Hill 4-11 News

Harry G. Sheppard Jr. Passed Away

2011-02-11T07:47:00.006-05:00

Harry G. Sheppard Jr. passed away on January 27, 2011. He was a former Company Commander for Delta Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment.

Fatima Petty - Passed Away on October 20, 2010

2010-10-22T21:00:00.004-04:00

Fatima Louise Bilbrey Petty, 62, of Oklahoma Gity, died Wednesday, October 20, 2010 at Muskogee Regional Medical Center. She had been in poor health for the past fourteen months due to complications from surgery and COPD.

Since December, 2009, she was a resident at Wellington Hills Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Eufala,OK.

A native Oklahoman, Tima was born January 3, 1948 in Carnegie; the only child of Alfred Dale Bilbrey of Mountain View, OK and Dorothy Ann Kirkland Bilbrey of Carnegie. After her father's death when she was eight years old, she was raised by her loving and devoted mother. She moved to Oklahoma City in the mid-1960s and went to work at Penn Square Bank.

She was married to Thomas Estel Petty of Oklahoma City on June 8, 1972 in Winston-Salem, NC. After living in Nashville, TN for five years, she and Tom returned to Oklahoma City in 1978. Tima worked at Candid Color Systems of Oklahoma City for the next 22 years until her COPD forced her to retire.

Tima loved traveling, visiting new places and sightseeing and she and Tom made many trips throughout the United States. She was an excellent map reader and navigator. She also enjoyed RVing, camping at State Parks in unfamiliar areas of Oklahoma, her beloved state.

Tima's greatest interest and talent was cooking. She enjoyed trying new recipes and cuisines and was very successful in her efforts. Her peanut brittle and pecan pies were the very best. Many people, including family, friends, the letter carrier, checkers at her grocery store and waitresses at some of her favorite restaurants, will miss her peanut brittle.

She was a generous and giving person; and she was Tom's steadfast partner, his best friend and the love of his life.

Tima was a member of the National Rifle Association and the Sportsman's Country Glub. She was an enthusiastic Sooners fan, supporting all their athletic endeavors.

Preceded in death by both her parents, she is survived by her devoted husband, Tom; her uncle, Buford Charles, and his wife, Susan, of Mountain View, OK and their daughters, Kimberly and Michelle; two sisters-in-law, Ellen Petty Gilbert of Allen, TX and Mary Alice Petty Wallis of Sacramento, CA and their husbands; a nephew, Ryan Gilbert, and his wife of Charlotte, NC; and a niece, Emily Gilbert Myhre and her husband of Kensington, MD. She is also survived by her Rodden cousins, Tom, Carmen, J.D., and Kenny; numerous Petty and Brookhart cousins; many loyal and loving friends; and her two dogs.

A public viewing will be held from 9:30 AM until 11:00 AM Monday, October 25, 2010, with the funeral service following at 11:00 AM, in the North Colonial Chapel. Burial will follow at Carnegie City Cemetery, Carnegie, OK, at 3:30 PM.

You may sign the on-line guestbook at http://www.vondelsmithmortuary.com/.

LZ Cork is on YouTube

2010-10-11T22:36:00.000-04:00

LZ Cork is on YouTube at LZ Cork.

Charlie Wood

Ruben Cadriel Awarded Silver Star after 32 Years

2010-10-04T10:38:00.000-04:00

Posted Ruben Cadriel's Silver Star information on Hill 4-11 web site.

1LT Lewis Adams' Citation for the Army Commendation Medal with V Device

2010-10-04T10:33:00.000-04:00

Posted on the http://hill4-11.org web site: 1LT Lewis D. Adam Jr.'s citation for the Army Commendation Medal with V Device, awarded for his actions on July 10, 1969.

News from Other Organizations

2010-09-02T08:26:00.001-04:00

----- Original Message -----

From: mikemcqn@verizon.net

Sent: Tuesday, August 31, 2010 4:57 PM

Subject: Hill 4-11 news

A couple of pieces of general information for those who do not already know:

1) From the January, 2009 issue of the VFW Magazine:

    "A measure that allows veterans and troops not in uniform to render a hand salute during the playing of the National Anthem was approved as part of the 2009 Defense Authorization Act. The new law builds on a provision in the 2008 Defense Authorization Act that authorized veterans to render a military-style salute during the raising, lowering or passing of the U.S. Flag."

