Return to Vietnam

Memorial Day

Marines from Korea to the present honoring a Marine from Clearview, Ok on Memorial Day 2009, named Anthony Grundy, killed in Vietnam, 1968.

Mike Doak
USMC 69-71

Vietnam Reunion

Don,
I recently completed, with 10 other former or retired Marines, all Vietnam veterans, a 14 day visit of Vietnam. Arriving in HaNoi on 27 April then traveling to and around the old I Corps area from Chu Lai to the DMZ. We visited all of the significant Marine positions and traveled what used to be part of the Ho Chi Minh trail from Khe Sanh to DaNang through the A Shau Valley (a 10 hour bus trip).

It was a trip of a life time that has given me memories much more pleasant than the ones I have carried since my first trip there 40 years ago.

The attached photo was taken 3 May 2009 inside the Citadel, Hue City Vietnam.

Left to right as you looking at the picture are Robert Puskar, Kevin Kennedy, Michael Lewzader, Robert Ballou, Kenneth Prewett (holding Grit's catalog) Phil Sonner, and John Harrington.

Thanks for you interest,
S/F Kenny

Marine Commendation Medal for Valor in Vietnam

Sgt. Grit Sir,

Please find attached Official Citation for Marine Commendation Medal for Valor while serving in South Vietnam with U.S. Marines (1966-67). I was originally recommended for this medal in October, 1966. But never received it. Yesterday history caught up with me and the long over due medal was presented at the Marine Reserve Center in Chattanooga, Tn.

Semper Fidelis,
Elbert L. Gatlin Sgt. of Marines

An Hoa Ammo Dump

I was on a radio relay shot at An Hoa when the ammo dump in DaNang went up. Even though we were about 30 miles away it was still a spectacular sight.

I can't remember if it was before or after the DaNang dump went up but sometime that same spring the ammo dump at An Hoa went up. Here are some photos I took of the explosions that night. I used an engineer's stake for a make-shift tripod and took a long exposure. Several times that night a huge blast went off and night turned into day. The picture of the shrapnel is what we policed up around our hootch and radio bunker. The toe on the right will give you some idea of scale.

Bill Wright - Sgt.
1st Mar. Div. - HQ. BN. - Comm. Co. - Radio Relay Plt.
'68 - '69

Marine Hero

Sgt. Grit,

As per your reguest to print a story, this is a picture of my mortar platoon section in Viet Nam 66 -67. Foreground upper left L/Cpl Rick Starkey. The other photo is of SSgt.David Nugent,who was seriously wounded trying to return a chicom grenade thrown into his position. Sarge was helping a wounded marine at the time.This action took place Sept.67 at the church yard in Con Thein.These events were documented in a book called Ambush Valley.Because of Sgt.Nugent who recovered from his wounds and other marines that gave their lives,I survided that day but if for nothing else to remember and honor them everyday.

Semper Fi SGT.Grit
L/Cpl Rick Starkey

A.S.P. 1 follow-up

Dear Sgt Grit,

Had read your last 2 issues with the ASP 1 stories and figured I would add my 2 cents. I was stationed on Hill 34 with Hq Co - 7th Comm when the dump blew up. It was the d*mndest show I ever saw and went on for two days and nites. We were in the bunkers and manning the trench lines 24 hrs a day for about 5 days if I remember right. Everyone was warned NOT to waste ammo because what we had on hand was all there was if we got hit by Charlie.

David Teutsch

After graduating from Parris Island ( Platoon 3012, 29 October 1968) plus a bus ride we arrived at Camp Geiger and were assigned V4 company. Upon our arrival the Troop Handlers informed us no Poggi bait was allowed in the barracks. I had a box of brownies in the very bottom of my sea bag and had no way to retrieve them. That evening I asked the Marine next to me if he wanted to meet in the head after lights out and discard of the contraband. He readily agreed and we proceeded to destroy all the evidence. Approximately 0400 we returned to the head and held our own sick call as the evidence went down the toilet. From that day on our friendship grew until he was the brother I never had. His name was, David Teutsch, from Newton Falls, Ohio.

After Christmas leave we arrived at Camp Pendleton for staging and our friendship continued. The night of our escape and evasion class we had found the perfect hiding place and refused to leave even after being called back by a bullhorn, thinking it was a trick. Turns out someone had gone berserk and was taking potshots with a M14. I guess everyone had their way of dealing with the upcoming trip to Vietnam. Ours was to yell across the squad bay, David would say " Rick, be sure and call me when you get home so I can push you down the aisle at your wedding, because you ain't gonna have no legs". I would yell back, that's ok you SOB, I'll attach a special brace so you can push me with your chest cause you ain't gonna have no arms" (found out later we scared a lot of guys) The last time I saw him was on the LZ at Stud, I had gone to get some frags and heard someone calling my name. We spoke for a few minutes and I returned to my unit B 1/9, approximately 22 February 1969.

This would've been Operation Dewey Canyon, David was killed, according to military records by a fragmentation grenade, 11 March 1969. If anyone reading this might have known him could you please get in touch with me (rick7538 [at] hotmail.com.) I would like to know about his final days.

Thanks, William ( Rick) Whitley

1965 to 66 3D Engineer BN

3D Marine Division. A CO. than went to B CO. SEMPER - FI

Pic from Vietnam

this is a picture of me as i was preparing for a patrol while serving as an F.O. radio operator for India battery 3/11 during Operation Desoto in 1967

175mm Guns at Camp Carroll

In August 1967 I arrived in-country and eventually ended up with "India" Co. 3/3 at a place called "Payable". Just a little hole in the ground along route #9 and one of the last stops before The Rock Pile, Razorback, LZ Stud (Later Named Vandergrift) and Khe Sahn. Just want to confirm with Paul Martell....Yeah they were really loud and it took all we sometimes had to keep our shaky little hoochs up after some of the outgoing barrages but, thank god for those big boys. One other note, we are the ones "India" 3/3 who saved those same Army Arty guys at Camp Carroll from getting pounded everyday from NVA Arty coming out of Dong Ha mountain. Took us a couple of days to get to the dug in Gun Positions but, we eventually ran the NVA off the mountain and captured the 75mm Howitzers. Funny thing...They turned out to be American Made!

