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Casualty Info
Home Town Beaver Springs, PA
Last Address Beaver Springs, PA
Casualty Date Nov 01, 1965
Cause KIA-Killed in Action
Reason Other Explosive Device
Location Bien Hoa (Vietnam)
Conflict Vietnam War
Location of Interment Beaver Springs Cemetery - Beaver Springs, Pennsylvania
Wall/Plot Coordinates 03E 010
Official Badges
Unofficial Badges
Additional Information
Last Known Activity:
Casualty Occurrence: This soldier died when his vehicle ran over a hostile land mine, exact location UNKNOWN 19651101.
Alan Yeater, attended the same high school, 6770 Runkles Rd. Mt. Airy MD 21771, You are not forgotten after 45 years. Almost Forty-five years after his death, he is not forgotten by those who knew him when he attended West Snyder High School in Beaver Springs, Pennsylvania, and for the relationship he had with a wonderful girl from my hometown, McClure, Pennsylvania. He was known for the way he would enjoy driving around town in his auto. The last time I saw him, he was proudly wearing his Army uniform while attending a sporting event in the high school gym. He was a great guy! He is missed by all who knew him. Sep 25, 2010.
Comments/Citation:
Lois Isaacs, Fellow American, Mercer St., Philadelphia, PA 19134. Brave Soldier. PFC Balmer, I don't know you, I know you in my heart only. You were so young and so brave to give your life for people you never met so far away from home. What would this world be without soldiers like you? God Bless You on this Memorial Day and know your sacrifice was not in vain. With all my respect and prayers, I salute you.Lois Isaacs, Monday, May 26, 2003
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.
