By: David R. Moore

It was July 21, 1970, a steamy, mid-summer evening, and I was standing on the bridge with a couple of friends, surveying the Town River that was near the flood stage, at the paper mill. Halfway around the world in the Central Highlands of South Vietnam, two OH6 helicopters were falling out of the sky, and four young men would die in the crash. One GI, Specialist Walter Joseph Kacsock, a very close childhood friend and classmate, would become forever young.

Two days later, after coming home from work, I got a phone call from Chuck's cousin bearing the news. The conversation was brief; he had been killed in action, and that she would call with more details as the family was informed. The next two weeks seemed like it took forever, waiting for his body to return home.

Chuck, or "Sock" as he was known to his friends, was an only child, and his passing was an unimaginable loss to his Mom and Dad. In his home was an extended family with his Mom's sister, her husband, and their daughter, Janet, who was like his sister. He was an avid, skilled surfer and model builder and usually “the life of the party”.

Each night, as we waited for his return, the guys would get together after work. A few of us would go over and sit with the family as it seemed to give his mother great comfort, his close friends being around. She was a great cook and hid her grief cooking these incredible Polish cookies and other desserts. We would sit around and reminisce with his cousin about all of the crazy things we had done with Chuck.

Chuck served his first seven months “in country” as a company clerk at a forward helicopter base, B Company, 7/17 Air Cav Unit, Camp Holloway not far from Pleiku. The Army may have taken his body, but they never took his spirit. He was an adventurous kid who wasn’t content sitting behind a desk. Back home, he was an accomplished surfer. He missed his boards. Being in country 6 months he earned his R&R and chose Bondi Beach, just outside Sydney, Australia. For seven days he lived his dream; beer, women, and the fantastic surf that he had only read about.

Returning to Vietnam, he wrote of the great time in Austrailia. And he expressed concern; he was bored, sitting behind the desk watching a war happening around him.

Sock extended his tour a few months to receive an earlier discharge. When he got back to the states, he wanted out of the Army and back to life again. He had plans to order his dream car four weeks before his return home. His 1971 Pontiac Firebird, HO 350, would be waiting for him. He also had a school for automotive design in Detroit picked out to attend when he got back.

Despite his plans for the future, he was still not content. Each evening, he would sit with the guys and hear the stories passed around. His company had OH6 helicopters, LOACH (Light Observation Attack Helicopters). They would go out each day and look for the enemy. Flying at treetop level, 50 to 60 MPH, they would look for trouble, draw fire and the Cobra gunships 1500 feet above would swoop in for the kill.

It had a two-man crew, a pilot and an observer directly behind him. The observer might have his M16, smoke and frag grenades, and sometimes a few blocks of C4 to mark a target for the Cobras above. Getting shot down was not uncommon, so it took a skilled pilot. Chuck wanted the observer job.

Bridgewater had already lost four men in Vietnam, and we did our best to discourage him. We later learned that some of his buddies also tried to talk him out of it but to no avail. He put in for the transfer, and with eight months in the country, six to go, he made a move. He wrote back that he loved the new job. Back in the states, we held our breath and waited. We all continued our letters on our adventures back in the states, but they were pale in comparison. Two weeks later, I got the call from his cousin.

We were all stupid kids, that took chances back then. We drank too much and drove to fast, too often. We all had close calls but cheated the odds, and we all hoped our luck, his luck included, would hold. We have no real appreciation of what he saw over there or what drove him to take that chance.

I will never forget my last moments with him. The night before he left, we had been out on a double date, and he was dropping me off at my home. We sat in front of the house and talked about his pending journey. There was hope that the Nixon’s recent announcements on troops gradual drawdown, would bring him home sooner than a one-year deployment. As the evening came to a close, there was a moment where he became silent and reflective, staring down at the steering wheel. It was a rare moment with Chuck, as he seldom confided concerning personal issues. "There is only one thing that bothers me about dying over there. My Dad tells me that he is aware of no other Kacsock’s to carry on the name."

I could only break the following chilling silence with my response, "Don't worry about it. Be careful; you are coming back." With that, we shook hands, I wished him luck, and I got out of his car. As he drove away, I stood in the street and watched his taillights fade into the darkness.

The funeral finally came and it was a blur of emotions, grief, and recollections of the good times. The military honor guard was a formality and impressive, but it was only a symbol of what took him from his family and friends. They took his body, but they never possessed his spirit.

Monday, August 2, view any time: Virtual Story Time with Pretty as a Princess with Belle

Wednesday, August 4, 11, 18 & 25 @ 6:30p: Virtual PJ Story Time with Miss Dixie

Monday, August 9, view any time: Virtual Story Time with Pretty as a Princess with Rapunzel

Thursday, August 12 @ 1p: Virtual Drawing Mythical Creatures with Corinne

Monday, August 16, view any time: Virtual Story Time with Pretty as a Princess with Elsa

For the full calendar and information about August Council on Aging programs visit Bridgewater Elder Affairs News and Events

Grades 6-12. Limited spots remaining.

Bring your own piece of clothing, or use one of the t-shirts we provide. Library provided t-shirts will be limited to 1 per person.

We offer free and reduced cost admission to many local area museums and attractions. Simply click here to reserve your selected pass.

For list of discounts go to Bridgewater Public Library website.

*Prices and discounts subject to change.

No experience necessary, dances suitable for ages 10 and up. Suggested donation is $5. Sam Baumgarten is the dance leader please contact with any questions: 774-208-2933 or email sbaumgarten@verizon.net.

Join the Metro South Chamber and Douglas A. King Builders for a terrific business building opportunity. Enjoy a cookout outside with hamburgers/hot dogs, pizza, and craft beer provided by the 2018 Entrepreneur of the Year, Shovel Town Brewery.

Take advantage of an opportunity to win Patriots tickets, wine, and a gift certificate to Stoneforge Restaurant.

Don't forget your business cards for this evening of fun, food and festivities!

Video Courtesy of BRRSD YouTube Channel

Toe Jam Puppet Band is known for its hands-on children’s entertainment that is perfect for families to enjoy together. The performances are interactive, and feature singing and dancing to original songs, watching shadow puppetry, and listening to storytelling. In the event of inclement weather, this program will be cancelled. For more information, call the library at 508-697-3331.

The Town of Bridgewater seeks dedicated citizens interested in serving on the committees, commissions, and boards that address Town and county issues.

Serving as a volunteer member of a committee is a rewarding experience. Providing citizens an opportunity to have a voice.

Story and picture credits: Bridgewater Public Library

Copyright 2021 Buzz Around Bridgewater. You have our permission to share and copy this issue in its entirety as much as you like. If you take it in part, please give credit. ("Buzz Around Bridgewater 8/1/21")