Your webmaster received an email prompted by a recent posting about a group of English gentlemen who, after reading about the history of Hill 881S, decided they wanted to visit that hill.  They did and a few of their photos are here.  That posting prompted MSgt. Gary L. Riley, USMC (Ret) to recall his trip back to Vietnam in 2003, his relationships developed with the brothers of his friend, Cpl. Delbert L. Leasure, who was killed on the hill, and some shirts he carried while climbing the hill which were subsequently given to Delbert's brothers Forrest and Norbert.  The email to Forrest and Norbert Leasure follows:

"Today is the 22nd of February in the USA.  In Vietnam it is the 23rd of February.  I want to take this time to remind you both that I remember that fateful day of 23 February 1968 when you lost a brother and I lost a friend and  Marine brother.  I have been honored in being your friend and also of hearing and reading about Delbert.  I think of him often and know that he is above, looking downward upon us.  I am sure that the Warriors of Hill 881 South are with me as I say, "May God Bless Delbert and the Leasure Family.  Love you guys sincerely,  Gary L. Riley"

There were about thirteen Marines and sons of Marines who joined with Gary Riley on his return trip to Vietnam on April 2, 2003.  Of that group four were former Warriors of Hill 881S.
 
 
 

Tom "Skipper" Esslinger .	Jody "The Negotiator" Hawkins .
Owen "Map Reader" Matthews ..	Gary "TC" Riley .

The nicknames associated with these Marines may not be familiar to most of you.  Some day you will have to ask each one how his 2003 Vietnam trip nickname came into being.  The shirts, each a bit different, that Gary "TC" Riley had made for the climb up Hill 881S in honor of Cpl. Leasure are seen here.
 
 
 

This shirt given to Forrest Leasure

This shirt given to Norbert Leasure

The other Marines and Navy Corpsmen who lost their lives defending Hill 881S were also remembered and honored.  Tom Esslinger made some short commemorative remarks, lead a short prayer and left this laminated memorial on the hill.