A PUBLICATION OF VOLUME 28, NUMBER 4 THE MOBILE RIVERINE FORCE ASSOCIATION WINTER 2019 A PUBLICATION OF VOLUME 28 NUMBER 3

THE MOBILE RIVERINE FORCE ASSOCIATIONMobile Riverine Force AssociationFALL 2019 From Gathering of the Troops! Mobile Riverine Force Association Gathering of the Troops! the SeptemberMobile Riverine Force Association 9-11, 2020 Gathering of the Troops! September 9-11, 2020

September 9-11, 2020 From Harry Hahn, President, MRFA; From Harry Hahn, President, MRFA; Radio From Harry Hahn, President, MRFA; We are pleased to inform you that there will be a “Gathering of the Troops,” as we have done in the past, We are pleasedWe to areinform youpleased that there will beto a “Gatheringinform of the you Troops,” that as we have there done in the will past,this Septemberbe a “Gathering, 2020, at the Loews, ofCoronado the ResortTroops,” in San Diego, as California. we have San Diego done is an exciting in the past, this September, 2020, at the Loews, Coronado Resort in San Diego, California. San Diego is an excitingvenue as it offers the Gaslight District with its restaurants and pubs, plus the exciting waterfront in San venuethis as it offers September, the Gaslight District with 2020, its restaurants at andthe pubs, Loews, plus the exciting Coronadowaterfront in San Resort in San Diego, California. San Diego is an exciting Diego. Access to downtown Coronado is a hotel bus ride away. The hotel we will be at is a phenomenal Shack Diego. Access to downtown Coronado is a hotel bus ride away. The hotel we will be at is a phenomenal Message from the Radio Shack resort venue and the nightly as rate it is anoffers incredibly lowthe price Gaslightfor this gorgeous place. District The $179 per nightwith rate isits resort restaurants and the nightly rate andis an incredibly pubs, low plus price for the this gorgeousexciting place. Thewaterfront $179 per night rate in is San Harry Hahn also extended to those who want to come up to three days early and stay up to three days late. Book earlyalso extended to those who want to come up to three days early and stay up to three days late. Book early to getDiego. these great rates! Access to downtown Coronado is a hotelto get these bus great ride rates! away. The hotel we will be at is a phenomenal Hello Everyone: A very Happy New resort and the nightlyLoews Coronado rate Bay Resort is an incredibly low price for this gorgeousLoews Coronado place. Bay The Resort $179 per night rate is also 4000 Coronado Bay Road I am just recovering from the reunion as I write this. It’s a big job but we like to4000 seeCoronado Bayeveryone Road getting Year!! I trust you all had a great holiday! extended to thoseCoronado, who CA want 92118 to come up to three days early and stay up to three days late. Book early to get togetherIn withSeptember, their I made buddies a trip to Sanand havingthese a great good rates! time! Although we had some hotelCoronado, issues, CA 92118 there were many Diego. My reason for the trip was commentsmulti-purposed. that this I attended was a thegraduation best reunion ever.Loews The Coronado live Bayentertainment Resort and site-seeing were right at the top of Special Boat Unit Class 107, along 4000 Coronado Bay Road of the list. with the Combatant Craft Crewman Arrival is September 9thCoronado,. There will be activities scheduled CA for92118 the 10th and 11th that include a boat ride on the Vietnam PCF “Swift Boat” for a tour of San Diego Harbor, and a trip to the Vietnam Unit Memorial at the Amphibious Base Coronado. Association Reunion. I thanked our Arrival is September 9th. There will be activities scheduled for the 10th and 11th that include a boat ride on Terry crewSater who will maintain be the using Vietnam this Unit issue to recap the reunion for you. Wethe VietnamArrival had PCF “Swift is a SeptemberBoat” large for a tour of Sanattendance. 9th. Diego There Harbor, and will a trip to be the 721 Vietnamactivities Unit to Memorial scheduledbe atfor the Amphibious the 10th Base andCoronado. 11th that include a boat ride on the Vietnam Memorial at the Coronado Amphibious exact. This was a surprise to Frank Jones Roomsand myself. are $1 79There per night, were $15 PCFmany self“Swift- lastparking. Boat” minute, for aThe tour ofnormalon-site San Diego resort sign Harbor, fee ups. and has a been waived! Base. Also, we participated as a team trip to the Vietnam Unit Memorial at the Amphibious Base in the San Diego Veterans Day Parade. Activities planned for SeptemberCoronado. 10 th Reunion and 11 departuresth: from the hotel will be on the I can’tThose say of enough you who have about not seen the the team that makes this reunion happen.12th. We have the best worker bees that you could Memorialever put have together. missed out! YouWe will had two trailers- to unlVisitoad to and Vietnam reload, Unit the RoomsMemorial long are $179 hours on per US night, of Navy Gear $15 Amphibiousself-parking. Locker The Sales, Base, normal Coronado, CA have an opportunity to do this, as we room rate is $400 per night. The normal resort fee has been

