Motor T
Sgt. Grit
I was assigned to the 1st Marine Division, 11th Motor Transport
Battalion "Bravo" Company from Feb 1969 to March 1970. My
company had many vehicles in its Motor Pool. The standard
truck in the Battalion was the reliable five-ton. We also had
a couple of the twelve-ton Tractor Trailers for hauling the
"big stuff." We also had a tracked vehicle which was called a
"Huskey". Sorry, I can't remember the military name for the
vehicle. These vehicles were sent into the field and were
attached to units operating out in the bush. They were capable
of hauling a platoon of Marines through rice paddies and rivers.
I trained on them, but was assigned to drive the fuel tankers
(lucky me) when they were needed.
If you had the morning job of collecting and burning "you know
what," then I was the guy who filled the diesel tanks. I also
drove the Mo-Gas tanker which was not fun; thankfully, I didn't
have to drive it very much. The main vehicle that I drove was
the five-ton, which gave me the opportunity to see most of the
area around Da Nang. We hauled everything to the various bases,
food, ammo, beer, sodas, etc. I always went out of my way to
stop at intersections and pickup up Marines hitchhiking along
the road, but nobody would ride with me when I drove the fuel
tankers.
I remember one time we needed metal plates for the construction
of a new bunker on my company's section of the perimeter. Since
we are Marines we were always short of everything, so we went
out on a scrounge run. We weren't having much luck until my Sgt.
spotted a U.S. Army Heavy Lifter Helicopter taking off from its
landing pad. As we watched the helicopter fly away, the Sgt.
shouted out "Lets Go," and we raced down to the landing pads
and started to dismantle the nearest landing pad. We were able
to get seven sheets of the metal pad into the truck when we
spotted the helicopter coming back. He must have radioed back
because at that moment some Army guys came running out of a
hooch at the other end of the field. We drove off laughing and
waving to the helicopter pilot and the Army guys. Of course
the serial number of the truck was covered so the only thing
they saw was the yellow "USMC".
Of course it wasn't always fun and games. Several trucks were
shot up and drivers were wounded. Being Marines first we also
had to pull guard duty and go out on patrols and ambush patrols
just like other outfits. When the 1st Division Headquarters was
attacked during TET, our battalion sent a reactionary force to
help defend it. Unfortunately they were ambushed before they
got there and several of my buddies were wounded.
I have enclosed a couple of pictures of my time in Vietnam.
I also wanted to add that when I went through Boot Camp at
Parris Island in 1968, we were issued M-14s. I never saw an M-16
until I went to Camp Pendleton. I was wondering when M-16s
became standard issue in Boot Camp.
Semper Fi
L/CPL Michael Smith, 3531
USMC 1968 -70
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Robert Mitchum
Dear Sgt.Grit
Im sending this picture of me and Robert Mitchum. This was
taken in dongha in 1967.
Semper Fi.
Robert Hubbard
Cpl. of Marines
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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
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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
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Speaks Volumes
A friend sent the attachments to me with the below note. VR, Winsor
I wanted to share with you what we saw in Washington DC last
week. After the mid-term brief we toured the Mall and made the
usual stops at the WWII Memorial, the Wall, Lincoln Memorial,
etc. At the Vietnam Wall we saw something unbelievable. We
noticed three small index cards at the base of the Wall. I knelt
down for a closer look and noticed that a 4-star general's rank
was pinned to each card. The cards were personally addressed and
said something like:
These are Yours- not mine!
With Love and Respect,
Your Platoon Leader,
Pete Pace
1 Oct
The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs had laid down his rank for his
boys who died in Nam just the day before! I later found out that
1 Oct was also the same day he stepped down as chairman.
FYI - Winsor Whiton is a retired Navy Rear Admiral
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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.
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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
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"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
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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
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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
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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')
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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
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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
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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.
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"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"
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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
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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
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A Big Step
The last couple of months I have been getting a set of dress
blues together for my husband for the Traveling Vietnam Wall
that came to Portland, Oregon over Memorial Day weekend. I have
to say a big thank you to SGT Grit in helping me do this. But
the real story here is a Disabled Veteran made his first trip to
the wall, and it was a tear jerker for all involved. Dearl has
always told me that he would never go see the wall and I never
pushed the issue. But thanks to a fellow marine, Dearl not only
went to see the wall he was also one of the Honor Guards that
were there. I have aways been proud of my husband, and more so
now. Because this was a big step for him and his fellow
veterans. I hope that anyone that has a chance to see the Wall
do so. There was a gentleman that was there. He didn't go near
the wall, but stayed on the hill. But he was there. And I know
that took a lot for him to do that. Inclosed is a picture of my
granddaughter Shana and my husband Dearl. I think he cleaned up
rather nice myself. We were there through most of the week. And
I have to say that it was a life changing experience. Love and
Best Wishes Veterans and Families. Robin Taylor. Proud wife of a
Marine.
