FORT CAMPBELL, Ky (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Nearly 700 people came out to test their endurance at Fort Campbell to commemorate the anniversary of an infamous Vietnam-era battle. Soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division were accompanied by Vietnam Veterans to run, walk, and march the 31.87-mile ultramarathon as they honored the memory and sacrifice of those involved in the Battle of Hamburger Hill.
This week marks 50 years since the frontal assault on Hill 937, Dong Ap Bia, Vietnam. The ten-day engagement, more commonly referred to as Hamburger Hill, was fought by U.S. Army Soldiers, including those from the 101st. Airborne Division, U.S. Marines, and the South Vietnamese military.
For the Veterans, the ultramarathon was not only a way to commemorate the assault on Hamburger Hill, but to support the new generation of Rakkasans and Veterans. “It was the greetings that we received, the support we had for the last mile was just unbelievable. We never received this when we came back from Nam, so every one of these guys are just in awe of the support,” says U.S. Army Veteran Dan Gagne who took part in the last mile. “That’s we are here. To give the support to these guys here and every veteran whether they are past, present, or future,” continued Gagne.
The run/walk gave participants a chance to thank those who were involved in the assault and all Veterans. Alfred Tello, who completed the entire 31.87 miles said, “It was painful, but it was awesome. [We are] commemorating the Veterans that were back in Vietnam, for a very historic moment in time, that all Americans should know about.”
The run/walk began at 8 a.m. circling the southern half of Fort Campbell. Participants had until sundown to complete the challenge, and those who did received an official “Iron Warrior” belt buckle. Majority of the Veterans joined at the final mile to walk with those who completed the entire course.
The Soldiers, primarily of 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment ‘Iron Rakkasans’, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, have spent the week honoring their predecessors through an Iron Warrior Challenge. It began last week with a 3,187-step stair climb at Nissan Stadium in Nashville Tuesday. Following the climb, Soldiers completed a 1.87-mile open-water swim at Land Between the Lakes, Ky.
Photos from the endurance challenge capture the bond shared by the Iron Rakkasans past and present.
The week-long events continue with a Welcome Home Ceremony and more. (See event schedule here).
