the official publication of the 1st marine division ... breed news/oldbreed july... · vol. lxiv...

Vol. LXiV Vol. LXiV ww No. 3No. 3 July - August - September 2015July - August - September 2015

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

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July - August - September 2015July - August - September 2015 The Old Breed News

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEAll Elected Officers Are Members

Of Executive Committee President

Vincent Rios2024 Greenway Crossing, Haslet, TX 76052Home (817) 847-9937 Cell (817-304-3596Email [email protected]

Vice President(Open)

Deputy Vice President, East (Open)

Deputy Vice President, Central (Pending Review)

Deputy 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 LaneClaymont, DE 19703-1604Ph: (302) 792-1497; Email [email protected](Open)Legal OfficerJames T. Allison475 N. Highland St. Apt. 7BMemphis, TN 38122-4530Ph: (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 SpurSan Antonio, TX 78232-4624Home (210) 499-0707 Cell (210) 213-3453Email [email protected] L. Montgomery12 Yankee Drive Brookfield Ct. 06804Cell (460-4817) Office (203) 740-4110Email [email protected](Open)DAL-WestBud Eckert3884 Oakes Dr. Hayward, CA 94542-1742Cell (510) 538-2382; Email [email protected] Staff• June Cormier- Executive Assistant• Heidi Lamb- Administrative Assistant1902 Wright Place Ste. 200, Carlsbad, CA 92008(760) 918-5801 FAX: (760) 918-5803Email jmailto:[email protected]

hmailto:[email protected]

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Editor, The Old Breed NewsArthur G. Sharp895 Ribaut Rd., #13, Beaufort, SC 29902(860) 202-3088Email: [email protected]

PublisherFinisterre Publishing Incorporated3 Black Skimmer Ct., Beaufort, SC 29907(843) 521-1896Email: [email protected]

The 1st MarineDivision Association

DepartmentsPresident’s Message..................................................................................................3Blue Diamond Team/Southern Cross Team............................................................5Reunion Calendar......................................................................................................7Feedback/Letters to the Editor ..............................................................................14Quests & Queries ....................................................................................................19Chapter Scuttlebutt..................................................................................................20Contributions to the First Marine Division Association ........................................22Welcome Aboard......................................................................................................28Official 1st Marine Division Association PX ..........................................................30Taps..........................................................................................................................31

News & NotesFrom the President Elect ..........................................................................................4Lieutenant General Frank Petersen dies at 83..........................................................41st Division Marines With Explosive Hearts............................................................6The 68th Annual Reunion ........................................................................................8Wall of Remembrance Proposed at Korean War Memorial ..................................10Re-designation of MARSOC as Marine Raiders ....................................................11A Salute to Lt. Haggerty..........................................................................................12Korean War Veterans Visit Korea ............................................................................15A-1-5 (And a few other Marines) March 110 Miles ..........................................................16Defense Secretary Ash Carter visits Camp Pendleton ............................................17Member Enjoys Honor Flight ................................................................................17Special Reunion After Sixty Years ..........................................................................19VMM-166, Infantry Marines conduct predeployment training ..............................24Marines Rain Fire on the California Desert ..........................................................27

Lieutenant Cahill ........................................................................................29Is There Room For One More Monument On The Mall? ....................................29Hmmm, Just a Little History of the Hymn............................................................31

OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES 2015

Steve (Doc) Lakernick162 Knittle Rd, Kutztown, PA 19530Home (215) 850-8313Email [email protected] Rux15111 Sun Spur, San Antonio, TX 78232-4624Home (210) 499-0707 Cell (210) 213-3453Email [email protected]

Jerry Johs4057 W. Hwy 21, Paige, TX 78659-4221Cell (503) 784-7697Email [email protected]

TheOld Breed NewsThe Old Breed News (USPS 599-860) ISSN: 0745-287X is published four times a year during the monthsof March, June, September, and December by the 1st Marine Division Association, Inc., 1902 WrightPlace, Suite 200, Carlsbad, CA 92008; Phone: 760-918-5801; FAX: 760-918-5803. Email:[email protected]; Web Site: www.1stMarineDivisionAssociation.org.Postmaster: Send address changes to The Old Breed News, 1902 Wright Place, Ste 200, Carlsbad, CA92008. Periodical postage paid at Carlsbad, 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 – 2015

Cover:James Gallant with his family aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., July 25, 2015. (Photo By:Cpl. Carson Gramley)See story on page 6.

The Old Breed NewsThe Old Breed News July - August - September 2015July - August - September 2015

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This is my farewell letter. In fact, at the

reunion Vince Rios took the reins as

President of the 1st Marine Division

Association. I thank all the officers and

members who worked with me to make a

great organization better.

I take this last opportunity to say thank

you to all the members of the FMDA. It has

been an interesting and exciting experience

for me. I have learned many things and met

many new friends. As a lad growing up

around 1st Division Marines and hearing the

tales of Australia, New Zealand, and

Pavuvu, I never dreamed of leading this

great organization.

As my letter in the last issue of the OBN

stated, there were

some important

changes being pro-

posed by the

Reorganization Committee formed at meet-

ings last February. The job description for the

Executive Director was reworded to comply

with other nonprofits and place an emphasis

on fundraising. A search was made for qual-

ified applicants and five people were inter-

viewed by the committee. Of these, three

candidates were brought before the

Executive Committee for review.

The ExComm voted 9 to 1 to accept the

new CEO job description and hire Courtney

Hilborn as CEO. There was a lack of a quo-

rum for the Directors Meeting, but the pro-

posal was overwhelmingly ratified at the

membership meeting.

Mrs. Hilborn is a former Family

Readiness Officer on Camp Pendleton and

the wife of a combat wounded Marine from

1st LAAR Battalion. This lady was impres-

sive in the interview, and I am sure she will

be a great addition to our office staff of June

and Heidi. With this team in place the office

structure should be secure for years to come.

We should all be thankful for the wisdom of

the membership to support this action at the

annual meeting.

The reunion this year in San Diego was

great. As usual the Division Headquarters

did a fantastic job taking care of our needs

during our stay. We had the 1st Division

Band for the ceremony at the banquet on

Saturday evening. Our guest of honor was

BGen Yoo, Commanding General of 1st

Division. The 1st Regiment provided Colors

for the Memorial Service on Friday and

again on Saturday evening.

On Thursday there was a trip to Camp

Pendleton that was spectacular. We visited

the Infantry Immersion Training as well as

1st LAAR, 5th Marines, and 11th Marines.

Lunch was served at the Area 41 Mess Hall,

the newest chow hall on the base. Many of

our members remarked how it was just like

they remembered.

Many thanks are due to BGen Yoo and

SgtMaj Sowers for their support and assis-

tance to the FMDA.

AJ Burn

President’s MessageAJ Burn

Deadlines OBN MaterialThe new quarterly publication schedule dictates that we change deadline dates by whichwe must receive material. Here is the schedules 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, 895 Ribaut Rd., #13, Beaufort, SC 29902(860) 202-3088, or email it to [email protected].

MEMBERSHIP REPORT 09-01-2015

Life Annual Assoc. Annual Friend Total7,202 1,182 86 8 8,478

Check your label

*************************************AUTO**5-DIGIT 12345I-3-5 WWII 0215 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.

James Fossos, 1st Division CG Gen Daniel Yoo, and AJ Burn (L-R) at FMDA reunion

By Sgt. Terry Brady, Defense MediaActivity

FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. —

Lt. Gen. Frank E. Petersen, Jr. (ret.), the

first African-American Marine Corps

aviator and the first African-American

Marine Corps officer to be promoted to

brigadier general, died Aug. 25, 2015.

“[He was] a pioneer and role model in

many ways, a stellar leader, Marine officer

and aviator,” said Gen. John M. Paxton,

Jr., the 33rd Assistant Commandant of the

Marine Corps.

Born March 2, 1932 in Topeka,

Kansas, Petersen was commissioned in

the Marine Corps in 1952 after serving

two years in the U.S. Navy. Petersen

served during the Korean War in 1953 [he

flew 64 combat missions in Korea and

was awarded the Distinguished Flying

Cross] and Vietnam in 1968. [He also flew

over 200 missions in Vietnam, where he

was shot down, ejected, and was wounded

from AA fire over the DMZ.]

During his career, Petersen flew more

than 350 combat missions and more than

4,000 hours in various military aircraft.

Petersen was promoted to brigadier

general on Feb. 23, 1979, becoming the

first African-American to hold that rank in

the Marine Corps.

Petersen retired as a lieutenant general

on Aug. 1, 1988, after serving as the

Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff. His

commands held include Marine Fighter

Attack Squadron 212, deactivated March

11, 2008, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron

314, and served as the commanding gener-

al, Marine Corps Combat Development

Command.

Petersen’s military awards include: the

Navy Distinguished Service Medal,

Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion

of Merit with valor device, Distinguished

Flying Cross, Purple Heart, and the

Meritorious Service Medal.

His actions were recorded in the

Congressional Records as part of the

archives of the House of Representatives

on July 28, 2014, where they will be pre-

served forever.4


From the President ElectVince Rios

The First Marine Division Association is

on the cusp of rebirth.

We will soon move aboard Camp

Pendleton into our own spacious office for

staff to conduct Association business. I am

delighted to be the one chosen to lead the

Association members back to our roots.

Camp Pendleton retired and active duty

Marines aboard the base are working fever-

ishly and in concert on the paperwork to

make the move happen. The Division

Command with SgtMaj Marty Vasquez is

eager to see the Association go on board.

They have passed the task to the civilian

space allocation group for getting the finish-

ing touches on a draft agreement. The

Association members will soon feel the sense

of comfort that comes with having a place to

call home to come to.

Active and inactive Marines always bond

well. Not only will

the bond make it a natural draw for

Association membership, but the young

Marines will know and feel the presence of

their mentors and heroes close by.

Logistically, the mutual support will be a

tremendous asset and a big draw to bring

back members who have drifted away. They

like being among the young active duty

Marines. And, with them, will hopefully

come much needed operating cash donations.

Welcome home, First Marine Division

Association members. We have openings on

the Executive Board to fill, step forward and

help us out; take one of these positions. Call

me (817-847-9954)-and Ooh Rah!

Vince Rios, [email protected]

Lt. Gen. Frank E. Petersen, Jr.(ret.) the first African-American Marine Corps avia-tor and the first African-American Marine Corps gen-eral, died Aug. 25, 2015.Petersen served during theKorean War in 1953 andVietnam in 1968. During hiscareer, he flew more than350 combat missions andmore than 4,000 hours invarious military aircraft.

Lieutenant General Frank Petersen dies at 83

During his career, Petersen flew more than 350 combat mis-sions and more than 4,000 hours in various military aircraft.

Reunion Photos Available Online

If you missed ordering your photos at the FMDA 2015 reunion, President Vince Riosencourages all to view and order photos by going to www.picturephoenix.com. If youhave any questions or problems you may contact the photographer direct at 602-404-1353.

Thanks and Semper Fi.

We will soon move aboard Camp Pendleton into our ownspacious office for staff to conduct Association business.


5

MEMBERSBurton Anderson (F)Edgar D. Aronson (F)Robert Arron (D) James J. Barry Jr. (FD)John Bastian (F)Chester T. Bened (FD)Bob Boardman (FD)A.J. Burn (F)Bill Call (F)Mike Carone (F)Marshall N. Carter Joseph Cashen (F)Joe Clapper (F)Coleman Coughlin (F)Jack Coughlin (FD)Herb Crawford (F)Robert Croll (FD)Larry Davis (F)James A. Dearie Jr.\John L. Decker (F)Ralph M. Delaney (F)Russell Diefenbach (F)Willie DuFourDavid M. Ebbitt (F)L. Glynn Ellis Glendal R. Ellis Mike Enos (FD)Robert D. Evans (F)

Tom Evans (F)LCpl Felix Farias (D) KIAJoel Forman David Franklin (F)Preston Garris (F)Hoover Ginn (F)Walter Girod (F)Andrew Goodwin Jr. Byron Gourley (F)John Gose (F)Leo Graham (F)Steve S. Grandusky (F)T.J. Hanley (F)Elmer F. Hawkins (F)Kenneth G. Haynes (F)Len Hayes (F)Harvey Hipple (FD)Ward A. Holcomb (F)Louis A. Imfeld (F)Darrell Jensen (F)Jerry Johs (F)Andrew C. Jones (F)Tom Kelly (F)Steve Lakernick (F)James T. Larkin (F)LeRoy H. LillyCharles S. Lindberg (F)Frank Lindstrom (FD)Don J.L. Long

Bill Lynne (FD)Bill Maker (F)Gary Marshall (F)John R.Massaro Stormy Matteo (F)Guy R. Maxwell (F)William McLaren (FD)William McClendon (F)Garland McCollough (FD)William McCroskey (FD)Andrew B. McFarlane (F)Tom McLeod (F)George Meyer (F)Larry Meyer (F)Neal Mishik (F)Bob Montgomery (F)Harvey Newton (F)Eugene L. Norheim (F)Sgt. Byron Norwood (D) KIARobert Palmer (F)Dick Partee (F)H. Phil Pearce (FD)Donald L. Penfold (F)Stephen Percy (F)Frank E. Pulley (F)Jerry Reed (F)Don Reid (F)Norman E. Robichau (F)James L. Robinson (F)

Joe Ryan (F)George SagerWalter Schmick Henry R. SchrammEd Schroeder (FD)Bernard Schutzman (F)Blaine Scott (F)Rick ScurichJames Shumaker (F)Mike Sisk (F)C. Russ Smith (F)Charles C. Snow (F)Lewis B. Spivey (FD)John Stevens F)Ed “Tex” Stiteler (F)Zack Taylor (F)Don Tennenbaum (FD)Michael Trueworthy (F)Bill Turner (F)Dale Turner (F)Robert A. Vertacnik (F)Tom Vetter (F)Myrl Wallace (F)George Waselinko (FD)Bernard Wehby(F)Denny Weisgerber (F)Tom Whetzel (F)Gary Wilkins (F)Lt. Ron Winchester (D) KIA

Jess Wise (F)Paul WojahnJohn M. Worthy (F)Tom Zangrilli

CHAPTERSAlamo Bodfish California DeltaCentral Florida Chicago Colorado River DallasDesert Cities Mitchell Paige MOH (F)Golden Gate Hawaiian Islands HoustonLiberty BellLos Angeles CountyMinnesota Northeast FloridaNew York State West Orange CountyOregon Columbia River Redwood EmpireRocky MountainSt. LouisWisconsinA-1-7 MCA Korea 50-531/5 VietNam Veterans

The Blue Diamond Team is closed to new members and the pin has been retired. We express our deepest appreciations for those that answered the call to becomemembers of our Blue Diamond Team.