2) From the Americal Division Veterans Association website (americal.org):

    Americal Division Unit Citations-Vietnam:

      Abbreviations:   DAGO       Department of the Army General Order
                                VUA         U.S. Army Valorous Unit Award
                                RVNGC     Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation

     3rd Bn, 1st Inf

           VUA          11 Aug 69 - 31 Aug 69          DAGO 43, 1972
           RVNGC       2 Nov 68 - 28 Feb 69           DAGO 2, 1971
           RVNGC      24 Aug 69 - 31 Dec 69          DAGO 42, 1972
           RVNGC      31 Mar 70 - 30 Jun 70           DAGO 42, 1972

    HHC, 3rd Bn, 1st Inf

           RVNGC       1 Apr 71 - 30 Jun 71            DAGO 6, 1974

    Co C, 3rd Bn, 1st Inf

           VUA           12-13 May 69                       DAGO 43, 1970

(The RVNGC medal and ribbon may be purchased at Military.com)

                     Mike

New Discussion Board for Hill 4-11

2010-09-02T08:09:00.003-04:00

A new discussion board has been created on the Hill 4-11 web site. It is for Vietnam Veterans who served in the 3rd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment or who served in one of its supporting units during the Vietnam War. It is also for members of the Hill 4-11 Association, their families, and other Vietnam Veteran organizations or individuals with ties to the 3rd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment during the Vietnam War.

The purpose of this discussion board is to provide a platform for fostering fellowship among the aforesaid Vietnam Veterans and their families.

Access to the discussion board is available via the Hill 4-11 web site.

Charlie
webmaster@hill4-11.org

Hill 4-11 Purple Hearts Database

2010-08-14T17:15:00.004-04:00

The Purple Hearts page has been redesigned to include access to the new and searchable Hill 4-11 Purple Hearts Database. This database currently contains 327 names of our soldiers who were awarded the Purple Heart during the Vietnam War. The majority of these Purple Heart recipients are from the 3rd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment but includes names of men from other units that may have been awarded the Purple Heart as a result from supporting this battalion. This is quite a change over the previous Purple Hearts page on this web site which contained only about 124 names.

Charlie Wood
webmaster@hill4-11.org

Hill 4-11 Memorial Database

2010-08-12T14:30:00.006-04:00

The Memorial page on the Hill 4-11 web site has been redesigned to include access to the new and searchable Hill 4-11 Memorial Database . This database currently contains 470 names of our soldiers who died during the Vietnam War. The majority of these deaths were from the 3rd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment but includes the deaths from other units that may have resulted from supporting this battalion. This is quite a change over the previous datasheet on this web site which contained only 219 names.

Charlie Wood
webmaster@hill4-11.org

NAVAL SAD Sa Huynh

2010-08-11T06:39:00.003-04:00

Does anyone remember this 'Ambush Story' at http://pswatson.com/ThirdPagePSW.html . I think I have the picture of the Tanker, there were just too many Ambushes to remember.! It's a Navy guys story that got mixed up with E Troop. I'd also like to know who the TC was on the 50 cal was without teeth and drinking a Miller Beer was? Was it a Miller Lite? It almost sounds like Whitenick!
Hank Vasil
hvasil8193@aol.com

Kenneth E. Bausinger - Obituary

2010-08-03T10:52:00.001-04:00

Kenneth E. Bausinger passed away on January 3, 2008. His obituary has been included on the Hill 4-11 web site at:

http://www.hill4-11.org/remembrances/k-bausinger-obituary.html.

Maybe you're wrong about Vietnamese War Memorial!

2010-08-01T11:31:00.001-04:00

----- Original Message -----

From: Che Trung Hieu

To: webmaster@hill4-11.org

Subject: Re: Maybe you're wrong !

Dear Friends,

I see your pics taken in Tu My, they make me to remember the time when we fought against each other,

But the Picture you Noticed:"Notice the Vietnamese War Memorial at the base of the hill. " is wrong name.

It is not near the Fire Support base Hill 4-11 but it is near Nui Tron Mountain where was the base of VNCH Amry not US Army...

The Memorial built by VC to remember the Victory of Ba Gia Battle in 1965 when we defeated the Division No 25 of VNCH Army.

