Best Friends
Capt. Mike Wunsch (KIA 28 Jul69),(Team CDR Aug68-Feb69) SSgt. Zack Fuentes, Team Chief Sgt. Scott Sibley Sgt. Mike Robinson Sgt. Jim Large Sgt. Kevin OLoughlin SSgt (ARVN Interpreter) Hoa SSgt (ARVN Interpreter) Bang SSgt (ARVN Interpreter) Thang Others on Team at various periods during the 1967-1970 period: Sgt A. D. Farnum (Joined Apr69) SSGT Jim Sowders (Joined Mar69) MGySgt Richard Swank(Team Chief Sep68-Jan69) Lt. Joe Wheeler (Joined Jan69) Abernethy,W(infree) F.-Capt (Team CDR Jul67-Aug68) Espinoza, Frank A.-GySgt Halle, Peter A.-Sgt Holmes, Timothy D.-LCpl Kunsaitis, Ronald C.-GySgt Pentony, Thomas J.-Capt(Team CDR Oct-Jul70) Pollock, William W.-Capt(Team CDR Mar69-Jun69) Tomlinson, W.E.-SSgt Underwood, James O.-Sgt Welch, A.D.-Capt(Team CDR Dec-Jan70) William, P.M.-1Lt
Best Moment
There were many good times with the guys on the Team.
Worst Moment
NVA ground attack on FSB Cunningham during Operation Dewey Canyon (early morning of 17 Feb 1969). Sappers got inside our perimeter and KIA 4 Marines and WIA 20. There were 37 NVA bodies in and around our perimeter.
Chain of Command
G-2 3rd Mar Div: Col. Michael Spark (KIA Jan 69)while CO 3rd Marines. Team Commander: Mike Wunsch (KIA Jul 69) Team Commander: W.W. Pollock (Jan 69-May 69) Reported to G-2 3rd MarDiv Sub Teams assigned to 9th Marines, 26th Marines, 3rd Marines and 4th Marines at various times and Ops. during 1968 and 1969.
Other Memories
The team usually had 7-10 Marines and 3-4 ARVN interpreters. Our HQ was at QTCB and we had 2 man sub teams with different Regiments at various times working out of Camp Carroll and VCB and other locations in Northern I Corps.
Criteria The Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal may be awarded to service members who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievem... The Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal may be awarded to service members who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement or meritorious service (but not of sufficient nature to warrant a higher decoration). MoreHide
Criteria The Combat Action Ribbon is a personal decoration awarded to members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard (when operating under the control of the Navy) in the grade of captain (or colonel in th... The Combat Action Ribbon is a personal decoration awarded to members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard (when operating under the control of the Navy) in the grade of captain (or colonel in the Marine Corps) and below who have actively participated in ground or surface combat. (World War II and Korea War service rate one ribbon for each period only) MoreHide
Description Authorization: SECNAV Notice 1650 of 17 Feb 1969 and SECNAVINST 1650.1G 2-29
Eligibility Requirements:Awarded to members of the Marine Corps, in the grade of colonel and junior thereto, who have active... Authorization: SECNAV Notice 1650 of 17 Feb 1969 and SECNAVINST 1650.1G 2-29
Eligibility Requirements:Awarded to members of the Marine Corps, in the grade of colonel and junior thereto, who have actively participated in ground or surface combat. The principal eligibility criterion is that the individual must have participated in a bona fide ground or surface combat firefight or action during which he/she was under enemy fire and his/her performance while under fire was satisfactory. MoreHide
Criteria The Presidential Unit Citation may be awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States and cobelligerent nations for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy occurring on or aft... The Presidential Unit Citation may be awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States and cobelligerent nations for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy occurring on or after December 7, 1941. MoreHide
Description I was with a sub team with the 9th Marines on Operation Dewey Canyon. I received a Navy Commendation w/V for that Op and the 9th Marines got the PUC. and all supporting units. I just read the 9th Mar... I was with a sub team with the 9th Marines on Operation Dewey Canyon. I received a Navy Commendation w/V for that Op and the 9th Marines got the PUC. and all supporting units. I just read the 9th Marine official citation and found this out 40 years later. MoreHide
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
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
Description
Description: This was the USMC search and destroy operation that followed DAWSON RIVER WEST in western I Corps and was folded into DEWEY CANYON
People You Remember
Sgt Scott Sibley, Lt. Mike Wunsch, ARVN SSgt Hoa, ARVN SSgt Hung
Memories Sub Team of 15th ITT attached to 9th Marines. We operated out of LZ Smith which was Southwest of KhSub Team of 15th ITT attached to 9th Marines. We operated out of LZ Smith which was Southwest of Khe Sahn near the Laos border. I recall being there from early to late Jan. 1969.... More
Description Operation Dewey Canyon (January 22 – March 18, 1969) was the last major offensive by the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. It took place from January 22 through March 18, 1969 and invOperation Dewey Canyon (January 22 – March 18, 1969) was the last major offensive by the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. It took place from January 22 through March 18, 1969 and involved a sweep of the North Vietnamese Army (NVA)-dominated A Shau Valley by the 9th Marine Regiment reinforced by elements of the 3rd Marine Regiment; 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines, 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines and ARVN 2nd Regiment.
