Best Moment
Panama, Jungle Warfare and Survival School Fort Sherman, Canal Zone Respect for Army Ranger Instructors Rubber boat training over sunken ship, eerie!
Worst Moment
Panama, President Carter was down signing away the Canal and the Panamanians were rioting. Rumors of doing riot control were flooding our ranks. Waiting for Carters plane to take off. Everyone else went no where until his plane left. Start of Jungle rot on my feet and black pine needles in my hands.
Other Memories
Compass march in platoon strength in a heavy rainstorm, being several clicks from our rendezvous point on the Chagis River. Being in chest deep water with tree roots grabing your feet and not wanting you to proceed. Bugs, Bugs, Bugs,
Worst Moment
Jungle rot, fever, rain, being wet, feet caught in roots, Bugs, Bugs, Bugs, Bugs
Other Memories
I was a reservist on Summer Drill. I worked on the AMTRACS as a 1341. I could not get used to the constant, P.T. and boredom of weekend drills, so, I did not stay a reservist for more than 1 year. I had been out for over 2 years and was too much a civilian when I had the brain storm to re-enlist.
Criteria The Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members in the Regular Marine Corps or Marine Corps Reserve to recognize good behavior and faithful service in the U.S. ... The Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members in the Regular Marine Corps or Marine Corps Reserve to recognize good behavior and faithful service in the U.S. Marine Corps while on active duty for a specified period of time. MoreHide
Best Moment
On liberty in Udorn, Wine, women and song
Worst Moment
The Clap, from the wine women and song while on liberty in Udorn, the 9 shots to cure it. Going home leaving such a great place
Chain of Command
Bulk Fuel Platoon, Sub Unit 1, H&S Co., Sup., Bn., 3rd FSR, 3rd MarDiv. in Support of 1st Marine Aircraft Wing Combat Operations in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.
Best Moment
Malaga,Spain/Athens, Greece/ Livorno, Italy. Isreali's kicked butt quickly
Worst Moment
Yom Kippur War. Waiting to go in and evacuate Americans from Beruit. Sat in Souda Bay Crete for what seemed like an eternity. De-Snailing operations on the beach in Turkey. Below from the history channel website:
October 6, 1973
The Yom Kippur War brings United States and USSR to brink of conflict
The surprise attack by Egyptian and Syrian forces on Israel in October 1973 throws the Middle East into turmoil and threatens to bring the United States and the Soviet Union into direct conflict for the first time since the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962.
Though actual combat did not break out between the two nations, the events surrounding the Yom Kippur War seriously damaged U.S.-Soviet relations and all but destroyed President Richard Nixon's much publicized policy of detente. Initially, it appeared that Egypt and Syria would emerge victorious from the conflict. Armed with up-to-date Soviet weaponry, the two nations hoped to avenge their humiliating defeat in the Six-Day War of 1967. Israel, caught off guard, initially reeled under the two-front attack, but Israeli counterattacks turned the tide, aided by massive amounts of U.S. military assistance, as well as disorganization among the Syrian and Egyptian forces. The Syrians were driven back, with Israeli troops seizing the strategically important Golan Heights. Egyptian forces fared even worse: retreating back through the Sinai Desert, thousands of their troops were surrounded and cut off by the Israeli army.
Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, together with his Soviet counterparts, eventually arranged a shaky cease-fire. When it became clear that Israel would not give up its siege of the Egyptian troops (low on food and medicine by this time), the Soviets threatened to take unilateral action to rescue them. Tempers flared both in Washington and Moscow; U.S. military forces went to a Stage 3 alert (Stage 5 is the launch of nuclear attacks). The Soviets backed down on their threat but the damage to relations between the two nations was serious and long lasting.
