US Marine Cpl William Andrew Buck Jr, Vietnam Veteran, Native of Fayetteville, NC.
US Marine Corporal William Andrew Buck Jr, was a casualty of the Vietnam War. As a member of the Marine Corps, CPL Buck served our country until June 4th, 1969 in Quang Tri, South Vietnam. He was 21 years old and was not married. William died from an undetermined explosion. His body was recovered. William was born on June 5th, 1947 in Fayetteville, North Carolina. CPL Buck is on panel 23W, line 061 of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. He served our country for 2 years. He is buried alongside his Father, a World War II Veteran and Korean War Veteran.
Billy, I surely have missed you these last 37 years brother. I just got back from the Battalion reunion and you and team Flight Time were remembered as we always do at these events. Not a day goes by that I do not think of that fateful night and that I could do nothing to help. It will always be with me but I know you know that I would have come to your aid if they would have let me. You will always be a hero in my thoughts. Jim Flathers.
Well buddy, it has been 37 years now since me, you, and Larry Kuenzer stayed up 3 days partying. We had no idea that would be the last time we would see you. I'll never forget when you told me that you were going back over for another tour. I begged you not to go, but I fully understand why you went back. It still haunts me to know you fought and died on the very same hill that I took you on when you first got to Nam. I still can't accept what took place that nite. Maybe if we were together, things would be different. All I know is that I wish to God I was with you guys on that fateful night. It took them a while, but you now have the greatest memorial in the land. It's overwhelming to see all the names, the people, and the emotions. We are so very proud of you. I just came back from 3rd Recon's Reunion, and as always, they held a beautiful tribute to all the members of your team, "Flight Time". We love and miss each and every one of you. Keep the watch my brother and I'll see you again someday at our "Final Harborsite" in the sky. SEMPER FI Shortround, Steve Shircliff
I remember Billy as a really nice guy a year ahead of me at Fayetteville Senior High. Billy was a sharp dresser and always had a mischeivious smile. I have thought of him many times over the years. I have been to DC and saw his name on the wall. Billy even after all these years your memory brings a smile to my face. May God keep you in His love forever. Tim Saunders
High School Sweetheart. A strong, handsome young man forever. Billy was my first friend when my father was transferred to Fort Bragg, NC. Billy had beautiful eyes and a wonderful smile. He loved to swim and had great hopes of being in the Olympics. He was also on the track team and he would sometimes run from his home to mine ( a distance of several miles) just for the sheer joy of running. Billy had a true sense of style and was always well dressed. In the summertime he was a lifeguard at the base pool and at summer camp in the North Carolina mountains. Billy was our Youth Minister one Sunday at Bonnie Doone Baptist Church in Fayetteville. He had a strong faith and it was one of his special qualities. I can still see him so clearly in my mind and though I have visited the monument in D.C. several times it is hard to believe he died so long ago. We spent time at Wrightsville Beach and at Cherry Grove in Myrtle Beach and those great summer days will always remind me of being with Billy and being young and carefree. As long as you hold someone in your heart and mind they live on forever. Elaine Bodiford Chartier,
On 02 June 1969 Recon Team "Flight Time" from D Company, 3rd Recon Battalion, was inserted on Hill 471 about a kilometer south of Khe Sanh. On the night of 03/04 June 1969 the team was attacked by an enemy force and requested both emergency extraction and immediate reinforcement. Communications with the team were lost at 0320. When the reactionary force arrived a little after 0400 they were too late ... the six members of "Flight Time" were dead. Five members of the team were in a small trench; the sixth, Cpl Buck, was approximately 10 meters further down the hillside. It was apparent from the state of the battle area that "Flight Time" had been overwhelmed in fierce hand-to-hand combat. The six team members are below:
CPL Buck was killed along with Five other Marines(See Attached Links):
US Marine 1LT Michael M O'Connor
US Marine CPL William M Wellman
US Marine LCpl Douglas W Barnitz
US Marine PFC Robert Leslie Pearcy
US Marine PFC Harold A Skaggs
He served with Delta Company, 3rd Recon Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, 3rd Marine Amphibious Forces, US Marine Corps Vietnam.
He was awarded The Combat Action Ribbon(CAR), The Purple Heart Medal for his combat related wounds, The Vietnam Service Medal, The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Service Medal, The National Defense Service Medal and The Good Conduct Medal.
