Remembering Merle
My name is Dennis Black, I was the medic for 1st platoon, B company 1/12 Merle was the first man I lost. We were on patrol and stopped for a break, Knew we were in a hot area so cloverleaf patrols were sent out. Merle led the squad from 1st platoon. We had unknowingly stopped right beside a bunker complex. The NVA opened up on them shortly after leaving the perimeter. Merle had been there longer than I had and was one of the guys I looked up to. He took the time and effort to help me learn when I was an FNG. I think of Merle and several more very often. I still feel I let him down when I could not save him. I"m so sorry.
Posted by: Dennis Black
Email:
Relationship: We served together
Tuesday , June 25, 2013
Rebecca Haben-Kline
mikebeccakline@yahoo.com
Neice
151 w freeman st MAYSVILLE Ga 30558 USA
Never forgotten
I never knew my Uncle, but always new of him, and his courage. My dad(uncle Merle's brother) and my mom always told us about him. From what I have learned as a little girl until now, He was a great young man who died for his country. Even with me never meeting him, I can say that I love him. His courage and bravery are honored. He is honored! His sacrifice, along with so many others, is why America has It's freedom!! I am so honored that he is my Uncle, and I am so honored to know that he will never be forgotten!!!
Feb 23, 2011
Tammy Haben-Keaton
tammy.keaton@gmail.com
Neice
1266 Spring Valley Drive Pegram TN 37143 USA
Never Forgotten
Uncle Merle, Growing up, we heard stories of this wonderful hero who went to fight for our country. The way my mother would tell them they made you sound like a Super Hero from a childrens book. One day I learned these were not just stories but that the hero I learned of was real and my Uncle. My mom and dad loved you so very much and taught us to keep your memory alive. So that is what I will do. My children have learned of you and my grand-children will. I pray that they keep the story of your bravery alive through generations. Thank you for your service. Momma is in heaven with you now along with my sweet precious baby Amy. Take care of them as I am sure you know your way around up there by now. With much love and respect, Your Neice Tammy
Feb 23, 2011
Ed Mann
takita@c-zone.net
We met, in vietnam
PO., Box, 708, Lakehead, CA., 96051, U.S.
I only knew Merle, in Vietnam and then only, for a couple of months, but he was, a good guy and a good, hand and I remember him.
Feb 8, 2007
Manuel Pino Bco 2/8th 1st Cav 68-69
mpjr54@msn.com
Fellow Cav Brother
B co 1/12th 1st Cav
MY COUNTRY'S FLAG CRIED the flag bowed it's bars and wept starry tears as it hung at half-mast for a soldier's years. another youth it had called and another youth had died. I stood and i watched as my country's flag cried. it clothed the drab coffin in it's red, white, and blue, silently protecting the contents for the comfort of a few. it brought strength to some, to others, bitter pride. but as mourners filed by, my country's flag cried. as it rode to the field where the soldier was laid away, the flag recalled the pledge that he used to stand and say, but to war he went and to keep that pledge, he tried. as the guns fired their last salute, my country's flag cried. as taps rang out, it was folded with care, for the soldier's soul a chaplin whispered a prayer. he asked god for peace in this world to abide, and in a grieving mother's arms my country's flag cried!
Oct 26, 2006
august wilganoski
vietnam
7812, arthur dr.
n. richland hills, tx., 76180, usa
i knew him
Monday, August 21, 2000
joe moore
classmate
bradford, oh
merle, you, are not forgotten
Thursday, January 27, 2005
Ernie Jones
ejjones@skyenet.net
Friend
9760 Siebt Rd
Covington, OHIO 45318 USA
Remembering
Friends long ago. Merl Was a quite guy. I Think of him When I remember school days. A True HERO. If you are looking down somtimes ol bud I haven't forgotten you.
