ARTHUR W DRYNAN
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HONORED ON PANEL 8E, LINE 20 OF THE WALL

ARTHUR W DRYNAN

WALL NAME

ARTHUR W DRYNAN

PANEL / LINE

8E/20

DATE OF BIRTH

01/06/1943

CASUALTY PROVINCE

PR & MR UNKNOWN

DATE OF CASUALTY

06/08/1966

HOME OF RECORD

BAYTOWN

COUNTY OF RECORD

Chambers County

STATE

TX

BRANCH OF SERVICE

ARMY

RANK

SSGT

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Contact Details

REMEMBRANCES

LEFT FOR ARTHUR W DRYNAN
POSTED ON 8.19.2019

Final Mission of SSG Arthur W. Drynan

In June and July of 1966, the U.S. Army’s 1st Infantry Division conducted Operation El Paso II against the Viet Cong’s 9th Division in Binh Long Province, RVN. The object was to open national highway QL-13 and deter a VC offensive against the city of An Loc. On June 8th, Troop A, 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry conducted a search and clear operation north of Ap Tau O bridge on QL-13. The convoy consisted of nine M48A3 tanks and twenty-seven M113's armored personnel carriers (APC’s), with a total of five officers and 128 men. They were ambushed by the 272nd Viet Cong Regiment which was deployed along a five-kilometer stretch of road in positions extending well beyond the length of the cavalry column. When the ambush was sprung, most of the American troopers were able to reach a small clearing near the head of the column, where, with the help of artillery and air support, they despertly fought off the Viet Cong for four hours. When the battle ended, the enemy had lost over one hundred dead with four taken prisoner. It was estimated that the bodies of a further 200+ enemy dead were carried away. Thirty individual and crew-served weapons were also captured. Although successful, the Cavalry had underestimated the size the VC force. Its supporting fire was used primarily against the Viet Cong in the fighting positions near the Cavalry force, allowing other enemy to freely maneuver and disable several tanks and APC’s. Although an infantry reaction force was committed toward the end, it did not arrive in time to be a decisive factor. Fifteen Americans died in the battle. They included PFC Roger L. Conner, SGT Donald E. Cook, SSG James I. Courtney, SSG Arthur W. Drynan, SGT Dewey L. Ferguson, SP4 Jorge L. Fernandez, SP5 John R. Oakey, PFC George R. Pendygraft, PFC Terrill G. Peterson, SSG Francis C. Rummel, PFC Michael A. Sharp, PFC Avery G. Smith, SP5 Phillip R. Smith, and SP4 Joseph Torzok. A U.S. Army UH-1B helicopter from the 1st Aviation Battalion piloted by MAJ Phillip H. Holmes in support of A Troop was hit by 12.7mm anti-aircraft fire. Holmes was wounded in the groin and died before he could be flown to the nearest hospital. Another nineteen Army of the Republic of Vietnam soldiers were also lost. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, wikipedia.org, and the book “Mounted Combat in Vietnam” (2002) by GEN Donn A. Starry and “Vietnam War: A Topical Exploration and Primary Source Collection by James H. Willbanks; also information provided by Gary A. Warne (August 2019)]
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POSTED ON 6.17.2018
POSTED BY: Lucy Micik

Thank You

Dear SSGT Arthur Drynan,
Thank you for your service as an Armor Crewman.Today is Fathers Day. Independence Day is approaching, and we remember your sacrifice. We remember all you who gave their all. It has been too long, and it's about time for us all to acknowledge the sacrifices of those like you who answered our nation's call. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.
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POSTED ON 1.6.2017
POSTED BY: Dennis Wriston

I'm proud of our Vietnam Veterans

Staff Sergeant Arthur W. Drynan, Served with A Troop, 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division.
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POSTED ON 6.5.2013
POSTED BY: Curt Carter

Remembering an American Hero

Dear SSGT Arthur W Drynan, sir



As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.



May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.



With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir



Curt Carter


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POSTED ON 8.28.2012
POSTED BY: Robert Sage

We Remember

Arthur is buried at Neuer Friedhoff, Giessen, GER. PH

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