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 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 Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces in the grades of lieutenant commander (or major) and below. It is awarded for meritorious service or achieveme... The Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces in the grades of lieutenant commander (or major) and below. It is awarded for meritorious service or achievement in either combat or noncombat based on sustained performance or specific achievement of a superlative nature but which does not warrant a Navy Commendation Medal or higher. It may not be awarded for service involving participation in aerial flight after January 1, 1969. 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
Criteria The Joint Meritorious Unit Award is presented in the name of the Secretary of Defense to Joint Activities of the Department of Defense for meritorious achievement or service, superior to that which is... The Joint Meritorious Unit Award is presented in the name of the Secretary of Defense to Joint Activities of the Department of Defense for meritorious achievement or service, superior to that which is normally expected, under one of the following conditions: During action in combat with an armed enemy of the United States, For a declared national emergency or Under extraordinary circumstances that involve the national interest. MoreHide
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal is awarded to Marine Corps personnel who land on foreign territory, engage in operations against armed opposition, or who operate under circumstances deemed to mer... The Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal is awarded to Marine Corps personnel who land on foreign territory, engage in operations against armed opposition, or who operate under circumstances deemed to merit special recognition and for which no campaign medal has been awarded. MoreHide
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 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
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
Criteria The Southwest Asia Service Medal is awarded for service in the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, that portion of the Arabian Sea that lies north of 10 degrees North latitude and west ... The Southwest Asia Service Medal is awarded for service in the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, that portion of the Arabian Sea that lies north of 10 degrees North latitude and west of 68 degrees East longitude, as well as the total land areas of Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Individuals serving between January 17, 1991, and November 30, 1995, in Israel, Egypt, Turkey, Syria, and Jordan (including their air space and territorial waters) are also eligible; however, they must have directly supported combat operations (e.g., embassy guards are not eligible). MoreHide
Criteria The Armed Forces Service Medal provides recognition to participants who deploy to the designated area of eligibility for the qualifying operation. Outstanding or meritorious performance of nondeployed... The Armed Forces Service Medal provides recognition to participants who deploy to the designated area of eligibility for the qualifying operation. Outstanding or meritorious performance of nondeployed or remotely located support units and individuals is not justification for award of this medal (such performance may be recognized by appropriate unit and/or individual decorations). MoreHide
Criteria The Sea Service Deployment Ribbon is awarded to members of the Navy and Marine Corps assigned to U.S. homeported (including Hawaii and Alaska) ships, deploying units, or Fleet Marine Force commands, f... The Sea Service Deployment Ribbon is awarded to members of the Navy and Marine Corps assigned to U.S. homeported (including Hawaii and Alaska) ships, deploying units, or Fleet Marine Force commands, for 12 months accumulated sea duty, or for duty with the Fleet Marine Force that includes at least one deployment of 90 consecutive days. MoreHide
Criteria The Sea Service Deployment Ribbon is awarded to members of the Navy and Marine Corps assigned to U.S. homeported (including Hawaii and Alaska) ships, deploying units, or Fleet Marine Force commands, f... The Sea Service Deployment Ribbon is awarded to members of the Navy and Marine Corps assigned to U.S. homeported (including Hawaii and Alaska) ships, deploying units, or Fleet Marine Force commands, for 12 months accumulated sea duty, or for duty with the Fleet Marine Force that includes at least one deployment of 90 consecutive days. MoreHide
Criteria The Sea Service Deployment Ribbon is awarded to members of the Navy and Marine Corps assigned to U.S. homeported (including Hawaii and Alaska) ships, deploying units, or Fleet Marine Force commands, f... The Sea Service Deployment Ribbon is awarded to members of the Navy and Marine Corps assigned to U.S. homeported (including Hawaii and Alaska) ships, deploying units, or Fleet Marine Force commands, for 12 months accumulated sea duty, or for duty with the Fleet Marine Force that includes at least one deployment of 90 consecutive days. MoreHide
Criteria The Sea Service Deployment Ribbon is awarded to members of the Navy and Marine Corps assigned to U.S. homeported (including Hawaii and Alaska) ships, deploying units, or Fleet Marine Force commands, f... The Sea Service Deployment Ribbon is awarded to members of the Navy and Marine Corps assigned to U.S. homeported (including Hawaii and Alaska) ships, deploying units, or Fleet Marine Force commands, for 12 months accumulated sea duty, or for duty with the Fleet Marine Force that includes at least one deployment of 90 consecutive days. MoreHide
Criteria The Arctic Service Ribbon is awarded to military personnel the Navy and Marine Corps and to civilian citizens, nationals, or resident aliens of the United States for 28 days of service above the Arcti... The Arctic Service Ribbon is awarded to military personnel the Navy and Marine Corps and to civilian citizens, nationals, or resident aliens of the United States for 28 days of service above the Arctic Circle. For personnel working at remote ice camps and divers working under the ice, each day of duty will count as two days when determining award eligibility. There are no subsequent awards of this ribbon. 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
Criteria Awarded to members of the Military Coalition who served in support of Operation Desert Shield or Desert Storm in one or more of the following areas between 2 August 1990 and 31 August 1993: Persian Gu... Awarded to members of the Military Coalition who served in support of Operation Desert Shield or Desert Storm in one or more of the following areas between 2 August 1990 and 31 August 1993: Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, that portion of the Arabian Sea that lies north of 10 degrees north latitude and west of 68 degrees east longitude, as well as the total land areas of Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. MoreHide
Description Operation Provide Promise was a humanitarian relief operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina during the Yugoslav Wars, from 2 July 1992, to 9 January 1996, which made it the longest running humanitarian aiOperation Provide Promise was a humanitarian relief operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina during the Yugoslav Wars, from 2 July 1992, to 9 January 1996, which made it the longest running humanitarian airlift in history.
By the end of the operation, aircraft from 21 countries had flown 12,886 sorties into Sarajevo, delivering 159,622 tons of food, medicine, and supplies and evacuating over 1,300 wounded people. The US flew 3,951 C-130, 236 C-141, and 10 C-17 airland sorties (delivering 62,801.5 tons), as well as 2,222 C-130 air-drop sorties.... More
Memories With 26th MEU "mod-loc'd" in the Adriatic in support of "Deny Flight" and "Provide Promise". Was theWith 26th MEU "mod-loc'd" in the Adriatic in support of "Deny Flight" and "Provide Promise". Was there when the Italian G-222 was shot down and we goy thr TRAP mission. ... More
Best Friends
2nd FSSG SgtsMajor Doug Berry and 2nd MarDiv SgtsMajs Jim Raiford and Dossy Felts. SgtsMaj. Wayne Smith with 4th MEB was a good friend and the person that recommended me to SgtMaj. Pat McLane at MarForLant for the billet at II MEF.
Best Moment
Out with the troops in Norway on "Battle Griffin 93" and "Ocean Venture 93" in Puerto Rico. Also "Agile Provider" my last operation before retiring. NCO Parade for my retirement ceremony on 24 Sept. 1994!
Worst Moment
I volunteered to replace SgtMaj. Berry at JTF Gitmo, however the DCG (BGen. Ayers) said after 30 years and 2 months it was time to retire. (Actually I think he just didn't want to deal with Peggy if I deployed one more time!) Retiring and turning over the Sword to SgtMaj. Robert Singer. I was still having fun!!!
Chain of Command
BGen. Butch Neal was the DCG when I arrived at II MEF, although at times he thought he was the CG, but a great guy! My real boss was LtGen. Bill Keys in Norfolk who was tri-hatted as CG MarForLant; MarForEur and SouthCom. He was replaced by LtGen. Robert Johnston. BGen. Tom Bratten replaced Neal when he picked up 2nd MarDiv and his second star. The MarForLant SgtMaj. was my good friend Pat McLane at first then followed by Ron Chamberlain. MGySgt. Brian Carey was the Admin. Chief and MGySgt. Mike Pumphrey was the SNCOIC of SOTG. Col. Dave Herr was COS, another great guy who was replace by Col. Jim Brinson (passed away 12 Oct. 2006)the OIC of SOTG. LtCol. John "Whiskey Jack" Muth III (died 12 Aug. 2009) took over then passed it to Col. Marty Berndt (passed away 17 Aug 2011) who later picked up LtGen. and Maj. Tryon who replaced Rod Richardson as the Special Missions OIC made MGen.
Other Memories
Former Commanders: LtGen. Alfred M. Gray, 01 Sep 84 - 21 Jun 87 MajGen. Clayton L. Comfort, 22 Jun 87 - 24 Sep 87 LtGen. Ernest E. Cook Jr., 25 Sep 87 - 30 Jun 90 LtGen. Carl E. Mundy, 01 Jul 90 - 16 Jul 94 LtGen. William M. Keys, 26 Jun 91 - 16 Jul 94 LtGen. Robert B. Johnston, 17 Jul 94 - 31 Jul 95 LtGen. Charles E. Wilhelm, 01 Aug 95 - 15 Sep 97 MajGen. Wayne E. Rollings, 16 Sep 97 - 30 Jun 99 MajGen. Emil R. Bedard, 01 Jul 99 - 28 Jun 00 MajGen. Martin R. Berndt, 29 Jun 00 - 12 Aug 02 LtGen. Henry P. Osman, 13 Aug 02 - 23 Jul 04 LtGen. Granville R. Amos 24 Jul 04 - 02 Aug 06 MajGen. Keith J. Stalder, 03 Aug 06 - 25 Jul 2008 LtGen. Dennis J. Hejlik 25 Jul 2008 - 6 Aug 2010 LtGen. John M. Paxton 18 Jan 2011 to 22 Jul 2012 Maj Gen. Raymond C. Fox 22 Jul to Present
Criteria The Meritorious Service Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by outstanding noncombat achievement or by meritorious service to the United States, but not of a... The Meritorious Service Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by outstanding noncombat achievement or by meritorious service to the United States, but not of a degree that would warrant the award of the Legion of Merit. MoreHide
Comments
For Meritorious Service while serving as the II Marine Expeditionary Force Sergeant's Major.
Best Friends
Still SgtMaj. Wayne Smith! Also was reunited with MGySgt. Jim Rainey there whom I had known as a good friend since 12th Marines on Oki in 1978. Sadly, Jim passed away in August 2008 after lengthly illness.
Worst Moment
Dealing with a "problem" Sergeant's Major in one of the Battalions!
Chain of Command
Col. Hanlon was the CO, good man! Later went on th make MGen. LtCol. Saylor was the XO and pretty much was running the show as the Col. was out taking care of his wife who was ill. Saylor was another fine officer!
Other Memories
Filled in as the Regimental Sergeant Major from Nov. 1992 until Feb. 1993 while SgtMaj. Dossy Felts was down with JTF Gitmo during the Haitian Crisis, until selected for the II MEF Sergeants Major position in February. SgtMaj. Felts went on the be the 2nd MarDiv Sergeants Major.
Description Battle Griffin is a triennial joint allied field exercise (FTX), that exercises the Norway Air-Landed Marine Ground Task Force (NALMAGTF) concept to reinforce Norway and Norwegian National Forces in cBattle Griffin is a triennial joint allied field exercise (FTX), that exercises the Norway Air-Landed Marine Ground Task Force (NALMAGTF) concept to reinforce Norway and Norwegian National Forces in cooperation with North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), National Headquarters, and other designated NATO forces.
The Norway Air-Landed Marine Expeditionary Brigade (NALMEB), also called the Norway Air Landed Marine Air Ground Task Force (NALMAGTAF), is the Marine Corps' only land-based prepositioned stock. The expeditionary force flies into Norway using a minimum amount of strategic airlift, marries up with the equipment and supplies, and redeploys throughout Norway as needed.
The Battle Griffin exercise is designed to test all aspects of NALMEB (deployment of forces from CONUS, withdrawal of equipment and supplies from cave sites, redeployment of equipment and supplies, integration of U.S. and Norwegian forces, etc.).
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People You Remember BGen. Richard "Butch" Neal was the DCG for II MEF on this first major deploement of the MEF HeadquarBGen. Richard "Butch" Neal was the DCG for II MEF on this first major deploement of the MEF Headquarters. We worked out of the Harstadt Bunker but were on the road most of the time checking out the units from Bodo all the way up north.... More
Memories My first night trying out the new Northface tents. About 20 below and the wind howling - good piece My first night trying out the new Northface tents. About 20 below and the wind howling - good piece of gear!... More
Description 20 April - 25 May 1993 – More than 20,500 service personnel of the U.S. Marine Corps, Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard, along with allied forces, participated in Exercise Ocean Venture 93 held i20 April - 25 May 1993 – More than 20,500 service personnel of the U.S. Marine Corps, Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard, along with allied forces, participated in Exercise Ocean Venture 93 held in Puerto Rico. It was designed to demonstrate the ability of continental U.S.-based forces to operate in a joint/combined environment.... More
Description Operation Deny Flight was a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) operation that began on 12 April 1993 as the enforcement of a United Nations (UN) no-fly zone over Bosnia and Herzegovina. The UniOperation Deny Flight was a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) operation that began on 12 April 1993 as the enforcement of a United Nations (UN) no-fly zone over Bosnia and Herzegovina. The United Nations and NATO later expanded the mission of the operation to include providing close air support for UN troops in Bosnia and carrying out coercive air strikes against targets in Bosnia. Twelve NATO members contributed forces to the operation and, by its end on 20 December 1995, NATO pilots had flown 100,420 sorties.
The operation played an important role in shaping both the Bosnian War and NATO. The operation included the first combat engagement in NATO's history, a 28 February 1994 air battle over Banja Luka, and in April 1994, NATO aircraft first bombed ground targets in an operation near Goražde. These engagements helped show that NATO had adapted to the post-Cold War era and could operate in environments other than a major force on force engagement on the plains of Central Europe. Cooperation between the UN and NATO during the operation also helped pave the way for future joint operations. Although it helped establish UN-NATO relations, Deny Flight led to conflict between the two organizations. Most notably, significant tension arose between the two after UN peacekeepers were taken as hostages in response to NATO bombing.
