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Gary,I was on that patrol when the point man busted his M-79.......for some reason I keep thinking it was Chis George a black guy from?

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Speaking of the Col Lyons Fan Club,LT Bob, you should get Lee Martin to tell the story of the lost shot records. Also, how many were present the day we were ambushed by a VC water buffalo? And who was it we had to medivac to keep him from killing the other VC that was leading same same? And who was it that broke their M-79 clubbing the NVA that we took prisoner? I remember we were on a 2 platoon patrol with 3rd and 1 other and 3rd took up the rear. Any other stories?

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Well, we had some really good entries for the Caption Contest, but I think I'll have to vote for John's. Thanks for the laughs whoever dreamt that up. By the way, where the pictures of Hill 97? I was hoping to see them somewhere sometime. Would like a opy and willing to pay cost of printing and postage. You all have my address in the updated list.

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The oher beautiful lady in the bottom picture on the left in the SA group is my lovely wife Diana. And if it looks we were all having a good time, it is because we were. We missed everybody else, but it was great to see Bob, Marta, Rick and Terry. Where nd when next?? Jim 26. Anybody find second platoon stragglers??

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Dave, We're working on it. I need you to email me the names and addresses of your State Senators and the Congressional Representitive for your district.

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Mick,,,,,,,,,,,,,,thanks for the pic's of "97", It still looks like a place that should have been avoided,,,LOL thanks again Dave

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My son finally graduated from H.S.....also now am waiting for my 30% to complete my 100%.......Jim and Al know what I'm talking about...........Hey LT anyword on my CIB?..........god bless you all and your familys

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My initial question was if the Colonel Lyons you guys have been discussing was sometimes called "Colonel Jake", or referred to by that name? The reason I ask is I remember shortly after I joined up with B/5/46/198 on July 1, 1968, we were in a firefight nd there was this colonel flying around in his huey so high the chopper looked like a mosquito, and he was in radio contact with us telling us to use "fire and manuever" tactics and advance toward the enemy. It so happened the enemy was a NVA unit that o tnumbered us. I recall thinking at the time, is this guy nuts, telling us to advance into a barrage of bullets flying everywhere. Although later on in firefights we did take the battle to the NVA and VC, I much preferred someone on the ground taking the command (like LTK), not some guy up in the air out of range.

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And in addition to my last question, I recall someone in our squad or platoon telling me there was a reward out for "Colonel Jake's" hide, and I said by who, the NVA or VC, and he said no, by us!!!!! No shit! It's been thirty years but I believe that wa the name of the Colonel I am speaking about.

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now john, you know I've changed. no more of that "rip his head off and stuff it down his neck" stuff for me. I'm just a mellow old geezer. The armory is strictly for "sporting purposes" now. No, I just imagined it would be interesting to engage our esteem d colonel in a meaningful dialogue. (Preferably one like the white mice used to conduct) questions that have occurred to me; Has anybody got anything like a platoon/company roster? Raoul Rodriquez Rod) was a hell of a fine guy. He was wounded in that rice paddy in front of Pinksville. LJ says he was a multiple amputee. Anybody know anything that can help me find him? Has LtK got on-line yet? (YO! Mike! You out there? Why don't we pool names and try to reconstruct a roster. Hell we might even find somebody from Jim's Platoon so he won't have to sit alone at the next GATHERING. Come on guys, cough up some names. Raoul Rodriquez, Webster, Frank, Smitty, (hometowns would be nice too)

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Boy, did I mention the right name to get some commo going on the BB!!!! FYI ... I have a new E-mail address (home) ... randel1@stny.rr.com.

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Just before leaving Gator, The Illustrious One, had an awards ceremony in which he received 2 silver stars and 1 bronze star. One was for when a sapper threw a grenade under his flack jacket, which was laying on his cot, narrowly missed getting him; and a other was when his helicoptor was downed by enemy fire. (Maybe that was the fragging he nearly got?) And can't remember what the 3rd was for. Just wondered if he thought he was the only to draw fire or be in the wrong place at the right time? Or is there a different standard for colonels?

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Bob, if Terry had been there you would have had another "after action" report to file...

