Other Memories
After many years out I came back into the Reserve component.Very professional unit. Motivated needless to say.It would be 11 years and in April of 1985 i join B Co. 4th Recon. Billings Montana
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
Was awarded the VOLAR award. Got a pair of jump boots and Letter of appreciation
Worst Moment
After boarding a C119 for our second jump and we were rolling down the runway and heard an explosion and they had to taxi off and we had to deplain quickly not knowing if the old aircraft was going to explode or not
Best Friends
Roger D. See , Raymond P. Moon ,Sandy, Travis The Canadian,and a whole host of other fine Marines
Best Moment
Attending the awards ceremony for Sgt. Rodger D. see to receive his Navy Cross from At the time Major Alex Lee .Going to 8th And I for the evening parade , What an Honor. It would be 19 years later before I would attend again.
Worst Moment
Being in limbo waiting to go back to the FMF , this was definatly not for me at that time.
Other Memories
The sights of our nations capitol. The Smithsonian , The Iwo memorial ,Georgetown and the national cathederal,almost twenty years later I would see these places again , as a reservist and visit The Wall
Best Friends
S/sgt. James Massie was NCOIC Cpl. Fred Neblitt L/cpl. Vic Evans.
Best Moment
Being on the detail to guard Secretary of State Rogers in Riyahd and staying in the guest palace and waited on by some mean looking Sudanese servants bearing tribal scars on their faces.
Other Memories
Seeing a a Turkish fort in Huf Huf with walls thicker than my house is length wise. Going to a cave that Jesus had stayed in , we were told this anyway.Seeing a camel caravan silloueted against the sun on top of the dunes and it seemed right out of the Bible or Lawrence of Arabia.
Best Moment
Toasting Lt.Col.Nate Adams at mess Night with To LT. Col. Nate Adams whose barracks houses the best Cockroaches I have ever eatin.It sure made the General in attendence laugh along with the chaplain.
Worst Moment
Getting in trouble for eating a cockaraoch and wearing a wig on liberty.Getting my 2nd good conduct award handed to me under the shitter door.Sort of guessed I asked for it though my grunt sense of humor did not lend its self to more sophisticated sense of tact.
Chain of Command
Lt.Col Nate Adams, Master Gunnery SGT. Lykens
Other Memories
Having a big trunk and not seeing it again until I was back in conus off of Embassy duty and a year or better at First Force Recon. It had traveled the world .
Best Friends
Cpl. Wolf, Ted Slavin , Cpl. Horne,Cpl Barbee, a host of many more, Honorable mention here Lt. Dwight Rickman Who gave all later in Vietnam.
Worst Moment
Being made reenlistment NCO , I did the job but oh what a job at that time.Talked into going to M.S.G. school.
Chain of Command
C.O. Julian Parrish X.O Capt Black
Other Memories
I enjoyed going to Recon replacement training for two weeks then another two weeks at Recon unit personel supporting arms training in LFTC Coronado. Being selected to go to Army Ranger school
Worst Moment
beaking my collarbone on liberty riding a dirt bike , made me feel I was letting down the unit.
Other Memories
When I reported aboard i was walking down the hallway when I heard in a loud voice of a most familiar Gysgt Bruce Trevathian , Quote H. K. Schroeder . I turned around and there he was Gy T.Small world, he than Gave me a Buck and told me to get a proper haircut , which i promptly did. i would not see him again until I reported to 1st Force again in sept 71.
Worst Moment
Almost quitting in the Florida phase.Seeing the wives of pow/mia's at the end of the Florida phase at the bake sale. It was disheartening to know that those families were missing loved ones
Best Friends
Klaus John Herrman, Harold Musselman, Jim Weber,Jim Morris These names are but afew I really find it hard to single out any one as at any given time they would give their life for a fellow Marine . so I have to say all I knew
Best Moment
Surviving the An Hoa ammo and fuel dump explosions along with all of my missions. Serving with Giants and that is what I think of all the men I was privileged to serve with. It was an honor
Worst Moment
Losing our fellow Marines in the Company, even though we were opcon from 3rd. Recon it was felt personaly.But Most I would have to say was our own plt. members. Such as Harrold Musselman. Harvey Sells, any loss is bad.Hearing about the other losses of life at the An Hoa Combat base when the ammo dump and fuel bladders went.
Chain of Command
CO.Maj R.E. Simmons XO Capt. W.M. Lingenfelter Plt.Ldr 2nd.Lt S.D. Hellman Company Gunny . Gysgt Bruce Trevathion Plt Sgt. S/Sgt Roger Cobb. I would like to say here that the platoon I belonged to had come from Echo CO. Third Recon Bn. They had been assigned to the float With 2/26 .
