Cenotaph
Posthumous Certificate of Promotion / to Captain / issued by Department of the Army on 12 October 2000. Documentation from NPRC / National Personnel Records Center (part of National Archives, located in St Lous, Missouri)
**
age 23
Race: Caucasian
Sex: Male
Date of Birth Aug 21, 1946
From: SOUTH DARTMOUTH, MA
Religion: PROTESTANT
Marital Status: Married
CLEAVELAND FLOYD BRIDGMAN
1LT - O2 - Army - Reserve
1st Cav Division (AMBL)
Length of service 1 years
His tour began on Oct 14, 1969
Casualty was on Apr 1, 1970
In TAY NINH, SOUTH VIETNAM
HOSTILE, GROUND CASUALTY
ARTILLERY, ROCKET, or MORTAR
Body was recovered
Panel 12W - Line 65
***
A bench for you.
Dear Cleave Today (3/10/10) a beautiful stone bench was dedicated to you in Darthmouth, Massachusetts. It's at the head of the harbor within sight of your former home. It's got you name and honors inscribed on it. Very beautiful bench and location. There were probably 80 people present including politicians and serviceman past and present. Quite a few flags from many of the service organizations. A very honorable presentation. I was honored to represent the men of Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry, 2nd Brigade, 1st Air Cavalry Division with whom you served as Foward Observer. You served with with honor and the friendships you developed remain to this day. As soldiers we often refer to our 'Brothers', a band of brothers. I want you to know that no soldier has a better brother than you have in your brother Tim. Tim loves and misses you very much to this day. His speech in your honor today, showed his love, respect and enthusiasm for you. You must have been a special role model and big brother to Tim. Thank you for this. You may rest in peace knowing you are loved and missed and will never be forgoton by your friends and family and military brothers. Rest in Peace.
***
This information is posted, with the concurrance of Tim Bridgman, younger brother, of Cleave. It provides pertinent information about the battle on FSB Illingworth, that took CPT., Cleaveland Bridgman's life. It's the extract of orders, awarding him the Silver Star, for Valorous Action. In addition to the Silver Star, CPT., Bridgman also received, the Purple Heart and Air Medal, as a result of this conflict. Department, of the Army, Headquarters, 1st, Cavalry Division, (Airmobile) APO., San Francisco, 96490. General, Order Number, 6980, dated 1, May 1970, Award, of the Silver Star, 1. TC., 439. The following AWARD, is announced posthumously, BRIDGMAN, CLEAVELAND F. (SSN.) FIRST, LIEUTENANT, FIELD ARTILLERY, United States, Army, Battery, B, 1st, Battalion, (Airmobile) 77th, Artillery Awarded: Silver Star Medal, Date of action: 1, April 1970, Theater: Republic, of Vietnam Authority: By direction, of the President under the provisions, of the Act of Congress, approved, 9, July 1918, Reason: For gallantry in action, while engaged in military operations, involving conflict with an armed, hostile force, in the Republic, of Vietnam. First, Lieutenant, Bridgman distinguished himself, by valorous action, on 1, April 1070, while serving as fire, direction officer, in Fire Base, Illingworth, in the Republic, of Vietnam. When the base came, [under] intense rocket and mortar fire, the Tactical, Operations Center, took, a direct hit, knocking out all communications, with the firing elements, of the Battery. First, Lieutenant, Bridgman picked up, a radio and moved through, the impacting area to a position, where he could communicate with the firing, elements and adjust their fires. He continued, to adjust the artillery fires, even, when an enemy round impacted near-by, wounding him. His gallant action, was in keeping with the highest traditions, of the military service and reflects, great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army. For the commander: Official: Bruce B. Bingham, 1Lt., AGC., Asst., AG., E.C.Meyer, Colonel, GS., Chief of Staff, First, Lieutenant, Bridgman, was posthumously promoted, to Captain. During the months preceding the attack, on FSB., Illingworth, CPT., Bridgman was assigned to Battery, B, 1st, Battalion, 77th, Artillery Regiment, as a Forward Observer and then as a Fire, Direction Officer, in March of 1970. He supported Charlie, Company, 1st Battalion, 5th, Cavalry Regiment, 1st, Cavalry Division, (Airmobile) until late January, or early February. He then participated in several, artillery 'raids' and Rome, Plow Operations, in the Tay Ninh, Province, attached, to several other Cav., units. Sometime in February, he was attached for support, to Charlie, Company, 2nd, Battalion, 8th, Cavalry Regiment, along, with his Radio, Telephone Operator, Robert Lane. (also killed, during the battle, as Charlie, 2-8, Cav., was the base, perimeter, defense company) Finally, on 4, March, he came in, from the field and was assigned, to the Fire, Direction Center, of B/1-77, Artillery. He made a lot of friends, during his 6, months, in Vietnam, especially, with members, of C/1-5, Cav.. His former, Company Commander noted, that 'Cleave Bridgman, was my friend' and also referred, to him, as a 'smiling giant, of a man... our country has, lost a truly, remarkable man and I, have lost a friend.' He may be gone, but I know he will never be forgotten by his friends and family.
