Tank Gunner - Author

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26, FROM 1 to 3, DALLAS FLAGSHIP. COME BY AND SAY HEY.
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5 STAR REVIEWS
Rigors of Revenge
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Reviewed by K.C. Finn
Rigors of Revenge is a work of fiction in the military, thriller, and action subgenres. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience for its military content including death and violence and was penned by author Tank Gunner. In this psychologically deep and action-packed work of high drama, we follow the exploits of Colonel Grady Allen fifty years after he served in Vietnam and saw his sergeant, Tommy Franklin, murdered. Now, Grady is in a position to seek revenge, and he vows to track down the former NVA Captain Vo and finally serve justice for the memory of his sergeant.
Author Tank Gunner has crafted a masterful tale with plenty of twists and turns to keep military fiction fans involved, but this novel is also so much more than just a revenge-driven action plot. It’s a tale of an emotive and psychological journey of making peace with our past traumas and the treatment of soldiers and veterans through the years. Grady’s portrayal gives us a truly unique insight into the mind of a former soldier who has faced so much loss, both during his time in service and as an older man, and the journey to work through grief and shock was handled in a firm but sensitive manner. Gunner’s narration affords us an honest and heartfelt showcase of different memories, experiences, and emotions, and I loved the different relationships between friends, colleagues, and even enemies. Overall, this makes Rigors of Revenge an unmissable read for fans of emotive drama and military suspense.
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Reviewed by: Asher Syed
Colonel Grady Allen survives and returns home from the Vietnam war, only to miraculously survive being hit at a high speed by a bank robber in a hit and run, which leads to the decision to return to Vietnam. This is the foundation and launching point of Rigors of Revenge by Tank Gunner, a military novel that blends the lasting impact of old memories and the resurgence of life when one is given a second chance, especially when another is not so fortunate. Allen forms a bond with another veteran who is a member of The Club, an informal collective of veterans who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. One of Allen's desires is to avenge the death of a fellow veteran, Tommy, who was executed by an enemy combatant named Captain Vo at point-blank range. When the opportunity to return to Vietnam comes up, Allen snaps it up and is determined to mete out his own justice.
In Rigors of Revenge, author Tank Gunner handles the topic of PTSD compassionately and spends a lot of the story with veterans who suffer from it. There are a lot of point-of-view characters, one even being the President of the United States, and all the moving parts encircle the character arc that Gunner builds for Allen and his experiences. I would comfortably say that Allen is fully developed as a character and by the book's end we do know him and the motive that drives an overwhelming desire to settle a score. Interestingly, the time allotted to do this takes up less than a sliver of the story and Gunner leans into the journey above a destination. I'd say this is for the best because a reader who has visited Vietnam in the last 10 years may be left scratching their heads at descriptions of Allen's trip. As a good old-fashioned American exceptionalism war and redemption novel, Tank Gunner throws out the kind of red meat that devotees of its will love, and I can promise those readers, they will love this book.
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Reviewed by: Vincent Dublado
Tank Gunner’s Rigors of Revenge is a revenge story with a heart. It takes you on a dramatic journey that looks at the psychological effects of war on one man harboring a strong grudge against a single enemy for years. It has been fifty years since the Vietnam War yet Colonel Grady Allen cannot let go of the harrowing memory of a comrade’s death. Following a hit-and-run accident, Allen finds himself in a psychiatrist’s office being questioned about his recurring dreams and nightmares that end the same way. He opens up about wanting to get revenge on the North Vietnamese Army Captain Vo, who killed Sergeant Tommy Franklin. Allen still wants revenge and the opportunity presents itself when he gets a chance to go back to Vietnam. When he finds Vo, Allen will discover an even more painful truth about Franklin’s death, and Vo’s perspective as to who are the real murderers in the war.
Rigors of Revenge is a brilliant story about haunting nightmares and closure. While the author discusses the evils of war, he doesn’t drench the plot in violence as it focuses more on its psychological effects. Tank Gunner skillfully delivers his message and gives depth to the plot and characters with self-aware commentary. By the time the climax arrives, you need to be fully prepared for the dramatic turn, as its revelation leaves you wondering how it will affect a man suffering from deep trauma. You may think you know what you’re getting into with Rigors of Revenge but you don’t, and that’s the beauty of it. Allen is a war veteran whose experience has damaged him, but he refuses to be broken and this storyline holds its own in a sincere way that you will find surprising and compelling. It’s an absolute must-read.
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Reviewed by: Pikasho Deka
Rigors of Revenge is a slice-of-life drama novel revolving around a Vietnam war vet who struggles to navigate life in old age due to PTSD-induced hallucinations. Written by Tank Gunner, the book follows the story of Colonel Grady Allen, a widower who has just recently survived a near-fatal car crash that puts him in a VA hospital. Grady is frequently plagued by nightmares involving his fallen sergeant Tommy Franklin who died in Vietnam, murdered by an NVA captain named Vo. As Grady listens to the stories of other vets in the hospital, he forms a close friendship with his roommate, former US Marine Tyler Lufkin. As the two veterans come to terms with the rapidly changing world, Grady gets an unexpected chance to visit Vietnam alongside Lufkin. With his mind set on revenge, Grady will discover a shocking truth.
Bittersweet and poignant, Rigors of Revenge tugs at your heartstrings with a moving story about war veterans and their struggles to acclimate themselves to civilian life. Author Tank Gunner draws inspiration from his own life experiences of the Vietnam war and tells an emotionally resonant tale filled with tragedy, heartbreak, humor, and companionship. The characters feel like people you may have met in real life. There is a believable quality to the conflicts and inner struggles of the protagonist, which makes you sympathize with his plight and those of other veterans. I especially enjoyed the friendship between Grady and Lufkin. If you love dramatic stories featuring relatable characters, Rigors of Revenge is right up your alley.
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Reviewed by: Keith Mbuya
Colonel Grady Allen, a retired US Army and war veteran, cannot help but drown in guilt over some of the decisions he has made in the past. Grady believes it is his fault his wife has died. It is his fault his only daughter is in an unhappy marriage. It is his fault Tommy Franklin, one of his sergeants during the Vietnam War, died at the hands of a North Vietnamese army captain. Grady has always wanted to find Tommy’s killer, Captain Vo, and avenge Tommy’s death. An opportunity to fly to Vietnam presents itself after his grandson wins plane tickets in a contest. Will Grady find Captain Vo? Find out more in Tank Gunner’s Rigors of Revenge.
Lovers of military thriller novels with a touch of mystery and suspense will find Tank Gunner’s Rigors of Revenge an enthralling read. Tank Gunner forges an engrossing plot, anchoring the storyline in a tale of regrets, betrayal, dirty secrets, vengeance, agony, resentment, and so much more. The cast is well-crafted, with their traits boldly brought out. Gunner imbues his words with a remarkable depth of sentiment, highlighting the cast’s emotions. I felt sorry for Malrie for discovering the ugly truth about her husband’s true nature after putting up with what he put her through for so long. Albeit leading me on insightfully, Gunner caught me by surprise with the plot twists. I never saw them coming. The vivid depictions of the scenes had me feeling I was right there beside every character, helplessly watching them make their every move.

