In Our Memory and Always In Our Hearts
Sgt.T. Michael Meyers, USAF, Korat AFB Thailand, 1968-69
Born 9-13-47, Columbus, OH
Died 6-13-2003, Cancer of the Carina (Bronchus)
Mike was a crew chief on F-105 Thunderchiefs and went on to become
an Advertising Manager for Ross Products, Division of Abbott
Laboratories. He was married to Kathy for 34 years, raised three
wonderful children and enjoyed being Chloe's Grandfather.
Born 9-13-47, Columbus, OH
Died 6-13-2003, Cancer of the Carina (Bronchus)
Mike was a crew chief on F-105 Thunderchiefs and went on to become
an Advertising Manager for Ross Products, Division of Abbott
Laboratories. He was married to Kathy for 34 years, raised three
wonderful children and enjoyed being Chloe's Grandfather.
William Walter Washington passed away August 7, 2003.
He served in Ubon RT AFB Thailand Dec l967 to l968. 8th Tac FTRW
PACF.
He had prostate cancer in 1991, then bladder cancer, and he died of a
brain tumor. He was a proud man and did not want disability, but the VA
hospital did take care of all his medical record.
He served in Ubon RT AFB Thailand Dec l967 to l968. 8th Tac FTRW
PACF.
He had prostate cancer in 1991, then bladder cancer, and he died of a
brain tumor. He was a proud man and did not want disability, but the VA
hospital did take care of all his medical record.
Lawrence G. Shaffer
04/16/1948 to 01/31/2008
United States Air Force
Thailand/Vietnam Veteran
04/16/1948 to 01/31/2008
United States Air Force
Thailand/Vietnam Veteran
1937 - 2007
Ronald Lee Switzer, distinguished veteran, loving husband and father, left this life for another on
December 16, 2007, at home and surrounded by family. Ron died from complications due to exposure to
Agent Orange while stationed in Thailand.
Ron was born October 12, 1937, in West Hollywood, California, to parents Wilbur and Dorothy Switzer. He
spent his younger years growing up in Navy Housing while his father fought in WWII. Patriotism, hard
work, integrity, and family comprised his cornerstones. He enlisted in the US Air Force at age 19 and was
eventually stationed at Great Falls, Montana where he met the love of his life - Kathleen Elaine
Henderson. He proposed after five days and they soon married. Together for 48 years, they raised a
strong, loving and devoted family that embodied the principles he held so dear. Ron's major military
assignments took him to Spotted Island, Labrador; Ankara, Turkey; Ubon, Thailand; and from coast to coast,
border to border within the Continental United States. He retired as a Master Sergeant in 1976, proud of
his unparalleled service to our Nation during the Vietnam and Cold Wars.
Following military retirement Ron moved his family to Bozeman, Montana, long considered home for a
traveling Air Force family. He combined his passions for people and travel as owner and sales
representative of a fabric business. When his children were raised and had "left the nest" Ron and
Kathleen relocated to Bountiful, Utah. They established a warm and happy neighborhood of friends and
acquaintances that added to their lives. Ron, always Kathleen's number one supporter, "held down the
fort" while she pursued her life long goal of attending and graduating from law school. He also delighted
in Kathleen's military career, actively participating in her military experiences. After thriving in his own
specialty - logistics and supply -- he enthusiastically embraced two other lifelong desires: long distance
truck driving coupled with collecting and dealing in vintage guns and tools. Ever the story-teller, he
regaled family and friends with tales of faraway places and the adventures he encountered. He became a
gun history expert and a virtual walking encyclopedia on old tools. As always, he thoroughly enjoyed
mentoring young people and was the Federal test administrator for military recruiting. Unfailingly
committed to family, Ron spent unmeasured time with each child and grandchild. Camping trips with his
two sons and grandsons became legendary family hallmarks. Overheard from their daughter at the
memorial service talking about Ron and Kathleen, saying, "You know, most children have one parent or
the other who's a hard-charger. But what do you think it was like being raised by two parents who were
BOTH a couple of pistols?"
