Best Friends
Colonel Aspinwall became my best friend and mentor; while serving as his Bn S-4 he would encourage me to use his name whenever I encountered a stumbling block in the form of a uncooperative officer senior to me, but I never did
Best Moment
With determined leadership, the Marines of this unit turned-to and performed major miracles; this was during a period of time when the entire Marine Corps was in turmoil; 25,000 Marines were summarily discharged for cause within a one month period in order to "clear the decks;" of the trash; the Commandant directed that this would be done, and it was, with post haste.
Best moment(s) were on the parade field during my retirement ceremony, 1Nov1973. Amen.
Worst Moment
Upon reporting in to Regimental Hdq from 2d Air and Naval Gunfire Liaison Co (2dANGLICO) after reverting from Captain to CWO-2, the CO, in describing what was to be my assignment, apologized in advance for painting a very black picture of what my assignment was going to be within Maintenance Bn., and his portrayal was spot on. Assigned as CO, GenSupMaintCo I was challenged to the hilt to call upon all of my prior experience in the MC to shovel out from under the mess. I wish that I could say that there were high quality Marines there, but there were not. Upon clearing up the mess, was assigned to duties as BnSupO; see "Other Memories."
Chain of Command
Best to remain unnamed.
Other Memories
The battalion, supposedly combat deployable would have been lucky to mount out to cross the street. Some time along the way, was assigned as the BnSupO; the prior incumbent was discharged prior to my assignment, otherwise he would have been bound for the brig in lieu of civilian endeavors. Took something over two years to unscrew the account, good Marines pitched in and worked impossible hours day and night, wives hounding me but they got it done, with NOTE WORTHIES in all areas. Then it was on the bill the billet of the Bn S-4...more of the same unbelievable mess, but with assistance of the G-4 Embarkation Group, and all of the MaintBn company supply Marines, we turned to and 9 months later were actually DEPLOYABLE, with NOTE WORTHY IG Inspection results.
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 Friends
The two Army Officer instructors, they were very compassionate and considerate of me during and after the reversion process from Captain CWO-2.
Best Moment
Returning to Camp Lejeune and my family.
Worst Moment
While attending this school I was reverted from Captain to CWO-2 per the wind down of the VN war; it was an Army school, and various Army, and foreign service officers were in attendance. I explained to the class that the Commandant of the Marine Corps was disappointed with my average test scores of 96, was expecting 100;s so he dropped the ax on me. It produced the desired laughs but I was anything but happy, actually down right embarrassed.
Other Memories
I was never called upon to serve in any capacity in which the school trained me.
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
Best Moment
Departure. I was very much satisfied for whatever contribution that I might have made to mission accomplishment by 2nd ANGLICO in support of 2/8. I had served with 2/6 in the late 50's and early 60's for somewhat more than 2 1/2 years as a Sergeant, and knew what detached duty in an isolated area required, usually a thankless experience, but.....someone had to do it. Brothers in misery. But would not have traded that experience for anyhthing else.
Worst Moment
Arrival..It was HOT.
Chain of Command
LtCol McCormack, J. G. I was unaware that I was being shadowed by the Bn XO; while conducting various inspections, I observed the officer periodically walking through the area. At night while going over documentation involved with my inspection and all of the gear the 2ndANGLICO had, maintenance schedules; radio gear; motor vehicles, etc., observed this same officer walking by my sleeping quarters. Evidentally when visiting officers were supposedly conducting official business, they were not; anyway, when I was scheduled to depart the unit, I reported to the Bn CO at the XO's request, which I had failed to do when I arrived, never thinking I should have announced my presence personally but my thinking was that I was attached to the 2nd ANGLICO unit and was conducting an inspection for my CO, the CO of 2nd ANGLICO. Anyway, LtCol McCormack overlooked my unintentional breach of etiquette, and presented me with a 2nBn., 8th Marines certificate and indicated that not everyone that "visited" was awarded one. I really did not realize the signifigance of that certificate until years later.
