Memorial Day

[usmc2427765]

This time each year we honor our nations fallen. This is not veterans day, this is about the dead, not the living. My service in RVN ended in 08/70 after 21 month of service and some of the bad times have faded, but not all. I lost a close friend in 12/69 when the jeep he was Riding in was ambushed and he fell out and his body was not recovered until the next day. His name was HM3 David Schoenwald and he was trying to get to DaNang to catch an R&R flight to Hawaii to meet his wife. I have been privileged to make contact with his son Brian.

This day is also about Gold Star Mothers, who belong to an elite group of women that nobody wants to join. The Gold Star Mothers that I knew have passed and I can not imagine the suffering they endured in this life.

If you lost a love one in combat or have a connection to a Gold Star Mother, I encourage you to reply to this thread with as much information as you are comfortable sharing..

Thank you and God Bless America !!

 

[crazyphil]

I had many relatives and friends who served their country and some of
them killed in action. I think about all of them often, and will be thinking
of them on Memorial Day.

One of my cousins had a particularly strong influence on my life. It was
because of him that I enlisted in the Air Force as soon as I turned 17.

Here is his story: Elmer G. Hahn was commander of B-29 15BA
"Werewolf" 20th Air Force, 73rd Bomb Wing, 497th Bomb Group,
870th Bomb Squadron'

With a crew of 11 "Werewolf" flew from it's base on Saipan on January
27, 1945. It's target was the Nakajima aircraft factory on the outskirts
of Tokyo. The weather was poor, flak was intense, and "Werewolf" was
attacked by Japanese fighters.

An explosion broke the bomber in two. Apparently 4 were killed in the
explosion as 7 parachutes were observed by other B-29 crews. Three
of those who bailed out had parachute malfunctions and apparently died.
Four made it to the ground, were captured and taken to the concentration
camp at Shibuya.

Sgt. Myhra died of burn wounds, probably from the explosion, on February
10, 1945. On May 26, 1945 the prison at Shibuya was hit by a B-29
fire bomb attack. The remaining three, the pilot, Elmer Hahn, the co-
pilot, and the engineer were probably all killed at that time.

Captain Hahn had flown B-24s in North Africa before being sent to the
Pacific theatre.

 

[S&WsRsweet]

I thank all of our fallen heroes and their families for my freedom and am proud to say I always stand with my hand over my heart for our anthem.I was brought to tears last year on Memorial days when I saw a group of young people putting flags on the graves of military veterans at a local cemetery .Come to find out they had a car wash a few weekends to raise the money for the flags.I watched them for an hour I guess as it was so touching every time they placed a flag they took a moment to say thank you for our freedom .

 

[Rudi]

It's not about Bar B Qs and beer. We owe many debts to the heroes. RIP all! Remember their sacrifices.

 

[vytoland]

Bring them all home NOW and forever.....

 

[cpt-t]

They are all still young, and will always be so. RIP my dear friends. I treasured your friendships. Keep the beer cold, campfire going, and the stories being told. For it won't be long now.
ken

 

[steveno]

Hymn to the Fallen

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Omd9_FJnerY[/ame]


a favorite of mine

 

[hoosierone]

Excellent and a cause for reflection in our troubled times. Thank you for posting.

 

[BLACKHAWKNJ]

The real meaning of Memorial Day was captured by Charles Johnson Post, author of "The Little war of Private Post" about his experiences in the 71st New York in the Cuban Campaign of 1898. A rather minor affair compared to the Civil War and the bloodlettings of the 20th Century, but as Post reminds us:
"Whether a man falls with 20,000 others in some grand battle, or all by himself on a lonely outpost, he is a 100% casualty to himself. What more is there to give ?"

 

[ldausmc1369]

Semper Fi! Monday is a day of remembrance and Thanksgiving for all who sacrificed their tomorrows for all our days of freedom.

 

[handejector]

I did a quick scan of The Lounge and did not see this thread, so I was composing one with the same title.When I was done, this thread had been bumped up and I saw it, so I'll join it.-----


Freedom is not free.
Always remember those Patriots who sacrificed life and limb to keep us free and safe.

The patriot's blood is the seed of Freedom's tree.
~Thomas Campbell

The patriot volunteer, fighting for country and his rights, makes the most reliable soldier on earth.
~Thomas J. Jackson

Thank God for those who answered the calls of history, willing to make any sacrifice required of them to protect liberty and freedom. Freedom does not survive because of any inherent goodness in the nature of humankind. It survives under armed guards.

Never Forget!
God Bless the U.S.A.!

 

[onebadvet]

Day to remember our fallen heroes.

 

[tlawler]

Most civilians do not realize the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

And it really irks me!

The safety director of my company is a millennial kid who put this email out on Friday company wide:

“Happy Memorial Day!

This holiday holds a special significance to many of us as we remember those who have proudly served our country. As we celebrate their lives and their sacrifices for us, traditions of being with family and friends requires many of us to travel so we can be together.”

