ROY CHRISTOPHER OLGYAY

Roy Christopher Olgyay died in the service of his country while serving in
K Company (Ranger), 75th Infantry (Airborne), 4th Infantry Division

Last name: Roy Christopher
First name: Olgyay
Home of Record (official): New York
State (official): NY
Date of Birth: April 8, 1952
Marital Status: Single

Branch: Army
Rank: E-4
Component: Infantry
MOS (Military Occupational Specialty code): 11B2P
Major Organization: 4th Infantry Division
Unit of assignment: K Company (Ranger), 75th Infantry (Airborne)

Entered Service:
Start of Tour: May 25, 1970
Date of Casualty: September 19, 1970
Age at time of loss: 18
Casualty type: Hostile, died
Reason: Gun, small arms fire, ground
Country: South, Vietnam
Province: Binh Dinh

Vietnam Memorial Wall: Panel 7W, Row 74

Ranger Memorial Stone: Section B, Column 17

Lord, those who knew Roy are so thankful you allowed them to be graced by his being among them. We his brothers of like spirit, a spirit that says all people, of all nations, should enjoy the right to live free and to choose for themselves, do also thank you. He stands out to us, and the world, as a symbol of the price of Freedom. Your Word says; "no greater love hath a man than this, to give his life for a friend" Roy did just that! He forsook self-preservation for others to live. He acted out of love, a love that required no contemplation but rather action. Surely it never crossed his mind at the moment that he would come to be known as a "HERO". We thank you for men and women like our brother that thought it not too much, to give his life for others 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 the blood of others bought our freedoms. Lord, regardless of our belief, help us as we remember him and the many like him to consider the following words of wisdom; to love the Lord our God with all our hearts, soul, mind, and strength, and secondly to love our neighbor as our self. Truly acceptance and application of this wisdom by all people of the world, is to see war, and all other atrocities against humanity end! May our hearts be charged to honor the sacrifices of such men and women with a continuous and sincere effort to promote peace on earth and good will towards all? To the family that has had to bear the loss of Roy, we offers our heart-felt thanks for your standing so strong. Many that enjoy real freedom have been affected by the great contribution he gave towards our freedom. He is still loved and missed, even to this day. Taps, when sounded after the Honor Squad has fire the final volley, of a 21 gun salute, brings to us the reality of the price of Freedom. While being played one can hear the words from the heart of the writer, in the silence of the mind, yet among many, but seemly alone, you hear and feel the words; Day is done, Gone the sun, From the Lakes, From the hills, From the sky, All is well, safely rest, God is nigh. Fading light, Dims the sight, And a star, Gems the sky, Gleaming bright, From afar, Drawing nigh, Falls the night. Thanks and praise, For our days, Neath the sun, Neath the stars, Neath the sky, As we go, This we know, God is nigh. We can take comfort in these words because God truly is near, as close as your breath, and his tears join with ours, as we say our last good byes.

Roy, having sacrificed his physical life for those that are the leased able to fight for themselves, has fulfilled the great words of Jesus Christ; no greater love hath a man than this, to give his life for a friend. His friends we could say are those seeking to live peaceably among mankind. Roy Christopher Olgyay, a very young man that fought bravery against the North Vietnamese Army, but before help could arrive to assist the small team, Roy was hit by small arms fire. Roy was a man of high character. One that never ran when his country called. No, he answered knowing his life would be in great danger along with many others. After training state side he was sent to Vietnam. Here he would show uncommon courage by joining the Long Range Patrol of the famed 75th Ranger Regiment. This unit was made up of all volunteers. Volunteering was one of the prerequisites because of the amplified danger these units faced. They were the eyes and ears of the combat forces in Vietnam. They worked deep inside enemy held territory to gather much needed information. Information that could not be gotten any other way. The teams were such a threat to the North Vietnamese government, that they formed Tracker Teams to hunt them down once suspected of being in the area. They went as far as to place bounties on their heads of $1000- $2500, dead or alive. Operating in mostly 4 man teams they could practice great stealth. In doing this they were able to get so close to the enemy at times, all they need do was reach out, and touch them. All the while undetected. This enabled them to report information back to Headquarters and field commanders for planning better of operations when deploying their soldiers. The teams, at times, brought much devastation to the enemy by calling in artillery or air strikes upon their positions, often without detection. Roy was one of the Elite working with a unit that would, and did write history. They performed well under pressure and did perform some of the most dangerous missions, in the history of the United States Army. Some called us crazy, but what I saw was unbelievable commitment, determination, courageous, gallant, loving men, and more often than not " Valorous". Some of the bravest I have ever known or served with. Roy was, and remains one of, "AMERICA'S BEST". Sua Sponta (of his own accord).

Bob Smyers

A common question asked is what do you want to be remembered for when you die. I can't think of anything more honorable than being remembered for defending your country and its freedom. You will always be remembered for this noble sacrifice. Thank You
God Bless

Maggie Schrenk