DANIEL LEE HARMON was born on January 31, 1946 and joined the Armed Forces while in Kodiak, AK. He served as a 11B20 in the Army. In 1 year of service, he attained the rank of SP4/E4. He began a tour of duty on July 21, 1966. On June 2, 1967, at the age of 21, Daniel Lee Harmon perished in the service of our country in South Vietnam, Pleiku. You can find Danny honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Panel 21E, Row 34.

Ron Coon Writes -
In June 1967 Dan saved my life in the middle of an ambush; and he then forfeited his own trying to save another soldier (Ronald Bonert). Dan was a native American and a great soldier. Not a day has passed in the last 30 some years that I haven't thought of this man and thanked him for my life.

RONALD JOSEPH BONERT was born on May 22, 1946 and joined the Armed Forces while in Chicago, IL. He served as a 11B40 in the Army. In 1 year of service, he attained the rank of SGT/E5. He began a tour of duty on July 21, 1966. On June 14, 1967, at the age of 21, Ronald Joseph Bonert perished in the service of our country in South Vietnam, Pleiku. You can find Ron honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Panel 21E, Row 100.

Ron Coon Writes -
Ron was wounded June 2nd 1967. He died from wounds about 12 days later. SGT Bonert was on his last mission that day he and Harmon were going home as soon as we got in. I was in the Hospital in Pleiku for one day before I was Medivac'ed out of country I got to talk a bit with Ron and I thought that he would be OK. When I got back in country and found that he had died, it hit me pretty hard. We were denied extraction that day by an Infantry Battalion Comander and left out there for over 5 hours while the NVA set up all around us. No one should have died that day. Ron was a good team leader and a decent fellow. I think of him always.

Robert Johnson
Baltimore, MD
Age 19

JOSEPH JOHN STEIMBACH was born on July 23, 1945 and joined the Armed Forces while in Jacksonville, FL. He served as a 11B40 in the Army. In 2 years of service, he attained the rank of SP5/E5. He began a tour of duty on February 18, 1967. On April 12, 1968, at the age of 22, Joseph John Steimbach perished in the service of our country in South Vietnam, Pleiku. You can find Joe honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Panel 49E, Row 36.

Bob Smyers Writes -
I remember interviewing Joe for the LRRP platoon along with his close friend John Gibson. They were both eager soldiers and came together. Joe was a good man as well as a contribution to our platoon as a soldier ready and willing to do what needed done to accomplish the mission. He was proud of the LRRP's and made it known. He even wrote a story about what he felt the men of the LRRP's were about. Called Kind and Deadly. Someone carried it back to the world and it is now on the internet. Joe may be gone but he lives in the hearts of those whom he fought along side of and is thought of often. I remember the last time I saw him, March 25, 1968. I had just came in off a mission and was headed for home and Joe as always had his camera and took pictures of the team and me with a promise he would send me some. I got word 16 days later he had been killed while on patrol. I had never during my tenure lost a man and now Joe was the first. It hit really hard. This July (2000) I stopped at Ft, Benning, Ga and paid tribute to him at the Ranger Memorial where his name is engraved in the Ranger Walk. SUA SPONTE....RLTW...

DENNIS LYNN AHRENDSEN was born on November 23, 1946 and joined the Armed Forces while in Olin, IA. He served as a 11B20 in the Army. In 1 year of service, he attained the rank of SP4/E4. He began a tour of duty on March 29, 1968. On September 6, 1968, at the age of 21, Dennis Lynn Ahrendsen perished in the service of our country in South Vietnam, Darlac. You can find Dennis honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Panel 45W, Row 47.

Barry Hoehn Writes -
Dennis Ahrendsen Dennis ran a number of missions as a fellow team member and was a close friend. Sorry I cannot locate any pictures of Joe Kull as he too was a friend and killed on the same mission. These brave men were as fine as any serving in the 2nd BDE LRRPS during the war. KIA 6th September 1968

KENNETH CHARLES HESS was born on October 11, 1945 and joined the Armed Forces while in THROOP, PA. He served as a 11B2P in the Army. In 4 years of service, he attained the rank of SGT/E5. He began a tour of duty on March 27, 1968. On February 8, 1969, at the age of 23, KENNETH CHARLES HESS perished in the service of our country in South Vietnam, Pleiku. You can find KENNETH CHARLES HESS honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Panel 33W, Row 89.

