Veterans' stories are sought
Ray Calhoun was a young Marine in South Vietnam in April 1967. He and his platoon has been charged with leading an assault on Hill 881 South. More than 40 years later — after a delayed caused by the fact that many of the platoon's leaders were killed in the battle — Calhoun and two fellow Marines were presented with the Silver Star in 2009.
(Courtesy photo)
Ray Calhoun was a young Marine in South Vietnam in April 1967. He and his platoon has been charged with leading an assault on Hill 881 South.
During the night leading up to the assault, the North Vietnamese soldiers shouted into the night, telling the Marines they would die in the morning. The taunts would prove prophetic, according to a 2009 San Diego Union Tribune story. By the time the battle ended, three-fourths of the soldiers were either wounded or had been killed.
Throughout the fight, Calhoun, who now lives in Bonner County, alternately fought the enemy and fought to save his fellow Marines. He would pass out twice during the battle, wakening each time to resume the fight.
Forty-two years later, Calhoun would be presented with Silver Star — the nation's third-highest award for combat bravery during a 2009 ceremony at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego. Two of his platoon mates also received Silver Stars for their bravery during the battle: Don Hossack and Tommy Wheeler.
It is soldiers like Ray, Tommy and Don that we at the Bonner County Daily Bee and the Bonners Ferry Herald want to honor as part of our special Veterans Day tribute.
Our goal is to pay special tribute to our servicemen and servicewomen, paying special honor to those who have earned this country's highest honors.
To honor our veterans, we are asking for the public's help in honoring these men and women by sharing their photos, stories and service of themselves or family members who earned the Purple Heart, Silver Star, the Distinguished Service Cross, and Congressional Medal of Honor.
In addition, this keepsake publication will include information on local service and military groups, veterans services and resources available to veterans and their families.
The publication will include photos of our veterans — all are invited to send a service photo of those who served in their family, as well as information on the branch of service, years of service, and location of service.
There will be overviews of each branch of the military, contacts of those involved.
Please send your photos and information by Oct. 22 to news@bonnercountydailybee.com.