SP4/E4 EARL DAVID "DALLAS" BROACH
=======================
SP4/E4 - Army - Regular
4th Infantry Division
His tour began on Jun 24, 1969
Casualty was on Aug 3, 1970 in PHU YEN, SOUTH VIETNAM
Cause: HOSTILE, GROUND CASUALTY; OTHER EXPLOSIVE DEVICE
EARL DAVID BROACH was born on September 12, 1950 and joined the Armed Forces while in DALLAS, TEXAS (his home town).
He served as a 11B2P in the Army, Regiment 75, and attained the rank of SP4/E4. He began a tour of duty on June 24, 1969.
On August 3, 1970, at the age of 19, on his second tour of duty, EARL DAVID BROACH perished in the service of our country in South Vietnam, Phu Yen.
You can find EARL DAVID BROACH honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. on Panel 8W, Row 78.
David is also listed as follows:
Earl David Broach
Specialist Four
K CO, 75TH INFANTRY, 4TH INF DIV, USARV
Army of the United States
Dallas, Texas
September 12, 1950 to August 03, 1970
EARL D BROACH is on the Wall at Panel 08W Line 078
His military marker reads as follows:
EARL DAVID BROACH TEXAS SP4 CO. K 75 INFANTRY (RANGERS) VIETNAM 2 SM-BSM-2 AM-2 ARCOM-PH 12 SEP 1950-3 AUG 1970
(He shares a triple headstone with his father, Otis "Bud" Earl Broach, and mother, Susie Mae Broach.)
David is listed on p.340 in the book "Phantom Warriors, Book 2" By Gary A. Linderer, published originally in 2000 by Random House:
23. SP/F Earl David Broach K/75 RGR 08-03-70
Excerpted from the publisher's review of the book:
"During the Vietnam War, few combat operations were more dangerous than LRRP*/Ranger missions. Vastly outnumbered, the patrols faced overwhelming odds as they fought to carry out their missions, from gathering intelligence, acting as hunter/killer teams, or engaging in infamous "Parakeet" flights actions in which teams were dropped into enemy areas and expected to "develop" the situation. ... These elite warriors relive sudden deadly firefights, prolonged gun battles with large enemy forces, desperate attempts to help fallen comrades, and the sheer hell of bloody, no-quarter combat. The LRRP accounts here are a testament to the courage, guts, daring, and sacrifice of the men who willingly faced death every day of their lives in Vietnam.
*LRRP refers to "Long Range Reconaissance Patrol".
=======================
David is mentioned in the following website concerning "Vietnam's First Rangers - 2nd Brigade Long Range Reconnaisance Patrol:
http://www.4thdivrangers.com/2ndbde/names.html
David is also remembered at "Not Forgotten - Profiles and Messages":
http://www.4thdivrangers.com/2ndbde/Wall/wallbios.html
=======================
EARL DAVID BROACH was a friend of mine, though his friends called him David. He was a few years older than me, but we went to the same high school and church and spent a lot of time together as he liked to mentor the kids younger than himself.
David was not drafted into the Army, he voluntarily enlisted shortly after graduation from W.W. Samuell High School in Dallas, Texas. He wanted to be a soldier, he wanted to be in the Army, and he wanted to be a Ranger Long Range Reconnaisance Patrol - one of the most dangerous jobs in the Army.
He completed one tour of duty, then came home in May of 1970 for leave. All of his friends were thrilled to see him again, and to see him in that uniform, well, it was a thrill for a young girl because David was good looking!
A bunch of us went out to eat at Denny's one Sunday before he left for his second tour and we had a great time. Who would have known that only a few months later, he'd be coming home as a fallen hero?
I was devastated; WE were devastated, as was his family (also members of our church).
As a member of the church's youth choir, one of the most difficult things I've ever had to do was sing at David's funeral. I held my dear friend's hand -- who had also been a life-long friend of David's and his family's -- and we cried our way through singing "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," which his parents had requested.
