Hall, Gordon, GySgt

PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE MARINE CORPS.
Vietnam was happening, I was not interested in going to college, and the draft was in my future. Not only was my dad a WWII vet who fought on Okinawa, he was a career Soldier in the US Army. He had numerous friends in all branches of service except the USMC and would have used his personal friends to keep track of me, get me assignments/promotions/etc. I felt it was my time to go out on my own, wherever/whatever happened, without his influence.

After my return from RVN as a Sgt., we did not have those issues come between us anymore.

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?
Following 2 years of electronics courses while in high school, I was sent back to MCRD for further related training. Upon completion of the Basic Electronics Course, I was sent to MCB 29 Palms for Radar basic training, followed by UPS-1 Radar Training. After completion of these courses, I was assigned to MATCU-75 at MCB Camp Pendleton. I was there for a few months, then received orders for Viet Nam via Staging Bn. at Cam Pendleton. I served at the MATCU at Chu Lai for several months and was then transferred to MASS-3 when the MATCU was reassigned to CONUS. I reenlisted while still in RVN, and attended the GCA Tech Cs at NAS Glynco.

I was assigned to the MATCU at MCAS(H) New River, where I remained for the 1-1/2 yrs. I was transferred to MCAS Futenma, Okinawa, where I was stationed for 3-1/2 yrs. Following my return to CONUS, I was assigned to the MATCU at MCALF Bogue Field. I left active duty for personal reasons but reenlisted in the Marine Corps Reserves. I served at NAS Whidbey Island until 1988. I supported operations with CH-46, UH-1, and EA6B aircraft, finishing my tour as the Reserve S-2 Chief.

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?
As a Radar Technician, I did not participate in specific combat ops. However, I was involved in the defense of our facilities at Chu Lai, Freedom Hill (Hill 327, DaNang), and at FSB Birmingham. I was always mindful of how tenuous was life for us.

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.
May 23, 1970 - Chu Lai, RVN - At about 0600, our crew of radar techs & operators was assembling at our hootch area (living quarters) to proceed to our MATCU to assume our 24 hour shift of duty. We had been on various stages of alert status due

Action @ Chu Lai MATCU 05-23-1970

to the threat of VC / NVA activity against the air field. All of a sudden, there was a loud 'whoosh' approaching our position, followed by a large explosion. An enemy 122 mm rocket had struck our water tower less than 100 feet from us. A couple of our men were struck by fragments of the rocket. I assisted in getting the wounded Marine onto our truck, then we transported them to a nearby aid station for treatment of their wounds. (These men were later transferred to a hospital in Japan.) We returned to our hootch area where we loaded up our crew, then proceeded to the MATCU. Needless to say, we were all extremely tense and on guard.

After we arrived at the MATCU, some of us were assigned to a working party to pick up and dispose of numerous flare parachute that had been employed by supporting aircraft throughout the night. Being a LCpl and the lowest ranking man in the MATCU, I was assigned to this working party. Finally, we had collected all parachutes we found, except one. It was floating in an abandoned rice paddy behind the unit. The Sgt. in charge of the detail looked at me, and ordered me to wade out and recover the parachute, as the paddy was deep & I was the tallest. I was extremely nervous, as I was within 50 feet of a brushy wooded area. I felt that I was being observed by VC, all the while being highly exposed and isolated, easy pickings. I collected the parachute and waded back to our detail as rapidly as I could. Nothing happened and we returned to the squadron.

It was time for noon chow by the time we got back, so we started to eat. All of a sudden, the M2 .50 caliber machine gun above us in the airfield control tower cut loose. Word came down that at least 2 VC had been spotted right where I had thought there might be some. Army helicopter gun ships were called in, where they proceeded to hose down that area with grenades and machine gun fire. This heavy fire eventually set the brush and trees on fire. After a while, the helicopters were recalled and a patrol was sent to recon the area. 2 charred VC bodies and several weapons and explosives were found.

When I realized how close and exposed I had been, my knees just felt like jello.

