Through Our Eyes: The Stories of Lebanon, Oregon’s Fallen Vietnam Soldiers

Welcome

2007-06-25T18:08:00.000-07:00

Students in the Voices of the Sixties course at Lebanon High School recently embarked on an incredibly powerful project researching the stories of eight

Lebanon

men who were killed in the Vietnam War. As they scoured through local newspapers and class yearbooks for information on these men, they became increasingly invested in their work. As the project progressed, students were challenged to decide how to tell the stories they uncovered; each small group of students carefully planned and storyboarded their final product, a digital story about their soldier.

Students planned the details of the public showing of their films, inviting family and friends, community members,

Vietnam

veterans, and the people involved with the stories they created. Their hard work caught the attention of local newspapers who published feature stories about the project a few days before the public presentation. On May 30^th in the high school auditorium, students presented their movies to the community. A packed auditorium awaited the students as they shared their movies and the letters they wrote to their fallen soldiers.

We would like to share those stories with you through this blog. Please feel free to navigate around, watch and listen to the stories of these men as shared through the eyes of our students.

Memorial Day Casket Flags

2007-06-14T14:35:00.000-07:00

Every year on Memorial Day at the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Lebanon the American Legion flies the casket flags of soldiers from Lebanon who gave their lives for our country. Each flag has a bronze name plate on the flag pole with the soldiers' full name printed on it. Currently Douglas Ulm is the only soldier out of the eight that has a flag that flies. Mostly due to weather damage, the flags had to be properly burned. As a result of our program, two other flags have been purchased. Jim Salisburys and Lonnie Moores. We really want to get the rest of the soldiers flags! They cost 60 dollars in all for the flag and the bronze name plate.

Randall Paul Manela

2007-06-12T14:50:00.000-07:00

Name: Randall Paul Manela

DOB: May 14, 1951

DOD: November 18, 1969

Rank: Corporal

Branch of service: Marine

Unit: 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st. Marine division

Medals: Purple Heart.

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Menela was born May 14, 1951 in Lebanon, OR. and moved with his family to Eugene in 1965. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. William Manela and had one brother named Micheal. Randall graduated from Sheldon High School in 1969 and entered the Marine Corps in July of that year. At 19 years old he died in South Vietnam as the result of a helicopter crash about 30 miles south of Da Nang. 18 Nov. (1969) with the 14 other men aboard the Marine Corps CH46 when it crashed into the side of a mountain in a heavy fog. It raised to 70 the number of Emerald Empire servicemen to die in the Vietnam War.

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Actual Report Of Death

In mid-November 1970 a recon team from the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion got in trouble while on patrol: their Corpsman broke his leg, necessitating that the team be extracted. Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 263 was tasked with extracting them, a task that turned out to be impossible for two days.
On the third day, in CH-46D (BuNo 154837), the HMM-263 crew succeeded in picking up the eight-man team - but all fifteen men aboard the CH-46 died when it collided with a mountainside after the extraction. Three of the crewmen were from HMM-263, two from H&MS-16; the Commanding Officer of the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion was aboard, as well as the extracted team.

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Interview With Tom Jordan

What relation do you have Randall? (Since you're a friend how long did you know him?) I was Randy's immediate supervisor. He was a Lance Corporal and I was a Corporal. I knew him about seven months and in a small unit like Recon, you are all friends.

Did he volunteer or was he drafted? He volunteered for the USMC and also Recon because it took some specialized training.

How did Randall feel about leaving to go to war? I don't know how he felt when he left, but being in a combat situation did not bother him. He was very good at what he did, walking point for my team.

Did he have any personal relationships when he was deployed? I don't remember if he had a girlfried back home or not.

Why did he choose the marines as opposed to other branches? The Marines were the best.

How did he feel about the war? We were there to win and we alll thought we would. It was our duty to be there.
How well did he adapt to the military life: physical regimen, barracks, food, social life? He was a good Marine with good friends in the Corps. I didn't know him stateside, but living in a hooch with him was not a problem at all.

Did he have any time for any off-dutry recreation where he was stationed? We were always on alert in Viet Nam. On occassion we did attend a USO show, usually on a Friday night. Other than that, there was no recreation there.

What is one of your favorite memories of Randall? He volunteered to be a point man as soon as he arrived in Rvn. Even on his first patrol, he was allowed to do it. He was very Gung Ho.

When was the last time you saw Randall? September 1970

What would you say to Randall now if you could? I'm sorry brother, that you didn't make it back. We were duped into thinking they would let us win the war.

