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Keith Nolan Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Keith Nolan
Sponsored by Bill, Ulla and Erik Nolan.
David Key
June 3, 2025
I’ve read most of Keith’s books. I read alot of military history and Keith’s were the ones I excitedly look forward to. As I am writing this I have my copy of “Search And Destroy” in my lap. I was very saddened to hear of Keith’s passing as it is very tragic loss to the Vietnam War History and to Vets. Most importantly is terrible loss to Keith’s family and friends and my heart felt condolences and prayers go out to them. May God Bless. Y’all take care.
Jon Shoop
February 16, 2024
Great guy, missed by many.
Pat
October 28, 2023
Rereading Keith's "Battle For Hue". Getting ready to pass the book along to our high school ROTC instructor. My husband was with the 25th Infantry during Tet.
Tony DeLuca
October 11, 2022
I just wanted Keith´s family to know that he is still remembered by us Vietnam Veterans whose hearts he touched, and won. I was privileged to just deliver an account of he action that was the subject of his book "House to House", and to introduce the audience to his books. In preparing, I renewed the vast correspondence with Keith as he developed the story. Such a remarkable individual .
.
William Beatty, M.D.
February 26, 2022
I just read Operation Buffalo. Mr. Nolan was a brilliant historian with great wisdom and humanity. I have never read a finer book.
Jesse Mathusa
February 16, 2022
Keith, although not a Vietnam veteran, told our story.
gerald ryan
May 11, 2021
What Great Loss and What a Great Author. How Many More Books he would have Written. Rest in Peace.
Terry Toenges
December 9, 2020
I was just thinking about Keith earlier when I was on a Vietnam Facebook page. Keith and I were classmates at Webster University. We were in their Vietnam class together somewhere around 88-90. We got to be good friends and I kept in touch with him off and on after school. I am a Marine Vietnam vet. Keith could have taught the class because he knew more about the war than the teacher (who was a protester during the Vietnam War.) I was so sorry to hear of his loss at such a young age.
James L. Stuckey (Navy Cross)
September 17, 2020
I didn't know all of the details of Operation Buffalo until Keith wrote the book. That's somewhat odd because I was in the middle of the battle. I only knew what was going on in and around my hole (July 6, 1967). Keith's book - years later - educated me on this terrible battle. I had the pleasure of speaking with him several times over the phone. I'll always be grateful to Keith for telling the story of "Operation Buffalo". Rest easy Brother - we love you.
Erik Nolan
November 6, 2019
I miss you all the time, you were my Rock, my best friend, my brother. I miss you
Terry Handley
September 10, 2019
I had the privilege to speak with Keith when he called me during his research for "Screaming Eagles Under Siege" The battle for Ripcord.
I was very impressed with his knowledge.
RIP and thank you for your efforts.
Paul Troesch
September 7, 2019
I was given Keith Nolan's Book "Operation Buffalo" by a fellow USMC Vet that was at Khe Sanh the same time that I was oct 66 to July 67. "Operation Buffalo" helped me understand what happened to Bravo Company 1/9 on the day I left country July 2 1967. there are very few day when I do not think of the veterans of Bravo 1/9 an wondered what happened to them after they left Khe Sanh. My Vietnam experience was like reading the first half of a book only to find the last half of the book had Blank pages. Operation Buffalo helped me to resolve the Mystery that has haunted me for the last 50 years. Peace to every one that reads this and to Keith and his family.
Jon Shoop
February 16, 2019
Great guy and was taken way to young.....he is missed by those that knew him and his Vietnam Veteran Community.
Tim Ko
November 15, 2018
Read some of his Vietnam War books in the 1980s. Amazed that he was about my age then. Shocked to learn that he passed away at such a young age. His works will last. RIP.
