Gayle "Tread" Treadaway

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 I sent two photos of Jim which I took in Vietnam.