Surviving is his devoted wife, Kathleen; and cherished family members: daughter, Sherry (Kimball) Rowe;
sons, Kendall (Lisa) Switzer and Doug (Rene) Switzer; brother Wilbur James "Jim" (Kathleen) Switzer;
grandchildren Kendra, Travis and Heidi Switzer, John Rowe, and Calvin Switzer. Predeceased were his
parents and a baby granddaughter, Josephine Elaine Switzer.
Ronald Lee Switzer, distinguished veteran, loving husband and father, left this life for another on
December 16, 2007, at home and surrounded by family. Ron died from complications due to exposure to
Agent Orange while stationed in Thailand.
Ron was born October 12, 1937, in West Hollywood, California, to parents Wilbur and Dorothy Switzer. He
spent his younger years growing up in Navy Housing while his father fought in WWII. Patriotism, hard
work, integrity, and family comprised his cornerstones. He enlisted in the US Air Force at age 19 and was
eventually stationed at Great Falls, Montana where he met the love of his life - Kathleen Elaine
Henderson. He proposed after five days and they soon married. Together for 48 years, they raised a
strong, loving and devoted family that embodied the principles he held so dear. Ron's major military
assignments took him to Spotted Island, Labrador; Ankara, Turkey; Ubon, Thailand; and from coast to coast,
border to border within the Continental United States. He retired as a Master Sergeant in 1976, proud of
his unparalleled service to our Nation during the Vietnam and Cold Wars.
Following military retirement Ron moved his family to Bozeman, Montana, long considered home for a
traveling Air Force family. He combined his passions for people and travel as owner and sales
representative of a fabric business. When his children were raised and had "left the nest" Ron and
Kathleen relocated to Bountiful, Utah. They established a warm and happy neighborhood of friends and
acquaintances that added to their lives. Ron, always Kathleen's number one supporter, "held down the
fort" while she pursued her life long goal of attending and graduating from law school. He also delighted
in Kathleen's military career, actively participating in her military experiences. After thriving in his own
specialty - logistics and supply -- he enthusiastically embraced two other lifelong desires: long distance
truck driving coupled with collecting and dealing in vintage guns and tools. Ever the story-teller, he
regaled family and friends with tales of faraway places and the adventures he encountered. He became a
gun history expert and a virtual walking encyclopedia on old tools. As always, he thoroughly enjoyed
mentoring young people and was the Federal test administrator for military recruiting. Unfailingly
committed to family, Ron spent unmeasured time with each child and grandchild. Camping trips with his
two sons and grandsons became legendary family hallmarks. Overheard from their daughter at the
memorial service talking about Ron and Kathleen, saying, "You know, most children have one parent or
the other who's a hard-charger. But what do you think it was like being raised by two parents who were
BOTH a couple of pistols?"
Surviving is his devoted wife, Kathleen; and cherished family members: daughter, Sherry (Kimball) Rowe;
sons, Kendall (Lisa) Switzer and Doug (Rene) Switzer; brother Wilbur James "Jim" (Kathleen) Switzer;
grandchildren Kendra, Travis and Heidi Switzer, John Rowe, and Calvin Switzer. Predeceased were his
parents and a baby granddaughter, Josephine Elaine Switzer.
M/Sgt John Kell (USAF Retired)
1959-1973
Thailand/Vietnam Veteran
Bolling Green AFB, Washington DC
Thule Greenland 1961-1962
Seymour Johnson AFB, Goldsboro NC 1966-1967
Bitburg Germany
Vietnam
Mather AFB, Sacramento CA
Myrtle Beach AFB, Myrtle Beach SC
Udorn Thailand 1970-1971
Korat Thailand 1965-1966 1971-1972
Utapao Thailand 1972-1974
M/Sgt John L Kell had a long and honorable career with the United States Air Force. He served his
country with pride wherever and whenever he was called to. A sad passing of another hero due to
exposure to Agent Orange while serving his country.
John is survived by his loving daughter Faye.
