Renegade Woods
Posted on 1/7/17 - by Bob Ahles, Vietnam Vet, St. Cloud, Minnesota
On 02 Apr 1970 a recon team from F Company, 75th Rangers, was sent into an area called the "Renegade Woods" to investigate reports of a large NVA/VC force. The Rangers found the enemy - all they could handle and more besides. Companies B and C, 2nd Bn, 27th Infantry, were inserted as the initial reaction force; A/2/27 joined in the late afternoon, and two additional companies from 2/22nd Infantry came in the next day. By the time the fighting ended several days later, over 100 NVA/VA troops from the 271st NVA/VC Regiment were dead, a large base camp was in American hands, and twelve American soldiers were dead:
• 2nd Bn, 27th Inf Rgt
o CPL Dwight H. Ball, Sardis, OH, A Company (KIA 04/03/1970)
o SGT John J. Lyons, Yonkers, NY, B Company
o SSG William T. Smith, Marshfield, WI, B Company
o SGT Mickey E. Griffith, San Gabriel, CA, C Company
o SSG Melvyn H. Kalili, Hauula, HI, C Company
o 1LT Ronald V. Kolb, Washington, DC, C Company
o SGT John E. Rarrick, Beaver Dams, NY, C Company (Dist Svc Cross)
o CPL Severiano Rios, Oak Creek, WI, C Company
• F Co, 75th Inf Rgt
o SFC Alvin W. Floyd, Augusta, GA, (Dist Svc Cross)
o SSG Michael F. Thomas, Louisville, KY
o SGT Donald W. Tinney, New York, NY (DoW 04/14/1970) (Silver Star)
• B Btry, 2nd Bn, 77th Arty Rgt
o 2LT Orville E. Kitchen, Dayton, OH
Rest in Peace and Honor
Posted on 1/7/17 - by Bob Ahles, Vietnam Vet, St. Cloud, Minnesota
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You were one of the brave that answered the call. You honored us by your service and sacrifice. We now honor you each time we stand and sing the words “THE LAND OF THE FREE AND THE HOME OF THE BRAVE”. Rest in Peace and Honor Donald.
To my nephew
Posted on 5/29/16 - by Aunt Sandy slcook2@comcast.net
Although you've been gone a long time now you are still remembered dearly. I will never forget the first time I saw you, such a sweet baby boy. We were so close in age you were more like a baby brother than a nephew....I was so proud of you. Gone but never forgotten.....RIP!
To my Nephew
Posted on 5/10/16 - by beckwilk@pacbell.net
Altho I didn't know him well, I was devastated by the loss of a family member way too young to die, but a very brave soul.
donald tinney
Posted on 4/14/14 - by brent johnson,,,,,,,,,,,173rd airborne brigade, 1967.
i had already left vietnam and was already out of the military when you gave the ultimate sacrifice.. i was with the 173rd. airborne brigade in 1967. i have never forgotten any fallen hero and never will. you are truly home now with the lord jesus christ. peace be to your family.
Remembering An American Hero
Posted on 4/11/14 - by Curt Carter ccarter02@earthlink.net
Dear SGT Donald Warren Tinney Jr, sir
As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.
May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.
With respect, Sir
Curt Carter
Notes from The Virtual Wall
At 0700 02 Apr 1970 F Company, 75th Infantry, was alerted to provide a Ranger team to investigate enemy activity in the Renegade Woods (XT3032). At 0800, a 13-man Ranger element, led by 1LT Philip J Norton, boarded two D/3-4 Cav UH-1H helicopters. The insertion was accomplished at 0835 hours. Following standard operating procedures for Ranger insertions there was no preparation of the landing zone.
The Rangers deployed from the helicopters and began moving west toward known enemy structures. At approximately 0840 hours a light machine gun (LMG) opened fire on the lead men at a range of ten to 15 meters. Although the LMG was destroyed with hand grenades, killing its crew, the team began taking fire from all directions. 1LT Norton decided they should withdrew to the east and attempt to maneuver around the enemy. Suppressive fires were requested from the supporting helicopters and a reaction force was requested.
The Rangers split into two elements, Team 39 under 1LT Norton moving eastward while Team 38 under SFC Floyd provided covering fire. The supporting helicopters - one AH-1G, one OH-6A, and the two insertion UH-1Hs - also were divided, with the two UH-1Hs (CENTAUR 23 AND 24) dispatched to Cu Chi to bring out a reaction force.
The situation on the ground deteriorated rapidly. Team 38 had set up in a large bomb crater which provided the only cover in the area, but a combination of small arms and RPG fire killed SFC Floyd and SGT Michael Thomas and wounded SP4 Donald Tinney. Team 39 also began receiving heavy fire from small arms and two or possibly three LMGs and withdrew to the crater. 1LT Norton had dragged SP4 Tinney to safety within the crater before requesting a reaction force, gunship support, and MEDEVAC for the three men struck by the RPG. The on-scene Cobra expended the rest of its rockets and minigun ammunition in laying suppressive fire and the OH-6A expended 600 M-60 rounds before jettisoning extra ammunition in preparation for a MEDEVAC attempt. The UH-1H helicopters reversed course and returned on station.
