Charles A SpringerCaptainBRAVO CO, 2ND BN, 27TH INFANTRY, 25 INF DIV Army of the United States 28 July 1937 - 12 November 1967 Memphis, Tennessee Panel 29E Line 086 |
|
The database page for Charles A Springer
Dad, I was only seven when you were killed and I have missed you each and every day of my life. It has been 39 years now, and I am finding you through the men that served alongside you. I have found that you touched their lives in so many ways and they have carried your memory close to their hearts all this time. I am so very proud of you, Dad. You were my hero at seven and remain so still. I thank you and your men for giving me and all Americans the freedoms we have. I look forward to the day we can be together again. I love you!
From a proud son, The photo at the top of the page is of my Dad and me about two weeks before he left for Vietnam. The one immediately above was taken in Vietnam. |
Bravo 6 I would like to thank you for the impact and influence you have had on my life. We only knew each other for a brief period of time but you taught me so much. Thanks to you I was able to survive my tour in Viet Nam and return to my family and friends. It has not always been easy but when I think about you and the others that didn't make it I get back to reality real fast. I have a new friend, your son Phil. He is just a few years younger than my own brother. You would be very proud of him and his family. He has been searching for people that served with you in Viet Nam for a long time and is finally starting to have some success. We had a bit of a reunion at the Wall in November and I hope it turns into an annual event. Rest well my friend, thanks to you we stay safe.
Andy Barber |
To my good buddy Chuck, I sure miss you, Bud. Many of us who served with you and made it home think of you often, as well as all of the other Wolfhounds that are with you on the Wall. A bunch of us have taken your son Phil under our wing, and have tried to tell him more about you, and what you were like. We knew you would have done the same for us if circumstances had been reversed. You would be VERY proud of him, and his lovely family. As you know, we took him to the Wall last Veterans Day to meet other Hounds, and to allow us all to be together on that special day. It was a success beyond our wildest dream, and your boy was at his best. All who met him and knew you said - "Boy, there's no doubt in your mind who that boy's father is!!!!" Our relationship with Phil has not only been good for him, but for some of us too. SOOOO, you're still with us even now, in spirit, and by the son you left behind. I told him not long ago the good Lord blessed me with two beautiful daughters, but if I could have chosen a son I would want him to be just like him. Rest in peace my friend. I look forward to seeing you after my last ambush patrol.
From a fellow Wolfhound, |
Bravo 6, It's been almost 40 years since we parted company. I learned of your passing from the hospital bed in Cu Chi. I lost several good friends that day, but you became my best friend and mentor in those months before 12 Nov 67. You taught me several great lessons about patriotism, loyalty, single malt Scotch, angry water buffs, a good education, and leadership. We relied upon each other, you as my boss, and me as your Doc. I miss you. I've had the privilege of knowing your son, Phil, for almost a year now. What a good man he is. He has brought me together with several others who knew you back then. I'm sure your hand is guiding his way. Your name on the Wall has been touched many times by me over the years, but never so proudly as when I shared the touch with Phil this last November.
See you someday.
Ronald C. Detmer |
I too am a Wolfhound. Though I never got to meet you. I got to meet your son, Phillip. We made contact as he searched for those who may have known you. Not only did it work but many of those he found I knew from previous Wolfhound and other gatherings. I even have been in touch with the sister of another Wolfhound from your company that fell that day, Sgt. Jacob Ortiz. You would be proud to have seen him at the Wall amongst the Wolfhounds. He is truly a tribute to you and I got to know a great deal of the kind person you were through him. Once a Wolfhound, Always a Wolfhound, FOREVER!
Take care
From a fellow Wolfhound, |
Bravo 6 Captain, you arrived in Bravo Company months after I did but to say you were a Godsend to us all is an understatement. In the short time I knew you, I was proud to be under your command. Your leadership and compassion for your men is what I remember most about you. Never asking any of us to do anything you would not do yourself. Always keeping us as safe as possible, and always well supplied as we trudged our way through paddies, pineapple fields, sugar cane fields, jungles, swamps, plantations, and villages. Sharing sorrow and laughs along every klick. I remember the day you were killed. There were several others that went with you that day. All were good men, all were good friends and every one of you made the ultimate sacrifice. For those of us that made it back, we carry you and our brother Wolfhounds in our hearts. Thank you for the leadership and friendship that held us all together and allowed many of us to return home safely. I have met your son Phillip and I see so much of you in him. He was a little boy when you died but now he is a grown man that any father would be proud to call his son. He is a leader like you, honest, compassionate, yet strong and steadfast in his beliefs. In the short period of time you had with him, you were able to mold him into who he is today. In a way, he has taken what is left of Bravo Company and assumed the leadership position as you once did, reuniting us after forty years. Thank you, Captain, for everything you have given to me.
Craig Gianelloni |
A Note from The Virtual WallBravo 2/27 Infantry lost four men on 12 November 1967:
|
Top of Page
www.VirtualWall.org Back to |
With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Memorial first published on 09 Dec 2006
Last updated 11/13/2010