Dear Class of 2016:
There is an inconspicuous bronze plaque on the
brick wall beneath the flagpoles behind Northrup Hall. Though it stands as a memorial to a fallen
student, it’s dignity is muted by the “VISITOR PARKING ONLY” sign placed next
to it three feet above the asphalt.
The plaque reads: "In loving memory
of Thomas D. Chenault, Class of 1969 and his fellow Trinity University alumni
who died in service to their country."
It was dedicated on November 11, 1985.
Since November 11 is Veteran’s Day, and since
the University traditionally also is on summer break at Memorial Day, I wanted
to ask you to reflect on the significance of these separate holidays by
reflecting on the story behind the plaque.
Tom Chenault was a dormitory hall mentor, a member
of the Trinity football team, and a history major. He also was an ROTC cadet,
and following his commissioning at the University he graduated to become a
rifle platoon leader in D Troop of the 2/17th Air Cavalry. An Army Ranger, Chenault’s
platoon routinely provided reconnaissance for the 101st Airborne
Division, along with elements of L Company, 75th Rangers during the
war in Vietnam.
A six man Radio Relay Team from the 75th
Rangers was inserted onto a ridgeline in the Ashau Valley, Thua Thien Province
on April 23, 1971. Almost immediately
after their helicopter departed the landing zone, the team leader was
wounded. A new team leader was flown in
an hour later, and also was wounded. The
helicopter delivering the new team leader also was shot down, and crashed on
the east side of the ridge, trapping both the pilot and co-pilot in the
wreckage.
The survivor’s had no radio contact throughout
the night, and their adversaries used nightfall to establish fighting positions
around the helicopter and the hill dominating the ridgeline.
The next morning, Chenault’s platoon was one of
three designated to serve as a reaction force to rescue the trapped helicopter
crew and assist the Ranger radio team. A
“Daisy Cutter,” a powerful explosive that belies its name, was used to clear a
landing zone on the forested ridgeline to prepare for the rescue mission. The soldiers were required to jump from
hovering helicopters into this new clearing to initiate their mission.
The battalion executive officer summoned the
platoon leaders forward to assess the terrain, get a view of the downed
helicopter and to form a plan of action.
One platoon was assigned to provide overwatch
security for Chenault’s platoon.
Chenault’s task was to lead his men to secure the downed helicopter and
crew. The third platoon was to follow
Chenault’s platoon, and provide far-side security on the hill overlooking the
crash site.
When the plan was initiated, Chenault was
wounded as he started to lead his platoon forward. His point man was killed immediately. Chenault’s wounds were so grievous he could
not move, and he died shortly afterward when an enemy grenade landed near
him. Several other soldiers were killed,
and many others were wounded during the battle.
The fight continued throughout the day,
hampered by a lack of maneuver room and complicated by withering fire from the
enemy’s prepared positions. Ultimately,
the helicopter crew was recovered, and as darkness fell the reaction force was
able to withdraw with them to their landing zone. The Ranger radio relay team was able to hide
until the enemy withdrew from the site, and were extracted later.
I wanted to share this story with you as it
marks one story of remarkable sacrifice for you to consider on Veteran’s
Day. Have a great one, and honor the
legacy!
Jim Boelens
Alumni Sponsor
Alumni Sponsor
Special thanks to the Class of 2017’s Alumni
Sponsors, John and Darcy Collins, for sharing information from Darcy’s brother,
Harrison “H” Lobdell, III regarding the battle. Lobdell was the overwatch platoon
leader, and retired from the U.S. Army as a colonel.
