DUTY

First Lieutenant Hugh Best was an Artillery Forward Observer. Although assigned to Battery A, 2nd Battalion, 4th Field Artillery, he was attached to Company B, 5th Battalion, 60th Infantry - where he lived and fought with the infantry, controlling the "big guns" - 105mm direct support howitzers. Infantrymen know about the "big guns" - "The Guns, Thank God, The Guns. . . . ." Rudyard Kipling And Hugh Best directed the guns.

 

HONOR

HQ 9TH INFANTRY DIVISION APO San Francisco 96370 5 February 1969 GENERAL ORDERS NUMBER 1255 AWARD OF THE SILVER STAR 1. TC 320. The following AWARD is announced posthumously. BEST, HUGH E. III FIRST LIEUTENANT FIELD ARTILLERY United States Army Battery A, 2d Battalion, 4th Artillery, 9th Infantry Division Awarded: Silver Star Date Action: 25 January 1969 Theater: Republic of Vietnam Reason: For gallantry in action involving close combat against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam: First Lieutenant Best distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 25 January 1969 while serving as a Forward Observer with Company C, 5th Battalion, 60th Infantry, on a reconnaissance in force mission northwest of Tan An. After the lead elements of the company became pinned down by a murderous barrage of hostile fire, Lieutenant Best courageously moved forward with the command group to rescue the beleaguered men. When the company commander was mortally wounded, he immediately took command and repeatedly exposed himself to the fusillade as he maneuvered against the enemy emplacements. Upon reaching the forward element, Lieutenant Best began to administer first aid to a stricken soldier, but was then gravely wounded himself. He later succumbed to the wound received during his valiant actions. First Lieutenant Best's extraordinary heroism in close combat with an armed hostile force was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army. FOR THE COMMANDER: IRA A. HUNT, JR. COL, GS Chief of Staff

HQ 9TH INFANTRY DIVISION APO San Francisco 96370 7 February 1969 GENERAL ORDERS NUMBER 1371 AWARD OF THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL C I T A T I O N BY DIRECTION OF THE PRESIDENT THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL IS PRESENTED TO FIRST LIEUTENANT HUGH E. BEST III FIELD ARTILLERY UNITED STATES ARMY who distinguished himself by outstandingly meritorious service in connection with military operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. During the period 5 November 1968 to 29 January 1969 he consistently manifested exemplary professionalism and initiative in obtaining outstanding solutions. His rapid assessment and solution of numerous problems inherent in a counterinsurgency environment greatly enhanced the allied effectiveness against a determined and aggressive enemy. Despite many adversities, he invariably performed his duties in a resolute and efficient manner. Energetically applying his sound judgement and extensive knowledge, he has contributed materially to the successful accomplishment of the United States' mission in the Republic of Vietnam. His loyalty, diligence and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

Base Named In Honor of Lt. Hugh Best A fire support base in Vietnam has been named in honor of the late Lt. Hugh E. Best, III. In a letter to Mr. and Mrs. Hugh E. Best, Jr., Lt. Col. Floyd C. Adams, Jr., wrote:       On 8 August 1969, the 2nd Battalion, 4th Field Artillery, dedicated one of their Fire Support Bases - FIRE SUPPORT BASE BEST. The 3rd Brigade Commander, the battalion commander, the brigade chaplain, and all of the members of Battery A took part in the ceremony.       The ceremony included the raising of a flag which had flown over the Capitol prior to being sent to the battery.       During the ceremony, Col. Crittenberger, the brigade commander, said that "Lt. Best was the epitome of America - young, courageous, vigorous and always willing to help the oppressed." The officers and men were proud to dedicate their base to such a fine individual. From a Tarboro, NC, newspaper of the time

 

REMEMBRANCE

12 April 2001 In memory of my cousin who was in VietNam and killed in action before I arrived. He is missed by all family and friends. From Rupert Harrell, Jr. P O Box 688, Springtown, Tx. 76082-0688 journeyback@aol.com

 

31 October 2001 First Lieutenant Hugh E. Best, III A Bty, 2nd Bn, 4th Field Artillery serving with 5/60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division (Mechanized) Mortally wounded on January 25, 1969, Kien Yuong Province, Plain of Reeds. Died of his wounds, January 29, 1969. Posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the Silver Star Medal, presented to his parents in a ceremony at Fort Bragg in June of l969. From his sister, Ruby Best Dunn dunnrb@appstate.edu

 

05 November 2001 In memory of my brother "Butch" Who was a joy and delight to be around. Ours is not to ask the reason why. From his sister, Glanor Best Harrell mildredgrunt@aol.com

 

