Tragedy in Binh Dinh Province: Accidental Detonation, Operation Putnam Paragon

Operation Putnam Paragon, spanning from May 18 to October 12, 1970, was a key military effort by the 2nd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, aimed at neutralizing enemy forces in Binh Dinh Province, South Vietnam. The 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry arrived at Fire Support Base Augusta on August 19, 1970, taking up position in the northern part of the brigade’s Area of Operations. Their primary mission was to disrupt Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army (NVA) movements through the Suoi Ca Valley, an area known for its difficult terrain and frequent enemy activity.

On September 26, 1970, tragedy struck the Reconnaissance Platoon of E Company, 1/12. The platoon was in the process of leaving an overnight ambush position, located roughly eight kilometers (4.8 miles) southwest of Phu My, when a mechanical ambush device was accidentally triggered. The device, a Claymore anti-personnel mine, detonated at 8:30 AM, killing four members of the platoon.

The explosion instantly killed PFC John A. Ogrizek, who was struck in the neck. Ogrizek had been in Vietnam for just over a month and was posthumously promoted to Corporal. SGT John F. Buescher was also killed instantly, having been struck in the back. SP5 Richard A. Taylor, a medic attached to E Company, sustained fatal injuries to his chest and abdomen, while 1LT Joseph A. Silva, the platoon leader, died from wounds he sustained in the blast. Silva, a West Point graduate, had been serving as the unit’s leader at the time of the accident.

Following the incident, the bodies of the fallen soldiers were evacuated to the 8th Field Hospital at Camp Radcliff. From there, they were turned over to Graves Registration personnel. An Army investigation was launched to determine the exact cause of the mishap, but the details and findings were never widely disclosed. This lack of transparency was typical of the time, as the Army often withheld specific information related to accidental deaths during the Vietnam War.

The incident serves as a somber reminder of the many dangers faced by soldiers in Vietnam, not only from enemy forces but also from the inherent risks involved in operating in a warzone with complex and dangerous equipment.

Pictured: Joseph A. Silva, John F. Buescher, Richard A. Taylor, John A, Ogrizek