I think of David often, and especially on Memorial Day, Easter, August 3rd, September 12th and Christmas. He touched so many people, including his fellow soldiers.
In more recent years, I've discovered that during his time in the Rangers, he was given the nickname "Dallas" instead of "Tex" because his unit already had a "Tex." David himself suggested "Dallas" -- and that's what his buddies called him. He got along with everyone in the Army just as he did in civilian life. In other words, everyone loved David -- or Dallas.
I've read in several places that David was not meant to be on point on that four man LRRP that day, but the soldier who was scheduled to go was very sick and Dallas VOLUNTEERED to take his place. The soldier who was sick survived the war, returning home. Again, I've read that he has felt overwhelming guilt since that day -- over 40 years ago -- and believes that had he not been sick, Dallas would still be here.
I don't know that Ranger's name, but I wish I could tell him that I know David -- or Dallas -- would never blame him. The Rangers was one of the most perilous units of the Army and they knew the risks going in.
Dallas would tell that Ranger not to worry, to stop blaming himself and to forgive himself, because Dallas is at peace and never blamed him. Yes, he died young, but he died a soldier, a Ranger; doing what he had so wanted to do. He would never blame anyone for his misfortune, and neither would his family. They were and are all very good Christians.
Not too many years after, David was joined in Heaven by his sister, Sherion Kay Broach Shanks (Find A Grave Memorial# 97200816).
As of January 24, 2012, David was joined in Heaven by his beloved father, Bud Broach (link below - thanks to Find-A-Grave member, Deb [46832182]).
DAVID -- You made an impression on this teenaged girl (and not just because you were so good looking!) and I've never forgotten you and never will. You always had a smile on your face and a joke to tell. You will always be remembered. Karen and I talk about you all the time, so don't worry; you're not forgotten!
GOD BLESS YOU, EARL DAVID BROACH. Thank you for your friendship, for the smiles, the jokes, the laughs; for your love for and service to our country and for your ultimate sacrifice.
====================
Jet Propulsion Laboratory at California Institute of Technology launched STARDUST, NASA's Comet Sample Return Mission. Stardust is the first U.S. space mission dedicated solely to the exploration of a comet, and the first robotic mission designed to return extraterrestrial material from outside the orbit of the Moon to the Earth.
Over 1 million names were collected and placed on the STARDUST spacecraft, which visited Comet Wild 2 in 2004.
One of the names listed is:
EARL DAVID BROACH (SP4/ARMY)
=====================
THE RANGER CREED
Recognizing that I volunteered as a Ranger, fully knowing the hazards of my chosen profession, I will always endeavor to uphold the prestige, honor, and "esprit de corps" of the Ranger Regiment.
Acknowledging the fact that a Ranger is a more elite soldier who arrives at the cutting edge of battle by land, sea, or air, I accept the fact that as a Ranger my country expects me to move farther, faster and fight harder than any other soldier.
Never shall I fail my comrades. I will always keep myself mentally alert, physically strong and morally straight and I will shoulder more than my share of the task whatever it may be. One hundred percent and then some.
Gallantly will I show the world that I am a specially selected and well trained soldier. My courtesy to superior officers, my neatness of dress and care for equipment shall set the example for others to follow.
Energetically will I meet the enemies of my country. I shall defeat them on the field of battle for I am better trained and will fight with all my might. Surrender is not a Ranger word. I will never leave a fallen comrade to fall into the hands of the enemy and under no circumstances will I ever embarrass my country.
Readily will I display the intestinal fortitude required to fight on to the Ranger objective and complete the mission, though I be the lone survivor.
~ Author unknown
==============================
Extra special thanks to AMY for adding photos of David's grave markers. Thank you, Amy.
Special thanks to DEB for the link to David's beloved father, Bud.
More thanks to TOM REECE for providing a photo of David. I hadn't been able to find one; I can't even find my high school yearbooks. Thank you, Tom.