Feb 2, 2009
***
Knox College (Galesburg, Illinois) - graduated 1968
***
Captain
B Battery, 1st Battalion, 77th Artillery, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), USARV
21 August 1946 – 1 April 1970
Cleaveland Bridgman was born in Boston, Massachusetts to Dr Howard Allen Bridgman and Esther Campbell (Floyd) Bridgman. He graduated from Lexington (Massachusetts) High School where he was a member of wrestling, basketball, and track teams. A discus thrower, he was awarded the Dr. R. W. Arrett Memorial Track and Field Award.
Cleave entered Knox College in fall 1964. He was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon, Army ROTC, wrestling, and track/field. Cleave served as Scabbard & Blade president, class treasurer, K Club treasurer, TKE secretary, and freshman counselor. A History major, he graduated in 1968 and joined the US Army Reserve.
Transferred to active duty, and assigned to Fort Sill and then Fort Riley for training, Cleave went to Vietnam in August 1969 to serve as a field artillery unit commander.
On 1 April 1970, Cleave died of injuries suffered at Fire Support Base Illingworth, 6 km west/southwest of Thien Ngon airfield, Tay Ninh province, South Vietnam. His Silver Star Commendation reads,
When the base came under intense rocket and mortar fire the Tactical Operations Center took a direct hit, knocking out all communications with the firing elements of the Battery. 1st Lt Bridgman picked up a radio and moved through the impacting area to a position where he could communicate with the firing elements and adjust their fires even when an enemy round impacted nearby, wounding him. His gallant action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Awarded Silver Star, Purple Heart, Air Medal, National Order of Vietnam 5th Class, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with palm, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was rated Expert / Rifle and Expert / Automatic Rifle. Promoted posthumously to Captain.
Buried in Section 8, Lot 6987, Betony Path, Forest Hills Cemetery, Jamaica Plain, MA
Find A Grave – memorial 5109212
Vietnam Veterans Memorial - panel 12W / line 65
Cleave was survived by his wife, Gwendolyn (Tate) Bridgman '68, his parents, grandfather Dr Cleaveland Floyd, and brothers Howard, James, and Timothy. His family established a scholarship in his memory.
The BRIDGMAN TROPHY, established by members of his fraternity, goes to an outstanding performer in an individual sport.
January 2 2021
***
Fire Support Base Illingworth was a U.S. Army firebase located twenty-one miles northwest of Tay Ninh, approximately three miles from the Cambodian border. On April 1, 1970, the base was occupied by Companies C and E, 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry; B Battery, 5th Battalion, 2nd Artillery; A Battery, 1st Battalion, 30th Artillery; A Battery, 2nd Battalion, 32nd Artillery; and B Battery, 1st Battalion, 77th Artillery, comprising roughly 220 men. Ground surveillance radar detected strong movement outside the perimeter right before midnight, and at approximately 2:17 AM the North Vietnamese Army began pounding the base with over 300 rounds of mixed 122mm and 107mm rockets, 120mm, 82mm, and 60mm mortars, and 75mm recoilless rifle and B-40 rocket-propelled grenade rounds. Illingworth was then assaulted by a force of over 400 troops from the southwest. The enemy was engaged with unit weapons, artillery, aerial rocket artillery, night-illuminated "Nighthawk" attack helicopter sorties, and other air support. Fighting was fierce, particularly on the southwest portion of the firebase where friendly forces engaged the enemy in hand-to-hand combat in order to repel the assault. During the attack, an ammunition dump containing over 190 rounds of 8" ammunition exploded in a tremendous blast, destroying an 8" artillery gun and damaging radio antennas, rendering a temporary loss of communication. At 3:30 AM, the base was still receiving mortar and rocket fire although the ground attack had been broken. All incoming fire ceased at 4:30 AM, and search operations began. The attack resulted in twenty-five U.S. killed and fifty-eight wounded. The lost Americans included CPL Bobby L. Barker, PFC Thomas R. Bowen, CPT Cleaveland F. Bridgman, CPL Billy P. Carlisle, SSG Benjamin V. Childress Jr., SGT David G. Dragosavac, CPL Leroy J. Fasching, SGT Syriac Hebert Jr., SGT Robert A. Hill, SGT Kenneth R. Hodge, SGT Robert H. Lane Jr., SP4 David H. Lassen, CPL Nathan J. Mann, PFC Roger J. McInerny Jr., SP4 Thomas J. Murphy, CPL Michael R. Patterson, SGT Sidney E. Plattenburger, SGT Gerald W. Purdon, SP4 Terry L. Schell, CPL Klaus D. Schlieben, CPL John L. Smith, SGT Brent A. Street, SSG Lawrence E. Sutton, SGT Casey O. Waller, and SSG Steven J. Williams. Sixty-five NVA were killed and numerous weapons and equipment were captured. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and "Operational Report, Lessons Learned 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) for the Period Ending 30 April 1970" at ttu.edu]
Posthumous Certificate of Promotion / to Captain / issued by Department of the Army on 12 October 2000. Documentation from NPRC / National Personnel Records Center (part of National Archives, located in St Lous, Missouri)
**
age 23
Race: Caucasian
Sex: Male
Date of Birth Aug 21, 1946
From: SOUTH DARTMOUTH, MA
Religion: PROTESTANT
Marital Status: Married
CLEAVELAND FLOYD BRIDGMAN
1LT - O2 - Army - Reserve
1st Cav Division (AMBL)
Length of service 1 years
His tour began on Oct 14, 1969
Casualty was on Apr 1, 1970
In TAY NINH, SOUTH VIETNAM
HOSTILE, GROUND CASUALTY
ARTILLERY, ROCKET, or MORTAR
Body was recovered
Panel 12W - Line 65
***
A bench for you.
