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Dave Berry | all galleries >> Galleries >> Vietnam War '67 - '68 > MAJ (P) Louis C. Menetrey, Battalion Commander; and Charles Smith, medic
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MAJ (P) Louis C. Menetrey, Battalion Commander; and Charles Smith, medic

Major (Promotable) Menetrey came to the 2/28th in the dark days right after the Battle of Ong Thanh. His predecessor, LTC Terry Allen, was killed in the battle. LTC Menetrey (as he was promoted quickly) led the Black Lions through a quick rebuilding and back into the field and battle. He was an outstanding leader who was highly decorated and had the respect of all of us who served under him. When he retired in the early '90s he wore 4 stars. GEN Menetrey was one of the Army's top leaders and one of our country's greatest heroes, wearing among his decorations the Distinguished Service Cross. His wife Jane wrote a compelling book about this great man - "Caring Warrior".

GEN Menetrey passed away in mid-January, 2009. His loss is felt by all of us.

Charles was another medic friend in Vietnam. He came to the 2/28th in late '67. He was awarded a Silver Star Medal in Aug. '68 for valor in pulling injured soldiers from a burning Armored Personnel Carrier and treating their wounds while exposed to enemy fire. He became a professional photographer later in life.


Photo courtesy of Charles "Recon Doc" Smith


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James Herman 02-Feb-2012 20:20
I served with Gen. L C Menetry in South Korea in 1984 as his Crew member on his Helicopter at camp Red Cloud, I learned a lot from this man, not only as my commanding officer but also as a frind, I am proud to have served with him. R.I.P.
Jerry Daughtry 23-Sep-2011 19:46
I had often wondered what became of Col. Menetrey when I came across this site. Thanks so much for posting info and pictures! I was Col. Menetreys radio operator from late 67 until he left in 68 and Col. Vernon Coffee took over command. He was my mentor! Really thought a lot of him. Such a nice man and his combat expertise was unsurpassable! A truly great american soldier! Sorry to hear of his passing. Would have like to seen him again. Sympathys to all his family. Finall found a place on line to order his wifes book about him and can hardly wait until it gets here! He will be missed by everyone that knew him! May "GOD" bless him and family!
Mike Ford 17-Jul-2009 11:05
sad to hear about Gen. Menetry, I was very good friends with his step-daughter, Liz Daniels, who is from Colorado Springs, Colorado. I was only a PFC at the time, but when I met him at his house he treated me with much respect, just as I was an equal, but I knew in my mind that I would never be the man he was. Fortunately for me and the rest of the U.S. when he was the commander of Ft. Carson, nobody wanted to mess with this country. I am glad to say I had a chance to serve under him and for him. RIP
Dave Berry12-Feb-2009 00:42
Thank you Jim, you are correct. GEN Menetrey had many positions of great responsibility and always cared about his soldiers. He was a mentor and role model to soldiers at many levels during his career. His example was one that guided me later in my career when I became an Army officer and throughout the rest of my time in the US Army.
Dave Berry
Jim Hansen 11-Feb-2009 00:50
I think LTC Menetrey was Dauntless 6 until he became Danger 76 (Division G-3) and I believe that was closer to 8/68. He worked closely with MG Ware and then MG Talbott after MG Ware was killed in 9/08. I was in G-3 when he came there. He was one of two people I have ever worked for that I deeply respected.
John McCoy 13-Dec-2008 19:10
At one point in General Menetrey's career (late 1980's, early 1990's), he was in charge of ALL armed forces in South Korea. As often happens with career soldiers, our company commander during Ong Thanh, Captain Jim Kasik, went on to serve under General Menetrey many years later in Korea. Jim was a Lt. Colonel by then. Both were great men to have served under!

John
Dave Berry13-Dec-2008 08:52
As CPT Gerry Grosso points out below, the officer shaking Charles' hand in the photo above was Major Lou Menetrey, who took over command of 2/28th after LTC Allen was killed on 17 Oct. '67. Major Menetrey was quickly promoted to the appropriate rank of Lieutenant Colonel and later rose to 4-star rank before retirement. Every one of us respect GEN Menetrey highly and are proud to have served under him. I was remiss not to have identified him earlier.
gerry grosso 13-Dec-2008 04:05
Charles 'Photo' Smith popped up in my life from nowhere around 2002(?) and sent me a photo of myself that I treasure (actually, at this moment it's in an unopened box since I moved a few days ago and haven't totally unpacked!)

I also can't pass a photo of Lou Menetry - on the left - without a comment and a salute. Lou was CO of the 2/28th from Oct '67 to 4/'08(?). He is a great and wonderful man as well as an exemplary soldier and leader. Naturally, he went on to retire a 4-Star General. Unfortunately, Lou's health has deteriorated and he has recently entered a care facility. His wife Jane, a courageous lady in her own right, has published a biography of lou titled 'Caring Warrior'. A perfect title.
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