‘Black Lions’ faced death in Vietnam
Maj. Jim Shelton, author of the book, “The Beast Was Out There” left, is pictured with Lt. Col. Terry Allen, commander of the “Black Lions,” center, and Sgt. Maj. Francis Dowling. Both Allen and Dowling were killed by the VC at Ong Thanh. Photo provided by Jim Shelton
The ”Black Lions” were looking for a fight. The battalion had been on a search-and-destroy mission for more than a week. Now the men of the 2nd Battalion, 28th Regiment, 1st Infantry Division were exhausted from chasing the Viet Cong through the jungle 50 miles north of Saigon.
On Oct. 17, 1967, along a jungle stream called Ong Thanh west of Highway 13, the main dirt road connecting Saigon with the Cambodian border, the “Black Lions” found what they were looking for. The 2nd Battalion of “The Big Red 1” ran head on into the battle-hardened 271st Viet Cong Regiment that was waiting for them in the bush.
When the shooting stopped, 57 “Big Red 1” soldiers from a single under-strength battalion were sent home in body bags. Another 77 were wounded in the half-day jungle fire-fight. The Viet Cong left 103 of its men on the battlefield.
Brig. Gen. James Shelton (Ret.) of Cape Haze, Fla. published a book, “The Beast Was Out There,” about this jungle battle during the Vietnam War. His book tells the story of the “Black Lions’” defeat by a stronger, more experienced and batter led VC unit 37 years ago during an engagement in the heartland of South Vietnam.
“What eventually led me to write this book was a wire service article that appeared in many papers around the United States (during the war). The article said the 1st Infantry Division won the battle against the VC,” Shelton observed. “We didn’t win the battle, but the spin doctors put their spin on what happened.”
Besides wanting to set the record straight on the battle’s outcome, Shelton, 68, wrote the book to make sure up-and-coming battalion commanders understood they could get themselves into the same predicament. They could get themselves and their men killed if they got too cocky about their abilities to whip the enemy in future wars. Sometimes one side’s great fire power doesn’t make a difference in the outcome of a battle. Ong Thanh was one of those times.
“Lastly, I wanted to tell the story of these brave men who fought and died for their comrades and their country, in that order,” he noted. “I wanted to build a memorial to these men at the 1st Infantry Division Museum at Wheaton, Ill., outside Chicago. All the proceeds from the sale of my book will go to the memorial.”
At the time of the Battle of Ong Thanh, Shelton was a major serving as the operations officer for the 1st Division, of which the “Black Lions” were part. Ten days earlier he had been the operations officer for the “Black Lions Battalion.”
“The 9th Viet Cong Division, made up of three regiments—the 271st, 272nd and 273rd –was absolutely the finest infantry in the world,” Shelton said. “These VC soldiers had been in the field for yeas. They had fought and defeated the French in the 1950s.
“Our guys were new and had never been in a fight like this before. They weren’t that well trained. Although they didn’t know it at the time, the ‘Black Lions,’ part of the ‘Big Red 1, were outnumbered 10 to 1, by the enemy. It’s the story of war. It happened before and it will happen again,” the general said.
It was September 1953 when Cadet Pvt. Jim Shelton joined the ROTC at the University of Delaware. Photo provided by Jim Shelton
The 1st Division was given the task of clearing out the enemy base camps along Highway 13 from Saigon north to the Cambodian border. The dirt road was the main artery leading from the country’s capital north to the border.
Lt. Col. Terry Allen, the “Black Lions’” battalion commander, was a seasoned, competent, professional soldier, according to Shelton. His father was Maj. Gen. Terry Allen Sr., commander of the 1st Infantry Division during the invasion of North Africa and Sicily in World War II.
The problem with young Allen’s Vietnam command was that his unit suffered from the same problem all American infantry units in the war had to cope with: Because a soldier’s tour of duty lasted less than a year in Vietnam, there was a lot of coming and going in the ranks, which didn’t improve a soldier’s ability to fight.
The “Black Lions” and their officers had only been together on the front lies three or four months when they fought the Battle of Ong Thanh. They weren’t by anyone’s estimate seasoned troops.
But what happened to the battalion was more deeply rooted than the men’s lack of front line experience.
“It was an error in judgment. It was a lack of good intelligence. It was overconfidence on the part of the battalion commander,” Shelton said. “It didn’t register with Terry Allen that there was a much larger force than he expected. I think he thought we could whip the world. I think he thought we were invincible.”
This is the patch worn by member of the Black Lion Battalion in Vietnam. The unit first made its mark in France during World War I.
The general said Allen’s depleted “Black Lions” battalion of 150 men was facing a regiment of 1,500 VC soldiers. D-Company’s Lt. Clark Welch was the first member of the unit to realize the battalion was possibly taking on more than it could chew the day before the enemy ambushes on Oct. 16, 1967.
“When the lieutenant confronted Terry Allen with the suggestion they should call off the search-and-destroy mission or get more troops on the ground, the battalion commander told him, ‘Look, that’s why we’re out here. We’re going in there again tomorrow, but you’re not gonna be the lead company.’ That didn’t go down well with Welch, but he followed orders,” Shelton said.
At 0805 A-Company moved out of the NDP (Night Defensive Position) looking for the VC. The 1st Platoon spotted several VC soldiers on the trail and Capt. James George, A-Company’s commander, told his men to set up a quick ambush. The enemy disappeared into the jungle before they could be attacked.
Moments later A-Company was hit by heavy fire from a concealed machine-gun. The platoon was pinned down.
“A-Company was wiped out in 20 minutes,” Shelton said. “Two platoon leaders were killed almost immediately and Capt. George was injured.
“When the shooting started, Lt. Welch, who was following behind the lead unit with D-Company, organized a perimeter around the command group that included Lt. Col. Allen and Sgt. Maj. Francis Dowling. They were inside Delta Company’s perimeter,” he said.
Brig Gen. Shelton was speaking to a group of ROTC cadets at Eastern Oregon University in 1981. He was the commanding general of the 4th U.S. Army ROTC Region at the time. Photo provided by Jim Shelton
The VC was hiding in the jungle—30 feet from the “Black Lions” in some cases—when they launched the initial attack. They had also out flanked A-Company during the heat of the battle and were shooting at the disintegrating American unit from both sides.
Because of the closeness of the fighting it made it impossible for the “Black Lions” to call in air strikes or artillery without the risk of being killed by friendly fire. Before the battle was over, Lt. Harold Durham, a forward artillery observer with D-Company, was forced to call in 105 millimeter artillery fire on their position to keep his company from being overrun by the enemy.
“Lt. Welch remembers seeing the brave artillery lieutenant pressing the ‘press-to-talk’ switch on his radio handset with the stub of his wrist because his hand had been blown off,” Shelton writes in his book. “Durham was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for his actions that day.”
Despite Lt. Durham’s heroic effort, it didn’t save Lt. Col. Allen or Sgt. Maj. Dowling. They both died near an ant hill in the middle of the jungle fight.
“A platoon sergeant moving to the rear was the last one to see Allen alive. The sergeant looked back and saw either an RPG (Rocket Propelled Grenade) or Claymore mine explode near Allen, followed quickly by a burst of machine-gun fire, which killed him,” the general wrote.
Brig. Gen. James Shelton of Cape Haze, Fla. is pictured with his new book, “The Beast Was Out There.” It’s about the defeat of the Black Lion Battalion by some of the “best soldier in the world, the 271st Viet Cong Regiment.” Sun photo by Michael McLooner
“By all accounts, on Oct. 17, 1967, the “Black Lions” were out-positioned, out-gunned, out-manned and out-maneuvered,” Shelton added in his book.
For whatever reason, the 271st Viet Cong Regiment didn’t press home its victory.
