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Fall 2015 Vol. 6 #4

NEWSLETTER

Editor: Mike Hebert Printed by Prestige Press, Inc.

Greetings to all former 458th members (DUKW’s, LARC’s, BARC’s, PBR’s, Whalers, and associated Military Police). This is the October 2015 issue of the newsletter. Subsequent issues published quarterly.

2015 REUNION EDITION

To view reunion videos go to: Youtube.com: enter 2015 Sea Tigers Reunion

Sea Tigers Cake presented by Hampton CVB

The 2015 reunion of the 458th Sea Tigers Association was held at the Crowne Plaza Hampton Marina Hotel Sept. 22 – Sept. 26 in Hampton, VA. We were very fortunate to have had the US. Navy Riv. Div. 515 and Riv. Div. 535 attend our reunion for the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. It was the first ever joint Army-Navy PBR reunion. Unfortunately, very windy conditions the entire week kept the PBR’s at the dock, but no one really seemed to mind. Just having the boats there to look at was enough.

We were extremely privileged to have two PBR’s at this year’s reunion, one owned by Dennis Ambruso, the other by Dave Pizzoferrato. Many of you remember Dave’s boat from the Cincinnati reunion last year. We had so much support at this reunion beginning with Dennis Ambruso’s unwavering efforts to continue trying to get US Navy support for our reunion. After many failed attempts, Dennis finally managed to secure a commitment from Special Boat Team 20.

PBR’s arriving in Hampton, VA

There were 80 veterans and wives participating in this year’s events which began with a Meet & Greet reception aboard the Miss Hampton II tour boat with complimentary beverages sponsored by Jim Holt & Lynn Turnage of Customs House Marina and Hampton Fleet, Inc. For many members, this was the first time they had seen a PBR since leaving Vietnam. One in particular, whose entire crew was wounded during a single 24-hour period in Vietnam, climbed aboard one of the PBR’s and assumed his normal position of 50 years ago. After a

The Riverine Reporter A publication of the US Army 458th Trans. Co (PBR)

Sea Tigers Association

Founded 1996 by Lee Helle, US Army, Ret.


period of prolonged silence, tears started rolling down his cheeks. He told a bystander that getting on the boat was like being at home again. The opening banquet was held in the Dockside Ballroom beginning with a very moving video of the Vietnam War narrated by actor Sam Elliot followed by the posting of the colors by an Honor Guard from the VFW. Tom Wonsiewicz led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance, then the Mayor of Hampton, VA, Mr. George Wallace, personally extended his welcome to our group. On his way into the Hospitality Room, Mayor Wallace paused at the PBR’s docked outside the door to witness a short weapons demonstration from PBR 721. After Mayor Wallace’s speech a letter of welcome from the Governor of the Commonwealth, the Honorable Terrance McAuliffe, was read to the group. (See page 5). A catered Italian Buffet dinner closed out the evening as members enjoyed meeting up with old friends and discovering new ones. The festivities were not without their moments, however. A Sea Tigers reunion is not a reunion without police intervention. During the banquet one of the hotel staff informed reunion co-planner Mike Hebert that the police were outside and wanted to see him. It seems that someone had reported a machine gun being fired from the vicinity of the Hampton City Docks. Hmmm…. I wonder who that could have been?

Members examine 458 PBR display

Day two began with a relaxing breakfast overlooking the hotel marina, then everyone

boarded a bus to Ft. Eustis. The headaches of the past month in obtaining SSN’s and DOB’s for base access proved to be a non-issue. We were whisked thru security and arrived at the US Army Trans. Museum where the Director, Mr. Dave Hanselman, greeted our group and offered a guided tour of the facility.

A luncheon at the Lakeside Club was preceded by a greeting from MG William F. Roy, Commanding General for Joint Task Force Civil Support, and CMC Jeff Covington.

