By Post Commander Ron Cook Jr. | Photos by Seneca Media
The Seneca Nation and Iroquois Post 1587 pays tribute to our Vietnam War Veterans as part of a National Vietnam War Commemoration Program. This recognition initiative allows communities to set aside some time in the month of March each year to honor Warriors of the Vietnam War. The Seneca Nation had a high percentage of its members participate in this War and in large part not given the appropriate recognition when these Warriors returned home despite the unpopular rumors that followed. In fact, according to the U.S. Census, almost one-quarter (24.4%) of Seneca veterans at the Seneca Nation’s Allegany Territory and half (50.6%) of veterans at the Cattaraugus Territory served in the military during the Vietnam War era (2017 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, Table B21002). This commemoration program gives the Seneca Nation an opportunity to pay tribute to their Vietnam War Veterans. This year the nation highlighted and welcomed home Vietnam War Veterans Carson R. Waterman, Richard A. Kennedy, and recognized family members of Vietnam War Veterans Neil W. Abrams and Wilbur Curry Jr. (View their biographies below)
A proclamation signed by SNI President Rickey L. Armstrong, Sr. was presented to Carson Waterman and Richard Kennedy and each Next-of-Kin representative received a certificate and label pin from the U.S. Department of Defense – Vietnam War Commemoration Director for Wilbur Curry Jr. and Neil W. Abrams respectively.
The Seneca Nation of Indians and Iroquois Post 1587 would like to thank Specialist Carson Waterman, Sergeant Richard Kennedy, and recognize fallen Warrior Staff Sergeant Wilbur Curry Jr. and Sergeant Neil W. Abrams for their dedicated service to our Nation and for their bold and fearless actions during time of War exemplifies them as admired Warrior’s and Hero’s. Welcome Home. Nya:wëh!
The Seneca Nation paid tribute to these Warriors on March 29, 2023 at the Iroquois Post 1587 facility. We want to thank everyone for joining this honoring.
Nya:wëh!
SNI President’s Office Executive Order
Proclamation of Vietnam Veterans Day on March 29, 2023, and Each Year After (follow link above to view the Executive Order)
SPC Carson R. Waterman U.S. Army Vietnam War Veteran
Carson Ronald Waterman born December 22, 1944, is a U.S. Army Vietnam War Veteran, enrolled member of the Seneca Nation of Indians and of the Snipe Clan. Carson grew up on the Cattaraugus Territory and Graduated from Gowanda Central High School and would go on to earn a Creative Arts Degree at the Cooper School of Art in Cleveland, Ohio. Shortly after returning home from Ohio, Carson received a draft notification to join the U.S. Army and was inducted February 27, 1968, to support the Vietnam War efforts in the Republic of Vietnam. He reported to the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) in Buffalo, NY and sent to Fort Dix for Basic Training and then to Fort Polk, Louisiana for advanced Infantry Training.
After Advance Infantry training, Carson deployed to Vietnam through Fort Lewis, Washington and would be assigned to 1st Platoon, Delta Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division in support of the Vietnam War efforts. Carson’s unit had a prestigious history and were known as the “Famous Fourth” Ivy Leaf soldiers and their moto was “Loyalty to Country” (established in 1917 and assigned to 4th ID in March 1923), but the North Vietnamese enemy forces viewed them as fearless warriors as they conducted numerous combat missions during the Vietnam War bringing intense bloody fighting capabilities and decimated their foes 5 to 1 at times and his unit even received credit for destroying two Russian Tanks.
Carson recalls an intense situation where he found himself pinned down by both enemy and friendly fire during perimeter outpost operations where Carson without fear of his own safety scooped up his injured comrade and carried him to a position of safety. Unfortunately, after the intense engagement and the smoke cleared, Carson’s battle buddy John Dalton did not survive his injuries. Carson continued to engage in bloody fighting operations with his platoon until he was called to report to the 4th Infantry Division Headquarters for a special duty assignment and would remain there until he completed his service obligation and honorably discharged on February 30, 1969.
