WELCOME TO THE VETERAN'S FORUM

Most of us know of the sacrifice made by our classmate, William David Morgan, who heroically gave his life in Vietnam in 1969.  As far as we know at this time, he is our only classmate killed in Vietnam.  As a recipient of the Medal of Honor presented by the Congress of the United States of America, he deserves our respect and our gratitude

Along with honoring William David Morgan, this forum is designed to provide an opportunity for others of us who served to share memories and photos about their time of service.

This forum is open as well to any other classmate who wishes to post a comment or share a memory about a classmate they know who served our country.

Our purpose is to recognize and honor those who have served, not to revisit wounds from the past.

Thank you to all of our classmates who have served this country.

MARCH 29 
Proclaimend Vietnam Veteran's Day

____________________________________________

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release

March 29, 2012

Presidential Proclamation -- Vietnam Veterans Day

VIETNAM VETERANS DAY

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

On January 12, 1962, United States Army pilots lifted more than 1,000 South Vietnamese service members over jungle and underbrush to capture a National Liberation Front stronghold near Saigon.  Operation Chopper marked America's first combat mission against the Viet Cong, and the beginning of one of our longest and most challenging wars.  Through more than a decade of conflict that tested the fabric of our Nation, the service of our men and women in uniform stood true.  Fifty years after that fateful mission, we honor the more than 3 million Americans who served, we pay tribute to those we have laid to rest, and we reaffirm our dedication to showing a generation of veterans the respect and support of a grateful Nation.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 29, 2012, as Vietnam Veterans Day.  I call upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that commemorate the 50 year anniversary of the Vietnam War.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.

BARACK OBAMA

************* A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO WILLIAM DAVID MORGAN***********

William D. Morgan, Medal of Honor recipient
Born	September 17, 1947                         Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Died	February 25, 1969 (aged 21) KIA, Quang Tri Province, Vietnam
Allegiance	United States of America
Service/branch	United States Marine Corps
Years of service	1966-1969
Rank	Corporal
Unit	2nd Battalion 9th Marines
Battles/wars	Vietnam War
Awards	Medal of Honor Purple Heart

Medal of Honor citation

The President of the United States in the name of the Congress of the United States takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to

for service as set forth in the following CITATION:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a squad leader with Company H, in operations against the enemy. While participating in Operation DEWEY CANYON southeast of Vandegrift Combat Base, one of the squads of Corporal Morgan's platoon was temporarily pinned down and sustained several casualties while attacking a North Vietnamese Army force occupying a heavily fortified bunker complex. Observing that 2 of the wounded Marines had fallen in a position dangerously exposed to the enemy fire and that all attempts to evacuate them were halted by a heavy volume of automatic weapons fire and rocket-propelled grenades, Corporal Morgan unhesitatingly maneuvered through the dense jungle undergrowth to a road that passed in front of a hostile emplacement which was the principal source of enemy fire. Fully aware of the possible consequences of his valiant action, but thinking only of the welfare of his injured companions, Corporal Morgan shouted words of encouragement to them as he initiated an aggressive assault against the hostile bunker. While charging across the open road, he was clearly visible to the hostile soldiers who turned their fire in his direction and mortally wounded him, but his diversionary tactic enabled the remainder of his squad to retrieve their casualties and overrun the North Vietnamese Army position. His heroic and determined actions saved the lives of 2 fellow Marines and were instrumental in the subsequent defeat of the enemy. Corporal Morgan's indomitable courage, inspiring initiative and selfless devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the U.S. Naval Services. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

       /S/ RICHARD M. NIXON

Additional Information

One of the Marines that was saved by William Morgan that day is Robert "Bob" Ballou of Redlands, California. One of the Marines KIA was Robinson Santiago who was directly behind Bob Ballou.

[edit] In memory

The name of William David Morgan is inscribed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial ("The Wall") on Panel 31W Line 054[1] There is a small memorial to him at Mount Lebanon High School.

Susan Devlin

I've been out most of the summer until now with a surgery and a project I was working on..but I am back and Chuck, what a beautiful story.  I never knew you did that for Mrs. Morgan....how sweet.  I teared up just thinking how she must have felt.  I just posted a video about Veterans that touched my heart....and think of Bill every time I see these videos.   Can't wait until you come home for the 50th and drive up Morgan Drive to the Veteran's Memorial here at the Circle.  It will give you chills....it did me when I came home a few years ago.