Joe Leong
April 15, 2015
Loved his books on the VN war. did a good job
Arthur Gregory
July 3, 2014
I am saddened to hear of Keith's passing.I had just been watching him on the History Channel discussing the Tet Offensive ,of which I first read about in The Battle For Hue, and decided to look him up on the Web.My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
George Blake
April 19, 2014
With deepest sympathy. Keith made it possible for me to be in one of his Vietnam books,Death Valley,(A Marine in Vietnam).Rest in peace,our friend.
On Firebase Arsenal pad
Mike Lachance
March 13, 2014
I was sorry to learn just today that Keith Nolan died. Keith Nolan was the best vietnam war historian I ever read. His book Operation Buffalo introduced me to Keith and I read every one of his books thereafter. I always pointed interested readers of Vietnam to Keith as the best way to understand the war and the warriors (then and now). As a vietnam combat vet, it is my view that Keith told it like it was, in truthful and entertaining terms.
John Bradley
May 16, 2013
I read "Into Laos " several years ago and was very impressed with Keith's work. As a member of the 1st Bde, 5th Inf Div, who were the lead US unit of the operation, I could follow the events described very easily in the book. Very sorry to hear that Mr Nolan passed away.
Rick Hagberg
February 6, 2013
A great loss to America and a greater loss to we Vietnam Vets who loved him and are confident the worth of his work will only incease as the generations who don't know us read his books. Thanks Keith
Ken Hogue
January 26, 2013
For me, Keith was the original writer of personal experiences for the Viet Nam war. A gatherer of memories for posterity. I think he deserves credit for starting and continuing what needed to be done, as always, for those who went to war: tell their story. There is an old tale attributed to a father and son going off to some Greek war. The father explains if they die and no one tells the story of their victory or defeat, they will have died in vain. Keith Nolan,thank you.
Fielding Freed
January 26, 2013
I am currently reading Keith's book the Battle for Hue. When I found out how young he was when he wrote it, I was amazed. And now today, I am greatly saddened to learn of his passing. But, what a legacy to leave in his body of work! My thoughts go to his family and friends. God Bless.
Jim Gulley
September 19, 2012
Thank you for your wonderful work in telling the story of the Vietnam war.
Bill Clark
September 5, 2012
I have read all Keith's wonderful books. As a Vietnam Vet of 68-69 and student of the war, I found his books the benchmark for Vietnam War Military History.
Bob Miller
June 28, 2012
I didn't know the man, but he was in the Nam.. That makes him a brother.
Keith McCaughrin
December 21, 2011
My last days of the war were at LZ Maryann,so I very interested
In Keith's description.Brought back not so pleasant memories.Well worth reading,a brilliant author.
Chris Yarbrough
December 12, 2011
Sad to hear of Keith's passing. He had such a great talent for telling the stories of men in combat.
Robert Sanford
December 3, 2011
Several times I had discussed items about Keith's book Into Laos with him. I had noted slight errors in the book and he stated that he had planned a rewrite. I am so sorry he never got the opportunity to fulfill this. He was such a great writer about the Vietnam War. He will be missed by all of us vets.
Terry Handley
November 17, 2011
I would like to express my gratitude to Keith. I spoke with him on several occasions about the book 'Ripcord'.
Keith was a very concise author and also a very pleasant person to speak with.
He provided an opportunity for some of us Vietnam Vets to share our accounts. I will always be indebted to Keith.
My buddy John Fraser (in the book) lost his battle with cancer as well.
May God Bless his soul and also his family.
Allen Schwartz, dustoff pilot, Eagle Dustoff, 326 Med Bn, 1970-71
Allen Schwartz
November 14, 2011
I just learned of Keith's passing. My heart is filled with sadness. I did not personally know Keith but we corresponded frequently for his book on Ripcord. He was truly a historian of remarkable achievement. His writings for Ripcord will remain long after we that participated are gone. He has immortalized what we endured during that horrific experience with truth and candor.
My deepest sympathy for your loss. Your loss is truly a loss to every Vietnam veterain.