Other Memories
Having the ride on the ladder, almost every mission was a rappel, walking to the little hootch club and passing some deadly vipers who had been burned but still recognizable . Using the rock crusher for teacing rappeling and standing rocket watch, the concrete culverts next to tents for getting into during incoming . the tent life and the C130 that had a wing burn off and had to wait for a new wing. I joined this platoon from 2nd Battalion 26th. Marines during Meade River . We then went to Quang Tri and pulled missions for 3rd . Recon Bn. Before beiing assigned OPCON to First Force Recon.
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
Description Dec 6 – Mar 9 1969; 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines and 2nd and 3Dec 6 – Mar 9 1969; 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines and 2nd and 3rd Battalions, 26th Marines operation to clear the An Hoa Basin, neutralize NVA Base Area 112 and develop Fire Support Bases to interdict NVA infiltration routes leading from the Laotian border in the An Hoa Basin.
Operation Taylor Common was a search and destroy operation conducted by Task Force Yankee, a task organized force of the 1st Marine Division, during the Vietnam War from 6 December 1968 to 9 March 1969. The objective was to clear the An Hoa Basin, neutralize the North Vietnamese Army's Base Area 112 and develop Fire Support Bases (FSBs) to interdict Communist infiltration routes leading from the Laotian border.
151 US Marines were killed and 1,324 wounded. They reported 1,398 Vietnamese were killed and took 29 POW. One Marine, Lance Corporal William R. Prom, was awarded the Medal of Honor for gallantry during Taylor Common.... More
People You Remember Lt Steve Hellman Plt. Cmndr. Pfc. John Klaus Herrmann Cpl. Sidney McDaniels Cpl. Kevin Kelley. Cpl. Lt Steve Hellman Plt. Cmndr. Pfc. John Klaus Herrmann Cpl. Sidney McDaniels Cpl. Kevin Kelley. Cpl. Finkle Doc. Thorson Doc Heise ... More
Memories
I was running Long range recon patrols in defense of AnHoa
Description Mar 1 – May 29; 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines and 3rd Battalion, 26th Marines and ARVN 51st Regiment clear and search operation in the Happy ValleyMar 1 – May 29; 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines and 3rd Battalion, 26th Marines and ARVN 51st Regiment clear and search operation in the Happy Valley, Quảng Nam Province.
It's objecive was to clear out NVA units from their base camps and infiltration routes in the hills and valleys of Quang Nam Province, southwest of Da Nang, particularly Happy Valley and Charlie Ridge. In the course of the operation, the Marines encountered and cleared the base camps of the 31st and 141st NVA regiments.
Though these NVA units largely avoided major confrontation with the Marines and ARVN during the operation, the Marinea inflicted 589 casualties on them. Forty-four Marines were killed during the operation and 439 suffered injuries requiring medical evacuation. 456 non-combat injuries were also reported.... More
Best Friends
Jim Pangle, Brooks,Shepard , Rivers ,Larry McCartney,Alexander,and i am sorry if i leave anyone out I am having trouble with remembering .
Best Moment
Going out on ships and eating great food
Worst Moment
L.Z. Margo . It is covered in the article The Dead Went last.
Chain of Command
Co. Capt Cregan, XO .Larry St.John Plt. cmndr Lt.J.J. Loyd. Plt Sgt.Juan Sanchez .
Other Memories
After serving with the Marines in this unit and moving down south of Danang in November along about the 15th I got orders to report to the Scout Sniper school in Danang When I went to the rear I inquired if i could just be a replacement to the recon platoon attached to the 26th . I was then told to report to the recon unit and the did and we left Danang to go toThird Recon in Quang Tri we ran a few patrols out of there and then to 1st Force Recon in An Hoa Dec 1968.
Best Friends
Merle Robertson, Woody, Nunn,, Anthony Hartman,Steve Reep.Mercado
Best Moment
Serving with these fine Marines.
Worst Moment
Jones Creek
Other Memories
I will start here, after landing in Danang I received orders to the Third Marine Division in Quang Tri . I boarded a C-130 out of Danang where we sat facing backwards on the floorbetween each others legs . The plane was full. After landing in Dong Ha we the New guys were picked up by a salty lance corporal in a PC ,we had no weapons just seabags, his the driver was in the front seat and was the dirtiest m-16 I had witnessed to date covered in red dust. Well off we go heading to Quang Tri as we rolled along I inquired about the 105 and other ordinance laying about some split in half and others bits and pieces and some whole . The driver informed me that the Dong Ha ammo dump had blown up earlier. I was to witness the blowing up again laterwen being security for the Seebees building the road up in Cam Lo. After reporting aboard I was assigned to B 1/3. I got on a little fiberglass boat and proceeded down a river to link up with Bravo.Where i went to a village and reported in to the Company.These Marines had just come through the battle for Dai Do . and I was green but in total awe of them as they told me of the battle and taught me what to pay attention to . Everyone of those Marines were my personal heroes and the feelings I have for them cannot be expressed in words as big as they are in my eyes. There is not a day goes by where I do not think of them
Other Memories
Wow my first time out of the U.S. ,hell I had only been to Calif. from Idaho and here I was in Cuba, I was in full Winter Greens and they opened the door to the aircraft and the heat was hotter than a greenhouse with no vents.Going to the Copa and watching the Flamenco dancers eating good food and drinks.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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
Description
On 17 September 68, 1st Battalion 4th Marines was chopped to 9th Marines for Operation Scotland Trousdale North. At 0945H the Battalion was lifted to Landing Zone Canada at XD 947685, starting with
On 17 September 68, 1st Battalion 4th Marines was chopped to 9th Marines for Operation Scotland Trousdale North. At 0945H the Battalion was lifted to Landing Zone Canada at XD 947685, starting with Company B, A, 81mm mortar platoon (-), Bn CP, D and C. The zone was secure and no contact was made with the enemy.