1959-1973
Thailand/Vietnam Veteran
Bolling Green AFB, Washington DC
Thule Greenland 1961-1962
Seymour Johnson AFB, Goldsboro NC 1966-1967
Bitburg Germany
Vietnam
Mather AFB, Sacramento CA
Myrtle Beach AFB, Myrtle Beach SC
Udorn Thailand 1970-1971
Korat Thailand 1965-1966 1971-1972
Utapao Thailand 1972-1974
M/Sgt John L Kell had a long and honorable career with the United States Air Force. He served his
country with pride wherever and whenever he was called to. A sad passing of another hero due to
exposure to Agent Orange while serving his country.
John is survived by his loving daughter Faye.
Ed Freeman Nov 20, 1927 to Aug 20, 2008 - American Hero - Medal of Honor Recipitent
You're an 19 year old kid. You're critically wounded, and dying in the jungle in the Ia Drang Valley ,
11-14-1965, LZ X-ray, Vietnam . Your infantry unit is outnumbered 8 - 1, and the enemy fire is so intense,
from 100 or 200 yards away, that your own Infantry Commander has ordered the MediVac helicopters to
stop coming in..
You're lying there, listening to the enemy machine guns, and you know you're not getting out. Your family
is 1/2 way around the world, 12,000 miles away, and you'll never see them again. As the world starts to fade
in and out, you know this is the day.
Then, over the machine gun noise, you faintly hear that sound of a helicopter, and you look up to see an
un-armed Huey, but it doesn't seem real, because no Medi-Vac markings are on it.
Ed Freeman is coming for you. He's not Medi-Vac, so it's not his job, but he's flying his Huey down into the
machine gun fire, after the Medi-Vacs were ordered not to come.
He's coming anyway.
And he drops it in, and sits there in the machine gun fire, as they load 2 or 3 of you on board.
Then he flies you up and out through the gunfire, to the Doctors and Nurses.
And, he kept coming back.... 13 more times..... And took about 30 of you and your buddies out, who would
never have gotten out.
Medal of Honor Recipient, Ed Freeman,died last Wednesday at the age of 80, in Boise , ID ......May God rest
his soul.....
You're an 19 year old kid. You're critically wounded, and dying in the jungle in the Ia Drang Valley ,
11-14-1965, LZ X-ray, Vietnam . Your infantry unit is outnumbered 8 - 1, and the enemy fire is so intense,
from 100 or 200 yards away, that your own Infantry Commander has ordered the MediVac helicopters to
stop coming in..
You're lying there, listening to the enemy machine guns, and you know you're not getting out. Your family
is 1/2 way around the world, 12,000 miles away, and you'll never see them again. As the world starts to fade
in and out, you know this is the day.
Then, over the machine gun noise, you faintly hear that sound of a helicopter, and you look up to see an
un-armed Huey, but it doesn't seem real, because no Medi-Vac markings are on it.
Ed Freeman is coming for you. He's not Medi-Vac, so it's not his job, but he's flying his Huey down into the
machine gun fire, after the Medi-Vacs were ordered not to come.
He's coming anyway.
And he drops it in, and sits there in the machine gun fire, as they load 2 or 3 of you on board.
Then he flies you up and out through the gunfire, to the Doctors and Nurses.
And, he kept coming back.... 13 more times..... And took about 30 of you and your buddies out, who would
never have gotten out.
Medal of Honor Recipient, Ed Freeman,died last Wednesday at the age of 80, in Boise , ID ......May God rest
his soul.....
Sgt. John L Goldsburg
USMC
Kingsport, Tn
Paris Island - Boot Camp 1969
Camp Lejeune NC - 1969-1970
Vietnam 1970-1971
Vietnam 1972-1973
Camp Lejeune NC - 1973-1975
Paris Island SC - Drill Instructor 1975-1977
USMC
Kingsport, Tn
Paris Island - Boot Camp 1969
Camp Lejeune NC - 1969-1970
Vietnam 1970-1971
Vietnam 1972-1973
Camp Lejeune NC - 1973-1975
Paris Island SC - Drill Instructor 1975-1977
AZ3 John Olszanecki
USN
Ship - Bon Homme Richard
Vietnam - 1965-1966
Date of Death - June 10, 2002
Age at Death - 57
Cause of Death - Type 11 diabetes complications
USN
Ship - Bon Homme Richard
Vietnam - 1965-1966
Date of Death - June 10, 2002
Age at Death - 57
Cause of Death - Type 11 diabetes complications
Thomas Lee Bjork, 60
U.S.Army
809th Engineer Battalion
NKP Thailand
Date of Death Dec 21, 2009
Cause of Death - Pancreatic Cancer/Type 1 diabetes.
