A couple of weeks ago, Pia and I enjoyed speaking with Marines at the 7th USMC Engineer Battalion's reunion in Orlando, Florida. Most were stationed in and around the Da Nang area, like Jim Taranto, Norm Johnson and Harry Prasch (Hill 37), Paul Narson, stationed at the Hai Van Pass, Billy Sorrell (3d Bridge Co), Ted Witsche, Lee Ragsdale, and "Ty" Cheripka, who was instrumental in building Anderson Trail (named for Sgt John A. Anderson, see IN HONOR AND MEMORY, page 11) and Cooper Bridge (named for Cpl Andrew J. Cooper - see IN HONOR AND MEMORY, page 76).
We also met Colonel Frank W. Harris III, stationed in Vietnam from July 1966 to July 1967, who was present the day Corporal Andrew Cooper was shot by sniper fire while building the bridge that would later be dedicated in his memory. Colonel Harris also spoke at the dedication of Camp Love, Headquarters, 7th Engineer Battalion in Da Nang and provided us with a copy of his actual speech to be included in a future publication. Camp Love was named for L/Cpl James E. Love (see IN HONOR AND MEMORY, page 247). The colonel was also the comrade of Colonel Charles H. Horn, who died on 13 April 1967, and for whom Camp Horn was named (see IN HONOR AND MEMORY, page 190). Ray had first spoken to Colonel Harris via telephone about the circumstances of Colonel Horn's death, some thirty years ago, and was honored to have been able to meet him in person. Our special thanks to Jim Taranto for allowing us to attend the reunion.
We also met Colonel Frank W. Harris III, stationed in Vietnam from July 1966 to July 1967, who was present the day Corporal Andrew Cooper was shot by sniper fire while building the bridge that would later be dedicated in his memory. Colonel Harris also spoke at the dedication of Camp Love, Headquarters, 7th Engineer Battalion in Da Nang and provided us with a copy of his actual speech to be included in a future publication. Camp Love was named for L/Cpl James E. Love (see IN HONOR AND MEMORY, page 247). The colonel was also the comrade of Colonel Charles H. Horn, who died on 13 April 1967, and for whom Camp Horn was named (see IN HONOR AND MEMORY, page 190). Ray had first spoken to Colonel Harris via telephone about the circumstances of Colonel Horn's death, some thirty years ago, and was honored to have been able to meet him in person. Our special thanks to Jim Taranto for allowing us to attend the reunion.
 | (Left) Author Ray Bows meets Colonel Frank H. Harris III, USMC (ret.) after their intense conversation regarding the death of Colonel Charles H. Horn, some thirty years ago. Colonel Horn lost his life at the Nam O Bridge, 13 April 1967. Photo by Pia Bows |
RSS Feed