40th anniversary of Charlie Company's fight for Hill 110
May 10, 2007
by
Former Captain and "C" Company Commander R. J. Caswell

May 10th marked the 40th anniversary of Charlie Company's fight for Hill 110 in the Que Son Valley on Operation Union I.  Substituting the Rio Grande River in Albuquerque , New Mexico , for the frequently-crossed Song Ly Ly, members of C/1/5 have been gathering for years to renew old friendships and honor the memories of their friends and comrades who lost their lives on Hill 110.

Attendees this year were Jim Caswell (company commander) and his wife,  Nancy;  Harold Thrasher (rifleman) and his wife Suzanne;  Gordon Parkey (radio operator) and his wife, Mary.  Unable to attend, but checking in by telephone were:  Hillous York (platoon commander), John Rusth (fireteam leader), and Bill Pettway (company radio operator). They and their wives have all attended in prior years.

The ceremony was held on the banks of the Rio Grande under cottonwood trees in perfect weather.  Jim gave a brief summary of the battle, anyone who wished to was asked to speak, and Harold gave the closing prayer.  As we have always done, we threw ten white roses in the river in honor of:  Two of our Navy Corpsmen,  William R. Fowler and John C. Tate;  PFC Allan Berweger,  PFC Hugh Blackburn,  PFC Dorian Houser,  PFC Clarence Washington,  L/Cpl David Suapaia,  L/Cpl Fred Tate,  Cpl Nicholas Tague and GySgt Marcellino Rivera-Cruz.

Afterward,  we went to our favorite restaurant and enjoyed the food and each other's company.

Photos submitted by Harold Thrasher