27 November 2001 Butch, You were one us. We will never forget the sacrifice you made for freedom. Only those of us who served know that we were there to free a kind and gentle people from oppression. You are missed by this fellow Forward Observer and my prayers have been with you and your loved ones for over 30 years now. You were one of the best. God be with you. From a friend and comrade-in-arms, Burton F. Williams, Jr., 1LT, FA Forward Observer, A Co, 5/60th, 9th ID (1968-69) boiseantiques@cableone.net

 

01 December 2001 In loving memory of my "Uncle Butch" Although I do not remember you, my dear grandmother has told us all about your great deeds. Thank you, Uncle Butch, for your sacrifice so that we might live in freedom. From his niece, Susie Blackburn

 

07 February 2002 Lt Best epitomized Grace and Courage under fire. His actions on that final day in the Plain of Reeds saved many lives for Charlie Company at the cost of his own. Greater love than this, no man has ... With Utmost Respect ... John Depko 1LT, C Co, 5/60th, 9th Inf Div, 1968-1969 259 E. Bay Street, Costa Mesa, Ca 92627 johndepko@hotmail.com

 

08 February 2002 Uncle Butch, I don't know you, but my dear great-grandmother has told me a lot about you. But I would have loved you just like the family. I know you are with Jesus now but thank you for fighting for our freedom ... Your Great Niece, Miranda Blackburn spoiledgrl92@webtv.net

 

26 Nov 2002 Your name says it all: Lieutenant BEST - you gave your all. I salute YOU with appreciation and reverence. May you dwell in the house of the Lord forever, thou good amd faithful servant/soldier. From his artillery battery Commanding Officer Lawrence A Ritcey, Captain, U. S. Army A Btry, 2d Bn, 4th Arty Rgt, 9th Inf Div (1968-1969) drlarryritcey@yahoo.com

 

29 Mar 2005 Butch, I remember you well. I used to watch you in the band with your clarinet. You had a SelmerParis, top of the line. I'd see you at football games in the band and in parades. Then my chance to get in the band when I was in the 5th grade. Mom and Dad let me join the band, and I wanted to be just like my first cousin Butch so I chose the clarinet too. I never played as good as you did. I also remember your black Studebaker. Tough car. I still love you a lot, Butch, and I think about you often. Thank you for the sacrifice you made so that we could be free, I know God is rewarding you for that right now. You were my inspiration for learning music and getting in the band, you are still my hero, Butch. All of your family members are very special to me. Be proud Butch, you served your country well and know that your sacrifice was not in vain. I love and miss you, Butch. From your first cousin, David Harrell ethanspapahere@earthlink.net

 

13 Apr 2005 You were a great guy and I think of you often. I knew you when I was a kid and really looked up to you. My parents were friends with yours and because you went out with my sister for a while, I had the privilege to spend time with you and get to know you. I think of you often and have been to the Wall in DC on several occasions to find your name. If I recall, you were at UNC-Chapel Hill and left to go volunteer to serve your country, following in your father's footsteps. What a noble and selfless act. Clearly traits you inherited from your parents, who I remember fondly as wonderful, kind people. I haven't seen your picture in many years but have never forgotten your face. I will also never forget your sacrifice to your nation, your friends, your family and to freedom. I know you are in heaven and, god willing, we will meet again. I now have two teenage children, both of whom know of you. With deep admiration, Lou Martel loumartel@comcast.net

 

03 Jun 2006 Butch, We met for the first time in December of 1966 during our basic training at Fort Bragg. After basic we went our separate ways - you received your commission in artillery, and I received mine in infantry. We shared a house in Columbia, SC, from late 1967 to late 1968, before we both left for Vietnam. Our fates were somewhat different during our tours of duty. You served admirably as an artillery forward observer, and I served as a platoon leader and company executive officer. In January 1969 I was asked to escort your remains to Tarboro, N. C. There is no greater compliment than to be asked by your parents to be responsible for their son. You were indeed a good friend, a loving brother and son, and a true American hero. "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13) From a friend, Charles M. Bailey 1st Lieutenant Infantry 2/8 First Air Cavalry thesquire@bbnp.com

 

A Note from The Virtual Wall 1LT Hugh Best was wounded in action on 25 Jan 1969 when C Company, 5/60th Infantry, was engaged in the Plain of Reeds. Five men from Charlie 5/60 were killed in the action: 1LT Roger L. Vickers, Springfield, OH (Dist Svc Cross) SGT James P. Riggins, Los Fresnos, TX SP4 Dennis A. Holzheimer, Toppenish, WA SP4 James A. Luckey, Fort Myers, FL (Medic, HHC w/ C/5/60) CPL Jay D. Rumsey, Elmira, NY

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