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
My records were incomplete &congressman Brad Sherman updated this award for me.
Criteria The Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal is awarded to personnel in the grade of colonel and below upon completion of four years service since March 3, 1971, with a Reserve Component unit for exe... The Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal is awarded to personnel in the grade of colonel and below upon completion of four years service since March 3, 1971, with a Reserve Component unit for exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity. MoreHide
Comments
I was in a CMR unit for two years & my PM of the Mobile units was recognized as outstanding.
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
Description This campaign was from 1 July to 30 November 1971. This period witnessed additional progress in the Vietnamization program which included turning over the ground war to South Vietnam, sustaining the This campaign was from 1 July to 30 November 1971. This period witnessed additional progress in the Vietnamization program which included turning over the ground war to South Vietnam, sustaining the withdrawal of U.S. troops, but also continuing, U.S. air strikes on enemy targets.
South Vietnam assumed full control of defense for the area immediately below the demilitarized zone on 11 July, a process begun in 1969. Secretary of Defense Melvin R. Laird announced completion of Phase I of Vietnamization on 11 August which meant that the U.S. relinquished all ground combat responsibilities to the Republic of Vietnam. The participation of U.S. forces in ground combat operations had not ceased, however, U.S. maneuver battalions were still conducting missions, and the 101st Airborne Division joined the 1st Army of Vietnam 1st Infantry Division in Operation JEFFERSON GLEN that took place in Thua Thien Province in October. This was the last major combat operation in Vietnam which involved U.S. ground forces. Following the close of Operation JEFFERSON GLEN on 8 October, the 101st began stand-down procedures and was the last U.S. division to leave Vietnam.
U.S. troop strengths decreased during Consolidation I. American battle deaths for July 1971 were 66, the lowest monthly figure since May 1967. By early November, U.S. troop totals dropped to 191,000, the lowest level since December 1965. In early November, President Nixon announced that American troops had reverted to a defensive role in Vietnam.... More
People You Remember L/cpl Stokes & I were sent to Dong Ha for OJT with the army's CMR. I remember it to be BEFORE ST. PADDY'S DAY. We were hit by artillery very late at night, maybe 4 or 5 shells hit around us, but it stopped after the ammo dump blew-up. The next day, 1/9 or 2/9's patrol were knocked down with a type of gas. One survivor was brought back into our compound where he underwent what appeared to be nervous breakdown. The chaplin held him and he cried stating that his platoon had been executed by NVA regulars, but when it came to him, in english, the NVA stated "You live!" The word was that he was left to tell & scare us. RESEARCH NEEDED FOR BETTER DATES & LOCATION OF 1/9L/cpl Stokes & I were sent to Dong Ha for OJT with the army's CMR. I remember it to be BEFORE ST. PADDY'S DAY. We were hit by artillery very late at night, maybe 4 or 5 shells hit around us, but it stopped after the ammo dump blew-up. The next day, 1/9 or 2/9's patrol were knocked down with a type of gas. One survivor was brought back into our compound where he underwent what appeared to be nervous breakdown. The chaplin held him and he cried stating that his platoon had been executed by NVA regulars, but when it came to him, in english, the NVA stated "You live!" The word was that he was left to tell & scare us. RESEARCH NEEDED FOR BETTER DATES & LOCATION OF 1/9... More
Memories When the C130 landed in Dong Ha, Stokes & I ran & jumped into a bunker to look around. Along side the bunker were several body bags awaiting a trip back to Da Nang. I told Stokes that we were in the wrong place.When the C130 landed in Dong Ha, Stokes & I ran & jumped into a bunker to look around. Along side the bunker were several body bags awaiting a trip back to Da Nang. I told Stokes that we were in the wrong place.... More
Description This campaign was from 1 July to 30 November 1971. This period witnessed additional progress in the Vietnamization program which included turning over the ground war to South Vietnam, sustaining the This campaign was from 1 July to 30 November 1971. This period witnessed additional progress in the Vietnamization program which included turning over the ground war to South Vietnam, sustaining the withdrawal of U.S. troops, but also continuing, U.S. air strikes on enemy targets.