D B
August 12, 2011
I too have read every book by Mr. Nolan beginning 10 years ago. Is there a way for Amazon to make all of his books ebooks so that his readership could potentially increase? He's a top 3 author in my book.
Ron Breedlove
July 9, 2011
Keith, I read every book you wrote and learned much about my own war. Veteran's of Vietnam have lost the best friend they had.
Tom Sklaney
May 5, 2011
This is a shock to find out Mr Nolan died. When i found out that he had
written a book about the firebase i was on....Mary ann. I called Mr Nolan and talked to him...this was back in the '90's i believe.
I was so happy that he wrote this book, for many years i thought it was
just a night mare that i was dreaming.
Jim Lister
December 25, 2010
I am a grey haired Vietnam Army vet working with the 1 ID in Iraq. I just finished enthusiastically suggesting to a young lieutenant that he read Keith's books to fulfill a quarterly Army requirement that officers read and review a book about military operations. As a result, I surfed and found Keith's obit.
I echo the sentiments of vets about losing a brother and offer my sincerest condolences to his family. Keith's legacy will forever lie in the excellent stories told of young Americans serving in very dangerous places, enduring austere conditions and by offering them the grace they deserve.
May God give you comfort in knowing how much his work did to give worth to our efforts in that difficult war. We share in your loss.
Tony Forsman
December 22, 2010
Absolutely the best historic writer on the Vietnam War saga I have ever read. He will be sorely missed.
John McInerney
December 21, 2010
A terrible loss of a man who told our story. Rest in peace brother.
John McInerney "Bravo" 1/3- operation Buffalo and battle of Dai Do.
December 11, 2010
Ernie Pyle and Keith Nolan are the very finest of writers..They both
capture the essence,spirt and facts of war writers..
Terrance P. Downey A Battery &HHB 2/11 FA Rakkasan & Ripcord
for just a few minutes with Lt. Kalsu...
Nolan's book is the best of all the Vietnam writings..
Sad to lose him...very sad.......
December 7, 2010
your books helped me get through grad school. i wanted to drop you a thank you. "buffalo" is one of the greatest on 1/9th Marines. mr nolan you are among the best - but you know all of that now anyway. happy pearl harbor day 2010 from a fan.
go easy brother - thank you
John Carson, MD
October 6, 2010
I feel an acute loss reading of his death. A tremendous historian, a writer who had the uncanny ability to synthesize complex battle actions into books with a cultish following among vets. I have read and re-read his books. I am certain he is profoundly missed by his family, and my heart goes out to you.
john rock
August 23, 2010
i am truly sorry for the loss of a great historian.i read into cambodia several times and want to read all of his books.my condolences to the nolan family the world has lost a great man he will truly be missed by all concerned.
Gary Noller
August 10, 2010
Keith's final book is now available for purchase. It is called Search and Destroy. It is about the 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment in Vietnam in 1967-68. Keith wanted to tell the story to include all years but was unable to finish the book due to his health. Thanks to those who contributed to the research and completion of the book.
Gerry Flinchum
August 9, 2010
Was informed by a Vietnam Vet buddy of Keith's passing, a real loss to our community. Have most of his books and to think of his devotion to writing about the war and to focus on the vets participation is indeed a rare feat. For his dedication & accomplishments we thank you Keith. You'll be remembered in our hearts!!!!
James Houser
June 4, 2010
I went on line yesterday to see if Keith had any new books coming out and was shocked and extremely saddened to read of his death. I have most of his books and as a Marine veteran of the Vietnam War, I thoroughly enjoyed his coverage of so many campaigns of that war. You will be missed, Semper Fi Keith!
William Gaddy Jr.
May 12, 2010
I feel like I lost a brother of my own! I am just so blessed that I the lifetime opportunity to meet and spend time with Keith, what a Wonderful Guy and a Wonderful Family(the Nolan Family)!
Keith will be Truely Missed, but NEVER FORGOTTEN!!!!
