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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/Counteroffensive Phase III Campaign (1967-68)
From Month/Year
June / 1967
To Month/Year
January / 1968
Description This campaign was from 1 June 1967 to 29 January 1968.The conflict in South Vietnam remains basically unchanged. As Operation JUNCTION CITY ended, elements of the U.S. 1st and 25th Infantry Divisions, the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, and the forces of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam swung back toward Saigon to conduct another clearing operation, MANHATTAN. This took peace in the Long Nguyen base area just north of the previously cleared "Iron Triangle."
South Vietnamese Armed Forces became more active and capable under U.S. advisors. During the year the Vietnamese Special Forces assumed responsibility for several Special Forces camps and for the CIDG companies manning them. In each case all of the U.S. advisors withdrew, leaving the Vietnamese in full command.
With an increased delegation of responsibility to them, the South Vietnamese conducted major operations during 1967, and, in spite of VC attempts to avoid battle, achieved a number of contacts.
Despite the success of U.S. and South Vietnamese Army operations, there were indications in the fall of 1967 of another enemy build-up, particularly in areas close to Laos and Cambodia. In late October, the VC struck again at the Special Forces Camp at Loc Ninh. Fortunately Vietnamese reinforcements saved the camp. At the same time, approximately 12,000 VC troops converged on a Special Forces camp at Dak To. This camp was located in northern Kontum Province, where the borders of Laos, Cambodia, and South Vietnam meet. In response to this potential threat, the U.S. and South Vietnam committed a total of sixteen battalions to the region to counter a disturbing enemy resurgence at Kontum and Loc Ninh.
