1st Cavalry Division Association 302 N. Main Non-Profit Organization Copperas Cove, Texas 76522-1703 US. Postage PAID West, TX Change Service Requested 76691 Permit No. 39

Publishedsaber By and For the Veterans of the Famous 1st Cavalry Division VOLUME 65 NUMBER 1 Website: http://www.1cda.org JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 The President’s Corner Horse Detachment by CPT Elizabeth Rascon I hope everyone survived the holiday season and enjoyed The Horse Cavalry spending time with family and friends. Now we look forward Detachment started 2016 to the end of winter and the arrival of spring. At the time I off in style with a trip wrote this column in early to Pasadena, California January, winter has been rather mild, temperature wise, up representing the First north, but I imagine this will change at some point. The Team in the 127th Annual biggest problem with the warm temperatures has been the unusual tornados and Tournament of Roses major flooding in the Midwest. If this affected you, I hope only the best in the Parade. The five mile recovery. Then, before you know it, it will be June and our annual reunion in Las parade route was lined with Vegas. Details are found in this issue of the Saber. thousands of spectators, As always, I encourage you to register early so that Dennis can properly plan braving the winter season for the size of rooms required to handle the various war and regimental luncheons, to see the floats, marching etc. With the Las Vegas location, I expect a good turn out as there are a lot of bands and of course the extra things to do. If you have never been to Vegas before, it is a different world equestrian units. 25 and is almost overwhelming! Hope to see you in Vegas. Troopers, 16 horses, 2 Moving on to another subject, it is with a heavy heart I regret the loss of a good The Horse Cavalry Detachment on January 1st, 2016 mules and SGT Buddy personal friend and friend of the 1st Cav Association as well. At the age of 94, in the Tournament of Roses Parade, Pasadena, CA. represented Fort Hood and Major William A. Richardson a WWII veteran, past president of the association, Central Texas with class, and a charter member of the same, lost his battle with cancer last fall. All I can say whooping and hollering to the crowds and wishing everyone a Happy New Year. is he and his wife, Eva, were the best. I can tell you his life history was nothing In addition to the parade itself, the HCD got to perform a drill and ceremony less than amazing, take my word for it. Those that never met the two missed a routine as well as a weapons demonstration for Equestfest, the equestrian lot. In fact, the Washington, DC Chapter of the Association was named after him. portion of the Tournament of Roses. The Equestfest features the best equestrian That’s how much people thought of him. I wish nothing but the best for Eva and performers from all across America; the Detachment was aired on RFD TV and their daughters who looked after their parents in a special way. the link to watch our performance is available on the detachment’s Facebook Changing subjects again, I want to let you know your Association is planning page. Judging by the amount of applause we received we should be invited back on making a major effort to recruit new members, especially younger troopers to participate next year! starting with Fort Hood, Desert Storm, Bosnia, Iraq, Afghanistan, and beyond. Our next parade will be in Fort Worth, Texas on January 16th in celebration This includes those who never served in a combat situation as well. We want of its annual All Western Parade, and just a few short weeks later HCD will be everyone! Most of those participating in the Association now are Vietnam vets. down in San Antonio for the Western Heritage Parade on February 6th. Both of And like me, we aren’t getting any younger. I realize it takes time to get serious these are great events that we look forward to every year; we hope to see every about it the organization. Our young troopers have many things on their minds one there! including work and raising a family. After several deployments, they probably This will be my last article for Saber as the commander of the Horse Cavalry have had enough military for a while. However at some point in time, I hope they Detachment. I will be heading off to the Captain Career Course and will change think about their time in the military and the friends they made and wonder what command with CPT Jeremy Woodard on 11 February here at the HCD. I have been ever happened to them. A 1st Cav Reunion is the best place to handle that. At honored to serve with the great Troopers of the HCD and wish them continued least that was my experience 30 years after leaving Vietnam. So to you younger success. First Team! troopers, we want you first to join, and at some point, take on leadership positions in the Association. If you have the “bug” now, get involved. As they said a long DIVISION DOINGS time ago in WWII, we want you and welcome you! That’s about all for now. The First Team Welcomes New Commanding General by SSG Christopher Until next time stay well. Nothing but the best and needless to say, thank you Calvert, 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs for your service to our country. May God continue to bless the of FORT HOOD, Texas – With the traditional passing of the colors, the 1st Cavalry America. First Team! Jim Division welcomed its new commanding general during a change of command James R. Stokely, 19333 Summerlin Rd., Unit 146, Fort Myers, FL 33908- ceremony here January 7. 5207, Hundreds of family members, friends and Soldiers packed THE DIRECTOR’S CHAIR 2016 is off to a fast Cooper Field as MG Michael Dennis E. Webster start and holds much for Bills relinquished command 302 N. Main St. of the First Team to MG J.T. Copperas Cove, TX 76522-1703 the 1st Cavalry Division Association in the next Thomson. (254) 547-6537 “Since March 4, 2014, this [email protected] 12months. We have two obituaries team of teams has accom- plished an impressive variety in this issue that pay homage to two great men who both died last year but were of missions around the world,” not included in the last issue because it was already at print. The deaths of Medal said Bills. “We’ve sent bat- of Honor recipient, Tibor “Ted” Rubin, and former President of the Association, talion-sized or larger elements William A. “Bill” Richardson, were both great losses. I won’t go over their life on 22 deployments to 11 stories, I think what is in their obituaries will tell you that but I will tell you that countries. From Afghanistan the loss of Bill is very personal since he was the Association President when I and the Sinai to Korea and Continued on pg. 23 MG Thomson recieves the Colors of the First Latvia, from the United Arab Team from LTC MacFarland with MG Bills Emirates and Cuba, to Ger- INDEX PAGE INDEX PAGE INDEX PAGE looking on. 5TH CAV 5 CALENDAR 2 LTRS TO EDITOR 2 many and Kuwait; Troopers 7TH CAV 7 CAV CREDIT CARD 23 NEW MEMBERS 2 of the First Team remained tirelessly engaged around the world.” 8TH CAV 8 CHAPTER INDEX 15 OBIT - RICHARDSON 23 All of this was made possible by one crucial group –supporting family members, 9TH CAV 9 CHAPTER NEWS 3 OBIT - RUBIN 23 he said. 12TH CAV 6 CHANGE ADDRESS 2 OTHER REUNIONS 21 “Our troopers have driven hundreds of thousands of miles, fired millions of 15TH MED 17 ELECTION NOTICE 24 REUNION 12/13 rounds, pulled countless hours in our motor pools and warehouses, all to provide 20TH ARA 18 ENGINEERS 20 SILVER WINGS 16 the Army with ready forces,” Bills said. “All this wouldn’t be possible without 21ST FA 21 HONOR ROLL 24 SOUVENIR SHOP 24 the tremendous support of our 37,000 family members who serve in their own 27TH MNT 11 HQ AND SPEC TRPS 22 SUB RENEWAL 3 30TH FA 10 JOB NOTIFICATION 3 TAPS 2 way, so our troopers can serve in our national defense.” 61ST FA 4 LIFE MEMBERSHIP 3 TAPS-ACTIVE DUTY 2 As Bills gave his closing remarks in preparation for his departure to the Re- 82ND FA 19 LRRP/RANGER 15 WANTED 21 public of Korea for his next assignment, he praised the division for truly living 99TH FA 14 WRITING LAB 4 Continued on pg. 22 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 saber Page 2 Don’t Keep it a SECRET, Let us Know About It. To submit by e-mail, send to [email protected]. SABER Clip and Mail to 1st Cavalry Division Association The newspaper of the 1st Cavalry Division Association 302 N. Main, Copperas Cove, TX 76522-1703 published during each even numbered month at Last 4 #’s of your SSN______DOB______302 N. Main St., Copperas Cove, TX 76522-1703. Tel: (______) ______Phone: (254) 547-6537 Rank and Name:______Deadline for publication is the 1st of each odd numbered month. New Address: ______e-mail: [email protected] City: ______State: ______Zip: ______Home Page: http://www.1cda.org Unit: (1)______and (2)______EDITOR: Dara Wydler Date of Assign: (1)______and (2)______ASSISTANT EDITOR: Karleen Maloney E-Mail:______I served with the 1st Cav. Div. in (Circle one or more) Pre-WWII WWII EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Dennis E. Webster

ADDRESS JAPAN KOREA ‘57-’65 FT BENNING VIETNAM

CHANGE FT HOOD GULF BOSNIA AFGHANISTAN IRAQ FT BLISS ARTICLE SUBMISSION I DO/DO NOT authorize release of my personal info to Assn. members. Manuscripts should be originals or clear copies, either typed or printed in I served with another military unit during a war time period? YES NO near-letter quality printer mode. Word processor submissions are accepted via e-mail. Attach a self-adhesive label with photo information to the back of photos and cut lines for each photo. Include name and address if the photo SNOWBIRDS is to be returned. Do not send panoramic photos wider than 8.5 in. If you have two addresses during the year, we need to know them. Please give us Articles should be received at National Headquarters no later than the 1st the dates and addresses for both households. of every odd month. Any article received after the 1st of the month will be (Circle one) Winter Summer put in on a space available basis. Rank and Name: ______Opinions expressed are the writers and not necessarily those of the Saber LAST 4#s SSN:______DOB ______or the 1st Cavalry Division Association. 1: Address: ______City: ______State: _____ Zip: ______Dates: ______Tel: (______) ______LETTERS TO THE EDITOR To be considered for publication, letters should net exceed 300 words and 2: Address: ______should be of general interest and in good taste. Letters express the writer’s City: ______State: _____ Zip: ______opinion, not that of the Saber or the 1st Cavalry Division Association. Dates: ______Tel: (______) ______Political endorsement, “thank you” notes and poetry cannot be used. Form letters or third-party letters are not acceptable. Letters which contain libelous Calendar of 1st Cavalry Division Association or obviously untrue statements will be automatically rejected. All letters must be signed with addresses and telephone numbers included. 2016 Names will be used with the letters but addresses and phone numbers may February 26-27 Meeting of the Board of Governors, Killeen, TX be omitted. Letters also may be edited for length or clarification. We reserve the right to reject for publication any letter received. Unused June 8-12 69th Annual Reunion, Las Vegas, NV letters will not be acknowledged. Letters to the Editor November 10-13 Veterans Day and Veterans Day Dinner, Washington, DC Dear Editor, TAPS Thank you to the Foundation of the 1st Cavalry Division We have been notified of the death of the following: Association – Ia Drang for the scholarship grant that you provide BOSWELL, MAJ (Ret) Henry D., G Co., 2-8th CAV, 1950-51. 29 November to me. This grant is very important to me. It is helping me 2015. continue my education in honor of my grandfather and the others BURRIS, SGM (Ret) Gregory L., HHC, ENG BDE, 1993-95. 30 November who were in war. Going to school out of state is very expensive, 2015. but this scholarship helps to pay for my college so that I can CANTAR, PVT George C., 271st FA, 1946-48. 5 November 2015. continue playing soccer at the collegiate level. This scholarship CASEY, BG (Ret) John P., HHC, 3rd BDE, 1970-71; HHC, 3rd BDE, 1974-75; has given me the motivation to work hard in school and set high standards for HHC, 1CD, 1977-78. 9 October 2015. my academic success. COMBS, SGT Terry D., B Co., 1-12th CAV, 1966-67. 17 December 2015. Sincerely, CRAIN, CSM (Ret) Carroll V., A Btry., 2-19th FA, 1966-67. 16 June 2015. Katie Kolar FULLER, SSG Sherman G., A Co., 1-12th CAV, 1966. 18 January 2015. GARDNER, SGT Loyde P., A Btry., 99th FA, 1942-45. 5 January 2016. Dear Editor, GILOTTI, CPT Jonathan M. “Mike”, A Co., 2-12th CAV, 2006-08. 5 January I am trying to locate all of the men that served with me in A Company, 2-8th 2016. Cavalry in Vietnam from November 1968 to May 1970. I have contact with HUEY, MAJ (Ret) James R., D Co., 8th CAV, 1949-51. 18 Septenber 2015. some of them but am trying to locate the rest if possible. They can contact HUSS, PSG (Ret) Archie P., 545th MP, 1965-66 and 1970-71. 7 November me by sending a letter to me at 905 Duke St., Beaufort, SC 29902-4628 or 2015. sending an email to . My cell phone number is 803- LAVENDER, PFC David A., A Co., 1-5th CAV, 1965. 18 December 2015. 760-8001. McCLINTOCK, SSG Matthew Q., A Co., 2-7th CAV, 2006-09. 5 January Sincerely, 2016. MAJ (Ret) Ray Armer McCLISH, SGT Terry L., C Co., 2-7th CAV, 1969-70. 25 December 2015. McDONALD, CSM (Ret) James E., 15th MED, 1970-71. 28 October 2015. NEW MEMBERS RICHARDSON, MAJ (Ret) William A., F Trp./MG Trp., 7th CAV, 1940-45; SFC AKINSOGA SANGODOGBO CA A 1-21FA 6601 HQ & SVC Trp., 7th CAV, 1946-49. 29 November 2015. SGT AMARAL DOMINIC PA B 3-8C 0201 RIEGER, SP4 Karl, A Co., 229th AHB, 1968-69. 1 January 2016. 1SG (RET) ANTAKI ALBERT N. JR VA C 1-12C 6511 ROETTGER, SGT Harold C., A Btry., 82nd FA, 1942-45. 2 January 2015. SFC BEDDARD WILLIAM SC A 2-5C 6706 RUBIN, CPL Tibor, I Co., 3-8th CAV, 1950-53. 5 December 2015. SSG BELL WARREN “OLLI CO 371RRU 6810 RYALS, SGT Russell, D Co., 2-8th CAV, 1971-72. 7 January 2016. SSG (RET) BILLUE TIMOTHY TX B 2-8C 9707 SALAZAR, CSM (Ret) Henry, HHC, 8th ENG, 1965-66; 1969-70. 7 November SGT BISHOP ISABEL NC HHC 91ENG 0507 2015. SGT BISHOP LARRY J. AR HHC 3BCT 6810 SMITH, SGT Edward J., B Co., 2-5th CAV, 1966-67. 25 May 2015. SSG BISHOP MARK K. NC HHC 91ENG 0303 SMITH, SFC (Ret) John T. IV, D Co., 1-227th AVN, 1991-93. 18 November 2LT BLANCHARD MATTHEW TX HHT 6-9C 1502 2015. COL (RET) BRISTER ALAN A. NC DIVARTY 4909 STOTTS, SSG Glenn E. “Jake”, HQ, 99th FA, 1949-53. 6 January 2015. SGT BUGENSKI JERRY J. MI HHC 2-8C 6806 SWINDALL, 1SG (Ret) Henry S., G Trp., 2-5th CAV, 1944-46. 27 November 1SG BULLOCK JENNIFER DIANA APO AE 15FIN 0302 2015. 1SG (RET) CARRION LUIS T. FL C 1-12C 6506 SYLVESTER, COL (Ret) Ernest J., HHC, 15th MED, 1977-79. 14 August 1SG (RET) CARRION PETE TX E 1-12 6905 2015. SPC CARTER CHARLES A. MD B 15FSB 8907 THOMAS, SGT William B., A Co., 1-8th CAV, 1967-68. 15 May 2015. MAJ CHAPEAU THOMAS TX HHB 2-82FA 1404 WATTS, MSG (Ret) Lewis L., C Co., 2-8th CAV, 1966-67. 8 November SPC CISNEROS JOSE B. IL 2-82FA 2015. 1LT CLEMENT GERALD A. MD A 1-5C 6901 WEEKS, LTC (Ret) Richard G., A Co., 227th AVN, 1965-66. 4 March 2015. PFC CRESSONIE LANE OH C 1-227AVN 83 WOODRUFF, PFC John H., C Co., 15th TC, 1967-68. 6 December 2015. SGT DANIEL JOSHUA L. SC HHC 3-8C 1203 SGT DE LE GARZA ARTURO TX C 1-12C 02 ACTIVE DUTY TAPS SGT DIAZ CESAR NJ C 2-5C 9711 We have been notified of the death of the following Active Duty Troopers SGT DONAHUE THOMAS M. TX C 2STB 1010 who died in the United States: CPT ENGQUIST ERIC MARTIN TX HHC 2- 1C 03 BADILLOALVAREZ, SPC Victor, 664th Ord Co., 553rd CSB, 2013-15. 27 SFC FRANCIS MARK TX B 2-12C 0101 December 2015. 1LT GAERTNER STEVE PA 1BCT 1211 HARP, CPL Kayleb R. L., C Co., 215th BSB, 2013-15. 25 November 2015. SFC GOBETH MARCEL N. VA C 2-5C 92 MOSES, SPC Eric R., G Trp., 3-3rd CAV, 2014-15. 3 December 2015. SFC GONZALEZ JESUS M. TX B 2-5C 6405 SCHUETTE, SSG Devin L., HHC, 1st BCT, 2013-15. 3 January 2016. SGT GRACE EDGAR G JR MD 1-9C 6901 SGT HALLAM JOHN M MO C 1-8C 6703 We honor the passing of our friends and comrades in arms. 1LT HANSZ DAVID ALAN MI HHC 1-5C 7008 Continued on pg. 4 Page 3 saber JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 CHAPTER NEWS LIFE APPLICATION/SUBSCRIPTION RENEWAL BUSINESS STYLE CARDS SOUTHEASTERN COLORADO CHAPTER are available at 200 for $15.00. No hassle with having to carry legal size sheets of paper (Life Membership Applications) or sub forms. Orders will be sent to printers The Chapter held its first meeting of the year on for printing when 3-4 are accumulated. Please be patient with us. Sample below. 2 January 2016 in La Junta. We held an election and (Actual size 3” x 2”) elected or reelected in some cases the following to lead our chapter. Our officers are: President, Gregorio 1st CAVALRY DIVISION ASSOCIATION Trujillo; Vice President and Treasurer, Jesus Garcia; 302 N. Main St. Secretary, Bneirito Gallegos; and Public Relations, John Copperas Cove, TX 76522-1703 Campos. (254) 547-6537 The only member of our chapter who served with [email protected] the 1st Cavalry Division during World War II, Loyde NAME Gardner, passed away on 5 January. Loyde joined the POSITION IN CHAPTER Loyde Gardner Army at the beginning of WWII. After boot camp, he UNIT was assigned to the 99th FA Battalion traveling across DATES OF ASSIGNMENT the US with a train load of mules and Soldiers. He was very proud of his service with the 99th Field Artillery and the 1st Cavalry Division. Loyde will be greatly STREET ADDRESS PHONE: missed. John Campos, Public Relations CITY, ST, ZIP (000) 000-0000 JAMES J. MASON WEST MICHIGAN CHAPTER E-MAIL: (000) 000-0000 Cell Our primary civic program continues to be our work at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans. We again hosted Bingo on 29 November 2015 and again on 31 January 2016. Our Chapter Veterans so appreciate the opportunity and privilege Enroll me as a Life Member...... $10.00 to interact with this veteran community. Chapter members Mike McGregor and Bob Anderson continue their sacred duties with the Kent County Veterans Renew my subscription...... $10.00 Honor Guard. This group of warriors from World War II through the current New or Renewal of Associate Membership...... $15.00 War on Terror paid homage to well over 500 veterans in 2015. The Chapter now meets on even numbered months with the next two meetings: 21 April and D-Trooper...... $25.00 16 June. We would love to see some new Troopers join the Chapter and would welcome you to just stop in, if only to say hi. Contact Bob Anderson at 616- Business Cards ...... $15.00 682-5446 or email for more information. Bob $10 covers your subscription to SABER for one year. Anderson, Secretary $25 makes you a D-Troop member plus a one year subscription. NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY CHAPTER $50 makes you a D-Troop member plus a one year subscription and you receive Past Chapter President Bob Heintz a suitable poster or print. and I attended the funeral of CW2 $100 makes you a D-Troop member plus a one year subscription and you receive (Ret) Charles “Mick” McCann at a First Team print. Arlington National Cemetery in $500 makes you a Silver Brigade member plus a 10 year subscription. Arlington, Virginia on December 9, $1,000 makes you a Gold Brigade member plus a 20 year subscription. 2015. Mick was a Vietnam Veteran, All D-Troopers receive certificates suitable for framing. a combat helicopter pilot that was Brigade members receive handsome 1st Cavalry wall plaque. All donors ($25 or more) receive mention in the Honor Roll column and may assigned to C Company 229th, HHC dedicate gifts. D-Troop milestones can be achieved cumulatively. We will keep 1968-69. He was also a Past President track of your contributions.. of the New York-New Jersey Chapter Associate Membership - for those with no service with the 1st Cav. Div. in the mid-1990s. $15 one year Associate membership plus a one year subscription. The chapter will hold our spring meeting on April 9, 2016 at the Elks Lodge $150 Life Associate plus a five year subscription and you receive a framed in Ridgefield Park, New Jersey. Plan to attend and enjoy the camaraderie. Bob certificate. Arbasetti, President ALMOST HEAVEN WEST VIRGINIA CHAPTER LAST 4 NUMBERS OF SSN ______DOB ______A few 1st Cav Troopers got together for a “get to know you” meeting last fall. Rank ______It is interesting how strangers can have a two hour conversation without a loss Name______for words. It was decided to wait until spring before we try for another meeting. Address______Doug Ritchie insisted that it be after he, and the other snow birds come back City ______State ______from Florida so April looks to be the best time. Zip ______Phone (______) ______Of course the primary topic at our next meeting should be the 2018 reunion. Dates Assigned _(1)______(2)______The 1st Cavalry Division Association and the Charleston Convention and I served with 1st Team in Unit (1)______and Visitors Bureau (CVB) will take care of the organization of the reunion but (2)______they will need help with the detailed activities. For example, a chapter member should be in the gift shop when it is open. E-mail ______June 2018 will be here sooner than you think. Charleston is within a day’s drive for over 60% of the population of the US, so there should be a good I Authorize release of information to: No one___ Other Members only___ turnout. Now is the time to start getting ready for them. We need more bodies Other Members and USAA Only___. who want to contribute if the chapter is going to do its job. I served with the 1st Cavalry Division in (Circle one or more) The CVB is putting together some tours to showcase the Mountain State to Pre-WWII WWII Japan Korean War Korea ‘57-’65 Fort Benning reunion attendees. The tours points of interest include: The Beckley Exhibition Vietnam War Fort Hood Gulf War Bosnia Afghanistan Iraq Fort Bliss Coal Mine, Tamarack West Virginia Artisan Center, New River Gorge National Have you served with any other military unit during a war time period? YES NO Park, and the West Virginia Capitol Complex, Then there is the casino and dog track, and some live music shows are in the planning stage. The CVB is working POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT on getting a stern wheeler for cruises on the Kanawha River. Executive Director of the 1st Cavalry Division Association We need to get ramps on the menu for the reunion banquet. Would anyone be interested is trout fishing? The Williams River is my favorite; it is only about The current Executive Director, CSM (Ret) Dennis Webster is retiring. 90 minutes from the Marriott. Does anyone have any other ideas? The Association wishes to fill the position by April 2016. The Vietnam veterans are dying off. It is time for the next generation to step Anyone interested in filling this position should submit a hardcopy up. Several veterans of the Middle East Wars have contacted the chapter. It resume to: would be nice if you got more involved in chapter activities. Jim Hays knows 1st Cavalry Division Association someone who will make us West Virginia oak name tags if we should want to ATTN: Executive Director Selection Committee go that way. 302 N Main St. COLUMBIA WILLAMETTE CHAPTER Copperas Cove, TX 76522-1703 The Chapter held their annual Christmas and New Year’s Banquet Requirements for Applicants: on December 6th, 2015 at Sayler’s • Must have served with the 1st Cavalry Division and must be a Life Country Kitchen and Steak House in Member of the 1st Cavalry Division Association. Portland Oregon. • Must be able to provide proof of service with the 1st Cavalry There were 43 members and guests Division. in attendance. Chuck Dougherty was • Must have an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army. honored for his chartering the local • Must work at the Association office located in Copperas Cove, Chapter. The first meeting was held Texas. in February 2002 and Chuck hosted • The job description may be reviewed on the 1st Cavalry Division website at or may be obtained via email. the meeting in his home which had President Terry Low opened the dinner with a welcome and we performed the 50 people in attendance. The Chapter Toasts. Terry roasted Barry Corno who is retiring this month after 49 years was made official in June 2002. and Mike Carter who is a volunteer streetcar driver along the Willamette River Vice President, Jim Johnson, greeted Run. Terry compiled a photo album of our members from in theater, mostly the all to our Chapter dinner and read a Vietnam Era. list of 30 events members attended We enjoyed the banquet facilities, wait staff and dinner. We ate, talked, shared throughout the year. Jerry Peal led us and bonded as brothers and sisters. It was a wonderful time together. in the remembrance of POW/MIA’S. Photos are of the Chapter members and their wives/friends. Jim Johnson, Vice Frank Bayer gave the Invocation. President JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 saber Page 4 61st FA News identification should it have gone down in the jungle (of course, there’s not too Gordon Cress Hopefully this much jungle in Missouri, but you can’t be too careful). The aircraft name is 6562 Windflower Dr. Carlsbad, CA 92011-2508 issue of Saber will be based on the home town of the restorer’s wife who hailed from Pella, Iowa. I (760) 918-0470 reaching you around forwarded the Air Classics magazine to Fred Martin and hope he enjoys it. That [email protected] the middle of February. was very thoughtful of Sid to send it along and I appreciate it as I know Fred Now that the major will. Thanks again, Sid. (Insert Photo) holidays of 2015 are in the past, we can concentrate on this year. Naturally we Our family spent Christmas Day here at our home and my wife and the two all remembered our lovely wives on Valentine’s Day. daughters combined to make us a delicious Christmas Day Dinner. Everyone, Our Kiwanis Club of Carlsbad held their semi-annual Pancake Breakfast on especially the two grandchildren got plenty of gifts and we all are thankful for November 1st. We all got to the site in downtown Carlsbad at 5 AM! Believe our blessings. Hope all of you had a joyous holiday season, too. me, that’s early! We got the grills unloaded from our big truck, put up the This from Peter O’Brien… “Hi Gordon, your column in the November/ canopies and with the help of the Boy Scouts got all the tables and chairs in December issue of Saber is one of the very best ever! It’s wonderful that you place. We’ve been doing this twice a year for nearly 30 years now and have maintain a forum where World War II vets and civilian internees at places like pretty much got the routine down pat. We picked up the coffee donated by the Santo Tomas in the Philippines can communicate and inform us, who were local Starbuck’s outlet and started serving right on schedule at 7 AM. We have kids at the time, about the real events back then. Guys like Fred Martin, Ted about 80,000 to 90,000 visitors to our May and November Carlsbad Street Fairs. Cadwallader, Bill Fancher, Hawaiian pilot Rainalter, George Fisher, Harry They tell me they are the largest one-day street fair in the nation. Anyway, we Sheehe, Ted Covington and all the others in your column are the reasons we’re did serve close to 1000 pancake breakfasts before we closed down at noon. not speaking Japanese or German today and have had wonderful long and safe Another one out of the way and we did raise some money for our Kiwanis lives here. Thank you to all of them and please take a bow yourself, Gordon. children’s programs. That’s always a good thing. It has never left me that serving in the Army in Japan in the 50s was beyond Later the Kiwanis Club contacted the local Head Start facilities and got the anyone’s wildest imagination back in the war years of the 40s.” Thanks so particulars on about a dozen families that needed some help over the holidays. much for the kind words, Pete. Really appreciate your contributions. We provided food, Walmart gift cards, toys, clothes, bedding (even a bunk bed And a special Thank You to all who sent along season’s greetings. It’s always set) and did a lot to cheer up some families for Christmas. It’s always a great nice to hear from you. thing to do something for someone. We spent the New Year’s holiday attending the celebration and wedding of my In mid-December we received a nice letter from Sid LaDow, MAJ, USA- wife’s cousin up in the area. We rented a very nice house for the Ret of Palm Bay, Florida. He said… “Gordon, I received my Saber today (the occasion and brought along our daughter and granddaughter. Had a good time November/December issue) with the family and enjoyed the festivities. and as usual read it cover to This also from Peter in mid-December… “Hi All, on May 26, 1954, a large cover. When I read about explosion and fire killed 103 sailors and injured 201 others aboard the air craft the Aeronca L-3, it struck a carrier USS Bennington, as it cruised off Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island. The bell and I remembered my ship sailed to Naval Air Station Quonset Point, Rhode Island, to discharge the latest issue of Air Classics dead and injured. Aboard the ship at the time of the explosion was Richie and magazine and an article Zeke Mazzocca’s older brother, Sal. Rich was the catcher on the 1955 DivArty about the 61st Artillery baseball team. Fortunately, Sal was not among the injured, but at that time, having them during WWII. communications were not as we know them today and key records personnel on Aeronca L-3 Pella Bella Fred Martin is mentioned in the ship had been killed, so family and friends were anxiously waiting for news both articles. Thought you as they gathered in the theatre at Quonset Point. The Navy set up a phone line might like to have the Air Classics magazine. The restored aircraft looks very from the theatre to the ship. Our own Zeke Mazzocca was photographed in the good. I served with the 1st Cavalry Division from July 1968 to July 1969. I June 7, 1954, Life Magazine as he spoke with his brother on that phone line. commanded “A” Company, 27th Maintenance Battalion the entire time I was Richie and I had just landed in Japan as that time.” Thanks again, Pete. in country. We were attached to and supported the 1st Brigade, first at Quang The 61st FA Battalion column is a little short this time; we didn’t get any input Tri and in November we move south to Tay Ninh. A very long time ago.” The from you! Hopefully you were all just too busy with your holiday doings, but photo below is from the magazine and it shows the restored Pella Belle L-3. I’m hoping we’ll have better participation in 2016. The accompanying article related the aircraft history and that it’s now based at Take care, ‘Sta Bueno and keep those cards, letters, phone calls and e-mails Applegate Airport in northeast Missouri. It has the tail painted white for easy coming. New Members MR. NORTH ROBERT IL 1354 ASSOC SP-4 TASSONE NICHOLAS L. MA B 6404 Continued from pg. 2 SGT O’GRADY STEPHEN R. NS 1-9C 6805 PFC TAYLOR B.H. JR. AR C 1-8C 70 1SG HAPNEY GLEN D KS HHC 1-5C 9712 CSM ORBE JOHN TX 1-32AR 9106 SGT TAYLOR DOWELL W. KY B 1-8C 69 MAJ HARNESS KARL TX HHC 3-8C 1408 SGT ORTIZ NOE TX B 2-12C 78 SSG THOMPSON CHARLES E. KY B 1-21FA SFC HARPER CHUCK TX 15ADM 7709 SPC OWEN JOAB NH HHC 1-32AR 8706 6812 SGT HECKMAN LEE A. NE B 1-9C 6711 MR PEIKERT BOBBY R. TX HHC 3BDE 6805 SGT THRASHER CHRISTOPHER TX B 1-3C SSG (RET) HERBERT JOSEPH E. NJ A 1-9C PVT PIKE DAVID L. KY AES 15SS 6807 1110 6510 SGT PORTER TERRY A FL C 1-8C 7004 SSG (RET) TRAVIS LEVI F. II PA HHB 1-82FA SSG HERNANDEZ VICTOR M. TX B 1-8C 69 MAJ PRAY BRIAN W. MS C 1-227AVN 6508 9210 SPC HOKE SANTONIO A. TX D 1-227AVN 1310 CPT PRILL DONALD TX HHBN 1CDH 1407 SPC WATSON WILLIAM R. JR TN HHC 20 ENG SP-4 HUFFMAN JERRY MI 1-8C 5806 SGT QUINN STEPHEN PA B 2-12C 6811 9510 SSG JOHN BRYAN TX C 2-5 1501 SGT REDALEN RONALD RAY MN D 1-12C 1LT WEAVER DAVID W GA 1356 ASSOC E-4 JOHNSON ROGER D. MN D 1- 9C 7506 6705 MR. WEAVER TED R. GA 1355 ASSOC SSG KASPRZAK JOHN NY B 2-7C 6606 E-5 RICEDORF RALPH S. PA A 1-8C 6705 1LT WILDE KYLE TX D 2-5C 1402 SP-4 LA RUE WALTER H. NJ HHC 2-5C 6702 SGT RIGHTENOUR ROBERT TX B 2-7C 0803 SPC WILLIAMS JAMES L. JR. MI HHC 1-5C SSG LERNER STANLEY FL 1-12C 6608 SP-4 RIGSBY ROBERT AL B 5-82FA 6206 8503 1LT MARTUCCI ANTHONY MA D 2-8C 6810 SGT ROCKER GREGORY TX HHC 3-8C 1312 SP-5 WILLIAMS STEVE A. FL HQ 1-77FA 6307 MS. MAUSE BETTY TX 1358 1- ASSOC CW4 ROSSOMME GARY GA F TROOP 1-9C CPT WOJICK MATTHEW M. TX C 3-8C 0306 SP-5 MC GEE RUSSELL LEE OK 228AVN 6904 7111 SGT WOLF THOMAS JARE TX HHT 1-9C 8007 MAJ MC INTYRE TYLER J. AL A 3-8C 0011 SSG RUELASVILLANUEVA LUIS R. TX D 3-8C COL MIDDLETON TED TX HHC 1CDH 1507 1408 Thanks for joining the 1st Cavalry Division SGT MILLER JERROD TX D 3-8C 0902 SGT SANCHEZ EDWARDO TX 3-8C 1502 Association! Ask your friends that served with SPC MILLER THOMAS M. IN HHC 2-12C 7006 1SG (RET) SMITH DREIEK TX E 2-8C 0704 you to join. Please keep us updated when you MS. MONTGOMERY RITA OH 1357 ASSOC MSG SMITH FRANKLIN R. TN D 1-12C 66 move by sending us address updates. MR NEVITT WILLIAM E. IL 1353 ASSOC SGT SOWDERS LOUIS H. PA D 1-8 65 WRITING LAB FOR VETS by Mack Payne, , 863-699-1870 Vietnam Veteran News is a podcast that shares news about Vietnam and Vietnam ences into words. We also hope to get these stories out to the larger population, Veterans. The purpose of the podcast is to let the world know about the Vietnam where a smaller percentage of people have military experience.” He is currently Veteran Generation. Often it will feature interviews with Vietnam Veterans who working on a writing program that can be taken online. talk about their experiences in Vietnam and what they have done with their lives One of his writing students was Vietnam Veteran Thomas Bragg of Blackstone, since the war. Virginia. Bragg appeared at Lund’s first workshop with a box full of Polaroid pic- Recently a Vietnam Veteran was interviewed on the podcast who told about a tures taken while he served in Vietnam. He wanted to write about his good friend new program he has recently created to help Vietnam Veterans write their memoirs in his unit and who had died in the war. Lund help Bragg produce a memorial of that war. Michael Lund served with USARV Headquarters in Vietnam from booklet about his friend, Edward Bartholomew Lama titled: Keeping It Lively. 