“After a couple of hours, the enemy started to withdraw as we were pulling our guys out of a hole we chopped in the jungle with chainsaws,” the general said. “We brought in helicopters to get them out of there. The VC could have easily overrun the NDP and wiped out the whole battalion.
“It was kinda like Gen. George Custer at Little Big Horn. The ‘Black Lions’ were surrounded and the enemy was coming from both sides. Ong Thanh was like history repeating itself. We were in the wrong place at the wrong time, and we got whipped. We’re fortunate we didn’t lose every man.”
Shelton’s File
Name: James E. (Jim) Shelton
Age: 68
Hometown: Franklin, N.J.
Address: Cape Haze, Fla.
Entered Service: 11 October 1957
Rank: Brigadier General U.S. Army
Unit: U.S. Army 8th Division and Berlin Brigade, 1st Infantry Division in Combat, Vietnam
Commendations: Three awards Bronze Star Medal, Two awards Air Medal, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Expert Infantry badge, Korean and Vietnam Service Medals
Married: Margaret Joan Stephens
Children: Margaret, James Jr., Paul and Terry Shelton; Patricia Rasmussen, Theresa Garcia, Kathleen O’Halloran, and Sarah Senter.
This story was first published in the Charlotte Sun newspaper, Port Charlotte, Florida and is republished with permission.
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Members of Black Lions Battalion in Vietnam met troops at Fort Jackson – Brig. Gen. Jim Shelton of Cape Haze is Black Lions
Charlotte Sun (Port Charlotte, FL) – Thursday, October 28, 2004
DON MOORE
Senior Writer
A dozen or so old soldiers met in Fort Jackson, S.C., outside Columbia for a weekend of reminiscing about a battle they fought in almost four decades ago. While there, they also played golf, enjoy some libation and motivated today’s troops of the 28th Black Lions Battalion.
Brig. Gen. Jim Shelton of Cape Haze was part of the annual pilgrimage this year to Jackson.
They call it their “November Nightmare,” even though this year it was held in late October.
The 2nd Battalion, 28th Regiment of the 1st Infantry Division is a fabled Army unit. It distinguished itself in World War I, World War II and Vietnam .
Members of the current Black Lions battalion serve as part of the training cadre at Fort Jackson. The fort is the largest Army basic training base in the country.
He was a major and had just been transferred to division headquarters for the Black Lions when the unit got mauled by a Viet Cong Regiment.
Thirty-seven years ago, on Oct. 17,1967, these old warriors were young jungle fighters. They took part in the little-known battle of Ong Thah, approximately 50 miles north of Saigon, South Vietnam , during the early part of the war.
They were badly beaten by a regiment of Viet Cong, South Vietnamese guerrillas. The enemy force was much larger and more experienced in jungle warfare than the Black Lions, many of whom had just arrived in Vietnam. The VC outfit had helped run the French out of Vietnam more than a dozen years earlier.
The Black Lions’ objective was to flush the enemy out of the bush and kill him. The under-strength, inexperienced battalion walked into an enemy ambush that resulted in 61 of them getting killed and 87 wounded in a couple of hours. Supposedly, 103 of the VC were killed in the jungle fighting, but that was probably an inflated figure, in view of later accounts of the battle.
For some of the Black Lions soldiers who survived the heat of battle that day, friendships were forged that will last until the last Lion involved fades away. That’s what last weekend’s get-together was all about.
They came to Jackson to be with their buddies who had experienced the horrors of close jungle combat like they had. They came to Jackson to talk about their life experiences with good friends who thought like they did, fought like they did and loved the United States of American like they did.
To be in the presence of these war heroes who put their lives on the line for their friends and their country decades ago was a humbling experience.
Of course, none of them would admit he was a war hero. If asked, they simply say they were just doing their job. They were trying to protect themselves and their buddies from getting killed in the jungle of Vietnam so long ago.
War Tales 
A compelling story of being out numbered.. A contingency plan should have been in place. Sir strikes should have been called in. Unknown territory one should use extreme caution, and sent out patrols or air intelligence. Under the circumstances the troops showed great courage and skill.
I was there. Sp4 . Rifle men. My name Camilo Sanchez. Lt Barnar was seriouly hurt . Captain Johnson was comopany commander. Took Peones place. A by name Patterson from Texas. ANOTHER good gy I remember name Orrin.
A friend of mine was also in the battle. Paul Scott. We worked together for 15 years and not once did I ever see Paul get angry, raise his voice or show any indication of the horror he experienced! We never talked about out Army days, (I was in the Medical Veterinary service, 5th Army). Paul went in one week before me! Sadly, Paul was killed in a motorcycle accident when a driver ran a stop sign (3 years ago).
Hello Camilo, My name is Doug Mathews. I was a friend of Sgt. Willie Johnson at Fort Ord and I have been looking for him for decades and recently found out what happened to him and your unit. If you can please email me.
Thomas Wellman “Tucker” Howard, age 75 of River, Kentucky passed away peacefully at 2:06 pm Tuesday, September 22, 2020 at his residence surrounded by family.
Born August 16, 1945 in Paintsville, Kentucky, he was the son of the late Henry Howard and Hermalee (Baldwin) Howard. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by one brother, Wendell Howard; and one sister, Janet Runyon.
Thomas is survived by his wife, Tomma Jean (Williams) Howard. They wed December 26, 1968. In addition to his wife, he is survived by one son, Thomas, and his wife Crystal Howard of Lexington, Kentucky; five sisters, Debbie (Randy) Stephens of Paintsville, Kentucky, Carol Montgomery of Paintsville, Kentucky, Sheila Howard of Salyersville, Kentucky, Betty (Danny) Morgan of Hillsboro, Ohio and Sherrie (Larry) Crum of Hager Hill, Kentucky; one brother, Paul (Shirley) Malone of Columbus, Ohio; two grandchildren, Thomas and Ollie Rose Howard of Lexington, Kentucky; and several nieces and nephews also survive.
Thomas was a proud Army Veteran in the Vietnam Era. He was Sergeant (E5) (Big Red 1), 2nd Battalion, 28th Regiment (Black Lions). He had a passion for helping other Veterans. Thomas was an instrumental part in the creation of the Veterans Referral Center in Paintsville, Kentucky.
Funeral services will be 11:00am Friday, September 25, 2020 in the chapel of the Phelps & Son Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Richmond Cemetery, Paintsville. Full Military Honors will be conducted at the funeral home by Auxier Chapter 18 D.A.V. Justin Williams will officiate. Friends may visit the Phelps & Son Funeral Home from 1:00pm to 9:00pm Thursday and until the time of service on Friday. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that contributions be made to the Veterans Referral Center in Paintsville, Kentucky (621 Euclid Avenue, Paintsville, Kentucky (606)789-7587. Arrangements are under the direction of the Phelps & Son Funeral Home.
Rest in Peace brother.
I was there .I’m Spc4 Vallejo.i was point for Charlie Company. From Jun 1967 to May 1968.my platoon and I carried out the wounded and the next two days we pulled out all the KIA. We pulled out and the B52s let all hell break loose…
I remember you Vallejo. This is Dewey [Ivan Duvall]. If you remember you pulled my butt out of a tunnel when I got stuck.I carried the M60 for about 5 months.Where do you live now, I live in Tenn. Have you been in contact with anyone from our platoon.I haven’t.
To Ivan Duvall.i live in McAllen.Tx.proud to hear from you..never heard from anyone.looking for the grenadier from Queens.N.Y.call me 956.570.7288
The only one’s I knew from NYC was Finley and Tizzo, who we lost on 17 Oct. He was the Bn. Cmdr. RTO and that was his last day in the field. Good to hear from you. Do you remember the ambush we walked into at Bo Dop. What is your email address?Mine is ivanduvalljr@gmail.com.
