oct. nov. dec 2015

Vol. LXiV Vol. LXiV ww No. 4No. 4 October - November - December 2015October - November - December 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

Christmas is just another day for Marines

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October - November - December 2015October - November - December 2015 The Old Breed News

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEAll Elected Officers Are Members

Of Executive Committee PresidentVincent Rios2024 Greenway Crossing, Haslet, TX 76052Home (817) 847-9937 Cell (817-304-3596Email [email protected] PresidentJerry Johs4057 W. Hwy 21, Paige, TX 78659-4221Cell (503) 784-7697Email [email protected] Vice President, East Elmer HawkinsDeputy Vice President, Central Daniel T. FlavinDeputy 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 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] 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]

w w w

Editor, The Old Breed NewsArthur G. Sharp2473 New Haven CircleSun City Center, FL 33573-7141(860) 202-3088Email: [email protected] 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......................................................................................................8Feedback/Letters to the Editor ..............................................................................14Quests & Queries ....................................................................................................17Chapter Scuttlebutt..................................................................................................20Contributions to the First Marine Division Association ........................................22Book Review............................................................................................................27Welcome Aboard......................................................................................................28Taps..........................................................................................................................31

News & Notes1/5 hones advance searching capabilities ................................................................6Save the Date to Celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the 1st Marine Division..........7Challenge Coin Available ..........................................................................................8Update on the 2016 Reunion in Houston, Texas, August 1-8, 2016 ........................8Visit Oceanside ........................................................................................................875th Anniversary Commemoration Registration ......................................................9Colt 1911 A1 Pistol To Be Raffled ......................................................................................11Sgt. John McLaughlin Returned: Korean War MIA Recently Identified ..............11Recon falls into action: Marines execute parachute ops ........................................12FMDA Scholarship Donations At Work..................................................................13How I Almost Got Dumped Into A Ravine ............................................................15Letters From Korea..................................................................................................16A Journal Of Item Company: 3rd Bat., 1st Reg., 1st Marine Division ..................18The Disappearance of Blackman and Heyne ........................................................195 Things You (Probably) Didn’t Know About The Medal Of Honor ..................231st Annual Blue Diamond Sporting Clays Championship Hits The Target..........241st Tanks joins Royal Marines in live-fire exercise ................................................26

OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES 2016

DAL-EastRobin L. Montgomery12 Yankee Drive Brookfield Ct. 06804Cell (460-4817) Office (203) 740-4110Email [email protected] Drollinger

DAL-WestBud Eckert3884 Oakes Dr. Hayward, CA 94542-1742Cell (510) 538-2382; Email [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 – 2016

Cover: Gen. John R. Allen, International Security Assistance Force commander,speaks with troops gathered at Combat Outpost Jannat in southern Afghanistan onChristmas Day in 2012.

The Old Breed NewsThe Old Breed News October - November - December 2015October - November - December 2015

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This is my first President’s Message since

I was elected in August of this year in

San Diego. I am proud to say that the First

Marine Division Association is doing excep-

tionally well, in large part due to the

tremendous help I have received from

those who came rushing with aid when I

needed it most. Heavy hitters, among oth-

ers, who have emerged swinging, include:

n Jim Zalpis, who has allayed ourfears of not finding someone competent

enough to handle our accounting respon-

sibilities honestly and who has demon-

strated the best interest for the

Association.

n Nick Warr & John Stevens, whotogether have given me the comfort of

knowing that the Association will not fold

for lack of revenue sources as long as

they are there.

n June Cormier and Heidi Lamb, bothof whom have discovered talents they

didn’t know they had and developed new

ones to supplement their skills for run-

ning the Association Headquarters on the

fast track.

n Robert Montgomery and JimAllison who, with others of the best,

brightest and fairest minds the

Association can muster, have launched a

fearless frontal assault on updating the

Association By-laws.

n Marty Vasquez, who relentlesslypursued better First Marine Division

Association Headquarters office space

aboard the Camp Pendleton Marine Base.

n Charles Kershaw, whose effortssecured the 75th Anniversary of the

Korean War Challenge Coins underwrit-

ten by General J. Michael Myatt of the

Marines Memorial Club in San Francisco.

n Gary Brannan, Tom McLeod, andSandy Melander, who are joining their

KSAs to work in tandem for immediately

notifying (Gary) the membership of the

passing of our members and to record for

posterity (Sandy and Tom) their stories.

n Art Sharp, who continues the heavylifting that is the task of editing the Old

Breed News, all for

the thousands who

compose our dedi-

cated and demand-

ing readership.

n Carl Wenhold, who carries the minedetector for us, putting his past experi-

ence with the Armed Forces Reunion

group to point out where the contract land

mines are.

n Jim Fairbairn, my de facto chiefadviser. When things go wrong, don’t be

too quick to blame him; it’s usually

because I didn’t listen to him. He plays a

very important, albeit behind the scenes,

role.

Although we haven’t had anyone step

up to take the office of Treasurer yet, in

spite of Jim Zalpis’ pledge to handle the

accounting task, “hope springs eternal.”

For $35 give a 1-year gift mem-bership

Our Association’s weakness is declin-

ing membership. Christmas will soon be

here. This year, give the gift of member-

ship in the First Marine Division

Association to that deserving someone

you know. With membership comes the

joy of reading about our pals and what

they are up to in the OBN and the

Constant Contact President’s Blast.

Please complete and mail in the form

on page 31.

President’s MessageVince Rios

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, 2473 New Haven Circle, Sun City Center, FL33573-7141, (860) 202-3088, or email it to [email protected].

MEMBERSHIP REPORT 11-01-2015

Life Annual Assoc. Annual Friend Total7,180 1,169 85 9 8,443

Check your label

*************************************AUTO**5-DIGIT 12345I-3-5 WWII 0216 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.

Editor’s Change Of AddressThe editor will have a new mailingaddress as of 1 January 2016. It is:Arthur G. SharpOBN Editor2473 New Haven CircleSun City Center, FL 33573-7141Material sent inadvertently to the oldaddress in Beaufort, SC will be for-warded to the Florida address for a fewmonths. My phone number, 860-202-3088, willremain the same until further notice.

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By Cpl. Demetrius Morgan, 1st MarineDivision

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP

PENDLETON, Calif. — Marines and

sailors with Headquarters and Service

Company 1st Battalion, 5th Marine

Regiment, 1st Marine Division, took

part in searchers and site exploitation

training aboard Marine Corps Base

Camp Pendleton, California, Oct. 27-

29, 2015.

The storied unit must be ready to

deploy to any operating environment in

the world to support a multitude of mis-

sions and operations. In order to be a

ready and capable fighting force, these

Marines must conduct a plethora of dif-

ferent training evolutions in order to be

fully prepared for future contingencies.

1/5 and other infantry battalions

must be able to operate abroad and

effectively search and assess various

environments for threats. Throughout

this course, Marines learned the proce-

dures to follow if a threat is detected.

Calmly assessing the threat, gathering

supporting evidence and then avoiding

or neutralizing it are just a few of the

many steps involved.

“This training goes back to attention

to detail,” said Sgt. Damien Badger, the

range safety officer with 1/5. “We get

taught to look for the little things since

boot camp, so this is kind of like that

but on another level. The things they are

teaching will help us be better at what

we do as Marines, and that’s mission

completion.”

The training spanned across three

days and was taught by members of the

Marine Corps Engineer School. MCES

serves as the service lead for Counter

Improvised Explosive Device Defeat

the Device and provides engineering

experts in education, training and doc-

trine. The instructors guided them

through various cases and exercises to

help Marines grasp the concepts and

skills.

“If a Marine isn’t trained in these

skill sets, everything falls apart,” said

Kevin Augustine, a unit instructor with

the MCES. “The overarching goal of

this training is to learn the techniques

and things to look for and put it all

together.”

On the first day, Marines were

exposed to different tools to use while

conducting searches, such as metal

detectors, flashlights, digital cameras

and robots. Marines were able to prac-

tice using the tools in order to learn how

to effectively search an area.

During the second day of training,

Marines were shown what potentially

hazardous areas typically look like and

were taught multiple steps to assess

landscapes and camp sites, search for

improvised explosive devices and any

other signs of irregular activity. After

searching the terrain, Marines and

sailors moved into the Military

Operation in Urban Terrain town, where

they learned to search through houses

with role-players, adding to the realism

of the training.

On the last day of training, Marines

and sailors conducted the practical

application portion of the training were

they searched suspicious areas and

houses while interacting with role-play-

ers. The exercise required them to apply

every technique acquired from the pre-

vious days and also to improvise when

faced with new obstacles.

Although being assertive and thor-

ough was emphasized during the

instruction period, being tactful and

respectful in searches was also stressed.

“I think the most important thing we

learned was being able to interact with

the locals properly,” Badgers said. “If

we start treating them wrong in their

own country, in their own area, we look

bad and no one’s going to want to coop-

erate with us. Without cooperation,

things start getting hard and we don’t

need that, especially during a mission.”

This training is one of the many

exercises which contribute to the versa-

tility of 1/5, making them a valuable

asset to the division. Marines and

sailors with the 1st Marine Division are

frequently trained in all aspects of com-

bat and are ready to receive the call to

defend the nation.

1/5 hones advanced searching capabilities

An instructor with the Marine Corps Engineer Society teaches Marines with Headquarters andService Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, how to inspect forhazardous chemicals during searchers and site exploitation training aboard Marine Corps BaseCamp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 27-29, 2015. The three-day training period provided 1/5 personnelwith instruction on how to identify threats within a designated area and conduct systematicsearches using appropriate detection equipment.

The storied unit must be ready to deploy to any operatingenvironment in the world to support a multitude of mis-sions and operations.


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DATES1 to 5 February 2016

LOCATIONOceanside/Camp Pendleton, California

WEATHERThe average temperature in the Camp Pendleton/Oceanside,

California area during February is 63 degrees, with sunshine.

INVITATION FROM THE CGThe Commanding General has invited former members to cel-

ebrate this glorious moment in history. The 1st Marine Division

Association, founded by combat veterans of World War II, takes

an active part in this annual “Birthday Celebration.”

The active duty members of the division are looking forward

to your participation.

THE FMDA’s PARTThe FMDA is an Association in which Marines and Sailors

who now serve, or who have served, come together as a “Family

of Warriors” and share that unexplained quality, known as “Esprit

de Corps,” that makes us stand apart. During the Anniversary

Week the FMDA plans activities and tours for Marines, Fleet

Corpsmen, and friends of our Corps to include visits to the com-

bat units and the historic Ranch House on Camp Pendleton and

attendance at a recruit graduation at MCRD San Diego.

We cordially invite you to step inside our spectacular beach-

front community, which is centrally located in the heart of the

beautiful Southern California coastline. Oceanside is among the

region’s best places to escape the hustle and bustle of the crowd-

ed cities.

FOR FURTHER INFOPlease visit our website for additional information: 1stmarine-

divisionassociation.org. Or, contact June or Heidi at 760-918-

5801.

Save the Date to Celebrate the 75thAnniversary of the 1st Marine Division!

Attention, 1st Marine Division Association members: plan on attending the 75th birthday cele-bration of the 1st Marine Division, during which the 1st Marine Division will celebrate its 75thanniversary as a fighting unit.


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SgtMaj George Meyer donates $100.00 to the

General Fund monthly—and that’s not all. He

pledges to donate $1,000.00 as a Christmas gift to

the General Fund.

Now try to match THAT—literally!

Here’s A ChallengeFor Everyone!

Challenge Coin Available

In commemoration of the 1st Marine Division’s 75th anniver-

sary, the 1st Marine Division Association has commissioned a

challenge coin. The coin is a memento for Association members

attending the 75th Anniversary. Challenge coins will be

available for purchase from the FMDA at a cost of $10.00 +

postage.

To order your challenge coins, contact June Cormier or Heidi

Lamb at headquarters: 760-918-5801.