Danny L. Medders
First Sgt, Retired
RVN 67-68 3/3

1st AntiTankBn 1967

Sgt Grit

The ONTOS in your video brought to mind my time with 1stATBn from July 67 to Dec 67. Our CP was a few miles outside Danang and our letter companies were in support of various infantry units in 1stMarDiv. The Battalion was disbanded in Dec 67 with most ONTOS being attached to 1st Tank Bn and sent North to the DMZ. I am including a few pix which may be of interest to other readers.

Semper Fi
Robert Bailey
Captain USMC (Ret)
Lebanon, Missouri

Dong Ha Ammo Dump

The Dong Ha ammo dump story that you had on your Feb 26th newsletter prompted me to send you these images taken mostly from the 3rd Tank Battalion maintenance ramp on June 20, 1968. It was an amazing pyrotechnics display of the magnitude that I'll never experience again. Many years later I read a very interesting story that was published in the official history, "The US Marine Corps in Vietnam - 1968" printed by the History and Museums Division, HQ US Marine Corps. On Page 360 they write that the North Vietnamese, fearing that the rumors of a US invasion into their country was about to take place, fired a massive artillery bombardment into the huge Dong Ha Combat Base striking the ammunition dump that was located at the far southern edge of the base. This left the 3rd Mar Div "desperately short" of artillery ammunition and the planned invasion was delayed.

S/F
-John

DaNang ammo dump

Re: SSgt D.J Huntsinger's letter about the DaNang ammo dump.

The ammo dump explosion on April 27, 1969, killed only one Marine (one too many) but did cause an estimated 120 mil loss to the US. As CO, Alpha Co, 3d MP Bn, FLC, I was in the front row for that day. The explosion, caused by the Vietnamese burning out one of the roadside garbage dumps, caused damage to the USAF bomb dump, the Navy POL dump, and some damage to the USMC fuel farm. Of course, 3d MPs, being right next door to Ammunition Supply Point #1 (ammo dump) suffered greatly. We did evacuate the brig prisoners and the Vietcong POWs, and suffered the loss of one Marine scout dog.
LEATHERNECK ran a story, together with my corrections, many years ago.
Ed Craft, LtCol USMCR (Ret.) Plt 187, San Diego, 1505691

I read the above on the Sgt Grit page a while back , and vowed that some day I would drag that old footlocker out of the attic and send the attached pics.

We had just come down from Phu Bai a few weeks before and were somewhere nearby waiting for orders to return to the World. I recall being in a large metal building with fluorescent light fixtures , waiting for processing. I had turned in all my gear . All I had was the clothes on my back and a manila folder stuffed in my Jungle utes front pocket, (my service record and orders )

The big booms began, I don’t remember anyone issuing any orders , but I elected to adapt to the situation and return to where my unit hooches were located, I knew where to go as the crow flies, but was otherwise unfamiliar with the terrain.

I ordered myself to return to a safe area, across some rice paddies cordoned off with concertina wire and little signs that said “ MIN” What the hell is a “MIN”? I wondered, …… just then I noticed a young Vietnamese boy 8-10 years old yelling “li dai, li dai, li dai,(spelling?) he guided myself and several other Marines through that minefield and to a paved road, and then I ran the rest of the way back to our unit area while snapping shots over my shoulder with a 35 mm Yaschica camera, reloading film along the way.

When I finally got back to my unit , all sweaty, dusty from the fallout of the expended ordinance, NO COVER !, shirt unbuttoned , I was greeted by a grizzled , cigar chomping Master Gunnery Sergeant Sydlowski who informed me that I was out of uniform, , he was joined by a brand new shiny LT., who wanted to know why I was out of uniform .. Master Gunnery Sergeant Sydlowski dismissed the shiny- new –just- in -country - that - day LT and said HE would handle this matter The Master Gunnery Sergeant then went into his hooch and produced 2 ice cold beers .and a couple of cigars .

Ken Martin
Corporal of Marines
Serial #2361495

Death of a Marine

my husband died suddenly of a massive heart attack Sunday. he was Marine Force Recon and did 3 tours in Vietnam. he did a lot of other things that were classified but suffice to say he qualifies as a hero like all Marines do.

he was larger in life and in death, he has become a legend to me. this photo, though you cannot see the writing on his shirt, is one from i got him from Sgt. Grit. it says "University of Vietnam." i just wanted to post this so other Marines will keep Carl and his family in their prayers. he is now standing alongside his mates in Heaven guarding the gates.

if you post this notice of his passing in your newsletter, please make sure i know so i can print out and add the copy along with all the things i keeping of him. he was so vital and important to me. he took my heart when he passed.

Capt. Ron Browns jeep from 7 Feb 68, after Retrival to Phu Bai

April 1963 First Combat Unit in Vietnam

This is just to let you know, the first combat marines in Vietnam was April 1963 it was a 47 3rd Recon Bn "C" Co.. and this is the only link to this special ops unit.

Click here: The Advisory & Combat Assistance Era: 1954-1964

GySgt "Ranger" McCain trained this 47 Marine recon unit, he was out of 1st recon, 2nd force recon, and 3rd recon he passed in 1981.

We took over security of the DaNang Air Base and did some special job's for the corp out in the bush. Worked with MABS-16 Shufly Sub Unit 2

I would like to start seeing any thing with my year on it and not 1965... As the start ? 63...63...OORAH

John Gariano USMC 1962/66
3rd Recon Bn
Vietnam 1963
Neil Grissom and Wade Hudson
3rd Recon Marines 1963

X-mas in RVN

Well; now I sent this to you: Dec 1967 as OpChief, G-3-11; Hill 10 and Dec 70, and still OpChief, this time E-2-11 at FSB Ryder.

The picture from Ryder show some interesting people: BGen Simmons; Lt Houston who retired some 28 years later as Colonel, Gunny Aguilar, Capt Mulholland, the battery commander who spent 4 tours in the Nam, SSGT Lozada (Me) who retired a CWO-5 in the Field Artillery and after 34 years and 4 months and other FDC guys and an Army Liasion Team since army units were loose in the Que Son basin.