https://tankgunnersix.blogspot.com/

https://armedsavagesix.blogspot.com/

I listen.
Today, in Arlington, an elderly gentleman (86 years old and disabled), parked and sat on his 4-wheel rolling walker at the edge of my book signing table.
"Thank you for your service," he said. He adjusted the oxygen tubes in his nose.
My response included appreciation for his kind recognition along with my normal comeback question. "Are you a veteran?"
"No, I was a draft dodger."
Since my first enlistment 70 years ago, I had never heard that admittance.
I waited. When he didn't elaborate, I asked what he had done.
"Hired a psychiatrist to write a letter diagnosing my affliction."
Don't you love it when storytellers won't tell the damn story?
"What was your affliction?" (yeah, I used his word).
"Doctor wrote that I was a homosexual. It wasn't true. I'm not now and never was a homosexual. Cost me two hundred dollars (1967 dollars) for his letter. He was a damn crook anyway. But the letter worked. They sent me home from the reception station."
He had been a librarian (Masters, TCU) was well read and well spoken. Studied religions - I grew to believe he knew all of the world's religions, had spoken with spirits, and drank precious wine with angels.
I listen.
A young lady (70?) - his wife, he said - came up. She spoke softly to him. He rose, positioned behind the walker, and they rolled away.
"You be safe," I said.
He waved.
As I've thought about this, I remembered another unusual exchange that occurred a couple of years ago at the entrance to a Walmart.
I was stopped near the door by a large man who extended his hand.
"Thank you for your service," he said.
I took his hand, appreciated his kind recognition, and asked my question. "Are you a veteran?"
"Sort of," he said.
I waited.
"I was in the Army, spent time in Leavenworth."
"Command and Staff College?"
"No, the prison. I was a prisoner, in the prison."
I waited. I listen.
"I did some bad things," he said. "Some really bad things. Spent a few years in prison, served my time, received a Dishonorable Discharge."
Standing there, outside a Walmart, while time, shoppers, and the world passed us by, as he told the rest of his story, I listened.