Update On The 2016 Reunion InHouston, Texas, August 1-8, 2016

FMDA President Vince Rios, Ted Dey, AFRI, and Carl

Wenhold have been working on finalizing the contract with

JW Marriott. We are down to the fine strokes in expectation of

inking the deal. Ted and Molly did a site survey and sat down

with the Marriott Sales Manager and the Hotel Manager to get a

draft of the contract to fulfill our requirements for a reunion

hotel.

The rooms are all newly renovated and well done. We are

across from the galleria/food court and there are nice restaurants

in close proximity. They will allow BYOB and have nice space

for our hospitality suites. The rooms will be reasonably priced

and the hotel is a nice facility for all our events.

We are keeping the Houston Chapter plugged in so they are

not surprised by our doings in their market. They can let their

membership know and get the word out to 1stMarDiv Marines in

their area about the event. I hope the Chapter will be able to reach

new potential members who attend and it will help them reinvig-

orate the Chapter with “New Breed” blood.

President Rios has signed off and the ink has dried on the final

details agreed to. We are down to the fine details that Ted is

working on for us. Stay tuned to the Constant Contact weekly

messages from President Rios.

NOTE: The semi-annual FMDA business meeting will be

April 24-25, 2016, with our reunion room rates and food tasting.

Semper Fidelis,

Carl Wenhold

Reunion CalendarMail your info to OBN Reunion Editor, 2473 New Haven CircleSun City Center, FL 33573-7141 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 responsible for the accuracy of the information pub-lished. NOTE: Submissions may be edited for space considerations..

SEPTEMBER 2016TBS Class 5-62 Reunion. 29 Sept. - 2 Oct. Nashville, TN. Denis W.Retoske, 714-287-0706, [email protected] [email protected].

Visit Oceanside

Visit Oceanside Conference & Visitors Bureau is a proud

partner and supporter of the First Marine Division

Association 2016 Anniversary in Oceanside, CA. We look for-

ward to celebrating the 75th Anniversary Commemoration and

have sponsored a table at the Anniversary Banquet. As the offi-

cial visitors bureau for Oceanside which provides complimentary

group travel and reunion planning assistance, we are honored to

be a part of this celebration.

For more information, please visit www.VisitOceanside.org.

Our full name is Visit Oceanside Conference & Visitors

Bureau.

Dana Higgins, Director of Business Development

Visit Oceanside Conference & Visitors Bureau

928 N. Coast Highway, Suite A

Oceanside, CA 92054; Direct: 760-637-9953

Semper Fidelis is not merely a motto for a Marine;

it is a way of life

1ST MARINE DIVISION ASSOCIATION75th Anniversary Commemoration

1 February – 5 February 2016 w w w w Camp Pendleton, California

Advance Registration Must Be Received By 20 January 2016REGISTRATION INFORMATION (PLEASE PRINT)

Name: ________________________________________________ Address: ____________________________________________

City/State/Zip: __________________________________________ Telephone: ________________________ Birth Date: __________

Unit served in that I want on my badge (one only): ______________________________

Please state exactly how you would like your name (include spouse/guests) printed on your badge(s) (i.e. rank, Mr., Mrs. or Ms.):

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

EVENT REGISTRATION

Registration fee includes Welcome Aboard Buffet, $25 per member, $25 per guest, and $20 each additional guest: #____ $ ______Mon - Wed 1 – 3 Feb (0800-1600) – Registration – Rodeway Inn

Mon 1 Feb ......(1700-1900) ..Welcome Aboard Buffet Harbor House Café: ..............................#________ ..............................$ ______

Tues 2 Feb ....(0900-1200) ..Edson Range tour (Simulator and Crucible) ..............................#________ ..............................$ ______

......................(1200-1300) ..Lunch at 41 area Chow Hall (Camp Las Flores) ($20.00/person): #________ x $20.00 ............$ ______

......................(1300-1500) ..Tour of 1st LAR Battalion and 1st Recon Battalion: ....................#________ ..............................$ ______

Wed 3 Feb ....(0900-1200) ..Tour of 1st Marines and 5th Marines: ........................................#________ ..............................$ ______

......................(1200-1300) ..Lunch at 22 Area Chow Hall ($20.00/person): ($20.00/person): #________ x $20.00 ............$ ______

......................(1300-1500) ..Tour of 11th Marines and Marine Expo West: ............................#________ ..............................$ ______

Thur 4 Feb ....(0700-1000) ..Morning Colors, Streamers Rededication and Photographs: ............#________ ..............................$ ______

......................(1000-1130) ..Ranch House Tour, Camp Pendleton:..........................................#________ ..............................$ ______

......................(1130-1200) .. Memorial Service: ....................................................................#________ ..............................$ ______

........................(1200-1330) ....Lunch with SgtsMaj, Pacific Views Event Center ($20.00/person): ..#________ x $20.00 ............$ ______

(1200-1330) Luncheon for Ladies with CG’s wife at Pacific Views Event Center($20.00/ person):# ________ x $20.00 ............$ ______

......................(1800-2200) ..ANNIVERSARY BANQUET at Pacific Views Event Center

r Champagne Chicken Breast ($40.00/person):# ________ x $40.00 ............$ ______

r Vegetarian ($40.00/person): ........................ #________ x $40.00 ............$ ______

Fri 5 Feb (0730-1500) MCRD Graduation, Bayview Restaurant and Museum ($40.00,/person):# ________ x $40.00 ............$ ______

DUES:(if not paid) ..................$35.00 per year, $150.00 Senior Life Member, $1000 Regular Life member: ..............................$ ______

VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS

1st Marine Division Association (General) Fund . $Scholarship Fund $Sponsor an Active Duty Marine or Sailor for Anniversary Banquet ($40.00): ..............................#________ x $40.00 ............$ ______

PAYMENT INFORMATION

r MC r VISA r DISCOVER r AMERICAN EXPRESS TOTAL CHARGES: ....................$ ______

Card# ____________________________________Expires: ______________________

Signature: ____________________________________________________ Date: ____________________________

NC

NC

NC

NC

NC

NC

NC

NC

Totals


ANNIVERSARY DINNER SEATING

Each table will consist of four association members and four activeduty Marines. If you would like to reserve an entire table (party ofeight), you must provide the names of your party and paymentMUST be received NO LATER THAN 20 JANUARY 2016.If you would like to be seated at a specific table (party of four orless) please provide the names of the members you would like tobe seated with.

Please seat me and my guest with the following members (names):

__________________________________________________

__________________________________________________

__________________________________________________

Send payment and registration or fax a copy of the form to theoffice at:

1st Marine Division Association1902 Wright Place, Suite 200, Carlsbad, CA 92008-6583.

Office phone number (760) 918-5801; FAX number: (760) 918-5803; e-mail: [email protected]

LODGING INFORMATION

Rodeway Inn Oceanside(Host Hotel )(tour transportation will be provided from this location) 1103 N. Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054• Rates: $55 + tax for 1 Queen bed or $65 + tax for 1 King bed;includes continental breakfast buffet•Reservations: Call (760) 722 – 1904 and mention “1st MarineDivision”

Days Inn Oceanside(.5 mile / 2 min. from Host Hotel)1501 Carmelo Drive, Oceanside, CA 92054• Rates: $65 + tax for 1 King bed or $75 + tax for 2 Queen beds;includes continental breakfast buffet• Reservations: Call (760) 722 – 7661 and mention “1st MarineDivision”

Holiday Inn Oceanside Marina(.5 mile / 2 min. from Host Hotel)1401 Carmelo Drive, Oceanside, CA 92054• Rates: $99 + tax for choice of 1 King bed or 2 Queen beds;includes continental breakfast buffet• Reservations: Call (760) 231 – 7000 and mention “1st MarineDivision”; only 25 rooms availableNote: 11.5% tax will be added to hotel room ratesFor information on additional hotel options in the nearby area,please contact Dana Higgins at 760-637-9953 or [email protected]

NOTES:• Attire for the Banquet: Coat and Tie or Service Alpha uniform• All tours will require members/participants to fill out “hold harm-less” agreements upon check-in• All tours will depart from the Rodeway Inn; times will be providedduring registration• Please make arrangements with the Division Association Officefor medical assistance (if required).

Shuttle Information For 75th Birthday Gathering

It was a pleasure speaking with you the other day. As per our conversation, you requested transportation from the San Diego Airport todifferent hotels in Oceanside for anywhere from 100 to 200 former Marines and their Families.

We would most definitely like to assist you in the safest most economical way of transportation for your group. We offer a variety ofoptions that would fit your needs.

If you have 7 or more passengers coming in at the same time, we can offer a Curbside Exclusive pick up at no additional cost.

Curbside Exclusive

Reservation would be placed with our dispatcher by calling 619-466-6885 or 800-719-3499. When all passengers have retrieved theirbags, they would simply call the driver that has been assigned to them. The driver would pull up to the curb, outside of baggage claim,pick up the party, and take them straight to their destination.

Shared Ride

We also have a shared ride rate. Arrangements can be made on our website at $55 for the 1st passenger and $7 for each additionalpassenger at www.advancedshuttle.com or by calling our dispatcher. If placing the reservation on-line for arrival to the San Diego Airport,the passenger will receive a confirmation e-mail along with instructions on how to get to where the shuttles are staged.

The rate of $55 for the 1st passenger and $7 for each additional passenger also applies to the Curbside Exclusive of 7 passengers ormore up to 9 passengers in the same party.

MCRD To The San Diego Airport

Transportation from MCRD to the San Diego Airport can be placed the same way as instructed above. Our rates are $9 for the 1st pas-senger and $7 for each additional passenger.

Anthony Carneiro, General Manager, Advanced Shuttle


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Colt has donated a brand new1911 A1 pistol to be raffled off

at the Anniversary event. To par-ticipate, complete and submit theform nearby with your donation. NOTE: According to a manufac-turer’s spokesperson, this model(Colt Marine Pistol - O1070M45),is ‘off-list’ in California. If some-one from California wins, Colt willsend the lucky winner a O1991(Standard Colt Govt. Model).Here is a brief description of theweapon:The Colt M1911A1 is a semi-auto-matic large-frame pistol cham-bered in .45 ACP or .38 Super.The 1911 has a long history withthe US military and, in some ways,became the archetype for pistolstoday because of its simpledesign that has remained relative-ly unchanged since its introduc-tion in 1911. One feature thatmakes it so popular is its lightrecoil, especially for a .45. Therecoil is absorbed by its heavyframe that weighs around 2.5pounds. And, interestinglyenough, the 1911 is recoil operat-ed. The expanding gases thatpush the projectile out also forcesthe slide back and by doing soejects the casing and chambersanother round.It has a hammer, but has a single-action only trigger that sets off theaction with a short pull. It has twosafety mechanisms. A grip safetythat rests within the dovetailed

curvebelow thehammer. The gripsafety is automaticallyengaged when not inuse, so it cannot fireunless the trigger isactually pulled. This means noaccidental discharges if dropped.The second safety is a manualsafety that turns on and off with aflip of a switch.Although Colt is credited with cre-

ating the 1911 because it had thegovernment contract, it does havenumerous manufacturers. TheM1911A1 remained the standardissued pistol until it was replacedin 1985 by the M9 made byBeretta. However, it is still in serv-ice within special military unitsand law enforcement.Tickets are only $10.00 apiece;purchase six (6) tickets for $50.00.You don’t have to be an FMDAmember or be present at the draw-ing to win. The drawing will be con-ducted during the banquet at theAnniversary celebration.

Colt 1911 A1 Pistol To

1st Marine Division Association Drawing Tickets

Name: __________________________________________________________

Address: ________________________________________________________

City, State & Zip: ________________________________________________

Email: __________________________________________________________

Phone # ______________________________________________________

Tickets are $10.00 each or 6 for $50.00

Amount Enclosed : $__________ for ________# of Tickets

r Master Card r Visa r Discover r American Express

Card No: __________________________________Expires: ____________

Signature: ______________________________________________________

Please do NOT send cash! Write checks to the FMDA or pay by creditcard and send to: Drawing, 1902 Wright Place, Ste. 200, Carlsbad, CA 92008Questions? Call (760) 918-5801

The Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency

(DPAA) announces occasionally that the remains of U.S. service-

members have been identified and will be or were returned to

their families for burial with full military honors. One, Sgt. John

McLaughlin, was among those Korean War veterans identified

recently.