The operations of Deny Flight spanned more than two years of the Bosnian War and played an important role in the course of that conflict. The no-fly zone operations of Deny Flight proved successful in preventing significant use of air power by any side in the conflict. Additionally, the air strikes flown during Deny Flight led to Operation Deliberate Force, a massive NATO bombing campaign in Bosnia that played a key role in ending the war.... More
People You Remember MEU CO was Col. George Karamarkovich; XO was LtCOl. McHenry; Ops O Maj. Wolf (later replaced by Maj.MEU CO was Col. George Karamarkovich; XO was LtCOl. McHenry; Ops O Maj. Wolf (later replaced by Maj. Brasington; Admin was Capt. Don Swingler; CommO was Capt. Evans; Comm Chief MGySgt. Alvin Twilley.... More
Memories Mod-Loc'd in the Adriatic. We sent a quick reaction force into Yugoslavia when an Italion G-222 was Mod-Loc'd in the Adriatic. We sent a quick reaction force into Yugoslavia when an Italion G-222 was shot down. Two of the helos were hit with small arms fire.... More
Best Friends
Senior Chief Grochen, SEAL Team Leader. We were Libo buddies!
Best Moment
All of it. Just loved being deployed where the Marines & sailors had nothing on their mind except their mission. Although I must say Rhodes, Greece was a very good time!
Worst Moment
Col. Pete Metzger was taking over and sending me home awaiting orders. He was upset because I chose not to have my Post & Relief until after I had completed K12's Change of Command. He wanted SgtMaj Charlie Brown (good guy) to do his COC. Wasn't there but a couple of days before I was reassigned to 10th Marines to fill in for Dossy Felts who went down to JTF Gitmo!
Chain of Command
Col. George "Butch" Karamarkovich (BGen. select)aka "K12" was the MEU CO, XO was LtCol. McHenry, LtCol. Bob Wolf was the OpsO and Capt. Don Swingler was the S-1. LtCol. J.K. Lynn had BLT 2/2 With SgtMaj. Steve Campbell. HMM-365 was commanded by LtCol. K.J. Glueck (now a MGen. who commands 2nd MAW) and his SgtMaj. was Richard M. (Mike) Roark another Aircrew Qualified Sergeants Major - super guy! LtCol. A.A. Washington had MSSG-22 with First Sergeant Charles L. Jones as his right hand man.
Other Memories
Mod-locked in the Adriatic for Operations Deny Flight and Provide Promise. The CO's and my flight to Rota to visit some of our troops for the MC Ball. About an hour after takeoff, when the USN pilots of the C12 realized the fuel wasn't transfering properly from the wing tank we over heard their comment " I think we can make it, should we just go for it?"! Turned around - and believe there was "divine intervention" - as there was an incident at the Ball similar in nature to "Tailhook"!Also flying with HMM-365 "gogging" at night doing a mid-air refuel with a KC-135.
Best Friends
SgtMaj. Lonnie Sanders, 26th MEU SgtMaj. and SgtMaj. Herve St. Pierre, 3d Bn 8th Mar.
Best Moment
Receiving my AirCrew Wings after completing training in Camp DeCanjures, France! And, since the Statute of Limitations has passed, yes I was "pinned"! Also liberty in Palma de Majorica!
Worst Moment
Just pulled into Haifa, Isreal when I received word my father had passed away. Losing Cpl. B.J. Cox on a routine training flight just prior to redeploying with 26th MEU.
Chain of Command
Col. Tommy "Dixie" Patton was the CO., Maj. Jerry Yanello XO, Maj. "Doc" Johnson S3, Maj. Bob "Bobo" Richards was the S4. MSgt. Marty Kaminski was the Maint. Chief, SSgt. Robert White Ordinance, (then) Sgt. Rick Kern was the NATOPS NCO along with SSgt. Brown and SSgt. Bob Kliesner (now MGySgt. at New River) was shit hot too. Of course who could forget GySgt. Lacour! Col. W.C. Fite III was the MEU Commander.
Other Memories
Med cruise during DS/DS. Went into Turkey in support of the Kurds up north for Operation "Provide Comfort" then to the Adriatic for "Deny Flight". LCpl. McIlrath was the Crew Chief for "Double Nutts" (00) the Frog that I completed most of my training in. "Bobo" Richards dragging the Recon guys through the pine trees on the SPIE rig after the 1991 CAPEX demo.
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
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
Description
26th Marine Expeditionary Unit Command Element MUC 7Jun-15Nov92 SU USS IWO JIMA
Best Moment
The MAG-29 SgtMaj. was out on terminal leave when I reported in for assignment to HMM-162, who was currently deployed. Col . McCorkle tapped me to be his "Acting SgtMaj" to prepare for mass casualties they were expecting from operations in Iraq.
Chain of Command
Col. Fred "Assasin" McCorkle
Other Memories
Sent to HQMC to sit on the 1991 e-8/E-9 Selection Board.
Other Memories
We were short 3 Crew Chief and 5 AGO's. We were approved to train our own while deployed. I received my Air Crew Wings after completing the course including Escape and Evasion at De Canjours, France in October 1991. And yes - I was "pinned"!
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 On January 16, 1991, President George H. W. Bush announced the start of what would be called Operation Desert Storm—a military operation to expel occupying Iraqi forces from Kuwait, which Iraq had invOn January 16, 1991, President George H. W. Bush announced the start of what would be called Operation Desert Storm—a military operation to expel occupying Iraqi forces from Kuwait, which Iraq had invaded and annexed months earlier. For weeks, a U.S.-led coalition of two dozen nations had positioned more than 900,000 troops in the region, most stationed on the Saudi-Iraq border. A U.N.-declared deadline for withdrawal passed on January 15, with no action from Iraq, so coalition forces began a five-week bombardment of Iraqi command and control targets from air and sea. Despite widespread fears that Iraqi President Saddam Hussein might order the use of chemical weapons, a ground invasion followed in February. Coalition forces swiftly drove Iraq from Kuwait, advancing into Iraq, and reaching a cease-fire within 100 hours—controversially leaving Saddam Hussein in power. While coalition casualties were in the hundreds, Iraqi losses numbered in the tens of thousands.... More
Memories
Sitting off the coast of Turkey and Isreal waiting for the call to fly in.
Description On 5 April, the United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 688, calling on Iraq to end repression of its population. On 6 April, Operation Provide Comfort began to bring humanitarian relief to On 5 April, the United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 688, calling on Iraq to end repression of its population. On 6 April, Operation Provide Comfort began to bring humanitarian relief to the Kurds. A no-fly zone was established by the U.S., the UK, and France north of the 36th parallel, as part of the Iraqi no-fly zones. This was enforced by American, British, and French aircraft. Included in this effort was the delivery of humanitarian relief and military protection of the Kurds by a small Allied (U.S./UK/Fr/Tu) ground force based in Turkey. Also participating was the 3/325 Airborne Battalion Combat Team, based in Vicenza, Italy, and commanded by then-Lt. Col. John Abizaid. With the 3/325, was a Task Force of 6 UH-60 Blackhawks and highly trained crews led by Cpt Morrow of the 5th Quarter Master Detachment in Kaiserslautern, and SSG Bluman from Giebelstadt, Germany. Fifteen UH-60 Blackhawks and five OH-58D helicopters, crews, and support personnel from the 11th ACR in Fulda, Germany self deployed to join the operation in mid April. The 11th ACR contingent remained there until mid October. Among other individual utility missions, the 11th ACR contingent provided the majority of the support for the State Department mission run by Lt. Colonel Richard Naab, the shuttle flights back to Incirlik, Turkey, and the air support for the ready reaction forces provided by the USMC.
Units of the 18th Military Police Brigade, commanded by COL Lucious Delk, and a forward Headquarters Command Cell led by CPT Alan Mahan, and SGM Ed Deane, with units of the 709th MP Battalion, the 284th MP Co and the 527th MP Co, provided security of the headquarters, Kurdish refugee camps, and convoy security. The Brigade was the last unit to leave the area at the conclusion of operations. Several members received the Soldier's medal after calling in and assisting in the MEDEVAC of a wounded Iraqi National from a minefield near the river not far from the MP Headquarters camp.
Kurdish refugee children run toward a CH-53G helicopter of the German Army during Operation Provide Comfort
While Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm were run by the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), Operation Provide Comfort came under the authority of the U.S. European Command (EUCOM), headquartered in Vaihingen, Germany. On-ground humanitarian aid was provided by the 353rd Civil Affairs Command, Bronx, New York City, and by subordinate units 432nd Civil Affairs Battalion, Green Bay, Wisconsin, and 431st Civil Affairs BN, Little Rock, Arkansas. These units were relocated to Turkey and Northern Iraq after completing missions in Kuwait. They were soon joined by Lieutenant Colonel Ted Sahlin's 96th Civil Affairs Battalion (Airborne) from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, which had only returned to the U.S. two weeks before after having been deployed to Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Kuwait for the past 10 months. The base camps that were established for Kurdish refugees were nicknamed Camp Jayhawk and Camp Badger after college mascots. Other camps were established in Silopi, Turkey the first troops to arrive were the 36h CES from Bitburg Air Base Germany, the 36th CES which built all base camp and facilities for multi-national troops sent to assist with the operation. Smaller "detachment" camps were also built in and around Zakho, Iraq and Sirsenk, Iraq by these same members and were led by USAF Prime BEEF commander Captain Donald Gleason from Ramstein Air Force base and USAF Prime RIBS personnel from RAF Bentwaters. He led a team of fifteen that is now known as the first Air Force unit to enter Iraq. Supplies for these camps were sourced from a variety of areas including units that were returning to the U.S., Coalition countries, European military stocks, and civilian contractors in the U.S. Many supplies had to be airdropped due to restrictions by the Turkish government for entering Iraq through their border.
Also deployed to Zakho from their main-body deployment site in Rota, Spain, was Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133, homeported in Gulfport, Mississippi, Commanded by Cdr Donald Hutchins, U.S. Navy Civil Engineer Corps. It provided humanitarian aid, water wells, and minor repairs to Sirsink air field (Prime BEEF team members from Torrejon Air Base, Spain and Aviano Air Base, Italy, provided the major airfield repairs) from bomb damage received during Operation Desert Storm. Like its Air Force counterparts, it was the first Naval Mobile Construction Battalion to enter Iraq prior to Operation Iraqi Freedom. USS Forrestal (CV-59) and her Carrier Task Force commanded by Commander, Carrier Group Six commenced her 21st and final operational deployment on 30 May 1991. During this period she provided air power presence and airborne intelligence support (the airwing flew over 900 sorties over Iraq) to the Combined Joint Task Forces of Operation Provide Comfort and Operation Northern Watch enforcing the northern "no-fly zone" in Iraq. During this last deployment FORRESTAL served in a number of new and innovative battle group and carrier roles. She completed this deployment on 23 December 1991.
Lieutenant General John Shalikashvili commanded the overall operation and later became Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Task Force Bravo, the in-country multi-national element of the operation was commanded by MG Jay Garner, U.S. Army, who was later appointed a Special Representative to Iraq under the George W. Bush Administration.
The first conventional units to cross into Iraq and enter Zakho were the U.S. Marines on April 20, 1991, when two companies of infantry were helo lifted into Zakho, where around 300 regular Iraqi Army infantry and armored vehicles from the 66th Special Assault Brigade were still present posing as police. The Marines had been preceded by 1st battalion, 10th SFG (who were inserted into Iraq on 13 April 1991). The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (SOC) was commanded by Colonel James L. Jones, who later became Commandant of the Marine Corps; Supreme Allied Commander, Europe (SACEUR); and National Security Advisor. The MEU consisted of the 24th MEU command element, Battalion Landing team 2/8 (BLT 2/8) under Lt. Colonel Tony Corwin, Composite Helicopter Squadron 264 (HMM-264) Led by Lt. Colonel Joseph Byrtus, Jr. and MEU service support group 24 (MSSG-24) led by Lt. Colonel Richard Kohl, counting about 2,000 Marines. The Marine Expeditionary Unit had been under the command of Commodore Turner, commander, Mediterranean Amphibious Ready Group 1–91, aboard his flagship, the USS Guadalcanal, but were transferred to Combine Task Force (CFT) Provide Comfort on 14 April and was 3 months into a 6-month routine Mediterranean deployment. The 24th MEU (SOC) would initially serve as the command to a regiment sized force consisting of all MEU elements, 697 Royal Marines from 45 Commando (22 April), commanded by Lt. Colonel Jonathan Thompson and 400 Marines from the Dutch 1st Amphibious Combat Group (1st ACG) commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Cees Van Egmond (arrived 23 April) for purposes of containing Zakho until the Iraqi forces would withdraw from the area. On 29 April, 3rd Commando Brigade took back command of 45 Commando, 29th Commando Regiment, Royal Artillery and the 1st ACG for expanded operations to the east. On 4 May, BLT 2/8 commenced operations to the south of Zakho along the route to Dohuk. The MEU then began to move back to Silopi, beginning with the BLT on June 15. 24th MEU left North Iraq on July 15 and embarked on 19 July for the United States, ending its 6-month deployment.
The 24th MEU (SOC) along with Joint Task Force Bravo (Task Force Alpha was responsible for the Kurd camps in the mountains) grew in size in the days following April 20. The MEU was joined by 4th Brigade (Aviation), 3rd Infantry Division, 18th Engineer Brigade, Naval Mobil Construction Battalion 133, 18th Military Police Brigade, 418th Civil Affairs Battalion USAR, 432 Civil Affairs Battalion USAR, and 431st Civil Affairs Battalion USAR, Canadian 4th Field Ambulance, 3d Battalion, 325th Infantry (Airborne)(reinforced)(arriving on 27 April), 40 Commando, 29 Commando Regiment, Royal Artillery, the French 8th Marine Parachute Infantry (Cougar Force), a Spanish expeditionary force formed from the 1st Airborne Brigade, "Roger De Flor" and the Italian Folgore Parachute Brigade. All together military forces from 10 countries participated deploying 20,000 military personnel. The Kurds were housed in Camp Jahawk and Camp Badger. The mayor of Jayhawk was MAJ Carl Fischer and the mayor of Badger was MAJ John Elliott.
