New York XXXIII

This small, local memorial in Port Jervis, New York honors ten from the area including two who were MIAs.

Today, a few of them.

Peter Paul Bohnwagner

SGT Peter Bohnwagner was lost October 26, 1970, at Lam Dong to small arms fire.

Thomas J. Case

PFC Thomas Case was lost on May 9, 1967, to an "explosive device" at Quang Nam.

Peter H. Garms

PFC Peter Garms was born in Port Jervis but grew up in Pennsylvania. He was lost 5 days after arriving in 'Nam in a training accident with a hand grenade. He was destined to be a clerk. Tragic: as were all the losses.

Next time on 18th, we will return to North Carolina, so join me there, as always, at 9 am.

If you are following along at all, you will have seen that a number of you, like Joan from Wisconsin, Tony from Texas, Mike from Maryland, Ron from Florida, Tim from Virginia, Molly from Florida, Colleen from Pennsylvania, Elli from Maryland, and Peg and Ray from Florida, among others, have responded to my request to send me memorials you have seen in your area or where you may have traveled. I even got one from Ireland! These submissions help expand the knowledge of how we have remembered the men and women who served and/or were lost in 'Nam, and you help to honor them. If you have any such photos, I would love to see them. Please send them along to the email at the left and I will gladly share them here. 

I hope all those listed here will encourage you to send along photos and join the group.

New York XXXII

New York, as you may know, holds the dubious honor of having lost the second most of her sons and daughters in the Vietnam war. Only California lost more. Of the 4119 lost, I would like to honor a few today.

 

 

This monument honors but a few of the many noted above.

 

Today, these:

 

 

 

Cpl. Heinz was lost in Thua Thien on March 4th, 1968. 

Barry Bidwell is one of the still remaining MIAs and has a home record of Greensburg, Pennsylvania and found his way to Springfield. This hits home with me as my long departed mother was born in Greensburg, too. He was lost in a plane crash and his remains were never recovered

LCPL Ellis was lost in Quang Tri on July 7, 1969.

Sgt. Crosby is also listed among the MIAs. It seems odd to me to have two of the four from Springfield as MIAs. I hope their families some day, some how find peace.

I am sure that in the future I will have the honor of honoring additional heroes from New York.

I ask you to join me on the 1st of July when we will return to to add and honor a few more faces, as always at 9:00 am.

If you are following along at all, you will have seen that a number of you, like Joan from Wisconsin, Tony from Texas, Mike from Maryland, Ron from Florida, Tim from Virginia, Molly from Florida, Colleen from Pennsylvania, Elli from Maryland, and Peg and Ray from Florida, among others, have responded to my request to send me memorials you have seen in your area or where you may have traveled. I even got one from Ireland! These submissions help expand the knowledge of how we have remembered the men and women who served and/or were lost in 'Nam and you help to honor them. If you have any such photos, I would love to see them. Please send them along to the email at the left and I will gladly share them here.

I hope all those listed here will encourage you to send along photos.

New York XXXI

We have visited Eisenhower Park a couple of times in the past and like so many of these larger sites I keep finding new things to share. You can see some of those past visits here, and here.

We so often speak of The Vietnam war or just 'Nam and it easy to forget, or at least, not mention Laos and Cambodia. Places that for such a long time we denied even being in. Eventually the truth won out, as it usually will, but we still don't speak too often of these involvements.

338 Americans were killed in Cambodia and 1525 were wounded, 12 MIA.

638 Vietnamese allies were killed and 3,009 wounded, 35 MIA.

 

 

American carpet bombing is estimated to have killed between 50 and 150 thousand, most believing that the number is at the higher side of this estimate.

 

728 Americans killed in Laos, mostly, but not entirely, CIA. 

I was unable to find additional information about Laos. Much information seems to be still secret.

Next time, on the 16th, we will return to North Carolina, so join me there, as usual, at 9:00 am.

To see additional memorials from New York, or any other state, please click a state name on the left side of this page. Please note that Canada, Ireland, and Puerto Rico have been added to the list.