Other Memories
It was very, very hot. The 2dANGLCO detachment was alert and squared away despite a U. S. Naval gunnery officer serving as Brigade Platoon Commander.
Worst Moment
Beginning of the Jan 1968 TET Offensive; President Johnson's unilateral decision to cease bombing North Vietnam and his decision not to run for re election (he quit us, left us holding the bag of crap).
Other Memories
Monsoon miseries; R&R to Osaka, Japan to visit my sister who was married to a Navy officer, Dec 1967 ~ my wife was 9 months pregnant and could not travel when I was compelled to take that R&R; visiting 2x with my brother-in-law on his ship {USS Castor AKS1, a supply ship) in Danang Bay, South China Sea, during which time he loaded me up with "goodies" which I distributed throughout my battalion.
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 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 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 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.
Description This campaign was from 30 January to 1 April 1968. On 29 January 1968 the Allies began the Tet-lunar new year expecting the usual 36-hour peaceful holiday truce. Because of the threat of a large-scaleThis campaign was from 30 January to 1 April 1968. On 29 January 1968 the Allies began the Tet-lunar new year expecting the usual 36-hour peaceful holiday truce. Because of the threat of a large-scale attack and communist buildup around Khe Sanh, the cease fire order was issued in all areas over which the Allies were responsible with the exception of the I CTZ, south of the Demilitarized Zone.
Determined enemy assaults began in the northern and Central provinces before daylight on 30 January and in Saigon and the Mekong Delta regions that night. Some 84,000 VC and North Vietnamese attacked or fired upon 36 of 44 provincial capitals, 5 of 6 autonomous cities, 64 of 242 district capitals and 50 hamlets. In addition, the enemy raided a number of military installations including almost every airfield. The actual fighting lasted three days; however Saigon and Hue were under more intense and sustained attack.
The attack in Saigon began with a sapper assault against the U.S. Embassy. Other assaults were directed against the Presidential Palace, the compound of the Vietnamese Joint General Staff, and nearby Ton San Nhut air base.
At Hue, eight enemy battalions infiltrated the city and fought the three U.S. Marine Corps, three U.S. Army and eleven South Vietnamese battalions defending it. The fight to expel the enemy lasted a month. American and South Vietnamese units lost over 500 killed, while VC and North Vietnamese battle deaths may have been somewhere between 4,000 and 5,000.
Heavy fighting also occurred in two remote regions: around the Special Forces camp at Dak To in the central highlands and around the U.S. Marines Corps base at Khe Sanh. In both areas, the allies defeated attempts to dislodge them. Finally, with the arrival of more U.S. Army troops under the new XXIV Corps headquarters to reinforce the marines in the northern province, Khe Sanh was abandoned.
Tet proved a major military defeat for the communists. It had failed to spawn either an uprising or appreciable support among the South Vietnamese. On the other hand, the U.S. public became discouraged and support for the war was seriously eroded. U.S. strength in South Vietnam totaled more than 500,000 by early 1968. In addition, there were 61,000 other allied troops and 600,000 South Vietnamese.
The Tet Offensive also dealt a visibly severe setback to the pacification program, as a result of the intense fighting needed to root out VC elements that clung to fortified positions inside the towns. For example, in the densely populated delta there had been approximately 14,000 refugees in January; after Tet some 170,000 were homeless. The requirement to assist these persons seriously inhibited national recovery efforts.... More
Description This campaign was from 2 April to 30 June 1968. During this period friendly forces conducted a number of battalion-size attritional operations against the enemy.
Operations PEGASUS-Lam Son 207 relievThis campaign was from 2 April to 30 June 1968. During this period friendly forces conducted a number of battalion-size attritional operations against the enemy.
Operations PEGASUS-Lam Son 207 relieved the Khe Sanh Combat Base on 5 April and thereby opened Route 9 for the first time since August 1967. This operation not only severely restricted the North Vietnamese Army's use of western Quang Tri Province but also inflicted casualties on the remnants of two North Vietnamese divisions withdrawing from the area. This success was followed by a singular allied spoiling operation in the A Shau Valley, Operation DELAWARE-Lam Son. These two operations prevented the enemy from further attacking I Corps Tactical Zone population centers and forced him to shift his pressure to the III Corps Tactical Zone.
