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Dave Berry | all galleries >> Galleries >> Vietnam War '67 - '68 > CPT Carl Kizer - KIA 19 June '68
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CPT Carl Kizer - KIA 19 June '68

Company commanders had a tremendous amount of responsibility for not only the mission, but the life of every soldier in their company. The weight of command can be a tangible thing. CPT Carl Kizer was Headquarters Co. Commander when I was with Recon Platoon, which reported to him. He later took command of one of the battalion rifle companies. He was an experienced, brave and highly capable leader, who cared deeply about the men under his command. He was liked and respected by his fellow officers and the enlisted soldiers. CPT Kizer was killed in action on June 19, 1968, with only 3 days left on his tour. He has a place on the Virtual Wall here: http://www.virtualwall.org/dk/KizerCS01a.htm

This photo was shared by my friend Charles "Recon Doc" Smith, who was with CPT Kizer when he was killed.


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DANIELPEARCH 29-May-2018 04:38
WOW YES I DO REMEMER HIM HE WAS A TRUE GRUNT HE BATH IN A B 52 CRATER HE ALSO EAT A HAM THAT WE STOLED FROM A ALT MESS TENT ALSO I WAS THERE WHEN HE PASSED IHELPED CARRY HIM OUT HE WAS A FATHER TO US ALL. AND THE ONE WHO SAVED MY LIFE
Michael Walls 11-Mar-2017 22:12
The only officer my father remembers serving under as a radio operator was Cpt. Kizer a man he respected deeply for his honest and caring interaction with his enlisted soldiers. My dad's name is Steve Walls and I believe he was already a Sgt. when he served under Cpt. Kizer.
Robert23-Feb-2013 07:13
It is truly humbling to see the courage of brave men like this man. The ultimate service to so many of us who are not worthy of such selfless sacrifice. The bond he and his men have is truly graceful and the best this Nation has to offer. This image brings tears to my eyes. My father is a WWII combat survivor and I was so lucky that he made it back home. As tragic and sad that his young natural life ended, his life serves as an enternal example of what sacrifice, courage and leadership is. HIs family and fellow soldiers must be so proud.
CHUCK BOWERS 11-Nov-2012 15:31
SO MY SQUAD IS SITTING AROUND ON OUR BUTTS WAITING TO DO SOMETHING,ANYTHING..WHEN ALONG STRUTS CAPT.KIZER LOOKING FOR A GRENADIER TO GO ON A PATROL TO A VIL WITH HIM.
BEING A KILO I SWAPED MY RADIO WITH DAVE POLARA. AND OFF WE WENT.WHEN WE ARRIVED THE VILLAGE CHIEF POINTED TO SMOKE COMING UP IN THE DISTANCE AND SAID VC.THE CAPT TAPPED MY HELMET WITH HIS WALKING STICK AND TOLD ME TO LAY A ROUND ON THE SMOKE WHICH I WAS GLAD TO LAND A PERFECT HIT WHICH BROUGHT MANY CUDOS FROM THE VIL CHIEF. AFTER A FEW MORE ROUNDS THE CAPT CONVINCED THE CHIEF THAT HE WAS SAFE FROM THE VC.
FROM THAT PATROL I HAD A TON OF RESPECT FOR CAPT KIZER I AM SADDENED TO LEARN HE WAS KIA..ONE OF THE BEST NOT ONLY OF 2/28 BUT THE BIG RED ONE AS WELL.
Don C. Kerns 30-Aug-2012 01:27
My name is Don Kerns. I live in Edmonds, Washington. I had the pleasure of serving with Captain Kizer in Verdun, France. He was Company Commander of the 61st MP Co. I patrolled the highways around Verdun and we served together for about a year. I believe he was the final commander of the 61st when the US Forces left France in 1967. Many times, I was assigned to pick Capt. Kizer up from his residence when he was assigned as Patrol duty officer. He was a pleasure to work with. During one of the last conversations I had with him, he told me of his desire to serve in Vietnam. I have often thought about him because as a soldier, I viewed him as a role model. Thinking back, I will always owe Captain Kizer a debt of gratitude because he thought my duty to the 61st outweighed my requests to go to Vietnam. I was discharged in 1967 after seven years of service. Through the Internet, I found out today, August 29, 2012 that he was KIA in Vietnam. In many ways the aspects of character I express today, I owe to my service with Captain Kizer forty-six years ago.
Dave Berry20-Jun-2012 01:09
As the many comments attest, CPT Kizer was a brave soldier and leader as well as a role model for those of us who served under him. I am truly sorry for your family's loss.
Dave Berry
LTC (Retired), US Army
Carl Kizer 19-Jun-2012 22:56
As the son of Captain Carl Kizer, it is very humbling to hear the many fine words spoken of him. I want to thank all of you for the fine memories you have of my father. Today is yet another anniversary of his death. Something I still find hard but the kind words of so many help to ease the pain.
Jerry Daughtry 27-Sep-2011 16:52
Captain K. was a brilliant man and outstanding soldier! I was one of Col. Menetreys rtos in late 67 and 68 and was always by Captain Ks side in the field. I was standing next to him when he got hit. He died instantly and was no suffering. Such a great man! Whether we were in the field or back in base camp he always gathered us up and had Mass every Sunday! He was our FO and called in air strikes! The pilots all loved working with Captain K.! It's been 43 years and still seems like yesterday. Always thinking about him! He was a true example of an outstanding manand soldier!!! We miss you Captain K.!