L to R: MG Roy, CMC Covington, T. Wonsiewicz

Next was a visit to the US Army Simulation Training Center. It was fascinating to witness the many changes in technology since our service days. Many Sea Tigers members especially enjoyed the .50 caliber machine gun simulator. Dragging some away from it proved to be a bit difficult! Also viewed were navigation simulators, grenade launcher simulators, M-16 simulators, and more.

LCU Brandy Station

Arriving at 3rd Port the group to split into two, one taking a tour of the LSV Gen. Frank S. Besson, the other taking a tour of the LCU

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Brandy Station. The differences in these craft from those we knew is unbelievable. The LCU 2000 is nothing like the old 1600 class many of us are familiar with. It was like stepping into the future. Especially impressive were the crew, all just kids to us, but they were very professional and exuded the confidence and knowledge required to perform their jobs.

Sea Tigers boarding LSV Gen. Frank S. Besson

During our excursion of Ft. Eustis, a reporter from the Daily Press, Ali Rockett, showed up at the docks with a cameraman. Ralph Richason, Ken McCorry, Chief Pat Doyle and others of the US Navy PBR contingent were luckily on hand to show them around and explain the mission of our craft in Vietnam. A front page piece appeared in the paper two days later.

Thursday morning the business meeting was held. A proposal to have our 2016 reunion in San Diego was postponed pending a review of the facilities and events by a committee. The US Navy Special Boat Team 20 arrived prior to our Memorial Ceremony and along with the City of Hampton Fireboat, provided a very memorable setting for our event. The posting

of the colors was performed by the Joint Service Army and Navy Color Guard. A wreath honoring PFC Michael Glenn Loyd, a PBR Military Police Officer who was killed aboard a PBR in Vietnam, was moved to a waiting PBR by a US Army Honor Guard team. PBR 721 got underway, went out to mid-stream in the Hampton River, and the Fireboat from the City of Hampton commenced its water salute by aiming the fire nozzles skyward. Tom Wonsiewicz ordered the crowd to attention, directed “Present Arms” and the Langley AFB Honor Guard fired off a 21-gun salute as “Taps” was played by an Air Force bugler. The Memorial Wreath was gently placed upon the waters of the Hampton River while the PBR’s and RIB boats of Special Boat Team 20 sailed past in silent tribute.

Honor Guard and PBR 721

Students from Hampton University School of Communications recorded the ceremony on video so that a record of the event could be shared with family members of PFC Loyd, who were not able to attend. During the laying of the wreath, 458 President Tom Farrell read names of additional 458th personnel who had died in Vietnam:

Donnie Coleman Sept. 1967 Marvin Wyatt June 1968 Richard Whitehouse July 1969 Michael Loyd Sept. 1969 Capt. Eugene Shumbris Dec. 1969 Alvin Halverson Feb. 1970 Dickey Craig Oct. 1970 James Loux April 1971 Gerald Hinsdale June 1971

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Also mentioned were our Sea Tigers brothers who have passed away in recent years: Howard Sadler Lexington, KY Orville McCarthy Saylorsville, KY Gregg Hemstead Flint, MI James Farmer W. Sacramento, CA Douglas Foss Salem, OR Richard Moore Iron Mountain, MI George Truesdale Raleigh, NC Jimmie Lee Pomeroy, OH Greg Durrett Bakersfield, CA A Welcome Reception sponsored by the City of Hampton Convention & Visitor’s Bureau was held in the Hospitality Room at 3:30 pm. The CVB graciously provided a wide selection of Petit Fours and surprised everyone with a magnificent cake with the 458th Sea Tiger featured in the center. The CVB also supplied our reunion name tags and a large banner that hung from the Maritime Center. A Dinner Cruise aboard the Miss Hampton II set out on a very windy afternoon, followed by PBR 721 and PBR 6927. Caterers Virginia Hebert and Sallie Rhodes arranged a sumptuous buffet of Chicken Tenders, Pulled Pork BBQ, and various side dishes. The homemade cakes and cookies went very quickly. The original plan of cruising past the Norfolk Naval Base was quickly abandoned due to sea conditions, and the cruise just went back and forth in the leeward waters off the VA Hospital. The PBR’s performed maneuvers and high speed runs around the tour boat, to the delight of all. Many just stared in awe. It was such a joy to witness our beloved craft in action once again.

