Remembering
Delbert Leon Reese
Specialist Four, Army of the United States
1ST PLT, D CO, 1ST BN, 22ND INF RGT, 4 INF DIV
From Esther, Missouri
21 August 1947 - 02 February 1968
Delbert Leon Reese is on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Panel 36E Line 083.
Delbert was the medic of the 1st Platoon, D Company, 1/22nd Infantry and I was a rifleman in the same platoon. Delbert always put the men of the platoon first. We could always go to him with a medical problem or injury, no matter how small. He was always there for us.
When our platoon was ambushed in Kontum during the Tet Offensive, our platoon leader, Lt. Omart, was shot. Ignoring heavy enemy fire, Delbert ran to help Lt. Omart and was shot and killed himself. He was the bravest man I knew in Vietnam. I don't know what anyone could possibly ever do to properly recognize or repay him for his selfless courage. Even after 37 years, he is still in my thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace, my friend.
Mike MacCallum
mmaccallum@earthlink.net