Regards,

Che Trung Hieu

A VC Veteran

Hill 4-11 Reunion - Tampa - June 23-26, 2011

2010-07-27T18:06:00.002-04:00

----- Original Message -----

From: mikemcqn@verizon.net

To: gasmith46@aol.com

Subject: Hill 4-11 Reunion

This is the first informational e-mail for our next Hill 4-11 Assoc. Reunion. Additional ones will follow periodically.

   Dates: June 23-26, 2011

   Location: Tampa, FL

   Hotel: Doubletree Hotel
             Tampa Westshore Airport

             Rates: $88/night (1 or 2 persons)
                        $98/night (3 or 4 persons)

                         These rates include a continental breakfast for each occupant.

            Location: less than 2 miles from Tampa International Airport (TIA)
                           just off I-275

            Amenities: complimentary airport shuttle
                              complimentary covered parking
                              outdoor heated pool and spa
                              24-hour fitness room
                              Players' Sports Pub

           For additional information about the hotel, go to the hyperlink on the reunion site on hill4-11.org

   Transportation:

          Plane: TIA is an award winning airport served by all major airlines.

          Car: Tampa can be reached using either I-75 or I-4 (via I-95).

          AutoTrain: From Lorton, VA to a site east of Orlando and near I-4. (this allows you to have your car here without having to drive)

          Amtrack: Passenger service to downtown Tampa.

So mark your calendars and plan to join your friends (old and new) in Tampa!

             Mike

Seeking Info on James Cain

2010-07-27T10:39:00.001-04:00

Added to http://hill4-11.blogspot.com/

----- Original Message -----

From: Ronnie.Price@veoliaes.com

To: webmaster@hill4-11.org

Sent: Tuesday, July 27, 2010 8:52 AM

Subject: James Cain

Charlie, I would like to find someone that knew James Cain(Jimmy). He served with Charlie Company,3rd Battalion,1st Inf. He was killed 8/27/70 after only 8 days of joining "C" Company. He was a very good friend of mine. We graduated together and volunteered draft the Army together in 69. I was @ firebase Wade at the time of his death. Any help would be most appreciated. Thanks.

26th Engineers on LZ Liz

2010-07-26T16:58:00.002-04:00

----- Original Message -----

From: Gene Wilson

To: chalywood@nc.rr.com
Subject: 26th Engineers on LZ Liz

Charles, this is Gene Wilson, I was with the S2 on LZ Liz from Jan 68 til Dec 68. I have been trying to contact someone about the 26th Engr Grp that lost several men in a boobytrap on LZ Liz Access Road in summer of 68.
Can you put me in contact with someone who might can help me.

I would be greatly appreciative if you could.
Thanking in advance,
Robert E. Gene Wilson
3/1 HHC 11th LIB S-2
Dec 22 68 - Dec 5 68

A Tiger Tale

2010-07-26T16:17:00.003-04:00

Posted "A Tiger Tale," by Steve Liberti, on the Hill 4-11 web site.

The Road to Hill 4-11

2010-07-26T14:36:00.001-04:00

----- Original Message -----

From: Larry Campbell

To: webmaster@hill4-11.org

Subject: The road to Hill 411

I was with the 137th Engineer Co. L.E. combat engineers 9/70-10/71 my co. built a road from the air strip in Quang Naig City to hill 411 we went around the Mountianyard villiage they had a pluangie pit around the villiage.I drove a scraper a big earth mover one day you guys were headen for the hill i stoped and loaded at least a dozen on my scraper. We had 4 of them and we got all of you guys on i helped the RTO man with his pack it almost pulled me off my tractor .Yall were some happy grunts that day. Iam from Alvarado Tx. a friend that i groug up with named Jackie England was in C co. i think I know he was on his 2nd tour he was wounded on his 1st tour . He made it home and is still around Alvarado. Some of engineers stayed a week or so working on that trail you called a road on hill 411 Larry Campbell

Jerry Roger Stasiak

2010-07-26T14:30:00.001-04:00

----- Original Message -----

From: tiny

To: webmaster@hill4-11.org

Subject: my dad

My dads on your website and id like to let everybody know his real status his name jerry roger stasiak hes got purple heart, bronze star, combat infantryman badge, vn service mdl.and more I got records in hand.and id like to know people who knew my dad.

