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Vol. LXVI Vol. LXVI ww No. 2No. 2 April - May - June 2017April - May - June 2017

O Guadalcanal O New Britain O Peleliu O Okinawa O North China OO Korea O Vietnam O Kuwait O Somalia O Afghanistan O Iraq O

The Official Publication of the 1st Marine Division Association, Incorporated

It’s Not Just The FMDA ThatUndergoes Audits

As President Rios notes in his com-

ments our association keeps constant track

of its finances. In fact, we just achieved a

financial victory of sorts for our bottom

line (see p. 4).

President Rios has maintained careful

control over our finances throughout his

term. No doubt incoming president Jerry

Johs will do the same.

But, rest assured that it not just the

FMDA that maintains tight control over

its income, expenditures, and overall

budget. Audits are a USMC-wide practice,

as the following story indicates.

Please turn to CLASS 5-67 on page 3

Audits are a USMC-wide practice

ABOVE: U. S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. RichardCichowski, systems analyst, performs an auditon the finances of every Marine Corps office toensure that all systems are up to date at theDisbursing Office on Camp Pendleton, Calif.,April 4, 2017. (U.S. Marine Corps photo byLance Cpl. Betzabeth Y. Galvan)

BELOW: U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. ChristianJacobs, procurement clerk, right, explains to theMarine Corps Administrative Analysis Team howhe records information in the system at 1stMedical Logistics Battalion, 1st Marine LogisticsGroup, during a fiscal year 17 audit on CampPendleton, Calif., April 6, 2017. (U.S. MarineCorps photo by Lance Cpl. Betzabeth Y. Galvan)

Please turn to AUDITS on page 6

UPDATE

The Fund-Raising Project for the new

5th Marines Vietnam War Memorial

Monument continues running at a very

fast pace. After just five months of active-

ly pursuing donations, our balance stands

at over $56,843.00 (cash in the bank). In

addition, we have now received two sep-

arate “challenge pledges,” includ-

ing an anonymous $50,000.00

pledge that will be donated

once we reach $350,000.00,

and another new anonymous

“challenge pledge” in the amount of

$10,000.00, which will be donated once

we reach $100,000.00 cash in the bank.

Bottom line, our fund-raising goal has

been significantly reduced, to

$283.157.00.

5th Marines Vietnam War Memorial Monument

Proposed Memorial Design

Please turn to MEMORIAL on page 6

“This week, Paul Barents, now 72, and

Kathryn Barents, 71, of Easton, Md., will

join scores of Marine Corps veterans and

their spouses outside Washington for a 50-

year reunion of Paul’s graduating class

from the Marines’ Basic School for offi-

cers.

“There were 516 of them in class 5-67,

most college graduates, like Paul, in their

early 20s who trained as infantry platoon

leaders and were sent almost directly to

the war, which was reaching its height.

“Dozens of Americans were being

killed every day, and the toll was especial-

ly great for officers.

“The men of 5-67 were the sons and

grandsons of immigrants, and the sons of

Marines who had fought in World War II.

“There was a college wrestling star, and

a baseball player with a shot at the major

leagues…. Some lasted only a few days in

Vietnam — two were killed Oct. 14, 1967,

the day after they arrived, according to a

classmate who knew them.”

So begins the tragic story of a class that

more than paid the price for their devotion

to country and fellow man. Thirty-nine of

the class members died in Vietnam. (See

list on page 3) Many others were wound-

ed. The aforementioned Paul Barents was

one of the wounded.

President Rios noted that “Robin

Montgomery and I were there in 1968. I do

not know the statistics for those lost or

The tragic lossesof Class 5-67...the tragic story of a class thatmore than paid the price fortheir devotion to country andfellow man. Thirty-nine of theclass members died in Vietnam.

2

April - May - June 2017April - May - June 2017 The Old Breed News

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEAll Elected Officers Are Members

Of Executive Committee PresidentVincent Rios2024 Greenway Crossing, Haslet, TX 76052Home (817) 847-9954 Cell (817)304-3596Email [email protected] PresidentJerry Johs22 Pollari Rd., Raymond, WA 98577Cell (503) 784-7697Email [email protected] Vice President, East Elmer Hawkins450 Basin St., Daytona Beach, FL 32114-5048Cell:(386) 679-3814Email: [email protected] Vice President, Central Daniel T. Flavin472 Maple St., West Lafayette, IN 47906-3067Ph: (765) 404-1407Email: [email protected] Vice President, WestGeorge A. Sager1025 Lupine Rd., Healdsburg, CA 95448-3436Ph: Home (707) 433-2044, Cell (707) 696-0504Email [email protected] Pierre A. Sims841 W Birchtree Lane, Claymont, DE 19703-1604Ph: (302) 792-1497; Email [email protected](OPEN)Legal OfficerJames T. Allison475 N. Highland St. Apt. 7B, Memphis, TN 38122Ph: (901) 324-2231; Email [email protected] (Denny) Weisgerber195 Casper St., Milpitas, CA 95035-4842Home (408) 262-1776 Cell (408) 221-6607Email [email protected] At ArmsLee Rux15111 Sun Spur, San Antonio, TX 78232-4624Home (210) 499-0707 Cell (210) 213-3453Email [email protected] Staff• SgtMaj Marty Vasquez - Executive Director

(760) 763-3269• June Cormier - Executive Assistant

(760) 763-3267P.O. Box 9000, #902, Oceanside, CA 92051(760) 763-3268; Email : [email protected] Parra - Administrative Assistant(760) 763-3268

w w wEditor, The Old Breed NewsArthur G. Sharp2473 New Haven CircleSun City Center, FL 33573-7141(813) 614-1326Email: [email protected] Publishing Incorporated3 Black Skimmer Ct., Beaufort, SC 29907(843) 521-1896Email: [email protected]

The 1st MarineDivision Association

DepartmentsPresident’s Message ................................................................................4Members in the News ............................................................................5Blue Diamond Team/Southern Cross Team ........................................13Feedback/Letters to the Editor ............................................................14Chapter Scuttlebutt ..............................................................................18Reunion Calendar ................................................................................21Contributions to the First Marine Division Association ......................22Welcome Aboard ..................................................................................26Advertising Rates – Old Breed News....................................................27Taps ......................................................................................................31

News & NotesAudits are a USMC-wide practice ..........................................................1The tragic losses of Class 5-67 ................................................................15th Marines Vietnam Memorial Monument ..........................................1Does anyone remember the Corps’ eyeglasses policy? ............................3Jack Lucas was not the youngest MOH recipient ..................................7Sgt. Davis Sporting Clays Championship a Success ..............................7Vietnam – 50th Anniversary ‘A Happy Experience’ ..............................8Operation Mississippi – November 1966 ..............................................10First Marine Division Association Reunion: Registration....................121st Marine Division Association: Chapter Presidents ..........................15Does anyone remember the TS Card? ..................................................16MK 15 Ordnance Detector....................................................................16Shopmyexchange.com Will Open to All Honorably Discharged Veterans on Veterans Day..................................................17First Marine Division Association Reunion..........................................24If the CG leads, we will follow ............................................................29Korean War Veterans Honored ............................................................29

OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES 2017

DAL-EastRobin L. Montgomery12 Yankee Drive, Brookfield Ct. 06804Cell (460-4817) Office (203) 740-4110Email [email protected] Drollinger460 Horseshoe Trail, McKinney, TX 75069-9577

Home (972) 837-8413Email: [email protected] Eckert3884 Oakes Dr., Hayward, CA 94542-1742Cell (510) 538-2382Email [email protected]

TheOld Breed NewsThe Old Breed News (USPS 599-860) ISSN: 0745-287X is published four times a year during the months ofMarch, June, September, and December by the 1st Marine Division Association, Inc., P.O. Box 9000, Box#902, Oceanside, CA 92051; Phone: 760-763-3268; Web Site: www.1stMarineDivisionAssociation. org.Postmaster: Send address changes to The Old Breed News, P.O. Box 9000, Box# 902, Oceanside, CA92051. Periodical postage paid at Oceanside, California and at additional mailing offices.This publication may be quoted without permission if the 1st Marine Division Association is credited. TheAssociation requests a copy of any such use.

Directors at Large – 2017

The Old Breed NewsThe Old Breed News April - May - June 2017April - May - June 2017

3

CLASS 5-67 from page 1seriously WIA. I understand the numbers

were not good. 28 went to the 5th Marines;

7 went home at the end of thirteen

months.”

Regardless of numbers, Class 5-67 paid

a terrible price for keeping people free. We

thank them for their sacrifices.

Read the full story that appeared in the

April 29, 2017 Washington Post at:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/sf/local/2017/04/29/fifty-years-after-vietnams-bloodiest-battles-the-lucky-ones-are-gath-ering-for-what-could-be-a-final-reunion/?hpid=hp_rhp-top-table-main_vietnam-915pm%3Ahomepage

%2Fstory&utm_term=.8dd00f9e99d6.

It was written by Michael E. Ruane.

Incidentally, if anyone remembers any

of the Marines listed below, the circum-

stances of their deaths, etc., please send

your remembrances to Arthur G. Sharp,

OBN Editor, 2473 New Haven Circle, Sun

City Center, FL 33573. Not all 39 of them

were 1stMarDiv members, but they should

The Basic Officer Course graduationpicture for 1st Platoon, K Company,Class 5-67. (U.S. Marine Corps)

1st Lt. Dennis Dee Andrews, 24, of Pittsburgh, PA.2nd Lt. Larry Dean Bleeker, 24, of Ames, IA.2nd Lt. Thomas Drew Brindley, 24, of St. Paul, MN.2nd Lt. George Michael Broz, 23, of Stanwood, WA. 2nd Lt. John Robert Burns Jr., 24, of St. Louis, MO1st Lt. Joseph Timothy Campbell, 24, of Stoneham, MA.1st Lt. John Harvey Carson, 21, of San Antonio, TX. 2nd Lt. Michael James Casey, 23, of Dalton, MA. 1st Lt. James Warren Cockrell Jr., 23, of Macon, MS. 1st Lt. Allen Wesley Courtney Jr., 22, of Houston, TX. 2nd Lt. Morrell Joseph Crary, 24, of Salem, OR. 2nd Lt. Ferdinando DiStefano Jr., 25, of Brooklyn, NY. 1st Lt. Robert Gerald Dodson, 25, from Bloomfield, NJ. 2nd Lt. Eric Craig Egge, 22, of Hopkins, MN. 1st Lt. Benjamin Stephen Fordham, 24, of Monterrey, Mexico1st Lt. Michael Pym Hayden, 24, of Detroit, MI. 2nd Lt. Donald Jacques, 20, of Rochester, NY.1st Lt. Daniel Joseph Jaskiewicz, 25, of Grand Rapids, MI.2nd Lt. Lawrence Ryland Koman, 23, of Aliquippa, PA. 1st Lt. Richard Eli Latimer Jr., 24, of Tinker Air Force Base, OK.

1st Lt. John David Lawson, 26, of Topsfield, MA. 2nd Lt. Dale Russell Loudin, 22, of Atwater, OH.2nd Lt. Donald John Matocha, 23, of Smithville, TX. 2nd Lt. Robert Warren Miller Jr., 24, of San Antonio, TX. 1st Lt. Jan Houston Nelson, 25, of Clearwater, FL. 2nd Lt. William Robert “Bill” Reese, 24, of Abilene, TX. 2nd Lt. Lloyd Chisolm Runnels Jr., 24, of San Diego, CA. 2nd Lt. Leo Richard Schoff, 23, of West Homestead, PA. Capt. Benjamin Lee Tebault, 29, of Portland, OR. 2nd Lt. Michael Howard Thomas, 25, of Pawnee, OK. 2nd Lt. Richard William Vaughn, 23, of San Luis Obispo, CA. 2nd Lt. Sam Dixon Warlick, 22, of Raeford, NC. , 1st Lt. Michael Jay Warren, 24, of Moline, IL. 1st Lt. Brian Lee Webber, 24, of Albuquerque, NM. 1st Lt. Victor David Westphall III, 28, of Albuquerque, NM. 1st Lt. Kurt Michael Wilbrecht, 26, of St. Paul, MN. 1st Lt. Maxie Raymond Williams Jr., 22, of Waverly, TN. 2nd Lt. Robert Edward Wright, 22, of Sacramento, CA. 1st Lt. Charles Yaghoobian Jr., 23, of Pawtucket, RI.

Thirty-nine of the class members who died in Vietnam.

Iwas looking recently at my 81mm

mortar platoon photo taken sometime

in the late 1950s or early 1960s. There

was one (possibly two) member in the

photo wearing eyeglasses. Why were

USMC eyeglass wearers so rare then?

As I look at photos of WWII and

Korean War Marines I don’t see any of

them wearing eyeglasses. Were there

any? Or did the Corps limit the accept-

ance of applicants who wore them?

What was the policy during the Vietnam

War?

Does anyone remember the USMC’s

policy on accepting people with less-

than 20-20 vision back then? Has it

changed? How did the one or two

Marines in the photo manage to get

inducted even though they wore glasses?

Did the Marine Corps issue eyeglasses?

If so, how many pairs per Marine?

I don’t remember carrying an extra

pair at any time in my four-year

“career.” I am pretty sure I didn’t wear

the same pair for four years. And, I don’t

recall undergoing eye exams. Were eye

exams part of the wellness program? Did

we even have a wellness program back

in the mid-20th century?

Answers would be appreciated. Send

your thoughts to Arthur G. Sharp,

Eyeglass Editor, 2473 New Haven

Circle, Sun City Center, FL 33573.

Does anyone remember the Corps’ eyeglasses policy?

4


President’s MessageVince Rios

How time flies!

In August 2015 I assumed the office of

President of the First Marine Division

Association. Soon after you read this

(August, 2017) you will have a new pres-

ident and new officers to take the reins of

the FMDA. From the looks of the candi-

dates, you will have a splendid slate.

