Eaglehorse in the News

Border Camp Renamed for Fallen 2nd Sqdn. Lt.

On a dreary and overcast day, sprinkled with showers, troopers of the Eaglehorse Squadron gathered at their border camp to memorialize one of their fallen leaders.

The 2nd Squadron border camp, between the border towns of Wollbach and Neustreu was officially renamed “Camp Phillip L. Lee“ during the Memorial Day services.

Gen. George S. Blanchard, USAREUR Commander in Chief, told the unit by letter that “ … the renaming of Camp Wollbach in memory of Lt. Lee will provide recognition to this exemplary young officer’s service and sacrifice. It will also serve as an inspiration to personnel of the 11th ACR who conduct daily missions along the Communist frontier in Western Europe.”

Lee died June 17, 1971, of wounds received in Vietnam with Troop F, 2nd Squadron of the 11th ACR. On April 17, 1971, Troop F was conducting a reconnaissance along the southern edge of the Boi Loi Woods. Two unidentified persons were seen, and Lee’s 2nd Platoon was directed to investigate. As the platoon moved to the area of the sighting, the enemy opened fire. One of the platoon’s Sheridan vehicles began to burn. Lee began to maneuver his vehicle. As he did so, Lee’s vehicle became the target of enemy fire, which fatally wounded him.

Mrs. Lilley Eichelberger, Lee’s mother, flew to Germany from her home in Lake City, Florida, where she works in veteran’s hospitals. Eichelberger is a veteran of World War II, where she served with the Woman’s Auxiliary Corps as an air traffic controller. She has devoted her life to assisting in veteran’s hospitals and aiding veteran’s activities. She is a member of the Disabled American Veterans Association and has actively participated in many of the association’s functions.

She and her present husband have adopted a Navy Lieutenant who was seriously wounded during Vietnam action. The lieutenant, Jack Oberdorf, was in the same hospital ward and room with Lee and the two Lieutenants became close friends before Lee’s death. She later adopted Oberdorf, who is 100 % disabled.

Eichelberger, with the assistance of Col. John L. Ballantyne, III, 11th ACR commander and LTC Lee Allen, 2nd Squadron commander, unveiled the sign at the entrance of the camp honoring the lieutenant. A 21 gun salute was provided by a battery from the 3rd Armored Division and the 3rd Infantry Division band provided music at the ceremony.

An outdoor barbeque and a border tour of the Eaglehorse Squadron area followed the formal ceremonies.

2-11 Command to Gilbreath

Lieutenant Colonel John C. Gilbreath is the new commander of the 2nd Squadron, 11th ACR, located at Daley Barracks in Bad Kissingen.

During change of command ceremonies held at Daley Barracks on June 11, LTC Gilbreath assumed command of the Eagle Horse squadron from the outgoing commander, LTC Lee Allen.

The New Mexico native, who now calls Texas home, is not exactly new to the Blackhorse Regiment, having served a tour in Vietnam as a troop commander with the 2nd Squadron.

The Armor colonel and his wife, Yvette, have a 14 year old son, Eric, and come to the Regiment from an assignment with the faculty at the US Military Academy at West Point.

LTC Gilbreath has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Miami and a Master of Science degree from the University of California, and is a veteran of 14 years active military service. Among his numerous awards are the Silver Star (2 awards); Distinguished Flying Cross (3 awards); Bronze Star (3 awards); Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (22 awards) and the Army Commendation Medal (2 awards).

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