MEMBERSDANIEL W. ABBOTTROBERT K. ALLENJOHN R. ALLISONRALPH C. ASTJOHN N. BASTIAN MARK BAYUK ROBERT L. BETSCH RONALD BINIONAJ BURNRODNEY BURNS WILLIAM N. CHEW MICKEY A. CHRISTIASONRALPH M. DELANEYWILLIAM J. DENNISDONALD D. DENTONGLENN E. DENTONWILLIE P. DUFOURJAMES M. FAIRBAIRNDAVID M. FRANKLINMICHAEL L. GALYEAN

ANDREW GOODWIN JR. JOHN (DUKE) HALLSTEPHEN S. HANWAYNILE H. HOLMESELMER J. HAWKINSBLAIR HUNTER LOUIS A. IMFELDJAMES IRELANDRON E. JABAUT JAMES E. JANUARY ALFRED R. JORDANDAVID E. KEENE THOMAS A. KELLYSTEVE LAKERNICK JOHN J. LEONARD DON J. L. LONG REX W. LYNCH JR.ARTHUR J. LYON BILL T. MAKERTHOMAS M. MASTERSONROBERT C. MAXWELL

TOM R. MCLEODPERRY V. MCMULLINGEORGE F. MEYER LARRY D. MEYERROBERT R. MONTGOMERYRICHARD B. MOONEYKERRY B. MOSSJESS O. MULKEYLOUIS E. NORDYKEDEROLD (MICK) OLSONJESSE L. PACHECOR.A.”SKIP” PARADINECHARLES W. PARKERRICHARD A. PARTEEJAMES N. PERINGER VICTOR E. PETRIS DONALD F. REID RICHARD ROUSSEAU LEE RUXJOSEPH D. RYAN GILBERT J. SANDOVAL

WALTER C. SCHMICK JR.EDWIN E. SCHROEDERJAMES C. SHUMAKERMICHAEL D. SISK CHARLES W. SMITHROBERT H. SMITHCHARLES SNOW HOWARD C. SNOWDENJOHN R. STEVENSROGER A. STEVENSJAMES SULLIVANHENRY L. TASSINARIROBERT THARPROBERT TOMPKINS THOMAS M. THOMPSONDALE L TURNERWILLIAM E. TURNER DUANE VAN FLEETJOHN J. VANO JR. ROBERT A. VERTACNIKMYRL A. WALLACE

HAROLD E. WEBB DENNY WEISGERBERCARL WENHOLDDAVID F. WEST WALTER R. WESTROBERT WILHELMTOMMY J. WOOTTONJIM WYBENGABYRON J. WYLIEJIM ZALPISCAMP HAMILTONVETS MEMORIAL PARK

CHAPTERSDALLAS GOLDEN GATELOS ANGELES COUNTYBODFISH CHAPTERHAWAIIAN ISLANDSMARYLAND SAN ANTONIO ALAMO

If you would like to become a supporter and member of the Southern Cross Team, please see details in this issue, or call the office at (760) 918-5801

Blue Diamond Team

Southern Cross Team

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CAMP PENDLETON, California — Marines with 1st

Explosive Ordnance Company, 1st Marine Logistics Group, and

members of the Make-A-Wish Foundation came together to help

make a young boy’s dream a reality at Marine Corps Base Camp

Pendleton, California, July 25, 2015.

A brave young man, James Gallant of Poway, California, has

recently been diagnosed with brain cancer and thanks to his fam-

ily, the Make-A-Wish Foundation and a group of 1st MLG

Marines; he got to realize his dream of being one of the few.

James is soon to be 16 years old and looks optimistically

towards serving his country. His parents say he has always been

interested in the military.

“James has loved the military since he was two years old and

always wanted to be a part of it,” said Sarah Silverstein, James’

mother.

James also enjoys being outdoors. His mother said he loves to

go camping and swimming and he likes to collect shoes.

Sarah said that James’ diagnosis has made a huge impact on

the family, but left opportunity to make family their biggest pri-

ority.

“Things have changed a lot since he was diagnosed, we spend

more time as a family doing board games, watching movies and

swimming in the pool,” said Sarah. “During this whole thing we

really just learned how to live in the moment and enjoy our time

together.”

This time he spent a day with his family and a group of EOD

technicians, exploring what they do and some of the equipment

they use to complete their mission. The EOD Marines met James

and his family at the front gate and picked him up in an EOD

response vehicle, complete with flashing lights and a siren.

“We wanted to show James some of the things that we do as

EOD [technicians] and let him experience it all first-hand,” said

Staff Sgt. Kacie Worley, an EOD team leader.

About 25 Marines came to volunteer and were excited to be a

part of making this wish come true.

When he arrived, James was presented with a set of Marine

Corps desert utilities, complete with name tapes, so he could be

in the proper uniform for his experience.

To start with, the EOD technicians toured James through their

library of ordnance and tools they’ve accumulated over the years

1st Division Marines With Explosive Hearts

James Gallant with Marines of 1st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 1st Marine Logistics Group, aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., July 25,2015. (Photo By: Cpl. Carson Gramley)

A brave young man, James Gallant ofPoway, California, has recently been diag-nosed with brain cancer and thanks to hisfamily, the Make-A-Wish Foundation and agroup of 1st MLG Marines; he got to realizehis dream of being one of the few.


7

and answered any questions he had. He was particularly interest-

ed in the tools used to keep the EOD Marines safe, like their icon-

ic bomb suit and TALON robot.

After the library tour, James got to see some of the vehicles

that Marines use in deployed environments, specifically the Mine

Resistant Ambush Protected truck. After a few laps around the

complex in the MRAP, they had a mission for James.

He was given a crash course on how to operate the bomb dis-

posing robot and instructed to use it to move a faux Improvised

Explosive Device to a safe location. He operated the robot like

he’d been training for years.

James’ father said his son was particularly interested in EOD

during his two years of Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps

and this has been a unique experience for him.

“This is the area he was really focused on and now he has an

inside perspective,” said Josh Silverstein, James’ father. “I think

this is going to drive him more towards what he really wants to

do in life.”

After his experience of being an EOD technician for a few

hours, the Marines thought it was only right to present James

with his own EOD badge. Called before the commanding officer

in front of a formation of Marines, James was read his citation

and presented his badge, which was pinned to his uniform by his

mother.

James’ mother expressed deep gratitude for the efforts the

Marines went through to make this happen and said her son

called it the best day of his life.

“I think it was all amazing … he really enjoyed being a part

of something and I’m happy for him,” said Sarah.

In hopes of changing a young man’s life; the Marines them-

selves learned a lesson on determination and strength and walked

away with a sense of pride.

“The experience was incredible; he has an amazing family and

just seems like an awesome kid,” said Worley. “I hope he had a

great time and we were able to show him what we do.”

James has a tough road ahead of him, but that’s never stopped

a Marine from trying before and there’s no inclination he will be

any different.

Reunion CalendarMail your info to OBN Reunion Editor, 895 Ribaut Rd., #13, Beaufort,SC 29902 or email it to [email protected]. Include Unit,Date(s), Place, and Contact’s name, address, phone #, email address.Entries are posted “first come, first served.” The OBN is not responsiblefor the accuracy of the information published. NOTE: Submissions maybe edited for space considerations..

2015C-1-7 (Korea 1950/53), 15-18 Oct., Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX. Mike/JoannePatrick, 214-796-7980, [email protected] or MRP, 817-251-3551, [email protected]

2016(All wars & peacetime), 27-30 Apr., Myrtle Beach, SC. Dennis Deibert,6007 Catherine St., Harrisburg, PA 17112, 717-652-1695

6 8 t h A n n u a l R e u n i o n 6 8 t h A n n u a l R e u n i o n –– F i r s t M a r i n e F i r s t M a r i n e

Here are a few randomly selected photos of the people and events at the recent FMDA Reunion in San Diego,California. The reunion was a great success with everyone enjoying the activities and camaraderie.

Unidentified FMDA members Unidentified FMDA members flank a modern Marine USMC helicopter on display

Unidentified FMDA member Bob and Rita MontgomeryMarianna Mishik and Neal Mishik standing behind

Anthony Mishik and Debbie Mishik

Color Guard Gen. Yoo and AJ Burn Henry and Mary Lou Tassinarri

See ya’ next year!!


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D i v i s i o n A s s o c i a t i o nD i v i s i o n A s s o c i a t i o nSan Diego, CA

Marty Vasquez Ignacio and Irene Martinez with unidentified couple John Mullan (L) and unidentified FMDA members

Marine Corps Band Ladies Luncheon FMDA member John Mullan

Pres. Rios, Mrs. Rios, General Yoo Gen. Yoo, unidentified WWII FMDA members Heidi Lamb, Pres. Rios, and June Cormier (L-R)

Tex and Laurie Stitler Carl and Mrs. Wenhold Gen. Yoo, Robert Jeff Roberts, and SgtMaj

William Alli, a Korean War veteran with 2/1/1 (1951-52),

FMDA member, and Honorary Member of Türkiye Muharip

Gazilerinin Derneği (Turkish War Veterans Association), is

spearheading a movement to build a Wall of Remembrance at the

Korean War Memorial in Washington D.C.

As he notes, “I am the Chairman of the Legislative Liaison

Committee of the Korean War Veterans Memorial

Foundation....For the memorial on the National Mall in

Washington DC, we are proposing a glass Wall of Remembrance,

on the same level as the Mural Wall that honors Korean War serv-

ice. Nothing is proposed to be erected over anything else.

“The figure of Korean War KIAs that we are using is 36,574.”

Unfortunately, the pace of approval is glacially slow. Alli is

soliciting support from people for his project. Until recently, the

House of Representatives was working alone to approve the proj-

ect through H.R. 1475 (see below). Recently, the U.S. Senate

joined the effort when Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and

Benjamin Cardin (D-DE) introduced a companion Senate Bill

(S.1982) on our Wall of Remembrance legislation (HR-1475).

Significantly, the number of co-sponsors in the House has

reached 157 HR 1475 co-sponsors! But, significantly higher

numbers are needed in both the House and the Senate.

Alli asks FMDA members to throw their support behind the

effort to get the “Wall” erected. After all, 424,000 Marines served

during the war. Of these, more than 4,500 were KIA and 26,000

were WIA

If anyone wants more information, contact Alli at 240-441-

9611.

114TH CONGRESS1ST SESSION

H. R. 1475

To authorize a Wall of Remembrance as part of theKorean War Veterans Memorial and to allow certain pri-vate contributions to fund that Wall of Remembrance.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESMARCH 19, 2015

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas (for himself, Mr. RANGEL,and Mr. CONYERS) introduced the following bill; whichwas referred to the Committee on Natural Resources

A BILL

To authorize a Wall of Remembrance as part of theKorean War Veterans Memorial and to allow certain pri-vate contributions to fund that Wall of Remembrance.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House ofRepresentatives of the United States of America inCongress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Korean War VeteransMemorial Wall of Remembrance Act of 2015’’.

SEC. 2. WALL OF REMEMBRANCE.

Section 1 of the Act titled ‘‘An Act to authorize the erectionof a memorial on Federal Land in the District of Columbiaand its environs to honor members of the Armed Forcesof the United States who served in the Korean War”,approved October 25, 1986 (Public Law 99– 572), isamended by adding at the end the following:

‘‘Such memorial shall include a Wall of Remembrance,which shall be constructed without the use of Federalfunds. The American Battle Monuments Commission shallrequest and consider design recommendations from theKorean War Veterans Memorial Foundation, Inc. for theestablishment of the Wall of Remembrance. The Wall ofRemembrance shall include—

‘‘(1) a list by name of members of the Armed Forces of theUnited States who were killed in action in the Korean War;

‘‘(2) the number of members of the Armed Forces of theUnited States who, in regards to the Korean War—

‘‘(A) were wounded in action;

‘‘(B) are listed as missing in action; or ‘‘(C) were prisonersof war; and

‘‘(3) the number of members of the Korean Augmentationto the United States Army, the Republic of Korea ArmedForces, and the other nations of the United NationsCommand who, in regards to the Korean War—

‘‘(A) were killed in action; ‘‘(B) were wounded in action;

‘‘(C) are listed as missing in action; or ‘‘(D) were prisonersof war.’’10


Wall of Remembrance Proposed at KoreanWar Memorial

Proposed Wall of Remembrance


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Purpose. To provide Public Affairs

Guidance to the MARSOC Commander,

for use by MARSOC key staff/personnel

and other key stakeholders when respond-

ing to public queries (internal and exter-

nal) regarding the re-designation of

MARSOC’s subordinate commands as

Marine Raiders, and use of the Marine

Raider moniker for all of MARSOC.

Background. The Marine Raiders

were formed in 1942 as the war in the Far

East was reaching a difficult phase and

senior leadership sought to replicate the

special operations missions conducted by

the British Commandos and other Special

Forces units within the Pacific theatre of

war.

In June 2003 the Marine Corps Special

Operations Command, Detachment One

was activated. Upon activation, the unit

was deployed to Iraq as part of a Navy

SEAL task group. As part of the task

group, the Marines labeled themselves

Task Unit Raider in honor of the Raiders

who had served so honorably 70 years ear-

lier. Three years later in February 2006,

MARSOC was established as a standing

unit and the designation would not include

the moniker of Raider.

The Raider Association approached

MARSOC to adopt the Raider moniker in

order to keep their legacy alive in the

Marine Corps. There had been a proposal

previously to adopt the name which a pre-

vious Executive Off-site (EOS) disap-

proved. MARSOC has complied with

CMC’s direction to not use the Raider

name and patch; however, during a recent

EOS, the use of the Marine Raiders

moniker has been approved, and MAR-

SOC is now officially authorized to re-

designate MARSOC as Marine Raiders.