US Marine Corporal William Andrew Buck Jr, was a casualty of the Vietnam War. As a member of the Marine Corps, CPL Buck served our country until June 4th, 1969 in Quang Tri, South Vietnam. He was 21 years old and was not married. William died from an undetermined explosion. His body was recovered. William was born on June 5th, 1947 in Fayetteville, North Carolina. CPL Buck is on panel 23W, line 061 of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. He served our country for 2 years. He is buried alongside his Father, a World War II Veteran and Korean War Veteran.
Billy, I surely have missed you these last 37 years brother. I just got back from the Battalion reunion and you and team Flight Time were remembered as we always do at these events. Not a day goes by that I do not think of that fateful night and that I could do nothing to help. It will always be with me but I know you know that I would have come to your aid if they would have let me. You will always be a hero in my thoughts. Jim Flathers.
Well buddy, it has been 37 years now since me, you, and Larry Kuenzer stayed up 3 days partying. We had no idea that would be the last time we would see you. I'll never forget when you told me that you were going back over for another tour. I begged you not to go, but I fully understand why you went back. It still haunts me to know you fought and died on the very same hill that I took you on when you first got to Nam. I still can't accept what took place that nite. Maybe if we were together, things would be different. All I know is that I wish to God I was with you guys on that fateful night. It took them a while, but you now have the greatest memorial in the land. It's overwhelming to see all the names, the people, and the emotions. We are so very proud of you. I just came back from 3rd Recon's Reunion, and as always, they held a beautiful tribute to all the members of your team, "Flight Time". We love and miss each and every one of you. Keep the watch my brother and I'll see you again someday at our "Final Harborsite" in the sky. SEMPER FI Shortround, Steve Shircliff
I remember Billy as a really nice guy a year ahead of me at Fayetteville Senior High. Billy was a sharp dresser and always had a mischeivious smile. I have thought of him many times over the years. I have been to DC and saw his name on the wall. Billy even after all these years your memory brings a smile to my face. May God keep you in His love forever. Tim Saunders
High School Sweetheart. A strong, handsome young man forever. Billy was my first friend when my father was transferred to Fort Bragg, NC. Billy had beautiful eyes and a wonderful smile. He loved to swim and had great hopes of being in the Olympics. He was also on the track team and he would sometimes run from his home to mine ( a distance of several miles) just for the sheer joy of running. Billy had a true sense of style and was always well dressed. In the summertime he was a lifeguard at the base pool and at summer camp in the North Carolina mountains. Billy was our Youth Minister one Sunday at Bonnie Doone Baptist Church in Fayetteville. He had a strong faith and it was one of his special qualities. I can still see him so clearly in my mind and though I have visited the monument in D.C. several times it is hard to believe he died so long ago. We spent time at Wrightsville Beach and at Cherry Grove in Myrtle Beach and those great summer days will always remind me of being with Billy and being young and carefree. As long as you hold someone in your heart and mind they live on forever. Elaine Bodiford Chartier,
On 02 June 1969 Recon Team "Flight Time" from D Company, 3rd Recon Battalion, was inserted on Hill 471 about a kilometer south of Khe Sanh. On the night of 03/04 June 1969 the team was attacked by an enemy force and requested both emergency extraction and immediate reinforcement. Communications with the team were lost at 0320. When the reactionary force arrived a little after 0400 they were too late ... the six members of "Flight Time" were dead. Five members of the team were in a small trench; the sixth, Cpl Buck, was approximately 10 meters further down the hillside. It was apparent from the state of the battle area that "Flight Time" had been overwhelmed in fierce hand-to-hand combat. The six team members are below:
CPL Buck was killed along with Five other Marines(See Attached Links):
US Marine 1LT Michael M O'Connor
US Marine CPL William M Wellman
US Marine LCpl Douglas W Barnitz
US Marine PFC Robert Leslie Pearcy
US Marine PFC Harold A Skaggs
He served with Delta Company, 3rd Recon Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, 3rd Marine Amphibious Forces, US Marine Corps Vietnam.
He was awarded The Combat Action Ribbon(CAR), The Purple Heart Medal for his combat related wounds, The Vietnam Service Medal, The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Service Medal, The National Defense Service Medal and The Good Conduct Medal.