W E Crockett
May 6, 2010
Recently decided to look on-line to see if he had released any new books and was shocked and saddened to see he had passed. I served with Maj Tanner, the 2/506 BN S3 on Ripcord, when he was in the 101st Div TOC and only through reading Keith's book learned how/when he was killed. My sincere sympathy to the Nolan family.
May 1, 2010
I am very sorry for your loss. I was reading a book that had been sitting on my bookshelf. I don't know where I got it from. This book is,
"Ripcord, Screaming Eagles Under Siege, Vietnam 1970".
Mr. Nolan wrote about a cousin of mine, Durl Calhoun.
I was very touched as I did not remember much about my cousin and did not know these things about him. It brought me to tears and I wanted to thank Mr. Nolan for his mention of my cousin. I wish I could have met him to say thank you.
Cindy Moyers - Springfield, MO.
HELEN M. PIPKIN
April 25, 2010
I AM VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. IN "DEATH VALLEY" HE TOLD OF THE DEATH OF MY COUSIN, CPL JOHN R.W. CONSTIEN B(1/7), U.S.M.C. I'D HOPED TO CONTACT KEITH TO SEE WHO HE MIGHT HAVE INTERVIEWED ABOUT THAT. I'VE BEEN TRYING TO FIND PEOPLE WHO KNEW MY COUSIN & KNEW DETAILS OF HIS K.I.A. 08/12/1969. MY COUSIN & I GREW UP NEXT DOOR TO EACH OTHER & WERE VERY CLOSE. WE'VE LOST A GREAT HISTORIAN & CHAMPION OF EVERYONE WHO SERVED IN VIETNAM. HE WAS WAY TOO YOUNG. GOD MUST HAVE NEEDED HIM & HIS WORK HERE WAS DONE. I'LL KEEP ALL OF YOU IN MY PRAYERS. HELEN M. PIPKIN [email protected]
DENNIS TENETY
April 3, 2010
Keith,
The Nam Grunts have lost A Brother that understood, cared. A Brother that loved and respected The Grunts of Nam devoted his life writing about a tour in a land called Hell A great loss for us, yet a great gain for our fallen Brothers who watch over us from Heaven.Semper Fidelis my Brother. Anna Britt Mr, and Mrs Nolan my sincerest condolences God Bless You
A DEATH VALLEY GRUNT INDIA 3/5
Dennis Tenety Boonsboro, MD
Stephen Hemmert
April 2, 2010
I served in A 3/21 196th LIB in 1970 and got to know several of the guys mentioned in Death Valley. I have passed on that book to several friends, who admitted they had not realized the things their friends had gone through. I thank Keith for being able to pass our history to those that did not serve! Rest in peace!
March 24, 2010
Sorry to hear this, as I"ve recently started to appeciate his good work,and was checking on him. God bless his family . Steve Deever -Norco, CA ( Americal Divison )
Robert Tonsetic
March 1, 2010
I am deeply saddened by Keith's passing, and I would like to offer my heartfelt condolences to his family. Keith interviewed me for his book, "The Battle for Saigon," and he encouraged me to embark on my own writing career in 2003. Keith will be remembered by Vietnam veterans for telling of their valor and sacrifices for our great nation.
Chris Kamb
February 4, 2010
Please allow me to extend my Sincere Sympathy to Keith's Family and Friends. I just learned of his passing today.Keith will have a special place in Heaven for all the good he has done documenting the VietNam War and the sacrifices of America's Finest Marines, Soldiers and Sailors. By the gift of his intelligence, research and writing ability he has done so much for recording the factual history of the VietNam War. I never got to say thank you to him personally for all he as done, but he will be in my prayers and his contributions to American Military History Never Forgotten. Semper Fidelis.
Bill
January 23, 2010
I really enjoyed Keith's writings. I was going through my library and saw the five books of his I own and decided to look on-line to see what other books were available. I was shocked and saddened to see he had passed. My best to his family.
