Joseph Louis Simpson

Staff Sergeant
E CO, 2ND BN, 1ST INF RGT, 196 INF BDE
Army of the United States
06 February 1945 - 13 May 1968
Denver, Colorado
Panel 59E Line 013

196 INF BDE

1ST INF RGT
Combat Infantry

Purple Heart, USMC Good Conduct, National Defense, Vietnam Service, Vietnam Campaign

The database page for Joseph Louis Simpson

01 June 1999

ALWAYS REMEMBERED

From his sister,
Jeanne Simpson
jeanwillsimpson@worldnet.att.net
05 Oct 2005

3rd Marines

I had the privilege of serving with "Simo" in 1966 during his first tour in Vietnam as a Marine. I am here today because of him. I owe my life and what's left of my sanity to him. You were my friend - like a brother - you were also my teacher.

I have been searching for you for many, many years and only 5 days ago found you had died on May 13, 1968. I never made the connection between the Simo on the wall as an Army guy and you!

Lima Company and our Battalion (3rd) of the 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division is having our reunion in July 2006 in Colorado Springs. I wanted to find you prior to the reunion so we could swap war stories over a couple beers - I guess we'll have to wait a little longer for our reunion!

I remember you and most of our squad were transferred to 2/26 Marines in early August 1966. I never saw you again.

Until we meet again! Tu hermano.

Semper Fi!

Jesus (Jesse) Torres
3300 W. Thomasview Drive, Hillsborough, NC 27278-7157
torres1144@aol.com

08 Dec 2005

Father, thank you for the life you gave me.
I wish I could have known you,
but we will meet and I have so much to tell you.
Like how beautiful your four grandchildren are.
How you are always with me in my mind, heart and soul,
I love you.
Your son, Dino

Dino Louis Apodaca
623 Winona Ct. Denver, Colorado 80204
denosore@yahoo.com

09 Dec 2005

Your only child Dino was born 9/16/67. You were home on leave for his birth. You got to hold him and smother him with kisses for as long as you wanted.

You were in total awe of your brand new bundle of joy.

You were shipped out to Viet Nam (2nd tour) while we were still in the hospital.

For 8 glorious months we got to exchange letters on updates on your new son and how you were doing over there.

I was packing for Dino and I to meet you in Hawaii for your R and R on 9/13/68 when I was notified that you were listed as MIA. I'm sorry we couldn't meet one last time as a family.

Your legacy lives on through your now-grown son and 4 beautiful grandchildren. Tsavii, Elijah, Kia and Sage.

You will always remain in my heart and soul "Forever Young".

Your wife Helen

Helen Simpson
3299 W Colorado Ave, Denver, Colorado 80219
helen.simpson@dhs.co.denver.co.us

07 Mar 2006

My dearest brother, it has been almost 38 years that our family lost you and still we miss you as if it were yesterday.

I am sure you are in heaven as you believed in what you were fighting for. I remember all the good and bad times and wish your son would have known you. I pray that you have found peace. I love and miss you very much and will remember you always in my prayers.

Love You,
Your sister Lee

Leona Zuffoletto
leered42@yahoo.com

A Note from The Virtual Wall

The 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry, was one of the units committed to the defense of the Special Forces camp at Kham Duc as it came under attack by two regiments of the NVA 2nd Division. At least 39 Americans died during the defeats at Ngok Tavak and Kham Duc. The remains of seven men were recovered when the base was recaptured in mid-1970, but the remains of 32 others have not been repatriated. The names of the 39 Americans lost are included in the summary account of the Withdrawal from Kham Duc

Eleven of the dead were from E Company, 2/1 Infantry, only two of whom were recovered in 1970:

  • MAJ Frederick J. Ransbottom, Oklahoma City, OK
  • SFC Johnnie Carter, Watertown, FL (remains recovered 1970)
  • SFC Harry B. Coen, Riverton, WY
  • SFC Andrew J. Craven, Wilmington, NC
  • SFC Roy C. Williams, Woodville, TX
  • SSG Maurice H. Moore, Baltimore, MD
  • SSG Joseph L. Simpson, Denver, CO
  • SSG William E. Skivington, Las Vegas, NV
  • SSG Danny L. Widner, Graham, TX
  • CPL Randall L. Lloyd, Sterling, OH (remains recovered 1970)
  • CPL Imlay S. Widdison, Woods Cross, UT
The ranks shown above are those held at the time Presumptive Findings of Death were approved by the Secretary of the Army.




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