3rd Platoon, C Company, 4th/47th Battalion, 2nd Brigade

Page 1,2,3

Front Left:  Timothy A. Johnson, Walter D. Gordon, Ssgt. John A. Bedford, Timothy D. Fischer, Russell R. Barney.  Top Left: Johnny W. Jasper, John H. Bradfield, Anthony J. Calari, Ronald A. Vidovic, Ronald C. Mintz, Terry “Porky” Johnson, Jace J, Johnston, Jr.

Introduction What can anyone say about Tim Fischer without mentioning what a fine friend and soldier he was during those tough times so many years ago. Like the rest of us who were part of the original Old Reliables at Fort Riley, he too was drafted May 17, 1966. But Tim was a little different than most of us – I’d say that when he showed up at Custer Hill he brought a certain attitude that put him a cut above most new soldiers. No one was going to do a better job or would be tougher; this young man was there to be all he could be and he was plenty ready to kick ass. Many of us were competitive and did a good job learning the art of soldiering, but Tim took to it like it was nobody’s business.  Naturally, during Basic Training, he was selected as a squad leader in the 3rd Platoon – a job that he never relinquished during his almost two years as an Old Reliable. In Viet Nam, out in the jungles, swamps and muddy rice paddies, his physical and mental toughness was readily obvious. All 3rd Platoon troopers felt safer during combat with Tim Fischer nearby. No one was more reliable or more courageous – he would do anything to protect his men and to eliminate the enemy.

Yes, Tim Fischer was highly respected and he had many good friends, but he had a special bond with Tim Johnson. During training at Fort Riley, both Tim’s were over-achievers and they constantly challenged each other. This extra effort nearly killed other 3rd Platoon troopers who were compelled to keep up.  Sadly, Tim Johnson lost his life during our horrific battle near Ap Bac Village in the Mekong Delta on June 19th, 1967 – we lost 50 gallant soldiers that day. All of us lost good friends, but it must be said that Tim Fischer lost a very special friend, which he will never forget to his dying day.  You see, it was fate that Tim’s R & R had come up and so he was not there that terrible day – oh, he would have given anything to be with his buddies, his men – but it was not to be.  To this day, he feels badly that he was not there to protect his best friend, Tim Johnson. To Tim’s credit, and it’s no surprise, throughout all these years he has stayed in contact with the Johnson family.

Tim Fischer, all your buddies are so proud of you and are proud to call you a friend – we former Charlie Company troopers salute you.         Tom Conroy – July 22, 2002

I absolutely love this Memorabilia Page! It’s so very true about Tim Fischer, he was a solid soldier from Day One. When I first met Tim, I thought he was one of our cadre and that he needed to chill out because he was so serious., but I soon learned to really listen to him and I soon gained much respect for him. Tim Fischer somehow already knew what lay ahead for us in Viet Nam, while I barely knew where it was and I did not take the thought of dying over there seriously. But after talking with Tim one on one all that changed with me and I started training for war.                                                  These pictures are great!                John Bradfield – July 23, 2002

It’s Basic Training Graduation Day at Fort Riley’s famous Custer Hill and here’s one very proud trooper, Tim Fischer – July 22, 1966.
Don Trcka and Tim Johnson seemly in awe with a Budweiser at Camp Bearcat – March 1967.
One helluva Platoon Sergeant, Marion H. Marr from Missouri.  No one in Charlie Company had more respect!
Tim Fischer and Sergeant Marr enjoying a break at Camp Bearcat shortly before Charlie Company relocated to Dong Tam.
Talk about an Old Reliable, here’s Tim Fischer – one mighty tough soldier.
3rd Platoon buddies, Steve Hopper & Tim fischer workin’ on some beers, which they earned that day.
March, 1967 – Pals Timmy Johnson from Lancaster, California & Tim Fischer from Ohio havin’ some beers at Camp Bearcat. Sadly, Tim Johnson gave the ultimate sacrifice during our huge battle on June 19th, 1967.
Steve Hopper and the mysterious Terry
McBride (San Francisco) aboard the USS
Benewah down in the Mekong Delta.
Dec. 1967 – 3rd Platoon troopers on a break during a patrol outside Dong Tam.
These well armored vessels took us Infantry Grunts to some very unpleasant destinations down in the treacherous Mekong Delta.
Tim Fischer posing on a big ole Navy gun aboard a barracks ship in the Mekong Delta.  Nice foot gear, Timmy!  There’s part of the Mobile Riverine Force in the background.
June 1966 – 3rd Platoon buddies drinkin’ fine 3.2 beer at Custer Hill’s
EM Club. Left:  Steve Hopper, Tim Fischer, Bill Riley, & Jim Cusinelli.
Walter Gordon, Tim Fischer & Timmy Johnson. Camp Bear Cat – March 1967