John W. Watkins Memorial Page

11/04/2025

VIETNAM WAR - OPERATION ABILENE - March - April 1966

The worst planned Operation of the War for my Family. It was planned by a major general by the name of Depuy.
He sent the smallest of three 1st Infantry Companies as "bait" to lure the D-800 VC base camp out of the jungles. He thought the other two Companies would arrive at the same time Charlie Company did and be able to conquer the enemy. However, Companies A and B didn't make it through the jungles until the massacre was over ! WHY NOT ? Well, for one reason he spaced them too far apart from Charlie Company. And for another reason Depuy stopped the artillery fire support during the Battle. MAYBE if HE had taken a hike through the triple canopy jungles BEFORE HE sent all of them out he might have planned the Operation better ? But, it's too late now.
Charlie Company only had 134 men. Most of them had just arrived in Vietnam. It was their first Battle. Out of the 134 men 37 were KIA, 71 were Wounded, and only about 26 were able to walk off the battlefield the next morning. The Battle of "Xa Cam My" had an 80% Casualty.
As for Depuy, he was very angry and verbally attacked one of the few Officers alive, Lieutenant Johnny Libs. Well, Johnny Libs let Depuy have it ! And I am so glad that he did. Johnny Libs just passed away in July. I have a lot of admiration him standing up to Depuy and for what he said to him. This was the Battle that I lost my Brother in.
PFC JOHN WILLIAM WATKINS....Glenda-Gold Star Sister ⭐️

The Video has no sound. It just shows Charlie Company as they are beginning Operation Abilene

Filename: LMVIETHD113 - To order in HD Prores 422 - 4:3 Pillarbox visit HDArchives.com Sgt briefing soldiers in field. Various shots of artileery team loading and firing 105 MM Howitizer. Major General and Colonel of 1st Inf Division look at map inside tent. Officers brief soldiers. Soldiers enter v...

10/28/2025

THIS DATE IN VIETNAM WAR HISTORY - October 28th -

On October 28th, 1967 in Vietnam War history, a major Viet Cong attack occurred at Loc Ninh.

October 28, 1967______

A major Viet Cong attack occured at Loc Ninh. The Viet Cong 9th Division attacked the town of Loc Ninh in South Vietnam, aiming to defeat the newly sworn in South Vietnamese president, Nguyen Van Thieu. The U.S. Army forces responded by deploying helicopters to reinforce the town and cut off the enemy's escape routes.

October 28, 1967______

U.S. Marine Corps Corporal Angel Luis Diaz died from his wounds sustained in combat in Quang Nam Province. He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart.

NOTE:
October was monsoon season in Vietnam which made all of the combat operations on the ground and in air much more complicated.

The Monsoon Seasons______

They significantly influenced the timing and nature of Military Operations during the Vietnam War, largely benefiting the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) and the Viet Cong (VC) forces.
The Monsoon Seasons allowed the communist forces to use the weather for camouflage, logistical advantages, and their well known surprise attacks. However, the Monsoon Seasons were a big hindrance for the American Soldiers and Army of the Republic of Vietnam(ARVN). It greatly affected mobility and airpower.

(Turn on your sound and listen to the music as you view the photos)

10/27/2025

KIND REVIEWS ARE WELCOME____

Glenda,

Your love for John is felt by millions of veterans who also honor his service to our country! It is a bond that the poem describes so graciously!
We are getting to the age where every day is a gift and I try to be grateful 3 times a day! You have made John immortal with your words! They are forever out there like poetry, art, music and hugs of grief that inspire us all!
If you never write another word your mission is an overwhelming success!
God bless you and your family from a grateful nation!

Hugs & Love,
Bob Johnsey

10/21/2025

I got bashed pretty hard from one follower who said this Memorial Page for my Brother had turned into a political Page.
Well, it hasn't. I posted this because sometimes "who or what we think is true" really isn't.
These protests that are going on in big Cities upset me. They are scary because innocent people get hurt because of something that doesn't need to be going on. I live in a small town in comparison to these Cities.
You all talk about the protests during the Vietnam War. They didn't happen in our town and I'm glad. We tend to assume these protests are made up of local people. However that is not always true. These types of protests are very well organized. I am truly sorry to any of you who saw this Post as "something it wasn't" 😥 ....Glenda

NOW YOU KNOW_________

"HEROES AND ZEROS" _____
Unravels the hypocrisy of ‘'No Kings'’ protesters. No one was even sure what the messages of the "No Kings" were.