Carson’s awards and decorations are many and commendable to name a few:
• Combat Infantry Badge
• National Defense Service Medal
• Vietnam War Service Medal (two bronze stars)
• Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device
• Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Medal
• Expert Marksmanship Badge (M16 Rifle)
The Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Medal was awarded as a foreign award to members of the United States Army. The citation of the Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Medal was awarded by the Vietnamese government for meritorious service during the period 1 March 1961 to 28 March 1974.
Carson currently resides on the Allegany Territory with his lovely wife Debra and is a well-known Seneca Nation premier artist of the Iroquois Confederacy and it’s because of the noble selfless service of our brave Vietnam War Veterans like Specialist Carson Waterman that Native Americans in general still proudly serve in large portions per capita in the Armed Forces today and he will remain as an admired Warrior for generations to come.
Carson is also a dedicated member of American Legion Iroquois Post 1587. The Seneca Nation of Indians and Iroquois Post 1587 would like to thank Specialist Carson Ronald Waterman for his dedicated service to our Nation and for his bold and fearless actions during time of War exemplifies him as an admired Warrior and Hero. Carson achieved the highest rank of “Specialist” and is being recognized with an Honor Proclamation Certificate from the President of the Seneca Nation.
Carson Waterman, on behalf of everyone present and a grateful Nation, we thank you for your service and welcome HOME! Nya:wëh!
Carson’s personal message: “After serving as an 11B Infantry “Grunt” with 1st Platoon, Delta Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division for seven intense months in the Republic of Vietnam (central highlands and triple canopy jungle) against the North Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong communist guerrillas. I am truly lucky to be here today!”
SGT Richard A. Kennedy, U.S. Army Vietnam War Veteran
SGT Richard Allen Kennedy born April 25, 1942, is a U.S. Army Vietnam War Veteran, enrolled member of the Seneca Nation of Indians and of the Wolf Clan. Richard grew up on the Cattaraugus Territory and despite not completing his formal education knew the importance and acknowledging his responsibility of becoming a productive member of his community. As soon as he became of age, Richard followed his brother Michael and joined the U.S. Armed Forces in support of the escalating War efforts in Southeast Asia in the Republic of Vietnam. He reported to the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) in Buffalo, NY and sent to Fort Jackson, SC for both Basic and Advanced Infantry Training.
After completing 11B Infantry training, Richard deployed to Vietnam and would be assigned to Delta Company, 2nd Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division in support of the Vietnam War efforts. Richard’s unit has a prestigious history and were nicknamed the “OLD RELIABLES” first established during WWII. However, the North Vietnamese enemy forces quickly viewed them as fearless warriors as they conducted numerous combat missions from the Mekong Delta to the DMZ bringing intense bloody fighting capabilities and decimated their foes at each major engagement. These engagements included numerous victories over Main Force Viet Cong and North Vietnamese units with a lethal mechanized capability along with a rapid deployment Mobile Riverine Force and a fearless Airmobile Calvary insertion unit.
Although Richard survived many bloody enemy engagements, he recalls an intense situation where his small Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol was assigned a dangerous mission behind enemy lines to conduct blocking and pursuit activities and during that mission his unit found themselves overpowered by a larger enemy force. However, despite the immediate artillery support coverage called upon the larger enemy force, Richard’s special operations unit were forced into escape and evasion operation where they hid under the water of a muddy riverbank tributary for what seemed like 15-20 minutes each breathing through a four-foot bamboo snorkel. The enemy forces desperately searched for Richard’s unit by tossing hand-grenades in the water creating enough concussion to pack his nose and ears with mud. When the enemy voices and grenade concussions faded in the distance, Richard’s unit would eventually escape and made it back to friendly lines without radio communication, which was lost while submerged underwater. Richard continued to engage in bloody fighting operations with his unit until he completed his service obligation and honorably discharged in 1969.
