Prepared by: Ryan P. Niebuhr

The 502nd, or “five-oh-deuce”, was activated July 1, 1941 at Fort Benning, Georgia as the 502nd parachute infantry battalion, as an experimental unit formed to test the doctrine and tactics of parachute assaults. The 502nd entered combat in World War II on June 6, 1944, by jumping into Normandy, with allied forces landing on D-Day and the Battle of Normandy. Between 1945 and 1964. A major reorganization took place on 3 February 1964, when the 2nd Brigade of the 101st Airborne was activated at Fort Campbell, replacing the 1st Airborne Battle Group, 501st Infantry Regiment. The reorganization from the battle groups to brigades and battalions placed two battalions of the 502nd in different brigades of the 101st. The 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry was in the 1st Brigade with 1-327th and 2-327th Infantry. Which deployed to Vietnam and arrived at Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam on 29 July 1965, they were commanded by the most notable commander LTC Hank “The Gunfighter” Emerson. The new 2nd Brigade’s original organic battalions were the 1st and 2d Battalions, 501st Infantry, and the 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry. December 1967 the 501st, 502nd and 2nd Brigade deployed by C-141 aircraft and arrived at Bien Hoa Airbase on 13 December 1967. Over the next five years, Soldiers of the “Ready to Go” Brigade participated in twelve campaigns, compiling of a distinguished combat record as well as an enviable reputation for success in the rehabilitation of a war-torn nation. The Brigade redeployed to Fort Campbell in April 1972.

In September 1980, 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry regiment deployed to Sinai as a peacekeeping for Operation BRIGHT STAR. The unit was first U.S. forces in the region since World War II.

STRIKE

Weekly History

January 3rd – January 9th, 2016 Est. 1941

Brief History of the 502nd and 2nd Brigade

Issue: 37

Prepared by: Ryan P. Niebuhr

In 1982, Task Force 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry deployed to Panama in support of Operation KINDLE LIBERTY to demonstrate U.S. ability and resolve to defend the Panama Canal in the light of spreading pro-Soviet/Cuban influence in Nicaragua and Central America. 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry deployed to Egypt again in September 1982 to enforce Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel by serving on the Sinai Peninsula as part of the Multinational Force and Observers. May 1984 through a complex “reflagging” process the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Battalions, 502nd were placed under the 2nd Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division (AASLT). With this reorganization the Brigade adopted the regimental motto, “STRIKE!” On 5 June 1984, 3rd Battalion, 502nd Infantry deployed to Sinai, Egypt at part of Multinational Force and Observers from July to December 1985. On December 12, 1985 at 0645 the DC-8-63 charter carrying 248 passengers and a crew of 8 crashed just after takeoff from Gander International Airport, Gander, Newfoundland, Canada. All on board perished as a result of the impact of the post-crash fire. In the late summer of 1990, the “STRIKE” Brigade moved to Saudi Arabia as part of Operation Desert Shield to deter a possible Iraqi invasion. On February 25, 1991 the “STRIKE” Brigade participated in the largest helicopter air assault in military history to establish FOB Cobra. During Operation Desert Storm, the 2nd Brigade and 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) cut the enemy’s lines of communications, struck deep into his country, threatened a lethal strike against his capital and shut off his escape. The Brigade redeployed to Fort Campbell in March of 1991.

Between 1993 and 2001 the Brigade participated in multiple peacekeeping mission to include: Operation Safe Passage (Panama), Jungle Operations Training Center (Panama), Bosnia-Herzgovina (QRF) Stabilization Force 6 (SFOR6), Kosovo and Republic of Macedonia as part of NATO’s Kosovo Force.

Prepared by: Ryan P. Niebuhr

The STRIKE Brigade deployed to Iraq in support of OIFI (2003), OIF 05-07 (2006) and OIF 07-09 (2007). The Brigade received multiple awards and decoration during these operations. During this period in 2004 the “STRIKE” Brigade went through another transformation. With the inactivation of 3rd Battalion, 502nd Infantry and reflagged as 1st Squadron, 75th Cavalry Regiment and also transformed from an Infantry Brigade to a modular Brigade Combat Team with adding 1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery, 2nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion and 526th Brigade Support Battalion.

