09 May 2006 I never got to meet Gerry, as he died 3-1/2 years before my birth. My mom was dating him at the time of his death. She told me about him when my interest in this war grew. Ever since then it has been my goal to find out more about Gerry to carry, as well as pass on his legacy. Gerry was killed 3 days short of his 20th birthday, in an enemy ambush at "Happy Valley". The sole surviving member of his family is his sister, whom I have not been able to contact. What I know about Gerry I've learned from other vets who grew up with him. I want nothing more than to speak with someone who served with him. He paid the highest cost for his service, a service he volunteered for. My mom told me he felt it was his duty, so he enlisted on Flag Day. He left home on January 15th 1966, never to see his home again. I would like to thank personally, whoever it was that took him from the battlefield that day, as the paper says he died in the hospital. I would also like to personally thank all of his brothers in arms who sacrificed physically, as well as mentally. I cannot claim to know the stress of battle, but I can only imagine the courage it takes to stand your ground in the face of death. You are all heroes to me. Gerry is the one I lost, never got to know, never shook his hand, or offered my shoulder to, God knows how I long to. Gerry you are in my heart, my dreams, my life, and your memory will never die as long as I am here to preserve it. Thank you Gerry, and all those who served in this hellatious war, my heart aches for you and my pride swells knowing I am protected by people like you. God Bless Every One Of You. James Oldham 03 Jun 2006 "Who You'd be Today" It ain't fair you died too young Like a story that had just begun But death tore the pages all away God knows how I miss you All the hell that I've been through Just knowing, no one could take your place Sometimes I wonder, who you'd be today. Sunny days seem to hurt the most I wear the pain like a heavy coat The only thing that gives me hope Is I know, I'll see you again someday. Kenny Chesney 22 Oct 2006 Well so much has happened in a short time. I've learned that Gerry was killed during Operation Crazy Horse. The battle was a perfect example of the ability of the Army infantryman. There was a massive ambush, where Gerry was hit in the initial burst, and first platoon was fighting for their lives for the duration. Lt Crum, their leader, was wounded right off as well, but continued to lead. As Lt McCarron began his flanking maneuver to the north of the enemy, Cpt Mozey sent the C Company "attached" platoon to reenforce you men of the first platoon. Led By Lt Frank Vavreck, they fought their way to you. Along the way Michael Vanassa, using his M79 grenade launcher, eliminated a flanking VC unit. Unfortunately he lost his life in the process. David Dolby, also of first platoon, began his assault of the hill that would earn him the Medal of Honor. Cpt Martin remained calm and kept control of you men from Bravo. When Lt McCarron's first flanking attack was beaten back, he rejoined with the command group (Cpt Martin) and exploited a break in the enemy line to succesfully flank the enemy. This is just the tip of the iceberg on the heroism of this battle. Silver Stars, Distinguished Service Crosses, Medal of Honor, to name a few of the medals earned. The bonds of this battle, I've learned, have spanned 40+ years. Gerry, your unit was the Jumping Mustangs and they are your brothers in arms. You wait at the Fiddler's Green for them, they will know you. When I started this I felt I'd be pushing into peoples' lives, but so far I feel I've been welcomed by family. I didn't know why you pushed me down this path, now I do. These men were your family in your last days, and as time goes by people forget. The soldiers who fought the battles, saw the worst any of us could only imagine, formed a family 40 years ago. Unlike most families they stay together, because what you men went through forms a bond that's not only indescribable, but unbreakable. If you are reading this tribute to my hero, please go to jumpingmustangs.com and learn about the unbelievable sacrifice and courage these men displayed. NEVER FORGET A HERO. IT'S ALL TOO EASY BECAUSE A TRUE HERO DOESN'T ASK YOU TO REMEMBER HIM. HONOR AND COURAGE From James Oldham ourhpyfmly@yahoo.com

 

15 Jul 2006 I was the "B" Company Commander on the date of this battle. The men who died in this battle are all Heros. They were the best Warriors I have known. The Holy Bible teaches that "No greater love hath any man than this, that he lay down his life for his friend." This is the sacrifice they made for us. I remember the day PFC Gerald Earnest Metcalf reported to the Company. His military bearing was outstanding and he had that "can do" attitude. LT Crum, his platoon leader, gave him the highest marks. America lost one of its heros this day. Our Lord Jesus Christ needed a warrior in heaven. I look forward to joining him and our other warriors one day soon. Captain Roy D. Martin Co "B", 1/8 Abn, Airmobile E-mail address is not available.

 

A Note from The Virtual Wall The 8th Cavalry fought two bitter engagements in the Vinh Thanh Valley in May 1966. On 17 May the 2nd Battalion lost 19 soldiers, and on the 22nd the 1st Battalion lost eleven more: A Company: PFC David J. Canales, Sierra Vista, AZ B Company: 2LT Robert H. Crum, Houston, TX (Silver Star) SGT Gerald D. Hoover, Chesaning, MI SP4 Richard F. Lease, Kenton, OH PFC Michael E. De Voe, Houston, TX PFC Gerald E. Metcalf, Foxboro, MA PFC Allen J. Ritter, Moorhead, MN PFC Angel Rodriguez-Estremera, Adjuntas, PR PVT Michael G. Cryar, El Monte, CA C Company: SP4 David M. Jolley, Jeffersonville, IN SP4 Michael Vinassa, Culver City, CA (Dist Svc Cross)

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