Hugh Kizer 22-Jul-2011 01:27
Charles "Recon Doc Smith" I would like the color photo of my brother very much. My e-mail is hlkizer@earthlink.net. Thanks for being my brothers friend.
Dave Berry20-Jul-2011 01:29
Charles was not only a great friend, but also a brave medic. Among other honors, he was awarded a Silver Star Medal for heroism. We spent a lot of time together in basecamp and, as young guys do, had discussions on many subjects. We probably actually even knew something about a few of them. He had a lot of talent with a camera back then. Later in life he had a career as a successful professional photographer.
Chales "Recon Doc" Smith 19-Jul-2011 07:54
Hugh Kizer: My name is Charles R Smith "Recon Doc Smith" and I was with Capt K in VietNam. On many occasions Capt K and I would sit by my bunkerand discuss my passion for ancient history and literature. He was the MOST respected man in the Black Lions. He was always in the field with the troops. Two days after his death many "Black Lions" would come up to me and others (many didn't even know him but knew he was well-liked, loved and respected by all who knew him) and tell us how sorry they were. Capt K always affectionally addressed those he knew by: "Hey Monk." Three days after his death the Commanding General (Keith Ware) and Lt Col Louis C Menetry (Our former Bn CO) landed in the "Black Lion NDP. Colonel Menentry came up to me and also offered his condolences. His death was felt throughout the entire "Black Lion NDP." I have another shot (in color) of Capt "K" I would like to email to you.
Long Bach Nguyen03-Feb-2011 06:29
Great photograph and officer
michael tuffy 12-Nov-2010 01:40
Dave,Charles and all who served with my uncle carl.Thank you for your service to our country. It's veterans day 2010, Happy veterans day. I'm very proud of all you guys. Thank you for keeping his memory alive.
John B. Matthews 23-Sep-2010 04:16
Hugh Kizer: I am assuming Carl is the same Carl who I served with in Verdun, France, 1965. He was the best, my caring officer I met in my three years. I cried when I saw his name on the Wall. One of 58k tragedies but one that strikes me in the heart. Bless him and bless you.
Fred Dunlap 18-Aug-2010 10:32
I was Capt. Kizer's Company Clerk when he led HHC 2nd/28th '67-'68. He was 3 days "short" (days left before DEROS - returning home) when killed by a friendly artillary round that hit a tree top prematurely while he was out on patrol. He didn't even have to go out that day (nobody had to when they were that short), but he was, as many have said, dedicated to his men. Everyone loved this guy... I put through several successful field telephone calls for him to his wife from Lai Khe and even the jungle where we had telephone wires run to the NDP - much to his AND my amazement! Have thought of him many times over the years. Thank you for putting up this picture.
DAVID M RANKIN 10-Jun-2010 11:40
GREAT PICTURE OF A GREAT GUY AND GREAT OFFICER, CAPT. KIZER WAS MY CO FOR SOME TIME AND IT WAS A PLEASURE TO SERVE UNDER HIM, WE HAD MANY LAUGHS AND GOOD TIMES.WE HAD TALKED ABOUT HIS NEXT DUTY STATION AT LENGTH, IT WAS NEAR MY HOME TOWN. THANKS FOR THE PICTURE DAVID RANKIN
Hugh Kizer 18-Mar-2010 19:10
Capt. Carl S. Kizer was the oldest of five children born to Loren S. Kizer and Margaret E. Kizer (Griffith). Carl left a wife, Marie Azzaro (Kizer) and sons Carl and Larry. Carl was the first in our family to graduate from college, Scranton University. Through the ROTC program who was commissioned a Second Lieutenant and served in France and Germany before Viet Nam. I would like to hear from any of the men who served with Capt. Kizer especially anyone who was with him on the day he was killed.
Billy Tuffy 03-Feb-2010 00:27
Thank you for posting this picture. Capt. Kizer was my uncle. I would love to find more pictures and more information if you have it. My mother always spoke highly of her brother.
John Dickson 13-Oct-2009 07:07
I was Karl Kizer's "Bunker Mate" for the six weeks just before he was killed. Now, 41 years later, the picture brought back a flood of emotions. I have saved it on my hard drive to show my grand children - when I get the courage. Thank you for capturing this.
BOB KLEIN 23-Sep-2009 01:21
THANK YOU FOR POSTING THIS PIC OF CPT. KIZER--HIS NEPHEW IS A FRIEND OF MINE AND HE TOLD ME ABOUT HIS UNCLE BEING KIA IN VIETNAM ABOUT THE SAME TIME I WAS THERE WITH THE 1ST BN 28TH INF CHARLIE COMAPNY 67~68---MY FRIEND WILL REALLY APPRECIATE THIS PIC. THANKS AGAIN
Guest 29-Apr-2008 13:08
Powerful shot and very moving. A great tribute to a great leader.
Tom Briggs28-Apr-2008 21:13
A great photo of a great American, Dave ... a moving and deserving tribute. I'm certain he'd be appreciative ... V
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