19 May 2006 My name is Carlos Labastida and I live in Tempe, Arizona. I was assigned to 2nd Plt Bravo Co as a rifleman and also radio operator. I fought in the battle on April 5, 1968. The battle started at about 3 in the afternoon, and we did not break contact with the enemy till about 3 or 4 in the morning. We came up on an ambush in which resulted in many killed and wounded. I was with one of the eleven men, his name was John R. Pierini, a machine gunner for his squad. I noticed that he was wounded so I went foward under enemy fire and dragged him back to my position. I treated him the best I could, then went back out and got his machine gun so we could use it for support. A short time later Pierini died in my arms. I received a Bronze Star for valor but would gladly give it back if it could bring him back. I relive April 5 in my mind day after day. I would like to get in contact with the family of John R. Pierini ... if anybody can help me please e-mail me. From a comrade-in-arms, Carlos Labastida 2410 East McArthur, Tempe, Arizona 85281 labastidacarlos@yahoo.com

 

A Note from The Virtual Wall PFC John Pierini was one of eleven men killed in action on 05 April 1968 while Alpha and Bravo Companies, 4/47th Infantry, were operating in the Truc Giang District of Kien Hoa Province, a traditional haven for the Viet Cong. The US dead were A Company: SSG Ernest A. Lang, Jacksonville, FL SGT Cecil R. Hobbs, Wyandotte, MI SGT Bruce Tortorici, Van Nuys, CA CPL Carl E. Hosnander, Holden, MA CPL Norman E. Small, Alden, KS PFC Douglas D. McMahon, Sherman Oaks, CA B Company: SSG Fred Young, Greensboro, NC SGT Vance A. Berry, Amarillo, TX SP4 Roger E. Ward, Spring Lake, MI PFC Douglas G. Bailey, Rutherfordton, NC PFC John R. Pierini, East Ely, NV

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