Memorial Day 2015
It's Memorial day Top! I can't say Happy because I'm writing to you on this. It was my pleasure to have known for the short time we were together. We served together in F Troop 4th Cavalry. I can honestly say you were the best Top I had during my service. I think of you often and will never forget you. I sure that you are helping Saint Michael command on of his legions of angels as that was the kind of man you were. It was truly my Honor. Thanks Top
Remembering always,
December 17, 2004
From: "Riniker Linford E LTC 111 OSF/IN" linford.riniker@pawill.ang.af.mil
I was in F Troop at the time this happened, although all the flight crews were in the forward operating location on Tan My island (5nm from Hue) and this incident happened back in Long Binh. Johnson and Dukes were both heroin addicts and were suffering the heat 1SG Martin was putting on them. Dukes hatched the plan of putting a claymore under Top's bunk and blowing him up. They got a mine from the armorer(who was also convicted along with them) and carried out their plan. It happened about 0600 when a group of F Troop personnel were returning from bunker guard. When the explosion happened. The guys simply followed the wires into Dukes hootch and lined both of them up against a wall and were ready to kill them when the MPs got there. Sorry to say, Dukes got 20 yrs and Johnson got 10. The armorer got 2. There were several others in their skag freak band who knew what was going on and they were sent up north with us. These scumbags were informed if they got out of line they would take a one-way ride out over the South China Sea. They were all strung out and didn't last more than a month before they were sent back to Long Binh to rehab.
Johnny Martin was the first rep from the Troop who picked up those of us who were reassigned from the 101st. When he showed up at Cu Chi where the Troop used to be he had a case of beer with him and welcomed us properly. He was quite a character. One time he gave me the mission of "appropriating" a water trailer from the Infantry while we were working out of Phu Bai. When I showed up driving the troop HQ 3/4 ton with a water buffalo in tow, he had a paint team waiting to "make it ours".
He was a big man with a big heart, and we all missed him.
Lin Riniker, F Troop (Air), 4th Cavalry '71-72
Glenn Peoples
Glenn@glennjpeoples.com
Top was my 1st Sgt. Jan 72-Mar72
Tampa FL 33611 USA
Best of the best, Soldier, Leader, Patriot, Air Cavalry Man
Top you were a soldiers, soldier. On the day you passed F Troop 4th US Air Cav lost a great leader. You were the leader that touched all your Troopers and made them the leaders that you could be proud of. Too your family and friends, I send my condolences. But may they find comfort in the fact that you are now one of Gods chosen soldiers and live in our hearts forever. Rest ye well "Trooper" until all our fellow Troopers meet again.
Jan 15, 2008
Glenn Peoples
Glenn@glennjpeoples.com
Top was my 1st Sgt. Jan 72-Mar72
Tampa FL 33611 USA
Best of the best, Soldier, Leader, Patriot, Air Cavalry Man
Top you were a soldiers, soldier. On the day you passed F Troop 4th US Air Cav lost a great leader. You were the leader that touched all your Troopers and made them the leaders that you could be proud of. Too your family and friends, I send my condolences. But may they find comfort in the fact that you are now one of Gods chosen soldiers and live in our hearts forever. Rest ye well until all our fellow troopers meet again.
Jan 15, 2008
Richard Kline
rkline@painesville.com
Served W/ FSGT Martin in Vietnam
28 Mentor Av Painesville OH 44077 USA
A Great Friend and Soldier
I served in Vietnam with FSGT Martin. He was a great First SGT, a fine upstanding soldier, a Patriot and a great friend. I'm sure he is missed by his loved ones, as I know many of his fellow soldiers do. All my best and sympathy to his family
Nov 7, 2007
manny g
Fellow Veteran 69-70 An Khe
Union Gap, WA. 98903
“You are Remembered”
Peace and condolence, to the family and friends. "He which hath no stomach to this fight let him depart. But we in it shall be remembered. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers!! For he today, that sheds his blood with me, shall always be my brother.” Rest in peace brave soldier, you have not been forgotten. (W.Shakespeare) May God Bless You for your Sacrifice!!!
May 11, 2007
Grateful American
American Hero
Thank you FSGT Martin for your service to country and ultimate sacrifice. Rest well brave soldier and rest assured that you Sir, are not forgotten.
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
Vicky Jesse Roberts
vjroberts43@hotmail.com
Top was my dad's first SGT before Johnny went to Nam, where he was first SGT of my brother's unit. He was the one who called us to let us know my brother's chopper was shot down. Top was KIA the following week. We miss both of them.
Tuesday, April 20, 2004
Francis Kaufman
Just a few words to HONOR your memory on your birthday for the day you made the SUPREME SACRIFICE on May 11th 1972. You will never be forgotten.
Sunday, July 13, 2003
Do not stand at my grave and weep
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.
Mary Frye – 1932
Posted by: Bob Ross
Relationship: Fellow Vietnam Veteran
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
A TOP SOLDIER
served with "Top", in F Troop, 4th Cav, until a few weeks before his death. The last memory I have of him is him trading me a watch for my old refriderator a few days before I rotated home. I still have the watch to this day. He was a good soldier
Posted by: John R. McWaters
Email: j.mcwaters@mchsi.com
Relationship: We served together
Friday, July 23, 2004
NATIVE AMERICAN PRAYER
It is said a man hasn't died as long as he is remembered. This prayer is a way for families, friends and fellow veterans to remember our fallen brothers and sisters. Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning hush, I am the swift, uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight, I am the stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there, I did not die
Posted by: Chris Spencer
Email: cws71354@bellsouth.net
Relationship: fellow veteran,USMC 1972-76
Friday, December 19, 200
Platoon Sgt
I knew Johnny in 1964-65 at Ft. Carson. He had a real way with his men and he trained this Lt. to be a good officer. He was a very good friend
Posted by: Ron Pease
Relationship: Other:
Friday, October 19, 2001
Johnny Martin
Johnny and I grew up together in Overton Alabama. I went for a career in the Navy and Johnny chose the Army.
Posted by: John M Morgan
Tuesday, October 2, 20
Johnny Martin
Johnny was the 1SG of F Troop Air, 4th US CAV when I commanded. Not only was he the best 1SG I ever knew he was also a good and close friend. I never worried about the Troop when he ws in residence. He is missed and will be remembered forever.
John Spencer
Centaur 6
Posted by: John J. Spencer, Jr.
Relationship: We served together
Monday, September 24, 2001
FRIENDS FOREVER BROTHER
CLARENCE IS DOING WELL. GLORIA SPOKE WITH YOUR WIFE RECENTLY.ALL IS WELL BIG BROTHER. GOD BLESS!
JIM ENOCHS
Posted by: JIM ENOCHS
Relationship: We were close friends
Sunday, July 2, 2000 |
