My brother was
1LT. Johnny F. Davis. He was in Co. B, 1st BN, 505th INF, 3D BDE, 82nd ABN DIV. He was in VietNam from May 13th, 1969 until his death on June 14th, 1969. He was a Platoon leader and was killed in an ambush in the Providence of Hua Nghia at about 12:40 am on the 14th. Cpt. Hines was his CO until he was relieved about the 8th of June, the CO at the time of Johnny’s death was Ct. Kerrith H. King but he doesn’t remember Johnny’s death. Cpt. King was injured later in June or July.
I am trying to locate anyone who knew my brother while he was in Vietnam. If I could find a list of the soldiers in his platoon surely I could reach someone who remembers him and remembers what actually happened to him.
Thank you so much and God Bless,
Karen Davis Johnson
Columbia MO
573-442-2669
johnsonkd@health.missouri.edu
I was a fellow platoon leader in Lt. Davis’ unit. I responded to Karen’s E-mail and spoke with her on the phone. I was sent out that night to recover Lt. Davis. I was the third platoon leader. I would like to get in touch with other members of the unit. If you’re out there, drop me a line.
Duane King
doking@cfl.rr.com
Duane emailed me and I spoke with him last night, he told me all about the night Johnny was killed, what happened, why it happened. He is a brave man to be able to tell me all those details. Thanks to your website I now know what I have wanted to know for over 37 years.
Karen
I think my older brother, Dewveall, Jerald Glenn, 1LT, was the Platoon Leader the day Ortega (Ortega, Ramon Felix Jr., SSG) was KIA. He was also KIA on 1/25/69. From what I have researched my brother was killed while patroling a river around or near Saigon. I was 12yrs old at the time. I would appreciate any information from someone who knows or remembers that day.
Roger Dewveall
rdewveall@charter.net
SP5 Ralph Mears is honored on Panel 23W, Row 22 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. A native of Norfolk, VA, he was born on April 29, 1949, the son of Norfolk homicide detective Ralph J. Mears, Sr.  Juddy was a member of the Tidewater Council Boy Scout Troop 44 and received his rank of Eagle on May 13, 1964. “Baby-San” was 21 years old when he was killed in action during a mortar attack on May 30, 1969 in the province of Hua Nghia while serving as Senior Medic with C 1/505th PIR.
Photo provided by Don McPhail
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Photo Provided by Rick Talioaga
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Photo provided by Gene Taylor
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Life Magazine June 27, 1969
Tears come to my eyes just to see his picture…he taught me everything he could about being a medic..we were both Virginians and became good friends..I would have never met him if it had not been for Viet Nam…and if it had not been for Viet Nam, I would not have lost a friend … but I have never forgotten.
“Doc” Taylor 1/505 Co. A
Posted by: Gene Taylor
Genetaylor1972@msn.com
“Doc” Mears was a very good and dedicated Medic. As I recall he had extended his tour to stay in the field. We were in an overcrowded ARVN compound because of a Vietnamese Holiday and we couldn’t be on patrol. We always had to follow the rules you know. Needless to say we were hit that night. I was the Forward Observer for A Co. “Doc” Mears was a heroic and fine young man.
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Posted by: Bill Culp 1ST LT FO A CO 1/505
culpbill@netscape.net
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On 1-9-01 I received a call from Larry Jamison in response to my ad in “Paraglide”. Larry tells me that Ralph was pictured in the “Life” Magazine story on 6-27-69 about “The Faces of the American Dead – One week’s total”. My brother, Herman L. Judy, Jr. is pictured in that article also. I am told that Ralph was a very fine medic. I look forward to visiting the Fort Bragg, NC Museum to see the display of the “Life” magazine and Ralph’s pewtered combat boots. What a special tribute to one of America’s fine young men.
Posted by: Donna Judy Lathe, (daughter of Hilda Judy)
I am looking for Sam Kelly. He was a Platoon leader with the 82nd in 1969. He might have known my brother, Lt. Johnny F. Davis. Johnny was in Co.B, 1st BN, 505th INF, 3D BDE, 82nd ABN DIV. He was in VietNam from May 13th, 1996 until his death on June 14th. He was a Platoon leader and was killed in an ambush in the Providence of Hoa Nghia. If anyone knows where Sam Kelly is please forward this to him and I pray he will get in touch with me.
Thank you and God Bless,
Karen Davis Johnson
karon5254@yahoo.com
Columbia, MO
My dad died of cancer in 1998. I have uploaded some pics to share. Dad was with C/2/505 3rd Plt. from June 68-69. He was very close with Roger Justice (Forever Young).
If anyone wants to contact me:
Marc, Stefani, Selah and Cade Nelson
1366 Stinson Dr.
Lemoore, CA 93245
(559) 924-4298
Linus4Sally@aol.com
