Lorton, Virginia, US
United States Army
PFC, A CO, 1ST BN, 502ND INFANTRY, 101 ABN DIV
Thua Thien, South Vietnam, 03/25/1969
Operation MASSACHUSETTS STRIKER, a foray by the 101st Airborne Division into the A Shau Valley, began on 01 Mar 1969, but bad weather impeded the build-up. Since the North Vietnamese Army was present in force, there was ample opportunity for contact.
The 1/502nd Infantry pursued an enemy battalion through the valley for several weeks until the NVA took a stand atop the ridgeline at Don A Tay. In a series of hard-fought battles, Alpha and Bravo Companies, 1/502, captured the crest of what was now known as “Bloody Ridge”. The fighting on 25 March cost 7 American lives:
Alpha Company:
SGT Carter L. Graves, Reidsville, NC
SP4 Michael L. Malin, Angola, NY
CPL Rene C. Mischeaux, San Francisco, CA
PFC Robert F. McDonald, Lorton, VA
Bravo Company:
SGT Willie C. Dozier, Orangeburg, SC
SGT Steve Flaherty, Columbia, SC
SP4 David F. Black, Pickens, SC
From the Vietnam Virtual Wall:
Bob and Family,
Thank you for your unselfish service to the people of the United States. Your friendship will not be forgotten and you will always be remembered as much more than a faceless name on a Wall. Your family can be proud of your service and know that there are people out there that still think of you. May God be with you and your family.
From a friend,
Michael J. Mahoney
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