I am late posting these two events for my heroes which took place 56 years ago.

The day before: September 13, 1969

https://armedsavagesix1.blogspot.com/2012/12/september-13-1969.html

September 14, 1969:

I remember my Cavalry Troop responding to a classic horseshoe shaped enemy ambush on Road 311 on September 14, 1969. The following is an excerpt from the Troop D Operational Report for the Month of September 1969:

QUOTE
14 September 1969: D Troop (-) had completed a convoy security mission to L.Z. Nancy. At L.Z. Nancy D Troop (-) and the attached platoon were moving on highway 311 south enroute to vicinity L.Z. Mary to establish a screen and later to secure an L.Z. for A Co. 5/7 for a combat assault. In response to the reconnaissance by fire, the enemy was forced to return fire causing a premature disclosure of a re-inforced NVA Battalion sized ambush. The enemy opened fire at 1145 hours in the vicinity of YT253012 with RPG's, B-40's, automatic weapons, individual weapons and mortars. Five vehicles were hit by RPG's, D-23 and D-26 were destroyed on each side of the road and RASH 21 adjusted 2 airstrikes on the area. Helicopter gunships from 227 Assault Aviation Battalion (Blue Max) expended. G Troop, 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry (TUFFS) layed down suppressive fire and 5/7's Command and Control helicopter expended. Contact was broken at 1500 hours. There were sections of Blue Max expended. Six (6) helicopter gun ships from C Troop 1/9 and 3 air strikes. D Troop (-) had 1 KIA (SGT Skidgel) and 10 WIA's, 4 of which were medevaced (SFC Baxter, (2nd platoon sergeant) SP4 Boals, SP4 Jones and SP4 Britzius). D Troop (-) was credited with 15 enemy KIA's. A Co. 5/7 searched the immediate contact area and found one command bunker, 8 bunkers and a mortar pit.
END QUOTE

First, for non-military folk, some corrections and clarifications to the Operational Report entry for September 14, 1969, and then some detailed elaboration.

The Troop did not conduct or complete a convoy security mission to LZ Nancy.

Delta Troop marched from Fire Support Buttons to LZ Nancy in tactical formation to pick up Lieutenant Michael Herman Thomas, Private First Class John Anthony Halladay, and the Company E, 5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry Scout Platoon who were the security force for three 105mm towed cannons.

The Troop was not enroute to the vicinity of LZ Mary to establish a screen and later to secure a LZ for Company A, 5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry combat assault. The Troop did secure a Landing Zone for Company A, 5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry after all the fighting was over.

Grid coordinates YT253012 are incorrect. Correct grid coordinates are YU253027.

On Google Earth the significant curve is visible at Longitude 11° 46' 44.90" N and Latitude 107° 03' 48.60" E.

NVA is a military abbreviation for North Vietnam Army or soldiers or an individual soldier in the North Vietnam Army.

RPG was a generic military abbreviation to describe a Rocket Propelled Gr***de. RPG could be interpreted as the rocket itself and/or the rocket propelled gr***de launcher, or the entire unit of rocket and launcher.

B-40(s) was the round fired by a rocket-propelled gr***de. B-40 was a generic military term also used to describe or indicate a Rocket Propelled Gr***de Launcher itself.

D-23 and D-26 are letters and numbers painted on the left front side (driver's side) and right rear side (vehicle commander's side) of a vehicle's "bumpers" to identify the military unit (D=D Troop) and the Section or Squad in that military unit.

D-23 identifies a Scout jeep in the Second platoon.

