Joe Edward Raber

The database page for Joe Edward Raber

24 Nov 2002 Photos courtesy of Larry Vunak "Zulu" - dark hair, extreme left. "Doc Tap" - medic, blond hair in background Lester - squad leader - in backgraound,d ark hair, behind radio antenna Oscar Solis - KIA May 9, 1970 - Cambodia, dark hair, arm wrapped around radio antenna "Lurch" - front, no shirt - driver Larry Vunak - front center, under helmet Joe Raber, Killed May 16, 1970. Track TC, center of picture, open shirt REMEMBERED by his comrades in the 5th Infantry - the Bobcats

22 Apr 2003 Joe was my best friend. We grew up together from babies, he was 1 and 1 half months older than me. He joined the Army when we graduated and was killed in Viet Nam 16 May 1970. When he came home me and his other friends here at home carried him to his final resting place. On December 10, 1970, Mr. and Mrs. Russell Raber of Holden were presented Joe's decorations. Major Robert G. Eveleth presented the medals at the Rabers' home. Joe received the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnamese Service Medal, and National Defense Medal. He had also received the Combat Infantryman's Badge. I'd like to hear from anyone who could tell me about Joe and his time in Viet Nam and how his last days were. I just want to know more, it's hard to lose a buddy even after all these years. Just wish I could have been there to help. Frank Hobbs SP4 Combat Medic July 1970-Feb 1972 291 NW 1771, Kingsville, MO. 64061 fhobbs@peoplepc.com

A Note from The Virtual Wall On 16 May 1970 C Company, 1/5th Infantry, was on stand-down at the Tay Ninh base camp. In the evening, while Company members were waiting for a show to start, a soldier from the 125th Signal Battalion fired his M-16 into the gathering. Two men were killed, SGT Joe E. Raber and CPL Gary R. White of Hewett, West Virginia. A number of others were wounded. The soldier, SP4 James E. Paul, was later convicted by Court Martial of two counts of voluntary manslaughter and ten counts of assault to commit voluntary manslaughter.

The point-of-contact for this memorial is a fellow Bobcat, Randy Kethcart randy@bobcat.ws

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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Memorial first published on 24 Nov 2002
Last updated 05/06/2007