South Vietnam assumed full control of defense for the area immediately below the demilitarized zone on 11 July, a process begun in 1969. Secretary of Defense Melvin R. Laird announced completion of Phase I of Vietnamization on 11 August which meant that the U.S. relinquished all ground combat responsibilities to the Republic of Vietnam. The participation of U.S. forces in ground combat operations had not ceased, however, U.S. maneuver battalions were still conducting missions, and the 101st Airborne Division joined the 1st Army of Vietnam 1st Infantry Division in Operation JEFFERSON GLEN that took place in Thua Thien Province in October. This was the last major combat operation in Vietnam which involved U.S. ground forces. Following the close of Operation JEFFERSON GLEN on 8 October, the 101st began stand-down procedures and was the last U.S. division to leave Vietnam.
U.S. troop strengths decreased during Consolidation I. American battle deaths for July 1971 were 66, the lowest monthly figure since May 1967. By early November, U.S. troop totals dropped to 191,000, the lowest level since December 1965. In early November, President Nixon announced that American troops had reverted to a defensive role in Vietnam.... More
People You Remember
LCPL STOKES
Memories (a) Flash base operations established during June in conjunction with Q.4 radar CMR and crater analys(a) Flash base operations established during June in conjunction with Q.4 radar CMR and crater analysis were responsible for identibir~ and locating enetlY' artillery lIhich shelled Dong Ha Oombat Base 3, 4, 5, 6. 8, 10, 27, 28 July. Oounterl:attery !ires. colJtlenceo. as soon as an intersection was obtained. Average tiJ:le 5 minuteS.... More
Description This campaign was from 1 July to 30 November 1971. This period witnessed additional progress in the Vietnamization program which included turning over the ground war to South Vietnam, sustaining the This campaign was from 1 July to 30 November 1971. This period witnessed additional progress in the Vietnamization program which included turning over the ground war to South Vietnam, sustaining the withdrawal of U.S. troops, but also continuing, U.S. air strikes on enemy targets.
South Vietnam assumed full control of defense for the area immediately below the demilitarized zone on 11 July, a process begun in 1969. Secretary of Defense Melvin R. Laird announced completion of Phase I of Vietnamization on 11 August which meant that the U.S. relinquished all ground combat responsibilities to the Republic of Vietnam. The participation of U.S. forces in ground combat operations had not ceased, however, U.S. maneuver battalions were still conducting missions, and the 101st Airborne Division joined the 1st Army of Vietnam 1st Infantry Division in Operation JEFFERSON GLEN that took place in Thua Thien Province in October. This was the last major combat operation in Vietnam which involved U.S. ground forces. Following the close of Operation JEFFERSON GLEN on 8 October, the 101st began stand-down procedures and was the last U.S. division to leave Vietnam.
U.S. troop strengths decreased during Consolidation I. American battle deaths for July 1971 were 66, the lowest monthly figure since May 1967. By early November, U.S. troop totals dropped to 191,000, the lowest level since December 1965. In early November, President Nixon announced that American troops had reverted to a defensive role in Vietnam.... More
People You Remember
LCPT STOKES
Memories ADDITIONAL RESEARCH REVEALS WHAT I BELIEVE TO BE THE DATE OF THIS ATTACK TO BE THE EARLY MORNING HOUADDITIONAL RESEARCH REVEALS WHAT I BELIEVE TO BE THE DATE OF THIS ATTACK TO BE THE EARLY MORNING HOURS OF JULY 4TH 1967.... More
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
Correction to DD214, Authorized by W.E. Miller, CWo2, USMC, MCLNO, NPRC
Description On the night of January 30 – January 31, the same time the North Vietnamese struck Huế, the Marines faced rocket and mortar fire at the Phú Bài airstrip and Communist infantry units hit Marine CombineOn the night of January 30 – January 31, the same time the North Vietnamese struck Huế, the Marines faced rocket and mortar fire at the Phú Bài airstrip and Communist infantry units hit Marine Combined Action Platoons and local PF and RF units in the region including the Truoi River and Phu Loc sectors. At the key Truoi River Bridge, about 0400 a North Vietnamese company attacked the South Vietnamese bridge security detachment and the nearby Combined Action Platoon (CAP) H-8. Colonel Hughes ordered Captain G. Ronald Christmas, the Company H commander to relieve the embattled CAP unit. The Marines caught the enemy force beginning to withdraw from the CAP enclave and took it under fire. Seeing an opportunity to trap the North Vietnamese, Cheatham reinforced Company H with his Command Group and Company F.