Yes i remember. Never forget.
was there with you and dewey.later bhat day our xo lt tom mcmillan was on the field with us.i’m still in touch with the lt.. i understand our co capt reese has passed away.hope you guys are in good health
chuck
Hey Bowers i remember you.hope you are doing good.long time.hard times but we are here.
I WAS ON THE GROUND AT QUAN LOI CO C 1ST MED EVEN THOUGH A MEDIC I WAS CROSS TRAIINED RTO…..A DUST OFF REQUEST WAS MADE AND I TRIED LIKE HELL BUT THE WEATHER DIDNT PERMIT IT .I WAS TALKING TO TROOPS PINNED DOWN AND EVEN THE SQUELCH FROM THE RAdio CAUSE A PROBLEM ILL NEVER FORGET THAT TIME IN 67
Joseph,
I can’t imagine being in a fight like that and surviving.
Don Moore
Sun Newspapers
In 1/4th Cav (Quarterhorse)? Quan Loi had its own big battle sometime in ’67.
I WAS ATTACHED TO 2ND BRIGADE AND THEN TO 1ST MED….IN JUNE 67 WHEN I FIRST GOT TO QUANLOI WE HAD GROUND ATTACK..SAW MY FIRST VC DEAD IN THE SWIMMING POOL THAT THE FRENCH HAD …QUAN LOI PART OF MICHELIEN RUBBER PLANTATION….TERRY ALLEN(1ST DIV COMMANDER WW2) HIS SON WAS LT COLONEL ALLEN OF BLACK LIONS .HE WAS KIA…HIS BODY WAS TAKEN TO MY AID STATION….I REMEMBER LOOKING AT THE PICTURES HE HAD OF HIS WIFE AND KIDS..VERY SAD…BY THE WAY I REMEMBER SEEING ALOT OF THE QUARTER CAV AROUN QUAN LOI AND ANLOC..I WAS AT LOCH NINH RIGHT AFTER AMBUUSH….I STILL THINK ON IT.
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WHAT ILL NEVER FORGET IS I WAS CROSS TRAINED AS AN RTO OPERATOR ALTHOUGH A MEDIC….I GOT A CALL FROM 2/28TH DURING THE BATTLE FOR DUSTOFFS….BECAUSE OF THE WEATHER AT THE TIME NO DUSTOFFS SENT…..I HEARD WHAT WAS GOING ON AND COULD NOT DO ANYTHING…WHEN I CALLED BACK I WAS TOLD TO STAY OFF THE AIR ,THE SQUELCH WAS GIVING AWAY POSITION….ABOUT THE SAME TIME THE NEXT DAY OR DAY AFTER A DEAD LT.COLONEL WAS BROUGHT INTO OUR AID STAION….I REMEMBER VIEWING PICTURES HE CARRIED OF HIS FAMILY…I DONT KNOW WHO IT WAS..IT WAS MOST DEFINITELY FROM 1ST DIV.ALL I REMEMBER WAS THAT HE HAD A ”6” CALL SIGN..QUAN LOI NOT FAR FROM BORDER WITH CAMBODIA…WHEN I CAME HOME A MEDIC FROM 2/28TH SAT BEHIND ME…BY THE WAY WENT OVER WITH CONTINENTAL AIRLINES 1ST RATE EVERYTHING…I FLEW BACK SATURN AIRLINES,,TERRIBLE PLANE TERRIBLE FOOD TERRIBLE FLIGHT…..WHEN HOME EXCEPT FOR GRACIOUS FAMILY I WAS TREATED LIKE A LEPER BY ORDINARY PEOPLE..I WOULD STILL FIGHT FOR MY COUNTRY BUT NEVER UNDERSTOOD HOW THE WAR WAS PROSECUTED………….
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A friend of mine, Ralph Deavers was with Quarterhorse as driver and gunner from1966-67. He was at Quan Loi during the battle was was the biggest action of his year tour. Lost Ralph to brain cancer some years ago. I always remember him saying that if you wanted to start some shit in his unit, just start the rumor that it was going “back into Michelin.” I’m betting some guys will remember Ralph; he had the driest of humor it took a while to appreciate.. We were both veterans and after the Army served until retirement with the Metro-Nashville Police Department..
I knew ray neal gribble from basic training I need to talk to Mr. Shelton
Did you ever hear from BG J E Shelton, USA (Ret)?
There were a lot of problems in the Army in those days. Arguably the worse was the practice of changing field officers every six-months so that as many as possible could get their “ticket punched” for higher promotions. As soon as an officer become as competent as he was going to get, he was replaced by a rank rookie who didn’t know rice from confetti. The men paid the bill for it all with their lives. Even the combat medics were rotated in and out of the field in order to qualify for the Combat Medic Badge. The leadership took care of the war and the men only after it had taken care of itself.
I WAS ATTACHED TO 2ND BRIGADE OPERATION DIXIE NORTH EARNED CMB AND THEN BACK TO IST MED
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Sorry Medics were rotated due to the mental state they could get into if left out with the grunts to long. Many medic were not rotated they were killed in action or wounded in action as I was and medivac out of country ending in a hospital for over six months to rec
uperate.
There is some truth to Gay’s comment about officer rotations.However, in my case I remained in command of a Big Red One firing battery, 2/33rd FA for nearly 12 months (July-June 1967-8). I was ready to depart Vietnam after that tour.
DD McSweeney
There is some valuable insight in what True, above, says about rotation of leadership. It seemed obvious to me we lacked experience and continuity at the leadership positions. Just when company commanders got the hang of things and we, the grunts, were confident of their leadership, they were gone. This made the bond, that much more difficult to form.
We had a CO that was a pencil pusher before he came to the company. He knew nothing about tactics. He once had us going down a trail when I said we should be walking off the trail. We walked right into an ambush.
I couldn’t agree more with your comment and it seems that policy was never stopped.
We had a CO in Bravo Co, 2/28th, no name mentioned, who would have been better as a Supply officer. He had no business leading a rifle company.
Very true.i had at least 4 platoon leaders.where they went i dont know.
There were a lot of mistakes in the beginning of the Vietnam War. I was with the First Infantry Division in 1965 and 1966 in the Village of Lai Khe. These mistakes were real and many of our guys were killed because of them, numbers of VC killed were doctored to make it look like we won the battle. We lost our Recon in 1966 just through stupidity. I can see these guys even after all these years. We never learn by our mistakes but continue to make them, over and over.
Paul,
Unfortunately that’s what happens in war some times. And you’re so correct we, and a good many other folks in this old world, don’t learn much from past misakes.
Regards,
Don Moore
Sun Newspapers
War Tales
I had a brother that got killed at Loc Ninh June 11th 1966 battle at the rubber plantation there. His name was Harvey J. Proffitt. He was from East Tn. If you were there from January to June of 1966 Just wondering if maybe you would remember him if you should have happen to have known him. He was with the 28th Inf. ist Inf. Div. Co. C. I think all but two of the soldiers in his platoon got killed on that day. My email address is meturner22@yahoo.com. Please let me know. Have not been able to find anyone who knew him while he was there.
Your brother was a very brave man, always remember his sacrifice. He was my brother in arms and I will never forget him and all those who died there. In 1966 I was on Operation Crimp and that might have been the battle where he died. BLESS HARVEY, Now he is in eternal life with Jesus Christ Paul
I was also with the 2nd 28th. I remember the attack on the recon patrol on June 11th. One of the guys I was in Infantry training with at Fort Hood Texas was killed during that viet cong attack. He was named “trainee of the cycle” upon our graduation from advanced infantry training. I was awarded the Good Conduct Medal upon graduation. His name was Pitt. I don’t remember his first name. Pitt and I were the only two trainees to be sent directly into combat units in Viet Nam. We ended up in the same company…..A Company 2nd 28th Infantry, Lai Khe Viet Nam. We arrived there in December of 1965. I was devastated to find out that my fellow trainee had been killed. I did not know your brother Harvey. We were probably in different platoons. You can be assured that he was a brave and courageous soldier and I am sure that you are proud of him for that.