registration,are excited ticket about a “Gatheringsales……. of the on and on,. It’s a lot of work. waived! Troops” in Coronado, in September! Activities planned for September We just received and inked a contract 10th and 11th: We are already looking towards where and when we will have our next reunion in 2021. We have already for a gorgeous hotel in Coronado for • Visit to Vietnam Unit Memorial a Gathering of the Troops get together made the decision to move it away from on Labor US Navy DayAmphibious weekend. Base, That was a past tradition based on people of the MRFA September 9th, 10th, and Coronado, CA working11th, and 2020. gettingDepartures awill three-day be on the holiday. As we are all retirement age now (and then some), we are looking12th. at This our is aoptions beautiful hotel to movethat sits it out a• weekPCF ride later, and tour and of San maybe Diego choose weekdays rather than weekends. right on the bay, and is about a mile from Harbor on restored Vietnam era Some theof Navy you Amphibious have mentioned Base. We were different cities,“Swift Boat” but we must keep in mind both airport capacity and driving distances.able to Alsonegotiate mentioned an incredible rate. to We me was an off year, “Gathering of the Troops” in San Diego. I will look to will line up a trip to the Memorial and • Regular shuttle to downtown try to hopingorganize to schedule that boat for rides next to see September. the CoronadoWe have from ahotel. smaller group usually attend these in the past, but they San Diego Bay and shipyard with the have been fun. Additional activities and details Vietnam era Swift Boat that now resides will be outlined in the spring and at the San Diego Maritime Museum. summer editions of “River Currents.” Have a Wegreat are also fall busy season looking atand sites wefor hope youWe recommend enjoy thisUber or“Reunion” Lyft from issue. Vietnam Unit Memorial Monument. From left to right, the MRF our reunion in 2021. Many of you have San Diego Airport to hotel. There is CCB, a PCF “Swift Boat,” and a Navy PBR, or Patrol Boat, River. Harryasked Hahn, where President, we may have it. That is still no airportVietnam hotel shuttle! Unit Memorial Monument. From left to right, the MRF CCB, a PCF “Swift Boat,” and a Navy not decided, but when we choose a city, You may book now either online or by calling the hotelPBR, at 800-815-6397 or Patrol or Boat, booking River. online at we will let you know. I have had many https://book.passkey.com/go/MRFA2020. Use the Mobile Riverine Force Association name to get the special rate. Also, in this issue is a form to sign up for the reunion. Get signed up with us and registered [email protected], but easy travel by air and - PCF ride and tour of San Diego Harbor on restored Vietnam era “Swift Boat” personal vehicle is a must. with the hotel right away as rooms will go quickly. This happened in Nashville. As a reminder, this is not the regular (two year) reunion as we just held in Nashville, but a Gathering of the Troops on the West Coast, offering yet another opportunity for MRFA members and their families to MessageHarry Hahn, from President, Frank Jones - Regular shuttle to downtown Coronado from hotel. see the Vietnam Unit Memorial in Coronado, and to get together with your friends once again in a beautiful [email protected] setting! MRFA Treasurer/ REGISTRATION FORM ON PAGE 2 Membership Chairman/Reunion Coordinator

(Left) Vietnam era PCF, “Swift Boat.” (Right). The last remaining boat of the Mobile Riverine Force, a CCB, or Command and Communications Boat. Additional activities and details will be outlined in the spring and summer editions of “River Currents.” We recommend Uber or Lyft from San Diego Airport to hotel. There is no airport hotel shuttle! You may book now either online or by calling the hotel at 800-815-6397 or booking online at https://book.passkey.com/go/MRFA2020. Use the Mobile Riverine Force Association name to get the

Rooms are $179 per night, $15 self-parking. The normal resort fee has been waived! Activities planned for September 10th and 11th:

