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
Paul Susami, "Mac", Davila, Klein, 1st Lt. Coconis, SSGT Christian.
Best Moment
Many, intersped with some not so good.
Worst Moment
Incoming 152mm shelling from N. Vietnam that killed the Senior NCO of the 3rd Marine Division and lasted a couple of days. Losing one of our guys who accidentally let go a grenade, whom we didn't find until several days after his death, we thought he was awol at the ville. Learning of the death of an Infantry Colonel I had just met.
Chain of Command
MAGC-18, MASS-2, Dong Ha DASC/ASRT, OpCon of 3rd Mar Div, MG Davis CG. Comm Section, SSGT Christian, 1st Lt. Peter Coconis.
Other Memories
Hue, Phu Bai, Hill 55, Quang Tri, Camp Carroll, Ca Lu, Dong Ha Mt., the Rockpile, Vandegrift (LZ Stud). Meeting briefly a Colonel Spark at our DASC in Dong Ha.
The Unit Patch displayed above is for a more recent time. The correct Unit Patch for the period in which I served is the following:
Description This campaign was from 2 November 1968 to 22 February 1969. In November 1968 the South Vietnam government with American support began a concentrated effort to expand security in the countryside. This This campaign was from 2 November 1968 to 22 February 1969. In November 1968 the South Vietnam government with American support began a concentrated effort to expand security in the countryside. This project was known as the "Accelerated Pacification Campaign."
This period covers the election of President Richard M. Nixon and a change of policy brought about by his administration after January 1969 when he announced a coming end to US combat in Southeast Asia and a simultaneous strengthening of South Vietnam's ability to defend itself. Formal truce negotiations began in Paris on January 25, 1969. The period can be characterized as marking time in preparation for an about face. Forty-seven ground combat operations were recorded during this period, the following being the most important:
(1). Operation NAPOLEON in the Dong Ha area initiated previously (1967) by Marine units, terminated on 9 December 1968.
(2). Operation WHEELER WALLOWA by 3d Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division and 196th Infantry Brigade (Light) in north-central Quan Tin Province. This ended on 11 November.
(3). Operation MACARTHUR initiated by 4th U.S. Infantry Division in II Corps tactical zone terminated on 31 January 1969.
(4). Operation COCHISE GREEN conducted by the 173d Airborne Brigade in Binh Dinh Province.
(5). Operation TOAN THANG II consisted of ground operations throughout III CTZ. This was a multi-division operation involving allied forces.
(6). Operation SEA LORDS was a coast and riverine operation. On 6 December Operation GIANT SLINGSHOT was started to disrupt enemy infiltration of materials from the "Parrot's Beak" area of Cambodia. Air operations continued to be important with over 60,000 sorties flown.... More
People You Remember Susami, a SSgt whose name I forget but with whom I played Pinnocle on our time off. A 1st LieutenanSusami, a SSgt whose name I forget but with whom I played Pinnocle on our time off. A 1st Lieutenant in our DASC who explained to me the principle of 'subtle arrogance' with which I agreed. A reinforced grunt platoon defending our ASRT as well as the Lieutenant doing TPQ-10 bombing. Recall one particular Marine Squadron callsign: Hellborn 206 or some number like it.... More
Memories Was sent to Hill 55 to set up the comm for an ASRT that was being transferred to support ground operWas sent to Hill 55 to set up the comm for an ASRT that was being transferred to support ground operations in and about the area. On the way back came back hitchhiking up Highway 1 through Danang, Phubai, Hue, Quang Tri City, to Dong Ha. Traded some cigarettes for unexploded ordnance north of Quang Tri and turned it over to EOD in Dong Ha. In early January was transferred to Vandegrift, to the DASC, in support of Task Force Hotel. Getting the word that Colonel Spark, whom I had just met, was killed in the south. Remember being diverted from a mail run to a medevac for an unit out in the field (I don't remember whether it was from the 9th Marines) in a CH-34. Visited Camp Carroll and the Rockpile as well as humped batteries to the Vandegrift ASRT located on top of Ca Lu mountain. My last UH-1 ride out of Vandegrift to Dong Ha.... More
Best Friends
Jim and Angel, Army Grunts, from Wisconsin, and Puerto Rico, respectively. All the Marine Sentry Dog handlers and their dogs: "Cesar", "AARD (RD)", "Rocky", among others. Many more whose names recede back into memories gone.
