My Dad the Runner

This book is written to honor those men who so gallantly fought
during the 77 day siege of Khe Sanh that started in January
1968. Where 5000 Marines and 1000 South Vietnamese Army
Regulars stood fast and held their ground at President Johnsons
request. We give special tribute to the men from Bravo company
1st platoon 1/26 Marines who assaulted the trench in front of
our perimeter and nobody came back alive. Our lieutenant (FO)
forward observer and his radio operator didnt make it out alive either. I also want
to give special tribute to the 42 Marines whos C - 123 that was shot down coming
back to Khe Sanh and crashed on the side of a nearby hill. We had 3 men coming
back to A Btry 1/13 on that plane. Two were coming back from previous wounds and
one was coming back from R&R. their names were Larry Kennedy, George Elliott III
and the third I could no longer remember his name. To my younger brothers who is
also a Vietnam Marine Veteran Gilbert Ramirez. To the Marines from A Btry 1/13
who stood fast and hand artillery duels with a very aggressive enemy. They say that
there was thirty to forty thousand North Vietnamese all around us. How can I forget
my neighbor Tony Zavala who grew up with me and we ended up on Hill 10 together
after we were ordered to abandon Khe Sanh. I believe everyone who fought during the
siege of Khe Sanh should get a Bronze Star because they were all heros; could some
congressperson make that happen; during an upcoming Veterans day ceremony.