Locator

Send your Locator and Reunion notices to Locator, The VVA Veteran, 8719 Colesville Road, Suite 100, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Or email veteranlocator@vva.org or mkeating@vva.org

The Locator and Reunion services are provided without charge.

Vietnam veteran compiling a book of tributes to buddies killed in Vietnam. Want to pay tribute to a lost friend? Please send name and email. Contact: Mike Burns, P.O. Box 187, Clifton, TX 76634.

I believe that hard-impact parachute landings at Ft. Benning caused vertebral compression fractures which led to my present-day disc degeneration. Want to hear from any vet with the same problem. Contact: Mike Garbett, C74839, J-220, P.O. Box 2000, Vacaville, CA 95696.

Looking for a fellow Naval airman who was originally from Cheyenne, Wyo. We served together in 1964-65 at Pearl Harbor and then Yokusuka, Japan, where we boarded the U.S.S. Constellation (CV-64) for return to San Diego. Contact: John L. Buniff, 434890, Camp D, Falcon 2, Louisiana State Prison, Angola, LA 70712.

Seeking anybody who earned both the Combat Infantryman Badge and Combat Medical Badge. I earned both while serving in Vietnam with B Co., 1st of the 12th Inf., 4th Inf. Div. and 442nd Artillery. Contact: Juan Cavazos, 12840 County Rd. 2900, Raymondville, TX 78580.

Searching for Army veteran Conley West, last-known residence in St. Paul, Mo. Conley’s first Army posting was with 69th Armor Regiment at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. He was a recipient of four Purple Hearts. Contact: Peggy Gosney, 808-200-6123; 520 Pine St., Apt. 103, Wahiawa, HI 96786.

Want to contact anyone who served with me in Vietnam in the Americal Div., Co. E, 4th Bn., (including elements of the 31st Infantry Regiment and 196th Infantry Brigade). I need information about Agent Orange exposure. In Vietnam I was known as James D. Howell. Contact: James D. White, 174225, Dorm HI-Bed 78A, Limestone Correctional Facility, 28779 Nick Davis Rd., Harvest, AL 35749.

Want to locate Father Conavad, the Catholic chaplain stationed at Fleet Air Support Unit, Binh Thuy, 1969-70. Contact: Buzz Sodeman, 517-992-5345, choz33kat@yahoo.com

Looking for anyone who served with my father, Alvin Sather, in 11th Armored Cav., in Vietnam in 1967-68. Also searching for Doug Younger, who was at Ft. Lewis with my dad. Contact: Shari Humphrey, sharialan@hotmail.com  

Searching for John Jenkins, Co. B, 37th Signal Bn., 1st Signal Bde.. We served together at the MACV Kilroy Compound in Quang Tri just across the road from the Citadel, May 1967-Jan. 1968. Contact: Richard Kunz, 732-583-3192, kunzr@verizon.net

Looking for any information about Lt. Berton F. Mowers, who served as an Army logistics officer in Vietnam in 1969. Bert ran truck convoys on Highway 1 and received a Bronze Star. After the Army he worked as an advertising salesman for radio stations in the Washington, D.C., area, including WTOP. I believe he was a resident of Syracuse, N.Y., after 1978. He may have died in 1993. If you knew Bert in the Army or afterward, please get in touch. Contact: Ross Bradley, 301-898-3635, 301-529-3723, seadeltauce@comcast.net

Searching for Vincent Morrison who I saw in a YouTube video from 2015. He lived in Sayville, N.Y., but may now live in Texas. We served together in 1968 in the Marine Corps. He was in artillery. Contact: Fred Bleier, 516-729-7467, fredjb48@optonline.net

Seeking Cpl. Kenneth J. De Lucia and Sgt. Jimmy C. Milton, who served with my uncle Gary R. Halbrook in the Marines during Operation Lien Ket 112, 1966-67. Contact: Lawrence E. Sepulvida, sepulvida@sbcglobal.net

Want to return Zippo lighter to its original owner or owner’s family. The lighter was found in western Washington State, and is engraved on the back with 234RDAVNCO DONGBATHIN VIETNAM 68 69DCO, on top with RLT RETT, and on the side with 65-7998. Contact: Brenda Lee, 1022 Beane Rd., Moxee, WA 98936; 509-961-1331.