Best Moment
Sitting at a gathering point in the fishing village just below our position, drinking beer and discussing the state of the world with the local fishermen and their families.
Worst Moment
(1)A night Ambush, six-man with 3 OP's of 2 men each. Almost got myself shot up by an Army Sentry who apparently did not get the word we were out that night. Later I found out that the sound I heard was from an M-79 being loaded with a 40mm shotgun round. I had been looking for the comm wire that had been misplaced by whoever laid it for us--it wasn't where it was supposed to be. (2) The night whole bty opened up at anything that moved after going on alert. A boot 1st Lt. had me strap a PRC-25 on my back and accompany him checking the bunkers and fighting holes--that wasn't fun at all.
Chain of Command
Capt T R Snead
Other Memories
Going on sweeps with my dog handler friends and their dogs to assist the CAP unit at the other end of the island. Working night interdiction with swift boats: code name "Swift Drink Charlie." Our radio call sign was "Monkey Puzzle Alpha". Chasing apparent contacts with the "Gunner" missile tech who had it together well. He led our little group like a swiss watch on our search at night.
Best Friends
Franco, Gascoigne, Holmes, and others in the Comm Section whose names I do not remember.
Best Moment
Swimming in the beach by our Hq.
Worst Moment
Incoming 122mm rockets during and after Tet 1968. On guard duty the night 3 hawk missiles from B Battery were set off by the incoming.
Chain of Command
1st Marine Air Wing, Marine Air Control Grroup 18, 2nd Ligth Anti-Aircraft Missile Battalion.
Other Memories
Guard duty southern perimeter of Chu Lai airbase on a sentry tower, flanked by US Army personnel, serving under ridiculous rules of engagement that put us in jeopardy.
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
Description
1968-1969, they (NVA & VC) tried but didn't get me.
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
Comments Four Bronze Stars:
Tet Counteroffensive (30Jan68-01Apr68)
Vietnamese Counteroffensive (02Apr68-30Jun68) Phase IV
Vietnamese Counteroffensive (01Jul68-01Nov68) Phase V
Vietnamese Counteroffensive (02Nov68-... Four Bronze Stars:
Tet Counteroffensive (30Jan68-01Apr68)
Vietnamese Counteroffensive (02Apr68-30Jun68) Phase IV
Vietnamese Counteroffensive (01Jul68-01Nov68) Phase V
Vietnamese Counteroffensive (02Nov68-22Feb69) Phase VI 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
Comments
Vietnamese Counteroffensive (02Apr68-30Jun68) Phase IV
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
Comments
Vietnamese Counteroffensive (01Jul68-01Nov68) Phase V
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
Description
Awarded both to MACG-18, of which 2nd LAAM Bn was part, and to MASS-2, 1st MAW.
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
Awarded to I MAW and their components.
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
Comments
Service from January 30, 1968 to February 20, 1969
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
People You Remember
Holmes, Gascoigne, Franco, et al in the HQ Comm Section of 2nd LAAM Bn in Chu Lai.