Dear Cleave Today (3/10/10) a beautiful stone bench was dedicated to you in Darthmouth, Massachusetts. It's at the head of the harbor within sight of your former home. It's got you name and honors inscribed on it. Very beautiful bench and location. There were probably 80 people present including politicians and serviceman past and present. Quite a few flags from many of the service organizations. A very honorable presentation. I was honored to represent the men of Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry, 2nd Brigade, 1st Air Cavalry Division with whom you served as Foward Observer. You served with with honor and the friendships you developed remain to this day. As soldiers we often refer to our 'Brothers', a band of brothers. I want you to know that no soldier has a better brother than you have in your brother Tim. Tim loves and misses you very much to this day. His speech in your honor today, showed his love, respect and enthusiasm for you. You must have been a special role model and big brother to Tim. Thank you for this. You may rest in peace knowing you are loved and missed and will never be forgoton by your friends and family and military brothers. Rest in Peace.
***
This information is posted, with the concurrance of Tim Bridgman, younger brother, of Cleave. It provides pertinent information about the battle on FSB Illingworth, that took CPT., Cleaveland Bridgman's life. It's the extract of orders, awarding him the Silver Star, for Valorous Action. In addition to the Silver Star, CPT., Bridgman also received, the Purple Heart and Air Medal, as a result of this conflict. Department, of the Army, Headquarters, 1st, Cavalry Division, (Airmobile) APO., San Francisco, 96490. General, Order Number, 6980, dated 1, May 1970, Award, of the Silver Star, 1. TC., 439. The following AWARD, is announced posthumously, BRIDGMAN, CLEAVELAND F. (SSN.) FIRST, LIEUTENANT, FIELD ARTILLERY, United States, Army, Battery, B, 1st, Battalion, (Airmobile) 77th, Artillery Awarded: Silver Star Medal, Date of action: 1, April 1970, Theater: Republic, of Vietnam Authority: By direction, of the President under the provisions, of the Act of Congress, approved, 9, July 1918, Reason: For gallantry in action, while engaged in military operations, involving conflict with an armed, hostile force, in the Republic, of Vietnam. First, Lieutenant, Bridgman distinguished himself, by valorous action, on 1, April 1070, while serving as fire, direction officer, in Fire Base, Illingworth, in the Republic, of Vietnam. When the base came, [under] intense rocket and mortar fire, the Tactical, Operations Center, took, a direct hit, knocking out all communications, with the firing elements, of the Battery. First, Lieutenant, Bridgman picked up, a radio and moved through, the impacting area to a position, where he could communicate with the firing, elements and adjust their fires. He continued, to adjust the artillery fires, even, when an enemy round impacted near-by, wounding him. His gallant action, was in keeping with the highest traditions, of the military service and reflects, great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army. For the commander: Official: Bruce B. Bingham, 1Lt., AGC., Asst., AG., E.C.Meyer, Colonel, GS., Chief of Staff, First, Lieutenant, Bridgman, was posthumously promoted, to Captain. During the months preceding the attack, on FSB., Illingworth, CPT., Bridgman was assigned to Battery, B, 1st, Battalion, 77th, Artillery Regiment, as a Forward Observer and then as a Fire, Direction Officer, in March of 1970. He supported Charlie, Company, 1st Battalion, 5th, Cavalry Regiment, 1st, Cavalry Division, (Airmobile) until late January, or early February. He then participated in several, artillery 'raids' and Rome, Plow Operations, in the Tay Ninh, Province, attached, to several other Cav., units. Sometime in February, he was attached for support, to Charlie, Company, 2nd, Battalion, 8th, Cavalry Regiment, along, with his Radio, Telephone Operator, Robert Lane. (also killed, during the battle, as Charlie, 2-8, Cav., was the base, perimeter, defense company) Finally, on 4, March, he came in, from the field and was assigned, to the Fire, Direction Center, of B/1-77, Artillery. He made a lot of friends, during his 6, months, in Vietnam, especially, with members, of C/1-5, Cav.. His former, Company Commander noted, that 'Cleave Bridgman, was my friend' and also referred, to him, as a 'smiling giant, of a man... our country has, lost a truly, remarkable man and I, have lost a friend.' He may be gone, but I know he will never be forgotten by his friends and family.
