Neil Hannan
My first contact with David, a fellow Vietnam War combat veteran, was in 2010. In searching for something completely unrelated on the internet, I came across the Vietnam Wall of Faces page of Gary Patterson. I was shocked. Gary was in my squad and was killed May 24, 1968 during an enemy night attack. David, best friend's with Gary since 4th grade, had written a remembrance. I made contact with David, inviting him to my July 196th Light Infantry Brigade reunion, which was to take place July 2011 in Seattle. He accepted and we spent hours discussing the war and the years since. David got the chance to meet men who knew and fought alongside Gary. Since then we have stayed in touch relative to my Vietnam Humanitarian Program.
Mary thoughtfully wrote to me April 9 to advise of David's very serious situation. My condolences to you, Mary, on the loss of your husband. He was a good man. I salute you, David, my brother-in-arms.
