
This page is a memorial for all O Deuce troopers who have died after coming home from Viet Nam. We do not have lists to refer to, so for them to appear on this page it will require that their brothers who still live send us their info. Please send a photo or two if you have them available (one from Viet Nam, one recent would be very good), memories about who they were in Viet Nam and/or afterwards.
Franklin "Doc" Hardee (Echo-Recondo 70-71): January 8, 2017
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Paul "Chag" Chagios (Charlie 1967-8): December 21, 2016
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Dave Rathert (Echo-Recondo 1970-71): October 24, 2016
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Wilbur J Gaspard (Alpha/Delta 1967-68): May 26, 2016
Wilbur was a damned good friend and machine gunner in Nam. He humped the 60 all over A Shau. We called him the Ragin ' Cajun, because he'd fight over most anything. Sure Gonna miss Him. |
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Tom "Beetle" Bailey (HHC 1967-68): May 11, 2016
Obituary and Services Information Beetle was not only a trusted friend and keeper of his Brothers, he was also a "keeper of our stories". Our life stories are kept alive by those who know us, and have shared in the creation of our stories. When a keeper of our personal story dies, it is like we have lost a part of our own story. Beetle knew many of our stories as well as, or perhaps even better than ourselves. He was a walking history book of our time in the O Deuce. Many of our stories have died with him. |
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Raymond Plesiewicz (Charlie 1966-7): December 22, 2015
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COL Charles J. “Shamrock” Shay (2/502 Commander 1970): December 7, 2015
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Richard Sonnenberg (Echo 71-72): November 21, 2015
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Jim Lovstrom (Charlie 65-66): May 18, 2015
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Jose Sablan Laguana (Alpha 65-66): March 5, 2015
Jose Laguana's Obituary in the Guam Pacific Daily News. Joe was an infantry man throughout most of his military career. In addition, Joe was an athlete in his earlier years. He was part of the U.S. Army Elite Panther Boxing Team. At Fort Bragg, he became the 82nd Airborne Flyweight Boxing Champion. In 1954, he earned the title Flyweight Boxing Champion of Florida; and in 1956, he was 1st Calvary's All-Japan Bantamweight Champion. When he served in Germany in the late fifties, he earned runner-up position as Bantamweight and flyweight Champion for the entire 8th Army Division. Joe Laguana was from Guam USA. As young boy, he helped his father raise cattle and with his brother harvested sea salt from the Pacific Ocean to help the family until his enlistment in the Army in 1952. Joe passed away from lung cancer, at the age of 80, at Tripler Medical VA Center for Aging in Honolulu, Hawaii. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Rosita Dolores Laguana and they are laid to rest next to each other at Guam Veterans Cemetery in Piti, Guam. Jose & Rosita raised five children Beebee, Martie, Jose Jr., Vanessa, and Ben Henry. The joy of retirement for this soldier and his proud military wife was traveling to military reunions, visiting family and their treasured grandchildren.
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Ken Hefling (Delta 70-71): February 16, 2015
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Hank "Gunfighter" Emerson (Battalion Commander 65-66): February 4, 2015
LTG Henry E Emerson's Website - information about Emerson's life, photos, and Arlington Cemetery. Hank Emerson's Obituary in the Boston Globe From The Obituary link above: According to those that knew Him best, such as Colin Powell, who would go on to become the U.S. Secretary of State, what set him apart as a combat commander was his great love for his soldiers and his concern for their welfare. During his command in the Vietnam War, he conceived aerial reconnaissance and combat methods that employed effectively against the Viet Cong. These included a checkerboard concept that involves small groups covering grid squares to seek out an enemy, and jitterbug tactics which are complex maneuvers using helicopters to surround an enemy. This would seem jittery like the dance when Eagle Flights, which were helicopters loaded with local soldiers, were flown in quickly to assist foreign troops in certain situations. He demonstrated that American soldiers could effectively "out-guerrilla" the Viet Cong. Emerson also developed the "seal-and-pile-on technique" (the rapid build-up of combat power to surround and destroy an enemy force). General Emerson, who was fraternally called "The Gunfighter" by his troops, was one of the most decorated officers in the history of the United States Army.