On 18 September 68, Company A while moving to an objective, spotted two NVA fleeing the area. At 0945H, Company A took two NVA under fire, wounding one and capturing the other. The action took place at XD 947674 with no USMC casualties.
On 19 September 68 as the Battalion moved in a three pronged attack to the South, Company C found two FO positions in trees at XD 943674, and an excavation site which was believed to be a short sector of road at XD 938667. As Company C was in the process of setting in for their night defense, one Chieu Hoi approached the lines at XD 938665, carrying one SKS weapon.
Company B moving on the east flank discovered 30 bunkers at XD 953664. The area was well used and thought to be a Battalion size base camp. Four hundred pounds of rice was also found. As Company B proceeded, the lead elements fired at two NVA on a trail at XD 950667, apparently wounding one. A night position was established at XD 950668 and at 2100H, a strong probe was initiated by the NVA. Company B received RPG’s, small arms, and grenades. In addition to organic weapons, artillery missions were called in as well as an AC-47 dragon ship to neutralize the enemy’s attack. The action resulted in four USMC WIA with unknown results inflicted upon the enemy. A sweep of the area was made the following morning by an element of Company B. Numerous blood trails and indications that bodies had been dragged back from the perimeter were in evidence throughout the area.
Company A, plus the Bn CP and 81’s, observed three NVA at XD 944667 on a trail. The point element countered with small arms with negative results. However, two AK-47’s and 8 packs were found plus additional gear. At XD 94166, the point elements of Company A spotted one NVA on a trail. A volley of small arms was expended with negative results. An Aerial Observer (AO) was called with fixed wing flights run in suspected harboring sites. At 1600H, a patrol from Company A discovered a large weapons cache at XD 935660. Three hundred and twenty Mosin Nagent carbines plus a total of 244 81mm and 82mm mortar rounds, 300,000 AK-47 rounds, 200 pounds of TNT, 64 claymores, one light machine gun and two sub-machine guns and 128 cases of .50 caliber rounds were uncovered.
On 20 September, Company C found working tools at XD 944667. Company A discovered a small bunker complex at XD 940656. Another ammo cache at XD 934652 consisting of 150 anti-tank mines, 249 81mm mortar rounds, 40 claymore mines plus small arms and .50 caliber ammunition was located. A further search was made and at XD 932656 still another cache was uncovered, 12 RPG rounds, 192 81mm mortar rounds, 10 anti-tank mines, 549 82mm mortar rounds, 15,200 .50 caliber rounds and 300 75mm HE rounds were found in this area. At 2400H, Company B received one friendly artillery round within 30 meters of their position wounding two USMC.
On 21 September, H&S Company (-) found an NVA land telephone plus additional gear at XD 944666. Company A located a base camp and training center at XD 933654 with four AK-44’s, three SKS’s, 4, 000 cloth bandoleers, 82mm mortar rounds, 48 anti-tank mines, 400 leather slings and AK rounds in the area. Company C discovered two cans of .50 caliber ammo at XD 923652.
On 22 September, Company C found 27 large reinforced bunkers, 100 pounds of rice, and loose ammo to include 82mm mortar rounds at XD 921650. One hundred meters north Company C discovered seven living bunkers. At 1530H, Company C fired upon three NVA at XD 927651 with negative results.
Continuing our mission of search and destroy, Company D found 95-75mm recoilless rifle rounds at XD 933658 on 23 September. Company B discovered an ammo cache at XD 938654 including 63,000 AK-47 rounds, 184 anti-personnel mines, 126-122mm rocket warheads, 25,000 .50 caliber rounds and 782 gear. A further search uncovered more ammo and 782 gear at XD 926688. Company C while searching a bunker complex, took one NVA under fire at XD 921652 resulting in one NVA KIA and the recovery of one SKS weapon with no USMC casualties.... More
Description Operation Kentucky was a multi-Battalion operation conducted by the United States Marine Corps in the area south of the DMZ in Quang Tri Province. This was another operation to secure the Con Thien arOperation Kentucky was a multi-Battalion operation conducted by the United States Marine Corps in the area south of the DMZ in Quang Tri Province. This was another operation to secure the Con Thien area from the North Vietnamese Army (NVA). The operation ran from November 1, 1967 until February 28, 1969.
