Final Mission of PFC James P. Vadbunker
Posted on 4/28/18 - by wkillian@smjuhsd.org
PFC James P. Vadbunker was an infantryman serving with B Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. PFC Vadbunker was assigned to 2nd Platoon, a mechanized unit which conducted patrols in M113 armored personnel carriers (APC’s). On March 15, 1967, 2nd Platoon was on a typical operation, patrolling near Nui Ba Den in Tay Ninh Province, RVN, from their base at Cu Chi. The patrols sometimes lasted 30-40 days at a time as the APC’s could carry sufficient amounts of supplies to sustain themselves in the field for weeks at a time. Vadbunker was driving when at approximately 4:00 PM his track was directed to move from a rice paddy up on to an adjacent road, Highway TL-4. They were only on the road for several seconds when an enemy rocket-propelled grenade was fired at the track. The projectile hit the left side near the driver’s compartment. Vadbunker suffered fatal injuries after being hit by metal fragments in the head and face, also suffering the loss of his right hand. Two other soldiers were injured in the attack. They were medivacked separately to military hospitals. The track reportedly was repaired later and put back into service. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and information provided by Tim Jakubowski (March 2018)]
Remembering "Cootie" on Memorial Day 2017
Posted on 5/29/17 - by Jerry Roach jroach44@gmail.com
Still have the GILMAN STAR newspaper with your picture and the story of your sacrifice for our country. You were like a little brother to me. I remember when you came by to see me when you came home from Boot Camp. I had already been to Vietnam and came home safely. You were so proud of your uniform and what you'd accomplished already and you were proud to go and serve your country. It's been 50 years, but I still miss you and tell others about my little brother, "Cootie". Hope to see you again someday.
Love ya, man! From big brother, Flyboy Jerry.
Love You
Posted on 5/27/14 - by 2nd Cousin
I think of you and remind others. Your parents are also with you now.
Remembering An American Hero
Posted on 3/23/14 - by Curt Carter ccarter02@earthlink.net
Dear PFC James Patrick Vadbunker, 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
A Note from The Virtual Wall
On 15 Mar 1967, B Company 1/5th Infantry was escorting a convoy along Highway 4 in the vicinity of the French Fort when a rocket-propelled grenade struck an APC. Five men were wounded; PFC Vadbunker died later in the day of his injuries.
Jim Vadbunker was my best friend as far back as I can remember. The memories of our misadventures still make me smile. He shall forever be nineteen and full of life. I think of him each time I hear the National Anthem play, as I can only honor him by remembering him. I carry his picture and look at it often.
Your Bud, Jeff
22 Feb 2005
Cootie, you will always be in our hearts.
You were so young and brave.
Jim's nickname in our hometown was "Cootie". It was almost like both names were one as everyone knew him as "CootieVadbunker". Cootie was a very well liked person. We gave his parents the tracing we got from the Wall when we went to D.C.
From his friends,
Bill and Pat
12 Feb 2005
boo j d b
gilman friend
tucson az 85748
happy 64th birthday today
cootie my brother say and i gave you that name one day while we were playing that dice game now every one knowes how you got that name we used to hunt together when we were kids i think of you often hopefully ill see you again
May 31, 2011
Denis McDonough
Denis1146@aol.com
Fellow Bobcat
James,you are missed and loved, by all who knew you. James was in B Co. 2nd PLT 1/5 Mech. 25th Inf Div.
Jul 25, 2009
Gary Helton
gary.helton@sbcglobal.net
First Cousin
3812 E. Casselle Avenue Orange CA 92869 USA
Thinking of You, Cousin Jimmy
Jimmy was my first cousin and was 5 years older than me. I was only 14 or so when he was killed. I just returned from a trip to Saigon and visited the War Remnants Museum and found myself looking for his beautiful face in every photo in the museum. It was heart-wrenching. I just learned about this online resource and I'm moved by the touching memorials given by his friends and especially those who served with him at the time of his death. I'd really like to get in touch with Tim Jakubowski as well as Denis, Garnet and John to learn more about his company which I'm assuming was called the Bobcats 1/5 Mech in the 25th Infantry. Trying to locate Tay Ninh where he was killed. God Bless all of you brave soldiers for your service to America and may Jimmy rest in peace knowing that so many people loved him. Jimmy's sister passed away a couple of years ago from liver cancer. His immediate family are all gone but he has nieces and a nephew who I stay in touch with periodically.
