Captain Thomas A. McAdams
Commander of Troop F, 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment
Army

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The day Tom was killed in action he was conducting reconnaissance in force for the 2nd Squadron in an area between Tam Bien (East-West Village / Bandit Hill) and Ben Cat. Tom was in a Light Observation Helicopter above his Troop directing them toward an enemy bunker complex when he was hit by enemy automatic weapons fire.

Tom died at 3 pm on February 28th, on the operating table at the 24th Evacuation Hospital.

Tom has two daughters, Sheryl & Shelley.

Captain Carl E. Jackson
1st Flight Detachment, MACV-SOG 1131st Special Activities Squadron, 12th Det
Air Force

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Loved our God, family, country. Accumulated 4200 hours of flying time throughout his career in the Air Force, prior to his shoot down. Enlisted in the Air Force in 1957 for two years. He re-enlisted in the Air Force Reserve, active duty in 1960.

He was one of the elite chosen to work with MACV-SOG (Military Assistance Command, Vietnam Studies and Observation Group). MACV-SOG was a joint service high command unconventional warfare task force engaged in highly classified operations throughout Southeast Asia.

Sunday evening, word had it that Nha Trang was about to be under rocket and mortor attack. Jackson and his commanding officer headed for the jeep. Jackson dropped off his C/O at one aircraft and drove to his own. Apparently, the destination was Ton Son Nhut air base. June 27, 1965, while on final approach, Jackson’s C123 started receiving ground-fire and subsequently crashed. Rescue crews arrived at the scene and found that there were no survivors. The FBI was brought in to fingerprint all on board however, and none of the bodies could be identified as Capt. Carl E. Jackson, USAF.

Throughout the years, the U.S. government has still not positively located his crash site.

LCDR Dennis Stanley Pike
VA-192 Golden Dragons
Navy

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Daddy is still MIA, But his case is no longer a cold one. Progress is being made and it is my mission is to bring him home to rest on the soil he believed strongly in defending.

In November 2019, DPAA will survey the site they plan on excavating in March of 2020.

I’ll be there.
Shannon

Cpl. Joseph Walter
1st Force Reconnaissance Company of the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division
Marines

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Today is Easter, 2018… a beautiful reminder that I will see you again some day! Not a day goes by that I don’t think of you! I can’t believe it’s been over 50 years now since I saw you last..that makes my heart so sad, but I cherish the memories I have of you and am so thankful to see you in your grandchildren. Josh really looks a lot like you! He’s your age now when you were over in Vietnam… I can’t believe it… Natasha also has your beautiful smile!

I am thankful for your brothers that made it home! They are like family to me now. I know you had a heavenly hand involved in bringing us all together so many years ago. They keep you alive and close! The younger Force Recon Marines also honor and remember your sacrifice.
As you know, two years ago I followed in your footsteps over in Vietnam…It was just one more piece of getting to know you as a Marine. I am SO VERY PROUD OF YOU! YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN!!

You are in our hearts every day until we meet again face to face.

I love you so very very much! I miss you more than you can imagine! I am so very thankful and proud to be your daughter!!! I send love and hugs to heaven as I do every day! Always and forever, your loving daughter, Kimberlee

Cpl Joseph Lyons received the purple heart and the silver star.

LYONS, JOSEPH WALTER (KIA)
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Joseph Walter Lyons (2315470), Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with 1st Force Reconnaissance Company, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on June 5, 1968. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Corporal Lyons upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Major Erman M. Newman Jr.
Army

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Maj Erman M Newman Jr, El Paso, Texas. Graduated USMA, West Point in 1957. An Army Ranger assigned to MACV in DaNang, South Vietnam 1966.

My father was KIA in Vietnam when I was only 21 months old, so I have no specific memory of him. He wasn’t physically here to see me grow through childhood, or for the highlights of my life – high school graduation, father-daughter dances, college graduation, wedding day, birth of grandchildren. While I cannot remember him, every milestone if my life had a certain element of sadness.

I don’t know any other way to describe it. But I have always known and felt deep down that he was, and is, watching over me, my Mom and siblings from heaven above.

My mother made sure to keep his memory alive and I have spent countless hours asking her questions about him and their life together. It is clear from the stories from her and also from his classmates of USMA ’57, that he was a great and honorable man with a sense of humor and a love of God and family. I treasure the stories, the photos and remembrances that I have heard and seen through the years.

In his honor, I wear a memorial bracelet (never take it off) and I am a proud gold star daughter!

May you continue to rest in peace Daddy.