I recently heard from Bruce Swander, one of the researchers working on the Coffelt Database, which is a project to identify all Vietnam KIAs down to their company-level assignments. He was investigating some LRRP KIAs and came across Terry Bessinger's name, asked me about him. I sent him this, from the 119th Company History:
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SUPPLEMENT TO THE HISTORY OF THE
119TH AVIATION COMPANY
1 JANUARY 1968 -- 31 DECEMBER 1969 (ERROR - Covers 1969 ONLY)

"19 July - While extracting a long range recon patrol (LRRP) in heavy contact north of An Khe, Alligator 390, piloted by WO1 Thomas J. Trebby, was shot down. WO1 Trebby, had a broken leg and shrapnel wounds; 1LT Terry Bessinger, the only man capable of fighting, had cuts and bruises; SP/4 Vedder, had a broken leg and back; and PFC John Churchill, had shrapnel wounds. Following a two hour life and death dual with the advancing NVA, 1LT Bessinger was successful in assisting the wounded aboard a 7/17 Air Cav LOH and Air Force "Pedroes". Only after all the wounded were aboard and safe did he consent to departing the wreckage laden LZ. The ship was a total loss and WO1 Trebby and SP/4 Vedder went to Japan."
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We had heard that Terry was awarded the Silver Star for his actions in single-handedly defending his friends from the advancing communist troops whose intent was to kill all the Americans. Bruce just sent me a copy of the citation awarding the Distinguished Service Cross, the nation's second-highest decoration, to Terry Bessinger.

Anyone have any idea where Terry might be these days? This occurred after I left, but I remember Terry as a really good guy.

Bob K--