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STRAIGHT-EDGE WOODS 19 KM S-SW OF TAY NINH CITY 19700407

John Meadows
[email protected]
served with him, in vietnam
5544, Wesliegh Run Drive, Columbus, Ohio, 43228, USA
Fallen Hero
I was beside, Dale, the day he died. I was hit, along with him. I'am the lucky one, I survived. May you, rest in peace, my friend. I will, always remember you.
Saturday, January 12, 2002

RTO for 3rd Platoon, 25th Infantry Division, 3/22/Company C

Dale was at map grids XT179293 which is at the side of the Straight Edge Woods about 1/2 click from Cambodia, southwest of Tay Ninh city. We were company size strength that day. We were dropped off in the morning at these U shaped woods in front of a dried up rice paddy with bomb craters all around. Once we knew the NVA were in those woods, we were ordered to charge the woods in front of us to attack a concealed enemy from an open field fully in view of the enemy. The NVA had highly skilled snipers in the trees with what I think were AK-47s with scopes. A dustoff came in for Dale under emergency conditions. Several men fell wounded that day as soon as we stood up and tried to advance into those woods. This was succide and as men started falling down, we were ordered to stop and seek what cover we could. Most of us headed for the rice paddy dikes. The dustoff pilot was shot in the head from a single AK shot. It crashed in front of us but the rest of the crew made it out but were also wounded. The only one not wounded from bullets was the on-board medic. Dale was already gone by the time the Huey was shot down. We lost five good men that day. It is unknown how many enemy soldiers were killed but we did call in the Air Force and two jets came in and dropped Napalm at the front of the woods burning the snipers in place. I was able to reach Dale's parents in 1998 and talked to his mom and dad. That was the first time I ever talked to a KIA family and I lost it for a few seconds as the emotions and tears came when I heard the sweet voice of his mom. She told me about his letters to her. He was up there on old Nui Ba Den mountain and sometimes he wrote to her under moon light. Dale was the RTO for 3rd platoon and his platoon leader was also shot in the leg that day. Dale's mom told me he wrote to her saying he was coming home to be present at his sister's wedding. Several members from Dale's platoon did visit his parents several times. His mom said April 7, 1970 is a day she will never forget the rest of her life. Dale is greatly missed by his family and is not forgotten by the 25th Infantry Division, 3/22 Company C.

Posted by: Gary Harding

Relationship: We served together
Tuesday, December 19, 2000

Dale is buried at St. Peter's Cemetery, A.K.A. Bear Grass Cemetery on Co. Rd JJ, northwest of town. Dale is located on the left side 1st row, 1st column.

Arlene Heisz

[email protected]
Friend
9622, W., Grove School Road, Beloit, Wi., 53511, USA
Dear Friend
I met Dale, when he was working, with my now, ex-husband. He was just out, of school and had been, working at Fairbanks, in Beloit. We became, good friends and had him, at our home, for get togethers. We also gave, him a ride, to his home town, when we went, north, to see our relatives. Dale told us, he was enlisting, as he was anxious, to serve his country. He left with high spirits, proud, to do, what he felt was necessary. Dale was an exceptional, young man and was kind, to everyone. I miss him, very much and am proud of him, for what he did, for us.
Friday, February 06, 2004

Erdman, Dale Arthur, SGT

Dale is buried at St. Peter's Cemetery, A.K.A. Bear Grass Cemetery on Co. Rd JJ, northwest of town. Dale is located on the left side 1st row, 1st column. Arlene Heisz

Dale is buried at St. Peter's Cemetery, A.K.A. Bear Grass Cemetery on Co. Rd JJ, northwest of town. Dale is located on the left side 1st row, 1st column.

Arlene Heisz