================================
=======================
SP4/E4 - Army - Regular
4th Infantry Division
His tour began on Jun 24, 1969
Casualty was on Aug 3, 1970 in PHU YEN, SOUTH VIETNAM
Cause: HOSTILE, GROUND CASUALTY; OTHER EXPLOSIVE DEVICE
EARL DAVID BROACH was born on September 12, 1950 and joined the Armed Forces while in DALLAS, TEXAS (his home town).
He served as a 11B2P in the Army, Regiment 75, and attained the rank of SP4/E4. He began a tour of duty on June 24, 1969.
On August 3, 1970, at the age of 19, on his second tour of duty, EARL DAVID BROACH perished in the service of our country in South Vietnam, Phu Yen.
You can find EARL DAVID BROACH honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. on Panel 8W, Row 78.
David is also listed as follows:
Earl David Broach
Specialist Four
K CO, 75TH INFANTRY, 4TH INF DIV, USARV
Army of the United States
Dallas, Texas
September 12, 1950 to August 03, 1970
EARL D BROACH is on the Wall at Panel 08W Line 078
His military marker reads as follows:
EARL DAVID BROACH TEXAS SP4 CO. K 75 INFANTRY (RANGERS) VIETNAM 2 SM-BSM-2 AM-2 ARCOM-PH 12 SEP 1950-3 AUG 1970
(He shares a triple headstone with his father, Otis "Bud" Earl Broach, and mother, Susie Mae Broach.)
David is listed on p.340 in the book "Phantom Warriors, Book 2" By Gary A. Linderer, published originally in 2000 by Random House:
23. SP/F Earl David Broach K/75 RGR 08-03-70
Excerpted from the publisher's review of the book:
"During the Vietnam War, few combat operations were more dangerous than LRRP*/Ranger missions. Vastly outnumbered, the patrols faced overwhelming odds as they fought to carry out their missions, from gathering intelligence, acting as hunter/killer teams, or engaging in infamous "Parakeet" flights actions in which teams were dropped into enemy areas and expected to "develop" the situation. ... These elite warriors relive sudden deadly firefights, prolonged gun battles with large enemy forces, desperate attempts to help fallen comrades, and the sheer hell of bloody, no-quarter combat. The LRRP accounts here are a testament to the courage, guts, daring, and sacrifice of the men who willingly faced death every day of their lives in Vietnam.
*LRRP refers to "Long Range Reconaissance Patrol".
=======================
David is mentioned in the following website concerning "Vietnam's First Rangers - 2nd Brigade Long Range Reconnaisance Patrol:
http://www.4thdivrangers.com/2ndbde/names.html
David is also remembered at "Not Forgotten - Profiles and Messages":
http://www.4thdivrangers.com/2ndbde/Wall/wallbios.html
=======================
EARL DAVID BROACH was a friend of mine, though his friends called him David. He was a few years older than me, but we went to the same high school and church and spent a lot of time together as he liked to mentor the kids younger than himself.
David was not drafted into the Army, he voluntarily enlisted shortly after graduation from W.W. Samuell High School in Dallas, Texas. He wanted to be a soldier, he wanted to be in the Army, and he wanted to be a Ranger Long Range Reconnaisance Patrol - one of the most dangerous jobs in the Army.
He completed one tour of duty, then came home in May of 1970 for leave. All of his friends were thrilled to see him again, and to see him in that uniform, well, it was a thrill for a young girl because David was good looking!
A bunch of us went out to eat at Denny's one Sunday before he left for his second tour and we had a great time. Who would have known that only a few months later, he'd be coming home as a fallen hero?
I was devastated; WE were devastated, as was his family (also members of our church).
As a member of the church's youth choir, one of the most difficult things I've ever had to do was sing at David's funeral. I held my dear friend's hand -- who had also been a life-long friend of David's and his family's -- and we cried our way through singing "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," which his parents had requested.