Chuck Jordan

Great stories about Tim and others, it seemslike it was very hard on you Rob.....I have a great friend here in NY that sounds very much like you.  We talked alot just together and at some point I asked him if he would cosider visiting Vietnam (at least that is what he told me...probably too many beers), anyway he went back 2 years ago and found closure. He met people who had fought against him in some battles and they hugged and cried!  The Vietnamese have great respect for the people they fought against.  I was on a carrier (U.S.S. Ranger CVA61), sfor four years so I don't find the same need to go back.  Perhaps you may someday and find your closure.

Devon Hixenbaugh (Sloan)

Just finished reading comments about Viet Nam and especially about Bill Morgan.  I'm doing a task force job for Hilton in D.C. right now for a couple of months, and had the opportunity to visit some of the memorials last week-end.  Of course, I went to the Viet Nam memorial, and looked for Bill.  Althought it's been almost 50 years, just seeing his name on the wall along with so many others, still brought tears to my eyes.  We who didn't serve can only imagine the horror, the fear, and the hope that those young men experienced.   For those who did serve that are reading this, thank you so much for all you did for us, and for those who cannot read it, may you rest in peace with our gratitude.

Devon Sloan

Susan Devlin

Devon....thank you so much for this lovely note...that is what this forum is for...so "our boys"...now our men know their service is and will always be so appreciated and honored by all, especially their fellow classmates.

Chuck Jordan

Devon,  I've never been there and probably won't, to many friends I knew. your comments about Bill were great, he was a great guy.   Thanks, Chuck 

Jack Watchorn

I would have responded sooner, but didn't realize there was a class web site until a few weeks ago.  I got to initially know Bill from playing football starting in 10th grade...What a great guy, fun to be around, and a class comedian; always had something positive to say about all his classmates!

I found out about his death shortly after it happened and, at the time, was just devastated as I had never known any person my age that had lost their life; it just couldn't happen to Bill, but, of course it did. I don't get to Lebo or the Burgh too often, but every time I do, I drive to "the park", up Morgan Dr., and think of Bill.  Several years ago while travelling in Washington, DC, I purposely went to the Viet Nam Memorial to look for Bill's name; having found it amongst all the other brave men and women, tears began to flow. - What a humbling experience.

With all the accolades and notoriety the military (active and veterans) receive today (deservidly so), it's so unfortunate that vets of Viet Nam receive practically nothing. - So for all those Bill Morgans and Rob Charnells of the Viet Nam war, I salute you for helping all Americans enjoy the freedoms we share today.

Jack Watchorn

Robert R. Todd

Two of my prized memorabilia are Phil Johnson’s Vietnam War poncho liner and his war letters.  Phil gave me the poncho liner upon his return from Vietnam.  We corresponded throughout his tour and I kept all his letters.  The letters, sprinkled with profanities, were not exactly in the King’s English and under the conditions which they were often written Phil’s cursive was nearly illegible.  Some of them are funny, some describe the frustration and despair of that war effort, some the boredom followed by moments of sheer chaos and terror and some are heartbreaking.  He wrote of being shot at by a sniper 4^th Dec. 1968. In one letter dated 29^th Mar 1969, he wrote “I am getting tired of people trying to blow me away and I still have about 180 days left in my regular tour of duty.  Sooo who knows.  I may not last that long”.   Phil was in the 2^ND Battalion 9th Artillery B – Battery – “The Mighty Ninth”.  Numerous times he wrote that his unit came under mortar, rocket and ground attack, and on one occasion a ground attack broke through the perimeter wire. “We have been firing day & night for days, the infantry companies are taking heavy causalities.” 18^th Mar. 1969.  When his unit moved to a fire base in a very hostile area where “the infantry took quite a few casualties” 17^th May 1969, he asked that I not say anything to his parents because he didn’t want them to worry any more than they already were.  His artillery unit was constantly moved from fire base to fire base.  Some of the letters would never be delivered today because the address he had for my parent’s home was wrong and one letter had no address at all other than my name but somehow the Postman always made sure I got them.  I think he gave me the poncho liner for staying in touch with his Mother but I could be wrong.  I visited her as often as I could during his tour of duty and she would make us coffee and we would chat (which I’m terrible at).  Phil’s Mother is a living saint and some 45 years later Phil told me she still remembers my visits (much better than I do).  Recently, Phil told of the time which I had completely forgotten all about, when I showed up with a beard and long hair (remember this is 1969) and his Mother didn’t recognize me.  She told Phil I said “Mrs. Johnson it’s me Bob Todd!”   I would like to believe that my visits lifted her spirits somewhat during Phil’s very long tour of duty.  I remember when he returned home and saw him for the first time it was late in the evening outside Dale Thompson’s house in Virginia Manor.  I didn’t recognize him.  Phil had lost about 30 pounds, his hair looked like straw, and he was practically chain smoking, very nervous and “jumpy” his description from letter dated 6^th Apr. 1969.  But it was so good to see him again despite his weight loss and cranky disposition.  I was very thankful he was home and safe for I knew what had happened to Bill Morgan – Phil had told me in his letter dated 6^th Apr. 1969.  We all were thankful – John Gillilan, Dale Thompson, Tom Windfelder, Bruce Rowland and Carol Wright – Class of ‘67.  After sleeping for about two straight days Phil and I went out and celebrated his homecoming and had a few beers (actually a few too many!)  I was just trying to help a good friend readjust to civilian life!  Upon his return, Phil never spoke to me about Vietnam and I never asked him.  I didn’t tell Phil I was writing this narrative about his war experiences as contained in his war letters.  I hope he isn’t upset by it because those letters he wrote to me were of a very private personal nature but I wanted to pay homage to Phil for his war service.  I also wanted other classmates to have some understanding of what he and the other classmates went through who served in Vietnam.  I don’t know if I could have survived Phil’s ordeal.  Although I haven’t seen Phil in more than 30 years, he lives in Michigan winters in Florida and I live in Texas, we stay in touch and I look forward to seeing him again at the reunion.  Phil served with valor and is a true Vietnam War combat veteran and I salute him and all our other classmates who served in the military.

