During Operation Shenandoah II, a horrific, and now famous battle took place. The battle 0f Ong Thong was a devastating battle for the 2/28, wherein we lost our battalion C.O., our Sgt. Major, and almost two rifle companies (Alpha and Delta). Bravo Company, through the sometimes serendipitous fortunes that happen in war, was to stay back and secure the Night Defensive Perimeter (NDP) for the battalion that fateful day. Bravo Company, therefore, lost no men on October 17, 1967, However, Bravo Company was the first to lose a man to enemy action during Operation Shenandoah II. William "Andy" Anderson was that man.

Here, former Sergeant Don Koch, who knew Anderson well, pays tribute to a man that was all but forgotten by the rest of the battalion after Ong Thong:

In remeberance of a great friend and a top notch soldier, William Edgar Anderson. He was taken from us on October 9, 1967 - over 40 years ago. Andy was the kind of guy that got along with everyone. His home town, Acme, Pennsylvania, suffered a great loss that day. One of the memories that I have of Andy is the way he kept his weapon. It was always spotless, even the day he was killed. I remember seeing him holding it above his head to protect it.

The first day he came to Bravo Company, we were digging fox holes. He pitched right in like he was an old timer. He adapted quickly to the ways of a combat soldier.

Andy was the first casualty of Operation Shenadoah II. It is a shame that he was never recognized for losing his life in this battle. Less than an hour earlier Delta Company had been hit in that very spot. Bravo Company was then sent there. Andy was point man. He did this with plenty of guts because he knew there was fortified bunkers there. To this day Andy's friendship is special to me. It is hard to believe that in the short time we soldiered together the memories would last a life time. He was a truly brave Black Lion soldier and he is sadly missed.

Don Koch