The U.S. contributed to the operation with the United Kingdom who providing the initiative and significant ground and air forces with 3 Commando Brigade and the RAF. Other allies included France, the Netherlands and Australia. Britain deployed 40 and 45 Commando Royal Marines and air transport assets to help protect refugees and to deliver humanitarian aid. The British used the name Operation Haven. France deployed transport aircraft and special forces, the Netherlands deployed troops from the Netherlands Marine Corps and an Army Medical/Engineering Battalion, and Australia contributed transport aircraft and medical, dental and preventive health teams (under the Australian name, Operation Habitat).
Operation Provide Comfort ended on 24 July 1991.... More
Memories
LF6F-91 with 26th MEU into Turkey in support of the Kurds in Northern Turkey/Iraq.
Best Friends
District SgtMaj. Wayne N. Smith, SgtMaj. Bob Singer at RS Buffalo who later replaced me at II MEF.
Best Moment
Seeing SSgt. Lutat working with his champion Coon Hunting dogs; having Maj. Billups reporting aboard; getting off Recruiting Duty and going back to the Fleet - thanks Smitty!
Worst Moment
Sgt. J.D. Stafford not being forwarded for meritorious promotion to SSgt. even after selected by our board. MSgt. Elwell making an ass out of himself at the 1990 Marine Corps Birthday Ball.
Chain of Command
CO of the District was Col. J.K. Van Riper. District SgtMaj. was SgtMaj. Wayne N. Smith. Later Col. Guiseppi Betta (Darth Betta) took over. Station CO was Maj. Robert Kuhlow, who was replaced by Maj. Paul Billips. 1stLt. Doug Marr was the Ops O and later moved to XO. GySgt. Leonard Atkins was the Ops Chief later replaced by Ray Farley who retired as a SgtMaj.
Other Memories
MSgt. Kreter (8412) was a great SNOCIC who trained his Marines (8411s) right and took care of them. Some of the other 8412s were an "interesting breed". Sgt. Jon Seabron enlisting my son George; Sgt. Doug Grafton up in Saratoga Springs and Sgt. Jim Fitzgibbons of Plattsburgh were also hardworking 8411s.
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
Best Moment
Getting 22 Marines to extend their tour until we completed our change of homeport to Bremerton, Washington. Most the MarDet had been given BS NJP's by the previous command to set them up for expeditious removal from the PRP Program if they messed up a second time. I told them if they served well, upon transfer out I would remove their page 12s. Being promoted from a lowly pollywog to a Shellback. Being the COT for the Sunset Parade in Cannes, France. We had our own Silent Drill Team that performed. Bo Derek was one of the guests for it. Promotion to Sergeant Major!
Worst Moment
#1. EA-6B crash. EA-3B was attempting to land on the USS Nimitz CVN-68 at night during blue water operations off of Lebanon. Aircraft attempted to catch the arresting gear wire 5 times to no avail. During one of the bolters the EA-3B drop out of view below the flight deck almost impacting the water. After regaining altitude the aircraft was running low on fuel with less than 800lbs left, the aircraft then meet up with the A-7 tanker which would not work because the buddy store was spewing fuel every where (No Joy). Due to the low fuel state the EA-3B was unable to make it to a shore base and it was decided to launch the KA-6B tanker. It was then determined that the A-6 couldn't be launched due to it was blocked in on the bow by other aircraft from the last recovery. After a discussion between the aircraft, CAG and VQ-2 CO, It was ruled out for the crew to bail out or ditch into the cold Mediterranean water. The barricade was rigged, then it was discovered that a big wrench used to tighten up the barricade was missing, so the barricade was sagging 8 foot. The EA-3B made a really nice approach to the carrier descending toward the barricade at a high angle, once near the barricade the LSO told the pilot to "Cut, Cut" meaning kill the engines, the pilot failed to do so flying into the barricade really high hitting the nose landing gear on the sagging barricade ripping it back and slamming the A-3 into the deck then skidding down the flight deck and off the angle into the sea. The rescue Helo hovered above the A-3 not noting any movement inside; the helo SAR swimmers did not enter the A-3. After 13 minutes of floating the EA-3B sank with its 7 men crew to the bottom of the sea.
CREWNAMES: KILLED: (7) LT Alan A. Levine, Pilot. LCDR. Ronald R. Callander, Nav. LT Stephen H. Batchelder, _Eval. LT James D. Richards, _Eval. AT2 Richard A. Herzing, ESM OP. Note: Took flight from AT2 Michael Lunde in order to get his 100 traps in the EA-3B. CTI3 Craig R. Rudolf, Intel. CTI3 Patrick R. Price, Intel.
#2. Finding out that one of our stellar Guard Chiefs - Sgt. Cuzzi was a thief and giving him a "big chicken dinner"!
Chain of Command
The first Ship's CO Capt. Conner was an asshole! The second, Captain Bennett was wonderful. Rear Adm. Kihune, COMCRUDESGRU 5, was great also and loved the Marines. The MarDet CO was Capt. J.A. Haig, and the XO/Guard Officer, 1st Lt. J.D. Wilson was an interesting individual. Sgts Kahl, Williams (A.L. & R.R.) and Feddermen were good. As were Cpls Collier, Dunn, Gonzales, Hitt, Miller, Robinson, Thompson and Wise.
Other Memories
Nato cruise to Norway for "Northern Wedding", Med cruise and change of homeport to Bremerton, Washington. "Blue Tile Alerts"!
Criteria Recruiters: Marines assigned to recruiting duty (MOS 8411) are eligible to receive the ribbon upon completion of a successful tour of duty (36 months of consecutive service in an 8411 billet). A Marin... Recruiters: Marines assigned to recruiting duty (MOS 8411) are eligible to receive the ribbon upon completion of a successful tour of duty (36 months of consecutive service in an 8411 billet). A Marine who extends beyond the basic tour of duty will be eligible for the award upon completion of the extension period. Marines returning for subsequent tours will be eligible for subsequent awards upon completion of each tour. A recruiter who becomes a career recruiter will be eligible to receive the ribbon upon assignment of the MOS 8412. Extended Active Duty (EAD) Recruiters: EAD recruiters (MOS 8411) will be eligible to receive the ribbon upon completion of 36 months of consecutive service in an 8411 billet. Subsequent awards will be issued for each successful 36 month period. Career Recruiters: A new award period for career recruiters will begin on the date which they receive the 8412 MOS. They will be eligible to receive subsequent awards upon the completion of each 36 month period following that date. Command recruiters and Recruiter Aides are not eligible for this award. For purposes of determining eligibility for this ribbon, the following definitions will apply: Recruiting Duty - duty in an 8411 or 8412 billet as set forth in the table of organization. Duty performed at the Recruiting Station level in the billet of USMC RS CO, XO, OPSO, OSO, or SGTMAJ. MoreHide
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
Comments
#1 I&I Staff First Sergeant, Btry O, 5/14 #2 MarDet First Sergeant, USS Nimitz #3 RS ALbany, NY Station SgtsMaj #4 HMM-162 Squadron SgtsMaj
Best Moment
Color Guard at the last World Championship Cowboy Rodeo at the fairgrounds. Color Guard for the Wake Island Survivors and meeting Col. Deverioux. Locating PFC Albert E. Schwab's Medal of Honor and getting his son Steve to place it in the Kirkpatrick Center's US Navy exhibit in OKC. Selected to the Moore Police Department as a "Reserve Patrolman".
Worst Moment
Casualty Calls and Burial Details for Beruit Bombing victims.
Chain of Command
Maj. Richard Harmon, OIC of the I&I Staff when I arrived. He was replaced by Maj. M. VonTunglen.
Other Memories
Love them Oklahoma Sooners! National Champions again in 1985!
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
Best Friends
Captain Charles Driest of 2nd Tank Battalion and my neighbor.
Best Moment
Coached the White Oak Vikings Termite League football team in 81 & 82 leading to our winning the Jacksonville/Onlslow Conference Championship! Getting selected for First Sergeant! Sitting around the office and having Gen. Gray come down for coffee and to chat about Comm. stuff...
Worst Moment
Anytime I had to get coffee for LtCol. McLaughlin (my 2nd CEO there).
Chain of Command
MajGen. Al Gray was the CG , SgtMaj. William Kilpatrick, Col. Art Friedman the CEO before McLaughlin. MGySgt. Fernandez was the Division Comm. Chief (as long as he didn't have to go to the field!).
Other Memories
Maj. Robert Hall, MSgt. Bernard and myself made up the Division Communication Electronic Inspection Team. Later after completing an Air Force school for antenna & propagation theory, I became the first 2nd MarDiv Freq. Manager.
Best Friends
MSgt. Jim Rainey (retired MGySgt. - now deceased), roommates 1stSgt. George Birdsell and 1stSgt. Andy Coady.
Best Moment
Graduating Honorman. A bowl of chili and a few beers at the Command Post in Q-Town after a tough day. Giving the Academy Director my honest thoughts on a course critque - and receiving a Meritorious Mast instead of the NCO Sword that was the norm. If you don't want to hear the answer - don't ask the question!
Worst Moment
MGySGt. Paul Ankrum dying after one of our runs. He had 35 years in and had requested to retire. A few of our classmates being dropped for cheating on the Comm test.
Chain of Command
SgtMaj. Grant Beck was the Course Director for the Leadership side.
Other Memories
Having a few beers with the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Leland "Crow" Crawford after our Mess Night. He was a Marine's Marine!
Best Friends
SSgt. Garry L. Ward my Radio Chief, Cpl. "Mac" McQuilliams my Wire Chief and GySgt. C.W. Harnest the Platoon Cmdr of 81 mm Mortar Platoon. 1st Lt. Charles Driest (later LtCol.) of 2nd Tank Bn., and my neighbor! Miss those days sitting on a tailgate chewing Redman and drinking Pabst Blue Ribbon beer!
Best Moment
When the CO, LtCol. John Ripley made me the Platoon Commander of the Comm. Platoon. Ace-ing the communications portion of the TACTest in 29 Palms. Deploying, deploying and deploying!
Worst Moment
Losing one of our Wire Platoon Marines to suicide.
Chain of Command
LtCol. Pruitt was the CO when I arrived. LtCol. John W. Ripley took over as the CO as we prepared for the cold weather deployment to "Anorak Express" in Norway. One of the finest officers I have ever had the pleasure of serving with! Maj. Stephen M. Hartnett - XO; SgtMaj Robert Wahoff; Capt. James R. Battaglini (later MGen.)was CO of H&S Co., 1stSgt. J.O. McKay and GySgt. Thomas Moore was the Company Gunny. 1stLt. Robertson was the Adjutant; Capt. Williams was the S3 and Capts. Mike Reep, Al Cortez, George Solhan and Hamilton were line Company Commanders. Mike Reep later moved to the S3A position.
Other Memories
The Delta Corridor; Pickle Meadows, Camp Edwards, Ma. all leading up to Anorak Express. Getting the "Bluenose" after crossing the Artic Circle. Kicking the Norgies butt during the exercise! Col. Cacase, CO of 32 MAU/RLT-2 holding NJP on a SgtMaj. for being UA during the exercise!
Best Friends
GySgt. Mike Crawford, GySgt. J.R. Rainey.
Best Moment
"Procuring" a bottle of wine from the CG's jeep (MGen. Adolph Schwenk) while on a CommEx/CPX for the Alt. Div. Hqs.
Worst Moment
Losing a CH-53D with a full load of troops while on an excercise in Mindoro. Phillipines!
Chain of Command
MGySgt. J.C. "Abe" Lincoln was the Comm Chief, who was later replace by MGySgt. Ken Bragg. SSgt. J.C. Holt helped bring me up to speed on the new VRC-12 series radios. He later made WO and I saw him at 2nd AAVs in Camp lejeune. 1st Lt. F.T. Strock ws the Hqs Btry CO.
Other Memories
Our Adjutant was 1st Lt. Brenda Chastain. "Miss Arizona State" for 1974. What a beauty!
Best Friends
Chief Curt Suter, Navy Recruiter for Ponca City.
Best Moment
Getting off Recruiting Duty followed closely by making Gunny!
Worst Moment
Being extended from 36 to 46 months after MGen. Ken Houghten sent out his "hatchet man" who fired many recruiters of 8th MCD on the spot! After 46 months of Recruiting Duty - being sent to an overseas unaccompanied tour to Okinawa! Nobody cared or offered to help.
Chain of Command
Still A.K."King" Dixon, although he was taking some "heavy rolls" from the Armed Services Subcommittee in regards to recruiting across the borders, etc. - thanks to an EAD Recruiter in Tulsa who was unhappy with the "King's" comments on his FitRep!
Other Memories
We were doing so poorly on the enlisted side that after we shipped our Officer Canidates and PLCs off in 1976 they put Mike Geers and I back on the street to assist in making mission. Back to the same "one man fighting hole" in Ponca City that had been vacant for at least a year.
Best Friends
Didn't have time for any - recruiting was tough back then in the 8th MCD!
Best Moment
Enlisting Lesley Howard, Alvin Calfy, Ramona Old Bear, Chris Hand, Mike Keller and many others that were true quality Marines!
Worst Moment
Having 2 drops out of Boot Camp. At the time being "fired" by the SNCOIC of RSS Tulsa for putting too many officers in that didn't count toward "his ship quota". He was old school and didn't undertstand the "total force recruiting" effort. It actually became a "Best Moment" in manys ways!
Chain of Command
Maj. Keith Stivers was the CO when I arrived, Capt. W. L. Neely the XO and SgtMaj. Gene D. Mills (deceased Apr 2006) was the Station Sergeant Major, followed later by SgtMaj. Paul Armstrong. Some of the NCOICs I remember were MSgt. J.E. Henthorn, MSgt. D.C. Reichert, MSgt. J.D. Cantrell, GySgts R.E. Haworth, Bill Grant and Walt Sides. SSgts Rod Hill, Jim Crozier and myself were 8411s. The Supply Chief was MSgt. Mike D. Monahan and the PANCO was Sgt. Doug Gray as I recall.
Other Memories
Oklahoma Sooners were National Champions in 1973 and 1974 - Go Sooners!
Best Friends
Sgt. Mike Geers, 1stLt. Woody Ayers and Capt. Perry Unruh!
