A/2506

mmjg92649@aol.com

God
Bless YOU    frank            Martin j Glennon

2nd plt medic A/2506 2nd plt fmr now Chpln V V  A 905 indiana

Jack Flaherty

Platoon Leader D/2-506

Hello Frank,

     Thank you for gracious comments to the members of Alpha and Delta companies.  It is hard to believe that it has been 40 years.  Sometimes it seems like it was yesterday and other times a million years ago.

     After all these years I can still remember how impressed I was with the guys from Alpha company.  They had really taken a beating but there was no quit in them.  I was also extremely impressed with the guys from Delta company.  Landing on that LZ at first light and making the mad dash to get to Chuck Hawkins and his men was really hairy.  Every man did his job without complaint or hesitation. I remember that day as if it were yesterday and proud everyday that I was privileged to have served with them.  God bless them all.

Jack Flaherty

Platoon Leader D/2-506

A 2/506

tnewman101airborne@verizon.net

FRANK THANKS FOR THE E-MAIL IT MEANS ALOT TO ME.  WORDS NEVER TRUER A DAY WE WILL NEVER FORGET

 THANKS TO ALL THAT SERVED. I'D GO TO HELL AGAIN WITH GUYS LOVE YOU ALL

A 2/506 and HHC.  

Chuck Hawkins

“Charlie Oscar,” A/2-506

hero_library@msn.com

It is difficult to realize how forty years have gone past so quickly, and yet here we are, we fortunate few. God bless us, and God bless those who fell at Ripcord in freedom’s cause.

 You and others will also recall SFC Pham Uam Long, Army of the Republic of Vietnam, who served with Alpha Company as an interpreter along with other duties. He was with your platoon – first platoon under Bill Pahissa – and he also died from enemy fire on July 22, 1970. I just don’t want to forget him either. He fought for his country’s freedom, but his country no longer exists.

 America still exists. We are a strong nation thanks to the valor and service of our veterans. Soldiers today – soldiers of the 101^st who have served in many wars since Vietnam – draw many lessons from our courage and experience in Vietnam. When I speak to these younger men I see images of us when we were young like them. We, all of us, gave more to the future of American security, and the pride and professionalism of our military than we can possibly realize. The United States has been well served by its Vietnam veterans and we should all take both solace and pride in that fact.

 I was with Captain Gabe Rollison, Delta Company commander, three weeks before he passed on of cancer in 2000. Gabe Rollison was one of my heroes in Vietnam, and he remained a heroic figure throughout his life. All you men of Delta Company should know that he thought of you until his dying day, he loved you, he cherished your service and courage. And Rollison never lost his sense of perspective and of what was right. I walked with him down the hospital hall, arm in arm, shoulder to shoulder, dragging his IV drip on a four-wheel stand. We called the device “R2D2” from Star Wars. We looked out the window at the sunshine and blue sky. “Hawk,” he said to me, “we brought scunion on their ass. And we’d do it again.” He was talking about Ripcord, about coming to the rescue of Alpha Company, and about all of you. All I could do was hold his hand, nod my head, and utter, “Thank you.”

 I tell you now – members of Alpha and Delta and all Currahees – thank you! Thank you for remembering those who fell. Thanks for being who you are today. Thanks for your courage and service then.

 I would go down into that valley again with you. I could not have had better men to serve with, not then, and not now. You all are truly the “Best of the Currahees.”

 Be of good cheer… courage… Peace be with you.

 Chuck Hawkins

“Charlie Oscar,” A/2-506

7/22/10

Earl Kennedy-National

CO Combat Infantrymens Association-www.cibassoc.com

Dear Frank and all of you excellent Currahees-I was in D/2nd/506th in 71 and 72 before the unit stood down.It was always a point of conversation about all of you Ripcord heroes as we traversed your old jungle trails.Those of us who filled in after you never forgot. Thank You and God Bless each of you and your families-Earl Kennedy-National CO Combat Infantrymens Association-www.cibassoc.com

 

7/22/10

Dave Fawver

dsfawver@comcast.net

D 2/506

Dave Fawver

7/22/10

Floyd Alexander

ripcord@gtec.com

A 2/506

We are so lucky to survive that hell hole, I was so lucky to serve with such good guys. GOD bless you all,

Floyd Alexander

7/22/10

 Bruce McCorkle

bwmccorkle@gmail.com

D 2/506

Thank you, Frank, for being such a big part in bringing us all together and getting the story told.  I'll never forget walking into your NDP when we came to get you. Hawkins had a handerchief tied around his neck and you all looked liked you'd been through hell and back.  

 I have a tremdous amount of respect for all of you guys from Alpha...for what you did...and how well you "fought the fight".

 May you "live long and prosper"!

 May we always remember those of our fellow soldiers who did not survive.

 Bruce McCorkle

Rollison's RTO

7/22/10

Ron Janezic

ronjanezic@hotmail.com

A 2/506

Very well said Frank, maybe u could do 14 shots of milk today to keep the string going. Ron

7/22/10

Tim Joliet

solarnapper@hotmail.com

A 2/506

Currahee Frank.  Well said.  Forty years ago but just yesterday.  I wasn't with the company by then, but Top called me and told me about the fight.  I went to the medivac pad and helped unload the wounded.  It broke my heart.  I've never forgotten that day.  God bless everyone who lived through that nightmare.

