"These Are My Credentials"

Book excerpt: The 199th Light Infantry Brigade (Redcatchers) served with distinction, honor and valor in the Republic of Vietnam from November 28th, 1966 to October 15th, 1970. During the American involvement in Vietnam, the 199th LIB proved time and time again that it was one of the finest and most professional infantry units to have ever served in the United States Army. Organized specifically for Vietnam service, the 199th became the first major American unit to undergo the process of Vietnamization with ARVN forces in 1967, the first American brigade in U.S. military history to have an African-American as its commanding officer, the first unit in Vietnam to have a Chaplain awarded the Medal of Honor and the sole unit in Vietnam to earn the dubious distinction as having lost the only general officer killed in action during ground combat. Often overshadowed by the larger, more "glamorous" units and divisions that fought in Southeast Asia, less than 25,000 men ever served in the ranks of the 199th LIB. 755 young heroes from the Brigade were killed in action during the Vietnam War. Their memory and sacrifice will never be forgotten...