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	Home > Fallen Ranger Memorial > 2000 > Moose Yon > Memorial Service
	Memorial Service Everett Marion Yon Jr. Remarks by Wayne R. Smith 31 May 1993 A husband, a father, a soldier is dead. Our hearts go to the family of Everett Marion Yon Jr. We, his friends and colleagues, share their bereavement in the limited ways that outsiders can. A soldier's soldier, a distinguished officer of the United States Army has passed away. Here the Army, in its ancient ways, expresses mourning. It is all together fitting that this service takes place on Memorial Day, a day set aside to honor the memory of fallen comrades, veterans, and those who gave their full measure of devotion in the service of their country. Again, it is fitting that this take place here at the Ranger Mountain Camp, a place where Everett "Moose" Yon spent part of his military career forging young leaders of the Army. He also spent his off-duty time in pursuit of the "wily trout" - which was one of Moose Yon's favorite past times, fly-fishing. It is also fitting, however, that we here, all of us, rejoice in his full life of professional duty, and to commemorate his accomplishments during his lifetime. To me, there was no Greater, Stronger, or Manlier Man. A Brave and Tender Man, who in the face of danger was Oak and Rock, and in gentler times was Warmth and Sunshine. Everett Marrion Yon, Jr came into this world on 6 July 1934, at a little Army post in the western United States, Fort Douglas, Utah. The first of two sons born to then US Army Captain Everett M. Yon, and Catherine F. Yon. Moose's father was a professional soldier who had just returned from the Philippines where he commanded the Philippine Scouts. After many moves as an "Army Brat" - the family settled in Gainesville, Florida, spending WWII separated from his father, a distinguished Regimental Commander serving in the Pacific Theater. After his retirement, Moose's father was the Director of Public Relations for the Director of Athletics at Florida University. In anticipation of entering West Point, Moose attended Episcopal High School in Alexandria Virginia, and was appointed to the United States Military Academy in 1952. He joined the class of 1956. It was there on the fields of friendly strife and in the gymnasium-boxing arena that I first met Moose. I was a member of the class of 1955. Moose boxed on the final Army Boxing Team, as boxing was dropped as an intercollegiate sport after the 1954-1955 season. He appeared to me then, and to this day as a gentle, giant of a man who was slow to anger and easy to get along with, but woe be it to the person that aroused his anger. He had a twinkle in his eye, a ready smile, and the look of someone who had a half-secret to share. He impressed everyone with his quick wit and laid back manner, content for others to take glory. His step then, was quick, with almost jauntiness to it. His yearbook states: "When YOGI entered Central Area on the fateful day in fifty-two and joined the drop it, pick-it up squad, the Corp became a better place to live. "DYNAMIC" applies to just about everything that he has done during his four years as a member of Kappa Dos gang (Company K-2). Yogi has become best known for his unique trademark - a tremendous sense of humor with the drive that combines to make him a one-man entertainment committee." It might also be noted that he was famous for his "fishless fishing expeditions." After graduation and the attendance at Fort Benning for the Infantry Basic Course, Airborne and Ranger Training, he was posted to Fort Bragg and the 82nd Airborne Division. He was chosen to join the Airborne Training Committee under the watchful eye of Bud Warneke. Here he set the example for the training of young paratroopers, and was an instructor and role model for new troopers. He joined the 504th Airborne Infantry of the 82nd Airborne Division, as it was being changed from the old WWII Regimental System into the new "Pentomic Division." Moose and I renewed our friendship in the old 504 where we forged new and life-long friendships with other comrades, families and friends. Moose, myself and contemporaries managed to solve a great many of the world's problems, after duty while attending Happy Hour at the DeGlopper Field Club and the BOP (Bachelor Officer Plaza). The 504 "gyroscoped" to Germany in 1958 to become part of the Airborne Brigade of the 8th Infantry Division along with our sister unit the 505 Airborne. We were stationed at Mainz, Germany, where we became part of the famous "Mainz Troopers." Moose was assigned to Charlie Company under the command of Ralph Peterson, and later John Hermann. Moose continued to perform in an outstanding manner, insuring that his troops were superbly led and that they continued to receive superior results on all Army Training Tests and military exercises. Major General Sidney M. Marks - "Mickey" had this to say about Moose: "I could always count on Moose to get the job done, no matter how difficult the task. He won the respect of his subordinates, his peers, and his superiors alike. When Moose stood out in front of his troops, you knew who was in charge. His men would follow him anywhere, any time, any place, and done anything he asked. He was a man's man, a soldier's soldier. - Micky Marks" The term soldier means many things to many people, but it has a special connotation to those who have spent their lives as professional soldiers. A "soldier's soldier" is a term of respect given to a select few, but one that is unanimously bestowed on Everett M (Moose) Yon Jr. It wasn't all work and no play in Germany though, and Moose always found time, when the opportunity presented itself to hunt and fish. These were two of his lifetime pursuits. Who can ever forget Moose in his Lederhosen