Robert R. Todd

Phil Johnson with a M79 grenade launcher included in letter dated 31st Jan. 1969.

Barry Bronson

Hey Bob, thanks for your narrative about Phil and his service. Appreciate your update, too.

Susan Devlin

OH WHOA...what a beautiful tribute Bob...Phil could not possibly be upset with what you wrote and how wonderful is the delivery!   A tough time in everyone's life who had a loved one in 'Nam and we all relate so strongly particularly because of Bill, but the uplifting way you delivered how it felt having your best buddy over there and hearing from him often and what it was like...Whoa.  This is why we set up the Forum and thank you for giving this insight to all of us...and for naming a few others we need to thank for thei service.  It truly stirred emotions in me....and my appreciation has always been there for our service ment but this makes me more proud.  I hope they all know that we honor them and hope to be able to see them in 2016 and honor them in person 50 years later.  Thank you Bob.

Arthur F. Knapp

Bob, nicely done & very moving.

Made me re-read all the posts here and I have to extend a grateful 'thank-you' to all that served! I think Bill was the first person who I actually knew who was killed there. Glad all our other classmates made it back.

I recall sitting in a room full of fraternity brothers at Penn State in 1969 watching the draft number lottery. None of us had any concept of what could lie ahead. I had a high number but our president got #3 and served after training at the linguistic school out here in Monterey, CA.

The expression "we are the land of the free because we also are the home of the brave" is so true!

Sincerely, Art Knapp

Jane White (Lange)

Bob, I am sure Phil is truly honored not only by what you said, but by how well you said it.  You have captured and expressed the emotions of a very deep friendship and support.  Beautiful!

Chuck Jordan

I have been following these posts from my hospital room regarding Phil, and thank Bob for relating Phil's experiences. I considered Phil a friend at Mt. Lebanon and know of so many similar stories from friends of mine from St. Bernards, South Hills Catholic (my first two years of high school) and Mt. Lebanon. So many of us served there and people like Bill Morgan who had a smile for everyone, Tom Bird, and Rich Lacey (MIA) never returned. Men like Mark Banks who stepped on a landmine and lived thanks to a 120lb. radio pack on his back. Pete Hunt who had PTSD, Walt Lacey (Rich's brother) who still went when he didn't have to because of his brother and was never the same after. (Walt lives today at the VA in conditions that I find inconcievable).There were so many more and I think that it's fitting to relate our stories with each other and our friends. Many of us still hold our feelings close about our experiences because we were not honored after coming home. We can help ourselves and give proper thanks to our children who have and are serving. That is the legacy of Veitnam.To all those who served and are serving we give our everlasting thanks.

Susan W. Witt (Beam)

Amen to your last statement.God Bless all who have served and continue to serve today. They are undervalued people.