For more information about returned servicemembers, go to

the DPAA’s website, http://www.dpaa.mil/.

Sgt. John McLaughlin, U.S. Marine Corps, Company D, 2nd

Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, lost

12/2/1950, North Korea, accounted for 4/8/2015.

Marine Corps Sgt. John McLaughlin, 19, of Pittsburgh, was

buried June 6, 2015 in his hometown.

In early December 1950, McLaughlin and elements of

Company D, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine

Division, occupied positions in Hagaru-ri, North Korea, on the

southern end of the Chosin Reservoir. As elements of the 1st

Marine Division began to withdraw from Hagaru-ri, Company D

engaged a large Chinese force east of Hagaru-ri, that hindered the

company’s withdrawal south to a more defensible position.

During this battle, McLaughlin was reported killed in action.

Sgt. John McLaughlin Returned: Korean War MIA Recently Identified

12


By Cpl. Demetrius Morgan, 1st MarineDivision

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PEN-

DELTON, Calif — Marines with 1st

Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine

Division sharpened their airborne abilities by

conducting static-line parachute operations

and free fall jump training aboard Marine

Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California,

Oct. 16, 2015.

1st Recon Bn.’s mission is to conduct

reconnaissance and surveillance in support

of the division’s operations. Their mission

focuses on acquiring information on the

environment and enemy in areas which

require human collection. Due to their exten-

sive training, the personnel of 1st Recon are

capable of conducting a wide variety of mis-

sions in any clime and place, including those

which require air insert.

Gunnery Sgt. Gabriel Machado, an air-

borne and air delivery specialist with 1st

Recon Bn., explained that inserting via air-

borne methods gives the battalion an impor-

tant asset.

“This training is used so Marines are able

to use parachute ops as a form of insertion

into any area at any given time, including at

night,” Machado said. “It’s important that we

[are] able to insert from the air because one,

we are able to insert into remote locations

that vehicles can’t necessarily get to, Two,

we can access a location without our pres-

ence being known to the enemy.”

During the training, a portion of the bat-

talion conducted static-line jumps while the

others practiced free fall jumps. During stat-

ic-line jumps, Marines attach their parachute

to a fixed cord that runs from the front to the

rear of the aircraft. Then, the Marines jump

out of the aircraft at approximately 1,500 feet

and the fixed-cord or static-line deploys the

parachute immediately; therefore no free

falling is involved.

Free fall jumps, which are performed at

approximately 10,000 feet, require the

jumper to descend freely from the aircraft at

approximately 120 mph before deploying

their parachute.

Some Marines, like Staff Sgt. Thomas

Johnston, a squad leader with 1st Recon,

have accumulated plenty of experience so

that jumping is second nature.

“I have been on over 50 jumps in the four

and a half years that I’ve been with recon,”

Johnston said. “We do these jumps so much

it’s not as intimidating after a while. That’s

the whole point of having these guys jump a

number of times. It’s so Marines get past

that.”

Due to the dangerous nature of their jobs,

safety is vital. All the Marines’ and Sailors’

parachutes and gear are inspected twice by

their peers and jump masters prior to board-

ing the aircraft to ensure everything is fully

functional. An additional inspection is con-

ducted while in the aircraft just prior to jump-

ing from the aircraft.

According to Machado, all aspects of the

training – to include the self-inspections – are

evaluated.

“Part of the evaluation process was them

inspecting their own gear before a jump mas-

ter does,” he said. “Them being able to

inspect their own gear and determine

whether it works saves a lot of time during

real operations.”

Machado also stated the Marines and

Sailors were evaluated on pre-jump drills,

jump procedures inside the aircraft and their

ability to land together as a group.

During initial parachute training only

Marines with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division conduct free fall jump training from a C-130 Hercules with 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing aboard MarineCorps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 16, 2015. 1st Recon conducted parachute operations in preparation for future deployments.

Recon falls into action: Marines execute parachute ops


13

conducted at the U.S. Army’s Airborne

School, Fort Benning, Georgia, service

members are required to make three jumps

without gear “slick,” two jumps with heavy

combat equipment (combat load) and one

night jump also with a combat load.

After completing the physically demand-

ing three-week course and earning their

Parachutist Badge, Marines and Sailors are

required to continue a strict training regimen

to remain in a jump-capable status. Personnel

participating in parachute training are

required to follow a set of guidelines to

ensure they achieve specific training goals

while remaining safe. Four times a year

Marines must conduct jumps to not only to

keep their qualification up to date but to

maintain proficiency in preparation for any

future operations.

During this exercise, members of the bat-

talion faced multiple challenges to include

the difficulty of carrying a combat load and

jumping in low-light conditions. Cpl. Kurtis

Campbell, a jump team point man with 1st

Recon Bn., and the rest of his fellow jumpers

had to adjust to the nature of uncertainty in

each situation.

“We faced slight weather deficiencies

with the wind and cloud height being low,”

Campbell said. “We were still able to execute

the jumps planned for the day despite that.

We had a day of successful jumps and it was

really good training.”

The continuous parachute training con-

ducted by the battalion is meant to keep each

individual Marine’s and Sailor’s jumping

skills at peak performance, allowing them to

accomplish their missions and also mentor

and teach less experienced service members.

“Being able to get this type of training is

just making me that much better as a

Marine,” Campbell said. “I can take this

experience with me to other units and teach

guys what I’ve learned. Even if we aren’t

going to jump, I can teach guys the inspec-

tion stuff that I know, how to pack a para-

chute and hand signals.”

The Marines of 1st Recon Bn., remain

ready to provide reconnaissance and surveil-

lance in support of the 1st Marine Division

wherever they may be needed. Using special

insertion methods such as airborne jumps

keeps the Marines and Sailors on the fore-

front of our nation’s defense allowing

America’s Marines to have eyes on their ene-

mies at all times.

The Scholarship Fund provides

scholarships to dependents of

those who served with the

Division, including attached and support-

ing units, and who are deceased, missing

in action, or 100% disabled. To date the

Fund has granted over $2,000,000 in

scholarships. More information about the

scholarship program can be found at

www.fmdasf.org. The current grant is

$7,000 per student.

We continue to have more dependents

eligible for a scholarship. The Scholarship

Fund needs funding help if we are to con-

tinue to award scholarships at our current

level. An easy way to contribute has been

set up at: www.gofundme.com/m5a2w0.It’s simple. When you donate to the

FMDA Scholarship Fund, you create

opportunities for individuals looking to

continue their education who may not

have the opportunity to do so

otherwise. In the Marine Corps family, we

take care of our own.

We are grateful to all members and

friends who have supported the

Scholarship Fund over the years. Here are

some of the universities and colleges to

which we have sent our scholarship grant

recipients—with your generous contribu-

tions.

• Arizona State University

• California State University

• Coffeyville Community College [KS]

• Florida Keys College

• Indiana Wesleyan University

• Louisiana State University

• Mira Costa College [CA]

• Ohio Dominican University

• Saint Leo University [FL]

• San Diego State University

• Valencia College [FL]

• Pasco Hernando State College [FL]

• Salem State College [MA]

• Slippery Rock University [PA]

• Southwestern Michigan College

• Texas A&M University

• SUNY (State University of New

York) • Institute of Technology

• Texas State University

• University of Akron

• University of Colorado

• University of Delaware

• University of Illinois

• University of Kentucky

• University of New Hampshire

University of North Carolina

• University of Virginia

• Utica College [NY]

Each year we pay out over $50,000 in

scholarships. Donate to the Scholarship

Fund and/or to the General

Fund. Nominate an eligible candidate for

a scholarship. You can contribute by

check or credit card. For more informa-

tion, call the National Office in Carlsbad

at 760-918-5801 or contact by mail or e-

mail or ask for a scholarship application.

FMDA Scholarship Donations At Work

Salem State College

St. Leo University

University of Kentucky

14


Tanks At The Chosin Reservoir

With reference to the article on page 14, 3rd Quarter, 2015, “The

Mixon Brothers In Korea,” you asked about LtCol Milne. He was

the commander of the 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Division.

Col Milne expressed his criticism to me verbally on several occa-

sions, and I assume to others, as he felt very strongly about the issue.

He was a 32-year-old LtCol with a promising career as a brilliant

tank officer, but he was never promoted again. The moral of the

story, of course, is never criticize a legend.

At Chosin, Col Puller wanted to intersperse the two tank compa-

nies (Baker and Dog) throughout the Task Force Drysdale column.

But, Col Milne insisted that they retain their integrity as individual

units. He was right. Had they done as Puller wished, we would have

lost all 25 tanks.

No one questioned the fact that Hagaru was in desperate need of

help, and the 900-man force was meant to assist in its defense. The

problem was one of composition. And, for all of Col Puller’s mili-

tary genius and leadership qualities, he failed to understand the sim-

ple facts that:

1) The force should have been composed of infantry on foot,

together with the tanks, with no soft vehicles. It was only ten miles,

and could have been walked easily.

(2) The force set out early on the 29th of November, but moved

so slowly that the night soon consumed the column into total dark-

ness. This, of course, was a distinct advantage to the Chinese, as we

were road bound and bogged down with abandoned vehicles, while

they were mobile and elusive.

We (B Co) were stopped completely, and could only retaliate

with effective return fire after the moon peeked over the mountain

tops, when we called in some artillery fire from the 11th Marines at

Koto-ri, after which the Chinese withdrew into the hills.

The loss of some 300 men killed and captured was an unneces-

sary result of the poor composition of the column makeup. Without

the soft vehicles obstructing our progress, we and infantry could

have blown though their stupid roadblocks and kicked their butts.

John Mixon, [email protected]’s Query: How significant a role did tanks play in the battle atthe Chosin Reservoir? Is their role underplayed, overplayed...?Please provide to the editor your thoughts on the role of tanks at theChosin Reservoir.

The Tip of the Spear (and the guys who put it there)

One cold day in 1952—it could have been November 11,

Veterans Day—I was escorting a photo plane in far northeastern

North Korea. On my left was the Tumen River; beyond the far

reaches of Manchuria, on my right, there was a towering cloud bank.

My blue fighter had four 20mm cannon in the nose; the photo

plane was filled with camera equipment. We were the only good

guys for fifty miles. I had the only guns for fifty miles.

The tip of the spearThe spear stretched for 10,000 miles back to the United States.

There were many troops and others—U.S. and UN—that made up

that spear. Many who would never see the bad guys or hear the bad

sounds; many who busted their butts to insure we had the equipment

and supplies, and many others who risked and gave their lives in the

cold, the heat, and the danger.

This day is for them, too. They will never have stories written

about them, but I will never forget them.

Don’t let anyone ever forget them—all of them.

Lou Ives, Suffolk, VA, [email protected] Father Capodanno

I wrote a letter some time ago to the late Mr. Pannagio, who was

a columnist for the local Newport [VA] Daily News. (See the letter

below.) His column often referenced the Navy and other armed

forces. Newport has always had a connection to the Navy, and is

home to the Naval War College.

Mention was made in the column about the USS Capodanno’sdecommissioning in 1993. That prompted me to write the letter. I

had not intended for it to be published. I was just sharing a story

about the “Good Father.”

Pannagio printed the letter in his column. Sometime later, a

retired Marine, (Major) Ed Fitzgerald, appeared at my door. He had

been a close friend of “Cappy’s” in Vietnam. He said they had gone

on R&R together, and that he was still in contact with Cappy’s fam-

ily. He told me that Cappy’s sister had found about a dozen St.

Christopher medallions among the personal effects returned to the

family.