Kissinger worked furiously to bring about a peace settlement between Israel and Syria and Egypt. In what came to be known as "shuttle diplomacy," the secretary of state flew from nation to nation hammering out the details of the peace accord. Eventually, Israeli troops withdrew from some of their positions in both the Sinai and Syrian territory, while Egypt promised to forego the use of force in its dealings with Israel. Syria grudgingly accepted the peace plan, but remained adamantly opposed to the existence of the Israeli state.
Chain of Command
MACS-5 Med. Criuse, NATO
Other Memories
Bum boats and poker games The time someone threw a C-Rat peanut butter can in a camp fire on the beach in Turkey. Boom. aw shit!
Criteria The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, after July 1, 1958, participate in specified United States operations or those in direct support of the United Natio... The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, after July 1, 1958, participate in specified United States operations or those in direct support of the United Nations or friendly foreign nations MoreHide
Description Deep Furrow, will be conducted from 20–29 September 1973 in the southern region of Allied Command Europe. Forces from Greece, Turkey and other countries in AF South Command will participate in ExercisDeep Furrow, will be conducted from 20–29 September 1973 in the southern region of Allied Command Europe. Forces from Greece, Turkey and other countries in AF South Command will participate in Exercise Deep Furrow 73, which is scheduled annually by CINCSOUTH. Land forces will hold maneuvers in Greek and Turkish Thrace and naval Force will exercise in the Eastern Mediterranean, including the Aegean Sea; naval activities will include amphibious and carrier operations. As part of the exercise, ground units will be airlifted from their home stations in the United Kingdom and the United States to northwestern Turkey, where Turkish National Forces will execute plans for receiving them. Turkish National Forces will also conduct operations with Hellenic Armed Forces and NATO air units providing fighter-bomber and recoinnaissance support throughout the area of operations. Highlights of the exercise in Turkish Thrace will be a multi-national amphibious landing on 25 sept 73 and a multi-national airborne operation on 26 sept 73.... More
People You Remember
Men of LSG Delta Bulk Fuel
Memories This was a period of spring and summer of 1973. After the cease fire agreement between the U.S. and This was a period of spring and summer of 1973. After the cease fire agreement between the U.S. and NVN. The Pathet Lao were attempting to overtake Pnom Phen but U.S. Airpower was able to beat them of until Congress cut of funds to SEA effective August 15, 1973... More
Criteria The Navy Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself by outstanding heroism in action against an enemy (but not suff... The Navy Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself by outstanding heroism in action against an enemy (but not sufficiently to justify the award of the Presidential Unit Citation). It may also be awarded to a unit that distinguishes itself by extremely meritorious service not involving combat (but in support of military operations), which renders that unit outstanding when compared to other units performing similar service. MoreHide
Description For exceptionally meritorious service from 23 May-31 December 1972 in support of US Military operations in Southeast Asia. Commencing an unprecedented air-base construction and operational schedule i... For exceptionally meritorious service from 23 May-31 December 1972 in support of US Military operations in Southeast Asia. Commencing an unprecedented air-base construction and operational schedule in the face of torrential rains, sweltering heat and countless other obstacles, Task Force Delta succeeded in meeting seemingly impossible operational deadlines. The first combat aircraft arrived within three weeks of the beginning of construction, and continuous air operations commenced the next day. Around the clock operations included air-to-ground close air support, fighter barrier combat air patrols and night systems bombing. Almost immediately, daily sortie rates were equaling those expected of an air group operating from a sophisticated, permanent base. Through their superlative performance, the personel of Task Force Delta contributed significantly toward supporting the South Vietnamese counteroffensive as well as the US air offensive of 1972. Their courage, professionalism and inspiring devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
Signed John W. Warner Secretary of the Navy MoreHide
Criteria The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspa... The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspace; or, for any period of service during the same time period in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia or the air spaces thereover and in direct support of operations in Vietnam. MoreHide
Comments Supported 1st MAW combat operations in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. I was assigned to Bulk Fuel, Sub Unit 1, 3rd FSR from Camp Foster, Okinawa. Nam Phong Thailand, MCAS Rose Garden
Task Force Delta air ... Supported 1st MAW combat operations in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. I was assigned to Bulk Fuel, Sub Unit 1, 3rd FSR from Camp Foster, Okinawa. Nam Phong Thailand, MCAS Rose Garden
Task Force Delta air operations were of three distinct types: day fighter-cover, day ground-attack and night ground-attack. These missions in turn were associated with specific geographic areas and targets. Most numerous were daytime flights supporting MACV and the South Vietnamese in MR 1, MR 2 and Route Package 1 during the combat to regain Quang Tri Province. These tasks were conducted with F-4's and A-6's using bombs, rockets and cannon fire. Sorties normally consisted of two to three aircraft each. Daily the aircraft lined up on Nam Phong's single runway with engines screaming at 100 percent power as the pilots checked engine instruments. Each aircraft then took off in turn and quickly rendezvoused on its climb out to the target area. Many of the Marine flights hit a target, flew to Da Nang to refuel and rearm and then flew another mission on the return to Nam Phong.