The STRIKE Brigade deployed to Afghanistan in support of OEF X-IX (2009), Security Force Advisor Team (SFAT) (2010), Security Force Advisory Team (2012), OEF XV. STRIKE Brigade also transformed once again in 2014 with the loss of 1-320th FA which joined 2-320th FA and 3-320th FA to make the up the Division Artillery (DIVARTY) and 1-26th IN joined STRIKE Brigade.

Prepared by: Ryan P. Niebuhr

During this week, in the span of 72 years since the 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment originated in July

1941 as the 502nd Parachute Battalion, an experimental unit formed to test the doctrine and tactics of

parachute assault, the following are from After Action Reports, Staff Duty Logs, and Personal Accounts.

03 January 1945 The 2nd Battalion engaged in heavy fighting around Longchamps, Belgium. The 19th SS Panzer Grenadier Regiment of

the Hohenstauffen division was able to capture almost forty American parachutists there, mostly members of F/502. The following week saw bloody fighting along the railroad line running NE through the Bois Jacques forest.

03 January 1968 1-502 IN conducted combat assaults. The 1st lift went Airborne at 0807hrs and the last lift completed at 0917hrs. Alpha

and Bravo Company discovered numerous Booby-Traps and fresh sign. Delta made heavy contact. The Battalion set up for night defensive position. All NDP sites were mortared during the night. U.S. Casualties (slight) 23 WIA; (Evac) 13 WIA.

03-05 January 1968 2-501 IN conducts 2nd Brigade’s first airmobile operation in Vietnam; combining air, gunship, and artillery support on a

search and destroy mission into the Filhol woods, discovering a new enemy base camp. 03 January 1968 1-502 IN Battalion conducted combat assault. 1st lift airborne 08:07hrs. Last lift completed at 09:17hrs. Bravo and Alpha

discovered numerous Booby-Traps and fresh sign. Delta made heavy contact. Battalion set up for night in company (+) NDP's. All NDP's mortared during the night. Casualties: (slight) 23 WIA (Evac) 13 WIA. (1-502 IN Unit History; Annual Supplement)

03 January 1970 Operation RANDOLPH GLEN: D/1-502 IN trained 35 PF’s at location 755128, Alpha Company 1st Platoon found a bomb

10 to 13 inches in diameter in about 1 foot of water located 801017, Delta Company 2nd Platoon, 2nd Squad found a spider hole 1’x2’x3’ with no recent signs of use. The hole was located at 781173.

03 January 1970 Operation RANDOLPH GLEN: C/2-502 initiated contact when two NVA’s were killed in an ambush and 2 AK-47’s was

captured. 04 January 1968 During early morning hours, the NPD of A & D/1-502 IN BN received rockets in their perimeter. During daylight hours

Battalion conducted search and destroy operations. Charlie made heavy contact and was supported by gunships and artillery. Charlie had 10WIA. Bravo moved to support Charlie and came under heavy contact. 7 KIA, 1 WIA. One man discovered MIA.

05 January 1968 1-502 IN Battalion continued search and destroy missions around Cu Chi. Bravo linked up with a tank unit and returned to

area of contact to find MIA. Body found and identified as missing man. Other companies had negative contact and returned to Cu Chi for night. Change: 1 MIA to 1 KIA

05 January 1969 Operation NEVADA EAGLE: The 2-502 successfully accomplished it mission as evidence by the following below:

UNIT KHA KNHA WHA US 2 1 18 4 UNIT VC KIA VC KBA VC POW Returnees Equipment Weapons ENEMY 43 (BC) 7 (BC) 1 1 1872 58 The Battalion personnel strength at the conclusion of Operation was as follows: Authorized: 43-2-869 Assigned: 41-2-790 Present for Duty: 39-2-745 The Battalion received 33-1-271 replacements during this reporting period. During this time period, the following awards were recessed: Silver Star 8 Bronze Star “V” 35 Bronze Star 274 ARCOM “V” 11 ARCOM 248 Air Medal 1 Soldier Medal 1 CIB 148

Prepared by: Ryan P. Niebuhr

05 January 1970 Operation RANDOLPH GLEN: A single enemy was engaged by an OP form C/2-502 resulting in one confirmed body count and one weapon captured. While in a night defensive position, C/2-502 had several enemy approach their position. When the enemy tripped a trip flare, he was engaged by small arms fire. The enemy returned fire and fled, leaving one dead behind.

