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Casualty Info
Home Town Newark
Last Address Newark
Casualty Date Mar 14, 1970
Cause KIA-Killed in Action
Reason Other Explosive Device
Location Quang Ngai (Vietnam)
Conflict Vietnam War
Location of Interment Glendale Cemetery - Bloomfield, New Jersey
Wall/Plot Coordinates 13W 125 / Section: Laurel, Lot :- NW
Other Memories On 12 January 1969 Colonel Hershel E. Chapman assumed command of the 1st Battalion 20th Infantry. The "Sykes? Regulars" then engaged in Operation Iron Mountain under LTC Hershel Chapman (Phase I which began 28 February 1969 and end on 10 August 1969. The battalion?s Tactical Area of Responsibility is located in the coastal lowland and southern Quang Ngai Province and is bordered on the west by jutting slopes of the Nui Lons and on the east by the South China Sea. The area is characterized by expansive stretches of rice paddies and inter-spread with tree lines and small hamlets. The 1st Battalion, 20th Infantry has done an extremely creditable job in accordance with mission assigned it by the Americal Infantry Division and began Phase II of Iron Mountain from 11 August 1969 to 01 May 1970. During May 30, 1969 Major Wayne C. Harrington assumed command of the 1st Battalion 20th Infantry. On June 26, 1969 Colonel Robert E. Wilson assumed command of the 1st Battalion 20th Infantry. By the end of July 1969 the major units of the 3rd NVA Division operations in the Duc Pho and Mo Duc Area of Operation was cut back greatly and the Pacification Programs began to start taking hold. During the past periods of the operation, "Sykes? Regulars" have worked extensively with South Vietnamese forces in the area and have demonstrated the viability and effectiveness of integrated allied efforts. The Battalion has conducted numerous combined operations chiefly with the ARVN Regiment with the 147th and 172nd Regional forces companies. Also with the 106th, 215th, 216th, and 217th Popular Forces Platoons; local National Police units and Popular Self Defense Forces in the Du Ho and the Mo Duc Districts, and Provincial Reconnaissance Unit soldiers working with MACV advisors. The compatibility of the allied forces was evidenced on 24 October 1969 when eight men from Bravo Company were awarded the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. The Battalion?s civic actions, psychological warfare and information programs have steadily approached fruitaltion during Operation Iron Mountain. One of the most notable of the pacification programs was the upgrading of four "New Life" hamlets at An Di Dinh, My Thuan, Vinh Bac, and Vien Nam, five miles north of Duc Pho. A dramatic example of the Battalion?s concern for the welfare of the Vietnamese civilians occurred on 30 October 1969, when a driving two-day rain virtually caused the complete inundation of several small hamlets along Highway One. "Sykes? Regulars" pooled their resources and considerable efforts to evacuate 127 civilians to the high, safe ground of LZ Liz. They were provided with emergency supplies of food and clothing and sanitation facilities were constructed for their connivance. December 1969 Colonel Arthur F. Fischer took command of 1st Battalion 20th Infantry. During Operation Iron Mountain from 1 January to 1July, 1970, the 1st Battalion, 20th Infantry achieved noticeable success by specifically targeting its operations against the enemy it faced. Enemy forces within the battalion against the enemy it faced. Enemy forces within the battalion area of operations were, for the most part, local force guerrilla units that operated in squad-size elements. To counter this type of enemy, the battalion geared its operations to that of the enemy by using squad-size elements on ambushes and patrols. This action accounted for a large per cent of all the battalion operations conducted during the reported period.