In Memorium...
It is with profound sadness that I pass on the news of the death of a Vietnam Veteran, POW activist, business partner, and my brother.Most of you don't know of him or have heard of him only in passing. But, in almost everything I did, he was right there, urgin g me on. He helped provide for the funding and publication of my book, Trails of Deceit.
He was the source of my original information on the cross border operations in the original book, Missing in Action: Trail of Deceit.
He served in Vietnam, HQ 7th Air Force, Out Country Division (That is the place where all information concerning AF Operations that took place outside of SVN went through). His job was "last man out." That means - if the base were to be overrun, his job was to make sure all documents, equipment, etc. was destroyed with thermite grenades before he could evacuate himself.
He volunteered for Vietnam because his older brother (me) had received orders for Vietnam and by God if I was there, he was going to be there. I could not have done many of the things I did unless he had volunteered to watch our family business while I was out on the road (often with Earl and Patty Hopper in the immediate past years). For those of you who don't know - that means running our business on a 24 hour a day 7 day a week basis.
He did that up until the time emphysema (he had been born with bronchitis) and astma almost took him from us 3 years ago (he literally died on us then).
Slowly, the toll was taken. However, he never let up on the support for Veterans and our causes. A little over a year ago, he died once more when with a 90 percent blockage, his heart stopped and he had to be put on a breathing aparatus again. Once again, God sent him back home, this time on oxygen.
Finally, it took cancer (on top of all the other things) to take him out and God, in His mercy, decided Leroy's time on earth was done. Even in death, he was a fighter.
Services are pending - a memorial service date - with full military honors - are pending.
Just remember, everytime any work I ever did is mentioned - He was my strong right arm.
An officer is never worth his salt without his strong sergeant. Leroy was mine.
Best to you all -Larry J O'Daniel
former CPT Military Intelligence USAR
Former Phoenix Operative
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We convey our condolences and our prayers to Larry and his family on the passing of his brother, Leroy, our fellow Vietnam Veteran.