05 January 2011 As part of Operation Dragon Descent, 3rd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment conducted a series of air and ground

assaults across all of Kandahar Province. Company H and 4th Company 6/3/205 air assaulted into the town of De Maiwand, the seat of the Taliban shadow government in Maiwand, and a historical training area for the insurgency.

During this mission, Operation Air Wolf, Company H came under heavy enemy fire four times in a 12-hour period, each time returning fire, gaining fire superiority and forcing Taliban to flee from the engagement. This mission resulted in the reported elimination of a mid-level Taliban commander.

06 - 07 January 1968 Operation KLAMATH FALLS: STRIKE Force elements oriented on extraction pickup zones and on January 7th were extracted by air to Bao Loc for stand-down. The mission of finding and destroying the 145th, 186th, and 482d VC Battalions and the MR-6 political headquarters was not accomplished even though extensive search and destroy operations were conducted. Base areas were found and destroyed but no enemy unit designations were determined and no significant enemy forces were engaged.

Results of Operation KLAMATH FALLS:

UNIT KHA KIA DOW WHA WIA

US 3 2 2 24 3 UNIT VC KIA VC POW Wpns Ind. Rice Dest. Base Inst. Dest. Hospital Complex Dest. ENEMY 8 (C) 1 6 12 Tons 12 1 The Battalion personnel strength at the conclusion of Operation was as follows: Authorized: 778 Assigned: 668 Present for Duty: 601 Not present for duty: 67 Causalities for Operations were as follows:

UNIT KHA KIA DOW WHA WIA INRHA HHC 0 2 0 3 2 0 A Co. 2 0 2 13 0 2 B Co. 1 0 0 5 1 0 C Co. 0 0 0 3 0 0 Total 3 2 2 24 3 2 06 January 1968 1-502 IN Battalion continued training and remained in perimeter of Cu Chi. During the night hours’ movement heard

around perimeter. At 21:30 hrs. A light was shined on a bunker and a sniper shot one man Results: 1 WIA 06 January 1971 1-501 IN assumed command of FB Rakkasan and its Area of Operation. 06 January 2010 Brigade and Battalion Leader Teams deployed to Fort Polk, Louisiana in support of the Leader Training Program exercise.

While at Fort Polk, the BCT‟s leadership planned for two missions; one for the deployment to the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) in March 2010 and the second for the deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in May 2010.

07 January 1968 1-502 IN conducted heli-borne lift to LZ X-Ray, at the foot of the Chu Pong Mountain in the Ia Drang Valley on the

Cambodian border and site of the first major battle of the American War in Vietnam (1st CAV DIV, Nov 1965) some three years earlier. It made no contact there and departed 10 January 1968.

07 January 1971 1st Battalion, 501st Infantry 3/A at YD485237 discovered one enemy BBT. It was not detonated. 08 January 1968 1-502 IN Battalion conducted search and destroy mission vicinity of LZ X-Ray. No contact made.

Prepared by: Ryan P. Niebuhr

During this week, in the span of 72 years since the 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment originated in July

1941 as the 502nd Parachute Battalion, an experimental unit formed to test the doctrine and tactics of

parachute assault, the following awards were awarded to members of 2BCT and the 502nd IN Regiment

or those assigned to the Brigade during operations.

2 x Distinguished Service Cross (1 x Posthumously) 2 x Silver Star Medal 49 x Bronze Star Medal (3 x Posthumously) 65 x Purple Heart Medal (52 x Posthumously) 60 x Combat Infantry Badge 2 x Died of Non-Hostile injury or illness 03 January 1945 SGT Richard A. Willburn (E/502d PIR) was awarded the Purple Heart (Posthumously) for military merit and for wounds

received in action resulting in his death during WWII in Belgium, Germany. 03 January 1945 CPL Frank J. Pilwallis (I/502d PIR) was awarded the Purple Heart (Posthumously) for military merit and for wounds

received in action resulting in his deaths during WWII in Belgium, Germany.

