November 6, 2025
6:30 PM
The Speaker Series is held the first Thursday of November. The Speaker Series offers to the public free of charge a presentation on a local topic of interest. Please plan to join us. Free cookies and beverages are available while you sit back and enjoy the presentation. Please check back on our website or follow us on Facebook for details regarding the presentation as the date approaches.
Oconto County Historical Society to Host Author Steve Simms for Presentation Honoring
John Young
Thursday, November 6, 2025 – Beyer Home and Carriage Museum, Oconto
The Oconto County Historical Society is honored to announce a special presentation on Thursday,
November 6, 2025, at 6:30 p.m., as part of its monthly Speaker Series. This event will feature author
and Vietnam veteran Steve Simms, who will speak about the Battle of Srok Rung, November 7,
1967—a day of sacrifice that claimed the life of John E. Young of Oconto.
SP4 John E. Young, just 19 years old, was serving as an assistant machine gunner with Company
C, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, when his unit was ambushed in Binh Long Province,
South Vietnam. After his gunner was hit, John took over the machine gun and fought until he was
mortally wounded. His actions bought time for artillery support that saved many lives, and for this
bravery, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for heroism.
For decades, the details of that battle were little known. That changed with the 2010 publication of
Simms’s book, Common Valor: Ambush at Srok Rung, November 7, 1967. Drawing on years of
research and interviews with fellow soldiers, Simms — who served in the same battalion with
Oconto’s John Young — presents a detailed account of the battle near Srok Rung that claimed
18 American lives, including Young’s.
In addition to Common Valor, Steve Simms has written The Secret Place of the Most High, a personal
reflection on his Vietnam experiences and the spiritual strength he found through the 91st Psalm. His
presentations are both historically detailed and deeply moving.
This program is especially meaningful, taking place just days before Veterans Day, offering our
community a chance to remember, reflect, and honor the sacrifices of John Young and all who
served.
Please note: Seating is limited to approximately 75 chairs, with some standing room available.
Attendees are encouraged to arrive early.
Copies of Common Valor and The Secret Place of the Most High will be available for purchase, or
can be ordered if supplies run out.
Event Details
What: Oconto County Historical Society Speaker Presentation with Author Steve Simms
When: Thursday, November 6, 2025 – 6:30 p.m.
Where: Beyer Home and Carriage Museum, 915 Park Ave, Oconto, WI
Admission: Free; donations welcome
