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The Sheriff at Bu Dop – Special Forces Camp A-341


WAHOOMAN
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He was referred to as the Sheriff of Bu Dop, because of his last name. The reference was made to Sheriff Patrick Garrett; the Sheriff that killed Billy the Kid. The nick name of “The Sheriff” was conveyed to me by the medic that served with him at SF Camp A-341. He was also known as the Chief. Based on my research I believe the nickname “The Chief” was given to Garrett when he served with the SF Camp B-34, Reconnaissance Platoon. This platoon was known as the Apaches; and he was designated as The Chief by his fellow soldiers.

 

 

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Garrett attended the U.S. Army Ranger Course # 9-70. Garrett was recognized as the Distinguished Graduate and was awarded the coveted Darby Award at the completion of the Ranger Course in March 1970.

 

 

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A series of events to recognize Major Chester Garrett soon followed after finding this grouping. The first was the dedication of the Dining Facility located on the McGregor Range Complex in Garrett’s honor on June 4, 2014. This was made possible due to the efforts from members of the Special Forces Association Chapter IX, Isaac Camacho Chapter. Photos from the grouping were used for the photo collage that is currently displayed at the Major Chester Garrett Dining Facility.

 

 

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In March 2015 copies of Garrett’s military award citations were provided to the Ft Bliss National Cemetery in order to get him a new headstone. The Administrator of the cemetery assured me that his new headstone would be ordered and placed at his grave site. The new headstone with Garrett’s military awards of valor engraved on the stone was replaced in May 2015. The original headstone made no mention of his military awards. The Special Forces Prayer was read by former military veterans and a military musician from Ft Bliss played taps.

 

Before

 

 

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On October 31, 2015 Garrett was inducted into the Special Forces Regiment. I worked with members of the Special Forces Association Chapter IX, Isaac Camacho Chapter to prepare the nomination package. The ceremony was held at the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School in Ft. Bragg, North Carolina.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Special Forces Regiment induction citation. This can also be found on the Special Forces Regiment website.

 

 

 

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In reviewing and researching the vast amount of documents, photos and items in the Grouping, I knew there was a story to be told. What started to be a book about Garrett’s valor now included his tragic death. He was murdered by close family members in January 1977. The detective (Antonio Arias) who restarted the cold case had retired and had the details regarding the investigation. Another colleague Eric Norway just finished writing his first book and had the experience going through the editing and publishing process. Between the three of us we wrote the story. It’s a blend between the murder investigation and Garrett’s military service. The book can be ordered through Amazon. Should you purchase the book I would ask if you please take the time and complete a review. Also, thanks to the Forum members who assisted in identifying some of the items in this grouping.

 

 

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riflegreen297

Superb, thank you for sharing. What a fantastic post, great legwork getting the proper head stone. The Isaac Camacho Chapter is a great chapter that does a lot of good work. I lived in El Paso in 2007, I can only image the border town it was 30 years earlier that could lead to such events.

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What a superb post,

the research you have done has made the book a must have for those with an interest in S.F. in Vietnam. I'm guessing he traded berets with the Aussie SAS member.

 

Thanks for the great post!

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Rakkasan187

Glad to see this grouping once again and glad that the long hours of research paid off.. I remember seeing it when you first obtained it... Stunning...

 

Great to see this cold case now closed out and those who committed this heinous crime are now brought to justice..

 

Thanks again Wahooman for continuing Chester's legacy..

 

It was great to bring all of his artifacts back together again after they had been separated..

 

Leigh

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Two additional pieces from the grouping. Hoping forum members can shed some light on these pieces of correspondence. Below are two Message 21's. It is my understanding that these were disseminated to SF Detachments for a job well done by Colonel Kelly. I believe Kelly was also known as Black Jack. Garret received two during his assignment to SF Camp A-341. Garrett made some notes on his Message 21's. Has anyone ever seen anything like this? Thanks for the feedback

 

 

 

 

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Rakkasan187

Anyone interested in reading about Chester's story and his untimely death should pick up a copy of the book. It is a very interesting insight into the man and his valorous acts in combat and his struggles at home..

 

I have had the privilege and honor of knowing Wahooman for several years and I remember when he showed me Chester's collection which then led to the co-authoring of the book. He gave me a signed copy yesterday...

 

Thank you my friend,, enjoy the next chapter in your life...

 

Leigh

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Attached is the citation for Garrett's US Army ARCOM with V/device. This event was cited in Colonel Kelly's book titled Vietnam Studies, U.S. Army Special Forces 1961-1971, Department of the Army

 

 

 

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