Soldiers' valor lauded 45 years later
A citation is awarded to nine vets for their efforts during a 1966 gunbattle in Vietnam
By Lynn Nakagawa
Jul 09, 2011
Howard Lavy remembers the day in 1966 when waves of North Vietnamese army soldiers attacked his Hawaii-based Army company in Ho Bo Woods.
"If it hadn't been for the aviation company (airlifting the soldiers out), we would have been overrun finally because we had run out of ammunition," said Lavy, a retired lieutenant colonel.
Nearly 45 years after that battle, Lavy and eight fellow soldiers returned to Schofield Barracks Friday to receive a Presidential Unit Citation for their actions that day.
The soldiers were members of Schofield's A Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment. A larger NVA force charged their position three times on July 19, 1966, pouring machine gun and mortar fire on the Americans during a 3-hour battle. A Company held them off, but at the cost of 24 killed and 54 wounded, Lavy said.
A recommendation for a Presidential Unit Citation was prepared in September 1966, but a platoon leader inadvertently packed it with his belongings and shipped it to his father in California, Lavy said. The paperwork was discovered in 2004 when a family member opened the long-forgotten box.
read more here
Soldiers valor lauded 45 years later
Showing posts with label Presidential Unit Citation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Presidential Unit Citation. Show all posts
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Vietnam Alpha Company Vet honored
Lockport turns out to honor Vietnam vet
November 1, 2009
By TONY GRAF tgraf@scn1.com
LOCKPORT -- More than 300 people gathered Friday night to recognize the heroism of Francis "Bud" Smolich, a Vietnam veteran whose Army unit was honored by President Obama in October.
A large screen was set up at the Lockport Veterans of Foreign Wars post, and the crowd watched a video of Obama's speech in the White House Rose Garden.
For a good portion of the video, Smolich is just to the right of the president, standing behind him.
Smolich, of Lockport, was a sergeant in Alpha Troop, First Squadron, 11th Armored Calvary Regiment. In March 1970, Alpha Troop rescued another unit that had walked into an ambush by the North Vietnamese Army.
Alpha Troop is now the recipient of the Presidential Unit Citation. Smolich has the small blue ribbon, along with his two Bronze Stars.
read more here
Lockport turns out to honor Vietnam vet
November 1, 2009
By TONY GRAF tgraf@scn1.com
LOCKPORT -- More than 300 people gathered Friday night to recognize the heroism of Francis "Bud" Smolich, a Vietnam veteran whose Army unit was honored by President Obama in October.
A large screen was set up at the Lockport Veterans of Foreign Wars post, and the crowd watched a video of Obama's speech in the White House Rose Garden.
For a good portion of the video, Smolich is just to the right of the president, standing behind him.
Smolich, of Lockport, was a sergeant in Alpha Troop, First Squadron, 11th Armored Calvary Regiment. In March 1970, Alpha Troop rescued another unit that had walked into an ambush by the North Vietnamese Army.
Alpha Troop is now the recipient of the Presidential Unit Citation. Smolich has the small blue ribbon, along with his two Bronze Stars.
read more here
Lockport turns out to honor Vietnam vet
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION FOR VIETNAM ALPHA COMPANY VETERANS
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release October 20, 2009
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
IN AWARDING THE PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION
TO ALPHA TROOP, 1ST SQUADRON, 11TH ARMORED CAVALRY
Rose Garden
12:24 P.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Good afternoon, everybody, and welcome to the White House. And welcome to a moment nearly 40 years in the making.
Last month, I was privileged to present the parents of an American soldier, Sergeant First Class Jared Monti, with our nation's highest decoration for valor -- the Medal of Honor. Today, we celebrate the awarding of our nation's highest honor for a military unit -- the Presidential Unit Citation.
The Presidential Unit Citation is awarded for "gallantry, determination, and esprit de corps in accomplishing its mission under extremely difficult and hazardous conditions." Since its creation during the Second World War, it has only been bestowed about 100 times.
Today, another unit assumes its rightful place in these ranks -- Alpha Troop, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry, the legendary Blackhorse Regiment.