1970-1971 as a correspondent. He traveled throughout the country reporting on Both Bragg and his late friend Eddie Lama had Polaroid cameras with them in the war with a special emphasis on the Vietnamization program. Vietnam and the two friends took lots of pictures of each other which they sent After his time in Vietnam with the US Army he pursued his lifelong goal to home to their families. Thomas wanted to share his pictures with Eddie’s family. be a college professor. He attended Emory University where he earned a PhD in With the help of Dr. Lund, Thomas was able to contact members of the Lama English. Upon completion of his graduate school he took a position as an English family in Wisconsin and Illinois. He sent pictures of Eddie from his collection and writing professor at Longwood University in Farmville, Virginia. and they sent him some of Eddie’s pictures they had saved over the years. Thomas When he retired from a career of teaching at Longwood he decided to use his Bragg realized he could not have written about his war time experiences without skills as a writing and English instructor to help veterans and especially Vietnam the help of Dr. Lund’s writing workshop and is greatly appreciative. Veterans write about their memories of the war or whatever they wished to write It is a wonderful thing Dr. Lund is doing for Vietnam Veterans. He is offering about. His new writing program is sponsored by the Department of English and his professional writing talent and assistance free of charge to any veteran who Modern Languages at Longwood University. The first free workshop was taught would like to record their memories of that war. It is very important for Vietnam from Sept. 8 through Oct. 6 at the Blackstone Conference and Retreat Center. Veterans to tell their story about those turbulent times in the history of our country. Dr. Michael Lund said “this is an opportunity for veterans to put their experi- Interested veterans can contact Dr. Lund at: Page 5 saber JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 5th CAV News The Thousand Just then, over on the ridge in front of Chisholm’s platoon, another trip flare Allan F. Foster Yard Stare - I went off. That light showed a square of about 250 NVA coming out of the 732 E. College Ave. have been talking jungle and up the ridge. I saw Boldenow holding his position and begin blasting Westerville, OH 43081-2442 to Jim Reecamper them with his M60. He is very tall from the waist up; most of his body was an about having a easy target for the NVA. I felt he wouldn’t last very long. The other M60 guy (614) 981-1996 5th Cav reunion was jerking and working his gun but it was locked up. He jumped up and at West Point. headed back to the perimeter. Just then another trip flare went off on the other So, Gene Lang, my old combat buddy, and I got together in September for side of my knoll; the light from it outlined a NVA grenade flying through the air a football weekend at West Point so that we could make a recommendation. coming at our foxhole. It was either going to be just a little short, or it was going We have been together just twice since my tour of duty in Vietnam. I left right into our foxhole. About a quarter second later, all four of us decided that Vietnam in August of 68 and flew home (De De Mow!). Gene, my squad, my it was going right into our foxhole. We sprang out of the foxhole as though we Platoon and D Company, and the 2/5 flew south from the DMZ and went into had springs on our feet. We all landed on our feet, only to see darkened shadowy Cambodia. Gene and I and our wives got together for dinner the night before forms of bent over but vertical NVA coming around the knoll. Then the grenade the game at the Bonefish Grill in Nanuet, New York which is just south of West exploded in the foxhole. We all sprang straight back into the foxhole as though Point. The dinner and discussions were great. Enid and Linda had a great time we still had springs on our feet. I reached out and grabbed the ‘Claymore’ from talking. Gene and I got into a very serious deep discussion about our Vietnam in front of our foxhole and hit the ignition switch, nothing happened. I hit it experience and probably didn’t come up for a breath for a good two or three again, and again, nothing happened. ‘Little’ Chapman, the youngest guy in our hour. My wonderful wife sometimes gets the ‘Thousand Yard Stare’ when I get platoon (probably also in the company, and the battalion) impulsively grabbed on a verbal roll about combat and Vietnam: she has been politely listening to me it out of my hands and hit it hard, repeatedly about 10 times and it finally went go on and on for 49 years now, so she really likes it when I can connect and talk off. There could not have been anyone alive on the other side of the knoll. Just with a combat buddy. Early the next morning Linda and I arrived at West Point then another trip flare went off over on the ridge. I looked and saw Boldenow to watch all the cadets’ march in review. It appears that everyone in uniform at still blasting away with his M60. I looked at the attacking NVA square and saw West Point is in great shape and look as though they could easily score a 100 on a thin young short guy leading them up the ridge. He had a guidon with a flag the Army PT test. I was proudly wearing the only 1st Cav ‘Black Hat’ Stetson on it and was at the head of the 250 man square. I remember it exactly, even at West Point that day and I stood out. After the review we were milling about now. He was a brave soldier and leader who lead his men from the front. I on the parade ground and a young female Colonel walked up to me, pointed to looked back at our perimeter and saw SGT Chisholm sling a perfectly thrown her 1st Cav shoulder patch, shook my hand and welcomed me to the Academy. grenade into the front of that 250 man NVA square. The guy with the guidon It is always emotionally disarming for a toothless old lion; a former draftee immediately dropped to his knees and the men close to him went vertical with and Vietnam Combat Vet to have a young female Colonel give you a ‘welcome their noses in the dirt. But, it was a dud! The young guy with the guidon home’ handshake. Linda and I had a great free lunch at one of the many ‘bar- jumped up and ran towards Boldenow and his M60 with his men following none’ tailgate parties and proceeded to our seats in Mitchie Stadium where we closely behind. I snap shot three rounds center mass on him. He went down. I met up and sat with Gene and Enid. The girls were off talking and chatting saw Chisholm sling another perfectly thrown grenade into about 20 of the about the rules and regulations of football and other things. I glanced over at attackers. They didn’t take cover this time because they thought it was another Gene in his Cav Patch Baseball Hat and his Order of the tee shirt. dud, and the grenade went off causing massive casualties. Just then our 81mm He was lost in thought while staring out over West Point, Mitchie Stadium and mortar crew dropped their first round where the ridge came out of the jungle, the Hudson River. I suppose he was daydreaming about Vietnam. I remember and then walked about eight mortars up the ridge, right through the NVA square, nothing of how Gene got wounded. I have no memory when it comes to how and then reversed it and walked about eight mortar rounds back down the ridge or where any of the guys in my platoon were wounded or killed. I remember right through the square again. The mortar crew did this continually for about a nothing. half an hour. The mortar gunner, an Italian guy from New Jersey (I can see him, What I did remember and revisited as I went into a kind of daydream/‘thousand I just can’t remember his name), gave up his hearing that night because he yard stare’ while standing in the stands at the football stadium at West Point is refused to cover his ears when the shells came out of the mortar. He said that in March of ’68’ D and C Company were flown to the top of Hill 883 about covering his ears would have slowed him down. He and his 81mm mortar and a mile outside of Khe Sanh and we dug in and formed a perimeter. All the trees crew stopped a mass ‘bum-rush’ NVA attack, dead. Small firefights continued and brush had been blasted away from the top of the hill and down the sides throughout the night and Boldenow continued blasting away with his M60 about 50 yards, beyond that, all was jungle. D Company was assigned the side whenever needed. The following morning I saw the company medic head down of the hill facing Laos. SGT Chisholm’s 3rd platoon was to my right and was to Chisholm’s platoon. (He was a thin, red headed guy who was always there spread out facing a ridge that came right out of the thick jungle and led straight for anyone who was hurt - I remember Henry Swindell and I had a great talk to the center of the our perimeter. On the other side of Chisholm’s platoon was about ‘conscientious objectors’ in the ‘hospitality room’ at a reunion a couple of “Bug-ga-lou’s” platoon. He was a young black NCO from Louisiana. He was years ago and I told him a number of stories about this guy.) I followed the a good Soldier, but his great talent was that he was guy who got along with most medic to see what was going on. One of the guys was slow getting out of a everyone; blacks, whites, Hispanics, Indians, smokers, non-smokers, privates, foxhole the night before when a NVA grenade was thrown in it and got his ankle NCOs and officers. SGT Maldanado, a Korean War Vet and a great combat filled with shrapnel. The medic pulled a bunch of shrapnel out of his ankle, put NCO and his platoon were on the other side of my squad’s three foxhole some bandages on it and told him to bend over as he pulled a big needle and positions. My Mortar platoon’s two infantry squads were spread out and dug in penicillin syringe out of his bag. The Soldier looked at the needle and passed just to the left of the ridge and faced a dry creek bed that stretched from a small out. Later, Chisholm, Boldenow and I were standing on the ridge looking at the knoll in front of my foxhole to about a 1500 yards down the hill and into the carnage from the night before and talking. I mentioned the little thin guy that river valley bottom. I didn’t like the look of things, but then again I always was leading the NVA attack. We all agreed that he was one heroic warrior and worry too much. If the NVA sent some guys up the creek bed they could throw a combat leader. Chisholm suggested that he should get something like the grenades from the top of the knoll and be pretty accurate and effective. We NVA or whatever it is that the NVA give. Both Boldenow and spaced our foxholes so that we had a pretty good field of fire. We put some I heartily agreed. I still think about the guy. claymores just below the crest of the knoll and let it go at that. I looked down Just then, I was awakened from my ‘Thousand Yard Stare’ by the incredible and to the right and I saw SGT Chisholm’s third platoon digging what appeared noisy cheering of the fans in the area of the stadium in which we sat. A full to be two machine gun emplacements (shallow holes) about 10 yards in front of Colonel was leading our area in a formal cheer, and doing a great job of it. I his part of the perimeter. My nose was hurting, so I walked down to see what looked down at him from the 50th row of seats and saw him notice my 1st Cav was going on. My guess was right; they were installing two M60’s in front of Black Stetson. He ran up the steps, grabbed my hand and yelled, “Welcome their positions. I didn’t know the one gunner, but the other guy was Gerald to West Point”. I told him that Gene and I were Vietnam Vets, and he grabbed Boldenow. Gerald was one of the best M60 guys around. My own thought was my hand again and said “Welcome Home”. He then shook Gene’s hand and that two M60’s was a little bit of overkill, but SGT Chisholm always knew what welcomed him to West Point. Gene pointed at me and said, “He and I have only he was doing. I glanced at Chisholm’s foxhole and saw that he had about twenty been able to get together twice in 46 years.” His voice cracked when he said the big rocks (each about the size of a baseball) sitting in a pile within arm’s reach, words ’46 years’. The Colonel grabbed Gene by both shoulders looked him in and said “so that’s what an Army BFR looks like”, and thought to myself ‘hey, the eyes, and said something like “you guys and guys like you are the reason for to each his own’. But, I had great confidence in Captain Carpenter’s ability to this place. Welcome Home!” Linda and I left at the end of the third quarter to put the right leaders and the right guys, in the right place, at the right time (and drive back to Columbus. Gene, Enid, Linda and I said our fond goodbyes and Chisholm was the right leader). So I went back to my foxhole. It was getting agreed that West Point would be a great place to have a 5th Cav. Reunion. towards evening and I always liked to take some time in the first watch of the Retirement: I have decided not to be the scribe for the 5th Cavalry. First, yes, evening to let the guys in my platoon get their gear right for the night and for me I am getting older by the day. But, more to the point I have simply run out time. to ‘be still’ and sit quietly on the edge of my foxhole and watch the darkness of Due to research I have done I wish to at least try and start a book on the Korean night move across the jungle. The night sounds of the jungle were always War and see if I can bring some truth and finality to the experiences of the heroic quieting; watching the different changing shades of green of the jungle canopy Soldiers who fought there. as darkness came always added a sense of security and finality to the day. I Whatever happened to Colonel Dick Treacy? Dear Private Everist, I have really became attuned and in-touch to the sounds and the movement of the night been searching to find you for about 6 months, I have been unable to find you, jungle. Then I heard it; and I can hear it today in my minds ear, a muffled ‘klang so wherever you are, I know you have been asking that question of any and - -ka-lang- -klang”. It was the sound of a metal canteen falling on the rocky everyone that should know for over 65 years. I know that you intuitively knew bottom of the creek bed afar off, down in the river valley. It was a slight almost that the truth was never brought to light about a great Colonel, Soldier and still sound. No one else had heard it, and the guys in my two and a half squads Christian who saved your life at the Battle of Chip-Yong-ni in 1950. So get gave me odd looks when I told them about it. But, I didn’t care. I double a stiff drink and take a seat. The truth is that shortly after you escaped the checked every Soldier’s preparations and I double checked my preparations too Chinese, COL Treacy was separated from the enlisted men and sent to a special and set myself up with great care at my foxhole. About an hour later, on the interrogation prison just north of the Capitol of North Korea. He was starved, other side of the knoll a trip flare went off. My combat buddies burst out of their beaten, tortured, and died there. The Chinese interrogators couldn’t break him, “poncho” hooches and fell and dove into the foxhole. They knocked one of the so they brought in a Russian. The Russian Army interrogator ultimately killed ‘Claymore’ ignition switches into the bottom of the foxhole and they knocked him. A captured US Navy pilot was in a cell next to the torture room and is the other ‘Claymore’ ignition switch out of the foxhole and about three feet in a witness who heard everything and saw the dead body after the Russian was front of us, and as they were milling about getting their equipment ready they through with him. The Russian interrogator is still alive and lives in Russia kicked and stood on the Claymore switch in the bottom of the foxhole repeatedly. Continued on pg. 10 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 saber Page 6 12th CAV News Ken Howser, Jr. 0001 Sergeant Terry on the first try,” said M1A2 Abrams tank gunner SPC Andrew Mistor. After PO Box 234 David Combs, B 1/12 completing simulation training, the unit rolled out to the field. After a test run, Walkersville, MD 21793-0234 Cavalry. If I could place going through all the motions as if they were going to fire a live round, the mo- (301) 898-7763 a black crepe border ment of truth came. Completing engagement after engagement, the crew was [email protected] around this page I would being reviewed to count up the points they earned or lost. With the very few www.12thCav.US minor infractions they made weighing heavily on their minds and overshadowing Facebook.Com/12thCavalryRegiment do so, it would seem somehow more fitting anything at which they excelled, good news came down to the crew. “They said and right, a most appropri- congratulations,” said Glidewell. “You got Top Tank. I didn’t believe them, so ate tribute. Terry Combs, a I grabbed the paper to verify their math.” Even with all the factors that worked fixture at our Division and against them, Glidewell’s crew demonstrated that focusing on teamwork, perse- Regiment reunions and a verance and mission completion, can yield excellence.” . to the Regiment Associa- 1349 The 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry ‘Chargers’, 3rd ABCT, invited a Gold tion, was summoned to an Star Family here to honor and remember their early reveille at Fiddlers loved one November 26. “I don’t understand Green on 17 December it completely, but when I go through the secu- 2015. I can picture Terry rity gate and get onto Fort Hood, I feel sort of forever young, Charlie alive again,” said Sophy Haynes, mother of Alpha-ing forward in his SFC Schuyler “Sky” Haynes, former Scout steel Huey steed, tasked Platoon leader with 1/12 Cav. “Being here, to reconnoiter the area, MG Allyn and SGT Terry Combs B 1/12 CAV photo it’s sort of like being in his world.” Schuyler by Marietta Gamble establish a perimeter, and was killed in a convoy during his deployment await reinforcement. Our to Baquba, Iraq, November 15, 2006. The prayers are that this final CA was into a cold LZ. Terry suffered a stroke while Sophy Haynes, Gold Star Mother, battalion sought to help Schuyler’s family by on vacation and succumbed to its attendant issues a few days later while fighting tries on a helmet inside an BFV connecting them with the unit and showing to defeat it, at age 68. Terry served in the B 1/12 Cavalry (Airborne) and the them their Soldier’s memory will live on. Upon arrival at the unit, the Family 1st Cavalry Division during the Vietnam War from August 1966 until December was introduced to the sniper section, the section of which Schuyler was a member 1967. Terry was awarded the Purple Heart among his other military honors. back when he was a Charger. Sniper section Soldiers lined up ready to brief the After Vietnam he worked for the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office. He helped capabilities of each vehicle and piece of equipment. One Soldier was decked out start the 12th Cav Branson Reunion and was an active facilitator of its direction, in a Ghillie suit, a hand-made suit with vegetation attached to it for camouflage activities and scope. He was a Distinguished Member of the Regiment, a past – the signature garment of a sniper. In addition to giving the family a tour of the vice President and President of the Regiment Association, and was a member unit and an introduction to the equipment, the Charger Battalion made the Haynes of the Board of Governors of the Division Association. Terry enjoyed getting ‘Chargers for Life’ and invited them to come back next year. “We recognize the together with his friends among the 12th Cavalry Troopers, and from reunions, sacrifice that all Gold Star Family members make when a father, mother, brother, telling stories, fishing, hunting and golfing. His greatest times were spent with sister, son, daughter, or other loved one dies in service to the nation,” said MG his grandchildren and his family. A listing of those left to mourn him include Michael Bills, commanding general, 1st Cavalry Division. “We realize that no his wife Della, his son Terry, stepson Chris Taylor, and many more close and one has given more for the nation than the Families of the fallen. It is an honor extended family members, and a vast number of 1st Cav, 12th Cav, and military and privilege to open our arms to our First Team Gold Star Families.” . Oklahoma. Online condolences for the family may be left at . Source for some of this material was the . Gunnery Table VI qualifications at Sugar Loaf Multi-Use Range was their final 0349 Hey Sailor, new in town? Ready or not the New Year is here. No one opportunity to make a big bang before an upcoming deployment to the Korean expects the New Year! Embrace it, welcome it, and accept it. All the same and in Peninsula. Fresh from an October rotation at the Army’s National Training Center spite of all your fears and carping, you will inevitability submit. Are you starting at Fort Irwin, California, M1A2 Abrams Main Battle Tank crews and Bradley the year with lots of vinegar and sass, a free-wheeling spirit and high expecta- Infantry Fighting Vehicle crews from five battalions throughout the brigade took tions? Or are you slow off the mark, weighed down with glum and thoughts for time to hone their skills at gunneries Nov. 19-20 and Dec. 2-6. The Table II and all you failed to accomplish last year? Laugh at it all, take Geritol ®!, as the ad Table VI gunneries were a successful training event between brigade combat slogan from my youth used to go (er somethin’). My campaign to be your next teams from the First Team, with 3rd ABCT overseeing the gunnery tables and president proceeds apace. Next year by this time you will have witnessed my 2nd ABCT providing the tactical vehicles used by crews of the 1st ABCT. Table taking the oath of office as your 46th President of these United States! I can’t VI is a crew qualification with stationary and moving targets, making use of all say enough about my tireless and hardworking paid and volunteer staff without weapons systems in offensive and defensive postures. For Gunnery Table VI, whom my campaign would be as feeble as American’s opinions of career politi- each tank crew had to achieve 700 points out of a possible 1000 to qualify. Each cians, so I won’t say anything. As swimmingly as things are going for me I might target is worth 100 points, and those points are divided up into two range times take a month off to just rest and commune with my family. My family is the be - a six-target daytime gunnery and a four-target night gunnery. During the day, all and end all for me, the rock upon which my foundation is built. Did you see Abrams crews started early in the morning, with safety and operational briefings my 60 Minuets interview and the piece on my sparkling personality and political and ammunition draws before heading out to complete the Table VI gunnery. views in the Walleye Street Journal? I could adopt false modesty and say I did After completing the day qualifications, crews returned to complete night quali- well but you are the decider, decide for yourself. Check the newspapers for dates fications, repeating the steps they had just performed that morning. “It is vital and times of my appearances in your burg, and as always, keep sending in those that the crews get some trigger time before Korea,” said CPT Timothy Shepherd, lifesaving contributions; I don’t have deep pockets. Letters, cards, prayers and commander, Company D, 2-12 Cavalry Regiment. “It builds their confidence thoughts are all nice but money talks. Hey Jethro, are you registered to vote? and validates them as a crew.” . No tickie no votie! No votie no one wants to hear your baseless opines. 1949 SGT Jim Gaertner, Sedalia, Missouri, C 1/12 0649 Trooper Marvin D Reed Jr., A 2/12 Cavalry, October 1968-October 1969, Cavalry volunteered in 1969 for the Army when he was 1st Platoon. I had the pleasure of connecting 17 years old. Not only did Gaertner rely on his friends up with Marvin via Facebook and the horn, as and family back home, but he also came to rely on the he wished to reconnect with his 1st and 12th new friends and family he found while in the service, Cav buddies. Marvin especially wished to especially the bond he formed with a fellow soldier who remember, memorialize, and share his memo- became his best friend, Mike Waters (Sergeant Michael ries of his good friend from Basic, AIT and A Roy Waters). “He didn’t become simply my best friend, Company, SP4 James Mark Skomski. Trooper but he was everyone’s. He was so well thought of,” Gaert- Skomski was KIA February 8, 1969. Marvin ner said. “I truly believe he would have done anything has written two poems, ‘My Friend Jim’ and for anyone.” It was the early morning of June 30, 1970, ‘Screams in the Night’. I think they are good near the Cambodian border, when a “terrible accident” of (better than I can do) and have shared them friendly fire took Water’s life. That same night 27 men out. If ya’lls wants a copy of either just ask were wounded and there was another fatality (SGT Merle SGT Jim Gaertner SP4 James Mark Skomski 22, the guy that wrote this column. Marvin also Allen Dentino). Gaertner was the last person who spoke and Trooper Marvin Reed, Jr. 18 had pictures of Jim and himself to share and to Waters the night before the two men went to sleep on their air mattresses in has done so. If you get a punch in the gut and the middle of the jungle. Gaertner, who was lying 20 meters from Waters, said start with the curses under your breath whenever you search for causalities on the impact from the rounds that were fired was so strong that it completely blew a Wall website and find no pictures, then we stand together. When I searched the air mattress from underneath him. “I think of him every day and every night Trooper Skomski there were none. Using Trooper Reed’s pictures we were able but I made a promise to him to keep his name and memory alive. It took me to post three pictures to and also his memoriam. Give a buddy a 45 years to get to his grave, but this September I did,” Gaertner said quietly. “I call/write/email, he wishes to hear from you: 253 N 6th St, Lehighton, PA 18235- had to pay my respects in person.” Gaertner struggles every day with survivor’s 1309, 610-377-0425, . To correct the record - the next Ace guilt, saying he thinks of all of those who didn’t make it home from combat. He High Reunion is in 2017, not 2016. said he often was unable to sleep because of the multiple nightmares he suffered. 0949 1-12 Cavalry. Against all odds, a newly assembled M1A2 Abrams tank “PTSD isn’t simply something combat veterans face; it is something that anyone crew with 1st Battalion, 12th Cav, 3rd ABCT, achieved the highest scoring marks who has suffered from a traumatic incident can experience,” he said. To help in their battalion during gunnery, earning them the title of ‘Top Tank.’ SSG many veterans in their healing process, Gaertner serves as the vice president of Samuel Glidewell, tank commander with 1-12 Cav and his crew were together the Honor Flight Program in Pettis County. He has been a member of the board for less than a month before firing their first 120mm round. The short amount of since 2008. Gaertner recommends any veteran who is seeking help to contact time they had to become a team was mostly during recovery operations following their local VA Hospital. “The help is not just for combat veterans,” Gaertner the unit’s participation in the eXportable Combat Training Capability (XCTC) said. “There should be no stigma or shame and this is not a government handout. exercise. Even the first opportunity for the crew members to train together in . the simulator was short. “We were the first ones finished, because we qualified Continued on pg. 14 Page 7 saber JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 7th CAV News and increased our familiarity with European environmental conditions.” The Robert J. Anderson Happy New success of Justice Sword was a great way for the troopers from the squadron 9030 Conservancy Dr. NE Year to all to kick off their assumption of the Operation Atlantic Resolve mission in Ada, MI 49301-8822 Cav Troopers. (616) 682-5446 Romania as they continue to train alongside their Romanian Allies. US Army [email protected] I trust each Europe’s Operation Atlantic Resolve, is a series of multinational training [email protected] of you got exercises throughout Europe designed to enhance multinational interoperability, www.US7thCavalry.Com through the strengthen relationships among allied militaries, contribute to regional stability, festivities of and demonstrate the United States’ commitment to NATO. the season and are well on your way to abiding by those New Year’s Resolutions Bud Alley sends the following. The 2nd Battalion held its 50th anniversary (lol). celebration at the Marriott Hotel in downtown Chattanooga in mid-October. By I’m dedicating this New Year column to a warrior that I met vicariously at all reports it was a resounding success. Our total headcount was 127 wonderful first when I received my Certificate of Life Membership in the 7th Cavalry people. The group included veterans of the Ia Drang, Bong Son and many Association dated 28 November 1989. It was signed by our President at that other battles in Vietnam. Being located in downtown allowed all to get out of time – William A. Richardson. Over the intervening 36 years I came to know the hotel and experience many of the local restaurants as well as the hotel food Bill (as most of us called him) quite well and his lovely wife Eva – who survives. fare. The hands down favorite was the City Cafe, located a block from the hotel In deference to Eva, I’ll now refer to what she always calls him – William. with breakfast and other food, including gigantic cakes for a very reasonable William was a true Horse Cavalryman, replete with Stetson, Spurs, Saber and price. Friday included bus tours of the Chickamauga battlefield with narration his trusty mount – at least until 1943 when the Cavalry was dismounted and by the Park Rangers. The afternoon ride was done by Chief Park Historian Jim like thousands of others became foot Soldiers. William fought all through the Ogden and reports were it was doubly awesome. Also on Friday, the ladies Pacific with the First Team and was there when the prisoners were released led by Snookie McClure (Mrs. Bill McClure) went off to the Garden Gate, an from the Santo Tomas Prison in 1945. Most of those prisoners were women and authentic southern tea room in Ooltewah Tennessee. That evening some of the children. At some point in the Admiralty Islands, Troopers of the 1st Cavalry more adventurous followed Mrs. Bob Jeanette (Sandi) to the Signal Mountain Division pledged that when the war was over that they would meet somewhere Opry for a little exposure to Appalachian musical culture. Every evening there in the United States on an annual basis to remember those that paid the ultimate was a gathering on the hotel patio for some serious war stories, cigars, and an sacrifice for the Freedoms we now enjoy. These men became “Plank Holders” assortment of beverages until very late (or early depending on whom was telling in what we now call the 1st Cavalry Division Association. William was a it). Saturday, an outdoor barbecue was held for the purpose of discussing the tireless leader for the First Team and the 7th Cavalry. He was the President need to raise funds for the restoration of the base of Rick Rescorla’s statue at of the 7th Cavalry Association when I attended my first reunion in Columbus, Fort Benning and the need to establish a fund to continue to care for its upkeep. Georgia in 1990. Later he became President of the Division Association and Sam Fantino wore Rick’s jacket and carried the bugle captured at LZ Albany. still later served 2 more terms as our President. Because of his unwavering Jim Lawrence was eloquent in his reflections on our brothers who have gone support, he was awarded the Title of President before us to Fiddler’s Green. Saturday night, the party concluded with a dinner Emeritus of the 7th Cavalry Association, only cruise on the Southern Belle, an authentic river boat. By the end of the trip the 2nd to have been so honored. The first all were singing and laughing and wanting it to go on. Sunday morning, a being another tireless worker – the late Jim ceremony was held at the National Cemetery in Chattanooga, a beautiful resting Spooner Brigham. William was also a Board of place. The Cadet Sea Scouts of Chattanooga placed 155 American flags around Governor’s Member, serving with a steady hand the ceremony site. Jon Wallenius read Shakespeare’s soliloquy of the Band to guide the Association through the rocks and of Brothers, Bob Jones, spoke eloquently as the keynote, and Henry Dunn shoals of today’s world. He was the Speaker at concluded with a heartfelt prayer. VVA Chapter 203 provided the colors and a the Sunday Memorial Service that ended every 21 gun salute followed by a rendition of echo taps by Bugles Across America. Division Reunion and he recited the Long Roll Clark Borgstedt of CPI Graphics and his wife manned the store sales room Muster for the World War II part of the tribute. with embroidered wares for the reunion, Michael Pearson of Beaufort SC, the A Celebration of William’s life will be held on cover artist for The Ghosts of the Green Grass was there with some of her 15 January in Warrenton, Virginia with burial in art, as was Jim Lawrence with his wonderful book, Reflections on Albany, and Arlington National Cemetery in March. There is of course, The Ghosts of the Green Grass was available for purchase. Louis so much more to William than the recitation of Varnell and Rene, owners of the History Company provided color to the event his military service but there isn’t enough space with some period re-enactors and in their room, a complete display of hands to allow that here today. Obituaries appear on a on US and NVA weaponry and equipment. Several friends of the Signal William Richardson reading daily basis in the newspapers across these United Mountain Military History Club, all Vietnam Veterans themselves assisted in the Long Roll Muster at the States. Those words are read by many but known the registration. A highlight of the event was the attendance by Mrs. Evelyn 2015 reunion. to only a select few. I am proud, privileged and Bass widow of SGT Charlie Bass and his son, Guy from Williamsport, PA who honored to have known William and plan to be at was four when his daddy was killed, Mrs. Jeanette Spires, widow of CPT Jim that Life Celebration on behalf of my friend and as a representative of OUR 7th Spires, S-3 at Albany, Mrs. Martha Howard, widow of LT John Howard, of Cavalry Association. Garryowen my dear friend. Carlisle PA, Mrs. Theresa Setelin, widow of John Setelin a 2/7 Cav stalwart, In November another gathering was taking place at the home of General Harold and their daughter Megan, from Maryland, MG Lee Henry and his wife, son G. Moore in Auburn, Alabama. Ia Drang veterans from the 50th anniversary of of MAJ Frank Henry deceased, who was our XO at Albany, and the sons of that battle were there to visit with their commander. It was quite a gathering Guenther Schirmer, wia Albany since deceased, David and Danny and wife, with Joe Marm, Ernie Savage, George Hughes, Dennis Deal, Jim Rackstraw and the two lovely granddaughters of Guenther. LTC Andy Watson, CO of the and Larry Litton. That’s quite a collection from the Pyramid of Valor – Medal 2/7 at Fort Hood was accompanied by three troopers of his Battalion with the of Honor, 3 Distinguished Service Crosses, Silver Stars and Purple Hearts. Regimental Colors. Captain Roger Knopf, USAF, our FAC at Albany and Bong This report sent from George Hughes who holds one of those Distinguished Son, and his daughter, Dr. Bill Shucart, Battalion Surgeon that entire first year, Service Crosses. George also reported that his OCS Class (4-65) had 20 men and his wife, Laura, and Joe Galloway, wife Gracie, and their chief chaperone, who served in that campaign including: Rick Rescorla, Joe Marm and Henry Jacques rounded out the celebrities. We had folks from Canada, to California, Herrick. George also reported that the General was in good health that day and Florida to Minnesota, Montana, Iowa, Georgia, Massachusetts, and all points in sends his regards to the members of the 7th Cavalry. between. We had several first time attendees and all enjoyed our time together. Website manager Jim Savage brings us this report. CONSTANTA, Romania- All companies were represented as were most years. It was an event worthy of Soldiers and equipment from the 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment kicked a 50 year celebration! Thank you Bud for this excellent recap. off their assumption of the Operation Atlantic Resolve mission in Romania by The Zippo Lighter Saga as reported by Jim Savage and the sister (Jenni Balis) participating in Exercise Justice Sword 15.2 from October 26 to November of A 2/7 veteran David Floyd. Gerry Harrel was a medic assigned to Charlie 6. Justice Sword is a multinational exercise that partners U.S. Army Soldiers Company in 1967 who like many had a Zippo lighter engraved with his name from the 5/7th Cavalry to train alongside the Romanian Land Force’s 282nd and dates of service. The lighter went missing sometime prior to Doc’s DEROS Mechanized Infantry Brigade. Months of planning and logistical support were in 1968. 25 years later it had somehow found its way into a street vendor crucial in meeting a compressed timeline, with the squadron drawing their collection in Saigon and was purchased by a lady from France, who was visiting equipment from the European Activity Set at the Coleman Worksite in Germany and wanted a souvenir. After reflecting about the inscriptions she attempted to and quickly moving it by rail and road march to Smardan, Romania in time locate Doc Harrel through various RVN websites until locating David Floyd for the exercise. Justice Sword allowed the two units to work side-by-side to via the A 2/7 Website administered by Jenni. Thus began several weeks of develop operation orders, control a battalion fight, and exercise a collective correspondence via e-mail between the US and France as the mysterious lady defense from a mechanized force. MAJ Adam Cecil, the executive officer for the wanted to return the lighter to its rightful owner. Jenni’s search lead her to Jim 5th Squadron said “the exercise helped build relationships while improving our Savage and Harpo Guillory, who had also received an e-mail years ago which ability to work with our Romanian counterparts.” “Our involvement in Justice he posted on the C 2/7 website but had no remembrances. Jenni finally located Sword further solidified our commitment to the NATO Alliance and improved Doc Harrel who was surprised to hear from her especially since the wayward our interoperability at the tactical level,” stated Cecil. The exercise started with Zippo now resided in France. Good News and a happy ending – right? Not so an opening ceremony on October 26 with a static display of Romanian Land fast…… It now seems that Lady Mysterious does not want to return the Zippo Forces and equipment giving members of both countries and feels that Doc should let her keep it as his gift to her because after all she a better understanding of each other’s equipment. Other highlights included a actually found it and it’s a nice memory of her time there. Offers to reimburse distinguished visitor day and a combined live fire exercise. The distinguished her for the purchase price as well as any shipping costs were to no avail. In the visitor day focused on leadership development, as US Army Soldiers were meantime Doc Harrel’s wife has passed away and the euphoria of a long lost able to listen to and talk with senior leaders from the Romanian Land Forces friend being located has been replaced with extreme sadness on the passing of including the Chief of Land Forces, MG Scarlat Dumitru, and the Romanian a spouse. The intrepid Jenni, not to be foiled then contacts the Zippo lighter 2nd Infantry Division Commander, MG Lucian Foca. The highlight for LTC company and through her efforts and a Vince Montecalvo have created an exact Christopher Mahaffey, the commander of the 5/7 “…was the close tactical replica of Doc’s lighter which was mailed to Jenni. She packaged it up and relationships we built with our Romanian counterparts.” The combined live fire sent it to Doc who received it on 24 Dec. So a hearty Garryowen to Harpo, exercise provided assurance to both forces that combined training will result Jim, David, Vince and especially to Jenni Balis who went above and beyond to in successful planning and execution if hostilities break out. “I feel like this remember and honor one of the unsung Combat Medics who served in the 7th was a great opportunity for us to train in environments and conditions that are Cavalry! unfamiliar,” said Cecil. “It broadened our perspectives of allied partner capability Continued on pg. 10 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 saber Page 8 8th CAV News reunion this year. It should be a great venue with much to see and do for family Thomas J. De Young members not attending reunion events. Information for this 69th Reunion is at 3439 Brooklyn Ave . Our President, Tommy Harris, has been hard at work preparing Port Charlotte, FL 33952-7211 for our 2017 Association’s (616) 719-0223 reunion at Fort Benning, Georgia. The last reunion [email protected] we held there was very successful so we are www.8Cavalry.Org looking forward to another large turnout. Tommy has signed the contract with the Doubletree Motel I am writing this the week after Christmas and hope that you all had a very near the Columbus airport. Room rate is $95 + tax merry one. I spent the four days December 24-27 doing double shifts each day including a full breakfast. Free parking is provided as a volunteer at the Tampa International Airport USO Welcome Center. It is a for cars and RV’s. Tommy is still open to input on rewarding experiencing interacting with active duty service members and their day trips, etc. so feel free to contact him with your dependents from our own four military branches as well as those from other suggestions at our web site, . allied nations. From infants in arms to 90 year old vets, the Center was bustling Glen Sheathelm sent in a report on the “Jumping with activity as we also welcome reservists, retirees, and veterans and their Mustangs” reunion, their 30th, in Branson, Missouri. family members with whom they are traveling - anyone with some kind of valid “Jumping Mustangs” is a group of Vietnam vets from military ID card, on a space-A basis. With all the weather related delays, we 1/8th. Tom Koehly, who had been a squad leader kept quite busy in our Center trying to make their inconvenience and frustration CPT McAndrews: CDR with Delta Company in 1967-68, was this year’s host. bearable by providing a restful space, good food, drinks, and snacks in a very Alpha Company, 67-68 W h i l e welcoming atmosphere. A pile of toys that Santa left under our Christmas tree Jim Knafel was expecting 100 added excitement for the little ones who visited as each child was allowed to pick attendees for the ice breaker, 130 one to take along as the journey continued; mom and/or dad insured that their showed up. Sixteen new members little treasures picked something appropriate. A large contingent of midshipmen attended this year’s gathering. from the US Coast Guard Academy came through on their way to a swim meet Friday was capped with dinner, a in Sarasota. What a fine group of future officers. These very bright young men dance, and raffle. Saturday morning and women were enthusiastic in their career pursuit and proud of their service. was the general meeting with the first USO Centers are located in many major airports around the world and provide thing on the agenda was the site for a great space to pass the time while waiting for flights or experiencing delays. upcoming reunions. The 2016 site is Some of the larger facilities even have bunks and shower facilities. While the Pigeon Forge, Tennessee August 24- mission of the USO is to serve active duty service members and their families, 27; their 2017 reunion is scheduled admittance policies differ from Center to Center depending in part on how they Earl Watters presenting a ‘dream catcher’ for Grand Rapids, Michigan in early to Jim Knafel and his wife are funded. You may want to check with the particular USO that you may September. Members also attended want to visit if you are retired or have some form of veteran ID. Many, like afternoon shows, got in a round or two of golf, and enjoyed the hospitality room ours in Tampa, are able to welcome members of our extended military family where Glenn had added information to the member book and Susan Rice had on a “Space Available” basis. You can locate USO centers around the globe at added to their KIA book. Sue and Mike Rice had all the unit records printed up and click on “Find a Center.” and brought them to the reunion. The Memorial Dinner included tributes to the From Tom Kjos: [I received a copy of this note Tom wrote to Skip Saylor] “You groups KIA’s and Earl Watters presented a “dream catcher: to Jim Knafel and may recall I began research for a book on the Second Battle of Tam Quan (some his wife for all their work. actually call it the third) a few years ago. Finally, after numerous interviews and In Memoriam: We note the passing of another three visits to the National Archives, I have begun writing, finishing about 1/3 of 8th Cav member whom many of you may the first chapter which will cover the first day, December 6, 1967, the day 1/9th know. MAJ James (Jim) Huey, USA (Retired) first located the 22nd HQ, inserted a Blue Team and infantry platoon from D passed away on September 16, 2015 at the age Troop (the ground troop); that was followed quickly by an A Cav platoon from of 93. Born in Mannington, West Virginia, Jim 1st Bn., 50th Infantry, and the Brigade Ready Reserve Company… B Company served twenty years in the US Army seeing 1/8th Cav, inserted from stand-down at LZ English. The two-week fight was off action in the Battle of the Bulge during WWII and running! Before it ended, every battalion of the brigade plus attachments and in Korea during the surge and the Battle and allies would be committed at one time or another. of Unsan. His awards include the Bronze Star “My organization is “by day,” so the next chapter is December 7, and so with Oak Leaf Cluster and the Purple Heart with on, until midnight December 19, 1967 when the battle was officially declared Oak Leaf Cluster. Jim’s second career with the ‘over’. (For the second time, actually, brigade having believed it was over days Civil Service saw participation in Operation before, until it broke-out once again.) REFORGER in Europe. Jim was active in our “If anyone has anything to add to any part of the story, please contact me at Association and enjoyed attending reunions. . Tom Kjos, Platoon Leader D 1/12 during Tam MAJ James (Jim) Huey Jim married Roberta Allen of Manchester, Quan.” Connecticut on October 6, 1951. They met in What Tom is trying to do some 48 years after the events presents a difficult Tokyo while Jim was serving with the Division and she was in the Civil Service challenge. As many of you who have attended a reunion know well, recollections at Army HQ. of battles and other engagements in the fog of war can vary greatly. Loud Corporal Tibor Rubin has passed at age 86. An 8th and heated arguments can arise over various details. I readily yield in these Cav hero, I wrote about him a couple of years ago in conversations as my 70 year old memory fails whenever I try to recall things from this column. Born in Hungary, he was a Holocaust so long ago. I noted in the last issue of SABER that Ray Blum was attempting survivor who joined the US Army out of gratitude a similar enterprise regarding the Battle of LZ Pat. I received a response for his liberation from the Nazis. He was awarded quite critical of the facts being presented in various articles, recollections, and the Medal of Honor for his actions while his unit was statements concerning the events of that day. As I mentioned in that column, the retreating to the Pusan Perimeter and again during Battle of LZ Pat was my very first as a new Platoon Leader with Charlie, 2/8th the Battle at Unsan. President George W. Bush Cav, yet I willingly bow to the recollections of others when it comes to recalling presented the award on the details of those days. Perhaps it was the trauma of it all that has caused me September 23, 2005. to bury it deep; perhaps it’s the failing memory that comes with old age and Taken prisoner and a couple of strokes, but I personally shy away from any attempts at historical severely wounded, he accuracy concerning major events from my two tours in RVN. At this point in refused an offer from CPL Tibor Ruben life, I prefer to put that anxiety and intensity behind, enjoy each and every day his Chinese captors of that remains on the “green side of the grass,” and leave the historical details of repatriation to Hungary. His heroism manifested events long past to others better equipped for such a task. itself repeatedly during his long captivity as he The Military Order of the Purple Heart is would sneak out of the prison camp to steal food a congressionally chartered United States and medical supplies for his sick and wounded War Veterans Organization. Headquartered comrades. If you have internet access, it would just outside of Washington, D.C., it has a be well worth your time to read his MOH membership of approximately 45,300 veterans. Citation online. You can find it by visiting It is unique in that its members are exclusively or simply men and women who have received the Purple typing his name in your search engine. Heart award while serving as a member of the I just read a great article in the Association U.S. Military. I attended the monthly meeting of the United States Army’s magazine, “Army”. of my local chapter here in Port Charlotte on The cover story’s title is “Too Much World December 19th. I was taken by the number of CPL Tibor Rubin, after being – Not Enough Army.” You can tell by the heroes present and the action that so many had awarded the Medal of Honor. title alone that it is well worth the read. You Military Order of the Purple seen. Veterans of WWII, Korea, and Vietnam can find it at: . It makes one really gunners in B-24’s during the Great War, one of appreciate the dedication of our service members today. I never cease to be whom mentioned that he had been “a guest of the Germans” after being shot amazed by their commitment and positive attitudes when I encounter them at down. Some with multiple awards of the Purple Heart remain very humble the USO and elsewhere. It is a really tough job being a Soldier today with regarding their service to the Nation. I was proud to be in their company and repeated deployments and long hours demanded by countless missions around enjoyed the camaraderie that comes with any gathering of those who have a the world. Be sure to thank them sincerely when you meet a young service shared experience. If you have been awarded the Purple Heart, you are eligible member wherever you see them. What a great bunch of Soldiers we have for membership in this organization. Information can be found at . Reunion News: The 2016 reunion in Las Vegas is fast approaching. The 8th Renew your subscription to SABER today! Cavalry Association will be attending the 1st Cavalry Division Association’s Page 9 saber JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 9th CAV News Editor’s note: Joel broke loose from the 53 bunkers that were called around LZ”, Craig recalled. Michael W. Bond McGinnis flew 200 At the time of the insertion, Don Cates with the other pilots and me were 3014 Northridge Rd. hours in Vietnam with listening on our radio and monitoring the events. It was very intense and very Hardy, VA 24101 [email protected] former Barton County fluid. The infantry had many casualties and an alternative LZ could not be eas- (540) 815-5004 Commissioner Don ily located due to the broad area the enemy controlled. Craig’s team was still Cates who died April 22, with the 7th Cav providing them with suppressive fire support where critical, but 2014 in a plane wreck. was running low on fuel and had to depart before Don and his wingman Jerry Cates earned the respect of his comrades, and McGinnis Cogdill could reach the battle site. Craig and his team would make another trip wrote this remembrance. McGinnis was his Observer and out later that evening. Scout in the helicopter that Cates piloted. Flying to the battle scene, about a 30 minute trip, gave Don an opportunity to My name is Joel McGinnis and I was Don’s Observer start coordinating with the units we would be working with, primarily the infantry the day he earned the Silver Star. Don’s military service platoons that had been inserted. From what we understood, many were pinned with the 1/9th Cavalry was something very special, and it down. Our route was a straight line over flat terrain. We flew at about 40 feet gives me great satisfaction to share it with you. above ground as fast as our OH-13 could go, maybe 80 mph. About mid-way, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile): In the spring of 1965 we received some light automatic weapons fire and probably took a hit or two President Johnson announced, “I have ordered the airmobile in the rotor blades. Division to be sent to Vietnam” in order to increase our Normally we would come right to start circling the shooters and have our wing- military forces there to fight communism. That division man follow our lead. Unfortunately, our wingman Jerry Cogdill’s helicopter was was designated 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) and so hit with heavy automatic weapons fire and became unflyable. Jerry’s courage to Don Cates began what was later to be called the “Helicopter War”. try to make it back to base on his own gave Don the opportunity to continue his The division would be Air Cav and helicopters would take us in and out of the flight to the battle. However, we continued on and shortly we were again taken places we had to go. under fire but continued to aid the infantry troopers. There were three infantry brigades within the Division and each with supporting Our normal practice when coming into a situation like this is to visually identify units such as aviation units, engineering units, medial units, etc. which enabled the positions of the friendly troops. As Don flew into the area, we rose to about them to accomplish their mission. Seek out the enemy and destroy them. 60 feet and headed north parallel to the tree line. We observed 15 to 20 troop- Within a short period of time, the 1st Air Cav had proven the effectiveness of ers not moving in a dried rice paddy about 50 feet from the tree line. Don tried the helicopter concept and earned the respect of both our friends and foes on the to determine their condition but the firefights intensified, and our radio traffic battlefield. became confusing when a number of units came up on our frequency. Our troopers became known as Skytroopers. Don did make contact with the 7th Cav operations and they gave him an over- A Troop, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry (Don Cates unit in Vietnam): By 1967 view and a request. They needed him to suppress the enemy’s heavy fire from the 1st Air Cav had expected and created fighting force thanks in large part to the bunkers located just inside the tree line so the wounded Americans could its reconnaissance unit the 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry. The squadron consisted be pulled back and be quickly Medavac’d. If we could keep the enemy’s head of five troops: Headquarters, A, B, and C and D Troop. A, B and C Troops pro- down, some troopers were going to run out to these guys and get them. Otherwise vided aerial reconnaissance with one troop for each infantry brigade within the they would just have to wait. Don and I discussed the best ways to provide that division. support but we really needed more information. Don flew the entire battle area When Don was assigned to A Troop in the spring of 1967, he joined us at our making a grease pencil map on the helicopters bubble. We were taken under base called LZ Dog, which was located in the Central highlands near a town fire numerous times, but we located all the friendly’s positions and successfully called Bong Son. escorted another insertion of reinforcements to an LZ we determined was safe. Phan Thiet (Operation Byrd): Located about 80 miles northeast of Saigon, Now everyone is getting an understanding that we are engaged with the 482nd Phan Thiet was a coastal city on the South China Sea. The 1st Cavalry Division VC Battalion, a force that probably exceeded three to four hundred Soldiers and had been assigned the mission of securing the city and opening the roads which pretty much had all the 7th Cav troops pinned down. We also learned a South were controlled by a large number of VC units. All supplies and materials to Vietnamese armored column coming to our aid was ambushed and would not the city were delivered by boat with the exception of those items and personnel be arriving. that arrived by Army and Air Force planes. A battalion of infantry supported by We flew back to the southern part of the tree line where the pinned down troops a scaled down artillery, aviation, engineering, and reconnaissance configuration were and agreed that without a wingman our only chance of providing effective would be established and together they would utilize Air Cav tactics to drive the cover would be to focus on just the last several bunkers as opposed to the entire enemy from the area. 200 yard complex. Don flew us directly to the spot we wanted and brought the The 2nd Battalion 7th Cavalry was the infantry unit. Eight Scout ships, six from helicopter down to about 10 feet above the ground. We moved back and forth 5 A Troop and two from C Troop, 1/9th Cav would conduct their reconnaissance. to 10 feet at a time always staying with the last bunkers. Don utilized a number Together along with a number of other support groups they would successfully of pedal turns which gave us excellent coverage of the entire area. After ap- take back control of the area during the second half of 1967. proximately two to three minutes we released and moved off. The Soldiers were The Scouts at Phan Thiet were supposed to have eight complete crews: pilots, recovered and Medavac’d in a timely manner. observers and crew chiefs. Usually we had four to six of each due to a variety At this point, the VC had such fire superiority the need for air strikes was appar- of reasons, which meant when we had flyable helicopters we flew many hours ent and had been requested from an Air Force Base in Phan Rang, approximately on a daily basis. 100 miles north. While waiting Don suggested we draw fire from the tree line Our daily responsibility was to conduct first light activities which required to determine where the enemy is most concentrated. We made several passes in a Scout team to leave before sunrise to locations that were attached during the front of the tree line at 50 to 60 feet high and marked on our bubble where we night to track down the enemy units that were seeking safety in the mountainous saw the most intense firing. I recalled when we first arrived seeing some of our area west of Phan Thiet. Another daily responsibility was to conduct last light troops that were pinned down being shot in the back. Don said he would fly the activities which required the Scouts to evaluate intelligence reports by scouting length of the tree line at 10 to 15 feet and I could determine if the firing was eye the area to identify if it appeared enemy activity was indeed indicating something level. If so, we had snipers in the trees. Don started his run, and we confirmed could happen that evening. the VC had placed many Soldiers with automatic weapons in the trees. We made The most important responsibility we had was to protect the infantry units. several more passes and took out a number of them but the VC still had the fire Our job was determining if LZ’s were safe for insertion of the 7th Cav troopers, superiority and the battle field was shifting. It appeared there were many more scouting the area around them for enemy activity or possible ambushes, rush- VC locations than initially thought, and the 7th Cav needed Don’s knowledge to ing to their aid when they were engaged in a firefight, directly artillery and air prevent disaster. Don landed our helicopter near the last infantry insertion and strike support and when things got real hot putting ourselves between the enemy met with the company commander. We received sporadic small arms fire during and our troops to give them suppressive fire support. Each Observer carried an the meeting and eventually got driven off when the VC mortars began to fall. At M-60 machine with 1200 rounds linked and fed from a wooden ammo box that one point, a machine gunner from the infantry came over and asked if I could was placed at his feet. It is amazing how effective two OH-13 helicopters can give him some ammo. Knowing he couldn’t get resupplied, the landing zones be flying at tree top heights or lower at 30 miles per hour in a tight circle over were closed, and that we were low on fuel, and would be leaving shortly, I gave a bunch of bad guys. him everything but two hundred or so rounds. I wanted to have something for During Don Cates’ time in Scouts, he along with Terry (Stick) Stickradt as his the trip back to base. Observer engaged and killed 45 enemy Soldiers using this close battle technique. The ground meeting ended and Don contacted the Air Force spotter plane. The It’s hard to believe that is essentially what all the 1/9th Scout teams did daily AF pilot got an over view but wanted to know where the bombs needed to hit. – find the enemy, engage them, and call for help when needed. That help was Don volunteered to fly the tree line pointing out the heavy concentration of fire usually our gunships or our infantry platoon. If the battle got too big, the division as we returned fire with the last of our ammo. Again, we moved off to a safe area would send in their units and take control of the battle. and waited to see how this air strike would take place. As I was talking with the November 22, 1967: On the morning of November 22, a Scout team led by infantry on the ground, Don was speaking with the 7th Cav Commanding Officer Warrant Officer John Craig with “Stick” as his Observer and the wingman team that now was on station in a command helicopter flying high over the battlefield. of WO Jim Pugh and SGT Underwood were searching an area about 20 miles When we both returned to our intercom system he explained the only way the northwest of Phan Thiet. In order to cover more ground, the two ships went to 7th Cav troops had a chance to avoid significantly more casualties was to put in separate search areas and conducted their activities. After some time they be- an accurate bomb strike. He felt that if we flew over the bunkers, as opposed came visually separated, and the quickest way to hook up was to drop a smoke to the tree line, we could drop smoke grenades into the actual bunkers. Prob- grenade identifying their location. Normally we would use a WP (White phos- ably we would take out a few bad guys with our WP grenades. But the infantry phor) grenade, but Pugh didn’t have any left, nor did he have any white smoke would not use any smoke before the air strike so when the jets came over to plan grenades, so he dropped a RED smoke grenade made the Viet Cong in the area their bomb run, our smoke grenades would clearly identify the target and there think they had been spotted. would be no confusion. The two helicopters started taking heavy automatic weapons fire and withdrew I remembering telling him we were out of ammo for the machine gun, and I from the area. Low on fuel, they started their return to base and informed the wouldn’t be able to keep anyone’s head down. We talked about how we would 7th Cav of the incident. It was agreed the 7th Cav would insert troops into the do it and what were our options, and the consequences, Don thought it best to area and WO Craig and his Scout team would return to facilitate the insertion go into the trees where it might be possible to get lower but he wanted to glide and give support if necessary. over the bunkers with both of us dropping grenades. “The first lift went in green. When the second lift was on short final all hell Continued on pg. 10 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 saber Page 10 30th FA News enemy finally retreated, the 1st Air Cav continued to punish the attackers as they “HARD CHARGERS” Hard Charger fled toward their “sanctuaries” across the Laotian border. At the conclusion Daniel P. Gillotti News: Christmas of the battle, the enemy had suffered 4204 Berkeley Dr. Day 25 December Sheffield Village, OH 44054 404 known KIAs and 15 POWs and (440) 934-1750 2015 in Ohio. It perhaps thousands of WIAs as many [email protected] was raining and blood trails littered the battlefield. 