thedrifter
05-23-07, 06:20 PM
Big-hearted Marine took encouragement overseas
JESSE B. GILL, For the Daily Facts
Redlands Daily Facts
Article Launched:05/23/2007 12:27:16 PM PDT
The country lost a big-hearted Marine and talented distance runner when Cpl. Robert David Ward fell in battle on Jan. 9, 1966.
Ward, a resident of Yucaipa, was an enlisted member of the U.S. Marine Corps stationed in the village of Phuy Tam. Ward and his battalion dubbed themselves the "Armed Angels," as they would help the villagers by building roads and playgrounds during the day, while they would engage the Viet Cong in open warfare under the cover of night.
According to Ward's obituary, which was published in January 1966, Ward had sent a letter home on Christmas Day that mentioned that he felt that the villagers were beginning to appreciate the work they were doing in the village.
During his time in Vietnam, Ward fought in the battle of Harvest Moon, an 11-day affair that took place in December of 1966. During the battle, the U.S. Marines flushed out thousands of Viet Cong soldiers before they settled into the village of Phuy Tam to aid the villagers.
According to Jack Dangermond, owner of Redlands-based company ESRI (Environmental Systems Research Institute), Ward enlisted in the Marines to go overseas and help others during the war. "While he was a pacifist, he still volunteered to go to Vietnam," Dangermond said in an e-mail. "He helped in village assistance programs where he was killed."
On Sunday, Jan. 9, 1966, Ward and his band of "Armed Angels" engaged in a firefight with the Viet Cong. During the battle, Ward was fatally wounded.
Born on Aug. 26, 1943, Ward was one of the four children of Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Ward.
Ward was a star athlete during his years at Redlands High School. A strong long-distance cross-country runner, Ward began training with the Redlands High team as a fifth-grader. Once he was old enough to participate in high school competition, Ward amassed an impressive amount of major accomplishments. During his junior and senior years, Ward went undefeated in dual meet competition. He also won the legendary Mount San Antonio College cross-country invitational as a senior.
"He was an inspiration to his cross-country and track teammates, always encouraging," Dangermond said.
"His death was a significant loss to his friends and humanity in general," Dangermond said. "He was a great person and he had a big heart."
Jesse B. Gill is a freelance reporter living in Riverside. He can be reached via e-mail at jessebriangill@yahoo.com .
Ellie
JESSE B. GILL, For the Daily Facts
Redlands Daily Facts
Article Launched:05/23/2007 12:27:16 PM PDT
The country lost a big-hearted Marine and talented distance runner when Cpl. Robert David Ward fell in battle on Jan. 9, 1966.
Ward, a resident of Yucaipa, was an enlisted member of the U.S. Marine Corps stationed in the village of Phuy Tam. Ward and his battalion dubbed themselves the "Armed Angels," as they would help the villagers by building roads and playgrounds during the day, while they would engage the Viet Cong in open warfare under the cover of night.
According to Ward's obituary, which was published in January 1966, Ward had sent a letter home on Christmas Day that mentioned that he felt that the villagers were beginning to appreciate the work they were doing in the village.
During his time in Vietnam, Ward fought in the battle of Harvest Moon, an 11-day affair that took place in December of 1966. During the battle, the U.S. Marines flushed out thousands of Viet Cong soldiers before they settled into the village of Phuy Tam to aid the villagers.
According to Jack Dangermond, owner of Redlands-based company ESRI (Environmental Systems Research Institute), Ward enlisted in the Marines to go overseas and help others during the war. "While he was a pacifist, he still volunteered to go to Vietnam," Dangermond said in an e-mail. "He helped in village assistance programs where he was killed."
On Sunday, Jan. 9, 1966, Ward and his band of "Armed Angels" engaged in a firefight with the Viet Cong. During the battle, Ward was fatally wounded.
Born on Aug. 26, 1943, Ward was one of the four children of Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Ward.
Ward was a star athlete during his years at Redlands High School. A strong long-distance cross-country runner, Ward began training with the Redlands High team as a fifth-grader. Once he was old enough to participate in high school competition, Ward amassed an impressive amount of major accomplishments. During his junior and senior years, Ward went undefeated in dual meet competition. He also won the legendary Mount San Antonio College cross-country invitational as a senior.
"He was an inspiration to his cross-country and track teammates, always encouraging," Dangermond said.
"His death was a significant loss to his friends and humanity in general," Dangermond said. "He was a great person and he had a big heart."
Jesse B. Gill is a freelance reporter living in Riverside. He can be reached via e-mail at jessebriangill@yahoo.com .
Ellie