Richard’s awards and decorations are many and commendable to name a few:
• Purple Heart
• Combat Infantry Badge
• Good Conduct Medal
• National Defense Service Medal
• Vietnam War Service Medal (two bronze stars)
• Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device
• Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Medal
• Expert Marksmanship Badge (M14 Rifle)
The Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Medal was awarded as a foreign award to members of the United States Army. The citation of the Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Medal was awarded by the Vietnamese government for meritorious service during the period 1 March 1961 to 28 March 1974.
Richard currently resides on the Cattaraugus Territory and has a proud daughter, Carrie Kennedy, and grandson Quinin. It’s because of the noble selfless service of our brave Vietnam War Veterans like Sergeant Richard Kennedy that Native Americans in general still proudly serve in large portions per capita in the Armed Forces today and he will remain as an admired Warrior for generations to come.
Richard is also a dedicated member of American Legion Iroquois Post 1587. The Seneca Nation of Indians and Iroquois Post 1587 would like to thank Sergeant Richard Kennedy for his dedicated service to our Nation and for his bold and fearless actions during time of War exemplifies him as an admired Warrior and Hero. Richard achieved the highest rank of “Sergeant” and is being recognized with an Honor Proclamation from the President of the Seneca Nation.
Richard Kennedy, on behalf of everyone present and a grateful Nation, we thank you for your service and welcome HOME! Nya:wëh!
SGT Neil W. Abrams, U.S. Corps Vietnam War Veteran Marine
Neil William Abrams born February 02, 1947, is a U.S. Marine Corps Vietnam War Veteran, enrolled member of the Seneca Nation of Indians and of the Wolf Clan. Neil grew up on the Cattaraugus Territory and Graduated from Silver Creek Central High School and shortly after graduation, Neil received a Draft notification to join the U.S. Marine Corps and was inducted December 10, 1970, to support the Vietnam War efforts in the Republic of Vietnam. He reported to the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) in Buffalo, NY and was sent to Paris Island, Camp Lejeune, NC where he completed his basic Marine recruit training. Neil spent an additional four weeks in Combat Engineer Basic Specialist Training before deploying to Southeast Asia in support of the Vietnam War efforts.
After completion of all required training, Neil deployed to Vietnam and would be assigned to Bravo Company, 9th Engineer Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group. Neil’s unit was known as “TEAM 9” and the located in and around Chu Lai. Neil’s engineer battalion’s motto was “Excellence in Engineering” where he conducted missions including repairing vital road networks and reconstructing damaged villages south of Chu Lai. As part of Neil’s assignment in Vietnam, he received advanced instruction on combat demolitions, land mine warfare, and Viet Cong booby traps. Neil’s engineer battalion was responsible for missions ranging from roadway repairs and mine sweeping operations on highways and bridges, to base camp construction to building ferries in support of Army and many foreign units on the battlefront His unit participated in operations such as Colorado, Fresno, Nappa, and Golden Fleece.
In addition to the mission activities listed above: Marines of the 9th Engineer Battalion also conducted on average 30 daytime and 30 nighttime combat patrols and reconnaissance missions where enemy engagements were bloody and causalities sustained.
Neil’s awards and decorations are many and commendable to name a few:
• National Defense Service Medal
• Vietnam War Service Medal (one bronze star)
• Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device
• NYS Governor’s Conspicuous Service Star
• NYS Adjutant General’s Medal of Merit
• Rifle Marksmanship Badge (M14 Rifle)
After returning home, Neil struggled with complications developed from the toxic exposure of “Agent Orange” and would eventually fall to his final wartime battle on January 16, 1995, in Buffalo NY. Neil’s family received a heartfelt certificate from the President of the United States, which reads: The United States of America honors the memory of Neil W. Abrams. This certificate awarded by a grateful nation in recognition of devoted and selfless consecration to the service of our country in the Armed Forces of the United States. Signed William J. Clinton, President of the United States.
