This Military Service Page was created/owned by
Tommy Burgdorf (Birddog), FC2
to remember
Gebbie, Ronald Jackson, GMG3.
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Casualty Info
Home Town Rochester, NY
Last Address 26 Oak Lawn Dr Rochester, NY 14617
Casualty Date Feb 27, 1969
Cause MIA-Finding of Death
Reason Artillery, Rocket, Mortar
Location Quang Nam (Vietnam)
Conflict Vietnam War
Location of Interment Riverside Cemetery - Rochester, New York
While operating near Cua-Viet, Vietnam 28 February 1968, LCU 1500 took a direct hit on the port side of the conn, killing the radioman instantly and injuring eight others. Almost one year later to the day tragedy struck again. While loading ammunition at Bridge Ramp, Da Nang, Vietnam , 27 February 1969, an enemy rocket hit the nearly loaded craft and killed thirteen ACU-1 sailors. Seven sailors on the barge YFU-78 and three sailors working on the ramp also died in the attack for a total of 23 sailors killed in action. The craft was severely damaged and had to be stricken from the Navy list.
After the tragedy, ACU-1 held a memorial on 14 March 1969, for the sailors who lost their lives. Every year since 1969, Assault Craft Unit one has held a memorial service to honor and remember the 14 LCU 1500 sailors killed in action. Former shipmates, friends and relatives have attended each year in tribute.
CREW of LCU-1500 KILLED IN ACTION in VIETNAM
28 February 1968 RMSN K. L. Cook
27 February 1969 BMC Donald J. Fisher EN1 Bert E. Burton EM1 Cecil F. Bush CS2 Marvin D. Avery RM2 David W. Hawryshko QM3 Earnest J. Buckelew GMG3 Ronald J. Gebbie BM3 Donald M. Horton BM3 Ronald P. Yuhas FN Joseph F. Burinda SN Bruno W. Demata SN Craig E. Swagler FN Charles A. Tavares