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There's not much I can add to Rick's after action report regarding San Antonio. It was way different than Taos, and I had expected it to be. Nothing will ever come close to that. It was interesting to hear perspective regarding things that happened from higher ranking officers.If you guys thought that you were left in the dark and not told much about what was going on, LT's were close behind you ! The only grunts there were Rick, Jim, Terry Care (Recon), Dave Taylor (he's writing the book), and me. Any ay, like I said, it wasn't Taos, but it was OK. Too bad you were not there Terry, that would have been a trip.

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..Speaking of Col.Lyons, I remember talking to the guy a few weeks before the end of my tour... he was trying to talk me into re-enlisting.

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Thanks for the reminder Terry. When I came into Gator from the field to fill sand bags, burn diesel in 1/2 size oil drums and run ambulance service to Chu Lai, the "Illustrious One" had everyone turn out their lights in the hootches around Gator so he co ld have enough electricity to run his essential air conditioner. After a few days in Gator I was ready to volunteer to go back out as a field medic. When I returned to the "real world" and heard about some officers in the "unreal world" being fragged, I ondered how the Illustrious One ever escaped.

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Thanks for the summary Rick. I've been wondering how it went in San Ann. Wish I had been able to go. You must have had your hands full keeping LtC & LtB out of the clutches of the REMF's. When I was a doorgunner I occasionaly flew in Colonel Thomas's C&C uey. He would go wherever some line unit had stepped into it and we would circle at 3000ft (where it was cool and out of range of small arms fire)and micro-manage some poor schmuck on the ground. Having been on the other end I was glad we were out of ran e but it wasn't necessarily the bad guys range I was worried about. Colonel Lyon's was not one of my favorite people either. I wrote an article for an underground paper (Vietnam G.I.) About the time we built that firebase (LZ Grass?)west of Gator and had to dig that big damn hole in the middle wondering what it was for until the air conditioned conex was airlifted into it and we covered it with sandbags so he could come out into "The Field". Maybe it was just my shitty grunt perspective. Anyway, I wish I could have made it if only to provide immoral close-support (one f my strong points)

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Thanks Rick. Sometimes back when we had so few grunts in the field that it felt like I wa by myself but now I really am. I appreciate your insight and I am with you. Those guys with the exception of Terry Care and Col. Lyons were on the outside looking in I would not have missed it for the world either. My wife very much enjoyed the trip and you ,Marta and Bob have a new friend. Thanks for being there. Jim B26

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Have been waiting for Bob C. to give his report on San Antonio reunion (from an officer's perspective). Anyway, here's mine (from an enlisted man's / draftee's perspective). It certainly was not a Taos, N.M., Gathering I. I didn't expect it to be, although I wished it could have been. That may never be duplicated. It (Taos) was something very special. We spent very little time at the Division reunion, perhaps an hour or two at the Hospitality Room. Spent more time at the Lounge meeting fellow 5/46th'ers (all officers). Met Dave Wilson (who's writing the book on 5/46th) Thursday afternoon. He knows more about B Co. than anybody in B Co. Friday afternoon we met several other 5/46th officers (Bob C. will have to name all of them and what position they held in the Bn.) and had lunch with them, including Col. Lyons. I recognized him when he walked in. It was extremely interesting talking to him. Bob had invited all over to his house for a BBQ Friday night. Earlier in the day B36 laid out all the maps of our AO he had last year. At 1630 hours we picked up Jim T. and his lovely wife Deanna (spelling?) at the airport. At 1800 hours Bob & I picked up those 5/46th officers and wifes at the hotel in a large van Bob had rented. The maps were scrutinized closely by the officers and stories began to fly. Proceeded to have a wonderful BBQ provided by Bob C. and his wife Marta, with the "chef of the day" eing none other than Jim Tucker. He cooks a mean burger. Being the only EM there I knew I was destined for KP duty. However, Marta graciously took that duty from me. After dinner the BS really started to hit the fan (actually it was interesting to hear a lot of the stuff from an officer's perspective). Bob C. then showed some of his slides from 'Nam. Dave Wilson then showed slides of his visit to 'Nam in 1997. Dave's slides included the An Ton area and a couple of shots of what used to be LZ Gator. T at brought some tingles to the stomach, seeing Gator area again. After the slide presentation, more good talk about times of old. It was a very good and special day and night. Dave Wilson snapped photos and cam corder shots all day and night. He since then, has provided all who attended copies of the photos and video (THANK YOU, Dave !!!). Friday was laid back spending good time with fellow B Co'ers Bob & Jim. Friday night, the boys from B Co. stood tall. We had cocktails on the River Walk in San Antonio and a great dinner at an open air Texas steak house. Of course we were all drinking soda. For me, agian it was not a Taos but I didn't expect it to be. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. It was great to spend time with Bob & Jim, their wives. It was interesting to have all the officers of 5/46th around and listen to things from their perspecti e. And, to sit with Col. Lyons for a while. (Bob & Jim - I may have seemed to have separated the officers from the EM in this SitRep but believe me, to me and all the other B Co. EMs, you're both just "one of the guys", and well respected - I learned th t last year). Bob and Marta were EXCEPTIONAL hosts the whole weekend. That's it guys. And I know I'm speaking for both Bob and Jim, we missed all of you. Rick ....... out! PS ... Jim Tucker is STILL looking for somebody from the 2nd platoon. I think this year should be devoted to finding somebody from the 2nd platoon in hopes of another "Gathering" next year.