Tim Joliet

7/22/10

Frank Marshall

frank@ripcordassociation.com

A 2/506

I am sending this e-mail to all the members of Alpha and Delta company that I have e-mails for. Some of you were out in the field with us and others gave us the support we needed in one way or another.

July 22^nd was a day I will never forget. I was never so scared in my life as that day. (that does not mean I wasn’t scared during the other incidents of Ripcord) I just want to send a thanks to all of you in Alpha that could still control the situation to get me the hell off that hill. From Capt Hawkins and his radio man controlling the fire power to Webster and the guys that continued going up the hill, and everyone else that did what they had to do. I will never forget you.

I also extend a whole heartedly thank you to Delta company for coming to our rescue on July 23^rd. Damn, that took balls! I always hear about other stories of the Vietnam War, but I cannot compare them to the brave soldiers that fought during Ripcord. Without you guys, I would not be here to thank you.

For many years, and a lot of you know this, I used to sit in a bar on the 22^nd of July and drink 14 shots for those we lost that day. I can’t do that anymore but I still remember. We get older and some things in our memory start to fail, but I remember that as if it was yesterday.

I love all you guys, and wish you the best.

BABICH           JOHN MICHAEL            CPL      7/22/1970      A Co      2nd Bn      506th Inf

BIXBY              VIRGIL MARTIN           CPL      7/22/1970      A Co      2nd Bn      506th Inf

BROWN           ROBERT JOSEPH JR       CPL      7/22/1970      A Co      2nd Bn      506th Inf

DIEHL              STANLEY GENE             SSG     7/22/1970      D Co      2nd Bn      506th Inf

DRAPER           MARK GREGORY          SGT     7/22/1970      A Co      2nd Bn      506th Inf

FRIES               DANNY JOE                  CPL      7/22/1970      A Co      2nd Bn      506th Inf

JOURNELL       ROBERT MASON III      SP4      7/22/1970      A Co      2nd Bn      506th Inf

KRECKEL          JOHN WILLIAM            SSG     7/22/1970      A Co      2nd Bn      506th Inf

OLSON            STEVEN ALLAN             2LT      7/22/1970      A Co      2nd Bn      506th Inf

PAHISSA          WILLIAM ANTHONY     1LT      7/22/1970      A Co      2nd Bn      506th Inf

SCHULTZ         THOMAS RUSSELL        SGT     7/22/1970      A Co      2nd Bn      506th Inf

SEVERSON       DONALD JON               SP4      7/22/1970      A Co      2nd Bn      506th Inf

SINGLETON     GERALD BLAINE           SSG     7/22/1970      A Co      2nd Bn      506th Inf

LONG  PHAM UAM       SFC           7/22/1970      Army of the Republic of Vietnam

king.larry4771@yahoo.com.

George & Mary Murphy

B2/320^th Arty. 101^st Airborne

In Search Of:

We are now trying to contact veterans who were written about in Keith Nolan's other books in hopes that they may join us in our goal to provide his daughter with a college education.  For more information, send us an e-mail at     brittfund@ripcordassociation.com.

Please let us know if you can help us contact these veterans.

  The address where donations may be sent for the trust fund is:

Anna Britt Nolan Trust

c/o First Bank

6211 Mid Rivers Mall Drive

Saint Charles, MO 63304-1102

Sincerely,

George & Mary Murphy

B2/320^th Arty. 101^st Airborne

It was 40 years ago tomorrow, July 2, that our brother Steve Harber was killed in Vietnam during the opening days of the Battle of Ripcord, one of the last major battles of the war. I've put together a tribute page on Facebook to honor his life and his legacy.

Go to:

 http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Sgt-Stephen-J-Harber-Memorial-Page/127622923929178?ref=sgm

You might have to join Facebook to see it, if you are not a member.

You can add your own thoughts, a tribute, photos or whatever on the site.

I hope you will visit it when you get a chance. And tell others about it. May we never forget.

God bless,

 Joe Harber

joeharber@aol.com
http://www.linkedin.com/in/joeharber 

New Member

A/2-506

dyonts1@yahoo.com

WAS GOING TO BE SEND OUT TO A-CO BUT THEY WERE UNDER FIRE SO I WAS DROPPED ON RIPCORD,WAS THEIR FOR 14 DAYS

New Member

326th Enginneers

Roncpinto@aol.com

New

Member

Armando (Mondo) Galindo

C- Co-2/501st,

titanmondo@aol.com

To whom it may concern;

6/20/10

I was a pointman, with the Geronimo's,C- Co-2/501st,  101st Airborne Division Airmobile, during the battles of Operation Texas Star, Firebase's, Gladiator,Granite, & Ripocord, and saw the build up of the NVA before & after the withdrawal & return. The surrounding hills 902-Re-up Hill, Hill 805,trails etc,.... See attachment; I was there & survivor. What has been lost in translation of what happened during those battles.We were attached with 2/506, and remember LTC.Lucas, working out every day on Ripcord. I pretty much blocked out, what happened during those battles, after returning home August 8,1970, tour completed. But, in the last 3 years its all coming back as if it was 40 years ago.I am proactive in my experiences in battle, and remind our grunts what we faced, having walked that path, and advice those grunts who are in harms way as I write. Those who we lost during those battles will always remain on the wall. We returned after your withdrawal, of Ripcord  too Hill 902. I volunteered along with another grunt on a forward observation post, we would take 4 hour watches. When we finally left, I was on the last bird out. I salute your site and all those who are still with us & welcome home.