Larry Henderson
December 30, 2009
Greatly saddened at Keith's passing.
His books will be forever deeply appreciated by all of us that served in Vietnam, we are all in his debt.
Gimlet 1968-1969
3/21 Infantry, 196th LIB, Americal
Tony Chambers
December 2, 2009
My sincere condolences for the Nolan family. Having been a Marine in Vietnam in 1966-67, Mr. Nolan has been one of my favorite authors of the Vietnam conflict. A good friend, Danny Allbritton, was one of his characters in the book about Hue City. Therefore I know how good and complete the research for his books was. I just learned about Mr. Nolan's passing. Again my heart and prayers go out to his family and friends.
Jon Shoop
November 8, 2009
Keith Nolan was a great guy. I knew Keith through his brother Eric. Keith went to the knob Creek MG shoot with Ken Choate and myself several years ago and Keith had a great time. Se shared many experiences and enjoyed several meals on that trip.
It was my firendship with Keith that got me interested in the Vietnam era 101st impression that I do.
My uncle was in the 101st at Bastogne.
I feel honored to have known Keith!
Jon Shoop
St. Louis, Missouri
Rick Freeman
October 27, 2009
I am shocked to have just read of Mr. Nolan's passing. He was the Shelby Foote of our Generation. No one wrote about The Vietnam conflict better. Having read all of his work, I Googled his name, seeking info on any forth coming book. Only to find his Obituary. My heart goes out to his family. Having lost a son two years ago, I can feel their pain. My condolences. So young and so much more ahead in his life. God Bless.
Bill Cox
August 27, 2009
Sad to hear of Mr. Nolan's death. I am a Viet Nam veteran (25th Infantry Division) I have read and in a couple cases re-read all his books. He is our Ernie Pyle, the chronicler of our often misunderstood war.
Operation Buffalo and Ripcord are two of the finest battle histories of any war. My condolences to Mr. Nolan's family.
Mike Murphy
August 26, 2009
I was very saddened to read about Keith's passing. I thought he was an outstanding researcher and author. His book "Ripcord" is one of the best accounts of the Vietnam war. He will be missed.
Sincerely,
Doug Tucker
August 20, 2009
I did not serve in Vietnam. I was a redleg from 82 to 90.KWN was one of the greatest historians of this war in or out of uniform.The truth sometimes sucks, but he told it the way many could, or would not.
Gregory Pybon
August 20, 2009
I was shocked to hear of Keiths' passing, so young and so much left ahead for him. He interviewed me for his book "Into Cambodai" and will never forget that he was a true friend of the Viet Nam Vet. God bless him always.
cobb hammond
August 10, 2009
I was shocked and sorry to hear of the passing of W.K. Nolan. I've read many of his books, and am fact working on one myself right now (on Marines of I Corps) and admittingly have been motivated by his writings which stirred my already keen interest in Vietnam. His talent and writings will no doubt be missed.
Cobb Hammond
July 27, 2009
To the family of Keith Nolan...
I was so very sorry to learn of your loss! Keith came to see my husband, Paul S. Spilberg in Chicago;and spent many hours .... days...interviewing him, for his book, "Sappers in the Wire" . They went through pictures, maps, letters and memories that my husband had brought back from Viet Nam. He made a major contribution to Keith's book. I remember Keith to be a very gentle and sweet person. My husband passed away in 2001;but I know he would be deeply saddend by Keith's passing. He thought the world of him. I know you are very proud of your son, father, brother and dear friend. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to know him.
God bless!
Carole Spilberg (Winston-Salem, NC)
James McNeill
July 13, 2009
I've just discovered that Keith passed away in February. Very sad news indeed. I had the opportunity to engage with Keith in a brief exchange of emails and he was very polite to a total stranger. His books were first class and I sincerely hope his last work is published.