If you are following along at all, you will have seen that a number of you, like Joan from Wisconsin, Tony from Texas, Mike from Maryland, Ron from Florida, Tim from Virginia and Molly from Florida have responded to my request to send me memorials you have seen in your area or where you may have traveled. I even got one from Ireland! These submissions help expand the knowledge of how we have remembered the men and women who served or were lost in 'Nam and you help to honor them. If you have any such photos, I would love to see them. Please send them along to the email at the left and I will gladly share them here. Thanks, once again, to all who have contributed.

New York XXX

One more set of pics submitted by Mike Minnick. These, too, are from the site at Mt. Morris which is about 60 miles, more or less, due east of Buffalo.

Please check out my other posts from Mt Morris here and here.

Mt. Morris is a small town, less than 5,000 in the 2010 census, once more testifying to my ongoing astonishment as to what small towns are capable of doing to honor their veterans.

Reflecting a common theme at these and truthfully most veterans sites, this wall welcomes all who visit.

Each of our numerous involvements is honored here.

Note the dates on the Vietnam marker, omitting eight years of our efforts.

A final reminder to those who may have never served which is, actually, about 98% of the Nation.

Check back on Thursday for a Thanksgiving wish to all.

To see additional memorials to those who served, from New York, or any other state, please click on a state on the left side of this page.

If you are following along at all, you will have seen that a number of you, like Mike Minnick, have responded to my request to send me memorials you have seen in your area or where you may have traveled. These submissions help expand the knowledge of how we have remembered the men and women who served or were lost in 'Nam and you help to honor them. If you have any such photos, I would love to see them. Please send them along to the email at the left and I will gladly share them here.

New York XXIX

Once more I am turning to photos sent by a reader, Mike Minnick. Mike has sent me pics from a couple of different places and today we are back in New York.

Mt Morris is the site of a magnificent tribute to all veterans and this stone honors several.

                                                                         Photo by Michael Minnick

When I first saw this stone, I thought it was to honor LCPL Yencer, but came to discover that he was actually honoring the men from his unit in 'Nam who were lost.

                                     Photo by Michael Minnick

Tex, Bell, Doc, and Sparks may well have been the only names known by Yencer. It was common in "Nam and I guess other wars as well, to not get too close. Often, purposely not learning last names or full names. to avoid the trauma of loss.

                                                                              Photo by Michael Minnick

Roger Yencer was a local hero who loved his comrades, his town, and his country and was well known to aide his community in any way he could. He died in 2020 and today, I honor him.

Next time, on the 12th, we will visit North Dakota, so join me there, as always, at 9:00am.

To see additional memorials from New York, or any other state, please click on the state name on the left side of this page.

So, as this request has garnered some response lately, I will ask, as I do at the end of nearly every post now, for anyone who has pictures of Vietnam memorials not seen here to please send them to me. I will give you full photo credit for the pic and any information about it you may know. Check your state, or anywhere you may have visited, from the list at the left, or any place else. Please send them to the email at the left or directly to me at Ldddad@comcast.net. Thanks.

New York XXVIII

I have written before about my nearly 50 year search for my buddy John and how he took me to the memorial in his home town.

I read recently the the memorial celebrated its 50th anniversary not too long ago, so I decided to have another look and realized that I had not featured the women's memorial at the site. 

It is not specifically Vietnam, but it is part of the larger memorial so I decided to see of I could pull the women's faces from it to share here.

Its not surprising that this process met with somewhat mixed results.

All that aside, however, I wish to, once again, honor the women who served with us.

United States Army

United States Marine Corp

United States Air Force

United States Coast Guard

United States Navy

I write on occasion that beyond the eight women listed on The Wall, some 56 other American women were killed while serving in some capacity in 'Nam. they were civilians all attempting to better the situation and lives of those affected by the war. You can read more about them here. they, too, are heroes, all. Check them out and be thankful that such people exist.

Next time, on the 29th, we will take another look at North Carolina. So, join me there, as always, at 9:00am.

To see additional memorials from New York, or any other state, please click in the state name on the left side of this page.