1st Battalion, 1st Marines, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 3d Battalion, 4th Marines, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines, 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines, 1st and 2nd Battalions, 26th Marines and 3rd Tank Battalion anti-infiltration operation in the Leatherneck Square between Con Thien, Gio Linh, Cam Lo and Dong Ha.... More
People You Remember Lt. Keppen, Sgt. Reep, Jakelsky,Merle Robertson, Anthony Hartmann , Woody, Sap, Sam Nunn, and if I lLt. Keppen, Sgt. Reep, Jakelsky,Merle Robertson, Anthony Hartmann , Woody, Sap, Sam Nunn, and if I left anyone out that remembers me I apologize . My memories are slipping much like my waist line, HA.... More
Description Jan 21 – Nov 23 1968. Operation Lancaster II was a U.S. Marine Corps security operation that took place in northern Quảng Trị Province from 20 January to 23 November 1968 during the Vietnam War. The oJan 21 – Nov 23 1968. Operation Lancaster II was a U.S. Marine Corps security operation that took place in northern Quảng Trị Province from 20 January to 23 November 1968 during the Vietnam War. The operation followed on directly from Operation Lancaster. The Marines patrolled aggressively. The response of the People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN) was mixed; Prolonged lulls alternated with fierce fighting. Broadly the Marines felt that they were successful in maintaining the supply.
1st Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines, 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines and 2nd Battalion, 26th Marines search-and-clear operation to safeguard Route 9 between Cam Lo and Ca Lu.... More
1st Marine Division operation centered on the Khe Sanh area of Quang Tri Province.
On April 15 1968, Operation Pegasus ended and Operation Scotland II began. The Marines at Khe Sanh Combat Base broke out of their perimeter and began attacking the North Vietnamese in the surrounding area. The Army 1st Air Cavalry Division, with over 400 helicopters under its control, conducted airmobile operations deeper into enemy controlled areas. The fighting was heavy. An additional 413 Marines were killed during Scotland II through the end of June 1968. Operation Scotland II lasted until the end of the year, resulting in the deaths of 72 additional Marines. None of the deaths associated with Scotland II are included in the official body count
VC/NVA KIA's: 3,304 KIAs, 64 POWs
US KIA's: 435 KIA, 2,396 WIA... More
Description The battle of Jones' Creek last from 1 to 15 May 1968; 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines swept through and cleared the village. During this phase of the operation large caliber machine gun and mortar fire weThe battle of Jones' Creek last from 1 to 15 May 1968; 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines swept through and cleared the village. During this phase of the operation large caliber machine gun and mortar fire were received from the west side of a tributary of the Cua Viet River called “Jones Creek.”
3rd Marines made a push through west side of a tributary of the Cua Viet River called “Jones Creek” north of Gia Linh supported by Marine Amtracs, Army tanks and air support. NVA were dug in and waiting.
Jones' Creek ran south in snakelike contours from the DMZ and emptied into the east-west Cua Viet at a point about seven kilometers inland from the Gulf of Tonkin. Mai Xa Chanh East was nominally secured by the rear elements of one of the Marine battalions committed to the defense of the base at Dong Ha, which was 10 kilometers to the southwest.
Jones' Creek was a known infiltration route. With that in mind, 3rd Marines were to seize and hold Nhi Ha and Lam Xuan West, which hugged Jones' Creek above Mai Xa Chanh East.
USMC Commander Hull of 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines explained 'Don't be surprised if the NVA are back in there,' Hull warned Snyder (commander of U.S. Army 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry), explaining that the Marines had recently abandoned positions in the two hamlets to meet the threat to the west. 'Expect them to be in there.'
The operation began late on May 1, 1968, when Lt. Col. William P. Snyder was instructed to place his command–the 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry (3/21) 'Gimlets' of the Army's Americal Division–under the operational control of the 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, on the eastern side of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). Snyder was briefed by the regimental commander, Colonel Milton A. Hull, in the 3rd Marine command post (CP). Hull explained that most of the 3rd Marine Division was then battling to contain a three-day-old North Vietnamese Army (NVA) offensive that threatened the Cua Viet and Bo Dieu rivers, on which the Navy ran supplies to the helicopter-poor Marines. Casualties were heavy as the Marines reduced the enemy positions north of the adjoining rivers, and it was feared that the NVA might send fresh units across the DMZ, bypass the units already engaged, cross the Bo Dieu, and attempt to take the 3rd Marine Division CP at the Dong Ha combat base.
Stretched thin, its reserve already committed, the 3rd Marine Division needed help. Hull wanted Colonel Snyder's 3/21 to screen the right flank of the Marines and prevent NVA infiltration of the battle area from that direction. Snyder was to set up his CP in the hamlet of Mai Xa Chanh East, nine kilometers below the DMZ on the bank at the juncture of the Cua Viet River and a narrow tributary nicknamed 'Jones' Creek.' Jones' Creek ran south in snakelike contours from the DMZ and emptied into the east-west Cua Viet at a point about seven kilometers inland from the Gulf of Tonkin. Mai Xa Chanh East was nominally secured by the rear elements of one of the Marine battalions committed to the defense of the base at Dong Ha, which was 10 kilometers to the southwest.... More
Description The 2nd battalion of the 26th Marines helicoptered into LZ Margo near the DMZ on a standard search and destroy mission. Contact was light over the next three days as units swept the area.
