In Honored Rememberance Honoring your memory on this day for the Ultimate Sacrifice you made on May 17th 1975. Lieutenant VandeGeer was a pilot of a transport helicopter involved in the resuce operation of the Mayaguez, an American merchant ship that was seized by the Khmer Rouge on May 12th 1975. The helicopter was shot down and 13 servicemen of the 26 on board perished. His remains and those of the others were not recovered until 1995. Positive identification took another four years. The rescue mission Richard was involved in was considered the last combat activity of the Vietnam War. His name is the last one listed on "THE WALL". he is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. To Richard and all the other men and women listed above him on "THE WALL", you are all remembered with honor and will never ever be forgotten. Sunday, September 19, 2004 |
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Andrew Lipps wartime@wartimecollectables.com Camden, SC 29020 USA One of the last sacrifices of a war that divided our nation. You are a Hero just as are the Minutemen of the American Revolution and the men that stormed the beaches of Normandy. Americans need to be reminded that it is not just the men glorified in movies such as Saving Private Ryan that have kept us free but also the men that gave their lives in the countless unknown and on the surface sometimes futile battles that the average person remains ignorant of. God bless you Lt. Thank you for your sacrifice. Saturday, May 17, 2003 |
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Anonymous SMMS Richard Vandgeer, I'd like to take this time to give Richard my thanks for the sacrice that you had given for our country. I never met you in person and had just discovered your name while scanning the wall in memoy of your actions. Thank you very much Richard and know that it makes me gld to know that your in a better place. I will always make sure to keep you in my prayers. Tuesday, November 08, 2005 |
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Manuel Pino 2/8 Bco 1st Cav-68-69 mpjr54@msn.com Fellow Vietnam Vet OH!. I HAVE SLIPPED THE SURLEY BONDS OF EARTH, AND DANCED THE SKIES ON LAUGHTER-SILVERED WINGS. WHERE NEVER LARK OR EAGLE EVER FLEW-AND WHILE WITH SILENT, LIFTING MIND I'VE TROD THE HIGH UNTRESSPASSED SANCTITY OF SPACE, PUT OUT MY HAND AND TOUCHED THE FACE OF GOD. Wednesday, May 17, 2006 |
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