SFC Robert R. Bode "Most of the men really don't understand what they are doing here, I try to explain it as best I can. But the truth is that most of them have never even seen a Charlie (VC)." These were the words of SFC Bode, Platoon Sergeant of 3rd Platoon, Alpha Company to a correspondent in May of 1966 near Trang Bang, South Vietnam. His men were fighting an enemy that operated in the shadows and left them frustrated by the cat and mouse tactics. By all accounts, SFC Bode was thoughtful, passionate leader who chose to go with the men he trained to fight alongside them. His family remembers him as a kind man who loved God, the Army, his wife and his children.
On 06JUL66, SFC Bode was struck in the chest by enemy small arms fire during a Search and Destroy mission and passed away. Though I obviously never could have met the man, I did serve in 3rd Platoon, Alpha Company, 2-14th Infantry many years after. At the time, I knew that I was serving in a unit with a long, bloody history but it doesn't truly sink in that men like this served, fought, and died while representing the same thing I fought for until long after. SFC Bode forever earned his place at the Right of the Line, I'm sure ready to stand and fight with his Soldiers once again if called to do so.
0 Comments
PFC Miguel A. Rivera Repost: PFC Rivera was a 22 year old from New York who was drafted into the Army as a member of Alpha Company, 2-14th in Vietnam. He was K.I.A in early June, 1966 by an enemy mine while escorting a bulldozer that was filling in trenches. 3 other Dragons lost their life in the same incident.
I was unable to find a photo of Miguel online, which is sadly a common thing. He passed away 49 years ago, which means as time goes on, less and less people who actually knew him will be with us. But the men who fought alongside him still remember. His family still remembers. And this generation and beyond should remember him. Not just as a number on a monument, but as a son, a brother, and a friend. He will forever find his place at The Right of the Line. SP4 Frederick James Carraturo REPOST: SP4 Carraturo was a member of Alpha Company 2-14th Infantry, 25th ID. He entered Army service by way of New Rochelle, NY and met his fate on May 22nd, 1967 in the Binh Duong province of South Vietnam.
On that day, at 1110 hours, Alpha Co. reported that they had 4 W.I.A and 1 K.I.A. SP4 Carraturo, unfortunately, was the Soldier killed in action. He succumbed to multiple fragmentation wounds. He was just shy of his 21st Birthday. He was posthumously awarded a Bronze Star on the 11th of September, 1967. His Brothers in Arms will never forget him and his ultimate sacrifice on the fields of battle. And neither should anyone else. He earned his place at The Right of the Line. CPL Michael C. Kamph REPOST: Corporal Kamph was a 21 year old Dragon by way of Oregon who was killed in action on 27AUG67 in the "Iron Triangle" of Vietnam. He was a member of Bravo Company when the unit was ambushed on a Search and Destroy mission.
Like all of our fallen brothers, CPL Kamph was surrounded by heroes and fought with honor in order to accomplish the mission. He is just one of many who's life was cut short in the most brutal of ways. No matter whether the men at his side when he fell or future generations of Dragons, his sacrifice will not be forgotten. His place is at The Right of the Line. SP4 Douglas Michael Cady REPOST: SP4 Cady was assigned to Alpha Company, 2-14th IN, 25th ID during the Vietnam War. He was killed in action on the 24th of January, 1969 in the Hau Nghia province of South Vietnam. He was struck by an unknown explosive device during combat patrols.
Specialist Cady originated from Flint, MI and was 21 years old when he died. He began his tour of Vietnam in October of the previous year and was assigned as his platoon's heavy gunner and anti-tank specialist. He was laid to rest in the New Calvary Cemetery located in his home town. He earned his place at the Right of the Line. SGT Eddie Lee Nails, Jr. It has been awhile since I last did one of these, but no better time to start back up than right now. I'll eventually post the previous ones, but thought that it would be best to start with a new one.
Sergeant Eddie Lee Nails, Jr. was a member of Charlie Co., 2-14th Infantry, 25th ID. He was originally from Florida, and was drafted into the war. He was Killed in Action in Cambodia by enemy Small Arms fire on May 9th, 1970. He was only 21 years old the day he died. Sergeant Nails earned his place at The Right of the Line. |
PurposeI've been doing these small memorials for some time now both on Facebook and on my previous site. The purpose is to not only remember our fallen brothers from the 14th Infantry Regiment, but to show the families that we will always care and never forget. Archives
January 2019
Categories |
RSS Feed