In Memory of
Cecil Douglas Breland
1943-1966
My name is Ronnie (Rhonda) Breland-Compton and I have created this website in honor of my Uncle Cecil. When Uncle Cecil died, I was 2, my sister Debbie was 4, and my cousin Jeff was born while Uncle Cecil was in Vietnam. My brother Doug, my sister Robin, and my cousin Eric were born after his death. We were all denied the privilege of knowing our Uncle Cecil. There are many who miss my Uncle Cecil, including his brothers, Melvin and Ernest.
I would love to find someone who may have served with him. If you have any information you think might be helpful, please let me know. Listed below is what information I have:
Cecil Douglas Breland
US 53 396 776, PFC, AUS
CO A, 2nd BN, 7th Cav.
1st Cav. Div. (AMBL)
He was born July 20, 1943 in Hattiesburg, MS.
He died on May 6, 1966 while serving as a rifleman in the 1st Platoon, Company A, 2d Battalion, 7th Cavalry. A letter from the Chief of Staff dated June 17, 1966 announcing "Award of the Bronze Star Medal for Heroism" states in part as follows:
On May 6, 1966, Private First Class Breland was instrumental in the defeat of a numerically superior force of Main Force Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Regulars who were deeply entrenched in a heavily fortified defensive complex within the village of Thang Binh in Bong Son Valley. Under intense enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire, Private First Class Breland, with disregard for his own life, while assaulting the enemy position was mortally wounded. Private First Class Breland's courageous action is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
A letter from Daniel P. Davison, Captain, Infantry Commanding, "A" Company, 2d Battalion, 7th Cavalry, states in part as follows:
On the evening of 6 May 1966, Cecil was with his squad on a search and destroy mission in the vicinity of Bong Son, Vietnam, when he was mortally wounded by hostile fire.
Needless to say, we are very proud of our Uncle Cecil.
You will live on in our hearts forever! We love you!
Born July 20, 1943 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
Died May 6, 1966 in Bong Son Valley, Vietnam.
Proud member of the 1st Cavalry Division,
"A" Company, 2d Battalion, 7th Cavalry.
Awards Presented:
Bronze Star Medal for Heroism
Purple Heart
Military Merit Medal and Gallantry Cross with Palm