I regret that the moment is drawing

near when my term will come to an

end. Gone will be the sweet moments I

enjoyed sharing tales of fun and frolic

with my Marine and Corpsmen pals and

of challenges met and conquered under

the harshest of circumstances. Although

the happy memories of people, places, and

things I saw along the way on active duty

still linger, nothing can compare with the

joy of standing alongside the stoutest

Marines and others I have ever met.

Unless you assume the role of President of

the FMDA, you’ll never know.

The list of those who kept me afloat is

much too long to print. The membership

numbers 7,000 plus. If you are reading

this, rest assured that you are probably

among my supporters. It was you, dear

members, who pried me away from the

$2-3,000 monthly rent, the storage bin

rental, the meeting room rental, and more

costly incidentals in Oceanside and

Carlsbad.

It was due to SgtMaj Marty

Vasquez’ skills that the FMDA is now

headquartered aboard Camp Pendleton at

the First Marine Division complex, rent

free, i.e., ZERO RENT and zero telephone

service fees. Without the Sergeant Major’s

wizardry, the FMDA would be housed in

Sergeant Major George Meyer’s garage

again, assuming he would have us.

Along with our cost savings in

Headquarters housing, the First Marine

Division Association was blessed to

receive the finest volunteer reunion site-

selection committee that has and will con-

tinue to raise quality sky high, cut cost to

the bone, and ask nothing in return. Ooh

RAH.

In addition to these past cost-cutting

efforts, we should seriously consider

reducing The Old Breed News magazine

from four issues to three issues annually.

It will save the Association approximate-

ly $5,400.00 per year.

Had it not been for June Cormier, the

President’s Executive Assistant, a lot of

administrative functions at Headquarters

would have “gone with the wind,” and I’d

be sending this from Leavenworth.

Helping alongside Ms. June was my

unofficial management consultant, Jim

Zalpis.

Jim led me through the horrendous

erroneous ploy that was costly up front,

but he stayed on it and got our money

reimbursed from the IRS and the State of

California. Jim also took the incompetent

tax accountant to task and he untangled

the mess created and got more money

returned. His service in the handling of

the payroll and explaining the IRS and

California tax forms and insurance

requirements applications was nothing

short of magical. Let it be no mystery

why I nicknamed Jim Zalpis my

“Management Guru.”

The crowning jewel to the

Headquarters staff is the Administrative

Assistant, Lindsey Parra. Lindsey brings

with her the information technology tal-

ent and skills needed in Headquarters. We

are also blessed that her husband, LCpl

Samuel Parra, is on active duty with Fox

2/1.

Thank you all for standing with me.

Please give the incoming administration

the same solid support you gave me. I

wish you all the very best.

Semper Fi,

President Vince RiosFMDA office staff: June Cormier, Marty Vasquez, and Lindsey Parra (L-R)

The list of those who kept me afloat ismuch too long to print. The membershipnumbers 7,000 plus. If you are reading this,rest assured that you are probably amongmy supporters.


5

Iwo Jima veteran John Farritorhonored with quilt

Retired 1st Sgt. John Farritor received a

Quilt of Valor on April 17th in honor of his serv-

ice. The 97-year-old Farritor, a thirty-year veteran of the USMC,

was among 1,400 military members nationwide who were honored

with quilts. He currently resides at a retirement community, Rancho

Vista, in Vista, CA.

According to an article in the April 25, 2017 San Diego [CA]

Union Tribune, written by Contact Reporter Lind McIntosh,

Farritor, [Farritor] “referred to himself as a Nebraska cowboy-

turned-Marine, was one of the first Marines stationed at Camp

Pendleton and among the troops who marched from Camp Elliott

to the base at the tip of North County when it was established in

1942. He met first lady Eleanor Roosevelt on her visit to the Camp

Pendleton in the early 1940s.”

Quilts of Valor is based in Iowa. Its mission is to “cover service

members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing

Quilts of Valor.” The Quilts of Valor Foundation was established in

2003 by Catherine Roberts, whose son Nat was deployed in Iraq.

The first quilt was awarded in November that year to a young sol-

dier from Minnesota who had lost his leg in Iraq and was recovering

at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Bethesda, Md.

Read the story at http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/com-

munities/north-county/sd-no-pendleton-quilt-20170421-story.html

(Photo courtesy of Sherrie Canales)

Okinawa Veteran Tees OffCarl F. Scott was featured in an article, “Golfers to get back in

the swing,” in the May 3, 2017 Anderson, IN Herald-Bulletin. The

reporter was John P. Cleary. The 93-year-old Scott was pictured

with a golf club in his hands and wearing his unmistakable FMDA

red hat.

The caption revealed, “Carl Scott, 93, will have the honor of hit-

ting the first tee shot to officially open Elwood Golf Links on

Saturday.”

As Cleary notes in his article, “About half a century ago when

he first went to work as an administrator for Ivy Tech, Carl F. Scott

took up golf. “I had never played golf, and I was left-handed,” the

Elwood native said.

Later, Cleary wrote, “I feel honored to be asked to do that. I hope

I don’t miss a ball,” he said, wearing a white polo shirt with a Purple

Heart insignia embroidered on it. The Elwood High School gradu-

ate was wounded June 10, 1945, at Okinawa, Japan, where he suf-

fered a bullet wound to the shoulder.”

Read the entire article at http://www.heraldbulletin.com/news/local_news/golfers-to-get-back-in-the-swing/article_dc3e732c-b9ea-5cc0-a48b-d9f39182d7de.html

NOTE: In accordance with copyright laws we cannot reprint articlesfrom other sources verbatim or reproduce photos without the permis-sion of the publications. In cases where we do not receive permissionwe print excerpts and direct readers to the websites, where they canaccess the full articles.

Pearl Harbor Survivor Guest at CeremonyThe Battleship USS Iowa in San Pedro [SC] was the site of a

Pearl Harbor anniversary ceremony on December 7, 2016. Pearl

Harbor survivor Ewalt Shatz, who was on the USS Patterson that

day, was a special guest.

Marty Christiason, [email protected]

Members in the

Retired 1st Sgt. John Farritor

John Farritor displays his Quilt of Valor. Photo provided by SherrieCanales, Rancho Vista’s healthy lifestyles director.

Marine Corps veteran MickeyChristiason holds a photo ofhis father KennethChristiason who served inthe US Army 8th Infantryduring WWII

Please turn to NEWS on page 29

Camp Pendleton Tightens UpFinances

By Lance Cpl Keely Dyer | Marine

Corps Base Camp Pendleton | April 7,

2017

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. — Over

the past week, Independent Public

Accountants, or IPAs, conducted an audit

aboard Camp Pendleton in order to get a

better understanding of how Camp

Pendleton controls their finances.

As the first branch to go through a full

financial audit, the Marine Corps’ goal is

to ensure responsible use of taxpayer dol-

lars and to prevent fraud, waste and abuse;

considering not only the money, but the

values of vehicles, equipment and even

buildings into consideration.

“The end result is that we become

more efficient in what we do,” said Chief

Warrant Officer 3 Robinson Merchant, the

Marine Corps Installations-West

Financial Management Officer.

Over the past six years the Marine

Corps has been changing the way they

conduct business and document their

finances. They have been preparing for a

DOD-wide audit that becomes effective

on September 30 initiated by the National

Defense Authorization Act of 2010.

The auditors conducted walkthroughs

of various Camp Pendleton assets in order

to determine the value of property, equip-

ment and vehicles. They also conducted

businesses process walkthroughs to give

the auditors an idea of how business is

done in the Marine Corps, as well as a

view into what exactly the Corps’ budget

gets spent on.

“Every year the Marine Corps pro-

duces a financial statement, and that state-

ment would essentially have the cost of

operating the Marine Corps,” said Chief

Warrant Officer 4 James Hunko, the

Programs and Resources Risk and

Compliance Audit Engagement

Operations Officer for Headquarters

Marine Corps. “Through the audit, our

books get cleaner and in turn our money

stretches even further giving commanders

more resources and more money in order

to perform their mission.”

Proof that funds are being spent cor-

rectly could pave the way for increased

funding in the future.

During the portion of the audit being

conducted at Camp Pendleton a list of

deficiencies and strengths will be com-

piled along with information from Camp

Lejeune, Quantico, MCRD San Diego and

Miramar. This information will be used to

gain a better understanding of how the

Marine Corps can improve their financial

management.

AUDITS from page 1

We have received contributions from

over 100 individuals and organizations

from across our country, including

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, which sent

a check for $5,000.00, and which also

does a great job of supporting the Marines

and Sailors of 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines.

We have heard that a number of other

communities in the Southern California

area around Camp Pendleton are support-

ing our cause and are working with us,

side by side

More Exciting News: We have just

been notified that our memorial monu-

ment project will be aided by the Land of

the Free Foundation, a major nonprofit

organization dedicated to supporting our

active-duty military and veterans. Their

annual “Land of the Free Veterans Day

Golf Classic,” which has raised millions

of dollars for their “causes” over the

years, took place at the Industry Hills

Golf Club at Pacific Palms, City of

Industry, CA, on Veterans Day 2016.

Although we do not know the exact

amount of their contribution, we have

been assured that our project will receive

significant support from the proceeds of

this amazing fund-raiser.

Project Schedule Update: Although

our fund-raising efforts are making great

progress, we will not be able to conduct

the Memorial Dedication on Memorial

Day of 2017. To meet that schedule, we

needed to have over $120K in the bank by

early October, so we could finalize the

contract with Rock of Ages, allowing

them to start work on the monument

before winter sets in up in Vermont.

We knew this was an aggressive target

date, but we had great hopes that we

would hit it. That did not happen. So, we

are planning to conduct the Memorial

Monument Dedication event on Memorial

Day, 2018. Stay tuned for more details as

the project moves forward.

Check out our project website for

images and more details at: http://

5thmarinesvietnammemorial.org.

Please pass the word to all your

friends, family members and email bud-

dies, and anyone who might be interested

in helping us build the beautiful new 5th

Marines Vietnam War Memorial

Monument.

Semper Fidelis!Steve Colwell, Carlsbad, CA (760-

522-6091), and Nick Warr,

Hendersonville, NC (828-696-2388), 1/5

Vietnam Veterans Association

MEMORIAL from page 1

Holiday storieswanted

Last year we solicited

stories for a special holiday

section in our 4th Quarter

(Oct./Nov./Dec.) issue. We had a pretty

good response. Let’s do it again this

year.

Please send any stories, photos, and

art work describing anything memo-

rable, special, or routine that occurred

involving you, your unit, your

friends…on the major year-end holi-

days, e.g., Thanksgiving, Christmas,

Hanukah, New Year’s Day, Boxer

Day… The material can relate to war

time or peacetime. Hopefully we will

get enough stories, photos, and art

work to fill another issue.

Send your stories and photos to

Arthur G. Sharp, OBN Holiday Editor,

2473 New Haven Circle, Sun City

Center, FL 33573.

Proof that funds are being spent correctly could pave the wayfor increased funding in the future.

6



7

Jack Lucas was not the youngest MOH recipientHere is an excerpt from a story about

Medal of Honor recipient Jacklyn (Jack)

Lucas’s life that was posted on our May 8,

2017 President’s Blast: (See “Youngest

Medal of Honor Recipient”)

“On October 5, 1945 President Harry S

Truman awarded Jack [Lucas], and 13

other recipients at that ceremony, the

Medal of Honor. Notably, however, at 17

he was the youngest there and the

youngest to ever receive the award.”

At another point in the story the writer

points out that he was one of the youngest.

Which is true?

Lucas was not the youngest to ever

receive the MOH. Orion Perseus Howe

(December 29, 1848 – January 27, 1930),

was among the youngest recipients of the

Medal of Honor for his service in the

American Civil War as a Union drummer

boy. He was awarded the MOH on April

23, 1896.

Here is his MOH citation:

HOWE, ORION P.Rank and Organization: Musician,Company C, 55th Illinois Infantry.Place and Date: At Vicksburg, Miss., 19May 1863. Entered Service At:Woken, Ill. Birth:Portage County, Ohio.Date of Issue: 23 April1896.A drummer boy, 14years of age, andseverely wounded andexposed to a heavy fire

from the enemy, he persistently remainedupon the field of battle until he had reportedto Gen. W. T. Sherman the necessity ofsupplying cartridges for the use of troopsunder command of Colonel Malmborg.And here is Jack Lucas’s citation.

The President of the United States in thename of The Congress takes pleasure in pre-senting the

Medal of Honorto

LUCAS, JACKLYN HAROLDRank and organization: Private First Class,U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, 1st Battalion,26th Marines, 5th Marine Division. Place and date: Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands,20 February 1945. Entered service at: Norfolk, Va. Born: 14February 1928, Plymouth, N.C. Citation: For conspicuous gal-lantry and intrepidityat the risk of his lifeabove and beyond thecall of duty whileserving with the 1stBattalion, 26thMarines, 5th MarineDivision, duringaction against enemyJapanese forces onIwo Jima, VolcanoIslands, 20 February 1945. While creepingthrough a treacherous, twisting ravine whichran in close proximity to a fluid and uncertainfrontline on D-plus-1 day, Pfc. Lucas and 3other men were suddenly ambushed by a

hostile patrol which savagely attacked withrifle fire and grenades. Quick to act when thelives of the small group were endangered by2 grenades which landed directly in front ofthem, Pfc. Lucas unhesitatingly hurled him-self over his comrades upon 1 grenade andpulled the other under him, absorbing thewhole blasting forces of the explosions in hisown body in order to shield his companionsfrom the concussion and murderous flyingfragments. By his inspiring action and valiantspirit of self-sacrifice, he not only protectedhis comrades from certain injury or possibledeath but also enabled them to rout theJapanese patrol and continue the advance.His exceptionally courageous initiative andloyalty reflect the highest credit upon Pfc.Lucas and the U.S. Naval Service.

But, in the long run, what does it mat-

ter how old either man was? Age is not a

criterion in deciding who does or does not

earn the Medal of Honor. That is defined

in terms of courage, not chronology.