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Happy Independence Day to all. The visit in San Antonio was special. Different than last year, but special none the less. I hope that we continue to remember. Jim 26 Where is everybody, hell...anybody, from my platoon.

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Terry, Top Cotton was one of the first guys I tried to find last year. Unfortunately he passed away 12/30/92 in Pinole CA, right outside of San Francisco. You're right, he was one of the good guys.

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Does anybody know if "TOP" Cotton is still alive? He said he was going to retire around Ft. Ord. I found a couple of phone numbers in that area but never had anybody answer. (no answer machine) He was a damn fine 1st Sgt. I'll always remember him working that quad-fifty when we were pinned down right outside the gate at Ann.

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I still remember that "cutie"that worked in the barber&landrey shop inside the wire atLZANNE;think she was a VC{VD}?Maybe she scoped out the ammo dump at nite while she was doing Lambie-Pie!It's not hard to count steps between the command bunker& the ammo dump.Have a good JULY 4th!!

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I still remember that "cutie"that worked in the barber&landrey shop inside the wire atLZANNE;think she was a VC{VD}?Maybe she scoped out the ammo dump at nite while she was doing Lambie-Pie!It's not hard to count steps between the command bunker& the ammo dump.Have a good JULY 4th!!

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Lee, your Freudian slip made my day. Do not edit a thing.

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In my last mess. the word"hanged" was missed by edit;it should be "changed"!!!sorry

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Truer words have never been spoken.

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Dave Wilson, I agree with you! B/5/46 were the best bunch of guys one could ever hope to serve with. Only these men who stood and fought together could have got most of us through Hill #97, Pinkville, Quang Nghi Penensula, Tam Ky, the mountains northeas of Chu-Lai and LZ Gator, and other exotic places in the I-Corp area of operations. The men of B/5/46 who died in Vietnam are the true heroes, and we must never forget them, especially those of us who survived!

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Things in my life have gone up and down....have told Jim B albout itso not need to go on.....I've said to Jim and Al Gower.....if I had to be in a fighting unit.........B/5/46....was the one...

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JOHN,You are right,LAMB's only function while I was there was using his rank to do the asian girl who came to his bunker at nite on LZANNE.I saw him in the field once;5/24/68;he was there for 1 hr.I'm not going to judge him,only the BIG GUY can.I hope he hanged over the years.

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Recurring heart problem?? He had a heart??

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That is the same Captain Lamb. He is currently in the hospital in Columbus GA., in critical codition with recurring heart problems.

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Hello all B/5/46/198 guys. I just received the Americal Newsletter magazine for April, May, June and was looking at the "New Members" list. I see where "Ltc. James D. Lamb (Ret). of the B/5/46/198 from Columbus, GA has joined the Americal association. oes anyone know if this is the same Captain Lamb who was our company commander during July of 1968 through July of 1969? I believe I saw a Captain Lamb's picture in the pictures on "The Gathering" site taken in Vietnam. I'm not going to be able to make the reunion in San Ant. this month, however I will look forward to the new pictures on "The Gathering' of the reunion. Hope everyone has a great time!

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My new e-mail address is: mackd77@hotmail.com

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P.O. Box 224 Readfield, Maine 04355.........207-293-3840

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All right B26 !!! ...... B6K

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My wife and I will be there. Jim

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John .... I'll be in San Antonio. The large group photo on page 4 of the photo album I believe was taken at the Tam Ky airstrip/port.

