Motivational Speeches: Inspiring Words to Ignite Your Day

Motivational speeches can change lives by giving us inspiring words. These words boost our motivation and help us reach our goals.

Motivational speakers use inspiring words to help us get past obstacles. They also help us achieve our goals. Motivational quotes can inspire us to do our best every day.

The power of motivational speeches is in their ability to inspire us to act. This article will look at how motivational speeches can start your day off right.

Key Takeaways

The Power of Inspiring Words

The right words at the right time can spark something inside us, pushing us towards our dreams. Inspiring words deeply affect our mindset and actions. They change how we see challenges and chances.

How Words Shape Our Reality

Words are more than just sounds or symbols; they hold power and meaning. Positive quotes, for example, can boost our mood and mental well-being. They help us move from negative thoughts to a positive view, shaping our world.

The Science Behind Motivation

Motivation is a key part of psychology. Studies show that positive thinking can improve our mental and physical health. The science of motivation is about how our thoughts drive our actions. Inspiring words can start a chain of positive thoughts, motivating us to do more.

"You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great."
— Zig Ziglar

Understanding Motivational Speeches

Motivational speeches have always inspired people to reach their goals and face challenges. They aim to motivate and empower, helping individuals grow personally and professionally.

Definition and Purpose

A motivational speech is made to boost the audience's spirit, confidence, and drive. Its main goal is to inspire people to act, change for the better, or see things differently. These speeches use personal stories, real-life examples, and engaging tales to get their point across.

What makes a motivational speech stand out includes:

With these elements, motivational speakers can leave a lasting impression on their audience.

Historical Significance

Motivational speeches have a long history, dating back to ancient times. Famous figures like Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr., and Winston Churchill gave speeches that inspired and motivated people. Their words reflected their era and influenced history.

The importance of motivational speeches is clear in their ability to:

  1. Bring people together for a common goal
  2. Encourage collective action and change
  3. Offer comfort and hope in tough times

Looking at the history and impact of motivational speeches helps us see their lasting influence on our world.

The Psychology of Motivation

Motivational speeches work by tapping into the psychology of motivation. Quotes, for example, inspire and motivate people to reach their goals every day.

Cognitive Mechanisms at Work

The psychology of motivation uses various cognitive mechanisms to drive behavior. Motivational speeches change an individual's mindset and beliefs. They help by reframing negative thoughts into positive ones.

Cognitive restructuring is key here. It lets people change their negative self-talk and views. This process is vital for motivation.

Also, storytelling is a powerful tool in motivational speeches. Stories make complex messages easy to remember and relatable. This improves cognitive retention and recall.

Cognitive Mechanism Description Impact on Motivation
Cognitive Restructuring Changing negative thought patterns Enhances positive thinking
Storytelling Conveying messages through narratives Increases engagement and retention

Emotional Triggers in Effective Speeches

Emotional triggers are essential in effective motivational speeches. Speakers use emotional appeals to connect deeply with their audience. For example,

"Believe you can and you're halfway there." - Theodore Roosevelt

This quote shows how a simple statement can evoke strong emotions and motivate people to act.

Good motivational speeches also use emotional storytelling and vivid imagery. This grabs attention and makes the message memorable and relatable.

By understanding and using these mechanisms and triggers, motivational speeches can deeply impact people. They inspire individuals to achieve their goals and reach their full capacity.

Types of Motivational Speeches

Motivational speeches come in many forms, each with its own impact. Speakers use different methods to inspire their listeners. This depends on the setting, the audience, and what they want to achieve.

Inspirational Stories and Testimonials

Inspirational stories and testimonials are key tools for motivational speakers. They share tales of overcoming challenges, achieving success, or personal growth. These stories create a bond with the audience, urging them to act.

Nick Vujicic's story of living without limbs shows the human spirit's strength and hope.

Call to Action Speeches

Call to action speeches push the audience to take action or change their mindset. They are used in urgent situations, like political rallies or environmental campaigns. These speeches are clear, direct, and emotionally strong, leaving a lasting impact.

Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech is a prime example of a call to action that has shaped history.

Instructional Motivation

Instructional motivation teaches the audience how to reach their goals or better their lives. It's common in personal development seminars and business workshops. Speakers offer practical advice and steps, empowering the audience to make positive changes.

Tony Robbins is famous for his talks on personal growth and peak performance.

Transformational Addresses

Transformational addresses aim to deeply change the audience's views or actions. They challenge old beliefs, encourage growth, and inspire new thinking. Speakers like Brené Brown help people embrace vulnerability and strive for a more meaningful life.

Iconic Motivational Speeches Throughout History

Motivational speeches have shaped history. They inspire, mobilize, and transform people and societies. Their impact is lasting.

Political Speeches That Changed the World

Political speeches have been key in history. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech in 1963 is iconic. It sparked the civil rights movement and inspires today.

Winston Churchill's "We Shall Fight on the Beaches" speech in WWII is another example. His words rallied the British people through tough times.

Speech Speaker Year Impact
"I Have a Dream" Martin Luther King Jr. 1963 Galvanized the civil rights movement
"We Shall Fight on the Beaches" Winston Churchill 1940 Rallied the British people during WWII

Sports Speeches That Inspired Victory

In sports, motivational speeches drive teams to win. Knute Rockne's 1928 speech to Notre Dame is legendary. He inspired with "Win one for the Gipper."

Today, coaches like Tony Robbins and athletes use motivation to perform their best.

These speeches show the power of words to unite and motivate. They've changed history in politics and sports.

Famous Motivational Speakers and Their Techniques

Some motivational speakers have made a big impact on their audiences. They use unique techniques to inspire and motivate people from all walks of life. We will look at the strategies of some of the most famous motivational speakers.

Tony Robbins: The Master of Personal Power

Tony Robbins is well-known in the motivational speaking world. He has helped millions reach their goals and overcome challenges. His methods include neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) and peak performance techniques.

Robbins' seminars and books have inspired many to change their mindset and aim for excellence.

Speaker Techniques Notable Works
Tony Robbins NLP, Peak Performance "Unshakeable You"
Les Brown Overcoming Adversity, Self-Empowerment "Live Your Dreams"
Brené Brown Vulnerability, Empathy "The Gifts of Imperfection"
Eric Thomas Passion, Resilience "The Secret to Success"

Les Brown: Overcoming Adversity

Les Brown is a motivational speaker known for his inspiring story. Despite facing many challenges, including being labeled educable mentally retarded as a child, Brown became a successful politician and speaker. His methods focus on self-empowerment and perseverance.

He encourages audiences to push beyond their limits.

Brené Brown: The Power of Vulnerability

Brené Brown is a research professor and motivational speaker. She is known for her work on vulnerability and empathy. Brown's talks and books, like "The Gifts of Imperfection," have inspired people worldwide.

She encourages embracing imperfections and building a sense of belonging.

Eric Thomas: The Hip Hop Preacher

Eric Thomas, also known as the "Hip Hop Preacher," is a motivational speaker and author. He is known for his passionate and energetic talks. Thomas's methods focus on resilience and passion.

He inspires audiences to strive for greatness despite obstacles.

Key Elements of Powerful Motivational Speeches

Effective motivational speeches have key elements that connect deeply with the audience. These elements are vital for lasting impact and inspiring action.

Authenticity and Vulnerability

Authenticity is the heart of a motivational speech. Speakers who are true to themselves connect more with their audience. Vulnerability, or sharing personal struggles, makes the speaker relatable.

Storytelling and Relatability

Storytelling is a key tool in motivational speeches. It makes complex ideas easy to understand. By sharing relatable stories, speakers unite the audience.

Clear Message and Takeaways

A clear message is vital for a motivational speech. The audience should grasp the main idea or call to action. Clear takeaways or steps motivate the audience to act.

