Frank James Dutra

SGT FRANK JAMES DUTRA

Frank James Dutra was on our July 1970 Roster. He was from Cleveland, OH.

PHOTOS

I could not find photos for Frank.

NOTES FROM FAMILY AND FRIENDS

In April 2002 Frank wrote in our Guestbook:

I was with A Co 2/501st 1970 All the way!

In Nov 2003 Frank wrote the following in our Guestbook:

I was with A CO 2/501st in 1970. I was with the first plt, first sq leader, under SSGT. Joe Ludwick. I'm writing this e-mail to clear up an issue I read in a book not to long about about A CO 2/501st or at least tell my side of the story. In the book I was refereed to as the "druggie" SGT. Today I would just like to set the records straight. Yes, it's true that I did smoke pot while I was in the rear area's, never in the field. As most of you can recall we had two types of people, either you were a Head or you were a Drinker. I'm not trying to point fingers at anyone, as I do know and accept the fact that we all did the best we could to take care of each other.

I do remember some of the details, such as the night when we all were pinned down outside of LZ Ripcord. It didn't look like we were going to make it out of a pretty difficult fire fright. The LT yelled out " what do you guys what to do live forever". At that point most of the Plt. stood up and all at once advanced on the NVA. We lost a lot of good men that night.

I also remember the next day as I was walking point we came across three NVA on a trail and we opened up on them. We had two KIA's and the other was in bad shape. We called back to our six and he said that we had three KIA's "do you understand", we understood and took care of business.
I'm not sure if people remember me or even if they what too. I just want to set the record straight that I might not have been the best military orientated person but I took care of my people.

The book said that I refused to go to the field and the book was right. I did refuse to accept a Op order to the same AO that we were in the night before. We came in for a three day stand down and to replace the men we lost. At around midnight that same night we were given an Op order stating that we needed to go back out to that same AO in the morning. The whole team got together and decided that we would refuse the Op order.
Well in the morning when we were in formation and the birds ready, the CO gave us our marching orders and I reported that we were not going to support his Op order. The CO asked that all those refusing the order to step forward. At that time I was the only one who stepped forward. Yes, all by myself. I didn't say much to anyone nor did I ever say who was involved. I just took what was coming to me like a man. I lost my stripes which was no bid deal as I was able to get them back and them some within eight months. I must mention that I Op order was canceled and during a discharge review board in MA in 1974 it was found that the Op order was not required and not supported by command. I was awarded back pay for the reduction in rank.

After I left the 101st I was sent over to the 155 Assault Hel Co by the Cambodia boarder were I stayed for eight months before going stateside. I served a total of seventeen years with the service before coming down with NHL (cancer) due to agent orange and received 100% disability. A lot of things were said and done in Viet Nam and some that we all are not proud of. I try to think about the positive things that we did and that's how I'm able to deal with life. Sure, I'll never forget those ruff times but I'm able to move on. It was a war and we all did what we had to do to survive. I don't expect for most people to understand some of the things that were said or done in Viet Nam but I just wanted to provide the other side of the story.

Regardless of the units feelings for me, I want to welcome each and everyone home to this great country. I do hope to meet you all soon.

In 2005 Terre Dallegge wrote the following about Frank Dutra's comments:

I read the message you left recently on this message board. For what it's worth I'll offer my thoughts. It seems to me you've been fighting this battle way too long. Maybe time to give yourself a break. Welcome home Sarge and good luck to you.

In 2013 Margaret Wilson made the following Guestbook entry:

Frank James Dutra lives in Eureka, CA.