On Sept. 16The 2nd battalion of the 26th Marines helicoptered into LZ Margo near the DMZ on a standard search and destroy mission. Contact was light over the next three days as units swept the area.
On Sept. 16, 1968, the battalion received an order from higher headquarters to withdraw into the small LZ where they had arrived, because a big B-52 air strike was planned in the area. Marines were worried because they were tightly grouped and the ground was rock hard so they couldn't dig in.
They knew the NVA kept them under observation and were a perfect target for a mortar barrage. A short time later, hundreds of mortar rounds tore into the tightly packed Marines, killing 30 and wounding nearly 200 until the NVA ran out of ammo.... More
People You Remember
Lt. J.J. Lloyd Plt. Cmndr.S/sgtJuan Oscar Sanchez Kia,L/cpl Delon Hunter Kia Pfc Rivers Kia
Memories This was a bad Time for us, There Were many Marines who had made it through Khe Sahn Only to lose thThis was a bad Time for us, There Were many Marines who had made it through Khe Sahn Only to lose their lives at Margo.I was wounded in the second barrage of mortars and medivaced to Third med batt.... More
Description Nov 20 – Dec 9; 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 2nd Battalion, 7Nov 20 – Dec 9; 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines and 2nd and 3rd Battalions, 26th Marines and ARVN 51st Regiment cordon and search operations in support of Accelerated Pacification Campaign south of Da Nang. During the operation 847 VC and 352 US killed.
The major battles of Operation Meade River would take place in the two-square-mile center of Dodge City. The operation was a County Fair mission, utilizing a cordon technique developed by the 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, and 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment. When the Marines mission shifted from defensive to offensive, it became necessary for platoons, companies or battalions to completely and simultaneously cordon off an area and search and clear inward, literally foot by foot, because the Viet Cong (VC) had infested hamlets west and south of the vital Da Nang airstrip. The technique was refined and used often by the 9th Marine Regiment, which operated off Hill 55 in early 1966. Operation Meade River would be the largest mission using the County Fair technique during the Vietnam War.
Intelligence had determined that remaining elements of the decimated VC Doc Lap Battalion, which had operated in the area against the Marines for more than three years, along with other understrength VC units and several hundred NVA (North Vietnamese Army) troops, were again massing in the area. Going northward through Dodge City were two major enemy infiltration routes used by the NVA to supply and assist the VC in the rocket belt, whose main objective had been, and continued to be, the destruction of the Da Nang airstrip. Intelligence also had information that an all-out attack against strategically located Hill 55, the 1st Marine Division headquarters on Hill 327, or the airstrip itself was imminent with this many enemy soldiers staging rapidly in the area.
On November 20, 1968, at 4 a.m., Operation Meade River commenced. The monsoons for this part of Vietnam had started in October. Temperatures were dropping, and the Marines often found the nights cold. The conditions were miserable, and the rains, averaging one inch daily, added to the misery.
The entire helicopter assets of the 1st Marine Air Wing were required to support the operation. Colonel Robert G. Lauffer, commanding officer of the 1st Marines, was designated Meade River commander. He personally supervised elements of seven Marine battalionsthe 1st Battalion, 1st Marines (1/1), the 2nd and 3rd battalions, 5th Marines (2/5 and 3/5), the 3rd Battalion, 26th Marines (3/26), and battalion landing teams (BLTs) from the 2nd Battalion, 26th Marines (2/26), and 1st and 2nd battalions, 7th Marines (1/7 and 2/7). The Marines surrounded an area 24,000 meters in circumference, with fire teams no more than 15 meters apart. This initial movement of 5,000 infantrymen into a tightly established cordon would be the key to the successful completion of Meade River. Twenty-eight hundred of the 5,000 troops were helilifted; approximately 2,200 more were moved by truck and on foot from Hill 55 and other company and battalion areas from along the north bank of the La Tho River, Liberty Road (Ambush Row), Highway 1 and Route 4. With the troops in place by 8:25 a.m., the cordon snapped shut.
Just prior to landing within the cordons boundary, a Boeing-Vertol CH-46 Sea Knight carrying one of the last elements arriving, a unit from the 3/5, was hit by enemy fire; it crashed and burned, resulting in six killed and nine wounded. In addition, as a truck convoy was moving toward the cordon, a command-detonated mine exploded halfway down the line of vehicles, destroying a 5-ton truck and wounding 19 men. Immediately, prepositioned dump trucks unloaded gravel and matting. The large hole was filled, the damaged truck removed, and the remainder of the convoy continued on into the area with little delay.