SSGT Thomas Tessier
July 8, 2009
Keith interviewed me for his book about the battle for Saigon, in particular the role of the 377th SPS USAF in the battle for Tan Son Nhut. He was a great author and magnificent interviewer and I thank him for his historic account of our actions during TET 1968. Thank you Keith and RIP.
Ken Bouchard
June 24, 2009
I am so sorry to hear that Keith has passed; his most unusual mission in life was so valuable to Vietnam Vetrans. He was a Marine at heart and we will miss him.
Respectfully Yours
Ken Bouchard
Alpha Company 1st Bn 3rd Marines (Operation Buffalo)
Ed Etheredge, Jr.
June 10, 2009
Keith was my first friend at Douglass Elementary when we moved to Webster Groves in 1975. I remember spending hours painting tiny soldiers and placing them in dioramas with him. As it happens to often in our lives, I was unaware of Keith's success as an author and historian. I look forward to reading his work. My deepest condolences go out to the entire Nolan family and all who loved Keith.
Tom Glover
June 5, 2009
I have just today learned the bad news. Keith is far and away my favourite author. His vivid writing skill inspired in me the passion for histoy that makes up such a large part of my enjoyment of life. Keith, I will really miss you.
Ken Wood
May 29, 2009
I learned of Keith's passing today in the Webster Groves High School Alumni News. I was shocked and saddened to learn such a kind, decent man could be taken so young by cancer. Keith and I were neighbors as children in Webster and later attended school together. Although we lost contact through the years, I remember our friendship very fondly and regret we did not stay in touch. I remember looking at his father's war memorabilia in the basement den in their home, and was in awe of Keith's ability to draw re-enactments of soldiers and war scenes. My best wishes to Mr. and Mrs. Nolan and brother Erik. I know Keith will be missed dearly and will hold him in my thoughts.
Robert Kelley
May 29, 2009
I was shocked and saddened by the news of Keith's passing. He and I spoke after I read Into Cambodia about my unit C Troop, 3/4 Cav, 25th Inf. Div. He was a friend of the 3/4 Cav and he will be missed.
Alexander Voog
May 29, 2009
I own, and have read all 11 of Keith's books, and as he was my age, I admired him greatly for his attention to detail, and his unwavering support of those, YOU VETERANS, that give us our freedom every day. I , as well as others looking for honest, in your face, histories on the Vietnam War, as well as in general, will miss him greatly. May his family, and his daughter find support and peace in the men he wrote about with such passion and clarity. THANK YOU KEITH NOLAN.
Jeffrey Burns
May 27, 2009
I knew Keith's wife from college, though regretably I have lost touch with her. I met Keith many times after he and Kelly met--ironically we were neighbors in the same Maplewood apartment complex for several years, until my first marriage. It is a great shame to have learned of Keith's passing. Ironically, I had attempted to e-mail Keith over the Christmas holidays to wish his wife and he a happy holiday. God bless Kelly and her daughter Britt.
Jeff Burns
chuck shannon
May 8, 2009
Keith Nolan brought dignity to all Viet Nam Veterans, especially Ripcord vets. God has called him home. He will be greated cheerfully by the Currahees who went before him.
Chuck Shannon, Delta Co 2/506. 69-70
Sam Lamback
May 7, 2009
It was a great honor and encouragement for me to have a rather lengthy email correspondence with Keith regarding my service as squadron chaplain with the 1/1 Cav especially during Operation Lam Son 719 in 1971. I deeply regret the interruption of his research. Keith had an amazing ability to reflect the big picture through the eyes of the soldier. I pray that his family and friends, especially young Britt, will know the positive impact of Keith's work that encouraged veterans and leaves a heartfelt and accurate legacy of this difficult time of our history.
Paul Lantz
April 29, 2009
I am saddened at the loss of Keith.