The 56 days of combat were a tactical success but did not stop the overall flow of North Vietnamese men and matériel into South Vietnam. The 9th Marine Regiment and attached units were awarded the Army Presidential Unit Citation for their actions in Operation Dewey Canyon.
Prior to the launching of the operation, U.S. Marine infantry units in the northern I Corps region had been tied to their combat bases along the South Vietnam border as part of the McNamara Line. This "line" was a combination of infantry units and ground sensors devised to stop North Vietnamese infiltration into South Vietnam along the Ho Chi Minh Trail.
When Lt. Gen. Raymond G. Davis took command of the 3rd Marine Division, he ordered Marine units to move out of their combat bases and engage the enemy. He had noted that the manning of the bases and the defensive posture they developed was contrary to the aggressive style of fighting that Marines favor. In early 1969, intelligence reports indicated there had been a large NVA build-up in the A Shau Valley. The A Shau was just 6 miles (10 km) east of the Laotian border and some 21 miles (34 km) long. Based on this intelligence, Col. Robert H. Barrow's 9th Marine Regiment was ordered to depart Vandegrift Combat Base some 50 miles (80 km) to the east and sweep west to deny use of the valley to the enemy.
Operation Dewey Canyon was divided into three parts: 1) the movement and positioning of air assets, 2) the movement of the 9th Marines south out of their combat base, and 3) the sweep of the A Shau valley. As the 9th Marines moved towards the A Shau valley, they established numerous firebases along the way which would provide them their artillery support once they entered the valley and guard their main supply route. All of these bases needed to be resupplied by helicopter because of their distance from the main combat bases and because resupply via ground was very difficult during monsoon season.
The Marines encountered stiff resistance throughout the conduct of the operation, most of which was fought under triple canopy jungle and within range of NVA artillery based in Laos. Marine casualties included 130 killed in action and 932 wounded.
In return, the USMC reported 1,617 killed enemies, the discovery of 500 tons of arms and munitions, and denial of the valley as an NVA staging area for the duration of the operation. They claimed the operation as an overall success.
The raids into Laos were the third and final phase of Operation Dewey Canyon. Although all three battalions were involved with the operation, only elements of the 2nd Battalion actually participated in the raid into Laos. This was because each battalion was given an area of operation south of Fire Support Bases Cunningham and Erskine with 2nd Battalion 9th Marines area of operations taking them all the way to the South Vietnamese-Laotian border.
The third phase commenced on February 11, 1969, and by February 20, Lieutenant Colonel Fox's 2nd Battalion had both Echo and Hotel Company on the Laotian border. From their position, Hotel Company could see enemy convoys traveling along Route 922. Hotel Commanding Officer David F. Winecoff later reported in U.S. Marines In Vietnam: High Mobility and Standdown, 1969 (1988):[1]
"The company, of course, was talking about let's get down on the road and do some ambushing. I don't think they really thought that they were going to let us go over into Laos ... I knew if the military had their way we'd be over there in Laos and the company was all up for it.... With the Paris Peace Talks going on, I wasn't sure what route was going to be taken."
