We came from America to a place called Artillery Hill in Vietnam and from there our reputation spread as we moved battery by battery across the Central Highlands.
Some of us were drafted, some volunteered, and some were assigned but we all came together drawn by the mystique and power of the artillery - the King of Battle.
We toiled, loved, and cherished our tubes of steel knowing that our lives and those of others rested on our swiftness and skills.
We never ran from a fight or failed to support our comrades in arms as we hopped by choppers or vehicles from fire base to fire base in steaming, mountainous, jungle terrain.
At night or day, in rain and mud, we manned our guns and shot hot steel on those who threatened us or our comrades in arms.
We laughed, cried, and prayed drawing on each other's strength while we waited for those "fire mission" calls.
Time and time again we were put to the test in places like Pleiku, Kontum, Dak To, Ben Het, Phu Nhon, and many, many, more.
Our unit was one of a kind knowing no limits as we often split batteries to help the First Cavalry Division, 173rd. Airborne Brigade, Fourth Infantry Division, 5th Special Forces Group, or the 42nd Vietnamese Regiment.
We took care of ourselves relying on buddies in base camps who braved hazardous skies, mine laden roads, and ambushes to deliver ammo, food, fuel, water, and those cherished "sugar reports" in bulky red bags.
We were brothers in arms; kings of battle, and in the midst of it all, some laid down their lives for their brothers, comrades, and country.
To you brothers in arms, kings of battle, those of us who survived honor you for your supreme sacrifices. We will never forget you and until we meet again for another "fire mission", rest in peace and God be with you.

COL. Bohdan Prehar USA (Retired)

SP/4

8/9/16

'69 - '70