Walk By Faith, Not By Sight, God Bless!
We listen to KXY.com out of Oklahoma City.
Check it out.
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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Sgt in the Rice Paddies
Rice Paddies/RVN 1968
The Crazy Old Seargeant
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Ontos and Bravo Company 3rd Anti-Tank Battaion in Chu Lai, Vietnam
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NVA Sapper
A photo I took circa April 1969 of an NVA snapper cutting the wire of defensive positions on 2/11 at An Hoa. The sapper had been captured the night before in an attack on 2/11 positions and he agree to show how easy it was for sappers to breach our defenses.
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Another Marine Has Fallen
Another Marine has fallen Kermit Isaacson Usmc
Jim Booge Usmc Vietnam
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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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Vietnam
Vol 1
Vol 2
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Neither the United States Marine Corps nor any other component of the Dept. of Defense has approved, endorsed or authorized
these products.
Sgt. Grit
If you had the morning job of collecting and burning "you know
what," then I was the guy who filled the diesel tanks. I also
drove the Mo-Gas tanker which was not fun; thankfully, I didn't
have to drive it very much. The main vehicle that I drove was
the five-ton, which gave me the opportunity to see most of the
area around Da Nang. We hauled everything to the various bases,
food, ammo, beer, sodas, etc. I always went out of my way to
stop at intersections and pickup up Marines hitchhiking along
the road, but nobody would ride with me when I drove the fuel
tankers.
I remember one time we needed metal plates for the construction
of a new bunker on my company's section of the perimeter. Since
we are Marines we were always short of everything, so we went
out on a scrounge run. We weren't having much luck until my Sgt.
spotted a U.S. Army Heavy Lifter Helicopter taking off from its
landing pad. As we watched the helicopter fly away, the Sgt.
shouted out "Lets Go," and we raced down to the landing pads
and started to dismantle the nearest landing pad. We were able
to get seven sheets of the metal pad into the truck when we
spotted the helicopter coming back. He must have radioed back
because at that moment some Army guys came running out of a
hooch at the other end of the field. We drove off laughing and
waving to the helicopter pilot and the Army guys. Of course
the serial number of the truck was covered so the only thing
they saw was the yellow "USMC".
Of course it wasn't always fun and games. Several trucks were
shot up and drivers were wounded. Being Marines first we also
had to pull guard duty and go out on patrols and ambush patrols
just like other outfits. When the 1st Division Headquarters was
attacked during TET, our battalion sent a reactionary force to
help defend it. Unfortunately they were ambushed before they
got there and several of my buddies were wounded.
I wanted to share with you what we saw in Washington DC last
week. After the mid-term brief we toured the Mall and made the
usual stops at the WWII Memorial, the Wall, Lincoln Memorial,
etc. At the Vietnam Wall we saw something unbelievable. We
noticed three small index cards at the base of the Wall. I knelt
down for a closer look and noticed that a 4-star general's rank
was pinned to each card. The cards were personally addressed and
said something like:
These are Yours- not mine!
The last couple of months I have been getting a set of dress
blues together for my husband for the Traveling Vietnam Wall
that came to Portland, Oregon over Memorial Day weekend. I have
to say a big thank you to SGT Grit in helping me do this. But
the real story here is a Disabled Veteran made his first trip to
the wall, and it was a tear jerker for all involved. Dearl has
always told me that he would never go see the wall and I never
pushed the issue. But thanks to a fellow marine, Dearl not only
went to see the wall he was also one of the Honor Guards that
were there. I have aways been proud of my husband, and more so
now. Because this was a big step for him and his fellow
veterans. I hope that anyone that has a chance to see the Wall
do so. There was a gentleman that was there. He didn't go near
the wall, but stayed on the hill. But he was there. And I know
that took a lot for him to do that. Inclosed is a picture of my
granddaughter Shana and my husband Dearl. I think he cleaned up
rather nice myself. We were there through most of the week. And
I have to say that it was a life changing experience. Love and
Best Wishes Veterans and Families. Robin Taylor. Proud wife of a
Marine.
A photo I took circa April 1969 of an NVA snapper cutting the wire of defensive positions on 2/11 at An Hoa. The sapper had been captured the night before in an attack on 2/11 positions and he agree to show how easy it was for sappers to breach our defenses.
