SGT OTIS BEVERLEY SINK

 

Photos courtesy of his sister,Pat Walter, and wife, Martha Sink. I was only 17 when we lost you. I had just received my high school ring and was so happy to walk home. But my happiness changed when I walked home to see all the tears. There are so many things I remember about you, your curly hair, your sense of humor, taking me roller skating with you, and if I'm honest, I guess you spoiled me just a tiny bit. The last thing you told me was not to get married until you got back, you only had 80 days left. You will be happy to know Martha is still as beautiful as ever. Janice, your daughter, is as beautiful as her mother, and Mike, that bouncing little boy, is the image of his Dad, and yes you have a beautiful granddaughter, Alish. You are also sadly missed by Melvin, Jo, Doug, Barbara, Ginny, and Charles, your remaining brothers and sisters. Your little sister, Pat patswalter@hotmail.com

 

I know He goes to war I can't tell you of ever finding God in church And I can't remember feeling He was near me when I went there. I do remember seeing a lot of friendly smiling faces And people dressed in all their nice clothes. Somehow, I always felt uneasy - Too many people, too close. No, I don't remember seeing God in church But I hear his name there constantly. Some ask, Have you been born again? If so, when? And I don't understand! I did feel God in Vietnam - Almost every day. I felt him when, after an all night fire fight, He sent the sun to chase the rain away; and the rain would return with majesty The very next day. He was there when I collected Sgt. Moore's body parts to put in a body bag. He was there when I wrote A letter to his widow explaining how he died. He was behind me when I heard Sergeant Sink's last dying gasp. He helped me carry Sergeant Swanson down a hill in the An Lo valley. I caught a glimpse of God when I felt the heat of napalm Called on our own position, May 27, 1967. I felt him around me when The chaplain would hold field service for our dead. I saw his reflection in the faces of my men When I told them to save one bullet for themselves As we were about to be overrun one hot steamy day In a Nam far away. He led me in the "Lord's prayer" On every assault As we stood on the skids coming in at treetop level. When we set up night ambushes And I couldn't see my own hands because of the darkness, I could feel his hands. He sent loneliness to guarantee the fond memories That always appear later in life. I'll always remember the strength God gave To the orphans - the children of war. He made them strong, but they didn't understand. I know after 25 years, We sleep under the same star. He sent boys to war. They returned young men; Their lives forever changed Proud to protect the land of the free. I don't know if God goes to church, But I know he goes to war. Written by Barry L. McAlpine First Squadron, Ninth (US) Cavalry From a friend, Ed Culhane powsmias@aol.com 13 Oct 1998

 

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY HEADQUARTERS 1ST CAVALRY DIVISION APO SAN FRANCISCO 96490 GENERAL ORDERS AWARD OF THE SILVER STAR 1. TC 320. The following AWARD is announced posthumously. SINK, OTIS BEVERLEY. US13578725 SERGEANT United States Army, Troop B, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Awarded: Silver Star Date action: 27 February 1967 Theater: Republic of Vietnam Reason: For gallantry in action: Sergeant Sink distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 27 February 1967, while serving as a team leader with Troop B, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry during an engagement with a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. When Sergeant Sink's squad became engaged in a fire fight in a rock complex with an enemy force of unknown size and sustained several casulties including the squad leader, Sergeant Sink immediately took command of the unit. Displaying extraordinary courage and resourcefulness, Sergeant Sink crawled and climbed through the rock complex in an attempt to locate the enemy position. Repeatedly exposing himself to hostile fire while checking the area, he soon located the position. Pulling back his squad, he then directed his men in throwing hand grenades at the enemy's location. Fully aware that he might be taken under fire, Sergeant Sink then climbed back up to the position to determine the results of the grenade bombardment. Finding one of the North Vietnamese dead, Sergeant Sink was climbing down a rock to check for more of the enemy when he was struck and mortally wounded by hostile fire. By his courageous action and complete disregard for his own safety, Sergeant Sink was instrumental in the elimination of the North Vietnamese Army force, and in preventing any casualties among his own men. Sergeant Sink's display of personal bravery and devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army. Authority: By direction of the President, under the provisions of the Act of Congress, approved 9 July 1918, and USARV Message 16695, dated 1 July 1966. B Troop, 1/9th Cavalry, lost two men in the engagement described in the Citation above: Sergeant Sink and Corporal Gordon R. Tefteller of Elm Springs, Arkansas.

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