Mondo,

titanmondo@aol.com

New Member

A/2-506

lostowl@sbcglobal.net

5/24/10

New Member

NICHOLAS  A.  FOTIAS

PATHFINDER

 NFOTIAS@AOL.COM

THANKS MILKMAN FOR HOOKING ME UP WITH THIS SIGHT. GREEK OUT !

5/24/10

New Member

Bruce Wayne Brady

A2/506

kkruger309@aol.com

I was RTO for Lt. Noll and was wounded 7/13/70 on hill 805. I was unaware of the organization until I did Google search after watching a program on the National Geographic channel 5/23/10 on Ripcord.

5/23/10

New Member

Charles H. Krause, Jr

A Co. 158th ABN, 101st Airborne

rotohead@charter.net

One of many pilots out of Camp Evans that participated and for me I came into my own as a Aircraft Commander of a UH-1H in July 1970. It changed my life forever. I am honored to be apart of the Ripcord family. Chuck Krause, Reno, NV

5/23/10

Jerry Rodgers

Dustoff 94 (70-71)

Eagle Dustoff, 326th Med Bn
 

rodgersjd@earthlink.net

Thanks for a wonderful issue (# 82, Spring 2010). I especially liked Lee's article which, in just a few paragraphs, describes a well as any essay I've seen the various relationships,perspectives, and indeed misgivings held at different levels of the chain of command during combat.  It was very well written and meaningful. Keep up the good work on behalf of the Ripcord Association.

5/30/10

Don Kennett

C Company 101^st AHB (Blackwidows) in 69-70

 [kennettdm@roadrunner.com]

, I served with C Company 101^st AHB (Blackwidows) in 69-70.  I was a gunner, then a crewchief (SP/5).  I remember July 23, 1970 very clearly.  After about our third sortie during the extraction of the firebase, my aircraft commander’s feet were getting numb, and ask me what I thought.  I told him that I didn’t feel a thing (besides, my gunner and I were kind of busy returning fire to be able to feel our feet).  I finally put my feet on the floor and found out that there was a serious vibration.  I told him after the “Next” sortie out of the firebase (Ripcord), once we drop the troops off, we need to shut-down.  It is a good thing that we did, I found an AK-47 round when through the tailboom and shattered a bolt that would of caused our tailrotor to fail very soon.  End of story, shot down at Ripcord.

God Bless All Veterans and God Bless my brothers in Battle! 

New Member

5/13/10 

Joe Amenita

2nd 319th 1971

Jolocal507@aol.com

I was attached to B Battery 2/319th  Nov, DEC 1971 . For the life of me I cannot remember the name of the FSB. It was a towed  unit. Prior to that I was attached to 3rd 187th Inf a Recon unit.  I remember the location fairly well I think. A main road to our back, Mountain to the front, A guy named Arlan Hunter and I made brief runs into the mountain looking for Rocket stations. There was also a Cemetery just off the base. We drank a lot back then, I remember a few other  interesting events but forgot a lot. I would love to find out what the name of the FSB was. I saw the picture of Floyd in the Newsletter and he was in B 2nd 319th

Thanks in advance for any information you can provide.

Joe Amenita

New Member

5/13/10  

Joseph Keller

D/158 Avn Bn

 jfkeller100@aol.com

Got my first DFC flying a Cobra at Ripcord .  Call sign during Ripcord was Redskin 12. Later when promoted to CPT call sign was changed to Redskin 26

New Member

5/21/10 

Sherman D Hansen

A/2-506

sdhdmh@msn.com

I was only in the field for four days before we got wiped out.  A "cherry" would be an understatement.  I came in on a resupply drop. 

Virgil Bixby befriended me right off.  He showed me a picture of his new daughter.  A couple of days later he was dead.  I contacted he widow and brother in the 1990's when the internet took off.  She never remarried and his family remained devastated from his death.

It has been nearly forty years and I remember 22 July as if it were yesterday.  I was wounded in the arm and fingers when we took the CP back and in the foot the next morning.  Personally, I don't know if anyone would have survived if not for Cpt. Hawkins. 

New Member

4/21/10 

Deborah Kuennen

Sister-in-law of Ripcord veteran John Kuennen

I just learned a little bit about Ripcord from my brother-in-law, John Kuennen, who fought there. I hope to learn more about his experiences and about Ripcord in general.  I look forward to reading the past newsletters and hope to be able to obtain a copy of the program by Oliver North shown on Fox.

4/28/10

Hoa Nguyen [antilles315@gmail.com]

Frank:

       Was reading about Firebase  Ripcord when  I came across your article ... I'm not sure how long ago you posted it...But here are the lyrics from the song by Nail Michael Hagerty....I'll try to find the mp3....(put the lyrics as an attachment so you could print it separately)....

                                                                                             A Friend.......

