James Vogrinc

I served with Jim with the 196th LIB near Da Nang, Vietnam in 1971. My condolence to Cheryl, his wife and his family. I am with you in mourning his passing. Jim quiet, listened and offered his thoughts when ask. He was courageous and gave his best in support of the platoon and the mission. The photo I posted weth Jim, me in the center and Jergens on the right was during a search and clear mission about 2 weeks in. He used these short rest periods to write letters home. His note pad and pen were always with him. Jim is at rest and free of pain in Gods loving care. I salute you Brother, fellow worrior and friend

Our 'D' Company, 196th Lt. Inf. Bde., Americal Division enjoying a beach break following 6 weeks of being in the field in combat. I believe Jim to be the first soldier in the picture. I was very fortunate to have served with Jim and the other Platoon members. Dennis Whittaker

I am writing to share a picture of Jim Vogrinc, located at the bottom left side, during a lunch break out in the field. He is pictured with members of the 3rd Platoon, Co. 'D', 196th Lt. Inf. Bde., Americal Division, in Vietnam in 1971. Best regards, Dennis Whittaker

Dear Cheryl and Family, I am very saddened by Jim's passing. I was honored and privileged to have served with Jim in Combat in Vietnam. I was Jim's platoon leader in I Corps, South Vietnam with the Americal Division, 196th Light Infantry Brigade, Delta Company, 3rd Platoon (nicknamed "Killer Platoon" years prior to our arrival In Country). Jim came to us in late March, 1971, together with other experienced soldiers from the 1st Cavalry Division Airmobile. I listened and learned from them. Jim was a quiet but courageous warrior. He never complained about anything. We (most of the time 17 in number) spent 12 to 14 days and nights in the field attempting to make contact with the enemy. We then were relocated out of the field to an artillery base (primarily Firebase Centre) to help provide security around the perimeter of the firebase for three days.. We would then return to the field and repeat the field and firebase support adventure for a total of six weeks. Once in a while, we would be sent on a special mission. We were then allowed to return to Division Headquarters (either in Chu Lai or near Da Nang) for a 3 day "respite" prior to returning back to the field. Jim was professional, dependable, responsible, accountable, capable and reliable. Although we returned permanently home from "Nam" 54 years ago, I enjoyed many phone conversations with Jim and other platoon members for well over a decade. My last talk with Jim was late last year. We talked for a while, and he never mentioned his health issues--that was Jim. I always felt that my platoon members were my responsibility, and I therefore thought of them as "my kids"--some who were older, but they were all my family. I honestly feel a great loss for Jim's passing, as I owe my safe return home from the War due to Jim and my men with whom we spent many perilous hours, days and nights. Please know that he was well respected and liked . Very Sincerely, Dennis Whittaker, a former 1st Lieutenant

My deepest and most sincere sympathies to Cheryl and family. I have so many memories of Jim - golfing, Fantasy Football, just talking about our lives, but my favorite has to be our canoe trip down the Wisconsin from Sauk City to Boscobel. You could have made a great comedy movie about that trip!