OF ALL YOUR DUTY STATIONS OR ASSIGNMENTS, WHICH ONE DO YOU HAVE FONDEST MEMORIES OF AND WHY? WHICH WAS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE?
I was given the option of transferring to Okinawa with my family for 2 1/2 yrs in 1973. I felt that this was an opportunity for me and my family to experience a different lifestyle and culture. My youngest daughter was born there, and we traveled around the island frequently. My then-wife and I learned to SCUBA dive while we were there. We met many new friends, leading to many positive times and experiences. We also offered our home to other unattached Marines and Sailors as a meeting place where we could take our packs off and enjoy family events together, especially at holiday times. I extended for another year and returned to CONUS in 1976.

FROM YOUR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY MEMORIES YOU STILL REFLECT BACK ON TO THIS DAY.
I was stationed at H & HS, MCAS Futenma, Okinawa in 1975 when Saigon, RVN fell. All of the aircraft there, except for the OV-10 squadron, were deployed in support of Operation Eagle Pull, then the Mayaguez op at KoTang Island.

I recall standing in the middle of the airfield taxi strip, totally frustrated because I was not with any of the men I knew from both the grunt and airwing sides, and the entire airfield was as silent and deserted as a ghost town.

WHAT PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF FROM YOUR MILITARY CAREER?
When I was transferred to MASS 3, I was not prepared or equipped to work on the radar system that they operated. Instead, I was assigned other, less technical tasks. I eventually landed at the MASS ASRAT at FB Birmingham, which was supporting the US Army 101st Airborne. While there, I was assigned the responsibility of improving our defenses. I believe that my performance was instrumental in being promoted to Sgt.

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?
I consider the combination of personal awards to represent my commitment to protecting and defending our nation, and being vigilant and prepared to do so. I am proud of my marksmanship skills.

Although no longer serving, my firearms and marksmanship skills are the same or even better than when I was in uniform.

WHICH INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM YOUR TIME IN THE MILITARY STAND OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?
My father was a career officer in the Army and had served in the invasion of Okinawa in WWII, and later in Korea. Although my father and I disagreed about my enlisting in the USMC, I realized years later that I had been schooled by him and many of his associates throughout my first 19 yrs. in many related military subjects. I believe that this informal education served me well I'm my own military career.

GySgt. (eventually Sgt. Maj.) Jack Jaunal. I was still in high school when I first became aware of him. He was a local recruiter who also served as the adviser to our girl's drill team. I was friends w/several girls on the team, so I had numerous opportunities to observe him. Not only was I impressed w/the uniform, I was also aware of his poise, attitude, conduct, self-assurance, etc. He made me want to emulate him, even though we never actually met or spoke to each other. Interestingly, we met several years later after we had both been discharged from active duty. He was a SgtMaj by then. We had both returned to college and wound up attending the same writing class. I was, and still am, in complete awe of the man and the friend!

SSgt Doug Card was our Maintenance Supervisor at the MATCU at the Camp Pendleton airfield. He became my mentor while I was there, and helped me learn more about being a Marine, and a Technician.

Later on, while stationed at MCAS Futenma, I met MSgt Dan Smith and MGySgt Tom Asbjornson, both of whom provided further guidance and examples in how to be a positive and effective Marine.

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?
While attending that radar course at 29 Palms, there were 2 classes going thru the same course at the same time. Our class was composed almost entirely of young enlisted Marines who were barely out of Boot Camp. The other class was made up of Sgt's and SNCO's who had reenlisted for technical training. The 2 classes never worked together. Smoking and drinking soda and coffee were allowed by the school staff. However, our class of junior Marines was tasked with the daily cleanup and the weekly field day of both the classrooms and the radar lab. While we didn't really mind, we were usually upset about the lack of cleanliness standards as displayed by the more senior NCO's and SNCO's. Overflowing ashtrays, partial cups of coffee and soda cans, and loose cigarette butts littered whatever area they had recently occupied. After awhile, we were thirsting for payback.