Happy New Year fellow FDC/Comm Marines.

Semper Fi
Lou

The Bomb Dump

Sgt. Grit, My name is Sgt Dove, KA 0311 71-78 (Rose Garden 72-73). I would have never thought all this being possible sitting up in my tower at the Bomb Dump some 36 years later. What America has done is just mind blowing, being able to connect with long lost brothers who were close friends at one time and now reunited again. I have had the pleasure of having 3 old buddies come into my life again via your page, the Nam Phong roster and one other web page.

Since being part of Sgt Grits news letters, I have relived some of the fondest memories I can think of. Bob Hope, being scared shi*less, standing in monsoon rains where you can not see 10 feet ahead, and then breaking out the soap to do the body wash in a hurry. Dodging all kinds of vipers, which were plentiful. C-Rats, bush bunnies and you can name it.

Thank you for having the courage to come up with your business, which had more than one motive in mind I am sure of. I hope that you continue to bring us Marines together, one day at a time.

God Bless you and your family and have a Happy New Year,
Semper Fi,
Sgt Ken Dove

Army Artillery

In late 1966, 2 Army artillery battalions were sent to the DMZ to be attached to the 3rd Marine Division's 12th Regiment. My unit was the 1st Battalion 40th Artillery composed of 105mm SP's. The other unit was the 2nd Battalion 94th Artillery composed of 175mm SP's. The 1/40's base camp was at Dong Ha and we rotated the firing Batteries between Dong Ha, the Rockpile, and Gio Linh. The 2/94 was based at Camp Carroll. I was an artillery surveyor and was all over the DMZ and was at the ammo dump September 3, 1967 when the ammo dump was hit by NVA artillery.

One of the things I love to do is harass Marines who were there in 1966 and 1967. The average Marine didn't know that a couple of Army artillery units were there firing in support. I've had several Marine's get upset with me saying that I was at the DMZ those years, but when I start naming places, Dong Ha, Cam Lo, Con Thien, Gio Linh, Ca Lu you can see the change in there attitude about my comments.

I am so proud that we were sent to the DMZ to support the 3rd Mar Div. We received the Navy Presidential Unit Citation for the very period I was there in recognition of our actions, and we saw a lot of it.

Mike Bateman

FDC Bunker

You sat in FDC at the 11th Marines did you not?
That same night I sat in the FDC bunker at Lima 4-11 on Hill 55.....
Merry Christmas 'lo these so many years later.

stew

Immediately Introduced Himself

I first met LCpl Gary Keller during ITR (advanced infantry training) at Camp Pendleton in late 1966. All the Marines looked alike in their utilities and short cropped hair. One stood out from the others. He appeared to be more mature and with no chevrons, I assumed he was an officer. He was a private. It was our first day at the training facility and we were being assigned billeting in Quonset huts. As I was putting my gear away, a Marine tapped me on the shoulder. "My name is Gary Keller and I am from Yakima, Washington." I introduced myself as PFC John Foster. I was surprised that Keller had just completed boot camp. I thought he was older but he was 18, just like me. After we all got settled in, we were called out on the deck for a promotion ceremony. About 6 Marines were being promoted to LCpl. Gary was one of them but he was getting his first promotion to PFC.

We became very good friends and spent most of our off-duty hours together. One weekend we had a three-day pass and decided to hitchhike to my hometown, Santa Cruz, California. We caught a ride right away. Gary immediately introduced himself to the driver, "My name is Gary Keller and I'm from Yakima." The driver who was driving to San Francisco gave us a ride all the way to Santa Cruz which was a seven hour drive. Gary kept me and the driver entertained all the way with stories of life in Yakima. When the driver dropped us off at my Mom's house, Gary gave the driver a $100 bill. That was more than we made in a month. That $100 could have paid for both of us to fly round trip.

After several weeks of intense infantry training, we were ready to take on the entire Viet Cong and NVA. Gary wasn't scared at all. He was more interested in visiting a lush tropical country and getting to know their people.

We flew to Vietnam aboard a Flying Tiger DC-10. Gar began introducing himself to the stewardesses and crew. "My name isa Gary keller and I am from Yakima." We were on our way to war yet Gary helped make the flight reasonably pleasant. He returned all the money he won in poker games. And if he saw a Marine who seemed nervous, he would start a conversation to cheer them up. As we got off the plane in Da Nang, many of the Marines were pleading with the stewardesses for a last goodbye kiss. They only obliged with a hug. As Gary was leaving the plane, he said goodbye to one of the ladies and then whispered something in her ear. She replied with a kiss on his lips. I would have never believed it if I hadn't seen it. Must have been his charm. There was a staging area in Da Nang for all the new arrivals. Unlike the War in Iraq, we never deployed over as a unit. We went as a group and once there, we were individually assigned units. I was immediately assigned to 2/9, 3rd MarDiv. I lost contact with Gary and never knew what unit he went to.

We arrived in country during some of the fiercest fighting of the Vietnam War. I often wondered how Gary was doing. I figured he would use his charm to survive.

I was wounded during Tet of 68. The million dollar wound got me back to the states. While I was recuperating in a military hospital, someone gave me a copy of the May, 1968 issue of Leatherneck Magazine. In it was an article about the Battle of Hue. And there was a picture of Gary giving protection for his men with his M-60 machine gun. I then learned that he had been assigned to Hotel, 2/5. When I got out of the hospital I wrote Gary a letter. I sent a picture of me, my new girlfriend and my 56 Chevy. I never got a response from Gary.

About a year later, while attending Marine Security Guard School. I ran into a Marine by the name of Rooker. Rooker had trained with us and was even on our flight to Vietnam. He then told me that Gary had shown him the letter I sent. "Well the dirty rat didn't write me back." I said. Rooker then told me that Gary had been killed in July of 1968. He apparently tripped an anti-personnel mine. I was devastated. I wanted to call his family but didn't know who or how to call.

