21 Oct 2003 Bobby, it's been 34 years since you died. I have so many memories and they don't go away, even for a day. Memories of hunting rabbits with your beagle, "Brownie"; memories of hunting crows in Roselawn after we would reload shells half the night. The day you climbed the tree and the raccoon came out of the hole and you fell about 20 feet to keep that mad S.O.B. from eating you. I thought your brother and I would die laughing. I remember the day we decided it was time to quit screwing around hunting animals and get with it in Nam and we drove to Crown Point and volunteered our draft. Then I decided to be a Marine and you told me I was nuts and going to get killed. I remember when you wrote me the letter telling me you were going to get out of the bush and start driving an Amtrac and I wrote back and said they would never get you if you stayed on the ground and not to start driving anything. Then I remember getting the letter telling me you had been killed and then the letter I wrote came back to me when I was in An Hoa. I remember going to your grave when I came home and crying until I didn't have any more tears. The memories go on and on. I named my first son after you and he is a great young man. You would be very proud of him. Know that as long as I breathe, your courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten. From a friend and fellow Vietnam vet. birdi@citlink.net

 

6 Jan 2005 Bobby, You most likely don't remember me but I played baseball with you in Little League and I recall you telling me I was pretty good and giving me a headlock for fun. When I saw your picture on the Schererville web site my heart sank then rose again because I remember your great smile and it made me feel good ..... Thank you for all you gave and May God Bless You and your Family. Mr. and Mrs. Terry Michael and family tttntx@aol.com

 

10 Oct 2006 Dear Bobby, You are gone, but not forgotten. You were the brother of my heart. I will never forget the fun our families had together. All my happiest childhood memories are tied to you and your family. Your death brought us so much pain, even though I was only 8 I remember the funny things you and your brother and my brothers used to do. It has taken many years to remember you with a smile, but I have. I always will remember what you told me before you left, I did what you told me to do. I hope the clay birds are flying in heaven for you. From a friend of the family, Deb Blastick-Swintz E-mail address is not available.

 

A Note from The Virtual Wall The "Schererville web site" mentioned above is operated by the Schererville Police Department. The photograph at the top of the page was taken from that site, as is the following text: PFC. Robert L. Reiplinger June 20, 1948 ï¿ 1/2 August 22, 1969 Robert was one of five children born to Robert and Betty Reiplinger of Hammond. Robert began his high school career at Bishop Noll, then transferred to Dyer High School and graduated in 1966. He was an outstanding athlete who excelled in basketball. He was employed by Ford Motor Company before enlisting in the U.S. Army on Jan. 9, 1969. Robert was sent to Ft. Bragg, North Carolina and Ft. McClellan, Alabama for training. After he arrived in Vietnam on May 17, 1969, he was assigned to Co. B, 23rd Infantry Division. On Aug. 22, 1969, Robert was killed in action. He is buried at St. Michaelï¿ 1/2 s Cemetery in Schererville. The 1966 senior yearbook ï¿ 1/2 Echoï¿ 1/2 contains both his photo and the quotation ï¿ 1/2 Viet Nam is not far. It is even closer to the guys of '66 who might fight there.ï¿ 1/2 BRONZE STAR ARMY COMMENDATION PURPLE HEART COMBAT INFANTRY BADGE GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL VIETNAM SERVICE MEDAL VIETNAM CAMPAIGN MEDAL Courtesy of the Schererville Police Department

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