I was in Lia Kia 65 66 as the 4.2 FO I went on alot missions, My Brother in Law who was also my HS team mate was in Lia Kia Recon and wounded. He was on R&R when Recon was wiped out.
All I can say is its true WAR IS HELL,
For all of my Vietnam brother and sisters who did not make it home , I hope your in a better place now. Love all who served , and for all who did not have to serve thank you for your support
I knew many of the Recon in Lai Khe 1965-66. My friend was Nick Mincola, Chapburn etc. Most were killed on an operation. Bless all of them I think about them often Paul
I do not remember you ! I came from Bravo Company to the 4.2s in January ’66 as an FO ! I remember and am in contact with Willie Reyna who was also an FO ! Do you remember him ? I was 2nd bunk in the 1st tent from the gate when we were still on HWY 13. Been trying to figure out some things like when did we move across the Airstrip and where was I and who I was attached to ?? Transferred to LN SF camp in October !
You are absolutely right.Just look at Ia Drang.The 2nd of the 7th marched to LZ Albany with no air cover when the North Vietnamese had just left the battlefield less then 24 hours earlier.If there were some scout ships flying with them they could have easily spotted the NVA on their way to ambush the americans.Its unbelieveable looking back how so many mistakes were made during that war.
I was with the 1st division 65/66. we went over by ship out of Fort Riley. 2nd Batt/company C, gunner on 81 m/m mortar
Fort Carson 1964-65.to Fort Riley, Ks. Remember SSG Joseph Correll, KIA 01/12/1966 Cu Chi area.Same for SFC LC Blake and SFC Jandershovitz.
Joe was from Hanburg Pa ! He rode with me and Kirkland to PA when we had our last leave before we embarked on the USS Sultan ! Joe and I had a bet on who would have to buy the first beer when we returned. Do mot remember what we were betting on after 57 years. I drank one in his honor and have never forgotten him ! He is buried in his hometown of Hamburg
Paul, I’m looking for a Sgt. Stokum who served with 2/28 in 1966. Please e-mail me @; dgc115@aol.com or call: 302-598-2142. Thank you, Don Clagg
Don I do not remember him. Try research maybe you will get lucky Don but remember that war was a long time ago and he could have passed away, Bless Him
Hi Don,
I’m part of a group on Facebook that is made up of Black Lions of Lai Khe. I will ask them and see what info I can get. My father Jose “Joe” Lopez was 2/28 from 66-67.
V/R
Abraham Lopez
I deployed to V.N from Ft Riley by ship on 1965 Tru 1967, I was with the Black Lion 2/28 Inf Lie Kia Vietnam I had a awesome job RTO FOR A 4.2 MORTAR, I had that job for two Days then my FO took one in the head then my dumb ass took over the mission killing about 63 VC and wounded, once back at the CP GUESS WHO THE NEW FO WAS . LEFT IN 66 RETURNED AS advisor to the ARIANS , 69 TRU 70 MY Captain was Kia along with my best friend SFC Cordell both placed on their knees and shot in the head.
Welcome home everyone BLACK LION 2/28th
I was also deployed to V.N. from Ft Riley in Sept, 1965.I was with company C, 2/28 Black Lion, I was a gunner on the 81 MM Mortar. I remember being at A place called Phouc Yen, a gravel air strip.
My name is joe i was with the blue spaders 1/26 and later the ist med battallion.i was a medic but crossed trained as an RTO.My call sign was doctor charlie and was in basecamp QuanLoi when i got call from 2/28th That they needed a dust off.I remember it well and may GOD BLESS ALL WHO GAVE THERE LIVES
Hi Joe,I thank you for all you did and for your service. GOD BLESS you.
THIS IS THE UNIT I WAS IN THAT WAS IN GERMANY
I belive my father was involved in this battle. I found this website while trying to research about his tour. If anyone has any information about Robert “Lonzo” Morris Jr please email me @ ashannise@gmail.com. I know he was very proud to be a “Black Lion” but he was Co C 1/28th Inf Big Red 1. Thanks
Ashley-I was in Co D 1/28 8th Div early1956. We were in Ft Carson Co. I had a Sgt Robert Morris. Don’t remember “Lonzo”
name. We went to Heilbronn, Germany late 56 – 58. Don’t know
if your R Morris would be that old. My Sgt served in the Korean
War. After I was discharged the Black Lions were put in the 1st
Div. My sgt was a great guy. I think of him often.
B Gould
Lost my leg at Chateau Briand. God bless yall!!!
My father was A Co, 2/28. He was pulled back to Korea a month before the 17 Oct battle. Things may have been much different for me had he still been there.
just informed by Maj Mark A Smith the Black Lions survivors are having a reunion in Las Vegas Oct 17-19, 2015.
I’m a Black Lion myself though from the 1/28 and arrived in Lai Khe, V.N. a year after this horrible battle. I just returned from attending this reunion in Las Vegas. I wanted to personally meet and shake hands with these war heros/brothers in arms. It was truly an honor!
Thank you for this. The story of the Black Lions at Ong Thanh was told in the words of the men who lived to tell in an excellent book called “They Marched Into Sunlight” by David Maraniss. We appreciate that Mr. Moore took the time to share this information.
Smith –
That’s what this War Tales website is about. “In the words of the men who lived to tell” and if they don’t get told soon, much will be lost. The ‘Nam vet is the one least likely to give an interview for numerous reasons, which we do understand yet we wish they would put those feelings aside and start talking to people who will record it. Because of Agent Orange and PTSD, it’s doubtful the Vietnam veteran will have as many post-war years as the WWII & Korean War vet has had.
But you, yourself know this.
To Don Moore
I would like to tell you a story of a Black man he was a Maj name Maj or Col Moore for my understanding back in 1965 1966 67 he was with the 2nd 28th in Lai Khe,
He left and return sometime later, He left a Black Baby Boy
in lai khe and his girl friend name was Hoa like in ( Y ),
He left her holding the bag and when he return to see his girl friend name Y he then ment his baby and he give him a pack of M & M’s candy then he just pick up and hall ass out of town,
and never return to see his baby agin, Now he has a home in North Carolina, His mon Y is now gone for ever and he will never know who his father is, What a story to tell .
geneknight13@yahoo.com
We appreciate your interest in sharing your story with War Tales but our interviews are first person, with a dvd recorder running, recording incidents — vignettes — of a veteran’s time in the service. You might contact a Vietnam group in your area. I’m not quite sure exactly what you’re after, but if you’re looking for Colonel Moore, you might try a search engine like http://www.zabasearch.com.
I served in Vietnam from February 1967-February 1968. I was a combat medic with the 2nd inf 2nd bn mechanized. I served as a platoon medic as well as senior medic for over 10 months out in the field. I heard many stories bout the 2/28 and the 1/16 being hit many times during my tour. Our unit was out in the field during the time that this incident happened, but not close enough to come to their aid. I always said that being a mechanized unit with our 4 50 cal. and all the extra ammo and such that we had is what really saved our unit from getting into much action. I always felt sorry for the 1/6 and the 2/28 unit being foot soldiers and not having the weapons and such that we had. Of course our soldiers were foot soldiers just like the others, but we still had the advantage over other units. So sad that many died and were wounded, but all that served are “HEROS” for doing their part for their country.
Thank you for your service, Joe. Thank you even more for sharing.
