Battle of Xom Bo II - 17 June 1967 photo - Dave Berry photos at pbase.com

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Battle of Xom Bo II - 17 June 1967

A soldier comforts a severely wounded comrade while the Battalion Surgeon works to save his life.

Some of the soldiers gave up their shirts, which were used with tree limbs to make jungle litters to evacuate the wounded.

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Greg Murry		24-May-2020 22:41
Message for Dee: I was with Alan John Roese when he was killed

Dee		17-Apr-2018 15:25
Does anyone remember Alan John Roese? Was anyone there with him when he died? Did he say anything?

Jerry Jones, viet nam vet		23-Jan-2017 18:53
looking for information on what happened to spec.4 Howard Allen Mucha, A Co, 1st Bat. of the 16th infantry, besides, Died from hostile action.. small arms fire? He was the brother of my good friend. Can you help?

Paul McGallion		14-Nov-2016 20:10
My dad was there PFC Lonnie McGallion. Big Red 1. NO MISSION TO DIFFICULT, NO SACRIFICE TO GREAT, DUTY FIRST.If you knew him contact me

David Cordeau		12-Nov-2016 17:56
David B Cordeau I was the Sgt Squad leader of Outlaw one. A Company 2/28, 1st Platoon 1st Squad. David Hearne interviewed me for his book The Battle at Xom Bo II" by David Hearne. Six if my 14 men were wounded and my helmet was tore off my head by a large piece of shrapnel. Hearne told my story in chapter 41 in his book. I have returned to Vietnam 20 times since the War. I am involved in Christian Missionary Work. My web site is www.riveroflifeworldmsiions.com

David Hearne		09-Nov-2016 04:25
I wanted to reach out to all of you about a book titled, "June 17, 1967 - Battle of Xom Bo II" that I hope you'll consider as a tribute to the many men who perished during that blood letting. The new book immortalizes the men who fought in the horrific battle June 17, 1967. It was a battle that pitted less than five hundred 1st Infantry Division soldiers against 800 to 2000 Viet Cong from the 271st NVA Regiment. The bloody clash would take the lives of 39 Americans and seriously wound 150 more. The book, "June 17, 1967 - Battle of Xom Bo II," is a minute by minute story of what happened that day, June 17, 1967, in the steamy jungle and the story of the men who fought so valiantly to survive the ambush. It is the story of the loved ones left behind and the wounded who struggled to become whole again. It’s a story that is the result of talking to many of the survivors of the battle and the wives, brothers, sisters, or friends of those who were there when over 8000 artillery rounds, napalm and bombs rained down around LZ X-Ray to dislodge the entrenched Viet Cong. June 17, 1967 is a story of war, men, and their loved ones. It is the story of the youth, culture and happenings that made the battle of Xom Bo II such an enigma for 1967's summer of love. It is an angry story and a healing story that will bring feelings to the surface and tear at your heart. It is available on Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble (BN.COM) and with Booksamillion.com or you can buy a copy from me, if you drop me a line at David@david-hearne.com.

Doc Kit		18-Aug-2016 21:03
I was the medic from 1/16 weapons who came forward and treated the wounded riflemen along A Co and 2/28 lines. Weapons had many hit by machine gun and rifle fire. A lot of fine men lost that day.

Jose Garcia		06-Jun-2016 00:01
Another, another June that we remember our Brothers that paid the Ultimate Sacrifice so that some of us can honor their memory and tell of their deeds of bravery. Jose Garcia, Company A 1/16 Inf. 1st. Inf. Div.

Dee		16-Dec-2015 17:01
Does anyone remember Alan John Roese?

David Hearne		12-Nov-2015 06:46
Hi I am trying to find the names of the two men from Bravo company 2/28th that were killed by a 250lb bomb that was dropped by mistake near their position during the battle of Xom Bo II June 17, 1967. The bombs were dropped when the 1/16th recon Platoon was being overrun by VC. The 1st Division records state it was approximately at 1:45 that the men were killed from the bomb. I remember it happening and at the time thinking it happened to men of the Recon Platoon, but the report states Bravo 2/28th. Men who died of Shrapnel that day from bravo are listed below - can anyone of you reading this tell me which men did or did not die from a 250 lb bomb? I know one of our men was killed by a bullet so I left him out of the below list. (This info is for my book about the battle of Xom Bo II) Please call me at 409-656-4625 or email me at david@david-hearne.com if you have any info about this battle. SP5 John H. Stout, Luxora, AR fragmentation SP4 Michael J. Morrow, New York, NY fragmentation PFC Richard A. Anderson, New York, NY fragmentation wounds PFC Alan W. Denney, Phoenix, AZ fragmentation wounds PFC Alan J. Farhat, Lansing, MI fragmentation wounds PFC Victoriano P. Sosa, New Braunfels, TX fragmentation wounds PFC James E. Starks, Cameron, SC fragmentation wounds PFC Lloyd C. Wohlford, Des Moines, IA Fragmentation