PBR 721 and PBR 6927

Friday was a free day with many members taking advantage of the nearby attractions in Williamsburg, Newport News, and Virginia Beach. Several drove across the 17-mile span of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel and back. The Closing Banquet was held in the Dockside Ballroom on Friday night. Grace was given by Bob McCabe, the bar was opened, and a dinner of Sirloin of Beef, Mahi-Mahi, and assorted sides was served. After the meal service, Tom Wonsiewicz introduced Richard E. Killblane, US Army Transportation Command historian, who gave a very interesting presentation about “US Army Watercraft: Past, Present, & Future.” Also present was Dave Hanselman, Director or the US Army Transportation Museum. In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, President Tom Farrell presented Vietnam Veteran lapel pins, issued by the Dept. of Defense, to all veterans present at the dinner. The evening finished out with dancing to the tunes of DJ Chris Hebert. Saturday morning was check-out day as members bid farewell to old comrades and new friends. There are so many to thank for the success of the 2015 reunion, most notably Dennis Ambruso and Dave Pizzoferrato, owners of PBR 721 and PBR 6927, for allowing us the chance to reunite with our old watercraft. Their faithfully restored vessels brought back so many memories of years ago. They spent a lot of time, effort, and money to ensure that our reunion would be a memorable event for us. Being able to see, touch, feel, and hear our PBR’s once again took us all back in time. We also owe a debt of gratitude to CMC Jeff Covington, USN, who facilitated the coordination of our events at Ft. Eustis and arranged for MG Roy to speak to us. Without his invaluable assistance our reunion would not have been as successful.

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PBR 721 passing Hampton University

● We would also like to thank all of those involved who helped make our 2015 Reunion a tremendous success: Dennis Ambruso, owner of PBR 721 Dave Pizzoferrato, owner of PBR 6927 CMC Jeff Covington, USN, for facilitating events at Ft. Eustis and Navy RCB’s. Mr. Dave Hanselman, Director of US Army Transportation Museum, Fort Eustis, VA. Mr. Richard E. Killblane, US Army Historian Sharon Paul, Tidewater Touring Inc. Gary Boryk, (Driver) Tidewater Touring Inc. Mr. George Wallace, Mayor of Hampton, VA Mary Fugere, Director of CVB, Hampton VA and her entire staff of dedicated professionals. Karen Murrell, Senior Sales Manager, Crowne Plaza Hotel. Keon Turner, Director of Catering, Crowne Plaza Hotel, and her staff. Virginia Hebert, Dinner Cruise Caterer Sallie Rhodes, Dinner Cruise Asst. Caterer. Norman Beaver, Reunion Assistant DJ Chris Hebert, World’s Best DJ! Bob Keaton, Former Navy Boat Patrol crew Jim Holt & Lynn Turnage, sponsors of Meet & Greet on Tuesday. Capt. Jerry Kennett, Mate Herb Myers, Richard & Lynn Turnage and Betty Kenyon, crew of the Miss Hampton II tour boat. Two Anonymous Donors from the 458th Sea Tigers who contributed to the majority of the funding for the Dinner Cruise. All Reunion Members who graciously contributed to the “pass the hat” effort and raised enough money to offset all outstanding expenses at the end of the reunion.

A very special “Thank You” goes out to Sallie Rhodes and Norman Beaver, of Beltsville, MD, who gave up 4 days of their life and drove 3 hours each way to assist in the preparation and logistics of this reunion. Sallie helped with all of the Dinner Cruise catering preparations and Norman proved invaluable as an assistant and chauffeur. And last, but certainly not least, the tireless staff of the reunion committee, Tom Wonsiewicz, Tom Farrell, Jerry Wallace, Bob Ness and Mike Hebert.

