NVVM is a federal IRS 501(c)3 organization incorporated in Nebraska seeking to memorialize, educate, commemorate the Vietnam War and highlight veterans and their sacrifices; so that future generations can better understand this period as a touchstone in our history.
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FINAL MISSION OF LCPL RICHARD R. BIGLEY
imgOn November 22, 1965, a platoon of LVTP-5 amphibious tractors from B Company, 1st Amtrac Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, was operating in the coastal waters off Quang Nam Province, RVN. The platoon split into two sections and headed in different directions, each with predetermined drop-off points where they were to sweep local villages for enemy presence. The conditions in the water were very windy, and the vehicles battled a strong current as they traversed the mouth of the Ca De River. One of the tractors, B-3-1, lost power when its engine was swamped by water. Unable to restart the motor, another track maneuvered over and hooked a tow cable to assist the crippled 40-ton tractor. The line then broke, and B-3-1 sank. Nine Marines were drowned in the incident. The lost Marines included PFC Barry F. Andersen, PFC Michael A. Beringer, LCPL Richard R. Bigley, PFC John D. Campbell, PFC Darell G. Freeman, CPL Billy W. Hedge, CPL Vilis Lisments, SSGT Moses C. Tabor, and LCPL Richard G. Wick. Navy divers recovered the remains of Andersen, Bigley, Freeman, Hedge, Lisment, and Wick on December 16, 1965. Tabor’s remains were recovered December 21st. B-3-1 was pulled from the water several weeks later