During the period 5-12 May 1968 the Viet Cong launched an offensive with Saigon as the primary objective. Friendly forces defended the city with great determination. Consequently Saigon was never in danger of being overrun. Small Viet Cong units that did manage to get into the outskirts were fragmented and driven out with great loss of enemy life. By the end of June 1968 friendly forces had decisively blunted the enemy's attacks, inflicted very heavy casualties, and hindered his ability to attack urban areas throughout the Republic of Vietnam. The enemy was forced to withdraw to his sanctuaries.
The strength of the U.S. Army in Vietnam reach a peak of nearly 360,000 men during this period.... More
Description This campaign was from 1 July to 1 November 1968. During this period a country-wide effort was begun to restore government control of territory lost to the enemy since the Tet offensive. The enemy attThis campaign was from 1 July to 1 November 1968. During this period a country-wide effort was begun to restore government control of territory lost to the enemy since the Tet offensive. The enemy attempted another such offensive on 17-18 August but his efforts were comparatively feeble and were quickly overwhelmed by Allied forces.
In the fall of 1968 the South Vietnamese government, with major U.S. support, launched an accelerated pacification campaign. All friendly forces were coordinated and brought to bear on the enemy in every tactical area of operation. In these intensified operations, friendly units first secured a target area, then Vietnamese government units, regional forces/popular forces, police and civil authorities screened the inhabitants, seeking members of the Viet Cong infrastructure. This technique was so successful against the political apparatus that it became the basis for subsequent friendly operations. Government influence expanded into areas of the countryside previously dominated by the Viet Cong to such an extent that two years later at least some measure of government control was evident in all but a few remote regions.... More
Description This campaign was from 1 June 1967 to 29 January 1968.The conflict in South Vietnam remains basically unchanged. As Operation JUNCTION CITY ended, elements of the U.S. 1st and 25th Infantry Divisions,This campaign was from 1 June 1967 to 29 January 1968.The conflict in South Vietnam remains basically unchanged. As Operation JUNCTION CITY ended, elements of the U.S. 1st and 25th Infantry Divisions, the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, and the forces of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam swung back toward Saigon to conduct another clearing operation, MANHATTAN. This took peace in the Long Nguyen base area just north of the previously cleared "Iron Triangle."
South Vietnamese Armed Forces became more active and capable under U.S. advisors. During the year the Vietnamese Special Forces assumed responsibility for several Special Forces camps and for the CIDG companies manning them. In each case all of the U.S. advisors withdrew, leaving the Vietnamese in full command.
With an increased delegation of responsibility to them, the South Vietnamese conducted major operations during 1967, and, in spite of VC attempts to avoid battle, achieved a number of contacts.
Despite the success of U.S. and South Vietnamese Army operations, there were indications in the fall of 1967 of another enemy build-up, particularly in areas close to Laos and Cambodia. In late October, the VC struck again at the Special Forces Camp at Loc Ninh. Fortunately Vietnamese reinforcements saved the camp. At the same time, approximately 12,000 VC troops converged on a Special Forces camp at Dak To. This camp was located in northern Kontum Province, where the borders of Laos, Cambodia, and South Vietnam meet. In response to this potential threat, the U.S. and South Vietnam committed a total of sixteen battalions to the region to counter a disturbing enemy resurgence at Kontum and Loc Ninh.... More
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 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
Your memories of this course
Land Navigation was a "do or die" affair. The physical fitness regimin encountered at OCS, I believe, was designed to prepare us for the physical effort required for this event.
Your memories of this course
The Hill Trail and the signs that proclaimed "Beware of Falling WOCS'
Best Friends
Jack Davis Bob Dalton John Fanning
Best Moment
Graduation Day.
Worst Moment
It was all good.