LETTER FROM GOV. OF VIRGINIA Dear Friends: I am pleased to extend a warm welcome to everyone attending the 458th Transportation Company’s joint reunion with fellow US Navy River Patrol Boat veterans. On behalf of all Virginians, I am grateful for your brave service to the United States during the Vietnam War. I commend the organizers of this event for their efforts to honor the sacrifices our service members made. Thank you for all you have done to protect and defend our nation and safeguard the freedoms we hold as Americans. I send you my best wishes for a successful and enjoyable reunion. Sincerely, Terence McAuliffe Governor of Virginia

PBR 6927 and PBR 721 underway

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JBLE SERVICE MEMBERS HONOR VIETNAM VETERAN MSGT April Wickes, 633rd Air Base Public Affairs 9/29/2015 - HAMPTON, VA – US service members from Joint Base Langley-Eustis and Naval Weapons Station Yorktown helped honor the life of Vietnam Veteran US Army PFC Michael Glenn Loyd during the 458th Sea Tigers Reunion Memorial Ceremony at the Hampton Maritime Center in Hampton, VA, Sept 24, 2015. During the ceremony, US Air Force Airmen from the Langley Air Force Base Honor Guard performed a 21-gun salute honoring Loyd along with other 458th Sea Tigers who passed away since the Vietnam conflict. US Army Soldiers also acted as wreath bearers and Airmen from the US Air Force Heritage of America Band lent drum and bugle support while the Joint Service Army and Navy Color Guard presented the colors. Forty-six years ago, Loyd, a military policeman from the 300th Military Police Company attached to the 458th’s Cat Lai Patrol Boat River detachment,, perished in the line of duty at the age of 20. However, neither the detachment nor the 458th Transportation Company held a memorial service for him until now. “We lost very few people and had no regular way of dealing with loss,” said Tom Wonsiewicz, 458th Sea Tigers reunion coordinator. “As I look at all the events through the eyes I have now, there would have been a ceremony. I pushed for this ceremony because (Loyd) died on my watch. We hold these ceremonies to help facilitate the memories of these men.” Although the ceremony was in honor of Loyd, it served as an influential moment for Senior Airman Thomas Hosey, Langley Air Force Base Honor Guard ceremonial guardsman. “Today was probably one of the best days for me,” said Hosey. “Every person that serves in the military deserves honors and for (Loyd) not to have honors until today breaks my heart a

little bit, but at the same time I’m happy that I was allowed to be on this detail to give him the honors he deserves. It makes me feel proud.” As the ceremony came to a close and the final ringing of the 21-gun salute faded, the somber melody of “Taps” filled the air as the Veterans of the US Navy and US Army Riverine Operations in Vietnam carried away Loyd’s ceremonial wreath on a PBR where it was laid on the Hampton River.

FORMER SERVICEMEN REMINISCE IN VIETNAM-ERA PATROL BOAT IN HAMPTON Ali Rockett, Daily Press, Hampton, VA Ralph Richason and Ken McCorry last saw one another when they were teenagers in Vietnam. “The last time I laid eyes on this man was 45 years ago,” said Richason, of Texas, placing an arm around McCorry, from Pennsylvania. “We were on the same boat one night when we got mortared.” The two former sailors reunited in Hampton this week with other Navy and Army veterans who patrolled the inland waterways of Vietnam on boats called PBR’s, which stands for “Patrol Boat, River’. It’s the same boat from the 1979 war epic “Apocalypse Now” - most of the movie was hyperbole, several of the veterans said. “Except the water skiing,” Pat Doyle added with a sly smile and wink. Crews from the Navy’s River Division 515 and 535, part of Operation Game Wardens, and the Army’s 458th Transportation Company, called Sea Tigers, held a reunion together by the marina in downtown Hampton. The divisions worked separately, but did the same job, said Tom Farrell, president of the 458th PBR Association. “For a long time after we came home, most of us didn’t talk about what we did,” Farrell said. “We weren’t welcomed. About 10 years ago, we said it’s about time to get together. We’ve had one about every year since. The first was right here in Hampton.