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Robert "Buffalo Bob" Corey (HHC Recondo 65-66): October 20, 2014
Obituary and Memorial Service info
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Jack "Doc" Treese (Charlie 67-68): October 1, 2014
Jack was born on October 5, 1945 and grew up in Titusville, Florida. He
enlisted in the Army after high school, and served as a combat medic with the
101st Airborne Division in Vietnam from 1967-1968, earning two Bronze Stars
and two Purple Hearts. He retired from the Army, after 23 years, as a Chief
Warrant Officer 2 and became a Physician Assistant. He practiced with an
ophthalmologist, dermatologist, HMO, and cosmetic surgeon, maintaining his
license until his passing.
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Tom Russell (Charlie 65-66): July ?, 2014
George Mercado (Charlie 65-66): September 24, 2013
Awaiting further information... |
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Pedro G Ambriz (Bravo 69): April 26, 2013
From the Mission Park Memorial:
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Wade Stewart (Bravo 68-69): January 14, 2013
Wade Stewart died of a heart attack several days after back surgery. If you have information, stories, or photos, please send them for inclusion on this page.
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Sam Snyder (Bravo 1966-7): January 9, 2013
Still looking for information. Please send to if you have any. |
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William F Gunter, Jr (Bravo 1967): December 20, 2012
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Brien Richards (HHC Recondo 66-67): January 18, 2012
Brien was born Dec. 6, 1946, in Bellevue, Wash. Brien served his country in the U.S. Army and the Arizona National Guard. He was in law enforcement for many years at the Mohave County Sheriff's Office, the Kingman Police Department, the Wickenburg Police Department and the Navajo Army Depot. |
Morris C Epps Jr (Charlie 67-68): December ??, 2011
EPPS MORRIS C. EPPS JR., U.S. Army, retired employee of Ohio Bell and AT∓T; beloved husband of Rhuneta, loving father of Carmen, Sean, Siobhan and Shajmil; adored grandfather of Aaron and Deja; and great grandfather of Rachael. |
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David Blodgett (Charlie 66-67): August 3, 2010
Tommy M. Jackson (Bravo 70-71): July 30, 2010
Tommy was born January 15, 1950, in Independence, Mo. He grew up in Kansas City and graduated from Northeast High School in 1968. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and coaching baseball. He was with Bravo Company from 1970-71. He was a member of the D.A.V., the VFW post #0449 in Blue Springs, and a life member of the Vietnam Veterans of America. |
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Gary E. Hillyer (HHC Recondo 66-67): July 19, 2010
The following quotes were taken from Gary's Guestbook listed on his
Obituary Page
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Norval "Butch" Paxton (Charlie 1968-69): June 27, 2010
Norval Hilton "Butch" Paxton Tulsa, Oklahoma Past away Sunday, June 27, 2010, at the age of 67. Preceded in death by his parents, Norval A. "Red" and Geneva F. Paxton of Sapulpa, Oklahoma. Survived by his son, Christopher, and wife Sharla, grandson Dylan and granddaughters Paige Leeann and Haylee Renee all of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Also survived by Sammie Paxton King of Tulsa and brother Michael Paxton of Sapulpa, two nephews, Brian Paxton of Tulsa and Adam Paxton of Cancun, Mexico. A graduate of Sapulpa High School and Northeastern State University. Retired engineer from Frisco Burlington Northern. Butch served with Charlie Company 2/502 Infantry (Strike Force) of the 101st Airborne Division, Screaming Eagles, 1968-1969. Butch was a member of 2nd Platoon, "Fletcher's Fighters". He was known as the "Old Man". He served in I-Corps in South Vietnam He served with distinction and was awarded the Bronze Star, Army Commendation, Air Medal, and the Combat Infantryman's Badge. He was proud to serve his country with his own Band of Brothers who he remained in contact after all these many years. Rest in Peace Brother Eagle. You may be gone, but you will never be forgotten. |
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Michael K "Mickey" Looney (HHC/Echo 1966-68): June 9, 2010