Public Affairs Posture. The PA pos-

ture for this topic is proactive. We need to

formulate a strong message for both inter-

nal (members of MARSOC and Marine

Raider Association) and external (media

and the public). MARSOC Public Affairs

is prepared to provide thorough, timely,

accurate responses to queries from the

public or civilian media within security

guidelines. The PA Plan is to write a story

internally and provide interviews with the

MARSOC Commander and Key

Stakeholders to requesting media.

PAO will also use this PAG to send to

MARSOC personnel and other internal

and external key personnel for proper

messaging.

Press Statement. The following state-

ment is authorized for use by key MAR-

SOC personnel (recruiters, key staff and

the PAO) in response to query only:

United States Marine Corps Forces,Special Operations Command is proud andhonored to adopt the name Marine Raider,carrying on the rich heritage and legacypassed along to us by the Raiders of WorldWar II. As with every Marine Corps unit,MARSOC desires a moniker that creates itsown unique identity while still recognizing thesignificant contributions of those who pre-ceded us. While monikers such asCommando or Spartan were considered, theterm “Marine Raider” was chosen for tworeasons: (1) During recent Marine Raiderreunions, the Raider Association hasexpressed their strong desire that their lega-cy not be forgotten and that the term “MarineRaider” be carried on by another MarineCorps unit; and (2) the Marine Raiders ofWorld War II performed similar type mis-sions, and this comparable mission set pro-vides us with a logical historical link. Byincorporating the term “Marine Raider” wehelp tell the story that the Marine Corps is

not necessarily new to the world of specialoperations.

Key Themes/Messages. The following

talking points are approved for use in

order to focus in on key themes and are to

be used in response to query only:

(Legacy and Heritage) The Marine

Raiders have expressed their strong desire

for their legacy to not be forgotten and to

be carried on by another Marine Corps

unit. They requested MARSOC to be the

unit to carry on that legacy and the

Commandant of the Marine Corps con-

curred. We feel we owe it to those Marine

Raiders still alive, as well as their fami-

lies, to make every attempt to do so.

Additionally the Marine Raiders per-

formed special operations type missions

during World War II and this provides a

logical historical link to MARSOC. It

helps tell our story that the Marine Corps

is not necessarily new to the world of spe-

cial operations.

(Unity) The term Marine Raider will

unify all assigned to MARSOC. Using

the legacy of Marine Raiders and the label

as an organization creates an umbrella

under which all MOSs fall. This unifying

concept provides operators and those who

support them with a common cohesive

term and prevents elitism from fostering

within the command. Marines are

Marines, and no one MOS or occupational

field is more special than the other. Each

Marine brings a unique set of skills that is

essential for the collective capability, and

it is this collective capability that is

MARSOC’s center of gravity and distin-

guishes it within the SOF community.

(Identity) The Raider moniker also

provides SOF and USMC leadership with

a way to identify MARSOC Marines in

different forums. Within the SOF commu-

nity, our sister SOF services are labeled as

Navy SEALS, Army Green Berets, Army

Rangers, and AFSOC Commandos. When

it comes to Marines, there is often a strug-

gle to find the right label and the term

Critical Skills Operator (CSO) is often

used, which tends to confuse people.

Marine Raider ties together ‘Marine’ (who

Public Affairs GuidanceRe-designation of MARSOC as Marine Raiders

Continued on page 26

12


By Cpl. Albert William Mikel

Peleliu, September 15, 1944. All

along White Beach, death was

falling from the sky upon the

Marines of the Third Battalion, First

Marines, First Marine Division. Our

amphibious tractor driver had done a

fine job of getting us to shore safely.

We disembarked quickly, but not

quickly enough. Two or three of us

were hit by shrapnel as soon as we hit

the beach. We picked a spot about 30

yards forward and started to dig in. This

turned out to be a good position. We

were protected by a slight rise to the

front and 4 or 5 fallen trees that kept us

safe from machine gun and rifle fire. A

knocked out amphibious tractor gave us

cover to our right flank. But it was the

sand that gave us the most protection.

The Japanese shells that landed close to

us threw up more sand than shrapnel,

and we were able to dig deep in a very

short time.

There were about twelve of us. We

mostly made up the 3rd and 4th gun

squads of the 81mm Mortar Platoon of

the 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines. We had

two mortars, but no ammo, and most of

us were armed with only .45 pistols. I

couldn’t help but think what a way to

enter a war.

Soon, we began to realize we were

nowhere near the position we should

have been. This became clear to us

when we noticed that all the dead

Marines around us had K-3-1 stenciled

on the backs of their jackets. We

recalled that on our maneuvers on

Guadalcanal, K Company was on the

left flank of our lines and our mortars

were on the right.

We knew we should do something,

but what? The next hour seemed like an

eternity. Lt. James J. Haggerty appeared

behind us. I can still see him as if it

were yesterday. He stood there with his

legs apart, hands on his hips, and a blue

New York baseball cap on his head. He

spoke very calmly and with complete

confidence.

He said, “You people pick up those

mortars and follow me.” Having given

that order, he turned and walked toward

the ocean, where he led us to the left.

One by one we crawled out of the safety

of our foxholes and followed him.

We were trying to keep as low as

possible to avoid Japanese fire, but Lt.

Haggerty was walking like he did so

many times when he took us for those

long hikes around Pavuvu. His eyes

looked straight ahead, not veering to

the left or right. Most of all, he never

looked back to see if we were following

him.

We followed him past what was

called the “Tank Trap.’’ Finally, 100

yards down the beach, we came to the

place that Lt. Haggerty decided would

be a good mortar position. Most of our

platoon was already there.

Lt. Haggerty had gone up and down

the beach under heavy Japanese

shelling, gathering our mortar men as

he went. He had been bringing us

together so that we could become an

effective fighting unit.

When we finally got organized, we

learned we had lost 1 mortar—and 17

men were missing. We set up our three

guns while our ammo men gathered all

the mortar shells they could find along

the beach. (Mortar ammo came packed

three shells into a unit, which we

referred to as a “cloverleaf.”)

Col. Lewis B. “Chesty” Puller came

ashore to see for himself why our front

lines were not moving off the beach. He

set up his command post next to our

mortar position, which was part of the

3rd Battalion’s front line defense. Col.

Puller could see instantly that the

Japanese held all the high ground and

that we were in a very perilous position.

He ordered three tanks to fill in holes in

our lines.

Meanwhile, Lt. Haggerty had our

mortars lay out harassing fire that

whole first night. All this was done in

case of a Japanese attack. For some rea-

son, the attack never came. I feel the

Japanese failure to take advantage of

their position cost them any chance

they might have had for victory.

By the morning of the second day, L

and I Companies had improved our

beachhead and it was clear to Col.

Puller that K Company needed help to

hold the point on our left flank. It was

feared that if the point fell, the 3rd

Batta1ion’s position on White Beach

would be in jeopardy. (This scene is

well depicted in a book by Capt. George

P. Hunt, the Commanding Officer of K

Company, titled “Coral Comes High.”)

Col. Puller and Lt. Haggerty decided

to move our mortars another fifty yards

farther to our right flank so we could

give K Company more accurate mortar

support. When Lt. Haggerty was satis-

fied that our mortars were ready, he

rejoined K Company, where he and two

of our O.P. men had spent the first

night.

On the second day the Japanese sent

tanks against our positions, but they

were stopped easily by Marines armed

with flamethrowers, bazookas, and

BARs. That evening they renewed their

attack on the point, but we were ready

for them.

K Company’s 60mm mortars were

joined by our 8lmm mortars and rockets

that were mounted on a Navy LCI ship.

Lt. Haggerty directed the deadly fire,

and the surprised Japanese suffered

heavy casualties. With the point

secured, that ended any chance of a

Japanese victory.

I recall that we were firing only 200

A Salute to Lt. Haggerty

Lt. Haggerty had gone up and down the beach underheavy Japanese shelling, gathering our mortar men as hewent. He had been bringing us together so that we couldbecome an effective fighting unit.


13

to 250 yards. Our mortars were almost

pointing straight up. In fear that the

mortars might fall backwards, we

placed sandbags on the barrels of the

mortars. The gunners and assistant gun-

ners applied pressure on the sandbags

with their hands as the shells left the

tubes.

Our 3rd Battalion suffered almost

60% casualties in 8 days before being

relieved by part of the 8lst Army

Division. What our regiment was sup-

posed to take in 2 or 3 days took the 8lst

Army Division and the 5th and 7th

Marine Regiments almost 2 months to

secure.Our Mortar Platoon suffered

three men killed: Howard Chism,

Charles Stringham, and Danny

Sullivan. Fourteen men received Purple

Hearts.

Most of the credit for holding the

point must go to those brave men of K

Company. Many of them gave their

lives so we could take that damn island.

But credit must also go to men like Lt.

James J. Haggerty, who brought order

out of complete chaos to assure yet

another victory over the Japanese.

Even though history will tell you

that Peleliu played no role in the even-

tual defeat of Japan, this is not how

Peleliu is remembered by most of the

Marines who fought there. When we

hear the name Peleliu, there is not only

the heartfelt memories of our friends

who died there, but also a proud feeling

of knowing that we did our duty in

accordance with the high standards set

and expected by the United States

Marine Corps.

There were many heroes on Peleliu.

It is time we put their stories in writing

before all the veterans who fought there

are gone. Where does America find men

like these?

Just a few notes on my story:1. The LCI mentioned in the story had a

rocket launcher mounted on its deck.

Lt. W.A. Young, Jr. commanded a small

group of Marines. Our O. P. Sgt., Chuck

Reeves, directed the firing. They used a

broom handle for a aiming stake. The

LCI.hit a mine on the third day.

2. When we moved our gun position

farther to our right along the beach, I

had the honor to talk to Col. Chesty

Puller. My gun captain, Ed Molen, and

I were preparing our mortar for firing

when Puller asked us how much ground

we had gained. He meant how much

farther we were from the point.

Our answer was about 50 yards.

Then, like a dummy, I said, “Sir, we

didn’t gain any ground. We just moved

sideways.”

He replied, “Son, this is what is

called a strategic withdrawal.”

At least he called me “Son,” like he

always greeted each Marine on his

morning walks on Pavuvu.

3. Most of the men of K Company who

were on the point with Capt . George P.

Hunt agree that holding the point posi-

tion was made possible by their 60mm

mortars under the direction of Sgt. Joe

Lacoy, with the support of our 8lmm

mortars and the rockets from the LCI.

4. The bravery and leadership by Lt.

James J. Haggerty under heavy enemy

brought about order out of complete

chaos. I feel that he played a great part

to assure the success of the invasion of

Peleliu.

George P. HuntPlace of Birth: Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

Home of record: Haverford Pennsylvania

George Hunt became the Managing Editor of Life magazine after World War II. He was theauthor of “The Coral Comes High,” published by Harper & Row in 1946.

AWARDS AND CITATIONS

Navy Cross

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Crossto Captain George P. Hunt (MCSN: 0-8763), United States Marine Corps Reserve, forextraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of Company K, Third Battalion, FirstMarines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during theassault on enemy-held Peleliu, Palau Islands, from 15 to 17 September 1944. A bold andaggressive leader, Captain Hunt led his men in a daring assault against the enemy whowere firing from concrete pillboxes on a coral point. Knowing the great danger the seizureof the point would incur, but realizing the immediate necessity for its capture, he quicklyand skillfully maneuvered his company and, with two platoons, captured the point after afierce struggle during which five hostile concrete pillboxes, numerous coral pillboxes andlighter emplacements were destroyed and over one hundred of the enemy were killed.Isolated from the rest of his Battalion for a period of twenty-six hours with only thirty-fourmen remaining, Captain Hunt expertly organized a defensive perimeter and, successfullydefending his position against three hostile counterattacks, repulsed all three of them andannihilated four hundred and twenty-two Japanese. By his outstanding leadership andcool judgment in the face of grave danger, Captain Hunt contributed materially to the suc-cess of our forces during this critical period, and his gallant conduct throughout was inkeeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

General Orders: SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 00597

Action Date: September 15 - 17, 1944

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Captain

Company: Company K

Battalion: 3d Battalion

Regiment: 1st Marines

Division: 1st Marine Division

14


Who Would Be In The Brig Today?

I always enjoy your efforts in the organization to which you

operate, mostly as “editor.” I have a couple of comments regard-

ing the most recent edition of our publication, Vol. LXIV #2:

After returning from Vietnam in 1967, I was assigned as Base

Maintenance (now Facilities) Department, as Operations Officer,

a billet I held until I retired in early 1971. Page 17, concerning the

1st MarDiv Assn Reunion, states that Camp Pendleton “covers

over 250,000 acres and approximately 200 square miles of ter-

rain.” While the base is generally about 10 miles deep and about

20 long, the statement of 200 square miles is about correct.

However the acreage is about half what is stated, or about 125,000

acres.

There are 640 acres in a square mile; accordingly the actual

acreage would be 128,000. Of course some property has been

given up, such as the nuke plant and the state park at the extreme

north portion of the base.

I also have a “drummed out” story, but quite a bit different than

the one submitted by Ben “Doc” Wolfe. I had recently reported

aboard the 1st Pioneer Bn. as a newly promoted captain. LtCol

Jim “Rip” Harper was the CO and he assigned me to C Company.

Shortly after taking over the company, the 1stSgt (R. O. Lewis)

told me that a Marine was coming out of the brig and had been

court-martialed and given a bad conduct discharge. The jeep

drove up and I had the gunny form the company. The young man

stood in front and I approached him and with a razor blade,

removed any identification that reflected “Marine Corps,” includ-

ing the buttons and the pocket of this utility (‘dungaree’) jacket. I

told the gunny “Give the order!”

Jerry Ringer yelled “About face!” and the company did so. The

former prisoner was loaded in a jeep and taken to the Christianitos

gate and removed from the base.

When I hear there is no such thing as an ex-Marine I correct

them and tell them of this person who qualified as an ex-Marine.

I think if I were to have done such today, I’d be the one in the brig!

