Remembrance by SP4 David Radle
(Breechblock blew off during a fire mission)
The gun was
not working properly and everyone knew it. The men were told to use it ONLY
in an emergency.
However,
someone thought there was enemy around and so they were told to shoot the fire
mission using that gun, knowing it wasn't working properly. Willie Austin told me to go to the bunker,
as I was "short", so Willie took my position of firing the gun. The breechblock blew killing the two
men. Injured were Gloudeman, who killed
himself two years ago, and a man named "Bill" was blinded. Cannot
remember his last name.
Willie Austin
was a black man who treated me like a brother.
He could sing the song, "One Is
The Loneliest
Number" better than the guy who recorded it. He was a man of God and a dear friend.
Paul Kosanke
was smart and good at what he did.
Always dependable and there when you needed him.
They were good
soldiers and I miss them both.
I have had
difficult moments over the years because of Willie having taken my place on the
gun and then having it backfire on him.
I tried so
hard to get someone in the government to understand what had happened--that it
never should have been fired. However,
they denied anything was ever wrong with the gun. They denied a lot though and this is only one incident.
May they both Rest in Peace.
Recreation of the Memorial Services for Kosanke and Austin.
Sent in by William Cowan
MEMORIAL SERVICE
1400 HOURS - 1 MAY 1970
E4 WILLIE AUSTIN JR.
E4 PAUL J. KOSANKE
2nd Battalion 94th Artillery
LTC Edward G. Brantley- Commanding
_____________________________
INVOCATION
OPENING PRAYER
OLD TESTAMENT READINGS - Psalms 23, 121, 126
EPISTLE READINGS - Rom 8:31-39, I Thess 4:13-18
GOSPEL READINGS - John 11:21-27, John 14:1-6
PRAYER
MEDITATION
CLOSING PRAYER
BENEDICTION
_____________________________
Colonel Milton E. Key Group Commander
Lyle H. Shaw (LTC) Corps Artillery Group Chaplain
Martin N. Ford (MAJ) Group Chaplain
IN MEMORIAM
E4 PAUL J. KOSANKE
Paul J. Kosanke, son of Mr. and Mrs. Melvin W. Kosanke, was born in Eldora, Iowa 6 July 1948. He was a student at Lassen College, Susanville, California before entering the service.
Paul came to Vietnam 16 July 1969, where he served as a cargo carrier driver, cannoneer, and assistant gunner with A Battery 2/94th Artillery. During his tour with A Battery, he was chosen Soldier of the Month, Soldier of the Quarter, and was on the top of the selection list for promotion.
He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Melvin W. Kosanke of Eldoria, Iowa.
E4 WILLIE AUSTIN JR.
Willie Austin Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Willie Austin Sr., was born on 27 June 1949 in Mobile, Alabama. He attended Rosalott High School where he graduated in 1968.
Willie came to Vietnam 14 July 1969 and served in an outstanding manner as cannoneer, ammo handler, and truck driver with A Battery 2/94th Artillery.
He is survived by his father, Willie Austin Sr. of San Antonio, Texas and his mother Lottie Mae Austin of Mount Vernon, Alabama.