Other Memories
In Feb86 I was offered a then special retirement status, which I accepted. My retirement request was approved in Mar86 and I was officially added to the USMC Reserve Retired List with a back-dated effective date of 12/1/85.
Worst Moment
Unit unable to provide OF 02 Officer billet. Was joined to Unit as the NBC Officer. This was based on my attending an NBC Defense Course as a LCpl in 1966.
I just didn't fit in here.
Other Memories
Notified by CMC that because of my critical 0205/0240 MOS I would need to locate a unit that could provide a proper billet. The downside of being a Restricted Warrant Officer. There were no drilling units with correct billet closer than Colorado. Also, if I accepted the MOS billet I could be reverted to GySgt in that MOS. I worked hard to get my 0205/0240 MOS and was not going to lose it!
Best Friends
All of our Volunteer Aggressors, the many personnel who helped the Unit perform it's mission and the personnel who faced us in the field and helped us become even better each operation. Especially, Ret'd. MSgt Angelo Lema. Angelo worked harder than anyone else to make this Unit work. He was the "Heart & Soul" of the Combined Services Aggressor Unit (Volunteer)!
Best Moment
As a "Guerrilla/Terrorist" Force, this unit was never captured or defeated - we created problems no unit could get the best of! The unit operated against USMCR, USNR, USAFR, USAR (including once against a Special Forces unit) and USANG (MI/IN/OH) units.
Worst Moment
Absolutely NONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Chain of Command
Combined Services Aggressor Force (Volunteer). Unit members included Reserve & Regular personnel of USMC/USN/USAF/USA and USANG.
Other Memories
Joint reserve/active field training unit brought together to test/instruct ground units in counter-insurgency/terrorist operations. Acted as SNCOIC of the unit until I was promoted to WO-1 in 1979 and became the Force Commander. The unit was well-known for it's "out-of-the-box" tactics and techniques. One opposing Commander once remarked that the unit was "way beyond" unconventional. The unit was never known for playing any scenario by the rules-Any Rules!. The purpose was to make our opposition think-and not just remember what they had been taught or had experienced in their pasts.
Criteria The Selected Marine Corps Reserve Medal is awarded to members of the Marine Corps Reserve who, subsequent to July 1, 1925, have fulfilled certain designated military service requirements. Effective Ja... The Selected Marine Corps Reserve Medal is awarded to members of the Marine Corps Reserve who, subsequent to July 1, 1925, have fulfilled certain designated military service requirements. Effective January 1, 1996, the qualifying period of eligibility is three years of service in the Marine Corps Reserve. MoreHide
Criteria The Armed Forces Reserve Medal is awarded to United States Armed Forces Reserve component members (or former members) who complete (or have completed) a total of ten years service. This service need n... The Armed Forces Reserve Medal is awarded to United States Armed Forces Reserve component members (or former members) who complete (or have completed) a total of ten years service. This service need not be consecutive, if it was performed within a period of twelve consecutive years. For the purpose of this award service as a member of a Reserve component MoreHide
Other Memories
Operational MAGIS/LA-610 Tactical Reconnaissance Pod System (TARPS) Training. Also, familiarization training on USN TERPES (Electronic Warfare) System.
Other Memories
Served as the Wing Intelligence Officer for Operation "TripWire '81". Also, Marine Air-Ground Intelligence System (MAGIS) developmental familiarization.
Description
The Combined Arms Exercise (CAX) program at the Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC), Twenty-nine Palms, California, is the Marine Corps' most advanced live-fire unit-level combined arms tr
The Combined Arms Exercise (CAX) program at the Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC), Twenty-nine Palms, California, is the Marine Corps' most advanced live-fire unit-level combined arms training program for ground and air fire support with maneuver at the tactical level. The Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command at Twentynine Palms is the premier live-fire base in the Marine Corps. Each year roughly one-third of the Fleet Marine Force and Marine Reserve units -- some 50,000 Marines in all -- participate in the base's training exercise program. It draws military personnel from all over the world for Combined Arms Exercises. A CAX involves several hundred Marines playing a war game against a fictitious enemy in which ground troops, armor, artillery, and aircraft engage enemy movements simultaneously.
