Ross was sent to Saigon, Oct. 4, 1968

I was assigned to HHSB 1/77th 1st Air Cavalry as a "gun bunny". HOWEVER, my 1st Sgt. had other ideas & I was selected to be in the Ammo Section. It was my job to prepare 105 mm ammunition to go via helicopter to remote LZ's. From sun up to sundown (& at critical times when a remote LZ's would be under enemy attack.) During these nite time ops our safety was always in danger. Just part of my job.

After 1 year in Vietnam, I was given the choice of returning to the US & serve the remainder of my draft term or extend my tour by 3 mos. Well, since nothing serious had happened 2 me, I extended my tour. (BIG MISTAKE!).

1 MO. into my extension, my LZ suffered a HUGE ground attack. We ended up killing 367 enemy soldiers that night (Nov. 3rd- Nov. 4th, 1969).

The USA's KIA losses were only minor due to superior "fire" power. The memories of that night still haunt me to this day!!

Nickname: Ole Buddy Hicks

The memories are really only bothersome if I dwell on it. It's why I would rather tell a good clean joke. It takes my mind off of the memories if I can make others laugh….

In a Jan. 2021 comment to a friend, Ross wrote, "Both you and I have these pent up emotions from this awful experience. It sent the tone for our lives, but now join me in letting go of these feelings. It's been over 50 years now. Time to let go. It's amazing how much better I feel about the world. Have a Fantastic 2021!"

Ross Hickenbotham in Vietnam.jpg

Ross getting netting used for sending out ammunition via helicopter.

Ross A Hickenbotham