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IN LOVING MEMORY OF US ARMY First Lieutenant .ROBERT BYRNES
( BOB )
I had such a great time growing up in Carmichael, and a blast in high school. Before high school I went to Our Lady of the Assumption School then off to La Sierra High School where I enjoyed being on the swim team, as well as archery, what a great physical fitness program, it was the best. We had great teachers at La Sierra High School. I worked at Carmichael Park as a lifeguard, and attended American River JR. College where I was on the swim and water polo team. I then found a job with Ma Bell (Pacific Bell) during that time joined the Army June 1965, went to Ford Ord Ca., then off to Fort Sill Ok.(OCS) school here I received my LT. bars, and proudly my mother and father pinned his LT. BARS on me. In July 1967 I was off to Vietnam. I met my wife at the Western Drive Inn in Downtown Carmichael and seven months latter we were married on my R & R in Hi. January 1968 my best man was my RTO CPL Darrel A. Bondrowski, from Boothwyn, PA we were KIA together on Feb. 9th 1968. ROBERT ( BOB ) BYRNES, 1LT, Army,
1LT. Bob Byrnes was assigned to Battery A, 3rd Battalion, 82nd Artillery, 196th Light Infantry Brigade. He was killed in action during a firefight while serving as a Forward Observer with Company D, 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry.
Today we honor we honor Robert S. Byrnes of Carmichael, California, who fell in 1968. Today December 16, is his birthday. He is remembered by Jim and Judi Byrnes: "He served with Battery A, 3rd Battalion, 82nd Artillery 196th. Over 50 years later, we love and miss him as if it were yesterday." Robert is remembered on Panel 38E, Line 46 of The Wall
In loving memory and to honor 1st Lt Robert S. (Bob) Byrnes of Carmichael, California. Sadly, Bob fell on this day February 9, 1968 - 53 years ago in Vietnam 1968, he was just 23 years old and will remain young forever in our hearts. 1st Lt Byrnes is remembered by his brother Jim, his sister-in law Judi, his friends, and classmates. ‘Bob’ attended Our Lady Assumption Catholic school for 8 years, graduating La Sierra High school in 1963 and American River College in 1965. Bob was fondly remembered by so many here in Carmichael, where he worked for 4 years as 'Lifeguard Bob' at Carmichael Park and Recreation swimming pool, where he also taught swimming lessons. Bob was newly hired at Pacific Bell when he received a letter from Uncle Sam who needed help. For now, Bob understood he had to let go of the plans he had made for life and needed to enter the life that was waiting for him, the United States Army and Vietnam. Bob had time to finish his college degree from American River College. He then enlisted in the United States Army June of 1965. Fort Ord California is where he completed basic training. Bob excelled in athletics and learning and soon found he was accepted to OCS (Officers Candidate School) in Fort Sill OK, August 1965. After completing OCS, Bob's father Augustus M. Byrnes pinned his own Lt bars on his son Bob, an immensely proud moment. Fifty-three years ago, on February 9, 1968 1st Lt. Robert S. Byrnes, was killed in action during the Tet Offensive of the Vietnam War. 1st Lt. Robert S. Byrnes was with Battery A, 3rd Battalion, 82nd Artillery 196th Light Infantry Brigade Americal. It was on that same day his (RTO) radio man, friend, and best man at his wedding ~ Cpl. Darrel Anthony Bondrowski of Boothwyn, PA., fell next to Bob as they were killed at the same time. Bob will remain forever young, always loved, and missed every day by his family, friends, and fellow classmates. We will forever honor him. We miss and love you Bob.” 1st Lt Robert S. Byrnes name is remembered on Panel 38E, Line 46 of The Wall.