D-26 identifies the Second Platoon Leader's jeep.

RASH 21 (Rash Two-One) was the radio call sign for a United States Air Force Forward Air Controller (FAC). Rash Two-One was flying an OV-10 Bronco.

There were two Forward Air Controllers. We were never able to determine if the first and second FAC was the same pilot or if the first and second OV-10 Broncos were the same plane. We identified the second FAC as Rash Two-One because his voice uses this radio call sign on my tape recording of radio transmissions during part of the four-hour battle.

227 Assault Aviation Battalion (Blue Max) was an Aerial Rocket Artillery (ARA) unit with Cobra gunships. This unit also has been identified as the 227th Assault Helicopter Battalion.

Blue Max was a generic military term widely used to identify Cobra gunships regardless of the actual unit the gunship belonged. From the ground, one Cobra gunship looked like all the others. We could not tell the difference between a gunship belonging to the 227th Assault Helicopter Battalion and a gunship belonging to either Troop A, B, or C of the 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry.

Expended was a military term used to describe the firing of weapons.

TUFFS (the correct word was Tuff) was a shortened version of the radio call sign for Troop G, 2d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. The Troop G Commander's radio call sign was Tuff Six.

"5/7's command and control helicopter expended" indicates the 5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry Commander's Command and Control Huey helicopter door gunners firing their M60 machine guns.

"Contact was broken" describes the disengagement of the enemy forces coupled with the cessation of rifle, automatic weapons, machine gun, RPG and mortar fire.

1/9 is a military abbreviation for 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry.

KIA is a military abbreviation for Killed In Action.

WIA is a military abbreviation for Wounded In Action.

Medevaced is a military slang term for medical evacuation of wounded soldiers.

https://armedsavagesix2.blogspot.com/2013/01/september-14-1969.html

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Troop D arrived at the temporary howitzer position, LZ Nancy, on the south side of Nui Ba Ra Mountain about 1000 hours on Sunday morning, September 14.

The artillery gun crews had not completed packing but Lieutenant Thomas, with Private First Class Halladay standing next to him, reported the Scout Platoon was ready to move. Colonel Thomas F. Healy, Commander, 5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division and his operations staff had decided the towed cannons would not need a security es**rt on their return to Buttons. Sergeant Donald Sydney Skidgel and his Scout Squad, along with the other elements of Troop D, took up perimeter defensive positions around the temporary camp while the command groups gathered around my jeep.

With my map sheet spread out on the hood of my jeep, we discussed our mission and our plans.

I took stock of the size of our combat force that was present for duty.

There were 22 troopers in the Second Platoon (of an authorized combat strength of 40), 24 troopers in the Third Platoon (of an authorized combat strength of 40), and 15 members in the Scout Platoon (which probably had an authorized combat strength of 40).

So, counting our FO (Forward Observer), Captain Mahoney, and his two-man team, and Private First Class Robert J. Ferguson (he would later be promoted to Specialist Fourth Class), who was my driver, and me our combined combat strength on this day totaled just 66.

In every war the fighting strength of American combat units always has been reduced.

Always.

Troop D’s combat power was reduced for several reasons. The First Platoon was providing security for Troop B near An Loc.

The 106mm Recoilless Rifles and crews were on top of Nui Ba Ra Mountain.

Work details and perimeter security responsibilities on Buttons required soldiers.

Soldiers were absent because of illnesses, injuries, emergency leaves, and scheduled Rest and Relaxation (R & R).

These shortages were bad enough but Monday, September 15, was payday.

Delta Troop’s Second Platoon Leader had been dispatched to the 1st Cavalry Division base camp near Phuoc Vinh, as Troop pay officer, to pick up the Troop payroll.

Payday was every two weeks and the assignment as Troop Pay Officer on a rotational basis gave my Platoon Leaders a deserved 24-hour break.

Because of a normal rotational practice, it was the Second Platoon’s time to lead the mission. Because the Second Platoon Leader had departed that morning on a helicopter to the 1st Cavalry Division base camp near Phuoc Vinh to pick up Delta Troop’s pay, the Second Platoon was being led by the Platoon Sergeant, Sergeant First Class James Walter Baxter, who was a seasoned combat veteran.

