I'm retired after thirty years as a police officer with the Norfolk Southern Railroad Police Department at Cleveland, Ohio. I started as a Patrolman at Buffalo, New York, was promoted to Lieutenant in charge of the Lorain, Ohio field office, and since 1992 as officer in charge of field operations for the Cleveland Division Headquarters Office at Cleveland, Ohio. After leaving the police department in 1999, I served for two years as an Agent/Investigator with the railroad casualty claims department. Now, I ride my bike, walk on the treadmill daily and golf as often as possible. I am married (48 years) and have one son.
Other Comments:
I'm a life member of VFW Post 9871 and served as Chaplain in 2003-2004. I'm a member of the Color Guard and a Cootie. I'm also a member of Chapter 249 Vietnam Veterans Of America. In 1977, I served one year with Marine Corps Reserve, Co. "I" at Buffalo, New York and then untill 1982 with the 107th Fighter Group, New York Air National Guard Security Police, Niagara Falls Air Base Niagara Falls, New York.
Description This campaign was 8 March to 24 December 1965. During this campaign the U.S. objective was to hold off the enemy while gaining time needed to build base camps and logistical facilities. The U.S. also attempted to consolidate its ground operations more efficiently. For this purpose, it organized the U.S. Army Vietnam (USARV). U.S. support in the I Corps tactical zone, composed of five northernmost provinces, was to be primarily a Marine Corps responsibility; the U.S. Army was to operate mainly in the II and III Corps tactical zones which comprised the Central highlands, adjacent coastal regions, and the area around Saigon; and ARVN troops were to retain primary responsibility for the Delta region of the IV Corps.
On 19 October 1965. three VC regiments totaling 6,000 men attacked a Civil Irregular Defense Group (CIDG) - U.S. Special Forces at Plei Me, near the entrance to the Ia Drang Valley, in what purported to be the start of a thrust to cut the country in half.
With the assistance of massive air strikes, elements of the newly arrived 1st Cavalry Division thwarted the enemy in a battle that lasted nearly a month and included several engagements. The Ia Drang Valley action was the costliest in terms of casualties to date. The successful defense of the region improved security in and around the Central Highlands and raised the morale of the soldiers involved.
My Participation in This Battle or Operation
From Month/Year
March / 1965
To Month/Year
December / 1965
Last Updated: Mar 16, 2020
Personal Memories
Memories While with the Marine Detachment aboard USS Enterprise off the coast of Vietnam (Yankee & Dixie Stations) Dec,1965 to June,1967. Manned a .50 cal machine gun and supported "Operation Rolling Thunder" by assembling bombs and missile pods and getting them to the flightdeck for loading aboard A4's, F4'S AND A6's.