U.S.Army
809th Engineer Battalion
NKP Thailand
Date of Death Dec 21, 2009
Cause of Death - Pancreatic Cancer/Type 1 diabetes.
MEDAL OF HONOR WINNER NICK BACON PASSES
According to the Army’s website, Bacon, a staff
sergeant, took command of two platoons
after the leaders of each were wounded during a battle
near Tam Ky, Vietnam, on Aug.
26, 1968. Bacon, using grenades, destroyed an enemy
bunker before single-handedly
killing an enemy gun crew and disabling an anti-tank
weapon. He then helped rescue
several wounded and trapped soldiers, according to
the website’s account.
According to the Army’s website, Bacon, a staff
sergeant, took command of two platoons
after the leaders of each were wounded during a battle
near Tam Ky, Vietnam, on Aug.
26, 1968. Bacon, using grenades, destroyed an enemy
bunker before single-handedly
killing an enemy gun crew and disabling an anti-tank
weapon. He then helped rescue
several wounded and trapped soldiers, according to
the website’s account.
John "Top" Holland Passes
A true national hero has gone on. John was a WWII,
Korea, and Vietnam infantry veteran.
He was a living legend that never tooted his own horn.
It took years to find out some of
the many heroic things he had done in his life for our
country. I have copies of his many
discharges to prove that he is the legend we knew him
to be.
Please do not contact the family. As soon as I know the
arrangements and wishes of
John's family, I will send out an email.
Danny "Greasy" Belcher, Executive Director
Task Force Omega of KY Inc.
Vietnam Infantry Sgt. 68-69
"D" Troop 7th Sqdn. 1st Air Cav
A true national hero has gone on. John was a WWII,
Korea, and Vietnam infantry veteran.
He was a living legend that never tooted his own horn.
It took years to find out some of
the many heroic things he had done in his life for our
country. I have copies of his many
discharges to prove that he is the legend we knew him
to be.
Please do not contact the family. As soon as I know the
arrangements and wishes of
John's family, I will send out an email.
Danny "Greasy" Belcher, Executive Director
Task Force Omega of KY Inc.
Vietnam Infantry Sgt. 68-69
"D" Troop 7th Sqdn. 1st Air Cav
David C. Dolby, a Medal of Honor recipient and a
fixture at local veteran events in recent years,
died Friday morning in Spirit Lake, Idaho. He was 64
Davic C Dolby, Medal of Honor Recipent Dies
fixture at local veteran events in recent years,
died Friday morning in Spirit Lake, Idaho. He was 64
Davic C Dolby, Medal of Honor Recipent Dies
McNERNEY, DAVID H.
Rank and organization: First Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company A, 1st Battalion, 8th
Infantry, 4th Infantry Division. place and date: Polei Doc, Republic of Vietnam, 22
March 1967. Entered service at: Fort Bliss, Tex. Born: 2 June 1931, Lowell,
Mass. Citation: 1st Sgt. McNerney distinguished himself when his unit was
attacked by a North Vietnamese battalion near Polei Doc. Running through the
hail of enemy fire to the area of heaviest contact, he was assisting in the
development of a defensive perimeter when he encountered several enemy at
close range. He killed the enemy but was painfully injured when blown from his
feet by a grenade. In spite of this injury, he assaulted and destroyed an enemy
machinegun position that had pinned down 5 of his comrades beyond the
defensive line. Upon learning his commander and artillery forward observer had
been killed, he assumed command of the company. He adjusted artillery fire to
within 20 meters of the position in a daring measure to repulse enemy assaults.
When the smoke grenades used to mark the position were gone, he moved into
a nearby clearing to designate the location to friendly aircraft. In spite of enemy
fire he remained exposed until he was certain the position was spotted and
then climbed into a tree and tied the identification panel to its highest branches.
