35th Infantry (Cacti) Regiment Association


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  SP4 Hayzell Calvin Turner    In memory of our fallen brother

"We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; for he to-day that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother"



Charlie Company
2nd Battalion
35th Infantry Regiment
Vietnam War

"Not For Fame or Reward
Not For Place or For Rank
But In Simple Obedience To
Duty as They Understood It"
National Defense Service Medal Vietnam Service Medal Vietnam Campaign Medal Vietnam Campaign Medal


The 35th Infantry Regiment Association salutes our fallen brother, SP4 Hayzell Calvin Turner, who died in the service of his country on March 21st, 1967 in Kontum Province, Vietnam. The cause of death was listed as Small Arms/AW. At the time of his death Hayzell was 20 years of age. He was from Batesville, Mississippi. Hayzell is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Panel 17E, Line 15.

The decorations earned by SP4 Hayzell Calvin Turner include: the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Bronze Star with V, the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation.

I was tight with 3 guys killed on March 21,1967, Joe Champion (Champ), Hazel Turner (Turner) and Carl Anthony (Amp). Turner and Amp were like brothers and Turner had a lisp and could not pronounce the "th" in Anthony, it came out ampony, hence the nickname "Amp". I understand that they found Turner's (a black guy from Mississippi) body draped over Amp's (a white guy from Louisiana). I was medivaced out of the field about March 15, 1967 got hit on the head with a concussion grenade in the battle March 12th, when I got to the hospital they found out I also had Malaria and God spared me being almost assuredly being killed on the 21st, as I was with the 3rd platoon. I know of only 2 or three survivors. Had a heart to heart meeting with Captain Rykowski about two years ago, (I had felt he led my platoon into an ambush) cleared the air and forgave. He was the bravest man I ever saw in combat.
Sincerely,
Jim Harris

(His BSV Citation)

General Orders 1154, Award of The Bronze Star For Heroism, 4th Infantry Division, 2 June 1967

For heroism in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Four Turner distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 21 March 1967, while serving with as a Fire Team Leader in the 3rd Platoon of C,2/35th Infantry, during a search and destroy operation. When his platoon became engaged with a numerically superior NVA force, Specialist Four Turner with complete disregard for his own safety, moved through the intense hostile fire, positioning his men. It was during this brilliant display of leadership that he was fatally wounded. Specialist Four Turner's gallant actions and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.