Why Walmart distanced itself from heiress', Christy Walton, widow of Samuel Walton's Son. (Yes, the same Samuel Walton who founded Walmart which was based on good principles and well known for selling products "Made In America.")
But, sadly all of that changed after Samuel Walton's death April 5, 1992.
Christy Walton, age 76, and one of the richest billionaire women in America came up with the name, "No Kings" for this protest. So, she bought a full-page Ad in the New York Times.
She faced harsh backlash from Walmart who distanced themselves from her after the Ad called on Americans all across the Country to protest.
Yes, Christy Walton, one of the richest billionaire women in America (only by her marriage to one of Samuel Walton's Son's who died on June 27, 2005, when the experimental ultralight aircraft he was piloting crashed).
Christy Walton bought the full-page Ad in 'The New York Times' declaring "NO KINGS," which referred to the No Kings Organization that coordinates hundreds of protests all across the Country.

So, ALL of today's Protests are organized by Groups. There are many different Groups. These Groups have very deep pockets.
So, think about that whenever you hear of another Protest.
You know it was organized by one of 200+ Groups with very deep pockets. Many are hired and paid to protest for these Groups. And most are bussed in from elsewhere and not the locals in your City. I am so very thankful that I don't live in a big city ! I say this because like I've said many times, "I don't not like protests." ..Glenda
__________________________

10/20/2025

OCTOBER 21, 1967 __________
THE FIRST MASSIVE DEMONSTRATION AGAINST THE VIETNAM WAR

October 21, 1967, is significant for the March on the Pentagon. It was a massive anti-Vietnam War protest in Washington, D.C. There were thousands who marched to the Pentagon to demonstrate against the War. The event began with a rally at the Lincoln Memorial, drawing nearly 100,000 people and marking a significant, visible escalation of public opposition to the War.

Scale Of The Protest______

There were around 100,000 people gathered for the rally, with over 50,000 of them marching to the Pentagon.

Location And Organization____

The protest was organized by the Mobilization Committee to End the War in Vietnam and it began at the Lincoln Memorial before marching to the Pentagon.

The Significance______

This event was one of the most significant anti-VietnamWar demonstrations, occurring at a time when public support for the war had fallen below 50% for the first time.

Violence And Arrests______

While largely peaceful, there were some violent incidents, including demonstrators throwing objects at authorities. Approximately 250 people were arrested, many of them at the Pentagon.

Authorities Present______

U.S. Marshals and Military Police were on hand to maintain order, with marshals specifically deputized for potential arrests, which is a civilian power not usually given to the military.

THE DEMONSTRATORS_____

There were as many as 100,000 people who staged the protest against the War at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. When the event concluded at the Lincoln Memorial, between 20,000 and 35,000 protesters marched across the Arlington Memorial Bridge continued
the protest at the Pentagon.

Secretary of Defense, Robert S. McNamara stipulated that the government personnel should remain respectful of the demonstrators’ right to assemble, and he insisted that the Pentagon should continue operating as normal during the protest. McNamara personally observed the event from the roof.

Despite the size of the crowd, the protests remained largely peaceful. There were reports of isolated violent incidents during the demonstrations, including accounts of protestors taunting and throwing objects at the United States Marshals and the Military Policemen.
Some demonstrators remained until the end of the next day on October 22nd. During a two-day period, over 650 people were arrested. Roughly four dozen people, including both civilians and government personnel, were injured.

The Pentagon ______

Hidden inside the Pentagon and other government buildings were five to six thousand Army troops armed with rifles and bayonets.
The troops inside the Pentagon rushed outside as the violence escalated. And a full-scale riot erupted. Many demonstrators scaled the Pentagon walls and forced their way into the building.

The Aftermath______

Early Sunday morning, workmen began cleaning up the beer cans, food, shoes, shirts, pants, sweaters, placards, all of the rubble of a riot. Other workmen white-washed the Pentagon walls, erasing the obscenities and other riot stains.
All around the workmen a few determined demonstrators remained the rest of the day in an exhausted cry for peace.

The Organizer Of The Protest__

"The National Mobilization Committee to End The War
In Vietnam".

