![]() He was promoted to captain after his death. Dave was 25 when he died in the service of his country. He was last seen alive firing a machine gun while covering the withdrawal of his unit. With aggressive courage during the firefight, he killed more than 30 enemy soldiers. 1st Class Tom Ward.ĭave received the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions during this terrible one-hour and 40-minute battle, in which the Viet Cong conducted four major assaults on the Ranger positions. In addition to Dave, the advisors included Capt. The Rangers suffered more than 200 casualties during this violent ambush.Īll four received the Distinguished Service Cross, the nation's second-highest award for valor. 24, 1964 in a bloody battle along with three other brave American advisors serving with the Vietnamese 41st Ranger Battalion in Kien Hoa Province, 45 miles southwest of Saigon. David Ragin was my brother-in-law and my hero. Campbell Memorial Plaque annually to the outstanding enlisted reservist in the Washington, D.C. Also, the George Washington Chapter of the Association of the U.S. In 2006, the Fort Sam Houston Library was renamed the Keith A. She works tirelessly on behalf of Gold Star Families everywhere. CAMPBELL lives in Wilmington, Del., and is an active participant in VVMF ceremonies and programs, as well as a strong supporter of the Education Center at The Wall. Keith Allen Campbell is honored on Panel 15E, Row 8 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. In my heart, I will always be honored to say that not only did I know Keith Allen Campbell, but I was blessed to be his baby sister. SP4 Keith Allen Campbell gave his all during his life, and his memory will live on for generations to come. Wood remains in contact with our family to this day. Keith immediately knew that time was of the utmost importance and surgically removed the limb, saving his vision. While on maneuvers with the 11th Special Forces, his first sergeant walked into a tree limb. While he never was able to complete all he wanted to do, he did use his medical skills to help many people before he died. School bored Keith, as he was a hands-on type of guy and in many ways was self-educated.īeing a medic in the Army was just the first step in my brother's life plan, in which he eventually saw himself becoming a doctor. He was adventuresome, but not reckless or careless. I was amazed at how many people loved and respected him. Keith was not only my big brother, but he was also a father figure, someone I truly looked up to for advice. I still have "Peggy," as we named her, and now my granddaughters play with her. When I did, there behind the door was a life-sized doll for me! She was the size of a three-year-old child. We began taking turns opening our gifts, and when it was my turn, Keith said, "Judy, go close the hallway door." But for some reason, Keith kept an eye on it, making sure nobody closed it. I just could not wait for Christmas morning! Over the years, he liked trying to frustrate my attempts at getting a preview of my gifts-for instance, taking an entire roll of Scotch tape to wrap my gift.īut, I will never forget Christmas 1961 I think Keith was more excited than I was! Our front hallway door was always open, so it was not unusual for it to be open that Christmas morning. Over the years, Keith caught me opening my Christmas presents early, then rewrapping them so no one would know I had been peeking. ![]() ![]() Later, when my children were growing up, I would often reference these books. Campbell Gates, saw Keith's interest in medicine early on and invested in a set of medical encyclopedias, which Keith read cover to cover several times. Photo Credit: Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund On my wedding day, I hid it in my bouquet. Years later, I decided to put together the remaining pieces. He left, never to come back.Īmong the personal items returned to us by the Army were pieces of Dad's rosary. There would be no more breakfasts together, no more playing golf or singing, and no more walks for Dad and me. Soon after, he was gone! I was alone and, for the first time, I experienced loneliness. ![]() ![]() Years later, I learned that Dad had received deployment orders just a week before our little outing. I have many memories of Dad, but the images and feelings of that day will stay with me forever. As time passes by, some memories start to fade, while others remain. It was the perfect day, just my best friend and me. We shared stories and dreams all day long. We talked, walked and laughed all through the golf course while trying unsuccessfully to play. Dad tried to teach me to play the game he loved, and I loved every minute of it. It was our special day, and for a little girl who adored her father, it was heaven. ![]()
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