I was the company commander of B Co, 2/12 Cav, lst Cav Div on the day John M. Hoar died and I remember that day and him so very well even though it has now been 36 years since his death. Our company was given the mission to conduct a helicopter assault at last light on 12 February and we did just that. Although not officially recognized as such, it was the first night assault conducted by this new Division of the Army and the assault was conducted by the soldiers of the unit perfectly. We put down in the middle of a Vietnamese Cemetery and were immediately taken under intense fire by an estimated battalion of the enemy. The battle was fierce but we did not budge. Sometime during the night John was wounded but it was impossible to get him medivaced because of hostile fire. He died of his wounds early in the morning of 13 February as did a number of his friends and comrades. I can say that after all these years, my emotions are still uncontrolled when I recall the fine young men who gave their lives doing their duty. Like those killed on 9/11, all were heroes in their own right and live in my heart. Rest in Peace John. We will meet again.
Sunday, February 24, 2002

LTC Dean Knox  From the Wall