BILL PERREN
Fangs - Wolf Pack
Gunner & Asst Pltn Sgt
1965-1968

   
Bill 1967 (Viet Nam) and 2009 (Monument Dedication Fayetteville )

Bill & Rhonda Perren
2234 Valley View Hwy
Jasper, TN 37347
(423) 942-9048
rpbp1979@gmail.com

From: Jack mayhew
Sent: Tuesday, July 20, 2010
To: HQ_281AHC@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Bill Perren

It is with sadness that we inform you that William “Bill? Perren is extremely ill and is currently residing in a hospice facility. Bill was one the initial door gunners that went to Vietnam with the 6th Platoon (Fangs) and joined the 281st when the Fangs became a part of the unit. Bill served the remainder of his 3 year tour, 1965-1968, with the Wolf Pack and was known to have a “can do/will do” attitude and as such he was decorated for bravery in combat on several occasions. Bill now resides with his wife in Jasper TN. Our thoughts and best wishes go out to bill and his family.

Jack


From: fredphillips@aol.com
Sent: Tuesday, July 20, 2010
To: HQ_281AHC@yahoogroups.com

Bill Perren was a Fang DG, a volunteer from the 25th Infantry Division, when I arrived in '65. I have no idea how many hours we flew, but it was a lot. We were together with the 6th Platoon in Bien Hoa and with the 281st on Delta operations at Ky Ha, Tuy Hoa, Boun Blech, Song Be and a couple of times at Tay Ninh. He earned a DFC on Black Sunday, when the Intruders plucked Garrett, Oksa and a few others out of the bamboo in D-Zone.

He's an original Intruder, one of the finest, ever, without exception.

I last spoke with him on the phone just a couple of weeks ago. He mentioned that he was ill, gravely so, but that we shouldn't worry as he was OK with that and didn't want to bother anybody. In other words, for all of us who know him, he hasn't changed. He's still Bill, likeable, friendly, someone who always has your back.

My prayers are with Bill and Rhonda.

Fred Phillips


From: John Hyatt
Sent: Tuesday, July 20, 2010
To: hq_281ahc@yahoogroups.com

Bill and I flew together many times. I ws flyng Bill's aircraft on that Sunday in Aug 66. We were able to spend some time together last October at the ceremony in Fayetteville. Our prayers are with Bill and Rhonda.

John


From: lfc2902@comcast.net
Sent: Wednesday, July 21, 2010 8:31 AM
To: 281 AHC

Bill was an outstanding door gunner, a good soldier and as brave an individual as one could ask for.. It was a real privilege to serve with him and a great pleasure to associate with him at many of our reunions. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bill and his family.

Lynn Coleman


From: Fred Mentzer
Sent: Wednesday, July 21, 2010
To: Fred Phillis

Fred,

I just finished talking with Bill. He's very upbeat about his situation and is battling the Grim Reaper with a Wolf Pack attitude.

During our conversation he brought up a video he's misplaced and trying to locate that has who he believes is you during a gun run, because a green-taped helmut. He's not sure whether it was you or not. Give him a call......  423-942-9048

Fred Mentzer


From: John Hyatt
Sent: Wednesday, July 21, 2010 2:29 PM
To: Fred Mentzer

Fred M

You must have talked to Bill shortly after I did. He sounds positive and hasn't given up. He said he is still trying to locate the video that he thinks has Fred P's green-taped helmet in it. Fortunately Bill has Rhonda there for him.

John


From: Jack mayhew
Sent: Saturday, July 24, 2010
To: HQ_281AHC@yahoogroups.com

Bill and Ronda has a new email address:

rpbp1979@gmail.com

Ronda tells us that Bill is very happy to receive cards and letters which she reads him and they pick up his spirits. He finds it hard to talk on the phone but is occasionally able to do so. If you are close please go visit him. The rest of us please keep them in your thoughts.

Ronda & Bill Perren
2234 Valley View Hwy
Jasper, Tn. 37347

Jack