James “Jim” Murphy, Major, USMC (Retired)

2405 Tierra Dr., Los Osos CA 93402

Editor’s Note: I was present at only one “drumming out” cere-mony. That was in 1961, shortly after I returned from a “MedCruise.” The Marine had been convicted of stealing money on multi-ple occasions from our 81mm platoon members, so dismissal fromthe Corps was justified. He was also the recipient of a “blanketparty” from members of our platoon aboard ship before his court-martial ever got underway. (I am betting that those, too, have goneby the wayside.)

The “drumming out” was a somber ceremony, to put it mildly. Iwonder how many Marines swore that day that they would never doanything to violate the UCMJ and risk being a “drumming out” vic-tim. The procedure may have been humiliating to the accused, but itmay also have been a deterrent to a lot of us. I know that I sworethat day to stay on a steady path to an honorable discharge—a goal

that I achieved. Just for the record, the UCMJ (some people consider the

“Military Justice” part an oxymoron) was passed by Congress onMay 5, 1950 and signed into law by President Truman the next day.It took effect on 31 May 1951. Prior to that the USMC operatedunder a system referred to as “Rocks and Shoals,” under which“justice” was swift and often harsh.

The Positive Effects Of “Drumming Out”

As to the article on the aforementioned article, “Drummed Out

Of The Corps,” I saw two in 1959 at El Toro and Court House

Bay, Camp Lejeune. In those instances, the prisoner was wearing

his greens and the buttons and rank insignia’s were physically cut

off before he was marched to the gate and booted out.

This was more instructive/frightening to us young Marines

than all the classes on UCMJ could ever hope to achieve.

David. M. Franklin, 1958-1986,

[email protected] Was Not A Retreat!—And A Must Read

NOTE: This is an edited version of an email conversation

among Warren Wiedhahn, Pete McCloskey, and John Mixon. It is

intended to highlight the role of tanks at the Chosin Reservoir,

which is not often covered in the history of the battle.

Art and John - I just read your articles in the OBN. Careful and

thoughtful dialog! As a “Chosin” vet, the phrase I love to hate is

the “Marines retreat from the Chosin Reservoir.” Anyone who

was there knows full well that there were more Chinese in front

of us, as we fought our way to the sea, than behind us. It sure as

hell was no “retreat,” which is defined as moving “away” from the

enemy. We “attacked,” albeit in a different direction!

A must read regarding the Chosin “debacle” is “For Country

and Corps,” by Gail Shisler, the granddaughter of General O. P.

Smith. It’s outstanding, since she had access to letters the general

wrote. They were held by the family and were not previously

available to researchers.

It will make your blood boil when you read some of the asinine

decisions of Generals MacArthur and his henchman, Ned

Almond, regarding their “obsession” with getting to the Yalu

River before Christmas. Thousands of good men were killed or

wounded unnecessarily, in my opinion, because of “terrible”

strategic and tactical decisions by this pair!

Please note (below) that John Mixon and his brother Don

served in “the same tank” in Korea, contrary to all regulations. As

I recall, [they] were some of the few brothers in combat together.

John - Will you please help Congressman (Ret) “Pete”

McCloskey, also a California Marine? I’m afraid my knowledge

of the 1st Tank Bn. in Korea is limited to the great support we

received from them.

Warren Wiedhahn, [email protected]

The Mixon Brothers In Korea

You are right, My brother Don and I did serve in the same tank

Feedback/Letters to the Editor


15

(B-12). We both had prior service, so when we were recalled and

screened for previous duty we chose armor, as he had been in

tanks in China.

Even though our serving together was in violation of the

Sullivan Act, the argument went something like:

• If you separate us, what if the other tank gets hit?

• Wouldn’t it be better if both had stayed together?

• And, if we are separated, we might worry about the other

instead of paying attention to our own peril. Anyway, everyone

looked the other way. I drove; Don was assistant driver and bow

machine gunner.

After the war, Don became a professor at Napa College, but

was killed in an auto accident in 1967.

On November 29, 1950, “B” Co. went up that god-awful

mountain road to Koto-ri and became the rear guard of that fateful

Task Force Drysdale. “D” Co tanks led the column of 900 or so,

with soft vehicles in between with us in the rear. That was a recipe

for disaster.

At about eight miles north of Koto-ri the trucks and personnel

came under intense enemy fire, and they bailed (I didn’t blame

them) and effectively blocked our ability to move forward. “D”

Co and the 41st Royal Marines, plus some other people, continued

on their way, finally arriving at Haga-ru. They left about 300

killed or captured behind.

LtCol Milne, battalion commander of the 1st Tank Bn., was so

critical of “Chesty” for this composition that it cost him his career.

We were stuck behind the stalled vehicles and warded off the

Chinese that swarmed us, including climbing upon our tanks. We

were firing point blank into their ranks with our 90mm. At day-

light, we returned to Koto-ri and waited for the 5th, 7th, elements

of the 11th, and what was left of the Army’s 7th Division to fight

their way back to Koto-ri.

On or about the 10th, the division began the breakout from

Koto-ri to the sea. We were rear guard once again, and left Koto-

ri late in the day. As the column moved down that narrow winding

road at a “go-stop” snail’s pace, we were finally overrun at the

Funchillin pass, where the power plant was. We lost seven tanks

north of the treadway bridge, and our tank crew was among the

last people to cross the temporary bridge before it was blown.

After that, it was clear sailing on down to Hungnam.

The Army did have a couple old M-4 tanks which I saw at

Koto-ri. I was surprised, because they were obsolete. We had M-

26s, which were awesome.

I must say that the First Marine Division withdrawal could

have only been accomplished by Marines. To this day I weep

when I think of the heroics of my beloved Marines. No more than

30° below zero, no more 120,000 Chinese trying to kill 15,000

Marines.

As Lt Colonel Murray said, “Were going out of here like

Marines, or we’re not going at all.”

John Mixon, [email protected]

Editor’s Question: Who was LtCol Milne? To whom did heexpress his displeasure? How did he express it, e.g., in writing, ver-bally...?

USMC 1st Mar Div veterans of the Korean War (Marine

House USA members) visited Korea 22 June 2015. The visit

included Pusan, Geojedo P.O.W. Camp, Naksong River, Camp

Mu Juk, Pohang, ROKMC 1st Division, bullet train to Seoul,

Seoul City, ROKMC Hq and Yeoncheon.

For two veterans this was their first trip back since August

1950.

One highlight of the trip was a visit to ROKMC Hq, where we

were greeted individually by Commandant LtGen Lee, Sang Hue

and received a VIP welcome, with a parade of troops, a perform-

ance by their Drill Team, and a Command Brief. After that

Commandant Lee hosted us to an outstanding lunch.

Commandant Lee, Sang Hue(standing, center) and staff inback row. Marine vets ChuckWiley, Ray Moreno, ZackTaylor, Chairman Yong ChuPark, MajGen WilliamGroeniger III, Marty Vasquez,Ray Roulette (sitting, L-R) onvisit to Korea

Korean War Veterans Visit Korea

16


By Wayne Bonkosky

Iwas in A-1-5 from November, 1956

until my release from the Marine

Corps in July, 1958. I signed up for

two years active duty, one year active

reserves, then three years inactive

reserves.

As far as I know, the Marine Corps

only had that two-year enlistment package

available for about one year: January, ‘56

to January, ‘57. The usual tour of duty is

three or four years and so many guys

joined for the two-year enlistment that

they had to give “early outs” to some of

those enlistees in mid-’58. What’s more,

the reserves were full when I got out.

No reserve meetings. Just four years of

inactive reserves, then Honorable

Discharge. There is one particular episode

that occurred during my time in the com-

pany and Corps that made a lasting

impression on me: the 110-mile hike the

whole 5th Marine Regiment made in

about February or March of 1958. One

hundred and ten miles in four days of hik-

ing. Fifty-five miles in two days from

Camp Margarita inside Camp Pendleton,

then the home of the Fifth Marines, south

to the vicinity of Camp Matthews near

San Diego. Then a well earned one-day’s

rest made complete by a couple of large

refrigerated beer trucks to replenish the

liquids lost on the hike - as good an excuse

as any! Then 55 five miles over the next

two days back to Margarita.

Our fearless leader, Regimental

Commander Colonel Schmuck (really),

thought he would replace the mortal dan-

ger we weren’t facing in battle with the

acute physical discomfort of walking 25

or 30 miles a day with rifles, belts and

bayonets, helmets and a light marching

pack.

Several incidents that occurred during

those five days stand out in my mind even

now that over forty years of other experi-

ences intervene. The first two days actual-

ly weren’t all that bad. We hiked thirty

miles the first day. While we were all

tired, the weather had been good and we

still had the feeling of this being some-

thing of an adventure. It was a feeling, I’m

sure you’ll understand, that wore very thin

by the end of the week.

I forgot to mention that we hadn’t been

told that the beer trucks would be there for

us on the third day. Most of us had brought

very little money. Well, truth be told, my

PFC/Rifleman pay was $83 a month, so I

really didn’t have a lot of money to bring.

But the beer was cheap and the “five for

ten” loan shark guys were doing a brisk

business. And there were pretzels and

chips available to make sure we had plen-

ty of salt for the return hike but causing an

immediate and beneficial(?!) thirst for

more cold liquids.

Colonel Schmuck, bless ‘im, always

had our best interests at heart.

The hike back toward Pendleton started

early on the fourth morning with a lot of

guys in less than ideal physical and mental

condition...a lot of guys. Grunts and

groans and muttered bitching constituted

the majority of the conversation that

morning. After several hours of walking, a

sort of stupor set in. For the first time, a

few stragglers were noticed. The adven-

ture apect was definitely gone. This was

becoming way too close to actual work

and grim effort.

Then it began to rain lightly, and none

of us were looking forward to dealing with

the mud at our camp in an open field that

evening.

And I remember that camp. Our shel-

ter-halves and sleeping bags had been

trucked ahead for us. We set up in the

damp and mud, got our mess gear togeth-

er, and had a hot meal. I went back to my

shelter-half, undressed and, while still sit-

ting up, wiggled the lower half of my body

into the sleeping bag. Then I started to lie

back to settle in and while my head was

making that two-second journey from sit-

ting up to prone.

I fell almost completely asleep and

actually startled myself awake. Whoa!

Jeez, am I going comatose here or what?

My guess is, walking thirty miles with a

hangover was at least partly responsible

for that drowsiness.

Our return to the gates of Camp

Pendleton Friday afternoon was met with

a band playing martial music and quite a

few photographers and smiling family

members. I don’t remember that enthusi-

asm being met with many smiles from us.

We were all pretty tired and relieved that

the ordeal was nearly over. We really

wanted nothing more than a hot shower, a

hot meal, and rejuvenating, deep sleep.

But I will cheerfully admit I’ve been

rather proud of that hike ever since; I will

quietly smile to myself when some soldier

or fitness hiker talks about walking 10 or

20 miles. And I have a personal point of

reference when I read in a book about a

military unit marching a long distance,

e.g., A. P. Hill’s 17-mile, 7-hour forced

march from Harpers Ferry to Sharpsburg

during the Civil War. Or even Marine Lt.

O’Bannon’s 600-mile march in 1805 to

attack the Barbary pirates in Tripoli with a

sergeant, six privates, a Navy midshipman

and 140 mercenaries. But it did take him

about eight weeks.

But, keep this in mind, gentlemen: I

have read many first person accounts of

Marine Corps combat from Belleau Wood

to Guadalcanal, Peleliu, Iwo Jima and the

other vicious island campaigns to Pusan,

Inchon, Chosin, Hue and Khe Sanh. And I

want to assure you veterans that I am in no

way comparing our 110-mile exercise to

your gallantry. The two experiences are

not comparable. I offer it up only as a

hopefully interesting example of our duty

as “Cold Warriors.”

As a matter of fact, let me take this

opportunity to thank you Combat Marines

for the hard-earned and well deserved rep-

utation for endurance, determination,

devotion and bravery that all of us peace-

time Marines enjoy as well.

Very well done, gentlemen—sincerely.

Thank you.

Wayne Bonkosky, 1116 Navarro, SantaRosa, CA 95401

A-1-5 (And a few other Marines) March 110 Miles!!

I forgot to mention that we hadn’t been told that the beertrucks would be there for us on the third day. Most of ushad brought very little money.


17

By Cpl. Seth Starr, I Marine Expeditionary Force

CAMP PENDLETON, California- —

Defense Secretary Ash Carter, visited Marine

Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 27

to observe amphibious landings and meet

with senior military leaders and servicemem-

bers.

Carter’s visit started with an amphibious

raid that targeted a small compound, roughly

500 feet off shore. Amphibious assault vehi-

cles carrying Marine riflemen departed the

USS New Orleans, an amphibious transport

dock. The Marines assaulted the beach head

as the Secretary observed the scenario from a

nearby bluff.

Marines set the pace as the sound of sim-

ulated machine gun and rifle fire filled the

air. They quickly eliminated simulated

threats and took charge of the area.

During the raid, Marines and Sailors

demonstrated the joint Navy-Marine Corps

partnership by conducting ship-to-shore

operations, a capability synonymous with

Navy and Marine Corps teams.

Carter noted during the raid that as current

situations in the world continue to develop, it

is important to keep ahead with an ever-

changing battlefield.

“Carrying these service members, mis-

sion into the strategic future after 15 years of

extremely aggressive effort on fronts in both

Iraq and Afghanistan, we realize the need to

change the full spectrum of how we

approach these new conflicts,” said Carter.

“This means changing and adapting the way

the Navy and Marine Corps team trains so

that we can face these new conflicts around

the world head on.”

With change on the horizon, training,

equipment, vehicles and other tools become

more important aspects for innovative

change for both the Navy and Marine Corps,

with the U.S. building focus on Asia and the

Pacific. For example, the 1971-era AAVs that

Marines currently use to deploy during

amphibious operations are becoming

increasingly difficult to maintain, operate

and sustain.

Carter explained that development of the

new Amphibious Combat Vehicle provides a

much more robust and flexible capability

solution for the evolution of amphibious

operation.

The implementation of these kinds of

changes and innovations directly affects the

mission of the Navy and Marine Corps,

enabling both to be a critical maritime power

and crisis response team.

Following the raid, Secretary Carter

opened up for questions from service mem-

bers and media outlets about what the future

holds for the nation’s maritime forces in

addition to innovative solutions toward anti-

access and area denial measures.