1st www.HardChargers.Com the temperature Air Cav casualties including attached was around 55 units were 101 KIAs and 453 WIAs. degrees. This did not dampen our enthusiasm as we had our daughter, son- During the resulting battle to recapture in-law, and the three grandkids for dinner. We had a great time and a lot of the city from a very determined and laughs. brutal enemy force, the four supporting Hard Charger 2016 Reunion at Ft Sill, OK 7-10 June 2016: The plans for US Army Artillery Batteries had fired our 23rd Annual Reunion are moving ahead for 7-10 June 2016. Check out our more than 53,000 rounds of artillery website at: as our Reunion Reservation Form should fire in support of the 3rd Bde and the A/1/30th Arty, LZ Nola February 1968 be available sometime in late February or early March 2016. Also, we’ll be USMC. sending out our newsletter at about the same time. One week after the battle ended the ARVN forces that were trying to restore Hard Charger History: Beginning in 1968, the Hard Chargers were scattered in order and essential services to the city uncovered a mass grave. The uncovered several locations. The 1-30th FA Base Camp (Camp Townes) was located outside grave contained the remains of an estimated 3,000 innocent men, women, and of Qui Nhon, with a Detachment at An Khe. The Bn TOC was in full operation children who had been slaughtered by the at LZ English with responsibility for communist NVA and VC forces when they Base Defense. The 1st Air Cav was captured the city at the end of January 1968. beginning its move up north to I CTZ Many were the priests, monks, government (Hue- Phu Bai). Bloody TET of 1968 officials, city officials, teachers, and broke loose all over South Vietnam simple ordinary South Vietnamese people as the Viet Cong attacked more than and their families who were supportive of twenty-five major cities and hundreds a democratic way of life. For those readers of smaller hamlets in the communist’s unfamiliar with the Vietnam War, this is TET Offensive at the end of January basically what we were over there fighting A/1/30th Arty, LZ Nola February 1968 1968. The old Imperial City of Hue for. We were trying to protect mama sans was captured by the NVA and VC forces and papa sans who just wanted a democratic after a quick and bloody battle. US Marines tried desperately to retake the City way of life with some basic rights and of Hue but required support immediately. Consequently GEN Westmoreland freedoms, and the ability to worship the called in the 3rd Brigade, 1st Air Cav Division. This force consisted of: B Troop, PFC Van Rhodes, LZ Nola February 1968 religion of their choice. And they just 1st Bn, 9th Cav; 2nd Bn, 12th Cav; 1st Bn, 7th Cav; 5th Bn, 7th Cav; C Btry, wanted to grow their rice and vegetables, 1st Bn, 21st FA (105mm How); A Btry, 1st Bn, 30th FA (155mm How); and C catch a few fish, raise their children, and hopefully live long enough to see Btry, 1st Bn, 77th FA (105mm How). Additional reinforcements came from some grandchildren born into a democratic way of life. But the communists did the 101st Abn Div including: the 2nd Bn, 501st Infantry and B Btry, 1st Bn, not want the little people’s dream to be realized. What the communists wanted 321st FA (105mm How) who were attached to the 1st Air Cav for this battle. was for the people to be communists without any choice in the matter, even if it Note also that the 2nd Bn, 501st INF sustained 23 KIAs and many WIAs while killed them. And when the people didn’t cooperate, they just slaughtered them attached to the 1st Air Cav Division during this battle. Heavy contact followed like animals. This is just one example of what the communists were doing to for almost four straight weeks. The US troops fought for every foot of ground the little people of South Vietnam. We hope to see all of you at Fort Sill in June until they were finally able to approach the outer walls of the city. Eventually, 2016 for our 23rd Annual Reunion. bitter house-to-house fighting drove the enemy from the city. Much of Hue was This is Hard Charger 9Golf, End of Mission-Out! destroyed in order to save it, but the US troops didn’t have many options. As the 9th CAV News Continued ofrom pg. 9 was announced with few words and fewer facts and the mourning period would For me it was the best decision. After seeing the wounded and killed troopers be brief and final. That time was 1967 and the place was Vietnam. still being repeatedly shot in the back, I knew we would do anything to help them Terry “Stick” Stickradt, who flew many missions with Don as his Observer; so I was really supportive of Don’s plan. It was possible we could be shot, shot Jerry Cogdill, and Lance Catlin both fellow pilots with Don in the 1/9th Cav down, or shot down and captured, but Don Cates was willing to risk his life so spent time with the Cates family on Friday evening before the funeral. It was others could live. I have never been more proud of anyone in my life. When the significant that the four of us were in attendance. It was 46 years ago that “Stick” jets came on station, Don flew us to the northern most bunker, and we started and I had last seen Don, but the special bonds that were formed in combat are as our run. I had pulled the pins on several smoke grenades and we worked out a strong today as they were then. As a Scout and Gunship pilot in the 1/9th Cav, system where Don could fly and also drop grenades. We started receiving fire Don saved the lives of many American and friendly forces. He also contributed immediately but the WP’s and frags mixed in with the smoke grenades must have to the many victories we realized. worked because we made it. As the church services began I realized I knew nothing about Don after our Out of fuel and ammo, it was time for us to return to base. Our helicopter was separation in 1968. I planned on driving out and surprising him one day. Unfor- not flyable. There wasn’t any part of that ship that didn’t have some damage tunately, Don went too soon. The number of people who attended Don’s services except for the two of us inside. Don gets all the credit for keeping us safe. filled the church which dearly signified the love and respect Don and his family November 23, 1967: 2LT Don Cates was presented the Silver Star for heroic enjoyed from the community. Student athlete, Army helicopter pilot, commercial actions which are credited with turning the battle into an American victory and airline pilot, amazing family man, and a county commissioner. There was only saving the lives of many 7th Cavalry troops. The significance of Don receiving one part missing. That’s the part I know and the part I can share. the nation’s third highest award the day after the battle is that his actions were so We know you are proud of Don for many reasons now we know you can add extraordinary there was no panel or review board required for its approval. American War Hero. Last day: The first email arrived on April 22, “MAC. Didn’t know if you heard. Learn more about the 1/9th from the book Flashing Sabers, by Bert Chole. Don was killed in an aircraft accident today. Give me a call – Stick”. Then on Also, on You Tube, select 9th Cav and find the 1st Cav 9th Cavalry Regiment the 23rd , another. These messages took me back to a time when a trooper’s death in Vietnam. 5th CAV News Continued from pg. 5 passed away. Both Henry Swindle and Parnell Bethune were great combat to this day. I received this information during a discussion with an official Soldiers and leaders of men in combat. It was a pleasure and honor to be investigator who searches for the remains of MIA and POW Soldiers. I think it associated with them. Please check the 5th Cav’s digital Newsletter for is the truth. If you need to talk give me a call, or I can drive over to your place Memorials on these wonderful Soldiers and we can visit. It has been a privilege being the Scribe for the 5th Cavalry. Sad News: Two of my favorite 5th Cav Korea/Vietnam guys have recently God Bless and Welcome Home - Allan F. Foster 7th CAV News Bob Andersen sends us this from his home in sunny Minnesota. I always enjoy Continued from pg. 7 reading your column and thank you for your dedication to this publication. You Glen Allen, A 2/7 was one of the first shift troopers going by ship in 1965. He do well to find so much news to share with our former and current comrades in missed Ia Drang valley due to malaria but wounded on May 6, 1966. He has the 1st Cavalry Division Association. I know you are continuously looking for written his memoir of those iconic times from 50 years ago. The title is Storm In fresh information for this column and I have this recent news to pass along to The Jungle. The web site is . you. On October 12th of 2015 our former comrade, Randall Martin, celebrated Karl Haartz reports that the 5/7 will have a mini reunion at Tom Spalding’s his 100th Birthday. He served with “B” Troop of the 7th Cavalry during WWII home on February 20, 2016. Bring your own adult beverages. Eats, soda and and is doing quite well for a man of his age. Possibly you would find this water will be supplied, and maybe a few burnt offerings. 14602 8th Way, of enough interest to mention in the upcoming Saber. His address is Randall Phoenix, AZ 85022-3786. Time: noon to whenever the lies stop. A potential Martin, Morning Breeze Retirement Center, 950 N Lakeview Drive, Greenburg, lifesaving tip from Karl. If you have a fire extinguisher and it still has the plastic IN 47240-3405. Bob and Bill Richardson spoke at our luncheon in 2010 in tie on the pin so it won’t come out during shipping – TAKE IT OFF. He was Minneapolis. He too was a Horse Cavalryman in B Troop along with the late visiting a friend when the lady of the house needed to use the fire extinguisher. Norm Osterby who wrote this column for many years! She could not break the plastic tie. Luckily we guys were in the cellar and heard A group of us old C 1/7 Veterans gathered near Cincinnati in early December her yell – fire! We did break the plastic tie and the fire was put out. Thanks Karl for a workshop on PTSD and a DD 214 review. The workshop was organized – do this today. by John Sullivan and the DD-214’s were reviewed by Phil Zook. I think the A tip from another of our warriors – name redacted to protect his identity group had a great time judging by the interactions and hilarity at the dinner. Phil but…..to those who have a concealed carry permit – double check your “renew did discover that several of the DD-214’s were missing some awards. by date” as this could save you long wait lines and some money. Garryowen and First Team! From Michigan. Page 11 saber JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 27th ORD/MNT/MSB/BSB News

Ed Jones 1970 - The start of 1st Log Command in the fall of 1970. As noted earlier, this had been a bone 38 Sedgwick Rd of 1970 saw all of contention and was finally brought to a halt except in the rarest of cases. Oswego, IL 60543-8907 the units in place It should be noted that although the ARVN were in the process of taking on (630) 554-9245 [email protected] as they had been more operational control, enemy action against the CAV continued and at times in 1969 with the was heavy. In early November the NVA launched a series of attacks, one of which exception of C hit Fire Base Buttons at Song Be. All personnel at the fire base were mobilized Detachment which to fight off this heavy attack, to include personnel from C Detachment and some had moved from Phouc Vinh to Song Be in late November. However, contact visitors from the 27th Battalion Headquarters. teams from C Detachment had actually been in Song Be since late July and had The situation for many in the 27th at this point in time is best described by established a semi permanent location. This was in support of operations to clear CPT Ray Puffer who assumed command of B Detachment at Fire Base Mace the area closer to the Cambodian border. on October 19, 1970. His input is as follows. “I arrived at Fire Base Mace early The other change was the official recognition of Main Support Detachment in the morning of 19 October in the middle of a monsoon storm. I found the as a separate unit of the 27th Maintenance Battalion. On January 10, General Detachment personnel and equipment ankle deep in mud and crammed together Order 513 established Main Support Detachment with a total of 113 personnel. in a space so small that the expandable mobile shelters (mocons), used to house HQ & A Company was reduced accordingly. This recognized an organization the Detachment’s maintenance shops, were sitting side by side and could not that had existed since the move north in January 1968. be opened as intended to provide proper working space. I immediately went In February 1970, an ARVN (Army of the Republic of Vietnam) artillery battery, to the Brigade staff and was told we could have all the space we needed in a in a friendly fire incident, twice dropped several rounds very near the battalion newly cleared area if we could provide our own security for that part of the base area in Bien Hoa. A nearby Signal Unit suffered direct hits and lost several perimeter. I surveyed the area and found it was surrounded by a chopper pad on personnel. No 27th personnel were killed or injured but it made for a couple of one side, the Ammunition Supply Point (ASP) on the other, and a rearm/refuel interesting days for the personnel at Bien Hoa. However, the 27th lost two more point on the other. It looked something like the center of a bull’s-eye but it was personnel in February and March, 1970. They were CPL Jerry Stout who died preferable to what we had before. I found an engineer unit that sprayed liquid on February 25 and SP4 Mark Bustle who died on March 8. Both deaths were tar over the entire shop area to keep the dust and mud to a minimum. They also due to non-hostile action. helped by providing a truck load of U-pickets and barbed wire that we used for On March 19 a change of command ceremony was held for the battalion as security and traffic control. LTC Hawlk rotated back to CONUS. His replacement was not due to arrive in At this time there were still significant combat operations being conducted by country until September so MAJ Neil Williamson, who had been the XO, as- the 3rd Brigade, and it was common for us to experience rocket and mortar at- sumed command. The major operation of the year took place in early May as the tacks. At the top of a nearby mountain named Nui Chua Chan was a signal relay second Brigade and other CAV elements took part in the invasion of NVA and site, and the fire base was at the bottom. The area between the top and bottom Viet Cong sanctuaries in Cambodia near the border with South Vietnam. The of the mountain was no-man’s land. It was common for the Viet Cong to move 27th supported this major operation primarily with D Detachment operating out into a Buddhist shrine on the side of the mountain at night and use it as a base of Tay Ninh, with augmentation from other elements of the battalion. This wide for sniper attacks using captured starlight scopes and .51 caliber sniper weapons. ranging and fast moving operation required great flexibility on the part of the This made it especially important for everyone to avoid smoking outside at night 27th Maintenance Battalion and particularly D Detachment. They performed in for fear of becoming a target for snipers. a superb manner in spite of numerous logistical and maintenance problems. We were living in GP medium tents for several weeks until we could construct Following the operation into Cambodia, the process of turning more operations more secure shelter using MPPRs, or large galvanized steel corrugated culverts. over to the ARVN became more pronounced. As a result the 1st Brigade moved These MPPRs could be bolted together, a floor and end walls were added, and to Bien Hoa and D Detachment moved with them. The move took only four days sandbags were added for additional rocket and mortar protection. Before we and they were once again fully operational. In September, B Detachment moved could complete these shelters, however, we experienced a major typhoon, in late temporarily to Bien Hoa while an area for them was being prepared at Fire Base October or early November. We were hit with severe rains and high winds that Mace, north and east of Bien Hoa, where the 3rd Brigade was now deployed. An put out of action much of the communications for the entire brigade. Our unit was eleven man contact team from B detachment was deployed to FB Mace to provide hit particularly hard. Two of our tents were ripped to shreds and blown away, immediate support. By mid October all of B Detachment was located there. C along with much personal equipment. The side of our shop office was blown off Detachment remained at Song Be, primarily supporting the 2nd Brigade. in the wind and most of the paperwork on jobs in our shops was scattered all over On September 23, MAJ Williamson turned over command to newly arrived the area or lost entirely. Most of us spent a long night and day huddled together LTC Ron Philipp. in the bunkers and the few shelters we had constructed to keep from being hit Maintenance operational problems centered on by flying debris. It took us some time to recover from this terrible storm and generators, due once again to inexperienced operators resume normal operations. and a persistent shortage of organizational repair parts In order to improve our security situation we convinced the scout dog platoon such as filters, ignition kits, and spark plugs. Radio to join us on the south side of the chopper pad which provided space for dog equipment probably presented the most significant runs and helped our security situation. They took up position between us and and enduring problems. The Division’s radios were the west side green line. This made all of B detachment sleep better at night. To now old and, combined with their rugged handling, further enhance our defensive capability we positioned our float 105mm howitzer caused many to be deadlined. Shortage of critical pointed toward the green line, with the piece positioned at the ready on its base replacement modules for the RT524 and RT442 plate, in case it was needed. Since we were located next to the ASP we knew radios added to the problem. The battalion’s radio that there would be no shortage of canister rounds in the event that we needed repair men and supply personnel did herculean work to man the gun. to keep the deadline rate manageable. The Detachment’s workload continued very heavy throughout our stay at FB Forklifts also became a major problem. Their Mace, with the heaviest demand being for support of communications, genera- extensive use, and shortage of repair parts, was once LTC Ronald Philipp tors and 105mm artillery systems. We were blessed with outstanding personnel, again the primary problem areas. The 27th worked who were equal to the task.” hard to identify personnel with the skills to be good forklift repairmen and this 1971 (Note: No history of the 27th was available for 1971. My great thanks selection process resulted in a highly skilled work force that was able to keep to LTC (Ret) Ray Puffer who provided most of the information on the 27th for sufficient forklifts operational to accomplish the missions. 1971. As noted earlier, Ray took over command of B Detachment in Oct 1970. Muzzle bore erosion on the M16 rifle was another problem area which required He remained in command until April 1971, and then commanded the remaining a special gauging program to determine if weapons were within tolerance. Try- elements of the 27th until October 1971.) ing to inspect all the M16’s in the Division with a limited number of small arms 1971 saw the end of the 27th Maintenance repairmen made for a challenging time. It was common for a small arms repair- Battalion’s time in Vietnam. On or about man to take a bore gage and hop on a helicopter to fly from fire base to fire base April 1 the colors of the 27th were encased for several days on end in order to gauge all the rifles he could find. Once again in preparation for the move back to CONUS the 27th troopers came through. and Fort Hood, Texas. However, many The automotive area was also plagued by repair parts shortages, particularly things were happening before this occurred. M151 jeep major assemblies, 3/4 ton truck engines, and several parts for 5 ton B Detachment continued to support the 3rd trucks. Problems were solved by “aggressive supply action or by ingenious repair Brigade at FB Mace. The 3rd Brigade was work on the part of mechanics.” During 1970 the 27th completed over 56,000 still heavily involved in operations as the NVA was moving closer to the Saigon area job orders and was able to maintain an operational readiness rate of over 92% for MG Putnam, CPT Puffer and the most items of equipment. Jobs completed by commodity were: Automotive 3,039; 27th Maintenance Battalion at the from their bases in Cambodia. Shelling of Engineer 4,026; Armament 18,810; Commo/Elec 25, 833; and Other 5,098. final formation in Vietnam. FB Mace continued to make life interesting The major effort on the supply side was a further consolidation of the ASL, in addition to continuing maintenance and along with the identification and turn in of excess throughout the Division. The supply operations. Near the end of March, 1971 the 3rd Brigade moved back to main tech supply ASL was reduced somewhat and the Detachment ASL’s were Bien Hoa along with B Detachment. The 27th Maintenance Battalion was now reduced from about 600 lines to close to 500 lines. The Division wide “Operation all present at Bien Hoa and operations were coming to a close for most elements. Scrub” was conducted with the 27th establishing turn in points at Song Be, Phouc Packing for the move became the primary operation for most of the battalion. Vinh, FB Mace, and Bien Hoa. Units were not required to provide documentation However, the decision had been made to leave in place most of the 3rd Brigade resulting in the turn in of over 11 million dollars worth of equipment. Necessary and supporting elements. For the 27th this meant forming a company of about paperwork to get this equipment turned over to the Depots was prepared by the 125 to 150 men to continue to perform maintenance and repair parts supply 27th Maintenance. operations in support of the remaining CAV elements. A composite support bat- In the fall a complete location survey, inventory, and re-warehousing was talion, initially designated the 1st Composite Supply and Service Battalion, was accomplished by tech supply personnel of the 27th resulting in considerable activated on April 8. This battalion was later re-designated the 215th Composite improvement to overall supply operations. This effort was also helped by the Support Battalion and was commanded by LTC Philipp. The maintenance ele- receipt of a new and upgraded NCR 500 computer for supply operations. A total ment was designated HQ and Main Support Company and commanded by CPT of 148,683 customer requisitions were processed in 1970. On the down side, the Puffer. The company was staffed by those personnel who had considerable time use of the Material Readiness Expeditors (MRE’s) was brought to a halt by order Continued on pg. 14 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 saber Page 12 69th Annual Reunion of the 1st Cavalry Division Association - Las Vegas Nevada 8-12 June 2016 Reunions are a time for all of us to gather together Saturday night. If you are attending the banquet, you must get your tickets and renew old friendships and make new ones and we marked with a table number at the Banquet seating table prior to Saturday noon. want each of you to be a part of this great event. The If you want to sit with specific people, we recommend that you all go to the Troopers of the 1st Cavalry Division Association will Banquet seating table together with your tickets available. Don’t wait until the be meeting in the Las Vegas, Nevada area to celebrate last minute or we may not be able to accommodate your needs. our 69th Annual Reunion from 8-12 June 2016. Plan Cavalry casual attire is appropriate for all reunion events. We are always to join us for a fun time meeting old friends and questioned about attire for the banquet. Wear what you feel comfortable making new ones. We have numerous events being wearing; a coat and tie, your uniform (if it still fits), casual clothing with open planned and there will be opportunities for you to go collar or jeans. We want you to attend and aren’t overly concerned with what off on your own and see the surrounding area. The you wear, as long as it isn’t indecent! Nevada Chapter is hosting this reunion and they are The Association provides a Reunion Room in the Palace Station during the setting up an excellent program, so make plans now reunion for you to gather together and enjoy yourself. Drinks in the Reunion to join us for our reunion and help turn the Las Vegas Room are free but we ask that you generously donate to help us pay for this Strip into CAV Country! room. There will be no gambling allowed in the Reunion Room but take your LODGING own chances in the Casino! The hotel hosting our reunion is the Palace Station Hotel & Casino. Although TRANSPORTATION an off-strip property, accommodations are comfortable and spacious, with a We encourage you to coordinate your travel arrangements early especially if complimentary daily shuttle service for the ‘Strip’. The Palace Station will you are using public transportation. serve as our Reunion Headquarters for the 69th Annual Reunion and all of our Air Travel – McCarran International Airport is located at 5757 Wayne Newton regularly scheduled events will occur here. You must make your reservations Boulevard in Las Vegas, just a short 20 minute drive (via I-15) to the hotel. As prior to May 9, 2016 to receive the guaranteed rate. To reserve a room call one previously stated the hotel does offer a complimentary shuttle service to and of the numbers listed below or reserve your room on-line using the On-Line from the airport. Reservation link provided by the Palace Station Hotel & Casino. THE BEST PART OF THE REUNION Palace Station Hotel & Casino As always, the best part of the reunion is the people that attend and we hope 2411 W. Sahara Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89102 that you will be among that group. The 1st Cavalry Division Association Toll Free: 800-634-3101 Local: 702-367-2411 reunion brings in Troopers from every era of the First Team’s history. Troopers On-line reservation: and click that rode horses, fought in the Pacific with MacArthur, occupied Japan, fought on the link to “Reserve a Room at the Palace Station”. in Korea, or stood watch on the DMZ will spend time with the Sky Troopers of We have rooms blocked in the Economy Courtyard and in the Luxury Tower Vietnam, the Troopers from Operation Desert Storm, Fort Hood, Bosnia, and and the hotel offers different rates and the rate changes on Friday and Saturday. the latest combat veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. The equipment and terrain The Economy Courtyard is only two stories but has no elevators so if you are might be different, but the common bond of serving with America’s First Team unable to climb stairs book your room in the Luxury Tower. Please be advised binds us together. You may meet some old friends and if you don’t then you that all rates quoted are per room, per night, single or double occupancy. There will have the opportunity to make some new ones. Saddle up and join us in Las is a $15.00 charge required per room for triple occupancy and $30.00 per room Vegas! for quad occupancy. A $12.99 Hotel Service’s Fee will be added per room, per CROSSED SABERS SOUVENIR SHOP OPEN AT REUNION night. The room rates and Hotel Service Fee are subject to Clark County room The Crossed Sabers Chapter Souvenir Shop will be open for business starting tax, currently at 12%. Please note: Room tax is subject to change at any time Wednesday June 8th from 1300 to 1800. Thursday and Friday the Souvenir without prior notice. The room rates by room type are listed below: Shop will be open from 0900 to 1800, with a one hour lunch break from 1200 WED THU FRI SAT SUN to 1300. On Saturday the shop will be open from 0900 to 1200 and 1300 to 06/08 06/09 06/10 06/11 06/12 1600. Economy Courtyard $35 $35 $79 $79 $23 Our wonderful Souvenir Shop staff and volunteers will have t-shirts, Luxury Tower $49 $49 $95 $95 $49 sweatshirts, jackets, caps, Stetsons, pins, patches, jewelry, ornaments, blankets, Petite Suite $69 $69 $115 $115 $69 stationery, pencils, stickers, lighters, golf balls, backpacks, coins, and many The 1,011 luxury rooms and suites are complemented with meeting and event more items for sale. Pre-order your Reunion t-shirts by using the form below. spaces, a fully equipped exercise facility, swimming pool (w/hot tub), tennis You must pre-order your reunion t-shirt prior to 1 March 2016. The shirt is a courts, a business center, beauty station, gift shop, and several dining options. 90/10 Black T-shirt with a pocket with logo on the front and full-color imprint Each room offers plush bedding, flat screen TV, hair dryer/ironing board, sitting on the back.. T-shirts are available in Adult sizes Small through 3XL. Size area, in-room safe and free Wi-Fi. Located inside the hotel, guests will find small through XL are $17.95 and 2XL and larger are $19.95 each. You can pick the Charcoal Room, an American steakhouse, offering savory eats like oysters, the t-shirt up at the reunion or it will be shipped to you. The Souvenir Shop will lobster chowder, bone-in NY steak, rib eye, top sirloin and porterhouse steaks. not ship the shirts until after 1 May 2016. The Cabo Mexican restaurant serves up authentic south of the border flavors, Supporting the Souvenir Shop supports your 1st Cavalry Division Association, while the Oyster Bar, an 18-seat live action kitchen, provides freshly shucked so make sure to go get yourself some shiny new 1st CAV merchandise. oysters and various seafood pastas. For quick meals, the Palace Station boasts OTHER EVENTS IN LAS VEGAS the Grand Café, an all-you-can-eat Feast buffet, Little Tony’s pizzeria, the Food Las Vegas offers many other sites and attractions and we hope that you will Express Chinese Restaurant, four fast food eateries, and a 24-hour room service. take time to visit the Strip and all of the wonderful attractions in the city. You The Palace Station casino floor has 45 game tables (black jack, Texas Hold’Em, may wish to take time to see a show on one of our evenings or simply tour the craps, roulette, baccarat, etc.), a 9-table non-smoking poker room, over 1600 many other famous casinos and hotels or stay in the Palace Station. We have not slot machines, as well as a 307-seat bingo hall, 20-seat keno lounge, and a 230- scheduled any special tours and have intentionally kept the evenings, except for seat race and sports book area which features over 44 large television screens Saturday night, open for you to enjoy each other and the local area. providing viewing options for the sport crazed guest. Join us and help turn Las Vegas into CAV Country! REUNION EVENT OVERVIEW The Nevada Chapter welcomes each of you to Las Vegas for the 69th Annual Reunion of the 1st Cavalry Division Association. As usual, this reunion will include a Welcoming Mixer on Thursday; Gold Star Family Breakfast, Ladies Tea, and War Era Lunches on Friday; Purple Heart Breakfast, Unit Lunches, and our Annual Association Banquet on Saturday; and Group Breakfasts and Memorial Service on Sunday. There will not be a Sweetheart Dance this year to allow you more time to see Las Vegas in the evening. We will have meetings of the Chapter Presidents and the Foundation and Museum Foundation Trustees on Thursday, and the Board of Governors meets on Friday. Our General Membership meeting is conducted on Saturday morning and we will hold elections for officers of the Association and conduct other business as necessary. A listing of nominated candidates will be on our bulletin board. The Gold Star Family Member Breakfast is becoming a major event during our reunions and we want everyone that is in contact with the families of our fallen Troopers to invite them to attend. There is never a registration fee for our Gold Star families and the Association will pay for their breakfast at this event. This is the third year for our Purple Heart breakfast which provides us an opportunity to honor those that have been awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in combat. Many of our Veterans and our active duty Troopers have this award and we hope this gives them a chance to share their experiences. You do not have to be a recipient of the Purple Heart to attend; this is open to all attendees. The Reunion Banquet will mark the end of the term for our current President, James R. Stokely, and see the gavel passed to Scott B. Smith who will serve as our President for the next two years. The Commanding General of the First Team is planning on delivering a “State of the Division Address”. We will have Troopers currently serving with the Division in attendance along with our Division Honor Guard. If you have not been able to attend one of our Memorial Services and hear the “Long Roll Muster”, please plan on attending this one. This is a very special way to honor those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Seating for all events is open with the exception of the Reunion Banquet on Page 13 saber JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 69th Annual 1st Cavalry Division Association Reunion WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8 FRIDAY, JUNE 10 - CONTINUED 1300-1800 Registration Desk Open 1300-1800 Souvenir Shop Open 1300-1800 Souvenir Shop Open 1500-1700 Board of Governors Meeting 1300-2400 Reunion Room Open SATURDAY, JUNE 11 THURSDAY, JUNE 9 0700-0830 Purple Heart Breakfast 0900-1800 Registration Desk Open 0900-1030 General Membership Meeting (Elections) 0900-1200 Souvenir Shop Open 0900-1200 Registration Desk Open 0900-2400 Reunion Room Open 0900-1200 Souvenir Shop Open 1300-1800 Souvenir Shop Open 0900-2400 Reunion Room Open 1030-1130 Chapter President’s Meeting 1000-1130 Ladies Tea 1300-1400 Museum Foundation Meeting 1230-1430 Unit Luncheons 1430-1530 Foundation trustees Meeting 1300-1700 Souvenir Shop Open 1700-1900 Welcoming Mixer (Hors d’oeuvres/Open Bar) 1500-1600 Veterans Benefits Briefing 1800-1900 Cocktails (Cash Bar) FRIDAY, JUNE 10 1900-2230 Association Banquet 0730-0900 Gold Star Family Breakfast 0900-1800 Registration Desk Open SUNDAY, JUNE 12 0900-1200 Souvenir Shop Open 0700-0830 Group Breakfast Buffet 0900-2400 Reunion Room Open 0700-0830 LRRP/Ranger Breakfast Buffet 1200-1400 War Era Luncheons 0900-1000 Memorial Service (Long Roll Muster) 1st CAVALRY DIVISION ASSOCIATION 69th REUNION - 2016 REGISTRATION FORM Mail to: 1st Cavalry Division Association - Reunion 302 N. Main Street, Copperas Cove, TX 76522-1703 I will attend the 1st Cavalry Division Association 69th Annual Reunion at the FUNCTION NO. OF COST TOTAL Palace Station Hotel & Casino, las Vegas, NV on June 8-12, 2016. Cancellations TICKETS AMOUNT must be received by 5:00pm Monday, May 30, 2016 in our office (254-547-6537) for a refund. Seating at all functions is limited. Hotel cancellations must be Registration Fee (Member Only) $20.00 $______done personally with the hotel. Postmarked After May 2, 2016 $40.00 $______Active Duty (Must have Active Duty ID Card) $10.00 $______Register early. YOU MUST BE AN ASSOCIATION MEMBER TO REGISTER. THURSDAY, JUNE 9 PLEASE PROVIDE ALL THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION. Welcoming Mixer _____ $35.00 ea. $______