Delivery and Presentation Techniques

The delivery of a motivational speech matters as much as its content. Techniques like varying tone and pace, and using compelling body language, enhance impact. Engaging the audience through eye contact and interactive elements boosts effectiveness.

How to Create Your Own Motivational Speech

Making a motivational speech that hits home needs a deep grasp of your core message. This key element is vital as it shapes the whole speech. Famous motivational speakers like Tony Robbins stress the need for a clear, impactful message.

Identifying Your Core Message

Your core message is the main idea you want to share with your audience. Think about what you're passionate about, your values, and what you want your audience to remember. Ask yourself, "What change do I want to inspire in my audience?" This clarity is the heart of your speech.

Structuring Your Speech for Maximum Impact

A well-organized speech keeps your audience engaged. Start with a hook that grabs their attention, then dive into the main part where you share your core message. End with a call to action that inspires them to act. Les Brown, a top motivational speaker, advises starting with a preview, then sharing your message, and ending with a summary.

Structural Element Purpose Example
Strong Opening Grab attention A personal anecdote or surprising statistic
Main Body Elaborate on the core message Stories, examples, and data supporting the message
Call to Action Inspire action "Take the first step today towards your goal."

Incorporating Personal Stories

Personal stories make your message more real and interesting. Brené Brown, famous for her TED Talks, often shares personal stories to make her points clear. Make sure your personal stories fit your core message and show your true self.

Practice and Delivery Tips

How you deliver your speech is just as important as what you say. Practice often to feel confident with your words. Focus on your tone, pace, and body language. Eric Thomas, known as the "Hip Hop Preacher," says passion and conviction are key. Record yourself to see where you can improve.

Motivational Speeches for Different Contexts

Motivational speeches are useful in many places, like work, school, and personal growth. They can be changed to fit different groups and places. This makes them useful in many situations.

Workplace and Professional Settings

In work settings, motivational speeches can make employees happier and more productive. Leaders use them to motivate teams, bring about change, and reach goals. For example, a speech at a company event can energize employees and help them understand the company's goals.

"The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing."
Walt Disney

Educational Environments

In schools, motivational speeches are key in shaping students' attitudes and pushing them to do well. Speakers share their own struggles and successes. This helps students see role models and stay motivated.

Sports and Team Motivation

In sports, motivational speeches are vital for boosting athletes' confidence and teamwork. Coaches and speakers use inspiring stories to get athletes ready for games. This helps them stay focused and motivated.

"You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great." This idea is common in sports speeches. It stresses the importance of taking action and never giving up.

Personal Development Contexts

In personal growth, motivational speeches give people the push they need to face challenges and reach their goals. These speeches help build resilience, confidence, and a growth mindset. They empower individuals to improve themselves and their lives.

Incorporating Motivational Speeches into Daily Life

Starting your day with motivational speeches can set a positive tone. It can change your mindset and boost your productivity. By making motivational speeches a daily habit, you can become more positive and resilient.

Morning Motivation Routines

Creating a morning routine with motivational speeches is very beneficial. It sets a positive tone for the day and prepares you for challenges. You can find many motivational speeches online, from famous speakers like Tony Robbins and Les Brown, to start your day right.

Overcoming Specific Challenges

Motivational speeches are great for facing specific challenges. Speeches by Eric Thomas, for example, can inspire you to keep going. Hearing others' stories of overcoming adversity can give you the strength to face your own challenges.

Building a Personal Library of Inspiration

Building a personal library of motivational speeches is valuable. You can bookmark favorite speeches on YouTube, download podcasts, or follow speakers on social media. As Les Brown said,

"You have to be willing to take the hits, to fail, to be used, to be taken advantage of, to be lied to, to be cheated, to be disregarded, to be disappointed."

This library lets you revisit and reflect on motivational content whenever you need it.

The Digital Age of Motivational Speeches

The digital world has made motivational speeches more accessible. Now, people can find inspiring content from anywhere. This change has opened up new ways to share motivational messages.

Before, motivational speeches were only for live audiences. Now, thanks to digital platforms, speakers can reach more people. They can share their messages through different channels.