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Dear Randall Manela,

We may have accidentally passed you by, but you were not forgotten. You were remembered by those who loved you the most who will never let your memory die. We’re sorry that we did not have enough time to get to know you as well as we did Robert but from what we did find out about you we could tell you were a very amazing friend and were love deeply by everyone who knew you. You were so special and you meant so much to your friend SGT. James Drummond that he named his son after you so that your memory will live on in him, a truly fitting monument to the great man that you were. What you and all the other soldiers did was incredible and we thank you for your sacrifice.

Yours truly,

Sydney and Kayla

Daniel DeButts

2007-06-11T14:48:00.000-07:00

"There is the old and then there is the experienced"

Born- July 27th, 1925

Died- July 11th, 1967

Branch- Army

Years in the service- 22 years

Hometown- Thoroughfare, Virginia

Siblings- 1 brother, John, 4 step-sisters

Dear Daniel,

This whole project started out as just another project that we didn't want to do, but as time went on, we found out it would be so much more. We were so grateful for your sister-in-law, Gertrude, the way she reached out and was willing to give us information about you. We really learned a lot, so tonight we want to say thanks to you and the seven other soldiers who fought for this country. Thanks for all you did!

Sincerely,
Steven Patterson & Cassie Shank

James Russell Salisbury

2007-06-10T14:52:00.000-07:00

“A man who saves is a man that wins.”

Jim was born on February 10, 1949

He was killed on June 18, 1968 in Quang Nam, South Vietnam.

His family moved to Lebanon from Coburg in the mid 1960's, where he would graduate from Lebanon High School in 1967. He enlisted into the Marines to leave the day after he graduated. Jim went through basic training and through advanced basic training, and then finally shipped off to war. Jim was an honest Christian who didn’t believe in going out and getting in trouble, but he knew how to have a good time. In high school Jim was involved in Pep and Swing band where he played the sousaphone. He was also involved in power mechanics and played JV Football his junior year. He also had a steady girlfriend who soon became his fiancee. Her name was Valerie Machelhany.

Jim left to the war in Vietnam, never to be seen again. He was only 19 years old. Jim had many plans for after high school that would unfortunately never be fulfilled, except one. Ever since his friends and family can remember, he wanted to be a marine. Not because he agreed with the war or because he wanted to get back at anyone, but because he wanted to be a true Marine. It disturbed Jim that young Vietnamese children would be kind and innocent during the day and yet at night they were the spies and the enemy. These kids would bomb the soldiers and attack them. So soldiers had to defend themselves against young children. It has been told that Jim had said he wanted to die for his country, but we’d like to say that, rather than die for his country, he was willing to fight and if it happened he would die for the freedom of others. For his service he received a purple heart, a silver metal, and three Vietnam service medals, including a silver star.

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Dearest James Russell Salisbury,

You've been gone for many years now, but tonight, you're here. In every one's thoughts and in ours more than ever. We have been making this movie for you for about 2 months now and we feel as though we have known you our whole lives. We wish we could have been there to see you trying to carry that rubber raft, or buying burger boxes with your friends. We hope you know how wonderful you truly are Jim. We, like many others intend to keep you in our hearts forever. You've changed our lives completely around. You have opened up our eyes for the greater good. Thank you. Thank you so much for everything you've done for us, and our country. These people are here for you and the other fallen soldiers. You will live on forever. This is for you Jim, rest in peace our perfect soldier.

From Our Hearts,

Taryn Durkee and Tiffany Morgan

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Lonnie Dean Moore

2007-06-09T12:34:00.000-07:00

Lonnie Dean Moore

"God is my point man, no need to worry about me..."

Age: 19

D.O.B.: November 14, 1949

D.O.D.: June 3, 1969

Branch of Military: Army

Rank: Corporal

Served In: Quang Ngai, Vietnam

Dearest Lonnie,

In the beginning this was just another project. The project we knew would take lots of time, effort, long nights and maybe a little stress. We picked your name; one that sounded good but didn't realize it would be a name that would be engraved in our hearts forever. Through our eyes the journey started. We began digging through yearbooks; making phone calls to people we didn't know, searching the Internet and much more in hope to get to know you. Finally we got in contact with your little brother Pete and set a time to meet him and your older brother George for our interview. Not knowing whom you were at all, a glimpse of your loving heart shown through in the first words your brothers said to us, "Thank you."

