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Army Sergeant / Specialist
Five - Pay grade E4 Posthumous Promotion
Killed in action November 11, 1970 by ground
casualty gun, small arms fire hostile, died of wounds in Bien Hoa
South Vietnam. The body was recovered.
Home of record was VOLANT, PA. Born November 26, 1948
age at death 21. A Caucasian Male,
Single. Religious affiliation Roman Catholic
CAACF Record Number : 196386651
I do have some pictures of 2 people on the wall, how ever after 25
years there isn't a whole lot of their life history I can tell you. The
first picture is of Francis William Harter.
It is a
very special picture. When it was taken little did I know that 3 hours
later he would get killed. He is the red head kneeling down petting the
puppy. A few hours later the rest of the squad had headed out to an ambush
location with 5 Arvn soldiers. On the way there they walked into an ambush.
(which we believe was set up by the 2 Arvn's walking point since we never
found them, believing that they went over to the other side). Also killed
that night was Randall Lee Ellis he is in the
second picture standing in the back row left. He was our squad leader.
Unfortunately I don't have a picture (picture obtained 7-10-03) of Ronald
J. Di Bartolomeo who lived for 2 days after the ambush. Randy and
Fran Died on Nov. 9, 1970, Ron died on the 11th. We were all in Co. B 1/5th
Mech, 25th Infantry Div. November 9th 1970 was without a doubt the very
worst day of my life and these three great people are to this day my hero's.
I will remember them always! Thank You,
Randy Kethcart |