21 Aug 2005 I remember "Bubba", as we called him in school, to be a very friendly and energetic boy. He had many friends and I am honored to be one of them. We were classmates together at S. H. Rider High School in Wichita Falls, Texas, class of 1967. We could always tell when Bubba was coming because his deep raspy voice would precede him. I can't believe it has been 37 years since his death and every time our high school class gets together for a reunion we always mention the good memories we all had with him and honor his commitment to fighting for his country. He was a true hero in my book! He was trying to save the life of one of his buddies when he was killed! "Greater love has no one than this - that he lay down his life for his friends." - John 15:13 - God bless your life and family, Bubba. We miss you! Rick Featherston 10695 CR 1141 Tyler, TX 75709 feather@tyler.net

 

16 Nov 2006 Bubba was a special individual who truly lived up to our High School motto: "Success on Earth, Success in Heaven, Senior Class of '67." He will always be missed, but fond memories continue to be shared at our class reunions. I saw his name on the Wall in Washington, D.C. when I visited, and I'm pleased to have an opportunity to add something to his memorial. From his high school friends, Mike and Kay (Edgar) Arp kayarp@arn.net

 

02 Mar 2007 I too was a classmate of Bubba's and had known him for years. He will be remembered fondly by all of us who knew him. And even though it was a trying time for all of us in that era ... his sacrifice in the service of our country will always be greatly appreciated by his family and friends. Brian Byrd Dallas, Texas E-mail address is not available.

 

13 Jan 2008 Bubba was also a friend of mine in High School. I was in the class of 1968 at Rider High School. Bubba was in some of my classes at Rider. I can still remember his raspy voice when he talked. I was what people would now call a "nerd" in high school and Bubba was always friendly and nice to me and others. I still remember how saddened I was when we heard the bad news about him. I thank God for his service to country to keep us free. May we always remember people like this. From a friend, Don Howe 702 N. Holland Road, Mansfield, Texas 76063 drdon@hughes.net

 

Billy - You are not forgotten. I served with Billy from July, 1968 in Alpha Company up to the date he gave his life to save a fellow soldier in November, 1968. I fought beside him and was proud to have known him. I saw firsthand how brave he was and how much he cared for his buddies and fellow soldiers. It has been 39 years since Billy's death, but I will never forget him or his sacrifice. When I asked him, he jumped up on my APC track without a second thought for his own safety. He helped to save the life of my gunner, who I believe to be living in Florida, but he lost his own life in the process. I have struggled with the trauma and horror of this event for all these years. It is only now that I can bring myself to talk about Billy and the others who gave their lives while we served together. However, it is very important to me that everyone - especially his family and friends - understand that Billy died while performing a truly heroic and selfless act. May God bless his family and friends with acceptance, love and remembrance of this great guy. In that way, Billy lives on. Your friend, Gary March 4, 2008 From a friend and fellow soldier, Gary L. Griggs Alpha Company 2/2, 1st Infantry Div 1213 Thompson Circle, Raymore, Mo 64083 lannettegriggs@hotmail.com

 

A Note from The Virtual Wall On 29 Nov 1968 the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry, lost seven men during a sweep 5 miles northeast of Loc Ninh: A Company: 1LT Ted J. Rule, Waterloo, IA SGT Billy E. Hughes, Wichita Falls, TX (Silver Star) SGT John R. Williams, Marlinton, WV SP4 Melvin R. Green, New Paris, OH SP4 Ervin E. Harris, Oregon, OH C Company: SP4 John S. Pooler, Wheaton, IL PFC Jesus Q. Meno, Inarajan, GU The Virtual Wall uses several different official sources for unit assignments ... but the sources vary in some cases - for example, Sergeant Hughes is placed in Alpha 2/2 by the Central Identification Laboratory Hawaii and his Presidential Letter of Condolences, but his mortuary record says Charlie 2/2. In such cases we go with the majority unit assignment.

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