Want to learn more about my father, Sgt. William George Boyd. He served in the Marines in Vietnam. Did anybody serve with him in Vietnam or anywhere else? Contact: Christopher Boyd, 508-371-8607, csbplumb@gmail.com

Seeking anyone who knew my father-in-law Frank Sherwood Chace. He served in the Marines during the Vietnam War. He was killed in a car accident in New Orleans in the early 1980s. He lived in New Orleans when he enlisted in February 1967 and was sent to Camp Lejeune. Would like more information about his time in service. Contact: Marlena Adams, miabba4ever@gmail.com

Looking for Army veteran Steven Burton but have scant details. Steven was from Grand Island, Nebraska. His parents were Helen and Robert. He was possibly discharged in either 1969 or 1970. Contact: Dennis Fleharty, 402-984-0962 or 402-462-5771, yngathrt1@charter.net

Australian who served in Vietnam in the Navy Jan.-Dec. 1971 seeks other Vietnam vets to correspond with to reminisce about the Vietnam years. Contact: Colin Raymond Dalgliesh, cdal41@yahoo.com

Would like to reconnect with Sgt. 1st Class Larry J. McCorry or any of his family members. We served together in Korea, 1977-78. Contact: Ed Cole, cole1972@netzero.net

Seeking a Parris Island Marine Corps boot camp graduation book on behalf of my father, Charles Faison, Sr. He was in Plt. 242 and graduated on June 15, 1970. Contact: Jocelyn Faison, faisonjd@gmail.com

Seeking information about Lance Cpl. Randall Breward Purdy from Briarcliff Manor, N.Y., who served with 2nd Bn., 9th Marines, 3rd Marine Div. and was KIA Dec. 19, 1967, in Quang Tri Province. Have been unable to locate any of his family members and have received no reply to inquiries made to the Marine Corps. Want to learn more about Randy’s time in service and details surrounding his death. Also seeking anyone I served with in 340th AVN Det., 1st Inf. Div., 1967, or B Co., 1st AVN Bde., 1968. Looking in particular for James Clayville, Dennis Lima, David Pessefall, Albert Thorn, and James Brown. Contact: George W. Brosnan, brosboys76@gmail.com

Looking for anyone who served with 2nd Plt., Delta Co., 1st Bn., 7th Cavalry in 1968. I was 3rd squad leader. Contact: Robert Myers, becrem@yahoo.com

Searching for Army veterans stationed at HQ Co., 125th Air Traffic Control Bn., Bien Hoa, Dec. 1970-Nov. 1971, who remember Spec.4 Garry Price. I was the mail clerk and courier. I have no contacts from my time in-country and would like to reconnect with old friends. Contact: Garry Price, gprice15@cox.net

Need help in support of a VA medical claim. Seeking anyone who served with A Co., 3rd S&T Bn., 3rd Inf. Div. in Schweinfurt, Germany, 1969-70. One of the base warehouses contained barrels of Agent Orange. I’m battling cancer and need to confirm AO exposure for VA benefits. I was a Spec.4 at the time. Contact: M. Bowen, 810-659-1879, mbowen@gfn.org

Seeking help in verifying a stressful event for a PTSD claim. While serving in Okinawa in late 1962 or early 1963 I witnessed the crash of a small military aircraft. The plane struck near the village of Ishakawa not far from Kadena AFB, resulting in several deaths and other casualties. My memories of that event are difficult and have stayed with me. Does anybody remember this event? Contact: james@jwstanleylaw.com

Would like to contact anyone who recalls a specific event in Nov. 1967. I was XO of the 5th Special Forces Civilian Irregular Defense Group Camp A-341 at Bu Dop. We had a Special Forces Rapid Deployment Force that provided fire coordinates, resulting in a significant haul of high-level material. Seeking any of the three NCOs who served with that RDF, or anyone else involved in the action. Contact: David J. Pristash, 216-272-4583, David.Pristash@gmail.com