(Sergeant First Class James Walter Baxter 1971 family photograph is on the blog and used with permission)

We decided Lieutenant Thomas and Private First Class Halladay would ride in the Second Platoon Sergeant’s jeep to facilitate radio communications and command and control.

The Scout Platoon members would be mounted on several of the Troop's Second Platoon lead vehicles. At the agreed upon point, which was at the significant curve near where we had been in the brief fight the day before (between grid lines 25 and 26 on the map), and upon the agreed signal the 15 Scout Platoon members would individually slip off the slow moving vehicles and fade into the sprouting jungle grass alongside the road. The Troop’s vehicles would slow, but would not stop, and continue for a short distance pretending nothing was out of the ordinary. Then the Troop would take up strong point positions similar to the day before and be prepared as a reactionary force for the Scout Platoon.

At about 1130 hours we mounted up and departed the temporary artillery position with Troop D's Second Platoon leading.

I had asked the leaders huddled around my jeep if they wanted their platoon to eat our cold C-ration lunch there, in the mini-artillery position, or get on with the mission and eat later once we all were in position.

It had been collectively decided to eat lunch later when we all were in position.

Lieutenant Thomas sat on top of the right rear radio that was mounted on top of the right rear fender directly behind the Second Platoon Sergeant.

Private First Class Halladay sat on top of the radio that was mounted on top of the left rear fender of the jeep, behind the jeep driver. One of the Scout Platoon’s radios was strapped on his back. Another Scout Platoon member with a radio also was in this jeep.

We crossed the east-west creek near the hamlet of Ap Binh Lan, which is now under water (see the map). This creek paralleled a major east-west trail. A Regional Forces (RF)/Provincial Forces (PF) camp was located on the west side of Road 311 (marked as Military Area along the creek on the map) where this major trail and the creek crossed the road.

The RF/PF camp, out in the boonies and isolated, was a Listening Post (LP) and an Observation Post (OP) for the Provincial government and had been established at this location because of the trail and creek that crossed Road 311 (see the map).

The RF/PF soldiers (their nickname was Ruff/Puff) and many of the families who lived at the camp were standing along the side of the road as we moved past.

The RF/PF were not combat soldiers but they would fiercely fight the enemy when confronted or defending their camp.

The main mission for this RF/PF force as a listening-post on a major east-west trail crossing Road 311 (see map) was to report any movement or enemy activity. Several United States Army Advisors lived with, trained, and conducted operations with the RF/PF.

We all waved.

None of the Advisors assigned at this RF/PF camp were visible.

As the two lead scout jeeps climbed to the high ground south of the creek crossing (marked as a ford with the image of a bridge on the map), south of Ap Binh Lan and the RF/PF Camp (Military Area), the Second Platoon Sergeant requested permission to conduct a reconnaissance by fire with his lead scouts’ pedestal mounted M60 machine gun.

The Second Platoon Infantry Squad followed him and my jeep was behind the infantry squad truck. The FO followed my jeep, and behind Captain Mahoney was the second platoon 81mm-mortar squad in their three-quarter ton truck, followed by the two jeeps of the other scout squad of the second platoon.

The Third Platoon was in tactical formation following the Second Platoon.

In the cavalry column the standard operating combat distance was maintained between each vehicle.

In just a matter of seconds I received permission from the 5th Battalion Tactical Operations Center (TOC) at Buttons to conduct the reconnaissance by fire.

I relayed this approval to the Second Platoon Sergeant.

The lead scout jeep was by then over the crest of the hill and descending toward the shallow valley. Before the lead scout jeep began its ascent out of the valley the machine gunner began firing his machine gun into the right side of the road (including up and forward toward where the enemy soldiers had been located the day before), and then across the road to the left in a sweeping 180 degree arc.

The second scout jeep machine gun also was firing into the clearing near the road and into the tree lines, first to the left, on the north side of the road, and then on the south side of the road into the grass and along the tree line.

The lead scout jeep topped the second hill and was just about to enter the significant curve which was slightly north of where we had been in the brief fight the day before.

As planned the Cavalry column began to slow in anticipation of the Scout Platoon members to begin slipping off the Troop's vehicles.

The area exploded in a fusillade of AK47, heavy machine gun, and rifle fire, and a barrage of B40 Rocket Propelled Gr***des (RPG) from both sides of the road.

