Monday, December 14, 2015

IN MEMORY

                                                        U.S.S. OZBOURN DD 84                


12/14/1966

IN MEMORY OF

ROBERT COOK

ED O'BRIAN



On this date, my 2 best friends and shipmates were killed in action off the coast of North Vietnam while handling shells for the after gun mount in support of a Special Forces compound being overrun by North Vietnamese regulars and Viet Cong forces.

While providing gunfire support, we came under fire of 81mm mortar shells, close to 200 rounds bracketed our ship when one went through the deck into the after handling room where Robert and Ed was stationed. We also were hit in the Electronics room wounding 3 and took 2 rounds in our Anti submarine rocket launcher starting a fire. We also took some rounds in the hull at and close to the waterline. Despite all this, we remained online and along with Navy fighters planes, prevented the enemy from overtaking the Special Forces camp.

Ed and Robert will always be in my memory

ANCHORS AWAY MY FRIENDS

7 comments:

Unknown said...

So sorry about your friends. I'm happy to see you post their pictures and stories to keep their memories alive.

Carol said...

Hi John, It must be a hard day for you today with the memories flooding back of that day. May the memories of the good times you shared together help you through the day and make you smile. Thank you for sharing.
Carol

Bushrat John said...

Thank you Marionette and Carol, I appreciate your kind words.

Anonymous said...

John....How touching to read the remembrance of your friends.....The biggest tribute to them and your friendship is to live your life the best way you can. I'd say that you are doing that! Also checking in to see how the recovery is going and to make sure you are coming along nicely?.....thanks....Chris

Bushrat John said...

Hi Chris, thanks. Robert, Ed and me got along so well because, we were from such different cultures that, we always had something interesting to share and goals to pursue. I do miss them.

Mike Silvius said...

Hold on to their memory John, through you they live on.

Bushrat John said...

Thank you Mike