To the loved ones we say; It may
seem all for naught seeing how the world is today, but Charles then, as soldiers
of today and all future soldiers, will continue to assure our Freedoms remain
alive, and keep the hope alive for the many oppressed of the world. Thanks for
standing strong all these many years with just his memory and know our hearts
are joined with yours. May the peace of our Lord be with you always. Looking at
two different picture of Charles I am able to see him as young soldier, very innocent
at the beginning of his tour of duty in Vietnam. Then I see another one where
he has grown beyond his age, into that of a much more mature person. I contribute
this to the hardened combat he has already experience in just a few weeks, months
at the most. Charles came to Vietnam to contribute to the cause of Freedom. It
was men like him that were ready to stand up to the bully on the block, those
who would deprive others the right to choose how they will live. He came not to
Vietnam to be known as a hero, but his very choice of units was a heroic act on
his part and most likely unbeknownst to him. Back in the world he was a kind,
loving, and gentle person. A good citizen, loving son, and loving brother always
there for you. Now still the same person, but one that had been called to be different,
different in that he volunteered to serve with one of the most dangerous units
in the Vietnam war, The 75th Ranger Regiment. A Regiment full of men that chose
to walk on the edge, for whatever reason. Perhaps to be different or to satisfy
the challenge of the unknown. Regardless of motivation, Charles of his own accord,
willing accepted the extraordinary risk to accomplish a vital function that would
save the lives of hundreds of American soldiers and Allied Forces. His part in
this was done by working with three other men placed deep in enemy held territory.
He and his team mates would spy on enemy activity and report it to higher command
for use in planning larger operations. This information could be gotten no other
way. It called for nerves and guts of steel due to the closeness of the enemy
and the distance they usually were from any friendly help. They had to survive
on skill, team work, communications, artillery, and gone ships. Charles proved
himself to be a team player and a fierce combatant when necessary, and he was
still the loving, helpful, kind, person he was before all of this. He had a great
personality and was loved by his peers and Officers of the unit. He gained many
brothers and this brotherhood is still alive today. His person may be gone from
us, but he lives in our hearts. Charles died with two of his team mates, La Roy
Roth and Michael Lyne, while on patrol. They were securing their night location
when the enemy sprung a surprise ambush on them, making a response slim to none.
Charles and Rangers like him was and always will be the "TIP OF THE SPEAR". I
think he would not have us to grieve for him, but rather Love and Honor the Freedom
that he, and others like him fought and died for. He is a credit to his Family,
Friends, and Country. Let us not forget this nor allow others to forget!
Bob
Smyers |
