[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 101 (Thursday, June 26, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4149-S4150]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO COLONEL ROY BAHR

 Mr. MANCHIN. Madam President, I wish to commemorate the 
service of a patriot and decorated Soldier, COL Roy W. Bahr. Roy joined 
the U.S. Army in 1950 after the onset of the Korean War. Shortly after 
graduating from Officer Candidate School, he deployed to Korea and 
served as an infantry platoon leader. Following his deployment, Colonel 
Bahr volunteered for U.S. Army Special Forces and went on to serve with 
the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) in Vietnam. There, he was 
assigned as the commander of Forward Operating Base 3, Khe Sanh, 
leading elements of Military Assistance Command Vietnam--Studies and 
Observations Group, MACVSOG.
  MACVSOG was tasked with conducting highly classified operations 
throughout Southeast Asia during the Vietnam war. This highly decorated 
unit was responsible for gathering critical intelligence throughout the 
conflict and was so effective that the North Vietnamese had to divert 
tens of thousands of troops in an attempt to counter MACVSOG 
operations. Consequently, MACVSOG's casualty rates were higher than any 
American unit since the American Civil War.
  Only the best and most highly skilled commanders were involved with 
MACVSOG. During Colonel Bahr's time with MACVSOG, he commanded forward 
operating bases at Phu Bai, Kontum, and Khe Sanh. Colonel Bahr was 
responsible for dozens of reconnaissance teams and special reaction 
forces that often worked clandestinely in enemy occupied territory with 
limited support. It is difficult to fully articulate the risk incurred 
by Colonel Bahr and his men, or the difficulty of their missions, as 
they heroically served our Nation.
  Colonel Bahr commanded MACVSOG, FOB-3 during the height of the siege 
at Khe Sanh in 1968. Under constant bombardment, Colonel Bahr's 
reconnaissance teams were given full authority to operate outside the 
compound during what would become one of the largest battles of the 
Vietnam war. Colonel Bahr's unit, in concert with a large contingent of 
U.S. Marines, fought to prevent the North Vietnamese units from 
overrunning the combat base at Khe Sanh.
  Later in the conflict, Colonel Bahr organized and led a force to 
relieve an American operating base at Da Nang after it came under 
assault by North Vietnamese sappers on August 22 and 23, 1968. The 
North Vietnamese attack on Da Nang was the single deadliest day for 
U.S. Army Special Forces during the war. Colonel Bahr's relief effort 
and subsequent pursuit of remaining enemy personnel was critical in 
gaining full control of the base and saving American lives.
  In early 1961, while visiting Fort Bragg, President Kennedy stated, 
``The Green Beret is a symbol of excellence, a badge of courage, a mark 
of distinction in the fight for freedom.'' COL

[[Page S4150]]

Roy W. Bahr's devotion to duty and professional leadership as a 
commander, a warrior and a Green Beret exemplifies this mark of 
distinction. Roy's life is testament to the highest attributes of 
American service, individual bravery, and patriotism, and I am glad to 
have this opportunity to thank him.

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