To mark this occasion we're joined by Congressman -- and Vietnam veteran -- Leonard Boswell; Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Jim "Hoss" Cartwright; John McHugh, our Army Secretary; and Vice Chief of Staff Peter Chiarelli; from Fort Irwin, California, leaders of today's 11th Armored Cavalry -- Colonel Paul Laughlin and Command Sergeant Major Martin Wilcox; and most of all, the men of Alpha Troop -- those behind me and some 100 here today.
Now, these men might be a little bit older, a little bit grayer. But make no mistake -- these soldiers define the meaning of bravery and heroism.
It was March 1970, deep in the jungles of Vietnam. And through the static and crackle of their radios Alpha Troop heard that another unit was in trouble. Charlie Company, from the 1st Calvary Division, had stumbled upon a massive underground bunker of North Vietnamese troops. A hundred Americans were facing some 400 enemy fighters. Outnumbered and outgunned, Charlie Company was at risk of being overrun.
That's when Alpha Troop's captain gave the order: "Saddle up and move out."
As these men will tell you themselves, this isn't the story of a battle that changed the course of a war. It never had a name, like Tet or Hue or Khe Sanh. It never made the papers back home. But like countless battles, known and unknown, it is a proud chapter in the story of the American soldier.
It's the story of men who came together, from every corner of America, of different colors and creeds. Some young -- just 18, 19 years old, and just weeks in the jungle; some older -- veterans hardened by the ugliness of war. Noncommissioned officers who held the unit together and the officers assigned to lead them.
It's the story of how this team of some 200 men set out to save their fellow Americans. With no roads to speak of, they plowed their tanks and armored vehicles through the thick jungle, smashing a path through bamboo and underbrush, mile after mile, risking ambush and landmines every step of the way, and finally emerging from the jungle to the rescue -- what one member of Charlie Company called "a miracle."
It's a story of resolve. For Alpha Troop could have simply evacuated their comrades and left that enemy bunker for another day -- to ambush another American unit. But as their captain said, "That's not what the 11th Cavalry does."
And so, ultimately, this is a story of what soldiers do -- not only for their country, but for each other: the troopers who put themselves in the line of fire, using their tanks and vehicles to shield those trapped Americans; the loaders who kept the ammunition coming, and the gunners who never let up; and when one of those gunners went down, the soldier who jumped up to take his place.
It's about the men who rushed out to drag their wounded buddies to safety; the medics who raced to save so many; the injured who kept fighting hour after hour. And finally, with dark falling, as the convoy made the daring escape back through the jungle, these soldiers remained vigilant, protecting the wounded who lay at their feet.
The fog of war makes a full accounting impossible. But this much we know. Among the many casualties that day, some 20 members of Alpha Troop were wounded. And at least two made the ultimate sacrifice -- their names now among the many etched in that black granite wall not far from here. But because of that service, that sacrifice, Alpha Troop completed its mission. It rescued Charlie Company. It saved those 100 American soldiers, some of who join us today. And those soldiers went on to have families -- children and grandchildren who also owe their lives to Alpha Troop.
Now, some may wonder: After all these years, why honor this heroism now? The answer is simple. Because we must. Because we have a sacred obligation. As a nation, we have an obligation to this troop. Their actions that day went largely unnoticed -- for decades -- until their old captain, John Poindexter, realized that their service had been overlooked. He felt that he had a right to wrong. And so he spent years tracking down his troopers and gathering their stories, filing reports, fighting for the Silver Stars and Bronze Stars they deserved and bringing us to this day.
Thank you, John.
We have an obligation to all who served in the jungles of Vietnam. Our Vietnam vets answered their country's call and served with honor. But one of the saddest episodes in American history was the fact that these vets were often shunned and neglected, even demonized when they came home. That was a national disgrace. And on days such as this, we resolve to never let it happen again.
Many of our Vietnam vets put away their medals, rarely spoke of their service and moved on. They started families and careers. Some rose through the ranks, like the decorated Vietnam veteran that I rely on every day, my National Security Advisor, Jim Jones.
