This website had largely been dormant since 2018 and has been updated December 2025 with modernized pages, improved navigation, and enhanced mobile responsiveness.
"Blackie" Mitchell passed away April 13, 2024
Larry VanLangevelde passed away October 7, 2023
Jerry Brenke passed away September 12, 2022
Jim Lee passed away June 10, 2022 Here is his obituary
Randy Hughes passed away September 5, 2020
Gene Overton passed away July 6, 2019
Charles "Mike" Reid passed away Dec 18, 2018
Steve Riggs passed away August/September 2018
Spider Hickman passed away May 5, 2018 at home.
Ralph Matkin passed away in the summer of 2017. He was a medic with the 319th Artillery and was on Firebase Granite when it was hit March 20, 1970. Ralph administered to Charlie Company wounded and probably saved Dave Dickoff's life. Here is his obituary.
Dave Dickoff updated his recollections (video) to include his connection to Ralph (the last six minutes are the update that relate to Doc Matkin). And here are Ralph's original recollections.
David Causey passed away October 17, 2017. Here's a link to David's funeral arrangements: http://www.jonesfamilyfuneralservices.net/obituary/david-causey
Jim "Zut" Davis died May 11, 2017.
Frank Foronda died January 7, 2017. For all of you who have not yet done so, and who would want to contact Frank Foronda's wife LJ to express their sympathy/condolences may do so by email or text. Her email is ljhurley13@gmail.com or text her at 843-330-6552.
Dan Cook passed away from prostate cancer in late February 2015. Dan served in Charlie Company 1969-1970 and was from North Carolina. He lived in Newton, NC.
David J. Burke passed away February 9, 2014 per 506infantry.org.
Dale Schatzberg passed on May 11, 2014. Those who attended recent reunions at the Aaron's had the opportunity to get to know Dale in a pleasant atmosphere.
Buzz Buzzell passed away on July 23, 2013.
Chuck "Doc" Kerr passed away from lung cancer on May 28, 2013. Our deepest sympathies are with Julie and the family.
Larry "Little Tex" Sonnier passed on November 8, 2012.
Russell Raup passed away on Oct 30, 2011.
Roy Breternitz passed away on January 10, 2011. Roy was having neck surgery and did not wake up afterwards. Here is Roy's obituary, eulogy, and comments from Diane, his wife.
Ed Miller passed away on February 14, 2011.
Rick Marshall passed away January 28, 2011 in Parkersburg, WV. Our thoughts are with his wife Sarah and his family. Blackie Mitchell had been able to visit a few days prior to Rick's passing and others attended the funeral.
Neil Brinkerhoff passed away on December 6, 2008.
Richard Kukucka passed away May 2008.
Charlie 1-506th Infantry: Vietnam Chronicle, 1967-1971 is now available on amazon.com. Just search for the title or author - William Higgins.
Bruce and Brenda Aaron again hosted a great reunion at their home in New Castle, Indiana. Even the weather cooperated so that the helicopters would have had no trouble flying. Between the large breakfasts at Stacks Pancake House and the food at the Aaron's, we all gained a pound or two.
Attendees included: Mike Ball, Steve Lewis, Steve Mounce, Bruce Aaron, Dale Shatzberg, Jerry Brenke, Sergio DeCarvalho, Mike Redlin, Tom Wild, Matt Budziszweski, Bill Baumberger, Jerry McGee, John Georgiton, Mark Smith, Bill Clous, Buzz Dombrowski, and Bill Higgins.
The reunion was held July 6-8, 2012 at the Aaron's home in New Castle, Indiana.
The 506th held its annual reunion in Early May 2012 in Columbus, Georgia. Some photos from Charlie Company attendees are here.
The 506th Infantry Organization held its annual reunion in Columbus, Georgia in May 2012. Mark "Zippo" Smith was a speaker at the reunion - Mark commanded Charlie Company from late March 1970 until September 1970.
From Mark Henderson: Justin Bond is from my home town and is a member of our local VFW. He is a disabled US Army Vet and traveled across the US on a Segway with other Vets starting April 1, 2012. His organization, Our Heroes Dreams, is doing an outstanding job of working with Veterans from all wars and helping those that need it to get back on their feet.
Edwin Murray found the web site in February 2012. Edwin served from November 1968 to November 1969 in the second platoon. His tour placed him in several hot spots: Hamburger Hill in May 1969, A Shau area in June-July 1969, Hill 996 in August 1969 and the rockpile by the DMZ (Oct 69) to complete his tour. Edwin resides in West Columbia, South Carolina. Edwin provided a set of CIB orders dated December 10, 1968 which added about 25 new names to the roster which we did not have previously. Edwin also furnished several photos of his time in country (these are at the end of the "Men" photos section).
Dave Dickoff checked in at the end of February 2012. Dave had looked for Charlie Company on the internet in years past and recently found our web site. Dave is doing well in Beaverton, Oregon. He is married with two daughters and three grandchildren. Dave served from January 1970 until March 1970. He was wounded on Firebase Granite and after hospital stays in Japan and Tacoma, was medically discharged.
Danny Walker found us through the web site. He was in Charlie from August 69 until February 1970 when he transferred to the 158th Aviation Battalion. Added a recollection from Danny Walker in the people/recollections area of the web site (June 2011). Dan visited Vietnam in November 2011 and planned to return in March 2012. Here are some pics from his November trip as well as some comments.
Johnny R. "Spud" Smith reported that a case he had begun several years ago with the VA was coming to what he hoped would be a successful conclusion. A few of us provided statements about his time in the bush to assist the VA to arrive at the best decision.
John Radcliffe from Toronto, Canada provided some of his photos. They are at the end of the "men," "hardware," and "firebase" photo sections. John has had MS for the past ten years so keep him in your thoughts.
Ron Marks provided some of his photos which are toward the end of "the men" section.
Some newer photos of Zippo at Fort Benning are in the reunions/current photos section.
Made some minor updates to the story in 'the story' / document area of the web site (June 2011).
