Dave Mayes, Jr

The database page for Dave Mayes, Jr

Dave.... I still have the Donald Byrd LP I borrowed from you at Ft. Benning... I'll never forget you, my Brother. REST IN PEACE Sgt. Sleeis Commo Platoon HHC 3rd "Garry Owen" Brigade

24 Mar 2003 SPC Mayes, although you died four years before I was born, I want you and all your comrades-in-arms to know that I think very highly of the courage and sacrifice each of you made during the Vietnam War. I have always had much respect for all of you, but after seeing the movie "We Were Soldiers" I thank you even more. You are from Jonesville, LA, a short distance from my hometown of Waterproof, LA. My Uncle was a Vietnam veteran - He did three tours over there, but he never talked about it. Out of respect for him, and my limited knowledge of what they went through over there, I never asked either. His was the first "1st CAV" patch I'd ever seen, and I always liked it - I just didn't know what it stood for. I did the next best thing, which was to follow in his footsteps, and I became a soldier as well. After 10 years of service, I never wore the CAV patch, but I am a veteran of the Gulf War, Operation Desert Storm, 1991. Although we didn't suffer nearly the losses suffered in Vietnam - I do know what it's like to be sent into harm's way - not knowing if you're coming home or not, and how after a while you seem to get an inner-peace, because you realize there isn't anything you can do about it - you know you can't leave, so you just put everything in God's hands - then whatever happens, after that, happens. I hope that you too managed to find that piece as well. Even though you did not make it home, I want you to know that your courage and sacrifice will not be forgotten by your friends, your family or any one that ever puts on the uniform. I hope you were greeted in Heaven with open arms! Thank you for all you have done! From an anonymous soldier. E-mail address is not available.

Dave Mayes died in the fighting in the Ia Drang Valley November 1965. Visit the Landing Zone X-Ray site and The Virtual Wall's Ia Drang Memorial

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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Channing Prothro, former CAP Marine
Last updated 08/10/2009