                                                                                                             William Krause

1/27/10

Timothy Joliet [tjoliet@fairfaxwater.org]

Someone spent a lot of time on this and it is truly remarkable...........to all my fellow Vietnam Vets take a look............................

Someone sent me the link below which is a virtual wall of all those lost during the Viet Nam war with the names, bio's and other information on our lost comrades. It is a very interesting link, and those  who served in that timeframe and lost friends or family can look them up on this site.  Pass it on to other veterans who you think would like this. 

 First click on a state.......then when it opens .........a name.......then  it should show you a picture of the person or  at least his bio and medals......

  http://www.virtualwall.org/iStates.htm

4/26/10

William Baldwin

A/2-506

VFW 3962 [vfw3962@live.com]

The VFW in Corinth, MS is sponsoring The Vietnam traveling Memorial Wall coming to our area on Sept 1^st to the 7^th of course this is an invitation to all my brothers to come and see me. I have 15 acres of woods you may sleep in, you’ll have to bring your own poncho liner. YOU WILL CERTAINLY BE MY GUESTS. Any way I wondered if the association would like to donate anything to help us with this. I will be at the gathering I’m going to call Freddy tonight just to screw with him. I love you Frank and love to all my brothers. CURRAHEE! BALDY.

3/16/10

WBCAMPBELL [WBCAMPBELL@HUGHES.NET]

Hey,

I don't know any of these guys. Do you?

Tex

New Member

4/21/10

walter "varge" petrowski

506th  11/70 - 7/72

jcskibby@yahoo.com

i still feel sickend on the abandonment of the montagnards, and how they were left to be slaughterd, without our protection for being our allies, i would like here others take on this matter!  i could speak more on the battle but anyone that was there know what hell it was!allthough he wasn't at firebase ripcord, any one else here serve under col. david h hackworth?

New Member

4/14/10

Steve M Morehead

B/159th Avn Bn

stevemm2@earthlink.net

I was involved in regular supply missions for the weeks preceding the pullout. The main pullout was a two day operation and we removed equipment as well as troops. The second day, the 23rd, my Chinook was shot down on top of Ripcord. Shortly after that a picture made Stars and Stripes of the top of Ripcord in which a flight helmet can be seen. It was my helmet and if anyone has a good copy of that photo I would greatly appreciate a copy.

New Member

4/14/10

Francis J. (Chuck) Theusch

chucktheusch@yahoo.com

Associate Member

I have been inspired by the story of J. Robert Kalsu, that took me to the Ripcord story. As a Vietnam combat Veteran myself (Americal, Quang Ngai, 69-70) I was unawares except by scuddlebud of the extent of the Ripcord battle of that year. I now travel back to Vietnam often and will be going near Ripcord in a couple of weeks (10 May, 2010)where we will be building a Library/Learning Center.

New Member

4/9/10

Dale Cooper

C/2-506

currahee@avenuebb.com

Was a 1st platoon member w/ Lt. Wallace as platoon leader. Served w/Capt Hale & then Capt. Vasquez. Flew off Ripcord 7/10/70 to deros. Military records are under Norman D. Cooper.

New Member

2/21/10

Al Hooper

Nova Scotia, Canada

rock.hound@ns.sympatico.ca

Associate Member

Hi Frank, I am about to sit down and read a copy of Ripcord that my wife purchased for me at a used book sale. It is still in  like new condition.  I quickly browsed through it and it looks like it is going to be a really AWESOME read. I love to read the REAL stories of men who served.  This book is absolutely full of autographs! It is autographed by Keith Nolan in October of 2000 as well. Now this is where the story I tell gets really interesting.  This book belonged to Daniel Thompson, who presented it to "Doctor Louise Graham". There are a total of 27 signatures and brief messages in the book flyleaf pages from vets who served with him. YES! Your signature is in there too!   I am not exactly sure how this ever ended up in a used book sale as it was obviously full of memories when Dan presented to Louise Graham.  It just seemed such a shame to me for a book with such a personal touch to end up where it did. It always makes me feel bad to find books at the used store that have such a personal touch to them  but this one was the one that bothered me the most so far. I felt I should contact someone about it just in case it  had been lost by Dr. Graham or stolen from her.  I tried contacting Dan at his email address in the members list but it is invalid and the message came back to me. Just thought I'd drop you a note about it.

Regards:

Al Hooper

2/22/10

Frank, there is not much I enjoy more than a good mystery  other than a good book. I have to say, I am into page 65 now and it is spell binding.

I don't want to put it down. Very well written and so detailed! Just a super book. Absolutely the best I have read so far pertaining to the Vietnam war. Dan emailed me yesterday Frank, and I emailed him back  and hope to get chance to call him soon. I am really touched by the proposed signing of the book for me. That would be absolutely fantastic! That would be something I would treasure always! I sure don't mind sending it back to Dan BUT only after I have finished reading it! GRIN It's too good to stop now and wait for another copy! I should be done with it in another week. Oh Frank, feel free to use any of our correspondence. It's definitely no problem with me. I'm just so glad I can help.  Several years back my wife was metal detecting up here and found a Sterling silver US Marine service ring with no serial number engraved in it. We contacted the USMC and many other people and sites desperately trying to reconnect the owner or his family with that ring but to no avail. 