Are you a member of the 1st Cavalry Division Association? Yes ___ No ___ FRIDAY, JUNE 10 Gold Star Breakfast _____ $23.00 ea. $______Please Print Clearly or place a return address label. Don’t forget Nickname. War Era Luncheons Iraq/Afghanistan Veterans _____ $30.00 ea. $______NAME______Korean War Veterans _____ $30.00 ea. $______Vietnam War Veterans _____ $30.00 ea. $______STREET______Gulf War Veterans _____ $30.00 ea. $______

CITY, STATE & ZIP______SATURDAY, JUNE 11 Purple Heart Breakfast $23.00 ea. $ NICKNAME ______Ladies Tea $18.00 ea. $ Unit Luncheons ____ $28.00 ea. $______GOLD STAR FAMILY MEMBER ______I wish to attend lunch with: (Circle one) 5th Cav 7th Cav 8th Cav 9th Cav 12th Cav Artillery Telephone # (______)______Engineers HQ & Special Troops LRRP/Ranger Silver Wings

Preferred Unit(s) order (1)______Association Banquet Adult _____ $50.00 ea. $______(2) ______Child (12 years and under) _____ $25.00 ea. $______

Date(s) Served in 1st Cav (1)______to______I wish to sit at the Banquet with: (Circle one) 5th Cav 7th Cav 8th Cav 9th Cav 12th Cav Artillery (2) ______to ______Engineers HQ & Special Troops LRRP/Ranger Silver Wings

______Banquet table seating is assigned during the reunion. You must take your banquet tickets to the Banquet Seating Table to get your table number assigned. I served at/during (Circle one or more): WWII Japan (Anytime) Korean War NO ONE will be admitted in without a table number on their ticket. To assist Korea 1957-65 Fort Benning Vietnam War Fort Hood Gulf War us in organizing the seating, please circle the unit that you wish to sit with at the Bosnia Iraq War Afghanistan Fort Bliss Other ______Banquet. Please get your table number assigned prior to noon Saturday. I will be accompanied by my spouse or other (Full Name and Nickname)___ SUNDAY, JUNE 12 ______Group Breakfast _____ $25.00 ea. $______and the following persons, please specify relationship. (Family members LRRP/Ranger Breakfast _____ $25.00 ea. $______only.) Name Nickname Age (Children) Add a little extra to help cover expenses? $______Please renew my SABER Subscription ($10 per year) $______New Life Membership ($10) $ RANK ______Last four of SSN ______DOB ______Is this your first 1st Cav Division Association Reunion? ___Yes ___ No Grand Total $______My E-mail is: ______(Don’t forget the Registration Fee) I am staying at: Palace Station Hotel & Casino____ Home ___ Local ___ RV ______Credit Card VISA or Master Card Only ____ Check ____ Cash Other ______EXP Date ______Please specify where you are staying, as it will help us to find you in the event Card Number - Print clearly of an emergency. Thank you! Registration fee required for Association members only (Widows and ______Gold Star Family members pay no Fee) - no fee for family members accompanying Print Name on Card Association member. Registration includes: Name Tags (required for admission to Reunion Room and other activities), Official Reunion Program, Reunion Pin ______Date ______and information package. Signature - Credit Card Payment Only JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 saber Page 14 99th FA News Jim Miller I never cease to be units however. The British (I later learned they were probably Canadians) were 819 West Howard St. surprised and amazed both more formal and more casual than us. On the one hand the gun commanders Winona, MN 55987-2642 at the materials that were dressed in dress uniforms with swords which they raised for the signal to (507) 454-4224 show up at my mail fire, and yet there were no smoking or fire restrictions for night time blackouts. [email protected] box and computer “They know where we are, we might as well be warm,” was their motto. One in box. Recently I interesting difference was the gentleman dressed in black relaxed in a folding received a large envelope from Arthur Couch who sent me the good material chair, who I learned was the Chaplain. The reason I was given for us being about the rebuilding of the Korean War era halftrack, and information about attached to this unit was they were having trouble communicating with American Wyeth Hartwell. This time it is a troops, you know the saying, “Britain and the U.S. are two countries divided by copy of a program for church services the same language,” but I think it was more the Army mantra, “Busy troops are at the 38th Parallel on June 3, 1951 happy troops.” If we would have stayed with our inactive unit we would have with Wyeth Hartwell’s name written been “unhappy” just sitting around watching our unit be re-manned and re- on the margin. The UN forces had equipped. We stayed with the British unit for about two weeks doing the same retaken much of South Korea and thing we always did then were called back things were beginning to stabilize to Hqs Btry, 99th FA Bn. When we returned somewhat at this time. we found a unit with many new vehicles, The program lists the participants much new equipment, but mostly the old in the service as follows: CO. men. Most of our personnel had escaped 99th FA Bn, Lt Col Carl Ziegler, from the Chinese entrapment at Unsan and Exec O Major Paul Blumensaadt, Wyeth Hartwell’s ‘Ike’ Jacket returned to our unit. Oh, there were a few and Chaplin Earl D. Burris. Also new replacements for those who had been participating: Usher M/Sgt Robert O. Craddock, Usher M/Sgt Joe McCray, killed, captured, and wounded. One of the Organist PFC Albert Santiviesa, and Chaplain’s Assistant PFC James O. Gray. replacements dressed in fresh fatigues was Bowling Alley The opposite side of the program has the poem “It Couldn’t Be Done,” by Edgar Chuck Trezak who was wounded in our first S. Guest; an appropriate choice after all we had been through. combat in July. We were both happy to see him, and upset that they had sent I hope some of you remember this event, I do not for several possible reasons, him back. I was a Catholic, as a field wireman, I might have been off running somewhere, The war continued on in sort of a replay of the earlier Puson perimeter battles or maybe I just don’t remember which is certainly possible. I do remember M/ with the addition of bitter cold and a better enemy: the Chinese. Official reports Sgt Craddock! Every day I look at a Battery photo with me standing beside him; described the Chinese troops as poor farmers who volunteered to help the North I’m smiling; he’s not. Getting this was a wonderful surprise, thanks Arthur. Koreans. In fact they were part of a well-trained experienced army who had An e-mail came to me from Dianne Lutz who mentioned that after her father, been with Mao in the battle to overthrow the Nationalist Chinese government’s Jim Huey, 8th Cav, died she looked at the 99th FA Bn article in the Saber and army under Chiang Kai-shek. They were not only experienced and well trained, noticed the photo of Bob Hope, and remembered her father talking about seeing but also better armed and equipped than the North Korean army. him in Korea. She also read my report about Unsan and remembered her dad The cold weather was often our worst enemy. We were unfortunate enough talking about that. She would like to talk with anyone still around who was at to be in Korean during a record breaking winter. The winters are normally Unsan with us. Her e-mail address is: . cold much like the upper Midwestern state in the U.S. with heavy snows and The notice about Charles Green arrived too late for a full story in the last temperatures below zero, but this winter was much worse. Everything we did issue of the Saber so I’ll add to that now. Charles was born 08-16-1931 in became more difficult. Vehicles couldn’t be just parked overnight, the ground Switzerland County, Indiana, and died 10-19-2015. He was laid to rest 10-24- had to be prepared so the tires did not freeze and pull apart when moved. We 2015 at Vevay, Indiana. He entered the U.S. Army on 01-20-1949. Charles carried four pieces of board torn from a destroyed building to place under the served in B Btry, 99th FA Bn during the WW II Occupation of Japan and then wheels when we parked the vehicle. The bitter cold made the job of the wire during the Korean War. He made the amphibious landing with the 99th FA Bn section very difficult. One could only work a few minutes with bare hands, at Pohang Dong, South Korea on July 18, 1950 shortly after the North Korean so splicing a broken wire took a long time or a lot of teamwork. We were ill forces invaded the south. equipped for the cold. We did not have winter clothing with the exception of After returning from Korea, he served an ear-flopper cap, which was good, and shoe-pacs, which were bad. No fires with 10th Recon Company, 10th Infantry was still the order of the night, although it was often broken. I guess we spent Division at Fort Riley, Kansas. He received much of our time trying to keep from freezing. I don’t think I changed clothes the Occupation of Japan medal, Korean from Unsan, November first, until sometime in March…we were dirty and cold. Service medal with five battle stars, the Living in Minnesota, I see the same kind of weather during the winter, and I U.N. , the Korean often say, “How did we ever survive?” Presidential Citation, and the Good Conduct Now, it wasn’t any better for the Chinese troops so things slowed down a Medal. He was honorably discharged at little. In fact I’ve just read about the Chinese commander, General Peng going Fort Riley with the rank of Master Sergeant to Mao begging for better winter clothes for his troops in the winter 1950-1951. 06-03-1952. Charles was well known in The Chinese did have quilted jackets and pants which were warmer than ours, Blown up bridge at Bowling Alley B Btry for service and his heroic actions but they often were without any kind of socks in -25 weather. Some GI’s took during the Korean War. Thank you for those quilted jackets from dead Chinese and wore them causing an order from your service to your country, B Btry 99th FA Bn, and the 1st Cavalry Division above forbidding the wearing of enemy uniforms or sleeping bags which was Charles Green. also common. Continuing on with following the 99th FA Bn during the winter time of 1950- Well, we kept moving south until Seoul returned to the hands of Communist 1951 in Korea. After the disaster at Unsan, it turned bitterly cold in Korea, forces. General Ridgeway took over and things changed. especially in the far north where we happened to be. As I mentioned before There are U.S. forces being killed and wounded around the world, so let’s my wire team of a driver, three GI’s, two South Koreans, and me were attached give our thoughts and prayers to keeping them as safe as possible. Many of our to a British artillery unit which had “Four Pounders” or something that looked old comrades have health problems and are suffering, so say a prayer for them exactly like our 105mm howitzers. That was about all of the likeness of the two as well. Thanks to all of those who have served our country. Don’t forget, I’m looking for a replacement. CSMO Jim Miller. 27th MNT News Continued from pg. 11 communicating without interruption throughout this difficult and new type of left on their tour and were drawn from all elements of the 27th Maintenance warfare. Battalion. The 27th participated in ten campaigns in Vietnam and was awarded the Presi- On April 8, 1971, the 27th officially left Vietnam in route to their new home dential Unit Citation, the Valorous Unit Award, three Meritorious Unit Commen- at Fort Hood, Texas. dations, three awards of the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Over its 5 years in Vietnam, the 27th Maintenance Battalion distinguished and one award of the Republic of Vietnam Civil Action Medal, First Class. In itself by providing outstanding maintenance and repair parts support to all ele- addition, C Detachment was awarded a separate Valorous Unit Award. ments of the 1st Cavalry Division, under the most severe conditions. Through All members of the 27th Maintenance Battalion should be extremely proud the exceptional efforts of all personnel from Private to Lieutenant Colonel, the of their service during the Vietnam War and know they were a part of a valiant 27th Maintenance Battalion was able to keep the CAV shooting, moving, and history. 12th CAV News besides artillery support if we needed Continued from pg. 6 it from a forward base.” The joke 2149 Trooper John Rainsberry, Ellensburg, Washington, grew up in a family was they were taking a sight-see- that put a high value put on serving one’s country through military service, which ing tour in the jungle and enjoying factored into his decision to serve in Vietnam. After high school graduation he camping in the wilds of Southeast tried to enlist, but was two pounds underweight. He knew he would be drafted Asia, he said. For Rainsberry’s unit eventually so he later signed up for what was called the volunteer draft. Just there were scattered, brief firefights. before his physical he said he ate a big hamburger with a lot of french fries and a His unit uncovered stores of rice, and milkshake hoping to make the minimum weight. He hit it on the nose, 120 pounds. village structures used by the enemy Rainsberry, 64, said as he flew to Vietnam in June 1970 on a military chartered jet were burned. Rainsberry was told to from Oakland, California, he had a few doubts about being ready for what he’d carry a rifle because the enemy had been trained for and what he’d been told he could expect. At 20 he arrived in been trained to shoot medics they Medic John Rainsberry and wife Ellen with Vietnam and became a medic in C 2/12 Cav, a unit soon to enter Cambodia to try saw treating someone wounded in their grandchildren and halt an enemy supply buildup just inside the border in Cambodia. He was to the field, or to shoot the guy with replace a medic who had been wounded. “That began seven months in the jungle the antenna coming out of his pack, the radioman. “We must have been moved with these guys,” Rainsberry said. “It was search and destroy for three weeks, then around to a dozen fire bases right around the border with Cambodia,” Rainsberry a week off at a base. Out in the bush you got supplied by helicopter every three said. His work at the forward bases and in the field also was to keep check on days. Boy that was a real lifeline. Sometimes that’s all the connection we had, Continued on pg. 21 Page 15 saber JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 CHAPTER INDEX ALMOST HEAVEN WEST VIRGINIA FLORIDA TROOP E “BLACK HAT” JAMES J. MASON WEST MICHIGAN NEVADA CHAPTER SHERIDAN’S CAVALRY CHAPTER CHAPTER Pres: Juan Kellog CHAPTER Pres: John Lyles (Greater Chicago Area) POC: William D. Carpenter 607 SE47th St., Apt. 7 Pres.: Ron Kloet POC: Milton S. Clark, III Pres.: Bruce Peterson 713 Diamond St. Cape Coral, FL 33904-5506 POC: Bob Anderson 7789 Buckwood Ct. 614 Burch St. Fairmont, WV 26554-3713 E-mail: [email protected] 9030 Conservancy Dr. NE Las Vegas, NV 89149-6661 Sugar Grove, IL 60554-9297 (304) 366-0022 Contact: Johnnie Robertson Ada, MI 49301-8822 (702) 522-7313 (630) 466-9059 E-mail: [email protected] (239) 600-1273 (616) 682-5446 Meets the first Saturday of the month E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.seahog.org/cav/index. E-mail: [email protected] at 10am at American Legion Post 8, Website: www.sheridansfirstcav.com CENTRAL SAVANNAH html Website: jjmwmc1cd.com downtown Las Vegas, Nevada. Call for Meets at the American Legion Post #1084, RIVER AREA CHAPTER Meets 4th Sat. ea. mo. from Sept.-May Meets on 3rd Thurs. of Feb., Apr., Jun., directions. 322 E. Maple Ave., Roselle, IL 61072 Pres: John Rangel, Jr. 1:00pm at Biggys Place, 3701 Fowler St., Aug., Oct., and Dec., at 7pm, at the Grand at 1pm. POC: Gary Quinn Fort Myers, FL 33901 Valley Armory in Wyoming, MI . NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY CHAPTER 395 Harlem Grovetown Rd. Pres: Bob Arbasetti SOUTHEASTERN COLORADO Harlem, GA 30814-4525 FOLLOW ME CHAPTER LAST FRONTIER CHAPTER 973A Thornbury Ln. CHAPTER (706) 513-5858 Pres: Robert Dodson Pres.: William H. Martin Manchester, NJ 08759-5296 Pres: Gregorio Trujillo Meets on 2nd Sat. of mo., 1400 at Ryans Meets 1900 4thTues. ea. mo. Veterans 8050 Pioneer Dr #1304 (732) 657-4284 PO Box 215 Steak House on Peach Orchard Rd., Augusta, Ctr., 1000 Victory Dr., Columbus, GA. Anchorage, AK 99504 E-mail: [email protected] Las Animas, CO 81054-0215 GA (Mar., June, Sept. and Dec.) No meeting in December. (907) 274-6479 Facebook: New York New Jersey Cav- (719) 456-0028 [email protected] alry POC: John Campos COLUMBIA-WILLAMETTE FORT KNOX AREA CHAPTER Contact for meeting info. Meets at Elk Lodge at Cedar and Spruce, 1308 Lewis Ave. CHAPTER Pres.: Thomas Ken O’Barr Ridgefield Park, NJ. La Junta, CO 81050-3024 Pres: Terry Low 12210 Valley Dr. LOS ANGELES/ORANGE COUNTY (719) 384-0379 16560 S Harding Rd. Goshen, KY 40026-9501 CHAPTER NORTH CAROLINA - TARHEEL E-mail: [email protected] Oregon City, OR 97045-9679 (502) 228-8032 Pres: John Guillory CHAPTER Website: www.firstcavalry.net (503) 210-5558 E-mail: [email protected] 780 Mandevilla Way Pres: Roy Wood Meets 1st Sat. of each month at 10am at the E-mail: [email protected] POC: Larry A. Whelan Corona, CA 92879-8251 4407 Talavera Dr. Holiday Inn Express in LaJunta, CO. Website: www.Hood2Hood1stCav.webs. 2103 Winston Ave. (951) 278-3740 High Point, NC 27265-9660 com Louisville, KY 40205-2535 E-mail: [email protected] (336) 707-1402 WALTER H. WESTMAN Meets 1830 3rd Wed of ea. mos. at the Vil- (502) 485-1270 Vice Pres: John Burgner E-mail: [email protected] NORTHLAND CHAPTER lage Inn, 1621 NE 10th Ave., Portland, OR E-mail: [email protected] 228 South Hacienda St. Contact for Membership: Don Gibson Pres: Donald A. Delsing 97232. No meeting in Dec. Website: www.1cda.org/fort_knox.html Anaheim, CA 92804-2569 803 McDonald Church Road 3697 Gresham Ave. N. Meets 3rd Sat. of mo. at 1100 at the (714) 535-0737 Rockingham, NC 28379-8529 Oakdale, MN 55128-3212 CONNECTICUT CHAPTER Barker Masonic Lodge, 705 Main St., E-mail: [email protected] (910) 417-9104 (651) 770-5422 Pres: Keith Moyer West Point, KY. Meets 0900 on 3rd Sat. of mo. at Brea Vet- e-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] 48 Boretz Rd. erans Club, 735 S. Brea Blvd., Brea, CA Meets 2nd Sat of Mar., Jun, Sept. & Dec. POC: James D. Wright Colchester, CT 06415-1009 JUMPING MUSTANG CHAPTER 12781 Able St. NE (860) 537-1716 1-8 Cav LRRP/RANGER of the 1st Cav Division NORTHWEST CHAPTER Blaine, MN 55434-3261 E-mail: [email protected] Pres: Maurice Waters during the Vietnam War. Pres.: William Koepp (763) 757-7140 Website: www.ConnCav.com 18543 Rancho Vista Dr. Pres.: John LeBrun 4633 Timothy St. SE E-mail: [email protected] Meeting info in newsletter and on web Ramona, CA 92065-6011 932 3rd St. Lacey, WA 98503-5764 Meets quarterly at different locations. Call page. (760) 789-5136 Blaine, WA 98230 (360) 259-4815 or write for information. E-mail: [email protected] (360) 393-6645 POC: Roberto Maanao CROSSED SABERS CHAPTER POC: James C. Knafel E-mail: [email protected] 3036 Marquette Dr. SE FORMING CHAPTER Pres: Jerry Eller 5510E - 500 South Website: www.lrrprangers.com Lacey, WA 98503-6255 808 S. 2nd St. Columbia City, IN 46725-7621 Full chapter meeting during Reunions (360) 491-9118 CALIFORNIA CENTRAL COAST Killeen, TX 76541-7703 (260) 244-3864 E-mail: [email protected] CHAPTER E-mail: [email protected] WILLIAM A. RICHARDSON Meets 1200 1st Sat. of even months, Pres: Barney B. Jones FIRST CHAPTER Website: www.JumpingMustangs.com NATIONAL CAPITOL REGION contact William Koepp or Roberto PO Box 444 Pres: Robert H. Wolfe CHAPTER Maanao for meeting location. Pebble Beach, CA 93953 4756 Haracourt Dr. KETTLE MORAINE CHAPTER Pres: Gene Russell (831) 917-5952 El Paso, TX 79924-3047 Pres: Gordon Weidner 7923 Jansen Dr. ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER E-mail: [email protected] (915) 755-7944 1219 Cleveland Ave. Springfield, VA 22152-2413 Pres: Robert Stauffacher Racine, WI 53405-2929 (703) 220-5322 18355 Drennan Rd. FLORIDA CHAPTER (262) 637-3835 E-mail: [email protected] Colorado Springs, CO 80928-9308 Pres: Woodrow N. Hines Sr. POC: Robert Richter Website: 1cda.org/national_capitol.htm (719) 683-2837 2465 Bronco Dr. W204 N11945 Goldendale Rd. Meets 3d Sat. of the month Jan.-Apr and POC: Paul Lemieux Saint Cloud, FL 34771-7955 Germantown, WI 53022-2321 Sep.-Oct. 0900 at the American Legion Post PO Box 6548 (407) 957-6917 (262) 628-8056 176, 6520 Amherst Ave., Springfield, VA. Woodland Park, CO 80866-6548 Facebook: Florida Chapter 1st Cavalry Meetings held at 3 month intervals with Breakfast available prior to start of mtg. Jun (719) 687-1169 Division Association a banquet dinner in Dec. when elections meeting is at WRAMC and Nov. meeting E-mail: [email protected] Meets quarterly at different locations around are held. at the Assn. Vets Day gathering. Meets 9am 2nd Sat. of mo.at at Retired the state. Enlisted Assn. Chapter 1, 834 Emory Cir., GERALD F. KINSMAN CHAPTER Colorado Springs, CO. Pres: Owen Levine 77 Clubhouse Dr. If you have changes to this listing, contact the Association at Leominister, MA 01453-5170 (254) 547-6537 or e-mail at . (978) 534-6284 E-mail: [email protected] Meets yearly. LRRP/Ranger News Ken White Hello from the nation’s On a different note, the following was received from John LeBrun (1969-72), 3834 Inverness Road capital. Secretary of De- LRRP/Ranger unit president: “President’s Report: Greetings and salutations Fairfax, VA 22033 fense Ashton B. Carter an- from Big White Ski Resort in the heart of British Columbia, Canada. By the (703) 352-1468 nounced that he is opening time you read this we will have had been a great Thanksgiving, a very Merry [email protected] all jobs in the U.S. military Christmas, a Happy New Year, and way too much wine. Hope all your holidays to women, including special operations and infantry, such as those in the 75th were as pleasant as ours. Ranger Regiment. Women are now eligible to join the Navy SEALs, the Army “It’s now time to start your planning for the 2016 reunion in Las Vegas. Once Special Forces and other special operations units, and the Army and Marine Corps again we will host our raffle after the unit luncheon. Members can bring, mail to infantry. “There will be no exceptions,” Carter said. “This means that as long the hotel, or give to someone who is coming item’s that will be raffled off. Each as they qualify and meet the standards, women will now be able to contribute to year the items for the raffle get better and better. Thanks to all who contribute our mission in ways they could not contribute before.” gifts, and just as importantly, buy the tickets at the raffle. The basis of Carter’s decision dates back to January 2013 when then Secretary “As I said earlier, the reunion will be in Las Vegas 09-12 June 2016; at the Palace of Defense Leon Panetta announced that he was rescinding the ban on women Station Hotel and Casino. You can book a room there by calling 800-634-3101 serving in ground combat units. At that time, about 220,000 jobs, or about ten or 702-367-2411. This should be a well attended reunion so I would make your percent of the total jobs in the military, were closed to women. But since that reservations now and if your plans change you can always cancel them. time, about one half of those jobs, including those on elite special helicopters “As you know, one of our members has provided funds that would allow us and in Army artillery units have been opened to them. to pay the travel and lodging expenses for a member or maybe for a couple of Carter’s decision has not been popular with some congressional leaders. Senator members to attend the reunion. I don’t know who could use these funds but I am John McCain (R-Arizona) and Representative Mac Thornberry (R-Texas) chair- sure that we have a member or two who would like to attend but can’t because men of the Senate and House Armed Services Committee, said in a statement they don’t have the funds available to make it happen. Please if you would like to that they intend “to carefully and thoroughly review all relevant documentation come, or know someone who would like to come but can’t because of a shortage related to Carter’s decision,” including the Marine Corps gender studies that of funds, let me know. Let’s spend the funds that have been allocated for this show women badly lagging behind men in infantry skills” and recent Ranger very generous offer. Send me an email or call to make this happen.” School results where the course was open to women and 98 of the 100 women “As some of you may know, I have been working on a web site for the unit who enrolled in it were unable to complete it and failed. Only two women sol- for a number of years - a work in progress. I am trying to get pictures of all of diers –one a captain of an MP company and the other an Apache helicopter pilot our fallen brothers. To date, I have pictures for all of them but nine. If you have - successfully completed the two-month course. any pictures of these nine members, please forward them to me or to Barbara Regardless of whether or not women will ever serve in special operations and whose email address is on our web site so they can be posted on the site. The infantry units, the military’s move to gender equality raises some very interesting members are Daniel R. Arnold (1969), William B. Bell (1969), Arvell B. Holston questions – Will women be required to register for the draft, and is it constitu- (1970), Dennis O. McGhee (1969), Robert J. Noto (1968), Paul J. Salminen tional if they are not? (1969), Thomas Sprinkle (1968), Douglas E. Trotter (1971), and John C. Wil- The laws governing the draft have never required women to subject themselves liams (1969). Holston, McGhee, and Trotter died while on a second tour with to it or to face the prospect of being forced into military service. Since Panetta’s other 1st Cav units. decision in 2013, however, the issue of women being required to register for “I have also been working on a chain-of-command report for our unit that lists the draft has become a matter of legal dispute. Several lawsuits have been filed the company commanders, executive officers, platoon leaders, first sergeants, and against the Selective Service System, and the U.S. Supreme Court was forced platoon sergeants for the period that our unit was in Vietnam. I need your help to to weigh in on it at one point reversing a lower court’s ruling forcing women to complete it. A draft copy of the report is posted on our website. You will notice register on the grounds that because women were not allowed to join combat that there are gaps for several time periods. If you can contribute dates or names units, the current laws could stand. Now with the decision that all jobs in the to the list, please forward them to me. I will add them to the report. Even if you military are open to women, the whole issue of gender equality and the draft will have sent information to me before, please send it to me again. Unfortunately, have to be resolved. Continued on pg. 16 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 saber Page 16

Hank Llewellyn have flown almost all the Piper Aircraft. It is great to think back on all the fun 58 Mapleleaf Lane Pottstown, PA 19464-1543 flying. Cheers, Pink” (484) 948-9451 One of the others in the e-group upon seeing “Pink’s” reply asked me how he [email protected] got the name, “Pink”. Not knowing and curious, I assumed that it had to do with something related to flying. Pink, “When I was 3 weeks old my Mother wrapped me in a pink blanket and Hello once again fellow Sky Troopers. It’s a couple of days away from New showed me to a Polish neighbor lady who spoke little English and she repeatedly Years, but you’d never know it by the weather here in Pennsylvania. Mild said “Pinky”. My Father was Fred also, so Mother said, “We don’t need two temps for weeks and a 70 degree Christmas day. Perhaps the new snow blower Fred’s so this one we will call “Pink”. The name stuck with me...... Even in will stay in the barn this season. But I doubt it; wishful thinking. the service because I enlisted with a couple of buddies from the neighborhood. I had to forgo my trip to DC for Veterans Day and 50th Anniversary of the