Lucas and Howe are both to be commend-

ed for that.

Jack Lucas displayshis MOH

Orion P. Howe

President Harry S. Truman awards MOH toJack Lucas

We will be “closing the books” on

the 1st Annual Sgt. Davis

Sporting Clays Championship shortly.

Thanks to all the folks who participat-

ed, including nearly 40 shooters and

more than a dozen donors and sponsors,

we not only hit our goals, but we great-

ly exceeded our expectations for this

inaugural event.

Net proceeds exceeded $17,000.00,

after settling accounts with Satterfield’s

BBQ and The Meadows, as well as

funding a new guard rail fence at

Linwood Cemetery, mounted on the

reinforced concrete foundation, and

surrounding the Sgt. Davis Memorial

Monument. Those net proceeds will be

donated entirely to the Sgt. Davis

Memorial Scholarship Fund, managed

by the CFCG.

This new fund-raiser will grow sig-

nificantly over the next few years there

in middle Georgia. The leadership of

the 1/5 Vietnam Veterans has confirmed

our continued efforts to increase this

scholarship fund, which will eventually

allow us to double or even triple the

annual award to each “Sgt. Davis

Scholar.”

Semper Fidelis!

Nicholas Warr, Treasurer, 1/5 VietnamVeterans Association, (828) 696-2388office, (828) 243-8708 cell

Sgt. Davis Sporting Clays Championship A Success

Net proceeds exceeded $17,000.00, after settling accounts...


8

By Steve Bowen

“Put another way….can we help humanity byencouraging democracy and our principles or is it afutile, narcissistic and naïve American conceit?”

NOTE: This thought provoking article is reprinted with Mr. Bowen’spermission.

Ireturned to Vietnam recently after almost 50 years. I did not

expect what I found.

The primary reason for my trip is that I’m developing a feature

film set in “The American War” (the Vietnamese term for the 1965

to 1973 active combat) with my co-producer and writer, former lead

producer for the CBS Evening News, Tom Flynn. I also brought my

grown son, Dan, as an assistant for our efforts. But the subplot for

our visit is the fact that I served as a Marine officer in Vietnam from

1966 to 1967.

I was a forward observer attached to the 7th Marines for most of

my tour lasting 13 months. I have unlimited respect for my fellow

Marines who endured endless search and destroy patrols, terrifying

night attacks by skilled and determined enemies, and tense helicop-

ter assaults into unknown places. I left active duty in 1969, incredi-

bly fortunate to have served alongside some amazing men from all

walks of life, whose courage, love of country, and unvarnished belief

in something bigger than themselves changed a somewhat closeted

1965 graduate of Holy Cross College from Greenwich CT in ways

that no other experience could.

I jumped back into “mainstream” American life in 1969 and

joined the then biggest ad agency in the world, J Walter Thompson,

where I ultimately rose to become President of the U.S. company.

Vietnam quickly became a distant memory, occasionally brought

forward by a news piece or a chance encounter with a former com-

rade or simply seeing a young Marine in the airport. Like most of

America, despite all the dramatic college protests against the war

and the political uproar, I focused on everyday life in a country rich

with opportunity for those both capable and determined to take

advantage and pushed the Vietnam War as far out of my mind as pos-

sible.

Flash forward to Da Nang airport on a hot evening, August 4,

2014. I certainly didn’t recognize the clean, modern airport waiting

for me and, unlike the last time I was there, no one shot at me! But

I did immediately recognize a distinctive smell….a sweet/sour blend

of things growing, dying, and burning all at the same time.

That began a 12-day tour of former USMC combat sites through-

out what was called I Corps…..the area from Quang Nai south of

Chu Lai up to the DMZ where the Marines suffered the highest casu-

alty rate of any major conflict in their history…..almost one in four

Marines was killed or wounded.

We were part of a tour group with an outfit named Military

Historical Tours that specializes in well-organized and informed

tours for veterans to WWII, Korea, and Vietnam battle sites. Our

leader was a terrific 83-year-old retired Marine we nicknamed Capt.

Grumpy. Knowledgeable, disciplined, and full of information from

one tour in Korea, two in Vietnam, and over 100 tours conducted in

country, he took our group to most of the major battle sites and to

places where each of us had particular memories.

Our group included a highly decorated chopper pilot who did a

second tour flying jets, a retired First Sergeant who had run com-

bined Marine and Vietnamese platoons (one of the most dangerous

assignments in Vietnam with an almost 100% casualty rate), and me,

a 2nd lieutenant attached to the infantry as an artillery forward

observer.

Apropos of nothing, but that I find it amusing, we learned a

delightful Vietnamese expression for a rather dreary subject.

Traveling on a bus with a bunch of guys all over 70, there was an

understandable, constant interest in when the next bathroom stop (pit

stop, head call, men’s’ room, washroom, etc.) might happen. Rather

than any of those dreary descriptors, our Vietnamese guide called it

…the Happy House! We all quickly picked up this delightful phrase

and promised to bring it back home.

Each of us had strong memories of many of the places we visited,

shared very colorful, often funny stories, and each seemed to have

been strongly moved by some deep memory of people or events that

remained buried inside him.

Vietnam - 50th Anniversary ‘A Happy Experience’

The MHT bus used in the return visit tour Group at the Citadel, Hue City


9

While I expected that Vietnam would have changed after 47

years, I was unprepared for the amount of building and construction

we saw all along Route 1. While still a rural and rice growing econ-

omy, the entire distance from Chu Lai to the DMZ (about 125 miles)

is dotted with new roads, new sewers, and new buildings/homes to

replace the old thatched roof “villes” that we all remembered.

Our tour ended with a three-day stay in Hanoi, a city that became,

for American troops who fought in Vietnam, almost a symbol of evil

to be conquered…. the on ramp to the Ho Chi Minh trail, home of

Hanoi Hannah, and the Red River Dikes, just sitting there for us to

bomb and thus effectively destroy the enemy.

I didn’t have high expectations for Hanoi. Frankly, I was expect-

ing a dreary combination of Soviet architecture and third world

poverty. Instead, I found a charming, graceful, and vibrant city teem-

ing with ambition.

On our last night in Vietnam my producing partner, my son, and

I were in the lovely home of the extended family of a former North

Vietnamese officer who is also a poet and an author. His daughter-

in-law runs a major Vietnamese film company and two of her daugh-

ters are coming to New York City this year to attend top universities.

With the interpreting help of the daughter, we determined that the

North Vietnamese officer and I had served in direct contact with our

respective forces in 1966-67. With that discovery, we enjoyed a

happy toast, enthusiastically joined by our children, to celebrate the

fact that we had both been “bad shots”!! That was a moment I won’t

forget.

I’m still absorbing the experience and the information, both for

my own personal well-being (I’ve been led to believe by current

standards that I must have PTSD yet, at age 70, I can’t find it!) and

for purposes of our movie script. But I am drawn to make an obser-

vation, perhaps well beyond my paygrade, that seems very relevant

to the question that dominates U.S. foreign policy today: what is

America’s role in the world?

Put another way….can we help humanity by encouraging

democracy and our principles or is it a futile, narcissistic and naïve

American conceit?

Since the American war in Vietnam is the event that ushered in

the prevailing distrust of our leaders and of the merits of our values,

the status of that country we invaded in 1965 and retreated from in

1973, in the first ever American military defeat, is perhaps of some

relevance to the current debates. From a two-week visit to Vietnam,

admittedly limited primarily to the northern part of the previous

South Vietnam and the city of Hanoi in the former north, my over-

whelming reaction is…. while we may have lost the war, if the battle

was for the “hearts and minds” of the Vietnamese people, we won

that one.

Our principles of liberty and belief in the merits of capitalism

have achieved in Vietnam what our bombs and bullets could not.

Along with the recognition that began with Vietnam (and has been

reinforced by Iraq and Afghanistan) that “nation building” doesn’t

work, perhaps we should also conclude that we should have greater

confidence in the natural appeal of our way of life as a desirable role

model.

I realize the world is a complicated place and I am ignoring the

admitted complications of fanatical religious terrorists and the dic-

tates of oil, but before we decide as a nation that we either “go to

shooting” or simply retreat to our own continent, we might consider

the example of Vietnam. A bitter and fierce adversary that we failed

to conquer by force is slowly but surely embracing personal liberty

and the merits of capitalism, but very much in their own way.

Vietnam has effectively turned its back on Russia and China as

undesirable models for its people and may very well join South

Korea as shining examples for Asia directly attributable to America’s

valiant efforts. As I approach the 50-year anniversary of my 13

months of combat, I think that’s a very good thing for America and

a real point of pride for all Vietnam military veterans.

Steve Bowen, who was a Forward Observer, his son Don, and AnthRichardson, who flew F-4 Phantoms in I Corps (L-R)

Steve Bowen (C) at lunch with OCC classmate Col Dave Wall, USMCR(ret) and the legendary Capt. Ed (Grumpy) Garr, USMC

Steve Bowen returns to Hill 55

10


NOTE: This is an excerpt from Bill Buchanan’s book, “Full Circle: AMarine Rifle Company in Vietnam,” www.baylaurelpress.com [email protected].

Late November 1966, intelligence reported that 3rd NVA

Regiment and elements of the 1st VC Main Force

Regiment had infiltrated into “Antenna Valley,” a notori-

ous lair deep in the mountains ten

kilometers south-southeast of An

Hoa. In response, the Battalion

Commander, Lt. Col. Airheart,

ordered that Companies F, G, and

H prepare for a helicopter assault

in an effort to trap and destroy

these units.

After an interminable wait at

the An Hoa airstrip, we began

boarding CH-46 Sea Knight heli-

copters at around 1015 on the

morning of 29 November and

flew southeastward towards the

LZ. Strapped into my seat, I

peered through the round

Plexiglas window down towards rice paddies that reflected the

sun like pieces of stained glass. Emerald-clad slopes of 675-

meter-high Nui Hon Chau rose up to meet us.

Air strikes around the LZ took so long that we ran low on fuel

and had to fly back to Marble Mountain airfield near Danang.

On the way there, my chopper and the one behind us developed

some sort of engine fluctuation; so, after gassing up, the lift took

off without our two 15-man teams, leaving us to sit for two

hours in the sand near the runway, watching the fly boys walk

past in fresh starched utilities, cameras in hand, headed for the

PX or the mess hall. Mess hall?

It wasn’t long before our recon party was at the mess hall

checking it out. They unloaded such a story on the mess sergeant

he gave them 100 cups of stateside ice cream, apples and cold-

cut sandwiches. We gorged ourselves with this exotic fare until

the choppers arrived. Then we stuffed the rest in our pockets and

packs, reboarded the choppers, and flew back towards the moun-

tains and the real war.

Only light sniper fire greeted us at the LZ, allowing us quick-

ly to join the rest of Company G and to follow in trace as they

began to move west up a narrow road, leaving Third Platoon as

the rear element. It didn’t take long for the word to spread that

Second Platoon had been eating sandwiches, apples, and ice

cream at Marble Mountain for the last two hours.

For Marc Glasgow, Third Platoon commander, the cautionary

preamble to the operation was coming true…

“When we mounted out for Mississippi, I had no idea what

Antenna Valley was. But Golf was the last unit in. And because

I was the last platoon in, I was going to be the last one out of the

LZ. Colonel Airheart came over with Gruner, and said, ‘Look;

no matter what happens, we expect them to try to cut you off,

being the last ones out of this LZ. You cannot get engaged.

You’ve got to depart. We can’t come back and get you. You will

have no support.’ It was the tactics that the enemy was using.

And as I recall, it was the Third NVA Regiment that was over

there.

Glasgow followed orders, holding his exposed position on

the west side of the landing zone and becoming increasingly

uncomfortable as the rest of the battalion moved out in column

formation towards the pass. It was quiet. Lieutenant Glasgow

ordered his first squad to move out, and the remaining squads to

provide cover. The first fire team had gone a few yards when

machine gun fire raked their position. Glasgow was not sur-

prised…

“Just as we got up to go, the NVA opened fire on us with a

couple of 12.7mm machine guns from way the hell across the

rice paddies, maybe 800 meters. Way up on the side of a hill.

Gruner had pre-planned artillery fires, but the artillery couldn’t

hit the target, because of the trajectory, so he switched to air. But

it never showed. Except the helicopter showed, and I don’t know

where they came from. It was an H-34. And without communi-

cations with him, because I didn’t have a FAC with me, we

couldn’t talk to him. We waved him off and then it was so long

before the jet showed up.

Glasgow called up his machine gun teams and they both got

taken out with explosive bullets. He was convinced they were

explosive bullets because one impact would cause two or three

casualties. He called for replacements. They became casualties

as soon as they manned the guns. When new teams finally were

able to put out sporadic bursts toward the enemy positions, the

fire was not effective.

Glasgow became increasingly frustrated. “I saw the NVA

guns. They could have been 1000 meters away. Our guns would

chatter and I could see where the tracers were hitting. We’d try

to move them but then they’d get whacked. I realized that there

wasn’t a lot we could do but get the hell out of the way. We

couldn’t reach them. We couldn’t get supporting fire. We had to

cross the open. So, we more or less hunkered down waiting for

Gruner to get the air in. It took so damned long.”

While all this was going on, my platoon was deployed on the

west side of a knoll. We kept waiting for Third Platoon to get

unstuck from the NVA unit that was trying to cut them out of the

herd. But the situation did not seem to be improving. Although

we could not see them because of the hill, it sounded as if

Glasgow’s platoon was responding vigorously. Yet he was not

able to move. My radioman gave me the handset.

“Lieutenant Buchanan—Cassandra Golf Six Actual.” It was

Captain Gruner. “I want you to prepare to go to the assistance of

Third Platoon if necessary. We may need you to take the pres-

sure off of him so he can join up. An air strike is pending. I’ll let

you know.”