03 January 1945 PFC Roland J. Stuart (D/502d PIR) was awarded the Purple Heart (Posthumously) for military merit and for wounds received in action resulting in his deaths during WWII in Belgium, Germany.

03 January 1945 The following Soldiers: 1LT William O. Dwyer Jr. (Hq2/E/502nd PIR), PFC Donald R.B. Driskill, CPL Chester Kalinowski,

PFC Louis J. Martinez, PFC Randall A. Powless, PVT Walter H. Sanderson (D/502nd PIR), PVT George F. Nordberg, SGT Richard A. Willburn (E/502nd PIR), 2LT Napoleon T. Lavallee, 1LT Robert M. Wolfe, PVT Philip L. Beard, PFC Floyd M. Mabb, SSgt Clarence P. Simmons (F/502nd PIR), 1LT Edward G. Tyree, PFC Leonard E. Bruce (I/502nd PIR), PVT Arthur W. Fischer (502nd PIR) awarded the Purple Heart (Posthumously) for military merit and for wounds received in action resulting in their deaths during WWII in Belgium, Germany.

03 January 1945 SGT William “Bill” Conrad Bowser (E/502d PIR) earned the Purple Heart

Medal for wounds received in combat during the ferocious all-out attack by the 9th SS Panzer Division.

03 January 2006 SSG Jesse Runyon (B/2-502 IN) actions in combat earned him the Purple Heart. While conducting a cordon and search

of an area, an IED emplaced on the objective exploded injuring SSG Runyon. His injuries included multiple fragmentary penetrations.

03 January 2006 SGT Christopher James (B/2-502 IN) actions in combat earned him the Purple Heart. While conducting a cordon and

search of an area, an IED emplaced on the objective exploded injuring SGT James. His injuries were back lacerations and fragmentation to the face.

03 January 2006 SPC Paul Rains (B/2-502 IN) actions in combat earned him the Purple Heart. While conducting a cordon and search of an

area, an IED emplaced on the objective exploded injuring SGT James. His injuries were a head injury requiring CT scan. 03 January 2006 SGT Michael Julian (HHC/2-502 IN) actions in combat earned him the Purple Heart. Soldier was on patrol outside of

Gator Swamp Patrol Base when his patrol came under small arms fire. Soldier received a gunshot wound to the arm.

Prepared by: Ryan P. Niebuhr

03 January 2006 SPC Neil Tardiff (A/2-502 IN) actions in combat earned him the Purple Heart. SPC Tardiff was on patrol outside of Gator Swamp Patrol Base when his patrol came under small arms fire. He received a gunshot wound to his neck.

04 January 1944 PFC Lawrence B. Chesney (502nd PIR) earned the Purple Heart (Posthumously) for military merit and for wounds

received in action resulting in his death during WWII in Holland, France. 04 January 1945 The following Soldiers: PVT Daniel H. Clute (HQ3/502nd PIR), PVT John C. Ballard Jr., PVT Raymond M. Breen

(A/502nd PIR), 1LT James F. Toy III (B/502nd PIR), 1/Sgt John Wollen (D/502nd PIR), PVT Chester B. Gupp, PVT Leonard M. Rice (E/502nd PIR), 2LT Anthony C. Nardo (H/502d PIR); PFC Jack K. Williamson, and PVT Nick Wolcoff (502nd PIR) earned the Purple Heart (Posthumously) for military merit and for wounds received in action resulting in their deaths during WWII in Belgium, Germany.

03 January 1968 SGT Thomas R. Gdovin (D/1-502 IN) was awarded the Purple Heart for military merit and for wounds received during

action in combat in South Vietnam.

04 January 1967 CPL Meredith A. Gabriel (HHC/1-502 IN) was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart (Posthumously) for

military merit and for wounds received which resulted in his death from small arms fire when unit was engaged in a hostile firefight in the Binh Duong Province, South Vietnam.

04 January 1968 CPL Thomas McCray (C/2-502 IN) was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart (Posthumously) for military merit and for wounds received which resulted in his death from a missile wound while on a combat operation when engaged by hostile force in a firefight in the Binh Duong Province, South Vietnam.