The day’s events demonstrated the need

to sustain and upgrade the AAV fleet while

developing the ACV in order to modernize

our ship-to-shore capabilities, as well as give

senior leadership an opportunity to voice

their opinions on how to keep the U.S.

Marine Corps and Navy America’s number

one fighting force.

The U.S. Secretary of Defense, the honorable Mr. Ashton Carter, congratulates a young recon-naissance Marine on a job well done following a combined arms raid aboard Marine Corps BaseCamp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 27, 2015.

Member Enjoys Honor Flight

Ienjoyed a flight to Washington D.C. on 10 May 2015. It was sponsored by The Talons

Out Honor Flight of Michigan. I thank the nice companies and people who gave their

time and funds to make the flight possible.

The organization chartered a 757 aircraft for the trip. Most of the participants were in

the 87-95 year old age range. The trip marked a late-in-life pleasant day for many of them.

I served in the S.P. from 1943 to 1946 at New Caledonia, Guadalcanal, Peleliu, Pavuvu,

Okinawa, and North China. I spent two years overseas from the time I enlisted until the

time I was discharged. I never had a

furlough—or even a 24-hour pass.

To learn more about Talons Out,

go to http://talonsouthonorflight.org/

Gordon D. Siggins, 4951 Oakway Ct., NE

Grand Rapids, MI 49525

Defense Secretary Ash Carter visits Camp Pendleton

Gordon Siggins salutes during thewreath laying ceremony at ArlingtonNational Cemetery

18



19

Looking For Medals, Especially From Fr. CapodannaI was separated from active service at El Toro, Santa Ana,

CA, 3 December 1967. I received the National Defense Medal,

Vietnam Service Medal, and the Republic Vietnam CMd1. I’m

sure I was awarded other medals, but I was separated from serv-

ice before they were entered into my records.

I’m sure the Division was awarded the Presidential Unit

Citation and Navy Unit Citation for Operations Union I and II.

Perhaps I should have received other medals and awards, such as

Combat Action, since my discharge from service. How can I find

out?

My utmost concern is a medal regarding Father Capodanno. I

received a St. Christopher Medal from the padre. On the back

was embossed Vietnam 1967. I wore this medal for over twenty

years, but I lost it twenty years ago.

I would give just about anything to have another one. My

hope is to be buried with the medal around my neck. I’ve con-

tacted the Capodanno Guild to no avail.

Perhaps you could run a short article in The Old Breed News

asking other 5th Marines if they have an extra medal or know

where I can obtain another original blessed by the Padre or ...?

John R. Stuertz, 2612 Lafayette Avenue

Lincoln NE, 68502, [email protected]

Quests & Queries Special Reunion AfterSixty Years

Retired Marine Corps Captain John Decker and his executive

director, 1st Lt Don Healy, had a special reunion last month

when Don and his friend Daphne visited John and Ruth. It was

the first time the two retired officers had seen each other since

they served in Korea together with E-2-7 in 1955—sixty years

ago.

Don, currently living in New Jersey, spied John’s name in a

Marine Corps magazine about four years ago. Since reconnect-

ing, they have stayed in touch and were able to finally have the

reunion visit.

As Don explains it, “We try to get together every sixty years.”

John Decker (L, in both photos) and Don Healy, then and now

20


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

ALAMO [TX]The chapter presented checks at the annual reunion for

$6,000.00 to the General Fund and $9,100.00 to the Scholarship

Fund.

DALLAS [TX] On 14 May we presented the 5th annual “Joe Walker” Award

at the annual WT White High School Marine JROTC awards cer-

emony. The award is named in memory of the Chapter’s Past

Treasure - Joe Walker. Joe was an education advocate and played

an instrumental role in orchestrating the Chapter’s Marine

Reading Raider Program conducted at local Dallas elementary

schools.

When Joe passed, the chapter wanted to memorialize his spirit

and recognize the Cadet who best demonstrates the Corps’ ethos

of courage, honor, and commitment. The 2015 “Joe Walker”

Award was presented to Cadet Captain Lucero Villalobos, a grad-

uating senior who has been accepted to El Centro College in

Dallas. She will be pursuing a degree in architecture.

Walter C. Schmick, Jr.

c/o Kiewit Infrastructure South Co.

13119 Old Denton Rd., Fort Worth, TX 76177

Office: 817-337-7004, Cell: 817-932-0821

[email protected]

PHOENIX [AZ]On 29 April several members deployed to MCAGCC 29

Palms CA for a “Special Op.” The purposes were to present the

Oscar P. Austin (MOH) Award to a Marine and a Corpsman of

E/2//7 and host a “Steak Fry and Beer Bust” for the company

upon returning from their latest deployment. The award consists

of an engraved Ka-Bar and a certificate of appreciation.

The awards were presented to Lance Corporal Zackery S.

Kioshi and HM3 Louis B. Nazareno III by Captain William

Kerrigan, CO E/2/7, with assistance from First Sgt. Idris Turay.

These individuals were selected by their brother non-NCOs.

We plan to have a challenge coin presentation prior to the

company’s next deployment. Captain Kerrigan and First Sgt.

Turay presented our chapter with a magnificent plaque for our

efforts in supporting E/2/7.

Members attending were Wayne Baldwin, John Templeton,

Alex Romero, and Gene Wuestenfeld. Also attending were mem-

bers’ wives Helen Baldwin, Mary Romero, and Barbra

Templeton, who manned the “chow line.”

Our thanks to Captain Kerrigan, First Sgt. Turay, and GySgt

Jeffery Wright for their assistance in hosting this event. Also, a

grateful thank you to Shamrock Foods for their donation of 250

steaks, as well as to Hensley Beverage Company (Budweiser) for

donating the adult beverages.

Upon our return, Alex Romero presented a plaque of appreci-

ation to Shamrock Foods. Wayne Baldwin did the same to

Hensley Beverage Company.

Our color guard participated in the Memorial Day ceremonies

at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix. This

is an annual event that our chapter attends. Our color guard con-

sisted of Bob Lentz, John Templeton, Bob Boland, and Wayne

Baldwin.

Later this year (TBD) the chapter will present E/2/7 with a

Korean War-era M1 Garand. Wayne Baldwin took it upon him-

self to “take point” for this endeavor. Semper Fi Wayne. This

event pays tribute to Easy Company, 1st Battalion 7th Marines

who fought in Korea. Details to follow.

Robert E. Wuestenfeld, [email protected]

ROCKY MOUNTAIN [CO] We (aka “The Mountain Breed”) continue to be active in 2015

with a bimonthly business meeting alternating with a bimonthly

social or community event.

On 11 April our business meeting was held at American

Legion Post #1 in Denver. The agenda included a report on our

participation in the Denver St. Patrick’s Day parade and planning

for future social activities, as well as our support of the Marine

Memorial in Golden, CO.

Bob Brockish told of his participation in Oral History Day at

Thornton High School. He talked to three classes about growing

Alamo chapter delegate ValYuergas, FMDA PresidentAJ Burn, Treasurer JimZalpis and DVPC Tex Stitlerat check presentation

Nora Walker (widow of Joe Walker), Cadet Captain Lucero Villalobos,and Dallas Chapter President LtCol Walt Schmick, USMC (Ret) (L-R), ataward presentation


21

up in Denver, serving in the Korean War, and his education and

work after the war. After the last class a female student asked if

Bob might have known her grandfather, who was a Marine in

Korea. As it turned out, her grandfather, who died before she was

born, was Julio Lucio, a BARman in Brockish’s squad in C/1/1

in 1951. It is a small world.

On 9 May members toured the Wings Over the Rockies avia-

tion museum at the former Lowry AFB in Denver. About 20

members and guests came out on a rainy day to see the collection

of vintage war planes and have lunch at the museum’s Beer

Garden.

In June the business meeting at Legion Post #1 was concerned

mainly with details for our July picnic. On 11 July 35 or so

Marines and guests enjoyed brats and burgers and all the fixings

at the Mountain Breed annual picnic at American Legion Post

178 in Lakewood, CO.

Other social activities include dinner at the Lakewood

Country Club in September and a Marine Corps Birthday Ball in

November.

We welcome any Marine who served with, or was attached in

any way to, the 1st Marine Division, to join and take part in chap-

ter activities. Recent

veterans of Iraq and

Afghanistan are need-

ed to contribute their

current experience to

the chapter. Any

Marine who is interest-

ed should contact Bob

Brockish, Chapter

President, at rbrock-

[email protected].

“The Mountain Breed” can be found at https://ca.groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/MountainBreedFMDA/info.

Robert (“Bob”) Brockish, 303-499-9629

[email protected]

Members and guests of Rocky Mountain chapter at picnic

Julio Lucio (L) and BobBrockish in Korea in1953

Group from Rocky Mountain chapter at Wings Over The RockiesMuseum

2015 Reunion Images

Tex Stitler (L)and SgtMajSowers

I/3/7 group

22


Contr ibut ions to the Fi r s t M

• SGT PHILLIP E. ACKERT 20th 40In Memory of KIA-Bunker Hill-B1-1-1 Aug. 1952

• LTCOL WM A ALLANSON USMC (Ret) 50th 25• SSGT JOHN N. BASTIAN 36th 100• SGT DANNY JOSEPH. BECKER 5th 25• LT COL ANDREW J. BERGEN 1st 15• HM3 CHARLES E. BERGER 15th 50• HMC JAMES B. BEYERSDORF FMF 15th 10• GLENN A. BORVANSKY 9th 25• CPL HAROLD BUFF JR 29th 10• SGTMAJ RODNEY R. BURNS USMC (Ret) 3rd 100• SGT LOUIS S. CAMPBELL 27th 25• LTCOL FRANK S. CANNON USMC (Ret) 36th 50• LTCOL FRANK S. CANNON USMC (Ret) 37th 50

In Memory of GySgt Donald J Lupo Wpn/1/5 KIA• LTCOL FRANK S. CANNON USMC (Ret) 38th 50

In Memory of Cpl. Anthony Mocci A-1-5 KIA• SGT FRANK P. CARPENTER 13th 25• SGT ELLIOTT W. CHASSEY Sr 8th 5

In Memory of George I. Cassey Sr. my father • HMC ELBERT H. COLLINS 1st 35• CPL MELVIN F. CRUTHERS 34th 100• GYSGT EUGENE A. DAY USMC (Ret) 6th 50• PFC WILLIAM J. DENNIS 16th 40

In Memory of PFC James E. Moffitt KIA Korea 1953

• PHILIP J. DEVLIN 9th 15• CPL LEONARD A. DIBBS 8th 200• COL DARRYL A. DONEGAN 10th 25• 1STLT EANOS T. EVANS USMC 27th 10• 1STLT EANOS T. EVANS USMC 28th 10• SGT JOHN O. EVERY 14th 25

In Memory/Honor of WPNS 3-7 Korea• MAJ JAMES W. FACKLER 4th 100• MAJ JAMES W. FACKLER 5th 40• SGT LOUIS E. FARRAYE 8th 25• SGT RICHARD J. FEUERHERM 5th 25

In Memory of Pfc Donald Sorenson-KIA Dec. 4th KOTO-RI-Korea-1950-Weapons Co-C-1/5-1st MAR DIV

• 1STSGT GEORGE E. GALVAN USMC (Ret) 51st 75In Honor of Gaye L. Galvan

• CPL JAMES P. GOBLET 8th 25• CPL ERNEST M. GOWER JR. 10th 15• MSGT JAMES R. GUMMOW 19th 20

In Memory of John Yancey• SSGT DAVE E. HAWKINS 144th 25• MGYSGT CHARLES R. HOPPE 1st 20

In Memory of GYSGT. Ronald A. Knight• JAMES A. HOWARD 4th 50• MGYSGT JAMES L. KEELY (Ret) 81st 30• MGYSGT JAMES L. KEELY (Ret) 82nd 30• MGYSGT JAMES L. KEELY (Ret) 83rd 30• MGYSGT JAMES L. KEELY (Ret) 84th 30• MSGT DAVID E. KEENE 25• MSGT DAVID E. KEENE 25• MSGT DAVID E. KEENE 25• SGT WILLIAM E. KELLEY 16th 25• SGT JAMES F. KIRBY 10th 15• CPL ERIC L. KURTZ 21st 10• CPL ERIC L. KURTZ 25th 10• CPL ERIC L. KURTZ 27th 10• CPL JAMES T. LAUBACH 9th 15• CAPT CHARLES S. LINDBERG 34th 25• 1STSGT DONALD E. LINKOUS USMC (Ret) 9th 25

In Memory/Honor of Senior Master Chief Walt Linkous, Master GySgt Garcia-Gunney Visinger

• SGT DAVID J. MACKIN 3rd 25

• SGT JOHN E. MANSFIELD 123rd 22• SGT JOHN E. MANSFIELD 124th 22• MAJ DON E. MATHIS 4th 25• SSGT CHARLES E. MCHANEY 11th 25

In Memory of Lester Merritt, CH-KO• SGTMAJ GEORGE F. MEYER USMC (Ret) 216th 200• SGTMAJ GEORGE F. MEYER USMC (Ret) 217th 200• SGTMAJ GEORGE F. MEYER USMC (Ret) 218th 100• SGT RICHARD G. MITCHELL 8th` 25• SGT SIDNEY G. MONTECINO 3rd 10• CPL RICHARD (MOON-MAN) B.. MOONEY 22nd 50

In Memory of 1st Lt. Ronald D. Winchester• LCPL ANDREW J. MORGRET 2nd 65• CPL ARTHUR F. MOSHER 2nd 20• ARTHUR J. MURPHY 2nd 25

In Memory of Arthur J Murphy VMA 324KO DOD 2-6-15

• CPL EUGENE L. NORHEIM USMC 25th 25• SGT JOHN S. OKEEFFE 65th 10• SGT JOHN S. OKEEFFE 66TH 10• SGT JOHN S. OKEEFFE 67th 10• SGT JOHN S. OKEEFFE 68th 10• CAPT WILLIAM R. OTTO USMC (Ret) 190th 20• SGT DWIGHT E. PAULEY 2nd 100• GYSGT HARRY M. PAULHAMUS USMC (Ret) 50th 10

