Stars w/V, Air Medals w/V, Presidential Unit Citations, and Valorous Unit Awards.

     While serving as an instructor at the 82nd Airborne Div., Raider/Recondo, and Airborne Schools in 1965, then SSG Spaulding was selected among 4 other Rangers in the Battalion to be point man across the Duarte Bridge into Santo Domingo leading the 3rd Platoon, C Company, 2/325th and the 82nd Airborne Division into its first battle since WWII.
     As an Officer in Vietnam, Captain Spaulding showed his extraordinary willingness to "lead the way" when he was trusted to take charge of a chaotic Firebase Henderson which had been attacked during the night by an NVA sapper company causing multiple KIA and WIA. FB Henderson remained under constant mortar and heavy arms fire while Capt. Spaulding on the ground called in effective air strikes and evacuated the wounded. He later returned under fire and recovered all of the KIA. Further, in 1970 Capt. Spaulding was selected to plan and coordinate the battle of Firebase Ripcord in the vicinity of the A Shau valley, I Corp, Vietnam.

     He was responsible for all aircraft in the AO and fire support during the battle with emphasis on the siege (1-23 July 70), the withdrawal of the firebase and two rifle companies in the vicinity, all while under heavy fire. During the withdrawal (23 July), three LOH helicopters (OH6A) from which he operated were consecutively damaged so badly by enemy fire that the were each rendered inoperable. The fourth OH6A he used that day was also heavily damaged, but it was flyable long enough to complete his mission of getting all troops out of the AO, opening the way for a massive B52 strike. Capt. Spaulding's disregard for his personal safety, while under intense fire, to accomplish his mission, is in the highest tradition of the credo. "Rangers Lead the Way". 

  

 

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Kenneth  Kays   D/1-506
 

This Article came from the  506th Airborne Infantry Association

We created the web page www.506infantry.org/hisvietnam/his1stbnvnarticle20.html , which includes both Greg’s article and the photo at the cemetery.  This new web page can be accessed from Photographs and History; Vietnam; 1st Battalion; Articles.  Hoyt Bruce Moore III

 

In February of this year, our Association made a contribution to a committee in Fairfield, Illinois that was erecting a monument to a former resident of their town, Kenneth Kays.  Kenny was a medic attached to D/1-506 and several of our members have memories of the day he was wounded and what he did.  Greg Phillips was one of those and provided us with write-ups on the battle and the ceremony which he and several members of the company attended and participated in.  Thanks to Greg, we have the following article.

  

HOMETOWN HONORS CMH HOLDER

By Greg Phillips

 

On Saturday May 5th, 2007, I journeyed to Fairfield, Illinois for the dedication of a monument to honor the late Kenneth Kays, a holder of the Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions almost 37 years before in an action at FSB Maureen, an abandoned fire support base in the Northern part of South Vietnam on May 7, 1970.  Along with me were several other members of D/1-506th Infantry plus representatives from the 506th Infantry Association.  Colonel Vail and CSM Mark Atchley were also in attendance.

 

Fairfield Fire Chief Mike Pottorff coordinated and directed the event and those assisting him did a remarkable job of organizing the celebration.  Although many Fairfield residents didn't recognize Kays' sacrifice during his lifetime, they and former Vietnam-era soldiers dedicated a black granite monument in his memory.  It is located in a place of honor on the front lawn of the Hannah House Museum just south of Fairfield's downtown district.  The main program began with the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem. This was followed by the Presentation of the Colors by local members of the VFW as well as a color guard from the 506th Regimental Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division from nearby Fort Campbell.  Three members of the 506th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division, who served with Medal of Honor recipient Kenny Kays during the Vietnam War, unveiled the memorial in his honor at the conclusion of the ceremoney.  Following lunch, the members of the 506th Infantry Association concluded their day with a visit to the grave of Kenneth Kays.

My memories went back to that day in 1970.  We (Company D/1-506) were opposed by a Sapper Battalion (North Vietnamese Army Special Forces) consisting of approximately 320 men and a North Vietnamese Army Brigade (Regular Army) consisting of approximately 1200 men.  We arrived on May 5th and hit one of the hottest landing zones ever--with enemy emplacements surrounding the base. Upon arrival, we were greeted by .51-caliber machine guns, mortars, gas and small arms fire from the North, West and South. During this landing, my Platoon lost our medic to a chest wound. As I recall, D Company had no casualties. The entire Company spent the first night atop Maureen and we never realized what was in store for us over the next two days.