Feb 2, 2009
***
Knox College (Galesburg, Illinois) - graduated 1968
***
Captain
B Battery, 1st Battalion, 77th Artillery, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), USARV
21 August 1946 – 1 April 1970
Cleaveland Bridgman was born in Boston, Massachusetts to Dr Howard Allen Bridgman and Esther Campbell (Floyd) Bridgman. He graduated from Lexington (Massachusetts) High School where he was a member of wrestling, basketball, and track teams. A discus thrower, he was awarded the Dr. R. W. Arrett Memorial Track and Field Award.
Cleave entered Knox College in fall 1964. He was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon, Army ROTC, wrestling, and track/field. Cleave served as Scabbard & Blade president, class treasurer, K Club treasurer, TKE secretary, and freshman counselor. A History major, he graduated in 1968 and joined the US Army Reserve.
Transferred to active duty, and assigned to Fort Sill and then Fort Riley for training, Cleave went to Vietnam in August 1969 to serve as a field artillery unit commander.
On 1 April 1970, Cleave died of injuries suffered at Fire Support Base Illingworth, 6 km west/southwest of Thien Ngon airfield, Tay Ninh province, South Vietnam. His Silver Star Commendation reads,
When the base came under intense rocket and mortar fire the Tactical Operations Center took a direct hit, knocking out all communications with the firing elements of the Battery. 1st Lt Bridgman picked up a radio and moved through the impacting area to a position where he could communicate with the firing elements and adjust their fires even when an enemy round impacted nearby, wounding him. His gallant action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Awarded Silver Star, Purple Heart, Air Medal, National Order of Vietnam 5th Class, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with palm, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was rated Expert / Rifle and Expert / Automatic Rifle. Promoted posthumously to Captain.
Buried in Section 8, Lot 6987, Betony Path, Forest Hills Cemetery, Jamaica Plain, MA
Find A Grave – memorial 5109212
Vietnam Veterans Memorial - panel 12W / line 65
Cleave was survived by his wife, Gwendolyn (Tate) Bridgman '68, his parents, grandfather Dr Cleaveland Floyd, and brothers Howard, James, and Timothy. His family established a scholarship in his memory.
The BRIDGMAN TROPHY, established by members of his fraternity, goes to an outstanding performer in an individual sport.
January 2 2021
***
Fire Support Base Illingworth was a U.S. Army firebase located twenty-one miles northwest of Tay Ninh, approximately three miles from the Cambodian border. On April 1, 1970, the base was occupied by Companies C and E, 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry; B Battery, 5th Battalion, 2nd Artillery; A Battery, 1st Battalion, 30th Artillery; A Battery, 2nd Battalion, 32nd Artillery; and B Battery, 1st Battalion, 77th Artillery, comprising roughly 220 men. Ground surveillance radar detected strong movement outside the perimeter right before midnight, and at approximately 2:17 AM the North Vietnamese Army began pounding the base with over 300 rounds of mixed 122mm and 107mm rockets, 120mm, 82mm, and 60mm mortars, and 75mm recoilless rifle and B-40 rocket-propelled grenade rounds. Illingworth was then assaulted by a force of over 400 troops from the southwest. The enemy was engaged with unit weapons, artillery, aerial rocket artillery, night-illuminated "Nighthawk" attack helicopter sorties, and other air support. Fighting was fierce, particularly on the southwest portion of the firebase where friendly forces engaged the enemy in hand-to-hand combat in order to repel the assault. During the attack, an ammunition dump containing over 190 rounds of 8" ammunition exploded in a tremendous blast, destroying an 8" artillery gun and damaging radio antennas, rendering a temporary loss of communication. At 3:30 AM, the base was still receiving mortar and rocket fire although the ground attack had been broken. All incoming fire ceased at 4:30 AM, and search operations began. The attack resulted in twenty-five U.S. killed and fifty-eight wounded. The lost Americans included CPL Bobby L. Barker, PFC Thomas R. Bowen, CPT Cleaveland F. Bridgman, CPL Billy P. Carlisle, SSG Benjamin V. Childress Jr., SGT David G. Dragosavac, CPL Leroy J. Fasching, SGT Syriac Hebert Jr., SGT Robert A. Hill, SGT Kenneth R. Hodge, SGT Robert H. Lane Jr., SP4 David H. Lassen, CPL Nathan J. Mann, PFC Roger J. McInerny Jr., SP4 Thomas J. Murphy, CPL Michael R. Patterson, SGT Sidney E. Plattenburger, SGT Gerald W. Purdon, SP4 Terry L. Schell, CPL Klaus D. Schlieben, CPL John L. Smith, SGT Brent A. Street, SSG Lawrence E. Sutton, SGT Casey O. Waller, and SSG Steven J. Williams. Sixty-five NVA were killed and numerous weapons and equipment were captured. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and "Operational Report, Lessons Learned 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) for the Period Ending 30 April 1970" at ttu.edu]
Cenotaph
Posthumous Certificate of Promotion / to Captain / issued by Department of the Army on 12 October 2000. Documentation from NPRC / National Personnel Records Center (part of National Archives, located in St Lous, Missouri)
**
age 23
Race: Caucasian
Sex: Male
Date of Birth Aug 21, 1946
From: SOUTH DARTMOUTH, MA
Religion: PROTESTANT
Marital Status: Married
CLEAVELAND FLOYD BRIDGMAN
1LT - O2 - Army - Reserve
1st Cav Division (AMBL)
Length of service 1 years
His tour began on Oct 14, 1969
Casualty was on Apr 1, 1970
In TAY NINH, SOUTH VIETNAM
HOSTILE, GROUND CASUALTY
ARTILLERY, ROCKET, or MORTAR
Body was recovered
Panel 12W - Line 65
***
A bench for you.