The entire Troop column was engulfed in this withering assault.

The reconnaissance by fire by the lead scouts’ machine guns provided the early trigger to a classic horseshoe shaped ambush that had been established by a large enemy force, later estimated to be about 600 soldiers.

The premature ex*****on of the ambush permitted the rear of the Troop to extend beyond the northern most enemy positions along both sides of the road.

The firepower of the trailing Troop Scout Squad machine guns blocked the North Vietnam Army forces from surrounding us.

A devastating shower of rockets, machine gun and automatic weapons fire had hit the two leading scout jeeps, and Sergeant First Class Baxter's jeep where Lieutenant Thomas and Private First Class Halladay were riding on the rear fenders.

(See graphic created by Richard Dean Hudson. Used with permission)

Lieutenant Thomas and Private First Class Halladay were instantly killed.

I believe that if Private First Class Halladay and Lieutenant Thomas could have, in that desperate moment under heavy enemy automatic weapons and B40 rocket fire, they would have bravely stood upright in the back of the jeep and poured their rifle fire into the enemy positions to protect their fellow soldiers.

Sergeant First Class Baxter and his driver were gravely wounded.

Six other second platoon troopers and several Scout Platoon members also were gravely wounded.

I still see the rocket, sailing in slow motion, toward us. It exploded just under the edge of my jeep.

Ferguson and I hastily dismounted and took cover on the right side of the jeep.

The enemy automatic weapons fire was intense.

I hurriedly pulled a portable radio out of the back of the jeep and we crawled away from the vehicle expecting it, and us, to be hit at any moment.

We were somewhat concealed in the grass at the edge of the road, but the thin blades of grass could not stop rockets or bullets.

I switched channels on the portable radio and called the Battalion TOC at Buttons. I reported our contact and requested gun ship support. I advised that I had only one radio and that I would be switching back to the troop radio frequency to manage the fight.

Eventually the Troop had to use the 5th Battalion command radio frequency to communicate because of a shortage of portable radios in the Troop.

This was a serious shortcoming for ground cavalry units that had to conduct combat operations with only vehicle-mounted radios.

As a mounted cavalry troop we were not authorized to have and were not issued portable radios.

The portable radios, antennas, handsets, harnesses, and batteries we had were scrounged or bartered for. Captured weapons were excellent trading material.

Ahead of us I could see the second platoon's infantry squad truck.

I could see the Second Platoon Sergeant's jeep. It was on fire.

I could see the second scout jeep that also was ablaze.

I could not see the lead scout jeep, or any of the troops.

I could hear some of their machine guns and rifles firing, mixed in with the long bursts of many enemy AK-47s and exploding rocket propelled gr***des.

Behind us, down into the shallow valley, I could see some of the third platoon’s vehicles.

The FO’s jeep, which always followed my jeep, was on fire.

I could see troopers moving near the edge of the road. They were firing into the tree line on both sides of the road, red tracers slamming into the target locations.

Farther up the road behind the FO's burning jeep was Sergeant Skidgel and the leading Scout Squad of the Third Platoon.

Sergeant Skidgel’s jeep was the second scout jeep leading the Third Platoon and that platoon’s order of march was similar to the second platoon. Everyone in the Third Platoon had dismounted under fire, seeking cover and concealment.

All weapons were firing.

Our 106mm Recoilless Rifles would have been able to play a major role in the early defeat of this ambush because of the Flachette rounds these guns could fire.

The Flachette rounds were the primary Anti-Personnel ammunition for the Recoilless Rifles.

When fired, this round, shortly after leaving the barrel, would explode into dozens of tiny, skin piercing slivers of razor sharp metal.

This round was a great ambush buster!

PFC Ferguson and I were pinned down, as were the Second Platoon and the Scout Platoon troopers at the head of the column.

When we tried to move we all drew a hail of automatic weapons fire.

PFC Ferguson provided cover as I talked on the radio with Lieutenant Ross, Sergeant Skidgel's platoon leader. I could not establish contact with the Second Platoon Sergeant or with anyone in the Second Platoon or Scout Platoon.

I did not know the Second Platoon Sergeant and his jeep driver were gravely wounded.

I did not know Lieutenant Thomas and Private First Class Halladay had been killed.