I was aware that Cappy (and other chaplains, according to

Fitzgerald) had passed the St. Christopher medals out to those who

attended mass in the field. I had not obtained one in Vietnam.

Immediately after the few masses I was able to attend, I would

quickly fade away from the crowd. (I actually attended one mass in

the field which was abruptly cancelled by Cappy because of a hail

of incoming!)

Major Fitzgerald presented one of the medallions to me. I believe

I commented, “It took Cappy 26 years to get this to me.”

Later, I received a rather thick envelope in the mail. It contained

a copy of a Master’s Degree thesis that had been written about the

life of Fr. Capodanno. Because it was such a thick document, I

copied it and returned the original as was requested, to a Newport

address just a few blocks away. I have my copy, and my neighbor

just across the street, who served in the USS Capodanno, made a

copy for himself.

The latest Old Breed News contains a letter from a John R.

Stuertz, requesting one of the St. Christopher medallions blessed by

Fr. Capodanno. (See July/Aug/Sept 2015, “Looking For Medals,

Especially From Fr. Capodanno,” p. 19.) He can’t have mine, but I

thought I’d share with you this story about the Good Father having

reached across time.

Robert J. Pine (“A” 1/5, VN ‘Jan. 67- Feb., “68)

Dear Mr. Panaggio,The Grist Mill of September 18 mentioned the late Rev. Vincent

Feedback/Letters to the Editor


15

Capodanno. While serving with the Fifth Marine Regiment during 1967,I attended a mass served by Father Capodanno in the former Republic ofSouth Vietnam. We were on a hill named Nui Loc San - a steep, ugly mountain with abarren sandy summit, in the vicinity of the Queson Valley. Our companywas temporarily guarding the radio-relay station on the hill.The mass was held in the 4.2” mortar pit. I remember that FatherCapodanno, wearing white vestments, seemed to actually glow with aperceptible aura amidst the dreary surroundings - sun-bleached sand-bags, bare earth, battered revetments, the ugly snouts of the mortars,and the congregation of dingy-green, battle-weary Marines.My partner, who was a very religious Mexican fellow, and I later dis-cussed the mass. We both realized that we had been in the presence ofa special person - a man of gentle kindness and great charisma. Mypartner and I agreed that we had, indeed, attended a “Sermon on theMount”. Later, during the fighting of Operation Swift, we learned that FatherCapodanno had been killed. The word among the grunts was that theGood Father had gone to the side of a wounded man. He was warnedby a Marine that the area was being swept by heavy enemy machinegunfire. He died shielding the fallen man’s body with his own.The official story may vary somewhat. This is the word that circulatedthrough the Fifth Marine Regiment in the field.I occasionally told this story to sailors I happened to encounter from theUSS Capodanno. Hey, their ship was named after a real person. A realhero. A really special man. Semper Fidelis, Robert J. Pine

Marching To A Different Drummer

I recently read the articles about “drumming out” in the

July/Aug/Sept 2015 edition (“Feedback/Letters to the Editor,” p.,

14). I made several copies to share with other Marines.

I was surprised to learn so few were aware of this ceremony, and

that few had actually ever experienced one.

While I’m a proud member of the First Marine Division, I also

had the opportunity to serve with the 3rd Bn., 3rd. Regt., 3rd Marine

Div. in the early 1950s, prior to being sent as a replacement to the

1st MarDiv in Korea.

The “Drumming Out” I remember took place just outside the

gate of our Mt. Fuji base camp, where the 3rd Bn. was stationed in

Japan.

The young Marine supposedly slugged a Lieutenant in an issue

over a girlfriend. We were marched outside the gate by company and

formed into a square. The young Marine was marched to the center

of the formation under guard. I remember he was in his winter

greens.

The ceremony began with a reading of the official charges. Then,

every form of Marine insignia, including his blouse buttons, was cut

off. We were commanded to do an about face as he was marched off

the area with the eerie sound of the drums “drumming him out.”

That was about 65 years ago. To this day it gives me cold chills.

What a vivid lesson for all us young Marines in that formation. I

learned more that day than I’ve ever learned in any one day since!

Jerry McCandless, Sgt., 1953-56,

502 639 1449 (cell), [email protected]

How I Almost Got Dumped Into A Ravine By Robin L. Montgomery

During early 1969, An Hoa was a hot bed for attacks on

Regimental Headquarters located there. One of the “ initia-

tives” for preservation of the base was bringing in 175 Howitzers

from the army. While these long range guns could send a shell 26

miles, they also made for exceptional targets.

To insure that these “Long Guns” couldn’t fall into the hands

of the enemy, platoons rotating through An Hoa were placed

around the guns for security. While this assignment brought you

closer to the mess hall, it also put you in a conspicuous spot when

the 175s became the targets of enemy incoming.

My platoon had the 175 detail during one such attack.

Incoming came in hot and heavy, and everyone dived for their

holes. Being a 2nd Lt., my movement was not nearly as quick

and I took a piece of shrapnel in my back under my flak vest. It

was not life threatening by any means, and I attempted to make

light of it while we were all huddled in a bunker.

At the end of the incoming, as was the norm, the Company CP

checked with each of the platoons for casualties. I was the only

one hit. When it was our turn to report, I stated my last four digits

of my serial number and WIA. There was a pause on the other

end and the skipper came on saying, “Hey, that’s you.”

He asked where the wound

was. I told him in the left fat,

breaking up the tension in the

bunker with my platoon. A short

time later I got a call from the CO

to report to his “pos.” I walked to

the CP. As I approached him, he

said, “Lie down.”

I asked, “What for?”

He said what for, and he said

the army was sending two guys

over to take me to the BAS. I told

the skipper I could walk. He said,

“Shut up and lie down. These

guys have never seen a wounded

Marine.”

Shortly thereafter, two army soldiers carrying a stretcher

arrived. The skipper told me to lie down on the stretcher and they

would carry me to the BAS. To begin with, they obviously had

never used a stretcher before, but they were trying.

We had to navigate over a small bridge spanning a ravine. I

was already feeling some apprehension, but I got real stoked

when they almost dumped me in the ravine as we crossed the

bridge.

I ordered them to put me down and report back to their posi-

tion. I thanked them for their efforts, then walked to the BAS as

I had intended to do in the first place.

You can imagine the guffaws when I returned.

NOTE: This story appeared in the July/August/September 2015edition of Scuttlebutt, the A-1-5 Marines newsletter, on p. 3. It isreprinted here with the writer’s permission.

A-1-5 sign in An Hoa in 1969

16


My husband, Sgt James R.

Swartz, passed away

12/31/2011. Jim always

said the Marine Corps and his

months in Korea during the second

Korean winter made him who he became.

He enjoyed writing and expressing him-

self on paper, so I know he would have

written to you with a few stories.

His almost daily letters from Korea to

his parents and to me read like a history

of those months. In his final year of a

serious illness we shared many hours

reading them together. They are a treas-

ure!

There was one poem, “Christmas Eve

in Korea,” which he read each year at our

family Christmas party. Here are a few

excerpts from his letters.

Nancy M. Swartz, 22 Messick

Dr., Middletown, PA 17057

9/25/51

To quickly run down the past few weeks, Ilanded at Pusan August 31st. For the nextthree days, we stayed at a little camp on theoutskir ts of the city. Then I was flown upnorth to some air strip...we boarded trucksand made our way to our different outfits. Iwas assigned to the 1st Marine Regiment,and this was a lucky break for me, for theywere in reserve, about fifty miles from thefront lines.

After we joined the outfit, they onlyremained in reserve for another five days.Then we hopped aboard trucks again andtraveled to an assembly area, about twomiles from the lines. We remained in theassembly area one day, and then wejumped off into the attack of some hill.

We took the hill and held it, but after threedays we had to be relieved by the KoreanMarine Corps, because our company was

getting well shot up. Most all of our casual-ties came from enemy mortar fire andbooby traps.

The first night on the hill, wehad to repulse five counterattacks by the enemy. Oncewe were relieved, we gath-ered with the rest of ourbattalion at another assem-bly area a few miles fromthe lines. After three daysrest, we shoved off againand took another hill, theone on which we are nowlocated. We must be goingto remain here for a while,for we are building our ownbunker.

We’ve now been on this hillthree days and as of yet, the

enemy haven’t tried toretake it. Here’s hopingthey don’t.

Well, that was a littlerun-down on what Ihave been doing thepast few weeks. I don’tknow for sure where weare at, but we are about

forty miles above [?] and near theeastern coast. In fact you can seethe ocean from one of the ridges uphere.

August 6, 1952

Dear Folks,

Well here goes the last letter from Korea.Rah! Rah! Rah! Yes, today we are goingaround getting checked out by everyone inthe battalion—well, almost everyone.

I was taken off mess duty so I could getsquared away today, and don’t think I didn’tappreciate it. Our “Top” is really a greatman; he and I get along real well. He justtold me that we will leave tomorrow morn-ing at 3 a.m. for Ascom City. Guess I won’tget much sleep tonight, but who cares.Nothing at all has happened around here;it’s just very hot again.

Well, this is Pfc Swartz rounding third andcoming into home sometime during the next

few weeks. See you then.

Take care of yourselves. Say hello to all forme. See you all in fifty two.

Love to All, Jim

August 31, 1952

Dear Folks,

Well, guess where your Marine is now? Yes,I am in the harbor of Pusan, Korea. Afterabout seventeen days aboard the ship wefinally made it!

Letters From Korea

Pfc James R. Swartz at his bunker sometimeduring the 2nd Korean winter

A sample of James R. Swartz’ handwriting

A letter to home


17

Plt 2238, MCRD San Diego 10/10/1966I am looking for members of Plt 2238, MCRD San Diego,

10/10/1966. Next year is our 50th anniversary. Anyone who

graduated with that platoon or who knows someone who did,

please contact me.

L/Cpl Dominic (Skip) Vimarco

[email protected]

Alfred (“Emmi”) SchwartzI am interested in speaking or corresponding with anyone who

may have served with my uncle, Alfred “Emmi” Schwartz, in

WWII. He was a member of Company E, 2nd Battalion, 1st

Marines. He was wounded during the battle for Peleliu, for

which he was awarded a Purple Heart. That is information I only

just became aware of, having found his medal among the items

left to me by my father and tracking down its history.

He was from New York City. After he came home from the

Pacific, he traveled to the west and the family did not have much

contact with him. He never married, and died about fifteen years

ago. Therefore, he had no living relatives who can provide me

with any information about his time in the 1st Marines. Thus, I

would really appreciate hearing from anyone who might have

known Uncle Emmi.

Charles E. Schwartz, Greenwood Genetic Center

113 Gregor Mendel Circle, Greenwood, SC 29646

864-941-8140, [email protected]

Looking For Info About MIA MarinesTo veterans of the 1st Marine Division, 1968: My name is Erin

Miller. I am a student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison,

and I am writing a book about Wisconsin’s 37 MIA servicemen

from the Vietnam War in an effort to honor some of the men who

never returned and to bring attention to our country’s missing in

action servicemen.

Two of Wisconsin’s MIAs served with Battery D, 2nd

Battalion, 13th Marines in the 1st Marine Division in 1968. Their

names were Private Thomas Blackman and Lance Corporal

Raymond Heyne. Both fell during battle on May 10, 1968.

I am putting together short biographies on both these men, and

if anyone knew either Private Blackman or Lance Corporal

Heyne, and would be willing to speak with me about them, I

would greatly appreciate your help in the effort to keep their

memories alive.

Please contact me at my email, [email protected]. Thank

you.

Editor’s Note: See the story of Blackman and Heyne on p. 19.

Looking For Info About WWII VeteranA current Marine was looking for info about a WWII veteran

from Vietnam-era Marine Nick Warr. Here is the exchange of

info between them

A family friend of mine who recently lost their father inquired

recently if there was a way to find out more about what their

father did in WWII through the FMDA. Here is what I know:

NAME: Clyde Benjamin PhillipsDATES: Jan 1943 to Jan 1946DISCHARGED: Jan 11, 1946BATTLES: Cape Cretin, New Guinea Cape Gloucester,

Peleliu, OkinawaSPECIALTY: Intelligence NCO

Do you know of a way to find out what unit he would have

been? Thanks for the help.