Podcasts and Audio Platforms

Podcasts have become a favorite for listening to motivational talks. They let listeners tune in whenever they want. Famous motivational speakers now share their wisdom through podcasts, reaching listeners worldwide.

YouTube and Video Content

YouTube is a big place for motivational speeches. Many channels focus on personal growth and inspiration. Videos make the experience more engaging, with pictures and sounds adding to the message.

Social Media Motivation

Social media is also used to spread motivational content. Short videos and quotes from speeches are shared often. This makes it easy for people to get inspired every day.

In summary, the digital age has changed how we hear and share motivational speeches. With so many platforms, more people can find and share inspiring content. This has made motivational messages more accessible and diverse.

Measuring the Impact of Motivational Speeches

Understanding the impact of motivational speeches is complex. It involves looking at both short-term and long-term results. These speeches aim to inspire and motivate people. But their real value is in making lasting changes.

Short-term vs. Long-term Effects

Motivational speeches can immediately boost enthusiasm and motivation. But their lasting impact is often more profound. It shows in lasting changes in behavior and mindset.

Studies reveal that these speeches can have a lasting effect. This happens when they are followed by support and reinforcement.

Effects Short-term Long-term
Motivation Level High Variable
Behavioral Change Limited Significant

From Inspiration to Action

The main goal of motivational speeches is to inspire action. This shift from inspiration to action is key. It shows the speech's real outcome.

Effective motivational speeches give a clear call to action. They empower people to make real changes in their lives.

By measuring the impact of these speeches, we learn how well they work. We see not just the immediate response but also the lasting effects. This helps drive people from inspiration to action.

Conclusion

Motivational speeches can really inspire people. They help us reach our goals and face challenges head-on. We've looked at why they're important, their types, and what makes them work.

In many areas, like personal growth and work, these speeches make a big difference. Famous speeches have shaped history. They've also shown us how to motivate others.

Knowing how motivation works helps us use speeches to our advantage. They can lead to positive changes in our lives. So, motivational speeches are key to making a difference.

Inspiring words can spark our passion and confidence. They guide us through tough times. By using motivational speeches, we can reach our highest goals.

FAQ

What is the primary purpose of a motivational speech?

Motivational speeches aim to inspire and motivate people. They encourage individuals to take action, face challenges, and reach their goals.

How do motivational speeches impact our behavior?

These speeches shape our reality and foster a positive mindset. They also trigger emotions that push us to act.

What are the different types of motivational speeches?

There are many types, like inspirational stories and calls to action. Each type has its purpose and audience.

Who are some famous motivational speakers?

Famous speakers include Tony Robbins, Les Brown, Brené Brown, and Eric Thomas. They've greatly influenced motivational speaking.

What makes a motivational speech powerful?

A strong speech is authentic, tells stories, has clear messages, and is delivered well. These elements captivate and inspire the audience.

How can I create my own motivational speech?

Start by finding your core message. Then, structure your speech for impact. Use personal stories and practice to show confidence.

In what contexts can motivational speeches be applied?

They're useful in many places, like work, schools, sports, and personal growth. They inspire people to reach their goals.

How has the digital age transformed the way we consume motivational speeches?

Now, we can find motivational content easily online. Podcasts, YouTube, and social media make it accessible anytime, anywhere.

How can I measure the impact of a motivational speech?

Look at both immediate and lasting effects. See if the speech inspires people to take action and achieve results.

How can I incorporate motivational speeches into my daily life?

Start with morning routines and tackle challenges. Also, build a collection of inspiring content to stay motivated.

Motivational Speeches Motivational Speeches Motivational Speeches Motivational Speeches Motivational Speeches Motivational Speeches

Ripcord Association

Day by Day Report
April 21 – 30, 1970

by Lee Widjeskog

April 21, 1970

0220:  A 2/501 in the vicinity of Re-Up Hill, responded to trip flares with M79 and claymores.  The NVA hit back with RPG, satchel charges and small arms.  Three US were WIA.  Blood trails left the area.