It had taken me 40 years to put this letter together and I am appreciative that the Yakima Helad Republic newspaper allowed me to include it in their Veterans Day issue.

One of the reasons I put the article in the paper was in hopes that it would flush out a relative of Gary's. Sure enough it did. At 10:00 am on Veteran's Day I received a call from Lynn Keller Locke, Gary's sister. I had a lump in my throat the size of a golf ball. I didn't quite know what to say. I didn't have to say anything. She was so grateful and she expressed her gratitude with tears of joy and sadness at the same time. She had been awaken out of bed by her aunt who first read the article. She then awaken her mother who is also Gary's mother. Her name is Anna and she is still going strong at 90 years of age. Lynn put her Mom on the phone and I now have two lumps in my throat. I was so overwhelmed with the conversation. Anna began thanking me for remembering her son. She was mostly apologizing for crying. I told that it was perfectly okay. "If it makes you feel better, I'm crying too." I also told her that Gary was a hero. No, he was never awarded any medals for valor but he was a hero just the same. His character made him loved by all that knew him. He wasn't your stereotype Marine. He was too charming. But I believe that Gary was also a hero on the battlefield. He was proficient with his M-60 and it was that proficiency that allowed many of his brothers in arms come home.

GySgt John D. Foster
USMC veteran
Echo 2/9 67-68

Vietnam Veteran Color Guard

Sgt. Grit: The traveling Viet-Nam Wall came to Shelbyville, TN. this fall. The organizer contacted me, as I am the Commandant of the local Marine Corps League Detachment to ask if we could help in the planning for this special event. He inquired if we could present the colors during the special ceremony on 1 November 2008. I replied that we would be proud to do it and told him I could do one better. Our color guard that morning was made up of Viet-Nam Veterans that had "boots in country"!

After we presented the colors and retired the gear, we stood smartly at parade rest off to the side to witness the rest of the program, which included the local high school band, the local National Guard rifle team, echo taps a bagpiper and a helicopter fly-over. Afterwards, numerous people came up to us, shook our hands and thank us for our service, as well as taking many photos. This was quite a different reaction from the one I remember when we landed at MCAS, El Toro where it was strongly suggested that we change out of uniform and put on civilian clothing before we were bussed to LAX to get our flights home. Needless to say, not one Marine changed out of his uniform. I guess after all these years the Wall has finally brought some closure. We may not be as lean or mean, but we are still Marines!

Ed Magee, Commandant
Detachment #1128 Marine Corps League
Former Corporal of Marines
1st Marines - RVN 66-68
P.S. Photo of color guard attached

Snipers And Monsoon Rains

On Jan 6, 1969 the Song Ba Ren River Bridge was completed by the 9th Engineer Battalion. It was 29 miles south of DaNang and was 722 feet in length. It is believed to be the longest bridge built in the history of the Marine Corps.



The bridge was completed by 3rd platoon "D" Company, 9th Engineer Battalion. In all two were killed and four were wounded seriously during the completion of the bridge. Enemy snipers and monsoon rains could not stop the bridge. It contained 380,000 two-by-sixes and 20,000 four-by-eights. The river raised 12 feet higher during the rains. The Viet Cong and the NVA repeatedly tried to damage the new bridge and at one point floated 20 sampans of NVA soldiers in a suicidal attempt to destroy the span. Snipers also shot repeatedly at the men from a nearby abandoned church. The bridge was dedicated in the name of Arlon Glen Schaffer Loveland, Colorado who was killed in action on 24 September 1968.

Semper Fi
Eric Kenney

September the 8th, 1967

Mark drove 3 1/2 hours to visit me when I returned on a visit from Australia to visit my daughters in Indiana this past month...I was with Mark when he was wounded in Vietnam, and I myself was Medevaced out an hour latter the same day... September the 8th, 1967..we both spend approximately 6 months in various hospitals recovering from wounds sustained on that day...we haven't seen each other in 41 years..our reunion began a year ago by email when I saw Marks's picture on the Sgt. Grit web site...words can not describe how happy we were to see each other, and how proud we both are to have served together in Suicide Charley, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division...Republic of Vietnam! No one on this planet can appreciate the camaraderie, brotherhood, and the bonds of war that Mark and I will share together for the rest of our lives on that special day! thanks to Sgt.Grit, and sucidecharley.com for sharing our story.

Semper Fidelis!
Dean Douglas Smith

A TRUE FIGHTING MARINE...

3rd Recon Bn Reunion, Mac is coming in from CA... Mac Foster USMC was part of a 3rd Recon Unit of 47 Marine's sent to DaNang Vietnam April 1963..


Photos of Mac 1963 and in 1970's.. and 2005 with a good friend George Foreman..


Mac went on to fight Muhammad Ali in 1972 in Japan..he went all 15 rounds but lost. below Mac 2005 and to the below is Mac with 4 of the 47 recon marines from 1963.

1st Anti-Tank Battalion Photo 1965

Sgt Grit -

Attached is a photo of the 1st Anti-Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Division taken in December 1965 at Camp Pendelton before we deployed to Vietnam in January 1966.

My name is H. Beck and I was in H & S Co at the time the picture was taken.

Thanks

Best Of Times

Here are 2 pictures that I found in my stack of pictures. One is of me "Doc" Wentz and a picture of the ceremonial 50,000 round of "A" Batt, 11th Marines 1 MarDiv some time in early "67". Hope you can publish this so some of the gunners would appreciate it. My time with the USMC was the best of times and I still relate to all Marines. To all the United States Marines that I served with thank you and to all others Thanks you for being here.
Michael L. Wentz Viet Nam 66-67

11th Motor Transport Bn.

Sgt. Grit

If memory serves me correctly you were attached to 11th Motor Transport Bn., Da-Nang. I found these photo's in one of my albums over the weekend. Hope they bring back some fond memories

Best Regards
Semper Fi - til I die
Mike Quinn Sgt. USMC 69-73

Motor T

Robert Mitchum

Over Fifty Years

Sgt Grit,

I'd like to share with you and your readers two photos of two great men that have been good friends for over fifty years! The first picture was taken at Qui Nhon, Vietnam in Aug, 1965. On the left is my dad, Retired SgtMajor John Swindle (then GunnerySgt) with Retired SgtMajor John Semensow (then 1stSgt). They were with 2nd Bn 7th Marines.

