I Will Always Remeber

Posted on 8/13/04 - by SP5 Urban L. Clemons bridgetbee8@yahoo.comBob became a very close friend after we left LZ Dottie and were based out of LZ Snoopy. He had lots of stories about Detroit and I had some about back home in Hazard, Ky. What we found we really had in common was music. He was a very accomplished guitar player, with a very unique style. He was left handed and actually played the guitar upside down and chorded it with his right hand. We swapped guitar "licks" and played as often as time and situations allowed. I learned a lot from Bob.

I remember all too well July 17, 1969...we were on a search and destroy mission, just a few miles south of LZ Snoopy, when we were ambushed crossing a river. One of our men, James E. Leach, was pinned down and Slanaker went back to help him. He gave his life to try to save a fellow soldier! I have not forgotten anything about him or that tragic day in the past 35 years, and I never will. I still see it as if it had just happened yesterday. Robert J. Slanaker was a true super hero and he will be remembered as long as I live. He was closer than a brother, a great friend and a great musician.

I sure miss you guy, but I guess God had other plans.

Your buddy and fellow picker,

SP5 Urban L. Clemons- See more at: http://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/47883/ROBERT-J-SLANAKER#sthash.Kpx7ovA9.dpuf

Slanaker, Robert Jay, SP 4