Millard R. Anderson

2010-07-26T14:10:00.001-04:00

----- Original Message -----

From: cranderson4946@sbcglobal.net

To: webmaster@hill4-11.org

Subject: millard r anderson

GREETINGS MR. WOOD,

MY NAME IS CHRIS ANDERSON MY UNCLE MILLARD R ANDERSON WAS ENLISTED IN THE 1ST INFANTRY, 3 BATTALION, D-COMPANY AT HILL 4-11. HIS NAME IS LISTED ON THE ROSTER ON THIS SAID WEB-SIGHT. MY UNCLE "MIDGE" AS HE WAS CALLED WAS KILLED IN ACTION ON MAY 24,1969 BY HOSTILE GROUND FIRE. MIDGE WAS KILLED TRYING TO SAVE ONE OF HIS FELLOW BROTHERS WHO HAD BECOME INJURED BY HOSTILE FIRE. I AM DRAFTING SAID LETTER IN INQUIRE IF THERE ARE ANY SUBJECTS THAT ARE REGISTERED ON THIS SIGHT THAT KNEW MY UNCLE OR WAS WITH HIM WHEN HE LEFT US. I AM ASKING THIS FOR SOME CLOSURE FOR MY DAD MIDGE'S BOTHER ROBERT ANDERSON. MY DAD ENLISTED THE SAME TIME AS MIDGE AND AS CARDS WERE DEALT MIDGE WENT TO VIETNAM AND MY DAD WAS SENT TO KOREA. MY DAD KNEW NOTHING OF WHERE HIS BROTHER WAS SENT OR REALLY WHAT HAPPENED TO HIM. I FOUND THIS WEB SITE FOR HIM AND IT GAVE HIM SOME UNDERSTANDING OF WHERE HIS BROTHER WAS STATIONED WHEN HE WAS SENT TO VIETNAM.

MR. WOOD I WOULD LIKE TO GET IN CONTACT WITH SOMEONE THAT KNEW MIDGE OR COULD TELL ME SOMETHING'S ABOUT HIM WHILE HE WAS AT HILL 4-11.

I APPRECIATE YOU TAKING TIME TO READ MY LETTER AND I HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU.

THANK YOU,

CHRIS ANDERSON

Duc Pho Vet Looking for Contacts

2010-07-24T13:26:00.002-04:00

----- Original Message -----
From: Ward Corcoran
To: webmaster@hill4-11.org
Sent: Subject: Duc Pho Vet - C COMPANY, 3/1, 11 LIB

Hello

I was Sgt. Ward Corcoran, stationed at Duc Pho from 12/'67 to 07/'68. I served under Capt. Harry Joe Rhinehart. I was in the advance party, flying from Hawaii to Quy Nhon, arriving on 12/01/67. The balance of the 11^th arrived a few weeks later via merchant marine ships – an experience many reported they would not want to repeat. Once assembled, we motor convoyed north to Duc Pho.

Close friends included Doug Walsh, Company Clerk, who served side-by-side with Capt. Rhinehart in the field, Gary Brungardt, Supply Sgt. Riley [who I worked with], and Tony Brunett. Our Top in country was Top Sgt. White. [Top Sgt. Shigahiro was our Top at Schofield, but, as he had already done a tour in Vietnam, he did not go with the 11^th back to Duc Pho, telling Capt. Rhinehart – "I didn't leave anything there I have to go back for". Lt. O'Heron was our 1^st. Col. Franklin and Major Henrionet are also remembered.

I left Vietnam in July, 1968. I returned to Texas, finishing my college education at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville. I then married my wife, Karen, whom I had met while stationed at Schofield. She was on a holiday from Vancouver, BC, Canada. We now live in the Vancouver area

As I live in Canada, I have missed the ability to speak with others who shared similar experiences in Vietnam. It was great discovering this site, and reading messages from fellow vets. I would enjoy hearing from anyone who might care to respond.

Ward F. Corcoran
Cantex Equipment Limited
464 Northcliffe Crescent
Burnaby, BC V5A 1A1
Ph: 604-294-1234 / Fx: 604-294-1534
E: cel@telus.net / http://www.cantexequipment.com/

Looking for 3rd Batt/1st Inf Pictures

2010-07-24T10:51:00.002-04:00

----- Original Message -----
From: "Jessie Menck" <techtheatregal@yahoo.com>
To: <webmaster@hill4-11.org>
Sent: Tuesday, July 13, 2010 8:14 PM
Subject: Looking for 3rd Batt/1st Inf Pictures

Hello;

I am looking for photos from the decommissioning ceremony of the 3rd
Batt/1st Inf which took place at Chu Lai in the fall of 1971. My father,
Tom Menck, served there and is asking for a photo of this for his upcoming
birthday. My searches thus far have yielded no results. I can provide
more info on my father if useful.

