Command Sergean Michael Joseph Deeb

CSM Deed was the senior military instructor and NCOIC of the FVSU ROTC Department in the early 70's. A consummate professional and simply a great man. He epitomized what we as cadets found was the high standards of the Army NCO Corps. A truly great American. Influenced me and many others to serve with high standards.

I have known Mike Deeb since June, 1967, when I met him at a Dak To, South Vietnam. He was first sergeant of A Company, 2d Battalion, 503d Infantry (Airborne), 173d Airborne Brigade. He had been with the company when it was nearly wiped out a couple of days before, overwhelmed by a superior-sized North Vietnamese Army unit during the so-called Battle of the Slopes: 76 Americans were killed. I was a brand new first lieutenant rifle platoon leader assigned to A Company. On that horrible day I was at the 173ds base camp going through a mandatory 5-day in-country orientation. A couple of days later, the day I arrived at Dak To and met Mike, I could tell that he was someone I could learn a lot from.

I was a West Point graduate, had been to Ranger and Airborne schools, and before shipping out for Vietnam I had spent six months with a unit in Texas to learn how to work with sergeants and troopers. I had observed the entire spectrum of leadership styles, forming my own opinions and trying to decide how I would lead in combat. When I met Mike and watched him in action handling troops in our company, I knew that he had figured out the best mix of hardness and compassion, tailoring his approach to each soldier with huge doses of love. I adopted most of his techniques, which served me well for two tours in Vietnam and my entire 24-year career. Mike, then 35 and quick and alert as a cat, spent all his time in Vietnam in the field with the company, unlike some other first sergeants. He and I became good friends as we would often discuss tactics, leadership, and other subjects. He was the best noncommissioned officer I have ever known. Throughout my career he remained the yardstick I used to assess other soldiers; no others measured close to him.

In November, 1967, Mike was first sergeant of D Company during another horrendous battle, for Hill 875 at Dak To. D Company was surrounded in savage close-quarters combat, suffering heavy casualties. Mike was in the thick of it all. He suffered severe head injuries when an American fighter-bomber mistakenly dropped a 500-pound bomb on D Companys position.

Mike returned to Vietnam for a second tour, this time as command sergeant major of an infantry battalion in 1st Cavalry Division. After Vietnam, starting at Fort Benning, we became even better friends since we had shared so many experiences in combat. After Mike retired due to having seizures from injuries on Hill 875 and moved to Macon, I visited him several times and met his family. Mike was one of the best men I have known. I will never forget him.

Mr. Gary

I'm sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you and your family. Thank you for his service. Bryan Stewart and Family

CMD Sgt Major Deeb. Thank you for your service to our COUNTRY.
M/Sgt James Landreau (Ret)

With Deepest Sympathy! [Co. A, 2nd Battalion, 504th Infantry, 82nd Airborne Division...1965-1967].

I am sooo sorry to learn about Mike. I cannot come up for the service, but will be thinking of everyone... May God bless and keep you.
Love you'll, Louise

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Pat
We are so sorry to hear about Mike. Please know that you and his family are all in our prayers.
Love,
Alethea and Dennis
Ann and M.L.