Elaine F. Marian (Albarano)

Sue,

Please let me say thank you first to you for setting up the website for all of us to remember our classmates and also to say thank you for the beautiful remembrances that have been posted.  As we are now a bit "older" it is a good reminder of what our classmates and their comrades did for us and for our country when they fought so brilliantly in Vietmam.  Thank you to all.

Elaine

Chuck Jordan

Happy Memorial Day to all, on this day we especially remember Bill Morgan, Tom Bird and Rich Lacey (MIA), Aand all others from our individual experiences who made the ultimate sacriface for our freedom. These men are the true heros...the above three are the reason that I volunteered for service and probably more of us.

Please also remember all Gold Star Mothers and wives and husbands who have lost so closely their dear ones.

I also remember all of us who have served, and all who are now serving. These men and women deserve all of our support and prayers for safe homecomings. The sacriface of those serving today with multiple tours and the effect on their families is tremendous.

God Bless them and all of us this day.

Devon Hixenbaugh (Sloan)

Chuck, thnnks for your heartfelt message, as well as your service.  I hope everyone had a happy, safe, and memorable Memorial Day holiday.

Devon 

Lyn K. Morander (George)

Amen!!!!!

Michael Joseph Papay

Being a Vietnam Vet, it's nice to hear so many kind words for those who served.  Thank you.  

Chuck Jordan

Mike, thanks for your service, glad you found this forum!

Susan Devlin

Having passed away from Agent Orange throat cancer, which must have been as heroic as dying in combat, we wanted to honor Daniel in the Vets Forum for the class.  As you will see, he was private about his time in Vietnam...as many are and were....Thank you for your service, Danny, may you rest in peace.

Obituary: Daniel P. Richtar/Local coach made athletics a lifelong passion

May 15, 1947 - Jan. 9, 2014

By Robert Zullo / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Rudy Richtar says his brother "never met the right girl."

A bachelor his entire life, Daniel P. Richtar, a Vietnam veteran and longtime youth sports coach from Mt. Lebanon who died Thursday at 66, didn't have time for that kind of thing.

"He was too busy coaching his kids," said Rudy Richtar, 71. "Just teaching basics to the kids, teaching them that those basics would carry them through life, not just basketball."

Mr. Richtar's natural athletic ability and family pedigree -- his uncle Thomas "Pidge" McCarthy was a professional baseball scout, former president of the West Penn Basketball Officials and a member of the Pennsylvania American Legion and Western Pennsylvania sports halls of fame -- made athletics his lifelong passion.

"He was a wonderful athlete. He was not a good student," Rudy Richtar said of his brother. "He would have started for Mt. Lebanon's high school [basketball] team, but he could not make the grades."

Instead, he played Catholic Youth Organization basketball and joined the Army after managing to graduate from Mt. Lebanon, his brother said. He served 16 months in Vietnam and spent nine years in the Army before starting a job processing claims for a Department of Veterans Affairs office in Pittsburgh, where he worked for 23 years.

He rarely talked about his experience in Vietnam, though VA doctors later told him the throat cancer he was diagnosed with 11 years ago was related to exposure to Agent Orange, a chemical defoliant widely used to clear heavily forested jungles.

"Any time you brought it up, he changed the subject," Rudy Richtar said. "He never regretted it. ... He was very proud that he went."

Continuation of his obit may be found in his In Memory page.

Chuck Jordan

I haven't been on in quite awhile but I would add "Well done good and faithful servant!"

Russell Scott Wyatt

I thank the above classmates who served our country. I too am a veteran but I went in the Navy between 1982-1986  I served as a storekeeper SK2 on the USS Kiska AE-35. This ship was a ammo ship 600 feet long by 80 feet wide. We did a couple of west pac depolyments saw many ports and the Navy was an adventure. I thin got out with honorable discharge went back to civilian life as an Optician.

Susan Devlin

Russ, glad you picked up on this portion of our site.  We are so honored to have so many from our class and our school who supported and served our country.  It says something for the moral core we all have within and what a great up bringing we got from our families, community and School.  

Kirk Allen Thompson

I used to live amongst the giant redwoods of Humboldt county. One day there was a notice that one of the touring 1/3 sized model of the Wall was going to visit. It was in a beautiful grove of giant redwoods, all about 2000 years old, towering with ancient peace. I found the location of Bill Morgan's name, and went to find it with a slow step, wanting to see it and not also. Find it I did, and like everyone, cried and cried while the sunlight dappled through those timeless trees. I think Bill would have liked that setting. I cried at the Wall too. Many thanks to him, and to John Dragonis who made the monument happen. Fair winds and following seas my friend.