Chain of Command
Capt Syphalt GySgt Lovette SSgt Diaz
Other Memories
GySgt Lovette & SSgt Diaz entered the staging squadbay the first day at the 7th WOC during a snow storm, asked for volunteers to shovel snow, they counted off 45 of us, formed us up outside, commanded, "RIGHT FACE, FORWARD, MARCH and off we went to admin check in as a platoon, wound up with the best platoon in Company A and B, won all the competions....never did shovel any snow! And dropped only two candidates at the end of the course...but I thought Brown was a good man.
Then there was the time when SSgt Diaz really tried his worst to defeat the platoon in total; on a bitchy rainy day, had us doing a series of physical exercises, including running up and down the 6 flights of (three, depending how you count them)stairs, across the squadbays etc, culminating in sit ups; many of the men seemed to be in agony, moans, cries, but Hudleson and I would not stop, and SSgt Diaz finally relented and ended it at my count of 115 sit ups-we were not about to let him 'defeat' the platoon in detail!
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 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 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
Worst Moment
Being relieved of conducting a lecture on the M-1 Rifle by SSgt Frank Farkas. (later a GySgt, RIP) WWII (Okinawa) Korean War, Pusan Perimeter, Inchon Landing and Chosin Resevoir(left for KIA under a poncho but a involuntary relex movement of his leg saved him from being tossed on a truck with actual KIA;s); I was not prepared and didn't take my responsibility seriously...he saved my career and probably enhanced it because I never let that happen again and qjuite frankly, became a premier instructor in military subjects.
Chain of Command
Maj Billy C. Marks (RIP) Silver Star recepient, was an aviator during WWII, sunk a Japanese destroyer with bomb down the smoke stack!! Capt Thjomas P. Goggins lstLt E. Horton (later Colonel), RIP
Other Memories
One of the best duty stations I experienced while in the Marine Corps.
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
Comments
Time in service for undectted misbehavior; 4 awards: 1956 1959 1962 1965
Best Moment
On the buss, on the way out of Parris Island.
Worst Moment
Arrival at Yamassee, SC
Other Memories
The return address on my letter envelopes to my Mom were: Pvt Wilfred J. Clifford 1433473 Plt 341 "B" Co., 6th MarRecTrnBn MCRD Parris Island, South Carolina
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
Colonel Aspinwall became my best friend and mentor; while serving as his Bn S-4 he would encourage me to use his name whenever I encountered a stumbling block in the form of a uncooperative officer senior to me, but I never did
With determined leadership, the Marines of this unit turned-to and performed major miracles; this was during a period of time when the entire Marine Corps was in turmoil; 25,000 Marines were summarily discharged for cause within a one month period in order to "clear the decks;" of the trash; the Commandant directed that this would be done, and it was, with post haste.
Best moment(s) were on the parade field during my retirement ceremony, 1Nov1973. Amen.
Upon reporting in to Regimental Hdq from 2d Air and Naval Gunfire Liaison Co (2dANGLICO) after reverting from Captain to CWO-2, the CO, in describing what was to be my assignment, apologized in advance for painting a very black picture of what my assignment was going to be within Maintenance Bn., and his portrayal was spot on. Assigned as CO, GenSupMaintCo I was challenged to the hilt to call upon all of my prior experience in the MC to shovel out from under the mess. I wish that I could say that there were high quality Marines there, but there were not. Upon clearing up the mess, was assigned to duties as BnSupO; see "Other Memories."
Best to remain unnamed.
The battalion, supposedly combat deployable would have been lucky to mount out to cross the street. Some time along the way, was assigned as the BnSupO; the prior incumbent was discharged prior to my assignment, otherwise he would have been bound for the brig in lieu of civilian endeavors. Took something over two years to unscrew the account, good Marines pitched in and worked impossible hours day and night, wives hounding me but they got it done, with NOTE WORTHIES in all areas. Then it was on the bill the billet of the Bn S-4...more of the same unbelievable mess, but with assistance of the G-4 Embarkation Group, and all of the MaintBn company supply Marines, we turned to and 9 months later were actually DEPLOYABLE, with NOTE WORTHY IG Inspection results.