Without a serial number it was a lost cause. Thanks goodness this book was so well signed!

Al

2/17/10

Bob Staranowicz
HQ 501st Signal
101st Airborne Division
Camp Eagle I Corps
1969-70

bobstar101@gmail.com

Frank Welcome Home

I served with HQ 501st Signal in 69-70.  I was at Camp Eagle when 2 of my friends from A 501str Signal were killed on Ripcord.   As time passed, their names passed from my memory.

Is there any way to find out the names of these 2?  I believe that they were the only KIAs from a/501st Signal in 1970.

Anything you can do to help would be appreciated.
 

New Member

2/16/10

Jimmy Dale Howton

101 pathfinders

howtonjd@yahoo.com

Was with William "Hardcore" Kohr on the final (3) days of Ripcord. Hardcore is one of the biographys you have listed.

New Member

2/13/10 

Glenn Hanson

2/11 arty

glenn.hanson@sbcglobal.net

Hey. As with all things internet I don't even want to begin to describe the path that led me here tonight. Anyway I went in for two yrs as arty. Was sent to 1st Inf Div and ending up humping a radio for the fo.which turned out better than being on the darn gun anyway. When the 1st went home I got sent to 2/11 arty and was placed as a laison someplace (don't recall where) to get ammo hauled by chopper or truck to our batteries. anywayyyyyyyyy I used to haul ammo to FSB ripcord! also recall bastogne, veghel, rakkason?, and others. So Hi!

glenn

New Member

2/10/10

John Stoneburg

commanded the 65th MP Company (Airborne) at Forward Operating Base Kalsu from Jan 2005 to Sep 2005

jhstoney673@yahoo.com

Gentlemen,

My name is John Stoneburg and I commanded the 65th MP Company (Airborne) at Forward Operating Base Kalsu from Jan 2005 to Sep 2005. FOB Kalsu was named for your 1LT Bob Kalsu. From the second I first read the sign at the center of FOB Kalsu (picture attached) during my first tour in Iraq (Feb 2004) I've been intrigued with the story.

I just finished reading "Hell on a Hilltop" by MG (R) Ben Harrison and am even more proud to have served in the hell hole called FOB Kalsu. I have always believed the Army is a small family, but even more so now. The company I had the great pleasure of commanding (65th MP CO (ABN) out of Fort Bragg) used the motto Ripcord. My call sign was Ripcord 6 and interestingly enough, our TOC at FOB Kalsu was known as Ripcord Base. I also served as a squad leader and platoon sergeant in A CO, 1/501 Parachute Infantry Regiment before I went to OCS and remember reading the stories of the 501st (all battalions) in Vietnam. The coincedences alone made me think hard.

As I read the book, I quickly learned that FSB Ripcord was truly Hell on a Hilltop. The similarities with FOB Kalsu were too obvious to avoid. While we received no where near the enemy onlsought you heroes did in 1970, the importance of the two bases is evident. FOB Kalsu sits at the gateway to the Triangle of Death (Al Hilla, Karbala, Babylon) and is the intersection of two major routes. The East-West route is the primary route insurgents from Iran would take to get to the Triangle of Death. It is a key piece of terrain in that we were there to stop insurgents, build the local community, and keep the North-South route free of obstructions. At the time, FOB Kalsu was a tiny base (less than 1 square mile) with a Brigade HQ, BN HQ, and my company. I provide direct support to the 2nd Marine Division, 3rd Infantry Division, and Polish Division within my sector which covered ~60 kilometers of the North-South route. Additionally, I had 1 platoon training Iraqi Highway police and 1 platoon 4 hours East training border patrol along the Iranian border.

FOB Kalsu received mortar fire and rocket fire on a near daily basis while I was there. While many soldiers in Iraq would relax on FOBs, my company kept a high state of alert at all times. Rocket and mortar attacks were high adventure as the Iraqis don't aim, they just lob and so there is no way to see how the rounds will land. This was unnerving as a commander trying to keep my troopers safe. On more than one occasion my 1SG and I would be yelling to get folks in bunkers while trying to determine the best route ourselves as the rounds flew overhead and impacted around us. The soldiers of my company would often comment that they only felt safe out in sector inside the armored vehicles. It was not uncommon to encounter 10 improvised explosive devices on the North-South route in a single day (althought this came with peaks and valleys of activity) or an ambush from insurgents working their way West to Karbala. I was blessed with an exceptional cohort of experienced veterans, 95% of which were on their secon deployment and 80% on their third.

Living at Kalsu, the Ripcord paratroopers rarely slept and were constantly hyper alert until we moved 600kms north to Mosul in 15 Sep 2005. While FSB Ripcord was the high ground, FOB Kalsu lay in the low ground immediately West and South of the two major routes. This made it very easy for insurgent attacks via indirect and direct fire. After we left, the FOB boundaries were extended and the population increased 4-5 fold. My former driver (a cook, not an MP) was recently based at Kalsu again and told me it is no longer recognizable and quite a bit safer than when we were there. At least some progress was made there! No Ripcord trooper was immune to hard work and direct contact with the enemy. Every cook, clerk, commo, supply, and medic in the company came in direct contact with the enemy. While we were an MP company, we trained every soldier to do everyone elses job before we left for Iraq and it was not uncommon for the low density personnel to do MP jobs. We were a cohesive team and while I read "Hell on a Hilltop" I was filled with pride to learn we achieved what the greatest heroes of our era did everyday on FSB Ripcord.

