“Honor the Fallen Remember the
First Major Victory in Vietnam!”
60th Anniversary Memorial
Operation Hump
8 Nov 2025, Fort Benning, GA.
Special Thanks:
Video Edits: Chelsea Davis (Marcantonio)
8 Nov 2025 - SPEAKER
Dick Chegar was born in Kokomo, Indiana and graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1962. An infantry officer, he is a graduate of the Infantry School, Airborne School, Ranger School, Armor School, Command & General Staff College and the Army War College.
https://valor.militarytimes.com/recipient/recipient-143978/
1775 Legacy Way, Columbus, GA 31903
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<- Download 8th of November Memory Pages
Memories of 8th of November
1st SGT Workman – A/1/503
Charlie Curtis and Dennis Rutowski. C Company
1LT Chegar & CPT Walt Daniel
James M. Hutchens
Henry B. “Sonny” Tucker
Big and Rich
The song, which begins with a spoken introduction by Kris Kristofferson, tells the tale of Niles Harris, a soldier in the 173rd Airborne Brigade of the United States Army during Operation Hump in South Vietnam on November 8, 1965. The intro mentions that Harris was “the guy that gave Big Kenny his top hat”, and that he was among the wounded who were saved by Army medic Lawrence Joel, the first living African American to receive the Medal of Honor since the Spanish-American War of 1898.
Dear Big & Rich,
On behalf of the 173d Airborne Brigade Association and all of our Sky Soldiers, I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your time, generosity, and sincere words for the 8th of November Memorial video.
Your music and message continue to honor the memory of those we lost and provide strength and comfort to the families, friends, and brothers-in-arms who carry their legacy forward. Your support means more than words can express, and we are deeply appreciative of your contribution to preserving this important part of our history.
With gratitude and respect,
173rd Airborne Brigade Association
INFANTRY OPERATIONS IN THE VIETNAM WAR
VOLUME I
OPERATION HUMP: 173RD AIRBORNE BRIGADE (1/503 and 1RAR):
NOVEMBER 1965 OPERATION NEW LIFE:
173RD AIRBORNE BRIGADE AND 1ST US INFANTRY
DIVISION: NOVEMBER – DECEMBER 1965 OPERATION
SMASH: 173RD AIRBORNE BRIGADE DECEMBER 1965
Lt Col (Rtd) Fred Fairhead
Click PDF to download