MY FRIENDS MEMORIALS THAT I HAVE WRITEN FOR THREE DIFFERENT NATIONAL SITES. "THE VIRTUAL WALL" MEMORIALS.
MY FRIEND'S MEMORIAL
MEMORIALS THAT I HAVE WRITTEN FOR THE
VIRTUAL WALL FOR ALL FRIENDS, AND MY OWN
COUSIN WHO WERE KILLED IN VIETNAM.
Robert Arnold MettertCorporalB CO, 1ST BN, 9TH MARINES, 3RD MARDIV United States Marine Corps 14 December 1946 - 07 May 1967 Vancouver, Washington Panel 19E Line 053 |
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The Mettert family and I were long-time friends, we grew up together. I first met the Mettert family in 1956 at MacArthur Elementary School in Vancouver, Wa. There were three brothers and one little sister, Mary Mettert. I went to school with the three brothers, Robert Arnold Mettert being the middle brother, first at MacArthur Elementary School (1956-58), then McLoughlin Junior High School (1961-64), and finally at Hudson's Bay High School (1964-67), all in Vancouver, Wa, where we lived and grew up together.
Robert Arnold Mettert was one of one of the finest young men a person would ever would have wanted to meet. Being well grounded in the Catholic church and coming from an all Marine Corps family, he had a firm foundation for "God and Country". Robert's dad, John Mettert Sr., served as a Marine infantryman for four years in the South Pacific during WWII, including on Guadalcanal. The oldest son, John Mettert Jr., served as a Marine infantryman in the Central Highlands of Vietnam for two tours and came back without a scratch.
CPL Robert A Mettert completed his first tour as a Marine infantryman in Vietnam and lived to come back and talk about it. Following in his family's footsteps he volunteered for a second tour, and was very tragically killed only seven days into his second tour. Younger brother Tom Mettert (my age) also served as a Marine, but was assigned to a radio battalion in DaNang, Vietnam.
Robert Arnold Mettert was an honest, hard working young man, whose loss has changed the face of Vancouver, Wa, forever. His loss was felt deeply by many people. Robert Arnold Mettert was a man of destiny. May he rest in Peace in the golden light of eternal Love from now and forever more!
Your good friend
Greg Payne
700 Veterans Drive, The Dalles, Or 97058
teetee199thlib@excite.com
A Note from The Virtual WallCorporal Mettert served with Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, during his first tour of duty and is remembered on the 1/4 Marines site |
| The point-of-contact for this memorial is a good friend, Gregory Payne 700 Veterans Drive, The Dalles, Or 97058 teetee199thlib@excite.com 23 Jun 2001 |
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Channing Prothro, former CAP Marine
Last updated 05/21/2004
Robert Lester VaughanLance CorporalM CO, 3RD BN, 1ST MARINES, 1ST MARDIV United States Marine Corps 14 March 1949 - 27 December 1967 Ridgefield, Washington Panel 32E Line 083 |
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The database page for Robert Lester Vaughan
I knew ROBERT LESTER VAUGHAN from McLoughlin Junior High School in 1962-63 at Vancouver, Wa. I had him in my home room class, P.E. class, Metal Shop class, Mechanical Drawing class, and General Math class. "Les" led sort of a sad life as an unwanted orphan for whom school was not easy. He was accused of sleeping under cars and staying over at different friend's houses, and was likewise labeled in school as the "Hood" or "Lugi". We had a math teacher, Mr. Lydon, who was especially cruel to Les. He'd hit him in the back of the head, compare him to the number "Zero", and term him a place holder. One day in Mechanical Drawing class he got caught throwing a "Pink Pearl Eraser" into a radio speaker. Or in Metal Shop he was caught making "Plastic Dice". He would spend a lot of time in P.E. climbing the big rope or playing on the trampoline all alone. There was another side to Les that these people didn't see. A noble side, a real defender in the time of need. He saved me one time from being jumped by a kid twice my size in height, weight and athletic ability. Les ran across the street and drove that kid off by just glaring at him. Les then asked me, "Tell me if he ever bothers you again." Now I have the opportunity to come to your defense, Les, that you, Lance Corporal ROBERT LESTER VAUGHAN, died a real man, a real "HERO" and not a "ZERO"! They'll never be able to fill your shoes for you laid down your life for your country, you died a UNITED STATES MARINE!!!!!!! So now rest in Peace, Les, and know that you did yor best for those people who were so cruel to you. Now rest in the golden light of eternal Love... Your friend Visit the 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines |
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 www.VirtualWall.org Back to |
| The point-of-contact for this memorial is his real good friend, Gregory Payne 700 Veterans Drive, The Dalles, Or 97058 teetee199thlib@excite.com 23 Jun 2001 |
With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Channing Prothro, former CAP Marine
Last updated 05/28/2004
Prentis Barney Boykin, JrPrivate First ClassD CO (ANTITANK), 16TH ARMOR, 173 ABN BDE Army of the United States 08 August 1947 - 04 March 1968 Vancouver, Washington Panel 42E Line 061 |
