Prowant, Steven, Sgt

PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE MARINE CORPS.
I grew up in New Columbia, Pennsylvania and went to high school in Milton. A beautiful part of central Pennsylvania, on the Susquehanna River. I could have found employment following high school, but I didn't want to start work and stay there without seeing some of the world first. Also,

Grandfather Stewart Prowant WWI, Father Jack Stewart Prowant WWII

I love my country and knew it was my duty to serve. Most of my extended family had served, or were currently serving. I didn't know of any who had served in the United States Marine Corps, so I decided the Marine Corps was for me.

During that time I also knew two people who had served in the Marine Corps in Vietnam. My former assistant Boy Scout Leader, and the older brother of one of my best friends. Nelson Doebler and Greg Koch. They didn't warn me not to go, so I figured it was okay and the right thing to do.

I enlisted in January 1971 and left for boot camp on June 16th. It was only sometime in the night hours of what must have been June 17th, that I began to question that decision. Questions like; what the hell have I done, and why didn't they tell me, ran through my head. Oh...I also wanted my mommy real bad.

WHETHER YOU WERE IN THE SERVICE FOR SEVERAL YEARS OR AS A CAREER, PLEASE DESCRIBE THE DIRECTION OR PATH YOU TOOK. WHERE DID YOU GO TO BOOT CAMP AND WHAT UNITS, BASES, SHIPS OR SQUADRONS WERE YOU ASSIGNED TO? WHAT WAS YOUR REASON FOR LEAVING?

Picture taken during ITR. I think

After all the testing in boot camp, the Marine Corps figured I'd make a good Amphibian Tractor Crewman, MOS 1833. Who was I to argue with what must have been years of scientific research that enabled them to come to that conclusion? So I agreed.

After boot camp at Parris Island, and infantry training at 1st IT Bn, 1st ITR, MCB Camp Lejeune NC, I was off to California to learn how to be an Amphibian Tractor Crewman. That is what I am, and I'm proud of it. YAT-YAS. However, along the way, I kept my eyes and ears open for other opportunities. I discovered making friends with the office personnel was very important. Useful information flows from there. I was once a Company Career Planner, and also the Battalion Assistant Rifle Range NCO.

When my four years of active duty were up, in June of 1975, I was simply ready to move on. I planned on attending college that fall and starting a new chapter in my life.

IF YOU PARTICIPATED IN ANY MILITARY OPERATIONS, INCLUDING COMBAT, HUMANITARIAN AND PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS, PLEASE DESCRIBE THOSE WHICH MADE A LASTING IMPACT ON YOU AND, IF LIFE-CHANGING, IN WHAT WAY?
I did not participate directly in combat operations. The most that should be said of me, is that I enlisted in the Marine Corps, and served honorably. I have many friends who are combat veterans, and I hold them in high esteem.

On one ship, my Amtrac crew was assigned to

P5 Amtrac

a gun, as part of our duty on that ship. My tractor developed serious engine problems during training in Subic Bay, Philippines, and we were transferred to a tank platoon on an LSD, (Dock Landing Ship) because it had the equipment to pull and repair the engine. I remember sitting in the rain on the South China Sea, water pouring off our ponchos in the middle of the night. I really didn't want a call warning us of any threat. We had a training exercise somewhere near Subic Bay before going to Vietnam, where we had a lot of fun shooting at targets on an island. It was hard work keeping pace the Navy gun crew. Our job was to bring the shells from the magazine and hand them off to the guy loading the gun. It was an awesome experience

On 24 May 1972, I was on the USS SUMTER, LST 1181 in the Gulf of Tonkin near the mouth of the Cua Viet River. The Cua Viet River is in Military Region 1, not far south of the DMZ. This was during the time of the North Vietnamese Easter Offensive. Operation SONG THANH 6-72 was to land 277 Vietnamese Marines from the 3rd Battalion, 147th Brigade on Red Beach. Marines from a second Battalion would be inserted behind the beach by helicopter. Two waves of Amtracs were launched while underway 4,000 yards from the beach. One from the USS DENVER, and one from the USS CAYUGA. The beach was being bombarded by two Cruisers and several Destroyers at the time of launch. My ship was directly behind one of the Destroyers.