Just read about the ambush of the Black Lions by the 271th Viet Cong Regiment on Oct. 17 ’67! As l read on my heart beats fast and is full of pain; my mind takes me back to that place called Vietnam a memory that l will take to my death bed! Six in my family served in Nam. Two cousins
are in the Vietnam Wall one die due to Agent Orange at age 46yrs. another became a drunkard due to PTSD and got killed by a car! Faito and I are still living and continue to deal with the memories of Vietnam! The story of the Black Lions’ battle at Ong Thanh must be told as many other battles of the Vietnam War! I served in Quan Loi 70-71 as a medic with the 11th ACR “Black Horse” Allons!
Rest in peace my brothers. Gone but not forgotten as we approach our anniversary. I was in Delta Co, 1st Platoon and still see your faces. It is getting hard to hide the agony these days of October.
The Vietnam war was over many, many years ago! YOU NEED PSYCHIATRIC HELP living in the one moment that you believed you were great.
Is this one of YOUR mentally sick Black Lions????
Black Lion 1 hour ago
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Richard: By the way, 1st INF DIV, 2/28, Delta Company, 1st squad, 11B40, Black Lions, Sir. You can read all about us October 1967. Google it you puke.
God bless my fallen brothers.
Black Lion 5 hours ago
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Richard: Why don’t you get off your masquerade as an intelligent psychiatrist and go to one to get some help. All you do is call people that have a different opinion names and insult veterans. Pssss off.
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Black Lion 10 hours ago
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Richard: I never needed to say I was tough and never said I was a hero. I simply exposed the fact that I was a combat veteran which is absolutely factual and I do not care what your opinion is about that at all. But you lost this debate at 1200+ thumbs up with 39 thumbs down which include your 8-10 multiple ID’s. I am not laughing in your face over this, I am spitting in it. Own, it coward.
Black Lion 10 hours ago
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Hey Richard, nice try with your multiple ID’s
Richard: I suggest you continue your psychiatric help as evidenced by your purported clinical evaluation. Maybe they can help your anger before we read about you in the news. I suggest that you have a conversation with one of our honored combat veterans suffering with PTSD real soon so you can share the comments you have made about them being cowards. I am sure he will contribute to your education.
Black Lion 10 hours ago
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Hey Richard: Nice try with your multiple ID’s.
Richard the disgusting idiot: Nice medical record you typed up. Nothing from the VA Health vet site is able to be cut and pasted. But I am glad to see that you are getting mental treatment. Hope they work for you. You know that it is not possible to post a DD214 by anyone. No links, no photo’s are able to put into yahoo.
I do think that pretending to be a Veteran when you are not is actually against the law (stolen valor) and I also find that disgusting but I am surprised that you find it disgusting.
Especially, when you make multiple posts that combat veterans who suffer from PTSD are really cowards. Why would you not be thankful for our veterans instead of condemning those who did what you did not do for our country?
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Black Lion 1 day ago
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Please post your dd214 to prove you are not a liar. You can’t and won’t and you know it. If it could be done it would be worth hearing your apology. Even though cowardly people like you never apologise out of stubborn ignorance. I survived. You fantasize. You can repeat your claims as many times as you choose but it will not make them true.
This is Gary’s post. I suggest you read it again.
“I am an Army Retired US Army Vietnam vet who served in the Infantry. The tactics you learn when you are caught in an ambush is to charge the ambushers instead of hunkering down. That’s exactly what this brave man did. I won’t go into why this tactic is effective because it would be a very long post. Anyone reading this post should follow this tactic. When you charge the ambush you come out of their pre established kill zone, the accuracy of the shooter is impaired by movement and the fact you are coming at them (nerves). It is your best chance of survival rather than to hunker down and get picked off. It is an extremely effective tactic that works. Could you be shot charging the ambush? Possibly yes. Will you be shot if you hunker down down? Probably yes. I like possibly better than probably in this case.
My congratulations and respect are as large in this case as I would have for a Medal of Honor winner.”
Gary was right and you appear to be a delusional idiot. I owe you proof of nothing. I survived, when few did while you simply cast factless aspersions of things you read and did not experience. Your ignorance has been exposed and you are PO’d about it as we read your childish rant and reactions of disrespect to military veterans. You disgust all Americans with that kind of rhetoric.
I do think you posted something that was very true. “Mature, rational, logical, mentally healthy per would consider they might be wrong.” I suggest you look in a mirror and read that to yourself repeadedly until you get it. Then go back to your cut and pasted training manuals you got online. Go fk yourself imposter.
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Black Lion 2 days ago
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Please post your dd214 to prove you are not a liar. You can’t and won’t and you know it. If it could be done it would be worth hearing your apology. Even though cowardly people like you never apologise out of stubborn ignorance. I survived. You fantasize. You can repeat your claims as many times as you choose but it will not make them true.
This is Gary’s post. I suggest you read it again.
“I am an Army Retired US Army Vietnam vet who served in the Infantry. The tactics you learn when you are caught in an ambush is to charge the ambushers instead of hunkering down. That’s exactly what this brave man did. I won’t go into why this tactic is effective because it would be a very long post. Anyone reading this post should follow this tactic. When you charge the ambush you come out of their pre established kill zone, the accuracy of the shooter is impaired by movement and the fact you are coming at them (nerves). It is your best chance of survival rather than to hunker down and get picked off. It is an extremely effective tactic that works. Could you be shot charging the ambush? Possibly yes. Will you be shot if you hunker down down? Probably yes. I like possibly better than probably in this case.
My congratulations and respect are as large in this case as I would have for a Medal of Honor winner.”
Gary was right and you appear to be a delusional idiot. I owe you proof of nothing. I survived, when few did while you simply cast factless aspersions of things you read and did not experience. Your ignorance has been exposed and you are PO’d about it as we read your childish rant and reactions of disrespect to military veterans. You disgust all Americans with that kind of rhetoric.
I do think you posted something that was very true. “Mature, rational, logical, mentally healthy per would consider they might be wrong.” I suggest you look in a mirror and read that to yourself repeadedly until you get it. Then go back to your cut and pasted training manuals you got online. Go fk yourself imposter.
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Black Lion 3 days ago
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Richard Truth: Gary was right in his post. In your scenario you do not survive since you are cowering on the floor, wetting your panties and waiting to be executed next. In mine there is a chance. I will stick to mine base upon personal experience. I have bled to give you the right to your opinion and spout it out to anyone foolish enough to take it as gospel. By the way in a stressful situation one must pay attention to details. The kids were not seated at all as you represented. I am not an idiot, a kitty cat, stupid, delusional and you have not offerred facts……..only your opinion. As soon as the name calling begins you start damaging yourself.
Why don’t you take a moment to google Black Lions October 1967 to get a sense of where some of my experienced opinon actually comes from since you know nothing about me or my background as you seem sensitive about your own background or lack thereof.
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Black Lion 3 days ago
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Richard/Truth: Likely same guy, but how can you jump to the conclusion that there was only ONE person in the classroom? There were many young men and women in the classroom and could have likely overpowered a single man whether he was armed or not. There would have been losses but it clearly worked on the train in France. As I earlier “You can cower in the corner and wait your turn to die, but that is just not the role I choose to follow”. Experience is a great teacher, sad that everyone who does not agree with you is an idiot and yet you have no personal experience that makes you an expert.
Here is some more comments from YOUR MENTALLY SICK Black Lion!!!
Black Lion 14 hours ago
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Richtard: I see that I still live in your mind rent free. I notice you are cleaning up your posts as you should. And you have deleted some of your multiple ID’s like Gary. Too bad your ruse claiming that you knew Berry did not work out so well. Your posts claiming all Christians are delusional to have their beliefts and all Veterans with PTSD are cowards need to go too. We will be posting to each other until you do.
Do you realize how childish you are being saying you are going to turn me into the FBI. But if you insist, please ask for Agent Thomas Sparks at the DC Bureau. He will be glad to help you conquer your fears. but do it soon as he will retire after the first of the year. He is also a Black Lion so make sure you let him know my screen name.