Michael K "Mickey" Looney, 64, died at home In Auburn, MA. He leaves his five siblings, many nieces, nephews, cousins and many close friends. He was born in Worcester, MA, and attended Auburn High School and Oceanside High School in CA before enlisting in the US Army He was a member of the 2nd 502 Infantry BN, 101st Airborne, serving two tours in Viet Nam and earning two Purple Hearts and the CIB. Following his military service, Mickey moved to California where he had a 20+ year career in the film and television industry. He held positions as Location Manager and Assistant Director for numerous movies and TV shows. He often entertained family and friends by putting them in move scenes as "extras" or introducing them to cast and crew. After retiring he returned to Auburn in 1995. Mickey's greatest joy and love was spending time with his family and friends. This joy and love was returned ten-fold. |
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Bob Stapleton (Charlie 66-67): January 31, 2010
On 31 January, 2010 Bob Stapleton passed away at the age of 63. For one year of Bob's life he was a member of the 1st platoon, Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 502nd Airborne Infantry, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division. He served his country, his unit and the United States Army with honor. He was respected and well liked by his fellow airborne troopers. If you shared a three-man night ambush position with Bob during those hours when he was on watch, you knew he would be awake. He was a man that could be counted on "to do his job". Bob went home and started his life with his wife Jan. He was blessed with two children, Bob and Lorie. As with his service in Viet Nam, he lived his life with honor and was a credit to his family. Bob never felt he was owed or entitled to something for his service to his country. On 31 January, 2010 Bob became another causality of the Viet Nam war. He succumbed to several diseases which he developed during the final years of his life. The causes of his physical problems were, without a doubt, acquired during his tour of duty in Viet Nam. Unfortunately, the effects of what he and many others were exposed to would not be recognized or acknowledged until many years after the war. Sixty-three is too young to die. But to the very end, Bob loved the United States of America and was proud to have served with the 101st Airborne Division. -Jim Henk |
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George "Doc" Kuznezov (Recondo 1967-8): December 20, 2009
George "Doc" Kuznezov was born to Mother Alexandra Kuznezov on May 24th, 1946 in Eisenerz, Austria, and passed away December 20th, 2009 in his home in Burdett, NY. George Kuznezov is survived by his wife of 31 years, Diane Kuznezov; children, Laila, Joshua (Audrey), Sasha, Katherine; grandsons, Bailey, Jacob, Liam, Nicholas; and sister, Mary (Rick). George was an academic scholar honored at the age of 13 to attend Harvard Universities School for gifted young children. George declined that opportunity while pursuing his gifts as a talented springboard and platform diver. George won the New England league diving championship 3 consecutive years, setting several state and national records. Both academic and athletic talents led to George's opportunities to pursue both scholastic and athletic scholarships across the country. George eventually chose to attend Brown University on a full academic scholarship. George was drafted, but then was deferred as he was caring for his mother. Shortly after she passed, George volunteered and came to the Recondos as a medic. "Doc" Kuznezov will always be known to his family, friends, and country as a well-respected, loved, and caring person. George found peace in his hobbies which included fly fishing, reading, writing, attending athletic events, and most of all spending time with his family. Many thanks to the Hospice of the Southern Tier for their loving care so generously given to George. (Information from IthacaJournal.com ) |
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Gary Taylor (Echo-Recondo 1970-71): November 11, 2009
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Samuel Wane Roe (Charlie 1967-8): August 25, 2009
Samuel "Sam" Roe 61 of Springfield, Mo. passed away Tuesday August 25, 2009 at
Cox Hospital South in Springfield. Sam was born on August 23, 1948 in Atoka,
OK. to John Alvin Roe and Nelma Inez "Karr" Roe. Sam served in the US ARMY for
16 years and in Vietnam and was a truck driver for JB Hunt for 15 years. Sam was
married to Janice Maureen "Trent" on July 1, 1983.