In Memory of my beloved wife Rosemarie• TSGT EUGENE J. PETERSON 25th 35• TSGT EUGENE J. PETERSON 27th 20

In Memory of my Wife Ginny of 62 years• SGT JOHN W. POWERS 7th 10• MGYSGT LAWRENCE H. ROANE USMC (Ret) 9th 25• HM1 NORMAN E. ROBERTSON 13th 30• GYSGT JUAN J. RODRIGUEZ USMC (Ret) 1st 15

In Memory of 1st Sgt. Louis J. Pellazeri, KIA, Vietnam, 1966

• RICHARD F. ROWLEY 22nd 10• E4 JOHN T. SCHAEFFER 1st 15• MSGT GEORGE L. SCHAUDEL USMC (Ret) 27th 10• CPL ART B. SCHWARTZ 13th 25• SGTMAJ PAUL STEPHENSON USMC (Ret) 19th 25

In Memory of Eddie Lebaron my teammate Quantico Football 1950

• CPL HAROLD F. SULLIVAN 1st 15• SGT ROBERT E. THARP 16th 5• GEORGE M. THOMAS 8th 50• SGT WALTER H. TRASKA 24th 20• GEORGE T. VADINO 12th 50• GYSGT WILLIAM D. WEISGERBER 26th 2.5• GYSGT WILLIAM D. WEISGERBER 27th 28.92• SGT HARVEY L. WEISHUHN 22nd 25• MSGT WILLIAM R. WERNTZ Sr USMC (Ret) 14th 10• SGT MAURICE P. WHITMER 7th 25• SGT STEVEN D. WIEGERT 11th 25

In Memory of 4CPL S.T. Runyon D CO 1st BN 5th MAR KIA 12-16-67

• SGT STEVEN D. WIEGERT 12th 25In Memory in Honor of L/Cpl S. T. Runyon KIA 12-16-67 D 1/5 VN

• CPL RICHARD W. WILSON 3rd 15• CPL JOSEPH JOHN. WISOCKI 7th 25• LTCOL WAYNE P. ZETZMAN 15TH 50

General FundGeneral Fund Donations = 100 Total = $3,465.42

•SGT PHILLIP E. ACKERT 22nd 35 • KIA-Bunker Hill-B1-1-1 Aug. 1952• COL GORDON D. BATCHELLER USMC (Ret) 5th 35• COL GEORGE M. BROOKE III USMC (Ret) 4th 100

General FundLife Member = 52; Total = $ 2995.00


23

Mar ine Div i s ion Assoc ia t ion• LTCOL CLEM BUCKLEY USMC (Ret) 4th 35• HM3 ROBERT G. BUEHL Jr 13th 50

In Memory of Col. William H. ‘Doc’ White• SGTMAJ RODNEY R. BURNS USMC (Ret) 4th 100• SGT LOUIS S. CAMPBELL 26th 25• CPL MELVIN F. CRUTHERS 33rd 100• GYSGT EUGENE A. DAY USMC (Ret) 7th 50• MSGT JOHN L. DECKER 3rd 35• MSGT JOHN L. DECKER 4th 60• SGT RICHARD J. DOBSON 19th 25• MAJ HERBERT R. EDSON USMC (Ret) 2nd 20

In Memory of Major General Merritt A. Edson, USMC (Ret.)• CPL DAVID A. GOODFIELD 7th 50• MGYSGT CHARLES R. HOPPE 2nd 20

In Memory of GYSGT. Fred Amos• SGT SIDNEY E. KIRK 3rd 50• CPL ERIC L. KURTZ 20th 10• CPL ERIC L. KURTZ 23rd 10• CPL ERIC L. KURTZ 29th 10• CPL JOSEPH R. LANTZ 8th 15• CPL JAMES T. LAUBACH 8th 15• CPL MELVIN L. OAKES 12th 25• CPL WILLIAM J. PALLISTER 9th 35• CPL LEO W. SCHMITTGENS 42nd 25• SSGT GARY J. SOUCIE 1st 1000• SSGT JAMES F. SUTTON 12th 50• 1STSGT WILLIE A. TARVER USMC (Ret) 15th 25• SSGT JOSEPH L. WAX 8th 50

OBN Plea – 2015Fund Donors = 52; Total = $ 1315.00

• SGT PHILLIP E. ACKERT 21st 25In Memory of KIA-Bunker Hill-B1-1-1 Aug. 1952

• CPL CARL E. AGRELIUS 5th 25• DR. JACK B. AUSTERMAN DDS 4th 25• BRIAN H. BAILEY 19th 100• MAJ JAMES J. BARRY Jr 1st 25• SSGT JOHN N. BASTIAN 37th 100• SGT RANDY C. BEAL 8th 25• HMC JAMES B. BEYERSDORF FMF 16th 10• HMC JAMES B. BEYERSDORF FMF 17th 10• GLENN A. BORVANSKY 10th 25• PFC ROBERT A. COHEN 4th 25• GYSGT MAURICE A. DEVEREAUX USMC (Ret) 20th 20• HM3 JOHN M. DUNNING 7th 10• MAJ JAMES W. FACKLER 7th 30• CPL DANIEL FELSEN 17th 5• SGT ROGER A. FRERICHS 5th 25• 1STSGT GEORGE E. GALVAN USMC (Ret) 52nd 25

In Honor of Gaye L. Galvan• SSGT DAVE E. HAWKINS 145th 25• CPL ERIC L. KURTZ 22nd 10• CPL ERIC L. KURTZ 26th 10• CPL ERIC L. KURTZ 28th 10• CPL THOMAS LADNER 19TH 10

In memory of my Dad “”Red”“ Ladner,82nd Bombardment Group 812th

• CPL JOSEPH R. LANTZ 9th 25• CPL JAMES T. LAUBACH 10th 15• CPL JAMES M. LIEBERMAN 7th 25• CAPT CHARLES S. LINDBERG 35th 25• SSGT DONALD F. MACDERMOTT 7th 25• SGT ROBERT W. MAUGHAN 16th 45• SSGT CHARLES E. MCHANEY 12th 15

In Memory of Lester Merritt, CH-KO• SGT JOHN E. MCMAHON 9th 25• CPL CHARLES B. MULRAIN 2ND 25• SGT SAMUEL PACHECO Sr 5th 25• SGT JAMES V. PELLA 16th 10

• TSGT EUGENE J. PETERSON 26th 30• TSGT EUGENE J. PETERSON 28th 20

In Memory of my Wife Ginny of 62 years• MAJ ROBERT (BOB) J. RAMSEY USMC (Ret) 4th 30• HM1 NORMAN E. ROBERTSON 14th 20• CPL MICHAEL D. ROCHE 8th 15• GYSGT JUAN J. RODRIGUEZ USMC (Ret) 2nd 25

In Memory of 1st Sgt. Louis J. Pellazeri, KIA, Vietnam, 1966• CPL CARL F. SCOTT 14th 20• SGT VINTON H. SHOLL 10th 100

In Memory of Sgt James R. Williams survivor of Peleliu, Okinawa, KIA 1951

• CPL WALLACE T. STEWART 20th 10• CPL WALLACE T. STEWART 22nd 10• CPL WALLACE T. STEWART 23rd 10• SGT THOMAS M. THOMPSON 8th 25• SSGT FRED H. VONHINKEN Jr 3rd 25• SGTMAJ HOWARD D. VRMEER USMC (Ret) 2nd 25• CPL ROBERT E. WAHLBECK 18th 25• MSGT WILLIAM R. WERNTZ Sr USMC (Ret) 16th 10• SGT MAURICE P. WHITMER 8th 25• HM2 ROBERT C. WICKMAN 8th 30• COL ORLOW R. ZUMWALT USMC (Ret) 5th 25

Fund Donors = 71; Total = $ 5612.00

Scholarship Fund

• LTCOL WM A ALLANSON USMC (Ret) 82nd 50In Memory of Robert V. Kurilich USMC KIA RVN 6 June 1968

• LTCOL WM A ALLANSON USMC (Ret) 81st 50In Memory Maj John C. Archibold USMC KIA RVN 6 June 1969

• MR. GEORGE L. AYER 17th 20In Memory of Frank Wall B-1-1 WWII

• ANTHONY & JEANINE BADALAMENTI 1st 38In Memory of 1st Lt. Ronald D Winchester

• SSGT JOHN N. BASTIAN 37th 100• MAJ ALLAN C. BEVILACQUA USMC (Ret) 101st 50

In Memory of a good marine Artie Barbossa, Navy Cross, Easy/2/5 KO

• LAUREN & CHRISTIAN BROWNE 2nd 75In Memory of 1st Lt. Ronald D. Winchester USMC Iraq Sept. 3, 2004

• SGT LOUIS S. CAMPBELL 27th 25• HM3 ROBERT T. CASH 10th 25• CPL DAN CASSETTA 4th 25

In Memory of Don Vutera• KELLY & CHRISTOPHER CISEK 1ST 760

In Memory of Lt. Ronald D. Winchester• MGYSGT LAMBERT CONSIJIO Jr USMC (Ret) 226th 20

In Memory of my beloved wife. Miyoko Mary•MR. CHARLES A. DELLIGATTI JR 8TH 500|

In Memory of 1st Lt. Ronald D. Winchester USMC Iraq Sept. 3, 2004

•SCOTT DESANO 1st 31In Memory of Lt. Ronald D. Winchester

• MAJ JAMES W. FACKLER 6th 30• HM2 EARL FISHER 3rd 25• 1STLT MICHAEL L. GALYEAN 16th 50

In Memory of 1st Lt. Ronald D. Winchester• CPL ERNEST M. GOWER JR. 4th 15• SSGT WILLIAM J. HOYER USMC (Ret) 3rd 25• 1STSGT CHARLES E. JAQUES USMC (Ret) 16th 25• SGT WILLIAM E. KELLEY 17th 25• JOANNE KELLY 1ST 200

In Memory of 1st Lt. Ronald D. Winchester• JOY T. KREBS 2nd 150


• CPL ERIC L. KURTZ 6th 10• CPL ERIC L. KURTZ 7th 10• CPL ERIC L. KURTZ 8th 10

24


• CPL JAMES T. LAUBACH 7th 15• ROBERT & MICHELE LEONARDO 2nd 60


• CPL JOHN C. MALAST 6th 50• SGT JOHN E. MANSFIELD 42nd 22• LAWRENCE & MARGARET QUINN 4th 58

In Memory of 1st Lt. Ronald D. Winchester• SGT ROBERT W. MAUGHAN 17th 25• 1STLT JOHN MCDOUGALL 14th 9

In Memory of/Honor of 2dLt Joseph Missar Jr. died RVN 2/66 Basic• 1STLT JOHN MCDOUGALL 15th 9

In Memory of/Honor of 2dLt Joseph Missar Jr. died RVN 2/66 Basic• 1STLT JOHN MCDOUGALL 16th 10

In Memory of/Honor of 2dLt Joseph Missar Jr. died RVN 2/66 Basic• CPL JOHN J. MCGOWAN 19th 25

In Memory/In Honor of H&S 1-1 Korea 1954-1955• SSGT CHARLES E. MCHANEY 21st 25

In Memory of Lester Merritt, CH-KO• CPL RICHARD (MOON-MAN) B.. MOONEY 17th 50

In Memory of 1st Lt. Ronald D. Winchester• CPL MELVIN L. OAKES 1st 25• SGT JOHN S. OKEEFFE 8th 10• SGT JOHN S. OKEEFFE 9th 10• CAPT WILLIAM R. OTTO USMC (Ret) 189th 25• CAPT WILLIAM R. OTTO USMC (Ret) 190th 25• CPL RICHARD J. PANZNER 6th 15• TSGT EUGENE J. PETERSON 4th 35• TSGT EUGENE J. PETERSON 2nd 25

In Memory of my Wife Ginny of 62 years• JOHN & MEGAN REDA 1ST 20

In Memory of Lt. Ronald D. Winchester• SGT VINCENT RIOS USMC (Ret) 13th 50

In Memory of 1st Lt. Ronald D. Winchester• RICHARD F. ROWLEY 23rd 10• CPL JOHN J. SALERNO 30th 20• KRISTEN SCHAEFER-HAMID 1st 20

In Memory of Lt. Ronald D. Winchester• ROBERT & PATRICIA SCHAEFER 3RD 50

In Memory of Lt. Ronald Winchester• MSGT GEORGE L. SCHAUDEL USMC (Ret) 17th 20• CPL WILLIAM L. SHEDLOV 14th 35• PACIFIC BEACH SHORE CLUB 1ST 2000

In Memory of 1st Lt. Ronald D. Winchester• MRS JOANNE S. STEVENS 13th 5• MRS JOANNE S. STEVENS 14th 5• LTCOL JOHN R. STEVENS USMC 36th 10

In Memory of Lt. Baldermo Lopez• LTCOL JOHN R. STEVENS USMC 37th 10

In Memory of Lt. Baldermo Lopez• CPL WALLACE T. STEWART 19th 25• CPL WALLACE T. STEWART 21st 25• CPL WALLACE T. STEWART 22nd 25• CAPT DAVID J. STRAUS 2nd 100

In Memory of Sgt. Jim Chubb• 1STLT DONALD M. THINSCHMIDT 1st 65• CPL ROBERT E. WAHLBECK 143rd 40• CPL ROBERT E. WAHLBECK 144th 20

In Memory of George Crotts Chosen Survivor D-2-7• MRS ANITA WASELINKO 8th 100

In Memory of my husband George Waselinko• CPL WALTER H. WEIDNER Jr 38th 25• SGT HARVEY L. WEISHUHN 23rd 25• MSGT WILLIAM R. WERNTZ Sr USMC (Ret) 10TH 10• CPL JOSEPH JOHN. WISOCKI 1st 25

By Sgt. Lillian Stephens, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar

Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif. — Marines with Marine

Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 166 (Reinforced) and Marines

with Echo, Fox and Golf Companies, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine

Regiment (Reinforced) conducted predeployment training aboard

Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Aug. 18.

Marines with VMM-166 (Rein) and Marines with 2/1 (Rein) per-

formed on-off drills with two MV-22B Ospreys and a Tactical

Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel mission as part of their monthly

predeployment training.