Gary was right. You lost this debate 1200+ thumbs up to a measley 40 thumbs down. Own it, child.
Don’t get me wrong, I am not laughing in your face for your childish rhetoric, I am SPITTING in it. Cheer, child.
Black Lion 19 hours ago
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Gary who is really Richard: I think berry was a medic assigned to our unit just before I left. Joe Lovoto was our medic and I don’t see a problem mentioning his name since he was KIA on 17Oct67.
I don’t recall Berry being at the reunion in Oct 2006 but I was there with Dauntless Delta Six, David L, Ron C. Mike T,Gerald T, Robert G, Fred K, Bill Mc, Doug C, Jim G, David A, David H and the Professor. We talked about the Maraniss interviews and told stories. It was good for all of us who were warriors once.
But you do know that I take exception to Richtards words that those with PTSD have the disease of cowards and by proxy you parrot those words.
Tell Berry to stay away from the Barber because he was VC.
Other than that you can kiss my A double S
Doc Berry was our medic in B Co. 2/28th 3rd platoon during this operation.
R.I.P. our Brothers who gave all that day, and all who have given all for freedom.
Doc Berry was a great guy and a great friend…
J.V. Perez: I served with the 1/28 ( m-60 gunner) D company out of Lai Khe but arrived one year after this battle. I’m from El Paso, TX and lived very close to Co. commander Terry Allan, KIA at that battle. The 2/28 survivors have a yearly reunion at Las Vegas, NV in October every year.
looking for info on SSGT Correll KIA Jan.1966 and SFC Jandershovitz KIA Dec. 1965. Fort Carson to Ft. Riley to Vietnam. Both served in B Co. 1st Bn., also SFC LC BLAKE KIA Nov. 1965
I went home 43 days before the Oct 17th battle. I was an rto in the field with LTC ALLEN. Everyone who died or was in that battle, or at any time during that war, or any war, deserves our gratitute, respect and thanks for our freedom. Those who survived deserve to be treated with honor. Disrespecting a veteran who suffered PTSD or a physical injury, goes against the principles of humanity.
I was on a mission in 67 when a Ltc or Col was hit by a sniper shot and killed him, I’m just not sure who he was. I remember he was tall and came cause his men were in the jungle and he should be with them.
All I remember is he was good person joking and putting himself in danger.
The Mission was Operation Crimp and it took place in January ’66 when we cleared the area for the 25th Division in Cu Chi ! Hos name was Col. George Eyster and he was shot in the Ho Bo Woods . I was about 10 feet away as he conferred with Capt. George Dailey about our next move. Capt Dailey was KIA on May 12, 66
Ron Solomon, my name is Doug Mathews, I befriended Sgt. Willie Johnson at Fort Ord and have been looking for him for decades and have just recently discovered what happened to him and your unit. If you can please email me. Thank you
Willie Johnson was my best friend and we served in Charlie Company 2/28th together in 1966-67 before he was transferred to the new Delta Company and I became the Recon Platoon Sergeant. I and others NCOS called him Johnny instead of Willie. We found him that terrible day and he was gotten out to 93rd EVAC in Long Binh. Because I had been in the unit a long time they sent me down to visit the wounded.
Johnny was gutshot and his insides, including his liver, were shot through. It had only been a couple days but he was already wasting away and he had a terrible yellow hue to him especially his eyes.
He had his wife and kids pictures lined up on a pillow next to him so he could look at them. We talked and that tough man cried and I cried with him. He was dying and knew it as did I. Thank you for asking because, as you well know, we are talking about a great, great soldier and man.
My name is also Richard I can assure you I not the Richard I just read of. Mack Forgey sent out a issue about me being the FO for Hq 1st Div 2/28 65-67 Lie Kie I was no hero, so that other Richard. Best not be using my name. I am and only Child and did not have to go but I singed a paper wavering my rights, only cause I did not want my guys to go without me. Please don’t get me mixed with hero Richard I’m far from a Hero. And thank everyone of you for your servise . Rick Doyal retired US ARMY
Anyone who served in that war is a hero. We lost a lot of brave guys in that war and a lot of them were not line infantry, truck drivers bring supplies down HWY 13. No one was safe even in Saigon.
Richard, what was your call sign? Mine was 29-O (two niner oscar) F O 68-69 2/28 Black Lions.
dear war veterans i want to thank you all for laying your lives down for us. Jesus said “no greater love than this a man lay down his life for a friend”
Sorry to say 68 an 69 I was on a three man MAT Team 66 in the Delta, four if I count the Medic which I don’t he was a chicken shit when shots were fired.
Capt Polk and SFC Cordell we’re KIA WHILE I was at the Dr in Sigon when I returned I was informed, and I lost it, Cordell was to meet his wife the next Day
In Hawaii, she was informed in Hawaii of his death. Shredders Re married in three Mounts. How but that.
When I got home I went to Cap Polk and met his family. His brother ask how he was killed, I informed him, but I lied , I will not say how it went down to his family. At that time they no
I really can’t remember I want to say Duncking 29 but I’m not sure I was in Nam 65 and again in 69 and 70 five man matt team lost my Capt and SFC Cordell who were both shot in the head. Cause the Vietnam Military ran leaving them in the rice pattie to be KIA
Anyone who remembers Joe Allen Crutcher Delta Co. Who was KIA in this battle please respond
I often wonder why they did not transfr LTC Allen to a stalff position AS I know that his mind was confused by his Dear John and his emer.trip home to try to resolve the domestic problem. I was in the 1st as Trial Counsel for the Di v,Lai Khe. The 1st thing that I heard was about his domestic problem. These good men might be alive today if he had not been making the decisions on 10/17/67. Lt.welch confirmed that he was disssasociated later in the battle. Probably the biggest mistake of all was walking into the lion;s mouth.But for Welch,the entire force would have been killed. Black Lions.
Kermit I am in total agreement with you. I was a member of 2/28 myself at the time of this Battle. Knowing LTC Allen there was no way he was going to voluntary give up his Command of this Infantry Battalion. This was his “make it or forget it” assignment for the remainder of his Military Career. I am a firm believer that his domestic problem was a big factor in his decision making on that day. I remember you as we were both in SJA in Dian for a short while.
Hey Bob, maybe because he was our S-3 as a Major and we knew him we were over-protective of him. We always made excuses when Brigade and Division were yelling at him on the radio. We also knew his dad commanded the BRO in WWII and that made us support him more. When we heard his wife was running around with a rodeo clown we wanted to kill the clown. We made excuses and felt sorry for him until he and all the rest died. When I found him that day SGM Dowling had his arm draped over him as if comforting him and was also dead. Yeah Bob, we, like our brave SGM , were comforting him instead of being led by him.
God bless you men!! Thomas here, my dad was in this unit I believe! E-7 SFC Wilson (Bill) Thomas Harrison.
Trained at Fort Polk (Drill Sgt.) then went with his unit to Viet Nam I was 11 you. If anyone knows or can verify this contact me at thgotsaved@gmail.com. He ret. at Benning 1974, 24 years 9 months.
I was at Lai Khe getting ready to go home. My best friend Michael Morrow died in the battle. R.I.P. all Brothers
I WAS THERE WITH YOU,IM RON MORENO,HAVE TALKED TOSGT DRIVER,BO KENNEYAND GARY WISDOM
I was in the same platoon with Michael but transfer to HHC 2 months prior to the loss of his life along with another buddy of mine named Bobby Minton. Still think of both. I am from Albany New York and I know Michael was from NY.