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By day, they searched Vietnamese boats for contraband such as weapons. At night, they tried to intercept enemy forces called the Viet Cong. The fiberglass boats were fragile and provided little cover, but they were fast and well-equipped with twin mounted .50-caliber machine guns in the bow and a single .50-caliber machine gun on the stern beside a grenade launcher. Dennis Ambuso, from Elizabeth City, NC, outfitted his PBR to match those used in Vietnam, down to the guns, which still work. He and a friend who also restored a PBR brought the boats up from North Carolina to Hampton for the reunion. Ambruso loaded one of the rear guns with blanks and fired away. The loud succession of shots echoed throughout the marina. But it brought smiles to the faces of the men who manned those guns 40 to 50 years ago. Earlier in the week, Richason, McCorry, and Doyle stood on the deck of Ambruso’s PBR drinking Pabst Blue Ribbon beer, popularly known by the same acronym as the boat. “A lot of us guys had a bad reputation that we didn’t deserve,” Richason said. “This is our way of letting people know what we did, how we did it, and keep the guys together. The bond that formed between these guys is very strong.” On Thursday, about 50 veterans, many accompanied by their wives or other family members, gathered for a memorial behind the Hampton Maritime Center. They raise their hands in a salute as a PBR, flanked by the rigid-hulled boats of today’s Navy, pulled in to the Hampton River and two crew members dropped a wreath for their fallen comrades into the water. An Air Force bugler played taps and seven airmen shot three volleys. Army veteran Michael Willis, of Saint Petersburg, FL said this was his third reunion after years of trying to forget his time in Vietnam.

“I never knew the word brotherhood until I stepped on a PBR,” Willis said. “It’s good to know that 45 and 50 years later, it’s still there,” Richason said. “Still,” Willis said. MEMBER NEWS: ● Several of you have commented on the better quality of the last newsletter. That is courtesy of Buddy Malish, owner of Prestige Press Inc, Hampton, VA. Buddy has graciously taken on the task of printing our quarterly newsletters for us at a cost we can afford. We hope you enjoy them! ● We would like to thank all of you who donated to the PBR Fund. Your generosity enabled us to support the activities of the two PBR’s present at our reunion. We would like to especially thank the following Sea Tigers members who were not able to attend the reunion, but still sent in very generous donations to help us enjoy our reunion:

Capt. Christopher King of Sarasota, FL. Lora Farmer (in memory of James) West Sacramento, CA Richard Leibel & Walpole Family, of Cincinnati, OH ● Richard Long has renewed his membership for a 3-year term. Leslie Russell has renewed for 1 year. Kenneth Roosevelt renewed for a lifetime membership and also sent in a very, very generous donation to the newsletter fund. Bruce McGowan has also renewed his membership at the lifetime level. Richard E. Leibel sent in a very nice donation for the newsletter fund. Thank you all for your unwavering support!

OBITUARIES: Sea Tigers member Doug Foss passed away on August 6 in Salem, OR. A Rosary followed by a Memorial Mass was held on August 11 at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Doug was with the 127th MP unit at Vung Ro Bay.

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“A man can fight if he can see daylight down the road somewhere.

But there ain’t no daylight in Vietnam. There’s not a bit.”

