Tammy Allen Hawley
repairs_unique@msn.com
Niece
Missing him
It was very nice to read all of these amazing posts. I was 6 years old when my Uncle was killed. I remember the last time I saw him. I have very fond memories of him. He said I was the apple of his eye. He had my name in his helmet. I miss him so much and think of him often.
Thank you.
Sep 6, 2014 |
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Kathie Henriksen Nicolet
klnpiano@aol.com
Former Girlfriend
2106 Leeward Lane Hanover Park IL 60133 USA
Sweet, Sensitive, Kind, and Honorable
I met Frank when I was 13 yrs old after I'd moved to Colorado from Chicago. I remember his being very shy, having beautiful brown eyes, very kind - and we'd take many walks together. He always would mention his brother in law - how much he admired him and looked up to him. I moved back to Chicago but received a phone call one day - from Frank. He was stationed down South and was being shipped out to Viet Nam. He wanted to say goodbye. I had no idea that would be the last time I'd ever speak to him. He wrote letters while there - but then he stopped. I found out from a former classmate of mine in Ft Collins that Frank had been killed. I remember him, frequently, never recovering from the shock of receiving that newspaper clipping.. God Bless this gentle soul. I will never forget him.
Mar 14, 2013 |
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Distinguished Service Cross Citation
Distinguished Service Cross
Awarded posthumously for actions during the Vietnam War
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Sergeant Frank DePaul Saracino, Jr. (ASN: RA-16918149), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. Sergeant Saracino distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 20 March 1969 as a squad leader during a mission to assess the damage done by a B-52 bomber strike seven miles northwest of Dau Tieng. Sergeant Saracino was serving as point man when his platoon came upon the bunkers of a base camp occupied by a North Vietnamese Army battalion. Motioning for the other men to take cover, he single-handedly assaulted the first position and destroyed it with a hand grenade. He then led his troops further into the fortified area, shooting and killing two communists whom he spotted trying to escape from a second fortification. The platoon continued to advance, but suddenly became pinned down by machine gun and antitank rocket fire. Exposing himself to the hail of bullets, Sergeant Saracino placed suppressive fire on the enemy which enabled his comrades to withdraw and remained behind until they had all reached a more secure location. After three air strikes were directed against the enemy base camp, he again led his men forward and made another one-man assault against a bunker, killing its two occupants with hand grenades. As he was starting toward another stronghold, a heavy caliber machine gun started to fire on the platoon. Seeing that several of his men were exposed to the deadly fusillade, he attempted to save them by engaging the hostile position and drawing its fire to himself. While attempting to throw a hand grenade at the machine gun emplacement, he was killed by the enemy barrage. Sergeant Saracino's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 1724 (May 14, 1969)
Action Date: 20-Mar-69
Service: Army
Rank: Sergeant
Company: Air Cavalry Troop
Regiment: 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment
Apr 6, 2012 |
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Connie Phillips
connie.phillips@cox.net
A special friend
48 W. Rainsong St. Farmington Ar. 72730 USA
You were a very special person Frank
I was one of the many people that grew up with Frank.
In Ft. Collins, Frank was very popular and all the girls wanted to date him. He was kind and sweet...
Frank is so often on my mind...He stopped by his last leave and told me he knew he wouldn't be coming back again..I have never forgotten that and at the time I had hoped he was wrong..We all remember you Frank..
and will always miss you...CKP.
Nov 10, 2011 |
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Garnet Jenkins
garijen@bresnan.net
Grand Junction Co
~Thank You To A Young Colorado Hero~
In Tribute to Sgt Frank DePaul Saracino and with Profound Gratitude for his Courage, Service and Dedication to our Country and for Freedom. Rest in Peace. Brave Soldier and know that you will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. I am the sister of Sgt. David Dickinson, another young Colorado Hero, who also paid the Ultimate Price in Vietnam in 1967.....~TELL THEM OF US AND SAY...FOR THEIR TOMORROWS...WE GAVE OUR TODAY.~
Feb 19, 2009 |
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Jason Holmes
radjason@earthlink.net
Vietnam brother
440 Great Hill Ballwin MO 63021 USA
The Michelin
30 March 1969 was a day we lost good men. Your unit lost 17 men in the 3 day period. Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. I served with 1/5th, First Cavalry Division on the west side of Michelin that date. We lost you and my good friend, Donald Nixon on this date. Today, I visited his grave. And a poem happened.
Standing on soggy graves
Talking to my friend
On the 39th anniversary of his passing,
And to his parents
Who wait next to him,
I noticed movement
Out of my right eye.
Slowly, in that direction I turn.
Silently, a herd of whitetails
Stepping, softly,
Stopping.
Watching me,
Witnessing.
Don Nixon, my friend, was first to die on this date. I counted 17 in the herd amidst the rows of graves, lined like up like rubber trees.
Mar 30, 2008 |
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OPERATION EMBRACE
11thacrkia@gmail.com
http://www.11thcavnam.com
SGT Saracino was assigned to the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (Blackhorse) at the time of his death. 11th Armored Cavalry Veterans of Vietnam and Cambodia are attempting to locate relatives of all of our Troopers who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam. Please contact us at: 11thacrkia@gmail.com or through our website: http://www.11thcavnam.com
Nov 28, 2006 |
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Thomas Miller
autlaw99@yahoo.com
best friends in high school
4500 Desert Springs Trail
Sierra Vista, AZ 85635 USA
Best friend and comrade
Frank and I met in high school at the Assumption Abbey in Richardton, N.D. We both participated on the wrestling team and hung together after school. He was a tough guy.no fear. After graduation in 1967, we lost touch.obviously he entered the service. I didn't know.ironically, I was also a two tour Vet from 1969-71. I never knew what happened to Frank for years.then an unconfirmed rumor. I have now realized his fate after all these years. God bless you Frank.you never stood down from a fight.rest in peace.
Monday, May 27, 2002 |
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Don "Doc" Weathington
Arthurben@charter.net
ARP -later date
Frank- I never knew you but came along about a year later to the ARPs. Thank you for your service and we (ARPs - Air Cav Trp members) will never forget. God bless - DOC Weathington
Tuesday, May 27, 2003 |
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