Killed in Action
Listed are 13 men who died fighting in South Vietnam. Never to come home—Never to have the life that the survivors of First Platoon enjoyed.
June 14, 1969 Quang Ngai Province
Near midnight June 13, 1969, the enemy attacked the platoon on a hilltop with little protection while we slept. Bruce Tufts died minutes after midnight protecting his position from enemy soldiers who were tossing grenades at his position. Mike Dankert, Dennis Rowe, and Nick VanDyke were in the same position and wounded during the attack.
In the photograph Bruce Tufts, to your right, is standing with Warren McVey.
Private First Class Bruce Tufts taught high school before joining the Army; he was from Mendham, New Jersey, and was 26 years old. He was referred as a Viking because of his solid build, red hair, and beard. He was a kind man with a big heart and would give you his last drink of water. Everyone in the platoon liked and respected him.
(THE WALL OF FACES) A message from a friend. A PROMISE
Bruce, I am very proud of you--proud of your courage in battle and your kindness in civilian life. I knew you back when Vietnam seemed far away and we never dreamed it would touch our lives. Very few could find it on a map and some still called it "French Indo-China." We listened to carefree music on the radio--Wooly Bully, Baby I'm Yours, You Were On My Mind, One...Two Three. Yet, as a harbinger of things to come, there also was Barry McGuire's, Eve of Destruction. I remember steaming clams with you at the Jersey Shore and a few evening dinners followed by walks on the beach. It was a wonderful time and you were a wonderful person to share those carefree days with. You always were a gentleman and I think about you often.
With affection I promise you won't be forgotten,
Janet S
Private First Class Bruce Tufts taught high school before joining the Army; he was from Mendham, New Jersey, and was 26 years old. He was referred as a Viking because of his solid build, red hair, and beard. He was a kind man with a big heart and would give you his last drink of water. Everyone in the platoon liked and respected him.
(THE WALL OF FACES) A message from a friend. A PROMISE
Bruce, I am very proud of you--proud of your courage in battle and your kindness in civilian life. I knew you back when Vietnam seemed far away and we never dreamed it would touch our lives. Very few could find it on a map and some still called it "French Indo-China." We listened to carefree music on the radio--Wooly Bully, Baby I'm Yours, You Were On My Mind, One...Two Three. Yet, as a harbinger of things to come, there also was Barry McGuire's, Eve of Destruction. I remember steaming clams with you at the Jersey Shore and a few evening dinners followed by walks on the beach. It was a wonderful time and you were a wonderful person to share those carefree days with. You always were a gentleman and I think about you often.
With affection I promise you won't be forgotten,
Janet S
July 14, 1969 Quang Ngai Province
On the night of July 14, 1969, Juan Ramos, Eldon Reynolds, Dusty Rhoades, and Ryan Okino were calling it a night and moved inside their bunker on Hill-411 when the enemy attacked. Enemy sappers killed Ramos and Reynolds while they protected their bunker and the south side of the firebase perimeter. The enemy wounded Dusty Rhoades while he attempted to keep the enemy from his position. Okino and our medic, Doc Windows, administered lifesaving first aid to Dusty.g the attack.
Private First Class Juan Ramos was quiet, almost shy, but ready to share his experiences on surviving in Vietnam. Juan took the time to teach platoon members the skills they needed. He was 21 years old, from Uvalde, Texas. Juan was well liked by everyone and trusted by the platoon members. If things got tough, you wanted Juan with you. Today his younger sister, Gloria Alejandro, is an honorary member of First Platoon.
(THE WALL OF FACES) A message from GLORIA RAMOS ALJEJANDRO - BIRTHDAY WISHES...
Birthday Wishes...Juan's birthday is just right around the corner...I just submitted a photo of my brother Juan for the Vietnam Wall.