US Marine Cpl William Andrew Buck Jr, Vietnam Veteran, Native of Fayetteville, NC.
US Marine Corporal William Andrew Buck Jr, was a casualty of the Vietnam War. As a member of the Marine Corps, CPL Buck served our country until June 4th, 1969 in Quang Tri, South Vietnam. He was 21 years old and was not married. William died from an undetermined explosion. His body was recovered. William was born on June 5th, 1947 in Fayetteville, North Carolina. CPL Buck is on panel 23W, line 061 of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. He served our country for 2 years. He is buried alongside his Father, a World War II Veteran and Korean War Veteran.
Billy, I surely have missed you these last 37 years brother. I just got back from the Battalion reunion and you and team Flight Time were remembered as we always do at these events. Not a day goes by that I do not think of that fateful night and that I could do nothing to help. It will always be with me but I know you know that I would have come to your aid if they would have let me. You will always be a hero in my thoughts. Jim Flathers.
Well buddy, it has been 37 years now since me, you, and Larry Kuenzer stayed up 3 days partying. We had no idea that would be the last time we would see you. I'll never forget when you told me that you were going back over for another tour. I begged you not to go, but I fully understand why you went back. It still haunts me to know you fought and died on the very same hill that I took you on when you first got to Nam. I still can't accept what took place that nite. Maybe if we were together, things would be different. All I know is that I wish to God I was with you guys on that fateful night. It took them a while, but you now have the greatest memorial in the land. It's overwhelming to see all the names, the people, and the emotions. We are so very proud of you. I just came back from 3rd Recon's Reunion, and as always, they held a beautiful tribute to all the members of your team, "Flight Time". We love and miss each and every one of you. Keep the watch my brother and I'll see you again someday at our "Final Harborsite" in the sky. SEMPER FI Shortround, Steve Shircliff
I remember Billy as a really nice guy a year ahead of me at Fayetteville Senior High. Billy was a sharp dresser and always had a mischeivious smile. I have thought of him many times over the years. I have been to DC and saw his name on the wall. Billy even after all these years your memory brings a smile to my face. May God keep you in His love forever. Tim Saunders
High School Sweetheart. A strong, handsome young man forever. Billy was my first friend when my father was transferred to Fort Bragg, NC. Billy had beautiful eyes and a wonderful smile. He loved to swim and had great hopes of being in the Olympics. He was also on the track team and he would sometimes run from his home to mine ( a distance of several miles) just for the sheer joy of running. Billy had a true sense of style and was always well dressed. In the summertime he was a lifeguard at the base pool and at summer camp in the North Carolina mountains. Billy was our Youth Minister one Sunday at Bonnie Doone Baptist Church in Fayetteville. He had a strong faith and it was one of his special qualities. I can still see him so clearly in my mind and though I have visited the monument in D.C. several times it is hard to believe he died so long ago. We spent time at Wrightsville Beach and at Cherry Grove in Myrtle Beach and those great summer days will always remind me of being with Billy and being young and carefree. As long as you hold someone in your heart and mind they live on forever. Elaine Bodiford Chartier,
On 02 June 1969 Recon Team "Flight Time" from D Company, 3rd Recon Battalion, was inserted on Hill 471 about a kilometer south of Khe Sanh. On the night of 03/04 June 1969 the team was attacked by an enemy force and requested both emergency extraction and immediate reinforcement. Communications with the team were lost at 0320. When the reactionary force arrived a little after 0400 they were too late ... the six members of "Flight Time" were dead. Five members of the team were in a small trench; the sixth, Cpl Buck, was approximately 10 meters further down the hillside. It was apparent from the state of the battle area that "Flight Time" had been overwhelmed in fierce hand-to-hand combat. The six team members are below:
CPL Buck was killed along with Five other Marines(See Attached Links):
US Marine 1LT Michael M O'Connor
US Marine CPL William M Wellman
US Marine LCpl Douglas W Barnitz
US Marine PFC Robert Leslie Pearcy
US Marine PFC Harold A Skaggs
He served with Delta Company, 3rd Recon Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, 3rd Marine Amphibious Forces, US Marine Corps Vietnam.
He was awarded The Combat Action Ribbon(CAR), The Purple Heart Medal for his combat related wounds, The Vietnam Service Medal, The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Service Medal, The National Defense Service Medal and The Good Conduct Medal.