and Bavarian Hat, smoking his pipe?? We can also recall the many trips to Baumholder, with the mud and rain and supply trains slipping off of the road. The trips to the halfway house, avoiding the MP's like schoolboys, and the prop blasts in the old French Camp. Doing things that we can only laugh and reminisce about now and wouldn't think of doing again... MAYBE? Moose returned to the States and took up residence at Fort Benning. He was S-4 of the jump school, member of the staff and faculty, and attended the career course during the 1960-1963 time frame. He joined the 187th Airborne Division, of the 11th Air Assault, the forerunner of the 1st Air Cav during 1963-1964. He left that assignment to volunteer for Special Forces Training with eventual assignment to the Republic of Vietnam. He joined me in Special Forces at Fort Bragg, and purchased a house next door to mine in Cottonade section, in Fayetteville, NC. We once again resumed our close relationship, both on duty and off, and devoted time to doing things together along with our families prior to going to Vietnam in 1965. Moose initially went to "I" Corps as an "A" Team leader where he continued to remain cool under fire and impress superiors and subordinates alike. A letter from a former Special Forces commander bares witness to this: "Moose was my XO in Vietnam. I would like to share with you some of the memories I will always have of Moose. Before I arrived in Vietnam in '65 - Moose was a hard charging "A" Team leader and doing an exceptional job in "I" Corps. He was summoned to 5th Group Headquarter and told he was being transferred to Moc Hoa in the "Plain of Reeds" - "IV" Corps. Groups used Moc Hoa as a threat -- "Screw up and we'll send you to Moc Hoa." Naturally, Moose asked how he had screwed up? He was told that he hadn't screwed up and his mission was to keep the "B" Team Members from killing their current C.O. --- who was a General's son with no Special Forces experience. I arrived soon thereafter. On our first ever heliborne operation, it was over within two hours. At the time Moose was running the operation. He promptly lifted the troops out and began setting them down at various suspected VC locations. This established a procedure, we called "Gnats Ass Operations" that led to making our "B" Team, Detachment B-41 the most successful in Vietnam. I will always remember Moose smoking his pipe and keeping a 57mm Recoilless Rifle in his room, and shooting one of the NCO's dogs while on guard duty. He was one of three officers that I ever gave a "MAX" efficiency report. Moose was then and is now a legend and I shall always remember him as a very special friend. On behalf of the members of Detachment B-41, Vietnam '65-'66, Sincerely Billy Yantis, Tucson, Arizona." After his return from Vietnam he settled back into Fort Bragg for a while prior to being sent to Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth. I had preceded Moose to CGSC and was teaching at the course when he showed up on my doorstep in 1968. We again shared many an evening and weekend together during his tour there as a student. One of the frequent things we did together was go to the college football games in the area. We saw Army and Missouri play that year as well as several other games. One game in particular was the Colorado and Kansas game which is one that we never forgot. I had a brand new 1968 Ponitac Catalina, with only a few hundred miles on the odometer. It was raining, sleeting and everything bad imaginable about the weather when we arrived. Moose spotted some small kid parking cars for $5 on an apartment lawn, real close to the stadium. We thought we really had it made. Moose gave the guy $5 and off we went. After suffering through a miserable game, weather-wise, with little anti-freeze, we proceeded to return to the car. When we got back to the apartment house, our car and everyone else's car was gone. We immediately yelled Grand Theft Auto and were quite perplexed. We found a "Campus Rent-a-Cop" who told us that the apartment house owners had notified the police and that the cars had been towed away. I was fit to be tied, but Moose ever remained "Joe Cool." When we finally got to the police station to get the car back, Moose had slowly cooked to a "rolling boil." He started in on the desk sergeant so hard that I thought that Moose was going to get us both put in jail and that they were going to throw away the key. However, everything worked out in the end. Moose again returned to Vietnam after the Command and Staff Course joining the 1st Cav. He had the 1st Battalion of the 7th Cav, made famous by George Armstrong Custer, many years ago. Moose would ensure that a similar fate would not befall his troops. A phone call from General Bob Kingston, who was his CO in the Cav told me he was saddened to hear of Moose's death and that he would be unable to be here, but he wanted me to know that he held Moose in the highest regard as an officer and a soldier and to convey his respect saying: "Moose was truly a professional, he took care of his men, his men loved him and he always maintained a sense of humor." Another letter from Brigadier General John C. Banshen Jr. (Ret), "DOC" as he is affectionately known, Moose's classmate and close friend states: "Really sorry to hear about Moose. A great friend, a great soldier! We shared many meals in the summer of '69 in Vietnam. His infantry battalion of 1st Cavalry was working with my 1st Squadron, 11th Cavalry at Loc Ninh. I had a wooden table under a squared tent that served as my officer's mess area - food was from mermites flown into us nightly, nothing special. We talked about having deer, or wild pig to supplement the ration, but weren't able to come with anything. One night some mortar rounds came in to the Special Forces Camp area