Without hesitation we were asked if we would like to have our interview at George's house. Upon arrival we were nervous but very excited. From then on our project got a whole new meaning. They welcomed us into their home with open arms. But even more, they opened their hearts and let us into their lives, a part that is hard to go back to. Your family served us dinner, looked through albums with us and even showed us around the farm including your memorial and the road they named for you "Lonnie’s Lane". We can’t explain how much your family has made an impact on our lives. They have us more than we could ever ask for. With the love, compassion, appreciation, smiles, tears, happiness, laughter and the help they gave us, we saw more than people but family. They showed us more than just a name, but a man. One who loved his family, loved God, was very talented and enjoyed life. Through your family we saw you.

We wish now since getting to know you through your family that we could meet you in person. But even though we can't we can tell you that your family and you have impacted our lives and people we can call family. We want you to know you are more than a fallen soldier. You're a hero and a man who has touched each of your lives greatly. You have shown us about life and the kind of people we want to become. Through our eyes we see you. With your happy go lucky, loving child like heart, and your big ol' toothy grin. Thank you Lonnie Dean Moore for becoming part of our lives and serving us in Vietnam. We will never forget you and we will save a piece of our hearts for you forever.

WITH LOVE,

Jonnie Atchley, Morgan Brantner and Amanda Roadhouse.

George Arthur Bamford

2007-06-08T12:28:00.000-07:00

George Arthur Bamford

Branch: Army

Born: August 16,1947

Died: March 9,1970

Hometown: Lebanon, OR

Dear George,

There are many words to describe all of the feeling, emotions, and experiences that we have gone through during the past few months. The only word that we feel appropriate, however, is honored. Honored to share your story through our eyes.

You are loved and missed by many. Your smile has left an impression on all of our hearts. You are a true hero. We hope that our video emulates every aspect of you. We wish you were here to see this, but know that are smiling down on everyone from heaven. We wish with all our hearts we could have met you.

We will always remember you

Samantha Nervino & Sarah Degraw

Douglas Raymond Ulm

2007-06-07T14:43:00.000-07:00

December 17th, 1949 - June 6th, 1970

Born in Lebanon, Oregon

1st Cavalry Division E Company 1st Battalion 7th Cavalry

(Army)

" He seemed like a quiet person at first but once you got to know him it was like a whole different world."

Killed in Cambodia by enemy small arms fire

It was June 6th, 1970 and Douglas Ulm had just relinquished his position as platoon sergeant, he was just a few weeks away from getting out and returned to the States. On one of the last operations he would be accompanying his platoon before leaving, his unit came under heavy enemy fire from a nearby hill. Seeing that his men were pinned down he decided to run up the hill with the platoon's heavy .50 caliber machine gun that he had been carrying (known as 'the Pig') and lay down enough fire to save his comrades in arms. He was able to do so but in the process of this act of valor he was shot and killed, just a few weeks before seeing his family again... His body was brought back and a funeral was held on June 10th, He was awarded the Purple Heart and possibly the Silver Star. He was laid to rest at the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Lebanon.

Larry Allen Gatliff

2007-06-06T14:37:00.000-07:00

Name: Larry Allen Gatliff (far right)

Age: 19 yrs. old

DOB: Sept. 23, 1950

DOD: Jul. 23, 1970

Branch of Military: Army

Rank: Private First Class

Served In: Kham Duc, South Vietnam

Dear Larry,

You will never be forgotten, you are still very well loved. We have been studying and researching all about you, we’ve tried to find pictures, info, and interviews to find out a little more. Through this project we have learned not only just about you but your comrades also. It has been a pleasure and a honor doing this project. Hopefully this project will show people you deserve to be called a hero, and not just be remembered as a statistic but a good man.
At first when we were given this project there was a feeling of anxiousness and fear. With getting the project done on time and of course getting a good grade. However, through this entire process we have grown to fall in love with a man. A man whose story has told us more about life, love, and loss then we think we could of ever known… This man was you, Larry Allen Gatliff.
We learned a lot about the war. About both Vietnam and how people felt about the war in the 60’s and even today. How people have changed and what is different now because of it. More importantly we learned how courage changed a nation even to this day. How selflessness can be something one person can give that would still be valued nearly 50 years later. Learning about you has taught us that life is much more important then getting an “A” on a project. But the value of life is what we should all be more concerned with doing well on. As time passed by with your picture in our heads we grew to admire you. Not only as a fallen soldier. But as a man, a man who has changed whoever he’s been involved with lives forever. We have talked to men from all over the Nation regarding you Larry. And it’s simply amazing how many people to this day miss you and told us how fantastic of a human being you were and always will be.
We would like to thank you for all that you have done and everything that you were able to do for our country. Also, in this letter we would like to thank you. For all of the men and women today that miss you dearly and maybe were never able to tell you. You are remembered and always will be. You are a leader and an inspirer. You have inspired us to become more then just students in a classroom but into brothers of a fallen soldier. Thank you Larry for being here for us. We will never forget you.