Indeed, I'm told that today is the first time in 39 years that many from Alpha Troop have pulled out their medals and joined their old troop. Some of you still carry the shrapnel and the scars of that day. All of you carry the memories. And so I say, it's never too late, we can never say it enough. To you and all those who served in Vietnam, we thank you. We honor your service. And America is forever grateful.
Today also reminds us of our obligations to all our veterans, whether they took off the uniform decades ago or days ago -- to make sure that they and their families receive the respect they deserve, and the health care and treatment they need, the benefits they have earned and all the opportunities to live out their dreams.
And finally, if that day in the jungle, if that war long ago, teaches us anything, then surely it is this. If we send our men and women in uniform into harm's way, then it must be only when it is absolutely necessary. And when we do, we must back them up with the strategy and the resources and the support they need to get the job done.
This includes always showing our troops the respect and dignity they deserve, whether one agrees with the mission or not. For if this troop and our men and women in uniform can come together -- from so many different backgrounds and beliefs -- to serve together, and to succeed together, then so can we. So can America.
I cannot imagine a more fitting tribute to these men, who fought in what came to be called The Anonymous Battle. Troopers, you are not anonymous anymore. And with America's overdue recognition also comes responsibility -- our responsibility as citizens and as a nation, to always remain worthy of your service.
God bless Alpha Troop and the 11th Armored Cavalry. God bless all those who wear this nation's uniform. And God bless the United States of America.
Thank you very much, everybody. (Applause.)
END
12:33 P.M. EDT
Alpha Company Presidential Unit Citation
Vietnam vets receive presidential citation for heroism
Story Highlights
86 in Army's Troop A, First Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment recognized
Cavalry saved 100 fellow soldiers trapped under enemy fire in Vietnam
Leader of 1970 rescue says award is for all Vietnam veterans
Presidential Unit Citation recognizes extraordinary heroism against armed enemy
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Nearly 40 years after members of a U.S. cavalry unit put their lives in peril to save 100 fellow soldiers trapped under blistering enemy fire in Vietnam, they received the Presidential Unit Citation on Tuesday.
It's an honor their captain says is long overdue.
President Obama awarded the citation for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry to 86 members of the Army's Troop A, First Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment.
"These soldiers defined the meaning of bravery and heroism," Obama said at a White House reception honoring the group's heroics.
"It's never too late. You can never say it enough. ... We honor your service, and America is forever grateful."
On March 26, 1970, the 120-member Troop A volunteered to rescue an American infantry company surrounded by an overwhelming enemy force at a site on the Cambodian border called the Dog's Face. The enemy had survived hours of aerial and artillery bombardment and was expected to kill or capture the 100 American infantrymen in Company C within hours. The Americans were running out of ammunition and could not move because of heavy casualties. There were no available landing zones for medical and rescue helicopters to touch down.
read more of this here
http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/10/20/vietnam.citation/index.html
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release October 20, 2009
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
IN AWARDING THE PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION
TO ALPHA TROOP, 1ST SQUADRON, 11TH ARMORED CAVALRY
Rose Garden
12:24 P.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Good afternoon, everybody, and welcome to the White House. And welcome to a moment nearly 40 years in the making.
Last month, I was privileged to present the parents of an American soldier, Sergeant First Class Jared Monti, with our nation's highest decoration for valor -- the Medal of Honor. Today, we celebrate the awarding of our nation's highest honor for a military unit -- the Presidential Unit Citation.
The Presidential Unit Citation is awarded for "gallantry, determination, and esprit de corps in accomplishing its mission under extremely difficult and hazardous conditions." Since its creation during the Second World War, it has only been bestowed about 100 times.
Today, another unit assumes its rightful place in these ranks -- Alpha Troop, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry, the legendary Blackhorse Regiment.
To mark this occasion we're joined by Congressman -- and Vietnam veteran -- Leonard Boswell; Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Jim "Hoss" Cartwright; John McHugh, our Army Secretary; and Vice Chief of Staff Peter Chiarelli; from Fort Irwin, California, leaders of today's 11th Armored Cavalry -- Colonel Paul Laughlin and Command Sergeant Major Martin Wilcox; and most of all, the men of Alpha Troop -- those behind me and some 100 here today.