04 January 1968 CPL Wayne H. Kelman (C/1-502 IN) was awarded the Purple Heart (Posthumously) for military merit and for wounds received in action resulting in his deaths from small arms gun fire wounds while on a combat operation when engaged during a firefight in the Binh Duong Province, South Vietnam.

04 January 1968 SP4 James W. Roy III (C/1-502 IN) was awarded the Purple Heart (Posthumously) for military merit and for wounds received in action resulting in his deaths from small arms gun fire wounds while on a combat operation when engaged during a firefight in the Binh Duong Province, South Vietnam.

04 January 1968 2LT George M. Wisham Jr. (C/1-502 IN) was awarded the Purple Heart (Posthumously) for military merit and for wounds received which resulted in his death from metal fragment and gunshot wounds received when he engaged hostile force in firefight while on combat operations in the Binh Duong Province, South Vietnam.

04 January 1968 SSG Richard L. Long (C/1-502 IN) was awarded the Purple Heart (Posthumously) for military merit and for wounds received which resulted in his death while on combat operation when engaged hostile force in a firefight in the Binh Duong Province, South Vietnam.

04 January 1968 PFC Eugene F. Sweet Jr. (C/1-502 IN) was awarded the Purple Heart (Posthumously) for military merit and for wounds received which resulted in his death while on combat operation when engaged hostile force in a firefight in the Binh Duong Province, South Vietnam.

04 January 1968 SSG David L. Simon (C/1-502 IN) was awarded the Purple Heart (Posthumously) for military merit and for wounds received in action resulting in his deaths from multiple fragmentation wounds in the Binh Duong Province, South Vietnam. (Pictures L-R)

Prepared by: Ryan P. Niebuhr

04 January 1969 PFC Steven A. Wessel (D/1-502 IN) died from Non-hostile causes from Air Loss, Crash-Land-Helicopter-Noncrew in the

Thua Thien Province, South Vietnam. On this day an OH-6 (tail number 67-16363) from A Battery, 377th Artillery was employed in providing artillery spotting in support of the 1st Bn, 321st Arty. At about 1630, after two hours on mission, the pilot - 1LT Kenneth L. Fountain of Savannah, Georgia - landed his aircraft at Fire Support Base T-Bone, contacted his base operations, and advised them that weather conditions made it unlikely he would be able to return to Camp Eagle. 1LT Fountain was directed to remain overnight at FSB T-Bone if the weather had not cleared by 1800. At 1800 Fountain decided to remain overnight at T-Bone. Since his aircraft was on a pad outside T-Bone's night defensive perimeter he fired it up with the intention of doing a low hover uphill to a pad within the NDP. PFC Steven A. Wessel was allowed to board as a passenger for the short flight. As Fountain moved uphill in the gathering darkness he apparently lost sight of the ground and may have developed vertigo. In any case his aircraft hit the hillside some 35 feet below the crest, rolled on its right side, exploded, and burned. Both Fountain and Wessel were killed in the crash.

04 January 2006 PFC Anthony Stout (A/1-502 IN) actions in combat earned him the Purple Heart. While conducting an IA checkpoint, a

civilian earthmover struck a pressure plated IED causing it to detonate. PFC Stout was approximately 20 meters from the blast and received shrapnel wounds to the face, right arm, and right leg.

04 January 2006 PFC Timothy Wilson (A/1-502 IN) actions in combat earned him the Purple Heart. While conducting an IA checkpoint, a

civilian earthmover struck a pressure plated IED causing it to detonate. PFC Wilson was approximately 20 meters from the blast and received shrapnel wounds to his left leg.

04 January 2008 CPL Matthew Engel (A/2-101 BSTB) actions in combat earned him the Purple Heart. Beast Iron Claw was on a route

clearance patrol along Route Tampa when the Husky was engaged by an EFP. CPL Engel was driving the Husky. CPL Engel took shrapnel to the left arm and was CASEVACed to Riva Ridge Medical Facility.

05 January 1944 PVT Reo K. Niles (C/502d PIR) earned the Purple Heart (Posthumously) for military merit and for wounds received in

action resulting in his death in Belgium, Germany. 05 January 1945 PVT James W. Drummond (HQ/3-502d PIR) was awarded the Purple Heart (Posthumously) for military merit and for

wounds received in action resulting in his deaths in Belgium, Germany.

