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Oly Olson | all galleries >> Galleries >> Operation Urgent Fury (Grenada) > DA-ST-85-02179sm.jpg
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09-OCT-2003

DA-ST-85-02179sm.jpg

A memorial service held for two fallen soldiers on Grenada.


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Oly Olson27-Dec-2021 02:19
Thanks guys.
Guest 26-Dec-2021 16:30
I was a Forward Observer for this company, Madsen was a helluva paratrooper!
Terry Crumpler 27-May-2017 16:22
Captain Ritz's RTO was Sgt. Quinn. Sgt. Quinn had been shot through the side of his upper body and was bleeding to death. He was rescued by 3rd Platoon, B 2/325 during a firefight on Caliste Hill on the morning of Oct 26th. I was an AMG on a M-60 in 3rd Plt. I attended this memorial service. 1st Sgt. Madison conducted a roll call. He called out 2 officers names and they replied "Here 1st Sgt". then he called called out Capt. Ritz's name 3 times. 1st Sgt. Madison then called out 2 Sgt's names and they too replied "Here 1st Sgt.' He then called out SSG. Epps name 3 times. Solemn occasion.
Guest 13-Mar-2012 00:42
Thats Lt Okita (L), 1st Sgt Madsen (R) Bco 2/325th....I'm to the right of Madsen under the tree
Oly Olson22-Oct-2011 18:08
Thanks Doc. I think that Sergant (name, not rank) got a purple heart on that mission but I'd have to look in a reference book to know for sure. At any rate, it was a sad deal and thanks for chiming in. -- Oly
Red "Doc" Blackerby 17-Oct-2011 17:46
The other soldier killed was SSG John Epps. Cpt Ritz didn't have his RTO with him when he was shot. SSG Epps was killed by a grenade. The Ritz/Epps Field House at Fort Bragg was named in their honor. I was Senior Medic for A/2/325...Ritz and Epps were B/2/325
Oly Olson25-Apr-2011 06:51
Thank you Sir. I suspected that was what this photo depicted but I wasn't certain. A soldier whom I went through basic training with was part of the ill fated mission and was wounded as well. His last name was Sergant (which was confusing at times because we all went by our last names) and I think that he was Captain Ritz's RTO, but I'm not certain of that specific detail.
keith nightingale 17-Apr-2011 21:54
This is the 2-325 memorial service for Cpt Ritz presided by LTC Jack Hamilton, the Bn Cdr and a close friend
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