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The database page for Prentis Barney Boykin, Jr
I grew up with Prentis Barney Boykin, Jr. I first met Prentis at the try out field of the Columbia (Vancouver, WA) Little League in 1962. He was the catcher and I was the pitcher. He had played for the Yankees and was about to be picked for the majors for OK Rubber Tires. I was younger than Prentis, so I had to stay with the minors, going from pitching for the Dodgers to pitching for the Yankees. PRENTIS had another good friend, Dale Anderson, who also played catcher. I also attended McLoughlin Junior High School (1962-63) and Hudson's Bay High School (1964-65) with Prentis. The loss of Prentis Barney Boykin, Jr, was felt all over Vancouver, Washington. Now may he rest in Peace in the golden light of eternal Love, from now and forever more! Your good friend, Visit the |
| The point-of-contact for this memorial is his good friend, Gregory Payne 700 Veterans Drive, The Dalles, Or 97058 teetee199thlib@excite.com 23 Jun 2001 |
With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Channing Prothro, former CAP Marine
Last updated 05/21/2004
The database page for Robert Paul Degen
The database page for Dell Coleman Odegard
The database page for Daniel Loyd Poff
The database page for Daniel Guy Wessler
The database page for James Earl Bouyer
The database page for Richard Allen Thursby
The database page for William Arthur DeBates
The database page for David Edward Kenney
The database page for Claude Richard Van Andel
With all respect
The database page for William Ross Bond
The database page for David Wallace Baker
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Harley Hubert HallUnited States Navy 23 December 1937 - 29 February 1980 Vancouver, Washington Panel 01W Line 112 |
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The database page for Harley Hubert Hall
In Memory of Harvey Hall
You Are Not Forgotten
As a native Vancouverite and Vietnam Veteran who lived in your neighborhood not far from your house in west Vancouver, Washington 98663. I pay tribute to my home town POW/MIA, on the behalf of the The Vietnam Veterans of America for Vancouver, Washington, Chapter 512. We Salute You, Sir!
Gregory Payne
Oregon Veterans Home
700 Veterans Drive
The Dalles, OR 97058
teetee199thlib@excite.com
3rd SQUAD 1st PLATOON D COMPANY 4th BATTALION 12th INFANTRY 199th LIGHT INFANTRY BRIGADE APO 96279 MARCH - APRIL OF 1969 MY YEN, WAS WHERE MY SQUAD LEADER AND TWO OTHER OF MY SQUADMATES WERE KILLED RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME ON APRIL 1st 1969. (Please see my memorials on the NAVIGATION BAR at the top of this page) or easier yet just click on this Link MY FRIEND'S MEMORIALS 3rd SQUAD 1st PLATOON J. E. BOUYER R. A. THURSBY W. A. DEBATES KIA 4/1/69 KIA 4/1/69 KIA 4/1/69 
ROBERT A METTERT
Proud member of |
title
MY VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL THE WALL - USA
MEMORIALS THAT I HAVE WRITTEN FOR THE
VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL THE WALL USA
FOR FRIENDS THAT I GREW UP WITH AND
FOR ALL MY "REDCATCHER" FRIENDS WHO DID
NOT RETURN.
CPL - E4 - Marine Corps - Regular G CO, 2ND BN, 4TH MARINES, 3RD MARDIV
Length of service 2 years
Casualty was on May 7, 1967
In QUANG TRI, SOUTH VIETNAM
Hostile, died of wounds, GROUND CASUALTY
MISADVENTURE
Body was recovered
Panel 19E - Line 53 Age: 20 Race: Caucasian Sex: Male Date of Birth Dec 14, 1946 From: VANCOUVER, WA Religion: ROMAN CATHOLIC Marital Status: Single
teetee199lib@yahoo.com
Wednesday, June 1, 2005
teetee199lib@yahoo.com
Best friend's brother and friend,
700 Veterans Drive
The Dalles, Or 97058
IN MEMORIE OF ROBERT ARNOLD METTERT
In Memorie of Robert Arnold Mettert, the Mettert family to me was along term friendship that went back to 1956 at MacArthur Elementary School Vancouver, Wa. The Metterts' were an all Marine Corps family. Mr. Mettert (John Senior) served as a Marine on Guadelcannal in WWII, his oldest son John Jr. served as a Marine infantrymen for two tours in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. The second son, Robert Arnold Mettert ("BOB") served one touras a Marine in Vietnam, volentered to go back for a second tour like his brother, but was very tragically killed in his seventh day into his second tour. Youngest brother Tom Mettert also my friend likewise joined the Marine Corps. Bob Mettert was a deeply commited well focused person, a hard worker, and a firm believer in God and Country, because of his Marine Corps family he was very patriotic, that's probably why he laid down his life for his country Bob mettert was probably one of the finest people you'd ever want to meet. His death changed the face of Vancouver, Wa forever. A true man of destiny! Now may he rest from his labors in the golden light of eternal peace and love! your friend Greg Payne
Wednesday, June 06, 2001
teetee199lib@yahoo.com
A Long time friend from 1956
OREGON VETERANS HOME 700 Veterans Drive
The Dalles,, OR 97058 USA
IN MEMORY OF ROBERT ARNOLD METTERT
Sunday, May 30, 2004
teetee199lib@yahoo.com
Monday, May 31, 2004
teetee199lib@yahoo.com
Robert served with - B COMPANY 1st BATTALION 9th MARINES, 3rd MARINE DIVISION
Tuesday, June 01, 2004
LCPL - E3 - Marine Corps - Regular
Length of service 1 years