1125:  3Bravo 1/501 just north of FSB Jack, was ambushed with two wounded.  Medic, Kerry Vance, attempted to treat one and was killed as he moved forward.  Later booby traps were encountered and two more were wounded.

1300:  Sensors were emplace at closed FSB Gladiator to detect NVA presence. 

1405:  at 477134, 3Charlie 1/506 note NVA to their rear and engaged them leaving One GI WIA.

1700:  B 2/506 returned to field at 369214 and began patrolling.

1700:  Recon 1/506 engaged NVA at 445142 killing one NVA.

1710:  Delta 2/506 completed a one ship LZ at 345182.

1824:  1Bravo 1/501 hit a booby trap that wounded one man at 4283165.

Unit locations:  1/506 no change, 2/506 Bravo 367 216, Alpha 362194, Recon 340173 2/501 No change, 1/501 no change.  Artillery unchanged.

April 22, 1970

1205:  at 477134, 3Charlie 1/506 found the body of a NVA soldier killed by small arms fire the day before.

1235:  at 475135 3Charlie 1/506 fired LAWs and later found a fresh body.  No injuries.

1300: at 367163, 1&2Charlie 2/501 engaged NVA who then fled.  Inspection showed one dead NVA and a blood trail.

1311:  near Re-Up Hill, Alpha 2/501 was hit by 50 mortar round but since they were moving at the time, no one was injured.

1325:  Bravo 2/506 at 343179, found four bunkers with house hold utensils and some medical supplies.  Most was destroyed on site.

1407:  at 388162, 3Charlie 2/501 detonated a booby trap while pursuing a NVA soldier.  One man was wounded.

1430:  Alpha 2/501 while moving from the booby trap area, encountered bunkers and NVA.  They employed ARA and artillery and linked up with Charlie 2/501.  The bunkers were over run and one NVA was found.  Numerous blood trails left the area.

1440:  ARA over the 2/501 action received small arms fire and took a crew member to Granite for treatment and evacuation.

1745:  2Delta 2/506 found 5 bunkers at 343178.  CS powder was dispersed in the structures.

1/506 remained in the Rao Trang area.  2/506 remained around Ripcord.  1/501 continued to patrol around Jack and Evans.  2/501 stayed south of Ripcord between 902 and Re-up Hill.

April 23, 1970

0335:  Alpha 2/501 at 362165 was hit with satchel charges.  Contact broke at 0412 with one US KIA and two WIA.  PFC Gary Worley died of multiple fragments.

0611:  Alpha 2/501 received satchel charges, mortar and RPG fire while on their NDP.  Fire was returned and artillery employed on NVA locations.  A sweep of the area found a variety of weapons and ammo as well as 7 NVA.  Nine US soldiers were WIA from the action.

1228:  At 382157, the Recon Platoon of E1/506 was ambushed as SP4 Nicks led the unit.  Firing from a bunker, three men were hit as the NVA fled the site.  Benjamin Nicks died on route to the hospital.

1350:  From the previous location, Recon saw 13 NVA at 30 meters and engaged them with small arms fire.  A sweep of the area found a 60 mm mortar unit which was sent to Camp Evans.

1450:  Recon 2/501 at the same location was engaged with small arms and RPG.  After a half hour the enemy fled and 3 US were WIA.  While moving to a LZ at 382162, Recon was engaged with small arms.  ARA and artillery were employed and a sweep at 1715 revealed 1 NVA dead and 2 GIs WIA.

Throughout the day CH-47 loads came to Ripcord.

Units remained in their areas of operation.

April 24, 1970

Each day pre-planned air strikes are slated for the area surrounding Ripcord and other fire bases.   Additional strikes are called in as the enemy is found.

Delta 2/506 is rotating platoons onto Ripcord for one day chance to clean up.

0035:  Alpha and Charlie 2/501 near 368165, were engaged by NVA with satchel charges.  They responded with claymores and hand grenades.  First light revealed no results and I US WIA.

