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MAJ Mark E Cooper
to remember
Aucoin, Joseph Bert (Frenchy), SGM.
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SGM JOSEPH BERT "FRENCHY" AUCOIN
31 MAY 1940 - 6 FEBRUARY 2011
Joe "Frenchy" Aucoin was born at Welch, LA on 31 May 1940. He entered the Army at Foprt Polk, LA on 31 March, 1958.
He served tours at Fort Bragg, Fort Chaffee, Fort Knox, Fort Bliss and numerous other locations. He served as a military advisor in Egypt and worked in Germany with the 385th MPunit. During his tour in Germany, Frenchy met his wife Bridgett Wardas. They were married on the 15th of April 1964. Bridgett passed away 3 years prior to Joe's death and he once was asked why he didn't marry again. Joe politely stated that nothing or no one could replace the woman of his dreams and his life partner Bridgett. He said that their life together fulfilled his every need in life. Joe and Bridgett had a daughter, Ingrid. He is survived by his daughter, 5 Grand Children and 4 Great Grand Children.
He served three tours in Vietnam with the 5th SFGA: his first tour from 22 May 1965 to 23 May 1966; his second from 13 March 1967 to 26 March 1968; and his third from 28 April 1969 to 23 Jun3 1969. His awards include the Silver Star, 2 Bronze Stars, Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman's Badge, Senior Parachutist Wings, Vietnamese Jump Wings, Philippine Jump Wings, and numerous other awards.
Upon his retirement from the Army, Grenchy immediately went to work for the Federal Civil Service with the USPNFO office at Camp Mabry in Austin, Texas, on 1 April 1987, where he worked until his death. His co-worker stated that he was a most dedicated man to every task given.
Frenchy was a Charter Member of the Lone Star Chapter of the Special Forces Association in Austin, Texas and was a valuable asset to the Chapter for many years. He served as our flag bearer during special events and other veterans holidays, and who better than the Sergeant Major for that task.
Frenchy will be missed but not forgotten by his brothers here in the Lone Star Chapter, by the Special Forces Association, and by all Special Forces Soldiers who knew him. "Frenchy" has gone before us to prepare the DZ for our eventual arrival at God's drop zone.
May God have mercy on him for he has seen Hell here on earth and has earned a place on God's A-Team for eternity.
Vietnam War/Defense Campaign (1965)
From Month/Year
March / 1965
To Month/Year
December / 1965
Description This campaign was 8 March to 24 December 1965. During this campaign the U.S. objective was to hold off the enemy while gaining time needed to build base camps and logistical facilities. The U.S. also attempted to consolidate its ground operations more efficiently. For this purpose, it organized the U.S. Army Vietnam (USARV). U.S. support in the I Corps tactical zone, composed of five northernmost provinces, was to be primarily a Marine Corps responsibility; the U.S. Army was to operate mainly in the II and III Corps tactical zones which comprised the Central highlands, adjacent coastal regions, and the area around Saigon; and ARVN troops were to retain primary responsibility for the Delta region of the IV Corps.
On 19 October 1965. three VC regiments totaling 6,000 men attacked a Civil Irregular Defense Group (CIDG) - U.S. Special Forces at Plei Me, near the entrance to the Ia Drang Valley, in what purported to be the start of a thrust to cut the country in half.
With the assistance of massive air strikes, elements of the newly arrived 1st Cavalry Division thwarted the enemy in a battle that lasted nearly a month and included several engagements. The Ia Drang Valley action was the costliest in terms of casualties to date. The successful defense of the region improved security in and around the Central Highlands and raised the morale of the soldiers involved.