Ia Now you know. Cheers, Pink” Drang activities. I’ve only missed five November DC visits since 1982. A lot Back in August while reading the VHPA reunion program I saw the co- has changed in those 33 years of travel to DC, we have changed. Gone are the scheduling of an event with the United States Army Black Aviator Association unit hospitality rooms on every floor of the hotel/s, bathtubs packed with iced (USABAA). First, I didn’t know there was such a group and second, why? beer and floating bottles. The smoke filled bars and restaurants’ are a thing of Then recently I, and the 229th e-mail group, received the following from the past. Staying up until dawn, walking all day. Hey, staying awake all day COL (Ret) Gene Beyer that pretty much hits the nail on the head. “Gents, I is a challenge now. The background talk of embellished battle scars have been despise getting my dandruff up over something like this but the POLITICAL replaced by the comparing of notes on prostates and stents. We no longer talk CORRECTNESS tide has to be addressed at some time or another and I took it of our children but of our children’s children. Everything seems stiff except upon myself to attack it as it is going unabated. The July/August issue of the the one thing you want to stay stiff. The late evening scotch in the glass on the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots magazine had the following article: I recently had a vanity has been replaced by teeth. But, our friendship forged in war, so long delightful phone call from VHPA Life Member and current United States Army ago remains constant, even as we grow older and fewer. In a conversation with Black Aviator Association (USABAA) President Clovis Jones, announcing that COL Bruce Crandall last November 6th he reflected, “Too many of our brothers the association voted to co-locate their annual meeting with the VHPA Reunion. have gone before us and they will be truly missed this week. Equally missed will This is a wonderful step forward leveraging the “good Times” we enjoyed at the be the spouses who shared our careers and lives during that time. My wife is in San Francisco and Louisville Reunions. I know good people like Herb Metoyer, Arlington awaiting me. Hal Moore lost Julie, SGM Plumley his and both Tony Joe Ponds, and our incoming VHPA President Clyde Romero will be more than Nadal and Joe Galloway their first wives, all to cancer. I can’t complain I had happy to see these two associations get even closer.” Arlene for 54 years and loved her 58. I had the privilege of knowing these fine After much soul searching I sent the following e-mail to the new president: men and their spouses as well as the thousands of others over my long life and “I have read the article about the USABAA in the July/August 2015 issue over would not change a minute of the time we all had together. Those of you who and over. I am saddened and hurt that the Black Aviator community believes it won’t be physically here will be here in our hearts and minds until we are all is in their best interest to form their own organization. We were all brothers in together again. God Bless you and yours!” arms, acting as one to achieve a goal of winning a war only to be handicapped Colonel Bruce Crandall did provided the keynote remarks for annual ceremony by civilians running the war. My brother black aviator, I never once considered at “The Wall” on November 11th at 1:00 p.m. He commemorated the 50th the color of your skin to separate you from our team and our mutual goals. anniversary of the Battle of Ia Drang, COL Crandall was commanding the 1st We all wore the same uniforms that designated us as US Army, USAF, US Cavalry Division’s Company A, 229th Assault Helicopter Battalion. November Navy and US Marine aviators. I consider it an affront to me and all other US 2015 marked an important anniversary of the start of the first major land battle Armed Forces Aviators that the black aviator community is led astray and made of the Vietnam War and many Ia Drang veterans were expected to be in DC. to believe that a separate organization is in their best interest. I would like The master of ceremonies for the Veterans Day ceremony was Vietnam veteran for the USBAA to consider for a moment what reaction would take place if I Harry G. Robinson III, FAIA AICP and VVMF Board Member. The Pledge of decided to form a USAWAA (United States Army White Aviation Association). Allegiance was led by Lisa Brannon, a Gold Star daughter whose father was The VHPA’s Response to the USABAA’s request to join our annual reunion killed in the Battle of Ia Drang. was short sighted. The response should have been, “Members of the USABAA I consider myself one of the youngsters of this group and I’ll be 70 on my next organization are most welcome to join us as individual aviators just as all birthday. I cherish those trips to DC each November. The camaraderie, pride attendees are welcomed. The VHPA was not organized to discriminate against in service, Esprit de ‘Corps, brotherhood we share when together is a flavor that any US Armed Forces Aviator.” Eugene Beyer COL (Ret) US Army few others will ever experience. I look forward to the New Year. My first knee jerk reaction was to attack Clovis Jones for having the audacity Let’s pull pitch and move on to the mail sortie for a sample of communications to form a separate organization but after conferring with my wife Jenny and my that came into the “Wings” mailbox since the last issue. 12th Cav. buddy, Truman Carroll, I was advised to tone it down and attempt to First, a note from William Hawkinberry be a little more diplomatic. Never my forte, I did it anyway. I was written up as referring to the Lost Cavalry Brigade. “Hi Hank, as always, I enjoyed reading a 2LT by a 1LT. for lacking tact. My life continues. Gene” Bravo, Gene! your article in the November/December issue of Saber and the Lost Cavalry Susan Lynch of Phoenix, Arizona informed me of Steve Maloney’s “Take Me Brigade. From December 70 to December 71, I served as the Personnel Officer Home Huey” displayed at the Rio Vista Recreation Center in Peoria, Arizona, for the 17th Aviation Group. At one point during this time, I flew up to the old last November 5th, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam French Airstrip in An Khe to coordinate the take-over of two companies from War. Peoria was the first stop for Huey #174 as it will make appearances’ in the 1st Cav Division who were being transferred to the 17th Avn Group. My Phoenix and Mesa before starting on a three-year tour around the country. Mr. memory is a little fuzzy, but as I recall, there was one company from the 228th Maloney saw the Huey as his canvas and eventually turning the aircraft into a and one from the 229th. A few days later, I also went up to Thailand, it could piece of art. He partnered with Dave Barron, co-founder of the non-profit Light have been Utapol (sp?) to coordinate the transfer of a Mohawk Company to the Horse Legacy which found the permanently un-flyable bird in a junk yard in 17th Avn Group. During that tour with the 17th Avn Group, we were constantly early 2014. The owner learning of the project Light Horse and Maloney were standing down some units and receiving companies from other units which were planning, donated the aircraft. The restoration process started right away and standing down. When I left, we had more personnel assigned to the Group than Steve began working on the sculpture in December of 2014 in a pop-up studio we had when I arrived. Just thought I’d pass it along.” William, I appreciate in Palm Springs, California. The tail section is a colorful mural filled the scenes any and all communication. Thanks for taking the time to write and the nice from Vietnam. The front reveals the names of the units that crewed the old bird comment. and their call signs. Clinton Poley wrote: “Hank, Did you ever see a Huey #67-17174 belonged to our 15th Med Battalion. The Medevac Huey Puff the magic dragon in action in Vietnam?” I responded to Clint’s question: with a crew of 5 was on a mission to pick up wounded troopers from the 1/9th “Twice. Puff was working the AO near me. The sound was unmistakable but when it took ground fire and went down on February 14, 1969. All survived the low clouds in the Highlands allowed only what looked like a solid neon light initial impact. The skids broke off and it came to rest on an angle. When Crew from above to pierce the overcast. I never actually saw the aircraft on both chief, SP4 Gary L. Dubach ran out to set up a perimeter he was fatally hit in occasions. But I will never forget it.” Ron Sleeis replied, “Thinking a little the back of the head with the M/R blade. Medic SP4 Stephen L. Schumacher more about this subject ...I do recall having to call (Puff) for help a couple of was also killed in the same manner when he rushed to SP4 Dubach’s aid. times on the Battalion radio. When we were anchored off Qui Nhon I recall Crewmember, Ralph Tutrani suffered a gunshot wound of the right hand from streams of tracers going into a hill and tracers coming out of the hill...didn’t see ground fire while boarding the rescue craft. The pilot, Walter McKnees and his the aircraft though.” co-pilot (name was not found during my research) were also rescued. The subject of “Did you ever fly a Piper Cub” was going back and forth on Ralph Tutrani, who works nearby in the Phila, AO and his wife Josette as the Wings email group for a couple days. So I thought I’d ask senior Wings well as Walter McKnees and members of the Dubach and Schumacher families member, Fred “Pink” Martin if he ever had the opportunity, knowing darn attended the November 5th presentation in Peoria. well he‘s flown just about everything. His reply was: “Hi Hank: You got me A Silver Wings thanks to Steve Maloney, Dave Barron for their endeavor and interested and I looked up Log Book #1 and I remembered some of the details. I a salute to the crew of #174 and the families. My thanks to Susan Lynch for had wanted to fly ever since I was 12 years old. In 1938 and 1939 I had bought sharing. thirty minutes of flying time twice, but money was a scarce item. Then in 1940 Okay, time to shut down this Wings sortie. First wish to thank the troopers after having graduated high school I borrowed $40.00 and plunked it down on who sent Holiday Greetings and everyone who took the time to call and/or a SOLO course with Midwest Flyers at “Lakeside Airport” (no longer there) in write since the last issue of our yellow rag. If anyone has something to share, Illinois. I flew it up real fast. My first solo was in an Aeronca-60, 10/17/40. contribute, photos, or a comment, please contact me. This column is a forum for The time leading up to the solo was flown in “YES! A Piper Cub, a Luscombe, your words and thoughts. Without them, there is no column. Until next time, a Porterfield and a Taylorcraft!” I have flown the Colt in later years. In fact, I Clear right! Hank LRRP/Ranger News On a different note, I’m happy to report that our unit was again well represented Continued from pg. 14 on Veterans Day 2015 at The Wall on The National Mall in Washington D.C. and I lost some of the data that was previously collected. at the Annual Veterans Day Dinner at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Crystal City on “Well that’s it for now. I hope that everyone has a great winter and spring, Saturday, November 14th. LTC Jim Wright (1967) and his lovely wife Mary, and that we will see you at the reunion in Las Vegas in June. In the meantime, Terry Smith (1970-71), and I were in attendance. As you might suspect, both I’m looking forward to a great winter of skiing here on the mountain. Take care. events were pretty much dominated by 1st Cav veterans of the battles of the Ia John.” Continued on pg. 17 Page 17 saber JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 15th MED/15th FSB/15th BSB James Edward McDonald, Mike Bodnar group afforded by Facebook? 13010 N. Lakeforest Dr. 77, of Longview passed If so, you are invited to join the Sun City, AZ 85351-3250 away October 28, 2015, at 15th MED Association Facebook (623) 972-4395 home. He was born August Page. It was created by Velma Smith [email protected] 30, 1938, in Philadelphia, (the wife of 15th MED Bn. Assn. www.15thMedBnAssociation.org Pennsylvania, to John and President Mile “Smitty” Smith) in Sue McDonald. James January 2014, primarily as a tool entered active duty May 8, 1958, and was assigned to the Army Medical for the Executive Committee, but Corps. His overseas tours included two assignments to Europe and five tours it has mushroomed into a Facebook in Vietnam. He served in combat operations with special forces, rangers and Page for 15th MED veterans , and foreign field forces. currently has fifty-three members. James was awarded two Bronze Stars, three Meritorious Service Medals, eight It is a private Facebook page, and Air Medals (two for valor), three Army Commendation membership is restricted to 15th Medals, two Army Achievement Medals, and numerous MED veterans and their family other medals, ribbons and badges highlighting his members. Privacy for the page is distinguished career, including the Vietnam Service set to “Secret” so that only members Medal with 12 Campaign Stars. James held a command can see the page, who is in group, sergeant major ranking when he retired in 1988. He and what members post. To join, This photo was taken at the 43rd was presented one of our nation’s highest peacetime simply send an e-mail to Velma Organization Day Celebration on June 1, awards, The Legion of Merit, for his 30 years of Smith at 1969. L to R: Mess Steward SFC William service. requesting admittance. H. Barnville; BN CO and Division Surgeon, He then became an employee of St. John Medical You must have a personal LTC Guthrie L. Turner; and HSC CO, Center, serving as security and safety manager for Facebook page in order to join the CPT Aubrey C. Hall several years. He made good friends there and after 15th MED FB page. You can easily set up a personal FB page very simply, retiring, James enjoyed lunch visits at the hospital James McDonald 71-72 divulging no personal information other than your name. There is no way that several times a week. James is survived by his wife, MEDEVAC PSG you can review the 15th MED FB page without joining it. However, if you join Christine McDonald at home; four children, Terry and decide that it is not for you, you can click on the “Joined” box and then Bean, Gary Morgan Jr., Rick Morgan and Larry Morgan, all of Longview; and select “Leave Group.” There is a lot of good exchange of information when a numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A sister, Mary preceded him comment or question is posted on the Facebook page. It is a lot of fun! Check in death. A private family gathering was held in his honor. it out! The new 15th Medical Battalion Association Website appears to be thorough. Mark your calendars and make your arrangements to attend the 2016 Reunion! Information there can be The 15th Medical Battalion Association’s 18th Annual Reunion will be held an aid to research. Well in Olympia, Washington April 11-16, 2016 at the Red Lion Hotel. Reunion done. Coordinator Larry Hatch has been extremely busy planning since the 2015 Emil “Lefty” Reunion and reports the following agenda: The theme of this year’s Reunion is Ercolano of C 2-7 Cav “Western” because the Pacific Northwest has many ranches and farms. As such, 1968-69 Garryowen there will be awards for the best dressed in Western garb at the BBQ banquet e-mailed, “Mike, cowboy and cowgirl boots are in order along with a ten-gallon hat. Tours at thanks for putting in the Museum of Flight at Boeing Field, LeMays Auto Collection (over 2,500 that little article of that vintage vehicles), 1W Helicopters, and Olympic Flight Museum are on the incident on Highway 1, agenda as well as great dining places. Saturday will feature meetings, group October, 10 1968. My pictures, opening ceremonies, awards, presentations, and an exciting auction. records were accessed but Cabela’s is booked at 6:00 pm for an evening of eating game meat (if desired) no mention of 15th MED. and shopping. Hotel reservations are required 1LT March 13, 2016. To reserve All I have are buddy rooms, call 1-800-733-5466 and request group rate of $94 plus tax for “15th Unit mission: wounded pickup in the field. (Photo statements, a letter from Medical Battalion Reunion”.” On-line booking use Code MILI0411. from MEDEVAC pilot Larry Hatch) LT John Guillory, after The full schedule, registration forms, and other information on the Reunion is action report from College on our new 15th MED Website, , thanks to Park, Maryland, and a picture of the truck. I was just service connected for TBI. Webmaster Ron “Huey” Huether. Completed Reunion registration forms need Fighting with the Army Board of Corrections for a Purple Heart since 2010. to be sent to Treasurer David Huser (920) 737-3244 at 4339 Windemer Ln, Just gotta keep going. On another note, don’t know if I sent you this but as a Hobart, WI 54155 or as soon as possible. If you do grunt on the ground this is how we felt about you guys. Played this audio at our not have access to the Internet or have any questions at all about the Reunion, Reunion in Arkansas in August 2015 and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. please contact Reunion Coordinator Larry Hatch at (360) 491- 6486, or Once again thanks.” . He will mail paper copies of Reunion information The 15th Medical Battalion will be 90 years old June 1, 2016! The 15th including registration forms to you. As always, the Reunion promises to be a Medical Battalion was organized June 1, 1926 at Fort Bliss, Texas. The 90th great time to reunite with old friends, to make some new friends, and to in Organization Day or 90th Anniversary will be commemorated at the 18th general be a good time! Annual 15th Medical Bn. Association Reunion in Olympia, Washington, April Always remembering our 1st Cav troops on duty around the world; over and 11-16, 2016. out. Are you on Facebook? Do you enjoy the instantaneous interaction with a FIRST TEAM! GarryOwen, SO THAT OTHERS MAY LIVE

LRRP/Ranger News Continued from pg. 16 to reach. No local markers and no public directions. With no GPS capability, I Drang Valley in November 1965, would not have been able to find it without the aid of Jack’s map. Beckley must since this marked the 50th anniversary have had grunts in mind given their experience in the bush. It is beautiful in its of those battles. Medal of Honor re- simplicity and rivals the Vietnam Wall in inspiration. You will find no mention cipient, COL Bruce Crandall, was the of its originator or no solicitations for more money for maintenance or other guest speaker at the observance at The questionable expenditures akin to the Vietnam Wall. The actual walled in Sol- Wall and Joe Galloway, co-author of dierstone is surrounded 360 degrees by numerous granite markers highlighting the book We Were Soldiers Once… and many of the events, people and other actions associated with the wars throughout Young, was the guest speaker at the din- Southeast Asia. Many of the associated inscriptions are in a foreign language ner. Both events attracted big crowds. and will require some research to decipher. It was a privilege to have so many Ia “The trip was worth the effort and my family and I were duly impressed. There Drang veterans in attendance with us appeared to be lots of emphasis on those who actually bore the brunt of the fight- to commemorate the anniversary. ing, and the site itself would make any self-respecting grunt pleased. I would Veterans Day 2015 at The Wall in Wash- The following email was also re- recommend it to all Vietnam vets who might get into the vicinity and anyone ington, DC – Ken White (l) and LTC Jim ceived from Jim Wright. (Please note else who served in Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, etc.). Wright (r) that the memorial described by Jim Best regards, Jim Wright.” is located in Colorado in the Rocky The following was received from Wilbur Wesselius (1968-69): “To all, at the Mountains on top of Sergeants Mesa, just off the Continental Divide National end of this month I’ll be retiring, I just turned 70 this past Sunday 12-20-15. Scenic Trail, at grid coordinates 37 17 31.08 N 106 22 16.22 W. It is dedicated My new e-mail address is , effective immediately. to the soldiers of those countries that collaborated with the United States in the Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Wilbur war against the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong.) Wesselius, Co E 52nd Infantry LRRP, Co H 75th Rangers, 1st Cav, January “Soldierstone: LRRPs may find this video of interest inasmuch as it highlights 1968 – March 1969.” a Ranger’s visit to Soldierstone. I passed it on to my former 2/5th Cav and 2/12th On a final note, the 1st Cavalry Division Association Reunion in Las Vegas Cav colleagues but it may have as much meaning or more to my former LRRP from 8-12 June is being hosted by the Nevada Chapter of the 1st Cavalry colleagues. It almost requires LRRP / Ranger skills to find it! The URL for it Division Association, so if you have any questions about it, please contact Bill is as follows: (Rangers Lead Anton (1971-72) or Ken Gallagher (1970-72), or Dennis Webster. Information The way). and a reunion registration form are available on pages 12 and 13 of this issue “Let me just start by saying the Soldierstone experience lived up to Jack’s of Saber. previous comment about a visit being a religious experience. Definitely located RANGERS LEAD THE WAY! - in a very remote setting of nature’s beauty on the central divide. It is not an easy thing to find and it is in a very remote location and requires a pilgrimage JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 saber Page 18 20th and 79th Artillery Regiment News Bruce Wilder KIA (BC). At the end of the month the total for ARA in the Pershing AO read 9724 Rosariod Dr. 185 KIA (BC); 1546 structures destroyed, 41 weapons silenced and 46 caves Parrish, FL 34219-9200 and bunkers destroyed. (423) 245-6116 [email protected] October 1967: During the period 1 October thru 31 December, the 2/20th www.araassociation.com ARA had detached elements in support of operations in the other AO’s, i.e. An Khe, Phan Thiet, Chu Lai, and Kontum. C Battery was detached during the The mail room has been rather quiet around here the past few months. People entire time and employed in Operation Wallewa (Chu Lai). winding down from summer vacations, Labor Day Weekend trips, Veterans On 6 October 67, A/2/20th ARA while flying a mission observed three enemy Day Celebrations, Thanksgiving Day Family gatherings, and preparations for soldiers. They engaged resulting in three KIA. On the same day ARA engaged Christmas, with travel plans, have not permitted much time for looking ahead a bunker, resulting in a secondary explosion and collapsing the bunker. 11 and planning activities and travel in 2016. I urge each of you to set aside some October proved to be an active day for the men of ARA on Operation Bolling. time soon to include our next Annual Reunion in Colorado Springs in your travel At 1015, ARA and a scout team from C 1/9 were sent to check on a sighting plans. I know it is easy to think that September 2016 is almost a year away, so reported by ROK advisers. Upon arriving on station both ships received AW why bother with it now. My advice is that you get the hotel reservations made fire. They then engaged ten VC resulting in six enemy KIA. One ARA ship to ensure accommodations and, secondly, get the information on airfares to see received hits from small arms fire. At 1720 hrs, one ARA ship had a power if that is the way you want to travel. Some of you may be interested in RV travel failure. The plane crashed. One crewman was injured and the remainder of the and camping; therefore, it is never too early to make those site reservations. crew was extracted. Moving right along, I direct your attention to our 2016 Reunion scheduled Operation Bolling terminated on 15 October with the closing of 2/8 Cav at LZ for September 7-11, 2016, at the Embassy Suites Hotel, 7290 Commerce English at 1003 hours. The overall operation was termed highly successful. Center Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80919. Our hosts are Larry and Regina November 1967: The enemy somewhat slacked off on their activities during Mobley, with the Board of Directors assisting. Room rates are $117.00 per November. Battalion operations continued with relatively light activity. 14 night, plus 9.63 % tax. Rates are good for two days pre/post 7-11 September November saw the assumption of command by LTC Robert M. Tyson Jr. LTC 2016. Reservations may be made by calling 1-800-362-2779 or 1-719-599- Tyson took command of the battalion from LTC Knowles and came to us from 9100. When making reservations use code “ARAA” to ensure you receive the the Aviation Officer Branch, HQ USAREUR. $117.00 rate. Thirty-five (35) rooms have been set aside for our reunion. You A Battery was a part of the 1st Brigade task force attached to the 4th Infantry are encouraged to make your reservations early as more rooms can be set aside Division in the battle of Dak To. Elements of A Battery attacked an enemy as needed. The hotel has requested that all reservations be made by 6 August mortar position which was causing damage to the Dak To airfield. Credit was 2016. Embassy Suites provides a complimentary cooked to order breakfast received for destruction of the mortar and killing the crew. A night fire mission each morning, plus free drinks during the evening reception each day. For those resulted in engagement of a NVA rocket position. Captain Gary Adams’ platoon who are flying, flights can be booked into Colorado Springs Airport (COS). fired into the position and successfully silenced their activities. Later Captain Now let us look at the second part of the ARA HISTORY – 2nd Battalion Henry Gordon and his platoon were credited with stopping a mortar attack (ARA), 20th Artillery – 1967 which I started in the last issue. against the MAAG compound and a nearby bridge site. After attacking the May 1967: This period saw the loss of an ACH-47 (Go-Go), ARA raid, enemy mortar position, Captain Gordon landed near a burning tank at the bridge emergency extractions of an LRRP, and the night relief of an LZ being and evacuated the wounded crew. mortared. On 17 November, ARA accounted for three enemy KIA (BC), three huts On the first day of May the battalion Radio call-sign became “Tough Baron” destroyed and one secondary explosion. and was shortened to Baron. December 1967: The first significant activities of December occurred on the While on a fire mission, an ACH-47 (Go-Go) aircraft crashed and burned 7th. On that day three A/C received hits, CS, smoke, and MADS were employed killing all the crew members. The crash was determined to be caused by one and a one day record of 2,030 2.75” rockets were fired. (Columnist’s note: 1LT of the 20mm Cannons forward mounting pins coming out. This allowed the Warren Flenniken, FO from 21st Arty with the 8th Cav was supported by ARA cannon to elevate while firing, destroying the forward rotor. and employed a total of 32 sections of ARA in one battle ending on December On 10 and 11 May the battalion conducted ARA raids northwest of Ba Te in 14, 1967. He and his RTO were written up for the Silver Star Medal by the support of the Ba Te Special Forces. These raids proved to be highly successful. CO, C/2/20 ARA. Most recent conversation with Flenniken is still negative on The battalion was credited with 9 KIA (BC) and eight estimated KIA, one WIA, located the paper work for the awards. Lynn McKinnie, B/2/20 ARA shared twenty large barracks buildings destroyed, and 11 secondary explosions. Go- at our last reunion in Columbus, Georgia, that he remembers the battle and the Go was hit on the raid on 11 May wounding one gunner. Ordnance used on employment of 32 sections, but could not recall the name of the CO. Gentlemen, the raids included SS-11s, 81 mortars (MADS) 2.75” rocket Flecettes, 40mm here we go again! Calling for information from all sources as to the name of grenades, 20mm cannons and 7.62mm MG, and .50 cal. MG. Again on 20 May, anyone who would have had anything to do with the missions flown and witness Battery A, came to the rescue of a LRRP surrounded by enemy forces. After statements. As usual, we are starting out with very little information and are driving back the enemy with withering rocket fire, they extracted the three man trying to help a soldier receive what is due him.) force. On 8 December 1967, again a busy day, two more A/C received hits, two CS On the night of 23 May, LZ Dot was mortared. A Battery fired in support of missions were flown, and 11 enemy kills (estimate) were assessed. LZ Dot defenses and was credited with two KIA (BC). On 13 December, the battalion was credited with 8 KIA (BC). On 14 On the 23rd of May, firing on a VC ambush site, C Battery was credited with December, five more KIA (BC) were accredited to ARA. three KIA (BC). The remainder of the month was somewhat slow in that the battalion only One significant mission not previously reported was a one day operation in killed six enemy soldiers (BC). There were many days without any significant the Ba Te AO. This occurred on 10 May. A section of ARA from HHB, 2/20th activities. coordinated searches and firing in the northern Ba Te AO. An intelligence During the year the battalion saw many changes in tactics, procedures, Sergeant from the Ba Te Special Forces Detachment accompanied the section personnel and equipment. Experience has told the story of ARA and as more of ARA. Many excellent targets were sighted and engaged which resulted in experience in gained, so will the ability of the 2/20th to better perform its mission two VC KIA (BC), one large building (20 x 80) destroyed, and one hut ruined (I in the same outstanding manner. guess that means uninhabitable). Incoming correspondence and replies: I received an email from Ralph (Doc) The remainder of May did not produce any significant reports. The battalion Holloway on 9 December who informed me that he had read with interest continued its outstanding support of the 1st Air Cav Division. the last article about Go-Go picking up the recon team. Seems as though the June 1967: During June 1967, Operation Pershing rolled on with the same information I had needed to be tweaked. Here is Doc’s email: “Mr. Wilder, one half dozen noteworthy incidents. The entire battalion saw employment of my name is Ralph (Doc) Holloway and I received my copy of the November/ CS, smoke and one instance of employment of the MADA system. On 10 June December issue of the Saber today. I always read the 20th and 79 Arty News one ship was hit in the raid. There were no casualties and the aircraft was with interest and the bit you included about the Go-Go picking up the recon team flyable. On 18 June, five enemy soldiers were killed at grid 670269. These were was right on target. I would like to point out one minor correction though. The confirmed by BC. On June 20th three CS missions and one smoke mission were pilot of the Go-Go ship was CPT Louis Ralph Jones, now retired as a Colonel flown. 23 June saw the engagement of an enemy platoon by elements of ARA. in Virginia. I was the pilot of the other Go-Go Chinook who flew wing and Eight enemy were killed (BC) and twenty huts were destroyed. On 24 June an covered for CPT Jones that day. The Smithsonian Channel did a recent show 81mm mortar MADS drop was made on targets of intelligence information. about the CH-47 on their War Birds series and I was privileged to be able to Also on the 24th, five SS-1 missiles were fired at VC caves resulting in two talk about the Chinook and that mission. I enjoy reading about the 2/20th in the large secondary explosions. Saber. Thanks, Ralph L. (Doc) Holloway, 53rd/1st AVN DET, Armed CH-47 July 1967: The first of July brought no significant activities, but on the Detachment-1966-1967” second, the versatility of ARA was again tested. A total of 989 CS grenades My response to Doc: “Doc, I have heard your name mentioned many times were dropped in grid 683137. 206 2.75” rockets were fired resulting in 11 and I am glad to finally meet you via email. I will note the changes in the enemy KIA (BC); six estimated KIA, and three WIA, also estimated. Six huts document I have and also mention this in the next Saber article. I am always were also destroyed, on 5 July two ARA raids in conjunction with 1st AVN looking for article material, so if you have a story involving the time Go-Go DET (GO-Go) resulted in 87 huts destroyed, 44 damaged and three secondary Chinooks were with ARA, I’d love to include them in my article. Please stay in explosions, a satisfying sequel to the forth. touch! Peace, Bruce” August 1967: 8 August saw the first significant activity in the month. 