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
Best Moment
Passing the PFT's at level of 10 years younger than my 38 years!
Worst Moment
Not being able to go to NCO school because my date of rank was now 6-82 instead of 9-67
Chain of Command
Marine Corps Reserves
Other Memories
We were 1st stationed at LTA Tustin, then El Toro ,California.I was able to enlist into the Reserves after being discharged 12 years earlier and at the age of 38. Kept my Sgt's stripes but now date of rank was 6/82.
Best Moment
Received my Honorable Discharge.After 12 years I went back into the Reserves as a Sgt E-5,but with a new date of rank.(1982)
Worst Moment
Being called "Pops" again.
Other Memories
Meeting a MSgt who I recommended for L/Cpl 14 years earlier. He said...hey you're Sgt Parra! (still) Oh well I was working for Corrections and I need some time with the Corps again!
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 Friends
Cpl Robert Fulton PFC Brock Shramm (KIA) PFC Gil Oritiz
Best Moment
First west coast unit to receive OV-10's. First NCOIC to learn an teach the packing of the parachute for the OV-10.Careful there are cutters and explosive devices inside.
Worst Moment
losing OV-10 in crash.Plane went into Colorado River doing barrel rows for sightseers. Ejected upside down into river.Seat shot into mud at river bottom. I packed the parachute.
Other Memories
Combat Action Report,VietNam War 81...OV-10's lost USAF-64 USN-7 USMC-10...(various reasons)
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.
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Memories Came into country aboard LST 488...7, 6x's and 14 Marines,crew of Japanese sailors ran the ship. We Came into country aboard LST 488...7, 6x's and 14 Marines,crew of Japanese sailors ran the ship. We were issued 20 rounds/2 Mag's for our M-14's.We were an advance work detail.All of my pictures and 8MM film of my overseas tour and duty back Stateside were destroyed years ago.Thanks to my Mom I have a few.
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 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 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
Best Friends
None they went somewhere else in country
Best Moment
Attended Motor Vehicle School then left Iwakuni Japan for Da Nang VN. 1st day making sandbags for our bunkers,my mind said I made it.(into combatzone)
Worst Moment
After our first rocket attack we had a "head count". Our Plt Sgt heard some noise in the shower had me run in and clear the area. I ran in with my M-14 and saw a bunch of "slant eyes" taking a shower...first thought in my mind was VC snuck in under cover of fire for a shower!Actualy they were Korean Marines..hell they didn't care about all the noise they wanted a shower. They were laughing at me..but I was locked and loaded. They cleared the area! That was my "first" worst moment..as a FNG...many followed
Chain of Command
Some guys remember all this stuff...It's a blank to me. Started in MAMS-17 as a 7113 "Rigger",went to drivers school got a secoundary MOS as a 3531 motor vehicle operator,shipped out to Nam with MABS-17 as an advance party driver!
Other Memories
Went over with 7 duce1/2's & 14 Marines as an advance party. 20 rounds of ammo,2 mags issued for our M14's! Never did see the Squadron spent all the time running with the 1stMarDiv!...good ride...can relate with our Bro's in Iraq! Did not take long before the rounds came in.
Best Moment
Making my next Jump from 3,000 Ft and packing my own chute.
Worst Moment
shroud lines twisting together after 3rd jump.having to spin around in other direction to open them up!
Chain of Command
Bunch of Lifers!
Other Memories
Barracks Gunny saying that I had to many pimples....should eat more veggies! If you stay in the Barracks on your day off,you still get up early and police up the area.So get out of Dodge!!!
Best Moment
Selected as "Marching Petty Officer" Forming a Marine Drill team Making 1st parachute jump...3000'...freefall.
Worst Moment
3rd free fall,didn't pull hard enough...then I pulled real hard and let my arm extended as the canopy deployed.The shroud lines twisted into one line. I had to extend my other arm out to un twist.I came down like a top!!!
Chain of Command
Marine Captain/GunnySgt Bunch of Navy Chief's in the School Jump Locker.
Other Memories
Assigned to Marine Barracks Lakehurst after Graudation. Packed chutes for Instructors...guess they "trusted" me and Bill Foster. We were able to make more jumps!
