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Summary April 1971

To be Written

April 2

CPT Jay "Vic" Allifi assumed command of Charlie Company from CPT Ray Connelly

April 13

While working out of FSB Sandra, 2nd Platoon set up an NDP.  It was customary for a two-man patrol to do a 360 degree check of the perimeter from 50 to 100 meters out, and to set up trip flares.  At approximately 6:30 PM, while coming back into the perimeter, the point man spotted two enemy soldiers.  During the ensuing fire fight, Rene August Zimmerle was mortally wounded.  (Source:  Gerhard McBride)

Click on Document to See Larger Version Courtesy Gerhard McBride

April 14

The following editorial appeared in the final edition of "The Cavalair," the 1^st Cav's newspaper.  It was written by SP5 Joe Stoup, the NCOIC of the paper.  The major part of the division was going back to Ft. Hood, Texas, leaving behind the "Garry Owen Brigade" (officially the 3^rd Brigade (Separate), 1^st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) based at Bien Hoa.  (Courtesy The City Desk - The 175th Radio Research Company, Bien Hoa, Vietnam 1971)

 

Stoup's scoop

Skytrooper reflects ...

 

The 1st Air Cavalry Division is going home. Going home after almost six years of combat duty in the Republic of Vietnam. The First Team, having served in combat longer than any other U.S. Division, can now look back with a great deal of satisfaction on its many accomplishments. Maj. Gen. George W. Putnam, Jr. commanding general of the 1st Cav, has pointed out that Skytroopers have served with unequalled gallantry, devotion and skill.

Let us reflect ... how many times have we reflected this past year ... Vietnam ... half-way around the world ... 365 days long ... Bien Hoa ... Mace ... Phuoc Vinh ... Snuffy ... Dragonshead ... Silver ... Buttons ... Cambodia ... the "bush" ... you've gone a long way baby!

Airmobility ... hooks ... hueys ... cobras ... LOHs ... you went a long way, brother, and you came back! People ... blood ... sweat ... tears ... love ... brotherhood ... sharing ... together ...we've gone a long way, brother, and we've made it!

Action ... we've seen a lot ... not towards an end of destruction, but rather in the pursuit of a goal of permitting the South Vietnamese to manage their own affairs and live in peace... ARVNs ... they've come a long way baby!

First ... you are, brother ... first full division in Vietnam ... first division to have served in all four military regions ... first division-sized unit to win the Presidential Unit Citation in Vietnam ... first airmobile division ... first into Cambodia!

A Year In the Nam... a long year yet a short year a 365 day race towards Deros... an extension with an ETS at the end... waiting for that mail...listening to those "war stories"... a year... will I ever make it?... a two didget midget ... monsoon... rice paddies... together with my buddies (when you can't be with the one you love, love the one you're with) a year how I've changed ...no more hassles... single-didget midget... thoughts of that Freedom Bird... it's almost over!

Vietnam... papa san... you bic... 300 P... tee tee... beaucoup ... the village... rice rice rice... your hooch maid ... a beautiful people! ... Vietnam... the U.S. Army... the 1st Air Cavalry Division ... we've seen a lot ... experienced a lot and learned even more! ... Vietnam ...
it don't mean nothin yet it has meant everything. it is an experience none will ever forget! The effort in Vietnam has been highly controversial and may not be seen in proper perspective for many decades, when the younger generation of today is the older generation. It has been an effort to preserve, not destroy, and has faced squarely on the reality of man in the international environment. Each in his own heart knows the depth of his contribution, the extent of his service. To those who have fallen, we owe an unpayable debt. Those who depart the Cav for home have much to remember.  Those who remain have much to defend.

But the one important thing is the fact that we've been through it together, in the cause of freedom, and we have made it.. We've made it, and because of us, others will also make it. Vietnam will make it.

There is much on which we can look with pride. Thank You, Skytroopers!

April - Exact Date Unknown

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