“Aye, aye, Sir,” I responded. Ten minutes later, a Bird Dog

flew over. The Bird Dog must have asked Capt. Gruner to mark

Lt. Bill Buchanan, USMC

OPERATION MISSISSIPPI - November 1966


11

the NVA position, because a marine

appeared on our side of the knoll

shouldering a 3.5-inch rocket

launcher. He aimed carefully at a

high angle—what appeared to be

maximum range—and let fly with a

“whoosh!” of back blast. A few sec-

onds later, a white cloud blossomed

on the far hillside.

To our right rear, we heard the angry whine of a Marine

Corps A-4 Skyhawk. He screamed into view over the trees, zig-

ging and zagging violently, then settling in to arrow-straight

flight for the last few seconds before he pickled a 250-pound

bomb. The dark cauliflower shaped cloud of smoke, dirt and

trees that erupted from the side of the hill was a beautiful sight.

He pulled up and to the right and came around again. We

heard later that the pilot’s aerobatics had not been sufficiently

radical to avoid a 12.7 mm bullet through his canopy. Marc

Glasgow, the beleaguered Third Platoon Commander, saw his

opportunity…

“One of those strikes—he hit right on the money. I don’t

know how he knew where. We were trying to mark the god-

damned target, but that was the end of it from that hillside, with

those 50s. And I sent out one squad at a time while we provided

the base of fire. Then it was down to the last squad. Sent them

out and it was just my radioman, PFC Oaks and me.

“I took Oaks’ rifle and sent him out. And then it was time for

me. When I expended the magazine, I was done. After all that

time of adrenaline rushing, I had nothing left: zero in the tank. I

couldn’t run over the hill. Oaks took his radio and left his pack

board. I said I’d take it out, but I couldn’t carry it. I threw it

away. Not very proud of that, but I was totally out of gas.”

Charles “Chip” Mohney, a twenty-year-old marine from

McKeesport, Pennsylvania, had a bad feeling about being “Tail

End Charlie” for the battalion…

“Third Platoon was the last platoon out of the ‘ville. We had

just crossed a little rice paddy into what might have been a

cemetery when an enemy 50-caliber machine gun opened up

from way across the rice paddy. I deployed my squad on a little

knoll facing back across the rice paddy into the village. Almost

immediately, a man in 3.5 rocket launchers named Payne took

one through the neck. Shortly after Payne got hit, PFC James

Carroll Hebert took one in the head. So, one of the other

marines, a big ole’ college boy, we both ran over and grabbed

Hebert: him under one armpit and me under the other.

‘Course Hebert was already dead and we’re, you know, keep-

ing low and carrying Hebert as best we can by half-carrying,

half-dragging him. Then Hebert’s flak jacket just pulled right off

his body. When he hit the ground, he gave out a death groan, so

the guy with me thought Hebert was still alive and started giving

him mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. I told him, ‘He’s dead. Let’s

grab him and get out of here.’ By this time, helicopters were

coming in. And it was getting dark. So, we dropped Hebert off.”

Dusk was creeping up from the low places like ebony fog by

the time Third Platoon finally joined us, carrying two dead

marines in ponchos and guiding the walking wounded down the

narrow road. Marc Glasgow walked slowly past me like a man

in a dream, his hollow stare reflecting the tremendous strain he

had been under most of the afternoon. As I helped a young

marine carry one of the dead rifleman—a young shirtless marine

with light colored hair—towards the side of the hill, the only

clear spot for loading the casualties, he told me that after one of

the 12.7 mm machine guns drilled the man in the stomach, he

rose up yelling incoherently and would have run across the

clearing to attack the enemy if they had not held him down.

Then he died in their arms.

“An H-34 chopper hovering overhead buffeted us with prop

wash and sweet-smelling exhaust, dust and grass, then main-

tained a high rate of engine revs while settling precariously on

one wheel against the hill. It was a masterful piece of airman-

ship. I realized that one lost revolution, one cough from the

engine and we would be crushed. The crew chief was under-

standably agitated.

“Get those casualties aboard now, marines,” he screamed.

“Hustle it!”

As the bird struggled into the darkening sky loaded with the

dead and wounded, a feeling of gratitude and admiration welled

up in me. What was it, I pondered, that drove pilots and their

crews to perform such extraordinary feats? Monsoon storms,

enemy small arms fire, landing zones tucked into hillsides and

surrounded by trees reaching up to rip off a rotor, or entangle the

landing gear compounded enormously the basic act of flying one

of the ungainly machines. Yet they kept flying in to help out

their ground-pounder brethren.

Exhausted from their ordeal, Third Platoon formed up with

the company as we began climbing towards the pass, darkness

enveloped us. We spent the night shivering in our ponchos at the

crest of the 250-meter high pass. The rest of the battalion

stretched out 5,000 meters to the west of us.

The next morning, we resumed our march. As the road

dropped down the side of the ridge, Antenna Valley revealed

itself to be somewhat of a Shangri-La. Sharply sculpted jungle-

clad mountains furrowed with mysterious ravines rose against a

sky full of cumulus clouds. If ever there was a likely base camp

for the NVA 3rd Regiment, this was it.

Bill Buchanan todayCourse Hebert was already dead and we’re,you know, keeping low and carryingHebert as best we can by half-carrying,half-dragging him. Then Hebert’s flak jack-et just pulled right off his body. When hehit the ground, he gave out a death groan,so the guy with me thought Hebert wasstill alive and started giving him mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

12


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13

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DENNY WEISGERBERCARL WENHOLDDAVID F. WEST WALTER R. WESTROBERT WILHELMTOMMY J. WOOTTONJIM WYBENGABYRON J. WYLIEJIM ZALPISCAMP HAMILTON VETSMEMORIAL PARK

CHAPTERSDALLAS GOLDEN GATELOS ANGELES COUNTYBODFISH CHAPTERHAWAIIAN ISLANDSMARYLAND SAN ANTONIO ALAMO

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14


Feedback/Letters to the Editor

“An American Term: Milan, Italy, 1985”

In winter, spring and early summer, 1985, I lived with my family

in Milan, Italy, where I was working on my second book, WILLA

CATHER AND SIX WRITERS FROM THE GREAT WAR (1991).

After I had toured the Sforza Castle, in the center of the city, I bought

a picture post card of this imposing fort, and sent it with a note to now

FMDA President, Vince Rios, retired Marine Sergeant, loyal friend

and great Marine.*

At the end of the p.c., as I often do while writing to Marine

Buddies, I wrote Semper Fidelis, and signed my name. An Italian

engineer friend of mine, sitting nearby at the coffee shop, where we

were both relaxing, noticed that I had underlined the words with

which I had closed my message.

He promptly asked me if I had underlined Semper Fidelis because

it was a foreign term. I nodded and replied, “Si.” Whereupon he

replied, with the finest Italian demeanor, “Surely the United States

Marines, by their actions, have made SEMPER FIDELIS an

American term,” a comment which brought tears to my eyes.

SF,

James J. (Jim) Kirschke, Ph.D., recently retired Villanova

University professor, author and Captain United States

Marine Corps, retired

*For FMDA members who might be unaware of the facts, ourPresident, Vince Rios, lost both legs and an arm while serving in theMarine Infantry in Vietnam. And when he did, as often, he was outfront, risking his life, alongside his patrol’s point. We should be proudto have such a great man as Vince as President of the First MarineDivision Association.

My first chopper ride

On February 3, 1953 my company, A-1-5, went on a raid. The

night before, two chaplains, one Catholic and one Protestant, held

services. We were in reserve at the time.

We jumped off at first light; the temperature was -3º. I was being

trained to be Platoon Radioman, on the books as Platoon Runner.

When I joined the company the previous September, my MOS was

0411—Shore Party. Yes, all Marines are basically riflemen.

So, I was on the point with my S/Sgt when I was critically wound-

ed, gunshot, left chest. After I was evacuated to the MLR and treated

in a Forward Air Station I was flown back to Surgical Aid Station on

a helicopter in a basket on its skid.

At the Surgical Aid Station they cut off my clothes, gave me

blood, shot up my heart with digitalis, and took X-rays. A very nice

officer said “Repeat after me” and recited the Act of Contrition.” (See

below.) When he was done he told me he was the Protestant chaplain.

The Catholic chaplain was busy.

While I was thinking about that they put me on a much larger hel-

icopter with my X-rays and flew me to the hospital ship Repose,

where they rushed me into the operating room. That ended a day in

the life of a “Grunt.”

P.S. The casualty rate that day was 14 KIAs and 71 WIAs.

John F. Donovan, 245 Elmwood St.

Valley Stream, NY 11581

NOTE: The Act of Contrition is a prayer in which Catholics ask Godto forgive their sins. They say it in the sacrament of reconciliation, orpenance (otherwise known as confession). Saying it was not a goodsign for Catholic Marines—or any other service members—whowere about to be transported to a hospital ship.

Act of ContritionO my God, I am heartily sorry for

having offended you, and I detest

all my sins, because of Your just

punishments, but most of all because

they offend You, my God, who are

all-good and deserving of all my love.

I firmly resolve, with the help of

Your grace, to sin no more and to

avoid the near occasion of sin.

Operation Clambake

This excerpt from OUTPOST WAR U.S. Marines from the

Nevada Battles to the Armistice, by Bernard C. Nalty, describes the

operation in which John Donovan was wounded.

“The complex operation, named Clambake, required a half-dozen

rehearsals, the last on 1 February. Unlike Operation Wakeup in

November 1952, which had sought to take prisoners and gather intel-

ligence on the Chinese defenses, planners designed Clambake prima-

rily to kill the enemy and destroy his bunkers and trenches.

“The raid began at first light on 3 February, when three platoons

of tanks roared toward the enemy held high ground—Hill 104,

Kumgok, and Red Hill—a short distance west of the real objective,

Ungok. While the armored vehicles cut loose with 90mm guns and

flamethrowers, the 1st Battalion, 11th Marines, added to the realism

of the feint by shelling the apparent objective.

“Taking advantage of the diversion, two reinforced platoons from

Company A, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines—armed with Bangalore tor-

pedoes to breach barbed wire and flamethrowers, satchel charges,

and 3.5-inch rocket launchers to destroy heavier fortifications—

stormed Hills 31 and 31A. The tanks taking part in the diversion pro-

tected the left flank of the attacking Marines by crossing a frozen

paddy to open fire on the trench line connecting Ungok with the hills

to the west. The Chinese blazed away at the Marine tanks that either

protected the flank from beyond the rice paddy or accompanied the

assault force and succeeded in destroying a flame-throwing M-4

Sherman tank. Supported by air, armor, and artillery, the Marine raid-

ing party prevailed.

“Clambake captured no prisoners but accomplished its main pur-

pose by collapsing bunkers, trenches, and caves, and killing perhaps

390 Chinese before the attackers withdrew. Marine casualties totaled

14 killed and 91 wounded. Operation Clambake demonstrated anew

the value of planning and rehearsal, the ability of flame-throwing

tanks to discourage Chinese tank-killer teams armed with shoulder-


15

fired rocket launchers, and the importance of coordinating air,

artillery, and armor in support of an infantry assault.”

http://www.koreanwar2.org/kwp2/usmckorea/PDF_Monographs/KoreanWar.OutpostWar.pdf

A hero I’ve never forgotten

I was a Corpsman with B-1-7 on Okinawa during the latter phase

of the battle. One afternoon the company moved forward to a new

position. After the platoons were fixed in their areas the Company

Commanding Officer (CO) sent a patrol to recon the area in front of

our position. Very soon they called back that there was a cave con-

taining a group of civilians.

The CO hollered that they had to be brought out. The

patrol called and motioned to the people to come out, but they were

afraid of what the Marines might do to them. They had been warned

by the Japanese troops that the Americans would do all manners of

horrible things to them.

The CO told the patrol leader to throw a smoke grenade into the

cave. The people then came out and filed through our line. The last

person was a man who was severely burned. One arm was split like

a hot dog on a grill. He had other burns as well.

I wanted to give him some first aid, but the lieutenant would not

let me. This man had fallen on the grenade to protect the others. He

was a hero I have never forgotten.