I think of David often, and especially on Memorial Day, Easter, August 3rd, September 12th and Christmas. He touched so many people, including his fellow soldiers.
In more recent years, I've discovered that during his time in the Rangers, he was given the nickname "Dallas" instead of "Tex" because his unit already had a "Tex." David himself suggested "Dallas" -- and that's what his buddies called him. He got along with everyone in the Army just as he did in civilian life. In other words, everyone loved David -- or Dallas.
I've read in several places that David was not meant to be on point on that four man LRRP that day, but the soldier who was scheduled to go was very sick and Dallas VOLUNTEERED to take his place. The soldier who was sick survived the war, returning home. Again, I've read that he has felt overwhelming guilt since that day -- over 40 years ago -- and believes that had he not been sick, Dallas would still be here.
I don't know that Ranger's name, but I wish I could tell him that I know David -- or Dallas -- would never blame him. The Rangers was one of the most perilous units of the Army and they knew the risks going in.
Dallas would tell that Ranger not to worry, to stop blaming himself and to forgive himself, because Dallas is at peace and never blamed him. Yes, he died young, but he died a soldier, a Ranger; doing what he had so wanted to do. He would never blame anyone for his misfortune, and neither would his family. They were and are all very good Christians.
Not too many years after, David was joined in Heaven by his sister, Sherion Kay Broach Shanks (Find A Grave Memorial# 97200816).
As of January 24, 2012, David was joined in Heaven by his beloved father, Bud Broach (link below - thanks to Find-A-Grave member, Deb [46832182]).
DAVID -- You made an impression on this teenaged girl (and not just because you were so good looking!) and I've never forgotten you and never will. You always had a smile on your face and a joke to tell. You will always be remembered. Karen and I talk about you all the time, so don't worry; you're not forgotten!
GOD BLESS YOU, EARL DAVID BROACH. Thank you for your friendship, for the smiles, the jokes, the laughs; for your love for and service to our country and for your ultimate sacrifice.
====================
Jet Propulsion Laboratory at California Institute of Technology launched STARDUST, NASA's Comet Sample Return Mission. Stardust is the first U.S. space mission dedicated solely to the exploration of a comet, and the first robotic mission designed to return extraterrestrial material from outside the orbit of the Moon to the Earth.
Over 1 million names were collected and placed on the STARDUST spacecraft, which visited Comet Wild 2 in 2004.
One of the names listed is:
EARL DAVID BROACH (SP4/ARMY)
=====================
THE RANGER CREED
Recognizing that I volunteered as a Ranger, fully knowing the hazards of my chosen profession, I will always endeavor to uphold the prestige, honor, and "esprit de corps" of the Ranger Regiment.
Acknowledging the fact that a Ranger is a more elite soldier who arrives at the cutting edge of battle by land, sea, or air, I accept the fact that as a Ranger my country expects me to move farther, faster and fight harder than any other soldier.
Never shall I fail my comrades. I will always keep myself mentally alert, physically strong and morally straight and I will shoulder more than my share of the task whatever it may be. One hundred percent and then some.
Gallantly will I show the world that I am a specially selected and well trained soldier. My courtesy to superior officers, my neatness of dress and care for equipment shall set the example for others to follow.
Energetically will I meet the enemies of my country. I shall defeat them on the field of battle for I am better trained and will fight with all my might. Surrender is not a Ranger word. I will never leave a fallen comrade to fall into the hands of the enemy and under no circumstances will I ever embarrass my country.
Readily will I display the intestinal fortitude required to fight on to the Ranger objective and complete the mission, though I be the lone survivor.
~ Author unknown
==============================
Extra special thanks to AMY for adding photos of David's grave markers. Thank you, Amy.
Special thanks to DEB for the link to David's beloved father, Bud.
More thanks to TOM REECE for providing a photo of David. I hadn't been able to find one; I can't even find my high school yearbooks. Thank you, Tom.
