Posted by ROY S. LOMBARDO, JR LTC Ret on May 24, 2001:

ASSEMBLY OF THE BRAVO BULLS 21 APRIL 200O FOR THE WREATH LAYING AND EULOGY AT THE UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY CEMETERY FOR 1LT RONALD LLOYD ZINN WHO WAS KILLED IN ACTION WHILE LEADING THE 3D RIFLE PLATOON, COMPANY B, 2D BN (ABN) 503D INFANTRY 173d AIRBORNE BRIGADE (SEP)ON 7 JULY 1965 IN WAR ZONE D, REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM IN MEMORY OF LT RON ZINN We, veterans of Co B, 2-503d Parachute Infantry Regiment assemble today, 21 April 2000, not to praise you, but to remember you. It has taken us 36 years just to learn that your gravesite is here at the Military Academy. There are 64 veterans of Company B, in contact by letter and Email, and all, who served with you, remember you with camaraderie and respect. We remember a cadet who had difficulty with marching, yet became an Olympic walker; a man determined to succeed in tribute to his loving Mother, who struggled as a single parent to educate her son. We remember a young officer, described by his Military Academy classmates as fun-loving yet ascetic in his physical training regime; a tough wrestler with a unique ability to absorb pain while outlasting his opponents; a world class track Olympian, participating in the 1960 Olympics while still a cadet and in the 1964 Olympics, after commissioning. We remember a lean, muscular Lieutenant, who joined us on Okinawa, shortly before our deployment to Vietnam. Your physical prowess made you the mainstay of the company track team, which you trained and led to the battalion Championship. We remember a newly-married officer, anxious to become proficient at his Infantry assignment but equally anxious to have his bride, Barbara, join him on Okinawa. We remember a dedicated soldier, who worked night and day to master his trade in the jungles of War Zone D and to win the trust of his men, for whom he cared deeply. We remember a determined leader, who on 7 July 1965 rushed to the aid of his wounded squad leader, only to succumb to enemy fire. In so doing, you became the first Officer KIA in the 173d Airborne Brigade and one of the first in Vietnam. Your valor was not misplaced because the Bravo Bulls were inspired by your selfless example. AP writer, Tom Tiede, quoted in national newspapers, the Static Line, and other veteran publications had written in 1966,"....They have more Purple Hearts than salt tablets... some 110 have gotten one, dozens have two, a few three, and Jacob Rosado of New York has four.... but for all of it, Bravo's battered have seen as much heroics as horror. Two have been submitted for or received the Distinguished Service Cross, four for Silver Stars, and fourteen for Army Commendation Medals. One of them, a Negro from Chicago, who cared for men of every race is both typical and unique. He forfeited his life to save his fellows. For him the Medal of Honor! Bravo Company...bloodied they have been, for a fact. But beaten? Not yet, NOT EVER!!! Your Platoon Sergeant, Eugene Davis, won the DSC and Milton Olive, one of your riflemen won the MOH. Feel confident that your valor was emulated over and over. Ron, despite the foregoing, we hardly knew you. We hope that you reside safely in the presence of Almighty God and that time and God's grace has eased your loss for your loved ones. Lastly, we leave you a few mementoes: A 173d Airborne Brigade patch, for all to know, among whom you marched. A 173d Challenge Coin to use on Fiddler's Green A prayer card with our prayers for your salvation. Sleep well, old friend, you are not forgotten. ROY S. LOMBARDO, JR. LTC, Infantry Former Company Commander, B/2-503 (1964-1965)

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