Best Moment
Commissioning such men as H.T. "Butch" Gee, Don Horn, Kim Poole, Craig Williams, John Tuck, Harvey Howard, Jeff Marsh, Mike Malachowsky, Eric Van Camp, Mark Workman, Kim Poole, Gary Munn and Rod Richardson (who would be KIA in Iraq as a security contractor in October 2007) and many others that time has clouded the names! Working with Capt. Perry Unruh and 1stLt. Woody Ayers were fun too. They were pretty damn good racketball players also.
Worst Moment
Being asked to fudge the AQT/FAR score for a minority applicant in order to get make a quota. I didn't!
Chain of Command
Capt. Manfred Augustus Koebig III was the OSO, 1stLt. John Ballard was the Asst. OSO. LtCol. A.K. "AKA King or the Deuce!" Dixon II was the CO, Capt. Bill Melton was XO and SgtMaj. Armstrong was our Sergeants Major.
Other Memories
Capt. Ballard/Sgt. Geers had the northern half of Oklahoma and Capt. Koebig and I had the southern half. We doubled up on the OU and OSU campuses!
Best Friends
My Rugby Teamates! Sgt. Michael A. Sager and Sgt. R.L. Perkins. Also Robert Butler was a classmate in High School who was a great fishing and hunting buddy, whom I talked into joining the military and later retired as a Captain in the US Navy.
Best Moment
Playing on the US Navy Rugby Team and winning the East Coast Rugger Championship in 1973. Dave Howell and I were the only two Marines on the team. The rest were primarily made up of SEAL Teams 1 & 2, UDT Teams 21 & 22, Mobile Construction Team Two and I think 1 pilot from Oceana. Great times!
Worst Moment
Several - early 70's were interesting times. The "Jolly Roger", "Purple Onion" and "Clown's Den" in Oceanview and "Allen's Grill" in Chesapeake Beach were favorite hangouts for us.
Chain of Command
BGen. W.F. Doehler was the CG, LFTCLant during my last years. Maj. John T. Gray OIC of Communications Dept., MGySgt. Don Trosper followed MGySgt. Maras was the Comm. Chief when I left. GySgts Sullivan and J.E. Stancill were also instructors for Comm. Center and Wire Operations. Others there on an old set of Superior Performance Pay Orders included GySgts. R.A. Allie, F.D. Brock, D. J. Dougherty, J.C.Har Jr., J. D. "Dave" Howell, W.A. Keeys, R.P. Merle, J.J. Mitravich, J.W. Ross, D.E. Turner, D.D. Wright, SSgts. L. Beltran, R.A. Gray, J.A. Sherwood, A.J. Singleton, J.W. Vongruenigen, C.J. Werth Jr and Sgts. W.J. Barlow, G.S. Crumb Jr, D.A. Gentry, S.N. Dunstan, S.R. Sidleau and myself.
Other Memories
I was a Communications Instructor for Field Radio Operations and the Waterproofing Course (to include Underwater Deployment Ops). MTT's to UDT, SEAL and USAF Special Operations forces. Drinking a pitcher of martinis to get my SSgt. Chevrons at the 56 Club, and having to go to BGen. Doehler's office the next morning to explain the night's festivities!
Best Friends
Sergeant C.E. "Jim" Barnett who had been the Physical Fitness Instructor at PISC. He went to Kansas.
Best Moment
Graduating with Honors. The Battalion Special Order assigning our 8411 secendary MOS listed the following: MSgt. P. Conti; SSgts. R.E. Alford Jr., C.E. Barnett, T.R. Behler, J.E. Beard, D.A. Boyle, J.A. Brown, myself, R.O. Clapp, R.R. Corriveau,R.J. Cox, W.E. Davis, J. Dawson Jr, J.D. Dilley, S.W. Fitzpatrick, J.E. Fox, O.A. Grishkat, H.L. Haas and SSgt. J.L. Held.
Worst Moment
Getting the phone call from my first wife that she wanted a divorce 2 days before graduation.
Chain of Command
Maj. Twilley was the OIC and MGySgt. Teeter was the SNCOIC. MSgt. Jack Sexton was a great instructor, who later became a good friend.
Other Memories
Being told that their "policy" on Weight Control was that we had to be 10% below our maximum by graduation. I was about 6% body fat at the time. Basically had to starve to death and PT our butts off!
Criteria The Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces in the grades of lieutenant commander (or major) and below. It is awarded for meritorious service or achieveme... The Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces in the grades of lieutenant commander (or major) and below. It is awarded for meritorious service or achievement in either combat or noncombat based on sustained performance or specific achievement of a superlative nature but which does not warrant a Navy Commendation Medal or higher. It may not be awarded for service involving participation in aerial flight after January 1, 1969. MoreHide
Comments
#1 Landing Force Training Command, Atlantic #2 Comm Chief, 1st Bn., 2nd Marines
Best Friends
PFC Jim Danks, a veteran of Korea that came back in for the war and because of his age was assigned as the CO's driver - from NY I think. LCpl. Tom Conlon, a Boston Irishman who I had served with earlier, in 3rd FSR or FLSG-A I think.
Best Moment
Creating a "Comm. War-Wagon" to control our convoys, complete with armour, sandbags and radios out of a MRC-110. Also designed 2 other "look-a-likes" to fool the VC and their use of command detonated mines.
Worst Moment
Losing Lt. Davis, Sgt. Leonard, LCpl. Wiener and PFC Halcross to a 30 lb. box mine on our way to Hill 37.
Chain of Command
LtCol. Burgess was the CO when I left.
Other Memories
Arrived 7 June 1970 and departed 13 February 1971. We ran convoys up and down Hwy 1 to resupply/reinforce or move the various units operating from Chu Lai to Quang Tri.
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
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
Description This campaign was from 1 Jul 1970 to 30 June 1971. Fighting continued in Cambodia during early February before and after South Vietnam began its U.S.-aided drive in Laos, Lam Son 719, the most signifiThis campaign was from 1 Jul 1970 to 30 June 1971. Fighting continued in Cambodia during early February before and after South Vietnam began its U.S.-aided drive in Laos, Lam Son 719, the most significant operation during this campaign.
Lam Son 719 was conducted out of I Corps by Vietnamese troops with US fire and air support. Their object was to cut the Ho Chi Minh Trail and to destroy enemy bases at Techepone, Laos. The operation consisted of four phases. In Phases I, called Operation DEWEY CANYON II, the 1st Brigade, US 5th Infantry Division (Mechanized) occupied the Khe Sanh area and cleared Route No. 9 up to the Laotian border. In the meantime, the US 101st Airborne Division conducted diversionary operations in the A Shau Valley. The US 45th Engineer Group had the mission of repairing Route No. 9 up to the Laotian border. This lasted from 30 January to 7 February 1971. During Phase II US forces continued to provide fire support, helilift, and tactical and strategic air support for ARVN units. This phase was 8 February to March 1971. Phase III ran from March to 16 March 1971; Phase IV was the withdrawal phase.
Faced with mounting losses, Lt. Gen. Hoang Xuan Lam, the commander of the invasion forces, decided to cut short the operation and ordered a withdrawal.
Lam Son 719, though it was less than a signal success, forestalled a Communist offensive in the spring of 1971. Enemy units and replacements enroute south were diverted to the scene of the action.... More
Memories Turned over the Comm. Plt. to Sgt. Rollie Brookart after being selected as the Battalion Career PlanTurned over the Comm. Plt. to Sgt. Rollie Brookart after being selected as the Battalion Career Planner. The Battalion was scheduled to be rotated back to Pendleton in Feb/Mar. as part of "Project Re-Vietnamization". ... More
Best Friends
Sgt. Jerry Danehart of WV, Cpl. John K. Downs of Lawton, OK, and Cpl. Art Steinberg from Illinois (whom I just found out was killed in an auto accident in 1975 or 76).
Best Moment
Being certified as an 0849 secondary MOS (Shore Fire Control Party Man)and later a FAC. Finally promoted to Sergeant on 1 March 1969!! Really enjoyed the trips on the LCUs to Bloodsworth Island, Md. for qualifying Destroyers and Cruisers. Also flying with Maj. Ondrick. Finally having my AA Form approved to return to Vietnam and leave all the BS behind! Birth of my daughter Brandy! Locating Sgts. Michael Doley and Patrick Shine, Lt. Sam Garland, Capt. William Novak, LtCol. William Hall after all these years and others that I am still trying to locate!
Worst Moment
Being not recommended for Sgt. the first time by Capt. H.L. Parks III. Pulling most of the packets off the 81 mm mortar "willie peter" round to mark the counter battery fire on Bloodsworth and having it impact about 100 meters from our LCU - which quickly departed the area until after we ceased qualifications.
Chain of Command
The OIC of the Supporting Arms Dept. when I got there was LtCol. Samuel Morrow who was later replaced by LtCol. Louis J. Cavallo. The Hqs Co CO was Capt. M. W. Sayers. Gunnery Sergeant Sargent of LFTC was the Company Gunny, whom we were "Adcon" to. Maj. Ondrick had the Air Dept., Maj. Bill Hall and Capt. Smithson the Artillery & Naval Gunfire Section as I recall..
Other Memories
Running the Obsticle/Confidence Course in the woods behind the school. The OIC of the Counter Insurgency School, Lt. Sam Garland running PT with an M-60 machinegun at Port Arms!
Description This campaign was from 1 November 1969 to 30 April 1970. An increase in enemy-initiated attacks, at the highest level since 4-5 September signaled the start of the first phase of the Communist winter This campaign was from 1 November 1969 to 30 April 1970. An increase in enemy-initiated attacks, at the highest level since 4-5 September signaled the start of the first phase of the Communist winter campaign. This was highlighted by intensified harassment incidents, and attacks throughout the Republic of Vietnam. In November-December these were heaviest in Corps Tactical Zones III and IV (around Saigon), primarily directed against Vietnamese military installations in order to disrupt the pacification program. The most significant enemy activity occurred in November with heavy attacks upon By Prang and Duc Lap in CTZ II (Central Vietnam).
By February 1970 the focus of enemy activity began to shift to CTZ I and II. Attacks increased steadily, reaching a peak in April 1970. Hostile forces staged their heaviest attacks in the Central Highlands near Civilian Irregular Defense Group camps at Dak Seang, Dak Pek, and Ben Het in I CTZ. The enemy also conducted numerous attacks by fire and several sapper attacks against U.S. fire support bases. This high level of enemy activity began in I CTZ in April and continued through May.
During the period 1 November 1969 through 30 April 1970 U.S. and allied forces concentrated on aggressive operations to find and destroy enemy main and local forces, the penetration of base camps and installations and the seizure of enemy supplies and materiel. These operations sought to deny the enemy the initiative and to inflict heavy losses in men and materiel. Further progress was made in Vietnamization through improving the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces. As a result of these advances three brigades of the 1st U.S. Infantry Division and several major U.S.M.C. units were withdrawn from Vietnam during this period.
The enemy made several efforts to take the offensive at Dak Seang, which was attacked on 1 April 1970 and remained under siege throughout the month, and at Quang Duc in the By Prong-Duc Lap area which ended on 28 December. Only Vietnamese forces were engaged in both of these operations, the Quang Duc campaign involving some 12,000 ARVN troops. South Vietnamese forces again took the offensive on 14 April in a bold 3-day operation in the Angel's Wing area along the Cambodian border. The Vietnamese Army completed this mission in an aggressive professional manner without U.S. support-further evidence of their growing proficiency.... More
Description This campaign was from 1 November 1969 to 30 April 1970. An increase in enemy-initiated attacks, at the highest level since 4-5 September signaled the start of the first phase of the Communist winter This campaign was from 1 November 1969 to 30 April 1970. An increase in enemy-initiated attacks, at the highest level since 4-5 September signaled the start of the first phase of the Communist winter campaign. This was highlighted by intensified harassment incidents, and attacks throughout the Republic of Vietnam. In November-December these were heaviest in Corps Tactical Zones III and IV (around Saigon), primarily directed against Vietnamese military installations in order to disrupt the pacification program. The most significant enemy activity occurred in November with heavy attacks upon By Prang and Duc Lap in CTZ II (Central Vietnam).
By February 1970 the focus of enemy activity began to shift to CTZ I and II. Attacks increased steadily, reaching a peak in April 1970. Hostile forces staged their heaviest attacks in the Central Highlands near Civilian Irregular Defense Group camps at Dak Seang, Dak Pek, and Ben Het in I CTZ. The enemy also conducted numerous attacks by fire and several sapper attacks against U.S. fire support bases. This high level of enemy activity began in I CTZ in April and continued through May.
During the period 1 November 1969 through 30 April 1970 U.S. and allied forces concentrated on aggressive operations to find and destroy enemy main and local forces, the penetration of base camps and installations and the seizure of enemy supplies and materiel. These operations sought to deny the enemy the initiative and to inflict heavy losses in men and materiel. Further progress was made in Vietnamization through improving the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces. As a result of these advances three brigades of the 1st U.S. Infantry Division and several major U.S.M.C. units were withdrawn from Vietnam during this period.
The enemy made several efforts to take the offensive at Dak Seang, which was attacked on 1 April 1970 and remained under siege throughout the month, and at Quang Duc in the By Prong-Duc Lap area which ended on 28 December. Only Vietnamese forces were engaged in both of these operations, the Quang Duc campaign involving some 12,000 ARVN troops. South Vietnamese forces again took the offensive on 14 April in a bold 3-day operation in the Angel's Wing area along the Cambodian border. The Vietnamese Army completed this mission in an aggressive professional manner without U.S. support-further evidence of their growing proficiency.... More
Best Moment
Hving some pigs cooked on the beach and liberty in San Juan. Orders to the U.S. Naval Amphibious School, Little Creek, Virginia.
Worst Moment
Being dropped out of Message Center School at Montford Point after an altercation with the Staff Duty NCO at the chowhall. Long story - but good one with a cold beer!
Other Memories
Seems everyone there had just returned from Nam and was a Corporal! We went down to Vieques for 10th Marines Firex 1-67. Embarked aboard the USS Uvalsde at MHC on 12 Jan. and landed on 18 Jan. Did a long haul comm shot for teletype using a TSC-15 van. Reboarded the USS Austin on 12 Feb., hit San Juan for some liberty then arrived back at MHC on the 18th.
