Alpha Company, with about 100 men, was several miles northeast of
Polei Kleng, South Viet Nam, (14.26N. - 107.50 E.) on May 25th,
1968. We were patrolling in an active area of enemy
infiltration. We made contact with NVA forces, armed with
rifles, AK-47s and 82 mm mortars. We came under intense direct
fire from enemy rifles and AK machine guns, as well as indirect fire
from the mortars. SP4 Lloyd Willard, Sgt. Thomas Maloney and
Pfc. Ted Brazzeal took cover in an old bomb crater. Even
though the enemy rifle fire was accurate, and mortar rounds were
getting closer to their position, they stayed in the crater and
continued to return fire. Then, a mortar round landed inside
the bomb crater and their lives were extinguished almost instantly.
Ted was taken from his wife, family and friends at far too young an
age. Rest peacefully Ted, you are not forgotten.
Tribute from a fellow platoon member.