His tour began on Oct 17, 1967
Casualty was on Dec 27, 1967
In QUANG TRI, SOUTH VIETNAM
HOSTILE, GROUND CASUALTY
GUN, SMALL ARMS FIRE
Body was recovered
Panel 32E - Line 83 Age: 18 Race: Caucasian Sex: Male Date of Birth Mar 14, 1949 From: RIDGEFIELD, WA Religion: PROTESTANT Marital Status: Single
teetee199lib@yahoo.com
Wednesday, June 1, 2005
teetee199lib@yahoo.com
Went to the same Junior High School
700 Veterans Drive
The Dalles, Or 97058 USA
IN MEMORY OF ROBERT LESTER VAUGHN I first met "Less" Vaughn in McLoughlin Junior High School in Vancouver, Wa in 1963. He Was in my P.E. class, General Math class, Metal Shop, General Science, Home Room, He led some sort of a sad life, sort of the unwanted child. In school he was labeled "The Hood", or "Lugi". Teachers would pick on him our Math teacher was eapecially cruel, by hitting him in the back of the head, and comparing him to the number 0, a place holder! I'am afraid there was another side to "Less" that these cruel people didn't see. That was a type of nobility. One time I got attacked by a much larger and more atheletical kid, and it was "Less" Vaughn that ran across the street to my rescue, he drove that big kid off just by looking at him. "You let me know if he bothers you again!" replies "Less". The thing I remember "Less"the most for was in our Metal Shop Class he came bursting in with news that would change the world, "President Kennedy has just been shot!" shouted "Less." Everyone in that shop class dropped their hammers, and stood in awe as the final announcement came in over the intercom. Class dismissed, the President has just been shot!" "Everyone file out of the school in an orderly fashion and go to the Methodest Church across MacArthur Blvd for a short prayer and go home for the day. "Less" witch was actually short for Lester, later on was taken by the Brewester family in Ridgefield, Wa. "Less" was a good kid that would have given the shirt off his back for most anyone, yet they accused him of sleeping under cars? That always bothered me I knew better than that. "Less'" life may have not been the most ideal, but he sure died like the noble HERO that he really was, he died a real man, he died like the brave Marine I knew he always was. All to often people like "Less" go unrecognized. Only now things will change the people who did those cruel things will pay but "Less" will live on forever! and forever!in eternal peace and love. The love you didn't get while here on earth sall now be yours, "Less" Eternal love forever!1
Thursday, June 07, 2001
teetee199lib@yahoo.com
Monday, May 31, 2004
teetee199lib@yahoo.com
ROBERT served with the - 3rd BATTALION LANDING TEAM (BLT) 1st MARINES 1st MARINE DIVISION -
Tuesday, June 01, 2004
PFC - E3 - Army - Regular
173rd Airborne Brigade
Length of service 1 years
His tour began on May 5, 1967
Casualty was on Mar 4, 1968
In DARLAC, SOUTH VIETNAM
HOSTILE, GROUND CASUALTY
GUN, SMALL ARMS FIRE
Body was recovered
Panel 42E - Line 61 Age: 20 Race: Caucasian Sex: Male Date of Birth Aug 8, 1947 From: VANCOUVER, WA Religion: METHODIST Marital Status: Single
teetee199lib@yahoo.com
Grew up together
700 Veterans Drive
The Dalles, Or 97058 USA
IN MEMORY OF PRENTIS BARNEY BOYKIN JR I first met Prentis on the little league field try outs, I was the pitcher and he was the catcher at Columbia Little League in Vancouver, Wa, about in 1963. I played pitcher for the Dodgers the first year, and I pitched for the Yankees the second year. Prentis played for both the Yankees one year, and OK Rubber Tires. I also attended the same schools, McLoughlin Junior High School and Hudson's Bay High School both in Vancouver, Wa. Prentis was one of the finest people I've ever met, and his loss was felt through out all of Vancouver, Wa. May he now rest in the golden light of eternal peace and love. Your friend, Prentis, Greg Payne
Thursday, June 07, 2001
teetee199lib@yahoo.com
Monday, May 31, 2004
PFC - E3 - Army - Regular
173rd Airborne Brigade
Length of service 0 years
His tour began on Aug 13, 1967
Casualty was on Nov 20, 1967
In KONTUM, SOUTH VIETNAM
Hostile, died while missing, GROUND CASUALTY
GUN, SMALL ARMS FIRE
Body was recovered
Panel 30E - Line 40 Age: 19 Race: Caucasian Sex: Male Date of Birth Dec 13, 1947 From: VANCOUVER, WA Religion: ROMAN CATHOLIC Marital Status: Single ROBERT PAUL DEGEN
teetee199thlib@excite.com
Classmates, in school
700, Veterans Drive, The Dalles, Or., 97058, USA
IN MEMORY, OF ROBERT PAUL DEGEN
Robert Degen, was probably one, of the finest people, a person, could have wanted, to have met. His loss, will always be felt, in Vancouver, Wa.. Now may he, rest in peace, from now and evermore. Greg Payne
Friday, June 08, 2001
SGT - E5 - Army - Selective Service
1st Cav Division (AMBL)
Length of service 1 years
His tour began on Mar 25, 1968
Casualty was on Feb 23, 1969
In BINH DUONG, SOUTH VIETNAM
HOSTILE, GROUND CASUALTY
ARTILLERY, ROCKET, or MORTAR
Body was recovered
Panel 31W - Line 16 Age: 21 Race: Caucasian Sex: Male Date of Birth Sep 8, 1947 From: VANCOUVER, WA Religion: PROTESTANT Marital Status: Single
Friend
Monday, May 30, 2005
Monday, May 30, 2005
teetee199lib@yahoo.com
Classmates in school
700 Veterans Drive
The Dalles, Or 97058 USA