I will ask, as I do at the end of nearly every post now, for anyone who has pictures of Vietnam memorials not seen here to please send them to me. I will give you full photo credit for the pic and any information about it you may know. Check your state, or anywhere you may have visited, from the list at the left, or any place else. Please send them to the email at the left or directly to me at Ldddad@comcast.net. Thanks!

New York XXVII

How I just happened into Springville, New York, I don't quite recall. I know that it was chance and a happy one at that.

Located in Shuttleworth Park where we, (Steve and I,) just happened to pull over for a break, I guess, we found this memorial to four from the area who gave up their lives in our efforts in 'Nam.

There were no signs or other indications that tipped us off. We just happened to park where we did and notice this site.

I, later, read that there are several memorials in the park, but this is the only one we saw. Kismet?

Note the dates given for the war

In 1965 the population of Springville was roughly 4,000 and to lose four of your citizens seems significant.

As a note of interest, Glenn "Pop" Warner was from Springville and is credited with helping to make football what it is today.

Springville is about 35 miles south and a little east of Buffalo.

Next time, on the 2nd, we will revisit North Carolina for another traditional memorial, so meet me there at 9:00am.

To see additional memorials from New York, or any other state, please click on the state name on the left side of this page.

I will ask, as I do at the end of nearly every post now, for anyone who has pictures of Vietnam memorials not seen here to please send them to me. I will give you full photo credit for the pic and any information about it you may know. Check your state, or anywhere you may have visited, from the list at the left, or any place else. Please send them to the email at the left or directly to me at Ldddad@comcast.net. Thanks!

New York XXVII

Once again I find myself in a quandary. I have asked my readers to send me pics of sites not seen on A Means to Heal, and some of you have done so (thank you again). I am still interested in anything you might have!

My friend Mike Minnick who has so unselfishly shared his pics in the past sent me the ones that follow. They are from Berne, New York, but that is all I know. I have searched and searched the internet, but as is so often happens, I cannot find a single word about them.

As always, I appeal to you: please contact me if you know any information, there is an email on the left side of this page.

Obviously, they are from what is called a multi-war memorial, but it, also, seems that there is a statue, perhaps of a fireman.

This particular type of memorial, in case you have not been here before, is called a Field Cross. Its origins date back to the Civil War and was a way for soldiers to mark where a comrade was lost. It is interesting sometimes to visit memorial sites and note the subtle changes in these markers through the years. It becomes quite natural to be able to tell what war a soldier was lost in by the type of boots, rifle or helmet that is depicted.

As stated this is a multi-war memorial and the names inscribed upon the bricks honor so many, from so many wars and service.

This small sample represents and honors those listed, and those not, for their willingness to serve their fellow man.

Next time, on the 19th, we will revisit North Carolina, so meet me there, as usual, at 9:00am.

To see additional memorials from New York, or any other state, please click on the state name on the left side of this page.

New York XXVI

Mike Minnick is a friend of mine and a superb photographer, he's one of those guys who rarely, if ever, manipulates a photo. He just has that good an eye and knows his stuff.

When in my last post I asked for pictures of memorials from others, he immediately sent me several.

The following are his pics of a memorial in Mount Morris, New York. Mount Morris is about 60 mikes east and a little south of Buffalo and as of 2010 had a population of fewer than 4500. AGAIN, I am stunned at what small towns do for their vets.

 

 

Like so many places that cannot afford memorials to individual wars, Mount Morris has created what is called a multi-war memorial, honoring many from many conflicts.

 

The large memorial just to the right of the star lists those from these wars who were lost in those efforts.

Seen here is what seems to be a later addition,the single name of the man lost in Vietnam.

 

Regardless, he is here, honored forever.

A nearby sign attempts to tell our story. It is a bit worn so...

Vietnam Conflict

The controversial war

Almost 9 million men and women

served in the military during this long

and unpopular war.Never losing a

major battle GIs sustained over

211,000 casualties, with 47,378 KIA.

While controversy at home continued,

it became evident that american

involvement had to end.

After the US military left, however,

the North vietnamese engaged in a 

blood bath in the south. It was to spill

over to the "killing fields" of Cambodia.

There is more here that I will post at a future date.

In the meantime, join me at 11:00 hour of the 11th day of the 11th month for a look at a few memorials dedicated to all veteran.