His Son Writes -
I love you Dad.
Ken Jr , Scranton, Pa

ARMIN JOCHAIM BLAKE was born on September 19, 1934 and joined the Armed Forces while in Denver, CO. He served as a 11B40 in the Army. In 16 years of service, he attained the rank of SFC/E7. He began a tour of duty on June 24, 1968. On March 22, 1969, at the age of 34, Armin Jochaim Blake perished in the service of our country in South Vietnam, Kontum. You can find Armin honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Panel 28W, Row 8.

STEVE HATHAWAY was born on March 21, 1948 and joined the Armed Forces while in Maitland, FL. He served as a 11B40 in the Army. In 1 year of service, he attained the rank of SGT/E5. He began a tour of duty on April 2, 1969. On June 23, 1969, at the age of 21, Steve Hathaway perished in the service of our country in South Vietnam, Kontum. You can find Steve honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Panel 22W, Row 119.

Warren Gallion Writes -
Steve Hathaway was killed shortly after being inserted on 23 June 1969. His team and mine were both being inserted at the same time. Hathaway's team was inserted first and then my team. We were barely on the ground when the helicopters had to get back to help Hathaway's team. Hathaway was killed and the other three were wounded. One of my later missions was to go into the same place Hathaway was killed. We did find spider holes dug all around the landing zone, but I do know they got on the ground without incident. This incident is featured in my story "Insertion Gone Bad". Attached is a picture from the 4th Division newspaper taken a few days before he was killed.

Frank Humes
Magnolia, NJ
Age 20

FRANK WILLIAM HUMES was born on December 5, 1948 and joined the Armed Forces while in MAGNOLIA, NJ. He served as a 11B10 in the Army. In 1 year of service, he attained the rank of CPL/E3. He began a tour of duty on November 2, 1968. On July 8, 1969, at the age of 20, FRANK WILLIAM HUMES perished in the service of our country in South Vietnam, Pleiku. You can find FRANK WILLIAM HUMES honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Panel 21W, Row 83.

Larry Flanagan Writes -
Frank Humes was a LRRP in the 1st. Bde. He was also a trained sniper. Larry Flanagan, James Zwiebel and Frank Humes were a LRRP team who conducted missions from the hills of Dak To to the rugged jungle of the Plai Trap Valley. Frank was a special kind of person, on a LRRP mission he was as good as anyone in the unit, but away from the jungle he was a kind, friendly, warm hearted person who touched everyone who met him. We nicknamed him Pig Pen after the Charlie Brown character because he always looked like he rolled in that endless red dirt. The picture of him here was his favorite. He asked me for it so that he could send it to his mother. I said no at the time, and have forever wished I said yes. I loved him like a brother and have missed him every day since. I am sure that Jim feels the same way to.

Dennis Belonger
Mantiwoc, WI
Age 20

DENNIS MICHAEL BELONGER was born on September 5, 1948 and joined the Armed Forces while in MANITOWOC, WI. He served as a 11B10 in the Army. In 1 year of service, he attained the rank of PFC/E3. He began a tour of duty on May 9, 1969. On July 19, 1969, at the age of 20, DENNIS MICHAEL BELONGER perished in the service of our country in South Vietnam, Binh Dinh. You can find DENNIS MICHAEL BELONGER honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Panel 20W, Row 17.

Bob Thomas Writes -
Denny Belonger joined the 1st Bde LRRPs in June 1969. We went on several missions together as members of Sgt. Ratman Thibodeau's recon team, Hawkeye-1-Alpha. Denny was a big man. He had a big smile and broader shoulders to match. Denny was well-liked by all who served with him and conducted himself in such a way that you knew you could always count on him, both away from and in the field. He asked nothing of others, always did what he was asked to do and never complained. On our last mission together, Denny made the ultimate sacrifice for his fellow teammates, unit and country. Despite the fact that our position was overrun by a numerically superior force of NVA regulars, and that immediate assistance was not available, Denny fought courageously in a desperate attempt to complete our mission. His undying devotion to his duty and his kindness and friendship will never be forgotten.

Wallate Thibodeau
Kingston, NY
Age 26

WALLATE FRED THIBODEAU was born on March 8, 1943 and joined the Armed Forces while in KINGSTON, NY. He served as a 11F40 in the Army. In 4 years of service, he attained the rank of SSGT/E5. He began a tour of duty on November 27, 1967. On July 19, 1969, at the age of 26, WALLATE FRED THIBODEAU perished in the service of our country in South Vietnam, Binh Dinh. You can find WALLATE FRED THIBODEAU honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Panel 20W, Row 23.