Searching for any vets who served with the 150th Transportation Co. at Vinh Long, Oct. 1966-Oct. 1967. Contact: Gary Bradford, gbrad3907@yahoo.com

Looking for vets who served with B Co., 20th Engr. Bn., Camp Enari, Pleiku, 1967-68. Contact: John Sawyer, 219-246-4470, jsindyore@gmail.com

Seeking an Air Force vet named David. He served with the 315th Security Police Squadron, 315th Combat Support Group, 7th Air Force, Phan Rang Air Base between 1968-71. Contact: Tam Vo, 510-329-0977, tamvo92@yahoo.com

Need help verifying combat exposure in Battle of Plei Me for PTSD claim. Seeking those I served with in 2/12th Cav. Div., B Co., 4th Plt. at An Khe in Oct. 1965. Contact: Freddie Slaughter, freddie.slaughter@sbcglobal.net

The Wayne County Veterans Memorial Park in Richmond, Ind. would like to hear from any pilots or crewmembers who served in Vietnam aboard Huey chopper #66-16569 nicknamed “The Silver Fox” and based at An Son. We know CWO2 D.W. Bragg and 1st Lt. G.M. Bass served with this Huey. If you flew on, supported, or were otherwise engaged with this helicopter, we want to hear from you. Contact: Joe and Barb Goebel, siranvil1@gmail.com

Looking for anyone who was aboard a flight to RVN that refueled on Wake Island then made an emergency landing when the rear doors fell off. One person was killed. We spent a week on Wake Island. Contact: Gene Carpentieri, besttas@cox.net

Searching for Sgt. John Connolly who was from the Philadelphia area and served with 7/11 Arty., 25th Inf. Div. liaisoned to 2/14th Inf. I was your RTO when you were shot in the leg during a VC ambush near Cu Chi in about Sept. 1967. I have a photo I want to send to you. Contact: Philip Moran, 212-751-5270, granolahead@gmail.com

Seeking wounded Vietnam veterans (awarded Purple Heart), prefer members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, with interest in participating in a week-long woodworking workshop. Contact: D.J. Gray, toppdawg46@gmail.com

Searching for anyone who served with 1st Signal at Long Binh microwave site from Aug. 1969-Aug. 1970. Contact: Steve Mindish, 814-659-8454, smindish@atlanticbb.net

Searching for fellow airmen from the 366th Tactical Fighter Wing who served at Da Nang Air Base, Sept. 1970-Sept. 1971, and the Airmen Fuel Specialists at Lakenheath Air Base, England, from 1971 to possibly 1974. Both assignments included support for F-4D Phantoms. Contact: David Rivera, davidrivera247@gmail.com

Looking for Marines from 3rd Platoon, F/2/7 who served Jan.-Feb. 1967 in Operation DeSoto. I was medevaced while serving as platoon commander. Platoon sergeant was Staff Sgt. Bishop, Platoon Guide was Sgt. Richard Small and radio operator was Lance Cpl. Dennis Parise. Contact: John Rine, snobird2@mchsi.com

Seeking information about William Fettes who served with 5th SFGA & SOG in 1966-68 and 1970-71. Bill died on November 9, 1984. He is listed in the Who’s Who in MACVSOG as a Sgt. 1st Class who served at Command and Control Central (Kontum). Bill re-enlisted at Nha Trang in 1970. He was on R&R in Sydney, and was at the Texas Tavern there in 1967 and 1968. Trying to find anyone who served with him to help me piece together more information. Contact: Scott D’Ornay, dornaysc@gmail.com

Searching for former Marine Donald Hoppe who recently moved from Burns, Oregon. We were in touch until May 6. After his move he was staying in a veterans home of some type, possibly run by VFW. Contact: LeRoy W. Thompson, 541-413-1010, yorel342013@hotmail.com

Looking for friends I served with. I was stationed with 754th Supply and Support near Vung Tau, May 1967-July 1968. I had an accident in 1968 that took most of my memory, need help remembering. Contact: Charles Jones, justjonsen4@gmail.com