Major General Davis, 3rd Marine Division Commanding General, had sent requests up the chain of command to get permission to enter Laos. This led to Operation Prairie Fire, conducted by a Special Operations Group (SOG) to conduct reconnaissance into Laos. On February 20, Lieutenant General Richard G. Stilwell forwarded Davis' request to have a limited raid into Base Area 611 up to General Abrams for his approval. Things in the field were moving along much faster, and on the night of February 20, Captain Winecoff continued to observe heavy truck traffic and called in a fire mission.
On February 21, Captain Winecoff received a message from Colonel Barrow, 9th Marines Commanding Officer, to set up an ambush along route 922. The Captain's men needed rest, and he requested a postponement but was denied by Colonel Barrow. The Captain utilized his 1st and 2nd Platoons, and at 16:10, 1st Platoon moved out and made its way to 2nd Platoon's position. At 18:30, Winecoff briefed his men on the ambush. After dark they moved out towards route 922, about 900 meters away. By 01:00, Captain Winecoff and Hotel Company were in place and setting up the ambush. Within minutes of getting into position they started hearing trucks coming down the road and continued to observe as 40 minutes later, a lone truck and one NVA soldier also walked through the kill zone. Winecoff had not wanted the ambush sprung on one truck or soldier, realizing that eventually a bigger target would come down the road. At 02:30, the lights of eight trucks appeared, and as three trucks came into the kill zone the column of vehicles stopped. Not wanting to give away the ambush or their position Winecoff, set off the claymores and the ambush. The Marines poured small arms and automatic weapons fire on the three vehicles. As reported in U.S. Marines in Vietnam: High Mobility and Standown, 1969, the forward observer alerted the artillery, and rounds bracketed the company position.[citation needed]
After minutes of fire, Captain Winecoff had his men moved forward, ensuring that everything was destroyed. The company proceeded to move out to the rally point 600 meters away and waited till daylight. Later, it rejoined with 3rd Platoon who had not been involved with the ambush because of the heavy patrols it had been involved with in the previous days. H Company was resupplied and the men rested. They had destroyed three trucks and killed eight NVA soldiers. Hotel did not suffer any casualties.
A Marine is helped to an evacuation point by two buddies after he was wounded during an enemy probe of his unit's position during Operation Dewey Canyon. Marines killed 12 North Vietnamese in the fighting northwest of the A Shau Valley.
After Action Reports of the patrol were met with positive reviews, General Abrams formally approved the operation. The success of the operation was more valuable than just the destruction of the enemy, because it allowed Colonel Barrow to request that continued operations in Laos be approved. His reasoning for continued operations was the presence of the enemy in the area was a threat to his troops. Barrow noted, "I put a final comment on my message, which said, quote, "Put another way, my forces should not be here if ground interdiction of Route 922 not authorized." The message finally reached General Abrams via General Stilwell, who had adopted the Colonel's recommendation. General Abrams approved further action on February 24 but restricted discussions of the Laotian operation. The following days brought Hotel casualties not encountered in their previous incursion into Laos.
Hotel Company was ordered to go down route 922 on February 24. Morale was low because the Marines were tired after several days of patrolling. Additionally, they did not want to leave the resupplies that included 60 mm mortar ammunition, C-rations, and beer which they consumed, as quoted by Captain Winecoff in U.S. Marines in Vietnam: High Mobility and Standown, 1969.
Hotel Company was to move into Laos followed by E and F Companies and drive eastward on the road, forcing the enemy into the hands of the 1st and 3d Battalions. After a six hour night march, Hotel set up a hasty ambush; at 11:00 on February 24, six NVA soldiers walked into their kill zone, of which four were killed.
On February 25, Hotel Company continued to move eastward again engaging NVA, resulting in the capture of one 122 mm field gun, two 40mm antiaircraft guns and the killing of eight NVA soldiers. Hotel Company suffered nine casualties during this fire firght, two dead and seven wounded. Later that day a company patrol was ambushed by an estimated 15 NVA troops who were dug in fortified bunkers and fighting holes. The patrol was reinforced and was able to fight its way through, capturing a second 122 mm gun and killing two.
Casualties were mounting for Hotel Company: three killed and five wounded. Corporal William D. Morgan was one of the men killed in action when he made a daring dash and directed fire away from Private First Class Robinson Santiago and Private Robert Ballou. Robert Ballou was wounded multiple times that day and Robinson Santiago was killed-in-action. Corporal William D. Morgan was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor by President Richard M. Nixon for this action.
