William Wright Crouch, General, USA (Ret.), 83, of Denver, Colorado passed away on September 20, 2024. He was born July 12, 1941 in California to Jordan and Elizabeth Crouch. William was a proud veteran who made a career with the military, serving his country as a Captain in F Troop and Headquarters, Headquarters Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in the Vietnam War in 1967 – 1968. He received his bachelor’s degree from Clermont College and his master’s degree from Texas Christian University. He was also a graduate of the Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas and the Army War College, Carlise, Pennsylvania. He worked diligently in his career, and he served as Vice Chief of Staff of the Army. He married the love of his life, Victoria, and they eventually settled in Denver, Colorado. William had key assignments as Commanding General, Eighth U.S. Army (Europe); United Nations Command, US Army (Europe); Allied Land Forces Central Europe; and Vice Chief of Staff, U.S. Army (1996-1998). His awards include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Air Medal, and Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. He is survived by his wife Vicki and daughters Cami and Cathi. “Fill not your heart with pain and sorrow, but remember me in every tomorrow. Remember the joy, the laughter, the smiles, I’ve only gone to rest a little while. Although my leaving causes pain and grief, my going has eased my hurt and given me relief. So dry your eyes and remember me, not as I am now, but as I used to be. Because I will remember you all and look on with a smile, Understand, in your hearts, I’ve only gone to rest a little while. As long as I have the love of each of you, I can live my life in the hearts of all of you.” Rest in peace Sir. |
Alva E. Thompson, Jr., 78, of Frederick, Maryland, died September 20, 2024. He was the beloved father of Alva E. Thompson III, Tiffany D. Stevens, and Tara A. Jernigan; grandfather to 12 grandchildren; and an unforgettable friend to innumerable people. His life was devoted to the betterment of other’s lives through his service as a civilian minister, military chaplain and soldier, and primary school teacher. On October 8, 2024, Colonial Funeral Home in Leesburg, Virginia hosted his viewing and funeral service. Burial was at National Memorial Cemetery at Quantico. This link below will take you to a page for Chaplain Thompson: https://www.colonialfuneralhome.com/obituary/alva-thompson-jr. If you scroll down you’ll find a short video of pictures from his life, to include one of him at his desk in Bad Hersfeld. The following was provided by Paul Kruger: Ed was born and raised on a cattle farm in Florida. His father was also a Baptist minister. Known as “crackers,” the Florida farmers cracked whips to move cattle. He smiled when he told the story of being a cracker. He fought in Vietnam and returned to attend the University of South Florida in Tampa and was then called to the ministry. I knew him as an extremely dedicated chaplain who was where the troops were. At the railhead in the freezing rain or at Graf. Sometimes he would conduct an early service in Graf and then hurry back to Bad Hersfeld to conduct another service in Bad Hersfeld. He always ate lunch with the troopers in the mess hall. After retiring, he settled in Frederick Maryland. He is another comrade to embrace at Fiddler’s Green. Work Horse, Sir! —— I can only echo what Paul said. Ed was my chaplain for my entire command tour with 3rd Squadron. He was devoted to and beloved by the soldiers of the Squadron. He provided wise counsel and helped wherever and whenever needed. When we created a ceremony for the end of our weekly officer professional development — a ceremony that revolved around toasts from a 105 tank shell that was turned into a beer stein — I asked Ed to write a prayer that we could use at the end of the toasts. The first time it was read, there wasn’t a dry eye in the group, and we immediately adopted it as our prayer. See below. Clint Ancker, Bandit 6, 1988-1990 |
Danny Lynwood McLamb, 75, of Newton Grove, North Carolina, passed away on September 29, 2024 at home with his family by his side. Danny was born on July 4, 1949, to the late Rastus and Pauline McLamb. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He had a passion for automotives and horses and especially enjoyed fellowship with family and friends. Danny is survived by his wife of 54 years, Judy West McLamb; daughter Tara Lucas (Niles) of Faison, NC; grandchildren Caleb Lucas (fiancé, Amber Groves) and Taylor Lucas (friend, Hunter Hanchey); brother-in laws Charles N. West (Linda) of Sumter, SC and Richard G. West (Cynthia) of Clinton; sisters-in law Jenny West of Chesapeake, VA and Agnes West of Newton Grove, NC; nieces and nephews Barbara Lou Twigg (Ronnie), Jerry McLamb (Marsha), Paula Ford (Mark), Donnie Hardy (Andy), Jeremiah West (Whitney), Angela West (David), James West (Katie), Sarah Ellis (Adam), Matthew West (Leticia), Joseph West (Lauren), and Miranda Rothman (Josh). Danny is preceded in death by his parents, Rastus and Pauline McLamb; brothers Gene McLamb and Ray McLamb; nephews James McLamb and Terry McLamb; father-in law and mother-in law Marion and Katie West; brother-in law Jerry West; and sister-in law Mary Jean McLamb Britt. Danny graduated from Hobbton High School in 1967 and was drafted for the Vietnam War in 1969. While in Vietnam, he served in the Aero Rifle Platoon of the Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment from 1 January to 31 December 1969. Upon returning