Description This campaign was from 1 July 1966 to 31 May 1967. United States operations after 1 July 1966 were a continuation of the earlier counteroffensive campaign. Recognizing the interdependence of politicalThis campaign was from 1 July 1966 to 31 May 1967. United States operations after 1 July 1966 were a continuation of the earlier counteroffensive campaign. Recognizing the interdependence of political, economic, sociological, and military factors, the Joint Chiefs of Staff declared that American military objectives should be to cause North Vietnam to cease its control and support of the insurgency in South Vietnam and Laos, to assist South Vietnam in defeating Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces in South Vietnam, and to assist South Vietnam in pacification extending governmental control over its territory.
North Vietnam continued to build its own forces inside South Vietnam. At first this was done by continued infiltration by sea and along the Ho Chi Minh trail and then, in early 1966, through the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). U.S. air elements received permission to conduct reconnaissance bombing raids, and tactical air strikes into North Vietnam just north of the DMZ, but ground forces were denied authority to conduct reconnaissance patrols in the northern portion of the DMZ and inside North Vietnam. Confined to South Vietnamese territory U.S. ground forces fought a war of attrition against the enemy, relying for a time on body counts as one standard indicator for measuring successful progress for winning the war.
During 1966 there were eighteen major operations, the most successful of these being Operation WHITE WING (MASHER). During this operation, the 1st Cavalry Division, Korean units, and ARVN forces cleared the northern half of Binh Dinh Province on the central coast. In the process they decimated a division, later designated the North Vietnamese 3d Division. The U.S. 3d Marine Division was moved into the area of the two northern provinces and in concert with South Vietnamese Army and other Marine Corps units, conducted Operation HASTINGS against enemy infiltrators across the DMZ.
The largest sweep of 1966 took place northwest of Saigon in Operation ATTLEBORO, involving 22,000 American and South Vietnamese troops pitted against the VC 9th Division and a NVA regiment. The Allies defeated the enemy and, in what became a frequent occurrence, forced him back to his havens in Cambodia or Laos.
By 31 December 1966, U.S. military personnel in South Vietnam numbered 385,300. Enemy forces also increased substantially, so that for the same period, total enemy strength was in excess of 282,000 in addition to an estimated 80,000 political cadres. By 30 June 1967, total U.S. forces in SVN had risen to 448,800, but enemy strength had increased as well.
On 8 January U.S. and South Vietnamese troops launched separate drives against two major VC strongholds in South Vietnam-in the so-called "Iron Triangle" about 25 miles northwest of Saigon. For years this area had been under development as a VC logistics base and headquarters to control enemy activity in and around Saigon. The Allies captured huge caches of rice and other foodstuffs, destroyed a mammoth system of tunnels, and seized documents of considerable intelligence value.
In February, the same U.S. forces that had cleared the "Iron Triangle", were committed with other units in the largest allied operation of the war to date, JUNCTION CITY. Over 22 U.S. and four ARVN battalions engaged the enemy, killing 2,728. After clearing this area, the Allies constructed three airfields; erected a bridge and fortified two camps in which CIDG garrisons remained as the other allied forces withdrew.
Description Operation Prairie (August 3 – January 31, 1967) was a military operation in northern South Vietnam. Its job was to eliminating North Vietnamese Army forces south of the DMZ.
1st Battalion, 3rd MarineOperation Prairie (August 3 – January 31, 1967) was a military operation in northern South Vietnam. Its job was to eliminating North Vietnamese Army forces south of the DMZ.
1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines and 1st and 3rd Battalions, 26th Marines search and destroy operation against the 324B NVA Division in the hills at Con Thien/Gio Linh areas south of the DMZ at Mutter's Ridge, the Razorback, Hill 400, Hill 484 and The Rockpile.
During August, 2nd Battalion 4th Marines, 3rd Battalion 4th Marines and other units saw heavy fighting with the NVA 324B division. Prairie was a string of battles that was fought in the foothills south of the DMZ. The Commander of E Company 2nd Battalion 4th Marines, Capt. Howard V. Lee was awarded the Medal of Honor for his outstanding bravery during this operation.... More
Memories Initially set up in the rice paddy on the north side of the old French Fort. Monsoon season soon chaInitially set up in the rice paddy on the north side of the old French Fort. Monsoon season soon changed that! Operation Prairie I
As 1967 began, the 3d Marine Division was fighting two wars: a conventional one along the DMZ, where division confronted division, and a counter guerrilla war in the rest of Quang Tn and Thua Thien provinces. Although committed to both campaigns, the situation forced the division to give priority to the DMZ.
During January, the enemy avoided major ground contact with ARVN and Marine units in the DMZ area, but the NVA did maintain energetic screening and reconnaissance efforts south of the DMZ. Mortar and rocket attacks on friendly positions increased sharply, particularly during the period 8-28 January, and there was a noticeable increase in local and main force guerrilla activity throughout the month.
In January Marine units were still conducting Operation Prairie along the DMZ. Three battalions of Colonel John P. Lanigan?s 3d Marines and the 3d Battalion, 4th Marines were operating from combat bases along Highway 9. The largest of the combat bases, the nerve center for the entire area, was at Dong Ha, the command post (CP) of the 3d Marine Division (Forward), the controlling headquarters for the operation.
The intermediate position at Cam Lo was seven miles west. Four miles further west, Camp J. J. Car?roll was occupied by artillery units of the 12th Marines, reinforced by U.S. Army 175mm self-propelled guns. An additional artillery position, the Rockpile, was near the base of a jagged mountain six miles west of Camp Carroll. The last and most westerly of the combat bases was Khe Sanh, only a few miles from the Laotian border. In addition to these major positions along Highway 9, Marines were establishing two strongpoint just south of the DMZ at Con Thien and Gio Linh.
One feature of Operation Prairie was the provision of a specific ?package? of aircraft for support of the 3d Marine Division. In this manner the wing in?creased its efficiency and decreased response time for missions within the DMZ region. The ?package? contained a variety of helicopters, such as UH-lEs, CH-46s, CH-37s, and fixed-wing observation air?craft. A total of 40 helicopters and 8 0-1 observation aircraft supported the division daily. Marine air sup?port radars (TPQ- 10) provided the capability of con?ducting radar-controlled bombing missions during bad weather and at night.
Operation Prairie I ended on 31 January. At its height the operation involved six Marine infantry battalions. It accounted for the largest number of enemy casualties in a single Marine operation to that date: 1,397 killed and 27 captured. Marine casualties for the same period were 239 killed and 1,214 wounded.... More
Best Friends
LCpl. Endicott, LCpl. Vershelden and LCpl. Overstreet.
Best Moment
Promotion to Cpl on 1 October 1966. R&R to Manila, followed closely by the Freedom Bird back to the states on 10 November 1966!
Worst Moment
Handling Capt. Carrol's body at Graves Registration at Dong Ha. Losing one of my Marines to a "cook-off" while on an EOD mission!
Chain of Command
The SSgt. "booked" back to Danang after a couple of probes, then I got promoted to Cpl. and became NCOIC of sorts. There were 2 Cpls. in the Field Message Center in Dong Ha but they rarely wandered out of the "secure area" except for beer call!
Other Memories
Landed in Danang on 22 March 1966 via the LST Washoe County and reported in to FLSG-Alpha. April was hotter than hades! Did perimeter security at night at the Dog Patch checkpoint with 3/3. In May two of us were sent to the top of Hill 327 with 2 Shore Party Marines tp provide a 24 hour Radio Relay site. Part of the Command Chrolology of FLC Jul 1966: Commenced direct supply support of Second Battalion, First Marines at Dong Ha. This developed into Operation "Hastings" a Multi-Battalion search and destroy mission, on 15 July 1966,the LSA - under OPCON of 3d Shore Party Battalion was augmented with FLSG-A personnel. There are presently two (2) Officers and sixty-one (61) Enlisted personnel from FLSG-A at Dong Ha. Supply support for Operation Hastings is still continuing.
Worst Moment
Running into a typhoon off the coast of Vietnam! That flat bottom ship was coming out of the water up front before slamming down and trembling all over. Even worse - we were in the forward berthing compartment!!!
Best Friends
Larry R. Overstreet from Missouri; Augie Verschelden from Illinois and Dallas Lloyd from Coco Beach, Florida.
Best Moment
"Combat Alley" and the Paris Steam Bath! Graduating 1st at FROC in Camp Hansen. Taking karate lessons from Larry at the Stillwell Fieldhouse.
Worst Moment
Getting pulled off the plane bound for Viet Nam at Kadena AFB because I was 17 years old, then having to wait until April 66 to get off the island.
Chain of Command
Corporal Fuller was our squad leader.
Other Memories
I and Bill Hatcher (a good friend who was the SgtMaj. of the 22nd MEU which we rotated out of the Med. in the early 90's)boarded the USS Taladega (AKA) on 17 March 1966 andd headed to Chu Lai, Vietnam where we made an amphibious landing. Next day back-loaded on to the LST Washoe County and headed to Danang. Enroute we ran into a typhoon - and on the old flat bottom LST it was quite a ride!
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
Criteria The Sea Service Deployment Ribbon is awarded to members of the Navy and Marine Corps assigned to U.S. homeported (including Hawaii and Alaska) ships, deploying units, or Fleet Marine Force commands, f... The Sea Service Deployment Ribbon is awarded to members of the Navy and Marine Corps assigned to U.S. homeported (including Hawaii and Alaska) ships, deploying units, or Fleet Marine Force commands, for 12 months accumulated sea duty, or for duty with the Fleet Marine Force that includes at least one deployment of 90 consecutive days. MoreHide
Description
Carib cruise to Puerto Rico for FireEx 1-66.
Criteria Awarded by the Vietnam Government to military personnel who have accomplished deeds of valor or displayed heroic conduct while fighting the enemy and have been cited individually at the regiment, brig... Awarded by the Vietnam Government to military personnel who have accomplished deeds of valor or displayed heroic conduct while fighting the enemy and have been cited individually at the regiment, brigade, division, corps, or armed forces level. MoreHide
Description
Apr 1 – 11; 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines search and destroy operation near Thuong Guc, 40 km southwest of Da Nang, Quảng Nam Province.
Memories There were four of us sent to the top of Hill 327 to serve as a readio relay station for this operatThere were four of us sent to the top of Hill 327 to serve as a readio relay station for this operation - two of us were from FLSG-A, Comm Co., Radio Plt. and two from Shore Party. Was up there late May I believe until late June or early July 1966.... More
Description Jul 7 – Aug 3; 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 3rd Battalion 4th Marines, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines, 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines, 1st Battalion, 1sJul 7 – Aug 3; 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 3rd Battalion 4th Marines, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines, 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines and 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines and ARVN operation against the NVA 324B Division in the Cam Lo area near the DMZ.
This was in support of Operation Nathan Hale of the 1st Cavalry Division and 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division vicinity of Dong Tre and Tuy Hòa, Phú Yên Province.... More
Memories Went up to Dong Ha as part of FLSU 2 in support of 2nd Bn, 4th Marines.Operation Hastings
Marines TurWent up to Dong Ha as part of FLSU 2 in support of 2nd Bn, 4th Marines.Operation Hastings
Marines Turn North, Operation Hastings Finding the Enemy ?Reactivation of Task Force Delta and Heavy Fighting Along the DMZ, 12-25 July 1966?Hastings Comes to an End, 26July-3 August 1966
Finding the Enemy
The reconnaissance phase of the operation in the north was to last a couple more weeks. With the ar rival of Lieutenant Colonel Hanifin's 2d Battalion, 1st Marines at Dong Ha, he assumed operational control of the Dong Ha-Cam Lo sector while Major Colby retained responsibility for the reconnaissance activity. Colby recalled that the resulting command relations were delicate in that Hanifin's mission was to support the reconnaissance effort, without actual control over it. The reconnaissance commander credited both Hanifin and himself with "A great deal of tact and self-control . . . to make this relationship function."'
Despite reinforcement by the infantry and additional reconnaissance units as well as a change in designation from Task Unit Charlie to Detachment A, Recon Group Bravo in early July, little had changed for Colby's reconnaissance Marines. They continued to observe and encounter, in increasing numbers, uniformed regulars of the North Vietnamese Army. On 4 July, a patrol, led by First Lieutenant Theard J.Terrebone, Jr., moved into the area 16 miles west of Dong Ha where a 700 foot "sort of toothpick-type mountain stuck out in the middle of an open area," with "sheer cliff straight up and down," and known as the Rockpile, dominates the landscape.2 During the 24-hour period the patrol remained in the vicinity of the Rockpile, the Marines observed several well-camouflaged enemy firing positions including trench lines, mortar pits, and fighting holes. After calling an artillery fife mission on some nearby enemy forces, the patrol returned to its base area. For the next 10 days, the Marines continued their reconnaissance effort, but of the 18 patrols conducted during this period, 14 had to be withdrawn because of enemy contact. The recon naissance Marines sighted more than 300 North Vietnamese troops .
During this period, South Vietnamese Army units operating in the same region obtained more evidence about the movement of North Vietnamese regulars across the border. On 6 July, 1st ARVN Division troops captured a NVA soldier near the Rockpile. He identified his unit as part of the 5th Battalion, 812th Regiment of the 324B Division and stated that the other regiments of the division, the 90th and the 803d, also had entered South Vietnam.
Three days later, a lieutenant from the 812th Regiment surrendered in the same area. He provided detailed intelligence on the positions and designations of the 324ff Division, and declared that the mission of the North Vietnamese division was to "liberate" Quang Tn Province. The enemy lieu tenant further explained that other NVA and VC units, both in Quang Tn and Thua Thien, were to block any ARVN reinforcements attempting to move north .
This information finally convinced the senior Marine commanders that the NVA had indeed advanced into South Vietnam through the DMZ. General Kyle recommended to Walt that the Marines "move troops north to try to get them [the North Vietnamese out of there and drive them back." Walt agreed and so advised General Westmoreland, who needed little persuasion.'