Now, these men might be a little bit older, a little bit grayer. But make no mistake -- these soldiers define the meaning of bravery and heroism.
It was March 1970, deep in the jungles of Vietnam. And through the static and crackle of their radios Alpha Troop heard that another unit was in trouble. Charlie Company, from the 1st Calvary Division, had stumbled upon a massive underground bunker of North Vietnamese troops. A hundred Americans were facing some 400 enemy fighters. Outnumbered and outgunned, Charlie Company was at risk of being overrun.
That's when Alpha Troop's captain gave the order: "Saddle up and move out."
As these men will tell you themselves, this isn't the story of a battle that changed the course of a war. It never had a name, like Tet or Hue or Khe Sanh. It never made the papers back home. But like countless battles, known and unknown, it is a proud chapter in the story of the American soldier.
It's the story of men who came together, from every corner of America, of different colors and creeds. Some young -- just 18, 19 years old, and just weeks in the jungle; some older -- veterans hardened by the ugliness of war. Noncommissioned officers who held the unit together and the officers assigned to lead them.
It's the story of how this team of some 200 men set out to save their fellow Americans. With no roads to speak of, they plowed their tanks and armored vehicles through the thick jungle, smashing a path through bamboo and underbrush, mile after mile, risking ambush and landmines every step of the way, and finally emerging from the jungle to the rescue -- what one member of Charlie Company called "a miracle."
It's a story of resolve. For Alpha Troop could have simply evacuated their comrades and left that enemy bunker for another day -- to ambush another American unit. But as their captain said, "That's not what the 11th Cavalry does."
And so, ultimately, this is a story of what soldiers do -- not only for their country, but for each other: the troopers who put themselves in the line of fire, using their tanks and vehicles to shield those trapped Americans; the loaders who kept the ammunition coming, and the gunners who never let up; and when one of those gunners went down, the soldier who jumped up to take his place.
It's about the men who rushed out to drag their wounded buddies to safety; the medics who raced to save so many; the injured who kept fighting hour after hour. And finally, with dark falling, as the convoy made the daring escape back through the jungle, these soldiers remained vigilant, protecting the wounded who lay at their feet.
The fog of war makes a full accounting impossible. But this much we know. Among the many casualties that day, some 20 members of Alpha Troop were wounded. And at least two made the ultimate sacrifice -- their names now among the many etched in that black granite wall not far from here. But because of that service, that sacrifice, Alpha Troop completed its mission. It rescued Charlie Company. It saved those 100 American soldiers, some of who join us today. And those soldiers went on to have families -- children and grandchildren who also owe their lives to Alpha Troop.
Now, some may wonder: After all these years, why honor this heroism now? The answer is simple. Because we must. Because we have a sacred obligation. As a nation, we have an obligation to this troop. Their actions that day went largely unnoticed -- for decades -- until their old captain, John Poindexter, realized that their service had been overlooked. He felt that he had a right to wrong. And so he spent years tracking down his troopers and gathering their stories, filing reports, fighting for the Silver Stars and Bronze Stars they deserved and bringing us to this day.
Thank you, John.
We have an obligation to all who served in the jungles of Vietnam. Our Vietnam vets answered their country's call and served with honor. But one of the saddest episodes in American history was the fact that these vets were often shunned and neglected, even demonized when they came home. That was a national disgrace. And on days such as this, we resolve to never let it happen again.
Many of our Vietnam vets put away their medals, rarely spoke of their service and moved on. They started families and careers. Some rose through the ranks, like the decorated Vietnam veteran that I rely on every day, my National Security Advisor, Jim Jones.
Indeed, I'm told that today is the first time in 39 years that many from Alpha Troop have pulled out their medals and joined their old troop. Some of you still carry the shrapnel and the scars of that day. All of you carry the memories. And so I say, it's never too late, we can never say it enough. To you and all those who served in Vietnam, we thank you. We honor your service. And America is forever grateful.
