A Note from The Virtual Wall
On 16 May 1970 C Company, 1/5th Infantry, was on stand-down at the Tay Ninh base camp. In the evening, while Company members were waiting for a show to start, a soldier from the 125th Signal Battalion fired his M-16 into the gathering. Two men were killed, SGT Joe E. Raber and CPL Gary R. White of Hewett, West Virginia. A number of others were wounded.
The soldier, SP4 James E. Paul, was later convicted by Court Martial of two counts of voluntary manslaughter and ten counts of assault to commit voluntary manslaughter.
22 Apr 2003
Joe was my best friend. We grew up together from babies, he was 1 and 1 half months older than me. He joined the Army when we graduated and was killed in Viet Nam 16 May 1970. When he came home me and his other friends here at home carried him to his final resting place.
On December 10, 1970, Mr. and Mrs. Russell Raber of Holden were presented Joe's decorations. Major Robert G. Eveleth presented the medals at the Rabers' home. Joe received the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnamese Service Medal, and National Defense Medal. He had also received the Combat Infantryman's Badge.
I'd like to hear from anyone who could tell me about Joe and his time in Viet Nam and how his last days were. I just want to know more, it's hard to lose a buddy even after all these years. Just wish I could have been there to help.
Frank Hobbs
SP4 Combat Medic
July 1970-Feb 1972
291 NW 1771, Kingsville, MO. 64061
Garnet Jenkins
garijen@bresnan.net
Grand Junction Co
~ In Humble Tribute ~
In Remembrance of this fine young Soldier, with a Multitude of Thanks for his Courage, Service and Dedication to our Country and for Freedom. Rest in Peace, Sgt Joe Edward Raber and know that you will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. I am the sister of such a young hero, who made the Supreme Sacrifice in Vietnam in 1967.....'STEP FORWARD NOW, YOU SOLDIER, YOU'VE BORNE YOUR BURDENS WELL, WALK PEACEFULLY ON HEAVEN'S STREETS, YOU'VE DONE YOUR TIME IN HELL' ~ Author Unknown ~
Nov 10, 2008
Malcolm Kirby
mlkdrk@earthlink.net
USAF Veteran - 191st photo recon.
Vietnam Veterans of America - Chapter 785
Rest in Peace, my Brother. You will not be forgotten...
Oct 14, 2008
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 16, 2008
Larry Wagner
tropic25@snip.net
I arrived in Vietnam May 27th 1970. I was assigned to "C" Company 1/5 Mech. This unfortunate incident happened right before I got there. There was still talk of what happened in my company. It disturbed me so much that I had even called Joe's parents after I returned from Nam just to talk to them about it even though I did not know many of the details. I still think of this tragedy even today. There was another soldier also killed I believe at the same time. I think his last name was White but I may be wrong. Contact me if anyone just wants to talk.
Thursday, May 04, 2000
Dick Stewart
rgrstewart@aol.com
Ex Platoon Leader
6201 River Road, Apt 101
Columbus, GA 31904 USA
Joe was a good soldier and friend. To me, he was the epitome of the All-American Boy. He is missed terribly by those of us who served with him in 2nd Platoon, Charlie Company, 1/5th Mech, 25th Infantry Division.
Tuesday, March 07, 2000
Steve Clements
clements@u.washington.edu
Same platoon.
Seattle,Wa
I am in touch with several members of our platoon who knew Joe. We all miss him. If family or friends would like to make contact, please let me know.
Sunday, May 30, 1999
Denis McDonough
Denis1146@aol.com
Fellow Bobcat 1/5 Mech
Joe, I just wanted you to know, you are not forgotten. You are loved and missed. My prayers to you and your family. The photo of Joe was courtesy of Julie Getz
Friday, September 03, 2004
Franklin Hobbs
bigwolf50@centurylink.net
Best Friends
291 NW 1771
Kingsville, MO 64061 U.S.A.
The Memory of My Best Friend
I was around Joe from a baby and we considered each other as best friends. I was 1 & 1 half months younger than Joe and was drafted into the Army 2 months after he came home and me and his other friends here at home carried him to his final resting place. I received orders for Nam but they were changed & I was sent to Italy instead. I was trained as a Combat Medic. Still to this day I miss Joe very deeply & only wish that I could have been there and taken the bullet for him. He was the best and I'm sure a very gallant & brave soldier. I would like to hear from anyone that served with him when he was killed. I would just like to know more about his time in Nam and his last days. It's hard to lose a good buddy even after all these years, & I'm still searching for a reason why he's gone. Joe I'll always miss you & thanks for giving your all for our freedom. Your Buddy, Frank Hobbs Combat Medic July 1970-Feb. 1972
Friday, May 16, 2003
Ann Coleman
alcoleman@healthmidwest.org
niece
Kansas City, MO 64113Thanks to all that have posted something about my uncle Joe. It is good to know that he is not forgotten.
Tuesday, November 19, 2002
Linda Moore
lem@kc.rr.com
Cousin
Many thanks to those who have written about Joe. I still think of him often and miss him. My childhood playmate and friend I wonder what he would have been like today.
Sunday, November 24, 2002
Alice Borgos
arb2139@aol.com
Sister
Raymore, MO 64083 USA
Thanks to all of you who knew Joe and were part of his life in Vietnam. He was a very special younger brother, and even after 32 years we miss him very much.
Monday, December 30, 2002
Memorial Tennis Courts
Photo of the Vietnam War monument at the Memorial Tennis Courts in Holden, Missouri. Pictured (L to R) are Hirni, Arnold, and Raber
Posted by: Sgt George M Hale, USMC, VMCJ-1, DaNang, 67-68
Email: Cooncamp@aol.com
Relationship: Vietnam War Veteran
Thursday, October 6, 2005
You were a good guy
I never knew you but I happened to meet your brother at my step-father's funeral back in March. I had seen your yearbook photo in the office of the funeral home and had asked someone about you. I was told that his brother was there so I introduced myself. He spoke well of you. I guess he knew my stepdad so I guess it was ironic he was there, He said you were a good gentle person. God Bless you
Posted by: David Eskelin
Relationship: Other:
Saturday, June 1, 2002
He was one of a kind
Joe was my Uncle. I was very young when he died. I wish I could have known him better. I know he was one of a kind
Posted by: Ann Coleman
Relationship: Niece
Thursday, November 19, 1998 |