Memories Landed in Danang around 5:30PM, January 30, 1968. A little after 7:00PM all hell broke loose. I haLanded in Danang around 5:30PM, January 30, 1968. A little after 7:00PM all hell broke loose. I had heard from another Marine, a grunt CPL and CAP member returning from leave after extending his tour, that all was quiet and well in Viet Nam. Or so he maintained from San Bernardino to Anchorage, Anchorage to Kadena AFB, and through two nights of hell raising in Okinawa (28-29 Jan 1968) and all the way until the rockets started landing on us in Danang. It was my first time ever to see and hear a gunship fire its miniguns at night. Tensions ran so high that a cigarette butt thrown away still lit was confused for an incoming tracer, causing the whole line to open up. A little later on, the protruding antenna of a PRC-25 carried by shadows in front of us probably saved a Marine grunt patrol from being fired upon. It was a memorable start of one's tour of duty in the Nam.
By the time I reported to my unit the next day in the afternoon, the greeting First Sergeant asked from which grunt outfit was I being transferred. I guess I looked a little disheveled.... 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
People You Remember Comm Section: Franco, Gascoigne, Holmes, et al I don't remember. Sgt Golf, US Army, a memorable chaComm Section: Franco, Gascoigne, Holmes, et al I don't remember. Sgt Golf, US Army, a memorable character during my stint at guard duty in our sector of responsibility.... More
Memories The first part of this period pulled guard duty on the southern perimeter of Chu Lai Combat Air BaseThe first part of this period pulled guard duty on the southern perimeter of Chu Lai Combat Air Base. Our sector was the SE section of the base, with the coast line on the left flank and the wire perimeter on the south. Three observation towers and a line of bunkers and trenches constituted the defense line. Marines occupied the center tower, the other flanking towers were assigned to the Army.
In early May, I was transferred to Alpha Battery on Hill 44 (Ky Hoa Island) just outside and north of the main Chu Lai Airbase. We worked with a CAP unit at one end of the island and five small hamlets mostly comprised of farmers and fishermen.... 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
People You Remember Minelli, Mruk, Birdsong, several sentry dog handlers whose names I forget, guys in motorpool, missilMinelli, Mruk, Birdsong, several sentry dog handlers whose names I forget, guys in motorpool, missile techs, Captain Snead, a couple of radio relay guys, one of which steered me into buying my Asahi Pentax when I went to Sydney on R&R. Lt. Cox who recruited me to accompany him a night the whole battery was opening up on anything that moved in and outside the perimeter. Jim, an Army medic that was billeted with us from the bush, along with Angel, an Army grunt from Pto Rico who got himself shot up five times (5 PHs) and we finally convinced him to go home. A black guy who was Caesar's handler on the island and with whom I walked shotgun in support of search patrols along with the CAP Marines and PFs at the other end of the island. So many names I don't remember. In Dong Ha, I met Paul Susami, an Italian kid from NY who with Susami had been at Charlie Battery. Klein and Horning. SSgt Christian, 1st Lt Peter Coconis, a mustanger, who wrote my parents when I rotated back to the world. Colonel Michael Melvin Spark whom I met in the Dong Ha DASC shortly before his death in action. One of our guys who killed himself accidentally with a grenade, the explosion of which we heard but we did not connect that to him. ... More
Memories At Ky Hoa Island until around the end of September. We had several things going on, ambushes, nightAt Ky Hoa Island until around the end of September. We had several things going on, ambushes, night searches, interdiction with swift boats around Ky Hoa island.I went on R&R around the beginning of August, with a couple of dog faces, Jim the medic whom I had met on Ky Hoa and David, a kid from Indianapolis who lost his right leg from the knee down 10 days after we got back from Sydney. 2nd LAAM was rotated out of country. Several of us were sent to MASS-2 in Dong Ha. We were clobbered with 152mm field artillery fired from across the DMZ and lost the Sgt Major of the 3rd Marine Division, Halloween 1968. A 750 Lb bomb landing near the Dong Ha perimeter, throwing the whole base on alert. The ammo dump going off like a 4th of July celebration.... More
Best Friends
LCpl Jerry Karrels from Wisconsin, Cpl Allen from Panama City Fl, Cpl Marty Owens, et al. The wife of a Marine who took Jerry Karrels and me to the Base Hospital after our plane crash-I'll never forget her kindness and courage.