He then segued into how many people die in automobile accidents and BBQ grill incidents every Memorial Day and to be safe out there...blah blah blah.

I “All Replied” that it is not meant to be a “happy” occasion, but rather a somber one when we remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to keep our country free. I pointed out the difference between the two holidays and how many people were not even aware of the difference. Of course I got a snarky email in return saying he knew the difference and according to him, his wording in the email conveyed that. I thought it was ambiguous and only wanted to point that out to him.

I got a WHOLE bunch of emails from my coworkers thanking me for making that point, many of whom I’ve never met due to the geographic area we cover, all Veterans.

Now on to why that difference is so significant to me:

My brother, Spec. 5 Daniel Howard Lawler, 5th Special Forces RVN died a few days before Memorial Day, 1967. He was returning from patrol with his platoon near Cau Song Be when they were ambushed. They were low on ammo already and he ran from his position of cover to gather arms and ammunition from dead enemy so they could continue the fight. He was wounded by a grenade, but continued to fight with his platoon until the enemy was driven back. He was Medevaced to a hospital where they stabilized him. He lived for several days, finally succumbing to his injuries on 20May1967. He was flown home and his funeral was on Memorial Day, 29May1967. He was 23 years old.

I also had a half brother, whom I never had a chance to meet, who died on 02Jan1986 when his fighter crashed into the ocean off the coast of Iceland near Keflavik. Captain Steve Jessor Nelson, USAF was an F-15 Eagle pilot with the 57th interceptor squadron based out of Keflavik on routine patrol when his plane went down without warning. A search turned up some debris from the crash, but Steve’s body was never found. He was 31 years old.

 

[bigwheelzip]

A friend's touching letter to the editor of his hometown newspaper about the "real reason for Memorial Day" got published today.

 

[vigil617]

This is a fine piece to read on Memorial Day, written recently by a Marine lieutenant who led troops in Falluja in 2004.

Opinion | A Battle in Falluja, Revisited - The New York Times

Honor the memories of those who died while wearing the uniform, and remember that "there but for the grace of God, go I."

 

[jdlii]

Least we forget.

 

[PALADIN85020]

I post this in honor of one of my best high school buddies, 1st LT Ed Cribb. During his first tour as an Army Mohawk observation plane aviator in Nam, he ejected when his plane was disabled by ground fire. Badly beaten up, he wound up on a sand spit in the middle of a river. He was armed only with his issue revolver and his survival knife. It took several days to find him; he was covered by leeches and emaciated.

He volunteered for a second tour. Once again, his aircraft was hit by ground fire, but this time he was too low for his chute to open. When he hit the ground, his back was broken in five places, and he died an agonizing death. That was in 1963. He left a wife and two children, the second of which he never saw. That boy was his spitting image; his widow showed me a picture.

Ed is my personal hero; he willingly volunteered his life for our country. His remains are buried in the Fort Benning cemetery, and he was posthumously promoted to Captain. May God always rest his soul.

John

 

[SupportTheSecond]

Uncle was killed in a B-17. This was information I just recently was sent:

Louis B. Briglia was the first combat fatality of the 91st Bomb Group from the 323rd dailies November 9, 1942:

A shell exploded in bombardiers compartment of Lt. McCarty's ship (41-24547 "Vertigo"), fatally wounding Lt. Louis B. Briglia, Bombardier, who expired during the night, after ships had returned to their Base.

Find A Grave - Millions of Cemetery Records



Note on the final disposition of Vertigo, (aircraft # 41-24547) it was attacked by numerous German fighters on May 1st, 1943 and set ablaze.

Ultimately the plane was forced to ditch 4 miles off of the coast of Brest where it sank. The Missing Air Crew Report is MACR 3573 if you wanted further information on the ship.

The irony of this was a week after his death crew members were issued flak jackets.

 

[bushmaster1313]

The soldiers remembered on Memorial Day carry the silver platter upon which we are delivered our freedom

 

[Maddog 521]

My cousin Larry Techmeir wil not be forgotten-----
ORIGINS and HISTORY
Larry Lester Techmeir was born on June 24, 1947. According to our records Wisconsin was his home or enlistment state. Furthermore, we have Stanley listed as the city and Chippewa County included within the archival record.
SERVICE DETAILS
He was drafted into the Army. Entered via Selective Service. Served during the Vietnam War. He began his tour on August 4, 1968. He had the rank of Sergeant. Occupation or specialty was Light Weapons Infantry. Service number was 398468060. Served with 11th Light Infantry Brigade, 3rd Battalion, 1st Infantry, A Company.
CASUALTY CIRCUMSTANCES
Techmeir experienced a traumatic event which resulted in loss of life on July 14, 1969. Recorded circumstances attributed to: "Died through hostile action, multiple fragmentation wounds". Incident location: South Vietnam, Quang Ngai province.
REMEMBERED and MEMORIALS
Larry is honored on the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial in Washington DC. Name inscribed at VVM Wall, Panel 21w, Line 121.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Was there the night you were killed. You led the way outside the wire instead of sending someone else. That was the leader you were. It happened so fast a shot rang out and you were laying there. We thought you would be alright so we could not believe it when word came from command you had died during the night. You were the third Platoon Sergeant I lost during a three week period. First Kelly then McCoy and then you, three great leaders and men. Each Memorial Day and Veterans day I think of the three of you and the memories of Viet Nam. - Bill Mead
AWARDS and COMMENDATIONS
Listed below are some of the awards, medals and commendations that Larry Lester Techmeir either received or may have been qualified for.
★ Purple Heart
★ Combat Infantryman Badge
★ National Defense Service Medal
★ Vietnam Campaign Medal
★ Vietnam Service Medal
★ Distinguished Unit Citation
★ Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation
★ Good Conduct Medal
★ Please note that this might not be a complete or a completely accurate accounting. For some awards we use probabilities based on known service details.
Citations and References
vvmf.org/ Wall-of-Faces/ 51330/ LARRY-L-TECHMEIR
Related Categories:
Vietnam War
Wisconsin
Chippewa County