Paul Lantz
864th engineers 69-70
Don Kalahar
April 27, 2009
A great writer,a great person and a friend of Vietnam Vets , we have lost a champion for all vets... may he rest in peace
Richard Toohey
April 21, 2009
We've lost a fine man and an excellent author who was a great friend of the Vietnam veteran. May he sleep in peace.
william stafford
April 18, 2009
Keith
thanks for the great books that you wrote to help the american people understand a little bit of the experiences that i and other had in vietnam. Rest in
peace brother
Doc Stafford east hampton new york
Alpha Co 4/31 196th lib 1968-69
2/501 101 st airborne 1970
Ernie Carrier
April 12, 2009
Sympathies to all Keith's loved ones. Enjoyed him immensly when we collaborated on "Death Valley".
L. Kantor
April 11, 2009
We just learned of Keith's passing and we are deeply saddened.
Our sympathies go to all his loved ones.
Lloyd & Loretta Kantor
L. Kantor
April 11, 2009
We just learned of Keith's passing and we are deeply saddened.
Our sympathies go to all his loved ones.
Lloyd & Loretta Kantor
Warren Neill
April 11, 2009
Keith wasn't a Nam vet but he was our best friend because he cared, he listened, and he told our story truthfully and from the heart. On behalf of the the officers and men of the 196th Light Infantry Brigade Association I wish to extend our sincerest condolences.
Warren Neill, President
196th LIB Assn
Bob Kelly
April 10, 2009
Keith was a teller of our Viet tale and will be missed by all. The Blackhawks of the First Armored Cavalry extend their condolences
Major Stephen Sendobry (Ret)
April 8, 2009
Keith will be missed by all of us who served in Viet Nam.He had a way of telling a story about us grunts that made us feel less forgotten.God Bless.
Neil Hannan
April 6, 2009
I am shocked and saddened at hearing of Keith's passing. I served with 2nd Platoon,
Company A, 3/21, 196th Light Infantry in '68. While gathering information for an upcoming book, "Magnificent Bastards", Keith phoned and requested my input. So, I drove to St. Louis, where we spent two days together. Since then, we've spoken many times on the phone. Keith, through his passionate, riveting, and detailed writing, has "told our story". Writing about Vietnam battles wasn't just a job to him. He believed in us. Keith has touched the lives of many 'Nam vets and will be missed.
Neil Hannan
Ken McKenzie
April 5, 2009
I was honored to assist Keith in some of his research. We veterans, especially in the 196th, are indebted to Keith for his honest and factual writing and the capture of our history, which might have otherwise been lost.
Regards and deepest sympathy,
Ken McKenzie, Editor
196th Light Infantry Brigade Association
Robert Albers
April 3, 2009
To the Nolan Family,
You have my sincerest sympathies at the loss of Keith. I have the highest respect and honor towards your him. I met him at an Americal Reunion in St. Louis in 1999. I had brought one of his books with me in hopes that he would sign it, which he did. As he and I spoke I realized just how special and important that he was to all of us Vietnam Veterans. I pray that the lord will give you peace during this difficult time in your lives. I will never forget him and the profound effect that he had and still has on me.
God Bless you all now and always.
Respectfully,
Robert Dale Albers
Americal 3/18 Arty.
Vietnam 68' 69' 70'
Lawrence Graham
March 30, 2009
Mr. & Mrs. Nolan,
My deepest sympathy at the lost of your son Keith . I am deaf and was only able to communicate with him thru e-mails . I was providing Keith with material for his last book about the 1/1 Arm'd Cav. His insight into that war will never be duplicated .You can be justly proud of your son . I have read all of his works and he has proven himself a friend of all Vietnam Vets . I am sad that I was never able to sit and talk with Keith ....that will be something I will look forward to when I go to my rest . May God keep you in his heart and help ease the pain of your loss. 1/1 Arm'd Cav ., 1967-1968
(sgt)Bruce Sewall
March 25, 2009
thank you keith for all the books on a most un-popular war,fought by many, many,fine young American hero's who answered the call to go to War, when it was more popular to run to canada.You helped build a legacy all Nam vets can now proudly proclaim "I served in Vietnam.