According to Gunnery Sgt. Paul Gallion, a flight line division chief

and weapons and tactics instructor with VMM-166 (Rein), the training

allowed infantry Marines to practice safely boarding and exiting the

aircraft.

“For the ground-side guys, it is to make them comfort-

able getting on and off the aircraft,” said Gallion. “Some

of [them] are experiencing getting on a helicopter for the

first time.”

Marines with 2/1 practiced egressing from the Ospreys

while maintaining situational awareness of personnel and

equipment.

“If you understand why you’re being told to do things

in a certain way … you buy into it more,” said Gallion.

“We [trained] to build up their situational awareness and

[make them comfortable with] getting on and off the aircraft.”

Cpl. Orry Kappus, a section leader for mortars with G Co., 2/1, said

the training maintains necessary skills fresh prior to deployment, and

stresses the safety of the Marines, their equipment and aircraft.

“[They’re] going to be our primary transportation during deploy-

ment,” said Kappus. “We need to be proficient in getting on and off

[the aircraft] … that’s why we practice.”

The Marines conducted a TRAP mission after they completed the

drills, which required them to locate and evacuate a simulated downed

pilot.

“The TRAP mission was to build ground-side readiness and our

own internal readiness for the multitude of missions we may have to

do,” said Gallion. “[The crew chiefs] need to understand the basic con-

cepts of every mission we do. It makes them a better crew chief and a

better asset to the unit and to the MEU.”

Two MV-22B Ospreys with Marine Medium TiltrotorSquadron (VMM) 166 (Reinforced) prepare for a TacticalRecovery of Aircraft and Personnel mission.

VMM-166, Infantry Marines conduct predeployment training


25

26


we are) with (Raider) an historical refer-

ence to Marine special operations, ulti-

mately relaying the message ‘Marines are

who we are, special operations are what

we do.’

Questions and Responses. The fol-

lowing questions and responses are

approved for use by MARSOC personnel

in response to query only. Questions other

than those addressed below should be

referred to Capt. Barry Morris the MAR-

SOC Public Affairs Officer by phone at

(910) 440-0770 or by e-mail at barry.mor-

[email protected].

Q1: Will MARSOC replace all existing

organizational logos and emblems with

the Marine Raider moniker?

A1: MARSOC unit emblems will contin-

ue to use the existing blue Raider shield

with Southern Cross, but would not use

the Raider skull. The Raider patch itself

will not be an authorized unit emblem to

wear in uniform or kit, but may be used in

a personal capacity, out of uniform as a

symbol of unit pride and Marine Corps

heritage.

Q2: Will MARSOC change its entire

naming convention?

A2: Below is the complete list of units

being re-designated as Marine Raiders.

Marine Special Operations Regiment will

become Marine Raider Regiment.

• 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion

will become 1st Marine Raider Battalion.

• 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion

will become 2nd Marine Raider Battalion.

• 3rd Marine Special Operations Battalion

will become 3rd Marine Raider Battalion.

• Marine Special Operations Support

Group will become Marine Raider

Support Group.

• 1st Marine Special Operations Support

Battalion will become 1st Marine Raider

Support Battalion.

• 2nd Marine Special Operations Support

Battalion will become 2nd Marine Raider

Support Battalion.

• 3rd Marine Special Operations Support

Battalion will become 3rd Marine Raider

Support Battalion.

Q3: How will MARSOC use the Raiders

moniker?

A3: The Raider moniker will be used by

MARSOC to enhance both esprit de corpsand to reinforce the Marine Corps’ identi-

ty, heritage and legacy associated with the

Marine Raiders of WWII.

Q4: Why is MARSOC using the Raider

moniker?

A4: MARSOC and the Marines Raiders

share the common experiences as a spe-

cialized unit, formed during a time of con-

flict, and uniquely manned, trained, &

equipped to conduct special operations.

The Raider moniker also provides SOF

and USMC leadership with a way to iden-

tify MARSOC Marines in different

forums—as often is heard during speaking

forums, the SOF community is described

as Navy SEALS, Army Green Berets,

Rangers, AFSOC Commandos, now the

Marine Corps has an official identity,

rather than just critical skills operator

(CSO) or special operations officer

(SOO).

Q5: Who within MARSOC will be

authorized to call themselves a Marine

Raider?

A5: While assigned to MARSOC, all per-

sonal are authorized to call themselves a

Marine Raider, to include all support per-

sonal, civilian employees as well as

MARSOC’s CSOs and SOOs. As with any

other unit within the Marine Corps, while

assigned to a particular unit with a specific

unit nickname; for example, 2nd

Battalion, 2nd Marines’ nickname is

“Warlords,” and Marine Light Attack

Helicopter Squadron 369, call themselves

“Gunfighters,” the personal assigned to

these units are authorized to call them-

selves a “Warlord” or “Gunfighter,”

respectfully, and the Marine Raiders

moniker is no different.

Q6: MARSOC has been in existence for

over nine years, why change the name

now?

A6: The Marine Raiders have highlighted

their strong desire for their legacy to not

be forgotten and to be carried on by anoth-

er Marine Corps unit. They requested

MARSOC to be the unit to carry on that

legacy and the Commandant of the Marine

Corps concurred. We feel we owe it to

those Marine Raiders still alive and their

families to make every attempt to do so.

MARSOC is proud and honored to adopt

the name Marine Raider, carrying on the

rich heritage passed along to us by the

Raiders of World War II. As with every

Marine Corps unit, MARSOC desires a

moniker that creates its own unique iden-

tity that is based on Marine Corps her-

itage, and enables Marines to trace their

legacy to those Marines who served

before them.

Q7: MARSOC announced the re-designa-

tion almost a year ago, why has it taken

this long to conduct the actual re-designa-

tion ceremony?

A7: Before MARSOC could officially re-

designate as Marine Raiders, Marine

Corps Bulletin (MCBUL) 5400 had to be

approved and published by Headquarters

Marine Corps. Once MCBUL 5400 was

published, the MARSOC Commander

determined the best date to hold the re-

designation ceremony, ensuring it did not

conflict with unit training and other oper-

ational commitments.

Q8: What expenses/changes to materials

are involved?

A8: The associated direct costs will be

roughly $12,000, which include procure-

ment of eight sets of unit colors that depict

the new unit names and changing identifi-

cation signs located outside the respective

headquarters buildings. Indirect costs,

such as changing the name in an official

publication, will be incurred in conjunc-

tion with the scheduled revision of the

respective publication. MARSOC does

not print bulk stationery products in

advance, so additional printing costs have

been avoided. MARSOC also put on hold

the production of any additional advertis-

ing products such as bill-boards, pam-

phlets, newspaper print advertisements,

etc., until the naming conventions associ-

ated with the Marine Raider title are for-

malized.

Points of Contact: The primary point

of contact for this PAG is Capt. Barry

Morris, MARSOC Public Affairs Officer:

Office Phone (910) 440-0770, Cell Phone

(910) 650-8472.

RAIDERS from page 11


27

“Recruiter of the Year”The FMDA Is seeking new members!!!

The Marine Corps is a "Band of Brothers" and the First Marine Division Association (FMDA)

represents the best of what our Corps stands for. This Association cuts across:

• Age differences • Rank differences • Race/gender differences • Socio/economic differences

In conjunction with our 2015 Membership Drive, we are announcing an award to the

membership.The FMDA member that has recruited the most new members in the calendar year

2015 will be honored as the “Recruiter of the Year- 2015" and have his or her name engraved on a

plaque and celebrated during the 2016 Anniversary in Camp Pendleton,CA during the Anniversary

Celebration. Membership is open to those who served in the 1st Marine Division at any time since

its formation in 1941, to include those serving with attached or supporting units, such as corpsmen,

aviation units, Seabees, ships, other regiments, battalions and companies. We also have

“Associate Memberships" and “Friends of the Association" for families and friends of Marines.

**FMDA National Office will track the results backdated to 1 January 2015**Please contact your local chapter or National Office for additional membership applications

Recruit a New Member Today!!www.1stmarinedivisionassociation.org

Office: 760-918-5801 w w 1902 Wright Place, Suite 200, Carlsbad, CA 92008

2015 Membership Drive

By Cpl. Joshua Murray

FORT IRWIN, Calif. — “Gun three half load,” exclaimed

Lance Cpl. Cody Giroux, a mortar man with Weapons Company,

3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment. “Gun three, Fire!” The

ground shook as the 81 mm high explosive round boomed out of

the mortar and soared across the sky.

Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion 5th Marines conducted mor-

tar fire missions in support of 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance

Battalion’s combined-arms raid during exercise Desert Scimitar at

Fort Irwin National Training Center, April 11, 2015.

The 81 mm mortar system is designed to provide long-range

indirect fire support for troops on the ground. During exercise

Desert Scimitar, Weapons Company used their capabilities to dis-

rupt notional enemy forces while 1st LAR conducted raids on

simulated enemy encampments.

The 81 mm mortar system also has the ability to fire smoke

cartridges, illumination and infrared illumination rounds.

The Marines with Weapons Company were excited to take part

in the exercise and support their fellow Marines, said Lance Cpl.

Austin Mann, a mortar man with the company.

“Anytime we get to go out to the field and fire some rounds out

of our mortars is a good day in our books,” said Mann. “It’s a

great opportunity for us to train our new

Marines and give our whole team some

more experience on the gun line in

preparation for any future endeavors we

might take on.”

During exercise Desert Scimitar the

mortarmen fired

hundreds of

mortar rounds

in support of 1st

LAR.

Marines rain fire on the California desert

PFC Michael Ainsworth, a mor-tarman with WeaponsCompany, 3rd Battalion, 5thMarine Regiment, prepares todrop a mortar round during acombined-arms raid.

28


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

NEW MEMBERS

LAURA M. AKANA 1342 ARCADIA BLVD., BULLHEAD CITY, AZ 86442 928-704-6478CPL WAYNE W. BALDWIN B-1-5 KO 2409 W ACOMA DR, PHOENIX, AZ 85023 Gene WuestenfeldCAPT MICHAEL S. DAVIDSON F-2-5 WPNS KCO 3-1 4755 MACLURA STREET, OCEANSIDE, CA 92057 760-420-1264SGT/E-5 GEORGE L. DE DOMINICIS MATCU-68 7800 BLOOMFIELD DR. PORT RICHEY, FL 34668-4155 727-264-6829 WebsiteMAJ JEROME L. DIMENNA 3RD BN 5TH MAR MAG-13 42 MAYHEW, LARCHMONT, NY 10538 914-475-6743 Lt. Col. Oliver L. North,

USMC Ret., HonorableJohn F. Lehman

DEBRA S. GREGGERSEN 1342 ARCADIA BLVD., BULLHEAD CITY, AZ 86442 928-234-7402LCPL JERRY GUTHRIE S&H CO 2-4 1MAR DIV CW 1014 NE 3RD, GUYMON, OK 73942 580-338-8063CAPT RONALD M. HERZFELD 2ND-BN-26MAR VN 7505 KOLACHE COVE, AUSTIN, TX 78750PAM HIGGINS 45315 VANBORN RD, BELLEVILLE, MI 481411-1152LT COL RONALD F. KARSTEN 1ST CBT ENGR BN RVN 16400 STOLTZ ROAD, OREGON CITY, OR 97045-7208 503-701-1010 Bill Call & Mike ValdezCAPT NAT M. KIEFFER 1ST AMBTRACBNKO 1212 WINDING RD, COLLEGE STATION, TX 77840 979-693-6116CPL ERICK L. LAFLEUR WPNS CO 3/1 KUWAIT 204 DEVEREUX DRIVE, LAFAYETTE, LA 70503 337-654-3879SHARON A. LANCASTER 445 WINFIELD BLVD., WINDCREST, TX 78239 210-213-6653 Vince RiosCAPT NORM J. MAHALICH VMO-6 VMO-2 2268 FIELDSTONE DR., PLACERVILLE, CA 95667-5292 530-642-2030 Vince RiosCATHERINE M. MULLAN 1944 N ACACIA, MESA, AZ 85213-2905 480-969-3914CPL E-4 JAMES C. POOL DELTA 1/5 3401 CAMBRIDGE AVE, ST LOUIS, MO 63143 314-610-7783JANE R. POWER 2705 COUNTRY VALLEY RD, GARLAND, TX 75043-1119 214-703-5413 Vince RiosE-5 ROBERT H. PRINGER ALPHA 1/5-64-65 2513 W IMPERIAL ST, BROKEN ARROW , OK 74011 918-520-3319 Vince RiosE4/CPL WALTER F. RIORDAN A 1/5 3080 SUGARWOOD DRIVE, KODAK, TN 37764 865-933-7885 Vince RiosHM3 WARREN B. ROST G 2-5 2451 N EL CAPITAN, FRESNO, CA 93722 559-412-8724CPL JOHN R. STUERTZ 5TH MAR 2612 LAFAYETTE AVE., LINCOLN, NE 68502 402-430-4937COL CHRISTOPHER A. TAVUCHIS CO-11TH MAR OIF 464 SHEPHERD CIRCLE, OCEANSIDE, CA 92058 703-615-6523 Martin VasquezCOL WILLIAM H. VIVIAN 2-4 7TH MAR 1435 MCLEAN MEWS COURT, MCLEAN, VA 22101

RENEWAL TO LIFE

*CPL STEPHEN M. BORLAND H&S-1RECON CW 215 W LUPITA RD, SANTA FE, NM 87505-4719*SSGT GARY J. SOUCIE H&S CO III MAF DANAGE VN P.O. BOX 1414, PRESQUE ISLE, ME 04769*MARY STREIT ASSOCIATE 1031 COMMUNITY DRIVE APT 343, JUPITER, FL 33458

REINSTATE

SGT GARY A. GRUENWALD H&S-1-5 A-1-7 VN 1501 SAXKEY ROAD, SAXE, VA 23967

NAME UNIT ADDRESS PHONE RECRUITER

* Life Member

General FundBlue Diamond Donation = 1; Total = $ 50.00

• E-5 DIRK P. MOSIS II 13th 50

Southern Cross Team Contributions

• SSGT JOHN N. BASTIAN 38th 100• SGTMAJ RODNEY R. BURNS USMC (Ret) 5th 100• SGT WILLIAM N. CHEW 27th 100• SGT JAMES M. FAIRBAIRN 12th 100• CPL JOHN (DUKE) HALL 1st 100• PFC JAMES H. IRELAND 4th 100• CPL THOMAS M. MASTERSON 2ND 100• CPL RICHARD (MOON-MAN) B.. MOONEY 23rd 100• SGT JESS O. MULKEY 13th 100• SGT CHARLES W. PARKER 23rd 100

In Memory of PFC Herman Poisson KIA 1952• SGT THOMAS M. THOMPSON 7th 100

11 Donations: Total = $1,100

Leave a legacy of support to the FMDAScholarship Fund When you include the Scholarship Fund in your estate plan,

whether through a bequest in your will or trust, a life income

gift, or simply naming the Scholarship Fund as a beneficiary of

an account or insurance policy, and you notify us of your gift,

you’ll become a member of our Blue Diamond Legacy. These

essential funds help us to continue to offer scholarships to

deserving dependents of qualified members of the FMDA.