James Fackler, Minneapolis MN, [email protected]

1st Marine Division AssociationChapter Presidents

Name of Chapter State Region President Phone Email Address Chapter Dir MembersColorado River AZ Western James Robinson 949-422-0016 [email protected] Pat Moyer 90Phoenix AZ Western Gene Wuestenfeld 602-619-4971 [email protected] Gene Wuestenfeld Bodfish CA Western Bill Turner 818-786-5326 [email protected] Bill Turner “1,500”California Delta CA Western Ray Bael 209-466-1202 [email protected] John Stevens 33Central California CA Western Sgt Darrell R. Reddig 661-599-6948 None Desert Cities CA Western Vince Mast 760-972-4886 [email protected] Gene McClendon 76In-Cheon Korea CA Western Col Sung Ho Lee 415-468-8117 [email protected] J.Y. Lee Los Angeles CA Western Nile Holmes 909-635-8257 Bill Turner 420Golden Gate (Fmr N. Cal) CA Western 1stLt Frank E. Wallace III [email protected] Henry Tassinari 187Orange County CA Western Sgt Scott C. Montoya 909-964-0667 [email protected] Scott C. Montoya 104Redwood Empire CA Western Cpl Wallace T. Stewart 707-824-9967 [email protected] John Stevens 34Silicon Valley CA Western Mike Welsh 650-941-4902 [email protected] Denny Weisgerber Southern California CA Western SgtMaj Marty Vasquez 760-757-6981 [email protected] Dan Smith 232Rocky Mountain CO Western Msgt John Decker 303-618-5748 [email protected] Tim Dunn Oregon Columbia River OR Western Gene Mosbrucker 360-425-6704 [email protected] 3D AA BN CA Western LtCol Charles McLean [email protected] Hawaiian Islands HI Western Sgt Dale L. Turner 661-253-1981 [email protected] David Franklin 33Boardman Chapter WA Western 100Central Florida FL Eastern Sgt Elmer J. Hawkins 386-679-3814 [email protected] Elmer Hawkins 63Southwest Florida FL Eastern “H. Wells “Red” French 941-979-6589 [email protected] Greater Boston MA Eastern GySgt Gerard C. Florentine 781-961-3670 [email protected] Maryland MD Eastern Cpl Harry H. Smith 410-472-3246 Mike Sisk 701/5 Vietnam Veterans PA Eastern Sgt James E. Dougherty 610-996-7143 [email protected] Nicholas Warr New York NY Eastern Robert Rohde 516-433-5212 [email protected] Robert Rohde 106Liberty Bell PA Eastern Steve Doc Lakernick 215-850-8313 [email protected] Pierre Sims South Carolina SC Eastern TSgt James F. Gunn USMC (Ret) 803-468-1286 22Tennessee TN Eastern MGySgt Ed Evans 615-3991342 [email protected] Old Dominion Virginia VA Eastern Maj William V.T. Uehling USMC (Ret) 703-978-4530 [email protected] William V.T. Uehling 43Greater New Orleans LA Eastern Sgt Samuel J. Manzella 504-368-4886 [email protected] Echo Co 2/7 VN CT Eastern Cpl Anthony A. Milano 401-568-7298 [email protected] Jimmy Clendennen 50Chicago IL Central Jack J. Raftery 847-439-6069 [email protected] Jack J. Raftery Central Indiana IN Central Wayne E. Harmon 317-371-2010 [email protected] Wayne E. Harmon 39Copper Country MI Central Cpl Craig E. Wilson 906-482-3282 Craig E. Wilson 42Minnesota MN Central 216Saint Louis MO Central Alan Kennedy 314-837-7370 [email protected] Roland Amrhein Alamo TX Central Robert K. Otto 210-623-4433 [email protected] Val Yruegas 50Dallas` TX Central LtCol Walter C.Schmick USMC (Ret) 817-275-2948 [email protected] Jim Fairbairn 31Houston TX Central Larry Wells 281-360-4788 [email protected] Dennis A. Wilmoth 94Wisconsin Wi Central GySgt Dennis R. Dolgner 414-840-2123 [email protected] Mick Olson Sooner Oklahoma OK Central PFC Thomas J. Smith 405-275-2017 [email protected] Jack B. Austerman 10 Contact Vice-President Bill Turner 818-786-5326 [email protected] KMCWVA KO Kyu-Pyo Son 82-016-204-1197 Hyup-Kil Lee Seoul Korea KO BGEN Jung Soo Park 82-31-767-0707 H.S. Lee 7th COMM BN David Haage 719-274-4739 [email protected] I 3/7 Vietnam Veterans “Tex” Ed Stitler 210-828-5773 [email protected]

16


Afloat aboard USS Monrovia (APA-31) somewhere on the

Mediterranean Sea, sometime between July 1959 and

February 1960…. A U.S. Navy chaplain conducts a surprise

“book review” in 3rd Bn., 8th Regt., 2nd Marine Division

troop compartments and confiscates several books due to their

alleged salacious contents. Most of the Marines can neither

spell salacious nor define it. No matter. Their books are gone,

and no one has a dictionary to read.

Granted, the Marines were not reading tomes such as

“Crime and Punishment,” “War and Peace,” “Of Mice and

Men,” etc. Nevertheless, they were not pleased that the chap-

lain just appropriated their books without due process. It’s not

like the ship’s library included a lot of books that hadn’t been

colored in yet.

Not surprisingly, attendance at religious services dropped

off considerably the following Sunday, and for several

Sundays thereafter. The chaplain had not exactly done won-

ders for the troops’ morale or religious beliefs.

On the other hand, many chaplains have performed exem-

plary services in their military careers, e.g., Father Emil

Kapaun (Korean War), Fr. Vincent Capodanno (Vietnam War),

the “Four Chaplains” (WWII…

Service members recall chaplains as a source of comfort

when things weren’t going well—which they often were not.

Hey, we were service members, remember? The TS card

above is a sample of one chaplain’s response to service mem-

bers’ tales of woe. Anyone recall seeing one, or anything like

it? And, while we are at it, let’s hear your stories about your

interactions with chaplains, good or bad (the stories, not the

chaplains). (See the story on p. 14.) Did they really provide

comfort? Did you rely on them for help? Did you avoid them?

Do you remembers tales of chaplains’ heroism or selfless-

ness? Let us know. Send your stories to Arthur G. Sharp, 2473

New Haven Circle, Sun City, FL 33573.

Thanks to John Cook, 300 Earlington Rd., Havertown, PA

19083 for sending us the copy of the card.

Does anyone remember theTS Card?

A sample of one chaplain’s response to service members’ tales of woe.

Anyone remember this piece of equipment or being trained to

use it? According to the below entry from 2/1’s Command

Report, it was helpful in their operations. The report entry is

complemented by a history of the MK 15’s development, which

was not intended for individual Marine units’ use.

Special Equipment Report.

a. During the reporting period the 2nd Battalion, 1st

Marines conducted a cordon and search operation in a village

in the vicinity of Marble Mountain. Four MK15 Ordnance

Detectors were employed on the search operation by infantry

personnel. The detectors led to the discovery of a cache of (4)

122mn rockets (buried 2 feet underground) and (4) Chicom

Grenades. In addition, one platoon was able to negotiate safely

a flooded rice paddy by using the MK 15 detector. On the way

through they uncovered a total of (7) booby trapped Surprise

Firing Devices. Infantry personnel were trained by Engineers

of this Battalion in employment of the MK 15 in less than one

hour. The MK 15 is not the panacea for the enemy’s mine

booby trap and ordnance threat, but it adds measurably to our

countermeasure capability. There are currently four (4) such

operable probes in the 1st Marine Division. The MK 15 is rec-

ommended as a T/E item for all infantry units and Combat

Support Units who accompany the Infantry in the field. It is

light, compact, rugged, and easily operated with minimum

training time.

DECLASSIFIEDSource: http://www.recordsofwar.com/vietnam/usmc/ USMC_Rvn.htmAccession Number: AD0379634Title: DEVELOPMENT OF THE ORDNANCE LOCATOR MK 15,Corporate Author: NAVAL ORDNANCE LAB WHITE OAK MDPersonal Author(s): Hooper. T.; Hubbard,W. M.Report Date: 05 DEC 1966Pagination or Media Count: 23Abstract: The Mark 15 Ordnance Locator has been developed to meetthe specific requirements of the on-board junk search environment inVietnam. This device is a rugged, portable unit weighting approximately2 1/2 pounds that operates from batteries having sufficient capacity toprovide 40 hours continuous operation. The unit is waterproof todepths greater than 30 feet, requires no field adjustments or mainte-nance other than battery replacement and is inexpensive enough ($264per unit) to be considered semi-expendable equipment. It is expectedthat this locator will also find use in hut and tunnel searches, searchesof rice paddies and swimmer ordnance location applications. (Author)Descriptors: (*ORDNANCE LOCATORS, OPERATION), UNDER-GROUND STRUCTURES, DETECTION (U) *MAGNETOMETERS,*MAGNETIC DETECTORS, CIRCUITS, PRINTED CIRCUITS, ENCAPSU-LATION, COSTS, WEAPONSSubject Categories: MAGNETIC & ELECTRIC FLD DETECTION ANDDETECTORSDistribution Statement: APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASESource: http://www.dtic.mil/docs/citations/AD0379634

MK 15 Ordnance Detector


17

Deadlines OBN MaterialThe new quarterly publication schedule dictates that we changedeadline dates by which we must receive material. Here are theschedules for the next issue:

ISSUE PERIOD DEADLINE

1st Quarter Jan/Feb/Mar 1 February2nd Quarter Apr/May/Jun 1 May3rd Quarter Jul/Aug/Sep 1 August4th Quarter Oct/Nov/Dec 1 November Please submit your material to OBN Editor, 2473 New HavenCircle, Sun City Center, FL 33573-7141, 813-614-1326, or emailit to [email protected].

Army & Air Force Exchange Service Public AffairsNEWS RELEASE: 17-003 Jan. 13, 2017

Exchange Media Contact: Chris Ward – [email protected] AAFES Welcoming Home All of America’sVeterans with Online Shopping Benefit

DALLAS – After four years of coordination with the

Departments of Defense, Army and Air Force as well as several

other federal agencies, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service

(AAFES) will welcome home approximately 13 million veterans

on Nov. 11.

“AAFES is honored to offer this well-deserved benefit to

those who raised their right hands, took the oath and served our

Nation with honor,” said AAFES Director/CEO Tom Shull.

“There are many generations of service members who have not

been properly recognized for their sacrifices. The Veterans

online shopping benefit acknowledges their service and wel-

comes them home.”

Extending online shopping privileges to all honorably dis-

charged veterans will directly improve family and support pro-

grams for Soldiers, Airmen and their families. Consistent with

each exchange’s dividend policy, increased earnings as a result

of the Veterans online shopping benefit is expected to generate

tens of millions of dollars in increased annual dividends to

Quality-of-Life programs for the military community including

contingency operations, Army Child Development Centers,

Youth Services and fitness centers, Air Force Outdoor

Recreation, combat uniforms, overseas school lunches and more.

The Veterans online shopping benefit also strengthens

AAFES’ online business to better serve current

shoppers. Including honorably discharged veterans will conserv-

atively double exchanges’ online presence, improving the expe-

rience for all shoppers.

From technology upgrades to associate training to inventory

planning, AAFES has been working on implementation of the

Veterans online shopping benefit since it was first proposed in

2013. As a result, most of the required business capabilities are

already in place, and AAFES will be ready for a smooth rollout

on Veterans Day.

“AAFES, along with its sister exchanges, is ensuring

America’s veterans are honored for their service and recognized

as Soldiers, Airmen, Marines and Sailors for life,” said Shull.

“We look forward to welcoming our veterans home this Veterans

Day and every day thereafter.”

Editor’s New Book Available

Did you know there were 12 deaths and 168 injuries incurredby people due to atomic weapons during the Korean War—

and they all occurred in California? Or that General Macarthurwanted to create a cobalt belt across North Korea, even thoughno cobalt bomb existed to create it? And, nuclear weapons mayor may have been used in Korea between 1950 and 1953—ornot. Those are three of the interesting topics in my recently pub-lished book, “Atomic Cannons and Nuclear Weapons, a mysteryof the Korean War,” which is now available.

The book demonstrates that the KoreanWar was the second nuclear war in history.There is a question as to whether or notnuclear weapons were actually employed.But, there is no question that they played amajor psychological role in the war. Justhow great that influence was is the themeof the book.“Atomic Cannon and Nuclear Weapons: a

mystery of the Korean War” is filled with eyewitness accountsof the presence of a nuclear cannon in Korea during the war andat least one Air Force radar operator swears that an atomicbomb was dropped there. An M-65 280mm. atomic cannonknown as “Atomic Annie” or “Atomic Ike” did exist toward theend of the war. But, was it in Korea? Some of the Soldiers andMarines quoted in the book say they saw it there—and heard orsaw it fired. Did they? Who knows?Anyway, I am happy to announce that the book is available in e-book format only at this time at amazon.com ($9.99) or barne-sandnoble.com ($8.99). Hopefully many of you will read it. Iknow I will.

Shopmyexchange.com Will Open to All Honorably Discharged Veteranson Veterans Day 2017

Disclaimer Re Advertisements: The First Marine DivisionAssociation is not responsible for the quality of the products orservices it advertises. The administration makes every effort tomake sure they are legitimate and of high quality. If purchasersare not satisfied with the advertised products or services theyreceive, it is their responsibility to work with the advertisers toresolve any issues.

MEMBERSHIP REPORT 05-16-2017

Life Annual Assoc. Annual Friend Total6,340 1,125 115 31 7,611

18


Chapter ScuttlebuttNews from the Chapters of the 1st Marine Division Association

ALAMO Members met in early April.

Ed Stitiler, [email protected]

COLORADO

Mountain Breed Marines Celebrate St. Pat’s DayWe, also known as the Mountain Breed, participated in the Denver

St. Patrick’s Day parade on Saturday March 11. In spite of the rainy

and chilly weather, Marines, friends, and family turned out to ride in

the parade.

Our parade unit was led by Grady Birdsong, Tim Dunn, and Justin

MacDonald, carrying our banner. The banner detail was followed by

Dianne Decker driving her red Ford Explorer. The main body fol-

lowed on board President John Decker’s flatbed truck.

Considering the weather there was a large turnout of spectators

along the route past the Union Station and Coor’s Field. Following

the parade we mustered at the Cap City Tavern for Jameson’s and

Guinness or whatever. A good time was had by all.

Colorado chapter group at Denver parade

Members of theAlamo chapter gatherfor April 2017 meet-ing

Colorado chapter members celebrate after Denver parade

Banner detail from Colorado chapter

Members of Colorado chapter mount up for parade

Members of Colorado chapter enjoy adult beverages at Cap City Tavern


19

Mountain Breed LossesIn recent months, we have lost three members. Jim Peabody, SSgt,

C Co, 1st Tanks Korea, (4/14/1933 – 11/16/2016); Norbert Van

Osten, Sgt G/3/1, Korea (10/20/1932 – 1/23/2017); and Gary

Wilkins, SSgt, HQ, 1st Eng. Bn., Korea (3/12/1932 – 1/24/2017).

Wilkins served as Deputy Vice President West, FMDA in the early

2000s.

May they all rest in peace!

Robert F. Brockish, [email protected]

DALLAS On 27 April 2017, the W.T. White Marine Corps Junior ROTC

held their Spring Awards Ceremony in the school’s library. Each year

the Sons of the American Revolution and us, along with other veter-

ans/patriotic organizations, sponsor awards to deserving MCJROTC

students.

The Sons of the American Revolution Bronze Medal was present-

ed to Cadet Staff Sergeant Ulices Gonzalez-Gonzales. Making the

presentation was Jim Fairbairn.