At 4:30 p.m. on the 20th, a recon team was inserted 1,000 meters south of the La Tho from the base on Hill 55 and immediately west of the cordon near Liberty Road to look for fleeing bands of the enemy. The team soon encountered enemy troops and opened fire, killing eight NVA and capturing an 82mm mortar from the enemy soldiers trying to escape the cordon. The recon team, with one wounded, was extracted back to Hill 55.
Later, it was learned from captured VC that news of the impending cordon and search operation had been received the previous day, November 19. The VC who reported this information were apprehended when villagers throughout the cordon were screened and sent to the refugee relocation center at the base of Hill 55. Fortunately, few enemy knew in advance of the cordon because of a breakdown in communication between the VC political arm and the Communist military unitsa mistake that cost the enemy many lives.
The Marines were fortunate to have trapped many more of the enemy than anticipated. Found in the objective area was a sizable, well-organized and well-trained enemy force that chose to fight, utilizing solid fortifications throughout the area of operations.
Numerous small elements of larger NVA and VC units located in the cordon, however, tried to slip away. As they found in several unsuccessful attempts, trying to escape was a deadly option, due to the tight, well-coordinated cordon. Throughout the operation, the enemy soldiers tried to conceal themselves underground until sweeping forces had passed. This tactic, however, was seldom successful, since the Marines would probe foot by foot. Throughout the area of the cordon, dozens of freshly dug enemy ö:spider holesö: were found. To help find these holes, the Marines used several thousand metal probes manufactured by the Force Logistics Command (FLC). They were issued to all battalions, and usually one man in the fire team had a probe. The probes were one-half-inch round and 36 to 48 inches long, with a T-shaped handle and forged points. These probes facilitated in the discovery of numerous holes and caches.
Many NVA and VC would try to break the cordon along the northern boundary of the operation area and slip into the La Tho River, which ran along the base of Hill 55. The sniper platoon based at Hill 55 and expert riflemen from numerous combat and support unitsfield artillery, anti-aircraft artillery, supply and engineersmaintained firing positions day and night. These marksmen operated mostly from various sites that reached down to the river. Besides using Starlight scopes, the FLC sent two searchlight teams to the hill, which aided the American snipers. The searchlights would scan the river and the riverbanks, leaving little escape area for panicky enemy forces. The snipers kept a number of the enemy from escaping.
The first major contact of Operation Meade River was made on November 20 by the 2/7. While the troops were moving eastward and attempting to close in on the railroad berm, they encountered a sizable enemy force in well-deployed and fortified positions in the bend of a small river in an area known as ö:the Horseshoe.ö: A large-scale VC and NVA force had been caught in the cordon.
On November 22, Echo Company, 2/7, tried to maneuver its way across the river into the Horseshoe, but the volume of enemy fire was too heavy, and the 2/7 resumed its previous position. The 11th Marine Artillery carried out precision destruction missions against the enemy positions during the remainder of the 22nd. On November 23, the objective area was secured. The Horseshoe contained a multibunkered complex of fighting holes and trench lines that had apparently been a battalion defensive position. Many of the bunkers had been constructed by civilians and enemy soldiers using railroad ties removed from under the remaining tracks of the Vietnam Northù:South Railroad.
After the Horseshoe was secured by the 2/7, Delta Company, 1/1, was attached to the 2/7 to provide security for the engineers who were lifted in to blow the numerous bunkers and level the fortified positions. Many bodies were found in the bunkers in addition to a great deal of equipment and field gear and thousands of rounds of ammunition. Also uncovered were many sacks of lime and lime sprayers used by the enemy to sanitize and hasten the decomposition of dead bodies.
On November 23, the Marines had a second and brief encounter in the hamlets of La Hoa 1 and 2, where the enemy also had well-fortified positions. La Hoa village (a village consisted of several hamlets designated by numbers) appeared to be a site where the enemy consolidated its forces and equipment before moving on to better defensive positions. It was amazing that such well-fortified positions were present in and about La Hoa, since that area had been heavily patrolled by the 7th Marines from Hill 55 on a regular basis. It showed again how well the NVA and VC could conceal a position.
The 11th Marines did an outstanding job of saturating the cordoned area with artillery fire. Of the dozen artillery sites designated for this operation, five fired from Hill 55. Some 1,286 fire missions expended 27,513 howitzer rounds in support of Meade River. Eight-inch howitzers fired precision destruction missionssome called in as close as 200 meters from friendly forcesthroughout the cordon.
Delta Company, 1/1, was ordered to stay in the Horseshoe for the next two weeks to provide security for the engineers, but the 2/7 left the area on November 24, continuing its delayed movement toward the railroad berm. Troops of the 2/7 continued to meet heavy resistance all the way from the Horseshoe to the berm. As they advanced to within 200 meters of the berm, an enemy force commenced firing along their right flank from well-covered positions. This area near the berm became known as ö:the Triangle.ö: The 25th was spent reducing this position by artillery and ground attacks. On the 26th, the 2/7 secured the railroad berm, finding once again that heavy enemy bunkers had been constructed from railroad ties and cement. From the empty bags it was evident that the cement was part of the civic action supplies issued to area hamlets by U.S. military forces for building and self-improvement projects.