================================
SP4/E4 EARL DAVID "DALLAS" BROACH
=======================
SP4/E4 - Army - Regular
4th Infantry Division
His tour began on Jun 24, 1969
Casualty was on Aug 3, 1970 in PHU YEN, SOUTH VIETNAM
Cause: HOSTILE, GROUND CASUALTY; OTHER EXPLOSIVE DEVICE
EARL DAVID BROACH was born on September 12, 1950 and joined the Armed Forces while in DALLAS, TEXAS (his home town).
He served as a 11B2P in the Army, Regiment 75, and attained the rank of SP4/E4. He began a tour of duty on June 24, 1969.
On August 3, 1970, at the age of 19, on his second tour of duty, EARL DAVID BROACH perished in the service of our country in South Vietnam, Phu Yen.
You can find EARL DAVID BROACH honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. on Panel 8W, Row 78.
David is also listed as follows:
Earl David Broach
Specialist Four
K CO, 75TH INFANTRY, 4TH INF DIV, USARV
Army of the United States
Dallas, Texas
September 12, 1950 to August 03, 1970
EARL D BROACH is on the Wall at Panel 08W Line 078
His military marker reads as follows:
EARL DAVID BROACH TEXAS SP4 CO. K 75 INFANTRY (RANGERS) VIETNAM 2 SM-BSM-2 AM-2 ARCOM-PH 12 SEP 1950-3 AUG 1970
(He shares a triple headstone with his father, Otis "Bud" Earl Broach, and mother, Susie Mae Broach.)
David is listed on p.340 in the book "Phantom Warriors, Book 2" By Gary A. Linderer, published originally in 2000 by Random House:
23. SP/F Earl David Broach K/75 RGR 08-03-70
Excerpted from the publisher's review of the book:
"During the Vietnam War, few combat operations were more dangerous than LRRP*/Ranger missions. Vastly outnumbered, the patrols faced overwhelming odds as they fought to carry out their missions, from gathering intelligence, acting as hunter/killer teams, or engaging in infamous "Parakeet" flights actions in which teams were dropped into enemy areas and expected to "develop" the situation. ... These elite warriors relive sudden deadly firefights, prolonged gun battles with large enemy forces, desperate attempts to help fallen comrades, and the sheer hell of bloody, no-quarter combat. The LRRP accounts here are a testament to the courage, guts, daring, and sacrifice of the men who willingly faced death every day of their lives in Vietnam.
*LRRP refers to "Long Range Reconaissance Patrol".
=======================
David is mentioned in the following website concerning "Vietnam's First Rangers - 2nd Brigade Long Range Reconnaisance Patrol:
http://www.4thdivrangers.com/2ndbde/names.html
David is also remembered at "Not Forgotten - Profiles and Messages":
http://www.4thdivrangers.com/2ndbde/Wall/wallbios.html
=======================
EARL DAVID BROACH was a friend of mine, though his friends called him David. He was a few years older than me, but we went to the same high school and church and spent a lot of time together as he liked to mentor the kids younger than himself.
David was not drafted into the Army, he voluntarily enlisted shortly after graduation from W.W. Samuell High School in Dallas, Texas. He wanted to be a soldier, he wanted to be in the Army, and he wanted to be a Ranger Long Range Reconnaisance Patrol - one of the most dangerous jobs in the Army.
He completed one tour of duty, then came home in May of 1970 for leave. All of his friends were thrilled to see him again, and to see him in that uniform, well, it was a thrill for a young girl because David was good looking!
A bunch of us went out to eat at Denny's one Sunday before he left for his second tour and we had a great time. Who would have known that only a few months later, he'd be coming home as a fallen hero?
I was devastated; WE were devastated, as was his family (also members of our church).
As a member of the church's youth choir, one of the most difficult things I've ever had to do was sing at David's funeral. I held my dear friend's hand -- who had also been a life-long friend of David's and his family's -- and we cried our way through singing "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," which his parents had requested.