The second picture was taken Oct, 2007 in Oceanside, CA. On the right is my dad, Retired SgtMajor Swindle, and on the left is Retired SgtMajor Semensow. Them being good friends for over fifty years is just amazing to me!

Donna Swindle

In Country pictures

Hey all,
Sorry it's taken so long hope you enjoy these pics. It would e nice if everyone could do this and put in country pics of them and pics now. Because when I was in country only knew most by nickname, or first name and put pics of the ones they send to you when they were in county.

Semper Fi, Tom (Berriochoa) Wheeler

Speaks Volumes

1/9 leaving Vietnam

This is very grainy but it is certainly part of the Lore of the Corps.

It is 1/9 leaving Vietnam…the first combat unit to do so in 1969.

Coincidentally 1/9 was reactivated and are presently at Kaneohe on Oahu, Hawaii.

Impact Area

Sgt Grit,

My name is Ken Johnson and I'm a former Marine. I served proudly from 1964-1968 and achieved the rank of Sgt E-5. I served in Vietnam from July of '65 thru August of '66 as an 0811. My home town is Kohler, Wisconsin.

While serving with "Echo" Battery, 2d Battalion, 12th Marines, I took this picture of the sign that appeared on our "4-holer". I just recently began scanning my collection of Vietnam pictures into my computer and I couldn't resist sending this to you. The sign means what it says, and on more than one occasion I left this 4-holer in a big hurry, with my trousers at half mast and clutching my M-14 in my hands!

I thought you might enjoy seeing it............. Once a Marine, always a Marine.

Semper Fi,
Ken Johnson, USMC forever

"Won A Heart ... Won A Mind"

Hi Sarge,
A few months ago my eldest son, Greg, was going through the family archive of photographs and came up with enclosed. It was taken on Christmas day (1968) near the DMZ & outside a little Village called Cam Lo. My younger son, Tim, recently got it into my computer. Though it was snapped 39 years ago (And also about 39 lbs. ago), I thought you might get a kick out of seeing some of the guys (During their USMChay-day.) that yourself and your fine News-Letter have helped over the years. And like myself, remain grateful.

About half of us in the picture have since located each other in the past two years and, thanks to cyberspace, half been enjoying a few laughs on a regular basis.

To share a bit of a humorous account, I was leading a patrol one afternoon through a Village and toward the jungle when my point man noticed a pile of rocks outside the hut of one of the farmers. The point guy called me forward and we both agreed that the rocks were organized to form an "Arrow". And it was pointed toward our platoon C.P. (Command Post) about a hundred yards away. Obviously meant to guide North Vietnamese Regulars into an attack on our position. Probably in the middle of the night. To make a long story a bit longer, I went to the hut's doorway, called out some guy, brought him over to the rocks and politely asked him if he was Viet Cong (Which, obviously, he was.). The fellow flew into a complete panic and started screaming, "No VC...!, No VC...!" He literally thought I was going to shoot him. Anyway, we scatterd the rocks, radioed the C.P. to give a warning and continued on our merry way into the jungle. The next morning, I was awakened (After standing guard all night on 100% alert with everyone else in anticipation of an NVA attack that never materialized.) by the platoon's interpreter. He had the old guy (Who was still razzed out.) with him from the previous day and asked if I was the guy who had called him out of his hut. After I acknowledged with a "Yea", he told me the farmer wanted to give me something. He then handed me a long tooth that he told through the interpreter he had removed from a tiger that he had killed during his younger days. I refused, but the poor old guy was persistant. I finally accepted, walked off and swiped a case of c-rations from platoon supply and gave it to him. He was happier then a pig in poop and for the remaining few days that we all stayed in the Village we became pals. May sound strange, but I kinda' miss the fella'. To, finally...!, make a long story short, you can see the tiger's tooth around my neck in the picture. Hope you post it. Continued Thanks for everything...

Semper Fi',
Mike

Photo:
Upper Row (Left To Right)... Swink, Winterton, Costanza, Poncho, Brombaugh, Vaughn
Lower Row (Left To Right)... Clark, Williams, Amato, That funny lookin' Irish guy who could vanish into thin air when time arrived to off-load a chopper

Frank's Story

Dear Sgt. Grit, I am a former resident of Long Island having grew up in Patchogue and until two years ago, resided in Shirley with my wife and children. My wife and I relocated with our family in 2005 to East Tennessee. I am a Class of 1976 graduate of Patchogue-Medford High School and a retired New York City Police Detective. I am also a U.S. Army veteran and am currently serving in Iraq with the U.S. Department of State, Division of Narcotics and Law Enforcement.

My cousin, Frank Fisher, is also a former resident of Patchogue and a Class of 1965 graduate of Patchogue High School. Frank, an only child, was killed in Vietnam on August 27, 1967, forty years ago this month. I'd like to tell his story with the help of your newsletter, which I have enjoyed over the years.

Please find attached, three items. Frank's story, a Marine Corps photo of Frank, and a photo of a patrol on Go Noi Island, where Frank was killed, similar to the one Frank led in 1967.

Since I am currently deployed to a Combat Outpost in western Iraq, e-mail is the quickest way to contact me.

However, I hope that you will see fit to publish this story about a local hero from 40-years ago, which up to now, has not been told.

Sincerely,

Mario De Lucia
Detective - NYPD (Retired)
IPTF @ aol.com

11th Engineers - Vietnam 68'

Hello Fellow Marines!
We are seeking the Marines( 11th Engineers-vietnam 68')
that you see in the photo.
Aside from Fankie Noe ( with the bluper -M79)
and myself ( sitting on the edge of the truck - sqd ldr)
we would appreciate your help.
Thanks
Gene Spanos
USMC 66-71 Sgt
watchcmdr1 @ sbcglobal.net

Dear Sgt. Grit,
I guess I have my doubts as to whether you will post the enclosed (Below) & the accompanying photo within your fine News Letter but, I figure, what the heck, lets give it a try. Even Marines can get a bit philosophical at times. First, though, a little background. I served as an infantry squad leader with Hotel Campany's 2nd Platoon, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Regiment of the Marine Corps 3rd Division up around Vietnams DMZ during 1968. Like all the guys who served in Vietnam, I lost my share of great buddies and when Memorial Day rolls around each year the survivors guilt really kicks in and, though most of the year I tend to recall the good times (Especially the humor) spent with these incredible Heroes who sacrificed all, that last Monday in May is extremely difficult and sad for me.