Army vet (Vietnam 1969) searching for others who have been diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) or Parkinson’s Disease with Lewy Body, both rare, fatal neurological diseases. Contact: Dr. Philip Michael Gray, graypmphdcpt@gmail.com

Seeking anyone who remembers my husband, Danny Skirvin, or served with him in B Troop, 1st Squadron, 10th Cav., 4th Infantry Div., May 1967-May 1968. Danny drove a tank, was wounded, and evacuated to a hospital. He was awarded a Purple Heart but the award was not noted on his DD214. He has passed away due to complications from Agent Orange. I would like his grave marker to bear his Purple Heart, but the Army denies any knowledge or records of the incident in which my husband was wounded and evacuated. Looking for anyone who has knowledge of this incident, remembers my husband, or has any pictures. Contact: Bonnie Skirvin, bonbon2@buckeye-express.com

Looking for anybody who served with 553rd Engineers (float bridge), based in Tuy Hoa with platoons in Pleiku, Cam Ranh Bay, and Qui Nhon (and other places), anytime between 1965 and 1972. I recall a Sgt. Warner from 5th Platoon. Also looking for members of 511th Engineers (panel bridge). I was based with the 1st Cav in An Khe for the same time period, and remember Sgt. Foley, Sgt. Drapper, Sgt. Vickers, and Lt. Gardell. Contact: Clyde Phillips, genephi213@gmail.com

Searching for A37B weapons mechanics serving at Bien Hoa Airbase assigned to 303 Munition Maintenance Squadron, especially those who trained in England during summer and fall 1969. Looking in particular for Gus Alex, Gary Tanner, Chris Richards, Murray Brennan, or Sgt. Allen. Contact: Joe Acri, joerodder40@gmail.com

Looking for anybody who served with my uncle, Spec.4 Robert Eugene Romero, Medical Specialist, HHC, 2nd Bn., 22nd Inf., 25th Inf. Div. Enlisted July 26, 1969, KIA Dec. 3, 1969, Binh Duong Province. I’ve heard about my uncle all my life, would love to talk to anybody who knew and remembers him. Contact: Chad Blakely, blakely737@gmail.com

Seeking Phillip Lawson who served with 2/8 Co. A, 4th Inf., 1967-68. Contact: Cecil Horton, chorton438@gmail.com

Bill Churchill is searching for members of the 537th Personnel Service Co. who served at Bien Hoa in 1968. A previous Locator listing included an incorrect phone number. The correct number is 563-528-0243.

Seeking anyone who served in 3rd Trans. Center, Saigon Support Command, 1969-70. Contact: Jim Higdon, 205-612-8084, jhhigdon5544@gmail.com

Searching for Robert Logan who served in the Army in Vietnam in 1971. Contact: Kim Conn-Sanchez, 407-738-8711, Kimtcs71@gmail.com

Looking for anyone who knew Lt. Cmdr. Walter O. Estes, a pilot assigned to the U.S.S. Coral Sea (CV-43). He was shot down and died after being tortured at the Hanoi Hilton. Contact: Stephen, gollman1@hotmail.com

Want to find Michele Zook. We served together with 372nd Radio Research Co. attached to the 25th Inf. Div., Cu Chi, 1969-70. Contact: Jim “Camel” Saad, 660 Nancy Circle, Reno, NV 89503, 707-327-8781, jamessaadman1@gmail.com

Seeking Cpl. William F. Elder, USMC. We served in Co. A, 1/9 in 1965 in Vietnam. Elder was wounded and evacuated on Sept. 9, 1965. I was an HM3 Navy corpsman with Weapons Platoon. Contact: Donald A. “Doc” Thompson, 2101 Osprey Circle, Raleigh, NC 27615, 919-612-5465, dat16@icloud.com

Looking for any EOD Techs who served with the 7th Air Force Mobile EOD Team at Tan Son Nhut Airbase, May 1967-May 1968. Contact: Dick Steen, 410-829-5065, eodsteen@gmail.com

I recently bought a bag of hats from a charity shop and came across an old beret. Checking the logo online confirms that it is a Vietnam War soldier’s beret. It is inscribed with the name G. Taylor. I would love this person or the family of this person to have the beret returned. Contact: Sarah Taylor, sarah2@hotmail.co.uk

Would love to hear from old shipmates who served aboard the U.S.S. Blandy (DD-943) for its 1968 Vietnam cruise. The Blandy was the flagship for Destroyer Squadron 2. Contact: Richard L. Rein, 1200 18th St. East, Hastings, MN 55033.