Dear Cleave Today (3/10/10) a beautiful stone bench was dedicated to you in Darthmouth, Massachusetts. It's at the head of the harbor within sight of your former home. It's got you name and honors inscribed on it. Very beautiful bench and location. There were probably 80 people present including politicians and serviceman past and present. Quite a few flags from many of the service organizations. A very honorable presentation. I was honored to represent the men of Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry, 2nd Brigade, 1st Air Cavalry Division with whom you served as Foward Observer. You served with with honor and the friendships you developed remain to this day. As soldiers we often refer to our 'Brothers', a band of brothers. I want you to know that no soldier has a better brother than you have in your brother Tim. Tim loves and misses you very much to this day. His speech in your honor today, showed his love, respect and enthusiasm for you. You must have been a special role model and big brother to Tim. Thank you for this. You may rest in peace knowing you are loved and missed and will never be forgoton by your friends and family and military brothers. Rest in Peace.
***
This information is posted, with the concurrance of Tim Bridgman, younger brother, of Cleave. It provides pertinent information about the battle on FSB Illingworth, that took CPT., Cleaveland Bridgman's life. It's the extract of orders, awarding him the Silver Star, for Valorous Action. In addition to the Silver Star, CPT., Bridgman also received, the Purple Heart and Air Medal, as a result of this conflict. Department, of the Army, Headquarters, 1st, Cavalry Division, (Airmobile) APO., San Francisco, 96490. General, Order Number, 6980, dated 1, May 1970, Award, of the Silver Star, 1. TC., 439. The following AWARD, is announced posthumously, BRIDGMAN, CLEAVELAND F. (SSN.) FIRST, LIEUTENANT, FIELD ARTILLERY, United States, Army, Battery, B, 1st, Battalion, (Airmobile) 77th, Artillery Awarded: Silver Star Medal, Date of action: 1, April 1970, Theater: Republic, of Vietnam Authority: By direction, of the President under the provisions, of the Act of Congress, approved, 9, July 1918, Reason: For gallantry in action, while engaged in military operations, involving conflict with an armed, hostile force, in the Republic, of Vietnam. First, Lieutenant, Bridgman distinguished himself, by valorous action, on 1, April 1070, while serving as fire, direction officer, in Fire Base, Illingworth, in the Republic, of Vietnam. When the base came, [under] intense rocket and mortar fire, the Tactical, Operations Center, took, a direct hit, knocking out all communications, with the firing elements, of the Battery. First, Lieutenant, Bridgman picked up, a radio and moved through, the impacting area to a position, where he could communicate with the firing, elements and adjust their fires. He continued, to adjust the artillery fires, even, when an enemy round impacted near-by, wounding him. His gallant action, was in keeping with the highest traditions, of the military service and reflects, great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army. For the commander: Official: Bruce B. Bingham, 1Lt., AGC., Asst., AG., E.C.Meyer, Colonel, GS., Chief of Staff, First, Lieutenant, Bridgman, was posthumously promoted, to Captain. During the months preceding the attack, on FSB., Illingworth, CPT., Bridgman was assigned to Battery, B, 1st, Battalion, 77th, Artillery Regiment, as a Forward Observer and then as a Fire, Direction Officer, in March of 1970. He supported Charlie, Company, 1st Battalion, 5th, Cavalry Regiment, 1st, Cavalry Division, (Airmobile) until late January, or early February. He then participated in several, artillery 'raids' and Rome, Plow Operations, in the Tay Ninh, Province, attached, to several other Cav., units. Sometime in February, he was attached for support, to Charlie, Company, 2nd, Battalion, 8th, Cavalry Regiment, along, with his Radio, Telephone Operator, Robert Lane. (also killed, during the battle, as Charlie, 2-8, Cav., was the base, perimeter, defense company) Finally, on 4, March, he came in, from the field and was assigned, to the Fire, Direction Center, of B/1-77, Artillery. He made a lot of friends, during his 6, months, in Vietnam, especially, with members, of C/1-5, Cav.. His former, Company Commander noted, that 'Cleave Bridgman, was my friend' and also referred, to him, as a 'smiling giant, of a man... our country has, lost a truly, remarkable man and I, have lost a friend.' He may be gone, but I know he will never be forgotten by his friends and family.
