VVMF

Tribute to a brother Ranger
Posted for: RONALD JOSEPH BONERT:
	Ron was one of the "Elite", who of his own accord did volunteer for one of the most dangerous units to serve with, The Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol. Why, why did he do this? I am sure he had his reason(s). For sure, one reason was a sense of mission. He felt this to be best way to serve his country and make it a little safer for many soldiers, soldiers that would never know the great contribution he made. Ron had a calling and he answered. He was a young good looking sergeant that was full of life. He made his rank in one year of service. This tells he was a serious person with leadership qualities. These qualities where honed as he preformed many dangerous missions. These missions would lead him deep into enemy held territory, to obtain information that would enable commanders to better plan large operations. He was respected by his fellow soldiers. Ron was on his final mission and had just days before going home and that was exciting to him. But he and his four man team found they were surrounded by a large unit of the North Vietnams Army, and remain unspotted for five hours. The attempt to extract the team with an armor unit would prove to be fatal. They were ambushed two wounded, one dead. Danny Harmon ( his close friend ) was killed in action trying to get to Ron, that was seriously wounded. These two were really close and like Ron was going home after this mission. The team was finally extracted. He was hospitalized from serious wounds. It was thought he would be okay, however, Ron was so grieved by Danny's death knowing ,the love Danny had for him.. This was overwhelming and very sad. The grief perhaps is the reason he died twelve days later, seems he just gave up. He was truly loved by the men of the 2nd brigade LRRP, 4th infantry division and each of us was blessed by his presence. Farwell my brother. You may be gone but you will always be in our hearts to the end. Lord, we know your angels were with Ron at the moment You called him home, his heavenly home. Why so young? We have no answer, but trust he is dwelling in paradise with you, just as describe in Your Word.". We thank you for men and women like our brother, who thought it not too much to give his life for another to live....... Lord, this day give comfort to those loved ones that have been all these years without him. Help them to know he is at rest with you and "Warriors" of like kind. May we never forget our freedoms were bought by the blood of others. We thank you God for allowing those of us that knew Ron, the chance to share part of his life. His foot prints will always remain in our heart. We give thanks, in JESUS NAME. Amen. Bob Smyers Remembrance: His Lieutenant writes- I was the LRRP platoon leader for Ron and Dan Harmon. They were a package. Ron from Chicago .. Danny from Alaska. Ron was a city kid and Danny an Alaskan native American. From the formation of our LRRP unit (Nov 66) until they were KIA ... our unit had never lost a man. I had left the unit before they were KIA ... and when I heard the news I cried. Ron lived for 12 days after being wounded. I wrote to his relatives in Chicago .. but lost touch. I would hope they could re-contact me. I gave several formal speeches upon returning home. In each of them, Ron and Danny were at the heart of the theme. Mike Lapolla --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted by: Bob Smyers Email: hotel2alfa@msn.com Relationship: Fellow ranger Friday, February 13, 2004
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