Best Moment
Meritorious Corporal effective 1 April, 1967. Nominated for Meritorious Sergeant in late 1967 but politely turned it down because I had already volunteered for FMF WestPac and did not want to go as a SGT in an MOS (2511) in which I had not trained for almost 10 months. Bearing Bn Colors at events and parades. Studying Isshin Ryu Karate with SSGT A. J. Advincula. Hanging out with a couple of Hawaiian ladies on base. Beating Base Career NCO's record score of 33 (36 out of 50 possible points) in the ALAT (Army Language Aptitude Test), which amply qualified me for the Monterey Defense Language Institute. Requalifying with the M-14, albeit missing Sharpshooter by 2 (208).
Worst Moment
Crashing a plane (losing a 96-hour pass!) with my friend Jerry, and convalescing 2.5 months.
Chain of Command
Fleet Marine Forces Pacific, 9th Communication Battalion, Radio Relay & Construction Company, H&S Platoon.
Lieutenant Colonel M. M. Hoover Jr, Commanding Officer, 9th Communications Battalion. Captain Shepherd and Major Edward L. Green (Replacing Shepherd), Commanding Officers, Radio Relay & Construction Company. Warrant Officer Laverne. Sgt Taylor, from Detroit, Michigan, our Supply NCO and my direct boss for a while.
Other Memories
Marty Owens from Illinois, my friend who spent with me my 21st birthday party in Palm Springs! Carried secondary MOS of 3041 because CO assigned me to HQ Platoon, Supply section due to having studied accounting at Ball State prior to enlisting. Sgt Taylor and I got the Radio Relay & Construction Company ready for deployment at a moment's notice.
Best Moment
Winning a 96 from our Company CO by outrunning him in the CMC's Physical Readiness Test.
Worst Moment
Plane crash June 30, 1967, just outside the town of 29 Palms.
Chain of Command
MCB 29 Palms, 9th Communication Battalion, Radio Relay & Construction Company, H&S Platoon.
Captain Shepperd (1st CO), Major Edward L. Green (2nd CO), WO Laverne, et al
Other Memories
Joined this Battalion when it was being formed. Rank structure was very fluid so I made Lance Corporal just after reporting in. Because of having some college was assigned to Hq Platoon of the Radio Relay and Construction Company.
Best Friends
Those from Platoon 3070 who trained with me. Was again a squad leader (acting sergeant).
Best Moment
Our field Bivouac, close to completion of training.
Worst Moment
One of our guys ran around the barracks of another training unit, impersonating an officer. Our Co Gunny got wind of it and we all paid the prize at around 3:00 AM doing PT in our skivvies.
Chain of Command
2nd Infantry Training Regiment, 3rd Infantry Training Battalion, Yankee Company. Our Company Gunny was a recon guy. I saw him in Nam when I came in country. I was flattered that he remember me. Or was it our 'spirited' performance in ITR?
Other Memories
Drawing bull dog faces in the back of our yellow sweatshirts for several of my mates.
Best Friends
Ward, Strejewski, Petit, Stone, Peiffer, Bowman, and all others whose names I forget.
Best Moment
Rifle qualification (202), Meritorious PFC, Graduation.
Worst Moment
First day. Receiving punishment, along with other Squad Leaders and the Guideon, for the mistakes of the Platoon.
Instructors
SSGT C. M. Renfrow, Platoon Commander; Sgts R. D. Stride and J. P. DeCruz, Drill Instructors.
Other Memories
Was put in charge of 2nd Squad two days after training started. Was one of only 2 Squad Leaders that made it through basic training without being changed.
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
Comments
Affectionately (sometimes jokingly) called the "Firewatch" Medal. Earned right out of boot camp.
Susami, Taylor.
Teaching NCO Drill Techniques.
No worst moments.
Can't remember.
Swooping to New York every weekend pass.