IN MEMORY OF DANIEL LOYD POFF Danny was a good person, his loss will always be felt in Vancouver,WA, may he rest in peace now for all eternity forever more. Amen Greg Payne
Friday, June 08, 2001
CPL - E4 - Army - Regular
101st Airborne Division
Length of service 1 years
His tour began on Jan 27, 1968
Casualty was on Jan 30, 1968
In PHUOC LONG, SOUTH VIETNAM
HOSTILE, GROUND CASUALTY
MISADVENTURE
Body was recovered
Panel 35E - Line 78 Age: 19 Race: Caucasian Sex: Male Date of Birth Jun 15, 1948 From: VANCOUVER, WA Religion: ROMAN CATHOLIC Marital Status: Single
teetee199lib@yahoo.com
Went to the same high school
700 Veterans Drive
The Dalles, Or 97058 USA
IN MEMORY OF DELL COLEMAN ODEGARD I first met "Coley" Odegard In my senior year at Hudson's Bay High School, CWP class, Vancouver, Wa. We used to joke about the CWP teacher he had was a Mr. Kurie, believed to have been or had pro -communist ideas. CWP stood for Contemporary World Problems Any way we used to make jokes about that CWP teacher, and say,"What film is it today Mr. Kurie, Mickey Mouse sees Red China?" Dell probably had one of best sense of humor, straight forward, honest and just alaround a very good person to be with in general his loss to Vancouver, Wa. Was great, and he will always be missed. May he now rest in Peace and Eternal love. your friend, Greg Payne
Thursday, June 07, 2001
teetee199lib@yahoo.com
Monday, May 31, 2004
PFC - E2 - Marine Corps - Regular
Length of service 0 years
His tour began on Jan 21, 1969
Casualty was on Mar 19, 1969
In QUANG TRI, SOUTH VIETNAM
HOSTILE, GROUND CASUALTY
OTHER EXPLOSIVE DEVICE
Body was recovered
Panel 29W - Line 86 Age: 19 Race: Caucasian Sex: Male Date of Birth Feb 25, 1950 From: VANCOUVER, WA Religion: PROTESTANT Marital Status: Single
teetee199lib@yahoo.com
Wednesday, June 1, 2005
teetee199lib@yahoo.com
Went to school together
700 Veterans Drive
The Dalles, Or 97058 USA
In Memory of DANIEL GUY WESSLER I grew up with Danny Wessler, I first met him at McLoughlin Junior High School, in Vancouver, Wa where I grew up, and grew up with Danny. At McLoughlin Jr. High we ran track together, Danny did Pole vaulting, and some relay races. I did shot put, Danny was a very fine young man, who worked and communicated well with people. Later on I attended Hudson's Bay High School in Vancouver, Wa together. I was one year older than Danny, but in my senior year at Hudson's Bay, he was on the Aquila Yearbook staff together he did the Sports section, where I did the art work and advertising. I graduated before Danny did I also went to Vietnam before he did, but it must not have been by much because I was in Vietnam during the same time frame and year 1969 as he was. To this day when ever I hear that old Irish song, "O' Danny Boy" I think of you Danny, and how their loved one so many centuries ago never came back from their war. Danny Wessler was one of the finest people that you'd ever wanted to meet. "O Danny Boy, I love you so ." your good friend, and commrade in arms Greg Payne
Thursday, June 07, 2001
teetee199lib@yahoo.com
Monday, May 31, 2004
United States Marine Corps
SGT - E5 - Marine Corps - Regular
Length of service 1 years
His tour began on Dec 29, 1968
Casualty was on Sep 18, 1970
In QUANG NAM, SOUTH VIETNAM
Hostile, died of wounds, GROUND CASUALTY
MULTIPLE FRAGMENTATION WOUNDS
Body was recovered
Panel 07W - Line 71 Age: 19 Race: Caucasian Sex: Male Date of Birth Mar 16, 1951 From: RIDGEFIELD, WA Religion: PROTESTANT Marital Status: Single
teetee199lib@yahoo.com
Wednesday, June 1, 2005
teetee199lib@yahoo.com
My cousin - (Family)
700 Veterans Drive
The Dalles, Or 97058
To my Cousin, DAVID WALLACE BAKER
To my cousin, David Wallace Baker, a fine person of strong character, was someone who did not back down from a fight, when he felt what was right in his heart. A defender of the weak, a person with a strong sense of duty to God and country, you answered the clarion call! For these reasons you joined the Marine Corps, the rough and tumble life fit you well. When sent to Vietnam you had done more than just your duty, you laid down your life for your Country. Now my dear cousin, David your struggles are over the fight is done. Even though I write this soliloquy, for once you were a combat soldier, though you may have been scared, you did not run! For you were once a combat soldier, for by God you were a Marine! With these things in mind that you have done your best, now o' David it's time for your eternal rest. As the golden rays of the setting sun light up eternity. Go David, take what you've earned and fought so long and hard to get, your love and peace of eternal life. The golden light of eternal love shall be with you now forever more! I LOVE YOU, DAVID your cousin, Greg Payne
Wednesday, June 06, 2001
United States Marine Corps
JAMES EARL BOUYER | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
PFC - E3 - Army - Selective Service
SSGT - E5 - Army - Selective Service SP4 - E4 - Army - Selective Service PFC - E3 - Army - Selective Service | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
title
MY VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL WALL FUND
MEMORIALS THAT I HAVE WRITTEN FOR THE
VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL FUND
FOR ALL MY FRIENDS THAT I GREW UP
WITH AND ALL MY "REDCATCHER" FRIENDS WHO
DID NOT RETURN.
