Freddy Bonner EBHS 64. Funny how his name is not even mentioned on Memorial Day in his hometown. On Dec 31,1968 I lost one of the Funniest guys I ever knew. The US Army notified me they see no valid reason to upgrade Freddys Bronze Star to MOH or any other Medal. So another year in my pursuit of whats right. His BS Citation reads in part Sgt Bonner ran through a barrage of enemy fire to assist a wounded comrade. Sgt. Bonner gave the man first aid, took over the mans machine gun, laying down a withering base of fire, inflicting heavy casualties on the on the enemy before being mortally wounded. Out on extended patrol, Freddy a 22 yo Sgt., radios that he thinks his position is surrounded. At that moment, the Viet Cong open up with machine gun & RPGs. He ask for help, none was avail, Freddy & his tiny Band of 11 Brothers were on their own. His squad was taking on casualties when their machine gunner goes down. With his position about to be over run, Freddy runs through a barrage of fire, trying to take him out & reaching the machine gun. Under fire w/ bullets whizzing past him, Freddy gives his man first aid, takes over the machine gun, inflicting heavy casualties to the on rushing VC, repelling the ambush, before being mortally wounded, taking an AK-47 round to the chest. A fellow Sgt told me, at first light, a scene of carnage and devastation, there were dead VC scattered all over leading up to Freddys position, signs of hand to hand combat. Theses guys put up a hell of a fight against incredible numbers. 37 enemy forces were killed at the price of 3 American GIs KIA (including Freddy)& 6 wounded. Bronze Star.......really?? RIP my brother Forever Young.
Posted on: Thu, 01 Jan 2015 16:02:23 +0000
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