Happy Birthday my brother! Always in my heart! GOD bless you! Rest in Peace Ramos...as your BIA remember you as...Ramos...They love you and miss you, Juan! Dusty...Pop...and Doc... Gloria Ramos Alejandro
(THE WALL OF FACES) A message from GLORIA RAMOS ALJEJANDRO - BIRTHDAY WISHES...
Birthday Wishes...Juan's birthday is just right around the corner...I just submitted a photo of my brother Juan for the Vietnam Wall.
Happy Birthday my brother! Always in my heart! GOD bless you! Rest in Peace Ramos...as your BIA remember you as...Ramos...They love you and miss you, Juan! Dusty...Pop...and Doc... Gloria Ramos Alejandro
Private First Class Eldon Reynolds arrived at the platoon two weeks before being killed on Hill 4–11. He was from Weatherford, Oklahoma, 20 years old, and married to Donita. Eldon was fitting in with the platoon.
(THE WALL OF FACES) A message from LONITA CHAMBERS CAPSHEW - GROWING UP IN A. SMALL TOWN
Your big, good-natured grin is one of the constants in my memories from attending school in Eakly. It's the first image that came to all our minds when we heard you'd died, and no doubt how we'll recognize you on the Other Side. I've visited the Wall twice, and yours was one of the first names I looked for. RIP, old friend.
(THE WALL OF FACES) A message from LONITA CHAMBERS CAPSHEW - GROWING UP IN A. SMALL TOWN
Your big, good-natured grin is one of the constants in my memories from attending school in Eakly. It's the first image that came to all our minds when we heard you'd died, and no doubt how we'll recognize you on the Other Side. I've visited the Wall twice, and yours was one of the first names I looked for. RIP, old friend.
August 13, 1969 Quang Ngai Province
Moving through the fields and hedgerows on August 13, 1969, the point man engaged several NVA soldiers. Jerry Ofstedahl, SSG Robert Swindle, and Richard Wellman moved toward the sounds of the weapons firing to locate the enemy positions. A large enemy force in a well-concealed ambush opened fire, with AK-47s, Rocket-Propelled Grenades (RPG), and a 51 caliber machine gun, on the platoon, killing Ofstedahl, Swindle, and Wellman in seconds. The enemy wounded Frank Brown as he moved toward the sound of the weapons firing. Mike Dankert and a medic administered lifesaving first aid to Frank Brown during the attack.
Jerry Ofstedahl is standing on the right with Nick VanDyke on the left.
Specialist 4th Class Jerry Ofstedahl, from Napa, California, was the squad leader for the second squad. Jerry had arrived at the platoon in December 1968, which made him an old-timer with experience. He’d married Claire, his longtime girlfriend, while on Rest and Recuperation (R & R) to Tokyo, Japan, the month before; he had no children. He was an outstanding leader, someone most platoon members wanted to emulate. He always shared his experiences and knowledge to help us survive our year in Vietnam and treated the squad members without favoritism.
(THE WALL OF FACES) A message from A FORMER CLASSMATE - HOW IMPORTANT WAS IT REALLY?
In the school year 1965 and 1966, Jerry and I were in Geneva E. Durham's geometry class at Napa High School, Napa, Ca. Jerry had not done his geometry homework and Ms. Durham, as a good teacher should, began to chastise him for not doing the assignment. He informed her he was going to be a truck driver anyway and he would not need it. The admonition continued for 10 minutes and she moved on.
In Nov. of 1969, I drew an assignment as the CQ in my boot camp company at ft. Lewis and was required to report the outside temperature to a central phone number throughout the night. Between these calls, I picked up a Stars and Stripes newspaper and the back page listed him as a KIA.
At that instant, my first response was, "Jeez, Miss Durham. I guess the homework wasn't that important, was it?
Specialist 4th Class Jerry Ofstedahl, from Napa, California, was the squad leader for the second squad. Jerry had arrived at the platoon in December 1968, which made him an old-timer with experience. He’d married Claire, his longtime girlfriend, while on Rest and Recuperation (R & R) to Tokyo, Japan, the month before; he had no children. He was an outstanding leader, someone most platoon members wanted to emulate. He always shared his experiences and knowledge to help us survive our year in Vietnam and treated the squad members without favoritism.