Anyway, and to make a long story a bit longer, one Memorial Day about three years ago I stretched my melancholy well into the night. About 0300 hours to be exact. And I was about three sheets to the wind (Actually it was about three six-packs of Guinness but, again, what the heck).

The result of that bit of a binge is below. Though I did'nt have a computer at the time, I found myself staring at an aged typewriter that neither my wife nor I had used in quite some time and decided to put some thoughts to paper. Please (!), not to toot my own horn or anything, but not only did the result provide me with a bit of comfort the next day when I had sobered up but my wife, who had lost her brother during a fire-fight near Qua Viet while serving with 2/4 (USMC) in March of 1968, got quite the kick out of it. Though she did admit to her thought that I was a bit screwy. We even shared a long overdue laugh and hoped that her fine brother, Gregg, along with all my buddies, were out their somewhere sharing in our humor.

Perhaps, the story might provide comfort to one or two of your readers who may have lost loved ones or friends while in service of this great place we call the US of A.... Thanks for listening and a very special THANKS for the News Letter. I look forward to receiving it each week and appreciate reading the thoughts of so many fine people.

Semper Fi',
Mike Regan
(USMC-RVN-68'/69')

• "Keepin' The Faith"
  • "KEEPIN’ THE FAITH"
    A Marine Corps Story
    The story regards a small group of Marines, haggard and tired from day's events, sitting at their jungle outpost as night approaches and attempting to find solace after the loss of friends in battle. Ceremony, designed to sooth, and which normally surrounds loss of those close to us is not to be. Mingling among family and friends at the wake, kind words from the preacher, the funeral procession to the cemetery for more kind words and capped off with roast turkey, drinks and even a bit of laughter as the pleasant memories take over. To be able to pay respect. In a proper way, to a friend. None of this was to be. Simply there one moment, with talk of the future and, of course, tales about the incredible babes back in "The World". And gone the next moment, with the unceremonious zipping of a body bag. For reasons only an infantryman can fathom, the talk turns to the atom. It seems, according to one Marine, that every thing as we know it, the wind, the rain, the hub cap off a '55 Chevy, even those of us, are made up of different combinations of only eighty some odd atoms. Each with it's select number of electrons orbiting at various levels above a proton/neutron nucleus.
    
    "Did ya' know?", he adds, "That the ratio of the nearest electron to it's nucleus is greater in distance as compared to the earth from the sun.". His friends are impressed. "Not only would you need a million atoms, piled on top of each other, to equal the thickness of a page, but to be able to compress the electrons into the nucleus would also mean that you could fit an entire sky-scraper into the eraser head of a pencil.". Now his friends are amazed.
    
    A few moments of silence. "Kinda' makes you wonder about the guys.", another Marine suggests. "I mean, if all those millions of bucks were spent to split a single atom, are they really dead? Seems to me that those electrons are still goin' through a spin cycle."
    
    Discussion continues, cigarettes are smoked in cupped hands and, bingo, ARE is founded. Atomic Recovery Employment systems. Until someone pointed out that ---- ------- would be ticked off if recovered with the head of a moose. A long moment of laughter, and they pondered some more.
    To the scientist, there is the atom. To the theologian, there is spirit. To that young group of Marines, having found their solace, there is Comparable Atomic Recovery Employment systems. CARE.
    
    Seeming to sum things up, one of the Marine's who has remained silent throughout, simply listening, finally speaks. "You guys are gonna' think me wacko on this one, but when I was a kid my family went on a cross-country trip and at one point I found myself in one of those rare moments in a large family. I was standing alone with my dad. We were at the very lip of the Grand Canyon, gazing at the incredible beauty, when he says to me, completely out of the blue, and we're not talking a religious fanatic here, "Ya' know, sport, I think this is what Christ had in mind when He said, probably in frustration, "The Kingdom of Heaven is here, now."
    
    Heads nod, cigarettes are snuffed, and talk comes to an end as a Marine glances at his watch, stands with an M-16, and heads off to guard duty.
    
    "Catch you guys later.", he concludes.
    Semper Fi'…..

Island of Vieques

Dear Sgt Grit,
After recently placing an order with your company, I began thinking about my tour in the Marine Corps - 1959-'63. Most of the arms & weapons in your catalog are of current use. My weapon of choice was the BAR and, to me, was one of the few hand held weapons with controllable firepower.

I am enclosing a photograph of myself on the Island of Vieques, P.R. where the 2nd Marine Division used to go for live fire exercises. I am holding my BAR in the 'walk & talk' position. When fired from this stance the rifle makes a withering sweep that would be hard to escape. Some of your 'old school Marines' might relate to this weapon and time.

My tour at 2nd marine Division was spent in Hotel 2-2 and Delta 1-8 companies. Although I never saw any active combat duty, I always kept myself combat ready, mentally & physically. I also tried out for the National Marine Corps Squad Competition held at Quantico, VA but was transferred. Some of these modern day tuffies out to try double timing a couple of miles in body armor (the old style) and gas mask, with weapons, & field marching packs & helmets. Believe me, it will separate the men from the boys!

