19 Nov 2001 Bill and I were in the same platoon at the Basic School in Quantico, Virginia, in 1965. He was an air traffic controller assigned to Kasan, Quang Tri province. I saw him at Gia Lia combat base just after his birthday in December of 1967 and we vented our frustration with the war and how hard it was not to have the kind of equipment we needed to do our job. He told me how pretty it was at Kasan and invited me up for a visit. Before I was able to see him again, I learned that he was killed during an incoming shelling of rockets, artillery, and mortars on his airfield. Bill was of Basque heritage and had a sister he loved dearly. He was a fine young man and a good Marine. He had a good sense of humor and an infectious smile. I miss him greatly and have honored his memory each Veteran's Day! From a friend, Lt. Col. William Ray Ford, USMC (Retired) bford@usa.net

 

28 Dec 2003 I want to thank Lt Col Ray Ford who left a dedication to my cousin Capt William Flahive who was killed in action in Khe Sanh in January 1968. I have just learned of this web site. I have contacted many Marines who knew my cousin Bill Flahive and served with him in Vietnam. I have spoken to many of them and it was an emotional time for them and me. I wish to express my sincere appreciation for the men who served with Capt Bill Flahive and the men who were with him when he was killed. I will leave my e-mail address and whoever wishes to contact me please feel free to do so. I also want to express my sincere appreciation for all the men and women who serve in our military and hope they will be reunited with their families soon. Our country is safe because of the men and women in our Armed Forces, whether serving abroad or at home. God bless you and God bless America. 04 Jan 2004 Dear Dr. G. Dennis O'Brien, Thank you for your response to my dedication to my cousin Bill Flahive. It was very moving. My wife, children, and I are very grateful. Both Bill's mom and dad have passed away now but I know as you said for some reason, God simply wanted to take Bill home. I truly believe that. I tell you no one could have put it better than you to know Bill made us better men. If you ever want to call me or write me feel free. Thank you once again and God bless you. James Flahive 23 Louise Drive, West Nyack, NY 10994 jf3455@aol.com

 

03 Jan 2007 I was a radar technician assigned to MATCU-62 at Khe Sanh. Captain Flahive was my Officer-in-Charge. Sergeant Jerry Albin and I were unrolling some new radar control cables to replace ones that had been damaged the night before. Captain Flahive was talking to us as we were working. When we started getting hit, Jerry and I hit the deck and the Captain headed for the bunker. He was killed just 6 feet from us. Not a day has passed in the last 39 years that I haven't thought of him. Semper Fi, Captain. SSgt Lonnie Darr semperfi@sempermc.com

 

A Note from The Virtual Wall The Khe Sanh Combat Base was subjected to incessant mortar, artillery, and rocket fire. On 31 January 1968, two men are known to have died from that fire: Captain William J. Flahive and LCpl Roy Hudson, Bravo 1/26 Marines, from Perry, Georgia.

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