Wednesday, August 09, 2000
Patricia Anthony Jordan
trishjor51@aol.com
A very good friend
You are my Hero
Dearest Merle, You will never be forgotten. I and Penny talk about you quite often. I still cannot believe all of the years have passed. It is still as if we were in high school and teenagers. Penny still loves you. I am crying just writing this message to you. I remember the last night that you were home in Bradford before you went to Nam, you, Penny and I rode around in your car. We always thought you would come home. I remember in Sept. 1969 when we were notified of your death.We were in class at Bradford High School. Someone came to the high school and got Penny and me out of class and told us you were dead. I think to this day when I remember that moment that it is still a major shock. Just like the movie that Mel Gibson starred in "When We Were Soldiers," I think of that time when we were young! You will always be our hometown hero! May God rest your soul.
Saturday, December 27, 2003
We Remember
Merle is buried at Harris Creek Cemetery in Bradford,OH. BSM AM PH
My Uncle, My Hero
His name is not only etched on this beautiful wall but on my heart. I am proud to have an Uncle who went to battle for our country. Whether the war was right or wrong, he was a brave man and someday I cannot wait to embrace this Uncle of mine.
An uncle I never had the honor of meeting
Uncle Merle:
Although I never got the chance to meet you, I have heard so many great stories, and I feel like I always knew you. I wanted to say thank you for doing what you did for our family's freedom, and for the freedom of others. You are always in thoughts of your family. The price you have paid is not in vain, and will not go unremembered. You have made the greatest sacrifice this country could ask of anyone, and it will not go unnoticed.
I wish you could still be here, and could see how big your family has grown. I would have loved the chance to know you, and for you to know my son. Maybe one day.
With great respect, and love
your niece
Rebecca and Haben
Posted by: Rebecca Haben
Email: miahsmom73@aol.com
Relationship: He is my uncle
Thursday, August 11, 200
Little Brother
We got the last letter from you in the mail saying you saw your buddies falling all around you wondering when your time would come. We mailed you a letter, and it was returned to us with a note telling us you were gone. I still have that letter. You seemed to indicate that everything was ok between you and God. I hope that was true. I hope to see you again one day.
With love,
your Big Brother
Ron Haben
Posted by: Ron Haben
Email: gaga7ron@aol.com
Relationship: He is my brother
Thursday, August 11, 2005
A family tribute
Our family wants to thank you for the honorable sacrifice that you made for ours and others freedom. Although you're not here to know the lives of myself, Lisa, Josiah and Avalon, we know that you counted the cost prior to committing to the cause. Thank you for setting the example for other Americans to follow. Our country, our flag and our efforts will keep your memory alive.
With love and respect, your nephew, Paul, Lisa, Josiah and Avalon Haben
Posted by: Paul E. Haben
Email: paulh@fpc.us
Monday, May 16, 2005
My Uncle
To an uncle who I never knew, may God bless you and keep you. Although I never knew you, i still love you uncle Merle.
Love Your niece Rachelle
Relationship: He is my uncle
Wednesday, July 14, 2004
My Unknown Uncle
I wish you had lived to know me and my family. There is a void left that will never be filled on earth.I look forward to knowing you some day.
Your Nephew,
Steven
Posted by: Steve Haben
Relationship: Uncle
Wednesday, July 23, 2003
Thank you Soldier
As a fellow Buckeye, I say "THANK YOU"
As a Veteran, I say "JOB WELL DONE, SOLDIER"
As an American, "YOUR DEATH WAS NOT IN VAIN"
And as a Believer, "YOUR SPIRIT IS ALIVE--AND STRONG"
Although we never met personally, I want to thank you Merle William Haben, for your courageous and valiant service, faithful contribution, and most holy sacrifice, given to this great country of ours!
REST IN ETERNAL PEACE MY FRIEND
Posted by: Donald Lytle
Relationship: Radioman, USN, Ret.
Monday, March 31, 2003
Untitled
Posted by: Wayne Hoover
Relationship: Aquaintance
Thursday, November 19, 1998 |