ROBERT A METTERT
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JAMES E BOUYER JAMES EARL BOUYER 28W, 101
JAMES EARL BOUYER
is honored on Panel 28W, Row 101 of
the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
JAMES EARL BOUYER
Prattville, Alabama
Private First Class
(Service Number)67112358
D Co 4th BN 12th INF
199th Light Infantry Brigade
United States Army
11B10 Infantryman
11 January 1948 - 01 April 1969
My Yen, Gia Dinh Province South Vietnam
Panel 28W Line 101
PFC JAMES EARL BOUYER was one of the first people that I met when I joined D Company 4th Battalion 12th Infantry 199th Light Infantry Brigade in Vietnam. James was our Platoon RTO (Radio, Telephone, Opperator) so he humpped the PRC25 Infantry Radio. I remember following behind him walking up some narrow muddy winding jungle path. Also because I was the new guy he made me trade weapons. "Here I'am swapping you my M-79 Grenade Launcher for your M-16 Rifle." James replied. I'll be darned if I'll get caught in a firefight with some old single shot thing!" he replied. Well as time went by, we got caught in a Viet Cong mortar attack on our permiter that adjoined a canal. James just happened to be crossing that canal in a sanpan (bamboo boat)with my M-16 Rifle when an incoming Communist 82mm mortar round landed not far from Jame's sanpan, it detonated in the water and capsized the little boat. Leaving James unharmed,but having to swim for it. He made it to the shore alright but my M-16 Rifle went to the bottom of the canal.
A few days later the tide went out leaving that canal high and dry. My M-16 Rifle was laying right on the top of a big thick mud bank. The C.O. was not at all happy about the situation, and made James go back out there and fish that M-16 Rifle out of the mud. Well James started wading out there to go get it. he had barely reached out and grabbed the muzzle, when he started to sinking up to his waiste in mud and crying for Help! So we came to his rescue and pulled him out of the mud with a rope.
Shortly afterwards PFC JAMES EARL BOUYER was killed in a grenade accident that took him and Sgt. Richard Allen Thursby and William Arthur DeBates all from 3rd Squad (my Squad). James was a good hearted guy with a great sense of humor and his lose was felt through out our Company. May he now rest in peace in the golden light of Eternity from now and forevermore! Amen.
Your Comrade in arms,
SP/4 Gregory Payne
OREGON VETERANS HOME
700 Veterans Drive
The Dalles, OR 97058
teetee199thlib@excite.com Posted by: Gregory Payne
Email: teetee199thlib@excite.com
Relationship: We served together
Thursday, April 13, 2006
RICHARD A THURSBY RICHARD ALLEN THURSBY 28W, 106
RICHARD ALLEN THURSBY
is honored on Panel 28W, Row 106 of
the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
| Full Name: | RICHARD ALLEN THURSBY |
| Wall Name: | RICHARD A THURSBY |
| Date of Birth: | 4/6/1946 |
| Date of Casualty: | 4/1/1969 |
| Home of Record: | BISBEE |
| State: | AZ |
| Branch of Service: | ARMY |
| Rank: | SSGT |
| Casualty Country: | SOUTH VIETNAM |
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 | RICHARD ALLEN THURSBY Bisbee, Arizona 06 April 1948 - 01 April 1969 SGT E-5,(Promoted to SSG E-6 after death) Service Number 56911405 11B40 Infantryman (SGT E-5 Squad Leader/SSG E-6 Platoon Sergeant D Co 4th BN 12th Inf 199th Light Infantry Brigade United States Army Service Time 1-2 years Age 23 Body Recovered My Yen, Gia Dinh Province, South Vietnam None-Hostile, Died Of Other Causes Other Causes - Ground casuality Panel 28W Line 106 RICHARD ALLEN THURSBSY (SGT) was my squad leader in Vietnam, he lead, A - (Alpha) Fireteam, 3rd Squad, 1st Platoon, D Company 4th Battalion 12th Infantry 199th Light Infantry Brigade. In places like Binh Chanh, and My Yen of Gia Dinh province, Vietnam. RICHARD ALLEN THURSBY was a good Squad Leader, a very informable man. He taught us how you could see an incoming mortar round by hitting the ground on the first sound of the tubes going off, you then rolled over and looking up, and for a split second at the arching point of the round, you could see it just before it's descent back down. It would appear as a black dot in the sky, by then it could give you an idea of just where that mortar round was going to fall. He taught us how to walk in the mud that most people would never have drempt of seeing. "Don't get your legs straight together, 'cause it will form a vaccumn around them and you'll never get yourself out, it works almost like quick sand for then, the more you move the deeper your going to go." he'd reply. "Youv'e got to walk with your legs flexed at the knees, keeping your legs appart." he'd tell us. "Or the mud is gonna suck the boots right off your feet." he'd reply. He even showed us a special way of tying our boots to prevent this from happening. You had to wrap the boot lace twice around the top of the jungle boot, and tie what was left of the lace in a square knot to secure the boots from coming off in the mud. He was quick thinking in most cases in an emergecy type situation. One time he stepped flat footed on a trip wire to a booby trap on a rice paddie dyke. When he relized what he had done he froze and said. "Get off the trail, and get down! I'am on a trip wire, and I'am not going to stay here forever. I hope this can of M-60 