This site is dedicated to the members of the Recon Platoon 1-16 First Infantry Division who served in Vietnam from 1965-1970 |
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Our goal is to have “All present or accounted for”
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The 1st Battalion 16th Infantry Regiment (Rangers) arrived in the Republic of Vietnam in October of 1965.We went farther, faster. We were better armed and took more supplies with us because most of the time we were on our own. We went on more patrols and night ambushes than most line companies, and during the few times we were back at Lai Khe (our base camp), we normally did perimeter guard or night ambush there.We learned our trade from those who had prior combat experience along with OJT. We were not baby killers, we were soldiers. We fought a tough enemy and most of the time, defeated him. We were not draft card or flag burners. We did not all understand the reasons for this little war, but we did not run away to a foreign country and hide. We believed we were needed by our country and that this was the right thing to do.
After less than auspicious homecomings, and years of contempt, there was a transition to acceptance of the Vietnam veterans. For thirty some years I suppressed the memories and rarely talked to anyone about being a veteran. We have found many from our platoon, but we are still looking.Our goal is to have “All present or accounted for”. |
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Turkey's BRO flag flying in Iraq |
TIMELINE IN COUNTRYBy Dave HummelEdited by Edwin Peck |
1st Infantry Division |
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Recon's KIAs
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The Government of the Republic of Vietnam awarded the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal to US Armed Forces personnel who served in the Republic of Vietnam for six months during the period of 1 March 1961 - 28 March 1973
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The National Defense Service Medal was awarded for honorable active service between 1 January 1961 - 14 August 1974. | The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to all members of the Armed Forces of the United States serving in Vietnam between 3 July 1965 - 28 March 1973. | The Government of the Republic of Vietnam awarded the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal to US Armed Forces personnel who served in the Republic of Vietnam for six months during the period of 1 March 1961 - 28 March 1973 |