Richard Griffith Philbin

Private First Class
A TROOP, 2ND SQDN, 17TH CAVALRY, 101 ABN DIV
Army of the United States
13 May 1946 - 02 February 1966
Sacramento, California
Panel 04E Line 133

101 ABN DIV 17TH CAV RGT
Armor

Purple Heart, National Defense, Vietnam Service, RVN Military Merit, RVN Gallantry Cross, RVN Campaign

Airborne!

The database page for Richard Griffith Philbin

13 Dec 2005

My Brother.

I know that the last names don't match; this is because Rick was a ward of my parents from the age of seven. He was my brother in every way. My son is named for him and carries his name proudly. Rick was the first Northern California casualty in Viet Nam. He was killed near Tuy Hoa on February 2nd, 1966. He is buried in Sacramento, CA, next to our father Lloyd Vern Bright. I would like to hear from anybody who knew Rick or even if they were just there during that time.

Your memory lives on.

Donald Bright
22 Marilyn Circle, Sacramento, CA 95838
donaldbright@earthlink.net

16 Mar 2006

Whenever I am reminded about the friends and family members we lost in Vietnam, and those who died later from events that happened there, Rick always comes to mind first. He was a year older than me, but he was always inclusive and accepting of others, even those who were below his grade level.

What I remember most about him and still laugh at was his quick wit. He had the best sense of humor and the quickest quips in class. They were always appropriate, not loud enough to disrupt the class or for the teacher to hear, but always funny and surprising. He made the class enjoyable, regardless of the subject. I will always admire and miss his amazing sense of humor.

From a classmate.
E-mail address is not available.





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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