At 1,500 yards from the beach, an Arclight was dropped behind the beach. (Air Force B-52 bombers) At 1,000 yards the Amtracs came under fire from machine-gun, mortar, and finally small arms. The first wave with my friends Terry, Israel, and Jim was able to return fire with their mounted.30 caliber machine-guns and M-79 grenade launchers. As I watched the helicopters overhead, and the big guns of the ship firing on the beach, I had mixed emotions. As a young Marine, I was trained for and wanted to experience battle. I realize that's not a rational thought, but I felt like I should be there with my friends. As an old man, I realized I was among the fortunate that day.

As it turned out, we didn't lose any men or Amtracs in that landing. Something I was very thankful for because I had good friends participating. Israel Garza, Jim Crawley, and Terry Nordin to mention just a few.

If you are a reader and enjoy history, I recommend "The Easter Offensive" by Col. Gerald H. Turley, USMC Retired. It describes in great detail, the events of 1972 in Vietnam. Contrary to popular belief, the war was far from over.

DID YOU ENCOUNTER ANY SITUATION DURING YOUR MILITARY SERVICE WHEN YOU BELIEVED THERE WAS A POSSIBILITY YOU MIGHT NOT SURVIVE? IF SO, PLEASE DESCRIBE WHAT HAPPENED AND WHAT WAS THE OUTCOME.
In my case the incident had nothing to do with combat. It was a simple swim training exercise. We were instructed to put on our life vest, swim out beyond the serf to a marker, which was a Hawaiian Gunnery Sgt., (the man could tread water all day) then blow two breaths of air into the vest and return to the beach. Simple enough. I grabbed a partner...Serge Duarte, (Serge, Arnold, and I actually called each other Partner) and we started out.

Everything was going according to plan, and we were having a great time. Who wouldn't enjoy a swim in the ocean, as a break in the normal routine? When we hit the surf on the way back, I was facing the beach with Serge in front of me looking back. All of a sudden his eyes got big, and he tried to warn me. Suddenly I was lifted up by a monster wave and slammed to the bottom. I felt like I was in a giant washing machine rolling around in the sand and water. I remember thinking I was going to drown, and hoping by some miracle the ocean would release me in time. Well, obviously it did. When we got to dry beach, we both had a good laugh.

When we get together today, that incident occasionally comes up, and we laugh all over again. I love old friends and memories made.

OF ALL YOUR DUTY STATIONS OR ASSIGNMENTS, WHICH ONE DO YOU HAVE FONDEST MEMORIES OF AND WHY? WHICH WAS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE?
I'll answer the second part of this question first. I really didn't enjoy my assignment as Company Career Planner very much. I had a tiny office with no windows and had to call everyone in to tell them something they didn't want to listen to. Either they were not staying

P5 Amtrac

in and knew it, or they pretty much had a career path figured out. At least that's how it seemed to me. I did one thing during that time that I feel good about. I helped get the Marines from our company, who had not graduated high school, to a battalion class where they could work on getting their GED. One of our Lieutenants had a wife who was a teacher. It was my job to get the guys signed up, and make sure they made it to class.

A favorite duty station or assignment is hard to pick because I enjoyed most of them. I was in the United States Marine Corps after all! 1st Amtrac Battalion, 3rd Marine Division was good because we were always on the move. Going someplace and doing something. Doing things we had been trained to do and then training more. The war was still going on, and it seemed people didn't mess with you simply for the sake of messing with you. I was able to see Okinawa, Hong Kong, The Philippines, and from a safe distance, Vietnam.

I also had a Company CO that I would have followed anywhere. Captain Bradley. A Marine who lead by example, and cared about the well being of his men. He didn't just say do it, he did it, and we followed. He was a leader of Marines.

I also enjoyed 3rd Amtrac Battalion 1st Marine Division because I was there longest, and have kept in touch with friends made there.That's where I met Arnold and Serge, and continued relationships with Terry Nordin, Iz Garza, and Jim Crawley who I first met in 1st Amtrac Battalion. While I enjoyed being an Amtrac Crewman, it was the relationships with fellow Marines I enjoyed the most. That was true for all four years.

FROM YOUR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY MEMORIES YOU STILL REFLECT BACK ON TO THIS DAY.

Marines at the rifle range. Qualifying week.

One memory that stands out is winning the 1st Marine Division Rifle Team competition. I really enjoyed being a member of that team, along with my friend Serge. I also competed in the division small bore competition and took 3rd place. In four years there were many good memories of the Marines I served with, and the times we had together. It's hard to pick just one, but the rifle competition stands out because it was truly an outstanding accomplishment.