By about 0920 hours the team had expended most of their ammunition and were taking small arms fire from all directions. The AH-1G and OH-6A had expended their ammunition and were making dry gun runs in an attempt to suppress the enemy fire. At 0922 hours CENTAUR 23 landed ten to 15 feet from the lip of the crater, and 1LT Norton gave his men the order to board. The UH-1H crew maintained suppressive fires while the eleven surviving Rangers boarded, and after 30 seconds on the ground the overloaded UH-1H lifted off with maximum torque and severe vertical vibration. SFC Floyd and SGT Thomas could not be recovered. All the helicopters were running low on fuel and departed for Cu Chi, arriving there about 1000 hours. CENTAUR 23 stopped enroute near Trang Bang to administer initial first aid to SP4 Tinney and to redistribute the passengers, some of whom were literally hanging on, before landing at the 12th Evacuation Hospital.
The Ranger mission had been an expensive success - the presence of a large body of VC/NVA and base camp facilities had been confirmed. Over the next five days, Companies A, B, and C, 2/27th Inf, and Companies A and B, 2/22nd Inf, conducted operations against a well-equipped, trained, and entrenched enemy, ultimately forcing them from the area while destroying the base camp facilities, capturing large quantities of supplies and weapons, and killing at least 101 VC/NVA soldiers. The enemy forces involved were the 2nd and 3rd Battalions, 271st VC/NVA Regiment.
Eleven U.S. troops were killed in the action and 35 wounded (18 treated and released to duty). The difficulty of the fighting was reflected in the awards granted to the men involved:
4 Distinguished Service Cross recommendations;
22 Silver Stars;
6 Distinguished Flying Crosses;
84 Bronze Stars; and
51 Army Commendation Medals.
Of the seriously wounded soldiers, one died of wounds received - Sergeant Donald W. Tinney.
The twelve men who died as a result of the Renegade Woods operations were:
2nd Bn, 27th Inf Rgt
CPL Dwight H. Ball, Sardis, OH, A Company (KIA 04/03/1970)
SGT John J. Lyons, Yonkers, NY, B Company
SSG William T. Smith, Marshfield, WI, B Company
SGT Mickey E. Griffith, San Gabriel, CA, C Company
SSG Melvyn H. Kalili, Hauula, HI, C Company
1LT Ronald V. Kolb, Washington, DC, C Company
SGT John E. Rarrick, Beaver Dams, NY, C Company (Dist Svc Cross)
CPL Severiano Rios, Oak Creek, WI, C Company
F Co, 75th Inf Rgt
SFC Alvin W. Floyd, Augusta, GA, (Dist Svc Cross)
SSG Michael F. Thomas, Louisville, KY
SGT Donald W. Tinney, New York, NY (DoW 04/14/1970)
B Btry, 2nd Bn, 77th Arty Rgt
2LT Orville E. Kitchen, Dayton, OH
15 Feb 2005
I was born on April 14, 1970. In reading "Phantom Warriors", the story of Sgt. Tinney's death while serving our great country really touched me. I wear a black bracelet every day that bears his name, rank, unit and where he was killed. I would like to get in touch with his family to tell them that they are not the only ones who will remember him. If anyone knows his family please forward this to them. THANK YOU.
17 Aug 2002
REMEMBERED
by his comrades in arms from
VVA Chapter 421
Jackie Taylor
I Will Remember You
http://www.geocities.com/vietnamwa
You were one of the brave that answered the call. You honored us by your service and sacrifice. We now honor You each time we stand and sing the words, THE LAND OF THE FREE AND THE HOME OF THE BRAVE. Thank you for your bravery, courage and dedication to our Country and freedom. Rest In Peace and Honor.
Apr 13, 2009
Ed Scott
edscottaz@aol.com
Classmate
949 E Josephine Saddle Place Green Valley az 85614 USA
Dear Don, Today is Veteran’s Day 2008. I wanted to remember you and all the others who have ever worn a uniform for this country. Anyone who knew you would know that you were a born Hero. You are an inspiration to all of us. You were a brave and courageous young man. You are missed. I suggest that everyone who comes upon this tribute, go read the book that memorializes Don and the horrendous fight that claimed his life and those of his brothers-in-arms. The title of the book is “Phantom Warriors.” Don and his fellow Hero’s fought bravely the day of 02 April 1970. The difficulty of the fighting was reflected in the awards granted to the men involved: • 4 Distinguished Service Cross recommendations • 22 Silver Stars • 6 Distinguished Flying Crosses • 84 Bronze Stars and • 51 Army Commendation Medals. Don served with honor in a distinguish unit of the US Army, just as he had on the football field for Monsignor Farrell. Don was an Army Ranger. God Bless you Don.