Semper Fi!!
David Barron
1860302 - USMC

Dublin City

Dear Sgt. Grit,

In response to the letter written by Jack Redmond, a member of the Les Brown Band, I would like to offer my appreciation to him and all of the others who came to Vietnam to support the troops. I have included a picture of all the members of the 1967 Bob Hope USO Christmas show in Chu Lai RVN. Can you point out where you are in this picture? From left to right, Bob Crosby, Raquel Welch, Barbara McNair, Bob Hope, Miss Peru, (I don’t remember the name of the lady standing next to her) and Les Brown. The unique thing about these shows is that Bob Hope’s staff always made it a point to find out something about each base or its commanders to make a joke about it. In our case, I remember him making a joke about “Chu Lai steak” which of course was roast beef. On a personal note Mr. Redmond, I salute you and all of the others who sacrificed their time to make us laugh, to remind us just how beautiful our American women are and in the midst of combat, giving us hope and a much needed boost to our morale. Thank you again.

Semper Fidelis,
Ronald E. (Gene) Hays II
MSgt, USMC, Retired
Oxford, MS

Dublin City

Sgt. Grit,

I recently connected with a buddy I served with in Vietnam 40 years ago. He sent me a photo of one of our recon teams – “Dublin City”.
I thought our comrades might like to take a look.
Picture at Company C, 1st Recon Bn, near Phu Bai RVN.

"Post Conflict" - Wonderful Events

On 2 July 1959 I stood on the yellow footprints of MCRD San Diego.
In 1971, I was at Marine Air Control Squadron - 4, First Marine Air Wing (Fwd), Monkey Mountain, Danang, South Vietnam. "Back In The World" (Lancaster CA) the Antelope Valley GI Supporters was sending Care Packages to a bunch of us in 'Nam. I got a lot of them.......maybe because my Big Sis' was part of the AVGIS folks.

In one of my Care Packages was a homemade greeting card. This greeting card was made by 10 year old Avery as part of a Camp Fire Girls project. On green construction paper cut like a 4 leaf clover was Avery's name and address. Yep, you guessed it......Avery became my pen-pal !! Upon return to "The Land Of the Big PX / The World / The U. S. of A." I delivered a First Marine Air Wing plaque to the folks at the AVGIS's. My wife, son, and daughter went with me and we had dinner with Avery and her family in Lancaster, CA.

After din-din I gave Avery a Vietnamese doll and a display case and thanked her for being "so special" during a very "trying time" in my life. It was a very wonderful "coming home" event. It was 1971.... and my orders took me to MCAS Cherry Point NC. Several duty stations later, I retired out of my Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton CA. It was 1979. Somewhere along the way, I lost all contact with Avery.

Almost all my Marine Corps time was in Aviation Electronics...MOS 6611, 6212, and finally 5979. I continued my Avionics career throughout my "civilian (?) career". In 2006 I worked on a short term, 4 month consulting job at the airport in Mojave CA, about 25 miles north of Lancaster CA.

One Saturday after work, I tried to contact Avery "one more time" at her mother's 35 year old phone number. I left a message on the recorder. About a hour later, I got a return call that went something like this:

Lady's voice: " Is this Jerry Miller ?"
Me: "Yes"
Lady's voice: " Are you a retired Marine ?"
Me: "Yes"
Lady's voice: " Were you in Vietnam about 1971 ?"
Me: "Yes"
Lady's voice: ( She started crying)
Me: ( I got tears in my eyes, too !!!!)

Yes it was Avery. We talked for about an hour.....a priceless time of "remembering".

In addition to being an Avionics Liaison Engineer, I have been a licensed Evangelist for many years and I was scheduled to preach the next morning's message at our new church in California City CA. My message was already prepared......"The Military Man, Then and Now". (II Kings 5: 1-14) about Naaman, Captain of the Host (the Biblical name for Commanding Officer).

Avery, her husband Mike, and daughter, were in attendance that Sunday morning. In the middle of my sermon, I had the distinct honor of introducing Avery (Brodish) Toker and her family to the congregation. Yes....more tears of joy and yes......Avery brought the Vietnamese doll with her.

GySgt Gerald R. "Jerry" Miller 1864806
U S Marine Corps (1959-79) Retired
"Once A Marine, Always A Marine"

A Sincere Thank You

Dear Sgt. Grit,

I had the incredible honor of helping in planning the first ever Vietnam-Era Reunion for the 3rd BN, 11th Marines this past September in Arlington, VA. I have enclosed a few pictures from the event for your enjoyment. Many of these men had not seen each other in over 35 years, for some it had been 40. We had our own private hospitality suite and as men and their families started to arrive, I knew right away that we were going to have a very fun, successful and powerful weekend. To be in the company of their brothers again, to tell tales and remember whens with those who truly understood what it meant to be in their Vietnam, was obviously the most significant aspect of their weekend together. I wish there were some way to express in words what was written on their faces as they reunited with old friends, the looks in their eyes, these will be memories forever etched in my mind. I mean no disrespect to any other Marines, past or present when I say that there is no finer group of Marines than the men of the 3/11. Each and every one of them are not just fine men, but fine human beings and I consider myself blessed to have been in their company. You having been a Cannoncocker yourself, know full well what I mean. It is true what your bumper sticker says, "Artillery brings dignity to what would otherwise be just a brawl". Dignity was most definitely what was in the air the entire reunion weekend.

Our weekend was such a success that plans are in the making for next year's event in Las Vegas. Many of those unable to attend due to prior commitments are very excited for another opportunity to be with their brothers. I want to publicly thank Lt. Col. Tom Pace for all of his help in planning the event with me. Although he claims that he didn't do much at all, don't let him fool you, he is a wonderful man, a proud and outstanding Marine and he was an integral part of the weekend's success. Thank you, Colonel!

And finally, I would like to thank one of your sales staff, Kristy, whose efforts with our order for the reunion were nothing short of perfection. She maintained close contact and was proactive when issues arose and I just cannot say enough about her dedication to helping us make this reunion special for these men. Covers off to Kristy! I hope she continues to be our POC for many more reunions to come.

Thank you again!

Sincerely,
Mary Ann Reitano
3/11 - Vietnam-Era Administrator

Alpha One Four

Alpha 1/4 had their 2006 Reunion in Oklahoma City. They came by the store to shop and invited me to their main banquet.

Outstanding Marines and well organized event. Touching, memorable ceremony after dinner.