Capt Christopher A. Macak

[email protected]

We have received quite a number of these kinds of queries

about Vietnam veterans, but this is the first I’ve received about a

WWII veteran. We typically are successful with putting at least a

little light on the subject regarding our generation, but that is due

to the fact that we send the queries out to “all hands” and print an

article in our newsletter.

I’m going to take this information, write a short article, and

submit it to the 1st Marine Division Association for publication

in their newsletter, The Old Breed News, which goes out quarter-

ly to several thousands of our members.

Although, as you know, most of the WWII generation of

Marines are with Chesty now, you just never know. Hopefully

someone will recognize the name or the information and be able

to provide some information.

Hope you are well and that everything is going well for the 1/5

Marines.

Semper Fidelis!

Nicholas Warr, Treasurer, 1/5 Vietnam Veterans

Association, P. O. Box 1117, Flat Rock, NC 28731,

(828) 696-2388 office, (828) 243-8708 cell

NOTE: If anyone can help Capt. Macak, or knows anythingabout Clyde Benjamin Phillips, send him an email or let ourOBN editor know.

Quests & Queries

Attention, All Korean War VetsOn 4 February 2016, the First Marine Division Association will

host the South Korean consulate and members of the Koreancommunity for the ceremony at Camp Pendleton, California duringwhich the Korean Ambassador Of Peace Medal will be presentedto U.S. veterans who served in Korea during the Korean War.

We are trying to locate local Korean War veterans so they can beincluded in the ceremony. Korean War veterans should contactJune Cormier or Heidi Lamb at (760) 918-5801 or via email [email protected].

18


L ate in October 1952, as the winter

winds gathered, the Marines of the

First Division battled the commu-

nists for possession of a portion of the

western front known as “The Hook.” It

was a scene of savage hand-to-hand com-

bat where steel bayonets flashed red and

hand grenades were tossed back and forth

as in a deadly game of catch. Many

Marines were wounded in this battle.

This is the story of one of them, James E.

O’Connor, as told by “Big Jim”

O’Connor.

On the Hook the night of 26 October

1952, a battalion of enemy troops hit

Item Co., 3rd Bat., 7th Marines, overrun-

ning their outpost and penetrating the

MLR. Item Company 3/1 was to counter-

attack the morning of 27 October 1952.

We moved up the reverse slope to our

lines and into the trenches.

There were hundreds of dead and

wounded enemies all over the place, with

lots of incoming and shooting. As we

fought our way through all this, Quimby,

our platoon runner, was hit. He was lying

near the trench. I ran to him and called

for a Corpsman.

Lt. Staples and Gunny Hornbeck ran

over to Quimby with the Corpsman. We

were kneeling over Quimby when all hell

broke loose. We were bunched up and a

good target. Bullets were flying all

around us. Staples, Hornbeck, and the

Corpsman jumped back into the trench

for cover.

Quimby was just lying there, not mov-

ing, in the midst of all the shooting. So, I

dove on top of him to shield him. As I

was covering him, some rounds hit me in

the back and side. The shooting seemed

to slow, so I dragged Quimby into the

trench and the Corpsman took over.

Lt. Staples and Gunny Hornbeck were

talking when Hornbeck asked me how

bad I was hit. My side was all numb and

I said I could take care of it later. Lt.

Staples looked at the back of my chewed

up flak-vest and said, “We are putting

you up for the Medal of Honor.”

We continued moving through the

trenches and into “no man’s land” for the

counter-attack on the OPs. It was out

about 500 yards on a ridge where we got

pinned down by tremendous artillery fire.

There were about 25 F4Us and ADs

diving down all over us, strafing and

dropping bombs. I spotted a wounded

Marine about 20 yards down the slope

towards some enemy bunkers from

which they were firing at us. I told the

guys that I would be right back and took

off to get the wounded Marine. As I ran

to him, my side was really starting to

hurt.

I got to him, reached down with my

left arm, scooped him up, and carried him

back to the top of the ridge. I was almost

there when I saw a white flash and heard

a loud thundering “CRACK” that

knocked me backwards about ten feet.

I stood there like a dummy, looking

down at my flak-vest; it was in shreds. I

saw a big hole in my chest with blood

gushing out. I remember yelling

“Corpsman” as I fell. When I came to,

the Corpsman was kneeling over me

patching me up. (I didn’t know there was

a much bigger hole in my back where the

shrapnel came out.) From this moment

on I kept passing out while being dragged

and carried back through “no man’s land”

to our lines.

I remember being strapped on a

stretcher on a small chopper and flown to

Easy Med. I was on a stretcher in a tent

where Corpsmen were removing my util-

ities. They threw a blanket on me while

arguing about who was going to get my

“new” boots—which really pissed me

off.

A doctor leaned over me, pulled the

blanket back, shook his head, and quickly

disappeared. Then another guy leaned

over saying something in my ear, which I

could not understand. I slowly realized

he was the “Padre,” giving me the last

rites. (Talk about negative vibes!!)

Shortly afterwards, they put me on a

bigger chopper and flew me to the hospi-

tal ship Repose in Inchon harbor. I

vaguely remember them taking me in to

surgery. When I woke up, there were all

kinds of bags, tubes, etc. all over me and

I hurt like hell.

I heard someone say, “He’s over here,

Sir,” as a Marine wearing dress greens

with three silver stars on his epaulets

leaned over me, grabbed my hand, which

was limp, and said, “Congratulations,

Marine, I hear you are to be written up

for the Medal of Honor.”

After a couple very bad weeks aboard

ship, I was air evaced to the naval hospital

in Yokosuka, Japan on 10 November,

1952—our Corps’ birthday.

I was put in a ward with all the worst

casualties. It was generally quiet with lit-

tle conversation. The nurses and

Corpsmen quietly moved among us,

changing dressings, giving shots, etc.

When several of them crowded around a

bed, you knew that something bad was

happening. After a while theywould dis-

connect all the tubes and stuff; a

Corpsman would gently roll the bed with

the dead Marine in it down the ward and

through the double doors.

As he went by, most of us made the

sign of the cross and the Navy nurses

slowly walked out, trying to hide their

tears.

I hurt so much that I wanted to scream

out with pain, but I just gritted my teeth

like all the other guys. There didn’t seem

to be any hope at all: just excruciating

pain, day and night. It got so bad that I

just quit praying. I was ashamed of

myself, because inside I didn’t feel like a

Marine. I lost my pride somehow and

didn’t feel good enough to be a Marine

because Marines can take it. I felt like a

helpless, hopeless, miserable mess. I

guess I reached the lowest point in my

life.

After about a month of this, I was

med-evaced stateside, ending up at Great

Lakes Hospital, near Chicago. At this

time I was really afraid they were going

to survey me, but through some sort of

miracle I still don’ t understand I seemed

to heal enough to BS my way to active

duty.

It didn’t take long before I got fed up

A Journal Of Item Company: 3rd Bat., 1st Reg., 1st Marine Division

Please turn to page 31


19

SYNOPSIS: Kham Duc Special

Forces camp (A-105), was located on

the western fringes of Quang Tin

(“Great Faith”) Province, South

Vietnam. In the spring of 1968, it was

the only remaining border camp in

Military Region I. Backup responsibili-

ty for the camp fell on the 23rd Infantry

Division (Americal), based at Chu Lai

on the far side of the province.

The camp had originally been built

for President Diem, who enjoyed hunt-

ing in the area. The 1st Special Forces

detachment (A-727B) arrived in

September 1963 and found the outpost

to be an ideal border surveillance site

with an existing airfield. The camp was

located on a narrow grassy plain sur-

rounded by rugged, virtually uninhabit-

ed jungle. The only village in the area,

located across the airstrip, was occu-

pied by post dependents, camp follow-

ers and merchants. The camp and

airstrip were bordered by the Ngok

Peng Bum ridge to the west and Ngok

Pe Xar mountain, looming over Kham

Duc to the east. Steep banked streams

full of rapids and waterfalls cut through

the tropical wilderness. The Dak Mi

River flowed past the camp over a mile

distant, under the shadow of the Ngok

Pe Xar.

Five miles downriver was the small

forward operating base of Ngok Tavak,

defended by the 113-man 11th Mobile

Strike Force Company with its 8

Special Forces and 3 Australian advi-

sors. Since Ngok Tavak was outside

friendly artillery range, 33 Marine

artillerymen of Battery D, 2nd

Battalion, 13th Marines, with two

105mm howitzers were located at the

outpost.

Capt. Christopher J. Silva, com-

mander of Detachment A-105 heli-

coptered into Ngok Tavak on May 9,

1968 in response to growing signs of

NVA presence in the area. Foul weather

prevented his scheduled evening depar-

ture. A Kham Duc CIDG platoon flee-

ing a local ambush also arrived and was

posted to the outer perimeter. It was

later learned that the CIDG force con-

tained VC infiltrators.

Ngok Tavak was attacked by an NVA

infantry battalion at 0315 hours on May

10. The base was pounded by mortars

and direct rocket fire. As the frontal

assault began, the Kham Duc CIDG sol-

diers moved toward the Marines in the

fort yelling, “Don’t shoot, don’t shoot!

Friendly, friendly!” Suddenly they

lobbed grenades into the Marine how-

itzer positions and ran into the fort,

where they shot several Marines with

carbines and sliced claymore mine and

communication wires.

The defenders suffered heavy casual-

ties but stopped the main assault and

killed the infiltrators. The NVA dug in

along the hill slopes and grenaded the

trenches where the mobile strike force

soldiers were pinned by machine gun

and rocket fire. An NVA flamethrower

set the ammunition ablaze, banishing

the murky flare-lighted darkness for the

rest of the night. SFC Harold M.

Swicegood and the USMC platoon

leader, Lt. Adams, were badly wounded

and moved to the command bunker.

Medical Spec4 Blomgren reported that

the CIDG mortar crews had abandoned

their weapons. Silva tried to operate the

main 4.2 inch mortar but was wounded.

At about 0500 hours, Sgt. Glenn Miller,

an A-105 communications specialist,

was shot through the head as he ran

over to join the Marine howitzer crews.

The NVA advanced across the east-

ern side of Ngok Tavak and brought for-

ward more automatic weapons and

rocket-propelled grenade launchers. In

desperation, the defenders called on

USAF AC-47 “Spooky” gunships to

strafe the perimeter and the howitzers,

despite the possible presence of friendly

wounded in the gun pits. The NVA

countered with tear gas, but the wind

kept drifting the gas over their own

lines. After three attempts, they

stopped. A grenade fight between the

two forces lasted until dawn.

At daybreak Australian Warrant

Officers Cameron and Lucas, joined by

Blomgren, led a CIDG counterattack.

The North Vietnamese pulled back

under covering fire, and the howitzers

were retaken. The Marines fired the last

nine shells and spiked the tubes. Later

that morning medical evacuation heli-

copters supported by covering airstrikes

took out the seriously wounded, includ-

ing Silva and Swicegood. Two CH46s

were able to land 45 replacements from

the 12th Mobile Strike Force Company,

accompanied by Capt. Euge E.

Makowski (who related much of this

account to Shelby Stanton, author of

“Green Berets at War”), but one heli-

copter was hit in the fuel line and forced

down. Another helicopter was hit by a

rocket and burst into flames, wrecking

the small helipad. The remaining

wounded were placed aboard a hovering

helicopter. As it lifted off, two Mike

Force soldiers and 1Lt. Horace

Fleming, one of the stranded aviation

crewmen, grabbed the helicopter skids.

All three fell to their deaths after the

helicopter had reached an altitude of

over one hundred feet.