Fighter cover was in support of the ongoing strikes by 7th Air Force against the North Vietnamese political and economic infrastructure. The strikes, which had begun on May 8, were part of an extensive naval and air campaign to pressure the North Vietnamese into a negotiated settlement. The campaign included the mining of harbors, attacks against economic targets, the use of precision guided munitions (smart bombs) and a massive increase in the size and duration of strikes with the aim of reducing the flow of supplies into North Vietnam and support to their operations in South Vietnam. In contrast to the previous, graduated campaigns, commanders took all necessary steps to ensure target destruction.
Marine F-4's conducted combat air patrols to protect aircraft from North Vietnamese reaction. This required them to fly a specified orbit point from which to cover tanker, command and control, electronic warfare and rescue aircraft over Route Packages 4,5 and 6. From orbit points they could track and engage North Vietnamese interceptors and air defense positions. The Marine KC-130's refueled the fighters going in and coming out. The missions witnessed Marine air integrated with the Air Force in air-to-air and deep penetration flight profiles.
The interdiction of roads and trails in the Barrel Roll and Steel Tiger areas of Laos were the missions assigned to VMA(AW)-533 crews with their night armed reconnaissance abilities. LtCol. Brown wrote, his squadron began interdicting convoys on Route Package 1 on 12 August and, like our entire effort, it was relentless. To the enemy, this increased bludgeoning was crippling.
MoreHide
Criteria This medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who: 1. Served for 6 months in South Vietnam during the period 1 Mar 61 and 28 Mar 73; or 2. Served outside the geographical l... This medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who: 1. Served for 6 months in South Vietnam during the period 1 Mar 61 and 28 Mar 73; or 2. Served outside the geographical limits of South Vietnam and contributed direct combat support to the RVN Armed Forces for an aggregate of six months. Only members of the Armed Forces of the United States who meet the criteria established for the AFEM (Vietnam) or Vietnam Service Medal during the period of service required are considered to have contributed direct combat support to the RVN Armed Forces; or 3. Did not complete the length of service required in item (1) or (2) above, but who, during wartime, were: a. Wounded by the enemy (in a military action); b. Captured by the enemy during action or in the line of duty, but later rescued or released; or c. Killed in action or in the line of duty; or 4. Were assigned in Vietnam on 28 Jan 73, and who served a minimum of 60 calendar days in Vietnam during the period 29 Jan 73 to 28 Mar 73. MoreHide
Description This campaign was from 30 March 1972 to 28 January 1973. On 30 March 1972 the North Vietnamese Army launched its greatest offensive of the entire war. The enemy deployed the greatest array of troops This campaign was from 30 March 1972 to 28 January 1973. On 30 March 1972 the North Vietnamese Army launched its greatest offensive of the entire war. The enemy deployed the greatest array of troops and modern weapons to date in a major effort to end the war with conventional forces and seized considerable territory in an effort to exercise control of key provinces throughout Vietnam.