(THE WALL OF FACES) A message from A FORMER CLASSMATE - HOW IMPORTANT WAS IT REALLY?
In the school year 1965 and 1966, Jerry and I were in Geneva E. Durham's geometry class at Napa High School, Napa, Ca. Jerry had not done his geometry homework and Ms. Durham, as a good teacher should, began to chastise him for not doing the assignment. He informed her he was going to be a truck driver anyway and he would not need it. The admonition continued for 10 minutes and she moved on.
In Nov. of 1969, I drew an assignment as the CQ in my boot camp company at ft. Lewis and was required to report the outside temperature to a central phone number throughout the night. Between these calls, I picked up a Stars and Stripes newspaper and the back page listed him as a KIA.
At that instant, my first response was, "Jeez, Miss Durham. I guess the homework wasn't that important, was it?
A photograph Rebel had taken and sent to his family while in Vietnam. Photograph provided by Brenda Jones (Rebel’s sister).
Private First Class Richard Wellman, was from Gastonia, North Carolina, and had a Southern drawl. That’s how he got the nickname “Rebel.” He was 20 and had married his wife, Deborah, before coming to Vietnam. He’d received his assignment to the platoon March 1969. Rebel was quiet but always willing to speak if you engaged him in conversation. He proved himself during his first six months while in the first squad and was assigned as the platoon sergeant Radio Telephone Operator (RTO) after Terry Daron left for a rear job. Rebel was well-liked and trusted by the men of First Platoon.
(THE WALL OF FACES) A message to Richard: Today is your birthday Uncle Richard! How loved you are! Not a day goes by that you are not thought of.
Happy Birthday!
Love,
Your sister Brenda
Your nephew Stephen
Your niece Penelope
Your niece Susan
Your great niece Grace Stroupe
Your great nephew Ben Jordan
SSG Robert Swindle after getting resupplied, in the hills off Highway 1.
Staff Sergeant Robert Swindle was from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He was married to Celsa and had a son. Staff Sergeant Swindle, a career soldier, had arrived at the platoon in June 1969 and was assigned as the platoon sergeant. His assignment to Vietnam was in February 1969, but it was unknown what his first job was. The platoon members respected him as our platoon sergeant. He was aloof but maintained a professional relationship and didn’t socialize with the members of the platoon. He was a caring leader and always looked out for our welfare and safety. Swindle had our respect because it wasn’t often a career noncommissioned officer was assigned to the platoon or Company.
Staff Sergeant Robert Swindle was from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He was married to Celsa and had a son. Staff Sergeant Swindle, a career soldier, had arrived at the platoon in June 1969 and was assigned as the platoon sergeant. His assignment to Vietnam was in February 1969, but it was unknown what his first job was. The platoon members respected him as our platoon sergeant. He was aloof but maintained a professional relationship and didn’t socialize with the members of the platoon. He was a caring leader and always looked out for our welfare and safety. Swindle had our respect because it wasn’t often a career noncommissioned officer was assigned to the platoon or Company.
August 15, 1969 Quang Ngai Province
It was early afternoon, August 15, 1969, as the platoon moved through the rice paddies and then a large field toward the river, east of Hill 4–11, in search of the large NVA force that had attacked the platoon earlier when the enemy detonated two 250-pound bombs. The explosion killed Paul Ponce, Joe Mitchell, James Anderson, and Danny Carey, and wounded seven other platoon members. It took several hours to get the wounded and dead removed from the battlefield and flown back to the division firebase hospital. The wounded were: Ryan Okino, Charlie Deppen, Tommy Thompson, Mike Dankert, Glyn Haynie, Bill Davenport, and Ray Hamilton.
