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Lt. Babcock was the pilot of San OH-6A ( tail number 67-16256) that was shot down, crashing down on a dirt road. Both crew members got out and ran across clearing where they were killed by NVA. They remain MIA. Crew Members: SFC Fred Mooney (OB) 1st Lt. Ron Babcck (P). He left a wife and four children at his passing. http://www.vhpa.org/KIA/incident/71022720KIA.HTM
Dale Read. OSC Classmate at Fort Benning. 1148 Saint Catherine Drive Annapolis MD 21409 USA. A Dry Quick Humor , A stand up Guy and a Cowboy Gentleman. Ron and I went through six months of Fort Benning sweat, pressure, panic and sometimes just pure Hell. We were part of the group that others wanted to panel out..but Ron, a buddy of his named Bevino, and a number of those of us who were 'not going to make' pulled together as a team. He was a smart, sharp, friendly and savvy guy. I lost track of Ron after Benning and arrived in Vietnam in August 1970 - July 31, 1971. ..I never knew he was there in 1971..and he died while I was in country. I would ahve liked to have seen him again...a decent, smart, savvy, dry-witted and cowboy gentleman. You were a great guy to know, Ron! Jun 21, 2013.
Charlie Groh, Fellow B/7/1 Scout Pilot. 7591 11th St. Buena Park CA 90621 United States, Let's talk to Jack. Ron and I were having a conversation with Jack (Danials) while waiting, personal weapons in hand, for the NVA to storm the wire in Quang Tri just outside of our billets (it was exciting for a bit, then we realized it was a false alarm...we were bummed). What a funny, intelligent guy...we became fast friends that night. The next day he was shot down. As it was for him, it was never the same for me. I think of you often, Ron... CW2 Charlie Groh Aug 26, 2012
Other Comments:
Mitch Bart - Master Sergeant (Retired). Fellow, Vietnam Veteran, Calhan, CO., A Tribute, To A Fallen, Hero, I have had, the POW/MIA., bracelet, with Lt., Babcock's name, on it for some time, now. Because of frequent, PCS's., while, in the military and retirement, it was misplaced. However, it turned up just prior, to this year's, Veterans's Day and it keyed, me, to look at this site, to get a current status, of this hero. I served, in Vietnam, from Apr., 69 - Apr., 70 and from Feb., 71 - Jan., 72, however, I did not personnaly know, Lt., Babcock. Regardless, Lt. Babcock and the rest, of the men and women, who made the ultimate sacrifice, are the true, heros, of this conflict/war. The gave up, their hopes and dreams to selflessly serve, our country and their fellow, soldiers, airmen, sailors and marines. We must never, forget the sacrifices, that men and women, like Lt., Babcock, made for us. Lt., Babcock, RIP., because you will, never be forgotten. Nov 13, 2008.
Bob Veigel, Classmate, Rincon high school. salute, to a classmate. Ron, It has been, years, since we, were at Rincon, together. You were, a friend, to everyone then and I'm sure you were, to everyone, in your unit. You are missed by all, your friends. As we gather to celebrate, the 50th, year, of our school, you will, be remembered, as one of the classmates, who gave, his life, to keep, the rest of us safe. You will, always be, with us the rest, of our lives. Bob Veigel, VietNam. (1965, 66-67, 70, USAF.) Sep 6, 2008.
Bob Altieri, Officer, Candiate, School classmate. I watched, Ron and his crew take off, from Khe Sahn, on his way to support, the ARVIN., fighting, the NVA., in Laos. That night, in the evening, briefing, I learned that he was, a probable KIA.. He impressed me, as a soldier and as a man. I have often, wondered, over these past 33, years, what would have, been, had a man, of his caliber been around, to contribute, to our society. I truly think it would, have been, good things. God bless, Ron. Monday, February 09, 2004.
Jim Curry, Classmate. Albuquerque, NM. I first met Ron in the fall of 1963 at Northern Arizona University where we were both freshman forestry majors. Ron was always a lot of fun and a geat mischief maker. He had lots of friends who looked up to him for leadership. Ron loved the great outdoors, mountain climbing and adventure. I am sure he gave it his all. I miss him. Monday, June 30, 2003.
Vietnam War/Counteroffensive Phase VII Campaign (1970-71)
From Month/Year
July / 1970
To Month/Year
June / 1971
Description This campaign was from 1 Jul 1970 to 30 June 1971. Fighting continued in Cambodia during early February before and after South Vietnam began its U.S.-aided drive in Laos, Lam Son 719, the most significant operation during this campaign.
Lam Son 719 was conducted out of I Corps by Vietnamese troops with US fire and air support. Their object was to cut the Ho Chi Minh Trail and to destroy enemy bases at Techepone, Laos. The operation consisted of four phases. In Phases I, called Operation DEWEY CANYON II, the 1st Brigade, US 5th Infantry Division (Mechanized) occupied the Khe Sanh area and cleared Route No. 9 up to the Laotian border. In the meantime, the US 101st Airborne Division conducted diversionary operations in the A Shau Valley. The US 45th Engineer Group had the mission of repairing Route No. 9 up to the Laotian border. This lasted from 30 January to 7 February 1971. During Phase II US forces continued to provide fire support, helilift, and tactical and strategic air support for ARVN units. This phase was 8 February to March 1971. Phase III ran from March to 16 March 1971; Phase IV was the withdrawal phase.
Faced with mounting losses, Lt. Gen. Hoang Xuan Lam, the commander of the invasion forces, decided to cut short the operation and ordered a withdrawal.
Lam Son 719, though it was less than a signal success, forestalled a Communist offensive in the spring of 1971. Enemy units and replacements enroute south were diverted to the scene of the action.
