My walk today was dedicated in honor of:
Navy SN Richard A Cheek , Age 21 of Oregon, IL.
KIA Sept. 15, 1967 Vietnam
Gunner’s Mate, Third Class Richard Alan Cheek was awarded the Bronze Star for heroic achievement on 15 September 1967 during action against communist insurgent (Viet Cong) forces in the Mekong Delta region of the Republic of Vietnam. As 20mm gunner aboard Monitor 111-2, a unit of River Assault Flotilla ONE, operating in support of the 2nd Brigade, 9th United States Army Infantry Division, Petty Officer (then Seaman) Cheek participated in a riverine assault against the Viet Cong stronghold in the Cam Son Secret Zone.
His unit’s task was to provide covering and neutralizing fire for army troops embarked in the accompanying assault craft. While proceeding up the Rach Ba Rai river to the designated landing zone, the assault-force units were suddenly subjected to withering enemy automatic-weapons, recoilless-rifle, and rocket fire from heavily fortified positions on both banks of the river.
During the ensuing fire fight, Petty Officer Cheek calmly and accurately directed his fire into the enemy positions and succeeded in neutralizing several of the bunkers on the bank. When his weapon jammed, he immediately, and on his own initiative, transferred to an unmanned thirty-caliber machine gun in the coxswain’s station of his boat, and continued to lay down effective fire against the enemy until he succumbed to fatal wounds inflicted by an enemy B-40 antitank grenade which fell at his position.
He is honored at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall at Panel 26E, Line 74
He was awarded the Bronze Star (Menit), Purple Heart, National Defense, Vietnam Service and Vietnam Campaign Medals.
We had a great walk this morning. Loving the cool mornings. I want to thank everyone who honked and waved in helping me honor this hero.
He will not be forgotten !