Rash Two-One appeared on scene and on radio. I asked him to provide close air support. All he had were smoke rockets, but they were enough until serious help arrived.

Soon I was able to talk to Colonel Healy, who had hurriedly arrived on station in his Command and Control Huey helicopter when he heard my report of heavy enemy contact.

Soon, too, I was talking with Cavalier Red, the First Platoon Leader of Troop C, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry. Captain Gayle Jennings, Cavalier Red, was piloting a Cobra gunship and was maneuvering to provide close air support with his rockets and cannons.

A Blue Max aerial rocket artillery gunship also joined in providing supporting fire into suspected enemy positions along the tree lines on both sides of the road.

Colonel Healy's helicopter door gunners even got into the fierce fighting by pouring their machine gun fire down into enemy positions. It was pile-on time.

As the battle progressed I asked Lieutenant Ross to try to shift a covering fire in our direction, which would perhaps permit Ferguson and me to move out of the kill zone to better concealment.

Apparently responding to Blue’s instructions to try to shift fire toward our position, Sergeant Skidgel and Sergeant Salvador A. Silva scrambled from their concealed position to a jeep.

I could see their jeep move out of the grass onto Road 311. They were completely in the open, exposed and vulnerable.

I watched Sergeant Skidgel mount the M60 machine gun on the pedestal. Sergeant Silva was driving the jeep and as he straightened out on the road headed in our direction Sergeant Skidgel, standing upright behind his gun, fearlessly ignoring the hail of enemy machine gun and rocket fire, began firing into the enemy positions.

Enemy fire into our position abruptly decreased.

Two rockets impacted behind Sergeant Skidgel's jeep.

Other troopers in the third platoon also shifted their fire in our direction providing a withering covering fire for Sergeant Skidgel and Sergeant Silva, his driver, as their jeep moved on the road.

Sergeant Skidgel’s leadership had rallied members of his platoon.

His direct and immediate action had broken the enemy’s hold and relieved the pressure on the head of the column. His conspicuous bravery, above and beyond the call of duty, had saved the lives of several of his fellow troopers who were in the heart of the enemy kill zone.

I watched them as Sergeant Silva drove up the road - suddenly Sergeant Skidgel was hit.

His right arm projected out and behind him, searching for the right rear fender of the jeep, his left hand continuing to hold onto the machine gun.

He pulled himself up to stand behind the machine gun again and managed to fire a short burst into the tree line and the grass.

Then, he was hit again as enemy gunfire zeroed in on his threatening advance.

Sergeant Skidgel slumped behind his machine gun, but he managed to sit on the right rear fender for a moment before a final burst of fire knocked him off the jeep.

Sergeant Silva slowed the jeep to a crawl, obviously concerned about Sergeant Skidgel. He tumbled off the right rear fender and fell backwards onto Road 311.

The jeep veered off the road and rolled to a stop. Sergeant Silva quickly dismounted and disappeared into tall grass, concealed from observation by the enemy.

Sergeant Skidgel did not move as he lay in the middle of Road 311 about two hundred meters from where he had fought the enemy soldiers the day before.

I called for a medic to try to get to "the man laying in the road" (as heard on the tape recording, I did not know then it was Sergeant Skidgel), but the enemy fire was so intense no one could safely move onto the road to give aid.

Later a medic reported that Sergeant Skidgel’s wounds had been instantly fatal.

Colonel Healy decided to insert an infantry company immediately into the battle area and directed that my troop move to the north to the high ground, south of the creek crossing and the RF/PF camp, and secure an area for the Huey helicopters to land on Road 311 so the infantry company could safely dismount.

Because Troop D would be securing the LZ the infantry company would be making a secure assault rather than a combat assault.

This infantry company’s mission would be to pick up the trail, close with, and destroy the enemy.

Bobby Ferguson stopped our jeep on the shoulder of the road near where Sergeant Skidgel lay.

Several of Sergeant Skidgel’s friends came to his poncho wrapped body to say their good-byes.

They all wanted to help, and carefully lifted him into the first helicopter that landed with infantry company soldiers so he could be taken out of the battle area.

We were moved at the loss of Sergeant Skidgel, Private First Class Halladay, and Lieutenant Thomas.

That night or next day, I wrote the citation for the Medal of Honor for Sergeant Skidgel.

