I have often wondered about the few who served in-country only a few days, and lost their lives. We know today that one hundred eleven men who served in our squadrons were killed in action or line or duty. And duty was hard from day-one. If you were lucky, a quick swim with new friends at China Beach, Đà Nàng, or golden Cam Ranh Bay AB, was priceless. The allure of exotic beaches, the treacherey of swift streams, and a chance for a quick swim, would claim the lives of nine air/security police during the war years. A1C Gary Paul Gay was one of them. During his five days at his new base, he made at least one friend, A1C Robert L. Fields III. Perhaps they arrived at Cam Ranh Bay AB Air Base at the same time. Both decided to go for a swim at Cam Ranh Bay AB beach, and there both drowned. Five days at Cam Ranh Bay AB, and then, dead, and returned home to their families.

The Vietnam Security Police Association has a proud record of Taking Care of Our Own. In fact, that is our motto. A motto that reflects today what we practiced decades ago in Vietnam and Thailand. If you were a friend or family member, VSPA invites you to email a remembrance of either Gary Paul Gay, or Robert L. Fields, so that others may know of them. We know very little about them, because they were not with our squadrons long enough to be known. In some such cases, we know--nothing at all.

VSPA has honored the memories of our fallen brothers. Many stories posted attest their bravery and valor. Some of the stories cause laughter, and others, tears.

While researching online, I happened across a school photo album that mentioned Gary Paul Gay was killed in Vietnam while serving as an Air Policeman with the USAF. I emailed the webmaster's help, and Pat Riley replied that he would search for the photo and burial site. He located Gary Gay's obituary, and enlisted the help of Jennifer Pruchnic, reference librarian, Cambria Co. Library. Today, I received three class photos of Gary P. Guy.

Thank you Pat Riley, and Jennifer Pruchnic!

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Rmadanthony@aol.com [mailto:Rmadanthony@aol.com]
Sent: Thursday, December 22, 2005 2:46 PM
To: Don Poss
Subject: Gary P. Gay

Don,

 

He was in country five days before he died. I'll make it my job to get all locations of PA burials. Found his obit.

Pat Riley

Johnstown Tribune-Democrat

February 4, 1966

GAY- Airman 1C Gary P., died January 28, 1966, in Vietnam. Born November 21, 1941, in Johnstown, son of Paul and Twila (Scaife) Gay. Preceeded in death by father, Paul in 1946. Survived by mother, Mrs. Twila Kimmel, Conemaugh, and widow, former Pearl Young, Conemaugh: Brother of Frank Gay, Vinco, and George, Alvin and Daniel Kimmel, all at home. Friends received at Carl E. Davis Funeral Home, Conemaugh, where service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, the Rev. Walden M. Holl, D.D. Complete military graveside rites. Internment, Richland Cemetery.

Richland Cemetery, 1257 Scalp Avenue, Johnstown 15904
Richland Township, Cambria County, Pennsylvania

-----Original Message-----
From: reference e-mail [mailto:reference@cclib.lib.pa.us]
Sent: Friday, March 03, 2006 11:58 AM
To: Don Poss
Subject: gary gay photos

Mr. Poss,

We are sending you three scanned photos, per Mr. Patrick Riley's request. The first two are edited group pictures; we did not have the senior yearbook.

 

1.Gary Gay 1--from the 1958 Elevator, Greater Conemaugh Joint High School, Conemaugh, PA

2.Gary Gay 2--from the 1957 Elevator, Greater Conemaugh Joint High School, Conemaugh, PA

3.yrbook--the full page from the 1958 Elevator with his group picture

 

If these are not sufficient, or there is a technical problem, please write back.

--Jennifer Pruchnic, reference librarian, Cambria Co. Library