In addition, we sponsor the Joe Walker Award. The award, named

in memory of former chapter treasurer Joe Walker, is presented to the

MCJROTC’s Top Cadet. The 2017 recipient was Cadet Major

Emigdio Benitez. Chapter president Walt Schmick made the presen-

tation.

Cadet Major Benitez is a graduating senior and his aspiration is to

enlist into the Marine Corps. Our heartiest congratulations to both of

these young men.

We presented a check for $500 to VFW Post 8627 in recognition

of its generous and gracious hospitality. Our donation is intended to

help offset the cost of the post’s parking lot repaving project.

Walt Schmick, [email protected]

OREGON/COLUMBIA RIVER We held our annual spring luncheon on April 22nd, at which time

the election of officers and directors took place. There was an enthu-

siastic group of 30+ souls in attendance at the McNary Golf Club

Restaurant and Lounge. All of the current officers were re-elected.

Plus, Bill Call was elected to a vacant position of director.

Three Honor Guard members received a Certificate of

Appreciation “For showing exemplary duty and support to Marines,

Corpsmen and their families in participating in its Military Honor

Guard in over 500 Memorial Services.” Since 2001 our Honor Guard

has served at as many memorial and funeral services as possible for

all Marines, regardless of where the services are held, although most

are at Willamette National Cemetery. Our current average is between

120 and 170 per year. In addition, current president, Gene

Mosbrucker, received a plaque for Outstanding Service.

The “Missing Man” table was flanked by the uniforms of LtCol.

H. E. “Mac” MacDonald, USMC (Ret) and Lance Corporal Christina

J. Humphrey, who was wounded during her tour in Iraq, 2004-

Walt Schmick of the Dallas chap-ter (R) presents award to CadetMajor Emigdio Benitez

Jim Fairbairn of Dallas chapterpresents The Sons of theAmerican Revolution BronzeMedal to Cadet Staff SergeantUlices Gonzalez-Gonzales

Jim Fairbairn of the Dallaschapter presents a checkto VFW Post 8627Commander Phil Denny.Jim is also a member ofthe post.

The Missing Mantable at theOregon/ColumbiaRiver luncheon

Certificate presented toOregon/Columbia Riverchapter members whohave participated in over500 burial and memorialservices: Bill Hendrickson(847), Gary Brannan (642),and John Hudsin (605)

20


2005. These uniforms are from the collection of the VFW 661

Museum, which LtCol. MacDonald founded. Chaplain Al Hein recit-

ed “The Empty Chair” by the late Boyce Clark, Cpl. USMC.

The traditional fund raiser was held and the meeting/luncheon

concluded.

Gary Brannan, Cpl. USMC and Bob “Doc” Wickman,

HM2, [email protected]

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA The chapter sponsored a cookout at Headquarters Battalion, Camp

Margarita.

Certificate presented to BillHendrickson for serving asNCOIC of the Oregon/ColumbiaRiver chapter’s Honor Guard forthe past six years

Oregon/ColumbiaRiver PresidentGene Mosbrucker’splaque

LtCol. McDonald’s uniform flanksthe Oregon/Columbia River chap-ter’s Missing Man table

L/Cpl. Humphrey’s uniform on dis-play at Oregon/Columbia Riverluncheon

Cookout inprogress atCampMargarita

Hosts at the CampMargarita cookout

Troops enjoy food atSouthern California chap-ter-sponsored cookout

Check your label

*************************************AUTO**5-DIGIT 12345I-3-5 WWII 0217 JOHN Q MARINE1234 MAIN STREETYOURTOWN US 12345-1111

DELIVERY POINT BARCODE

Your Unit & Service EraMembership Dues Expiration Date:Month and Year (Life = 0000)

Check your name andaddress ( Apt./Bldg/LotNo.). Notify theMembership Chairmanif you find an error. Ifyour zip code doesnot contain 9 digits(zip+4), your addressis not correct accordingto the USPS. Contactyour local Post Officefor proper format.

Semper Fidelis is not merely a motto for a

Marine;it is a way of life


21

By making your contribution by credit card, your donation can help more quickly the FMDA fundraising and administrative costs. (Note: CreditCards can be personal or Corporate. If the donor uses a USAA card - any USAA card - the First Marine Division Association, Inc. gets a small,but helpful, rebate.If the donor uses a USAA card - any USAA card - the First Marine Division Association, Inc. gets a small, but helpful, rebate)

Type of Credit Card: r Visa r Master Card r American Express r Discover

Credit Card Number: ____________________________________________Expiration Date ________________________________________________________________________

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Signature: __________________________________Date: ______________________________________Funds received in response to this solicitation will not be subject to federal contribution limits. To have an immediate impact you may alsocontribute to FMDA while online at: www.1stmarinedivisionassociation.org.

1ST MARINE DIVISION ASSOCIATION1ST MARINE DIVISION ASSOCIATIONDONATIONS

Reunion Calendar – 2017Mail your info to OBN Reunion Editor, 2473 New Haven Circle, Sun City Center, FL 33573-7141 or email it to [email protected]. Include Unit, Date(s), Place, and Contact’sname, address, phone #, email address. Entries are posted “first come, first served.” TheOBN is not responsible for the accuracy of the information published. NOTE: Submissionsmay be edited for space considerations..

JULYFox-2-7, 9-14 July, Savannah, GA. Ron Gryn, 325-638-2872, [email protected] forreunion packet

AUGUST3rd MarDiv Assn., 1-6 Aug., Savannah, GA. The Hilton Savannah DeSoto, 15 East Liberty St.,Savannah, GA 31401. For Reservations call 912-232-9000 and reference the 3rd MarineDivision Association Reunion.1st Bn., 3rd Marines (1/3), all eras, Savannah, GA, 1-6 Aug., Don Bumgarner, 562-897-2437, [email protected] Marines Assn., 11-13 Aug. Las Vegas, NV. “26’ers” of all times, Iwo to current, includ-ing Regiment, MAU and MEU and supporting units, are welcome. Sonny Hollub Jr., 512-825-4730, [email protected] or 26thMarines.com

SEPTEMBERTogether We Served (TWS) All Service Reunion, 5-7 Sept., New Orleans, LA, HiltonRiverside. Diane Short, 888 398-3262,https://www.facebook.com/groups/679326885428384/ or [email protected] (Bloody George), Korea, 11-14 Sept., Dana Point, CA. Bob Camarillo, 805-377-7840,[email protected] or Bob Harbula, 412-462-853 West Coast Drill Instructor Assn., SgtMaj Leland D. “Crow” Crawford Chapter, 14-17 Sept.,MCRD, San Diego, CA. Gregg Stoner, 619-884-9047, [email protected] or CWO3Chip Dykes 760-908-2322. More info can be found at http://www.westcoastdi.orgSubic Bay Marines, 21-25 Sept., Boise, ID, Marriott Residence Inn. A.J. Allen, 208 941 3345

OCTOBERKorean War Veterans Association (KWVA), 4-8 Oct., Norfolk, VA, Sheraton NorfolkWaterside Hotel. 800-325-3535 (ask for Korean War Veterans Association) orhttps://www.starwoodmeeting.com/Book/KWVA2017

There is an organization named “Together We Served(TWS)” that exists to reconnect members of variousservices. As its website says, “If you or a loved one hasserved our country as a member of the United StatesArmed Forces, then you've come to the right place.”

Further, it says, “Together We Served (TWS) is theonline community connecting and honoring everyAmerican who has worn the uniform of the United Statesmilitary. This is where you reconnect with old friends andshare your service story as a lasting legacy for genera-tions to come.”

Originally TWS launched specifically for Marine Corpsveterans. Now it has expanded to five websites to includemembers of the four other major armed services. Now ithas more than 1.4 million members and boasts that it has“reconnected more service men and women than anyother website or organization.”

According to the service’s founder, “Our work is hardlycomplete. There are currently just over 21 million veter-ans; nearly 60% are from the Vietnam, Korean and WWIIera. We are in a race against time to capture their storiesnow, while we still can.”

So, the website notes, “If you have served this country,you are already a part of this community. And yourfriends are waiting for you. Welcome to the most impor-tant online presentation of our nations' military historyavailable.”

Together We Served

22


Contr ibut ions to the Firs t M

• SGT PHILLIP E. ACKERT 24th 20• AFFINION GROUP 1st 3514.43 • AFFINION GROUP 315.56• CPL DONALD E. AHLGREN 15th 20.00

In Memory of LT Col William Holmberg F-2-1 Korea • MR. GEORGE L. AYER 22nd 10.00• SGT DANNY JOSEPH. BECKER 6th 20

In Memory/. Honor of C-1-7• SGT RICHARD L. BEHELER 1st 100• HAROLD D. BERNATH 6th 25.00• MAJ ALLAN C. BEVILACQUA USMC (Ret) 106th 65.00

In Memory of a Great Marine and lifelong friend, Marc Gutierrez.

• HMC JAMES B. BEYERSDORF FMF 22nd 10.00• LCPL JOHN A. BIERMAN 15th 100.00

In Memory of Robert Dowdy and HM3 Larry Ray Conley• SGT LOUIS A. BISHOP JR 2nd 25.00• MSGT ROBERT F. BOLAND 2nd 30.00• SGT ROBERT L. CALKINS 23rd 25• CPL JOSEPH R. CARBAJAL 35.00• LCPL RICHARD J. CLARK USMC (Ret) 5th 100• GYSGT BILLY O. COCHRAN 5th 15• CPL EDUARDO CONTRERAS 1st 100.00

In Memorty of Capt. Aaron J. Contreras HMLA 169 MAG 69 KIA 3/30/03

• GYSGT EUGENE A. DAY USMC (Ret) 2nd 25.00• SGT FELIX DELGIUDICE 23rd 20.00

In Memory of A.J. Estergall E-2-1• PFC WILLIAM J. DENNIS 22nd 25

In Memory of PFC James E. Moffitt KIA Korea 1953• HOWARD E. DENTON 5th 50• HOWARD E. DENTON 6th 50

In Memory of Sgt Chester Marsh• HOWARD E. DENTON 7th 50

In Memory of Sgt Edward Marsh (KIA Peleliu)• PHILIP J. DEVLIN 13th 20• CPL LEONARD A. DIBBS 11th 100.00• COL DARRYL A. DONEGAN 14th 10.00• SSGT BRUCE L. DOWNS 8th 25.00

In Memory of Mrs. Virginia Evans Puller wife of General Lewis Burwell Puller

• SGT JOHN W. ERSKINE 7th 50.00• SGT JOHN O. EVERY 15th 25.00• MAJ JAMES W. FACKLER 8th 35.00• MRS CATHERINE FINELLI 2nd 50.00

In Memory of SSgt Patrick L. Finelli• PATRICK R . FORD 2nd 25.00• SGT WILLIAM A. FREEMAN Jr 1st 50.00• 1STSGT GEORGE E. GALVAN USMC (Ret) 68th 300.00

My Beloved Wife WM Sgt Gaye Galvan • GYSGT RAYMOND C. GERSTNER 4th 30• SGT HOLLAND (HOOT) M. GIBSON Jr 9th 10.00• CAPT JOHN A. GRIFFITH USMC (Ret) 39th 50• SGT DONALD L. GRIMES 11th 100.00• STEVEN A. HILTON 6th 25.00

In Memory of Michael Farmer - RVN KIA• STEVEN A. HILTON 7th 25.00

In Memory of Ronald Santoro KIA RVN • GYSGT MARSHALL E. HURST USMC(RET.) 6th 25.00• IBM EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTIONS 25th 16.00• IBM EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTIONS 28th 16.00• IBM EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTIONS 29th 16.00• IBM EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTIONS 30th 16.00

• 1STSGT RUSSELL W. KAUFFMAN USMC (Ret) 6th 20.00• MGYSGT JAMES L. KEELY (Ret) 98th 15.00• 1STSGT DONALD E. LINKOUS USMC (Ret) 11th 35.00

In Memory/Honor of Master Chief Walt Linkous, In Memory of GySgt P. Visinger, MSgt Garcia

• JOSEPH M. MIKE. LOPEZ 2nd 25.00In Memory of Capt. Paul G. Lopez

• SGT JOHN J. LOVAS 1st 150• SGT ARTHUR J. LYON 6th 50

In Memory of CPL Michael J. Hare KIA 6/17/67 Golf Co. 2/5

• SGT ARTHUR J. LYON 5th 50.00In Memory of PFC Gary Wayne Martini KIA 4/21/67 MOH recipient

• SSGT DONALD F. MACDERMOTT 12th 30.00• SGT JOHN E. MANSFIELD 56th 22.00.• SGT JOHN E. MANSFIELD 57th 22.00• SGT JOHN L. MATTIS 15th 50.00• COL THOMAS M. MCCABE USMCR (Ret) 19th 50• CPL JOHN F. MCEVOY 2nd 25.00• PFC RAY F. MCGUIRE 14th 10.00• 1STSGT RAYMOND W. MEANEY USMC (Ret) 26th 25.00• MILITARY MAGAZINE 1st 2.00• LTCOL DONALD J. MODDER USMCR 6th 50.00• CPL RICHARD (MOON-MAN) B.. MOONEY 25th 25

In Honor of Lt. Thomas Quigley• E-5 DIRK P. MOSIS III 14th 25.00• SGT ARNOLD A. NETTEKOVEN 17th 50.00• MGYSGT LOUIS E. NORDYKE USMC (Ret) 72nd 1,000• MGYSGT LOUIS E. NORDYKE USMC (Ret) 73rd 500• HM2 HOWELL L. NORMAN 7th 50.00

