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

Ronnie relaxing between patrols on the USS Benewah.
Mike Cramer (California), Gil Rodriguez (California), Howard Green (Texas), Bill Reynolds (California), and Bill Varsafsky (Washington).
It appears that Earl Eddings from Tennessee finally ended up in jail – oh, not really.
2nd Platoon’s “Mr. Handsome” Freddie Harrell from Soperton, Georgia.
Sergeant James Holstine, a fine soldier from the great state of Texas.
Earl Eddings is so strong and so fit that he could pump iron and smoke at the same time. Earl, were you training to chase those Mama-Son skirts, hmmmmm?
Fred couldn’t resist proving that he is 2nd Platoon’s true “manly man”.
Surprisingly, it appears Earl escaped being thrown over-board.
Bill Reynolds on a one day R & R in Vung Tau – I think? Or was it in Saigon – I dunno?
Hey Mike Cramer, you missed the ball that Bill blasted past you – haha!
U talkin’ to me? I gotta go to the latrine right now, says Bill Reynolds
Charlie Company troopers escorting Viet Cong soldiers to secured quarters..