I have rambled on long enough. I just visited your website and will continue to read through it. I am sending off a donation for $100 as a thanks for the heroism of the troopers on FSB Ripcord and the honor of serving on a small FOB in Iraq named in honor of a veteran of the horrific fight you endured.

Please add me to your mailing list, I would love to read the newsletter.

One final note, the story of how I learned of the book is interesting in and of itself. I currently work in the Pentagon at HQDA, G-3/5/7, Force Management office as a Major. One of my coworkers and I were discussing coincedences and he brought up his assignment to Fort Ben Harrison when MG Ben Harrison was the commander. I wondered if he was related to the former President, so did an internet search and came across the book "Hell on a Hilltop." I immediately ordered the book from Amazon.com and laughed with my coworker at yet another coincedence!

I thank you for your service, and as the son of a Vietnam Vet, thank you for your continued dedication and patriotism.

Respectfully,

John Stoneburg

2/5/10

Raymond Hines

2nd Bn 319th Arty

hinesra@soc.mil

Lt. Joliet’s  story especially brings back memories.  He writes about his first contact  reminds me of what happened.  The man who was separated was the point man for a platoon.  They had been inserted on LZ’s along Rocket Ridge, and were working their way along a ridge going downhill. It was on the west side of the ridge, just north of the valley, to the south.  As they went downhill, the point man and slack man crossed a trail.  They received small arms fire, point man went down, the slack man retreated back to the platoon.  There was a short fire fight (I don’t believe that there were casualties on either side).  The platoon lost contact with the point man.  Artillery was called in, and there was a jet in the area, so it was employed, bombing the area.  The point man was lost!  Someone in the command helicopter (I think that it was Major Kronisgbaugh, the S-3) suggested that the Psychological Operations helicopter with speakers could be used to communicate with the point man, if he was alive.  The helicopter arrived and requested the point man to throw a smoke grenade, but he had dropped his pack and did not have a smoke grenade, so he threw a regular grenade.  The people on the ground heard the explosion, but the point man’s position could not be positively detected, so the Psy Ops helicopter asked him to build a fire.  He gathered up “Chu hoi” leaflets, and built a fire.  We could see the smoke from the command and control helicopter.  A helicopter with a jungle penetrator extracted the guy.

                The story that he told was that when he and his slack man crossed the trail, they cut an NVA unit that was taking a break.  When they received fire, he got down, and dropped his pack.  His slack man withdrew back across the trail.  The point man circled one way and saw a Vietnamese taking a crap, so he circled the other way and saw other NVA.  Then the artillery rounds, and he got down, but when the bombs went off, he just ran for his life. 

                This is the only time that I know of where Psy Ops saved a man’s life.

                 When I was assigned as the Artillery Liaison to 2-506 on January 2, 1970,  Gary “Teenager” Watrous was the Recon Platoon leader.  In January 1970, he, personally, had the high kill count for the country, eleven.  Just before the March 12 insertion on Ripcord, Lt. Wilson replaced him as the platoon leader.  On April 13, LTC Lucas ordered the Recon Platoon to “poke around” Ripcord to see if the enemy was still there.  They were, and Lt. Wilson was killed.  He had volunteered to be the Recon Platoon leader.

New Member

2/4/10

Thomas Dale Prouty

tom@prouty.name

Associate member

New Associate Member

2/3/10

Don Holthausen

C/2-506

Frank and Lee ,    Thanks for all the work maintaining this site. Its much appreciated,  Don

I was just reading the Unit History on your web site and would like to correct some information. When the Company CP was initially hit there radio was destroyed. After 20-30 minutes of confusion Steve Manthei and myself contacted the RTO at Camp Evans and requested gunships. When the aerial support arrived we threw flares in front of and to the side of our position to guide there fire. Kieth described this pretty well in his book.   Thank you for your time ,  Don Holthausen

2/1/10

Harry C. Crawford

Recon 2/501

hcc1050@roadrunner.com

Always keep up with your Newsletter.  Hoping to find more fellow grunts from Echo Recon 2/501 or Delta Co. 2/501 in the future.  I was the Platoon leader RTO for both 2nd Platoon Delta Company till June 1970 then moved with him when he took over Echo/Recon 2/501 in June of 1970.  Was working off the Coc Muen side of Ripcord with Bravo 2/501 on assaults to adjacent hills on that side of Ripcord.  Can't remember much more after all these years.

New Member

1/30/10

Michael Jenkins

Associate Member

Friend of James Williamson and the Ripcord Association

1/27/09

Ben L. Harrison

Commander

HHC 3rd BDE  101st 

BHarr7232@aol.com

Hi Frank--
Just visited the web site.
Super work with the new members.  You have provided an absolutely great service to our comrades with your web site.
Thank you so very much!

