July 8, 2016 - On this 57th Anniversary of the death of Major Dale R. Buis and Master Sergeant Chester M. Ovnand, who were killed at the hands of the Viet Cong, at the BIF Compound in Bien Hoa on 8 July 1959, we are reminded of sacrifices of the early MAAG personnel, and the survivors of that attack, Howard Boston and Victor Gorlinsky, who played a major role in my 2012 book "FIRST ON THE WALL".
In the last two years, I have been privileged to know CW3 Doug Conklin, who, while stationed at Killen, Texas, as a young soldier under the command of First Sergeant Chet Ovnand, held Chet in high esteem. Doug and I have become fast friends and he often mentions Master Sergeant Ovnand with fond memories, explaining that Chet was a tolerant senior NCO, who kept Doug out of trouble more than once. Doug lives here in Florida, not too far from me, and we get together on occasion to talk about the Army and the good ole days. He's a bright spot in my life and I am always enthusiastic about what he has to say and the stories that he tells. At some point in the future, I may be sharing some of Doug's stories on this blog.
In the last two years, I have been privileged to know CW3 Doug Conklin, who, while stationed at Killen, Texas, as a young soldier under the command of First Sergeant Chet Ovnand, held Chet in high esteem. Doug and I have become fast friends and he often mentions Master Sergeant Ovnand with fond memories, explaining that Chet was a tolerant senior NCO, who kept Doug out of trouble more than once. Doug lives here in Florida, not too far from me, and we get together on occasion to talk about the Army and the good ole days. He's a bright spot in my life and I am always enthusiastic about what he has to say and the stories that he tells. At some point in the future, I may be sharing some of Doug's stories on this blog.
Major Howard Boston and LTC Victor Golinsky survived the 1959 attack at Bien Hoa and, as the reader will learn, they were interviewed extensively for "FIRST ON THE WALL".