05 January 1945 PVT George H. Emberlin (B/502d PIR) was awarded the Purple Heart (Posthumously) for military merit and for wounds received in action resulting in his deaths in Belgium, Germany

05 January 1945 PFC Irven P. Pottorff (D/502d PIR) was awarded the Purple Heart (Posthumously) for military merit and for wounds received in action resulting in his deaths in Belgium, Germany.

05 January 1945 The following Soldiers: PFC Orville E. Hamon, SGT Louis C. See (B/502d PIR), PFC Melvin E. Laubach, and SGT Lawrence J. Silva (D/502d PIR) was awarded the Purple Heart (Posthumously) for military merit and for wounds received in action resulting in their deaths in Belgium, Germany.

05 January 1967 PFC Reinaldo L. Delgado (C/2-502 IN) was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart (Posthumously) for military

merit and for wounds received in action resulting in his death from a booby trap while searching a cave in the Kontum Province, South Vietnam.

Prepared by: Ryan P. Niebuhr

05 January 1969 The following Soldiers: 1LT John D. Sorge, 1TL Barton P. Thompson, PSG Francis L. Demory, SGT Stephen J. Aulph, SGT John T. Borgers, SGT Rodney K. Green, SGT Martin L. Long, SGT James H. Manning, SGT Joseph E. Toy, PFC George W. Baker “Freddy”, PFC Joseph G. Bigger, PFC Roger M. Bost, PFC Roy J. Brown, PFC Maury J. Busbee “Judson”, PFC Gary L. Caauwe, PFC Robert D. Cantu, PFC Ronnie L. Carroll, PFC Russell B. Carson, PFC Phillip N. Cawthon, PFC Jack Clark Jr., PFC James R. Cotton, PFC Peter K. Crossan, PFC Michael C. English, PFC John A. Glover, PFC Clifford R. Godwin, PFC Carl J. Hartle, PFC Henry W. Helfenbien, PFC William D. Hunt, PFC Thomas W. Hurlbut, PFC Atrhur C. Ingram, PFC Andrew L. Johnson, PFC John E. Kerestesi, PFC Raymond E. Kunz, PFC Vito R. Leal, PFC Samuel Lewis, PFC Darrell G. Lombard, PFC James A. Milby, PFC Stephen R. Millage, PFC Michael K. Morrison, PFC Marion D. Nesbitt “Dave”, PFC Richard K. Nickell, PFC Donald L. Olive, PFC Leroy A. O’Neal, PFC Harold R. Parker, PFC Richard A. Pine, PFC Ronald L. Pugh, PFC Felton A. Sampson, PFC Peter T. Sciambra, PFC Douglas H. Smith, PFC Walter T. Starkey Jr. PFC Richard A. Strong, PFC David W. Sullivan, PFC Jerry L. Sykes, PFC Milton O. Riegel, PFC Ernest Tobias, PFC Robert E. Van Dusen, PFC Thoams J. Vasil, PFC Kenneth R. Walker, PFC Bobby Wing, PFC Paul P. Wisecup (A/1-502 IN) was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge (First Award) in South Vietnam. (HQ, 101st ABN DIV, Special Orders Number 5; 5 January 1969)

05 January 2011 PV2 Cory Meyer (A/1-320 FAR) earned the Purple Heart from wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his

dismounted patrol with an improvised explosive device. 06 January 1967 PFC Ronald W. Parker (A/2-502 IN) was awarded the Purple Heart (Posthumously) for military merit and for wounds

received in action resulting in his death when hit by hostile small arms and sniper fire in the Kontum Province, South Vietnam.

07 January 1945 T/4 Vernon A. Goodmanson (D/502nd PIR) earned the Purple Heart (Posthumously) for military merit and for wounds

received in action resulting in his death in Belgium, Germany. 07 January 1969 The following Soldiers: SP4 Larry Aldridge, SP5 Edwin H. Barbour, CPT Terrell D.