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Anyone trying to contact me, my new address is: 13123 Winding Creek San Antonio, TX 78231 210.764.1956 H 210.321.3550 W

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Dave T. ....Send me your e-mail address, and lets talk off line. bobchappell@email.msn.com

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Bob C yes to first question.I was one oo the fo recon sgts there that night,was not on 97 w/dave w and the rest of you.tried talking it though wit dave w from what i got from,AOPS,LT tip and thecross overfrom artys & B Co pric 25s rtos were humpen to the pric41s or what ever,from our nightlogger po we could see the red tracers goin out and green in the reds started to thin out then nata i managed toget through to anarty grew not even sure it was toc...got ground comanders in's andget a batt4out tried to put it in front oflast red trace i saw fiqured charlie was headin totop. 28yrs later i fond out i was alittle to close,he told me i did;t dropit on there heads. toanswer the secxond part i have about5in.pile of aors beware what you ask for...the day was one of the happiestdays in yrs now after 16ys of being married to the best lady in the worrld.dave w ask me why i never la... to many surgeries and yrs of no fellings ya got to let go. outof no were 2mon.before an experemental surgery,she wants out. to busy trying to figure out what had happened .......well after30 some odd yrs....we were kids put in one of the biggest drug deals this country'sGOV got away with. hell it only cost 2million + But you know I AM PROUD I SERVED,I DO IT AGAIN.OTHER WISE EVERY NAME ON THAT WALL MEANS NOTHING>>and noteven bad press,politics sorry bob...sure you can have what i can help you with what yr,mon, & day's got a fax? do you know Dave w?

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It has been awhile and I have enjoyed going back and reading the sitreps on the net. I am planning on being in San Antonio in June. The only question is whether I am bringing mynew Platoon or not. i am looking forward to seeing all of you. Can you imagine how loose we could be this year. B26 out

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Well grunts, Sorry to have to back out of going to San Antone this year, but I'm tied up between my divorce and buying another house right now. Hope to see everyone in Cleveland next year. Will be remembering our fallen brothers again this Memorial Day God give them rest; and give us rest as we join them one day. Amen

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Dave....were you the FO who was trying to get them to shoot the COFRAM fire mission on hill 97 ? Were you on the hill that night, or the other hill ? Would like to read the AO reports that you have.

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started in the begining ft hood 5th/46th hq co with dave wilson,rick lush,ralph spearing,hamalton etc.was one of the first transfered out to 1st14th arty.here is the kicker...was ojt to a arty FO team.became recon sgt(ajk)they don't want to pay ya for that 3rd stripe until they gotta.wond up being arty fo recon sgt for B co of and on for about 5months went through some bad nights togeather was evaced out dec24th68 tried to help dave wilson out with some AO reports i had from hill 97 and other contacts B co. had that could help him any way i could...he is a grate friend to have,my wife checked though the stuff i sent him, he didn't say a word . matter fact hhe helped me more than i did him. we were a two or three man team that went out with you ,well you know.round out...thanks to dave w. ralph s. and the rest of you.

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On 4/30 my wife and drove from Binghamton, NY to Portland, ME and had a great reunion with Al Gower and his wife Nancy. Part serious, mostly fun, we talked and remembered. This is what finding each other is all about. Person to person with people who m tter. After 32 years of not knowing Al's fate, what a feeling of relief and joy.

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Spoke with Dave W..Dave has issues that he is still trying to resolve. I assured him that he has the support of us all.

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A list of Myths and Facts in the Wilmington News Journal states; Myth:Fighting in WWII was fiercer than Viet Nam. Fact: Viet Nam combat soldiers faced longer and fiercer periods on the battlefield than their World War II counterparts.An average Vietnam In rantryman saw 240 days of combat in a year because of fast moving helicopters. Pacific soldiers saw 40 days of combat over 4 years. The rate of amputations and crippling wounds in Viet Nam was 300% higher than WWII. Deaths would have been much higher were it not for the helicopter which shuttled the wounded to hospitals in less than an hour on average.Those statistics come from the Viet Nam Helicopter Pilots Association.

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I met Al for lunch,was a great time.....but now I think I need to take leave of the rest of the unit....love you all...from 3-68 ....to when ever the 5/46th left the Nam............Jim B ..give me a call