Luther
James Doss JR will be referred to as Jim, being the name he was most often referred
to by his Ranger Brothers. Like many a soldier fighting this war, Jim too left
behind many loved ones, that included his young wife and son. Upon arrival in
Vietnam he of his own accord joined with one of the most "Elite" fighting units
of this war. The 75th Ranger Regiment of the 4th Infantry Division. This unit
would run some of the most dangerous missions in the history of the Army. Men
serving in units such as this had an inquiring and adventurous mind of the unknown.
These men were willing to step deep into uncharted enemy territory with only 3-4
men. Miles and miles from friendly forces. This called for uncommon courage and
bravery for they would be ask to go a step further than the regular infantry.
Their survival depended on each other working together as a team, communications,
helicopters, and artillery. This tells the reader a little of who Jim was and
what he was made up of.
Jim,, though a family man had to answer the call from
within to be the most he could be in this war. Him and his team's effectiveness
was counted on by many other soldiers. The information they would acquire could
only begotten by being up close to the enemy, thus the concept of such units.
This information was used by commanders in the field and Headquarters to plan
operations against the enemy. This was effective, in fact so effective the North
Vietnamese government put bounties of up to $2500.00 dollars for team members
dead or alive. In addition they formed hunter tracker teams.
Jim was well
liked by all and respected by his team members. He had been in contact with the
enemy before, but the biggest challenge for him was the loss of three of his team
members during a night attack. They had either been tracked or were spotted selecting
their night location. Regardless, later in the night they were attacked with a
vengeance, receiving heavy small arms fire into their location. It was done quickly
and the enemy withdrew. Jim was the only one left. The hurt and suffering he went
through for his lost team mates was excruciating. This was on January 7. 1970.
Jim never recovered from that night but still insisted on going on mission. He
continued as a team leader and almost 4 months later while on mission Jim perished
in a firefight with the North Vietnamese Army. It broke the heart of everyone
that knew him heart. Truly this day earth experienced a lost but Heaven gained.
Family, friends, neighbors, unit members, and all that read this remembrance of
Jim, can truly hold your head high and say; Jim truly was an AMERICAN and a HERO"!
Our Flag still flies high and we are still the greatest Nation on earth. Jim and
many like him paid in full for The FREEDOM we enjoy!
Bob Smyers |