US Marine Corporal William Andrew Buck Jr, was a casualty of the Vietnam War. As a member of the Marine Corps, CPL Buck served our country until June 4th, 1969 in Quang Tri, South Vietnam. He was 21 years old and was not married. William died from an undetermined explosion. His body was recovered. William was born on June 5th, 1947 in Fayetteville, North Carolina. CPL Buck is on panel 23W, line 061 of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. He served our country for 2 years. He is buried alongside his Father, a World War II Veteran and Korean War Veteran.
Billy, I surely have missed you these last 37 years brother. I just got back from the Battalion reunion and you and team Flight Time were remembered as we always do at these events. Not a day goes by that I do not think of that fateful night and that I could do nothing to help. It will always be with me but I know you know that I would have come to your aid if they would have let me. You will always be a hero in my thoughts. Jim Flathers.
Well buddy, it has been 37 years now since me, you, and Larry Kuenzer stayed up 3 days partying. We had no idea that would be the last time we would see you. I'll never forget when you told me that you were going back over for another tour. I begged you not to go, but I fully understand why you went back. It still haunts me to know you fought and died on the very same hill that I took you on when you first got to Nam. I still can't accept what took place that nite. Maybe if we were together, things would be different. All I know is that I wish to God I was with you guys on that fateful night. It took them a while, but you now have the greatest memorial in the land. It's overwhelming to see all the names, the people, and the emotions. We are so very proud of you. I just came back from 3rd Recon's Reunion, and as always, they held a beautiful tribute to all the members of your team, "Flight Time". We love and miss each and every one of you. Keep the watch my brother and I'll see you again someday at our "Final Harborsite" in the sky. SEMPER FI Shortround, Steve Shircliff
I remember Billy as a really nice guy a year ahead of me at Fayetteville Senior High. Billy was a sharp dresser and always had a mischeivious smile. I have thought of him many times over the years. I have been to DC and saw his name on the wall. Billy even after all these years your memory brings a smile to my face. May God keep you in His love forever. Tim Saunders
High School Sweetheart. A strong, handsome young man forever. Billy was my first friend when my father was transferred to Fort Bragg, NC. Billy had beautiful eyes and a wonderful smile. He loved to swim and had great hopes of being in the Olympics. He was also on the track team and he would sometimes run from his home to mine ( a distance of several miles) just for the sheer joy of running. Billy had a true sense of style and was always well dressed. In the summertime he was a lifeguard at the base pool and at summer camp in the North Carolina mountains. Billy was our Youth Minister one Sunday at Bonnie Doone Baptist Church in Fayetteville. He had a strong faith and it was one of his special qualities. I can still see him so clearly in my mind and though I have visited the monument in D.C. several times it is hard to believe he died so long ago. We spent time at Wrightsville Beach and at Cherry Grove in Myrtle Beach and those great summer days will always remind me of being with Billy and being young and carefree. As long as you hold someone in your heart and mind they live on forever. Elaine Bodiford Chartier,
On 02 June 1969 Recon Team "Flight Time" from D Company, 3rd Recon Battalion, was inserted on Hill 471 about a kilometer south of Khe Sanh. On the night of 03/04 June 1969 the team was attacked by an enemy force and requested both emergency extraction and immediate reinforcement. Communications with the team were lost at 0320. When the reactionary force arrived a little after 0400 they were too late ... the six members of "Flight Time" were dead. Five members of the team were in a small trench; the sixth, Cpl Buck, was approximately 10 meters further down the hillside. It was apparent from the state of the battle area that "Flight Time" had been overwhelmed in fierce hand-to-hand combat. The six team members are below:
CPL Buck was killed along with Five other Marines(See Attached Links):
US Marine 1LT Michael M O'Connor
US Marine CPL William M Wellman
US Marine LCpl Douglas W Barnitz
US Marine PFC Robert Leslie Pearcy
US Marine PFC Harold A Skaggs
He served with Delta Company, 3rd Recon Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, 3rd Marine Amphibious Forces, US Marine Corps Vietnam.
He was awarded The Combat Action Ribbon(CAR), The Purple Heart Medal for his combat related wounds, The Vietnam Service Medal, The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Service Medal, The National Defense Service Medal and The Good Conduct Medal.