Hotel Company, flanked by Echo and Foxtrot Companies, continued their drive east, which was rapid and did not allow for the companies to conduct thorough searches. Advancing much slower would have garnered much more equipment. However, 2nd battalion did capture 20 tons of foodstuffs and ammunition, while killing 48 NVA soldiers.
The three companies were within 1,000 meters of the South Vietnamese border by March 1 and were flown by helicopter to Vandergrift Combat Base on March 3, officially ending operations in Laos. 2nd battalion sustained eight killed and 33 wounded during the operation. For the record, all of the dead were listed as being killed in Quảng Trị Province, South Vietnam and for obvious political reasons no references were made about being in Laos.
Outcome and legacy
First Lt. Archie "Joe" Biggers, Platoon Leader 9th Regiment, U.S. Marine Corps, who led the platoon that captured the two 122 mm guns, was wounded in action during the operation and was awarded a Silver Star.
Lt.Gen. Raymond Davis’ son, Lieutenant Miles Davis, was wounded in action during the operation.
1Lt Lieutenant Wesley Fox was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions as commanding officer of Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines.
Cpl. William D. Morgan was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions as squad leader with Hotel Company, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines. Cpl. Morgan was killed in action on 25 February 1969.
LCpl. Thomas Noonan, Jr. was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions as a fire team leader with Hotel Company, 2nd Battalion 9th Marines. LCpl. Noonan was killed in action on 5 February 1969.
PFC Alfred M. Wilson was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions as a rifleman with Mike Company, 3rd Battalion 9th Marines. PFC Wilson was killed in action on 3 March 1969.
In 1971, the operation to clear Highway 9 from Dong Ha to the Laotian border was named Operation Dewey Canyon II in an attempt to misdirect enemy attention towards the A Shau Valley instead of Tchepone, the actual objective of the combined campaign.
In April 1971, the Vietnam Veterans Against the War organized a protest rally in Washington, D.C. and named it Operation Dewey Canyon III.... More
Description Operation Apache Snow (May 10 – June 7, 1969) was a joint U.S. and South Vietnamese military operation during the Vietnam War in the A Shau Valley. The A Shau Valley was an important corridor for the Operation Apache Snow (May 10 – June 7, 1969) was a joint U.S. and South Vietnamese military operation during the Vietnam War in the A Shau Valley. The A Shau Valley was an important corridor for the North Vietnamese Army (NVA), moving supplies into South Vietnam and used as staging area for attacks. Previous sweeps of the valley in Operation Delaware and Operation Dewey Canyon had not been able to keep the NVA from operating in the valley.
Apache Snow was planned as an operation involving ten battalions. The initial assault force consisted of troops from the 187th, 501st, and 506th Infantry Regiments of the 101st Airborne Division and the 1st ARVN Division. The plan was to block escape routes into Laos and assault enemy formations and strongholds. The operation began on May 10, 1969.
The main objective became Hill 937, the resulting battle became known to the soldiers as "Hamburger Hill", an up to date reference to the bloody fighting during the Korean War at a place called "Porkchop Hill". After ten days of fighting, which involved 11 infantry assaults up hill 937 primarily by the 3rd battalion, 187th infantry, (causing heavy U.S. losses), US forces managed to capture the hill. A few weeks later the hill was quietly abandoned by U.S. forces.
Operation Apache Snow continued until June 7, with U.S. troops making limilted contact with the enemy. It failed to deny access to the valley to North Vietnamese forces. The valley continued to be used as staging area for attacks in northern South Vietnam. The month‑long operation accounted for 675 enemy killed, three prisoners, 241 individual and 40 crew‑served weapons captured, and more than 100,000 rounds of ammunition discovered.
... More
Memories This was my last operation. I had less than a month left in country so I was only there about 10 daThis was my last operation. I had less than a month left in country so I was only there about 10 days before I was pulled out and sent back to Quang Tri to process out and ship out for Okinawa and then California.... More
Best Friends
Eric Hangin Jerry Kelleher Robbie Holman Frank Gillen Tom Lemon Tim Murray Others: Mike Robinson, Bob McFarland, Billy McGee.