from Vietnam, he married the love of his life, Judy, and they moved to Raleigh so that he could obtain an Associate’s Degree in Animal Science and Soil Science from NC State University. After graduating from NC State University, he worked with Ralston Purina, Federal Land Bank, Kleen Lean, but most of his career was in car sales. He loved all things automotive, so he became a car salesman with Leith Honda in Goldsboro and worked his way to Sales Manager and General Manager. He also served as General Manager of Leith Honda dealerships in Wilson and Henderson. Danny served as Sales Manager for Thornton Chevrolet, Go Chevrolet, and eventually retired from Williamson Motors. While working full time, Danny also continued to serve our country in the NC National Guard Aviation Unit for a number of years. For the last year of his life, Danny was supported by special friends, Carolyn Straughn and Matthew Thornton, who provided invaluable daily support to the entire family. During the last week of his life, he was also under the care of Liberty Home Care and Hospice. Their beneficial services allowed him to remain comfortable and spend his last few days at home with family by his side. |
Eugene Ray Drenth, 74, of Ellsworth, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on October 17, 2024, with his loving family beside him. He was born on June 13, 1950, in Charlevoix, the son of Gerrit and Wilma (Heeres) Drenth. Gene graduated from Ellsworth High School in 1968, and went on to attend Grand Valley for two years before enlisting in the United States Army in 1970 during Vietnam. He proudly served with Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in 1971-72. Upon his discharge from active duty in 1972, he received training at RETS Electronic Schools. He began working at Big Rock Nuclear Plant in 1976; he held several positions over the years, but his favorite was being an instructor and teaching others. Before the plant shut down, they offered employees the opportunity to go back to school. He took advantage of the offer and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Spring Arbor University in 1997, and he became an ordained minister in 2001 through Trinity Theological Seminary where he earned his Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry. Gene dedicated much of his time in Ellsworth and the surrounding communities volunteering and teaching others. Over the years, he served on several boards including a local church, Ebenezer Christian School, Good Samaritan Family Services, and the American Legion Post 488. He also devoted much of his time to serving with Keryx prison ministry. Gene was a proud veteran and earned the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, Aircraft Crewman’s Badge, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Air Medal, and Sharpshooter. He was also recognized as an honoree on a mid-Michigan Honor Flight and received a Quilt of Valor for his dedicated service in the United States Army. Gene had little time for himself outside of serving his community that he truly loved. However, when he had time, he enjoyed studying, gardening, and filling in for other pastors at several churches in the area. On October 1, 1977, Gene married the love of his life, Patty (Wallick) Drenth, who survives. Also surviving are his two daughters, Faith (Jeremy) DeYoung and Hope (Tim) Broxterman; brother Chet (Marlene) Drenth; sister-in-law Brenda Drenth; and grandchildren Emma, Tyler, and Kerri. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Thelma (Henry) Koens; his brother, Gary Drenth; and his half-brother, Don Heeres. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ebenezer Christian School, PO Box 158, Ellsworth, MI 49729 (https://ebenezerchristian.org/financial-giving/) or Good Samaritan Family Services, PO Box 206, Ellsworth, MI 49729 (https://www.thegoodsam.org/give). |
Douglas Anthony Haywood. 1947 – 2024. We published an E-News Special in October about Doug’s passing as it had time- sensitive information about his funeral. We were unable to find a more detailed obituary, though the E-News elicited the following fitting tribute from someone who served with Doug in Vietnam. I was one of the chopper pilots for the 11th ACR during that period. One day we were getting our ARPS out, and for some reason, the governor of my aircraft stopped functioning. I would try to lift off, lose power and settle back into the elephant grass. It was late evening. The elephant grass was as high as my helicopter blades and it was getting scary. Everyone except for my crew were out of the aircraft, and I still could not take off. I heard something behind me, looked around and there sat Doug Haywood with his AR. I screamed at him to get out with all the others and he said “brother I am not leaving you.” There were probably many of the ARPS there, but for me there was only this brave soldier. RIP MY HERO and my friend. Wayne Morvent |