WHAT PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF FROM YOUR MILITARY CAREER?

I think this was my battalion "High Shooter" trophy

I was "Honor Man" of my platoon in boot camp, went where I was sent without question or hesitation, on a rifle team that won a 1st Marine Division competition and advanced to the rank of Sergeant.

But, no matter how corny this sounds, I am most proud of the moment I became a United States Marine. It was earned, not given.

OF ALL THE MEDALS, AWARDS, FORMAL PRESENTATIONS AND QUALIFICATION BADGES YOU RECEIVED, OR OTHER MEMORABILIA, WHICH ONE IS THE MOST MEANINGFUL TO YOU AND WHY?
In addition to winning a division team rifle competition, the most meaningful award I received was "Honor Man," as I recall it being named, or "Outstanding Marine" of my recruit platoon. I don't remember all the necessary qualifications but I remember being a high shooter on the rifle range, scoring

Graduation at Paris Island 1971

very high in PT, (special thanks to my High School track coach Earnie Gromlich) being a squad leader and platoon guide. I must have done something right because I did, in fact, receive the award and I have always been proud of it.

One other thought on this. Even though I am not a combat veteran, I did earn the Vietnam Service Ribbon. Through all the early years of negativity toward the title "Vietnam Veteran," I was proud to have gone where my country sent me, and performed my duties to the best of my ability, and honorably. That single ribbon got me into the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Today, I am proud to put on the uniform of the VFW and continue to serve alongside my personal heroes and friends through that organization. In addition to the Vietnam Service Ribbon, I earned the National Defense Service Ribbon and the Marine Corps Good Conduct Ribbon.

Together they represent four years of honorable service. And that is very meaningful to me.

WHICH INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM YOUR TIME IN THE MILITARY STAND OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?

Visiting Serge at Camp Pendleton

Serge Duarte and Alex Reese. These were both intelligent, motivated Marines. I served with Serge as a friend and witnessed first hand that he was a motivated, squared away Marine. The kind of guy that brings out the best in those around him. He continued to serve our great Country in other ways after the Marine Corps, and I am very proud of him and his outstanding accomplishments.

Staff Sgt. Reese was someone I also looked up to for his professionalism and attention to detail. Though he was my superior, I only gave him cause to yell at me one time. When I was a "short timer" I developed a bad habit of entering his office every morning and announcing how many days I had remaining. One morning it got to him, or he hadn't had his coffee or something. I made my usual announcement of days remaining, and he proceeded to ream me out. Understandable. I forgive him. He continued to serve and retired from the Marine Corps with the rank of Major.

LIST THE NAMES OF OLD FRIENDS YOU SERVED WITH, AT WHICH LOCATIONS, AND RECOUNT WHAT YOU REMEMBER MOST ABOUT THEM. INDICATE THOSE YOU ARE ALREADY IN TOUCH WITH AND THOSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO MAKE CONTACT WITH.
Serge Duarte 3rd Amtrac Bn. 1st Marine Division. In touch.

Arnold German 3rd Amtrac Bn. 1st Marine Division. In touch.

Richard Ramos 1st Amtrac Bn. 3rd Marine Division. Would like to make contact

Israel Garza 1st Amtrac Bn. 3rd Marine Division, 3rd Amtrac Bn, 1st Marine Division. In touch.

Terry Nordin 1st Amtrac Bn. 3rd Marine Division, 3rd Amtrac Bn. 1st Marine Division. In touch.

Jim Crawley 1st Amtrac Bn. 3rd Marine Division, 3rd Amtrac Bn. 1st Marine Division. In touch.

William E. Blackwood 1st Amtrac Bn. 3rd Marine Division, 3rd Amtrac Bn. 1st Marine Division. Would like to make contact.

L. Archuleta 1st Amtrac Bn. 3rd Marine Division. Would like to make contact.

CAN YOU RECOUNT A PARTICULAR INCIDENT FROM YOUR SERVICE, WHICH MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FUNNY AT THE TIME, BUT STILL MAKES YOU LAUGH?

Me, Serge, and Arnold on a weekend camping trip

I am very sure, if I could enjoy a beer with some of the guys, there would be many things come up that would bring a good laugh. It's interesting how passing time fades those memories until someone starts talking about them all these years later. No doubt, many of them would be those "you had to be there" kind of story. There is one time that comes to mind, and I even have the picture.

