The Mighty Ninth

Strive To Reach The Summit


Most viewed - Don M Keith
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Don__TJ_Blue.jpgAftermath of the Battle of Hoa Tan241 viewsForward Observer Lt Don M Keith sits with 2/35th Platoon Leader TJ Blue, (dec 2020) checking out the munitions haul. It's nice to keep all the weapons on our side. These are the weapons captured after the battle of Hoa Tan on March 6, 1967.
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DK-PFC.jpg187 viewsYeah...I started out as a Private, but they demoted me to Lieutenant, Forward Observer, Field Artillery, and sent me to Nam.
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DonKeith-FO.JPG177 viewsFun? Yeah, I love this job! Lt Don M Keith, FO. He spent 11 months in the field, probably longer than any other Forward Observer. And probably because they were worried about him in serving in the rear.
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LtDMKeith.jpg175 viewsCouldn't carry a 105mm, so I had to use this M-16. I've already nailed the barrel behind me. So, what's next?
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SittingMission.jpg171 views"Hey! Where's that resupply chopper with the load of toilet paper?"

Note the proper use of headgear in the war zone. Reflects that great training at OCS.
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DK-New_Vietnam3.JPG164 viewsIn the morning mist, Don's "jungle" bears a great resemblance to his old stomping grounds.
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Don_PTSD.jpgThe Man Snapped152 viewsWell, it had to happen. After living in "peace & quiet" for forty-plus years, Don finally snapped and demonstrated his "PTSD": Pretty Tired Senior w/ Distemper. He goes to the Vet next week.
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Fire_Mission.JPGFire Mission?142 viewsThere's the old saying about "When the dog hears the Fire Bell....". Don thought he heard someone yell "Fire Mission" and ran through the fire. That happens when you get older.
Actually, it was the insanely-popular "Warrior Dash" held in Jackson, MS on 4/21/12, a 5K race that includes a military-style obstacle course. It is connected with the St Jude charity. Yes, Don finished on the same day, and no, he did not wet his pants. That's just his Geezer outfit.
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FO-Ready.jpg135 viewsFO Lt Don Keith in full battle gear. Note the two (2) smoke grenades on the webgear.
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dk11.jpg132 views
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DK-New_Vietnam.JPG132 viewsHA! I liked Vietnam so much that I created my own personal jungle here at home.
Actually, this is Don's backyard that he and wife Barb created over a period of several years and has won several awards from his home city of Bartlett, TN.
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031.JPG129 views
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