Best Moment
Met up with childhood friend, George Hiteshew on his return from Vietnam. He was wounded twice as a machine gunner with K/3/3.
Chain of Command
21st ITT reported to the G-2 of the 5th MarDiv. I remember that Capt Dale Marshall (KIA 67) was there and I believe he was the Team Commander.
Other Memories
Attended Interrogation of Prisoner of War course. Jan-Feb 67. Drown Proofing certificate Expert Rifle Marksman Staging Battalion at Las Pulgas Trips to LA, San Diego and Tijuana.
Criteria The Meritorious Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself under combat or noncombat conditions by either valorous ... The Meritorious Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself under combat or noncombat conditions by either valorous or meritorious achievement which renders that unit outstanding compared to other units performing similar service, but not sufficient to justify the award of the Navy Unit Commendation. MoreHide
Criteria The Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Colors) was authorized to be worn by units individually cited for service in military operations in support of the government of Sout... The Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Colors) was authorized to be worn by units individually cited for service in military operations in support of the government of South Vietnam. The actions cited are for the same services that would have resulted in the award of a Valorous Unit Citation by the Army or a Navy Unit Citation. MoreHide
Description Awarded by the Chief of the Joint General Staff, Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces.
The Secretary of the Navy has approved acceptance of the award for the III MAF to include all Navy, Marine
Corps, and C... Awarded by the Chief of the Joint General Staff, Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces.
The Secretary of the Navy has approved acceptance of the award for the III MAF to include all Navy, Marine
Corps, and Coast Guard units serving there during the period 8 March 1965?20 September 1969. 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 2 April to 30 June 1968. During this period friendly forces conducted a number of battalion-size attritional operations against the enemy.
Operations PEGASUS-Lam Son 207 relievThis campaign was from 2 April to 30 June 1968. During this period friendly forces conducted a number of battalion-size attritional operations against the enemy.
Operations PEGASUS-Lam Son 207 relieved the Khe Sanh Combat Base on 5 April and thereby opened Route 9 for the first time since August 1967. This operation not only severely restricted the North Vietnamese Army's use of western Quang Tri Province but also inflicted casualties on the remnants of two North Vietnamese divisions withdrawing from the area. This success was followed by a singular allied spoiling operation in the A Shau Valley, Operation DELAWARE-Lam Son. These two operations prevented the enemy from further attacking I Corps Tactical Zone population centers and forced him to shift his pressure to the III Corps Tactical Zone.
During the period 5-12 May 1968 the Viet Cong launched an offensive with Saigon as the primary objective. Friendly forces defended the city with great determination. Consequently Saigon was never in danger of being overrun. Small Viet Cong units that did manage to get into the outskirts were fragmented and driven out with great loss of enemy life. By the end of June 1968 friendly forces had decisively blunted the enemy's attacks, inflicted very heavy casualties, and hindered his ability to attack urban areas throughout the Republic of Vietnam. The enemy was forced to withdraw to his sanctuaries.
The strength of the U.S. Army in Vietnam reach a peak of nearly 360,000 men during this period.... More
Description Nov 28 – Jan 26 1969; 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines and 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines clear and search operation in the vicinity of Khe Sanh, Quảng Trị Province.Nov 28 – Jan 26 1969; 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines and 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines clear and search operation in the vicinity of Khe Sanh, Quảng Trị Province.... More
People You Remember
Scott Sibley ARVN SSGT Hoa
Memories Our Sub team worked out of Vandergrift on Route 9. We were with the 9th Marines around LZ Smith in Our Sub team worked out of Vandergrift on Route 9. We were with the 9th Marines around LZ Smith in Mountains near Laos border area.... More
Best Friends
Jerry Kelleher Frank Gillen Robbie Holman Tom Lemmon Tim Murray Mike Robinson Pete Yanky Gene McGowan Bob McFarland Butch Knoll Bill McGee Others: Capt Hemphill, Capt Sams
Best Moment
The DLI(East) had a contract with the Institute of Modern Languages located at 2120 S St NW to teach Vietnamese to Marines. They also had many International students (all women) taking English classes for college prep in the US. I met my future wife there.
Worst Moment
The language labs listening to tapes in the afternoon when the eye lids got heavy.