Three of us, Arnold German, Serge Duarte and myself went camping one weekend. By the time we arrived and found a spot to pitch the tent, it was very late and dark. The attached picture should be titled, "How Many Marines Does it Take to Pitch a Tent?" The answer is four. The three of us, plus one who actually knows how! Then there was the night in Hong Kong when I got my tattoo.

WHAT PROFESSION DID YOU FOLLOW AFTER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW? IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY SERVING, WHAT IS YOUR PRESENT OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY?

Hiking in the Eagle Cap Wilderness, Oregon

After serving four years in the Marine Corps, I entered college on the GI Bill in September of the same year, 1975. I earned an Associate of Arts in Business Administration from Clackamas Community College in Oregon City, Oregon.

I followed that up with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Portland State University, Portland, Oregon. I have been working at Packaging Specialties Co. in Tualatin, Oregon ever since. I manage the warehouse operation, shipping and receiving, purchase stock merchandise, and coordinate the printing department's orders. As often as possible I enjoy hiking and camping in the wilderness and fly fishing for trout in small mountain streams.

WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS ARE YOU A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? WHAT SPECIFIC BENEFITS DO YOU DERIVE FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIPS?

Visit to the Vietnam Memorial, Washington DC

I am currently a member of USAA, Marine Corps Association & Foundation, TWS and The American Legion, the VFW, and the 3rd Marine Division Association.

USAA offers excellent Auto Insurance rates. I believe in the mission of the Marine Corps Association & Foundation, and give what I can financially. The American Legion and VFW, I hope each will benefit from my membership and contributions in fulfilling their mission.

It's difficult to give time to everything, so the time I have, is given to activities at my VFW Post 1324. They are a great bunch of people, and it's a very active Post.

IN WHAT WAYS HAS SERVING IN THE MILITARY INFLUENCED THE WAY YOU HAVE APPROACHED YOUR LIFE AND YOUR CAREER? WHAT DO YOU MISS MOST ABOUT YOUR TIME IN THE SERVICE?

Battalion Assistant Range NCO. Good work if you can get it.

Have you ever seen the poster titled "Everything I Ever Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten?" Well, I didn't attend kindergarten. The United States Marine Corps taught me everything I ever needed to know. I still put my belt buckle on with military alignment. My shoes are laced left over right and always will be. I blouse my shirts. I cry at the singing of the National Anthem and The Marine Corps Hymn. When I see veterans from all branches decorated from years of service, I'm proud they served their Country with honor. Serving has touched everything in my life.

I honestly believe a day does not pass without my being aware that I am a United States Marine.
Semper Fi

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE MARINE CORPS?
Give it all you have. Let the Marine Corps make a Marine out of you. They know what they are doing. Study hard in whatever schools you attend, and make it your goal to advance in rank and leadership. Be aware of opportunities as they become available.

You never know what good things may come, as a result of a little change. If you decide to leave active duty when your enlistment time is up, be aware that even on the outside people are looking for "A Few Good Men and Women." Above all other advice, I would say, stay in the Marine Corps.

IN WHAT WAYS HAS TOGETHERWESERVED.COM HELPED YOU REMEMBER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND THE FRIENDS YOU SERVED WITH.
The TWS site has helped me, by encouraging me to dig up old records from the Marine Corps days. In my search for records showing what units I served with and when old memories began to surface. I am remembering people, events, and places I haven't given much thought for

Arnold, Steve, Serge. Together We Served

many years. It has been a very positive, fun exercise. I'm glad I finally took the time to complete my profile. I believe it's important to have a record of some kind to share and leave with my daughter and granddaughter. I want them to know I served my country and the Marine Corps well.

It was through Together We Served that I located my friends Arnold and Iz. With Arnold, I posted all the information I remembered from when we were last together. The very next day, I received a message from Larry Netter saying he found Arnold. He told me where Arnold worked and gave me the phone number. My first thought was, sure...it's not that easy. I did a little research on the company website, made a phone call, and sure enough, it was my long lost friend Arnold. The following February, my wife and I flew to Southern California to have a reunion with Arnold, Serge, and their wives. It was awesome being together again after all those years. Truly, there is no stronger bond.

With Iz, one day he just showed up on the site, and ask if I still had that tattoo. I am still looking forward to a reunion with him.

KC 11/8/18