There followed a brief two to three days of hasty consultation and planning. On 11 July, Brigadier General Lowell E. English, the 3d Marine Division ADC, conferred at Hue with General Truong, the CG, 1st ARVN Division, and Colonel Sherman of the 4th Marines about combined plans for com bating the enemy threat in the north. Meeting at the 1st ARVN Division Headquarters, the three officers agreed on a general concept of operations. A Marine task force was to move into the area south of the DMZ to participate in Operation Hastings, the codename given on 7 July to the Marine recon naissance in northern Quang Tn. ARVN forces were to engage in a counterpart operation, Lam Son-289, south of the Marines. The original plan called for a D-Day of 13 July for the new phase of Hastings.
General Kyle agreed to the need for an expanded operation and authorized Colonel Sherman to establish a forward headquarters at Dong Ha. The 3d Marine Division commander, however, had reservations about the D-Day date. He believed that more detailed planning was required, especially in relation to the logistic implications, before the second phase of Hastings could begin.
In Saigon, during the interim, General Westmoreland, on 11 July, met with General Cao Van Vien of the South Vietnamese Joint General Staff. According to Westmoreland, he told Vien that they knew that the 324B Division was moving south,
- but not its destination. The MACV commander suggested that he and Vien meet with their respective subordinate field commanders. On 12 July, Westmoreland and Vien flew to Da Nang where they visited with Generals Lam and Walt. The four generals then went to Hue, discussed the situation with General Truong, and later attended a briefing at Dong Ha. Convinced that the enemy had moved in force across the DMZ into northern Quang Tn, Westmoreland directed Walt to move up to a division to Quang Tn. He told the III MAF commander that he would make the necessary arrangements with CinCPac to have the Seventh Fleet SLF available for the operation, while Vien promised Lam the use of five battalions of the South Vietnamese general reserve. They reassured Walt and Lam that III MAF and I Corps would have the necessary resources for the successful execution of an allied counterstroke in the north
Reactivation of Task Force Delta and Heavy Fighting Along the DM7, 12-25 July
On the afternoon of 12 July, General Kyle ordered the reactivation of Task Force Delta at 0800 the next morning and once more selected his ADC, General English, as its commander. Colonel Sherman's 4th Marines Headquarters provided the nucleus for the staff, while Sherman himself became Chief of Staff. In addition to the 4th Marines Headquarters, Task Force Delta consisted of four infantry battalions, 2/1, 1/3, 2/4, and 3/4; one artillery battalion, 3/12; and other supporting forces. The 1st Marine Aircraft Wing was to furnish both fixed-wing and helicopter support. VMGR- 152's KC- 130s flew the first elements of English's command to the Dong Ha airstrip, and on 14 July, General English established his command post near Cam Lo ? seven miles west of Dong Ha and south of the Cam Lo River, a tributary of the Cua Viet River which empties into the South China Sea. Dong Ha Airfield served as the command's logistic support area and provided a forward helicopter staging area.
The terrain in which the task force was to operate varied from coastal plain east of Route 1, traversable by wheeled and tracked vehicles, to dense undergrowth and jungle forests inland covering the rugged mountains. Between Dong Ha and CamLo, the ground is fairly level and cultivated, with populated areas along the Cam Lo River. North of Cam Lo, the terrain consists of rolling hills covered with scrub growth and coarse elephant grass~ West of this piedmont area, the terrain is composed of a series of ridges and steep hills rising to an elevation of 550 meters. Heavy foliage and rough terrain made all ground movement difficult and reduced the number of possible helicopter landing zones. The heaviest fighting of Hastings was to occur in the Song Ngan Valley, six miles northwest of Cam Lo and about one-to-three miles south of the DMZ.
After studying the available intelligence based on the air and ground reconnaissance, the allied commanders determined that the 90th NVA Regiment, estimated at a strength of 1,500 men was using the Ngan Valley as one of its major infiltration routes in to Quang Tn. Furthermore, they believed that the 324B Division had established its command post on Hill 208, a strategic height overlooking the southwestern portion of the valley. Working from these premises, General English drew up his plan of action . . . to take the enemy by surprise on his key trails and behind his own lines and to smash and destroy him before he had a chance to regain his balance and momentum.
Shortly after the activation of his command and before his move to Dong Ha, General English issued his order for the expansion of Hastings. Based largely on the plan developed at the conference at Hue on the 11th, but with D-Day postponed from 13 to 14 July, and finally firmly established for 15 July, English's concept of operations called for a two- battalion helicopter assault in the Ngan Valley. Lieutenant Colonel Vale's 3d Battalion, 4th Marines was to land in the southwestern sector of the valley and establish blocking positions below the bend of the river to prevent enemy movement. Three miles further to the northeast, the 2d Battalion, 4th Marines, now commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Arnold E. Bench; was to land near the mouth of the valley and attack southwest along the high ground toward Hill 208 and the 3d Battalion's blocking positions.
The plan for the Marine thrust into the Ngan Valley required an extensive buildup of allied forces in the north together with supporting operations. Two Marine battalions were to remain at the base areas. The 2d Battalion, 1st Marines, since 2 July commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Jack D. Spaulding, would provide security for Dong Ha, while Lieutenant Colonel Robert R. Dickey Ill's 1st Battalion, 3d Marines at Cam Lo protected General English's CP and the nearby artillery positions. Lieutenant Colonel Bell's 1st Battalion, 1st Marines was scheduled to join Task Force Delta at Dong Ha on 16 July to relieve the 2d Battalion, 1st Marines of its airfield security mission. On 16 July, the Seventh
Fleet SLF battalion, BLT 3 / 5, was to conduct an amphibious assault, Operation Deckhouse II, eight miles northeast of Dong Ha. After the SLF had established a firm foothold ashore, Deckhouse II was to be terminated and BLT 3 / 5 was to join Task Force Delta further inland. In the meantime, the South Vietnamese 1st ARVN Division and an airborne task force were to conduct Lam Son-289. The ARVN division was to operate in the area west of Route 1, north of Dong Ha, while the airborne task force was to operate south of Route 9. Major Colby's reconnaissance Marines were to screen the western approaches of the Hastings area of operations."
The success of the planned extended infantry operations in northern Quang Tn depended on the close coordination of Marine supporting arms. Colonel Richard M. Hunt, the commanding officer of MAG- 16, assumed the additional duty of tactical air commander for Task Force Delta and established a forward headquarters at the small airfield at Dong Ha. In his latter capacity, Hunt had control of both fixed-wing and helicopter support for Hastings. He collocated a direct air support center (DASC) with the Task Force Delta fire support coordination center at the Cam Lo CP. Major Samuel M. Morrow, commanding officer of the 3d Battalion, 12th Marines, had five artillery batteries under his operational control on 15 July. The reinforced artillery batteries consisted of 30 tubes, 18 105mm howitzers and 12 155mm howitzers. Morrow had moved one 105mm battery three miles southwest of Cam Lo to provide direct support for the ARVN task force operating south of Route 9. To support the Marine battalions, the artillery commander positioned his other batteries at the Cam Lo Combat Base.
On the morning of 15 July, the Marine penetration of the Ngan Valley began. A-4 Skyhawks from MAG-12 joined F4-B Phantoms from MAG-11, bombing and napalming the two helicopter landing zones. Once the Marine attack aircraft had completed their bombing runs, Morrow's artillery fired an opening salvo at 0725 on Landing Zone Crow, the objective of the 3d Battalion, 4th Marines. After 20 minutes of preparation fire, 20 CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters from HMM- 164 and -165 brought the first wave of Marines into Crow, five miles northeast of the Rockpile.
Although the Marines met no initial resistance in the landing zone, small arms fire and the terrain took their toll of men and machines. The landing zone was small; two helicopters collided and crash ed. A third CH-46 hit a tree while trying to avoid the first two. As a result of these collisions, two Marines were dead and seven were injured. All three helicopters were too badly damaged for recovery and would have to be destroyed. Later that evening, the North Vietnamese shot down another troop-laden helicopter, which fell near Lieutenant Colonel Vale's CP, killing 13 men and injuring three others. Thereafter, the Marines referred to the Ngan Valley as "Helicopter Valley.
Lieutenant Colonel Vale had arrived in LZ Crow with three of his four companies. Company M had stayed at Phu Bai as security for the base. He established his CP in the landing zone and held Company I as battalion reserve. First Lieutenant Charles L. George's Company I formed a defensive perimeter around the landing zone. Vale's two other companies, K and L, were to establish blocking positions south and west of LZ Crow. Company L, under First Lieutenant William E. Healy, encountered occasional small arms fire as it moved to occupy Hill 200, one kilometer west of the CP.
Captain Robert J. Modrzejewski's Company K followed a trail that meandered along the southern bend of the Song Ngan. The company's objective was a ridgeline 500 meters below the river and 1,800 meters south of the landing zone. As Modrzejewski's platoons advanced toward the river, NVA snipers, hidden in the dense vegetation, opened fire. The Company K commander recalled:
"Underneath the jungle canopy we found a complete 200-bed hospital in a bamboo building about 30 yards long and 20 yards wide. One man was guarding it, and we shot him. Inside we found 1,200 pounds of small-arms ammunition being guarded by three men. We shot them too."
After this brief flurry, the Marine company continued to move southward toward its objective. At 0935, while Vale's battalion was establishing its blocking positions~ the Sea Knight helicopters of HMM- 164 and -165 brought Lieutenant Colonel Bench's 2d Battalion, 4th Marines into Landing Zone Dove three miles to the northeast. With Companies H on the left, G on the right, and E bringing up the rear, Lieutenant Colonel Bench began advancing toward the 3d Battalion, 4th Marines. Bench's battalion, like Vale's, had left one company behind at the Phu Bai TAOR. Although the 2d Battalion made no contact with the enemy, oppressive heat and high elephant grass slowed progress. By mid afternoon the battalion had covered less than two miles. Captain John J. W. Hilgers, the commander of Company H, in 1978 still vividly recalled:
the problems we were having negotiating the terrain, particularly the vegetation. Though we knew our location, we could not see where we were going; trusting only to our compasses. The heat with no breeze and unlimited humidity was devastating.'6
At the same time, Vale's battalion, continued to encounter heavy resistance. The North Vietnamese repulsed Company K's attempt to cross the Song Ngan, with a loss of three Marines killed and five wounded. After three more unsuccessful attempts to cross the river, Captain Modrzejewski decided to establish night positions on a hill 200 yards from the river. By this time, the NVA had begun to organize countermeasures and attacked the battalion with small arms, mortars, and machine gun fire. This fire continued unabated, even though the battalion call ed in air strikes and artillery on suspected enemy positions. At 1930, Lieutenant Colonel Vale reported that he was completely surrounded, but one-half hour later the enemy fire diminished. Vale believed that the opposing NVA unit had pulled back, but 45 minutes later, at 2015, a reinforced North Vietnamese company tried to overrun Company K's lines. After a nearly three-hour fire fight, the enemy finally fell back. According to Captain Modrzejewski: It was so dark we couldn't see our hands in front of our faces, so we threw our trip flares and called for a flare plane overhead. We could hear and smell and occasionally see the NVA after that. . . but in the morning. . . we found 25 bodies, some of them only five yards away, stacked on top of each other."
By early evening, in the interim, Lieutenant Colonel Bench had halted his battalion about a mile short of its first objective, and directed that the battalion establish its night defenses. Earlier, about 1600, Lieutenant Colonel Vale had requested that the 2d Battalion come to the aid of the 3d Battalion, which was then under attack, but Bench had radioed back that "the terrain and time of day made immediate efforts [to reach the 3d Battalion] infeasible." With General English's permission, the 2d Battalion commander decided "to abort . . the sweep mission toward Hill 208," and take advantage of the "lower, easier, terrain" along the river to close in on Vale's positions the following morning.58 During the 15th, Task Force Delta had sustained total casualties of 18 killed and two wounded as opposed to enemy losses of 31 dead.
The enemy started the next morning with a mortar attack on Lieutenant Colonel Vale's CP. The battalion commander immediately called in Marine air and artillery which silenced the enemy weapons. South of the battalion CP, Modrzejewski's company still was unable to cross the river. The advancing Marines found it difficult to flush out the camouflaged NVA. The Company K commander stopped, organized a defensive perimeter, and called for air and artillery to neutralize the enemy. During the day, Lieutenant Colonel Vale's other two companies probed north and northwest of the battalion CP. Lieutenant Healy's Company L uncovered an ammunition cache which included 35 boxes of 12.7mm ammunition, 24 antitank mines, and 1,000 rounds of small arms ammunition.
To the northeast, Lieutenant Colonel Bench's 2d Battalion moved off the high ground shortly after dawn toward the Song Ngan. Advancing in a generally westerly direction, the lead company, Company G, reached the river shortly after 0800 where the Marines killed two NVA and captured their weapons. The company then followed the river southwest toward the 3d Battalion. Bench's unit had one serious clash with the NVA when Company G, about 1045, received heavy fire from enemy positions on the high ground to the west of the river. The battalion commander several years later remembered that he "called very close air strikes while we took cover in the deep banks of the river. "25 Marine aircraft scored two direct hits on the enemy, but not before the Marine company sustained losses of two dead and seven wounded. Despite further occasional resistances the lead elements of the 2d Battalion arrived at Lieutenant Colonel Vale's CP shortly after 1445.
Although the link up of the two Marine battalions had not been challenged seriously, the enemy renewed attacks during the night of 16 July. Once more, Captain Modrzejewski's Company K bore the brunt of the assault. The company had remained in its defensive positions 800 meters south of the junction point of the two battalions. At 1930, the North Vietnamese attacked the entire company perimeter, concentrating heaviest pressure on the left platoon. For the next three and a half hours, the NVA made repeated assaults against the Marine company. Modrzejewski's Marines repulsed three attacks, one of which came to within five meters of their positions. The company commander credited Marine artillery fire "and a flare ship which stayed with us all night" in helping him to stave off the enemy. In bearing back the NVA, the Marines suffered one dead and five wounded. Captain Modrzejewski reported that 30 to 40 other Marines had sustained minor wounds as a result of "grenades being thrown back and forth from distances as close as 10 meters." The enemy suffered more grievous losses. According to Modrzejewski.