adjacent to my Command Post. Several of my officers jumped up to seek cover when they heard the rounds land. Moose and I continued to eat our meal. Moose's comment was that they had the Special Forces Camp zeroed in and that we were safe; besides the VC only had so many rounds per night to fire. He was right and we stayed around the table talking until late into the night. Moose was not afraid of anything or anybody. He was a great combat soldier -- a soldier's soldier who I loved like a brother. He was special because of his lack of fear and his enthusiasm for being a soldier in combat, in a "HOT" area of Vietnam. Our units fought side by side for several days and Moose was always eager, willing and quick to close with NVA. We were both Majors commanding at the time and often joked about where all those Lieutenant Colonels who were always yelling that they wanted command. Moose Lived every day I knew him to the fullest -- He was not afraid of dying, because he lived every day like it was his last. He was a great combat buddy -- a great friend!" - "Doc" Again, I believe that everyone has a special memory of Everett M. Yon, each unique in its own way. He touched so many people in so many ways that it is hard to categorize them all. But I certainly do believe that everyone who knew him would say that he definitely was a warrior. Moose returned to the States and there followed a succession of assignments in Special Forces, Readiness Command (REDCOM) at Mac Dill AFB and as a commander of the Ranger Mountain Camp here in Dahlonega, Georgia. He often visited me at Fort Bragg in the early 70's where we shared many a memory and good time together. Moose was always happiest in the outdoors especially in the mountains which he loved. I often think of the Robert Burn's verse when I think of Moose: "My heart's in the Highlands, my heart is not here; My heart's in the Highlands a - chasing a deer; A - chasing a wild deer, and following the roe - My heart's in the Highlands, wherever I go." After retirement Moose worked in construction and in the outdoors he loved. He also acted as a substitute teacher, again teaching by example. We lost contact with each other for a few years when he finally caught up with me through my Daughter Erin. When he got in touch with me, by phone - he was happy as a little kid catching his first fish. He said "Smitty, Smitty, I caught a keeper, she likes to hunt and fish and do everything I do, Uncle Wayne - you've got to meet her." Moose was telling me he had met and married his lovely wife Sylbie. They visited with Louise and me on their way to Canada and we visited them in Georgia. He and Syblie built their own home by hand on Lake Oconee near Eatonton here in Georgia. When anyone would visit he always furnished beer and food, but you could be assured that you would get pressed into service to help with dock, or whatever project he had going at the time. He liked to work with his hands and took on the arduous task of dismantling, transporting, and moving by land and water, log by log, by hand - his family's home, actually his grandfather's lodge located in N.W. Ontario Canada on Missouri Island in Rainy Lake and reassembling it in a better location. Sylbie is still going to finish the job. Moose fought the good fight in the big battle with cancer and had it on the ropes. I talked with him a few days before he left Georgia for Canada. I didn�t' think he had the strength to make the trip. But that shows what I know. Old Moose fooled me, he mustered his grit and courage and as weak as he was still managed to get back to the mountains he loved so much, to make one last bivouac. Moose passed away quietly in his sleep during the early morning of 20 May. Moose is survived by his wife Sylbie, his mother Mrs. Catherine F. Yon, a brother Frank E. Yon, a son, Everett M Yon III, three daughters, Nancy Catherine Susar, Mary Stewart Wilkes and JoAnn Samples, a stepdaughter Laurie Coulter and four grandchildren. Moose Yon had a dramatic impact on all who knew him. Troops recall him with a heartwarming fondness and respect. Many NCO's have said to Moose, "Sir, did you really go to West Point?" This was not meant to be disrespectful, but said only out of respect, that a man was so like the soldiers he led, he bore no semblance to what they perceived as the typical spit and polish officer. His reply was, "Jup. I sure did." This pleased him, and accepted it as a compliment. Moose was proud of his West Point heritage and he loved the Army. His passing will leave a void in all of us. He was indeed a very kind and gentle man, full of good wit, a happy smile, a cheerful greeting, and willing to go out of his way to help his fellow man. A late fax from Joe Lutz, Major General (Ret), a contemporary and friend who made it to the top of Special Forces stated: "Ev Yon, Street Smart, Bear of a Man, Clearly a Diamond in the Rough! Loyally was his strongest trait, Sin Pare, Joe." He was no opinionated, although he had an honest opinion about all subjects; He did not try to impress with his knowledge, though he was a knowledgeable man; He did no try to always be in charge, although he was a "take charge" type individual; He was determined, without being hard-headed; above all he was compassionate. Shakespeare said it quite appropriately with: "He gave his honours to the world again His blessed part to Heaven, and slept in peace. So may he rest; his faults lie gently with him." I personally loved him like a brother. I argued with him, I laughed with him, I cried with him; I disagreed with him at times, but always knew he was a man's man and a soldier's soldier and I truly loved him. His course on Earth has run, and now it can be said: "WELL DONE - MOOSE MY FRIEND, BE THOU AT PEACE" BACK

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