The Marine Corps' Combined Arms Exercise (CAX) Training Program, developed to enable commanders and Marines to practice combat essentials skills, began in 1975 and allows for both brigade and battalion sized live-fire and maneuver exercises. The operating procedures permit Marines training at the Combat Center to maneuver both on foot and mounted on vehicles through live-ordnance impact areas. It further permits most air and ground weapons commonly found in a Marine Air Ground Task Force to be employed closely, in accordance with current doctrine in a combined arms setting.
The procedures taught at CAX (Combined Arms Exercise) are applicable across all terrain, not just desert warfare. Similar training is not possible aboard other bases. There are too many constraints," Taylor said, adding that "internal friction" such as broken equipment and loss of communications adds to the realism of CAX training. Marines can't effectively train for this set of target skills with MILES (Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System) gear or force-on-force exercises. With new technology, services have become more inclined to depend heavily on non-live-fire target training. Combined arms skills are perishable and demand frequent sustainment.... More
People You Remember Served as Operational Intelligence Officer for 4th MAW on the MCAS El Toro end of the the operation.Served as Operational Intelligence Officer for 4th MAW on the MCAS El Toro end of the the operation. Other elements operating in the Yuma, AZ TOZ.... More
Memories SSgt Lema secretly whistling the Italian national anthem into his communication headset causing largSSgt Lema secretly whistling the Italian national anthem into his communication headset causing large volume of MIJI reports flooding us from communications elements in the field.... More
Criteria The Selected Marine Corps Reserve Medal is awarded to members of the Marine Corps Reserve who, subsequent to July 1, 1925, have fulfilled certain designated military service requirements. Effective Ja... The Selected Marine Corps Reserve Medal is awarded to members of the Marine Corps Reserve who, subsequent to July 1, 1925, have fulfilled certain designated military service requirements. Effective January 1, 1996, the qualifying period of eligibility is three years of service in the Marine Corps Reserve. MoreHide
Description The Mariel Boatlift officially began April 15, 1980 and ended October 31, 1980, with the arrival of over 125,000 Cubans to Southern Florida from Port of Mariel, Cuba.
As the scale of the boatlift grewThe Mariel Boatlift officially began April 15, 1980 and ended October 31, 1980, with the arrival of over 125,000 Cubans to Southern Florida from Port of Mariel, Cuba.
As the scale of the boatlift grew, the Coast Guard asked for help. In May 1980 the U.S. Navy dispatched the USS Saipan (LHA-2) and the USS Boulder (LST-1190) to support the Coast Guard by assisting, but not directly transporting, refugees en route to the U.S. Saipan and Boulder temporarily took on board hundreds of refugees in need of humanitarian assistance, medical attention, food, and fresh water. They also refueled private watercraft. The ships' officers and crew were awarded the Humanitarian Service Medal for their work.
Elements of the 1st Battalion, 8th Marines and 1st Battalion, 6th Marines, 2nd Marine Division of Camp Lejeune, N.C., supported the Immigration and Naturalization Service by providing security at Trumbo Point and Truman Annex in May 1980. The Marines supplied interpreters and assisted with processing refugees in Key West. They were awarded the Humanitarian Service Medal and a Certificate of Appreciation for exemplary service. F-4 "Phantom" fighter aircraft from VMFA-312 and later VMFA-251 based at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina, provided air cover, and those Marines also received the Humanitarian Service Medal.
In May 1980, the U.S. Army dispatched the 503rd Military Police Battalion of the XVIII Airborne Corps at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, to relieve the Florida National Guard units who had been mobilized to handle security and operations at the refugee compounds established in the Miami metropolitan area. The 503rd was augmented by Spanish-speaking soldiers of the 96th Civil Affairs and Psychological Warfare elements of the JFK Special Warfare Center at Fort Bragg. The US Army Military Police Corps worked alongside FEMA and the U.S. Bureau of Prisons and other federal agencies to transfer refugees for long-term detention. U.S. Army personnel who participated in this operation were awarded the Humanitarian Service Medal.... More
Memories Riot in seaplane hanger, bodies washing onto beaches, hot/sticky weather, bad tropical storm, TV witRiot in seaplane hanger, bodies washing onto beaches, hot/sticky weather, bad tropical storm, TV with Cuban baseball games, drug dealers scared shitless, tourists mistaking military in civilian clothes for Key West gays, Navy/Coast Guard ships all over the place and that rotten-jungle like smell of Key West.... More
Best Friends
Angelo. Bill Born and of course "Crazy Bob". Add to that George, Tom, Johnny, Ray Jeff, Rollie, Rick, Johnny and Pete..