The Seneca Nation of Indians and Iroquois Post 1587 would like to thank Sergeant Neil Abrams for his dedicated service to our Nation and for his bold and fearless actions during time of War exemplifies him as an admired Warrior and Hero. Neil achieved the highest rank of “Sergeant” and his daughter Amber Abrams is being recognized with an Honor Certificate from the U.S. Department of Defense, Vietnam War Commemoration Director and reads…
SERGEANT NEIL W. ABRAMS
Presented to Neil W. Abrams family member, “On behalf of a grateful Nation and the Department of Defense, we honor your sacrifices at home while your Father served in the name of freedom and democracy during the Vietnam War period. Our Nation is forever indebted to you and extends its deepest respect and admiration.
On behalf of the Abrams family in attendance and everyone present, we thank Neil for his service to our Nation. Dwa de nok sko’!
Daughter’s personal message: “I am truly grateful for this honoring of my father Neil Abrams today!”
SSG Wilbur Curry Jr., U.S. Army Vietnam War Veteran
Staff Sergeant Wilbur Curry Jr. is an enrolled member of the Seneca Nation of Indians and of the Snipe Clan. He joined the U.S. Army during the Korean War and would continue to serve while the escalating tensions developed in the Republic of Vietnam. Wilbur volunteered to be a part of a new division level transformational wartime concept where transport helicopters would be turned into a number of air mobility combat insertion capability platforms and assigned to the famous 7th Calvary Division. During a two-day intense battle in November 1965, the Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 7th Calvary Division found themselves out number 8 to 1 by a well-trained Communist North Vietnamese Army that included the 66th and 32nd Regiments. (Kutta 20) SSG Curry, an outstanding Non-Commissioned Officer hailed from Buffalo NY played a critical role within the 1st Bn/7th Calvary Division as a weapons-squad leader for Bravo Company, 1st Platoon. He was considered by the battalion commander as the best weapons squad leader in the battalion if not the division. (Moore, H 87) As SSG Curry’s unit landed near Chu Pong Mountain on Landing Zone X-Ray, they found themselves in a fierce fire fight as waves of enemy forces came down the mountain into the Ia Drang Valley to take on the Calvary unit. Curry’s unit was taking on many casualties as he tried to direct his squad members to close a gap with the 2nd Platoon with bullets flying everywhere and from all directions. This is where unfortunately, SSG Curry was fatally injured during this intense enemy engagement trying to rescue the 2nd Platoon, also known as the “Lost Platoon.” In the end, 545 Americans were killed in action with enemy deaths estimated at 3,661, which was the greatest loss of American life in the Vietnam War at that point. Although Wilbur earned many awards and decorations, his highest award is the Silver Star awarded posthumously for his heroic actions in the Ia Drang Valley during the Vietnam War.
The Seneca Nation of Indians and Iroquois Post 1587 would like to thank Staff Sergeant Wilbur Curry Jr’s. family for his dedicated service to our Nation and for his bold and fearless actions during time of War exemplifies him as an admired Warrior and Hero. Wilbur achieved the highest rank of “Staff Sergeant” and his sister Alice Ann Curry Cook was present to accept the Certificate of Honor from the U.S. Department of Defense, and reads…
(CERTIFICATE OF HONOR)
Department of Defense Vietnam War Commemoration
This Certificate of Honor to Alice Ann Curry Cook is presented in memory of Wilbur Curry Jr.
On Behalf of a grateful Nation and the Department of Defense, we honor your patriotic service and the significant sacrifices made by you and your family for the cause of freedom and democracy during the Vietnam War. Thank you for being an enduring inspiration and example of duty, valor, honor, and dignity for the citizens of the United States of America. Our Nation is forever indebted to you and extends its deepest respect and admiration. Done this 28th day of March 2023. [Signed] Lloyd J. Austin III, Secretary of Defense
Alice Ann Curry Cook also received the Vietnam War Commemoration 50th Anniversary “GOLD” star label pin on behalf of Staff Sergeant Wilbur Curry Jr. for her Service, Family and Sacrifice.
