I served with Cpt Kizer at the Stockade and in he 61st MP Company in Verdun. He was the finest officer I can remember serving under. Sgt Benfield in Verdun lSG retired.
It is truly humbling to see the courage of brave men like this man. The ultimate service to so many of us who are not worthy of such selfless sacrifice. The bond he and his men have is truly graceful and the best this Nation has to offer. This image brings tears to my eyes. My father is a WWII combat survivor and I was so lucky that he made it back home. As tragic and sad that his young natural life ended, his life serves as an enternal example of what sacrifice, courage and leadership is. His fellow soldiers must be so proud. His family must be proud to know that he will alwyas be the best this Nation has.
Don C. Kerns
30-Aug-2012 01:40
My name is Don Kerns. I live in Edmonds, Washington. I had the pleasure of serving with Captain Kizer in Verdun, France. He was Company Commander of the 61st MP Co. I patrolled the highways around Verdun and we served together for about a year. I believe he was the final commander of the 61st when the US Forces left France in 1967. Many times, I was assigned to pick Capt. Kizer up from his residence when he was assigned as Patrol duty officer. He was a pleasure to work with. During one of the last conversations I had with him, he told me of his desire to serve in Vietnam. I have often thought about him because as a soldier, I viewed him as a role model. Thinking back, I will always owe Captain Kizer a debt of gratitude because he thought my duty to the 61st outweighed my requests to go to Vietnam. I was discharged in 1967 after seven years of service. Through the Internet, I found out today, August 29, 2012 that he was KIA in Vietnam. In many ways the aspects of character I express today, I owe to my service with Captain Kizer forty-six years ago.
Carl Kizer
19-Jun-2012 23:21
On this the anniversary of my father's death, I am reminded of his "Rommel" glasses that he was so proud of. Of the many nicknames my father may have had, I am confident that "Little Rommel" was one that was near and dear to his heart.
My most heartfelt thanks to all for the kind words about my father. While it is still hard to believe he is gone, the kind words do help to ease the pain.