Best Moment
TOO many to list. Unit worked with Reserve Naval Intelligence units with tasked projects from FICEURLANT.
Worst Moment
WAR WITH I&I STAFF
Chain of Command
Det. B (G-2), Hq, 4th MAW Working with USNR FIRSTEURLANT Teams on various strategic intelligence projects. Previous unit names were: Photo Imagery Interpretation Unit-Detroit/the P.I. Team-Detroit and Detachment B,HQ, 4thMAW. Also called the "Secret Squirrels" by many at Selfridge ANGB.
Operational Control: G-2, HQ, 4thMAW
Administrative Control (Pay & Admin.): MWHS-4 Detroit
Other Memories
Formation of the Combined Services Aggressor Force-everything changed for the Team Members: AND FOR EVERYONE WHO EVER FACED US IN THE FIELD111111
Best Moment
Sneaking up to FICEURLANT (Norfolk, VA) to gather needed project information. Angie and I flew there signed in as "crewmembers" on aircraft and flew back as only two passengers on HQMC C-9 (DC-9) aircraft.
Chain of Command
Det. B, 4th MAW
Other Memories
Operation "High Intercept" Intelligence Support and 4th MAW Special Intelligence Project (FICEUR/NATO).
Criteria The Selected Marine Corps Reserve Medal is awarded to members of the Marine Corps Reserve who, subsequent to July 1, 1925, have fulfilled certain designated military service requirements. Effective Ja... The Selected Marine Corps Reserve Medal is awarded to members of the Marine Corps Reserve who, subsequent to July 1, 1925, have fulfilled certain designated military service requirements. Effective January 1, 1996, the qualifying period of eligibility is three years of service in the Marine Corps Reserve. MoreHide
Best Moment
Our class consisted of 22 USN & USMC Officers and 3 Marine Enlisted (all Sgt's)..We graduated as the top 3 in the class!
Other Memories
Basic Imagery Interpretation School. Also spent 3-days of schooling aboard the USS Constellation working in the ship's IOIC (Integrated Operational Intelligence Center).
Best Friends
Cpl John F. Wilson-roommate. Cpl Dean Schlosser-unit MT man.
Best Moment
Great set-up. Main building was three stories: bottom floor-offices, conf. room, small PX, armory/supply rm., barber shop and weight rm.; second floor-2-man rooms, heads, TV/Rec. Rm., laundry room.; third floor was strictly 2-man rms., laundry rm. and heads. 2d building was our own messhall and club. All of this for 55 Marines. And in the best area of DC to boot! Admiral Moorer's (CNO) DUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Playing tennis with 1stLt H.L. Gerlach during lunch breaks. Also on USMC flag-football team w/Lt. Gerlach.
Worst Moment
(1) Attack on USS Liberty ( and Cover-up) (2) Capture of USS Pueblo (3) Roommate "boobytrapping" my locker for inspection with a rubber chicken. (4) DC Riots
Chain of Command
GdCo, HQBN, HQMC (Parent Command) 1stLt Howard "Larry" Gerlach (OIC) GySgt John Demint (NCOIC) Official designation for unit was: Special Security Section (SSS), GdCo, HqBn, HQMC. Operational Control was HQ, Naval Security Group Command.
Other Memories
1.NavSecSta, WashDC was located on Nebraska Ave, N.W. and was the HQ of Naval Cryptologic Operations (NavSecGrp) and also HQ Co. for Marine Crypto. Support Bn. Located down the street from American Univ., next door to NBC studios and a short distance from Embassy Row and Georgetown. It was a great location to live at. All personnel required security clearances. 2. Deaths of Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy. The DC riot after MLK's death. Also, sent to Union Station for arrival of RFK's body by train in1968. Assigned to Military Cordon for Inauguration of President Richard Nixon in 1969. 3. Something only SSS, NSS Marines would understand-Adm. Moorer's ducks!!!!!
Occassionally stood guard posts and also directed base traffic, but most duties were strictly administrative.
