I just received some sad news. Sherman Woo, who served briefly with me through Basic Training in 1968 passed away.

Sherman was one of my “corporals,” a squad leader, when I was in command of the honor platoon in 1968.

Sherman was an ethnic Chinese United States citizen. We weren’t aware that we both attended the University of Washington at the same time, both drafted into the military in 1968.

Sherman was frail to look at, but was extremely intelligent, passionate about his commitment to our country, was kind – and a dedicated leader.

A few of memorable stories:

1. In basic training (Fort Lewis) – there came a time when all recruits / draftees had to take a driving test to see if we could drive military vehicles. Sherman was very concerned because they were all “stick shift” vehicles. To make a long story short, I was Sherman’s partner during the test – again, he’d never driven a stick shift before. We traveled the course, coaching his effort. We ended up in a ditch but were able to come out although I think Sherman might have ruined the transmission on a ¾ ton supply truck. He passed!
2. Again in basic training (Fort Lewis) – we were in hand to hand combat training, and additionally the use of a rifle mounted bayonet. Sherman was very unsettled about the implications of the bayonet. Again to make a long story short — Sherman and I were selected as a team to go against a team from another platoon – with shielded bayonets. As we were “attacked” by the members of the other platoon, who were very confident due to Sherman’s size, they made a mistake. Sherman slipped a thrust by an opponent and, surprising to me, flattened his opponent with a “butt stroke.” (We were all wearing pads and helmets.)
3. Sherman and I, after basic training, went our separate ways. I was in ground combat; Sherman was with communications through ASA. We both were sent to Vietnam. I had been injured and had been looking for a way, during my recovery, to get messages back to my wife. Not knowing what Sherman’s assignment at the time was, I received a signal from him who indicated – “is this Sgt Bill from Basic? Sherman had recognized a code method that we had used between us on occasion. Ending the story – Sherman helped me to get a message through – back home- that I was ok, and at the same time, to talk to my wife who had just come out of labor delivery with our first born.

Sherman, was dedicated and – he struggled with the whole concept of war, Vietnam, and the outcome of a conflict in which we, as soldiers with different functions and MOS (Military Occupation Specialty) played our separate roles. He struggled with the concept of being in a foreign, military function, under the rules of a “holding action” where men and women were lost without the ability to end the conflict by taking it directly to the opposition. It was a helpless feeling that most of us had during our time in Vietnam.

Sherman died recently, of a heart attack. I miss him although I only knew him for a short time. During that time however, I learned to respect him, to wish that the military time would have been kinder to him, and most of all – I miss his friendship, wisdom, council and spirit.

Safe travels my friend, I’ll see you on the other side

Your brother in every way.

~ Bill