In Memory of my friend, HM2 Greg Koupe, KIA 2/69• SGT JOHN S. O’KEEFFE 86 10• SGT JOHN S. O’KEEFFE 87th 10.00• MRS MARILYN PAIGE 41st 200• SGT JAMES V. PELLA 22nd 15.00• CPL JOHN H. PENA 4th 15.00• LTCOL STEPHEN PERCY 47th 25.00• MGYSGT CHARLES D. PICKERING 31st 25.00• CPL ALAN J. PRESEREN 4th 15.00• CPL RICHARD J. ROBBINS 14th 50.00• CPL JOHN J. SALERNO 31st 20.00• LTCOL WALTER C. SCHMICK Jr USMC (Ret) 11th 25• CPL ART B. SCHWARTZ 19th 25.00• CPL WILLIAM L. SHEDLOV 19th 42.00• SSGT DANIEL P. SMITH 1st 225.00• STATE COMPENSATION 1ST 998.56• SGTMAJ PAUL STEPHENSON USMC (Ret) 23rd 50• SGTMAJ PAUL STEPHENSON USMC (Ret) 25th 50.00• GYSGT ROGER A. STEVENS 8th 25.00• CPL WALLACE T. STEWART 32nd 225• CPL WALLACE T. STEWART 33rd 25• LTCOL THOMAS C. SULLIVAN USMC (Ret) 8th 25• SGT ZACK TAYLOR 18th 100.00• GEORGE M. THOMAS 10th 50.00• SGT JOSEPH R. TUCZAK 4th 25• USAA: STUART PARKER 1st 2405.98• MRS ANITA WASELINKO 1st 100

In Memory of George Waselinko• CPL HAROLD E. WEBB 27th 25• GYSGT WILLIAM D. WEISGERBER 30th 77.26• GYSGT WILLIAM D. WEISGERBER 31st 61.29• MSGT WILLIAM R. WERNTZ Sr USMC (Ret) 18th 10• CPL JOSEPH JOHN. WISOCKI 14th 25• CPL J A. YARBROUGH 9th 25.00

General FundGeneral Fund Donors = 101 Total = $13,055.08


23

Marine Div i s ion Associa t ion

• MR. GEORGE L. AYER 23rd 10.00• PHM2 JOHN W. BAILEY Jr 12th 50• MRS NAOMI F. BAILEY 1st 50.00• SGT LOUIS A. BISHOP JR 3rd 50.00• GLENN A. BORVANSKY 13th 50.00• CPL JOHN L. CHAILLE 1st 50.00• SGT PAUL S. COBANE 2nd 50.00• SGT PATRICK S. CORRIE 3rd 50• SGT ROBERT G. DLOUHY 1st 50.00• SGT BRUCE A. EDELMANN 15th 50.00• SGT JOHN W. ERSKINE 8th 50.00• PFC GOLDA FAYE. FABIAN 1st 50• SGT DANIEL T. FLAVIN 2nd 50• PATRICK R . FORD 3rd 50.00• CAPT JOHN A. GRIFFITH USMC (Ret) 40th 50• SGT ELMER J. HAWKINS 30th 50• LCPL PATRICK C. HUMPHREY 4th 50.00• MR. GERALD D. KEFFER 4th 50• CAPT REED T. KING 1 50.00• SGT SIDNEY E. KIRK 4th 50.00• CWO2 EDWIN J. KUES USMC (Ret) 5th 50• CPL THOMAS LADNER 25th 1.00

In memory of my Dad “Red” Ladner, 482nd Bombardment Group 812th

• HN JEFFREY JAY R.. LEVINE 5th 50• 1STSGT RAYMOND W. MEANEY USMC (Ret) 27th 25.00• CPL RICHARD (MOON-MAN) B.. MOONEY 26th 50

In Honor of Lt. Thomas Quigley• SGT ALLEN E. MOORE 50• LCPL ANDREW J. MORGRET 4TH 100.00• SGT LEONARD I. NERENBERG 3rd 50• MGYSGT LOUIS E. NORDYKE USMC (Ret) 75th 200.00• SGT JOHN W. POWERS 6th 50.00• MSGT STEPHEN R. RISCH USMC (Ret) 12th 50.• LCPL R JEFF. ROBERTS 4th 50• CPL GORDON L. ROMINE 7th 50• GEORGE A. SAGER 8th 50.00• CAPT CARL A. SCHULTZ 6th 50• LTCOL MICHAEL A. SCHWARZKOPF 12th 50• CPL CARL F. SCOTT 16th 25• SGT DENNIS H. SCOVILLE 8th 50• SGTMAJ DAVID W. SIMPSON USMC (Ret) 3rd 50.• CAPT CHARLES W. SMITH Jr USMC (Ret) 12th 50.00• SGTMAJ PAUL STEPHENSON USMC (Ret) 24th 50• CPL MATTHEW M. STEVENSON 3rd 50.00• FRANK G. THACHER 23rd 50• CPL TOMMY TIEDEMANN 2nd 50.00• LCPL ALTON C. TODD 1st 50.00• PVT PAUL W. WOJAHN 22nd 50.00• HM3 MATTHEW (MATT) D. ZENDER 1st 50

General Fund–Life Members

• SGT PHILLIP E. ACKERT 35• LTCOL ROBERT F. BROCKISH 9th 50• CPL JOSEPH R. CARBAJAL 35.00• GYSGT EUGENE A. DAY USMC (Ret) 1st 50.00• PHILIP J. DEVLIN 14th 50• LTCOL WILLIAM H. DISHER 17th 50.00• SGT RICHARD J. DOBSON 27th 10.00• SSGT BRUCE L. DOWNS 6th 60.00


• SGT LOUIS E. FARRAYE 10th 35• SGT BARRY L. FLOYD 7th 50• PATRICK R . FORD 1st 25.00• GYSGT RAYMOND C. GERSTNER 3rd 30.00• CPL DAVID A. GOODFIELD 9th 50• CAPT JOHN A. GRIFFITH USMC (Ret) 38th 25• CPL DONALD L. HENCSIK 2nd 100• COL ROBERT J. HENLEY 9th 25.00• HMC JOHN T. JOYCE 2nd 100

In Memory/Honor of HM3 Joel Balcom, 1st Tank BN Vietnam

• 1STSGT RUSSELL W. KAUFFMAN USMC (Ret) 5th 10.00• GARRY D. KLINE 7th 50

In Memory/ Honor of PFC John M. Steinberg KIA 5-26-69 & LCpl Chester Jarmolinski KIA 4-16-69

• HON STEVEN T. KUYKENDALL 4th 50.00• 1STLT KENNETH I. LEE 12th 25.00• MYRON J. LEISTLER 10th 25.00

In Honor of Sgt. Felix Del Giudice, E-2-1, Korea• CPL PHILIP N. MARASCO 2nd 35• CPL IRVIN A. MAY USMC (Ret) 12th 50.00• SGT ARNOLD A. NETTEKOVEN 18th 50.00• MGYSGT LOUIS E. NORDYKE USMC (Ret) 74th 300.00• CPL MELVIN L. OAKES 16th 25• LTCOL STEPHEN PERCY 45th 35.00• CPL GEORGE W. PERRON 1st 50• SGT DENNIS H. SCOVILLE 7th 50• FRANK G. THACHER 22nd 25• SGT MELVIN L. UNRUH 2nd 35.00• SGT ROBERT L. VARNES 3rd 100.00• SSGT JOSEPH L. WAX 10th 40• CPL HAROLD E. WEBB 26th 25• CPL J A. YARBROUGH 8th 25.00

OBN Hard CopyRegistered for OBN Hard Copy = 47; Total = $ 2,411.00

Life Member = 36; Total = $ 1,785.00

Southern Cross Team Contributions

• SGT RALPH M. DELANEY 18th 100• SGT DONALD D. DENTON JR 3rd 100• MGYSGT GLENN E. DENTON Jr USMC (Ret) 3rd 100.00“G” 2/7 Vietnam • SSGT BRUCE L. DOWNS 5th 100.00

In Memory of Mrs. Virginia Evans Puller wife of General Lewis Burwell Puller• CAPT STEPHEN S. HANWAY 14th 100.00• SGT ARTHUR J. LYON 4th 100.00• CPL WILLIAM E. TURNER 13th 100• CPL HAROLD E. WEBB 25th 100

General FundBlue Diamond Donations = 6; Total = 375

• SSGT BRUCE L. DOWNS 7th 25.00In Memory of Mrs. Virginia Evans Puller wife of General Lewis Burwell Puller

• HM3 STEVE P. LAKERNICK 34th 100• SGTMAJ JOHN R. MASSARO USMC (Ret) 5th 100

In Memory of SgtMaj Jess Wise Jr.• LTCOL STEPHEN PERCY 46th 25.00• CAPT RICK SCURICH M.A. J.D 8th 100.00• PVT PAUL W. WOJAHN 21st 25

Southern Cross Donations = 8; Total = 800

CONTRIBUTIONS continued on page 26

24


Welcome to Norfolk

Greater Norfolk's dramatic historyand the history of our countrybegan in 1607 when three ships ofEnglish settlers landed near themouth of the Chesapeake Bay.Today, the past and present areinter twined in the sights andsounds of a modern city that solidlyembraces its 400-year old roots.The 2017 1st Marine DivisionReunion program will provide theopportunity to return to your ship,as well as experience the area’shistory, modern day revitalization and strong military presence.Planned events will include a Norfolk City Tour, Naval Base HarborCruise, MacArthur Memorial, Lunch or Dinner Cruise, and a tour ofthe USS Wisconsin Battleship. Norfolk is the perfect choice for the2017 Reunion, and will provide many opportunities to relax and enjoyyour family and friends in this ideal setting.

Hotel Information

We will be staying at theNorfolk WatersideMarriott July 31-August6, 2017, located at 235 EMain St., Norfolk, VA23510. The hotel is con-veniently located nearmany of the area’s topattractions.The room rate is $119.00plus tax per night.Breakfast coupons will be available upon check-in at a discount rateof $13 plus tax to be utilized in the Dining Room on the 2nd Floor. Forthose of you who choose to arrive early or stay after the reunionends, the same room rate will be available for three days prior andthree days after, based on availability. For those who choose toextend their stay the group rate is available up to 3 days before andafter, based on availability. If you have any trouble getting a room atthe group rate call MRP @ 817-251-3551 for assistance. You mayalso email: [email protected] the Norfolk Waterside Marriott direct at 757-627-4200. Whencalling the hotel, please make sure you tell them you are attending the1st Marine Division Reunion. It is always best to make your reserva-tion directly with the hotel and not a central hotel-chain call center.MRP has negotiated numerous amenities for you that the call centersmay not be aware of. For best results, call during business hours onweek days. If you have any trouble getting a room at the group rateplease call MRP at 817-251-3551.

Make your reservations NOW, you may cancel your hotel up to 72hours prior to arrival and not be charged. The hotel is holding roomsuntil they sell out or July 14, 2017, whichever comes first.

Airport Transportation & Parking

For those of you flying to the reunion, the closest airport is NorfolkInternational (ORF). Cabs, Uber & LYFT are available from ORF withthe latter being the most reasonable by far. The Marriott has coveredparking on-site for $13/day reduced from $20/day.Travel safely and we will ….See you in Norfolk!

Schedule of Events

MONDAY, JULY 31• Reunion Registration at the Waterside Marriott Hotel

TUESDAY, AUGUST 1• Registration open before & after tours• Noon-1600: Norfolk City Tour and free time at the MacArthur

Memorial on own• Dinner and Evening on your own

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 2• 1000-1400: Nauticus & USS Wisconsin Tour• Lunch on own at Nauticus or nearby area• Dinner on own

THURSDAY, AUGUST 3• 0800-1600: Committee and Chapter Meetings• Lunch on own• 1800-2200 Norfolk Dinner Cruise

FRIDAY, AUGUST 4• 0930-1030: Memorial Service (Location TBD)• 1015-1315: Harbor Cruise (morning)• Lunch on own• 1600-1800: Board of Directors Meeting• Dinner on own

SATURDAY, AUGUST 5• 0900-1100: General Membership Meeting• 1100-1300: Ladies Brunch• 1600-1700: Catholic Service at the hotel• 1800-1900: Cocktail Reception with cash bar• 1900-2200: Dinner Banquet

SUNDAY, AUGUST 6• Hotel check out• Say your “good byes” until next time

FIRST MARINE DIVISION ASSOCIATION REUNIONJULY 31 – AUGUST 6, 2017

NORFOLK, VIRGINIA


25

Tours and Events

THE BEST OF NORFOLK & MACARTHUR MEMORIALTuesday, August (1:00pm-5:00pm)Ride with our tour guideand learn about Norfolk'scolorful 320 year historyas you bus through thelovely historic district andrestored areas. View thestately homes along TheHague and old St Paul'schurch which was built in1739. The lone survivorof the 1779 bombardmentby the British the church still has a cannon ball lodged in its wall. Youwill also see the Moses Myers House, Chrysler Museum of Art, his-toric Freemason District, the restored waterfront area, and manyother points of interest. Then stop to visit the MacArthur Memorial fora glimpse into our country's history. View the outstanding collectionof artifacts,photographs and memorabilia which traces the life and times of thefamous five-star General.

NAUTICUS & USS WISCONSIN TOURWednesday, August 2 (10:00am-2:00pm)

Board the motor coach for the short ride to Nauticus - a spectacularmaritime themed science center featuring hands-on exhibits, interac-tive theaters, aquaria, digital high-definition films and an extensivevariety of educational programs. Battleship Wisconsin is one of thelargest and last battleships ever built by the U.S. Navy. You canexplore her deck through a self-guided or audio tour. Lunch is onyour own and although there is a restaurant located in Nauticus you

may stroll to the nearby waterside stores or myriad restaurants andsandwich shops downtown. Note: we run continuous shuttles backto the hotel so you may return at your leisure.

DINNER CRUISEThursday, August 3 (6:00pm-10:00pm)

Just a few blocks along the waterside shops you will find your sleeksailing yacht for a wonderful dinner cruise on the Elizabeth River.During the narrated cruise, enjoy many interesting sites along thewaterfront, including the mighty aircraft carriers and nuclear sub-marines at the naval base. Dine on a sumptuous buffet, and enjoymusic, dancing and entertainment. This is a wonderful opportunityto spend time with your friends whether relaxing on one of the cli-mate controlled decks or strolling the open upper deck. This is goingto be a nice evening out on the water.

