The Legendary Chinese Bandit Recon LRRP Team...and comments by SGM Loughran
"I am proud of the units I served with in WWII and the Korean War. However that pride is over-shadowed by my feelings for Delta Company 1st Battalion 8th Cavalry. As a 44-year-old infantry First Sergeant, I was fortunate enough to be assigned while we still had the Airborne designation. I can truthfully say that Airborne or Airmobile, this was a top-notch company. Those young men, officers and enlisted, were outstanding. They were the cream of the crop. When I joined Delta Company, June 1966, we were a combat support unit with 3 platoons Recon [Chinese Bandits], Mortar, and Anti-Tank [War Eagle … performing reconnaissance patrols]. In late October ‘66, we reorganized into a light infantry company of 3 rifle platoons. I have a lot of memories of Delta Company. Foremost for those who gave the full measure of devotion. I lost 25 good men during my tour. Each ones face and name is etched in my heart and brain, just as their names are engraved on that "Black Wall" in Washington, D.C. At least once a week I mentally have a roll call: Barrearas, Baumann, Brown, Byrd, Carley, Cooper, Cunningham, Falato, Feeney, Finney, Hayes, King, Lawson, Lester, McDaniels, Mcguire, Mobley, Moore, Null, Ramirez, Ratliff, Reagan, Richardson, Surles, Werner. I will never forget them. I often think of the young man who had the feeling that his luck had run out and wrote his "Last Letter" on March 19, 1967. The next day he was among those who were KIA. I have other memories too, like the First Cook who we recruited from our Mess Hall and made him a squad leader in the Recon Platoon. This guy liked his new job so much that he extended his tour and his exploits became legendary. He even had a LZ named after him. I salute each and everyone who served with me in Viet Nam. If you don’t think I’m proud of my tour with Delta Company, just check my license plate, D 8 CAV. "
SGM John A. Loughran (USA Ret.) 1/Sgt. D Co. 1/8th Cavalry June ‘66-June ‘67
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