-Lyndon B. Johnson

LETTER TO NAVSOC Men: I want to thank you for supporting our reunion by providing two of Special Boat Team 20’s RIB boats and crews on Thursday 9/25/2105 at the Hampton, VA marina. The presence of the two restored Vietnam era boats owned by Dennis Ambruso and Dave Pizzoferrato were a tonic for us old soldiers and sailors. They snapped us back to the days we looked like your young crews. Having two modern era vessels on hand reminded us that nothing is static, everything changes. Well, except for the M-2 .50 Cals – some things don’t need improving! At days end, we held a Memorial Ceremony to honor our dead in Vietnam, and laid a wreath on the river from a PBR. Your boats joined ours as they sailed by the onlookers in review. Old and New but united across the years in service to the same cause. I am grateful to you for making this happen. Please relay these thanks to all involved. Tom Wonsiewicz 458th Sea Tigers Association PS: Everyone thought your crews looked very young, until they looked at the slide show of how we looked in the 60’s!

US Navy Special Boat Team 20

BOOK REVIEW by Mike Hebert Boa Ninh was a Viet Cong Scout during the Vietnam War, serving with the 27th Youth Brigade. Of the 500 boys who went to war with the brigade in 1969, he is one of only ten who survived. His first novel, The Sorrow of War, became a bestseller in Vietnam. Although a bit heavy on the metaphors, this intricately woven account from the viewpoint of a Viet Cong soldier is an extraordinary novel of a young man coming to grips with the savageries of war. It is an interesting read, especially since there is none of the America-bashing one might expect to find in a book of this genre. It can be a bit of a difficult read at times, being translated in England, but nonetheless, a very worthy novel. It is available from Amazon.com for around $13.00

PBR 721

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Thanks to all who attended our 2015 reunion in Hampton, Virginia! A very special “Thank You” to our new comrades from the US Navy River Divisions. The rock

fight in the parking lot never materialized, as the bond between brothers of war became stronger than the service rivalries of so long ago. It was a pleasure to have them attend our reunion!


Don’t forget to visit the following 458th Transportation Company web sites:

www.458thseatigers.org

www.458pbr-vungrobay.com

We really, really need stories from your experiences in Vietnam! Please send submissions to one of the staff listed below.

458th SeaTigers Officers

President: Tom Farrell Vice President: Denny Hull Secretary: Robert L. Ness Treasurer: Jerry Wallace

Chaplin: Scott Fultz Historian: Bob Brower

Membership Chairman: Tom Farrell

Back issues of the newsletter are available. Just contact Mike Hebert listed below. We appreciate your submissions, feature ideas, corrections & criticisms. Please submit info to:

Tom Farrell: [email protected] Phone: (856) 562-1797 Bob Ness: [email protected] Mike Hebert: [email protected] Phone: (804) 694-0415 Bill Northrop: [email protected]

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Deadline for Winter (January) issue of

newsletter is Dec 15. Please submit materials

prior to that date. “Letters to Editor”

also welcome.

From Ray Simpson, the New Supply Officer:

Great seeing everyone at the Hampton Reunion. A real treat to see some of you that I haven’t seen in too many years. Hope to see the rest of you in San Diego. I have been put in charge of our supply. I am hoping to have some shirts, hats, emblems, etc. back in stock before long. Currently we have a few t-shirts, hats, challenge coins available. I will get these posted on the 458th website as soon as possible. Many of you made some great suggestions at the reunion as to what you would like to see in our supply room.

Your ideas are always welcome. If anyone has any ideas at all please do not hesitate to contact me. I want to have what you want. Diversified as the 458th is, DUCWs, LARCs, Boston Whalers, and PBRs, I would like to include all of us in the items we offer. But, I also would like to offer items specific to what you served on.

If you have access to any images of the various craft the 458th used please send them to me. There are some great ideas to incorporate the images on t-shirts, hats, etc. I can be contacted at [email protected] or my phone 512-415-6966. Looking forward to hearing from you.

No-Cost VA Approved FLU SHOTS are available for veterans through any Walgreens Pharmacy. Thanks to Walt Kierzkowski

http://www.458thseatigers.org/

http://www.458pbr-vungrobay.com/

mailto:[email protected]





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