While the two battalions had been moving toward each other in Helicopter Valley, General English repositioned his reserve. The arrival of the 1st Battalion, 1st Marines on 16 July at Dong Ha permitted the task force commander to free Lieutenant Colonel, Spaulding's 2d Battalion, 1st Marines from its security mission there. Over 30 helicopters from squadrons HMM-161, -164, -265, and -163 lifted Spaulding's battalion to Landing Zone Robin, 3,000 meters east- northeast of Landing Zone Crow. From this position, the battalion could readily reinforce either Vale's or Bench's battalion.
Also on the morning of 16 July, the SLF of the Seventh Fleet began Deckhouse II on the coast east of the Hastings area of operations. With clear weather, moderate seas, and minimal surf, Companies I and K of Lieutenant Colonel Edward J. Bronars' BLT 3/5 landed with ease at 0630 across Blue Beach, 2,500 meters above the mouth of the Cua Viet River. Simultaneously Lieutenant Colonel James D. McGough's HMM-363, the SLF helicopter squadron, lifted Company L 3,500 meters inland from the landing beach. By evening, the entire BLT was ashore and had established its defensive perimeter. Although technically Bronars' BLT did nor come under General English's operational control for another two days, it blocked NVA routes of advance through the DMZ into Quang Tn Province east of Route 1, and was readily available to reinforce Task Force Delta if necessary. In fact, the SLF helicopter squadron, HMM-363, immediately came ashore and was assigned to the operational control of MAG-16's forward headquarters.
During the late afternoon of 16 July, General English achieved tactical surprise in his southwestern area of operations with the commitment of only a small force. At 1600, a platoon of Marines from Major Colby's 1st Force Reconnaissance Company rappelled from a MAG- 16 helicopter onto the summit of the Rockpile. From this perch, the reconnaissance troops had a commanding view of the relatively open terrain in this sector. Three hours later, the Marines spotted a column of North Vietnamese troops below them, 2,000 meters to the east-northeast. After 155mm howitzers from the 3d Battalion, 12th Marines fired 51 rounds at the enemy column, the reconnaissance Marines reported 21 enemy dead. Later that night, the Marine platoon observed flashing lights 1,000 meters south of the Rockpile near the bend of the Cam Lo River. They called for artillery; 3d Battalion guns once more replied. The mission results could not be observed due to darkness, but the reconnaissance Marines reported "excellent effect on target. Based upon the sightings from the Rockpile, General English decided to move Spaulding's battalion from Landing Zone Robin, 10 kilometers to the northeast, into the river valley east of the Rockpile. Twelve UH-34s and eight CH-46s from MAG- 16 lifted the battalion into its new area of operations during the morning of 17 July. Spaulding's battalion encountered only minor resistance.
During the 17th, the two battalions operating in Helicopter Valley also had very little contact with the enemy. In Landing Zone Crow, Lieutenant Colonel Vale abandoned any further attempts to advance to the south and ordered Captain Modrzejewski's Company K to remain in its defensive positions and not to cross the Song Ngan. Anticipating a renewed enemy night assault on his forward company, the battalion commander ordered Lieutenant Healy's Company L to reinforce Company K. By evening, Vale's and Bench's battalions had established a common perimeter.
With the enemy on the high ground south of the Ngan blocking the Marine attempts to cross the river, General English decided to change his scheme of maneuver. On the evening of the 17th, he directed the two battalions to move out of the valley the next day along a corridor to the northeast. Lieutenant Colonel Bench's 2d Battalion was to sweep and clear out any enemy as it advanced, and then establish blocking positions astride the Song Ngan, about a mile south of the DMZ. Vale's battalion, in the meantime, was to destroy the captured enemy ammunition and the three downed helicopters, and then move to Hill 100, a mile southeast of the 2d Battalion's blocking positions. From Hill 100, the 3d Battalion was to attack southeast across high ground on the morning of the 19th and assault Hill 208, basically the same route of attack that the 2d Battalion would have followed ac cording to the original plan."
General English also planned to insert the SLF battalion, BLT 3/5, on the 18th into a small valley, a suspected NVA marshalling area, 3,000 meters south of the Song Ngan. U.S. Air Force B-52s had bombed this area on the afternoon of 17 July and the Marine battalion was to exploit the results of this strike. This valley, in the center of the Hastings operations area, was also an avenue of escape from the Song Ngan; the SLF battalion would be in position to support Vale's and Bench's battalions.
Deckhouse II ended on the morning of 18 July and Lieutenant Colonel Bronars SLF battalion was helilifted into its new area of operations that afternoon. Only Captain Harold D. Pettengill's Company M encountered serious resistance after landing. After Marine jets responded to Pettengill's call for support, the Marine company overran the enemy positions, killing 21 of the enemy and capturing two machine guns and 11 rifles. During the day, BLT 3/5 Marines killed three more NVA and then established night defenses.
As the SLF battalion was landing 3,000 meters to the south, the two 4th Marines battalions began to carry out General English's new orders. The 2d Battalion moved through the valley in wedge formation with Company H on the left flank. By mid afternoon the battalion had completed its sweep and Company H established a blocking position on the high terrain to the north and across the river."
At about 1400, the 3d Battalion started to follow the 2d Battalion out of the valley. Company K, which had remained behind to provide security for the battalion command post and the engineers, who were to blow the ammunition and destroy the helicopters, was about to depart the area of the former landing zone about one half-hour later. At this time, the enemy struck, first with mortars, then with infantry. Lieutenant Colonel Vale, who had not yet left his CP, recalled several years later:
Since we had already filled in our fighting holes there was nothing to do but clear out of there on the double to the east, which we did. Unfortunately, the rear guard did not move fast enough and it was still in the area when the enemy infantry attack started.
In the landing zone, Company K's 1st Platoon, under Staff Sergeant John J. McGinty, which had become separated from the rest of the company, endured the full thrust of the enemy assault. According to the platoon leader: we started getting mortar fire, followed by automatic weapons fire from all sides . . . they were blowing bugles, and we could see them waving flags
'Charlie" moved in waves with small arms right behind the mortars, and we estimated we were being attacked by a thousand men. We just couldn't kill them fast enough. My squads were cut off from each other, and together we were cut off from the rest of the company. I had some of my men in the high grass, where our machine gunners had to get up on their knees to shoot, which exposed them. "Charlie" never overran us, but' he got one or two of his squads between us.
Captain Modrzejewski tried to maneuver his other platoons to support McGinty, but to little avail. Air and artillery support was brought in, and as Modrzejewski later recalled: We were getting mortars right in the landing zone and the bombs and napalm were dropping only 50 yards away from us. At one point, the NVA were trying to get the am mo out of those three wrecked helicopters that were still sitting there. Napalm got about 20 of them and then another 40, in the middle of the landing zone. I remember one kid shouting, "Here come some more Marines!" But they weren't Marines at all?they were NVA. And when they saw us, they ducked into the river on our flank. All we could see was their heads and their rifles above water it was like shooting pumpkins.
Lieutenant Colonel Vale,. in the meantime, "rounded up" his command group, "particularly the radiomen, to reestablish communications and get things sorted out."5~ He directed his executive officer, Major Clark G. Henry, to bring Company L to reinforce Company K. At the same time, he radioed Lieutenant Colonel Bench to come to his assistance.
Shortly before 1700, Company L joined Company K in the landing zone while Lieutenant Colonel Bench, with a hastily formed forward headquarters and his Company G, established supporting positions on the high ground. Quickly attaining fire superiority, the Marine reinforcements relieved the pressure on McGinty's platoon. Under covering fire, McGinry and his men were able to withdraw, evacuating their wounded, but forced to leave the dead behind. Two platoons from Company I rein forced Companies K and L and according to Modrzejewski, "We formed a column of walking wounded, 'wounded to be carried, security, and then proceeded upstream, where the wounded were evacuated that night.
For all practical purposes, the battle was over. By 1900, the two battalions formed a common perimeter where Lieutenant Colonel Bench had left his Company E, about 1,700 meters northeast of Landing Zone Crow. The enemy's attempt to obliterate the Marine rear guard had been costly. While friendly casualties numbered 14 dead and 49 wounded, enemy losses were 138 known dead; estimates ran as high as 500. Modrzejewski's Company K, especially McGinty's platoon, had been hit hard. Of the 32 men in the already under strength platoon, 8 were dead and 14 were wounded. According to Modrzejewski, "our company was down from 130 to 80, and I had kids who were hit in five or six places." Both Modrzejewski and McGinty received the Medal of Honor for their actions in Helicopter Valley.
Undoubtedly, Marine supporting arms had spelled the difference between success and disaster on the 18th. Major Morrow's 3d Battalion, 12th Marines fired 120 missions, expending nearly 1,000 rounds of 105mm and 155mm ammunition in support of the Marine battalions. Aircraft from MAG- 11 and 12 flew 70 close support sorties. At one time, the Marine aviators were supporting three battalions at the same time: 3d Battalion, 4th Marines in Helicopter Valley; 3d Battalion, 5th Marines to the south; and an ARVN battalion to the east, with the "action too fast to count damage.""
Following the heavy fighting on 18 July, the enemy attempted to avoid battle and fought only when he had no choice. The remainder of Operation Hastings, with one exception, was characterized by a series of sharp, brief clashes followed by an enemy withdrawal.
On 19 July, the two battalions exchanged missions. The 3d Battalion, 4th Marines, with the exception of Company K which was pulled out for rehabilitation, remained in its blocking positions, while the 2d Battalion consolidated its forces for the assault on Hill 208. Captain Hilgers' Company H, which had spent a long day and night, 18-19 July, on forward positions across the Ngan under constant NVA probing, rejoined the rest of the battalion on the afternoon of the 19th, having sustained relatively light casualties. The following morning, the 2d Battalion, after heavy air strikes, attacked over the high ground toward Hill 208, the suspected CP of the 324B Division. According to General English, "Hill 208 was heavily fortified, but the position was only lightly defended, and the division command post still eluded us.
On the morning of 21 July, Company H, which had provided flank security for the attack on Hill 208, returned to "Helicopter Valley" to recover the Marine dead left behind during the fighting on the 18th. Moving against scattered enemy resistance, the company located six Marine bodies on a sand spit as if "they had been placed there in anticipation of evacuation." Further on, the troops found two more dead Marines, an officer and an NCO. Several NVA dead were also strewn about the former battlefield. Captain Hilgers, in 1978, remarked:
The startling thing about the whole situation is that none of the bodies (with one exception ? the first NVA en countered, had no weapon and someone had attempted to hastily cover him with dirt) had been disturbed. They all had their weapons. The Marine lieutenant still had his pistol, binoculars and wrist watch. The helicopters had not been touched.
While one platoon secured a hastily made HLZ and another platoon occupied itself with the evacuation of the Marine dead, Hilgers and his 1st Platoon continued to press forward. Later that afternoon they captured an enemy, soldier, but then came under heavy enemy fire and returned to the HLZ. The following day the rest of the battalion joined Company H and continued the search of the valley.
During this time, General 'English began to deploy other Marine battalions farther to the south. On 20 July, Lieutenant Colonel Bell's 1st Battalion, 1st Marines joined with BLT 3/5 in the valley below the Song Ngan. The 1st Battalion had been relieved at Dong Ha by the 2d Battalion, 9th Marines which had arrived at the airfield earlier that day from Da Nang. Both Bronars' and Bell's battalions met light but persistent resistance during the next three days as they moved west. According to the BLT commander, most of the encounters were with NVA units of less than 30 men:
The small [enemy] units appeared to be one of two types: Those who were assigned to delay and harass friendly units and those who had become separated from their present units and stumbled into contact with Battalion Landing Team 3/5
In order to close out any avenue of retreat for the enemy, on 20 July, General English ordered Lieutenant Colonel Spaulding's 2d Battalion, 1st Marines to establish blocking positions at the western exit of the valley, 4,000 meters north of the Rockpile. By the next morning, the battalion commander had deployed two of his Companies, F and H, there. On the night of 21 July, both companies were taken under fire along their entire front. The Marines responded with small arms and mortar fire, as well as fire from the attached 4.2-inch Mortar Battery, 1st Battalion, 11th Marines. The attack was broken up.
Although the NVA made a concerted effort to eliminate the Marine blocking positions, the enemy assault became more and more disorganized as it progressed. Shortly after midnight, Lieutenant Colonel Spaulding reported that the enemy action had subsided. The Marines had suffered two killed and 13 wounded; there was no way of determining North Vietnamese casualties.
For the next two days, action was sporadic, but, on the 24th, the 3d Battalion, 5th Marines found a North Vietnamese battalion 3,500 meters northeast of Spaulding's blocking positions. Lieutenant Colonel Bronars had ordered Company I, under Captain Samuel S. Glaize, to establish a radio relay station on Hill 362. Glaize's men had little difficulty reaching the top of the hill, getting there about noon, but when his 2d Platoon moved down the other side to put in forward defenses the North Vietnamese opened up. Taking full advantage of the concealment of 60- to 90-foot-high jungle growth, enemy soldiers cut down the Marines with rifle and machine gun fire.
Lance Corporal Richard A. Pittman, 1st Platoon, rushed forward with a machine gun to cover the am bushed 2d Platoon. The platoon survivors and Pittman fought their way back to the crest of the hill, but had to leave their casualties behind. According to Lance Corporal Raymond L. Powell, one of the wounded men of the 2d Platoon, the North Vietnamese soldiers went through the American bodies, methodically shooting "anyone who moved. It was darn near like a massacre. I pretended I was dead when they got to me. They took my cigarettes and my watch, but they didn't shoot me. *Lance Corporal Pittman was later awarded the Medal of Honor.
The North Vietnamese then turned on the Marines on the crest of Hill 362. Two enemy mortars on each flank of the Marine position began to fire with deadly accuracy. According to one of of the attached Navy corpsman, the Marines suffered most of their casualties in the first few minutes of the enemy mortar barrage. The Marines quickly dug in and there were relatively few casualties from there on. They remained under constant mortar fire for the next two hours until a Marine UH-lE gunship from ,VMO-2 temporarily silenced the enemy weapons. As soon as Lieutenant Colonel Bronars heard about the Company I ambush, he ordered Captain Richard E. Maresco's Company K to assist Glaize. Company K moved to within 300 yards of Company I's position on Hill 362 before meeting heavy enemy resistance. Despite the cover of Marine air and artillery, Company K was unable to advance and Captain Maresco had no choice but to dig in for the night.