I talked with Keith when he wrote Into Cambodia,and was taken by his great insight about the war never have been there.My condolances to his family, you must be very, very proud of him.
Bob Johnston
March 21, 2009
"For none but the shades of Cavalrymen
Dismount at Fiddlers' Green"
For a true measure of Keith, read his books. His legacy is set and well earned. The Vietnam Vet rarely has a better friend. See you on the Green Keith.
Bob Johnston, Alphatroop 68
First Squadron, First Cavaly, First Regiment of Dragoons
John "Pop's" Hedrick
March 20, 2009
We wish your family sincerest sympathy for the loss of Keith. Now, he is among his Currahee "Band of Brother's" in Heaven.Mr. Keith Nolan has made a most significant gateway for me: trust God, my family and my FSB Ripcord Vietnam Brother's and family members and friends.
Dennis Mina
March 19, 2009
I read the book on FSB Ripcord. It was years later that I found out the Ripcord "incident" was so big and something our government wanted to keep quiet. Mr. Nolan's book caught back many memories and gave me a lot of insight of what happened and made me feel that I was there all over again. Names were mentioned of men I knew and served with. Britt your dad was a hero. He was someone who helped get out the truth and was very accurate. Thank you Keith and the Nolan Family
2/501st INF 101st Airborne
Ronnie Everidge
March 15, 2009
Britt, Mr. and Mrs. Nolan,
Keith will be missed by friends he made while writing the Viet Nam history. He spoke with me during the writing of House to House - a battle that I was wounded in on May 7 1968. He was so genuine and humble and I felt as if he had been a friend for many years. He spoke of his daughter (Britt) and it was easy to feel his love for her. May you all find peace and comfort during this difficult time. Thanks Keith for filling in the gaps and telling the Viet Nam vets stories. RIP - dear frend
March 11, 2009
Richard Brummett
March 11, 2009
In June 2004 a radioactive letter arrived in my mailbox. I had never heard of the person on the return address but somehow I just knew this was about Viet Nam.
It was.
I am now glad I have had the opportunity to work with Keith Nolan on the research for his very last book. Through dozens of emails and two personal meetings we got to know each other. Keith was a conscientious historian and a warm, wonderful man. Those of us who have known much death – the veterans of the Viet Nam War, will sadly miss him. And his young daughter, Anna Britt, who now knows death at the beginning of her life, will tragically miss him.
A month before Keith received his cancer diagnosis we had started planning for a May 2008 trip to Viet Nam. I promised Keith a tour of all the 1/1 Cavalry high points: a walk on the beach of Cigar Island, a train trip past Hill 29, a climb to the top of LZ Goat, a café in Tam Ky, a tour of the Pineapple Forest battle field, and of course, a visit to the scenic Que Son Valley.
Sadly, that was not to be as Keith was weakening and tied to his chemotherapy by last May.
However, if by any chance there is an Historian’s Heaven then we might imagine Keith right now in Quang Tin Province. He is back there in 1968 and he is fact checking all those stories we told him.
I hope no one has stretched the truth!
Jerry Sams
March 10, 2009
In a few days, veterans of 1/46th Infantry and Firebase Mary Ann will gather in memory of the souls lost there on March 28, 1971. We survivors are forever indebted to Keith for helping to bring us together. His book about the attack on the firebase was fair and factual, and we considered him our friend. May God rest his soul.
Charlie Company
1/46th Infantry 196th LIB
Americal Division
William Metzler
March 10, 2009
After many phone conversations, I finally met Keith when he came to our 5th/60th, 9th Infantry Division reunion in St Louis in June of 2006. He was a good man and I am saddened by his loss. All Vietnam Veterans have lost a friend.
William Metzler
Secretary 5th/60th Association
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The Five Stages of Grief
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