Today also reminds us of our obligations to all our veterans, whether they took off the uniform decades ago or days ago -- to make sure that they and their families receive the respect they deserve, and the health care and treatment they need, the benefits they have earned and all the opportunities to live out their dreams.
And finally, if that day in the jungle, if that war long ago, teaches us anything, then surely it is this. If we send our men and women in uniform into harm's way, then it must be only when it is absolutely necessary. And when we do, we must back them up with the strategy and the resources and the support they need to get the job done.
This includes always showing our troops the respect and dignity they deserve, whether one agrees with the mission or not. For if this troop and our men and women in uniform can come together -- from so many different backgrounds and beliefs -- to serve together, and to succeed together, then so can we. So can America.
I cannot imagine a more fitting tribute to these men, who fought in what came to be called The Anonymous Battle. Troopers, you are not anonymous anymore. And with America's overdue recognition also comes responsibility -- our responsibility as citizens and as a nation, to always remain worthy of your service.
God bless Alpha Troop and the 11th Armored Cavalry. God bless all those who wear this nation's uniform. And God bless the United States of America.
Thank you very much, everybody. (Applause.)
END
12:33 P.M. EDT
Alpha Company Presidential Unit Citation
Vietnam vets receive presidential citation for heroism
Story Highlights
86 in Army's Troop A, First Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment recognized
Cavalry saved 100 fellow soldiers trapped under enemy fire in Vietnam
Leader of 1970 rescue says award is for all Vietnam veterans
Presidential Unit Citation recognizes extraordinary heroism against armed enemy
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Nearly 40 years after members of a U.S. cavalry unit put their lives in peril to save 100 fellow soldiers trapped under blistering enemy fire in Vietnam, they received the Presidential Unit Citation on Tuesday.
It's an honor their captain says is long overdue.
President Obama awarded the citation for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry to 86 members of the Army's Troop A, First Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment.
"These soldiers defined the meaning of bravery and heroism," Obama said at a White House reception honoring the group's heroics.
"It's never too late. You can never say it enough. ... We honor your service, and America is forever grateful."
On March 26, 1970, the 120-member Troop A volunteered to rescue an American infantry company surrounded by an overwhelming enemy force at a site on the Cambodian border called the Dog's Face. The enemy had survived hours of aerial and artillery bombardment and was expected to kill or capture the 100 American infantrymen in Company C within hours. The Americans were running out of ammunition and could not move because of heavy casualties. There were no available landing zones for medical and rescue helicopters to touch down.
read more of this here
http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/10/20/vietnam.citation/index.html
Saturday, August 29, 2009
39 years after jungle battle, unit awarded
UPDATE
Looks like this news site is a bit late on reporting on this. This came out a day after Army Times had announced it was already approved.
Looks like this news site is a bit late on reporting on this. This came out a day after Army Times had announced it was already approved.
Veterans who saved 100 soldiers ask Obama to present citation
Sunday, August 30, 2009
By Torsten Ove, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Ray Tarr, 59, has a fake eye, a dent in his head, a withered arm and wince-inducing scars on his back, all courtesy of a rocket-propelled grenade that slammed into his tank in Cambodia in 1970.
"We had a saying in Vietnam," he shrugged last week in recollection. "When someone died or something bad happened, we just said, 'It don't mean nothing.' "
But the actions of his unit on March 26, 1970, a few months before he was wounded, did mean something -- resulting in a Presidential Unit Citation issued in March, 39 years after the fact.
Now the veterans of that battle are asking President Obama to present the citation to them personally in the East Room of the White House this fall. It could happen as early as October.
With a First Cavalry infantry company pinned down, outnumbered and out of ammunition, Mr. Tarr's Alpha Troop of the 11th Armored Cavalry rushed to save 100 men.
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09242/994034-455.stm
39 years after jungle battle, unit awarded
By Michelle Tan - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday Aug 29, 2009 8:17:21 EDT
The news filtered down to Capt. John Poindexter and his troops around noon.