On the morning of May 6th, just before my Platoon did a recon off of Maureen to the South, a new Medic joined our platoon. His name was Kenneth Kays. When we reached the base of the mountain that Maureen was sitting atop, we found ourselves in an enemy bunker complex and receiving hostile fire at close range. The N.V.A. fired on four of us who were on line going into the complex. Fortunately, only one of our guys was wounded (gunshot wounds to the forearm and upper hip.)  The Company ran into hard resistance and it was decided that D Company would withdraw back to the sides and top of Maureen to be re-supplied the following day. My Platoon got orders to go back to the top of the Mountain for the evening of May 6th. We set up as best we could and prepared for the night to come.

During the early morning hours of May 7th, the enemy hit our Platoon from the Northwest and West. There were numerous casualties. We lost seven soldiers and three men lost limbs, including Kenny Kays.

Afterwards, Kenneth Kays was awarded The Congressional Medal of Honor. PFC Kenneth David, the platoon leader’s RTO received the Distinguished Service Cross, Platoon Sergeant Stephen Avgerinos the Bronze Star with “V” Device and I, then Sp4 Greg Phillips the Silver Star.

In later years we learned that Kenny had a rough adjustment to life after Viet Nam and in some ways withdrew into himself.  Kenny died November 29, 1991 and is buried at Maple Hill Cemetery in Fairfield.  His military issue tombstone reads “Kenneth M. Kays:  Medal of Honor: PFC US Army – Vietnam; Purple Heart.  He was awarded the Medal by President Richard M. Nixon.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, March 3, 1863, has awarded in the name of the Congress the Medal of Honor to

Pfc. Kenneth Michael Kays
UNITED STATES ARMY

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty:

Pfc. (then Pvt) Kays distinguished himself while serving as a medical aidman with Company D, 1st Battalion, 101st Airborne Division near Fire Support Base Maureen. A heavily armed force of enemy sappers and infantrymen assaulted Company D's night defensive position, wounding and killing a number of its members. Disregarding the intense enemy fire and ground assault, Pfc. Kays began moving toward the perimeter to assist his fallen comrades. In doing so he became the target of concentrated enemy fire and explosive charges, 1 of which severed the lower portion of his left leg. After applying a tourniquet to his leg, Pfc. Kays moved to the fire‑swept perimeter, administered medical aid to 1 of the wounded, and helped move him to an area of relative safety. Despite his severe wound and excruciating pain, Pfc. Kays returned to the perimeter in search of other wounded men. He treated another wounded comrade, and, using his own body as a shield against enemy bullets and fragments, moved him to safety. Although weakened from a great loss of blood, Pfc. Kays resumed his heroic lifesaving efforts by moving beyond the company's perimeter into enemy held territory to treat a wounded American lying there. Only after his fellow wounded soldiers had been treated and evacuated did Pfc. Kays allow his own wounds to be treated. These courageous acts by Pfc. Kays resulted in the saving of numerous lives and inspired others in his company to repel the enemy. Pfc. Kays' heroism at the risk of his life are in keeping with the highest traditions of the service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division. place and date: Thua Thien province, Republic of Vietnam, 7 May 1970. Entered service at: Fairfield, Ill. Born: 22 September 1949, Mount Vernon, Ill.

 

Editors Note:  Primary source material was provided and written by Greg Phillips and supplemented by newspaper articles and other information available to the public.

 

  
 

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Commemorative Painting in honor of

 1LT Bob Kalsu.
 

 

My name is Paul Jackson and I am a 4th year Cadet at the University of Oklahoma. The Sooner Battalion and myself are attempting to raise funds in order to commission a commemorative painting in honor of 1LT Bob Kalsu.
Just to give you a little background:

1LT James Robert "Bob" Kalsu was born 13APR1945. He was an All-American Tackle at the University of Oklahoma in 1967 and a member of the University of Oklahoma Army ROTC program. Bob was chosen in the 8th round of the 1968 professional draft by the Buffalo Bills. During the '68 season, Bob started
8 games for the Bill and was named the Bills' top rookie for that season.
Following the 1968 football season, Bob began fulfilling his ROTC commitment to the US Army (not required for a professional athlete). He was commissioned as a 1LT in the Field Artillery. He arrived in Vietnam in November 1969 with C Battery, 2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artillery, 101st Airborne Division. He was killed in action by mortar fire on 21JUL1970 at Fire Support Base Ripcord near the A Shau Valley. Two days later, on 23JUL1970, his wife, Jan, gave birth to their second child, a son. Hours after delivering Bob Jr., Jan was informed of the death of her husband. On 13APR2000 1LT James Robert "B ob" Kalsu was inducted into the Football Hall of Fame. On 23JUL2001, he was memorialized on the cover of Sports Illustrated.