Troy		02-Nov-2015 14:44
Hmmm, it looks as though my email address didnt show up on my post. It is troy.bowers@gmail.com if any one is interested or has any info. Thanks.

Troy		30-Oct-2015 11:15
I would love to hear any information regarding pfc Wallace Nye, Recon 1/16, kia xom bo II. He was my mothers significant other and best friend at the time, and although he died before my time, from time to time i listen to the few audio tapes he recorded while there, sent to my mother. This sparked my interest, to say the least, in learning about the war. I do my best to encourage others in my generation, and the next, to do the same. Furthermore, if anyone who knew him or fought alongside Wally (not sure what he may have gone by there) and would like a copy of the audio tapes, feel free to contact me. I am currently traveling throughout Vietnam. I will be grateful to here from any of you. -Troy

David Hearne		27-Jul-2015 00:51
I am David Hearne who was a FO with Alpha 2/28th during the battle of Xom Bo. I am trying to finish up a book about the battle which profiles many of the men who fought and died that day June 17, 1967. I am trying to find out some information about PFC Gary Ernst. What I know about Gary is that he entered the service in the summer of 1966 and was in Vietnam only two months before he was killed in the battle of Xom Bo on June 17, 1967. He was single, from Perryville Missouri a town of about 8,000. He was just a twenty year old PFC when he was killed by fragmentation wounds. His father Wilfred Ernst accepted his Purple Heart medal and citation posthumously. I would love to know what he had planned on doing after he returned home. What was he doing before he was drafted. Did he have a girl friend he was engaged to? Was he killed at LZ=Xray or back at LZ-Rufe Also do you know anything about a problem of finding him when the battle that day was over? His records reads: Cause Hostile, Died while Missing Reason Multiple Fragmentation Wounds Would really appreciate any help you can provide regarding information on Gary Ernst. Contact me at 409-656-4625 or david@david-hearne.com

SkyGunner68		20-Jun-2015 23:03
Dennis. Unfortunately, I share the same blank in my memories, but my sub-conscious did it( at least that's what my psychiatrist tells me). I served two tours, but everyone that was killed, my mind filed under do not read. The action that made my brain take this drastic action was Sept. 16th, 1968. My chopper went down and everyone on board was killed. I was waiting at Lai Khe for them to come pick me up. Wasn't much use to anybody for next three weeks. I definitely understand Bro and I'm so sorry you had to go through the heartbreaking anguish you felt. God Bless and Keep Thee Dennis and bring you comfort.

Dennis Basford		26-Apr-2015 22:51
Would like to read the book if possible. I've blocked most of that day and night out of my head. I was in C/1/16 and do remember carrying wounded out all night.

Thomas J Clement		15-Apr-2015 05:22
Was part of 1/16 Recon but was support back at base in Lai Khe. Lost two of my buddies who were in Alpha company, flew with me to Viet Nam from Travis AFB. Will never forget these heros. We were responsible for clean up after the battle.

David Hearne		22-Dec-2014 16:48
Hi I'm David Hearne – on June 17th 1967 I was 1LT Hearne or Dungeon 97. I am writing a book about the Xom bo battle and would greatly appreciate any help I could get from others who were there and have memories of what was going on in their areas. I was a forward observer with Alpha 2/28 (Black Lions). We were the last to enter the landing zone before the battle broke out. I think the battle of Xom Bo II was a significant battle that should be written about. This was an event that probably most of us think of often. For me it was the biggest battle I experienced during my tour. I didn’t leave until after TET so I experienced that also, but truly the bloodshed at landing zone X-Ray was what still stands out in my mind whenever I think of my Vietnam tour. I would love anything I can get from you guys. Do any of you remember the civilian photographer Henri Huet that was with us on that battle? I am not sure what battalion he was traveling with, but he was with us for awhile. Again any help would greatly be appreciated. This book should be a record of what happen almost 50 years ago that took the lives of so many great comrades in arms. Hopefully this book will keep their memory alive and for us who survived a record of what we endured. My contact info is David@david-hearne.com and I would welcome your calls at 409-656-4625 and even meeting with any of you if possible. I own the Book Nook Inn in Lumberton, TX and would be glad to put you up for a night to have the chance to pick your brain. Also any pictures that any of you have rights to, that could be used in the book would also be welcomed. I want to record names in this book – so any names of those living or dead would also be welcomed. The book is dedicated to all of us who served and fought that battle.

