Delta Company 1/20

Delta Company, 1st Of The 20th, 11th Light Infantry Brigade
Americal Division

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Vernon Glen Zornes

    Vern "Zombie" Zornes was a real character, he was liked by all. He had a passion for fruitcake, he always had plenty to eat.

    Vern was killed along with Rob Runge when we were out on patrol one day. The VC let the first half of the squad walk by before he blew the booby trap. Vern was hit in the chest (heart) and maybe died instantly.

    Rob died either during Medivac or at the hospital. He was talking and didn't think he was hurt too bad after the blast, we were all stunned to find he didn't make it. Rob was also very popular. I don't have a picture of Rob. He was tall and had blond hair.

    On a personal note, I gave Vern artificial respiration the moment after we were hit until the birds picked him up (probably 20 mins). I was walking a few feet behind Zornes and because he was in front of me, his body may have saved my life. I remember when I ran up to him. He died in my arms, I will never forget that experience. It was my first action, I had only been in country a few weeks.

John Wolf