The mobile strike force soldiers were

exhausted and nervous. Ammunition

and water were nearly exhausted, and

Ngok Tavak was still being pounded by

sporadic mortar fire. They asked per-

mission to evacuate their positions, but

were told to “hold on” as “reinforce-

ments were on the way.” By noon the

defenders decided that aerial reinforce-

ment or evacuation was increasingly

The Disappearance of Blackman and Heyne

Please turn to MIAs on page 27

20


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

NOTE: We invite chapter representatives to submit their news and pho-tos for inclusion in the OBN. We hear from the same chapters all thetime. FMDA members enjoy reading about other chapters’ activities toget ideas on their practices which they can adopt to raise funds,increase membership, etc.,—and possibly to see the photos of and/orstories about old friends. So, please send us your news to strengthenties between and among chapters and individual members.

COLORADO RIVER [CO]We held our meeting on 15 October, 2015, which 24 people

attended. Chaplain George Cary offered the opening prayer at

1830, after which an Oktoberfest dinner was served, including a

delicious cake. We thank the Kohl employees who helped us in

the kitchen.

President Jim Robinson called the meeting to order at 1930.

Gale Allen led the “Pledge of Allegiance.”

We introduced a new member, Paul Williams. Welcome

aboard, Paul and Shirley.

Our guest was Steve Minn, who we hope to see at our next

meeting.

Chapter Rep. Pat Moyer announced that the “Honoring of the

Veterans” at Mohave High School was scheduled for November

10 at 10 a.m. The high school does a great job to honor the vet-

erans.

Our donations for the month of October were:

• National Scholarship Fund $300.00

• Mohave Shrine Club $200.00

• Marine Corps Association $300.00

We will also purchase five wreaths for our departed members.

We participated in the Veterans Day Parade on 7 November.

The Marines rode in Corvettes chauffeured by the “Corvette

Club” members.

The commandant of the Marine Corps League in Kingman

invited us to attend the 240th Marine Corps Ball sponsored by

the League at the Kingman Elks Club. Members also participated

in the annual Toys for Tots program.

DALLAS [TX]Jim Fairbairn and Walt Schmick participated in the annual

Dallas Veteran’s Day Parade. This year

the City of Dallas (TX) honored the

70th anniversary of the conclusion of

WWII.

A beautiful fall day in Dallas

brought out a large crowd to cheer on

the parade’s participants.

Walt Schmick,[email protected]

NEW YORK [NY] We installed our new president, Robert Rohde, at a September

luncheon at Sal’s Place in Massapequa, NY. He takes over for

Past President Edward Aulman.

Members enjoyed their annual picnic in August at the Sunrise

Detachment Marine Corps League building in Massapequa.

Neal Mishik, [email protected]/Edward Aulman4 Woodland Ave., Syosset, NY 11791, 516-921-0595

(H), 516-426-9495 (C), [email protected]

PHOENIX [AZ]On 29 October several chapter members were aboard

MCAGCC 29 Palms, CA to present a WWII/Korea era M1

Garand to Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine

Regiment. The purpose of this presentation was to honor Easy

Company, led by CO Captain Walter D. Phillips, KIA 20Jim Fairbarn and Walt Schmick (L) of theDallas chapter at the Veterans Day parade

Members of the New York chapter enjoy their annual picnic

Newly installed President Robert Rohde presents a plaque to outgoingPresident Edward Aulman (L) at the New York chapter’s installation luncheon


21

November 1950, for their heroics on Hill 1282 in Korea.

While being attacked by an overwhelming number of the

enemy, Captain Phillips took a defensive position by passing the

word “We Hold Here.” Unfortunately, Captain Phillips was killed

during the defense of Hill 1282. For his heroic actions he was

awarded the Navy Cross.

The M1 was formerly presented to Captain Thomas A.

Zackary, CO E/2/7, and the company by chapter Chaplain Wayne

Baldwin. Also presented was Captain Phillips’ Navy Cross, with

citation. Mr. Ray Medved, a close friend of Linda Lee Dannelly,

a niece of Captain Phillips, made the presentation to Captain

Zackary.

Chapter members attending in addition to Wayne Baldwin

were Bob Boland, VP John Templeton, Bob Bohach, and

President Gene Wuestenfeld. Also attending were Helen Baldwin

and Barbara Templeton.

The acquisition of the M1 was made possible by the efforts

and dedication of Wayne, who took the lead in bringing this event

to fruition. Thank you Wayne, Semper Fi. We also thank Ray

Medved for his part in this meaningful event.

In the future we are planning to have a “Challenge Coin” pres-

entation to the company prior to the next deployment.

Gene Wuestenfeld, [email protected]

“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

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.

What will your legacy be?

22


Contr ibut ions to the Fi r s t Mar ine Div i s i

• 68th ANNUAL REUNION SAN DIEGO 1st 775• SGT PHILLIP E. ACKERT 20th 40

KIA-Bunker Hill-B1-1-1 Aug. 1952• MARK BADYRKA 1st 25

In Honor of Nicholus and Joseph Badyrka• SSGT JOHN N. BASTIAN 38th 100• SGT DANNY JOSEPH. BECKER 5th 25• CHRISTOPHER L. BONOMO 7th 25• SGT ROBERT L. CALKINS 19th 25• LTCOL FRANK S. CANNON USMC (Ret) 38th 50

In Memory of Cpl. Anthony Mocci A-1-5 KIA• LTCOL FRANK S. CANNON USMC (Ret) 39th 50

In Honor of Pfc. Joseph Cardilio KIA• LTCOL FRANK S. CANNON USMC (Ret) 40th 50

In Memory of GySgt Donald J Lupo Wpn/1/5 DOW

• LTCOL FRANK S. CANNON USMC (Ret) 50th 50In Memory of Cpl. Anthony Mocci A-1-5 KIA

• LEO P. CARDARELLI 2nd 50In Memory and Honor of China Marines E-2-1

• SGT FRANK P. CARPENTER 13th 25• SGT ELLIOTT W. CHASSEY Sr 8th 5

In Memory of George I. Cassey Sr. my father • HM3 WILLIAM S. CLARK Jr 9th 10

In Memory of Sgt Ray C. Williams USMCR KIA Korea

• SGT CHARLES G. DIEZ 7th 50• MAJ JAMES W. FACKLER 5th 40• SGT LOUIS E. FARRAYE 8th 25• 1STSGT GEORGE E. GALVAN USMC (Ret) 53rd 75

In Memory of Capt. Ed Garr• CPL JAMES P. GOBLET 8th 25• CPL ARTHUR G. GOFF Jr 18th 50• GYSGT RICHARD L. HALL USMC (Ret) 12th 25

In Memory of Lt. Robert Wright• JAMES A. HOWARD 4th 50• MGYSGT JAMES L. KEELY (Ret) 84th 30• MGYSGT JAMES L. KEELY (Ret) 85th 30• MGYSGT JAMES L. KEELY (Ret) 86th 30• MGYSGT JAMES L. KEELY (Ret) 87th 30• MGYSGT JAMES L. KEELY (Ret) 88th 30• MSGT DAVID E. KEENE 25• MSGT DAVID E. KEENE 25• MSGT DAVID E. KEENE 25• CPL ERIC L. KURTZ 29th 10• COL SUNG HO. LEE 13th 9.39

Book Sale Commissions• SGT DAVID J. MACKIN 3rd 25• SGT DAVID J. MACKIN 4th 25• SGT MAURICE M. MCCLURE USMC(RET.) 5th 35• SGTMAJ GEORGE F. MEYER USMC (Ret) 218th 100• SGTMAJ GEORGE F. MEYER USMC (Ret) 219th 100

In Memory of troops D-2-5 15 Sept. 1950• CPL JONATHAN P. MUHL 1st 15• SGT JOHN S. O’KEEFFE 68th 10• SGT JOHN S. O’KEEFFE 69th 10• SGT JOHN S. O’KEEFFE 70th 10• CAPT WILLIAM R. OTTO USMC (Ret) 191st 20• GYSGT HARRY M. PAULHAMUS USMC (Ret) 50th 10

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

In Memory of my Wife Ginny of 62 years• MGYSGT CHARLES D. PICKERING 27th 25• CPL GORDON L. ROMINE 6th 40• GEORGE A. SAGER 7th 40• MSGT GEORGE L. SCHAUDEL USMC (Ret) 28th 10• MRS VIRGINIA URRUTIA 1st 50

In Memory and Honor of SSgt Frank Urrutia USMC DI

• SGT ROBERT J. VAGELL 31st 20In Memory of Sgt. Paul P. Kelly, Anglico, Korea 52/53

• CPL VERNON L. WEATHERS 5th 10• GYSGT WILLIAM D. WEISGERBER 27th 28.92• SSGT KENNETH L. WING 3rd 25

General FundGeneral Fund Donations = 54 Total = $2,514.00

•SGT PHILLIP E. ACKERT 22nd 35KIA-Bunker Hill-B1-1-1 Aug. 1952

• • CAPT CARL W. ANDERSON 10th 35• • BRIAN H. BAILEY 20th 100• • MSGT JOHN L. DECKER 4th 60• • CPL BERNARD HAROLD. HABERMAN 8th 20• • CPL ERIC L. KURTZ 31st 10• • GYSGT NEAL P. MISHIK USMCR (Ret) 9th 25• • SGT ROBERT J. VAGELL 33rd 20

In Memory of Sgt. Paul P. Kelly, Anglico, Korea 52/53• SGT PHILLIP E. ACKERT 21st 25

General FundLife Member = 8; Total = $ 305.00

• KIA-Bunker Hill-B1-1-1 Aug. 1952• SGT RANDY C. BEAL 8th 25• HMC JAMES B. BEYERSDORF FMF 17th 10• CHRISTOPHER L. BONOMO 8th 25• HM3 WILLIAM S. CLARK Jr 8th 20

In Memory of Sgt Ray C. Williams USMCR KIA KOREA• SGT ALBERT A. CRAWFORD 11th 10• MAJ JAMES W. FACKLER 7th 30• SGT ROGER A. FRERICHS 5th 25• 1STSGT GEORGE E. GALVAN USMC (Ret) 54th 25

In Memory of Capt. Ed Garr• CPL ERIC L. KURTZ 30th 10• CPL EUGENE L. NORHEIM USMC 26th 25• TSGT EUGENE J. PETERSON 28th 20

In Memory of my Wife Ginny of 62 years• MAJ ROBERT (BOB) J. RAMSEY USMC (Ret) 4th 30• 1STLT ROBERT N. SMITH USMC (Ret) 1st 25• CPL WALLACE T. STEWART 23rd 10• CPL WALLACE T. STEWART 24th 10• CPL WALLACE T. STEWART 25th 10• SGT HAROLD J. THOMPSON 17th 50

In Memory of G-2-5 WWII• SGT ROBERT J. VAGELL 32nd 20 “ In Memory of Sgt. Paul P. Kelly, Anglico, Korea 52/53”• SGTMAJ HOWARD D. VRMEER USMC (Ret) 2nd 25• GYSGT JOHN B. WINTER 1st 50

OBN Plea – 2015Fund Donors = 21; Total = $ 480.00

• MAJ ALLAN C. BEVILACQUA USMC (Ret) 102nd 50In Memory of my beloved daughter Mirielle.