I recently read “The Beast Was Out There.” I greatly appreciated the detailed and candid account of the Battle at Ong Thanh as portrayed by James Shelton. I was an artilleryman during that battle, that being Commanding Officer, Battery C, 2nd Bn 33rd Artillery. I’ll never forget the intense artillery support we provided, firing over 2000 rounds in less then two hours. The shock of losing so many infantrymen that day in October remains vivid in my memory. Dennis D. McSweeney, Colonel, US Army(Ret)
Dennis, I was your FDO during that battle and would love to connect with you again. My name was David Hearne. You can find my contact info online very easily by Googling my name. I have a book out about the battle of Xom Bo II which happened 3 months prior to Ong Thanh. The battle was also against the 271st and we lost 39 dead and 150 wounded. I am happy that you recall that horrible day because it is nice to know that my recollections are real.
In response to David Hearne, I am 76 years and to this day I easily recall moment by moment the circumstances and events during that horrendous battle. One recollection is the coolness and courage exhibited by a fire direction officer known to me as “Dave”. It was “Dave” who kept his cool while managing the artillery fires of Dungeon Charlie. It is my pleasure to be reacquainted with “Dave”. I am retired military living in Williamsburg, Virginia, teaching at The College of William and Mary. My email is ddanielmac@aol.com.
My dad Steve Walls was a radio operator for HQ Company in the 1 2/28 Black Lions in ’67 -’68. I found this and a few other pages and have started to learn about what my father and others endured. Dad remembers serving under Cpt. Karl Keizer who was KIA on 19 June ’68. If anyone remembers my dad I would love to hear from you. Thank you ALL for your sacrifice and service!
No Karl Keizer ever served in VN
CPT Carl Sanford KIZER was 28 when he was killed. He was with HHC, 2ND BN, 28TH INFANTRY, 1ST INF DIV,. He was killed by an errant friendly rocket directed at the enemy during combat operation in the Binh Duong Province on June 19, 1968. He had about a month left in country. He was from Scranton, PA. I did not know your dad but you are right about CPT Kizer – just spelled it differently.
He was a great and wonderful man and soldier. He had a great line to call to any of us in Recon Platoon ” Hey monk where ya going?” We loved him
i just received a hand written letter from Joe hermann today. he was my step dad. we never knew what he did in nam. i found out today he was there in this war. the letter talks about this in detail and how got a sword and a rifle from there taken from the enemy. he also received a purple heart from there. we lost him this christmas. i thank all of these brave men
I ran an M88 tank retriever out of Lai Khe in Fall ’69. I was at many of these sites of major battles earlier in the war, but it’s taken many years to know the bad history of these places. An Loc, Loc Ninh, Michelin Rubber plantation, Minh Tanh, My utmost respect to those that fought there.
Ok Now I know you havé Reminders Me the área. Loc Ninh thé vitcog blowup the gas station. Some days after that battle in the rubber plantation took place.I was very lucky not a scratch. Got Two bronze States medals.
Lost a lot of friends on June, 67. Cried a lot. Miss them all very much. Prayers to them all. Wish I was there with them, but my time was up and I was at home base getting ready to go home.
The were a gallant troop and I’ll see them soon. Take care brothers all you brothers out there and be safe. One who wishes he could have your back, but my age keeps me from doing so. .
God bless you all. Bob
defiant bravo1-6 here.
the 1/28th. was 5000 meters from you guys that day but not allowed to respond,we just completed setting up an ndp and were told to break it down quickly and withdraw another 2500 meters now.a b-52 strike was on the way.we saw flashes and heard a constant roar like continuous thunder,then saw whole trees in the air looking like broccoli spears floating in the sky.the rto said the 2/28th. was in an ambush and pretty much wiped out and we were ordered to return to base camp at quan loi.upon return I was told to report to graves registration near Saigon and retrieve a list of kia and other documents.when I arrived at registration I was told to wait they have not arrived but on the way.i looked inside a hanger like quansot bldg. and saw rows of stainless steel tables that were set up for large scale reception.then I heard the choppers coming in as they settled onto the pads they were dripping and the smell of iron was all around within 2 hrs. I had a packet of paperwork and returned to quan loi.an actual firefight with rockets and all would have been a better assignment but then I didn’t have to wait to long for that to happen too.in about 9 days,in vegas,the remaining 4 of our platoon will have a reunion for 3 days,we were fortunate.R.I.P. brothers.we will salute you.
My father, Jose “Joe” Lopez was 1st ID 2-28 C Co. He was a radio man. I have heard many stories of this day. Never in such detail of the events but he explained it as an adrenaline rushes madness. He always spoke very highly and proudly of his brothers. He was a proud Black Lion until his passing. There are no words to explain my gratitude to these fine men. You went above and beyond and for this you have a huge place in my heart. WELCOME HOME BLACK LIONS. You will live forever in my heart.
My Johnny Sullivan, and was originally stationed at Phouc Vinh with the 1/28th from Jan to Sept 67, and left there as a rifle squad leader! In early Sept, I along with other experienced troops were transferred to the 1/16th rangers at LA Khe to blend in with new replacements, as a result of losses they had recently incurred! We had just returned from the field, when on the morning of 17 October, we heard about one of units being heavily engaged in battle! We were at the base camp as a reactionary force, so we quickly mobilized to assist as needed! From initial reports we figured the entire unit was practically wiped, but one company was at their NDT! When we arrived at the location of the battle, it was a ghastly sight! Medics while administering plasma to the wounded were dead together! It was a sight I will never forget! Our brave soldiers had clearly been caught in a horrific ambush with no means of escape! The combatants were only 20 to 30 feet apart and cutting loose with everything at their disposal! We were under periodic sniper fire but we went about the grim task of removing our dead in a very quiet sullen fashion! If I remember correctly it took about 3 days to locate and remove all of our fallen! But in my opinion our actual loss was significant more than officially recorded! I won’t elaborate but I mean a lot more! The enemy hurriedly tried to bury some of their dead in the vicinity of the battle! But there were arms and legs protruding! We dug them out to get an accounting of their dead! And to my amazement they were not adorned like the viet cong! But were wearing combat military attire and their physique was not slight like the Vietnamese, but more robust like the Chinese! I didn’t mention this to any of our men at the time! But I knew in my heart they were definitely Chinese soldiers! Our officers on the ground had to have realized this also! But I recently checked it out and the Chinese government has more recently confirmed that they had ground troops fighting in the South!
i too was there as part of a helicopter recovery team we flew outside of the battle and saw at least 125 body bags when we were refueling one of the gunners came up to speak to one of our pilots wwho he knew and said they had brought out 90 so far and more were still in there
Johnny Sullivan, and was originally stationed at Phouc Vinh with the 1/28th from Jan to Sept 67, and left there as a rifle squad leader! In early Sept, I along with other experienced troops were transferred to the 1/16th rangers at LA Khe to blend in with new replacements, as a result of losses they had recently incurred! We had just returned from the field, when on the morning of 17 October, we heard about one of units being heavily engaged in battle! We were at the base camp as a reactionary force, so we quickly mobilized to assist as needed! From initial reports we figured the entire unit was practically wiped, but one company was at their NDT! When we arrived at the location of the battle, it was a ghastly sight! Medics while administering plasma to the wounded were dead together! It was a sight I will never forget! Our brave soldiers had clearly been caught in a horrific ambush with no means of escape! The combatants were only 20 to 30 feet apart and cutting loose with everything at their disposal! We were under periodic sniper fire but we went about the grim task of removing our dead in a very quiet sullen fashion! If I remember correctly it took about 3 days to locate and remove all of our fallen! But in my opinion our actual loss was significant more than officially recorded! I won’t elaborate but I mean a lot more! The enemy hurriedly tried to bury some of their dead in the vicinity of the battle! But there were arms and legs protruding! We dug them out to get an accounting of their dead! And to my amazement they were not adorned like the viet cong! But were wearing combat military attire and their physique was not slight like the Vietnamese, but more robust like the Chinese! I didn’t mention this to any of our men at the time! But I knew in my heart they were definitely Chinese soldiers! Our officers on the ground had to have realized this also! But I recently checked it out and the Chinese government has more recently confirmed that they had ground troops fighting in the South!
well done john. steve gin defiant bravo 1-6,quan loi 67-68.oorah.
