2798. I was with C Trp., 3/4 Cav. all during battle at Tan Phong in May 1967. We were called from LZ Liz, and the mortar crew on Liz lighted our way with flares on our drive to Tan Phong. I laid down 50 cal. fire just as my C.O. Capt. Ronald W. Penn was mortally wounded. He was 3 feet behind me. I didn't know he was hit until after the mortar fire. The VC had 5 rounds in the air before the first one hit. I turned around, after being pulled inside track, by my Ist Sgt. Landon (B or M) Pharris, and saw Capt. Penn sprawled on his back in the right rear of "6" track. I was "6" track driver and was on guard around 3 or 3:3o AM when we were mortared. Capt. Penn didn't regain consciousness as long as he was with us. A chopper came and delivered water and ammo, C-rations, took him, and we never saw him again. Our trp. heard he died 9 days later. Capt Penn was asleep, inside of "6" track, (awoke when the first mortar round hit)stood up in the observers hatch and said, "who blew that claymore." I heard him say it. His last words in combat. Also KIA, that first day, at Tan Phong, on 20May67, was S/SGT. Lonnie Leo Smith, our trp plt. Sgt., of C-trp. 3/4 Cav. He was hit in head with a rocket. Several VC took over his track when it was abandoned by his crew. but those VC didn't survive either. So the actual KIA friendlies was 5 not 3, unless you are counting just the 35th KIA, which you have right. I have a picture of the helicopter that was shot down, with a Sky-raider flying over. In the same picture the infantry guys are in a rice paddy ditch for cover; and a stretcher with a poncho covered body on it sits up in the paddy dirt. I carried the helicopter pilot in the back of my track to a secure LZ for Dust-off too. I heard the pilot had something wrong with one of his legs, but don't know that to be a fact. We took him on a stretcher however. I was a Sp/4 when at Tan Phong. Our trp. was usually at LZ Liz at night. Our base-camp at Duc Pho was all the way East as far as you could go. What memories we all have bottled-up inside us. TROPIC LIGHTENING
Sgt. James D. Zeller
Fairbury Il USA
08/05/2007
Beverly Fulton
Sister
Alta Loma CA 91701
You are missed
My brother was a true patriot and a lover of God. He served his country proudly and paid the ultimate sacrifice. Our family is very proud of him. His brother, mother, and father are with him in heaven and I will someday join them there. God bless America.
Jan 4, 2011
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 29, 2007
Jennifer Burns
sky_lava@yahoo.com
PROUD AMERICAN
Though you are gone you will never be forgotten! You and men
like you, are the reason we are free today! I just wanted to say THANK YOU for the sacrifices that you made! I hold you and those like you in the highest regard and you deserve nothing less! I love you all, you were and always will be HEROES to me! I promise never to take for granted the freedoms I have, which you paid the ultimate price for! Happy Birthday!
Let no man be forgotten…I WILL REMEMBER YOU!!!
Gratefully yours,Jenn
May 6, 2007
Grateful American
Fellow Californian
American Hero
It is sad to see that there have been no entries for this fallen Hero, yet it makes me so very proud to be the first to pay tribute to him in this forum. Thank you Capt Penn for your ultimate sacrifice. Rest well brave soldier, for you Sir, are not forgotten.
Saturday, May 29, 2004
A Friend
Co-Worker
Our thanks to a fallen hero
Ron and I worked together at the Magic Lamp Inn in Cucamonga, California. He was soft spoken and mild mannered, with a quiet leadership which earned, rather than demanded, respect. Rest well my friend.
Monday, April 10, 2006
If I should die...remembrances for CAPT. Ronald W. PENN, USA...who made the ultimate sacrifice!!!!!!
If I should die, and leave you here awhile, be not like others, sore undone, who keep long vigils by the silent dust, and weep...for MY sake,, turn again to life, and smile...Nerving thy heart, and trembling hand to do something to comfort other hearts than thine...Complete these dear, unfinished tasks of mine...and I, perchance, may therein comfort you
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Photo
Posted by: Edith Penn
Relationship: He is my son
Monday, January 24, 2011
Untitled
You were a hero to many of us in high school and to many more in the service of your country. Know this well, what you gave was "not in vain" ! Your twins babies you left behind, should know even today, "freedom is not free". Your friend, Ray
Posted by: Raymond Ramirez
Email: randbramirez@hotmail.com
Relationship: We were high school classmates
Saturday, May 19, 2007
We Think of You Often
Especially during these times when other young men and women are bravely serving our country, but in a war poorly thought out by the politicians, while honoring your sacrifice, we redouble our efforts to make sure other lives are not similarly lost
Posted by: Lou and Gail Engle
Email: valrivch@yahoo.com
Relationship: In the same church group
Friday, August 5, 2005
Not forgotten
Ronald, Although we never met, I just want you to know you are not forgotten. You gave the ultimate sacrifice, your life for what you believed in. Sleep well my friend, and thank you for protecting our freedoms
Posted by: Dave Kruger, 196th LIB. 66-67
Relationship: Fellow vet
Thursday, June 2, 2005 |
