“My name is Kay Pierce, and I am the widow of Walter Eugene Pierce, a Vietnam Veteran.

Eugene served with the 101st Airborne Calvary, Company A and the 199th LIB 3rd and 7th Company A with 2 tours between 1967 to 1969. He was called Walter or Gene during his service years. Gene left Ft. Banning in August, 1967 for Vietnam and celebrated his 21 birthday in October there. Gene was part of a special forces group out of Ft. Benning, GA called “Red Catchers.” They were known as “Light, Accurate and Swift.” They were kind of undercover behind enemy lines actions to destroy the enemy by surprise.

Gene’s dad, a WWII Veteran was also in Vietnam with his son, working with the U.S. Forestry Service building housing for the South Vietnamese. Jay Cravens, the chief director of U. S. Forestry Service wrote a book entitled, “A Well Worn Path,” which mentions Gene and his father several times for their service during that time. His father was one of the last people out when the war ended. He saved many south Vietnamese lives getting them out on the last plane, or they would be killed as informants.

Here are a couple of pictures with Gene and his 199th LIB 3rd/7th Co., A on the battlefield loading ammunition. Gene is loading the bazukka with live ammo and has a cap on his head and sunglasses on. His comrade in the photo is Stan Beloat. Also, see the pic of Gene that is small and singular and he has a helmet on with ammo strapped to him and holding a rifle (my favorite picture of him.) This was taken on an Air Assault to Song Be. And, of course the pic of us together on my surprise 44th Birthday Party. Gene’s casket draped with the United State’s Flag at his church service. He received a 21 gun salute and Taps by volunteers at Ft. Benning, Georgia.

Gene just did not talk about Vietnam at all, but was a hell of a man. He was given a WW2 rifle with bayonet by his Sargent Dan Ford, after some big battle. My husband was spat on when his plane landed in California. He never admitted about having PTSD, but for sure he had it. I t was masked by making everyone else happy and giving and loving to a fault. I was his third wife, and we had the longest marriage. Gene taught me that the Vietnam Vets are the most RESILIENT soldiers, because although the media tried along with the ultra liberal hippies to bring them down, they persevered for 40 years. He was so thoughtful and kind and loving — and fiercely patriotic and loyal! I have no doubt were he here today, he would be leading the cause for what mattered most with no concern for his own life.

I was blessed to know and love him and have him enter mine and my children’s lives.

Thank you all for your brave service to this wonderful homeland of ours.”
~ Kay Pierce

We are very grateful to Kay for sharing her personal story and invite you to share your family photos &/or stories of those who served, so we may feature and honor them on Comes A Soldier’s Whisper.

God Bless all who serve and keep us safe.

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