35 Doc’s instant reply: “Thanks Bruce for your kind words. The Go-Go’s were a flares were employed and ten enemy soldiers were estimated killed by rockets strange animal once we move up to the 1st CAV. We were assigned to the 228th fired during the illuminating missions. On 25 August, the Go-Go destroyed two for quarters, rations and logistical support and OPCON to 2/20th for operations. huts, damaged ten, and three enemy soldiers were KIA (BC). Almost all of our missions were through the 2/20 Operations Center. I joined September 1967: During the first half of September, 2/20 continued its the unit when we formed at Fort Benning and stayed with them for a year in employment of all assets to accomplish the mission and defeat the enemy. On country. It was my second tour. I flew with the UTT helicopter Company on September 17, Operation Bolling began with 1/A/2/20 (ARA) GS of the 173rd my first tour so I was a pretty lucky Warrant to be able to fly in the only Armed Airborne Brigade on D Day and 2/9 Cav thereafter, the missions of Operation Helicopter Company in the world and then to be able to fly the armed Chinook Bolling was to seize and secure LZ Saddle, establish a fire base and conduct as well. I will pass your kind words on to CPT Jones. Thanks” search and destroy operations within the AO. The Operation Bolling period was Doc, thank you for sharing your history with ARA and the Guns-A-Go-Go. 17 September to 15 October 67. Meanwhile back in the Pershing AO, operations I wish for all a Happy New Year filled with peace. “Armed Falcon 28 Delta, on 27 September resulted in one powered boat destroyed and 15 enemy soldiers breaking right!” Page 19 saber JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 82nd FA News Arrival in Vietnam In include the inside “Can and Will” 1969: I arrived in Vietnam also. The third Bill Thomason 101 Lakeview Dr. like almost everyone and photo is 4 pieces Lexington, SC 29073-9366 processed through 90th of the Military (803) 542-7278 Replacement Bn and went Pay Certificates [email protected] through the same routines. we used for our I made all of the formations transactions while when it was time to in Vietnam. Years announce assignments and the day I was assigned to the 1st Cav Division, I after I came back was the only one called for the 1st Cav and the last assignment given that day. from Vietnam, At first my heart just dropped because I wanted to go to one of those typical we made another Assault Aviation Units in Vietnam. Well, now I am on my way to Cav Country move, I think the I thought. What did I do wrong? Anyway, I arrived at First Team Academy year was 2004 (FTA) in Bien Hoa. We had all kinds of formation, orientations, briefings and when we moved to training we had to attend in preparing us for our trip to our unit of assignment. Tennessee, I found Finally my shipment date came. I boarded a Hook and away we went. Sitting this box of Vietnam in this big noisy bird and looking out a window of the Chinook I could see the history and destruction of war. Oh My God, where am I going? I saw huge bare places Weather Proof Cav Wallet souvenirs. Among in the forest where artillery and B-52’s dropped their ordnances. I mean it was the hundreds of photos and memories was this continuous and the more I saw the more anxiety built in me. I do not think that Cav Wallet. And still zip locked inside was a I was afraid, but concerned. The Chinook arrived at the Camp Gorvad, Phuoc 5, 10, 25 and 50 cent Military Pay Certificates Vinh landing strip and if my memory serves me correctly, we landed about 100 (MPC) notes. (Photo 3)(Photo4) Military Pay Certificates yards out on the PSP runway near the little 8th Aerial Port Terminal. I grabbed Condolences: Yeah, another month and no (MPC) my duffle bag and a laundry bag full of equipment and walked off of the back of known losses. the ramp on the Chinook and walked maybe 35 or so feet and a siren sounded. Woodpecker Reunion: There is not a day that goes by that someone sends me It stopped me in my tracks. Now I learned in FTA that the siren was a warning an e-mail talking about the Woodpecker Reunion in Santa Fe, New Mexico. I of incoming. Was it the same at Phouc Vinh? Guess what I found out? Almost am so glad that everything went well and everyone had a wonderful time. This immediately a big explosion took place. I hit the deck and the Chinook nearly is the second reunion I missed in the past 2 years and both were missed due to blew me away when it took off and here I lay right in the middle of the runway medical problems that I have been having. Maybe the next reunion will be the with a duffle bag as cover. I stayed down a couple of minutes and the all clear one that several of us can attend and enjoy. was sounded. I picked myself up and went to the 8th Aerial Port and called the Bill Thomason’s Hospital Visits: Over the past year I have been back and forth Battery. Echo Btry sent a ¾ truck that was virtually stripped of nonessential to doctors and clinics regarding a stomach issue. I have had Colonoscopies, metal to pick me up. Away we went. The battery was a very short distance from Endoscopies, Sonagrams, Hida Scans, pushing and probing, and the list goes the port. In a couple of minutes I was on and on. Early this fall and in the middle of a very painful period of time, in the battery. It did not take long to my wife made an appointment with my Primary Care Provider at Ft Jackson, get assigned sleep space and get out SC. She ordered a CT scan at Moncrief Army Hospital. The day after she on the line. I was a SSG, 67V4H called and advised me that there was a real hot spot on the scan and referred and the OH-6A was my specialty. me to the Surgeon at Moncrief. This appointment generated lots of interest and We had 16 little LOH’s for all of he requested information from the civilian doctors, clinics, etc that have been those missions When I arrived we playing around with my problem. About the same time a massive rain system had 4 UH-1H Models and 1 UH-1D passed through our cities here in South Carolina and literally shut the area down Model Huey also. One of our Huey with 15 to 20 inches of rain and massive flooding. This did not help my situation birds was the Charlie Ship for the but I had to wait. The surgeon advised me a few weeks later that he could not Division Artillery Commander. The make decisions upon the info he received or did not receive. I told him that I DIVARTY Commander was Colonel would get the info he needed if I had to take a shovel handle with me. He advised Morris Brady and his Crew Chief me to make an appointment with the Gastroenterologist and get the info. I did was Donnie Inman. My job was and by the end of the appointment I was scheduled with a new Colonoscopy. on the flight line and maintenance. Echo Btry (Aviation), 82nd Arty, 1st Air The new procedure revealed Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma of the Colon. On 2 You can imagine when I seen the Cav Div December I went through surgery with the removal of the Ascending Colon following photo, what had I gotten and the junction where the small intestine is connected. Positive proof of the into. Everything turned out well thought. Before long I was promoted to SFC cancer. I am now preparing for chemotherapy in Lexington Medical Center in E-7 and PMOS changed to 67N4H. Not too bad for an NCO in the Army for West Columbia, South Carolina. My Oncologist, and a 10-year Army Doctor only 9 years. Remember this was back in the “good old Army”. and Veteran, insured me that the chemo I will be taking is just plain insurance Did We Celebrate Christmas In Vietnam? One thing I remember well from that will alleviate any renegade cancer cells that may be lurking in other parts my Vietnam experiences, the US Army went out of their way to celebrate of my body. I have also been praised that I am not or have not been a smoker as special holidays. My best this gives my body a much better chance of surviving this medical ordeal. Also, memories were Thanksgiving I have visited a VA Office and submitted my claim as Non-Hodgkin’s Cancer is and Christmas. Especially one of the many diseases caused by Agent Orange spraying in Vietnam. I spent the Thanksgiving meal was one full year in Phuoc Vinh, Vietnam. Phuoc Vinh and Camp Gorvad was at marvelous and the cooks and the center of the this 16 km circle was sprayed with at least 484,383 gallons of mess stewards did a remarkable Agent Orange; 146,576 gallons of Agent White; and 12,810 gallons of Agent job in providing us with such a Blue. This was deemed necessary because the VC-infested Ma Da Tropical great meal. As indicated in the Rain Forest completely surrounded the city and base camp, providing the VC picture, it is Christmas 1968 with both access and escape without being seen. Truly, Phuoc Vinh was the and at that time the battery was “Groundwater Zero” of the chemical war in Vietnam. I want to thank all of the located at Camp Evans. Isn’t it “Old Woodpeckers” for their communications, thoughts and prayers. So far amazing how we can adapt to everything has worked well and now I just hope that I endure the chemotherapy our environment and just like and come out of it all, cancer free. this picture, even in combat Michael Lazares cancer: Most of you remember that Michael Lazares is an we can celebrate those special Echo Btry writer and has been undergoing cancer treatments. Mike was unable occasions in our life. Pictured to attend the reunion at the very last minute and I know he would have been are SP5 Paul W Herring, SP5 there if his illness just made it impossible. He made plans to be there. So Mike, Paul Herring, Paul Tober, Tony Romero Paul Tober and SP5 Tony hang in there and be ready next year. Mikes new book is out. “364 Days and a Romero. Celebrating Christmas Wake-up” (new) www.mdlazaresauthor.com with soft drinks in their hands. :) The other two soldiers are unknown in the Donald Holme’s wife took a nasty fall: Donald’s wife Alice took a very nasty photograph. Paul Herring was a Crew Chief on Huey #949 in Echo Battery fall while performing work at their local church in Georgia. So let’s keep her in and currently resides in Garland, Texas and is an Attorney there. SP5 Paul our prayers for a speedy recovery. Tober was a Crew Chief/Door Gunner and was killed in action on 23 Feb 69 One last tidbit: Just cannot stop advising anyone that is suffering from or have by a rocket that hit and exploded in his hooch. This happened in Quan Loi, illnesses that were caused by Agent Orange and you are not using the Veterans Vietnam. He was TDY to Co D, 1/9th Cav. SP5 Paul Tober was from Tigerton, Administration (VA), you need to jump on board. Now would be a good time Wisconsin. Tony Romero was a Door Gunner on Huey’s and LOH’s during his to check into getting help. My recommendation is check also with one of the tour in Vietnam. He currently resides in Denver, Colorado and is retired. Veteran Service Organizations, VFW, DAV, American Legion, and VVA as most Photo provided by Tony Romero. Article assembled and submitted by Bill of them have Service Officers that are well trained in preparing and submitting Thomason. Bill can be reached at E-mail . Tony claims. They can answer questions and put you on the right track and fight for can be contacted at the following e-mail address: . you as needed. It works Brothers. I fully understand as I went through hell Paul Herring can be contacted at the following e-mail address: . seems to be doing quite well in helping Veterans in need. I know there are VA’s CAV Wallet and MPC: I suppose everyone remembers the 1st Air Cavalry out there that have a lot of catching up to do and your efforts just may be what Wallet. I remember I got one when I first hit Cav Country and I think from many is needed to get that done also. You earned the VA care, now go get it. If you perspectives that was the best investment I made. First of all, it would take a make an attempt and get any static from a VA representative or employee, do not beating and still keep everything dry and protected. I remember guys that would be afraid to call or write a letter to one of your best allies, your local Senator or get soaked and everything they had in their leather wallets would be destroyed. Representative. They carry a big stick and hopefully know how to use it. If not That never happened to me because the Cav Wallet had zip lock sections in it take your own stick to their office and demand their support. to keep everything dry and safe. I have attached a photo copy of the wallet to JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 saber Page 20

ENGINEER News SGM Salazar: service number. From there it was off to Ft. Eustis for Prop and Rotor School. Jesse Crimm With regret From there another no brainer for the time. Michael was off to RVN and the 4445 Silverwood Ln. we honor the 229th Assault Helo Battalion flying out of Bien Hoa for the Cav. “Well enough Jacksonville, FL 32207-6241 passing of SGM of this grease” he said and when a door gunner slot opened, as they often did, (904) 737-6172 Henry Salazar and he became a side door fly boy. Well, it wasn’t all glamour as much of their [email protected] in November in work was ash and trash hauling to include hot meals, USO shows and donut Fayetteville, North Carolina. Among his awards were the Legion of Merit, girls and VIPs to LZ s like Mace and Crossed Sabers. (Mike just remember Bronze Star with V, and Air Medal with V. He influenced many a soldier above those of us on the ground appreciated the three canister hot meals.) Ever so and below him in rank. Personally I had only two encounters with him. The often there was a Charlie Alpha to perform, all taken in stride. This writer first was when I complained that I really had nothing to do as the record keeper learned that Orbit Left meant that a Huey would continuously circle left while for the motor pool in HHC and asked to be sent to a line unit. The next day I calling in artillery spots. That meant that the right side door gunner had little to was gone. The second was when I was stuck on some God forsaken LZ with six do but watch the sky. In turn, that was better than pealing pine bark. Some of days left and made note of the fact to him during a drop in. I was in his Huey you will recall the legendary rocket attack on the Air Force side of Bien Hoa. for the return flight to Phouc Vinh. Any memories that you readers wish to The Class VI store took a direct hit. Well, guess who was there the next morning contribute will be printed in his honor. to help police up the dented beer cans, our hero Mike. He is retiring now from a Coming to Fort Hood: (Condensed from the November 7-8 2015 Wall Street long career in jet repair for the Navy which fits with Escambia County and NAS Journal) The obsession of Arnold Pensacola. Now living in Middleburg, Florida, Mike will be seen on his big ass Fisher is the human brain-specifically Harley riding guard and escort for the American Legion and blistering the tar how Americans can help our warriors based asphalt of Northeast Florida. Funny how the tar still sticks to you after who return from the battlefield with all these years. Fair winds and following seas Mike. Wait! That’s navy talk and injuries few understand. He’s talking would dishonor the bright and visible Cav patch on his riding jacket. about those suffering from TBI or Bro Iceburg: Where are you? We haven’t PTSD. Until recently conventional heard from you in a while. wisdom held that they were untreatable Here’s the Point: These guys named above because it was thought that the brain and plenty of others are all around you. quit developing. Mr. Fisher, a Korean And every one of them needs to be in our TBI Scan at NICoE vet who turned family bricklaying into a Association. But you have to ask. fortune in New York real estate, decided Seven Years: Yep seven years with this to take it on. The first result was the National Intrepid Center of Excellence at issue I have been your reporter. Nope. Walter Reed. It turns out that the human brain has an extraordinary capacity to Ain’t hanging up any spurs. Suffer or better repair itself. Fisher is an impatient man. No sooner did the first location open yet, contribute otherwise the harangue will than he started in on Fort Campbell. The impact is likened as being to what continue unabated. penicillin did to fight infection in WWII. Two more are coming, Fort Bragg and One Patient: One patient in a doctor’s Fort Hood. “Gymnasiums for the brain” he calls them. As well, when he found waiting room said, “The doctor says I can’t a sailor sleeping in a car and unable to afford a room during the treatment period play golf.” Another patient replied, “She beat for his wife, he founded Fisher House. Though he won’t go on record with a you too?” comment, the contrast between the inefficiency of the VA and the way Fisher Fake Vets: There you are in the check out line operates is not hard to notice. He won’t take a dime from the government. at K Mart and you spot a guy with a Vietnam “I’m 83 and will see four more Bro Iceberg Nam 1970 Vet cap with a bunch of pins displayed. You NICoE’s built if God allows me strike up a conversation thinking to ask him to to complete them. Because he’s join the Association. He tells you about being airborne, a LRP, and getting his the only one who could stop me.” Bronze Star with a V device. You begin to wonder and want to verify without {writer’s commentary} My fellow causing a scene. Just ask what color were the NVA tracers. Then take it from engineers and anyone else who there. reads this far back in Saber, if this is Eastern Maine: That’s all the postmark says. The handwritten letter is not an inspiration I don’t know what precise in its cursive formation as though a caliper was used to space the lines is. We’re talking about a corporal and separate words linearly. The letter starts off friendly enough with a “Hi who put his ass on the line in Korea Jesse” and ends with a simple “Ray C.” Now, you readers need to go back to and continues to kick butt in the the September/October Saber and revisit the story about us engineers and the best possible way like any SGM Montagnard tribesmen. (I’ll wait. >>>>> Ready?) It turns out that in addition would do. And by the way, Fisher to the D6 dozer operated by a still unnamed but now confirmed for sure country has been given the honorary rank boy, there was a road grader there as well. And guess what? Our still partially of SGM by the Department of the unnamed Ray C was the grader operator. But let’s let Ray tell his own story. “I Army. If you or someone you know built the road on the side of the mountain leading up to the proposed village site. could benefit from NICoE, your There we channeled flat areas like shelves for the construction of their straw primary physician should call 301- huts, an interesting project but not much security. I think the 1st Cav relocated 319-3702. Think this Fisher guy 22,000 Montagnards from along the borders because they were neutral people and the NVA wanted them to join their cause.” Ray C then continued to clarify might be a good speaker at our next Self Images NICoE Reunion? Never hurts to ask. my partially erroneous and somewhat snide remarks about the TOC at Phouc Your Board Meeting is Soon: Your Association Board of Governors meets in Vinh (PV). “The TOC at PV I remember well. I had a lot of time in place in February. Now, as you read this paragraph, is a good time to call or email or country and just coming back to base camp from another project. I was assigned write anyone you know on your Board regarding any thoughts you may have guard duty which I didn’t think was fair coming in from a field operation. So I about the management and direction of your Association. was posted guard duty on the TOC. By the way, the battalion commander lived Cute Bumper Sticker Seen: Obiwan Kinobe 2016 Nothing Else Will Save inside the TOC and that’s why he had air conditioning. I decided to rest lying Us. down on a wall of sandbags. The next thing I knew the muzzle of my M16 Steve Lang: As your reporter, it is my duty to attend certain events looking was against my temple. It was the sentry LT and he placed me under arrest. I for 1st Cav type guys. Well, as Steve held the ropes at a golf tournament cross was so startled by that because I thought for a split second it was a VC and it walk, he made a verbal note of my Cav shirt that I wear to attract eyes. Steve was over. Anyway the battalion commander cut me some slack and did not turns out to be a 19K with tours of duty during Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi press charges. Well, that’s the story. Also great subjects in your writings in the Freedom. When I asked about 19K’s he added M1A1 and I got the picture. You Saber. I look forward to reading them.” Well thank you Ray C. and if you’ll will recall we Engineers blew things in place rather than deal with pesky removal send some pictures I’ll get them published as well. And yes, your handwriting and disposal. Well, tankers are the same. When is quite precise in its construction. You probably showed up for formations in a the 11B’s took some sniper fire, he would pull up clean uniform and maybe a smear of polish on your boots. Whatever the case, and let loose a 105 round on any floor. What the Welcome Home and come to a Reunion. One more thing Ray, if you want to heck? May as well let the rubble bury them as talk to the guy who was there with you, the one taking measurements and who well as end the threat. He is right proud of the fell in the river, call 714-931-3123. M1A1 calling it the greatest tank ever made and For The Rest of You Guys: Ray is the reason I write this column. The he’s correct. Steve has since retired to Hinesville, September/October story struck a chord with him and he responded. Trust me. Georgia where he is also a member of the VFW. If you send me a story, picture, thought, question or request, it will get a printed Jack Hunter: Thanks to persistence and a web response. I may have to edit some of your prose but the essence will get out. of connections, Lynn Titus was able to track down Reminder: If you didn’t get a copy of “Bobo and the Owl” for your children and grandchildren for Christmas, it’s not too late for their birthdays. What is his Commander from Phouc Vinh days, Jack Lynn Titus Hunter. Jack, we want to see you in Las Vegas that book you ask? Sigh! Go back two Saber issues and discover the amazing and hope all is well with you. Drop us a line. world of reading to your children. Your kids would rather have that in the long Job Opening: Do these requirements fit you? run then something plastic and made in China. Honorable Discharge, Life Member of Association, Notice Any Difference? What changed this month regarding the layout of live or willing to live in Killeen area, served in your Engineer News section? A prize, modest though it is, awaits the first 1st Cavalry. If so, you are minimally qualified correct response. Hint. It’s not down here. Well, actually there are two if Dara to be interviewed for the position of Association Wydler doesn’t edit this submission too closely. And who is Dara Wydler? Director. Another prize awaits the first correct respondent. Michael Thornton: There he was stuck in the Southern Boys Would Never Say: “Wrestling is fake.” “Honey, we don’t need piney woods of Escambia County Florida destined another dog.” “I couldn’t find a thing at Wal-Mart today.” “I musta missed that for a career in tar and turpentine. What’s a guy to episode of Hee Haw.” “Give me a small serving of pork rinds.” “Checkmate.” do? No brainer, enlist in the Army and get an RA Sign in Dentist Office: “You don’t have to floss all your teeth just the ones you CPT Jack Hunter want to keep.” So until next issue, keep flossing. Page 21 saber JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 21st FA News Chicken Man on the Armed Forces Radio. Anyone have a remembrance of I hope everyone had a good your time in Vietnam. Thanks Joe Koch for the tip. Joe was in Vietnam before John Parker Christmas and New Years. I pray I was and we have lunch sometimes and talk about our times there. 10915 Tradition View Dr. you had a safe return and are ready In the last issue, I posted a picture of Bill Lund, Joe Scarborough, and Henry Charlotte, NC 28269-1411 to begin a new year. My thoughts Dunn. LTC (Ret) Bob Barker, Battery Commander of C Brty, 1/21 FA during [email protected] are of our fellow troopers that are the battle of LZ XRay and LZ Albany remarked the three were his favorite no longer with us but left us with artillerymen. Joe Scarborough served under then CPT Bob Barker. Hopefully in the memories of our comradeship. I future articles I can pass on have been giving a lot of thought about what to write in this article. When I took firsthand account of what over the writing for the 1/21 FA in Saber, it was still an active unit. As I read the happened during those articles of other units, most are still active units and the writers write about both days from these troopers’ past and present. The 1/21 FA cased its colors June 14, 2014 and no one knows firsthand accounts. Both if and when the battalion will become active again. I read the long history Joe Scarborough and I the 21st Field Artillery in the Saber and all the changes it has gone through. would like to shed more Most of us only remember it as a part of the 1st Cavalry Division, but it hasn’t light on the action of the always been that way. For a full history of the 1/21 FA, go to the website of batteries during this time. the 1st Cavalry Division Association and follow the link to Regiments. I was We have a Facebook first assigned to C Brty, 2/19 FA when I arrived page for the 1/21 FA. in Vietnam, but attached to Co. D, 1/8 Cavalry as Anyone interested can a Recon Sergeant. The last half of my tour was search Facebook for 1/21 spent in A Brty, 1/21 FA. The 2/19 FA also folded Field Artillery & Friends its colors in March 1979 and has no writer for it and request to join the Gulf War in the Saber. When the annual Reunions are held group. The only request most other units have their own unit meetings but that I ask is to not post political posts and to not sell or solicit items there. It’s all artillery is lumped together. Other units have a good place to meet others that served in the 1/21 FA and keep up with friends their associations and hold reunions. I guess my from the past. point in all this is where is the 1/21 FA headed Pete Ballo, 67-68, FO Delta/Charlie; FDC Alpha is looking for a John Bitner, going forward? Should I follow the 2/19 FA and FO/recon. Anyone having any information, I will gladly pass it on. At this time, let the 1/21 FA fade into history? I write this to I will apologize for the website I had at one time. It was . keep the spirit of our unit going, but then every so I had let someone else be the administrator in the hope in making it a better often I get an email from someone thanking me website. My mistake as I lost control wasn’t able to correct it. My best option for my effort in keeping the memories alive. I was to let it expire and begin anew. I will soon begin building the new website. have reunited with old friends, made new friends, MLRS - “General Lee” I have all the information from the old site, I just need to rebuild it using the data and met real heroes. I’m at a cross roads of what off the old one and update it, more on that next time. to do about the future of the 1/21 FA as far as being the writer for Saber. If there I remembered the New Years spent on LZ Vivian in 1969. I had to consult is anyone that would care to take over writing for the 1/21 FA in Saber; contact my good friend, Gene Davis, as to the location. We fired off a lot of flares that either me or Dennis Webster. All opinions and ideas are welcome. night. Gene Davis informed me that the battery also plotted a five pointed star The Director, Dennis Webster, has expressed his desire to retire soon. The with the sixth round in the center with illumination shells. They were so pleased Association is seeking applicants to fill the position of Director for the 1st Cavalry that they were next granted permission from battalion to fire for A Battery. It Division Association. If was fired high enough so that HQ in Quan Loi could see it. I just haven’t been anyone is interested or able to remember much about Christmas 69. I think, Daniel Chiego, 5th section knows someone that would chief, Leroy “Ned” Abshire, and myself celebrated Christmas Eve with a bottle be interested, contact the of Seagram Seven with a hot Orange and cold Root Beer as chasers. A word Director’s office. An ad is about Gene Davis; we have been in contact for a while but finally met in the in this issue and provides June 2015 at the 1st Cavalry Division Reunion, the first time since 1970 while the requirements and in Vietnam. Gene Davis was in FDC and I was in the 5th gun section. All address where to apply. questions are referred to him because he has the best memory of the time. Remember the music I had received some information from Dewey Herman who was in A Brty 1/21 that was played during our during Desert Storm. He sent some pictures but I had already submitted my tours in Vietnam? With the article when I received them. He was the vehicle driver for a MLRS (Multiple advancement of today’s Launch Rocket System). They had named it the “General Lee” because it was internet, many of us are the fastest one. I’m posting his pictures with this issue. Thanks Dewey Herman turning to it to listen to our for the pictures. This is the 25th Anniversary of the Gulf War (Operation Desert favorite music. There are Storm). Gulf War many radio stations that are The 69th 1st Cavalry Reunion in Las Vegas, Nevada is set for June 8-12, being broadcast over the 2016. Last year the 1/21 FA had the most in attendance of all the other artillery internet. As the younger generation’s style dominates the airways today, we units for the second year. I hope we can make it three years in a row. Never are still able to enjoy the music of our era viva internet radio. I did a search on been to Las Vegas; this is your biggest reason to go. Meet friends, renew old TuneIn Radio and found two stations that play Vietnam War Era music. There’s friendships, or just enjoy what it means to be a member of the 1st Cavalry. Also a station for just about any era you can think of. The two I found are, Vietnam take part it your local state chapter. Mine is the North Carolina “Tar Heel” Vet Radio and Vietnam Era Radio. I was in Vietnam 69-70 and remember Chapter. GarryOwen Tube Troopers. OTHER REUNIONS 30th FA “Hard Chargers:, 7-10 June 2016. Fort Sill, OK. Info in February A Trp., 1-9th CAV, 3-6 April 2016. Marriott Downtown, Chattanooga, TN. or March at . Contact Howard “Doc” Ketzner, 314-308-7570, . Society of the 1st Infantry Division, 8-12 June 2016. Hilton Atlanta, Atlanta, 15th MED Association, 11-18 April 2016. Red Lion Inn, Olympia, WA. GA. Contact the Society at , (215) 654-1969, or visit Information at or contact Larry Hatch, . or call 360-491-6486. 5-7th Cavalry Association, 7-14 August 2016. Hotel Elegante, Colorado A Co. and D Co., 227th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 27-30 April 2016. Omni Springs, CO. Info at . Hotel, Atlanta, GA. Information online at: . Aerial Rocket Artillery Association, 7-11 September 2016. Embassy Suites D Co. 2-8th Cavalry, 1965-1972, 18-21 May 2016. Red Lion Hotel, Rent- Hotel, Colorado Springs, CO. Information at . on, WA. Info at or contact Robin Woo, C Trp., 1-9th CAV, 29 September-1 October 2016. Stone Castle Hotel, Branson, . MO. Contact Patrick Bieneman, , 859-771-6342. 