To see additional memorials from New York, or any other state, please click the state name on the left side of this page.

New York XXV

Before I left New York the last time, I checked to see if could locate any memorials as I was driving  home. I was happy to find a memorial on Staten Island that I could visit while heading south.

I got off the bridge at the right exit and proceeded to find my way.

It turns out that the memorial was actually located on a corner but within the grounds of a National Guard Armory.

There was absolutely no place to park even though I drove around for a while. So, I pulled up into the driveway/entrance to the Armory and was immediately met by a guard.

She approached by car and told me in mo uncertain terms that I was to turn around and get off the property NOW. I tried to explain that all I wanted was to take a photo of the memorial, just inside the fence, but she was having none of it. She repeated, her hand was actually on the her holster, that I was to get off the property ( I know what a threat I must have been, 70+ years old and all.) She did allow me to turn around, but stood there the whole time watching with a keen eye. I have to admit that I have wondered since what the hell must be going on in that NG Armory, but I digress.

So, reluctantly, I drove away. But, while slowed at the traffic light on the corner I grabbed my camera and fired off a few shots out the passenger side window as I drove by the site. They are not what I would have liked to have gotten, but here they are.

 The memorial is located on the corner of Manor Road and Martling Avenue in what is called Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park (even though, apparently no one is allowed in.)

 

Placed by Vietnam Veterans of America it honors the 84 or 85, I've seen both numbers, who were lost to us in Nam.

I will, at some point get back there and get better ones and will update them here.

Next time, on the 9th, we will venture back to North Carolina. So, as always, join me there at 9:00am.

To see additional memorials from New York, or any other state, please click on the state name on the left side of this page.

New York XXIV

I happened into Port Jervis, New York after a PBS radio interview about this Vietnam Memorial project. It happened to be a day of come celebration as there was a soap box derby race and other festivities taking place. All really hometown and great fun, except, perhaps, for finding a parking space.

The Veterans Memorial Park is located directly in front of the church for which Stephen Crane's father was the pastor and within the park is a memorial to those lost in the Civil War. Crane lived in Port Jervis for a time.

 

Veterans Memorial Park.

 

Within the park there is also a Vietnam memorial. Consisting of two separate pieces it joins memorials to many other wars including the Revolutionary War which is the most recent placement. 

This piece lists the local men who served and highlights with a star the one who was lost.

The second piece is catalogues history. When I first saw it several soap box derby racers were parked directly behind it.

We now know that these numbers have been corrected through an audit by DoD and The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, but these are very close to being accurate. I especially like to see that they have included the correct years, most memorials and many people don't, choosing to use the more widely accepted, though incorrect, 1959 to '75 or, often, the years that reflect when the first soldier from a given site was lost. I have even seen as late as 1978 as the end of the war. So, again, good job to those who created this marker.

As many of you know, I take a week or two off from writing about memorials at the holiday season, so come back on the 21st to see different pics from different places. Could be Alaska or the southwest desert, or some other unusual site. Join me then at 9:00am, as always for something different.

To see additional memorials from New York, or any other state, please click the state name on the left side of this page.

New York XXIII

We have visited Wallkill before but there is so much here to show you, so just a small one today.

Last time we saw the huge Wall to those who served and/or were lost, but in wandering through the park I came across what must be an older memorial to both Vietnam and Korea. 

This is more common than you might think. At some point in time a small memorial or a joint one like this is erected and as time goes on it just does not seem like enough, so a newer more elaborate or dignified or fitting one, solely to Nam, is built. The same thing happened in my town. A small plaque was placed dedicated to all who served, but listed no names. Later we wanted something more fitting and built a new one listing all 130 names from our county.

 

So, without really having enough information I am still sure that this happened here in Wallkill also.

As you can see there are no names listed here. If you click on New York on the left side of this page you can find the newer Wall with all honored.

The park may be found at the corner of Rte. 17M and Highland Avenue.

Next time, on the 26th, we will head into Pennsylvania, so join me there, as always, at 9:00am.

To see additional memorials from New York, or any other state, please click the state name on the left side of this page.