1/17/09

Dennis M. Mina

2/501 HHC (TOC)

icthusvacaville@msn.com

involved in transition of battalion command of RIPCORD from 501 st to 506 th TOC NCOIC. Saw the CH-47 go down, was there as the FSB was imploding. WIA and medivac the day before Col. Lucas was KIA

New Member

1/9/09

Ronald C. Richtsmeier

D Co. 101st Avn Bn (Cobra)

ron737@satx.rr.com

I never had the "pleasure" of setting foot on Ripcord, but I spent many hours flying helicopter gunship support missions there.  My call sign was "Hawk 6".  I was the C.O. of D Co. 101st Avn Bn (cobra) during the period of May through October 1970.  We were responsible for providing gunship escort for aircraft flying into and out of Ripcord.  After the lift aircraft departed Ripcord the Hawks stayed around to provide fire support for the F.B.  We were privileged to fly above the best, and give you every bit of support that we possibly could.  Welcome home to everybody - and God Bless You All.

Ron Richtsmeier (LTC - Ret.)

New Member

1/3/09

LAINE D DOTSON

A co 501 101st

laine.dotson@us.army.mil

A co 501 101st  

Tour_From:        OCT O5

Tour_To:          APR 06

12/29/09

John A. Flaherty

D/2-506

jflaherty781@verizon.net

Sorry I've been out of touch.  I changed my email address a while ago and forgot to update my information.  Looking forward to the 40th anniversary in Ft Worth.

12/29/09

John P Georgiton

C/1-506

JGeorgiton@yahoo.com

I was an infantry platoon leader in C company 1/506 from April 1970 to January 1971. I was the acting company commander of B company 1/506 in December of 1970 for a little less than a month. We occupied firebase ripcord I think in late May for a week and fought near the firebase and nearby firebase Kathyrn. We obviously were not on the firebase during the evacuation but were in the area and have almost daily contact with the enemy during that time. My company commander during the summer of 1970 was 'Zippo' Mark Smith.

New

Member

12/10/09

Brannon Johnson

101st AB Pathfinders

brann918@yahoo.com

I was looking for anyone who may have known Don Ragsdale my uncle... I was only 2 at the time of his passing. But I have heard many great stories about this Man. Who gave the ultimate sacrifice on that Hill  April 1 of 1970... He received The Purple Heart, The Bronze Star, and The Silver Star for his action on the Fateful Day.. Any stories you could share would be welcomed good or Bad.. and would help the 3 sisters and 1 Brother, maybe understand the 2 yrs his life they were not apart of!!!! Donald Ragsdale was Great man anyone who Knew or met him would attest to this....He is Greatly Missed!!!!

I lov the Site, Great Info...

Thanks In Advance

New

Member

11/29/09

Frank  Babich

Family of  Babich from A/2-506

11/21/09

Rick Isom

A/2-506

Spouse Name:      Michelle

mdisom@tds.net

Rick died of pancreatic cancer on May 11,2007. I would still like to receive information my email. Respectfully submitted, Michelle Isom

New

Member

11/14/09

Benny D. Mulkey

"Milkman"

101st Airborne Airmobile Pathfinders

ywtbdm@yahoo.com

I would like to connect with other Pathfinders and pilots that were at Camp Eagle and on Ripcord during the time I was in country. Most of the guys I only remember by their call signs, mine was "MILKMAN"

New

Member

11/5/09

Raymond Kenneth Hines

2nd Bn 319th Arty

hinesra@soc.mil

Technically, I don't qualify for the association since I was not involved in the main battle, however, I was there at the very beginning. I was the Arty LNO with 2/506 Inf. during the transition from Ltc Crowell to Ltc Lucas. A mission was planned on the ridgeline west of FSB Carol (renamed Ripcord). There were two good LZ's, but the third was not big enough. Ltc Crowell decided that the Air Force could bomb the middle LZ to make it bigger, however, when the time came, Ltc Crowell had left, and the AF did not fly the mission. In a hasty decision, the platoon was deployed to the abandoned FSB Carol, which they renamed Ripcord. The hasty artillery perp was done by helicopters and was not good enough. The LZ was hot. The insertion was in conjunction with an ARVIN unit on our northern border.  The ARVIN unit captured some documents indicating that there was a large NVA unit in the area. All the allied forces were withdrawn and a free fire bombing box was drawn on the map. The plan was to bomb the area for five days, then we would go back in. The problem was the weather. We did not get back to Ripcord until two weeks had passed. The plan had been revised, to include occupying the base. On April 1, the mission went in. Although the artillery prep was good, as soon as the transport helicopters went in, they were receiving mortar fire.  As the lift helicopters approached Ripcord, the pilots reported enemy troop movement along Coc A Bo ridge. The troops were moving north toward Ripcord. The jungle around the firebase before the bombing occurred was solid, with few spots to launch mortars. After the bombing missions, there were numerous holes in the jungle for the mortars to go through. Among other casualties on that day, Lt. Wall, the company forward observer was killed. The force on the firebase evacuated overland, and the base was occupied by the enemy. The next morning, the Recon Platoon was sent back to the base to determine the enemy strength. The Platoon Leader, Lt. Wilson was killed, and the platoon withdrawn. On

10/27/09

John J Beadle Jr.

A-2-11 arty

jbeadle9@google.com

I just got back home from the reunion had a great time as usual if you missed it you missed a great time.

