Cole, John Matthew, A2C

A2C Cole began his tour Jul 20, 1966.  He was one of three Air Policemen killed during the attack on Tan Son Nhut AB by Viet Cong while defending his post.  The other men were A2C George Bevich and A2C Oliver Riddle.  A2C Cole was awarded the Silver Star, posthumously.  

Ref. group pictures of our 2014 ceremony at the Phila Veterans Memorial ~~  I was the master of ceremonies and my assistant was Fred Adrience Jr.  We are in front facing the assembled veterans. Fred was John Cole's roommate in Vietnam when John was killed.  I was a co-worker of John before he went to Vietnam.  We guarded a missile site in Kansas and I tried to convince him not to volunteer for Vietnam duty.  After my Kansas duty I went to Maryland to the wing that transports the President and dignitaries and next to Vietnam at the same unit John was assigned when he got killed.  They had an engraved plaque in the lobby of the Base Chapel highlighting his actions when the base was attacked in December,1966.  I regret not taking a picture of that display.  My coworkers told me it was 'bad luck' to photograph that wall display and I just went there often to meditate and pay my respects to John.  He was a quality human with a bright future that was snuffed out by the enemy.  Such a shame that his life ended so soon under those conditions.  He was awarded the Silver Star for his actions.  He is my hero! Best wishes!  Respectfully, Arnie...