Shadow box

On September 21, 1967, Company B was still the Cu Chi Base reaction force, but provided one platoon for security of engineer operations. At 0730 hours, an APC from Company B detonated an anti-tank mine near Xom Thap (XT 543169). Four Bobcats were wounded and two killed in the explosion:

jay Lattin
jaylattin@hotmail.com
fan
9333 N Kayla Ct Hayden Idaho 83835 United States
FORGIVENESS
I was 13 years old when Billy died. I remember like it was yesterday when Billy had on the garb of a Lutheran pastor, because that is what he wanted to be. I idolized the man. He was strong, handsome, kind and always had a ready smile. He was the reason I joined the service and ended up in Nam. Original, I think I was out for revenge or at least some symbolic vengeance for the man I so wanted to be like. My time in the service was anything but respectful of the warriors that had been there. At seventeen I, like many others, weren't exactly sure what we were supposed to be doing. At the end of four years of trying to wreak havoc and giving an unseen enemy his just due, I walked away with only one thought in my mind. 'I'm so sorry Billy' This just seemed like the appropriate place to ask for forgiveness. It's been a long time, Billy, but the hurt of your loss and the guilt I feel live with me every day. I already know what you'd say to me but it maybe it'll help live with myself by asking. Sincerely yours, Jay
Sep 24, 2011

Edward Kocot
jkocot@sch-net.com
Squad Leader - Track commander
4615 Stewart Road Sterling MI 48659 U S A
I THINK OF YOU ALWAYS , ALMOST EVERY DAY
I had made Bill my driver , after he had been in the squad for a while. In those day's Track Commander taught their driver how to drive, so they usually got to know each other really well. Yes Bill, we talked alot about: place,things,home,girls,family,what we had done,what we wanted to do & everything. There is lot more say,but we will let that go for another time.But the one thing that still bothers me yet today, is the first time you drove with out me, look what happen! Your always in my thoughts,Bill.
Nov 11, 2009

Garnet Jenkins
garijen@bresnan.net
Grand Junction Co
~ Rest In Peace, Young Hero ~

In Remembrance of your Sacrifice, with a Multitude of Thanks for your Courage, Service and Dedication to our Country and for Freedom. Rest in Peace, SP4 William Elling Swensgard and know that you will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. I am the sister of such a young hero, who also made the Supreme Sacrifice in Vietnam in 1967..... 'FOR WE KNOW THAT IF OUR EARTHLY HOUSE, THIS TENT, IS DESTROYED, WE HAVE A BUILDING FROM GOD, A HOUSE NOT MADE WITH HANDS, ETERNAL IN THE HEAVENS.' ~2 Corinthians 5:1 ~
Oct 19, 2008

Jon Meredith
jonnykim@earthlink.net
friend
5165 Briarwood Lane
Florence, MT 59833 US
Billy was a hard-working, fun-loving young man. He served his country well and made the ultimate sacrifice. His death epitomizes for all of us who served during that time the frustration and emptiness left by Viet Nam.
Monday, November 10, 2003

Denis McDonough
Denis1146@aol.com
Fellow Bobcat 1/5 Mech

William, I just wanted you to know, you are not forgotten. You are loved and missed. My prayers to you and your family. If anyone knows this brave soldier who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Would you please contact Randy@Bobcat.WS so we can honor William by having his picture placed on his former unit the 1/5 Mech website memorial page and on the Wall.
Tuesday, September 28, 2004

ANONYMOUS AND GRATEFUL
SO YOUNG! SO BRAVE! HOW CAN IT BE THAT SOMEONE SO YOUNG CAN GIVE THEIR LIFE FOR FREEDOM AND SO FEW ACKNOWLEDGE HIS SACRIFICE. SOME OF US CARE. THANK YOU SEEMS SO INADEQUATE BUT IT'S ALL I HAVE.
Monday, May 08, 2006

ALWAYS REMEMBERED

Slip off that pack. Set it down by the crooked trail. Drop your steel pot alongside. Shed those magazine-ladened bandoliers away from your sweat-soaked shirt. Lay that silent weapon down and step out of the heat. Feel the soothing cool breeze right down to your soul....and rest forever in the shade of our love, brother.

God bless you and give you peace.

From your Nam-Band-of-Brothers

Swensgard, William Elling, SP 4