THE WALL OF FACES

When I returned from Argentina in 1967, Bruce was one of my best friends! After graduation, he joined the Army and I joined the Marine Corps.
You will be with me always, buddy! Semper Fi!

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. While all deaths in Vietnam are tragic that you died just four days after your 21st birthday is especially so. May you rest in eternal peace.

Qun Loi Base Camp (aka LZ Andy) was a U.S. Army and Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) base east of An Loc in Binh Long Province, RVN. The U.S. Army’s 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division used it as a forward operating base for operations in War Zones C and D and providing security along Highway QL-13. During the night of August 30, 1969, Quan Loi received two enemy mortar attacks involving a total of thirty mortar rounds. The incoming rounds killed a 1st Cavalry Division light observation helicopter pilot, 1LT Ronald B. Churan, and wounded twenty-two other Americans, six of whom required medical evacuation. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org; image from bullwhipsquadron.us]

Dear Lt Ronald Churan,
Thank you for your service as a Helicopter Pilot. . Happy Thanksgiving. This is the month that we remember all those who have passed-on. We remember you. It is so important 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.

We still remember you
God Bless You Lt.

Bruce was an outgoing, fun loving young man and a born leader. He loved excitement and challenges.
Born in Port Arthur, Texas, on August 26, 1948, to Leo and Esther Churan, Bruce was the second of six children. He graduated high school in May of 1966 and joined the Army in June of 1966. After boot camp he went into Infantry OCS at Fort Benning, Ga. He graduated leadership school too young to become an officer and had to go to Fort Gordon, Ga. where he was a drill instructor until he turned 19 years old at which time he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant.

He attended helicopter flight school at Fort Wolters, Texas, where he graduated in December 1968. He went to Vietnam in January 1969 as a 1st Lieutenant. Bruce was killed in an attack on his base in Binh Long Province, South Vietnam