Old Acquaintances
Roy Benson
Time and places tends to bring old acquaintances and soldiers together under the strangest set of circumstances.
During the 1956-58 timeframe I was a Sergeant with the 503rd Airborne Infantry Regiment (the Rock) of the 11th Airborne Division (which later became the 11th Air Assault Division at Fort Benning, Georgia) stationed in Munich, Germany. During that period time I knew and served with several individuals that later also served with the 1st Battalion, 12th Cav (Airborne) in Vietnam during the 1966-67 timeframe. I should point out that I graduated from Infantry Officer Candidate School in April of 1960.
When I assumed command of B Company, my 3rd Platoon Sgt was SFC Dudley. We served together in the 503rd Airborne Infantry Regiment in Germany . Great individual that I understand has since died.
I also had the great honor of again running into Command Sergeant Major Pierce in the 1st of the 12th Cav, who also in the mid-1950’s was a member of the 503rd Airborne Infantry Regiment in Munich. He was kind enough one day in January of 67 to walk along with B Company and give me some “advice”.
Finally, in 1956-58 while assigned to the 503rd Airborne Infantry Regiment in Munich, Germany, I encountered a 1st Lt. Rhiddlehoover, who 10 years later became the 3rd Battalion Commander the of 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry (Airborne) during my tour that I had the pleasure of serving under in Vietnam.