machinegun ammo with the canvas strap will be heavy enough to hold it down or other wise I'am apt to go "BOOM!" he replied. His idea worked 'cause he lowered the can of 60 ammo off his shoulder by it's canvas strap and set it down on the exposed trip wire, and slowly lifted his foot straight up, and the weight of the can was just enough to hold the trip wire down. Until we could blow the booby trap in place by tying a ball of string on to the canvas strap of the can, unraveling the ball of string getting down behind the rice paddy dyke, and pulling the can off the dyke by the string and the booby trap went off. SGT. THURSBY also taught us how to walk into the wind of the Hewey Choppers without getting knocked down by the wind. He was a good Squad leader and a good man. This information is for the family and friends of SGT. RICHARD ALLEN THURSBY, I was an eye witness to RICHRARD'S death, PFC JAMES EARL BOUYER, and SP/4 WILLIAM ARTHUR DEBATES were the two other people that died, but not all together like the Army said they did. I found RICHARD'S watch the following morning on a clean up detail. His watch stopped at 8:45 P.M. 31 March 1969. SGT RICHARD ALLEN THURSBY, and PFC JAMES EARL BOUYER, died that night and SP/4 WILLIAM ARTHUR DEBATES died the following morning on the 1st of April 1969 around 10:00 A.M. They also were not in the bunker like the Army said they were all three of them were on the outside of the bunker. I've wanted to tell this now for years and have never had the chance to say it now I hope it's not to late. RICHARD ALLEN THURSBY was a good man and his loss will be felt deeply to all those who ever had the pleaure to know him. Now may he rest in Peace in the golden light of eternal Love. Your Commrade in Arms, SP/4 Gregory Payne D 4/12 199th L.I.B. e-mail address teetee199thlib@excite.com Gregory Payne Oregon Veterans Home 700 Veterans Drive The Dalles, OR 97058 teetee199thlib@excite.com |
Posted by: Gregory, Payne | |
WILLIAM A DEBATES
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WILLIAM ARTHUR DEBATES
is honored on Panel 28W, Row 102 of
the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Full Name: WILLIAM ARTHUR DEBATES Wall Name: WILLIAM A DEBATES Date of Birth: 9/1/1948 Date of Casualty: 4/1/1969 Home of Record: PEORIA State: IL Branch of Service: ARMY Rank: SP4 Casualty Country: SOUTH VIETNAM Casualty Province:
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MY WASHINGTON STATE MEMORIALS
FACES FROM THE WALL FOR WASHINGTON STATE, VANCOUVER, AND CLARK COUNTY (My contribution to providing both pictures and links as well as writing the Memorials on the State and Local Level by Gregory Payne)
FACES FROM THE WALL
VIETNAM WAR
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Picture supplied by his cousin, Gregory Payne
Sgt. David Baker Funeral services will be held at Willamette National Cemetery, Portland, for Sgt. David Baker, 19. Marine Corps sergeant who died in Vietnam. Arrangements are to be announced by Vancouver Funeral Chapel. Baker was born in Vancouver 16 Mar 1951, attended Pleasant Valley Grade school and Ridgefield High School. He joined the Marines when he was 17. In addition to his mother, Mrs. Anna Hartnett, David is survived by his father, Jess Baker, The Dalles Or; brothers, Dan, in the Navy; four sisters, Mary Ann Baker, Linda Daffron, Barbara Fink Hartnett, and Brenda Fink Hartnett, all of Vancouver; and grandparents, Gertrude Jones and Ernest Baker, both of Vancouver. (The Columbian, Vancouver WA, 21 Sep 1970)
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Picture supplied by his friend, Gregory Payne
Ridgefield Marine Dies in Vietnam A Ridgefield Marine, Lance Cpl. Robert "Les" Vaughan, 18, has become the 21st member of the armed forces with Clark County ties to die in the Vietnam war, it was learned today. Vaughan, the son of Mrs. Lela Brewster of 603 Main St., Ridgefield, was reported killed 27 Dec (1967) while on patrol at Quang Tri. Mrs. Brewster said she was notified of her son's death last Thursday, and that he was said to have died of gunshot wounds of the body. The young Marine attended Ridgefield High School before entering the Marines in October, 1966. He had been in Vietnam for three months at the time of his death, serving with M Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines. Mrs. Brewster said her son will be buried in Willamette National Cemetery when the body is returned from Vietnam. (The Columbian, Vancouver WA, 1 Jan 1968)
Cpl. Robert Vaughan Ridgefield WA (Special) Lance Cpl. Robert Les Vaughan, 18, Ridgefield WA, was killed 27 Dec (1967) at Quang Tri, South Vietnam. He is the son of Mrs. Lela Brewster, of Ridgefield. Cpl. Vaughan was born 14 Mar 1949, in Emmet ID and joined the Marine Corps in October, 1966. He went to Vietnam last October. In addition to his mother, survivors include two sisters, Mrs. Sharon Lucas, Vancouver, and Mrs. Sharlene McCoy, Clear Lake CA; and five brothers, Larry, Vancouver, and Tom Vaughan, Gary Brewster, Mike Brewster, and Chris Brewster, all of Ridgefield. Funeral arrangements are pending at Vancouver Funeral Home. Burial will be in Willamette National Cemetery, Portland. (The Oregonian, Portland OR, 4 Jan 1968)
Jan Smith and Evergreen-Washelli, Seattle WA;
Bruce Swander and Maryland Wall Memorial