Chain of Command
I think we were under HQ Marine Corps located over at Arlington Hall Annex at that time. We lived at the Marine Barracks in the Anacostia Naval Annex across the Anacostia River from the Wash. Navy yard. DLI(East) had a school there too, but it was full to capacity in '67.
Other Memories
Studied Vietnamese in classroom setting for 7 months/8 hours per day. Teacher was Vietnamese woman (Miss CO) from Saigon. MOS changed to 0251 from 0311.
Your memories of this course
DLI contracted the Institute of Modern Languages to teach Vietnamese to 14 Marines since the DLI East aboard Anacostia Annex was full to capacity with students. The course was taught at 2120 "S" Street NW Washington, D.C. Teachers were native Vietnamese women. Upon completion of the course my MOS was changed from 0311 to 0251.
Best Friends
R. J. Whiteleather Bob McGee Jerry Kelleher
Best Moment
When I completed the AIT, I had orders for the 2ndMarDiv at Camp Lejuene. But I was given a language test and sent to DLI, East Coast to study Vietnamese. My MOS was changed from 0311 to 0251. Wonderful memory!
Chain of Command
I don't remember. I know that after ITR we were seperated by MOS for AIT. The Weapons guys, Mortars, Machine Guns, 3.5 Rockets, were sent off together and the 0311s were together.
Other Memories
In those days it was not the "School of Infantry" as I remember. Camp Geiger was a pitiful place in late '66 early '67. We were hauled in cattle cars or marched all over the Onslow County training areas. Breakfast before daylight. I remember the barracks were WWII vintage.
Best Moment
When I completed the AIT, I had orders for the 2ndMarDiv at Camp Lejuene. But I was given a language test and sent to DLI, East Coast to study Vietnamese. My MOS was changed from 0311 to 0251. Wonderful memory!
Worst Moment
Long Days, short nights.
Other Memories
In those days it was not the "School of Infantry" as I remember. Camp Geiger was a pitiful place in late '66 early '67. We were hauled in cattle cars or marched all over the Onslow County training areas. Breakfast before daylight. I think the barracks were WWII vintage.
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
Capt. Mike Wunsch (KIA 28 Jul69),(Team CDR Aug68-Feb69)
SSgt. Zack Fuentes, Team Chief
Sgt. Scott Sibley
Sgt. Mike Robinson
Sgt. Jim Large
Sgt. Kevin OLoughlin
SSgt (ARVN Interpreter) Hoa
SSgt (ARVN Interpreter) Bang
SSgt (ARVN Interpreter) Thang
Others on Team at various periods during the 1967-1970 period:
Sgt A. D. Farnum (Joined Apr69)
SSGT Jim Sowders (Joined Mar69)
MGySgt Richard Swank(Team Chief Sep68-Jan69)
Lt. Joe Wheeler (Joined Jan69)
Abernethy,W(infree) F.-Capt (Team CDR Jul67-Aug68)
Espinoza, Frank A.-GySgt
Halle, Peter A.-Sgt
Holmes, Timothy D.-LCpl
Kunsaitis, Ronald C.-GySgt
Pentony, Thomas J.-Capt(Team CDR Oct-Jul70)
Pollock, William W.-Capt(Team CDR Mar69-Jun69)
Tomlinson, W.E.-SSgt
Underwood, James O.-Sgt
Welch, A.D.-Capt(Team CDR Dec-Jan70)
William, P.M.-1Lt
There were many good times with the guys on the Team.
NVA ground attack on FSB Cunningham during Operation Dewey Canyon (early morning of 17 Feb 1969). Sappers got inside our perimeter and KIA 4 Marines and WIA 20. There were 37 NVA bodies in and around our perimeter.
G-2 3rd Mar Div: Col. Michael Spark (KIA Jan 69)while CO 3rd Marines.
Team Commander: Mike Wunsch (KIA Jul 69)
Team Commander: W.W. Pollock (Jan 69-May 69)
Reported to G-2 3rd MarDiv
Sub Teams assigned to 9th Marines, 26th Marines, 3rd Marines and 4th Marines at various times and Ops. during 1968 and 1969.
The team usually had 7-10 Marines and 3-4 ARVN interpreters. Our HQ was at QTCB and we had 2 man sub teams with different Regiments at various times working out of Camp Carroll and VCB and other locations in Northern I Corps.