Sincerely,

Steven Castro
&
Taylor Bitterman

Robert James Schumacher

2007-06-05T14:42:00.000-07:00

Robert James Schumacher

*Graduted from Lebanon High School, Oregon*

*A Specialist 4 in the U.S. Army*

Robert James Schumacher was born July 27th, 1949. As the only brother of 4 sisters, he grew up a very compassionate, but strong person. Robert was raised as a Seventh Day Adventists. He did not exactly fit the mold. He attended his junior high year through his sophomore year at Columbia Academy, a Seventh Day Adventist school, in Battleground, Washington. However, he did not agree with their strict policies about behavior, self-conduct and pacifist, anti-war ideals. He was not about to live his life according to somebody else’s rules. His senior year he transferred to Lebanon High School.

He was quite popular and loved life at a public school. After graduation, despite his parent’s religious and emotional disputes, he enlisted in the Army. He left Lebanon for his basic training at Fort Lewis, Washington soon after.

His role model through his life had been John Wayne, and burned into his memory was the movie “Green Beret”. To him, to be a Green Beret would be to fulfill a lifelong dream. So, after his basic training, he chose to become a Green Beret and trained at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.. Following that, he trained to be a paratrooper at Fort Benning, Georgia. During this time he met a woman named Debbie in Pennsylvania. Contact with her and Robert’s family back home was very limited. In fact, they only spoke to her two times on the phone. He had become engaged to her during his time on duty out-of-state, and couldn’t wait to bring her back home. He was sending boxes of dishes and belongings home for his future with Debbie, and he included a letter to his mother stating “Now Mom, don’t be nosy, sorry but these aren’t for you.”

Robert’s tour in Vietnam began on August 4th, 1970. He was able to get a phone call or two occasionally, but otherwise he had to wait for his tour to finish. About 32 days before he was supposed to be shipped home, he was at the base in Chu Lui, Vietnam. The base was infiltrated by the enemy during his R & R time. The base and its remaining men were unprepared, but there is some speculation that higher up officials had suspected the attack and left the base the previous week. Robert Schumacher and 32 others that day were killed.

The family received a telegram briefly describing the enemy attack, and informing them that the body was on its way. Therefore, the second phone call to his fiancé from Robert’s family was not to visit, as the first one had been. It was to let her know that Robert had died.

Arden Keith Hassenger

2007-06-04T14:39:00.000-07:00

D*O*B
5/15/1936

Rank
Ssgt. Arden Hassenger

He was a loving and devoted
father, brother, husband and
friend.

Date of loss:
12/24/1965

Arden Hassenger was born in 1936 in Lebanon Oregon, he attended Lebanon High school. Soon after he graduated he enlisted into the air force to serve for his country. On December 24, 1965, President Lyndon Johnson announced a week long bombing halt on North Vietnam. The same day, an AC47D known as "Spooky"gunship was shot down during an armed reconnaissance flight just south of Saravane Province, Laos. Planes in the area of the loss heard mayday signals, but could not contact with the crew. The Spooky lost in Laos on December 24, 1965 was flown by Col. Derrel B.Jeffords and Capt. Dennis L. Eilers.

The crew members aboard the aircraft was Maj.Joseph Christiano, MSgt. Larry C. Thornton, TSgt. W. Kevin Colwell, and SSgt. Arden K. Hassenger. All these soldiers are still missing and waiting to be brought home.

Dear Arden,

What started out as a project that I just wanted to complete and get turned in turned into a journey that has been a life changing experience that has not only touch my heart but everyone’s heart. It has been a honor to get to know you and your family, in a way I never thought possible. I have learned so much about you and I have gained so much knowledge and respect for your service to our country. I learned all about you, your sister Marchetta and your brother playing in the snow, long trips to school and your love for sports. I’m sure your grandkids and great grandkids that Keith was telling me about would have loved to played games with you and get to know your great loving personality. You are loved by many and you have left a impression in all of our hearts and all though you are lost you will never be forgotten.
Love,
Ashley