Emmett Mulroney Writes -
Rat (nicknamed for being a Tunnel Rat) was a very courageous and a heroic soldier as well as a good person. He served 4 tours of duty in South Vietnam. He was in line for a field commission, to be a Second Lieutenant. He said he would still go on missions even after he was to be promoted, I use to tease him and tell him that I would not salute him after he got promoted, but I would like to "Salute" him now. He was well liked by his fellow LRRPs and the Top Brass. My regret is that I could not save his life on our last mission, but the memory of him will live on forever with me and with his fellow LRRPs. Farewell my friend

His Mother Writes -
Thank you for being my son's friends and for remembering him as I do after all these years. As Buddy's Dad used to say to us all of the time. "There are men ... and there are men among men." You are those men. I am so very proud that my son kept such great company.

(His Mom said she thinks this is what Buddy 'Ratman' would say to you all if he could: "When you think of me, do not think of me with tears. Think of me with laughter and love for each other, or do not think of me at all.")

His Sister Writes - (Click here for a separate page)

Lonnie Gibson
Jellico, TN
Age 20

LONNIE LOWELL GIBSON was born on February 2, 1949 and joined the Armed Forces while in JELLICO, TN. He served as a 11B10 in the Army. In 1 year of service, he attained the rank of PFC/E3. He began a tour of duty on July 6, 1969. On September 28, 1969, at the age of 20, LONNIE LOWELL GIBSON perished in the service of our country in South Vietnam, Binh Dinh. You can find LONNIE LOWELL GIBSON honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Panel 17W, Row 16.

Larry Flanagan Writes -
Lonnie Gibson was a good soldier and also a friendly kid that always had a big smile on his face. We didn`t know him all that long before he was taken away, but Lonnie's quick smile and friendly, warm personality made him a favorite of everyone that was lucky enough to have known him. I remember the day he died, I was on the chopper pad when they brought his body in. I remember how stunned everyone was, when the word got arround that Lonnie was gone. I saw the tears in the eyes of his teammates, the particulars of the mission I never knew, and didn`t want to. It didn`t matter to me, all I cared about was that we had lost another brother. He was lost, but he is not forgotten, he lives on in our memories, with all the others.

ROBERT JOHN SILVA was born on May 9, 1951 and joined the Armed Forces while in SOMERVILLE, MA. He served as a 05B2P in the Army. In 1 year of service, he attained the rank of PFC/E3. He began a tour of duty on October 14, 1969. On November 27, 1969, at the age of 18, ROBERT JOHN SILVA perished in the service of our country in South Vietnam, Pleiku. You can find ROBERT JOHN SILVA honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Panel 16W, Row 127.

Joseph L. Mannone, Sgt, USMC (Ret) Wites -
Bobby, so many years, so many tears! You were not only a neighbor but a childhood friend. You are truely missed. Rest in peace my friend for you earned your eternal sleep. No man can be expected to give more. You made us all sad by leaving but proud. We thank you for your sacrfice. You will not be forgotten !

Michael Lyne
Fayetteville, NC
Age 18

MICHAEL WILLIAM LYNE was born on March 1, 1951 and joined the Armed Forces while in FAYETTEVILLE, NC. He served as a 05B2P in the Army. In 1 year of service, he attained the rank of SGT/E4. He began a tour of duty on July 13, 1969. On January 7, 1970, at the age of 18, MICHAEL WILLIAM LYNE perished in the service of our country in South Vietnam, Pleiku. You can find MICHAEL WILLIAM LYNE honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Panel 14W, Row 8.

David Doss Writes -
To Mike Lyne's Family and Friends: My name is David Doss and I am the son of Jim Doss. Jim was the team leader of Romeo 15 and was the only survivor of the January ambush which killed Mike, La Roy Roth and Will Willard. My father was killed in April of 1970. My father and Mike were very close, and I have a picture of the two of them which hangs in my home. It was sent to my mother by Mike. The inscription on the back reads "A picture of Father and Son."

My father was changed forever by the death of those men and died, I am convinced, trying to avenge their deaths. I have many pictures of Mike, and I am certain that my father would want me to try to pass whatever I can on to you. I am certain he would want me to tell you how deeply sorry he is for your loss and although I believe there was nothing that he personally could have done to save the men, he carried the responsibility for their deaths until his end. I have struggled with my father's death for 30 years and have searched to find all that I could about how he lived and died in Vietnam. I have laughed and cried with the men he served with and am certain now that he did not die for the war in Vietnam but for the men he fought beside.

The closeness these men have, and the quality of their character is something that makes me proud to be an American. My search has been a painful yet healing experience. As I read the letters from my father talking about the loss of his men I couldn't help but to think of Mike and the child that he never got to hold.