Criteria The Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members in the Regular Marine Corps or Marine Corps Reserve to recognize good behavior and faithful service in the U.S. ... The Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members in the Regular Marine Corps or Marine Corps Reserve to recognize good behavior and faithful service in the U.S. Marine Corps while on active duty for a specified period of time. MoreHide
Best Moment
Trained as a Military Police cross-country brig- chaser. Made two U.S trips and one to England. Nice break from the office work in PMO Office.
Worst Moment
March on the Pentagon protest (Oct'67)
Chain of Command
Worked in PMO Office.
Other Memories
Temporary Assignment awaiting Security Clearance and transfer to Naval Security Station, WashDC.
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 Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspa... The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspace; or, for any period of service during the same time period in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia or the air spaces thereover and in direct support of operations in Vietnam. MoreHide
Criteria The Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Colors) was authorized to be worn by units individually cited for service in military operations in support of the government of Sout... The Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Colors) was authorized to be worn by units individually cited for service in military operations in support of the government of South Vietnam. The actions cited are for the same services that would have resulted in the award of a Valorous Unit Citation by the Army or a Navy Unit Citation. MoreHide
Criteria
The unit citation of the Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Medal was awarded certain units by the Vietnamese government for meritorious service during the period 1 March 1961 to 28 March 1974.
Criteria This medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who: 1. Served for 6 months in South Vietnam during the period 1 Mar 61 and 28 Mar 73; or 2. Served outside the geographical l... This medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who: 1. Served for 6 months in South Vietnam during the period 1 Mar 61 and 28 Mar 73; or 2. Served outside the geographical limits of South Vietnam and contributed direct combat support to the RVN Armed Forces for an aggregate of six months. Only members of the Armed Forces of the United States who meet the criteria established for the AFEM (Vietnam) or Vietnam Service Medal during the period of service required are considered to have contributed direct combat support to the RVN Armed Forces; or 3. Did not complete the length of service required in item (1) or (2) above, but who, during wartime, were: a. Wounded by the enemy (in a military action); b. Captured by the enemy during action or in the line of duty, but later rescued or released; or c. Killed in action or in the line of duty; or 4. Were assigned in Vietnam on 28 Jan 73, and who served a minimum of 60 calendar days in Vietnam during the period 29 Jan 73 to 28 Mar 73. MoreHide
Other Memories
Served as Admin Man with Squadron S-1 in Iwakuni and as Admin. Man & Rifleman with Group Guard Company (Group Provisional Rifle Company) at Chu Lai, RVN.
Description Chu Lai Air Base was a military airport in Chu Lai, Vietnam, operated by the United States Marine Corps between 1965 and 1970. It was located near Tam Kỳ city, the largest city in Quảng Nam Province.
Chu Lai Air Base was a military airport in Chu Lai, Vietnam, operated by the United States Marine Corps between 1965 and 1970. It was located near Tam Kỳ city, the largest city in Quảng Nam Province.
Chu Lai was transferred to the United States Army on 3 September 1970.... More
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.
Best Moment
1st Week-end liberty in USMC. Couple of us got a motel room in Santa Monica-and slept until it was time to return. Oh well, at least we were FREE!
4-weeks long and alot of fun compared to MCRD!!!
Worst Moment
We were Co. K. We became "Quaranteen K" when one of the guys died of bacterial meningitis.
Chain of Command
K Company, ITR
Other Memories
Mount "Mutha"-didn't know I could roll that far. Firing BAR's, flamethrowers, M-60s, 3.5 rocket launchers, M-79 grenade launchers, M-3's, etc.-what a rush!
Best Moment
Graduated as PFC and Squad Leader. Fired Expert on rifle range (226).
Worst Moment
BOOT CAMP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Held for one-week Medical Re-evaluation on eye injury sustained in high school but then allowed to progress. Was having trouble with right eye blurring at Edson Range.
Other Memories
Fear, pain, sleepiness-oh well, you know.
Everly Brothers concert graduation evening. Held at base theater for all members of graduating platoons that day. Great performance!
Chain of Command
120-day Delay Program. Sworn- in 25Feb65. Given service# and PEBD. Placed in USMCR(Code J) until arrival at MCRD San Diego on 24Jun65.
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
In Feb86 I was offered a then special retirement status, which I accepted. My retirement request was approved in Mar86 and I was officially added to the USMC Reserve Retired List with a back-dated effective date of 12/1/85.