Looking for Lance Cpl. Robert D. Bahr, RTO, 4th Plt., 1st Force Reconnaissance, or any members of that platoon. I was the Forward Air Controller on January 14, 1968, when that unit came under heavy fire. I orchestrated an airstrike and guided evacuation helicopters afterward. Contact: Gene Frey, gene497@yahoo.com

Does anybody remember my father, Thomas R. Daliege? He was stationed in Seoul, South Korea, Feb. 1964-Feb. 1965. He passed away from cancer in August 2015. My mother and I would like to find anybody who remembers him. Contact: Raquel Daliege, rld1976@sbcglobal.net

Searching for my father-in-law, Ed Reynolds. He was stationed at Long Binh AB with unit numbers 553rd and 632nd in 1972-73 but which service branch or type of assignment is unknown. Any help appreciated. Contact: Phat Vu, phatvu08@gmail.com

Seeking Michael Ford and Taylor Bacon who served with C Battery, 1/92 Artillery at LZ Miller during the Siege of Phu Non, March 1971. Contact: Howard Jenkins, 865-966-7318.

Looking for Terrance “Terry” O. Pruden from Portland, Ore., who served with the 173rd Airborne about 20 miles from Saigon in 1967-68. He corresponded with Carol Cravens during that time. Contact: George Stanford, 479-251-1093, gh.stanford@yahoo.com

Need to verify an injury not documented in my medical records. Searching for the Spec.4 medic who took care of me after a punji stick wound in my right foot that happened in or near Pleiku in Jan. or Feb. 1969. I was with 1st Signal Brigade. Contact: Dan Reese, 210-262-8047, dan2reese@yahoo.com

Writing a book about the crash of a CH-47 helicopter (#65-07999) with 242nd Assault Support Helicopter Co. on July 10, 1970. The helicopter was hit by three RPGs. Nine crewmembers and passengers were killed: Spec.4 Ross Bediant, Spec.4 David Schultz, Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Campbell, Spec.4 Roy Harris, Spec.4 Dennis Martin, Sgt. Robert Oldham, Staff Sgt. Carey Pratt, Sgt. 1st Class Elroy Simmons, and Spec.4 Michael Vullo. Ten passengers were wounded. Did you survive or witness this incident? Do you know any survivors or witnesses? Contact: Jack McCabe, 2120 Augusta National Dr., Denver, NC 28037, 847-778-3473, jmccabe51@gmail.com

Seeking information about my grandfather, Master Sgt. Arthur F. Pagle, Jr., Co. C, 2nd Bn. Grp., 13th Inf., Fort Carson, Colo. He died in 2001 of Agent Orange-related complications. Contact: Barbara Woodcock, barb.woodcock1164@verizon.net

Searching for information about, or old friends who knew, Air Force veteran Michael J. Patrick. He served on a C-130 crew in Vietnam and died Feb. 25, 2015, in Fresno, Calif. Contact: Wu Wai Ting Chantelle, wuwaitingg@gmail.com

Looking for old friends from Co. A, 3/8 Inf., 4th Inf. Div. in RVN, 1966-67. I have a photo of Bob Gaden, Don Deskin, Lt. Leghardi, Ron Distehmer, Will Williams, Ballard, “Doc” Gore, Randy Nordstran, Danny Hayes, Toma Nowak, Sgt. Hebitt, Helms, Ruby Rotas Holland. Would like to share. Contact: Jim Keeling, 1502 W. Front St., Tyler, TX 75702, 903-597-1371 or 903-570-9934.