2nd Platoon, C Company, 4th/47th Battalion, 2nd Brigade
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Introduction Here’s another fine young man who was also drafted on May 17, 1966 and ended up with us in the 9th Infantry Division at Fort Riley, Kansas. I remember Ronnie as a quiet guy who never got into trouble and always tried his best to do a good job learning the art of soldiering. Ronnie always had a great attitude, and man, could he carry a heavy load of M-60 ammunition! Yep, he was a good guy, everyone liked Ronnie and the 2nd Platoon troopers affectionally nick-named him “The Penquin”. Oh, I’m certain this had nothing to do with his marching abilities – haha!
Once we became part of the Mobile Riverine Force, contact with Viet Cong troops occurred frequently and many soldiers became casualties. Some wondered if survival was a reality. It was another hot August day in the Mekong Delta and the 2nd Platoon was again in search of the elusive Viet Cong. Ronnie was walkin’ point down a trail as we patrolled a lightly wooded area ……..then, suddenly -BOOM! A loud explosion – instantly we knew Ronnie had tripped a booby-trap. Sure enough, several of us rushed up to find that Ronnie had been blown off the trail and was laying in a heap, dazed with both legs just riddled with shrapnel. I can clearly remember us young soldiers, gleefully repeatedly yelling, “Way to go Ronnie, you’re going home alive!” Surprisingly, Ronnie didn’t seem to appreciate our enthusiasm, probably because he was a bloody mess and in immense pain – so there he was, hollering and cursing at us with all of his might. It was quite a scene. Soon, Lt. Benedick called in a chopper to haul Ronnie to a hospital and that was the last time that I saw or spoke to Ronnie Reynolds. That is, until he and I recently spoke over the phone. Guess what, “The Penquin” is still that same ole quiet, nice guy with that same ole outstanding attitude. Ronnie told me that it took a very long time and a number of operations, but his legs finally healed and it never held him back from enjoying a nice life. Bill Reynolds – February 15, 2002
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