 

[MCorps0311]

Never forget that freedom isn't free!

 

[soFlaNative]

Uncle Jack. KIA March 1945, France.

 

[onebadvet]

 

[kmyers]

True sentiments. My dad died when my brother and I were in elementary school so not enough time had passed where he might be comfortable telling anything and we never learned or got to hear anything from him about his military service. With computers and the internet and such resources we did learn that his service in the Navy was mostly boring, and one incident of total stark terror. He was on the USS Gambier Bay sunk during the Battle of Samar during the Leyte Gulf campaign and series of battles. He came home with a Navy Presidential Unit Citation and Bronze star.

 

[growr]

So.....most of us recognize and understand Memorial Day and the deeply meaningful impact that it has had.

My real question is...."What will you do just for Memorial Day"?

My day is booked solid with services at 7 different cemetaries sounding TAPS in honor of those that either didn't or couldn't come home or have passed on to their just reward.

It is MY honor and privilege to do so! My deepest thanks to ALL who served and are no longer with us...........

Randy

 

[tlawler]

True sentiments. My dad died when my brother and I were in elementary school so not enough time had passed where he might be comfortable telling anything and we never learned or got to hear anything from him about his military service. With computers and the internet and such resources we did learn that his service in the Navy was mostly boring, and one incident of total stark terror. He was on the USS Gambier Bay sunk during the Battle of Samar during the Leyte Gulf campaign and series of battles. He came home with a Navy Presidential Unit Citation and Bronze star.

I have read both “The Last Stand of The Tin Can Sailors” and “The Men of The Gambier Bay.” Truly riveting stories of incredible acts of heroism against overwhelming odds. Hand Salute to your Father!

 

[wrkerr]

Every Memorial Day my daughter takes a few of my grandkids to visit my uncle's final resting place at Camp Williams Utah. 82nd Airborne. Anzio to the Bulge, 3 Purple Hearts.

My kids and grandkids know why they did what they did, and will, never forget.

Thanks to all vets and may they rest in peace.

 

[ameridaddy]

In memory of two men I never met, but wish I had:

Bugler Howard I. Carroll, my grandfather
117th Trench Mortar Battery, 42nd (Rainbow) Division, WW1, 1917 – 1919

The 117th fired more rounds than any other AEF trench mortar battery, supporting every infantry regiment in the Rainbow and for other divisions, earning 9 battle streamers for their flag.
The French High Command credited the battery, at a strength of about 150 men working in gas masks in No-Man’s Land on 15-17 Jul 1918, with killing 2,400 German infantry and knocking out 25% of their tanks in their part of the 4th French Army’s breaking of the Fifth German Offensive.
They fired at:
(1) Luneville sector, Lorraine, February 21 to March 23, 1918;
(2) Baccarat sector, Lorraine, March 31 to June 21, 1918;
(3) Esperance-Souain sector, Champagne, July 4 to July 15, 1918;
(4) Champagne-Marne defensive, July 15 to 17, 1918;
(5) Aisne-Marne offensive July 25 to August 11, 1918;
(6) St. Mihiel offensive, September 12 to 16, 1918;
(7) Essey and Pannes sector, Woevre, September 17 to 30, 1918;
(8) Meuse-Argonne offensive, October 12 to November 1, 1918;
(9) Meuse-Argonne offensive, November 5 to 10, 1918;
They stood before Sedan with the most advanced units of the AEF, and participated in the Rhine Occupation
Awards: Victory Medal with 5 bars, Occupation Medal, Croix de Guerre
Granddaddy Irvine died after the war from effects of being gassed, at age 36.

Capt. Donald L. Gambrill, my father’s best friend, best man and my Godfather,
485th Bomb Group (Heavy), WW2
55 missions as B-24 lead pilot over Germany, Austria, Yugoslavia, Romania, Poland, Hungary, Czechoslovakia & Italy
Awards: Distinguished Flying Cross (2), Air Medal (3), Purple Heart
KIA 10-Apr-45, at age 20.

They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.