Date:
October 21, 1967
Location:
Washington D.C., United States
Goals:
Attempted levitation of the Pentagon
Resulted In:
Protesters disbanded
Parties:
Protesters

"National Mobilization Committee to End the War in Vietnam"

Government:
82nd Airborne Division
Military Police Corps
U.S. Marshals Service

Lead Figures:
David Dellinger
Abbie Hoffman
Allen Ginsberg
Jerry Rubin
Gary Snyder
Michael Bowen
Lt. Gen. Richard J. Seitz

Number
100,000 attendees (50,000 marchers)

(I know Veterans have different opinions about these protests. I just want you all to know that at the time I was too young. I didnt know about this. Actually, I am just now learning as I continue my research on my journey. We lived in a very small town and as far as I know I've never heard anyone say there were protests here. If I was asked now how I feel about it, I would say, "I don't like any protests. They are very juvenile. Also, people get hurt."
Glenda-Gold Star Sister ⭐️)


PHOTO OF THE PROTESTERS AT THE PENTAGON_______

Found on Google from historycollection.com

10/16/2025

Thank You To Some Of The Newest Top Fans Of John W Watkins Memorial Page 💎
Some of you have been top fans for months. I want you to know you are appreciated very much !
Glenda-Gold Star Sister ⭐️

Frank Farris,
Mary Parrott,
Charles Gossett,
Stefan Baumgardt,
Joy Hood,
Steven Courter,
Daniel Cleghorn , Gregory White,
Carl Callenberger,
Arlinda Hughes,
Doug Womack,
John Otey,
John Meyer,
Van Reynolds,
Mary Williams,
Joyce Kuhley,
Sonny Moore,
Fred De Berardinis,
Sharon Bloszko Swift,
Drew Lovas,
Brad Bakke,
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James Campbell,
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Noe Ramirez,
John Shields,
Luis Rivera,
John Cranfield,
Matthew Marberger,
Dale Bennett,
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Kyle Roberts,
Pete Foley,
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David Badillo,
Maris Ramirez,
Dennis Lacey,
Lou Frank,
Naomi Rose,
Richard Burrows,
Marilyn Sewell,
David Nordan

Welcome to the Community of John W Watkins Memorial Page

10/09/2025

THE VIETNAM WAR ________
The Tunnel Systems

The tunnel systems used by the Viet Cong (VC) were first dug by Anti-Colonial forces in the late 1940's. This was during the First Indochina War against the French. These early tunnel systems were expanded upon and became a crucial part of the War effort against the Americans in the 1960's. The Viet Cong (VC) worked very rapidly developing the network.

Origins and Expansion - Late 1940's

The groundwork for the tunnels was laid by the communist forces during their fight for independence from French Colonial rule.

The Early 1960s -

As the United States increased its Military involvement, the Viet Cong began to greatly expand the existing tunnel systems, creating a vast underground network. The tunnel systems had many rooms such as:
A Hospital, Sleeping Quarters, Food Storage Room, A Kitchen, Weapon & Ammunition Storage, Conference Room, Living Quarters, An Air Raid Chamber

Purpose of the Tunnels -
Hiding and Refuge -

The tunnel systems provided safe havens for fighters to hide from the American and South Vietnamese Troops.

Storage and Supply -

The tunnel systems served as crucial storage for Arms, Food, and other Supplies.

Communication and Logistics -

The Conference Room was used for communication. This allowed the Viet Cong forces to connect with support bases and even infiltrate areas like Saigon.

Living Quarters and Hospitals -

The deeper and more complex sections of the tunnels were used as Living Quarters, Command Centers, and even Underground Hospitals.

Key Examples -
The Cu Chi Tunnels -

A famous example of these tunnel systems which formed an extensive network that stretched for kilometers, linking Viet Cong Bases and even running underneath American Military Bases.

Example 1968 Tet Offensive -

The tunnel systems played a vital role as a stronghold during the Tet Offensive, which allowed the Viet Cong forces to launch attacks against Saigon.

Example Of How The VC And NVA Fought The War -

If you talk to many of our combat Veterans they might tell you how suddenly the enemy would appear almost out of nowhere. And how suddenly they disappeared after a fire fight. Well, their tunnel systems were the reason for that. I read the story of how the Company my Brother was in got fired upon by snipers. They killed one, captured one, and one got away. The soldier who was chasing after him said, "He just dropped out of sight"! This was in April 1966. Our Soldiers did not know about the tunnels at that time. I don't know why ? As long as the French had been there they should have known. We had Advisors working with the French several years before we had sent ground soldiers in.