SIGHTSEEING HARBOR & NAVAL STATION CRUISEFriday, August 4 (10:15am-1:15pm)

Join us for a 2-hour narrated sights and Naval Station Cruise aboardthe Victory Rover. The Captain's entertaining commentary describesone of the world's busiest sea ports and largest naval base, home ofthe US Atlantic Fleet: See Destroyers, Guided Missile Cruisers,Submarines, Aircraft Carriers and more. The Rover has large win-dows, snack bar and restrooms on board. Note: the Rover stays inthe calm waters of the harbor and carry's 100 people under cover.Cruise takes place after the Memorial service.


26

Welcome Aboard!New Members of the 1st Marine Division Association

SGT PATRICK LEE BREEDING 2/1 1910 FOXTAIL DR, SALINA, KS 67401

SGT BYRON WOOLLEY BRISTOW 1/5 10960 N. 67TH AVE , GLENDALE, AZ 85305-3670 6232621907

CPL MICHAEL CHARLES BRYSON A CO 1ST RECONN BN OIF 4304 MEADOWVIEW LANE, SACHSE, TX 75048 469-503-7515

CPL WILLIAM T. DUNN C-1-7 1ST MAR DIV 330 BRIDGE CREEK CIRCLE, REEDVILLE, VA 22539 804-761-1551 Old Breed News

LCPL R. WILLIAM DURAND DRUM AND BUGLE CORPS 140 WEDGEWOOD PARK, ROCHESTER, NY 14616 585-621-7548

1ST SGT JAMES R. LASKEY 7TH MARINES 60 BIRCH RD, CUMBERLAND, RI 02864 401-333-8234

GRACE MCMILLAN ASSOCIATE 11418 ALGONQUIN RD #A, HUNTLEY, IL 60142 847-669-1305 Richard McMillan

SGT E-5 RONALD L. MORRISON HQ 1MARDIV 5MAR REGT 2082 HEFFNER RD, FOGELSVILLE, PA 18251 484-221-0228 Doc Lakernick

CPL DONALD K. NELSON WPNS 2-7 1645 NW 84TH ST, CLIVE, IA 50325 515-257-4288

CPL E-4 PETE V. RIOS 3291 WILLIAM WAY, PITTSBURG, CA 94565 650-740-3324

SSGT DJ RUGER 2/7 21600 S. LEE DR, OREGON CITY, OR 97045-9163 503-704-7012 BILL CALL

SGT BYRON B . WOOLLEY 1/5 10960 N. 67TH AVE. LOT 141, GLENDALE, AZ 85304 6232621907

NAME UNIT ADDRESS PHONE RECRUITER

* Life Member

OBN Plea

• SGT PHILLIP E. ACKERT 25th 20• HMC JAMES B. BEYERSDORF FMF 23rd 10.00• CPL JOSEPH R. CARBAJAL 35.00• GYSGT EUGENE A. DAY USMC (Ret) 3rd 50.00• SGT RALPH M. DELANEY 19th 20• HOWARD E. DENTON 4th 50• SGT RICHARD J. DOBSON 28th 20.00• SSGT BRUCE L. DOWNS 9th 25.00


• HM3 JOHN M. DUNNING 8th 10.00• SGT BARRY L. FLOYD 8th 50• CPL EARL C. GERHEIM 5th 30• GYSGT RAYMOND C. GERSTNER 5th 30• JOHN A. HANSEN Jr 10th 50.• HM2 PHILIP D. HOWARD 3rd 15.00

In Memory of Cpl. Robert E. Snyder • 1STSGT RUSSELL W. KAUFFMAN USMC (Ret) 20.00• MGYSGT JAMES L. KEELY (Ret) 97 th 15.00• MR. GERALD D. KEFFER 3rd 100• CPL THOMAS LADNER 26th 4.00

In Memory of my Dad “Red” Ladner, 482nd Bombardment Group 812th

• SGT SIDNEY G. MONTECINO 4th 10• SGT ARTHUR W. O’CONNOR JR 9th 50• CPL MELVIN L. OAKES 17th 25• SGT PHILLIP L. OAKES 10th 40.00• SGT GILBERT L. OLSON 15th 25• COL RICHARD A. PARTEE USMCR (Ret) 25th 50.00• LTCOL STEPHEN PERCY 48th 25.00• CPL RICHARD J. ROBBINS 15th 50.00• CPL GORDON L. ROMINE 8th 25• SGT THOMAS E. ROWLAND 2nd 50

In Memory of Richard (Dick) Rowland, Chesty’s driver, New Briton on, By brothers.

• CAPT CARL A. SCHULTZ 7th 50• CPL HAROLD E. WEBB 28th 50

Fund Donors = 30; Total = $ 1,004.00

• MRS. JUNE (GORDON F.) ELWYN. HEIM 82nd 330 In Memory CWO Gordon F. Heim Twelve Years Gone. Loved and Missed. June and Diane Heim

• FRANK G. THACHER 38th 25

• MSGT WILLIAM R. WERNTZ Sr USMC (Ret) 11th 10.00

Commemorate, Educate, Serve FundDonors = 3; Total = $ 365.00

CONTRIBUTIONS from page 23

The Marine Corps is looking for a next-generation weapon with newsuppressors, optics, M27-like enhanced capabilities and features, afree-floated handguard, 14.5” barrel option, with 24,000 round lifewith AB49 – 2 Minute of Angle precision threshold, 1 MOA precisionobjective for majority of barrel life…What? The M1 isn’t goodenough?

General George Patton allegedly said that the M1 Garand was the"greatest battle implement ever devised." According to the writer, theM1 Garand was “produced until 1957 and was the standard issue ofthe US Army and Marines during WWII and the Korean War.” It had areputation for accuracy, reliability and durability, because it was builtwith superior grade materials and solid workmanship.

One of the reasons it was so reliable was because it had very fewmoving parts, which meant it was not particularly affected by the ele-ments. But, like every other piece of equipment, it succumbed totechnology. The question is when?

It seems like the M1 was in USMC service long beyond the KoreanWar. The M-14 wasn’t introduced until 1960 or so. When was the M-1 discontinued? Please let us know. And while you’re at it, send usyour stories about the M1, its reliability, features, advantages and dis-advantages compared to the M-14, M-16, etc.

As usual, respond to Arthur G. Sharp, OBN Editor, 2473 New HavenCircle, Sun City Center FL 33573. (Just for the record, he wasreleased from active duty in 1962, and he still had an M1.)

Whatever happened to the M1?


27

Advertising Rates – Old Breed News

1ST MARINE DIVISION ASSOCIATIONP.O. Box 9000, #902, Oceanside, CA 92051

(760) 763-3268 w [email protected]

www.1stmarinedivisionassociation.org

I (we) contract with the 1st Marine Division Association (FMDA) to advertise in the Association's quarterly magazine, TheOld Breed News, for the following issues for the upcoming calendar year(s): (check all that apply- rates described below)

r Jan-Feb-Mar 2017 r Jan-Feb-Mar 2018 r Jan-Feb-Mar 2019

r Apr-May-Jun 2017 r Apr-May-Jun 2018 r Apr-May-Jun 2019

r Jul-Aug-Sep 2017 r Jul-Aug-Sep 2018 r Jul-Aug-Sep 2019

r Oct-Nov-Dec 2017 r Oct-Nov-Dec 2018 r Oct-Nov-Dec 2019

Name of Advertiser: (please print) ________________________________________________________________

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29

NEWS from page 5

Jim Fairbairn Revisits KoreaJim Fairbairn participated in a tour to revisit Korea. Jim served

with Company A, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines during the war, and his

visit brought back many vivid memories...some good, some bad.

After a 14-1/2 hour non-stop flight from Dallas to Inchon, Jim

traveled on several tours, notably to Freedom Gate Bridge (a former

prisoner exchange site) and to the peace talks site of Panmunjom,

where he visited the actual room where the talks were conducted -

some 66 years ago.

Another tour was to the War

Memorial of Korea, where a wreath lay-

ing ceremony was conducted, followed

by a guided tour of the site. A portion of

the Memorial is dedicated to the

American servicemen/women killed

during the war. Jim located the names of

several of his fellow squad members

with whom he served in A/1/5. (Their

names are engraved on the monument.)

The trip concluded with a tour of the

National Museum of Korea, where Jim

witnessed a ceremony conducted by the

Korean Marine Corps celebrating the

66th anniversary of the recapture of

Seoul, Korea. The impressive ceremony

culminated with a banquet.

A variety of Korean/USA officials attended. Jim was honored to

sit at the head table with Lt.Gen. Bergeson, Deputy Commander

UNC/USFK, and his wife.

All in all, it was a remarkable trip that Jim will always remember.

Jim Martinez Honored by 6th Eng. SupportBattalion.

Jim Martinez (MIN-3) was not only the honored guest at the

Oregon/Columbia River Chapter’s 241st celebratory Marine Corps

Birthday Luncheon at McNary Golf Course 5 Nov 2016, but also

‘Guest of Honor’ at the 6th Engineer Support Battalion (6ESB)

Marine Corps Ball on 19 Nov. at the Hilton Hotel in Vancouver, WA.

Jim is also a valued, faithful ‘plank holder’ of our 1st Marine

Division Association, Oregon/Columbia River Chapter; who is as

proud of “Our Corps” as any Marine with whom I’ve had the honor

to serve or be associated. (Gary Brannan)

Jim Fairbairn, DallasChapter member, whorecently revisited Korea Korean War Veterans

Honored

Adelegation from the Republic of Korea honored twenty

Korean War veterans at a ceremony in the City of

Cerritos–Veterans Memorial. First Marine Division Association

and Marine Corps League member Mickey Christiason led the

Pledge of Allegiance and welcomed the honored guests from

Korea and the veterans on behalf of his father, a WWII and

Korean War Army combat veteran!

Several Chosin Marines were present.

Mickey Christiason (C)is accompanied by aretired Korean Admiraland 4-Star Korean vet-eran

If the CG leads, wewill follow

Major General Daniel O'Donohue, the [former]

Commanding General of 1st Marine Division, and SgtMaj.

William Sowers, the Sergeant Major of 1st Marine Division, led

a hike at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Feb 17,

2017.

The hike was approximately eight miles and was conducted to

promote combat readiness and unit cohesion.

MGen. O’Donohueand SgtMaj. Sowerslead the way (U.S.Marine Corps photoby Lance Cpl.Joseph Prado)

The Martinezbrothers’

30



31

TAPS* Life Member

HM2 DONALD F. ARNE, H-3-7 KO, OSHKOSH, WI,9/21/2016

*HM2 BERNARD E. BEASTON, 1MED KO, FROST-PROOF, FL, 2/13/2016

*LTCOL FRANK S. CANNON USMC (Ret), A-1-5 KOVN, Gulfport, MS, 10/11/2016

*SGT WILLIAM N. CHEW, L-4-11 KO,PORTSMOUTH, RI, 3/29/2017

PLTSGT BROWN E. CHISAM, F-2-11 KO, FAYET-TEVILLE, AR,

SGT WILLIAM F. CLEGHORN, B-1-5 KO, LASVEGAS, NV, 12/17/2016

CPL JACK D. COMMONS, HQ/E-2-7 KO, ROSWELL,NM, 4-16-2017

PFC MICHAEL A. DIPIETRO, 4.2 MORTARS 2NDMAR DIV, BAYSIDE, NY, 4-15-2017

*PFC BRYAN S. DOWNEY SR., ATT WWII, ALBION,MI,

*THOMAS W. ENGLAND, WPNS-2-1 KO, GARDENGROVE, CA, 4/13/2017

SGT FREDERICK F. HOULE, A-1-5 KO, CLOQUET,MN, 12/7/2016

*SGT WALLIS W. KIGHT, A-1-5 VN, Benton , AR,4/16/2017

*CPL EVERETT J. MCFARLAND, H-3-7 KO, INDI-ANAPOLIS, IN,

CPL JOSEPH A. MICELI, HQ-3-1 WWII CH, CAM-BRIDGE, MA, 3/16/2016

*HM1 NORMAN E. ROBERTSON, AT 5MAR WWIICH KO, DANVILLE, CA, 2/13/2017

*SGT LLOYD D. SMITH, 1PION CH, MOLALLA, OR,4-19-2017

*SGT ALBERT J. TRIANA, F-2-7 KO, HOUSTON, TX, MARIANNE WEISGERBER, Associate Member, Wife

of Denny Weisgerber, MILPITAS, CA, 4/15/2017*SGT WALTER R. WRITT Sr, 5MAR KO, LIV-

INGSTON, NJ

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Let’s work together and get our membership numbers up. We’ll all feel better for it.Semper Fi,

President Vince Rios

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1st Marine Division AssociationP.O. 9000, Box #902Oceanside, CA 92051

PERIODICAL — TIME SENSITIVE MATERIAL

1st Marine Division

WORLD WAR II1942-1945

Guadalcanal

New Britain

Peleliu

Okinawa

NORTH CHINA1945-1949

VIETNAM1965-1971

Vietnam Defense 1965

Vietnam OffensivesI–111 1965 to 1968

Tet Offensive 1968

Vietnam Offensives IV-VI1

1969 — 1971

Tet Offensive 1969

Vietnam Summer-Spring1969 — 1970

Sanctuary Offensive 1970

Vietnam Offensive VII 1970 — 1971

KOREA1950-1953

Pusan Perimeter 1950

Inchon-Seoul 1950

CCF Intervention 1950

Chosin Reservoir 1950

UN Counteroffensive 1951

CCF Spring Offensive 1951

UN Summer-Fall Offensive 1951

2nd Korean Winter 1951-1952

Korean Defense 1952

3rd Korean Winter 1952-1953

Korea Summer-Fall 1953

KUWAIT1990 — 1991

SOMALIA1992 — 1993

AFGHANISTAN2002 —

IRAQ2003 —

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