Nov 11, 2008
Garnet Jenkins
garijen@bresnan.net
Grand Junction Co
~ Your Service And Sacrifice Are Forever Remembered ~
In Humble Tribute and with a Multitude of Thanks, for this Young Soldier's Courage, Service and Dedication to our Country and for Freedom. Rest in Peace, Sgt Donald Warren Tinney and know that you will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. I am the sister of such a young Hero, who made the Supreme Sacrifice in Vietnam 1967.....REST YOUR HEAD NOW, WEARY SOLDIER. CAST YOUR WEAPONS TO THE GROUND. CLOSE YOUR EYES AND FEEL THE PEACE, THE LIGHT OF JESUS FOLD AROUND. HEED NOT OUR EARTHLY BATTLE CRIES, THERE IS NO POST FOR YOU TO STAND, SO REST NOW AS HE CARRIES YOU WITHIN HIS LOVING HAND. DO NOT LOOK BACK UPON US, DISREGARD OUR SELFISH TEARS, WALK IN THE SUNLIGHT OF THE SPIRIT, FREE OF WAR OR PAIN AND FEAR. YOUR DUTY HERE IS DONE NOW, AS OURS WILL SOMEDAY BE, SO GO HIM NOW TO PLACES ONLY HEROES SEE. ~Author Unknown~
Oct 2, 2008
Walter Stolzenthaler
kingshoopz55aaol.com
high school classmate
80 mallard road middletown nj 07748 usa
thank you Don
Don was one of our greatest football players at Monsignor Farrell High School in Staten Island,,New York. Don graduated in 1967. He was a tremendous two-way player on probably the greatest high school football team in Staten Island history. I teach Eighth grade Social Studies in Tinton falls, New Jersey. I often tell my students about Don and the ultimate sacrifice he made for our freedom. I am so proud to have known him.
May 6, 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!!!
Apr 14, 2007
Joe Finazzo
nogiveup9237@hotmail.com
On the day you gave your life for our freedom, I was given life. I will never forget your sacrifice. You will always be my hero!
Dec 26, 2006
John Smith
Sgt. Tinney was a Ranger who served on a Long Range Recon patrol team. He and other team members were KIA on a mission behind enemy lines in a fight against NVA forces who outnumbered them greatly. He is a real hero, one of America's best and bravest, you are not forgotten!
Monday, June 05, 2006
R. Masters
Honoring you on your birthday. Thank you, Hero. You are not forgotten.
Monday, May 20, 2002
Plaque Dedication
VVA Chapter 421 will dedicate a Memorial Plaque at Msgr. Farrell High School on April 30,2011
Posted by: Sully
Email: gsully125@msn.com
Relationship: Honor Guard
Friday, March 25, 2011
My big brother
Donnie was my big, tall, athletic brother. Football star, tough--thought he was invincible. I am so very grateful to all who have posted here, and to all who keep his memory. I miss him every day. Thank you. Catherine Tinney Rome
Posted by: Catherine Tinney Rome
Email: Redcait@aol.com
Relationship: He is my brother
Friday, March 18, 2011
VVA CHAPTER 421 REMEMBERS
VVA CHAPTER 421 WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU
An American Soldier....with a proud Irish name!
You can bet that I stand ready when the wolf growls at the door,
Hey, I'm solid, I'm steady, I'm true down to the core,
And I will always do my duty, no matter what the price,
I've counted up the cost, I know the sacrifice,
And I don't want to die for you,
But if dying's asked of me,
I'll bear that cross with honor,
'Cause freedom don't come free.
I'm an American Soldier, an American,
Beside my Brothers and my Sisters I will proudly take a stand.
When liberty's in jeopardy I'll always do what's right.
I'm out here on the front lines, sleep in peace tonight.
I'm an American Soldier.
Job well done, Soldier.
Rest in Peace, dear Hero.
(borrowed from a Toby Keith song)
Posted by: Mary Kuberek Beerman
Email: mary.beerman@gmail.com
Relationship: Grateful American
Monday, April 12, 2010
My Friend
We went to high school together. Some people thought that we were too different to be friends, but friends we were. He was a great guy and friend. We talked a great deal in our senior year and laughed a lot. We were supposed to go to college together, but when I got there, I said where's Donnie, they said he joined up. I was so worried for him. I miss his goofy smile and great heart. You are always in my heart, my dear brother Don
Posted by: Bill Seebeck
Email: wseebeck@sbcglobal.net
Relationship: We were high school classmates
Saturday, August 19, 2006
We Remember
Donald is buried at Long Island Nat Cem
Finally...
For years I have been searching for some type of link to my brother, "Donnie." I would like to express deepest gratitude to those who created and maintain this website. Please know that there are those among us working hard to ensure that all veterans are not forgotten. Thank you.
Posted by: Lauren Krzewinski (Nee Tinney)
Relationship: He is my brother
Sunday, July 6, 2003
VVA Chapter 421 Honors You - June 9, 2002
REMEMBER
Posted by: L.E. Modelowitz
Monday, July 1, 2002
OUR FRIEND
VVA CHAPTER 421,ONE OF OUR OWN,MISS YOU BROTHER
Posted by: VVA CHAPTER 421
Saturday, May 18, 2002
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