| Lord, those who knew La Roy Frederich Roth 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
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" He 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?
La Roy was a member of one of the most "Elite" units
that fought in The Vietnam War. He, along with other volunteers would spy on the
enemy for the good of hundreds of American Soldiers and Allied Forces. Teams like
this provided vital information to enable commanders of the larger unit to plan
operations against the enemy. Without men like La Roy, information of this sort
would not be possible. La Roy was a Ranger, a Long Range Patrol ranger of the
75th Ranger Regiment, which performed some of the most dangerous missions in the
History of the Army.
These missions would place the 4 man teams deep in enemy
held territory, and often out of range for radio communications with friendly
forces. Relay from other elements of the Army and Air Force had to be used, and
when it failed, the team was on their own to survive. More often than not, teams
were too far out for the support of regular or mechanized infantry. Their survival
depended on skill, team work, communications, artillery, and gun ships.
Men
of this type unit were proud, committed, dedicated, faithful, men of courage,
even heroic. They too were thought to be a little crazy for doing what they did.
La Roy was a brother of brothers, a phenomena that can not be explained. It was
a bonding beyond family and is still today among the living and the departed.
He was a serious Ranger, one that took his job seriously. On mission he was all
eyes and ears, one you could trust at your back, on or off mission. La Roy with
his sense of humor was always welcomed. He brought joy at times and cheer at others.
Then the fatal day came when he was taken from us. He along with two other team
mate, Charles Willard and Mike Lyne did perish in the service of their country.
From what I gather, they were victims of a surprise ambush as they secured for
the night.
To the family and friends of La Roy, "You can be Proud"! He answered
the call of his country and accepted the challenge of such a daring work. To this
day he is remembered by his many brothers and dearly missed. Know that our hearts
are sadden as with yours, and at the same time we feel a sense of warmth, and
joy, for having been privileged to serve with a man of his caliber. A true American
that gave his all to assure our banner, The Flag, flies high over our Nation and
gives hope for those seeking freedom.
Sua Sponta - A Ranger saying meaning;
La Roy Frederich Roth did of his own accord faced the enemy in battle at the cost
of his own well being, for what he believed; All people, of all Nation, should
have the right to choose how they will live.
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.
Bob Smyers
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