Tunnel Rats -

Tunnel Rats was the name given to Soldiers who entered and cleared the extensive tunnel systems. They were volunteer United States, New Zealand and Australian Soldiers. The Soldiers had to be the smallest and fittest and had to volunteer for the very dangerous role. They searched for intelligence items such as documents and maps. They captured or killed the enemy occupants. They could only carry small pistols, knives and flashlights. These tunnels were filled with many dangers, including b***y traps, mines, venomous snakes and poisonous gasses. The job of tunnel rats was so dangerous that one in three tunnel rats were either wounded or killed.
Tunnel Rats had to have a keen eye for hazards, very extensive knowledge of alk b***y traps and how to remove them. They had to have immense courage to succeed. They were vital for uncovering enemy plans and operations.

10/07/2025

Thank You to all of the following for being a top engager on John W Watkins Memorial Page. You made last week's Top Engager List! 🎉

Daniel Cleghorn, Richard Kowalczyk, Steven Courter, David Badillo, BettyAnn Schlaud, Roger Carl, Lou Frank, James Wriston,
John Kelley, Kyle Roberts,
Luis Rivera, James Campbell,
Joyce Kuhley, Mike Workman,
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James Thorpe, David Cummings, Norman Claxton, Brian Mishefske, Jerold Fourman, Michael McGlone, Ron Bomkamp, John Shields,
Vinnie Scomolla, B.J. Field,
Margaret Morris, Olivia Gonzales, Noe Ramirez, Harold McHugh, Daniell Dino Rinaldi, Hal Roberts, Bernie John, Marla Stewart, Warren Gonzales, John Cranfield, Donna Davis Kersey Janice Patterson Kirchhof,
Sally Nunez,
John Wilkinson, Stephen Nease, Bernardio Rodriguez III,
Garfield E. Pecoraro,
Kenny Haynes, Domitila Rebelo,
Terri Nyhart, Michael Weber,
Don Markley, Otis Reeves.

10/06/2025

THE BIG RED ONE______

The "Big Red One" refers to the United States Army's 1st Infantry Division, which was the first full American Army Division sent to fight in the Vietnam War. The first troops arrived in 1965. The Division earned its nickname from the large red number "1" on its shoulder patch and served for five years in combat Operations, including the defense of Saigon

A Breakdown Of The "Big Red One's" Background________

Nickname Origin:
The Division was officially nicknamed "The Big Red One" (or BRO) due to the red number "1" on its distinctive shoulder patch.

Historical Significance:
The Division's History dates back to World War I. They also participated in key invasions in World War II.
They earned the nickname "Big Red One" through continuous service and numerous victories.

Role in Vietnam________

First Deployment:
In 1965, the Big Red One was the first full U.S. Army Division deployed to Vietnam.

Area of Operations:
The Division operated in central South Vietnam, protecting the large area around Saigon and conducting Combat Operations against the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army forces.

Combat and Tactics:
Soldiers developed expertise in new tactics such as airmobile operations and conducted many large-scale Operations.

Major Events:
The 1st Infantry Division was heavily involved in defensive operations during the "Tet Offensive" in 1968.

Legacy___________

Longest War:
The Vietnam engagement was the longest and most arduous conflict in the history of the Big Red One.

Return Home:
The Division served in Vietnam until 1970. At that time the Unit was redeployed back to the United States.

Key Details________

Branch of Service:
United States Army.

Nickname: "Big Red One" (or "BRO").

Role in Vietnam:
The Division fought in the jungles northwest of Saigon, conducting counterinsurgency and conventional combat operations.

Deployment:
The 1st Infantry Division was the first full Army Division sent to Vietnam in response to the War.

Key Operations:
They were involved in major operations including "Operation Attleboro", Operation Junction City" , "Operation Cedar Falls" and the 1968 "Tet Offensive."

PFC John W Watkins ______
This was my Brother's Unit in the Vietnam War.
However, he didn't have to go to the Army. He received three deferments. At that time the Farmers were considered an essential occupation and did not have to join or be drafted.
John was Dad's only helper
on the farm. John really loved farming. Dad was 60 years old and needed help. But, after the third deferment John asked Dad if he could go. Dad told him as long as he would wait until they got the to***co crop in the barn
September 30, 1965 John left for his Basic Training at Fort Jackson where he qualified as a sharp shooter. Afterwards, John went to Fort Polk for his AIT. Once he finished there he was sent to Vietnam. He arrived there March 14, 1966. 29 days later John was KIA on April 11, 1966 in the Battle of Xa Cam My. His small Company of 134 men were on "Operation Abilene" and were ambushed in the jungles. After a long intense battle his Company had an 80% Casualty. There were 37 KIA and 71 severely wounded. Only about 26 were able to walk off the battlefield the following morning.
Glenda-Gold Star Sister ⭐️ (Not an honor anyone wants)