We, in the Sooner Battalion, would like to immortalize this great and accomplished man here at the University of Oklahoma. In order to do so, we need to raise funds. Any and all donations will be accepted. The estimated cost is $20,000. This will include preliminary and refined sketches, the actual oil painting, and 500 prints of the original. All efforts will be put forth in order to make sure significant donations are recognized by giving the donators a free print of the original. I thank you for your time and interest in this matter. If you would like to make a donation or have any questions, comments, or other interests in this project, please feel free to contact me at (918) 812-4203 or pauljackson@ou.edu
You may also contact LTC Kennan Horn at (405) 325-0303 or KHorn@ou.edu.
 

To Send a Donation for the commemorative painting in honor of 1LT Bob Kalsu.

 

Make checks out to the OU Foundation and mailed to the armory at:

OU Army ROTC
290 W. Brooks
Norman, OK 73019
 

CDT Jackson
Sooner Battalion S-1
 

Please check out these websites which give true testament to 1LT Kalsu's character.


http://www.virtualwall.org/dk/KalsuJR01a.htm

http://billsinsider.com/index.php?name=Sections&req=viewarticle&artid=114&page=1


http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/features/cover/01/0723/ 

  
 


 

The Bob Kalsu Memorial Portrait Progress

 

My name is Paul Jackson and I am a 2LT temporarily assigned to the University of Oklahoma. I have been communicating with you on and off regarding 1LT Bob Kalsu.

I would like to start by saying thank you for all the support you and your association has given us in the past few months with regards to the raising of funds for the Bob Kalsu memorial portrait we are attempting to commission.

Fund-raising is going well however, we have hit a new snag. We are now in desperate need of photographs of LT Kalsu. We have been able to find only a handful of pictures within our archives and those of the University.

If you could please put the word out to all of your members we would greatly appreciate it. They can send electronic copies to my email at pauljackson@ou.edu or they can mail in originals to

OU ARMY ROTC
290 W. BROOKS
NORMAN, OK 73019

Please provide a return address so we can make sure that originals are returned. Again, thank you for all you have done and we deeply appreciate your continued cooperation.

"Artillery lends dignity to, what would otherwise be, a vulgar brawl" - ANONYMOUS

Paul Jackson
2LT, FA
Oklahoma Army National Guard

 

  
 

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LTG (R) Randolph W. House

LTG (R) Randolph W. House epitomizes the core values of leadership and commitment to service evident here in the Corps of Cadets.

            Upon his graduation in 1968 as a distinguished military graduate, earning a degree in Agriculture, House also received his Army commission. After serving two tours as a combat infantryman in Vietnam, he received his masters degree in Industrial Education from Clemson University.

            House has commanded in peace and war at every level of command from an infantry platoon commander in the 82nd Airborne Division through Deputy Commander in Chief of the U.S. Pacific Command. General House commanded the 2nd Brigade of the 1st Cavalry Division in Southwest Asia during operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

            In October 1998, he received a second three star assignment as the Deputy Commander in Chief and Chief of Staff of the U.S. Pacific Command. General House retired after almost 33 years of service in December of 2000.

            His military decorations include that of the Defense Distinguished Service Medal (with two oak leaf clusters), Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross (with three oak leaf clusters), Bronze Star Medal (with an oak leaf cluster), the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry ( with two silver stars and two bronze stars) among many others.

        He currently serves as a consultant to the Army regarding operations in Korea. He also assists the Dean of the George Busch School of Government and Public Service a strategic study to determine how the Bush School can attain “Great School” status by the year 2010.

House is a former member of the Board of Directors of USAA, he has been active in the Corps Development Council, Corps of Cadets Association, the Association of Former Students and President’s Council.

  

  

 

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