IF you read this and have not found peace in your soul with Mike's death please call me. Believe me I understand and perhaps I can help!!! David Doss 921 Anne Road Glen Burnie, MD 21060 410-360-9732

La Roy Roth
Wall Lake, IA
Age 20

Charles Willard
Charlotte, NC
Age 21

DEAN ALLEN BORNEMAN was born on January 20, 1949 and joined the Armed Forces while in DUMONT, IA. He served as a 11B2P in the Army. In 1 year of service, he attained the rank of SP4/E4. He began a tour of duty on September 17, 1969. On January 23, 1970, at the age of 21, DEAN ALLEN BORNEMAN perished in the service of our country in South Vietnam, Binh Dinh. You can find DEAN ALLEN BORNEMAN honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Panel 14W, Row 58.

James W. England, MSG, USA(Retired) Writes -
Dean and I (James W. England, then SSG), served together in K/75 Rangers. I was the team leader, he was the team's senior scout. We were great friends, I really miss him. I was "ordered" to take an R&R, and had to leave my team; my CO assured me they would be in camp until my return. Of course that wasn't to be. When I returned they were in the field under the leadership of my ATL, Chuck Weidner. Chuck was a good soldier, but with far to little experience. When they got into contact, Dean and Chuck both showed their bravery under fire. Dean was killed trying to help Bill Bartholemew who was hit and was also killed that terrible day. Chuck then tried to help Dean. I was in the field with a new team at the time, and had to listen to it all over the radio. Of course, to this day I still blame myself im many ways for not being there. But then I know it would probably not have changed anything, but the guilt is still there. Things changed forever for me that day. I named my second son for Dean ... Charles Dean England. My son has a great respect for that middle name; he has taken the honor very seriously. I eventually wrote a book, "Long Range Patrol Operations," and dedicated it to Dean. On the 20th Anniversary of his death I tracked down his father and gave him a call. I didn't really know what to say, but wound up telling him about the book and my son. I guess I just wanted him to know his son was not forgotten. Here it is thirty years later, and it still gets to me to think, write, or talk about Dean. I miss you Dean. I hope your "next life" has been a happy one, you deserve it. That day has been one of the few things in my life that I wish I could go back and change.

Jim Doss
Glen Burnie, MD
Age 22

LUTHER JAMES DOSS JR was born on February 9, 1948 and joined the Armed Forces while in GLEN BURNIE, MD. He served as a 11F4P in the Army, Regiment 75. In 1 year of service, he attained the rank of SSGT/E5. He began a tour of duty on September 3, 1969. On April 30, 1970, at the age of 22, LUTHER JAMES DOSS JR perished in the service of our country in South Vietnam, Binh Dinh. You can find LUTHER JAMES DOSS JR honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Panel 11W, Row 72.

His Son Writes -
Luther James Doss or Jim Doss was my father. I am now 8 years older than he was when he was killed and am a father myself. I am his only son and would like to learn all I can about the man I never knew. I would like to hear from anyone who served with him in the 75th Rangers or that knew him personally. I may be contacted at 410-360-9732 or email at david.doss@bdk.com. To my father, I have always been told how much you loved me as a child. I was too young to remember you though I have tried to reach back into the early recesses of my memory to find at least a glimpse of you. I have seen all the pictures of you and me. I am certain that I was loved as much as I have been told. You left me a legacy of honor to which I am deeply bound. I have a love for my country which only a child who has lost their father in the struggle for freedom can understand. My ideals and dreams you have shaped in whom you were before you died. I have held the hands of your parents as they have gone to rest with you. I have tried to live up to what I thought you would have me be and perhaps you would be proud. I hope you would be proud of the man I have become as well as what I have accomplished in your absense. I have tried to finish the things that you began. There are three college degrees in the field of study that you had chosen to pursue and the last of which adds Ph.D to follow the last name which you have given me. Perhaps the most important things in my life are the little girl I now hold in my arms and the beautiful wife with whom God has blessed me. I now know the love that you have for me and in becoming a father I have acquired a need to know you better. I have always loved, honored and respected you and I always will. Dave

His Son Asks -
My name is David Doss. My father Luther (or "Jim") Doss served in the K/75 rangers from October 1969 to April 30th 1970 when he was killed in action. I am trying to find out all the information I can about him. I would like very much to find some of the men who served with him in Vietnam. I was only 2 when he was killed so I have no memories of him. I recently became a father myself. The birth of my daughter has caused me to want to learn more about my father and specifically about his time in Vietnam. I have several photo albums with pictures over there and I would be happy to share the picures I have. Any information you can give me would be greatly appreciated. My email is david.doss@bdk.com and my phone numbers are 410-716-3780 (Work) and 410-360-9732 (Home). Thanks for Your Help! Dave

Dana McGrath Writes-
I remember him as a squared-away family man and a good team leader who died on a rough mission late in his tour. He had lost all but himself in an earlier mission, and I remember his anguish over that incident - one of the times I talked to him at length, doing probably no good (who could?).

