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DOGS THAT BARK

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wow--freak me out

Was doing research on some dates to reply to DJV in other thread and one source lead to another and ran into this---
--I am Doc and died while giving him mouth to mouth :(

http://grunt.space.swri.edu/army223.htm

Trying to locate: Anyone who served with PFC Richard Smith Kendrick
Branch of Service: Army
Unit was: Echo 2/12 1st Cavalry Division
Where served: Tay Ninh, Cambodia
When served: Arrived 12/13/69 - KIA 5/7/70
Message is: I am searching on behalf of Rich Kendrick's Daughter. Rich was in the weapons troop as a sniper and part of Task Force Shoemaker. He was hit near the "The City" aka "Rock Island East" on the Cambodian operation into the Fish Hook, Operation Toan Thang (Rock Crusher 43). He had a medic, but needed a medevac. The area was too hot for a dust-off. (2) medevacs were shot down while trying to get in for the wounded and he died on the ground before a dust-off could make it in. If you served with Rich Kendrick, please contact me at the e-mail address below. Ms. Kendrick is especially looking for the following men: (ranks were current to May 1970) SGT William Swartz; Spec/4 William Harwood; SGT Greg Barrows; Spec/5 Wayne Hochn (Doc); S/SGT Richard H. Southworth; SGT Vaughn Thibadeau; SGT Cellie Lawson; SGT Luther Laster; PFC Roy L. Haywood; Spec/4 Rudolph Bernard; and Robert Doup (rank unknown). This young lady was 2 monthes old when her father was KIA - they never l! aid eyes on each other. She wants to share the memories of the men with whom her father served.
Please contact: Wade Baugh
Mailing address:
City, State, Zip: Centralia, Illinois
 

DOGS THAT BARK

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I sent email but hard telling how long this been up--email addy was Netscape so probably no longer active---will find out if it was returned when I get back to office in am.
Will find her some way--some how--Have been going through pics here at home and have one of him I am sure she would like.
I am very nervous about talking with her and don't know what to say.I'm wondering if she will ask me last thing he said?
Sure has changed the completion of what started out a routine day.
 

LUX

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I can imagine, it must have brought up a lot of things that you haven't thought about in a long time. I would let her do most of the talking and just answer what you can for her. I'm sure she would be appreciative of anything you could tell her and a copy of the picture. Let us know how this plays out. Take care!
 

smurphy

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Oh, now I get it. Sorry DTB - I didn't even read the part that said you were with him. Good luck with this - I'm sure she'll appreciate everything you have to offer her.
 

kosar

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Wow Wayne,

That's nuts, bro. Definitely would send shivers down the spine. If you can get to her i'm sure that you'll say the right things. I think Lux gives good advice here, but whatever the case....Good luck!
 

Palehose

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Wow ! Many thanks for serving DTB !! I am so sorry you had to endure the whipping the left gave our fine troops when they came home that was plain disgusting ! I wish I had the balls to shoot Kerry and Fonda in the head for ya ! Be sure to know that many including myself greatly appreciate all that was done in Nam and we understand why our great country must take to arms ! Good luck with this bro may you find some peace in it all .
 

DOGS THAT BARK

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an interesting day--I got in touch with Wade Baugh who turned out to be liason of Amerca's Sons and Daughters an org that helps children of fallen soilders connect with people that were close or in close contact with their father. I spoke with him at length and gave him my phone # to relay to Kimberly,Rich's 2 month old daughter at time of his death.
Several hours later I got phone call from her. Ironically she was one that put me at ease and with exception of short time when a few tears were shed on both ends it was quite an enjoyable and interesting conversation. She has not only been to the wall but traveled to Viet Nam (via org detailed above) to several of places we were in Viet Nam. One was main firebase we were at called Firebase Buttons .Couldn't believe she knew name of mountain next to it.
She was very excited when I told her I had picture of her father with rest of our team.She lives in Virginia close to eastern ky but quite a distance from Bowling Green. However has relation she visits in Nashville and plans to stop by and visit on next trip there.
While initially was quite nervous about ordeal I can say now I truely look forward to meeting her and hope she enjoyed speaking with me as much as I did her today.

---and thank all of you for your concern--your top notch
 
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LUX

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That is awesome DTB, I'm glad everything went so well. I had a feeling it would when y'all got in touch, but never imagined it would be so fast. I agree w/ Clem, you are the one who is top notch my friend.
 

smurphy

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Dogs,

I don't know - I'm pretty much speechless I guess. My life has been directly affected by the Vietnam War, as we've discussed briefly before.

This is just....well.....amazing. I can honestly say that I respect you as much as possible for someone I don't actually know. I can relate in only a tiny way with Kim because of my father's service. I can only imagine her odyssey and how much people like you brighten that part of their lives.

Thank you very much for sharing this.
 

SixFive

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Wayne, I don't come to this forum much, so this is the first time I have viewed this thread. Thanks for sharing it with us all. Very touching!!

Guys who have not met Wayne, he's a great guy and would give you the shirt off his back.
 
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