Bridges, CPT James C. Britton, SGM Cecil J. Cash, SGT Hector Colon-Rios, SP5 Solomon Dezelle, CPT Ivan R. Farris, SP4 William C. Foreman, 1LT Allen D. Gibbs, SP4 Dennis D. Gibson, SFC James Gibson, SP5 David Hopper, SGT Jeffrey D. Howe, SGT Victor Hyatt, CPT Timothy B. Jeffrey, SP4 Alvin B. Johnson, PFC Alvin Kellog Jr., SP4 John R. Lazomby, SP4 Jerome Newman, SFC Javier S. Nunez, CPT David H. Leeper, SFC Trivett Lloyd, SGT Ronald E. Long (Pictured), SGT James P. Mason, SP4 Phillip Matio, SGT Floyd P. McNeill, SP4 Melvin B. McWorter, SP4 Joe E. Mikles, SP4 Dean W. Ohl, SP5 Richard J. Oliva, SP4 Kenneth A. Osmoe, SP4 Pedro Ramirez Jr., SSG Stephen S. Rivera, SP5 Jorge R. Sanchez, SP4 Craig Sanguinetti, 1LT Gooffrey L. Scanlon, CPT Terran Spiegelberg, SP4 Fancisco Vasquez (HHC/1-502nd IN); SP4 Marshall Moore, SP4 Noah R. Purtee, PFC Ronald Rigo, SP4 Ralph D. Schroeter, SP4 Alexander Vigil, SP4 William Ward Jr, PFC James R. Whilte (E/1-502nd IN) were awarded the Bronze Star Medal for actions in combat in the Republic of Vietnam. (HQ, 101st ABN DIV; G.O. Number 130; 7 January 1969)

07 January 2006 SGT Marshall Webb (A/1-502 IN) earned the Purple Heart for actions in combat while conducting a patrol; SGT Webb

dismounted his M1114 and was beginning to conduct 5 and 25m searches when an IED partially detonated approximately 3-5 meters away from SGT Webb. He received shrapnel wounds to his right leg.

07 January 2006 PV2 Shay Thomas (A/1-502 IN) earned the Purple Heart for actions in combat; while conducting a patrol, PVT Thomas

dismounted his M1114 and was beginning to conduct 5 and 25 searches when an IED partially detonated approximately 3-5 meters away. He received wounds on his left leg.

09 January 1945 The following Soldiers: PFC Herbert Sommer (G/502nd PIR), PVT Walter J. Winzek (502nd PIR) earned the Purple Heart

(Posthumously) for military merit and for wounds received in action resulting in their deaths in Belgium, Germany. 09 January 1967 PFC Robert W. Barton Jr. (C/2-502 IN) died from Non-hostile illness from Malaria as a ground casualty in the province not

reported, South Vietnam. 09 January 1970 PFC Vennie L. Smith (HQ/2-502nd IN) earned the Purple Heart (Posthumously) for military merit and for wounds received

which resulted in his death from small arms gun fire wounds in the Kontum Province, South Vietnam.

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STRIKE HISTORY (Citation’s and Awards): 03 January 1945 T/5 Warren E. Cobbett (D/502d PIR) was awarded The Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism in

connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as a Medical Aidman with Company D, 502d Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces on 3 January 1945, in Belgium. On that date, positions of Company D, 502nd Parachute Infantry near Longchamps, Belgium, were assaulted by a strong force of German tanks supported by artillery. Although heavy casualties were suffered the men held their positions on a bald, snow-covered slope, and it was on that completely exposed terrain that Technician Fifth Grade Cobbett fearlessly braved enemy fire to evacuate and give aid to the wounded. He obtained a quarter-ton truck and although it was not marked with the medical insignia he boldly drove it among the enemy tanks in order to reach overrun positions. By his absolute fearlessness Technician Fifth Grade Cobbett saved many lives and inspired his comrades to hold fast and deny infantry support to the enemy tanks. His intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 101st Airborne Division, and the United States Army.