• HM3 WILLIAM S. CLARK Jr 7th 10In Memory of Sgt Ray C. Williams USMCR KIA KOREA

• COLORADO RIVER CHAPTER 16TH 300• MAJ JAMES W. FACKLER 6th 30• TSGT PATRICIA A. KELLY 132nd 25

In Memory of my husband, Major Edwin F. Kelly USMC (Ret.) Past President 1985-1987

• CPL ERIC L. KURTZ 9th 10

Fund Donors = 31; Total = $ 1100.00

Scholarship Fund


23

s ion Assoc ia t ion• 1STLT JOHN MCDOUGALL 16th 10

In Memory of/Honor of 2dLt Joseph Missar Jr. died RVN 2/66 Basic

• 1STLT JOHN MCDOUGALL 17th 10In Memory of/Honor of 2dLt Joseph Missar Jr. died RVN 2/66 Basic

• 1STLT JOHN MCDOUGALL 18th 10In Memory of/Honor of 2dLt Joseph Missar Jr. died RVN 2/66 Basic

• DONALD JOHN. MCGARVEY 4th 50In Memory of Mr. Frank Dove

• SGT JOHN S. O’KEEFFE 10th 10• SGT JOHN S. O’KEEFFE 11th 10• SGT JOHN S. O’KEEFFE 12th 10• CAPT WILLIAM R. OTTO USMC (Ret) 191st 25• SGT CHARLES W. PARKER 1st 100

In Memory of PFC Herman Poisson KIA 1952• TSGT EUGENE J. PETERSON 2nd 25

In Memory of my Wife Ginny of 62 years• MSGT GEORGE L. SCHAUDEL USMC (Ret) 18th 10• CPL LEO W. SCHMITTGENS 42nd 50

In Memory of Sidney Phillips H-2-1• MRS JOANNE S. STEVENS 14th 5• MRS JOANNE S. STEVENS 15th 5• MRS JOANNE S. STEVENS 16th 5• LTCOL JOHN R. STEVENS USMC 37th 10

In Memory of Lt. Baldermo Lopez• LTCOL JOHN R. STEVENS USMC 38th 10

In Memory of Lt. Baldermo Lopez• LTCOL JOHN R. STEVENS USMC 39th 10

In Memory of Lt. Baldermo Lopez• CPL WALLACE T. STEWART 22nd 25• CPL WALLACE T. STEWART 23rd 25• CPL WALLACE T. STEWART 24th 25• MRS LUELLA TAYLOR 1st 100

In Memory of Cpl Robert R. Taylor• 1STLT DONALD M. THINSCHMIDT 1st 65• SGT ROBERT J. VAGELL 17th 20

In Memory of Sgt. Paul P. Kelly, Anglico, Korea 52/53• SGT CARL F. WENHOLD 6th 50

In Memory of 1st Lt. Ronald D. Winchester

Southern Cross Team Contributions

• SGT JESS O. MULKEY 13th 100

1 Donation: Total = $100

Shop Online And HelpThe Association!

The website www.igive.com is a website that has over 900

stores, airlines, hotels and other retailers that will donate a

small portion of any purchase to the First Marine Division

Association at no cost to you.

What do you have to do to make this work?

1. Go to the website www.igive.com and register, one time,

with the First Marine Division Association as your charitable

organization.

2. Then go to the retailer where you want to make a pur-

chase. You can see a list of all “I-Give” partners and the % of

your purchase that will be donated to the Association.

Just by registering, “I-Give” donates $5 to the Association.

5 Things You (Probably) Didn’tKnow About The Medal Of Honor By Sgt. Fareeza Ali

March 25th, has been designated as National Medal of Honor

Day, marking the date that the first Medal of Honor was award-

ed.

“Conspicuous gallantry…selfless bravery…undaunted courage…

unwavering devotion…above and beyond the call of duty” — These

are common phrases found throughout the Medal of Honor citations

for Cpl. Kyle Carpenter, Sgt. Dakota Meyer, Cpl. Jason Dunham and

other Marine recipients of our nation’s highest military award. These

Marines displayed the qualities of the ultimate hero through their

actions and sacrifice, but they’re not the only ones who have these

traits. There are many others in our nation’s history whose actions

were found deserving of this award.

In fact, the Medal of Honor was first authorized for Marines and

sailors in 1861, and while more than 3,400 of them have been given

out since then, 297 of those awards have been earned by Marines.

March 25th has been designated as National Medal of Honor Day,

marking the date that the first Medal of Honor was awarded. In

recognition of all who have earned our nation’s highest military

honor, here are five things you probably didn’t know about the award.

What’s in a name?The “Congressional Medal of Honor”? Yeah, that thing doesn’t

exist. Contrary to popular belief, the award is simply titled the

“Medal of Honor”. The media often refers to it as the “Congressional

Medal of Honor”, probably because the citation states “in the name

of Congress” or because there is a Congressional Medal of Honor

Society.

Making the ultimate sacrificeIn 1863, four Union Army soldiers who were a part of Andrew’s

Raiders were hung (sic) as spies, eventually being awarded the Medal

of Honor for their service in the Civil War. This made them the first

recipients to make the ultimate sacrifice.

1 in 3,486Mary Edwards Walker is the only female recipient of the Medal

of Honor for her actions during the Civil War. In 1917, the Army

reviewed its Medal of Honor Roll and redacted her award, but

President Jimmy Carter restored her medal posthumously 60 years

later.

The one and onlyAt one point, the Medal of Honor was the U.S.

military’s only award. If you fought valiantly during the Civil War,

chances were you got a Medal of Honor. Almost half of all the

Medals of Honor ever given were awarded during that conflict.

Keeping it in the familyFive sets of brothers and two father-son pairs have been recipients

of the Medal of Honor. One of the father-son pairs is former presi-

dent, Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., and his son, Theodore Roosevelt III.

24


The 1/5 Vietnam Veterans

Association has just completed a

very successful new fund-raising

project, the 1st Annual Blue Diamond

Sporting Clays Championship, which

took place on September 27th, in

Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania. We really

had no idea how this was going to go,

as it was the first time we attempted to

organize and conduct an event of this

kind.

We ended up with a total of 75 shoot-

ers, organized into 15 teams, who par-

ticipated in this fun competition. The

net proceeds are in excess of

$25,000.00. Half of the net proceeds

went to the 1st Marine Division

Association’s Scholarship Fund, whose

name we used for this project. The

other half went to the Community

Foundation of Central Georgia (CFCG)

for our Sgt. Davis Memorial

Scholarship Fund.

We had a great time planning, con-

ducting and participating in this event,

and we found a very nice and generous

group of people in the community of

sporting clays shooters in eastern

Pennsylvania.

One of the keys to our success was

having a team in place. Two of our lead-

ers, Jim Latta and Jim Dougherty, live

in the approximate area of the Shoot,

and Jim Dougherty has a great friend,

Mr. Marc Hembrough, of the Wharton

Business Group, who is a Sporting

Clays enthusiast and a member of the

Lehigh Valley Sporting Clays Club.

Marc was one of our major donors

for the Sgt. Rodney M. Davis, USMC

(MOH) Memorial Monument project in

2012 in Macon, GA; he was a Bronze

Star Donor! Marc’s support of this new

fundraiser was huge. He was our

Guadalcanal sponsor, helped us secure

the venue, brought in four shooting

teams, and also was a huge donor dur-

ing our auction, during which we auc-

tioned off a number of WWII Japanese

swords, knives, pistols, etc. There were

many others who have joined our team

and will be helping out again next year.

Teamwork and volunteers are critical to

success!

Help from other Chapters

I know you all are aware of the fan-

tastic job that Ed “Tex” Stiteler and his

fellow Alamo Chapter Marines have

been doing in the Sporting Clays

Competition space for the past three or

four years. Alamo puts up all the front

money and the volunteers and planning;

they split the proceeds between the

FMDA Scholarship and other causes in

their area. Tex has also been acting as

our “advisor” as we developed our plan

and conducted this event, which has

been extremely helpful toward our suc-

cess.

We followed the Alamo Chapter’s

“model.” The event was conducted after

about three months of planning and

organizing. Our own Charlie McMahon

and Carl and Harriet Wenhold of the

Liberty Bell Chapter, as well as our new

FMDA Secretary, Pierre Sims, stopped

by and helped out as we were getting

everyone registered. We appreciate

their help and interest. Two others

stepped up, including one of our

Wounded Warriors, Zach Stinson; the

Latta’s great friend, Jana Malot, took

over the Registration Desk.

Great Results!

We really had no idea what to

expect, but we hoped to get at least 20

Shooters in 4 Teams for this inaugural

event. So, we set our goal at 50

Shooters in 10 Teams. We ended up

with 75 shooters in 15 teams! Everyone

who participated told us they had a

great time, and they have all committed

for next year, so we expect we will be

able to sustain this fundraiser into the

foreseeable future.

Our target for next year will be 100

Shooters on 20 Teams and similar

results with our sponsors. We think that

is most doable. We have sent out thank

you letters to all the shooting teams and

sponsors, and it is a very long list.

Stories Of Note

Two “heartwarming” stories

occurred during our Shoot. One of the

fun things we did during the Shoot was

called “Take a Chance on a Crossing

Shot.” Each shooter puts $20.00 into

the kitty, and gets two shots at two birds

launched simultaneously. We had Jim

Latta at the selected station, and he sold

“chances” for $20.00 apiece. Take a

chance, hit both targets, and you are in

a 50/50 drawing for the total cash,

which came to well over $1,200 by the

end of the shoot. (Jim Latta is a very

entertaining and inspirational guy!)

Two of our teams were organized by

Report from the 1/5 Vietnam Veterans

1st Annual Blue Diamond Sporting Clays Championship Hits

Karen Colleen Franks, Jim Daugherty’s daugh-ter, gets ready to shoot

So, the 1/5 Vietnam Veterans Association has sent checksin the amount of $12,678.60 this week, to the FMDAScholarship Fund and to the Community Foundation ofCentral Georgia for the Sgt. Davis Scholarship Fund.


25

a different Sporting Clays

Club in the area, and all the

shooters on those teams were

teenagers on their Jr.

Shooting Team. One of the

kids (I think he was 15 or 16 years old)

was the lucky winner, entitling him to

over $600.00 in cash! He stood up,

stunned, and stood there for a few min-

utes realizing he was holding more cash

in his hand than he had probably ever

seen. Then, he quietly walked up to the

podium and handed the cash to Jim

Dougherty as a donation.

These same great kids did their own

fundraising on our behalf – they raised

money to purchase an M14 rifle and

donated it to us, which resulted in a

$3,000.00 auction item donation!

Then came the Sgt. Davis Flag and

flag box. The flag was donated to us by

the USS Rodney M. Davis (FFG 60)

which was decommissioned in January

of this year. The beautiful flag box,

made by hand of polished ash wood,

was donated to us by a great friend of

mine here in Hendersonville, Marine

Herb Spies, who has made over 240 of

these flag boxes and given them away

to folks for funerals and such.

Our intrepid auctioneer, Marine Gary

Petrous, who was also an eye witness to

Sgt. Davis’s heroic act, and who started

the process to see that he received the

Medal of Honor, told the Sgt. Davis

story to a very quiet and rapt audience,

comprising all these shooters who had

already done more than we could have

ever expected.

Keep in mind that we had auctioned

off an identical flag and flag box at the

San Diego reunion and realized a whop-

ping $400.00 for that donation, thanks

to the best RTO in Vietnam, Benny

Benware. So, we were stunned when

one of our sponsors stood up and told us

that he was prepared to donate $1,000

from his pocket on the condition that

some of the others chip in too. Before

we realized what was going on we had

$3,000.00 in pledges for that single auc-

tion prize.

Then there was another surprise;

they want us to keep the flag and flag

box and present it to the Davis Family

at our next opportunity.

That presentation was

made on Friday, November

13th, in Macon, during the

planning meeting for the

Rock ‘n Soul for Sgt. Davis

Benefit Show there.

A RemarkableWounded Warrior

We also had with us a

young Wounded Warrior,

Sgt. Zach Stinson, USMC,

who lost both legs to an IED in

Afghanistan. When he was hit, Zach

was a Squad Leader. One of his Marines

(his SAW gunner) was none other than

Corporal Kyle Carpenter, who received

the MOH after surviving a grenade

explosion several months later.

Zach had already left Afghanistan

because of his own injuries, and had

spent several months recovering. After

Corporal Carpenter survived and recov-

ered, Zach was invited to attend and

participate in the Medal of Honor

Ceremony at the White House. It was a

tough story to tell from Sgt. Stinson’s

perspective, but he managed to make it

through and opened a bunch more wal-

lets for our cause. By the way, Zach was

one of our high shooters. He’s really

good with a shotgun!