Paul Ponce at Duc Pho, Brigade Firebase, on the left, with Leslie Pressley on the right.
Specialist 4th Class Paul Ponce, from Santa Clara, California, had arrived at the platoon in November 1968. He and his wife, Juanita, had no children. Paul was always friendly and talkative, and he would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. It was one hot day in May, while we walked along Highway 1, that Paul bought and gave Haynie his good luck charm, the peace sign. He’d gone to Hawaii on R & R to meet his wife and was a happy man upon his return to the squad. Paul had a son conceived while on R & R.
(THE WALL OF FACES) A message from WILLIAM HINES STAND DOWN CHU LAI 1969
Ponce. We met in Chu Lai during stand down. It was crazy how we met. I hadn't seen you since Basic in Ft Lewis. We became great friends. We talked of family, cars, girls. I grew up in San Jose just a few miles from Santa Clara.When I heard you were KIA my heart sank. Fortunately I was able to meet your family, met your son told them of our meeting. They were happy that he knew someone from home. I celebrate every Veterans Day thinking of you. PEACE
Specialist 4th Class Paul Ponce, from Santa Clara, California, had arrived at the platoon in November 1968. He and his wife, Juanita, had no children. Paul was always friendly and talkative, and he would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. It was one hot day in May, while we walked along Highway 1, that Paul bought and gave Haynie his good luck charm, the peace sign. He’d gone to Hawaii on R & R to meet his wife and was a happy man upon his return to the squad. Paul had a son conceived while on R & R.
(THE WALL OF FACES) A message from WILLIAM HINES STAND DOWN CHU LAI 1969
Ponce. We met in Chu Lai during stand down. It was crazy how we met. I hadn't seen you since Basic in Ft Lewis. We became great friends. We talked of family, cars, girls. I grew up in San Jose just a few miles from Santa Clara.When I heard you were KIA my heart sank. Fortunately I was able to meet your family, met your son told them of our meeting. They were happy that he knew someone from home. I celebrate every Veterans Day thinking of you. PEACE
Joe Mitchell in the center, Maurice Harrington on the left, and Mike Stout on the right on Firebase Debbie.
Specialist 4th Class Joe Mitchell, the first squad leader, was from Chicago, Illinois. Joe had arrived at the platoon in November 1968, which made him an old-timer with experience. He and his wife, Barbara, had no children. Joe was always friendly, talkative, and willing to share his experiences and knowledge with the squad members.
(THE WALL OF FACES) A message from SISTER MARY SHAWN MITCHELL - WE REMEMBER
Joe grew up on his Grandpa's farm with his parents and siblings. As a boy, Joe enjoyed such things as caring for the farm animals, picking blackberries, playing baseball, and being a Boy Scout. Joe was a friend to everyone. At eighteen he married his sweetheart and looked forward, as he put it, "to living the best life any two people could have." However, like so many who served in Vietnam, Joe was called home all too soon. After having brought a wounded soldier to safety, Joe returned to the battle field in search of another injured comrade and was mortally wounded. The words from St. John's gospel took root in Joe's heart and were given life by his actions, "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends." (Jn. 15:13) We who loved Joe in this life look forward to the day when we will be reunited forever in heaven.
Specialist 4th Class Joe Mitchell, the first squad leader, was from Chicago, Illinois. Joe had arrived at the platoon in November 1968, which made him an old-timer with experience. He and his wife, Barbara, had no children. Joe was always friendly, talkative, and willing to share his experiences and knowledge with the squad members.
(THE WALL OF FACES) A message from SISTER MARY SHAWN MITCHELL - WE REMEMBER
Joe grew up on his Grandpa's farm with his parents and siblings. As a boy, Joe enjoyed such things as caring for the farm animals, picking blackberries, playing baseball, and being a Boy Scout. Joe was a friend to everyone. At eighteen he married his sweetheart and looked forward, as he put it, "to living the best life any two people could have." However, like so many who served in Vietnam, Joe was called home all too soon. After having brought a wounded soldier to safety, Joe returned to the battle field in search of another injured comrade and was mortally wounded. The words from St. John's gospel took root in Joe's heart and were given life by his actions, "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends." (Jn. 15:13) We who loved Joe in this life look forward to the day when we will be reunited forever in heaven.