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David Kent Tillman (Delta 1971): July 8,2009
"Kent" served with Delta Company in 1971. |
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Francis Terry "Butch" Bartush (Bravo 1970): April 25, 2009
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SGM Macias (Alpha - 1966): Oct 11, 2008 (funeral date)
SGM (R) Macias was A/2-502 1SG in 1966 when he was awarded the Soldiers Medal for saving 7 Soldiers lives in Vietnam. SGM Macias was also a WWII and Korea Vet.
Brad "Elk" Elkins (Charlie 1967-8): October 3, 2008
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Ernie "Terrible T" Taylor (Charlie 1968-9): September 10, 2008
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Eric Sanders (HHC Recondo - 1967): July 17, 2008
Eric Sanders, 61, died July 17, 2008, at G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center in Jackson. He was born in Brookhaven on March 1, 1947, to John Calvin (J.C.) Sanders and Mary Christine Sanders, both of Brookhaven. Eric enlisted after graduating high school in 1965. He was serving his second tour in Viet Nam, as an RTO with the Recondos, when he was injured on October 26, 1967. After he was discharged from Walter Reed he was sent to the V.A. Medical center in Memphis, where he remained for close to a year. When he was released he came back home to Brookhaven. While recuperating he obtained a degree in Architectural Drafting through the G. I bill, and later took a job with the Sheriff's Department. He was a member of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Brookhaven and was affiliated with the VFW Post 4806, and was a member of the Elks. Survivors are his parents; a daughter, Linda Wingfield, of Clinton; his sisters, Sherry S. Washington, of Brookhaven, and Ann Sanders Carr, of Starkville; and his two grandchildren. |
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Frank Wohlfahrt (HHC 1967-8): July 2008
Frank Wohlfahrt passed away in July from pancreatic cancer. He is survived by Anna Wohlfahrt, his wife of 49 years. Those in Altanta will remember Frank and Anna helped at the registration table. |
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Larry Aglin (Bravo 1965-6): December 1, 2007
Larry Aglin passed away due to complications from his illness caused by Agent Orange.
Tom Lakomia (Bravo 1967-8): August 22, 2007
Tom Lakomia was a former Platoon Leader. Tom was on his way in his boat to the Bahamas when he was struck by another craft killing him.
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Terry Stanosheck (HHC - Recondo 1967-8): April 22, 2004
Terry Stanosheck was a machine gunner with the Recondos. He was looking forward to the 2004 Melbourne Reunion, and died one day before the reunion started. In the years prior to his death he had nursed his wife through a terminal illness. |
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Raymond Ortega Jr (Charlie 1968-70): March 5, 2003
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Norman C. "Mac" McGirr (Delta 1971): January 17, 1998
Norman C. "Mac" McGirr Sr. died Jan. 17, 1998, at the age of 48, after a long battle with cancer.
He was a life resident of Barberton, a U. S. Army veteran of the Vietnam era, employed by Gason SDI,
and a member of Cliff Hockley V.F.W. and St. Augustine Catholic Church. Surviving are wife, Maude; sons and daughters-in-law, Staff SSG Ron and Karen of Fayetteville, N. C., Norman Jr. and Michelle of Barberton; daughter, Tami of Barberton; granddaughter, Megan; parents, Robert and Betty Raider of West Virginia; sister, Launa Mead of Utah; uncles, Ben (Deloris) Wathey of Norton, Earnest Wathey of Akron; and many special friends. |
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Tony Paramo (Delta 1971): January 1981
Tony Paramo was from Oxnard, CA. He was born Dec. 9th, 1950, he died in a car accident at age 30. Tony was a friend to all and had a great sense of humor, he was willing to share whatever he had. He even offered to share Menudo that his family had sent him from the states. |
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Abel Dehoyos (Delta 1971): November 27, 1973
Abel Dehoyos was from Houston, TX. He was born Dec. 26, 1949 and died at the age of 23, after returning safely from Viet Nam Abel was proud to be a Texan and a member of the 2nd 502. |
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Michael Asap (Recondo 1968): September 8, 1970
Michael Asap was KIA on a second Viet Nam tour, with the 173rd Airborne. His memorial is located here because he died after his tour with the 2/502.
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CONTACT INFO
For additions or corrections on this page:
(updated January 13, 2020)