I think of David often, and especially on Memorial Day, Easter, August 3rd, September 12th and Christmas. He touched so many people, including his fellow soldiers.
In more recent years, I've discovered that during his time in the Rangers, he was given the nickname "Dallas" instead of "Tex" because his unit already had a "Tex." David himself suggested "Dallas" -- and that's what his buddies called him. He got along with everyone in the Army just as he did in civilian life. In other words, everyone loved David -- or Dallas.
I've read in several places that David was not meant to be on point on that four man LRRP that day, but the soldier who was scheduled to go was very sick and Dallas VOLUNTEERED to take his place. The soldier who was sick survived the war, returning home. Again, I've read that he has felt overwhelming guilt since that day -- over 40 years ago -- and believes that had he not been sick, Dallas would still be here.
I don't know that Ranger's name, but I wish I could tell him that I know David -- or Dallas -- would never blame him. The Rangers was one of the most perilous units of the Army and they knew the risks going in.
Dallas would tell that Ranger not to worry, to stop blaming himself and to forgive himself, because Dallas is at peace and never blamed him. Yes, he died young, but he died a soldier, a Ranger; doing what he had so wanted to do. He would never blame anyone for his misfortune, and neither would his family. They were and are all very good Christians.
Not too many years after, David was joined in Heaven by his sister, Sherion Kay Broach Shanks (Find A Grave Memorial# 97200816).
As of January 24, 2012, David was joined in Heaven by his beloved father, Bud Broach (link below - thanks to Find-A-Grave member, Deb [46832182]).
DAVID -- You made an impression on this teenaged girl (and not just because you were so good looking!) and I've never forgotten you and never will. You always had a smile on your face and a joke to tell. You will always be remembered. Karen and I talk about you all the time, so don't worry; you're not forgotten!
GOD BLESS YOU, EARL DAVID BROACH. Thank you for your friendship, for the smiles, the jokes, the laughs; for your love for and service to our country and for your ultimate sacrifice.
====================
Jet Propulsion Laboratory at California Institute of Technology launched STARDUST, NASA's Comet Sample Return Mission. Stardust is the first U.S. space mission dedicated solely to the exploration of a comet, and the first robotic mission designed to return extraterrestrial material from outside the orbit of the Moon to the Earth.
Over 1 million names were collected and placed on the STARDUST spacecraft, which visited Comet Wild 2 in 2004.
One of the names listed is:
EARL DAVID BROACH (SP4/ARMY)
=====================
THE RANGER CREED
Recognizing that I volunteered as a Ranger, fully knowing the hazards of my chosen profession, I will always endeavor to uphold the prestige, honor, and "esprit de corps" of the Ranger Regiment.
Acknowledging the fact that a Ranger is a more elite soldier who arrives at the cutting edge of battle by land, sea, or air, I accept the fact that as a Ranger my country expects me to move farther, faster and fight harder than any other soldier.
Never shall I fail my comrades. I will always keep myself mentally alert, physically strong and morally straight and I will shoulder more than my share of the task whatever it may be. One hundred percent and then some.
Gallantly will I show the world that I am a specially selected and well trained soldier. My courtesy to superior officers, my neatness of dress and care for equipment shall set the example for others to follow.
Energetically will I meet the enemies of my country. I shall defeat them on the field of battle for I am better trained and will fight with all my might. Surrender is not a Ranger word. I will never leave a fallen comrade to fall into the hands of the enemy and under no circumstances will I ever embarrass my country.
Readily will I display the intestinal fortitude required to fight on to the Ranger objective and complete the mission, though I be the lone survivor.
~ Author unknown
==============================
Extra special thanks to AMY for adding photos of David's grave markers. Thank you, Amy.
Special thanks to DEB for the link to David's beloved father, Bud.
More thanks to TOM REECE for providing a photo of David. I hadn't been able to find one; I can't even find my high school yearbooks. Thank you, Tom.
