Honor & Remembrance

November 21, 1966 - November 21, 2019

By Curtis Egge © 2019

events of courage or sacrifice in our history, it has become commonplace, almost stylish, for Americans to say, "We will never forget." Most of us are preparing to celebrate another Veteran's Day, Monday, November 11, 2019, honoring our military men and women for their sacrificial service to our country in times past. When we have the privilege of celebrating another November 11th, my mind immediately looks ten days ahead, remembering Monday, November 21, 1966, when two of Roundup's finest, Larry Naasz and Gary Byford, made the ultimate sacrifice for their county, virtually side-by-side, in the same location, the same battle in Viet Nam, fifty-three long years ago.

Larry Naasz and Gary Byford were dedicated Roundup patriots, soldiers of Charlie Company, First Battalion, Fifth Cavalry of the First Cavalry Division, this date in 1966. Larry and Gary's sacrifice, their deaths in combat, significantly impacted our community. Because of the impact of their sacrifice and loss, I don't think I can ever forget. Over approximately the past twenty years, researching this battle has of communicating with some of the approximately fifty-five guys of Charlie Company that fought with Larry and Gary in that awful battle, only a few hundred yards east of the Cambodian border, against major elements (one, two or more companies; approximately two to eight hundred soldiers or more) of a fresh NVA Regiment.

According to Forward Observer Sgt. Bill Tuey, (attached to Charlie Company, second platoon with command element) and the Operations Log, this battle, involving the ambush of both third and second platoons (total of about fifty-five men after several departed the area with a sick K-9 and handler), starting around 09:30 hours, lasted over three hours. Imagine the odds. Imagine the hellish fighting of about fifty-five men, separated into two groups, one of only around twenty-two men and the other of only thirty-five men, grossly outnumbered. As was too common in Viet Nam, the terrible losses in this battle were related to policies that facilitated tactical blunders by those in command.

Under extremely heavy fire and under desperate conditions, Sgt. Tuey very effectively did his very best to "pick up the slack" of questionable decision-making and overwhelming opposition. Fifty-two years ago, Tuey did his level best to prevent everyone from being killed. He did his best to save everyone with his clear caution and his eventual crucial intervention, while doing what desperately needed to be done. Thanks to Tuey's experience, presence of mind, courage and ability, there were about ten survivors in the second platoon.

Tuey called for and coordinated artillery and air support while under intense fire from both small arms and shoulder-fired Soviet-made RPG-7 rockets. Other than the soldiers that departed with the K-9, there were only two members of the third platoon that survived by playing dead. Although not yet confirmed, it seems Larry and Gary might have been among the third platoon. Over half of the second platoon was wiped out before Sgt. Tuey's requested Skyraider A-1 and "fast mover" air cover sent the enemy scurrying back over the border into Cambodia.

Attached to this short remembrance of this battle and these men are Larry and Gary's service photos and a photo of their field memorial service. For their fellow soldiers, close friends and especially their families, I pray for special comfort. Those of us who remember these men and this event cannot forget.

As mentioned in an earlier edition, a three-ring binder is now available at the Musselshell Valley Historical Museum that includes extensive research on this battle, including the official report and pictures. The binder is available for research and reference. If you have any suggestions, questions or concerns about this research documentation, please feel to reach out.