A Note from The Virtual Wall
On 31 Jan 1968, Charlie Troop, 3/4th Cav, provided a reaction force in support of Tan Son Nhut Air Base. The after-action report states what happened in typically sterile military language:
"On 31 January Troop C (-) reacted to Tan Son Nhut Air Base. The Troop was ambushed outside gate 051. The Squadron reacted with Troop D and Troop B (+). The results of action was 3 APC completely lost, 1 Tank completely lost, 7 APC damaged, 14 US KHA, 64 US WHA, 309 VC KIA (BC), 24 VC PW ..."
The Charlie Troop casualties
SSG Patrick J Strayer
SGT Gerald D Sullivan
SGT Troy A Littlejohn
SP5 Harold R Stafford
SP4 Norman L Long Jr
SP4 Anthony F Vanhulle II
SP4 Murray L Veron
SP4 Richard J Rhodes
SP4 Roger B Crowell
PFC Robert M Finnegan
Bravo Troop lost three men
PFC Gerald L Fitts
PFC Everett W Johnson Jr
SP4 Vernon C Wilderspin
Delta Troop lost one man
SP4 Edward M Pike
DENNIS SMITH
DLSRETIRED@HOTMAIL.COM
FRIEND, BUDDY,
6845 175TH AVE NW RAMSEY MN 55303 USA
42 YEARS AND NOT FORGOTTEN
Another Jan 31st has come to pass. It has been 42 yrs.I still miss your wry smile and that beatup guitar.Who knew what was going to happen. You will always be in my heart and memories. Fellow Charlie Trooper 3/4 Cav. Denny
Jan 31, 2010
Garnet Jenkins
garijen@bresnan.net
Grand Junction Co
~Thank You, SP4 Richard James Rhodes ~
Thank You, for your Courage, Service and Dedication to our Country and for Freedom. Rest well and know that you will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. I am the sister of Sgt David Dickinson, another young hero, who also made the Supreme Sacrifice in Vietnam 1967.....'GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THIS, THAT HE LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS.' ~ John 15:13 ~
Jul 30, 2009
Kent Hiskey
khiskey@cox.net
college class mate
5210 E. Redfield Rd Scottsdalde Az 85254 USA
To a college mate
I knew Rich when we were both at NE Missouri State. Rich was an OUTSTANDING college football player. He was loved by those who knew him for his vibrant personality, smile and easy going demanor. I think of him very often. To those of us who knew him, we are better off for knowing him. Rich, may you rest in peace.
Jun 6, 2008
Manuel Pino Bco 2/8th 1st Cav 68-69
mpjr54@msn.com
Fellow Vietnam Army Vet
C Trp/3/4th Cav Rgt, 25th Inf Div
"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
Jul 17, 2007
Betsy Stuart
NYTexanSJ@juno.com
Friend
Ithaca, NY 14850 USA
Rich was a much-loved, guitar-playing, fun-loving young man from Eureka, Illinois. He was attending college in Missouri when he was called to serve his country. I was with him the night before he left for Vietnam and, although eager to serve, he was nonetheless worried and introspective. His mother, Gladys Rhodes, was famous for her yeast coffee cake and she made an especially big one for Rich that night. He serenaded all of us who had gathered to wish him well with all the verses to "Memphis." Even after all these years, he is still missed.
Thursday, May 31, 2001
Virginia Scott
ginny1961@att.net
Friend
P.O. Box 224, 209 W. Chestnut St.
New Carlisle, IN 46552 USA
A Neighbor Remembers
Your birthday came again and I thought of you. You were my neighbor when we were kids. When you left this world, my disbelief was indescribable. Ronald served in Vietnam and he came back to us but you did not come back. This is impossible to understand. You and I share the same birthdate, but you and Ronald were just days apart in age. Your memory is always with me when I speak to my son, Richard. I will think of you again come November 19th. Thank you for your sacrifice, but most of all thank you for being a part of my life.
Sunday, November 23, 2003
Dennis Smith
dlsretired@hotmail.com
Buddy
6845 175th Ave NW
Ramsey, MN 55303 USA
36 Years and Always Remembered
It's taken me a long time to acknowledge you in any written form. Several times over the years I started to drive to Illinois but never made it. You were my best friend for the last 6 months of your life and you were a joyous fun loving guitar playing buddy. I think of you often and the many nights that you, Pat and I would just sit and shoot the bull and talk about going home. When Ossenkopp(Pat) left the country he was going to meet us both when we got home.We met in August of 1968 in Dau Tieng and said goodby in that stupid ditch outside Ton Su Nut on Jan 31 1968. I love you Man. Denny
Tuesday, March 30, 2004
I'm Anonymous
Just a note to thank YOU for YOUR sacrifice to a great nation.
Sunday, April 28, 2002
Barry Hollingsworth
seceshone@brinet.com
None
1214 Pinebrook Circle
Hendersonville, NC 28739 USA
Common Ground
I do not know and have never known this young hero,but feel a common ground with him.We share the exact same birthday,matter of fact i am writing this on our mutual birthday.I also share a love for the guitar and music. To this youn man thank you for the supreme sacrifice you gave for your country.May God grant you eternal peace. Barry Hollingsworth
Tuesday, November 19, 2002
ANONYMOUS AND GRATEFUL
SO YOUNG! SO BRAVE! THANK YOU SEEMS SO INADEQUATE BUT IT'S ALL I HAVE.
Friday, April 14, 2006
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We Remember
Richard is buried at Olio Cemetery, Eureka,IL. PH
To my cousin Richard Rhodes
You were killed six months before I was born, but I have heard about you my entire life-
Lynnie Swayne, A proud cousin
Posted by: lynnie swayne
Relationship: cousin
Saturday, February 1, 2003
Richard James Rhodes
A good cousin sadly missed
Posted by: Bill Bone
Relationship: Cousin
Friday, January 31, 2003
Proud Cousin
I am told that I last saw Richard when I was three years old.
I am proud that he answered his county's call and did his duty.
When we get to Heaven, we can thank him for the example he set.
I am proud of my cousin and of all the men gave their lives in the service of their country
Posted by: Bobby Hampton
Relationship: Cousin
Friday, January 31, 2003
From the NFL draft to the US draft
Rich was drafted by the Houston in the NFL, and by Uncle Sam around the same time. He was a little All American lineman, and played at East Missouri State. He thought that with his background he would probably play for some Division team...instead..he played for the 7th Cav, 25th Inf...and was KIL on 31Jan68 in Chu Chi. He was a terrific person and loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ
Posted by: Bill Hampton
Relationship: Cousin
Tuesday, March 26, 2002 |