Comments on: Letters from Readers - April 2011-Vietnam

By: Don Ellis

Don Ellis — Sun, 06 Jan 2013 02:10:42 +0000

I am Francis Baldino's first cousin and have heard about the story in my family. I would like more information if anyone is willing.

By: Roy Berryman

Roy Berryman — Sun, 15 Jul 2012 14:09:13 +0000

November 14, 1968 I was in the ambush with Francis Baldino, when he was taken out of the ambush by a tiger. We had just set-up in the ambush, and had given the 9:45 pm sid-reps. The tiger was apparently very close to our position when we set-up, there was no sound of movement, and a animial that is capable of grabbing a 140 pound man, and run off with him in a matter of seconds, is large, and very strong, When Frank screamed there was a hand lum-grenade thrown in the direction of the scream only moments had elapsed, you could see the drag marks leading into the elephant grass. We had arty- allumination in the air within minutes searching, still not sure what had happen, we stomped down elephant grass until after midnight. During this time a foot print of the tiger was found on the edge of the stream we were next to, for sure it was a cat, you could lay your cap into the palm portion of the print. After midnight they dispatched a UH-1 Huey in to extrac the rest of us out. The next morning at day break we were on the first chopper back to the site to locate Francis's body. It was after 10:00AM we found him, about 500 feet from the attack site. It has taken me alott of years to have closure to this, I've spoke with all his family members since September 11, 2001. I've also spoken with Pat Hazel about her brother, Terry Armstrong who was killed a couple weeks before. Delta 1/4 had several incidents with tigers in the upper highlands of I-Corp.

Semper Fi

By: Pat Hazel

Pat Hazel — Mon, 23 May 2011 01:31:43 +0000

The incident written about by Jack Leninger and referenced in the posting by Paul Marks was my beloved brother, Pfc. Terry Armstrong. He was killed on Nov 2, 1968 in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. We always knew what happened, but were told officially that his death occured at 5 am, while he was on guard on a recon patrol and that the other 3 men were sleeping. In Sept, 2010 I learned that he death occurred at 3 am and that the other 3 men were awake. One of these men had been attempting to find my family for years, to tell us what happened. I have been able to verify his story through their 1st Lt., at that time. We have had an amazing journey since last fall. Soon the man who found our family will visit us, along with his wife. I have all of the documentation from those years long ago and know that the military told us what they knew to be true at the time. My brother's remains were sent home to us thanks to the men who were with him on the patrol and the 1st Lt. They searched for 6 hours after the daylight hours until he was found. I will forever be grateful for all of them and for the man that has come forward to share his story. Francis Baldina, the Marine, was killed just 12 days later on Nov. 14, 1968. Those that say these stories are not true do not know what they are talking about. I have all the officies information from the officers and the Pentagon. The Pentagon informed us that there had been injuries from tigers up until the time my briother was killed, but his was the first recorded death. I am sure there were others after Terry and Frank. My brother was my only sibling and I loved him dearly and miss him to this day. There were many brave men who served in Vietman and I have a deep respect for those who served with such honor. War is hell, there is no doubt.

By: Antonio Sola

Antonio Sola — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 10:05:04 +0000

These Donut Dollies, God bless them. Nightingales all the way.
But I would like to make a comment about the most brilliant combat leader which I had the priviledge to serve with during one of the several battles for Pork Chop Hill.
1st Lt. Shea, the early morning of July 7, 1953, while repealing a third attack in a couple of hours, convinced a Chaplain to move into a firing position and start throwing grenades down hill, or he would be killed. That Chaplain became a wonderful grenadier,
Unbelievable. Lieutenant Shea deserved two Medals of Honor.

By: Bob Workman

Bob Workman — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 03:49:39 +0000

"Name Those Dollies"… you are correct, this photo was taken in Cu Chi while you were in Country. I lived in the hooch next to the Donut Dollies' compund from Tet 1969 to Tet 1970, and I knew most of these ladies.

This picture brings back many memories. We spent evenings playing bridge and board games together while being chaperoned by the ever-present MPs.

The Donut Dollies did, indeed, spread cheer and raise the morale of many GIs.

At which base camp where you located? Were you also with the 25th Infantry Division?

By: Bob Mclean

Bob Mclean — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 03:33:34 +0000

Just got through reading about "tall tiger tails"…one of the letters in your magazine is about a marine who was killed by a tiger on may 7, 1970…My squad killed a Bengel tiger 2 nights later (may 9, 1970) and about 8-10 miles (approx.) west of Marble Mt. in a valley at the base of O.P. Reno, and just a click north of Hill10 where our Battalion rear was…. I have learned that the tiger we killed had human remains in stomach….if you care to see a pic of our tiger, go to the web site of my unit….Delta co. 1/1…and go to our photo album. Just felt a need to reply because of the dates(may 7 & may 9}