James Anderson, Basic Training photograph. A photograph of him in Vietnam can’t be found.
Private First Class James Anderson, 20, was from Smiths Grove, Kentucky and had a southern drawl. He was one of the newer guys, an FNG, with the squad for only two weeks, having arrived at the platoon the end of July 1969. James married Janice before coming to Vietnam and had no children. James was quiet but always paid attention to his surroundings, and you could tell he tried to learn as much as possible by watching others. He was adapting to Vietnam and fitting in with the second squad.
(THE WALL OF FACES) Message from JOEL CAMPBELL - THANK YOU
Dear Sir,
I am a senior at Gridley High School in Gridley, IL and my Consumer Economics class is posting remembrances for courageous soldiers like you who perished during the Vietnam War. Thank you for your gift of liberty to our country. You are the reason the United States is the great nation that it is today. You will never be forgotten.
Gratefully,
Joel Campbell
Private First Class James Anderson, 20, was from Smiths Grove, Kentucky and had a southern drawl. He was one of the newer guys, an FNG, with the squad for only two weeks, having arrived at the platoon the end of July 1969. James married Janice before coming to Vietnam and had no children. James was quiet but always paid attention to his surroundings, and you could tell he tried to learn as much as possible by watching others. He was adapting to Vietnam and fitting in with the second squad.
(THE WALL OF FACES) Message from JOEL CAMPBELL - THANK YOU
Dear Sir,
I am a senior at Gridley High School in Gridley, IL and my Consumer Economics class is posting remembrances for courageous soldiers like you who perished during the Vietnam War. Thank you for your gift of liberty to our country. You are the reason the United States is the great nation that it is today. You will never be forgotten.
Gratefully,
Joel Campbell
Danny Carey, Basic Training photograph. A photograph of him in Vietnam can’t be found.
Private First Class Danny Carey, 20, from Utica, Illinois, was unmarried. Danny liked to kid around and laugh. He found the good in any circumstance. It was great that we had someone with his disposition in the second squad. He’d arrived at the platoon the end of June 1969 and was with us when we built the Hill. Danny was an asset to the squad, and we could count on him during the hard times. Danny’s hometown, Utica, dedicated a park in his name, the Danny Carey Memorial Park.
(THE WALL OF FACES) Message from PAULA PAYNE
44 years ago you left us but you will never be forgotten. Miss and Love you forever. Your sister, Paula
Private First Class Danny Carey, 20, from Utica, Illinois, was unmarried. Danny liked to kid around and laugh. He found the good in any circumstance. It was great that we had someone with his disposition in the second squad. He’d arrived at the platoon the end of June 1969 and was with us when we built the Hill. Danny was an asset to the squad, and we could count on him during the hard times. Danny’s hometown, Utica, dedicated a park in his name, the Danny Carey Memorial Park.
(THE WALL OF FACES) Message from PAULA PAYNE
44 years ago you left us but you will never be forgotten. Miss and Love you forever. Your sister, Paula
January 14, 1970 Quang Ngai Province
While patrolling in the mountains west of Hill 4–11, on January 14, 1970, the platoon walked into an NVA ambush of a sizeable force. Within minutes, the enemy killed Gary Morris and Roger Kidwell while they protected their platoon members from the incoming of small arms and RPGs. During the exchange of deadly fire, the enemy wounded Peter Zink and Bill Davenport. Cliff Sivadge attended to the wounds of Zink, and then the dust-off picked up both Zink and Davenport for the flight to the division firebase hospital.
Garry Morris’s basic training photograph.
