THE WALL OF FACES

I had the privilege of serving with LTC Herrgesell at Killeen Base Texas in 1968-1969. Here are a few of my remembrances. I was an aide to OH who was in the position of Chief, Logistics. I was a clerk to him and Base Game Warden. The base was adjoined to Grey Army Air Base and a part of DASA, the Defense Atomic Support Agency. We were right outside of Fort Hood in near Killeen, Texas. OH had previously served in the Navy as an enlisted man, went to college and joined the army as an officer. OH did not have a middle name, every military form ever invented requires middle names or initials. Forms completed for OH had to have 'NMI' (no middle initial) typed into the Middle Initial box. Killeen Base was a unique mix of personnel. All assigned had high security clearances and the average education level of enlisted was greater than the average of the officers. For example, all the clerks in JAG were attorneys, many with more experience and bar memberships than the officers. A friendship between officers and enlisted often developed and I would like to think that I had that type of relationship with OH. We often fished together and he, in fact, bought a 'Folbot' two person kayak I recommended. We fished from it often. Once he and I and my wife Betsy while fishing we drifted under willow where a sizable cottonmouth draped. I don't recall if he or I shot the snake with a small caliber (birdshot). The pond we were fishing was snake infested and, as Game Wardens, we were on an extermination campaign. OH lifted the dead snake out of the water with his doubleblade paddle and I was going to put the insurance round into the water moccasin. Just as I shot, fortunately OH said to Betsy, "Turn your head". Blood flew all over the place. Messy but at least it wasn't on her face! I was with OH when he noticed an attractive widow who worked in the base library and aided him in his plan to meet and court Margaret, whom he later married. OH was guest at our apartment and reciprocated with an occasional dinner out for his SP5 and wife. I was drafted and he was career but that was never a problem. He used to tell me that 'new blood' kept the military honest. He felt it was refreshing to listen to my anti-war sentiments. He didn't trust a professional army and we agreed that the draft at least kept that 'fresh blood' flowing thru the military to help it keep honest. OH was a unique person with his career military perspective listening to an anti-war draftee. As my ETS approached the base was closing (August '69). I was to separate early. I had admired a gunstock walnut desktop name plate that were done by a local craftsman. The base commander had one. OH had one made for me and gave it to me as we said goodbye. I was moved and was trying to express my appreciation to him not only for that but for his friendship and guidance. He was uncomfortable with that and said, "Keefe, tape it to the side of your garbage truck", and went back to work. To this day I display it proudly on the desk in my classroom. That was the last time I saw him. Life then got in the way and I lost track of him. The next I heard was from Margaret that he had been lost in Viet Nam. OH was a patriot. He had a gruff appearance and demeanor about him that intimidated some; he cultivated that appearance. He was a Ranger, professional, tough and proud. He was also sensitive and warm. In his position, he often needed to hide that side of him but I had the good luck to see him in an environment where that side of him could surface. He often spoke of his son Carl (Karl?) and his mother. I think it was hard for him to be at a unique base like Killeen Base where friends could come from all walks of life, including the enlisted ranks. He adjusted and I am honored to have known him and to consider him my friend and to think that he would have likewise considered me his friend. If any family member would like more information about OH's time at Killeen Base, I am Lawrence W. Keefe, 209 Milford Drive West, Syracuse, NY 13206.