Four kilometers away from their position, an infantry company was surrounded by a battalion’s worth of North Vietnamese fighters. The Americans were running low on ammunition, and casualties were mounting.
Poindexter reached a decision — a decision he and his soldiers knew they had to make.
“The choice, to me, was one of [the] certainty of suffering versus a lifetime of guilt,” he said. “It was a collective realization of what we were getting ourselves into, but the consequence was to see a hundred men killed.”
For the next eight hours, Poindexter and his soldiers would battle the jungle and a determined, dug-in enemy force as they fought their way to their fellow soldiers.
The battle that day, March 26, 1970, was fierce and bloody.
But almost 40 years would pass before Poindexter and his men would be recognized for their courage and valor.
read more here
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2009/08/army_citation_082909w/
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Alpha Troop, Vietnam Vet, Kenny Euge waits for honor in face of eviction
The battles never end: Dupo man has fought post-traumatic stress disorder for almost 40 years
BY MIKE FITZGERALD - News-Democrat
Last month, just a few days apart, two letters arrived in Kenny Euge's mailbox in rural St. Clair County near Dupo.
Each letter, in its own way, rocked Euge's world.
The first letter came from the county zoning office. The second letter came from a Texas multimillionaire. It contained a message about an event half a world away that has haunted Euge for nearly four decades.
The zoning office letter announced county plans to evict Euge in 30 days from his home -- a bright red railroad caboose -- because his property had become the subject of complaints.
The letter represented the latest battle in Euge's long-running war with the county over his property -- an enclave carved out among southern St. Clair County's rolling hills, the boundaries of which are staked out by Euge's twin obsessions: vehicles and the sculpture art he's created out of the stuff of landfills and junkyards.
BY MIKE FITZGERALD - News-Democrat
Last month, just a few days apart, two letters arrived in Kenny Euge's mailbox in rural St. Clair County near Dupo.
Each letter, in its own way, rocked Euge's world.
The first letter came from the county zoning office. The second letter came from a Texas multimillionaire. It contained a message about an event half a world away that has haunted Euge for nearly four decades.
The zoning office letter announced county plans to evict Euge in 30 days from his home -- a bright red railroad caboose -- because his property had become the subject of complaints.
The letter represented the latest battle in Euge's long-running war with the county over his property -- an enclave carved out among southern St. Clair County's rolling hills, the boundaries of which are staked out by Euge's twin obsessions: vehicles and the sculpture art he's created out of the stuff of landfills and junkyards.
The second letter came from an entirely unexpected source -- John Poindexter, a Houston industrialist. As a young captain in 1970, Poindexter was Alpha Troop's hard-charging commander.
The Poindexter letter informed Euge that he and other Alpha Troop members had been selected to receive the Presidential Unit Citation, a rare honor bestowed on military units that have shown extraordinary courage and determination under the most deadly conditions.
The citation recognizes Alpha Troop's actions during a battle that unfolded on March 25-26, 1970.
read more here
http://www.bnd.com/homepage/story/875728.html
Friday, July 24, 2009
Vietnam Vet Senior Chief Engineman Gerald E. Patterson finally gets medals
If you tend to not believe a Vietnam Veteran is due at least respect because of the fake veterans out there, try to give them the benefit of doubt because they very well maybe someone long overdue awards they earned. It breaks my heart to post about people posing as Vietnam veterans, especially Vietnam veterans claiming to have medals they did not earn but stories like this delight me beyond words.
Local Vietnam vet honored for heroism 42 years later
Posted by Kailani Koenig-Muenster at July 23, 2009
Four decades later, he is finally being honored.
On Friday retired Senior Chief Engineman Gerald E. Patterson of Renton will receive two awards for his heroism while fighting in Vietnam 42 years ago. He will be given a Navy Commendation Medal with Valor and a Presidential Unit Citation at the Whidbey Island Navy base."He told me about this situation that he was promised a medal at the end of his tour of Vietnam and it never materialized," said Buchanan, who later told Patty Murray's office about Patterson's story.
read more here
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