A Letter of Special Thanks

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the soldiers and airmen who participated in the battle of Firebase Illingworth on April 1st 1970.  I have you and especially the families and friends of the 25 men who contributed their lives to thank for 41 wonderful years.  Since that morning I have lived a very full and prosperous life.  My four adult children and my grand children have you to thank for their very existence.  I am completely convinced that without the bravery and unbelievable effort of the men who fought on Illingworth that night I would not be here today.

 

I have had the opportunity to thank some of you in person. I regret not making a greater effort to thank each and every one of you.  I especially regret not calling Cpt. Laidig at least one time while I had the opportunity. 

 

I can only imagine the sacrifices that the friends and families of those 25 men have made over the past 41 years.  Please say a special prayer of thanks by name for those  listed below, their families, friends and the others who struggled on Illingworth, I will.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you from the bottom of my heart, John

 

John W. Ahearn

1111 Sparkman Drive

Boerne, TX 78006

Cell; (210)365-3713

Phone: (830)229-5352

ahearnj@gvtc.com


 

 

Posted by Randall at 4/4/2011 12:33 PM
Categories: 1st Cavalry Airmobile, 2/8, 2nd Battalion, 1970, US Army, 1st Cav, Vietnam
 

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  • 4/5/2011 5:37 PM Mike Miller wrote:
    Don't forget the Combat Engineers who were there as well. A Co. 8th Engr. Bn.
    Bill Moppin, Athens GA
    Jessie Crimm, Jacksonville FL
    Robert Shephardson, Grants Pass OR
    Reply to this
  • 4/8/2011 2:12 PM dale fasching wrote:
    4/8/11
    Hello John, I just received your post re the Fire Base Illingworth 4/1/70 battle. My brother, LeRoy, was KIA on that awful nite and we are thankful for your thoughts and prayers. Just an addition to your information, LeRoy was also awarded the Silver Star for his actions in that battle. Thank you.
    dale fasching
    Billings, MT
    Reply to this
    1. 8/8/2011 4:17 PM John Ahearn wrote:
      Dale,

      The link I used to post the names of the soldiers killed on FSB Illingworth was from The Virtual Wall. I would like to see LeRoy's page updated with a correct list of his awards. If you have or one of your family members have any documentation of his Silver Star, a copy of the orders, a copy of the citation or even a news paper article mentioning the award please E-Mail it to. Ltc. Jack Morrison at jack.l.morrison@cox.net. He will insure that the award is posted to LeRoy's page as soon as possible.

      I have been in contact with George Hobson a few times in the past year he was LeRoy's company commander on Illingworth. He mentioned that he is putting together a list of former members of C Company with the possibility of having a reunion in the next year or two. I am sure that he would like to have your contact information and the other members of your family, so that you can be included. His E-Mail is ghobson@socket.net

      My heart felt thanks to you and your family.

      John
      Reply to this

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