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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/Summer-Fall 1969 Campaign
From Month/Year
June / 1969
To Month/Year
October / 1969
Description This campaign was from 9 June to 31 October 1969. During the summer and fall of 1969, conduct of operations was increasingly turned over to Vietnamese, US troops withdrew in greater numbers amid reaffirmations of support for the Republic of South Vietnam government. President Nixon announced the reduction of the U.S. military presence in South Vietnam which would be demonstrated initially by the withdrawal of 25,000 troops by 31 August 1969.
American troop strength had peaked at 543,400 in April 1969 but dropped to 505,500 by mid October. More scattered than before, enemy attacks were concentrated on South Vietnamese positions. U.S. combat deaths were down in the early fall as American units switched to small unit actions. The trend was not constant, however, because U.S. troops deaths which had fallen well below l00 a week in the fall, rose above 100 later in the year.