So, the 1/5 Vietnam Veterans

Association has sent checks in the

amount of $12,678.60 this week, to the

FMDA Scholarship Fund and to the

Community Foundation of Central

Georgia for the Sgt. Davis Scholarship

Fund. We think this should really

increase enthusiasm for our next fund-

raising event, the 4th Annual Rock n’

Soul for Sgt. Davis Benefit Show,

which will take place on Friday,

February 5, 2016, from 6-9 p.m. at the

Harriet Tubman African American

Museum in downtown Macon.

Bottom Line

We are obviously pleased with our

results from the 1st Annual Blue

Diamond Sporting Clays

Championship, and we expect even

greater results next year and every year

into the foreseeable future. We continue

to be committed to helping out with

other FMDA fund-raising efforts, and

the long-term plan of the FMDA Fund-

raising Committee is realizing solid,

positive results. We have helped create

some momentum in our “outside fund-

raising projects,” and that momentum

will increase in the coming months.

Semper Fidelis!

Nicholas Warr, Treasurer1/5 Vietnam Veterans, and ChairFMDA Fund-raising Committee

its the Target!Urban War Shooting Station,Lehigh Valley Sporting Clays

Lehigh Valley shooting station

26


By Cpl. Demetrius Morgan, 1st Marine Division

MARINE AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTY-

NINE PALMS, Calif. — Marines with Company A, 1st Tank

Battalion, 1st Marine Division supported Royal Marines with 42

Commando Group during Exercise Black Alligator 2015 aboard

Marine Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California,

Sept. 30 - Oct. 1, 2015.

Exercise Black Alligator is an annual exercise which brings the

Marine Corps and British Royal Marines together to conduct a vari-

ety of training evolutions as one fighting force. The exercise pro-

vides unique opportunities for both military forces to conduct train-

ing under circumstances they are unaccustomed to and ultimately

tests their ability to effectively work with each other to strengthen-

ing the bond between the partnered nations.

During the final phase of the exercise, the Commando Group

assaulted numerous objectives with fire and maneuver, utilizing 3rd

Amphibian Assault Battalion as their means of transportation to the

objective and employing 1st Tanks Bn. as the main source of fire

support. 1st Tanks provided the Royal Marines with a flexible sec-

ondary fighting force as well.

“Our biggest thing is fire and maneuver,” said 1st Lt. Matthew

Ward, a platoon commander with 1st Tank Bn., 1st Mar. Div. “A

tank is armored protected fires, shock and awe and its mobile. It can

move across the battlefield faster and provide direct, accurate fires

on the objective so the ground element can clean up whatever’s

left.”

Within every M1A1 Main Battle Tank are four crewmen, who

ensure each tank is working efficiently during any mission. 1st Tank

Bn. is utilized as an expeditionary, armor-protected force capable of

firing high power direct fires on an objective. The battalion’s capa-

bilities are best used to support troops on the ground.

The joint exercise allowed the British to employ 1st Tanks, inte-

grating them into their own scheme of maneuver.

“For the most part, it felt the same as when we support any other

grunt battalion out there,” Ward said. “Obviously their tactics and

strategies are a little different, but we adjusted and the transition

was smooth considering we haven’t really worked with these

guys.”

For 1st Tanks, this exercise gave them an opportunity to hone

their support capabilities, while building upon an already estab-

lished relationship with the British.

The exercise served a slightly different purpose for the

Commando Group. They do not utilize tanks as part of their ground

force support, so this gave them a unique opportunity to see the ben-

efits of having tanks support a designated mission.

“In the simplest terms, the purpose for us is to prepare 42

Commando Group for worldwide contingent operations,” said Lt.

Col. Rich Cantrill, the 42 Commando Group commanding officer.

“I know by deploying to Twentynine Palms my people not only get

training that they could never get anywhere else but that they also

experience tactical and cultural exchange with their fellow Marines.

It has been my honor to have commanded USMC main battle tanks

on a live-fire attack. This is an experience I won’t forget.”

The exercise also presented an opportunity for Marines with 7th

Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, to conduct

training with the Royal Marines, which covered Medium Girder

Bridge employment, patrolling, dismounted route clearance and

enhanced the overall mobility of the Royal Marine’s ground combat

element.

“The training during Black Alligator provided an outstanding

opportunity for Bridge Company Marines to partner with the

British Royal Engineers and adjacent USMC engineers to enhance

the mobility of 42 Commando,” said Capt. Jacob Krebs, company

commander, Bridge Co. “The opportunity to train together and to

share tactics, techniques, and procedures greatly enhanced our

interoperability and understanding of each other’s capabilities. This

opportunity will foster success during future operations and helped

cement the special relationship enjoyed by British and American

engineers.”

Both entities were impressed and expressed gratitude for each

other’s support.

“I was really impressed with how motivated and intense they

were through the whole thing,” Ward said. “Like I said before, their

tactics are a little different but when they attack an objective it’s

hard and fast, and that’s what I like to see.”

The CO of the commando group was also impressed with the

tactics and capabilities of 1st Tanks, but he was evenly impressed

with the hospitality they were given while visiting the U.S.

“Something I would actually highlight that binds all of this

together is the breath-taking generosity and good will of the

USMC,” Cantrill said. “We have been so lucky to have been pro-

vided with all the range access and attached arms that we have

needed. The good will of the USMC has made the greatest impres-

sion of me.”

The ability to work effectively with allied nations is one of the

key components of mission readiness in the Marine Corps. Marines

will continue to operate with the British Royal Marines in the future

to further promote interoperability and theater security.

1st Tanks joins Royal Marines in live-fire exercise

Captain Paul King, the officer liaison with 42 Commando Group, BritishRoyal Marines, observes long range targets from a HUMVEE duringExercise Black Alligator.


27

History And Hyperbole Makos, Adam. Devotion. Random House,New York. 2015. 440pp., w/photos**

By Rego BarnettWriters often

use hyperbole to

emphasize major

points in their

works. Historian

Adam Makos

does that to per-

fection in his

upcoming book,

Devotion, which

is scheduled for

release on 27

October 2015.

In his book, Makos tells the story of

Medal of Honor recipient and KWVA

member Tom Hudner and his close rela-

tionship with fellow aviator Jesse Brown,

the first U.S. Navy African-American

fighter pilot to die in combat. Makos juxta-

poses his account of their friendship and

combat exploits with the story of members

of How Co., 3rd Bn., 7th Marines (H/3/7),

who benefited from the close air support

provided by Hudner, Brown, and other

members of Fighter Squadron 32, based on

the USS Leyte, and their colleagues in

other squadrons.

Makos begins his book with a tantaliz-

ing snippet of a 4 December 1950 VF-32

sortie in North Korea involving F4U

Corsair pilots Hudner, Brown et al in sup-

port of U.S. Marine units engaged in a life-

and-death battle to extract themselves from

the grip of frigid weather and enemy troops

trying to annihilate them. Then, as abruptly

as the pilots break off their flights to return

to Leyte, he switches to a description of

how the friendship between and among

Hudner, Brown and their fellow pilots

developed.

The author develops the relationships so

adroitly he almost makes it seem as if read-

ers intimately know the people involved. In

the same manner he draws them into the

Marines’ battles as well. That is where the

hyperbole comes in.

Some of the conversations the Marines

have with one another as they face the

“white jackets,” Makos’ favorite term for

the communist troops, seem contrived.

Granted, he interviewed numerous Marines

(and Sailors) to gain firsthand knowledge

of what took place on the ground, but the

conversations often seem stilted.

Nevertheless, the hyperbole works. It gives

readers a keen sense of the fear, discomfort,

sadness, and other feelings and emotions

the Marines on the ground felt. That, in

turn, provides them with a greater sense of

appreciation for what Hudner did ultimate-

ly to try and save the life of his friend, Jesse

Brown.

Here is what happened in a nutshell. On

4 December 1950 Brown’s plane sustained

serious damage from enemy gunfire. He

crash landed in an open field in North

Korea, and became trapped in the wreck-

age. Hudner, in defiance of orders and in

the face of a court-martial threat, deliber-

ately crash landed beside Brown’s plane to

try and save his friend’s life at the risk of

his own or the possibility of being cap-

tured. His efforts failed.

Brown died, and a U.S. Marine helicop-

ter pilot named Charlie Ward rescued

Hudner. Subsequently, Hudner earned the

Medal of Honor and Ward received the

Silver Star. And Makos?

Makos deserves an award for his

description of the events between Brown’s

landing and Hudner’s rescue. His account

is gripping, to say the least. Here he uses no

hyperbole. He simply describes the event in

a straightforward fashion, as he does the

ensuing presentation of the MOH, the

hoopla accorded Hudner, and Hudner’s

kindness toward Brown’s wife, Daisy.

Throughout, Hudner’s heroism and human-

ity shine.

In the final analysis, Devotion is one of

the most readable books about the Korean

War that this reviewer has had the privilege

to analyze. Makos tells a story that needs to

be told, and tells it well. It also needs to be

read—and that is not hyperbole.

** This review is based on an uncorrectedproof provided to the reviewer by the pub-lisher.

BBooookk ReviewReviewunlikely, and night would bring certain

destruction. An hour later, they aban-

doned Ngok Tavak.

Thomas Perry, a medic from C

Company, arrived at the camp at 0530

hours the morning of the 10th. He cared

for the wounded and was assisting in an

attempt to establish a defensive perime-

ter when the decision was made to evac-

uate the camp. As survivors were leav-

ing, Perry was seen by Sgt. Cordell J.

Matheney, Jr., standing 20 feet away, as

Australian Army Capt. John White

formed the withdrawal column at the

outer perimeter wire on the eastern

Ngok Tavak hillside. It was believed

that Perry was going to join the end of

the column.

All the weapons, equipment and

munitions that could not be carried

were hastily piled into the command

bunker and set afire. The helicopter that

had been grounded by a ruptured fuel

line was destroyed with a LAW. Sgt.

Miller’s body was abandoned.

After survivors had gone about 1

kilometer, it was discovered that Perry

was missing. Efforts were conducted to

locate both Perry and Miller, including

a search by a group from Battery D.

They were searching along the perime-

ter when they were hit by enemy

grenades and arms fire. Neither the men

on the team nor Perry was ever found.

Included in this team were PFC Thomas

Blackman; LCpl. Joseph Cook; PFC

Paul Czerwonka; LCpl. Thomas

Fritsch; PFC Barry Hempel; LCpl.

Raymond Heyne; Cpl. Gerald King;

PFC Robert Lopez; PFC William

McGonigle; LCpl. Donald Mitchell;

and LCpl. James Sargent. The remain-

ing survivors evaded through dense jun-

gle to a helicopter pickup point midway

to Kham Duc. Their extraction was

completed shortly before 1900 hours on

the evening of May 10.

Source: http://www.chadduck.com/ymarines/pow-mia/bios/b213.htm

MIAs from page 19

Visit the 1st Marine DivisionAssociation Website at:

www.1stMarineDivisionAssociation.org

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

President Vince Rios

with all the stateside bilge. The only way

I could get back home to the First

Division was by shipping over. When I

did, the bums “shanghaied” me to

Security Forces Pacific, Subic Bay, in the

Philippine Islands. (UGH! That’s where

everybody got ousted, including me.)

After a year, in the Philippines, I final-

ly managed a transfer back to the First

Marine Division in Korea, joining Recon

Company. WOW, now I’m a “Recon

Guy!” After another year with Recon,

doing lots of secret stuff, I rotated back

stateside in 1955 to Quantico, where I

made Sergeant before getting out in

April, 1956 to start college under the G.I.

Bill.

It’s been over fifty years, my side still

hurts, and I don’t sleep well.

YEH! THE CHANGE IS FOREVER!

Reach James E. O’Connor at 633Logmark Tr., Gaylord, MI 49735

ITEM CO. from page 18

1st Marine Division Association1902 Wright Pl., Suite 200

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