#434 Memorial Day Thank You

This is the day to remember those brave persons who chose to be a part of the military and other services to their country and community. Those who paid the ultimate sacrifice deserve the collective attention this day denotes. Upon reading this posting by The Pointmeister I was reminded of a friend who paid that price early on the day of April 1, 1966. 1st Lieutenant Chester Lee was the Commanding Officer of Company C, 716th Military Police Battalion in Saigon. He was making rounds of the static security posts in the city. He had not driven too far from the post at the Victoria Hotel when he heard gunfire. He immediately returned to the site to find his soldier in a gunfight with the VC. The VC were armed with AK-47's. By order of the officer in charge of the area, the only weapons security posts were allowed to carry were shotguns and the side arm a .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol. Chet only had a pistol. Needless to say they were woefully out-gunned. They did the best they could, but the VC were successful in driving their bomb laden vehicle close enough to the building to cause some damage. All of the security forces there, Chet, his driver, the MP security guard and a Vietnamese civilian policeman, were all killed. (Chet was posthumously promoted to Captain.)

It was a sad day. The outcome might have been different had our forces been allowed to carry the appropriate weapons. It didn't take too long after that incident for the Officer in Charge and the rules to change.

So, Chet, and all the others who performed their duties so valiantly, this retired soldier, salutes you. Thank you for all you did. You may be gone, but you are not forgotten.


#434