Specialist 4th Class Garry Morris joined the first squad and platoon around August 11, 1969. The second squad members didn’t get to know Gary as well as other platoon members because his assignment was the first squad. He came across as likable and appeared to be fitting in with his squad. His squad members trusted him, and he was a soldier you wanted next to you in a firefight. He was from Lancaster, Ohio, and 21 years old.
(THE WALL OF FACES) A message from JUDITH MCKINLEY/MILLER - I SAW HIM JUST BEFORE HE LEFT.
A bunch of us, from Sugar Grove and Lancaster, were all swimming at Lake Logan shortly before he left to go to Vietnam. We were oblivious to war on that beach. I was sad that he was leaving, but I assumed he'd come home again. He picked up a quartz rock from the sandy beach and told me to keep it. He told me if I ever lost it he wouldn't come back. I was really too young to fully realize what the guys were going off to. I was shocked to find out that he wasn't coming back, neither did Mac McGrew. I had done my part and kept the quartz. It seemed impossible that they all went off and we only got to say goodbye to them at their funerals. My own husband did two tours in Vietnam. I pay honor to them at The Wall, and whenever the Moving Wall comes around.
Specialist 4th Class Garry Morris joined the first squad and platoon around August 11, 1969. The second squad members didn’t get to know Gary as well as other platoon members because his assignment was the first squad. He came across as likable and appeared to be fitting in with his squad. His squad members trusted him, and he was a soldier you wanted next to you in a firefight. He was from Lancaster, Ohio, and 21 years old.
(THE WALL OF FACES) A message from JUDITH MCKINLEY/MILLER - I SAW HIM JUST BEFORE HE LEFT.
A bunch of us, from Sugar Grove and Lancaster, were all swimming at Lake Logan shortly before he left to go to Vietnam. We were oblivious to war on that beach. I was sad that he was leaving, but I assumed he'd come home again. He picked up a quartz rock from the sandy beach and told me to keep it. He told me if I ever lost it he wouldn't come back. I was really too young to fully realize what the guys were going off to. I was shocked to find out that he wasn't coming back, neither did Mac McGrew. I had done my part and kept the quartz. It seemed impossible that they all went off and we only got to say goodbye to them at their funerals. My own husband did two tours in Vietnam. I pay honor to them at The Wall, and whenever the Moving Wall comes around.
Roger Kidwell’s high school photograph.
Private First Class Roger Kidwell arrived at the first platoon the end of December 1969. Although he was with the platoon for only a couple of weeks, the platoon members shared that he was a good soldier and trusted by his squad. He was married, from Front Royal, Virginia, and 20 years old.
March 15, 1970 Quang Ngai Province
The platoon was on top of a ridge, high in the mountains, west of Hill 4–11, on March 15, 1970, and was preparing their positions for the night. Several NVA soldiers walking along the trail which ran through the platoon position saw the platoon first and opened fire with AK-47s, killing Willie Matson before anyone could react.
Willie Matson, Basic Training photograph. A photograph of him in Vietnam can’t be found.
Private First Class Willie Matson came to the platoon in October 1969, and the platoon remember him as a kind person and that he wanted to serve his country. He fit in well with the First Platoon and was a soldier who could be trusted.
(THE WALL OF FACES) A message from HALEY GRACE - REMEMBERING THE SOLDIERS
On behalf of the Gridley High School Posting Project I would like to honor Willmer Arden Matson for he made sacrifices in life that many people would not even dream of. He will always be remembered for what he did for our country.
Private First Class Willie Matson came to the platoon in October 1969, and the platoon remember him as a kind person and that he wanted to serve his country. He fit in well with the First Platoon and was a soldier who could be trusted.
(THE WALL OF FACES) A message from HALEY GRACE - REMEMBERING THE SOLDIERS
On behalf of the Gridley High School Posting Project I would like to honor Willmer Arden Matson for he made sacrifices in life that many people would not even dream of. He will always be remembered for what he did for our country.
Wounded in Action