Then he moved among his men readjusting their position, encouraging the
defenders and checking the wounded. As the hostile assaults slackened, he
began clearing a helicopter landing site to evacuate the wounded. When
explosives were needed to remove large trees, he crawled outside the relative
safety of his perimeter to collect demolition material from abandoned
rucksacks. Moving through a fusillade of fire he returned with the explosives
that were vital to the clearing of the landing zone. Disregarding the pain of his
injury and refusing medical evacuation 1st Sgt. McNerney remained with his
unit until the next day when the new commander arrived. First Sgt. McNerney's
outstanding heroism and leadership were inspirational to his comrades. His
actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect
great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.
Rank and organization: First Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company A, 1st Battalion, 8th
Infantry, 4th Infantry Division. place and date: Polei Doc, Republic of Vietnam, 22
March 1967. Entered service at: Fort Bliss, Tex. Born: 2 June 1931, Lowell,
Mass. Citation: 1st Sgt. McNerney distinguished himself when his unit was
attacked by a North Vietnamese battalion near Polei Doc. Running through the
hail of enemy fire to the area of heaviest contact, he was assisting in the
development of a defensive perimeter when he encountered several enemy at
close range. He killed the enemy but was painfully injured when blown from his
feet by a grenade. In spite of this injury, he assaulted and destroyed an enemy
machinegun position that had pinned down 5 of his comrades beyond the
defensive line. Upon learning his commander and artillery forward observer had
been killed, he assumed command of the company. He adjusted artillery fire to
within 20 meters of the position in a daring measure to repulse enemy assaults.
When the smoke grenades used to mark the position were gone, he moved into
a nearby clearing to designate the location to friendly aircraft. In spite of enemy
fire he remained exposed until he was certain the position was spotted and
then climbed into a tree and tied the identification panel to its highest branches.
Then he moved among his men readjusting their position, encouraging the
defenders and checking the wounded. As the hostile assaults slackened, he
began clearing a helicopter landing site to evacuate the wounded. When
explosives were needed to remove large trees, he crawled outside the relative
safety of his perimeter to collect demolition material from abandoned
rucksacks. Moving through a fusillade of fire he returned with the explosives
that were vital to the clearing of the landing zone. Disregarding the pain of his
injury and refusing medical evacuation 1st Sgt. McNerney remained with his
unit until the next day when the new commander arrived. First Sgt. McNerney's
outstanding heroism and leadership were inspirational to his comrades. His
actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect
great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.
Sgt John J D'Ottavio
USAF 1965 -1968
U-Tapao Thailand - Vietnam 1967- 1968
John died at the young age of 60 on January 12,
2008 from soft tissue synovial sarcoma that
occurred as a result of his exposure to herbicides
and deadly dioxin during his tour of duty in
Southeast Asia. He loved our great country and
continued to serve others beyond his military
commitment. He was a faithful Rotarian and
coached CYO basketball for many years. He
served as Chairman of the Board of Manchester
Township in York, Pa from 1993 until his untimely
death in 2008. During that time he also served as
Commissioner of Northern York County Regional
Police Department.
We met on December 25, 1969 (yes...on
Christmas Day) and were married on April 25,
1970 (just 4 months later). It was my privilege to
share almost 38 years of my life with this
honorable man.
USAF 1965 -1968
U-Tapao Thailand - Vietnam 1967- 1968
John died at the young age of 60 on January 12,
2008 from soft tissue synovial sarcoma that
occurred as a result of his exposure to herbicides
and deadly dioxin during his tour of duty in
Southeast Asia. He loved our great country and
continued to serve others beyond his military
commitment. He was a faithful Rotarian and
coached CYO basketball for many years. He
served as Chairman of the Board of Manchester
Township in York, Pa from 1993 until his untimely
death in 2008. During that time he also served as
Commissioner of Northern York County Regional
Police Department.
We met on December 25, 1969 (yes...on
Christmas Day) and were married on April 25,
1970 (just 4 months later). It was my privilege to
share almost 38 years of my life with this
honorable man.