With his other companies in blocking positions, Cheatham hoped to catch the enemy against the Truoi River. While inflicting casualties, the events in Huế were to interfere with his plans. At 1030, January 31, Company G departed for Phu Bai as the Task Force reserve. Later that afternoon, the battalion lost operational control of Company F. Captain Downs years later remembered the company "disengaged . .. where we had them pinned up against a river, moved to the river and trucked into Phu Bai." With the departure of Company F about 1630, the NVA successfully disengaged and Companies H and E took up night defensive positions. According to the Marines, 2nd Battalion 5th Marines (2/5) killed 18 enemy troops, took 1 prisoner, and recovered sundry equipment and weapons including 6 AK-47s, at a cost of three Marines killed and 13 wounded.... More
Memories Finding this in the "Old Breed News, January-February 2006, edition." ... " We were attacked continuFinding this in the "Old Breed News, January-February 2006, edition." ... " We were attacked continually at Phu Loc 6 all the time we were there. We took thirteen direct hits from enemy mortar fire on the FDC bunker during that time. Then one day a helicopter dropped off a counter-mortar radar unit. We had never seen one of these things before, but it was very welcome. We were constantly under fire and we needed all the help we could get, so we set it up right away and the accompanying radar Marines fired it up. Unfortunately, we made the mistake of setting the radar unit up near the FDC. We got a call at about 1000 this one morning from the radar operators letting us know that there were about 45 incoming enemy mortar rounds in the air. We immediately started firing counter fire, and had sixty 81mm mortar rounds in the air flying towards the enemy mortars within a few minutes. Unfortunately, we ended up taking 23 direct hits on the FDC and the radar unit was hit so many times it looked like a sieve! The enemy knew exactly what the radar unit was, and tried to take it out as fast as possible. We got hit really hard, but it was one of the few times when our counter mortar fire accounted for a bunch of secondary explosions." ... More
Best Moment
Finding this in the "Old Breed News, January-February 2006, edition." ... " We were attacked continually at Phu Loc 6 all the time we were there. We took thirteen direct hits from enemy mortar fire on the FDC bunker during that time. Then one day a helicopter dropped off a counter-mortar radar unit. We had never seen one of these things before, but it was very welcome. We were constantly under fire and we needed all the help we could get, so we set it up right away and the accompanying radar Maries fired it up. Unfortunately, we made the mistake of setting the radar unit up near the FDC. We got a call at about 1000 this one morning from the radar operators letting us know that there were about 45 incoming enemy mortar rounds in the air. We immediately started firing counter fire, and had sixty 81mm mortar rounds in the air flying towards the enemy mortars within a few minutes. Unfortunately, we ended up taking 23 direct hits on the FDC and the radar unit was hit so many times it looked like a sieve! The enemy knew exactly what the radar unit was, and tried to take it out as fast as possible. We got hit really hard, but it was one of the few times when our counter mortar fire accounted for a bunch of secondary explosions."
Worst Moment
Not being able to locate any or all of those "Brothers" who helped me set up the counter mortar radar unit, and those who stood those long nights, manning our watches, looking at that 4" screen, & waiting for those enemy incoming mortars.
Best Friends
Corporal George Washington, "Pee Hole Weasel"; L/cpl, T.R. Ward; L/cpl Stokes, Sgt. Murphy, Sgt. Dudon, Corporal Fowler
Best Moment
St Patrick's Day, 1967, Da Nang, Navy POL Club. We lost out money in the slot machines & tried to take the slots back to 1st Motors. (Hill 31)(POL petroleum, same-same).
Worst Moment
Asking Sgt. Murphy to return the three 45'S we took from the sailors on our way out of the club. We were all very drunk at the time.