" US Navy Parachute School. Lakehurst Naval Air Station, New Jersey May 1979. (CPOCD Tony Ey)
Several senior sailor CDs who participated in the 'Personal Exchange Program' with the US Navy underwent parachute training at the Lakehurst NAS 'jump school'. Unlike most other military Para training, Navy students are taught to pack both their main & reserve chutes. A little unsettling making your first jump with chutes that you have packed. All US Navy pilots, Seals & EOD sailors are trained at this establishment. After graduation, EOD sailors undertake further training in water insertion techniques - progressing to night jumps with full equipment including weapons, explosives, inflatable boats and outboard motors.
Best Friends
Spent 2 weeks summer camp amphibious training.We trained as grunts and cannoners!
Best Moment
Hitting the Silver strand Beach and having vacationing civilians watching us.
Worst Moment
Amtrack drivers pretending that we were sinking.Told us that we would go down if the engine stalled.I think they rigged the seats to fall because we ended up on our butts with full combat gear.Worst than jumping out of a plane!!!
Other Memories
Watching the UDT units running all over the place. We never called them Seals then.
Best Moment
Use to train in the river bed in Pico Rivera by Whitter Narrows.We would set up our guns(105's)we were working on speed to set up our gun inplacements,line them up and sight them. All of a sudden these kids on a dirt bike busted into our clearing. We must have shocked the hell out of them or maybe they thought they were in a movie,they turned and left just as fast.We all "busted up".Here we are in the outskirts of town wearing helmets and 782 gear and pointing 105mm Howitzers into the air!
Worst Moment
I was in this reserve unit for 6 months before I went to boot camp(still in high school). We had inspections. Had to wear leather shoes,long sleeve shirts buttoned up,belts and a good haircut. I had my belt ripped off my pants because I had a EGA on the buckle! Maggot you're not a Marine yet!!! We were called the 8th 105 Howitzer Bn then and located in Chavez Revine.
Chain of Command
Marine Corps Reserve
Other Memories
Summer Camp 29 "Stumps" Youngest Marine at Marine Corps Ball cake cutting. 1st offical duty in Dress Blues...Toys for Tots..62 or 63?
Best Moment
Made fire team leader. Wore a red band with Cpl. stripes on it.
Worst Moment
Going up "Ole Smokey"
Other Memories
I remember the trucks and the 105's rolling out at night going to "Gitmo". Sent a chill up my spine...I wished i was going with them. Hey some of us were "Gung Ho" then back in 62! We did sing the "Marine Hymn" in the gas chamber.
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
Description The blockade began October 21 and, the next day, Kennedy delivered a public address alerting Americans to the situation. In his speech, he warned a frightened American public that the missiles on CubaThe blockade began October 21 and, the next day, Kennedy delivered a public address alerting Americans to the situation. In his speech, he warned a frightened American public that the missiles on Cuba were capable of hitting Washington, D.C. or anywhere in the southeastern portion of the country, the Panama Canal, Mexico City or “as far north as Hudson Bay, Canada, and as far south as Lima, Peru.” A military confrontation appeared imminent when Kennedy told his audience that he ordered the evacuation of the U.S. base at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba and put military units on standby. Boldly, he stated, “one path we shall never choose is the path of surrender or submission.”
Khrushchev responded by sending additional ships—possibly carrying military cargo—toward Cuba and by allowing construction at the missile sites to continue. Over the following six days, the Cuban Missile Crisis, as it is now known, brought the world to the brink of global nuclear war while the two leaders engaged in tense negotiations via telegram and letter.
Fortunately by October 28, Kennedy and Khrushchev had reached a settlement and people on both sides of the conflict breathed a collective but wary sigh of relief. The Cuban missile sites were dismantled and, in return, Kennedy agreed to close U.S. missile sites in Turkey.... More
Sgt Javier Cruz
Passing the PFT's at level of 10 years younger than my 38 years!
Not being able to go to NCO school because my date of rank was now 6-82 instead of 9-67
Marine Corps Reserves
We were 1st stationed at LTA Tustin, then El Toro ,California.I was able to enlist into the Reserves after being discharged 12 years earlier and at the age of 38. Kept my Sgt's stripes but now date of rank was 6/82.