Feb 2, 2009
***
Knox College (Galesburg, Illinois) - graduated 1968
***
Captain
B Battery, 1st Battalion, 77th Artillery, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), USARV
21 August 1946 – 1 April 1970
Cleaveland Bridgman was born in Boston, Massachusetts to Dr Howard Allen Bridgman and Esther Campbell (Floyd) Bridgman. He graduated from Lexington (Massachusetts) High School where he was a member of wrestling, basketball, and track teams. A discus thrower, he was awarded the Dr. R. W. Arrett Memorial Track and Field Award.
Cleave entered Knox College in fall 1964. He was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon, Army ROTC, wrestling, and track/field. Cleave served as Scabbard & Blade president, class treasurer, K Club treasurer, TKE secretary, and freshman counselor. A History major, he graduated in 1968 and joined the US Army Reserve.
Transferred to active duty, and assigned to Fort Sill and then Fort Riley for training, Cleave went to Vietnam in August 1969 to serve as a field artillery unit commander.
On 1 April 1970, Cleave died of injuries suffered at Fire Support Base Illingworth, 6 km west/southwest of Thien Ngon airfield, Tay Ninh province, South Vietnam. His Silver Star Commendation reads,
When the base came under intense rocket and mortar fire the Tactical Operations Center took a direct hit, knocking out all communications with the firing elements of the Battery. 1st Lt Bridgman picked up a radio and moved through the impacting area to a position where he could communicate with the firing elements and adjust their fires even when an enemy round impacted nearby, wounding him. His gallant action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Awarded Silver Star, Purple Heart, Air Medal, National Order of Vietnam 5th Class, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with palm, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was rated Expert / Rifle and Expert / Automatic Rifle. Promoted posthumously to Captain.
Buried in Section 8, Lot 6987, Betony Path, Forest Hills Cemetery, Jamaica Plain, MA
Find A Grave – memorial 5109212
Vietnam Veterans Memorial - panel 12W / line 65
Cleave was survived by his wife, Gwendolyn (Tate) Bridgman '68, his parents, grandfather Dr Cleaveland Floyd, and brothers Howard, James, and Timothy. His family established a scholarship in his memory.
The BRIDGMAN TROPHY, established by members of his fraternity, goes to an outstanding performer in an individual sport.
January 2 2021
***
Fire Support Base Illingworth was a U.S. Army firebase located twenty-one miles northwest of Tay Ninh, approximately three miles from the Cambodian border. On April 1, 1970, the base was occupied by Companies C and E, 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry; B Battery, 5th Battalion, 2nd Artillery; A Battery, 1st Battalion, 30th Artillery; A Battery, 2nd Battalion, 32nd Artillery; and B Battery, 1st Battalion, 77th Artillery, comprising roughly 220 men. Ground surveillance radar detected strong movement outside the perimeter right before midnight, and at approximately 2:17 AM the North Vietnamese Army began pounding the base with over 300 rounds of mixed 122mm and 107mm rockets, 120mm, 82mm, and 60mm mortars, and 75mm recoilless rifle and B-40 rocket-propelled grenade rounds. Illingworth was then assaulted by a force of over 400 troops from the southwest. The enemy was engaged with unit weapons, artillery, aerial rocket artillery, night-illuminated "Nighthawk" attack helicopter sorties, and other air support. Fighting was fierce, particularly on the southwest portion of the firebase where friendly forces engaged the enemy in hand-to-hand combat in order to repel the assault. During the attack, an ammunition dump containing over 190 rounds of 8" ammunition exploded in a tremendous blast, destroying an 8" artillery gun and damaging radio antennas, rendering a temporary loss of communication. At 3:30 AM, the base was still receiving mortar and rocket fire although the ground attack had been broken. All incoming fire ceased at 4:30 AM, and search operations began. The attack resulted in twenty-five U.S. killed and fifty-eight wounded. The lost Americans included CPL Bobby L. Barker, PFC Thomas R. Bowen, CPT Cleaveland F. Bridgman, CPL Billy P. Carlisle, SSG Benjamin V. Childress Jr., SGT David G. Dragosavac, CPL Leroy J. Fasching, SGT Syriac Hebert Jr., SGT Robert A. Hill, SGT Kenneth R. Hodge, SGT Robert H. Lane Jr., SP4 David H. Lassen, CPL Nathan J. Mann, PFC Roger J. McInerny Jr., SP4 Thomas J. Murphy, CPL Michael R. Patterson, SGT Sidney E. Plattenburger, SGT Gerald W. Purdon, SP4 Terry L. Schell, CPL Klaus D. Schlieben, CPL John L. Smith, SGT Brent A. Street, SSG Lawrence E. Sutton, SGT Casey O. Waller, and SSG Steven J. Williams. Sixty-five NVA were killed and numerous weapons and equipment were captured. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and "Operational Report, Lessons Learned 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) for the Period Ending 30 April 1970" at ttu.edu]
Posthumous Certificate of Promotion / to Captain / issued by Department of the Army on 12 October 2000. Documentation from NPRC / National Personnel Records Center (part of National Archives, located in St Lous, Missouri)
**
age 23
Race: Caucasian
Sex: Male
Date of Birth Aug 21, 1946
From: SOUTH DARTMOUTH, MA
Religion: PROTESTANT
Marital Status: Married
CLEAVELAND FLOYD BRIDGMAN
1LT - O2 - Army - Reserve
1st Cav Division (AMBL)
Length of service 1 years
His tour began on Oct 14, 1969
Casualty was on Apr 1, 1970
In TAY NINH, SOUTH VIETNAM
HOSTILE, GROUND CASUALTY
ARTILLERY, ROCKET, or MORTAR
Body was recovered
Panel 12W - Line 65
***
A bench for you.