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
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
Criteria
The unit citation of the Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Medal was awarded certain units by the Vietnamese government for meritorious service during the period 1 March 1961 to 28 March 1974.
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 1 June 1967 to 29 January 1968.The conflict in South Vietnam remains basically unchanged. As Operation JUNCTION CITY ended, elements of the U.S. 1st and 25th Infantry Divisions,This campaign was from 1 June 1967 to 29 January 1968.The conflict in South Vietnam remains basically unchanged. As Operation JUNCTION CITY ended, elements of the U.S. 1st and 25th Infantry Divisions, the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, and the forces of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam swung back toward Saigon to conduct another clearing operation, MANHATTAN. This took peace in the Long Nguyen base area just north of the previously cleared "Iron Triangle."
South Vietnamese Armed Forces became more active and capable under U.S. advisors. During the year the Vietnamese Special Forces assumed responsibility for several Special Forces camps and for the CIDG companies manning them. In each case all of the U.S. advisors withdrew, leaving the Vietnamese in full command.
With an increased delegation of responsibility to them, the South Vietnamese conducted major operations during 1967, and, in spite of VC attempts to avoid battle, achieved a number of contacts.
Despite the success of U.S. and South Vietnamese Army operations, there were indications in the fall of 1967 of another enemy build-up, particularly in areas close to Laos and Cambodia. In late October, the VC struck again at the Special Forces Camp at Loc Ninh. Fortunately Vietnamese reinforcements saved the camp. At the same time, approximately 12,000 VC troops converged on a Special Forces camp at Dak To. This camp was located in northern Kontum Province, where the borders of Laos, Cambodia, and South Vietnam meet. In response to this potential threat, the U.S. and South Vietnam committed a total of sixteen battalions to the region to counter a disturbing enemy resurgence at Kontum and Loc Ninh.... More
Description
Jul 20 – 27; 1st Battalion, 7th Marines and 3rd Battalion, 11th Marines search and destroy operation in the "Happy Valley", Quảng Nam Province.
Description
Nov 6 – 17; 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines and 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines search and destroy operation in the Quảng Nam Province.
People You Remember
HQ Battery 11th Marines in support of 1/5.
Memories Enemy incoming! We had one battery of 05's, two 155 self propelled, 81 motars, 19 recoiless rifles, Enemy incoming! We had one battery of 05's, two 155 self propelled, 81 motars, 19 recoiless rifles, and approximately 800 Marines against a large NVA force. The start of the Tet offensive! 1/5 suffered numerous KIA's.... 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
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
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
Lance Corporal T.R. Ward; Corporal Fowler; Lance Corporal Stokes; Sargent Murphy; Sargent Dudon; Staff Sargent Wescott; Gunnery Sargent Palmer.
Finding this in the "Old Breed News, January-February 2006, edition." ... " We were attacked continually at Phu Loc 6 all the time we were there. We took thirteen direct hits from enemy mortar fire on the FDC bunker during that time. Then one day a helicopter dropped off a counter-mortar radar unit. We had never seen one of these things before, but it was very welcome. We were constantly under fire and we needed all the help we could get, so we set it up right away and the accompanying radar Maries fired it up. Unfortunately, we made the mistake of setting the radar unit up near the FDC. We got a call at about 1000 this one morning from the radar operators letting us know that there were about 45 incoming enemy mortar rounds in the air. We immediately started firing counter fire, and had sixty 81mm mortar rounds in the air flying towards the enemy mortars within a few minutes. Unfortunately, we ended up taking 23 direct hits on the FDC and the radar unit was hit so many times it looked like a sieve! The enemy knew exactly what the radar unit was, and tried to take it out as fast as possible. We got hit really hard, but it was one of the few times when our counter mortar fire accounted for a bunch of secondary explosions."
Not being able to locate any or all of those "Brothers" who helped me set up the counter mortar radar unit, and those who stood those long nights, manning our watches, looking at that 4" screen, & waiting for those enemy incoming mortars.
Sargent Murphy; Sargent Dudon; Staff Sargent Wescott; Gunnery Sargent Palmer
That Q-4 radar set had a lot of holes in it but we all survived, thanks to God.