Ron was one of the "Elite", who of his own accord did volunteer for one
of the most dangerous units to serve with, The Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol.
Why, why did he do this? I am sure he had his reason(s). For sure, one reason
was a sense of mission. He felt this to be best way to serve his country and make
it a little safer for many soldiers, soldiers that would never know the great
contribution he made. Ron had a calling and he answered. He was a young good looking
sergeant that was full of life. He made his rank in one year of service. This
tells he was a serious person with leadership qualities. These qualities where
honed as he preformed many dangerous missions. These missions would lead him deep
into enemy held territory, to obtain information that would enable commanders
to better plan large operations. He was respected by his fellow soldiers.
Ron was on his final mission and had just days before going home and that was
exciting to him. But he and his four man team found they were surrounded by a
large unit of the North Vietnams Army, and remain unspotted for five hours. The
attempt to extract the team with an armor unit would prove to be fatal. They were
ambushed two wounded, one dead. Danny Harmon ( his close friend ) was killed in
action trying to get to Ron, that was seriously wounded. These two were really
close and like Ron was going home after this mission. The team was finally extracted.
He was hospitalized from serious wounds. It was thought he would be okay, however,
Ron was so grieved by Danny's death knowing ,the love Danny had for him. This
was overwhelming and very sad. The grief perhaps is the reason he died twelve
days later, seems he just gave up.
He was truly loved by the men of the 2nd
brigade LRRP, 4th infantry division and each of us was blessed by his presence.
Farwell my brother. You may be gone but you will always be in our hearts to the
end.
Lord, we know your angels were with Ron at the moment You called him
home, his heavenly home. Why so young? We have no answer, but trust he is dwelling
in paradise with you, just as describe in Your Word.". We thank you for men and
women like our brother, who thought it not too much to give his life for another
to live....... Lord, this day give comfort to those loved ones that have been
all these years without him. Help them to know he is at rest with you and "Warriors"
of like kind. May we never forget our freedoms were bought by the blood of others.
We thank you God for allowing those of us that knew Ron, the chance to share part
of his life. His foot prints will always remain in our heart.
We give thanks,
in JESUS NAME. Amen.
Bob Smyers |