Dear Cleave Today (3/10/10) a beautiful stone bench was dedicated to you in Darthmouth, Massachusetts. It's at the head of the harbor within sight of your former home. It's got you name and honors inscribed on it. Very beautiful bench and location. There were probably 80 people present including politicians and serviceman past and present. Quite a few flags from many of the service organizations. A very honorable presentation. I was honored to represent the men of Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry, 2nd Brigade, 1st Air Cavalry Division with whom you served as Foward Observer. You served with with honor and the friendships you developed remain to this day. As soldiers we often refer to our 'Brothers', a band of brothers. I want you to know that no soldier has a better brother than you have in your brother Tim. Tim loves and misses you very much to this day. His speech in your honor today, showed his love, respect and enthusiasm for you. You must have been a special role model and big brother to Tim. Thank you for this. You may rest in peace knowing you are loved and missed and will never be forgoton by your friends and family and military brothers. Rest in Peace.
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This information is posted, with the concurrance of Tim Bridgman, younger brother, of Cleave. It provides pertinent information about the battle on FSB Illingworth, that took CPT., Cleaveland Bridgman's life. It's the extract of orders, awarding him the Silver Star, for Valorous Action. In addition to the Silver Star, CPT., Bridgman also received, the Purple Heart and Air Medal, as a result of this conflict. Department, of the Army, Headquarters, 1st, Cavalry Division, (Airmobile) APO., San Francisco, 96490. General, Order Number, 6980, dated 1, May 1970, Award, of the Silver Star, 1. TC., 439. The following AWARD, is announced posthumously, BRIDGMAN, CLEAVELAND F. (SSN.) FIRST, LIEUTENANT, FIELD ARTILLERY, United States, Army, Battery, B, 1st, Battalion, (Airmobile) 77th, Artillery Awarded: Silver Star Medal, Date of action: 1, April 1970, Theater: Republic, of Vietnam Authority: By direction, of the President under the provisions, of the Act of Congress, approved, 9, July 1918, Reason: For gallantry in action, while engaged in military operations, involving conflict with an armed, hostile force, in the Republic, of Vietnam. First, Lieutenant, Bridgman distinguished himself, by valorous action, on 1, April 1070, while serving as fire, direction officer, in Fire Base, Illingworth, in the Republic, of Vietnam. When the base came, [under] intense rocket and mortar fire, the Tactical, Operations Center, took, a direct hit, knocking out all communications, with the firing elements, of the Battery. First, Lieutenant, Bridgman picked up, a radio and moved through, the impacting area to a position, where he could communicate with the firing, elements and adjust their fires. He continued, to adjust the artillery fires, even, when an enemy round impacted near-by, wounding him. His gallant action, was in keeping with the highest traditions, of the military service and reflects, great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army. For the commander: Official: Bruce B. Bingham, 1Lt., AGC., Asst., AG., E.C.Meyer, Colonel, GS., Chief of Staff, First, Lieutenant, Bridgman, was posthumously promoted, to Captain. During the months preceding the attack, on FSB., Illingworth, CPT., Bridgman was assigned to Battery, B, 1st, Battalion, 77th, Artillery Regiment, as a Forward Observer and then as a Fire, Direction Officer, in March of 1970. He supported Charlie, Company, 1st Battalion, 5th, Cavalry Regiment, 1st, Cavalry Division, (Airmobile) until late January, or early February. He then participated in several, artillery 'raids' and Rome, Plow Operations, in the Tay Ninh, Province, attached, to several other Cav., units. Sometime in February, he was attached for support, to Charlie, Company, 2nd, Battalion, 8th, Cavalry Regiment, along, with his Radio, Telephone Operator, Robert Lane. (also killed, during the battle, as Charlie, 2-8, Cav., was the base, perimeter, defense company) Finally, on 4, March, he came in, from the field and was assigned, to the Fire, Direction Center, of B/1-77, Artillery. He made a lot of friends, during his 6, months, in Vietnam, especially, with members, of C/1-5, Cav.. His former, Company Commander noted, that 'Cleave Bridgman, was my friend' and also referred, to him, as a 'smiling giant, of a man... our country has, lost a truly, remarkable man and I, have lost a friend.' He may be gone, but I know he will never be forgotten by his friends and family.
