Best Friends
Paul Lockman, Jr. E 2/9 Randall Fiske
Best Moment
A visit from my Mom and girl-friend. And then there was the time someone stopped and asked for directions to the cardiac care unit; pigeons used to fly circles over the building so we told them to locate the building with the buzzards flying overhead.
Worst Moment
4th of July 1966; most of us were not ready for the fireworks going off that night. The nurses were busy handing out drugs to keep us quiet.
Chain of Command
Capt. Gail Clark,USN Chief of Neurosurgery; Commander Robert Conrad (no kidding)his favorite line was, "another victim ripped from the jaws of death by medical science."
Other Memories
I spent many hours on the amputee ward because that is where most of my friends ended up. Also, women were brought in from the Playboy Club and surrounding colleges to visit with us. After the first 6 months I spent as much time as I could sneeking off to San Francisco.
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 Search and Destroy; County Fair, Double Eagle, DE(II), Operation New York. Various squad, platoon anSearch and Destroy; County Fair, Double Eagle, DE(II), Operation New York. Various squad, platoon and company operations in "Indian Country" southwest of DaNang. I picked up my first nickname that stuck, "Smithereens". I was helping the engineers blow up tunnels. Too much C-4, but I got everyones attention and then was told to sit in the shade for the rest of the afternoon. Easiest patrol I ever went out on.... More
Best Friends
PFC Oliver Johnson KIA 11 June 1966; Cpl. Jimmie LookingGlass; PFC Robert Jackson
Best Moment
Trip to the DaNang PX before Dog Patch was off limits
Worst Moment
18 March 1966 surrounded and cut off, one chopper shot down. In the morning, survivors were told to "take the ankle express" back to the area. No transport available from that location.
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
Description
Feb 17 – 28; BLT 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines and 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines search and destroy operation to engage the 1st VC Regiment in the Que Son Valley.
Description Feb 27 – Mar 3; 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, and HMM-163 sweep operation joining with ARVN Operation Thừa Thiên 177 east of Phu Bai, Thừa Thiên Province.
Losses: Frd-US 15 KIA, 32 WIA; En-122 KIA,Feb 27 – Mar 3; 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, and HMM-163 sweep operation joining with ARVN Operation Thừa Thiên 177 east of Phu Bai, Thừa Thiên Province.
Memories Road trip to Phu Bai and the only mess hall meal I had in country. The 105 battery got a fire missioRoad trip to Phu Bai and the only mess hall meal I had in country. The 105 battery got a fire mission and that took me by surprise. After I got up off the deck, I finished the meal. I was the entertainment for the 1/1 Marines, who had to request permission to shoot when they were on their perimeter. Our Company shot first and asked why we needed permission. That was NOT the way we operated in the DaNang area.... More
Description Apr 20 – May 10; 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines and 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines search and destroy operation around the industrial complex of An Hoa Apr 20 – May 10; 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines and 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines search and destroy operation around the industrial complex of An Hoa and Nhong Son in the Quảng Nam Province.... More
Description 16 June 1966 – “Sparrow Hawk: The Rescue of Sgt. Jimmie Howard’s Recon Patrol.
25 miles due west of Chu Lai, Hill 488.
Operation Overview: On 16 June 1966, something very bad happened. The recon team16 June 1966 – “Sparrow Hawk: The Rescue of Sgt. Jimmie Howard’s Recon Patrol.
25 miles due west of Chu Lai, Hill 488.
Operation Overview: On 16 June 1966, something very bad happened. The recon team of Staff Sergeant Jimmie E. Howard stepped on a hornet’s nest and walked into a main force NVA Battalion. The recon team, surrounded and overwhelmingly outnumbered, tried futilely to break contact with the enemy, but it was no use. The large enemy force of an estimated 500 enemy soldiers had trapped Jimmie Howard and his eighteen-man recon team. The enemy had every intention of systematically destroying them.
Immediately, the call went out for the Sparrow Hawk team, the Marines of Charlie 1/5. The Marines of Charlie 1/5 climbed aboard about forty CH-34 helicopters and flew toward the beleaguered recon Marines. Captain Buck Darling, USMC, CO of Charlie Company knew that Staff Sergeant Howard had been calling for help for several hours and that they were running out of ammo.
The target area was called Nui Leus, which was quite a ways west of Tam Ky. 1/5 found a landing zone about a kilometer from the battle that was still raging between Jimmie Howard’s heroic Marines and a battalion of NVA soldiers. Helicopters on the north side of the hill were taking quite a bit of flak, so they decided to land three or four birds at a time on the south side of the mountain in a big area of elephant grass.
The Marines of 1/5 immediately rushed toward the sounds of gunfire, and when they made contact with the enemy they hit them hard on their flank, breaking through the enemy forces surrounding Howard’s team. For the first time in many hours, enemy gunfire began to wane, and Buck Darling and his Corpsmen started applying first aid to those who were still alive but seriously wounded, while his Marines attacked the NVA, snatching victory from the jaws of certain defeat.
A whole battalion of NVA had completely surrounded Jimmie Howard’s recon team, but the recon team had done an excellent job of calling in air and artillery support and defending their hill. Combat After-Action reports of this battle indicate that over two hundred NVA soldiers were killed by the recon team and the Marines of 1/5. Staff Sergeant Jimmie Howard was later awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, and his heroic recon team is the most highly decorated military unit in American history.
One of the 1/5 Marines who lost his life on 16 June 1966 trying to save other Marines they had never met before, was 2nd Lieutenant Ronald W. “Stumpy” Meyer, from Dubuque , Iowa , who was posthumuously awarded a Silver Star for his heroic actions.... More
People You Remember
Re-enforced squad from 2nd Plt F 2/9
Memories
F-4's & napalm; Phantoms low enough to see pilots faces.
Criteria The Purple Heart may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the Armed Forces, has been wounded, kill... The Purple Heart may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the Armed Forces, has been wounded, killed, or who has died or may die of wounds received in armed combat or as a result of an act of international terrorism. The criteria were announced in a War Department circular dated February 22, 1932, and authorized award to soldiers, upon their request, who had been awarded the Meritorious Service Citation Certificate, Army Wound Ribbon, or were authorized to wear Wound Chevrons subsequent to April 5, 1917 MoreHide
Criteria The Purple Heart may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the Armed Forces, has been wounded, kill... The Purple Heart may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the Armed Forces, has been wounded, killed, or who has died or may die of wounds received in armed combat or as a result of an act of international terrorism. The criteria were announced in a War Department circular dated February 22, 1932, and authorized award to soldiers, upon their request, who had been awarded the Meritorious Service Citation Certificate, Army Wound Ribbon, or were authorized to wear Wound Chevrons subsequent to April 5, 1917 MoreHide
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 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 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
This was no place to form friendships.