0040:  1Charlie 1/506, at 476133, lost a man when he heard a noise.   Sgt. Ernest English threw a grenade but it bounced back off vegetation and killed him. He was part of a 6 man team

1726:  2Delta 2/506 found and destroyed a 500 pound bomb.

1800:  Team B of Recon 2/506 found 20 bunkers and sections of copper wire with insulators along a trail at 342169.  This trail runs from Hill 902 to “Re-up Hill”.  The bunkers had been destroyed by artillery.

1800:  Team D, Recon 2/506 found an unused 2 foot wide high speed trail at 334168.

1800:  Team E, Recon 2/506 at 338170 also found wire, but no insulators.

Units remained in their areas as did artillery.

April 25, 1970

1040:  3Alpha 2/506 completed a one ship LZ at 358191.

1200: At 435124, 2Bravo 1/506 engaged 3 NVA.  A sweep of the area revealed bunkers, AA positions and mortar rounds.  All were destroyed in place.

1210:  3Charlie 1/506 found a dead NVA laying on the ground at 473137 who died 3 to 4 days prior.

1305:  3Charlie 1/506 found a grave of a NVA one to two days old at 477134.

1440: Team B Recon 2/506, near Hill 902 found a recently used high speed trail.

1448: 2 Bravo 1/506 moving at 438124 were hit by NVA with small arms fire.  Further contact was made at 1510 when hit by a squad from bunkers.  Organic arms and artillery employed.  Contact broke at 1530.  Results were 2 NVA KIA and US casualties of four WIA and deaths of Ronald Cline, Boyd Magee and Billy Sebastion died out right and Eudell Kotrous who died on the 26th.

No major unit movement.

April 26, 1970

Weather a problem for flights.

0555:  A satchel charge was thrown into the Ripcord perimeter and bounced off a soldier’s helmet.  Response was grenades and claymores.  Not injuries.  A sweep produced no results.

0635:  2Alpha 1/506 engaged NVA at 5 meters and killed the same.

0930:  Command Post 1/1st Regiment ARVN command detonated a booby trap at 281188 killing 2 NVA and capturing 20 blocks of explosives.

1325:  1Bravo 2/506 cut a one ship LZ at 365208.

1530:  2Delta 2/501 engaged 5 NVA at 369154 resulting in 4 NVA killed and the capture of rice and equipment.

2000:  1 Delta 2/506 reported possible headlights at 355165.  175mm artillery employed on the location.  No results.

No unit moves.

April 27, 1970

Weather a factor.

0430:  Ripcord received 2 incoming white phosphorus rounds from the north.  One was determined to be a 105mm round.

1015:  1Bravo 1/506 was engaged by NVA 1 klick east of FSB Maureen.  The NVA fled and 1 US WIA.

1310:  3Bravo 2/506 completed a LZ at 371202.

1345: 3Bravo 1/506 found and destroyed two bunkers at 438129.

1540:  1Delta 2/501 engaged and captured one NVA after he was wounded at 366155 south east of Ripcord.

1630:  1Bravo 2/506 completed a

April 28, 1970

Weather continued to be poor.  Many pre-planned flights and air strikes were delayed or cancelled.

1125:  Recon 1/506 at 435160, found a month old NVA body killed by artillery along with assorted personal equipment and weapons.

1430:  ARVNs at 296187, north of Ripcord, engaged NVA.  Results were 2 ARVN KIA and 16 WIA.

During this day Raymond Susi, E2/506 died of injuries sustained from flying debris associated with a helicopter on Ripcord.  Date of the incident is not certain.

Units unmoved.

April 29, 1970

0800:  2Charlie 2/501 found a cache at 364164 containing rice, ammo, mortar rounds, etc. and three buried NVA bodies killed 3 to 4 days prior.  While there, the unit received 6 mortar rounds to no affect.

1000:  Tactical aircraft fired on a mortar position killing 2 NVA near 351150.