Duncan Colquitt Murrow Jr., 77, of Dunn, North Carolina, a member of the Blackhorse Association, passed away on October 26, 2024 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born in Buncombe County on September 29, 1947, to the late Duncan and Mary Ray Murrow. He is preceded in death by his sister, Diana Hink. Duncan (Dad, Daddy, and Papa) was a true Renaissance man! His passion was teaching his daughters and grandchildren how to work with their hands. From woodworking and stained glass to gardening, there was nothing he couldn’t do. His goal was to turn even the most mundane tasks into adventures. He loved traveling to new places with his family, going camping and fishing, and engaging in deep conversations about life. There was never any doubt about his love and dedication to his family; he held a strong conviction for family togetherness and tradition and was always full of great stories from his past. His grandchildren were always by his side, as he always had a fun new project to share. He also had a great passion for reading, believing it to be a gateway to learning, imagination, and an expanded vocabulary. His love for books was a gift he passed on by reading to his grandchildren. Beloved and respected in his community, he served as a masterful caregiver at Grace Hospital for most of his life, taking his role as the Assistant Director of Respiratory Care very seriously. His legacy as a master craftsman and a kind, gracious, and loving human being will live on through the lives of his wonderful daughters, wife, and beautiful grandchildren, who will always carry his incredible “Papa-isms” for many generations to come. He was the Cat’s meow! He is survived by his wife Claudeen Murrow; daughters Ehren Whitmore and husband Lukas; Amanda Brown and husband Tony; grandchildren Evan English, Isabel Brown, Maddox Brown, Allove Brown, Khaden Whitmore, Knorah Whitmore, and Kashton Whitmore. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to either Liberty Hospice, 105 Hunt Valley Dr, Dunn, NC 28334 or Divine St. United Methodist Church, 400 W Divine St, Dunn, NC 28334. |
Make plans to attend our 2025 Blackhorse Association Family Reunion July 9–13, 2025 at the South Point Hotel and Conference Center, 9777 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, NV 89183. The theme of the reunion is “celebrating the 25th anniversary of OIF deployment.” Arrangements have been made with South Point Hotel and Conference center for rooms and catering for the Friday and Saturday night socials. Registration will be conducted through the BHA website, and South Point reservation information will be provided in December. Our tentative program is as follows: |
As noted in the tentative program, the Saturday evening dinner is also the Regimental Ball and as such, we recommend a more formal approach as the regiment will be in dress uniform for the event. While not required, it is recommended that former troopers wear jacket and tie, with ribbons or medals optional. There will be more information about this as we get closer to the event. Reunion registration information: All registration and reservation information and forms will be found on our Blackhorse Association website at Reunions. Registration is expected to cost $150 per person for the full reunion. We will also have options for Friday-only, Saturday-only, and just the Regimental Ball. The Regimental Ball registration option will be for members, ensuring that troopers pay a rate commensurate with their rank. A mail-in option will be available as well as online for those preferring this option. We expect registration cut-off to be enforced this year as the Saturday attendance will have preference for regimental troopers and their guests. The cut-off date for registration is June 9, 2025. |
Donations: To offset the cost of trooper attendance (E-1 to E6), we will be seeking donations from members as well as corporate sponsorships. Ideally, we would like to reduce the meal cost for troopers to about $35 (a $30 dollar discount) as they will be covering the costs of rooms and potentially travel and childcare to attend. Assuming that 300 troopers attend the Regimental Ball, then we would like to offset meal costs by $30 per trooper; our donation goal would then be $9000. |
The 2024 Pigapalooza was hosted by Don and Suzie Robbin’s in Belle Center, Ohio, September 28–29. Over 50 Troopers and family members gathered on Friday evening for our traditional “Bier and Brats” night, swapping lies and enjoying the fine food and camaraderie well into the evening. German potato salad along with a number of other delicious side dishes complemented the bratwurst and nobody left hungry. Saturday’s gathering featured hickory smoked pulled pork and baby back ribs with coleslaw, baked beans and all the fixings. Highlight of the evening was the annual auction of donated items to support the Blackhorse scholarship fund. This year’s event garnered over $6,000 which will go toward sustaining the Rondo & Lorraine Jackson scholarship. Special guests on Saturday were Bill and John Stephens, sons of the recently passed CSM John Stephens. They made a special donation to the fund in honor of Dale Lawless for his loyalty, friendship and contributions to the Blackhorse over the years. Dale has had his own health battles over the last year, but we’re proud to see him on the mend. We missed Rondo Jackson this year, but his presence was felt by all through the commemorative Pigapalooza badge he designed for us (see attached photo). Rondo continues to support the Regiment through his artistic talent and gifts, and we greatly appreciate him. Hope to see Rondo at the next gathering. Next year’s Pigapalooza is tentatively scheduled again for September and will be held in Texas. Look for us on Facebook and we’ll see you there. |
Dale Lawless, Bill Stephens, Dave Cowan |
Mark and Shirley Neukom donated generously to the cause. |
Rondo’s creative genius continues to amaze us. |
Volksmarch anyone? Dave Cowan, Danny Garceaux, Beate Cowan, Dale Lawless. |
Don & Suzie Robbins hosted the 2024 Pigapalooza. |
Tom and Terri Morrison will be hosting a mini-Blackhorse get-together March 22, 2025, 1–5 p.m. 5121 W. Creedance Blvd.