________________________________
Johnny Sullivan: Thank you for being there for us. I was one of the Black Lion medics on the ground, and it was just as bad as you say. For the record, among other casualties, 4 Black Lion medics were KIA and 2 or 3 others wounded. They fought and died bravely and gave their all. I was focused on the casualties, so I didn’t care about the enemy bodies, but I can confirm your observation in at least one case. I came across a body that was clearly not VC or NVA. I didn’t take the time to examine him, but saw that he was more stocky, heavier and had a totally different uniform, with a distinctive belt buckle. A number of us saw him. The body disappeared and when one of the guys asked about it, he was told very firmly that he didn’t see what he saw. Ever since that, I have been convinced that he was a Chinese Advisor to the 271st VC Regiment, and that the military didn’t want to confirm that we had killed Chinese troops.
What was left of our battalion flew back to Lai Khe on the 18th, after tagging and bagging the bodies left out overnight. That was our focus and it was just about as horrible as the aftermath of the battle the day before. I’m sure that you guys saw/found a lot more as you followed up in the next few days.
I have a photo gallery from my tour of duty here : https://pbase.com/d_berry/black_lions . You are welcome to take a look. A lot of the photos are common to many of us who served in that time and area.
My best to you and your family, and thank you again for being there when we needed you.
Dave Berry
My name is Dave Berry. I was a combat medic with 2/2 Inf (Mech) from April-Sept. ’67 and then moved to 2/28 Inf Black Lions from Sept. ’67- Oct. ’68. I was on that battlefield on 17 Oct. ’67, caring for wounded and dying soldiers. It may not have been the biggest or most terrible battle in the history of war, but it was bad enough to give all of us who were there a lifetime of nightmares. I served as a platoon medic and then senior aidman of Bravo Co. until late Dec. ’67 and then recon platoon medic until late Feb./early March ’68. I later went back to college, majoring in Nursing, got an Army scholarship and was lucky enough to retire as an Army Nurse Corps LTC in 1995.
I noticed that there were a lot of interesting comments posted a few years ago until some whacko troll hijacked the conversation and took it down a rabbit hole. He even brought my name into his comments, although I have no idea why, other than the fact that he may have seen a Vietnam War photo gallery that I have shared on a photo-sharing site called PBase. It’s too bad that his whole string wasn’t removed from the section, but I’m glad to see that the adults have taken over once again.
I have been to a few of the bigger reunions, including that in Las Vegas in 2015, as well as a number of smaller gatherings of some of my Black Lion friend from that time and place. I’m sorry to report that Jim Shelton, who was a dear friend, passed away from a heart attack a few months ago. Our numbers are thinning year by year.
Best regards,
Dave Berry
I’m a proud member of the 28th Inf. Association. I served as an RTO with Bravo, 2/28th, Jan 68-Jan 69.
I knew two medics that were in the Black Lions. I sit my butt in Long Bien. But my roomie was a Doc Johnson from Co C. What a great guy and Hero. But he carried a lot of stuff from his time in the feild. Hope he is doing OK.
93rd Evac 69-70
I haven’t talked with Bill ‘Doc’ Johnson for awhile but last I did he was doing ok. He lives in Alva, FL, just outside Ft Myers. The two of us have stayed in touch all these years and I’ve visited him many times.
Mike, do you have contact information for Bill Johnson. Would like to reach out and reconnect, I was a medic in 1st platoon 2/28th and later Senior Aid medic. Thanks and regards,
Donald M. Holmes
9.20.2019
I am looking to talk to anyone who new my Brother Delbert Cyrus Holmes, (he passed away in 6/2005)
A Co. Black Lions of CANTIGN Y 2BN 28 INF 1st Infantry Div.
My dad, Tom Wiley was good friends with Ray Gribble, Sr. of Muncie, Indiana. I remember dad coming home from work one day in October 1967 and he was crying. I never saw my dad cry and when I asked him why, he said, Ray Neal Gribble had been killed in Vietnam. If you don’t know Ray Neal’s story, here it is:
http://www.coachwyatt.com/raynealgribble.htm
Thank all of you brave men who served and fought with your brothers.
Steve Wiley
US Navy 72-75
I was most reflective today as our nation honored military members who gave their lives in service to country. I reflected on that October day in 1967 when brave Black Lion infantrymen fought for their lives when attacked by enemy forces at Ong Thanh. The memories of that tragic battle will always be with me especially on Memorial Day.
Col Denny McSweeney, US Army (Ret)
I have purchased the book as a gift to my brother, He was there. I live in Sarasota Fl. Would love to have you autograph. Any luck I can take it to you.
Thank You
I’ve been back to Lai Khe and Dau Tieng several times over the past 27 years and around the country. If any of you guys want pictures or video I’ve taken just let me know. It’s changed quite a bit.
Hello Curtis! This is Jaime V. Perez from Texas. I served with 1/28 Delta Co. late 68- 12/69. Our base camp was Lai Khe when I arrived and still was when I left. Remember “Rocket City” very well and after more than 50 years later, I sometimes wonder what it might look like in recent times. If it isn’t to much trouble for you, I certainly would appreciate you sharing a couple of your photos of Lai Khe with me! I have never gone back and don’t know if I ever will! Still, interested in seeing some of your pics if you don’t mind.
Regards,
J.V. Perez
The death toll was 72. There were six men tagged DOA that were saved at B Co. 1st Med. Bn. 1st INF. Division at Lai Khe.
James, I was with you in Viet Nam and I have some pictures you might like to have. Huerta.
Hello Mr. Huerta! This is JV Perez. Not sure if my previous reply went out ok or not that’s why I am doing it again. Please call me at: 915-443-5221 or text to: jaimevperez@gmail.com. Hope to hear from you soon!
I was with a/2/28 1966 got med evac in nov 1966 went back to a/228 1968 left in jan 1969 was a great unit yo serve with was sad to hear about 17 oct 67 when I got back blacklion6668@comcast.net if u remember me please reply blacklions sir
I served with Delta Co 2nd 28 Infantry from May 30,1969 until September 28,1969. Came in country Thru Cam Ranh Bay. Spent most of my tour working out of Firebase Mahone. Walked point. September 28, 1969 got hit with a Claymore. In my VFW Post 5448 of Griffin, GA there is a fellow veteran who also served with the Black Lions
Hi blacklion all is well here was in hospital last year 5 times 2 times for AFEB things are great now thanks for good meds. Take care OUT
I am researching the November & December 1967 battles at Bu Dop.
If you have recollections of the battles please contact me via the Don Moore.
I would dearly love to locate any of my buddies that I served with. I was with “C” 2/28, 1st Inf Div. from April 1967 to April 1968. My name is Ivan Duvall, nickname in Nam was Dewey. Please Email at ivanduvalljr@ gmail.com
are you a member of the Black Lions Assoc? I can connect you with Mike MacDonald, president of the association
Mike MacDonald
president@28thinfantry.org
Sgt Delbert Cyrus Holmes RA19846538 (Brother) wanting any info about the Battle he was in when he was put on injured list 21 June 68; have picture of brother in front of sign: Alfa CO. Black Lions of
Cantign y 2 BN 28 INF. 1st Infantry Division
Also with:
C. Co 1st Bn. 506 (A Bn) 2nf 101st Air Borne Div.
Served 2 tours till injured quadriplegic 21 June 68, shot through the neck.
i was in 28th When it was in Germany An it change to the21th Inf , I would like to talk to someone that remember that time.