1SG's Corner 1SGT Smith and Watson (Recon) 1965-66 We have been unable to locate 1SGT James R Smith, the first 1SGT of the "First Shift" and the following is provided in rememberance of a leader who shared the hardships and supported his men: We had just returned from a four day patrol conducted around the Battalion's field base of operations and our uniforms had deteriorated and needed replacement. Carley's uniform was especially torn and worn. I requested a new uniform through the Recon chain of command and was notified that no uniforms were available and no estimate was provided when uniforms would be available. We had joined the rest of the Recon platoon on the perimeter adjacent to one of the rifle companies. I order Carley to join me and we walked to the area near a small LZ where the 1SGT was located. 1SGT Smith was a big man, Carley was young and very thin. When I started to make my complaint on the uniform situation, 1SGT Smith quickly removed his jungle fatigues and threw them to Carley. "Use these son, we'll have you another pair tomorrow." Carley, wearing fatigues that were at least two sizes too large, and I returned to the perimeter. 1SGT Smith was the last person that I spoke to when I left D Co. I will always remember that day as he and the others prepared to load UH-1s for an airlift to location near another Special Forces base camp as I loaded a single UH-1 for a flight back to AnKhe and return to the US. (SGT Conners, Recon/AT 1965-66) Second Shift 1SGT John A. Loughran (SGM USA Ret.) June 1966-June 1967 I am proud of the units I served with in WWII and the Korean war. However that pride is over-shadowed by my feelings for Delta Company 1st Battalion 8th Cavalry. As a 44 year old infantry First Sergeant, I was fortunate enough to be assigned while we still had the Airborne designation. I can truthfully say that Airborne or Airmobile, this was a top-notch company. Those young men, officers and enlisted, were outstanding. They were the cream of the crop. When I joined Delta Company, June 1966, we were a combat support unit with 3 platoons; Recon, Mortar, and Anti-Tank. In late October ‘66, we reorganized into a light infantry company of 3 rifle platoons. I have a lot of memories of Delta Company. Foremost for those who gave the full measure of devotion. I lost 25 good men during my tour. Each ones face and name is etched in my heart and brain, just as their names are engraved on that “Black Wall” in Washington, D.C. At least once a week I mentally have a roll call: Barrearas, Baumann, Brown, Byrd, Carley, Cooper, Cunningham, Falato, Feeney, Finney, Hayes, King, Lawson, Lester, McDaniels, Mcguire, Mobley, Moore, Null, Ramirez, Ratliff, Reagan, Richardson, Surles, Werner. I will never forget them. I often think of the young man who had the feeling that his luck had run out and wrote his “Last Letter” on March 19, 1967. The next day he was among those who were KIA. I have other memories too, like the First Cook who we recruited from our Mess Hall and made him a squad leader in the Recon Platoon. This guy liked his new job so much that he extended his tour and his exploits became legendary. He even had a LZ named after him...I salute each and everyone who served with me in Viet Nam. If you don’t think I’m proud of my tour with Delta Company, just check my license plate, D 8 CAV. SGM John A. Loughran (USA Ret.) 1/Sgt. D Co. 1/8th Cavalry June ‘66-June ‘67 1SG Smith was our 1SG 1965-66. If you have any information regarding his full name and where he may be contacted, then please submit this information using the Guestbook sign in or email sent to jconners_98@yahoo.com