03 January 1945 SGT William F. Carbery (E/502d PIR) was awarded The Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) for extraordinary

heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company E, 502d Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces on 3 January 1945. Sergeant Carberry's intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 101st Airborne Division, and the United States Army. Headquarters, Third U.S. Army, General Orders No. 100 (May 11, 1945)

03 January 1945 SGT Lester T. Ulrich (502 PIR) was awarded the Silver Star Medal while serving with the Army of the United States,

distinguished himself by gallantry in actions. On 3 January 1945 his company was occupying a defensive sector on the regimental main line of [unk] near Longchamps, Belgium when it was attacked by fourteen enemy tanks and a company of enemy infantry. As the tanks and infantry approached a heavy concentration of army mortar and artillery fire has landed on the company positions pinning every man in his foxhole. The tanks, firing directly at the foxholes, hit and instantly killed the platoon leader. Without hesitation, Sergeant Ulrich assumed command of the platoon. Realizing that the platoon positions were about to be overrun, Sergeant Ulrich left the comparative safety of his foxhole supporting his [unk] [unk] direct their fire by his gallant leadership the enemy attack was repulsed, and the defensive line remained intact. In repelling the enemy attack, his platoon disabled the tanks and accounted for fifty enemy killed. His determination to destroy the enemy and his disregard for his own safety aided immeasurably in halting the enemy attack. His actions were in accordance with the highest standards of the military service.

09 January 1967 SP5 Everett Bagley Jr. (HHC/2-502 IN) was awarded the Silver Star Medal for gallantry in action against a hostile force on

9 January 1967, near Kentum, Republic of Vietnam. During the hours of darkness on that night, the Reconnaissance Platoon had established an ambush position along a jungle trail when an estimated reinforced enemy squad was detected entering the killing zone. When the ambush was triggered, four men of the friendly element were wounded and remained in an exposed area. Upon receiving word that casualties had been inflicted on the friendly element Specialist Five Bagley, with complete disregard for his own safety, moved through heavy enemy fire while attempting to locate his wounded comrades in the darkness. Locating the first wounded man, Specialist Bagley immediately administered the needed medical aid and pulled the man to a safe area. Specialist Bagley then continued to move through the bullet-swept area until he had located and treated the three remaining wounded men and had personally carried them to covered positions. On Two occasions, Specialist Bagley drew fire from the enemy while using his flashlight in order to give the more seriously wounded emergency medical treatment. One time, while using his flashlight to treat the wounded, Specialist Bagley was struck in the head by grenade fragments and wounded. Despite his wounds and the heavy enemy fire, Specialist Bagley continued to give medical treatment until all the wounded were safe. Specialist Five Bagley’s outstanding display of gallantry in action and his devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army. (AD; General Orders Number 1405; 27 November 1967)

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ACRONYMS AD: Americal Division

AO: Area of Operations

ARA: Aerial Rocket Artillery

ARCOM: Army Commendation Medal

ARVN: Army of the Republic of Viet Nam (also known as the South Vietnamese Army (SVA))

BDE: Brigade

BN: Battalion

BSM: Bronze Star Medal

BBT: Booby Traps

CA: Combat Assault

CANOPY: Heavily Wooded Terrain

CO: Company

CP: Command Post

DSC: Distinguished Service Cross

DZ: Drop Zone

FSB: Fire Support Base

HQ: Headquarters

IED: Improvised Explosive Device

IFFV: I Field Force Vietnam

IN: Infantry

KBA: Killed by Air or Artillery

KHA: Killed by Hostile Action

KIA: Killed in Action

KNHA: Killed by Non-hostile Action

LZ: Helicopter Landing Zone

MI: Military Intelligence

MOH: Medal of Honor

MP: Military Police

NDP: Night Defensive Position

NVA: North Vietnamese Army

OBJ: Objective

OP: Observation Post

PAVN: People Army of Vietnam

POW: Prisoner of War

PF: Popular Forces

PZ: Helicopter Pick-up Zone

Recon Platoon: Reconnaissance Platoon

RIF: Reconnaissance in Force

ROK: Republic of Korea

SA: Situational Awareness

SIGINT: Signal Intelligence

SSM: Silver Star Medal

STRIKE Force: 2d Battalion, 502d Infantry

SVA: South Vietnamese Army

TF: Task Force

TOC: Tactical Operations Center

USAV: United States Army Vietnam

WIA: Wounded in Action

WHA: Wounded by Hostile Action

WNHA: Wounded by Non-hostile Action

“V”: Valor

VC: Viet Cong