As a member of the Blue Diamond Legacy, you’ll receive:

• Membership in the Blue Diamond Legacy

• Recognition in the Old Breed News

• Recognition on our website

• A Blue Diamond Legacy Pin

• Satisfaction that you will be helping a deserving student

And more.

For more information about the Blue Diamond Legacy and its

important role in supporting deserving students, call 760-962-

8561 or John Stevens at 415-921-1933.


29

The National Desert Storm Memorial

Foundation announced an update for

the effort to build a permanent memo-

rial in Washington D.C. commemorating the

1990-1991 conflict. Twenty-five years ago,

the run-up to the 1991 Persian Gulf War

began with the Aug. 2 Iraqi invasion of

Kuwait and the Aug. 7 deployment of U.S.

forces to Saudi Arabia that launched

Operation Desert Shield – the largest U.S.

military overseas deployment since Vietnam.

After Iraq failed to comply with multiple UN

mandates to withdraw from Kuwait,

Operation Desert Storm – the Gulf War –

began on Jan. 17, 1991.

As many of our FMDA members recall,

in 1990 the 1st Marine Division formed the

core of the force sent to Southwest Asia in

response to Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait.

During Operation Desert Shield, the

Division provided the ground combat ele-

ment of I Marine Expeditionary Force in

Saudi Arabia.

In 1991, the 1st Division fought alongside

the 2nd Marine Division and the rest of the

coalition forces in Operation Desert Storm.

In 100 hours of offensive ground combat, the

1st Marine Division destroyed the enemy in

its path as it led the breakthrough to Kuwait

City.

An effort is currently underway to build a

permanent memorial in Washington, D.C. for

the conflict. The veteran-led effort received

congressional approval of the memorial in

2014. The memorial honors those who

answered their nation’s call, the families who

supported them and most importantly, the 379

American and allied soldiers who made the

ultimate sacrifice. The project is funded

entirely by private donations. There are no

taxpayer dollars requested or expected for

construction of the memorial.

Background:In 2014, Congress authorized the creation

of the National Desert Storm War Memorial,

honoring those who served in Operation

Desert Storm/Desert Shield from 1990 to

1991. This year represents the 25th

Anniversary of the conflict.

Desert Storm Quick Facts:• Desert Storm/Desert Shield is the largest

American war of the 20th Century without a

memorial.

• More than a half million American ser-

vicemen and women served in the conflict.

• 34 nations stood in a coalition alongside

America.

• The Gulf War was a turning point in

warfare. The idea of precision strikes that

were highly effective and could minimize

civilian casualties was new.

• Included the biggest tank battle in U.S.

history.

• Largest U.S. Navy deployment since

Vietnam, including three U.S. battleships –

the last time battleships were ever deployed

in combat.

• Major threat from chemical weapons to

our troops.

• America defeated the Iraqi army, which

was the fourth largest in the world, with rel-

atively few casualties, liberating the sover-

eign country of Kuwait.

• The Gulf War, our first major war after

Vietnam, helped restore the nation’s confi-

dence and pride in its military.

For more information, please contact JamesBernsen, [email protected], (512)497-6725.

Is There Room For One More Monument On The Mall?Effort Underway to Build Permanent Memorial in WashingtonTo Commemorate 1990-91Conflict

By Don Dyer

Ireally could not say what stimulated the

memories, but the usual business chatter

seemed to fade and stall and left Ed

Cahill talking quietly about a personal

Gethsemane. His head and his voice

dropped and he talked as much to his half

empty glass as to me.

We were part of a business group attend-

ing a pre-dinner reception. Although the

room was crowded and other members of

the group circulated close at hand, they

seemed to sense that a private conversation

was in progress and did not intrude.

Lieutenant Cahill, it turned out, had

taken a patrol of Marines behind enemy

lines in Korea. He never said it was an intel-

ligence mission, but it was a safe assump-

tion. The patrol ran into a large body of

Chinese infantry. A firefight erupted and

continued until the surrounded Marines ran

out of ammunition: they surrendered in

hopes of sparing their wounded.

“The bastards killed them all anyway,”

Ed remembered. “The rest of us ended up

in tiger cages.”

The tiger cage was exactly what the

name implies: a bamboo cage designed to

hold animals and not humans, who found it

almost impossible to either stand up or lie

down within its confines.

Ed was a big guy, so it must have been

an especially difficult experience for him.

“We were there for several months: kept

outside in all weather,” he recalled.

His words came hard and there were fre-

quent silences. Ed leaned against the wall

and continued to examine the glass in his

hand.

“Somebody got free one night and

opened as many of the other cages as he

could,” he said.

I took it that the “somebody” was Ed

himself.

“We ran and ran with no other plan than

to head south,” he explained. “By sun up

some of the guys couldn’t run any farther.

So we all sat down: all for one; one for all:

Semper Fi. We were still sitting there when

a South Korean army patrol stumbled on

us.”

The waiter held out a tray with a fresh

Scotch and water on it. The thread was

broken, and a pleasant smile broke over the

tough face.

“Why the hell not?” he said, as he

reached out to replace his empty glass.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Does anyone remembera Lt. Ed Cahill or the patrol of which hespeaks? If you do, please let the editorknow.

LieutenantCahill

30



31

TAPS

* Life Member

Members

*CPL MIGUEL ALVAREZ, RECON-HQ KO, ALHAMBRA, CA*CPL CLARENCE W. ASHBY, H&S-4-11 WWII, POCATEL-

LO, ID, 3/11/2015*JAMES S. BODACK, H&S-2-7 KO, WEST HILLS, CA,

12/19/2015RICHARD A. BONELLI, F-2-7 KO, ENGLEWOOD, FLCPL JOHN J. BOSMAN, 9-Jan, MIDDLETOWN, IN,

12/17/2011*SGT NORMAN BOUTRY, 1SHPTY KO, REDDING, CA,

5/10/2015*CPL VERNARD BRINTZENHOFE, B-1AVNENGR WWII,

HAGERSTOWN, MDPFC MATTHEW W. BRUDER JR., B-1-11 CH, VENICE, FL,

12/4/2014*CPL ERNEST R. CAMARA, DIV HQ KO, TAUNTON, MA,

7/30/2013JOHN R. CARMICHAEL JR, FRIEND, , 6/7/2015*CPL GLENN W. COVERT, 7REG HQ WWII, NORTH

LAWRENCE, OHDAVID W. COX, , WINCHESTER, CA*PFC JOHN R. CULLEN, D-1-1 WWII, FAIRFIELD , CT,

5/3/2010CPL ROMEO C. DELGADO, 1SPLWPNS WWII, BONITA,

CA, 6/24/2015*CPL WILLIAM E. DEUEL, 1ST ENGR VN, FT MOHAVE, AZ,

3/3/2015

*KARL M. DREIHAUPT, B-1-7 KO, BULLHEAD CITY, AZ,3/14/2015

*CPL CLIFFORD M. DRURY, HQ-2-5 WWII CH, CINCINNATI,OH, 5/9/2015

*PLTSGT DAVID E. DURR, 1ASCO CH, NEW BERN, NC,3/23/2014

*CPL ALBERT C. EHLOW, HQ-3-1 CW, SAN JUAN CAPIS-TRANO, CA, 7/17/2015

*SGT GARY E. EICHHORST, 5MAR KO, BULLHEAD CITY,AZ, 11/27/2014

*CWO4 ARTHUR C. FARRINGTON, A-1SPLWPNS F-2-1WWII KO VN, ESCONDIDO, CA, 5/28/2015

*SGT DONALD C. FOX, B-1TKS KO, TUMWATER, WA,4/4/2015

SGT KENNETH L. FRIZELLE, MASS-2 VN, BULLHEADCITY, AZ, 4/21/2015

*SGT SAM GUEVARA, WPNS-3-7 KO, SAN JOSE, CA,2/19/2007

PFC FELEVERTO (PEE WEE). HERNANDEZ, SUPPLY BAADM ACT 1MARDIV, LAKEWOOD, CA, 11/17/2014

*MAJ FRANKLIN D. KESTNER Sr, D-10ENGR KO, TUCSON,AZ

*LTCOL ALFRED L. LEIDY USMC (Ret), C-1-5 KO VN,GOLD RIVER, CA, 5/19/2015

*RAYMOND C. LIDDINGTON, HQ-1MAR KO, DRYDEN, NY,6/20/2015

MRS JACKIE LILLIAN, Wife of Fred A. Lillian, 7/11/2015MRS HARRIET LOVAS, Wife of Sgt John J. Lovas, MC KIN-

NEY, TX

*CPL KENNETH J. LOWELL, 1AMTRAC WWII, SAUQUOIT,NY, 1/16/2015

SGT REX W. LYNCH JR, 1ST ENG BN 1MAR DIV KO CW,APEX, NC, 4/15/2015

*1STLT DARYL L. MCKINNEY, 3-7MAR WWII CH, CLO-QUET, MN, 4/29/2010

*CWO4 DONALD E. MONNOT USMC (Ret), 1-5MAR 2-7MAR KO CMC VN, RANCHO CORDOVA, CA, 7/6/2015

CAPT RICHARD C. MORAN, HQ-2-1 VN, TWENTYNINEPALMS, CA

*WILLIAM E. MORAN, ??WAR/ERA??, OAK PARK, MI*SSGT HAROLD E. PANTALL, H-3-7 WWII KO, PUNTA

GORDA, FL, 3/25/2015*SGT WILLIAM (BUZZ) J. PARIS, H-3-5 KO, SHEFFIELD, PACPL CLYDE STPHEN. SHIPPE USMCR, 13TH INF BN CW,

CATONSVILLE, MD, 12/3/2014*SSGT DON E. SMALL, SMS33 KO, BULLHEAD CITY, AZ,

11/16/2014*MR. JOE W. SPARLING USMC (Ret), VMSB341 VMR152

WWII CH KO, OCEANSIDE, CA*CPL CHRISTOPHER A. STIRLING, K-3-27 VN, PLEASANT

VALLEY, NY, 3/19/2010*CPL ROBERT R. TAYLOR, B-3ARMAMPHIB WWII, HER-

MISTON, OR, 7/28/2015*PFC DONALD D. TULLOCH, WPNS-7MAR WWII,

PEABODY, MA, 11/1/2013*PFC FRED H. WARBLOW, L-3-5 WWII CH, BELLEVILLE,

MI, 5/16/2015

Many of you have heard me use the line,

"Admiration of the Nation, we’re the

finest ever seen; And we glory in the title of

United States Marine.” I have used this for

years as a closing to talks I have given at var-

ious Marine Corps functions, e.g., Marine

Corps birthday celebrations. Many have

asked if it was my own lyric or what. Well, I

thought the record ought to be straight. So

here it is.

The Marines Hymn (also known as “The

Halls of Montezuma”) is the official hymn of

the United States Marine Corps. It was intro-

duced by the first Director of the USMC

Band, Francesco Maria Scala. It is the oldest

official song of the United States Armed

Forces.

Some of the lyrics were popular phrases

before the song was written. The line “To the

shores of Tripoli” refers to the First Barbary

War, and specifically the battle of Derne in

1805. After Lt. Presley O’Bannon and his

Marines hoisted the American flag over the

Old World for the first time, the phrase was

added to the flag of the United States Marine

Corps.

“The Halls of Montezuma” refers to the

Battler of Chapultepec on 12/13 September

1847, during the Mexican-American War,

where a force of Marines stormed

Chapultepec Castle.

While the lyrics are said to date from the

19th century, no pre-20th century text is

known. The author of the lyrics is likewise

unknown.

Legend has it that a Marine on duty in

Mexico penned the hymn. The unknown

author transposed the phrases in the motto on

the Colors so that the first two lines of the

hymn would read: “From the Hall of

Montezuma, to the Shores of Tripoli,” favor-

ing euphony over chronology.

The music is from the Gendarmes’ Duet

(the “Bold Gendarmes”) from the revision in

1867 of the Jacques Offenbach opera

"Genevieve de Brabant," which is sung by

two gendarmes. The opera debuted in Paris

in 1859. John Phillip Sousa once wrote, ”The

melody of the ‘Halls of Montezuma’ is taken

from the Offenbach’s comic opera."

Some claim that the Marine Corps

secured a copyright on the song on 19

August 1891, but this is incorrect. The copy-

right was vested on 18 August 1919. In 1929,

the Commandant of the Marine Corps

authorized the three verses of the Marines

Hymn as the official version, but changed the

third and fourth lines:

Pre-1929 version:Admiration of the NationWe’re the finest ever seen;And we glory in the titleOf United States Marine.Authorized change in 1929 version:First to fight for right and freedomAnd to keep our honor cleanWe are proud to claim the titleOf United States Marine.

On 21 November 1942, Commandant

Thomas Holcomb approved a change in the

words to the first verse, fourth line from “On

land as on the sea” to “In the air, on land, and

sea” to reflect the addition of aviation to the

Corps’ arsenal.

The older version was featured in the

1950 film, "Halls of Montezuma."

W. Denny Weisgerber, GySgt, USMC (Ret), FMDA Chaplain

Hmmm, Just a Little History of the Hymn

1st Marine Division Association1902 Wright Pl., Suite 200

Carlsbad, CA 92008

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