Any reunion
notices for units from the II Corp Area of Operations may post here ... Just
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2009 - 4th Infantry Division Reunion
A/1/8 held their reunion along with the national 4th Infantry Division reunion,
JUL 20-26 2009 in St. Louis, MO. The reunion was spectacular!!! Several
hundred attended, with over 150 veterans present. We saw the preview of the documentary on A/1/8,
Honor in the Valley of Tears, the story of 1st SGT David McNerney, Medal
of Honor recipient for his heroic actions during the battle of the
Battle of Polei Doc, March 22, 1967 in which Alpha Company was nearly overrun.
It chronicles the original Alpha Company soldiers Top trained at Ft. Lewis,
their journey by boat to Vietnam, and their tour of duty. Survivors recount their memories
of the battles they fought and those brave souls who fought
beside them.
Inside Tivoli Theater just before airing of documentary.
Eric Dow producer and director, and John
Ponsoll editor, have done an incredible job. At the conclusion of the screening, there
was stunned silence in the theater. Only the soft sobbing of those present
disturbed the silence for several minutes, then Eric Dow and John Ponsoll got a
standing ovation that lasted for quite a while. Both were very emotional
over the response. It is quite a story. My hats off to them.
They really packed a lot of information and soul into such a compressed time
frame. They are working now, to get it distributed nationwide.
I will keep you posted.
This is the Movie Poster
L-R:
Ken Brosseau, Robert Granger, Homer Steedly -
B/1/8.
Waiting for bus outside theater after movie.
I had to privilege of meeting with Top McNerney again and
was quite impressed with his stamina. He kept up with us and was his usual
incredibly personable self.
Photo Courtesy Elaine Bargatze
Between us in background is Landis Bargatze, A/1/8 and over Top's shoulder is
Gerald Blankenship, neighbor and friend.
The guest speaker at the banquet was 4th Infantry Division Commander Major
General David G. Perkins. He was both informative and inspirational.
I got goose bumps. These guys are still the Fighting Fourth. The
determination and courage of these men shown through the eyes of General
Perkins. It nearly made me want to run out and enlist all over again.
It was good to see that fire in his eyes. The spark still burns brightly
in our troops. They are indeed our brothers in arms and are carrying on
our proud tradition of service to the country. God bless them all.
Formal Banquet and Business Meeting
This is a photo of my wife Tibby and I at the banquet, photo by Elaine Bargatze.
The book by A/1/8 Medic John Bockover, Memoirs of the Men of
Companies A and B 1/8th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division,
Vietnam - 1966-1970, was distributed to the members of the unit, who
attended. You simply must read this account of the original
A/1/8 unit, which traveled by boat from Seattle Washington to Vietnam and their
first year in country. The story of the Battle of Polei Doc,
during which 1st SGT McNerney's actions earned him the Medal of Honor, is told
by many of the participants, so that by the time you read about the battle for the
third or fourth time, the men wounded and killed seem like your own best
friends. It really touches you deep down in your soul. The battle
called the "Nine Days In May" is also recounted by it's survivors. The story of Alpha coming to the aid of the "Lost Platoon" of B/1/8, which I
never knew before reading this book, is chilling. I never knew why B Company
only had three platoons, when I arrived in country. No one ever talked
about the loss of the 4th Platoon. Now I know! Those of us who were
there, as well as those who were not, will find it a spell binding account of
true valor and heroism. Don't miss it. Contact me or Landis Bargatze to
get information about ordering a copy.
Our next 4th Infantry Reunion will be in Virginia...do come.
It's like old times. Check the 4th Infantry Divisions website for details ...
http://www.4thinfantry.org/
2007 ... C/1/8
Andy Day, Bob (Arkie) Robbins, Ken Oostenink, and myself along with we hope
many others will meeting in Branson, MO the week of 5-11 November 2007, during their
Veteran's Homecoming Celebration, one of the largest in the nation. All
1/8th, 4th Infantry Vets are invited to join us.
I would love to reminisce with anyone who stomped the Dak To - An Khe - Quin
Nhon AO. I will be in town all day Tuesday 6 NOV. I'll
have free copies of the website on CD for anyone who wants one. Hope to see you
in the day room ...
Had a great time in Branson...you should come by next year. Great vacation
site, even is you don't attend a reunion. This is a group photo of the members
of C/1/8 who met this year. Will update this section as soon as next years plans
are set.
Photo courtesy of Robert Robbin's wife Brinda.
HomePage
Homer R.
Steedly Jr. (Email:
)
More stories coming soon...Check back often.
Copyrighted ...
07/21/2010.
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