Jun 25, 2009
High School Classmate
Gilman IL
Class of '65
Jimmy is sadly missed after all these years. I just found out about this website and my heart broke all over again when I saw his picture. His picture was among all those we lost over the years at our 40th class reunion in 2005. God bless you.
Nov 11, 2008
John Helget
jhelget@gbta.net
My very dear FRIEND
406 east 14th st. Ellis Ks. 67637 USA
The Best of the Best
I met (Vad) the very first day he arrived at the Mech. We went out on a listening post that first night and from that time on we were very good friends. I miss him every day, he was brave, loyal, and understanding. I could write for days about what I thought of him. A true Friend till we meet again. Sincerely John
Oct 6, 2008
timothy jakubowski
tjake9819@aol.com
was with jim when he got hit.
19207 greenbay ave. lansing ill 60438 usa
WE CALLED HIM COMBAT
JIMMY YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN. AFTER ALL THESE YEARS I STILL GET CALLS AND E-MAILS ABOUT YOU. I STILL SEE ELLOIT AND JOHN, WE ALWAYS TALK ABOUT YOU. WE ALL HAD NICK NAMES AND WE CALLED YOU COMBAT. I KNOW YOUR PARENTS ARE WITH YOU. I KEPT MY PROMISE AND TALKED WITH THEM. REST IN PEACE. TIM JAKUBOWSKI
Oct 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!!!
Mar 15, 2008
Garnet Jenkins
Grand Junction Co.
~In Tribute to a Fallen Hero~
In Remembrance of Pfc James Patrick Vadbunker, with a Multitude of Thanks for his 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. who also made the Supreme Sacrifice in Vietnam in 1967...
"THE SOLDIER, ABOVE ALL OTHERS IS REQUIRED TO PERFORM THE HIGHEST ACT OF RELIGIOUS TEACHING ~ SACRIFICE." General Douglas MacArthur
Dec 19, 2007
I'm Anonymous
Just a note to thank YOU for YOUR sacrifice to a great nation.
Tuesday, April 16, 2002
Denis McDonough
Denis1146@aol.com
Fellow Bobcat 1/5 Mech
James,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 James 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.
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Who Shall We Send
And God said who shall we send. I answered I am here, send me."
Isaiah 6:8
Posted by: Dave Avery
Relationship: Other:
Saturday, March 15, 2003
34 YEARS AGO TODAY
HAS BEEN 34 YEARS AGO TODAY SINCE GOD TOOK YOU AWAY.
I FINALLY SAW YOUR MOM AND DAD. MY WIFE AND I WENT TO SEE THEM. IT WAS SEVERAL YEARS AGO, BUT I KEPT THAT PROMISE I MADE AND TOLD THEM WHAT HAD HAPPENED THAT DAY. I HAVE A FEW PROBLEMS WITH MY EYE BUT THE DOCTORS TOLD ME THAT COULD HAPPEN. I TALKED WITH BILL STUBER AFTER HE LEFT THE ARMY, HE GOT A DIVORCEE. IT HAS BEEN NEARLY 30 YEARS SINCE WE TALKED, HE WOULD CALL ME WHEN THINGS GOT BUSY IN HIS HEAD. I CALLED ELLIOT BARKIN LAST YEAR, THINGS ARE GOING GOOD WITH HIM. TALKED WITH JOHN HELGET HE IS DOING FINE TOO. SAY HELLO TO THE REST OF THE FELLOWS.
SLEEP IN PEACE
Posted by: TIM JAKUBOWSKI
Email: tjake9819@aol.com
Relationship: We served together
Thursday, March 15, 2001
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