Frank Miller
Athens, OH
Age 18

James McLaughlin
Bangor, ME
Age 22

JAMES BRUCE MCLAUGHLIN was born on May 3, 1948 and joined the Armed Forces while in BANGOR, ME. He served as a 11F4P in the Army, and attained the rank of SGT/E5. He began a tour of duty on November 30, 1970. On April 16, 1971, at the age of 22, JAMES BRUCE MCLAUGHLIN perished in the service of our country in South Vietnam, Thua Thien. You can find JAMES BRUCE MCLAUGHLIN honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Panel 4W, Row 129.

Anonymous Writes -
James Bruce McLaughlin "Jelly Belly" James did a complete tour in the 1st Bde. LRRPs 1968-69. He went home. For one reason or another he decided to come back. He didn't return to the 4th Inf. Div but instead he went to the 101st Airborne Div. LRRPs. His second tour of duty started on Nov. 30, 1970, and he was killed in action April 16-1971, by small arms fire. Anyone who knew Jelly Belly, knew that he was not your average LRRP, he had more courage than he should have, going from one wild firefight to another with hardly a deep breath in between. In the end his wild life caught up to him. Rest in peace old friend, we miss you.

Clay Marston (Biographical Researcher-US Army) Writes -
You are not forgotten nor shall you ever be.

Donald Larue
Hempstead, NY
Age 22

DONALD EDWARD LARUE JR was born on August 10, 1949 and joined the Armed Forces while in HEMPSTEAD, NY. He served as a 11B1P in the Army, and attained the rank of PFC/E3. He began a tour of duty on March 23, 1971. On September 16, 1971, at the age of 22, DONALD EDWARD LARUE JR perished in the service of our country in South Vietnam, Nihn Thuan. You can find DONALD EDWARD LARUE JR honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Panel 2W, Row 17.

Anonymous Writes -
Donald Edward Larue Jr. died of a ground injury Sept. 16, 1971 Don was a member of the 1st Bde. LRRPs during 1969. He completed his tour of duty and later re-enlisted and went back to Vietnam into the 1st Aviation BDE. While he was in the 1st Bde LRRPs He pulled many missions, several on my team. He was a quiet person and well liked by all that met or served with him. He will be missed by all that knew him but not forgotten. He was one true LRRP.

David Larue (Family) Writes -
He was a good man.

Charles Britt
Ferndale, MD
Age 28

CHARLES JACKSON BRITT was born on January 16, 1944 and joined the Armed Forces while in Ferndale, MD. He served as a 11B4H in the Army, and attained the rank of SFC/E7. He began a tour of duty on April 4, 1971. On March 30, 1972, at the age of 28, Charles Jackson Britt perished in the service of our country in South Vietnam, Pr & Mr Unknown. You can find Charley honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Panel 2W, Row 124.

Ron Coon Writes -
SFC Charles Britt was a profesional soldier and one of the finest NCOs I had ever met. I do not know the unit SFC Britt was with when he was killed but once a LRRP always a LRRP.

Bob Crawford Writes -
Charles Britt was my team leader on about a half a dozen missions. He was a great leader of men. He led by example. I would say he was a born leader, It is with great pride that I say " I was a member of his team." I wish that we had the opportunity to go on the Oregon elk hunt that we had talked about and planned. It was with great sadness that I learned about his death almost 30 years after it happened. Charley I think of you often and thank you for what you taught me.

Additional Testimonies:
Due to Charley's popularity we have made a separate page for additional testimonies from his friends.
Bob Smyers
Teresa Smyers
Mike Lapolla

Dean Bridges

DEAN BRIDGES died a few years ago of complications from diabetes. Many of us believe that Dean's life-ending illness was related to his service; and that it is appropriate to honor him on our wall even though he is not technically eligible for the official Wall. If you know of others in this category, please let us know.

The Virtual Wall is a computer data base that allows one to experience visiting the Vietnam Veterans Memorial ... The Wall. You may search all the names on the Wall ... leave a message for a fallen friend ... look up others ... and even obtain a "rubbing" of their names on the Wall.

You may visit the Virtual Wall of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial using your computer and our link on our Home Page. When you do, you will be able to visit any panel and row ... and zoom in on a specific name. The Virtual Wall also offers biosketches on each soldier; and an opportunity to leave a message at the Wall for your buddies. If a friend gave their life ... please leave a note for them, their families and friends. There are other interesting features at the Wall's website.