Steve
joined the Long Range Patrol Rangers because he wanted to be with the best, knowing
that it was extremely dangers. He was a real likeable person and his transition
into the unit was smooth. Steve was given a crash course on the concept and the
opportunity to be a member of a patrol. While on patrol he was given the command
off and on This was done to see how well he could read a map, compass, and his
abilty to make sound decisions, and be a team player. It was not long before he
was given his first team and he did well. The team members were confident in him
and his knowledge. He was a kind and likable person. Playful off mission but dead
serious once on mission. Then he was given a mission, I will call, mission from
Hell.
His mission was to confirm or deny reports that had been coming into
intelligence, of enemy movement in the brigade's area of operation. With the team
ready, they loaded up and were on their way. The landing zone that had been selected
was to be a hot one and deadly. The insertion went well but once the gunships
were gone, they came under heavy fire.
It seems the enemy was set in ambush
and waiting for the team or perhaps, prepared to encounter a larger force. Whatever,
this day they would have the upper hand on one of their most hated adversaries,
the dreaded Long Range Patrol Rangers. These men were and still are among America's
best combatants in ground warfare. It may sound morbid to some and cavalier to
others, but men that served in these teams can hold their heads high, and the
history books will record, that Long Range Patrol teams were considered by the
enemy to be the most feared force in Vietnam. This was testified of by captured
officers during the war, and those interviewed after the war. So feared, that
the North Vietnamese government did organize, hunter tracker teams, to combat
the Long Range Patrols. In addition they offered bounties for the LRRP/LRP/Rangers
of $1000.00-$2500.00 per member.
On this particular day the enemy must have
felt it was their pay day, they were well hid, and launched the surprise that
would take the life of our brother Steve, and wound the other three, but they
still would not succeed in taking one member. The team members would live up to
the creed, "WE LEAVE NONE BEHIND". The enemy ( it was later learned ) were hiding
in spider holes from which they launched the attack. Steve fell instantly and
the team members opened fire and called for help. Now without a team leader, the
team fought for their life. Wounded but still able to fight, and fight they did,
holding the enemy off until help arrived.
The gunships were able respond quickly
because they were still close by flying cover for the second team that was going
in near the Steve's AO (area of operation). The gunship quickly gained fire superiotry.
Allowing the extraction ship to come in for the team. John Slattery though wounded
did manage to carry Steve out. Safely on board, they lifted off and the mood was
very quiet and somber for all. His death was hard on the unit. It never gets easy
to see you brothers fall.
When reflecting on fallen brothers, please remember
their family and friends. May they all be in our prayers for strength, comfort,
and peace. If anyone has contact with the family, let them know we too remember
our brother Steve, their loved one, for the great gift he gave for his country
and all freedom loving people around the world, His Life!
Bob Smyers |