================================
=======================
SP4/E4 - Army - Regular
4th Infantry Division
His tour began on Jun 24, 1969
Casualty was on Aug 3, 1970 in PHU YEN, SOUTH VIETNAM
Cause: HOSTILE, GROUND CASUALTY; OTHER EXPLOSIVE DEVICE
EARL DAVID BROACH was born on September 12, 1950 and joined the Armed Forces while in DALLAS, TEXAS (his home town).
He served as a 11B2P in the Army, Regiment 75, and attained the rank of SP4/E4. He began a tour of duty on June 24, 1969.
On August 3, 1970, at the age of 19, on his second tour of duty, EARL DAVID BROACH perished in the service of our country in South Vietnam, Phu Yen.
You can find EARL DAVID BROACH honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. on Panel 8W, Row 78.
David is also listed as follows:
Earl David Broach
Specialist Four
K CO, 75TH INFANTRY, 4TH INF DIV, USARV
Army of the United States
Dallas, Texas
September 12, 1950 to August 03, 1970
EARL D BROACH is on the Wall at Panel 08W Line 078
His military marker reads as follows:
EARL DAVID BROACH TEXAS SP4 CO. K 75 INFANTRY (RANGERS) VIETNAM 2 SM-BSM-2 AM-2 ARCOM-PH 12 SEP 1950-3 AUG 1970
(He shares a triple headstone with his father, Otis "Bud" Earl Broach, and mother, Susie Mae Broach.)
David is listed on p.340 in the book "Phantom Warriors, Book 2" By Gary A. Linderer, published originally in 2000 by Random House:
23. SP/F Earl David Broach K/75 RGR 08-03-70
Excerpted from the publisher's review of the book:
"During the Vietnam War, few combat operations were more dangerous than LRRP*/Ranger missions. Vastly outnumbered, the patrols faced overwhelming odds as they fought to carry out their missions, from gathering intelligence, acting as hunter/killer teams, or engaging in infamous "Parakeet" flights actions in which teams were dropped into enemy areas and expected to "develop" the situation. ... These elite warriors relive sudden deadly firefights, prolonged gun battles with large enemy forces, desperate attempts to help fallen comrades, and the sheer hell of bloody, no-quarter combat. The LRRP accounts here are a testament to the courage, guts, daring, and sacrifice of the men who willingly faced death every day of their lives in Vietnam.
*LRRP refers to "Long Range Reconaissance Patrol".
=======================
David is mentioned in the following website concerning "Vietnam's First Rangers - 2nd Brigade Long Range Reconnaisance Patrol:
http://www.4thdivrangers.com/2ndbde/names.html
David is also remembered at "Not Forgotten - Profiles and Messages":
http://www.4thdivrangers.com/2ndbde/Wall/wallbios.html
=======================
EARL DAVID BROACH was a friend of mine, though his friends called him David. He was a few years older than me, but we went to the same high school and church and spent a lot of time together as he liked to mentor the kids younger than himself.
David was not drafted into the Army, he voluntarily enlisted shortly after graduation from W.W. Samuell High School in Dallas, Texas. He wanted to be a soldier, he wanted to be in the Army, and he wanted to be a Ranger Long Range Reconnaisance Patrol - one of the most dangerous jobs in the Army.
He completed one tour of duty, then came home in May of 1970 for leave. All of his friends were thrilled to see him again, and to see him in that uniform, well, it was a thrill for a young girl because David was good looking!
A bunch of us went out to eat at Denny's one Sunday before he left for his second tour and we had a great time. Who would have known that only a few months later, he'd be coming home as a fallen hero?
I was devastated; WE were devastated, as was his family (also members of our church).
As a member of the church's youth choir, one of the most difficult things I've ever had to do was sing at David's funeral. I held my dear friend's hand -- who had also been a life-long friend of David's and his family's -- and we cried our way through singing "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," which his parents had requested.