Regards,
Jess Menck

Army hero's dog tag is found by group here

2010-07-08T10:43:00.005-04:00

The Arizona Daily Star published an article about David Winder's lost and found dog tags at http://azstarnet.com/news/local/article_047fe656-7f64-55d9-a255-d44574582113.html.

SPC Leo J. Broussard Jr.

2010-07-07T21:55:00.002-04:00

----- Original Message -----

From: leon broussard

To: webmaster@hill4-11.org

Sent: Tuesday, October 27, 2009 2:31 PM

Subject: SPC LEO J BROUSSARD JR

IF YOU OR ANYONE THAT WAS ASSIGNED ON FSB 4-11 DURING THE MONTH OF SEPT 12TH 1969 COULD GIVE ME CIRCUMSTANCE OF HOW HE WAS KIA , I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE IT.

THANK YOU. AND MANY REGARDS,

FORMERLY,

SPC LEON T BROUSSARD

TWIN OF SPC LEO J BROUSSARD JR KIA 9/12/69 3RD PLT C CO 3RD BN 1ST INF AMERICAL DIV

Found Picture of my Dad on Hill 411

2010-07-07T19:25:00.001-04:00

----- Original Message -----

From: knoaks@comcast.net

To: .

Sent: Wednesday, July 07, 2010 12:40 PM

Subject: Found Picture of my Dad on Hill 411

Dear Charlie,

My dad, Pvt. Bernard "Benny" Richert, was in vietnam from 1970 - 1971. I don't know much about his service there because he didn't talk much about it over the years. I was born in 1966 and remember my dad graduating from boot camp, but not much else specifically as the experience greatly effected him (as it did many).

He passed away in 2002 and just recently, I came across a picture of him that I've never seen from Vietnam. On the back in his writing it says "Taken 28 Nov. 70 on hill 411.

A google search took me to your sight. Thank you so much for maintaining it and providing information. I'm trying to find out what unit he was in from my brother; I think he may have been in the first infantry.

Is there a way to try to track down anybody who might have known him, especially if I have more information?

THanks so much for your time.

Regards,

Kellie Richert Noaks

Esmael "Smiley" Ramirez Passed Away on May 18, 2010

2010-07-07T12:38:00.002-04:00

Gene Brown reported that Esmael "Smiley" Ramirez passed away on May 18, 2010 in San Antonio, TX.

The "Remembrances" page on the http://Hill4-11.org web site has been updated. Anyone can send their remembrance of Esmael to me at webmaster@hill4-11.org for posting on the Hill 4-11 web site

From his obituary: "Smiley was a true friend, generous and always willing to help others including our 4 legged friends."

3rd Bn 1st Infantry Reunion Association

2010-07-07T08:40:00.000-04:00

There is another 3rd Battalion, 1st Infantry organization called the "3rd Bn 1st Infantry Reunion Association." They are planning a reunion this fall. For more information on this group and their reunions go to their web site at http://3rdbn1stinf.org/.

Lou Tarantino Passed Away On May 5, 2010

2010-07-05T15:00:00.000-04:00

Danny Elam reported that Lou Tarantino passed away on May 5, 2010. Lou had been battling cancer for about 18 months. You can read his obit by googling his name or going to http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/dallasmorningnews/obituary.aspx?n=louis-gabriel-tarantino&pid=142565180 . His wife Debra also created a blog about Lou at http://loutarantino.blogspot.com .

The "Remembrances" page on the http://Hill4-11.org web site has been updated. Anyone can send their remembrance of Lou to me at webmaster@hill4-11.org for posting on the Hill 4-11 web site.

Lou was a good person. He will always remain in our hearts and memories.

New Blog Page for Hill 4-11 Association

2010-07-05T14:17:00.000-04:00

To all Hill 4-11 veterans, this blog site was created to keep you informed with news and information about the Hill 4-11 association and its members.