On the 25th, the 3/26 was spread out south of the cordon to screen and keep the enemy within. That day they killed a 15-man NVA unit that was making a desperate attempt to flee the cordon. Two companies of the 1/7 were assigned the same mission along the north bank of the La Tho, keeping small enemy bands within the cordon.
On November 27, elements of the 2/5 and 2/26 started a simultaneous coordinated move westward from Highway 1, probing and searching every foot of the way. Numerous fresh enemy graves were uncovered as well as a considerable amount of supplies, and the 2/26 found one cache of 180 anti-personnel ö:Bouncing Bettyö: mines ready to be emplaced within the area. Other finds included field gear, miscellaneous documents, tons of rice buried in the ground in urns and much more equipment. Meanwhile, Delta, 1/1, which was providing security in the Horseshoe for the engineers, continued to find scores of freshly dug graves and more equipment in that area. In addition, scuba teams searching throughout the cordon found weapons, equipment, ammunition and 122mm rockets submerged in various riverbank caves and in several 20-foot-deep bomb craters that had been collecting water since the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress bombings during the Tet Offensive.
The cordon diminished considerably in size as the troops inched inward. The north and south boundaries of the cordon continued to be covered by various units, which accounted for many of the kills. From 6 to 7 a.m. on the 28th, the enemy was offered an opportunity to surrender, the offer broadcast clearly and repeatedly for one hour throughout the cordon. The offer was ignored. The enemy chose to fight. An extremely heavy artillery and air bombardment commenced. In addition to the numerous heavy artillery barrages, fixed-wing gunships (AC-47s and/or AC-130s) were on station 72 hours during Meade River, firing 609,000 rounds of ammunition into enemy positions. Bell Huey helicopter gunships flew 884 firing sorties during the 20-day operation. More than 2,100 helicopter sorties moved personnel, cargo, casualties and equipment. The battleship USS New Jersey (BB-62) fired 153 of its monstrous 16-inch, 1,900-pound high-capacity and 2,700-pound armor-piercing rounds against enemy bunkers throughout the cordon. The accuracy of the firepower is demonstrated by the fact that, despite the many friendly troops in the area, there were no reported friendly fire casualties.
During the operation, a platoon of deuce-and-a-half trucks, staged on Hill 55, continuously helped supply the troops via trails, roads and paths throughout the cordon. The platoon would set up ö:wagon trainsö: at different areas bordering the cordon. Many of the vehicles came under fire from small, frantic enemy units trying to break the perimeter. Often, drivers were instrumental in stopping bands of enemy soldiers who were trying to escape. Heavily armed deuce-and-a-half trucks were used to patrol Ambush Row and Route 4 day and night. In addition, 10 all-terrain vehicle ö:ottersö: from Hill 55, which was designated an LSA (logistical support area), were used to supply the troops deep within the cordon with food and ammunition.
On December 1, the hardest fighting of the operation thus far commenced as the 3/5 encountered a large enemy bunker complex along its right flank, in what would become known as ö:the Hook,ö: and received devastating fire from small arms, automatic weapons, grenades and 60mm mortars within the bunker. There were many casualties. The enemy fire came from well-entrenched, reinforced bunkers, and the 3/5's advance was temporarily halted. On December 3, even after the 11th Marine Artillery had spent most of the previous day and night conducting heavy, precision destruction missions into the Hook, the 3/5 continued taking casualties from well-entrenched enemy fire. On December 3, most of the troops of the 3/26 were moved from their screening positions along Route 4 in order to help the 3/5 in the attack against the NVA entrenched in the Hook. After repeated airstrikes with 750-pound bombs and napalm canisters, the Marines of the 3/26 fought their way into the southern portion of the Hook. By nightfall on the 4th, they had worked around to its rear area. There, the 3/26 and 3/5 called in additional air and artillery strikes very close to their own positions.
On December 5, the enemy was once again given an opportunity to surrender. This time, the ARVN (Army of the Republic of Vietnam) commanders broadcast surrender-or-die messages to the enemy in the Hook. As before, the hard-core Communists chose to continue to battle. Later that day, when a final assault secured the Hook, more than 100 enemy dead were counted. Fifteen POWs were pulled out of their partially destroyed bunkers and tunnels and numerous weapons were uncovered.
Also on December 5, the 3/5 separated from the 3/26 and started a turning movement north, then commenced a sweep from west to east across the top of Dodge City. On the 6th, because of other commitments and after much heavy fighting, the 3/5 ceased to participate in Operation Meade River. However, Bravo, 1/5, which had been with the 3/5, remained at the northern boundary of Dodge City to keep what was left of the enemy confined and to search the area.
