02 Jul 2003 Billy was a friend of the family. We went to church together in Galveston, Texas. He joined the army, and was very proud to serve. I was closer to his younger brothers, Paul and Phillip Nunn. I remember seeing Billy when he was on leave from Vietnam. As I recall, he voluntered for another tour in Vietnam. I went to Vietnam in 71-72 and was glad to come back in one piece. Why he went back? Other than he knew he was making a difference. Thanks, Billy, for serving our country and giving the ultimate sacrifice. Your commitment to the Armed Forces of our country is held in the highest regard. A memorial initiated by a friend, Tim Cook tkaaa@aol.com

 

13 Nov 2003 My husband was with Billy when he was killed. He has often thought of trying to contact Billy's family to let them know what a good friend Billy was to him. I never met Billy, but he is still often mentioned in our home, toasted on Veterans' Day, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving, and his birthday... From someone who remembers. tahl3@sbcglobal.net

 

20 Oct 2006 My name is Doug Scott. I served with Billy in Vietnam. I was right beside Billy when he got hit. Billy was a true friend of mine. He was a great soldier and we will never forget him. I think of him every day. He was a hero. Doug Scott 13417 Forest Springs Drive, Louisvillle, Ky 40245 idougscott@netzero.net

 

13 Jun 2007 I just happened across this site. I am very touched, thank you for doing this. I never got to meet Billy, but feel that I know him from stories and pictures from my father. He was a hero, we are very proud of him. He served his country above all else. From his half-sister, Luallyn Kelsall luallyn@yahoo.com

 

A Note from The Virtual Wall On 06 December 1967 a reconnaissance helicopter of the 1st Bn, 9th Cavalry spotted a radio antenna sticking out of a hut near the village of Dai Dong (2), about 12 miles from Qui Nhon. "A" Troop, 1/9 Cav, sent an infantry platoon to investigate. At 1630 hours, as the infantrymen were approaching the village, the platoon came under intense automatic and small arms fire and was pinned down. The Weapons Platoon of the 1/9 was sent in to help and they also were pinned down and unable to move. The two platoons had stumbled on a large element of the 22nd NVA Regiment and were in considerable danger of being overrun and destroyed. Additional troops from 1/9 Cavalry, 1/8 Cavalry, and 1/50 Infantry were inserted in order to extricate the two endangered platoons. Although the combined force encountered stiff resistance the 1/50's armored personnel carriers provided the necessary edge and the 1/9 platoons were extracted by 2100. Four US soldiers were killed in the fight. This engagement was the beginning of the Battle of Tam Quan, a running fight which continued until 20 December and which resulted in the destruction of the 22nd NVA Regiment as a fighting force - but which also cost the lives of several dozen Americans and an unknown number of ARVN troops. A major engagement on 10 December resulted in 18 Americans killed in action and many others wounded. The dead were B Co, 1st Bn, 12th Cavalry: SP4 Billy A. Kelsall, Savannah, GA B Co, 3rd Bn, 12th Infantry SGT Ronald L. Sandmann, Sleepy Eye, MN SP4 Robert J. Larson, Minneapolis, MN PFC Robert C. Campbell, Independence, MO PFC John Nishimura, Morgan Hill, CA (Died of wounds 04 Apr 1968) B Co, 1st Bn, 50th Infantry: SGT John J. Fullam, New York, NY SGT Drew D. Shipley, Miami, OK CPL Paul F. Branyan, New Castle, DE CPL Bohdan P. Brydun, Jersey City, NJ CPL Samuel V. Bulloch, Ochlocknee, GA CPL Barry E. Feldmann, St Louis, MO CPL Manuel M. Gonzales, Pecos, TX SP4 Michael R. Shapard, Boulder, CO SP4 Walker Smith, St Louis, MO CPL James E. Wright, Arab, AL PFC William P. Farrell, Buffalo, NY PFC Donald L. Fleetwood, Davenport, IA D Co, 1st Bn, 50th Infantry: 2LT Melvin D. Sodowsky, Fairview, OK

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