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THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
Diane Morgan and the Camas Public Library, Gregory Payne
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Picture supplied by his friend, Gregory Payne
Army Pfc. Boykin is casualty The death of Army Pfc. Prentis B. Boykin Jr., 20, as the reseult of wounds received in action while serving in Vietnam was reported today. According to an Army spokesman, the soldier died in Vietnam 4 Mar (1968) as the result of wounds suffered during a firefight with enemy forces. He was a member of Company C, 16th Armored, 173rd Airborne Division. Boykin was the eighth member of the armed forces with Clark County ties to die in the Vietnam War this year, while only one death had been reported at this same point in 1967. His was the 29th death of a county resident or former resident since the war began nine more than during the Korean War. Boykin was graduated from Hudson's Bay High School in 1965 and entered the Army here 1 Nov (1966). He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Prentis B. Boykin Sr., 2913 E. Fourteenth Court. The Columbian, Vancouver WA, 8 Mar 1968)
FACES FROM THE WALL
VIETNAM WAR
CLARK WASHINGTON
PICTURES
for
Vancouver
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(MIA information extracted from PowNetWork.Org) CDR Harley Hall was the commanding officer of Fighter Squadron 143 onboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise. On 27 Jan 1973 he and his co-pilot Philip A. Kinzler were launched on an attack mission against North Vietnamese supplies vehicles. On his last pass his plane was hit by anti-aircraft fire. Hall attempted to fly his plane back towards the safety of the Ocean but the plane caught fire and he and his co-pilot were forced to eject extremely close to a Vietnamese Village. The co-pilot was wounded by ground fire and was captured. Harley Hall disappeared. Harley Hall, a career Air Force man, had been the leader of the Blue Angels. He was shot down on the "last day of the war" and was the last Navy air casualty of the Vietnam War. He was the last American to be classified Prisoner of War. Three of Harley Hall's front teeth were returned as evidence of his death. In 1993, his wife refused to acknowledge them as proof of his death. Lots more information about Harley Hall at Pownetwork.org
Picture and more biographical information at Virtual Wall
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In remembrance I, GREGORY PAYNE, WAS ONE OF THE STUDENTS SITTING WITH THOMAS ALLEN METTERT, MARINE CPL ROBERT ARNOLD METTERT's YOUNGER BROTHER WHO GAVE THAT FATEFULL TALK THAT DAY ON APRIL 27th, 1967 IN MRS. VIRGINIA RICHARDS "CWP" CLASS (CONTEMPORARY WORLD PROBLEMS CLASS)WHOSE HUSBAND INCODENTLY WAS A CIVILIAN WAR CORRESPONDANT AT THE TIME AND VERY COINCIDENTLY MET BOB METTERT OVER THERE AND ACTUALLY WITNESSED HIS DEATH, FIRST HAND BEFORE THE MARINE CORPS HAD A CHANCE TO NOTIFY THE FAMILY, BECAUSE THEY WERE BOTH FROM VANCOUVER, WASHINGTOPN AT THE TIME HE NOTIFIED HIS WIFE LONG DISTANCE FROM DANANG, VIETNAM AND TOLD HER OF THE EVENT!!!!! IT WAS HELL ON MRS. RICHARDS BECAUSE SHE HAD TOM METTERT IN HER CLASS AND SHE COULD NOT FACE HIM WITH THE TRUTH THAT SHE WAS SWORN TO SECRECY NOT TO TELL THE FAMILY, UNTILL THE MARINE CORPS HAD GONE THROUGH THE APPROPRIATE STEPS TO DO SO FIRST!!!!!!! TOM METTERT AND I GRADUATED FROM HUDSON"S BAY HIGH SCHOOL IN JUNE OF 1967!!!!! My being both long term friends with alot of these people go back as far as 1956 for me, as well as being FAMILY as well to one! Picture and remembrance supplied by his friend, Gregory Payne
Shell Fatal To Marine in Vietnam The war in Vietnam has again been brought close to home, as the death of Marine Cpl. Robert Arnold Mettert of Vancouver was confirmed Wednesday night by the Defense Department. The corporal, son of Mr. and Mrs. John E. Mettert, 1208 Brandt Rd., was killed last Sunday in the vicinity of Khe Sanh, to become the 11th member of the armed forces with Clark County ties to die in Vietnam. Mrs. Mettert said she was first notified of her son's death Tuesday, but official confirmation did not come until the following evening. He was said to have died of chest wounds suffered from an exploding 81mm mortar shell. The 20-year-old Leatherneck had just arrived back in Vietnam for his second tour of duty. Mrs. Mettert said he had served 13 months there, before coming home on leave last March. He volunteered to go back and left here 21 Apr (1967) arriving in Vietnam just seven days before he met death. Mettert was born 14 Dec 1946 at New Castle IN. He was a 1965 graduate of Hudson's Bay High School and a member of the St. Joseph's Catholic Church. He had been a Columbian paper boy for about five years from 1959 to 1963. In addition to his parents and his brother at home, the corporal is survived by another brother, Thomas, and sisters, Mary Ann and Joan, all at home. Mrs. Mettert said the funeral arrangements will be made by the Vancouver Funeral Chapel when the body arrives from overseas with the services to be held at St. Joseph's Church. She also noted that thought she appreciates the sentiment, she would prefer not to receive flowers at her home. (The Columbian, Vancouver WA, 11 May 1967)
Funeral Due For Marine Killed In 2nd Viet Tour.