Frank John Limiero		07-Mar-2014 16:51
Forty seven years later, this battle, 6.17.67, still rages and haunts me almost everyday. After being awarded a "Silver Star", I still await conformation of my "Purple Heart". With no time to be attended too, I never found time to be tagged for my minor wounds while policing up severely wounded and KIA's, but was given both medals with no PH recorded orders. Recently, I connected with two fellow Ranger's, Neil Skiles, and James "Chester" Turner. Seems like only yesterday we were brothers in arms. If given the opportunity, those who fought and lived that nightmare should graciously share in each other's lives today for those brave souls who can not.

Tom Nolen		02-Mar-2014 00:40
Does anyone remember Gary Ernst who was KIA during this operation?

Guest		02-Dec-2013 21:58
I believe the three faces that can be seen are Mose Howa (with cigarette), Wayne Hook (with out his shirt) and Big John.

Joe Hare		28-Nov-2013 16:56
Dave, I feel sure that Robert is correct. I have studied all three of these pics and have not been able to identify anyone from B Co. 2/28th. As our "third herd" most of the KIA/WIA that day, it the pics had been from us I would have known some of them.

Dave Berry		11-Oct-2013 07:20
Since both battalions were in this battle and no one else has identified these soldiers, I'm sure that you are right.

Robert Youngberg		11-Oct-2013 02:06
Hey Guys, Correct me if i am losing it! This LOOKS Like RECON 1/16. The bro in front with the Cig is John Freeman and the center is ?? (I should know) and the far right is Walter Bryan aka Big John or Lurch as we called him later. B1aBigRed1@aol.com Youngberg aka "Turkey"

Guest		20-May-2013 12:21
First i want to thank all of you for your servise ..my uncle died on this day he was in b-co 2nd bn 28infantry his name is Bobby Minton do any of you remember him.he was killed on june 17, 1967. Thanks

g. hargadon		08-Jan-2013 01:23
does anyone remember spec4 michael morrow killed on that day

Charlie e		13-Nov-2012 14:09
Bring tears to me. The horror of battle,many dear brothers we lost. Many great men are bound together for life. Hated it, however wouldn't trade it for the world. Our brothers,whether u were in a different battle,area, we all have our horrors.

Guest		05-Nov-2012 21:16
Yes, the Captain was Jim Swink-- by Felix Vallejo, combat medic 3rd platoon, with Sgt Gilbert, B Company 1966-1967 Felix Vallejo, Austin, Texas 11-5-2012

RON MORENO		02-Sep-2012 17:15
ron moreno-----was sqd leader 3rd sqd 3rd herd bravo co always questioned why 1st 16th weapons sqd retreated,broke perimeter and left us ?????????????????IT WAS A BAD DAY

doug ikerd		19-May-2012 23:17
i was with B co during this operation, my first.it was a bad day, but could have been alot worse.we were told the v.c had been waiting on us for about 24 hours. they just didnt know if we were going to walk in or chopper in.so when the artillery started to come in to the l z, they knew we were coming. GOD was with us this day. IKE

Lou 'doc' Pisano		16-Feb-2012 15:56
Was the Battalion surgeon Cpt. Jim Swink ?

Long Bach Nguyen		03-Feb-2011 06:03
great combat photography, the image told the entire story without having to say a word.

Frank John Limierol		09-Feb-2010 19:17
This battle was intense action in an area last occupied by the French before their defeat in 1954. A huge base camp of approximently 2,600 enemy troops was discovered. Action began after several probes received fire from elements of the entrenched force. Our unsecured perimeter braced for the massive move to destroy the Ranger's portion of the reinforced 600 man force. After about 6 long hours, our line held. Five thousand arttilary rounds and air strikes proved to much for the once powerful enemy force.

Paula Stuart		02-Aug-2009 18:03
Extraordinary bravery. Thank you. You will never be forgotten. May God's love and peace be upon you all. Paula Stuart

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