An Award Late in Coming But Well Earned
I'd like to congratulate Bill Bott. He was recently honored, 13 June 2016, in a formal ceremony by Ohio 1st District Congressman Steve Chabot, with Mary Alice Bott, Stan Dillon, Bill Neal, and others in attendance, at Harrison Township Civic Center. Bill was presented with the Bronze Star with "V" Device and a citation for his heroism and actions on 20 April 1971 in Long Khánh Province, during which Range Platoon suffered four KIA and multiple WIA, including Bill himself, Stan Dillon, and others. Bill was instrumental in saving the majority of Range Platoon against overwhelming odds, until air cover was called in on the heavily fortified bunker complex, destroying it.
Bill also gave talks about his award and his experiences during that action at all three morning services at his church, Whitewater Crossing, on Sunday morning, 19 June 2016, with Congressman Chabot, Mary Alice Bott, Stan Dillon, and Bill Neal in attendance. All the people at the services were deeply moved by Bill's talks — most moved to tears, since most hadn't known the terrible hardships, pain, and agony that took place that fateful day, and even that war.
On a personal note: those of us in Range Platoon that day with Lt. Bill Bott who survived owe him a great deal of gratitude for his actions in saving our lives, through his leadership in setting a defensible position, directing fire, and utilizing the resources at hand to effectively deal with the situation in front of us. Thank you, sir, and congratulations on an award late in coming, but well earned.