Feb 2, 2009
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Knox College (Galesburg, Illinois) - graduated 1968
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Captain
B Battery, 1st Battalion, 77th Artillery, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), USARV
21 August 1946 – 1 April 1970
Cleaveland Bridgman was born in Boston, Massachusetts to Dr Howard Allen Bridgman and Esther Campbell (Floyd) Bridgman. He graduated from Lexington (Massachusetts) High School where he was a member of wrestling, basketball, and track teams. A discus thrower, he was awarded the Dr. R. W. Arrett Memorial Track and Field Award.
Cleave entered Knox College in fall 1964. He was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon, Army ROTC, wrestling, and track/field. Cleave served as Scabbard & Blade president, class treasurer, K Club treasurer, TKE secretary, and freshman counselor. A History major, he graduated in 1968 and joined the US Army Reserve.
Transferred to active duty, and assigned to Fort Sill and then Fort Riley for training, Cleave went to Vietnam in August 1969 to serve as a field artillery unit commander.
On 1 April 1970, Cleave died of injuries suffered at Fire Support Base Illingworth, 6 km west/southwest of Thien Ngon airfield, Tay Ninh province, South Vietnam. His Silver Star Commendation reads,
When the base came under intense rocket and mortar fire the Tactical Operations Center took a direct hit, knocking out all communications with the firing elements of the Battery. 1st Lt Bridgman picked up a radio and moved through the impacting area to a position where he could communicate with the firing elements and adjust their fires even when an enemy round impacted nearby, wounding him. His gallant action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Awarded Silver Star, Purple Heart, Air Medal, National Order of Vietnam 5th Class, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with palm, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was rated Expert / Rifle and Expert / Automatic Rifle. Promoted posthumously to Captain.
Buried in Section 8, Lot 6987, Betony Path, Forest Hills Cemetery, Jamaica Plain, MA
Find A Grave – memorial 5109212
Vietnam Veterans Memorial - panel 12W / line 65
Cleave was survived by his wife, Gwendolyn (Tate) Bridgman '68, his parents, grandfather Dr Cleaveland Floyd, and brothers Howard, James, and Timothy. His family established a scholarship in his memory.
The BRIDGMAN TROPHY, established by members of his fraternity, goes to an outstanding performer in an individual sport.
January 2 2021
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Fire Support Base Illingworth was a U.S. Army firebase located twenty-one miles northwest of Tay Ninh, approximately three miles from the Cambodian border. On April 1, 1970, the base was occupied by Companies C and E, 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry; B Battery, 5th Battalion, 2nd Artillery; A Battery, 1st Battalion, 30th Artillery; A Battery, 2nd Battalion, 32nd Artillery; and B Battery, 1st Battalion, 77th Artillery, comprising roughly 220 men. Ground surveillance radar detected strong movement outside the perimeter right before midnight, and at approximately 2:17 AM the North Vietnamese Army began pounding the base with over 300 rounds of mixed 122mm and 107mm rockets, 120mm, 82mm, and 60mm mortars, and 75mm recoilless rifle and B-40 rocket-propelled grenade rounds. Illingworth was then assaulted by a force of over 400 troops from the southwest. The enemy was engaged with unit weapons, artillery, aerial rocket artillery, night-illuminated "Nighthawk" attack helicopter sorties, and other air support. Fighting was fierce, particularly on the southwest portion of the firebase where friendly forces engaged the enemy in hand-to-hand combat in order to repel the assault. During the attack, an ammunition dump containing over 190 rounds of 8" ammunition exploded in a tremendous blast, destroying an 8" artillery gun and damaging radio antennas, rendering a temporary loss of communication. At 3:30 AM, the base was still receiving mortar and rocket fire although the ground attack had been broken. All incoming fire ceased at 4:30 AM, and search operations began. The attack resulted in twenty-five U.S. killed and fifty-eight wounded. The lost Americans included CPL Bobby L. Barker, PFC Thomas R. Bowen, CPT Cleaveland F. Bridgman, CPL Billy P. Carlisle, SSG Benjamin V. Childress Jr., SGT David G. Dragosavac, CPL Leroy J. Fasching, SGT Syriac Hebert Jr., SGT Robert A. Hill, SGT Kenneth R. Hodge, SGT Robert H. Lane Jr., SP4 David H. Lassen, CPL Nathan J. Mann, PFC Roger J. McInerny Jr., SP4 Thomas J. Murphy, CPL Michael R. Patterson, SGT Sidney E. Plattenburger, SGT Gerald W. Purdon, SP4 Terry L. Schell, CPL Klaus D. Schlieben, CPL John L. Smith, SGT Brent A. Street, SSG Lawrence E. Sutton, SGT Casey O. Waller, and SSG Steven J. Williams. Sixty-five NVA were killed and numerous weapons and equipment were captured. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and "Operational Report, Lessons Learned 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) for the Period Ending 30 April 1970" at ttu.edu]