12th CAV News Continued from pg. 14 doing.” . the general health of “his guys” making sure they took their malaria pills and 2359 Journal closed. Buddy Check! An average of 22 service members commits drank plenty of water. “When there was firing somewhere in the line, the medic suicide each day. As with our active duty Troopers, don’t neglect our Veteran, went toward the firing, I mean you’d hear someone’s been hit and you moved retired, and separated Troopers. Some of us have problems from our military to where the guy was, where the firing and contact with the enemy is going on. service. Make the call, break the silence. Call, Text, Email your Trooper friends Where things were hot. That was your job. It was in my mind, you know, before to check on their welfare and offer encouragement. The holidays we take for I got there: would I do my job right, take care of my guys, not lose any of them?” granted like Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, etc., can be emotional He said his immediate unit was very fortunate: he treated only six for combat hits for some of our comrades. Take nothing in their lives for granted - if they patrol-related injuries, four of whom were involved in the same incident. “No don’t come to you, go to them. “Aristotle was famous for knowing everything. one died or got real serious injuries; we were very, very fortunate,” Rainsberry He taught that the brain exists merely to cool the blood and is not involved in the said. “I’d say 80 percent of the guys I was with, guys I was in the jungle with process of thinking. This is true only of certain persons.” ~ Will Cuppy. Semper three weeks at a time, and they were ready to fight to protect their fellow soldiers. Paratus! Write if you get work! They weren’t there out of patriotism. It was to protect each other and come home safe.” On Christmas Day 1970, Rainsberry was told to gather his stuff and jump WANTED on the supply chopper coming in that day. He had done his seven months in the If you served with, know, knew, or have any information about any of the jungle and was being rotated out of combat to base life for the remainder of his following, please communicate with the contact listed. service in Vietnam. “I was told Santa Claus jumped out on one side of the heli- ARMER, Ray, Commander of Company A, 2-8th CAV, November 1968-May copter as it landed at the same time as I jumped in on the other side. I didn’t see 1969. Contact MAJ (Ret) Ray Armer, 905 Duke St., Beaufort, SC 29902-4268, him. They flew this guy out in a Santa suit with the goody bags and picked me 803-760-8001, . up.” Rainsberry said for him he looks back in pride at the close connections he CONDE, SGT Pablo or RODRIGUEZ, TRP Richard, C Co., 2-8th CAV, shared with his fellow soldiers. “My guys, they were all OK when I was there, 1967-68. Conde is looking for Rodriguez. Contact Pablo Conde’s son, Virgil they made it. They weren’t seriously hurt when I was there. That was all God’s Conde, . JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 saber Page 22 HQ and Special Troops News Ron Killingsworth By the time think these Division assets will return someday. 10329 Caddo Lake Rd you read this the Richard Maybury of Northford, Connecticut, who served with the 3rd Brigade Mooringsport, LA 71060-9057 New Year will (318) 996-9969 (Separate) of the 1st Cavalry Division, specifically with the 215th Composite [email protected] have arrived. I Service Battalion (CSB), is doing research on the 3rd Brigade (Sep) and the hope you have 215th CSB. If you served in the Cav in Vietnam from 1971 to the end of the war, made your you probably were assigned reservations and to the 3rd Brigade (Sep). The registrations for the reunion in Las Vegas June 8-12th, 2016. Sue and I hope to 1st Brigade and 2nd Brigade see you there. transferred from Vietnam to Dennis Webster, our Association’s Executive Director, took his director’s hat Fort Hood in early 71, leaving off and wrote about his service with the 1st Cav in the Division Headquarters as the 3rd Brigade behind. Anyone the Division CSM. This is the type of material I am always looking for. I know serving in the Cav during this all of you out there have a story to tell, or at least memories of your service with period of the Vietnam War is the great first team. Dennis wrote: invited to contact Richard with “I really appreciate the fact that you give voice to the units that don’t have any information you might their own column and think that it is important to keep this column going. I have, specifically about the would like to see some more comments from the Troopers that this column is for 215th CSB. From information in the future. When they served and their rank is not a prerequisite for writing. Richard has collected I was All who served from private to general have a great story to tell. Based on that, able to learn that the medical here is some input from me. company of the 215th CSB ran a Dentist from FSB Mace pulls teeth on medic forward first aid station on FSB I served with the Division Headquarters from January 1996 to August 1998 as aid trip to local village ca 1971. the Division Sergeant Major. Having dealings with every unit in the Division Mace, where I was assigned was my job but I spent quite a bit of my time with the units which were then from April 71 until FSB Mace known as the Mavericks. The Mavericks were all of the separate units that closed in about February 72. I often took the medics from this aid station into provided much of the necessary support that the entire Division needed. The the local village of Gia Ray to treat civilians. We also had a dentist and dental Mavericks consisted of the 4th Battalion 5th Air Defense Artillery, 13th Signal assistant assigned to FSB Mace and I often took the CPT dentist into the village Battalion, and the 312th Military Intelligence Battalion. Additionally, the 545th and he would pull teeth for the civilians while they sat on the hood of my M151. MP Company, Division Band, and Horse Cavalry Detachment were also part I too would like to hear from anyone assigned to this medical company who of the Mavericks. The 15th Finance Battalion and 15th Personnel Services served at FSB Mace. You can contact Richard at 5 Cedar Lane, Northford, CT Battalion were attached to the Division but really were more a part of the First 06472. Send him your telephone number or email and he will get back to you. Team than they were the Finance Group or Personnel Group on Fort Hood. I want to remind all the troopers out Technically they might not have been Mavericks but they were to me. The there who served in the 1st Cav as Military Mavericks were given their name because they were separate from the brigades Intelligence that we are planning a mini MI but they really lived their name. The battalion commanders and sergeants’ reunion in connection with the annual 1st Cav majors of these battalions were sometimes hard to rein in but often it was best Division Association reunion in 2017 at Fort to give them free rein to do what was necessary. Leadership within all of the Hood. If you served in an MI or ASA unit units of the Division was exceptional during the time that I was there and while attached or assigned to the Cav, we invite you I would like to take credit for them they would have been successful without my to join us in the mini reunion. If you want to presence because they were really good. Most of the Brigade Commanders and help with the administrative task of contacting several battalion commanders in the Mavericks made general officer and some former members, please let me know. of the sergeants major also moved up to higher levels. They can all credit their I was looking back through pictures given individual success to the performance of their subordinate leaders and especially to me by John McCann, who commanded the the Troopers in their units. It is always about the Troopers, they never let us 191st MI Company from 67-68, and came down. The Mavericks supported every unit in the Division through field training across this picture of a Cobra gunship being at Fort Hood and rotations to the National Training Center and then also helped re-armed at Camp Evans in about April 68. train and trained themselves for the Division’s deployment to Bosnia where You cannot see any tail numbers on the ship they performed many of their war time missions in a peace keeping role. The but the picture ID says it belonged to the 1st of battalions traditionally provided direct support to the brigades and also supported the 9th Cav. Perhaps some of the readers who the Division Staff. I was with the Division throughout the train-up for Bosnia served at Evans will enjoy this photograph. I also found this picture of a captured Russian and then turned the Division over to CSM Paul Inman for the deployment when 1/9th Cav Cobra gunship being I moved to III Corps. I have often wondered who made the decision to inactivate re-armed at Camp Evans. 37MM anti-aircraft gun being inspected by most of these units and break the units up and assign companies to the brigades. I always heard leaders say, ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’ In this case, I personally order of battle specialist with think they broke what didn’t need fixing. Some of the most difficult tasks and the 191st MI Company in challenging missions were taken away from a battalion commander (LTC) and about 1968. John had also given to a company commander (CPT) to oversee with limited staff oversight taken pictures of a captured but not with that experienced battalion commander and sergeant major who Russian truck that had been knew the mission and technical skills that the Troopers in the units needed. “appropriated” for use by Obviously the Army has made the new structure work because that’s what the the MI Co. and with a large Army does; it makes things work that sometimes should not work. The Army 1st Cav patch painted on the has returned the Division Artillery, the old Division Support Command although door. Another picture shows it is renamed as a Sustainment Brigade to the Division MTOE and hopefully we recovered pieces of a Russian will see the return of all of the Mavericks in the future. If not, the Troopers will SAM being examined by get the mission done but I sure miss the Mavericks. Dennis Webster, 1996-98 various members of the unit. Fort Hood, Texas, ” Well, troopers, that about 191st MI order of battle specialist examines Thanks, Dennis for the write up and I agree that the various units that made wraps it up for this column. captured Russian AA gun. up the “Mavericks” were very important units commanded by great men and Be sure to send me your stories of your time with the Cav, regardless of where women and filled with dedicated troopers. I was privileged to serve with the or when you served. I hope to see you in Las Vegas in June. It should be 312th MI Battalion beginning with its first assignment to the Cav in 1982 and an interesting reunion. I am also interested in pictures you may have of your until I retired in 1984. I went back to Fort Hood for the deactivation of the 312th service with the Cav. Meantime keep your head down and watch your “6”. May MI Battalion and have always wondered how the Division Commander was God bless each of you, the Cav, the US Army and the USofA. Be sure to vote able to give up his intelligence, support, supply, MP, etc, to the brigades. I also every chance you get. Many died to give us that right. Division Doings said, ‘Hey knucklehead, Garryowen isn’t a person – it’s Continued from pg. 1 a way of life. You have to earn it and live it.’ And so the legend. life began in the Cav.” “We, the First Team, exist to deter aggression, and where aggression fails, to Thomson said he’s happy to be back at his old stomp- fight and win,” he said. “We do this by maintaining our tools of war and con- ing grounds – a community that truly supports its service tinually training for the next fight. It is a job without end, for freedom must be members. earned every day. That price is paid by the brave men and women you see in “To the extraordinary Central Texas community, thank front of you, and others like them. The Soldiers and leaders of this magnificent you for your tremendous support of our Nation’s sons division worked tirelessly to accomplish each and every mission our nation gave and daughters. There is no finer place to serve. Your them, and I am proud to have served alongside them.” genuine love of our Soldiers and families make Central Thomson, who arrived after his assignment as the 75th Commandant of Cadets Texas the center of the universe.” at the U.S. Military Academy, is no stranger to Texas. He’s a native of Tyler, As the ceremony came to an end and final goodbyes Texas and has served and led the 4th Infantry Division and 41st Fires Brigade here. were exchanged, Thomson said he looks forward to hav- But his experience with the First Team began at a much earlier age, he said. ing the reins of America’s First Team. “My first tour with the 1st Cav was back in 1974 as a bat boy for the division’s MG Thomson “The gates of freedom remain open today because of baseball team,” Thomson recalled. “The coach was a platoon sergeant in 1-7 Cav. all you do,” said Thomson. “Readiness and mission ac- At the first game, every time something good happened the coach yelled ‘Garry complishment have been, and remain, our watchwords. I am enormously grateful Owen.’ Since my father served in that higher numbered armored division on the for your sacrifices and look forward to serving in your ranks.” other side of post, I was familiar with “Hell on Wheels”, but had not heard of For additional stories written by the Troopers of the 1st Cavalry Division “Garry Owen”. 1st Cav beat up on 2AD pretty good, so I went looking for Garry Affairs Office visit the Divison web page or visit the 1st Cavalry Division on Owen’s autograph. Being unsuccessful, the coach, SFC Ditmar grabbed me and Facebook. Page 23 saber JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 WILLIAM A. RICHARDSON - 1921-2015 TIBOR RUBIN - 1929-2015 Former Association Presi- CPL Tibor (Ted) Rubin, 86, who had survived 14 dent, MAJ (Ret) William months in a Nazi concentration camp as a child and A. (Bill) Richardson, died spent 30 months as a during the peacefully with his family Korean War died of natural causes on December by his side in Warrenton, Vir- 5, 2015 in Garden Grove, California. ginia on November 29, 2015. Born in Paszto, Hungary on June 19, 1929 he He was 94 years old. was 15 when he was liberated from Mauthausen Bill was born on Janu- concentration camp by U. S. forces. In 1948 he ary 28, 1921 in Salida, immigrated to New York City where he was em- Colorado and worked his ployed as a shoemaker and then a butcher. Vow- parent’s ranch from the age ing to repay his debt for being liberated by U.S of 12. After graduating Soldiers, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1950. high school at 16, he joined Sent to Korea he was assigned to I Company, 8th the Civilian Conservation Cavalry Regiment. Corps building structures and His time in the Army was tougher than Bill and Eva Richardson Veterans Day 2014 roads in Colorado parks for it should have been. According to lengthy two years before joining the affidavits submitted by nearly a dozen men who Tibor Rubin outside the White served with him in Korea, mostly self-described Army. Because of his ranch experience with horses, he was encouraged to join House 2005. the cavalry and soon was a mounted soldier in the 7th US Cavalry in Fort Bliss, “country boys” from the South and Midwest, an Texas patrolling on horseback the southern border and protecting bridges. Bill anti-Semitic sergeant consistently “volunteered” Rubin for the most dangerous also met and courted Eva Ulias while in El Paso and they were married on April patrols and missions. 2, 1942. In early 1943 the division changed from During one mission, according to the testimonies horse cavalry to dismounted infantry and soon of his comrades, Rubin secured a needed route of sadly said goodbye to their horses. That June, retreat for his rifle company by single-handedly they deployed to Australia for further infantry defending a hill for 24 hours against waves of North training. In December 1943 the division sailed Korean soldiers. For this and other acts of bravery, for New Guinea and in March, 1944, made an Rubin was recommended four times for the Medal assault landing on the Admiralty Islands before of Honor by two of his commanding officers. Both moving on to the Philippines, first on Leyte and officers were killed in action shortly afterwards, but then Luzon. On Luzon, they advanced directly to not before ordering Rubin’s sergeant to begin the Manila to rescue and free the civilians interned necessary paperwork recommending Rubin for the there. When the war ended, the 1st Cav served Medal of Honor. Some of Rubin’s comrades were as the occupying division in Tokyo. In October, present and witnessed the order being issued, and all 1945, Bill sailed for home in Texas to be reunited are convinced that the sergeant deliberately ignored with his wife and to hold his daughter for the first his orders because Rubin was Jewish. time. After mustering out of the Army and selling Captured at Unsan when the Chinese came into the insurance for a few months, he rejoined the Army. Korean War, CPL Rubin spent the next 30 months as He returned to Japan and the 7th Cav as a technical Bill Richardson 1943 a POW. Because of his Hungarian roots his captors sergeant. There a captain he knew during the war noted that Bill’s wartime service offered to send him back to Hungary but he refused PFC Tibor Rubin warranted his being promoted to an officer; GEN MacArthur commissioned him a to leave his fellow prisoners who all were suffering 2nd Lieutenant in December, 1946. His wife and daughter soon happily rejoined from hunger, diseases, and terrible treatment by their captors. Following his him in Japan. In December, 1948, they welcomed a second daughter, Carol. The release and discharge from the Army in 1953, Rubin worked in his brother’s family returned to Fort Bliss in July, 1949. Bill retired from the Army in 1961 Long Beach liquor store for several years after service in both WWII and the Korean War and began a career working as a CPL Rubin was awarded the Medal of Honor by President George W. Bush in civilian with ASA and INSCOM at Vint Hill Farms, Virginia. Bill retired from a ceremony conducted at the White House on September 23, 2005. civil service in 1984 and remained in Virginia with his family. CPL Rubin is buried in Mount Sinai Memorial Park in Los Angeles, California. Bill was a Charter Member of the Association helping to form it while the Di- He is survived by his wife Yvonne and their two children, Frank and Rosalyn. vision was on the Admiralty Islands in 1944. Attending most of the Association CPL Rubin’s Medal of Honor Citation is below: reunions since they began in 1948, Bill and Eva have remained a very constant Citation presence in the Association. Bill served several years on the Association’s Board For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of Governors before becoming President of the Association in 1996. After of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Corporal completing his term as President in 1998 he continued to serve on the Board of (then PFC) Tibor Rubin distinguished himself by Governors until his death. Bill and Eva valued their friendships with the chapter extraordinary heroism during the period from July 23, members and took great pleasure in the chapter’s ongoing efforts and activities 1950, to April 20, 1953, while serving as a rifleman on behalf of the Wounded Warriors of Walter Reed Hospital. Yearly, they also with Company I, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry enjoyed helping the local chapter’s assisting in the 1st Cav Association’s Veterans Division in the Republic of Korea. While his unit was Day activities. For the past several years Bill was honored to lay the 1st Cav’s retreating to the Pusan Perimeter, Corporal Rubin was memorial wreath at the WWII Memorial each November. In 2014 the local metro assigned to stay behind to keep open the vital Taegu- chapter was renamed to honor Bill’s participation and steadfast dedication. It is Pusan Road link used by his withdrawing unit. During now the William A Richardson National Capital Region Chapter. Bill also was a the ensuing battle, overwhelming numbers of North member of the 7th U.S. Cavalry Regiment Association and served several terms Korean troops assaulted a hill defended solely by as their President before being names President Emeritus. Corporal Rubin. He inflicted a staggering number of Bill is survived by his devoted wife of 73 years Eva; his two daughters Sheron casualties on the attacking force during his personal 24- Hume (Pete) of Marshall, VA and Carol Dandy (Darrold) of Annandale, VA; hour battle, single-handedly slowing the enemy advance grandsons Mark Hume (Maryalice) of Manassas, VA, Shannon Hume (Erica) of and allowing the 8th Cavalry Regiment to complete its withdrawal successfully. Laurel, MD, Kevin Dandy (Kristen) of Washington, DC and Matthew Dandy of Following the breakout from the Pusan Perimeter, the 8th Cavalry Regiment Baltimore, MD; six great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; brother proceeded northward and advanced into North Korea. During the advance, he Elmer of Everett, WA and sister Nadean Ross of Poulsbo, WA; and many extended helped capture several hundred North Korean soldiers. On October 30, 1950, relatives and friends. Chinese forces attacked his unit at Unsan, North Korea, during a massive A memorial service for Bill was held on 15 January in Warrenton and he will be nighttime assault. That night and throughout the next day, he manned a .30 interred in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors on 9 March. caliber machine gun at the south end of the unit’s line after three previous gunners became casualties. He continued to man his machine gun until his 1st Cavalry Division Association ammunition was exhausted. His determined stand slowed the pace of the enemy USAA Rewards™ World MasterCard® advance in his sector, permitting the remnants of his unit to retreat southward. As the battle raged, Corporal Rubin was severely wounded and captured by the Chinese. Choosing to remain in the prison camp despite offers from Chinese to return him to his native Hungary, Corporal Rubin disregarded his own personal safety and immediately began sneaking out of the camp at night in search of food for his comrades. Breaking into enemy storehouses and gardens, he risked certain torture or death if caught. Corporal Rubin provided not only food to the starving soldiers, but also desperately needed medical care and moral support for the sick and wounded of the POW camp. His brave, selfless efforts were directly attributed to saving the lives of as many as forty of his fellow prisoners. Corporal Rubin’s gallant actions in close contact with the enemy and unyielding • Show your support for the 1st Cavalry Division Association each time you use your 1st courage and bravery while a prisoner of war are in the highest traditions of Cavalry Division Association USAA Rewards credit card. • USAA Bank will make a contribution to the 1st Cavalry Division Association for every military service and reflect great credit on himself and the United States Army. credit card account opened and each time you make an eligible purchase with the card. • This card benefits the Association, its scholarship program and the 1st Cavalry Division Director’s Chair Museum Foundation. Continued from pg. 1 • This card offers you great service, competitive interest rates and rewards points that you was serving in the Division from 1996-98 and we had a friendship that I will can redeem for your choice of gift cards, merchandise, travel discounts and other rewards.* • There is no annual fee for this card. miss greatly. Ted Rubin’s loss is not as personal but his life story is such that one • Choose from two card designs created exclusively for the 1st Cavalry Division must honor a life of courage and suffering at the hands of others. Association. While she was never assigned she was an “Honorary Trooper”, Mrs. Elizabeth For more information about USAA you may call 877-917-1232 or visit www.usaa. Laird, the Fort Hood Hug Lady, also left this world in December. Miss Elizabeth com/1cdacc. Continued on pg. 24 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 saber Page 24 HONOR ROLL Acknowledgement of generous donations from the following troopers:

UP TO $25 SGT HENRY, Al $101 - $500 SGT BERNARD, Michael F. In Honor of 1st Cav Troopers, Past, Present,and Anonymous SP-4 CLARK, Victor D. Future BG (RET) DePUE, John F. SSG ECKENRODE, Mark COL (RET) LIEVING, Bernard H., Jr. E-4 GARDINER, Kenneth SP-5 EMBREE, William M. SFC LUONG, Tai In Memory of Mick “Hawg” McCann 1st Brigade. SP-4 FIORE, John B. SP-4 MINDT, Garvin Scouts RIP PFC GANLEY, Dennis M. SSG MUPRHY, Ronald E. SGT HENDRICKSON, David L. SP-4 HENDERSON, Jyrel W. COL (RET) NOSSOV, Robert D. In Honor of Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 12th Cav. COL HENDERSON, Kevin T. MS. ROCKNE, Sharon CPT HETH, Donald G. MSG (RET) HOVDENES, John O. SP-4 SEGARRA, Agustin P. In Honor of 3rd Platoon, C Company, 1-5, 1968 SP-4 KEITH, Robert SP-4 STUTZMAN, Tim LTC (RET) KIMBALL, Alan M. SGT KELLEY, Peter G. SP-5 VOGT, Gary K. SGT RICHARDS, Jerry R. SSG LANNIGAN, Bill In Memory of General Tolson, CG 06/67-06/68 In Memory of: Jerry Barfield, Joe Bonette, and Bill E-5 MATTEUCCI, Paul Whitmore, C Company, 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry, PFC MEYER, Charles J $51 - $100 1967-68 SP-4 MINOR, Earl MG (RET) BELTSON, Richard D. Dr. RICHARDSON, Francis “Doc”, Jr. SP-5 MUNIZ, Miguel E. COL (RETa) BUCKLEY, Benjamin C. In Memory of My Brothers of Hill 54, March 1969 SGT (RET) REED, Marvin In Memory of Leroy Ireland, Company A, 2nd Battalion MG (RET) SMITH, Scott B. In Memory of James Skomski KIA 02/08/1969 Near 7th Cavalry. Served together in Germany 1960-63 In Memory of BG (RET) John P. Casey, Jr. LZ Grant SGT CHACON, Raymoundo D. MG (RET) SMITH, Scott B. CPL RICH, Jason E. In Memory of Marine Fernando Olivas Mesquita In Memory of COL (RET) Ernie Sylvester. CPT ROBERSON, John C. KIA 05/10/1965 MG (RET) SMITH, Scott B. CSM (RET) ROMINGER, James R. Sr. SGT HENRY, A.C. In Memory of Henry Salazar 1LT SHEA, Michael C In Memory of SSG Carl Reid, 2/24/68, C 1/7 Cav CSM (RET) and MRS. WEBSTER, Dennis E. MAJ (RET) SPENCE, William R. CPT MEYERS, Richard R. In Memory of MAJ (RET) William A. Richardson, CPL STRYKER, Carl R. 1LT KAPPENBERG, Warren G. Charter Member of the Association and President of MAJ (RET) SWIFT, John B. 1LT McBRIDE, John P. the Association 1996-98 SFC TEACHOUT, Robert H In Honor of Richard Sheilds LTC (RET) WILLIAMX, Billie G. MR. POOL, Robert B. $501 - $1,000 COL (RET) SPENCE, Thomas H. MR. JACKMAN, Larry $26 - $50 MAJ (RET) SWIFT, John B. FROST, Barry and Denise SGM (RET) BIEZE, James W. SGT VIGIL, Joseph J. LTC (RET) BROWN, Gene E. $1,001 AND UP COL (RET) CUMMINGS, Frank The First Team Family Cares Mrs. Mc CLURG, JoAnne SP-4 DAVIS, Kermit A. Acknowledgement of Donations to the SP-4 DRENTH, Robert L. Association, Foundation and Museum MRS. DUVE, Fred Foundation Director’s Chair a good search and make the right hire. I also expect that the turnover to my Continued from pg. 23 replacement will take a little longer than the last time since the office staff here hugged every Soldier leaving and return- is relatively new compared to what I had when I came on board. ing from deployment since the beginning The Division is undergoing some changes in addition to the Division change of Fort Hood’s deployments. She greeted of command that is covered in this issue. The 2nd Brigade Combat Team (Black and sent off Troopers at all hours of the Jack) will be coming back to Fort Hood from Korea and will be replaced by the day and night and never asked for anything 1st Brigade Combat Team (Ironhorse) which will begin a 9-month rotation in but a hug in return. She and her hugs will Korea in the next few months. Nothing ever remains constant in the Army, it is be missed. always changing yet somehow the Army remains the same in many ways and The Board of Governors and the Trustees especially in its core. I am reminded of a line from the movie, “She Wore a Yel- of the Foundation and the Museum Foun- low Ribbon”, where John Wayne’s character CPT Nathan Brittles says, “The sun dation will meet in Killeen at the end of and the moon change. The army knows no seasons.” February. They will approve the budget for the Association and discuss the business OFFICIAL NOTICE of the Association during their meeting. A move to get some younger blood into the ELECTION OF OFFICERS – REUNION 2016 The By Laws of the Association provide that the Officers and members of the ranks is on the agenda and they need your Board of Governors shall be elected by the General Membership at the General help in getting younger Veterans and ac- Membership meeting conducted during the Annual Reunion. Further, that the tive duty Troopers to join the Association President may appoint a Nominating Committee to nominate candidates for of- and participate in activities like reunions fice and that other nominations may be made by Life members from the floor at Elizabeth Laird 1919-2015 and local chapters. You remember when the General Membership meeting. The Resolutions of the Trust Agreement of you were a young Veteran or active duty the Foundation of the 1st Cavalry Division Association and the By Laws of the Trooper, don’t you. Ten dollars for a life membership, let’s do it! Museum Foundation require the election to the Board of Trustees for positions Reunion registrations are coming in and the rooms at the Palace Station are coming vacant each year shall occur at the Annual Reunion. Candidates for all being reserved. I expect that we will have a very good turnout in Las Vegas for offices must be Life members of the Association. our 69th Annual Reunion in June. What that means for you is that you don’t The President has appointed a nominating committee to recommend Life mem- bers of the Association for election or re-election to fill the terms of office for the need to wait to register with us or to reserve your room at the hotel. Some of following positions that become vacant as of 11 June 2016: our events will be limited in size due to a shortage of meeting space which will 1st Vice President occur if we have a larger than normal turnout. By registering early you will help 2nd Vice President us to plan and coordinate the reunion and make the entire experience better. See 3rd Vice President you in Vegas. Ten Places on the Board of Governors While I plan on retiring sometime this year from my position as the Executive Executive Trustee and One Trustee of the Foundation Director, I am not gone yet. I let it be known so our Board of Governors could Two Trustees of the Museum Foundation begin the search for the right person to replace me. It took longer than expected Any Life member of the Association, including an incumbent, who wishes to be to replace Art Junot who preceded me and I wanted the Board to be able to do considered by the nominating committee for one of these positions should forward a letter to the Chairman, 2016 Nominating Committee, 302 N. Main St., Copperas Crossed Sabers Chapter Souvenir Shop Cove, TX 76522-1703, requesting consideration for nomination to the specific P.O. Box 5774 office. The Nominating Committee must receive all requests no later than 2 May Fort Hood, TX 76544-0774 2016 to assure sufficient time for processing and full consideration. Requests Phone: 254-532-2075 must be accompanied by appropriate documentation that includes proof of service FAX: 254-532-6490 with the 1st Cavalry Division (e.g., a DD214 or equivalent) and a biographical To view our on-line catalog visit: sketch. The biographical sketch needs to outline the applicant’s full name and provide ranks, dates of service and units assigned to in the 1st Cavalry Division. The Crossed Sabers Chapter Souvenir Shop is a non-profit organization. Net Additionally, it needs to provide the dates and positions for any offices held at income is distributed to the Association for application to the Scholarship Program National or Chapter level in the Association and similar information for any other and other ongoing programs as needed, to the Soldier Travel Fund which allows veteran’s organization the applicant belongs to. Any instances of special support active duty soldiers of the Division to attend away Reunions as guests of the As- for Association programs should also be included if applicable. sociation, to the 1st Cavalry Division Museum and to fund other activities for The election will be held during the General Membership meeting at the 69th the Troopers and families of the 1st Cavalry Division Association. The manager, Annual Reunion of the Association on Saturday 11 June 2016 in Las Vegas, Michelle Pinhero, accepts telephone orders with payment by MASTERCARD, Nevada. Nominations from the floor will be accepted. A Life member making VISA or DISCOVER credit cards or you can order on-line using credit cards. such nomination will be expected to provide the information outlined above on Printed catalogs are available for $3.00 from the Association, 302 N. Main the nominee and in addition provide assurance that the nominee is either present St., Copperas Cove, TX 76522-1703. Make your check out to 1st Cavalry at the General Membership meeting or has agreed to accept nomination to the Division Association. specified office.