Almost four decades have passed since the 1st Battalion (Mechanized), 5th Infantry left Vietnam. As the Bobcats departed, individually or collectively, many chose to leave behind their experiences of intense combat. Now that so much time has passed for many of us who made it home, it is difficult to recall the numerous firefights and other enemy actions that occurred during a five year deployment. Oddly enough, Bobcats now seek answers to questions of their service posed by themselves and perhaps their family members. Fortunately, Ron Soppe had the foresight to document his involvement in the intense and deadly fighting during the fall of 1968 and early 1969. Basically, his comments are written to his mother, and as you can read there was little or no holding back what a grim and challenging situation the Bobcats faced during this period of time. How Ron could pull himself together and write comments after these fierce and deadly actions with the enemy is in itself remarkable.

As then Bobcat 6 in the fall of 1968, I am pleased and honored to make these comments as an introduction to Ron's diary. Just a short while ago, Ron Soppe, Ron Henry and I visited "The Wall". It was difficult to read through the tears we shed over so many names of our fallen brothers, many of whom died in the arms of medic Ron Soppe. In the past when we held our reunions, Ron would bring his diary for all to see but he never let it out of his sight. Ron Henry and I asked repeatedly if he would agree to its publication. Often times debated discussions and specific questions concerning certain combat actions were settled by referring to Ron's diary. Now, after years of badgering him about publication, he has finally given his approval to do so.

So we are in his debt as well as to Ron Henry who has promoted and funded this effort. Additionally, Ron Soppe has had serious medical problems in the past and Ron Henry has always come to his aid. Now that the diary has been published, you can read about the days and their events that led to the award of the Distinguished Service Cross to our very own combat medic Ron Soppe. Some of you may have witnessed the DSC presentation ceremony conducted by General Creighton Abrams.

I was truly blessed to have served with such tried and true men during my watch. It was also a time in Bobcat history that led to the award of our nation's highest unit award, the Presidential Unit Citation.

Andy Anderson, Major General, (USA)(R)
Honorary Colonel of the
Fifth Infantry Regiment

These are actual photo's shot in the heat of battle, The Presidential Unit Citation was awarded for this battle.

Photo's courtesy of Art Cook, taken by Sgt. Mousseau (Frenchy), a Combat Reporter who chose to ride along with the 1/5th on that event filled day.