I think of David often, and especially on Memorial Day, Easter, August 3rd, September 12th and Christmas. He touched so many people, including his fellow soldiers.
In more recent years, I've discovered that during his time in the Rangers, he was given the nickname "Dallas" instead of "Tex" because his unit already had a "Tex." David himself suggested "Dallas" -- and that's what his buddies called him. He got along with everyone in the Army just as he did in civilian life. In other words, everyone loved David -- or Dallas.
I've read in several places that David was not meant to be on point on that four man LRRP that day, but the soldier who was scheduled to go was very sick and Dallas VOLUNTEERED to take his place. The soldier who was sick survived the war, returning home. Again, I've read that he has felt overwhelming guilt since that day -- over 40 years ago -- and believes that had he not been sick, Dallas would still be here.
I don't know that Ranger's name, but I wish I could tell him that I know David -- or Dallas -- would never blame him. The Rangers was one of the most perilous units of the Army and they knew the risks going in.
Dallas would tell that Ranger not to worry, to stop blaming himself and to forgive himself, because Dallas is at peace and never blamed him. Yes, he died young, but he died a soldier, a Ranger; doing what he had so wanted to do. He would never blame anyone for his misfortune, and neither would his family. They were and are all very good Christians.
Not too many years after, David was joined in Heaven by his sister, Sherion Kay Broach Shanks (Find A Grave Memorial# 97200816).
As of January 24, 2012, David was joined in Heaven by his beloved father, Bud Broach (link below - thanks to Find-A-Grave member, Deb [46832182]).
DAVID -- You made an impression on this teenaged girl (and not just because you were so good looking!) and I've never forgotten you and never will. You always had a smile on your face and a joke to tell. You will always be remembered. Karen and I talk about you all the time, so don't worry; you're not forgotten!
GOD BLESS YOU, EARL DAVID BROACH. Thank you for your friendship, for the smiles, the jokes, the laughs; for your love for and service to our country and for your ultimate sacrifice.
====================
Jet Propulsion Laboratory at California Institute of Technology launched STARDUST, NASA's Comet Sample Return Mission. Stardust is the first U.S. space mission dedicated solely to the exploration of a comet, and the first robotic mission designed to return extraterrestrial material from outside the orbit of the Moon to the Earth.
Over 1 million names were collected and placed on the STARDUST spacecraft, which visited Comet Wild 2 in 2004.
One of the names listed is:
EARL DAVID BROACH (SP4/ARMY)
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THE RANGER CREED
Recognizing that I volunteered as a Ranger, fully knowing the hazards of my chosen profession, I will always endeavor to uphold the prestige, honor, and "esprit de corps" of the Ranger Regiment.
Acknowledging the fact that a Ranger is a more elite soldier who arrives at the cutting edge of battle by land, sea, or air, I accept the fact that as a Ranger my country expects me to move farther, faster and fight harder than any other soldier.
Never shall I fail my comrades. I will always keep myself mentally alert, physically strong and morally straight and I will shoulder more than my share of the task whatever it may be. One hundred percent and then some.
Gallantly will I show the world that I am a specially selected and well trained soldier. My courtesy to superior officers, my neatness of dress and care for equipment shall set the example for others to follow.
Energetically will I meet the enemies of my country. I shall defeat them on the field of battle for I am better trained and will fight with all my might. Surrender is not a Ranger word. I will never leave a fallen comrade to fall into the hands of the enemy and under no circumstances will I ever embarrass my country.
Readily will I display the intestinal fortitude required to fight on to the Ranger objective and complete the mission, though I be the lone survivor.
~ Author unknown
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Extra special thanks to AMY for adding photos of David's grave markers. Thank you, Amy.
Special thanks to DEB for the link to David's beloved father, Bud.
More thanks to TOM REECE for providing a photo of David. I hadn't been able to find one; I can't even find my high school yearbooks. Thank you, Tom.
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