On December 6, the 3/26, having thoroughly mopped up the Hook, also moved on to positions at Dodge Citys northern boundary. The cordon remained intact, but the final, most furious battle had yet to be fought. Elements of the 2/26 and 2/5, in their careful and deliberate search of the cordons northern boundary from Highway 1, ran into a heavy concentration of enemy troops at 2:45 p.m. Those units regrouped and remained in close proximity to the last objectivethe northern bunker complexthroughout the rest of the day and on through the night, forming a blocking position to ensure that the enemy remained trapped within the cordon.
In the meantime, the 3/26 was joined by additional forces. Colonel Lauffer had attached three additional companies to the 3/26Alpha, 1/7, Hotel, 2/5 and Delta, 1/1giving them the mission of completely destroying the remaining bunkers in the Hook and then continuing a full attack into the northern bunker complex. Company E of the 2/26 was relieved of its blocking position at first light on the 7th and crossed the La Tho to join the 1/1, assigned for this assault. The 3/26 was joined by an ARVN cavalry unit, whose APCs (armored personnel carriers) were light and provided mobility for the 3/26 in the final attack. A tight line was drawn surrounding the northern bunker complex. Throughout the day the 3/26, reinforced by attached units, cautiously moved forward, literally inch by inch, maneuvering the APCs toward bunker after bunker and directing small-arms fire against the enemy. At one point, late in the day on December 8, Company I of the 3/26 moved to within 20 meters of what was thought to be the last in the series of in-depth bunker positions. But from those final hidden positions, deep within the northern bunker complexan area that had been heavily carpet-bombedcame unexpectedly accurate and deadly heavy automatic-weapons fire. Despite suffering heavy casualties, Company I silenced those machine-gun positions. The final assault was executed the next day, and a brutal fight ensued that included hand-to-hand combat against a tenacious enemy that refused to surrender. More than 300 enemy bodies were found, and this time the enemy was unable to bury its dead.
On December 9 at 6 p.m. Operation Meade River was terminated. Units were returned to their parent organizations after 20 days of vicious, intense fighting. The 1/1 took over and mopped up the northern bunker complex for two more days. During this post-Meade River period, the 1/1 found additional bodies and killed some 50 NVA who had remained in the bunkers, refusing to surrender. It also recovered numerous enemy individual and crew-served weapons. Although preliminary reports of enemy casualties varied from 1,000 to 1,500, the final count was 1,325 confirmed enemy casualties. More than 360 well-dug entrenched log, railroad-tie and cement bunkers were destroyed, and many more must have been caved in by the bombings. Of the 1,325 confirmed casualties, 1,025 were killed and 300 wounded. Only six enemy troops chose to surrender. It is estimated that 200ù:300 more bodies went undiscovered, and many more were probably obliterated by the accurate, heavy bombardment from artillery, battleship and fixed-wing aircraft, all of this in an area measuring only three miles by five miles. But this successful operation was not without cost to the U.S. military. One hundred and eight Marines were killed and 513 were wounded.
Despite all the death and destruction wrought against the NVA and VC force in the Dodge City area, it was only a matter of weeks before squad, platoon and company firefights against NVA forces that had re-infiltrated the vital area started once again. Fierce sporadic engagements in Dodge City would continue through 1969 and 1970.
Best Moment
Finaly being accepted into another unit from a working party unit .Having Cpl. Donald Woo as my team leader.Going to Amphib Recon School In Coronado. Getting To know Doc Victor Lappone UDT and whole lot of other marines .
Worst Moment
Once again being sent off to another assignment , not understanding that it was to help in the long run.Leaving my kodak movie camera behind when I shipped out.
Other Memories
Many years later in veiwing home movies my dad had put on vhs and there was some footage of the unit rappeling out of H-34's.
Worst Moment
not going with my outfit when they mounted out to Vietnam, and being sent to a staging outfit.
Other Memories
This was a time of intense lock on training for Vietnam, We had to get use to flack jackets and all the training that would get us ready for Vietnam.For some reason this is out of sinc, I went to ITR and BTS before being here.
Best Friends
Glenn Hall ,Terry Ball , Bob Powell, Dean Creek ,and others
Best Moment
Graduation
Worst Moment
Losing a Fellow marine at the end to Spinal meningitis and getting quarantined. Having my first chew in formation and trying to not throw up or go down from recieving the juice to my gut as I could not spit.I sure was pasty but able to maintainon a thin thread.
Best Friends
Glenn Hall, Terry Ball, Robert Allen Powell who was killed In Aug, 1966 serving with 2/26In RVN. Dean Creek who lived right down the street from me and I never even knew him until boot camp.
Best Moment
First Graduation in a long line of many different graduations .
Worst Moment
Getting the measles and thinking I might get dropped back and i was only a few weeks out from graduation
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
C.O. Mator Heineke.
After many years out I came back into the Reserve component.Very professional unit. Motivated needless to say.It would be 11 years and in April of 1985 i join B Co. 4th Recon. Billings Montana