It was signed by Lieutenant Colonel James "Pete" Booth, our Squadron Commander to give it more power, and was forwarded from the 1st Cavalry Division through channels to the Secretary of the Army.

Sergeant Donald Sidney Skidgel, a Cavalry soldier, was killed in action north of the significant curve on Road 311 south of Phuoc Long and Song Be in Phuoc Long Province (now Phuoc Long-Binh Phuoc Province), Republic of South Vietnam on Sunday, September 14, 1969. In 30 days, on October 13, 1969, Sergeant Skidgel would have celebrated his twenty-first birthday. He was so very young. He was a father to a son and two daughters.

For his heroism and intrepid bravery above and beyond the call of duty on September 14, 1969 Sergeant Skidgel was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. His other posthumous awards included a Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart.

Later a memorial service was organized on Buttons for Sergeant Skidgel that, security permitting, as many soldiers as possible attended.

In the early 1970s, a Weapons Training Facility at Fort Knox, Kentucky was named after Sergeant Skidgel. It is called Skidgel Hall.

I spoke at the Skidgel Hall dedication ceremony, and was able to meet and speak privately with his loving parents. In our private meeting, the first words his mom asked were: "did my boy suffer"?

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I posted a remembrance for Sergeant Donald Sidney Skidgel on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund website.

This year, October 2025, Sergeant Skidgel would have celebrated his 77th birthday.

Donald Sidney Skidgel is honored on Panel 18W, Row 86 on the Wall.

Private First Class John Anthony Halladay, an Infantry soldier, was killed in action at the significant curve on Road 311 south of Phuoc Long and Song Be in Phuoc Long Province (now Phuoc Long-Binh Phuoc Province), Republic of South Vietnam on Sunday, September 14, 1969. He was only twenty-three years old, so very young.

He was a father to a daughter.

Among his posthumous awards were a Bronze Star and Purple Heart. Private First Class Halladay already had been awarded the coveted Combat Infantry Badge for combat action against an enemy.

I posted a remembrance on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund website for Private First Class Halladay. Others also have posted remembrances recalling that he was a college graduate; a star basketball player; and, that he wanted to be a teacher following his military service.

This year, August 2025, Private First Class Halladay would have celebrated his 76th birthday.

John Anthony Halladay is honored on Panel 18W, Row 82 of the Wall.

First Lieutenant Michael Herman Thomas, an Infantry officer, was killed in action at the significant curve on Road 311 south of Phuoc Long and Song Be in Phuoc Long Province (now Phuoc Long-Binh Phuoc Province), Republic of South Vietnam on Sunday, September 14, 1969. He was only twenty-three years old, so very young.

Lieutenant Thomas was married.

Among his posthumous awards were a Silver Star, our nation's third highest award for bravery, a Bronze Star, an Air Medal, and a Purple Heart. Lieutenant Thomas already had been awarded the coveted Combat Infantry Badge for combat action against an enemy.

I posted a remembrance on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund website for First Lieutenant Michael Herman Thomas. His friends and former Scout Platoon members who served with him also posted remembrances recalling that Lieutenant Thomas was a leader who cared about his soldiers.

I remember Colonel Healy later proclaimed Nui Ba Ra was thereafter to be known as Mount Thomas.

This year, June 2025, Lieutenant Thomas would have cebrated his 80th birthday.

Michael Herman Thomas is honored on Panel 18W, Row 88 of the Wall.

Even though Sergeant Skidgel, Private First Class Halladay, and Lieutenant Thomas were far from home they were not alone.

They were among a close brotherhood of combat soldiers who cared about them and who now, and will always, remember them and honor their service to our country.

Sergeant Donald Sidney Skidgel, Private First Class John Anthony Halladay, and First Lieutenant Michael Herman Thomas answered the call of our nation to stand in harm's way and served in the United States Army with great honor and bravery.

We truly mourn their ultimate sacrifice. For 56 years not a day has gone by that I have not thought about them.

To their family, to their friends, to us, and to me, they always will be very special.

We will always honor, will forever be indebted to, and will always remember these three young, brave United States Army soldiers:

Sergeant Donald Sidney Skidgel.
Private First Class John Anthony Halladay.
First Lieutenant Michael Herman Thomas.