Cpl. Robert Mettert of the U.S. Marines will be buried in Willamette National Cemetery with full honors Monday morning.
He could be taking it easy in a soft assignment Stateside, but he died instead, in battle near Khe Sanh, just below the DMZ in South Vietnam.
He was struck by an 81-mm mortar fragmant in the chest. "We did everything we could to save him." one of his buddies wrote," but it was no use."
That was Sunday, 7 May (1967). Ten days later Mettert's body came home in a sealed coffin, marked "body unviewable."
The rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m.,Sunday at the Vancouver WA Funeral Chapel.
Corporal aged 20.
Cpl. Mettert, son of Mr. and Mrs. John E. Mettert, 1208 Brandt Rd., Vancouver WA was 20. He had already served his 13 month tour in Vietnam. He would have automatically returned to a quiet stateside assignment for six months. But he volunteered to return to the thick of the fight near Khe Sanh. Why? To save some money he told his mother.
"He was determined to pay his own way through college," she recalls. But the truth came out when he talked to a class of seniors at Hudson's Bay High School, where he was a graduate with honors in June, 1965. "It may sound corny," he told his schoolmates last month, during his last home leave," But I happen to love my country. We had to fight for our freedom, when we were getting started. Now we are a rich and powerful nation and I feel we have an obligation to help others fight for their freedom."
Fear Admitted
"Aren't you Afraid?, the students asked.
"Sure Im afraid whenever I go into action," he said. "Everyone is but you get so busy you don't think about yourself. "You know you can get it any day," he told his teachers " I've said goodbye to everyone."
That was his last day at home, 21 Apr (1967). He was back in Vietnam by April 30. His mother got a letter dated 3 May (1967) telling about some hot fighting for Hill 831 near Khe Sanh, but assured his mother he was back in the safety and comparative comfort of Camp Carroll, the main Marine artillery plateau.
He was in command of a squad and had been recommended for promotion to sergeant. Four days later he was dead, just seven days after starting his second tour of duty in Vietnam.
His brother, John, now at home, also volunteered to serve two sucessive tours of duty 19 months as a Marine Corporal in Vietnam. John was released from active duty 4 April, 1967.
Mr. and Mrs. Mettert have a son, Thomas A., and two daughters, Mary Ann and Joan Renee at home. Cpl. Metterts survivors also include an aunt, Sister Antonetta, a nun at Dayton OH, and the grandmother, Mrs. Amanda Mettert of Newcastle IN.
Cpl. Mettert was a junior dealer for the Oregonian for five years before enlisting. (Oregonian, Portland OR, 20 May 1967)
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   Here are four photo's of Del Odegard from two of his old friends who will never forget him. Larry Melton and Jim Uphouse, Co. B 1/327 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne |  Soldier Killed by Shrapnel |
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Sgt. Dan Poff Viet casualty Among the victims of the new round of attacks that began during the weekend in Vietnam against allied military installations and population centers was Sgt. Daniel L. Poff of Vancouver, who died early Sunday, the Defense Department announced Monday. The 21-year-old soldier, son of Mr. and Mrs. Cecil B. Poff of 2801 N. W. 91st St., was killed at about 3:30 a.m., when enemy forces launched a mortar attack against the base camp, where he was serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company of the 1st Air Cavalry Division. Poff was the 44th member of the armed forces with Clark County ties to die in the Vietnam war. He had almost completed his tour of duty overseas, having been in Vietnam 11 months. During that time he had participated in the Awshaw Valley sweep and in several other dangerous missions. Though he was born in Minneapolis on 8 Sep 1947, Poff had lived most of his life here. He was graduated from Columbia River High School in 1965, and was a member of the track team there in his senior year. He attended Clark College for two years before entering the Army in October 1967. In addition to his parents, the sergeant is survived by brothers, Timothy and James, and a sister, Kim. Funeral services are pending at Vancouver Funeral Chapel. Details will be announced after the body is returned from overseas. (The Columbian, Vancouver WA, 25 Feb 1969)
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Picture supplied by Gregory Payne
Vancouver Marine is Viet victim The Vietnam war has claimed the life of another Clark County serviceman. Marine officials said today, Killed in action was Pfc. Daniel G. Wessler. Wessler, 19, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jim R. Wessler of 2300 E. 18th St., was killed 19 Mar (1969) in Quang Tri Province while on patrol. Marine officials said that Wessler, a life-long resident of Vancouver, sustained fatal injuries about the head and body when an enemy mine exploded. Wessler, a member of G Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, joined the Marine Corps last July and had been in Vietnam for about two months. The latest casualty brought to 46 the number of local servicemen killed in Vietnam - 26 more than the local men who were killed in the Korean War. Funeral services will be held at the Vancouver Funeral Chapel following return of the body from Vietnam. (The Columbian, Vancouver WA, 24 Mar 1969)
Virtual Wall
Gregory Payne
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