Glendale, AZ 85310 We will order pizza for lunch, and B.Y.O.B. Please RSVP as it will help. Ron Krueger
ronkrue@hotmail.com
530-304-4249 |
Blackhorse History Corner |
Daniel Bootcheck was drafted by the Detroit Tigers straight out of high school in 1966. But then the draft got in the way – the Army draft, not Major League Baseball. Dan joined the 3rd Squadron’s Howitzer Battery in October 1968. Bootcheck received a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star with “V” for valor during his 15 months with the Regiment. When he was released from active duty a year later, Dan returned to baseball. He played until 1972 in the Tigers’ Minor League farm system. His son, Chris, was drafted by the Angels in 2000. |
Sammy Davis Jr. performed on stage before hundreds of appreciative GIs at Long Binh Post in February 1972. Second Squadron and Air Cav Troop were among the very last combat units in-country at that time. The few lucky Blackhorse Troopers who actually got to see the show noticed the 11th Cav patch on Sammy’s right pocket. |
German/American Shooting Fest. For much of its time on the border in Germany, the Blackhorse Regiment hosted an annual Schutzenfest. German and American marksmen competed to see who would take home individual and team prizes. Then they competed to see who could drink the most beer. These photos appeared in the August 1977 edition of the Blackhorse newspaper. |
A Short Vietnam Vignette from Jerry Williamson
Delta Company, 1st Squadron, 11th ACR, 1968-69 |
I was a tank commander in Delta Co. during 1968-69, and frankly, I knew nothing about tanks or any sort of armor before I was assigned to the unit. I want to start by saying I was never a hero, but I sure worked with a bunch of them. Delta Company was most often placed under operational control (OPCON) to other infantry or cavalry units who needed to get into the jungle but couldn’t because of the jungle conditions. We’d be given an approximate location of some enemy unit. The tanks would “sneak up on them” in our 52-ton tanks to drive a path to them. The job was basically “drive until you get ambushed — then kill everything you can.” Pretty simple. Most of the units we busted jungle for were professional and we appreciated each other. There were occasional exceptions. Late one afternoon we pulled out of the jungle to set up a night defensive position (NDP). There was a sundown to sun-up curfew as the VC moved at night throughout the countryside. The sun had gone down, but we still had an hour or so of daylight. We were on the outskirts of a small rice-farming village and some of the villagers were still working their way back to their huts. A Spec. 4 from the infantry unit came over to our tank and pointed out an old man driving a cart being pulled by a water buffalo at a few miles an hour. I was in the TC’s cupola talking to my loader and driver who were standing on the sponson box (fender). The Spec. 4 smiled and said, “Hey, papasan didn’t make it to the village by sundown. He’s a fair target, are you going to shoot him?” My loader, Red Reel said, “No. And if you shoot him, I’ll shoot you.” The driver, Mac Murdock told the Spec. 4, “Don’t worry. Red here’s a lousy shot, but I won’t miss you.” When he looked at me for help, I said, “All three of us can’t miss you. I suggest you get away from my tank, and don’t let us see you again.” I’ve only told this story a few times, but still laugh about it with Mac Murdock in our infrequent phone calls. I want to tell the story now to remind people how decent and caring our Blackhorse guys were. Don’t get me wrong, when the stuff hit the fan, we killed everything we could. This just shows a side you rarely hear about. Both Red and Mac separately won the Soldiers’ Medal for heroism in non-combat situations. All of us Vietnam guys are dying off at an increasing rate. Some of these stories should live on in our history. |
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