OUR HERO

Killed in action September 26, 1968 by ground casualty gun, small arms fire hostile, died in Kien Tuong South Vietnam. The body was recovered. Home of record was BUFFALO, NY. Born June 12, 1947 age at death 21. A Caucasian Male, Married. Religious affiliation Roman Catholic.

Comments and Pictures by Ray Heltzel:

Dick Trotter's friend's or family sent him about 5 shirts saying MUDHOLE AC (Activitity Center). I think Lannie Stone, Borczynski (Ski) and a couple of others wore these proudly. For the record, Sgt. Hicks and Sgt. Williams were severely wounded the same day Bollman, Pruett, Borczynski, Hayes, and Trotter were Killed in Action. Sgt. Deschenes was killed approximately 6 weeks later. I realize many more were wounded at that time and we'll figure it all out in time.


Picture of Sgts "Ski" and Hicks.	Robert Bollman (foreground), Bob Wilson, and Fred Borczynski (drink in hand).

Comments by Ray Heltzel:

Fred Borcynski was Killed in Action on 9-26-68.

Ski as he was known to us was a laugh a minute and the world centered around him. He was the life of the party and as quick witted as any stand up comedian. Ski was married an constantly talked about going home to start a family. Ski was from New York and he had that heavy inter city accent. Ski was a fire team leader for Dick Trotter an where you found one you'd find the other. Another good buddy of Ski's was SSGT Otis Williams wounded the same day Ski and four other men were killed. Ski was a short timer and like Dick Trotter had less than a week or so before his DEROS. Everybody liked Ski and when he was KIA he took with him the soul of our unit. You never forget a guy like him. Also from third platoon KIA that day was Dick Trotter, Robert Bollman, James R. Pruett and Danny Hayes. Rest in peace my brother until we meet again. God Bless you.

Ray Heltzel Co. D. 6/31st Inf. third platoon.