Finally, the opportunity arrived. At the end of class one day, when we were doing our daily policing of the radar lab, one member of our class had found a large circular magnet. The senior class had already departed for the day. Knowing that the displays on our radar scopes were based on the application of magnetic principals, we were at first just curious to see what effect on the radar display we would see if the magnet was held close to scope. We saw that the radar sweep would fly off the screen towards the magnet, only to return as the sweep continued to rotate. Not only was this initially amusing, it led to further possibilities. We looked all over the radar lab, and eventually discovered a role of OD green duct tape. Using the tape, we secured the magnet to the side of the inside of the radar indicator and on the surface of the indicator tube. We made sure that the magnet was entirely covered with tape as camouflage, and that no damage was inflicted on the indicator. Laughing to ourselves, fully expecting to be discovered and reprimanded the next day, we finished the cleanup and secured the lab.

All the next day we could hear loud expletives from the lab area as the senior class discovered the erratic display, then spent the entire day troubleshooting the indicator to locate and correct the problem. They never found the problem, so could not effect an appropriate repair. They secured for the day, still cussing and discussing loudly, leaving the lab in more of mess than usual. We were highly surprised!! We quickly opened the indicator, removed the magnet and the tape, secured the indicator, completed the daily police tasks, and left the school building laughing to ourselves. We took the magnet and tape with us. The senior class returned the next day, focused on tackling the repair of the indicator. Of course, there were no signs of trouble. They spent the rest of the day halfheartedly looking to resolve a nonexistent problem. They left the lab at the end of the day, patting each other on the back and congratulating each other for being such ace technicians. We were never found out.

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?
Following my discharge in 1976, I worked briefly for a company that sold & serviced bar and lounge equipment. I also worked for awhile for an international construction company where I repaired and calibrated radiographic devices and equipment. Until my retirement in 2003, I worked primarily in building maintenance at a community college in the Seattle area. In addition, I also worked for the college's athletic department for 12 years as the Athletic Trainer for all of the teams.

I am now retired, but working as a school bus driver and P/T trainer.

WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS ARE YOU A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? WHAT SPECIFIC BENEFITS DO YOU DERIVE FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIPS?
I am a member of the Marine Air Traffic Controllers Association, the Marine Corps League, the American Legion, the American Legion Riders, the Patriot Guard Riders.

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?
I have used many of the skills and confidence acquired in the Corps to deal with potentially harmful situations that have occasionally occurred in my life. Many of the techniques learned in the Corps have also been used when serving in coaching and athletic training situations. I have experienced several surgical procedures over the years, including complete circumferential skin grafts when I was scalded over 36% of my body in 1999. Marine philosophy and mindset have helped me to recover more completely, more thoroughly, and much sooner than anticipated by the doctors.

I was recently diagnosed with cancer resulting from Agent Orange exposure when I was in Viet Nam. In addition to the excellent medical treatment, I applied many of the lessons I learned while in the Corps and in 1999. This resulted in my currently being in full remission.

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE MARINE CORPS?
Always continue your education, regardless of your rank, MOS, active duty or reserve status! Seek opportunities to improve your marksmanship skills. Check your six. f in a theater of combat ops, trust no one, not in your unit. Always be aware of the potential for mines, booby traps, IED's, etc. Don't sweat the small stuff. Be proud of who and what you are. If you have been deployed to a combat zone, find someone you can confide in when you return home. Do not keep things bottled up inside. Doing so will eat you alive. If nothing else, feel free to contact me at any time, 24/7. Pray.

IN WHAT WAYS HAS TOGETHERWESERVED.COM HELPED YOU REMEMBER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND THE FRIENDS YOU SERVED WITH.

TWS and the US MARINES

Togetherweserved.com has helped me to search for men that I have served with over the years. While I am still searching for several others, I have been able to contact a few of my former associates that I have lost contact with. In addition, it has enabled me to make contact with a few others who shared experiences while being unaware of each other at the time. I have also shared Togetherweserved with friends who have served in other branches of service.

It has also helped me to document some of my experiences so I can leave these memories for my family.

DS 6/14/17