1005:  1Alpha 2/506 found a NVA rucksack about a week old at 376189.

1100:  Aircraft destroyed three bunkers and killed 2 NVA at 352152.

1139:  During a planned explosion on Ripcord, a member of C2/506 was hit in the head with debris and medevacked out.

1230:  A white team helicopter carrying Edgar Brenner and Jeffery Klaves, was hit by 12.7mm machinegun fire and burst into flames as they crashed into a stream bed.  D2/501 moved to recover the men and took RPG and small arms fire.  By the time the bodies were extracted 4 NVA were dead and 1 NVA WIA captured.

1400:  2Alpha 2/506 completed a LZ at 372198.

1405:  At 272278, 4/1st Regiment ARVN took fire from a NVA squad.  They returned fire but still ended up with 3 WIA.

1610:  2Charlie 2/501 while at 364164 (near Re-up Hill), received 21 mortar round while cutting a LZ.  This led to 2 WIA.

2140:  2Alpha 2/501 at FSB Granite was attacked from three sides by a NVA force using small arms, grenades, RPG and mortars.  Contact was broken at 2345.  Fighting continued off and on through the night.  This was followed by more mortars and another assault on the 30th at 0730. This led to the deaths of Robert Boggs, Dennis Hunter, Carl Patten, Ray Snyder, Leonard Walker, and J. McGuire.  Edward Bishop is MIA and later declared dead.  Seven others were wounded and 1 NVA body found.

April 30, 1970

0645:  2Delta 2/501 engaged and killed one NVA.  The others fled.  3 US WIA at 360155.

0655:  1Bravo 1/506 near FSB Maureen was engaged by NVA.  This left 3 WIA.  Bravo Troop 2/17 Cav. Came to assist the 1/506 near the Rao Trang and made a strafing run at the NVA.  While doing so they were hit with an RPG and burst into flames in a fiery crash. Killed were Davis Staton, Capt. John Sensing and Robert Masseth.  Their bodies were retrieved a few days later.

0730:  As daylight increased, the NVA reasserted their assault on FSB Granite using RPG from the south and west leaving 18 WIA. A sweep of the area produced 17 NVA KIA and one NVA POW.  At 1327 hours they received mortar rounds leaving 8 more WIA.  An hour later they got 20 more mortar rounds.  Finally at 1830 when a Chinook landed they received 1 more WIA.  During the course of the day 2 men were killed, Robert Shannon (A2/501) and Larry Jones (E2/501)

1140:  5 klicks North West of FSB Bradley, 1/1 ARVN were hit with mortars and RPG.  6 KIA & 22 WIA.  14 NVA killed.

1200:  2Delta 2/501 received fire from NVA at 366165. 2 WIA.

1230:  At 398148, Recon 2/501 were engaged by NVA.  Return fire caused them to flee.  3 WIA.

1328:  One mortar round hit near the 105s on Ripcord.

1351: 5 mortar rounds hit Ripcord.

1410:  Bravo 2/501 while conducting a sweep around FSB Granite, found 2 dead NVA.

1755:  at 375194, 2Alpha 2/506 found 2 bunkers and assorted RPG equipment.  To be destroyed the next day.

During the action that day, a door gunner (PFC William Meister) with 101 Aviation was killed by small arms fire as his chopper aided the troops in need.  The helicopter did not go down.

Unit locations:

      1/506 Rakkasan & the Rao Trang 

      2/506 Ripcord and the nearby hills.

      1/501 FSB Jack & Rocket Ridge,

      2/501 Granite & Coc A Bo. 

      Artillery:

      A2/319 –Rakkasan,

      B2/319 Ripcord,

      C2/319 Granite,

      C 4/77 Evans,

      A1/39 Evans,

      B 1/39 Nancy,

      A2/11 Granite,

      A 2/94 Barbara,

      C-34 O’Reilly,

      C-11 Ripcord. 

      E2/506 now had 6 mortar squads on Ripcord.

        May 1 – 10 (Not Recorded Yet)                               Calander