Scope and Contents

Less than a quarter of a linear foot of documents, six CD-ROMs, and one audio CD donated by Rich Hearell. The documents include accounts of one ambush and six battles that occurred between March 1967 and January 1970 involving B Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 199th Light Infantry Brigade. These accounts contain photos and statements of battle participants, the Daily Staff Journal, and After Action Reports. There are also condolence letters sent to the family of Donald Last who was killed in the ambush and a letter from the parents of Donald Last to his commanding officer Captain Burchert. Also included is a a unit history of B Company compiled by Hearell that consists primarily of a chronology of significant events as remembered by various veterans of the company. This work includes personal recollections (including a six-page account written by Bruce Dees, the company's commander from May 1966 to January 1967), photographs, newspaper articles, and excerpts from official after action reports and unit journals. The CD-ROMs contain digital copies of the battle accounts and the unit history.

Biographical / Historical

Born in 1946 in Paris, Tennessee, Richard Hearell was drafted into the United States Army in 1966 and served for two (2) years. After training, he was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry, 199th Infantry Brigade and held an MOS as a Rifleman and Squad Leader. Richard Hearell saw combat during various engagements and earned multiple medals, ribbons, and commendations while holding the rank E4. He was stationed at Long Binh, Vietnam before being discharged in 1968 with the rank of E5. After Vietnam, Richard worked in the HVAC business. He belongs to a group of veterans called the “Bravo Buddies”.