The elements also worked against the Marines. Rain squalls of Typhoon Ora and the thick jungle canopy hindered helicopter evacuation of the wounded. Temporary landing zones had to be blasted out of the jungle. Even after engineers were lowered to the ground by hoist from helicopters to help cut landing zones, MAG- 16 helicopters could only take out the 11 casualties from Company K.
Captain Glaize's company spent "one long night" on Hill 362. The North Vietnamese made repeated assaults against the Marine positions, often closing to within 15 to 30 feet of the company perimeter. Marine Corporal Mark E. Whieley ex claimed, "The Commies were so damn close we could hear them breathing heavily and hear them talking."4' By dawn, however, the North Vietnamese had disappeared, and the Marine company remained intact.
By midmorning, under clearing skies, Company K had joined Company I on top of Hill 362. Company I had 100 casualties, 18 dead and 82 wounded, but, the enemy had been hurt too. The Marines counted 21 enemy bodies on the battlefield, recovered two NVA mortars as well as 27 rifles, a machine gun, and a recoilless rifle. Glaize's men also had captured two NVA soldiers, but one died during the night. As a result of the interrogation of the surviving captive, Bronars learned that his two companies had engaged the 6th Battalion, 812th Regiment.
The bloody fighting of 24-2 5 July marked the end of the large-scale action during Hastings. On the 25th, General Kyle met with General English at Dong Ha to discuss the battle. He ordered his task force commander to withdraw his battalions to the south and southeast because "of the difficult terrain currently being encountered, the obstacles to infantry maneuver, and the paucity of landing zones for helo assaults." Kyle suggested that the Marines "saturate those difficult terrain areas in the vicinity of the DMZ which contain clearly defined enemy military activity with maximum artillery" and air strikes.
Hastings Comes to an End, 261u1y-3 August 1966
On 26July, General English implemented his new orders. Lieutenant Colonel Bell's 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, operating in the eastern sector of the same valley as the 3d Battalion, 5th Marines, was ordered to move south toward Cam Lo. The SLF battalion, on the other hand, was to continue its advance to the southwestwest of the valley and operate just north of the Rockpile. Lieutenant Colonel Spaulding then moved his 2d Battalion, 1st Marines 3,000 meters east of the Rockpile into the Cam Lo River on 27 July
The Marines also began withdrawing from the Helicopter Valley region. As early as 21 July, General English had replaced Lieutenant Colonel Vale's 3dBattalion, which had been bled in the early fighting, with Lieutenant Colonel Dickey's relatively fresh 1st Battalion, 3d Marines in the blocking positions in the northern sector of the valley. Lieutenant Colonel Bench's 2d Battalion, 4th Marines had continued with its search mission in the southern portion of the valley against small but persistent enemy forces until 25 July. On one occasion, the battalion maneuvered against an enemy automatic weapon position. Bench described the event as one of the more unusual episodes of his career, declaring: I was on a slope of the valley.., a fire fight was going on below me in a relatively open area. Two of my companies were engaged, and I could see both of them, as well as at third one, which was behind me. I was able to control the whole operation by arm signals, and as I stood there moving my arms I could see North Vietnamese and Marines firing and falling.
On the night of 24-25 July, the Marine battalion sustained casualties of one killed and 64 wounded from an NVA mortar attack. Later, on the after of the 25th, the battalion CP received a direct hit by two 250lb bombs, dropped short of their target by U.S. aircraft, but Miraculously, no one was killed.
On 26 July, General English relieved the battle weary 2d Battalion, 4th Marines with Lieutenant Colonel John J. Hess' 2d Battalion, 9th Marines. The following day, both Hess' and Dickey's Battalions marched south out of the valley. On the 29th the 2d Battalion 9th Marines arrived at the task force Delta CP while Dickey's battlalion established a new area of operation, 3,5000 meters northwest of Cam Lo.
With the withdrawal of the infantry battalions to the south, the role of the reconnaissance Marines became even more important. From the beginning of the operation, Major Colby's men had conducted deep patrols and called down supporting arms upon enemy forces. Colby had laid down four basic rules:
1. Stay together no matter what happens; 2. Upon reaching an observation post, call artillery fire upon a set of known coordinates so later fire missions can be called by shifting from a reference point;
3. Maintain constant radio communications with headquarters;
4. Never stay in one spot more than 12 hours."
On 28 July, one of these patrols, led by Sergeant Orest Bishko (and accompanied by Captain Francis J. West, a Marine reservist who was on a special assignment from Headquarters Marine Corps to develop small unit combat narratives of Marines in Vietnam) reported approximately 150 to 250 North Vietnamese troops about three and one-half miles southwest of the Rockpile. The team adjusted artillery fire on the enemy force. As a result of this particular action the enemy lost 50 men.
According to West, after he returned to III MAF Headquarters and described the patrol to General Walt and Colonel Chaisson, they both expressed the opinion that such missions deserved a special section in the reporting system and selected the name "Stingray" for this purpose." Major Colby claimed that the marriage of the reconnaissance Marines and artillery was one of the major innovations of the war, declaring "Recon elements are a truly deadly force in hiding among enemy units with this capability in hand.
The action of 28 July was the last significant sighting of a large body of enemy troops during Hastings. The 324B Division either had crossed into the DMZ or was hiding in the inaccessible jungle to the west. On 30 July, Lieutenant Colonel Bronars' BLT 3/5 reverted to the operational control of the Seventh Fleet and returned to the Princeton. Two days later, General English deactivated his head quarters and the operation came under the control of the new 4th Marines commander, Colonel Alexander D. Cereghino. Hastings officially ended on 3 August. Only Lieutenant Colonel Bench's 2d Battalion, 4th Marines, supported by an artillery battery and reconnaissance elements, remained in the Hastings area of operations.
During Hastings, Marine supporting arms played a decisive role. Marine F-4B Phantoms, A-4 Skyhawks, and F-8 Crusaders maintained a sortie rate of 100 a day, averaging 32 close air support missions, 40 interdiction missions, and 28 radar- controlled missions. During the entire operation, at tack aircraft completed 1,677 tactical sorties against the enemy. At the same time, MAG-16 helicopters flew nearly 10,000 sorties and lifted a daily average of 620 troops. On the ground, Major Morrow's artillery fired nearly 34,500 rounds in support of the Marine and South Vietnamese infantrymen."
Logistic support during the operation had also been massive. By 18 July, the KC-130 transport planes from VMGR-152 and -352 had hauled 1.3 million pounds of supplies from Da Nang to Dong Ha. From that date to the end of the operation, the transport pilots brought in 115 tons per day to sustain the Marine task force. In addition, "Rough Rider" truck convoys, using Route 1, brought 120 tons of ammunition from Phu Bai to the task force logistic support area at Dong Ha. MAG- 16 and -36 helicopters were used exclusively to move the sup plies from the LSA to the battalions in the field. Despite the fact that after 21 July all CH-46A helicopters were grounded for mechanical reasons, the 42 UH-34s and four CH-37s at Dong Ha lifted an average of 75 tons per day, with a peak of 110 tons, to supply the infantry. General English later reminisced: "I was a battalion commander at Iwo Jima and I didn't get anywhere near the support I was able to give these Marines here. Operation Hastings/Lam Son-289, the largest and most violent operation of the war up to that point, involved 8,000 Marines and 3,000 South Vietnamese. The number of North Vietnamese regulars engaged probably equaled the total American and South Vietnamese strength. During the battle, the Marines fought elements from all three regiments of the 324B Division: the 99th ,the 803d, and the 812th.
Both sides suffered heavy casualties. The Marines had lost 126 killed and 448 wounded while the ARVN had 21 killed and 40 wounded. The allies inflicted a still higher toll on the enemy; reported enemy casualties numbered over 700 killed and 17 captured. Enemy equipment losses were significant, included were over 200 weapons, 300 pounds of documents,* and over 300,000 rounds of ammunition.
Summing up this major engagement along the DMZ, General Walt described the enemy in the following terms:
We found them well equipped, well trained, and aggressive to the point of fanaticism. They attacked in mass formations and died by the hundreds. Their leaders had misjudged the fighting ability of U.S. Marines and ARVN soldiers together; our superiority in artillery and total command of the air. They had vastly underestimated . . . out mobility.
Best Moment
Graduation - because we then got to go home on "Boot Leave"!
Worst Moment
After being completely trained and qualified on the M-14 at Parris Island, we were issued the M-1 at ITR. Learning the true meaning of the "M-1 thumb"!
Other Memories
Guard Duty at Field Mess 101 on a dark night!
Criteria The Sea Service Deployment Ribbon is awarded to members of the Navy and Marine Corps assigned to U.S. homeported (including Hawaii and Alaska) ships, deploying units, or Fleet Marine Force commands, f... The Sea Service Deployment Ribbon is awarded to members of the Navy and Marine Corps assigned to U.S. homeported (including Hawaii and Alaska) ships, deploying units, or Fleet Marine Force commands, for 12 months accumulated sea duty, or for duty with the Fleet Marine Force that includes at least one deployment of 90 consecutive days. MoreHide
Best Friends
Pvt. Richard Robert McIntosh and I took the train from Richmond, Virginia to Yemassee, South Carolina on 30 Oct. 1964. He would later be KIA in Viet Nam. Remember Pvt. David Buffalo from NY I think. He and I competed in the 100 yard dash at the field meet. He won!
Best Moment
Graduation Day. My mother Mary, my uncle GySgt. Dick Wichtl and his wife Jeanette attended. One of the proudest days thus far in my life. Also recently locating and re-establishing contact with David Buffalo, Russell Cellar, Rocco Lepere, Michael Hurless, Raymond Gallichan, Harold Prew, Andrew Boyko, James Pippin, Steven Johnson, Donnell Mann, David Schloff and Stephen Schnuck after all these years!
Worst Moment
Shooting Marksman on pre-qual day. The day we were conducting "Hand-to-hand combat" training and the DIs found out my uncle was an active duty Gunnery Sergeant. You can GUESS who the "training aide" was for the rest of the session! Every time we did something to piss off Sgt. Stewart it was a "bad day"!
Met SgtMaj. Cowan while at 12th Marines in Oki. in 1976, and later again in 1994 in Quantico attending the annual Sergeants Majors Picnic. After 30 years he still made the hair on the back on my neck stand out! We now communicate via email occasionally. Met Stewart when I was at 2nd MarDiv in 79-83. He was a Warrant Officer in the S-4 shop at 2nd Marine Regt. He passed away in August 2010 of cancer. Just recently located Sgt. Webersinn up in Pa. and talked with him by phone.
Other Memories
Training dates were 10 November 1964 to 27 January 1965. Graduated then they put us on the buses for ITR at Camp Geiger, NC. No rest for the weary!
2nd FSSG SgtsMajor Doug Berry and 2nd MarDiv SgtsMajs Jim Raiford and Dossy Felts.
SgtsMaj. Wayne Smith with 4th MEB was a good friend and the person that recommended me to SgtMaj. Pat McLane at MarForLant for the billet at II MEF.
Out with the troops in Norway on "Battle Griffin 93" and "Ocean Venture 93" in Puerto Rico. Also "Agile Provider" my last operation before retiring. NCO Parade for my retirement ceremony on 24 Sept. 1994!
I volunteered to replace SgtMaj. Berry at JTF Gitmo, however the DCG (BGen. Ayers) said after 30 years and 2 months it was time to retire. (Actually I think he just didn't want to deal with Peggy if I deployed one more time!) Retiring and turning over the Sword to SgtMaj. Robert Singer. I was still having fun!!!
BGen. Butch Neal was the DCG when I arrived at II MEF, although at times he thought he was the CG, but a great guy! My real boss was LtGen. Bill Keys in Norfolk who was tri-hatted as CG MarForLant; MarForEur and SouthCom. He was replaced by LtGen. Robert Johnston. BGen. Tom Bratten replaced Neal when he picked up 2nd MarDiv and his second star. The MarForLant SgtMaj. was my good friend Pat McLane at first then followed by Ron Chamberlain. MGySgt. Brian Carey was the Admin. Chief and MGySgt. Mike Pumphrey was the SNCOIC of SOTG. Col. Dave Herr was COS, another great guy who was replace by Col. Jim Brinson (passed away 12 Oct. 2006)the OIC of SOTG. LtCol. John "Whiskey Jack" Muth III (died 12 Aug. 2009) took over then passed it to Col. Marty Berndt (passed away 17 Aug 2011) who later picked up LtGen. and Maj. Tryon who replaced Rod Richardson as the Special Missions OIC made MGen.
Former Commanders:
LtGen. Alfred M. Gray,
01 Sep 84 - 21 Jun 87
MajGen. Clayton L. Comfort,
22 Jun 87 - 24 Sep 87
LtGen. Ernest E. Cook Jr.,
25 Sep 87 - 30 Jun 90
LtGen. Carl E. Mundy,
01 Jul 90 - 16 Jul 94
LtGen. William M. Keys,
26 Jun 91 - 16 Jul 94
LtGen. Robert B. Johnston,
17 Jul 94 - 31 Jul 95
LtGen. Charles E. Wilhelm,
01 Aug 95 - 15 Sep 97
MajGen. Wayne E. Rollings,
16 Sep 97 - 30 Jun 99
MajGen. Emil R. Bedard,
01 Jul 99 - 28 Jun 00
MajGen. Martin R. Berndt,
29 Jun 00 - 12 Aug 02
LtGen. Henry P. Osman,
13 Aug 02 - 23 Jul 04
LtGen. Granville R. Amos
24 Jul 04 - 02 Aug 06
MajGen. Keith J. Stalder,
03 Aug 06 - 25 Jul 2008
LtGen. Dennis J. Hejlik
25 Jul 2008 - 6 Aug 2010
LtGen. John M. Paxton
18 Jan 2011 to 22 Jul 2012
Maj Gen. Raymond C. Fox
22 Jul to Present