During this critical period the Vietnamization program continued in the face of the North Vietnamese invasion and the successful counterattack by the armed forces of the Republic of Vietnam. Army aviation units played an impressive role throughout the period, flying reconnaissance, close support missions, and transporting troops. As U.S. combat troops were withdrawn from Vietnam, the role of helicopter units increased in importance and they responded to the challenge of continuing to support while preparing the RVNAF to assume their function. Similarly, advisors of all services contributed immeasurably to the defeat of the enemy invasion and the continued Vietnamization process. Army and Marine advisors fought side-by-side with their RVNAF counterparts to stop and defeat the enemy invasion, as the Vietnamese counteroffensive gained momentum and the reduction of field advisers continued. The advisory effort shifted to emphasize training and to assure that the VNAF attained self-sufficiency prior to the complete withdrawal of the U.S forces.
Recapture of Quang Tri City on 16 September 1972 marked the complete failure of the enemy to hold any of the targeted provincial capitols. Massive aid replaced materiel lost during the spring counteroffensive. Retraining and reconstruction of selected RVNAF units increased their capabilities. The completion of the massive logistical buildup of RVNAF was accomplished, which enabled the RVNAF to become more self-sufficient as direct U.S. participation diminished. The US ground role in Vietnam was totally replaced by the RVNAF. During December 1972 and January 1973 the RVIVAF flew more than 45% of air sorties within Vietnam. In November 1972, the RVNAF began a C-130 training program and by January 1973 realized a significant increase in their capability. RVNAF forward air controllers began directing USAF and RVNAF strike aircraft in January 1973. The US policy of Vietnamization continued.
US combat and combat support operations were conducted in support of RVNAF ground operations during the North Vietnamese invasion and the counteroffensive including intensive interdiction of enemy supply routes into Vietnam. Since US ground forces had been reduced to seven battalions, the US ground combat role was limited to defense of key installations. Further reduction in troop ceilings led to the redeployment of all US ground combat battalions, leaving an Army contingent of combat support and service support units.... More
Description Operation Linebacker was the title of a U.S. Seventh Air Force and U.S. Navy Task Force 77 air interdiction campaign conducted against the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (North Vietnam) from 9 May to Operation Linebacker was the title of a U.S. Seventh Air Force and U.S. Navy Task Force 77 air interdiction campaign conducted against the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (North Vietnam) from 9 May to 23 October 1972, during the Vietnam War.
Its purpose was to halt or slow the transportation of supplies and materials for the Nguyen Hue Offensive (known in the West as the Easter Offensive), an invasion of the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam), by forces of the People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN), that had been launched on 30 March. Linebacker was the first continuous bombing effort conducted against North Vietnam since the bombing halt instituted by President Lyndon B. Johnson in November 1968. ... More
People You Remember
My brothers of Sub Unit 1, 3rd FSR who supported 1st MAW Combat Operations
Memories I was present for LB2, pumping fuel to TAFDS and the aircraft of VMFA-115, VMFA-232 and VMA(AW)533.I was present for LB2, pumping fuel to TAFDS and the aircraft of VMFA-115, VMFA-232 and VMA(AW)533.... More
Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
Panama, Jungle Warfare and Survival School
Fort Sherman, Canal Zone
Respect for Army Ranger Instructors
Rubber boat training over sunken ship, eerie!
Panama, President Carter was down signing away the Canal and the Panamanians were rioting. Rumors of doing riot control were flooding our ranks. Waiting for Carters plane to take off. Everyone else went no where until his plane left. Start of Jungle rot on my feet and black pine needles in my hands.
Compass march in platoon strength in a heavy rainstorm, being several clicks from our rendezvous point on the Chagis River. Being in chest deep water with tree roots grabing your feet and not wanting you to proceed. Bugs, Bugs, Bugs,