I look forward to the reunion report coming out

New Member

10/21/09

Jim Joyce

Pathfinders, 101 Airborne Div

jimjoyce@earthlink.net

I have always wondered why I never heard anything more about Ripcord.  I was on Ripcord from 1 July to 21  July 1970 when I was wounded by shrapnel from a recoilless rifle round.  This was the same day they shot down the CH47 onto the artillery battery.  I was the Pathfinder squad leader for Ripcord and we were responsible for all air traffic and outbound artillery hazards.  We directed fire from the fast movers (20mm and napalm).  I put together the air traffic plan for the extraction from the firebase.  I was wounded on 21 July just before the extraction.  A good friend of mine, Danny Bonard (callsign "Boner") was killed there.  I was in Quang Tri hospital and missed the extraction.

New Member

10/11/09

Charles R Evans

326 engr company b

rickrrevans@yahoo.com

landed on ripcord for supply drop, very happy to leave. around 20th of July 1970 was on fsb Kathryn for a month after that.

New Member

10/9/09

Randy L. Parmley

C/2-506

randy.parmley@adelphia.net

I am the webmaster for http://company-c--2nd-bn--506th-inf.com/  We have located many C Co. 2/506th veterans an have been looking for many more. We have been supporting the current C Co. at Ft. Campbell.

9/23/09

Terry A Stanger

A Co 159th ASHB

stangerta@yahoo.com

This is the best group of people any person would be proud to know.  The members treat everyone as family and I'm proud to have known all the people I have meet at the reunions

New Member

9/9/09

Clark l Namias

c btry 2/319th fa

cnamias@comcast.net

c brty 2nd bn 319th fa. camp Evans and all points north to include alpha 1 on dmz

New Member

8/28/09

Ken Lilley

2-506

kalilley@msn.com

I have had no contact with anyone since 1970--am so grateful to still be here and look forward to sharing some memories

Frank, finally, in the summer of 09 I googled Ripcord and was blown away with what I found---Looking thru members, I found Bill Heath and Pete McSwain, two close friends at the time and have been corresponding with them--I tried to become a member in Aug and have been checking for the list to be updated--I find  today that I am not included and I wonder if you can tell me what to do--I tried to apply again today--Thanks--Ken Lilley 2/506-alplha

New Member

8/28/09

Richard Stephan Bergquist

B Co. 158 Avn

rbergquist@mac.com

I regret that I was not there to offer my help, I DERO'sd in June of 70. I flew log missions to FSB Ripcord with B. Co, (Lancers) 158th Avn. Bn. (AH) as a door gunner, but was not involved during the siege in July.  My membership is to honor my Eagle brothers that made the ultimate sacrifice. Would be proud to be an associate member.  Now SSG Richard Bergquist, California State Military Reserves.

New Member

8/25/09

Eddie   Fox

ehf52  @aol.com

New

Member

8/18/09

Larry Kenneth King

d 2/506

king.larry4771@yahoo.com

New Member

8/15/09

Carl Wyrosdick, Jr.

B/2/506

cwyrosdick001@tampabay.rr.com

I was brought in just after the Chinook crashed and burned in the 105 guns.  I shared the hole with Chip Collins for the remainder of the time on Ripcord and the extraction.  Just saw this Web site as I'm not much of a computer browser and am devastated at his passing.  He taught me so much in the short time he was with us in third herd before going to recon.  He pushed me down on Ripcord when a sniper opened up on us and saved my butt.  I shared duty as squad leader with him and learned from him until one day he said you don't need me anymore it's yours and he stepped aside.  Men like him didn't come along but once in a life time.  I've tried to stay away from everything about Nam but I guess it's time.  Maybe I can make it to the Reunion.

New Member

7/27/09

Walter R. Juszczak

D/2-506

farmer64@hotmail.com

The Ripcord web site is one of the most informational webs that I have been on. It was only a few weeks ago that a friend was asking where I served in Vietnam. We looked Ripcord up on the internet and found your web page. As I scanned down I saw the familiar name of Fred Gilbert and further down found his email address. After a few emails back and forth he sent me this membership page so I decided to sign up. I didn't take much still pictures in Vietnam but I did take quit a few Super 8 movie film. We put them on DVD about a month ago and although the quality isn't there you can still see them pretty good. I am going to make a copy and send it to Fred, he has a few candid shots of himself and also of other men that he might know. For now keep up the good work, and may God bless. 

New Member

7/23/09

Steven Matsumoto

A/206

matsumos@ohsu.edu

The best to you from TOK in Portland OR. I had a very nice conversation with Willie Norris' Mother. She said that to a Ripcord reunion and met many of the men of Alpha Co. I don't miss the war but I have never felt as close to my fellow man as I did with our unit. I don't think I can make the reunion but please give my best everyone there.  Every man there was a hero.  I am proud to have served with all of you.

7/20/09

Mary Smith Marlowe

maryarnp@aol.com

wife of John Marlowe

New Member

7/15/09

Col Ricardo Ruiz

HHB 2/320th Field Artillery (Balls of the Eagle)

rruizortiz@ruizfamily.net

Overflew the old Firebase many times during my tour, while conducting operations near the A Shau valley. I don't believe that the division ever reoccupied the Firebase.