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By Ron P. Coderre
Mention the name Calvin Heath around Putnam, Thompson or other parts of Northeastern Connecticut and most people remember a long haired, happy-go-lucky, smiling individual with his own iteration of either a Fu Manchu or walrus style facial hair.
He may also be remembered by others as a beer drinking, pot smoking left handed softball pitcher, who’d pull up to Murphy Recreation Park or Owen Tarr Field in the Putnam Furniture van five minutes before the start of a game, jump out, run to the circle and pitch a fabulous game.
Others may still have much different memories of Heath but very little is known or been written of him as a soldier of the 187th Infantry Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division, who served gallantly in the Republic of Vietnam in 1968.
The story of Calvin Heath begins in Putnam sometime around 1949, as the youngest boy in a family of 11 blood brothers and sisters with Native American ancestry dating back to the Nipmuck Indian tribe. Raised on the “town farm” property in Putnam he was known simply as Cal although some of his brothers had more memorable nicknames like “Chief” and “Spooky.”
“As kids we were raised as Catholics. When we would go to church or other social functions, I always remember “Little Cal” dressed in suit or sport coat with a neck tie and shined shoes. He was happy as a kid and carried that disposition with him throughout his life,” said his brother Burt “Chief” Heath of Webster.
Calvin attended school in Putnam but according to a longtime friend Joe Lindley, he never completed high school, opting instead to join the United States Army around age 17 or 18.
Vietnam Comes Calling
While in the Army as a member of the 101st Airborne Division, Heath was recruited by a Captain Bucha to become a member of the 3rd Company of the 187th Infantry Brigade. This unit, which would eventually distinguish itself in combat, was made up of rejects from various other units. In fact, according to Lindley, they were affectionately referred to as the “clerks and jerks.”
During a period in March 1968 this unit distinguished itself near fire base Phuoc Vinh, where they had been airlifted into enemy territory. On its mission the unit destroyed food and ammo caches and numerous enemy bunkers, before being surrounded and engaged by a large number of Viet Cong. Of the 89 members of the unit 10 died in action and virtually all 89 men, including Heath were wounded.
On March 21, 1968, Heath was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in action. However, there were more awards to come but they wouldn’t be received until 31 and 36 years later.
During the encounter with the Viet Cong, Heath and some of the men were surrounded and ambushed. Wounded and separated from his main unit he was ordered to fake being dead until he could be rescued. Laying atop one of his friends who was dead, Heath according to Lindley, actually had Viet Cong sitting on him as he feigned death.
The Silver Star, which he received in 1999, thanks to then Congressman Sam Gejdenson, reads as follows: Calvin Heath - (Then) Private First Class, United States Army.
“For gallantry in action against a hostile and superior force during the period of 16 March 1968 to 19 March 1968 while combating a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. During an intense battle at night when confronted by an overwhelming enemy force, Private First Class Heath, although seriously wounded, rendered assistance to those men cut off from the main unit. Private First Class Heath retained contact with the company Commander and protected the lives and equipment of his unit. Due to a severe wound to his right leg, Private First Class Heath crawled toward the company’s position and continued to crawl toward the company location until he could hear the voices of the First Sergeant, 3rd Platoon Sergeant and Captain Bucha. A search and rescue team followed Private First Class Heath’s voice and rescued the wounded and dead from the 2nd platoon. Private First Class Heath’s conduct in spite of severe pain and intense fire from the enemy forces reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.”
He was honored on 11 June 1999, a full 31 years after this horrific experience.
Calvin Heath died of what was described as brain cancer on Tuesday, July 9, 2013. His wake and memorial service was attended primarily by his family, extended family and a few longtime friends. His brother, Burt, himself a member of the 101st Air
borne Division and Vietnam combat veteran, led the service.
“My brother is now at peace. He never sought out glory or recognition but he deserved every commendation he received for his time in Vietnam,” said Burt Heath.
Among Heath’s other awards, Calvin was proudest of the Combat Infantry Badge he was awarded on the 5th day of March 1968, just prior to being wounded in action. The CIB is awarded “for active participation in infantry operations against an armed enemy of the United States.”
It was unfortunate that the other awards came to Heath so late in life but on April 30, 2005 he was presented the Warriors Medal of Valor from the Native American Nations of the United States of America.
The award read – “For valorous service while serving the United States of America in a military capacity. This conspicuous performance of duty represents great patriotism and pride in the finest traditions of the United States Armed Forces and reflects great credit upon the recipient and their military service. It is with great respect that the Native American Nations of the United States of America hereby present the Warriors Medal of Valor, we are grateful for your service.”
It was signed by his brother, Burt Heath, Chairman.
Post Script
From humble beginnings, surrounded by a large family, Calvin Heath learned as a young man the joy of being surrounded by people. He also learned that to get along in life he had to be strong and resourceful to survive. He always gave willingly of himself, without fear of injury and even death. He never looked for recognition or accolades.
Unfortunately, his heroism was only recognized many years after the actual deeds. The days in the jungles of Vietnam have long past but America finally is recognizing the acts of valor performed by our men who as the title of the book indicates, “We Were Soldiers Once, And Young.”
In death may Private First Class Calvin W. Heath of Putnam, Connecticut continue to be remembered and honored for his service above and beyond the call of duty to the United States of America.