Welcome Home!
Semper fi
Sgt Grit

A Big Step

More Memories

Here's a photo I took from our SAR chopper (CH-46) in 1969. And a photo 25 years later from New Hampshire. Just can't stay away from those 50 cal's.

Semper Fi!
Peter Swanson, Sgt., MATCU-67, active service 66-70, platoon 103 at PI, 2 years at Bogue Field (MATCU-61), NC.

A little more ChuLai

Here are a few more photo's from Chu Lai taken in 69-70. I lost a lot of stuff in a fire some years ago but recovered some. The memories are always with me though. Semper Fi! Peter A Swanson, Sgt, MATCU-67

Looking for old friends

Over the years I have attempted to locate old comrades from Viet Nam with little luck. Maybe they don't recognize the name well here's an old photo (Photo #1) to go along with it. My name is Richard Alajajian, nick name given me in Viet Nam was "AJ" and it has stuck all these years. I was with H&Sco, 3Bn/26Marines from Feb 69 to Feb 70. Of course I don't look the same now (photo #2) as I did then but who does. To jog memories I was at An Hoa, Hill 55, RC BaNa, Red Beach and a few others that escape the memory at this time. I also stayed on to retire in 1990. So if anyone out there recognizes the photo or name email me at aj127@adelphia.net. Hope to hear from someone soon.

Semper Fi

How Times Have Changed

Until this past Veterans day I could not emotionally address the wall or entertain any thoughts of looking at images even on the news. During the past year or so GOD has given me strength and courage to go to the traveling WALL that was on display here in Jacksonville Fla. I secured a set of Dress Blues and thanks to the Marines stationed in Kings Bay and the 4/4 Amphibian Battalion here in Jacksonville and wore them to the wall. My emotions were as I expected them to be and I can’t tell you how long I knelt and cried in front of Panel-62. I remember coming back to the US in late 1968 standing outside the San Francisco Airport waiting for a flight back to Atlanta when I had eggs, tomatoes, and various other fluids and objects thrown at me all the while being taunted by “Baby Killer”, “War Monger,” and other things.

This time it was quite different as I had young people and some Korean War Vets come up to me and thank me, embrace me, and cry with me. My oh my how times have changed. I go to Church now and wear my Blues with all my medals and ribbons for our July 4th Service, and there are many people who come up to me shake my hand and say “THANK YOU MARINE”. This is very touching and emotional for me after dealing with the 60’s and 70’s attitude. Isn’t it strange that we never meet a stranger who is or was a Marine? We seem to have that common bond and brotherhood no other branch can even begin to understand. I would give anything, even knowing my life would be shortened today, if only I could serve just one more time and be in Iraq with those Marines now serving. Being 60 years old and having Leukemia would be disqualify me but if I could get a message to those young men and women now protecting us I would say THANK YOU, SEMPER-FI and Carry On.

God Bless you Sgt. Grit,
God Bless our Beloved Corps and those active and past serving
And
GOD BLESS THE USA.
Semper FI

Cpl. Paul Hout
3/26
1967-68

Gratitude

Sgt. Grit,
Just received my first order; God willing it won't be my last. Thank you and your staff for the great service. So many stories to tell but I know you get lots of emails. Maybe I should write a book. I think the statute of limitations has run out on at least some of the adventures in which I was involved.
I'm enclosing a photo from Chu Lai, of me, taken in 1969..
Sincerely and always Semper Fi!
Peter Swanson, USMC service 1966-1970, VietNam vet, Sgt. (e-5) of Marines.

Remember 1STSGT Tandy Wells

Sgt. Grit,

A google search of First Sergeant Tandy Wells brought me to your site and the posting last week by Ken Bell (1st Sgt. USMC Ret. 1965-1985) in which he cited his friend Tandy Wells as one of the heroes who was KIA at Beirut. I hope that Ken Bell and any others that knew 1SGT Wells get to see this. Wells was a L/Cpl on June 15, 1968 serving with Mike Co. 3/4 Third Marine Division. It was on that day that my brother L/Cpl. Richard B. Murphy of Norwood, Mass. was KIA. A flag that my brother carried with him was returned with his effects. It had been signed by Tandy Wells and 20 others. Needless to say it is a cherished item to us.

Through recent research I have located many of the Marines (and one Corpsman) that signed my brothers flag. During this research, I learned that Tandy Wells was KIA in 1983 in the Beirut Barracks Bombing. This past August I attended the 3/4 (Thundering Third) Battalion reunion inSan Antonio (site of the Alamo)and met ten men who had served with my brother and Tandy Wells. Ken Bell and all others should know that Tandy Wells is fondly remembered by another group of Marines that served with him proudly 15 years before Beirut. Attached is a picture of Wells as a young Marine. If Ken Bell is in touch with family I even have a snippet of 8mm of wells in Vietnam.

I'm proud to be the son of two Marines and brother of six Marines.
Semper Fi,

Lieut. Brian P. Murphy
Norwood Police Department
Norwood, MA 02062

Sgt in the Rice Paddies

Rice Paddies/RVN 1968
The Crazy Old Seargeant

Ontos and Bravo Company 3rd Anti-Tank Battaion in Chu Lai, Vietnam

NVA Sapper

Another Marine Has Fallen

Another Marine has fallen Kermit Isaacson Usmc
Jim Booge Usmc Vietnam

3RD BAT. 3RD MAR. DIV LIMA CO-65-66

HEY TROOPS....WONDER IF ANYONE CAN RECOGNIZE THE FACES IN THESE PIC'S.....? THEY'RE MEMBERS OF THE "FIGHTING LETHAL LIMA" 3RD BAT 3RD MARINES IN VIETNAM 65-66.... I was a "Rockets Gunner" (3.5 's) & Team Leader . WELCOME HOME TO MY BROTHERS !!! "Rocky" Fortner , former Corporal of Marines.



Here's a few more pic's of my comrades in arms from L 3/3 in Vietnam (65-66) Please feel free to add them to my current group of pic's on your web site.
Sepper Fi & "WELCOME HOME" Rocky Fortner, former Corporal of Marines (63-67).




See other photos and read a poem by "Rocky" Fortner here.

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