River Currents, Volume 28, Number 2 •- SUMMER 2019Visit • 7 to Vietnam Unit Memorial on US Navy Amphibious Base, Coronado, CA BECAUSE THEY CARED Dale’s hootch took a 122 shell, leaving the hootch every week, he got a box of cookies, a cake, or Continued from previous page in shambles, but his duck survived, unscathed. cupcakes. A third grade class in Seattle sent Ken Bago Louis Dominguez’s mother would record only go to seed about every 4 to 7 years. As kids, thirty letters. “Laugh-In,” every week and send him the tape we would go out and pick them with our parents There were touching, sweet stories of care reel. Out in the mud, most of the time meant that and grandparents. I was craving them and I told packages. Pat Hartley’s wife sent him the igni- it would sometimes be a while before he could one of my sisters in one of my letters, so a few tion key for a new car she bought. She didn’t let weeks later, I got them in a care package.” anyone else use the ash tray until Pat got home, Jack Miller’s sister sent him nylons to give to Several guys mentioned getting “Playboy” almost a year later. John Turner’s girlfriend, who thefind nurses a portable for special tape machine treatment to play when it back.he was in magazines. I received one myself from my girl- is now his wife of 49 years, wrote to him several the hospital. Jack says that it worked. “They loved friend, Judi. Before she sent it, she and my sister, times a week and sent him care packages three them.” Judy, went through it and put swim suits on every to four times a month. She usually sent banana Ken Hogan told us, “My mother sent me an nut bread and dozens of cookies. His buddies al- Marker. All the guys on our boat were mad at ME! ways circled around him at “mail call.” over the Nation’s capital and the Illinois State singleGene picture Richardson (even said cartoons), he received with aa MagicPlay- Steve Hopper received fudge that his mother American flag that our Congressman had flown boy from his mother. “My wonderful Methodist made for the family, for as long as he could re- now on my houseboat, 50 years later. A gift from mother. What a shock. It was so out of charac- member. He and two of his brothers served in House.home, then It flew and onnow, two is boats,a symbol in-country, of all of andour ter on her part, but very welcome by my whole Vietnam, and she sent her fudge to all three of platoon.” them. She renamed her recipe, “Overseas Fudge.” Vietnam Unit Memorial Monument. From left to right, the MRF CCB, a PCF “Swift Boat,” and a Navy Gary Grahn got a BOX of Playboys from an old His family still calls it that, today. She would pack Brother’sThe underlying sacrifices.” message of all of these care PBR, or Patrol Boat, River. high school buddy. it in popcorn and it was still creamy and good packages is that despite the fact that some, back 2 • River Currents, Volume 28, Number 2 • SUMMER 2019 Jerry Hammel’s grandpa had drug stores. Jerry when it arrived. They still make her fudge every in the states thought badly of those- of us PCFwho ride and tour of San Diego Harbor on restored Vietnam era “Swift Boat” scored a package of condoms and Playboys. year,at Christmas. served in Vietnam, we had loved ones, friends, Billy Two Feathers snagged one of the more Mike McCann’s mom sent him crayons and col- and family that not only loved us,- but showedRegular shuttle to downtown2019 Reunion Coronado from Plan hotel. Of The Day “unusual” care packages. His brother’s “hippie oring books to give to the Vietnamese children. it in theirMusic letters City and packages. Tours We need to re- girlfriend” sent him some “special ingredient” William Marlow got a package of toy 2 • RiverFree Currents, Friday Volume Transportation: 28, Number 4 • WINTER While 2019 at- cowboys and Indians to give away to the tending the reunion, you can see why Nash- Thursday August 29 shirt liked them. He had two!” The “special in- local kids, when they were on outpost ville has been declared the “‘It’ City” by Start Time End Time Event Location Comments brownies,gredient” was for hiseasily 19th available birthday. in “Even Vietnam, the firstbut duty, like guarding bridges or MedCaps. the New York Times and about 100 people you know what they say about how “the grass is As he recalls, few of them made it to kids, moveYour there every membership day. We have arranged 0900 1700 Registration Conference Center Register here first before attending always greener,” or something….. because Tiger Scouts found them in his forexpiration an ADA accessible bus date to transport is our Lobby any events. You must have your Some of the packages were a little more “edgy.” gear while they were on their way to the guests to the Opryland area that includes ID badge on to enter events. Daniel Seidenberg received a Marine combat stops at the Grand Ole Opry, Opry Mills Mall outpost and quickly had them out of the and printedGeneral Jackson onRiverboat your tour. The 0700 2100 Main Hall OPEN Conference Center Hall is open for coffee and donuts, knife. Craig R. Smolinski got a Case pocket knife bags. The Tiger Scouts played with them bus will run hourly from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. beer and meet all your friends from his sister, which he still has. on the deck of the Tango boat. onlyRiver on Friday. Currents Our hotel also has just a small Ken House was gifted a Colt 25 auto for his Bruce Peters got his wedding ring sent shuttle every half hour to downtown from 0900 1700 MRFA Mobile Outside Conference MRFA Trailer with all the KIA listed back pocket. Col. Monte G. Euler got a .38 caliber to him, buried in fudge. It wasn’t accom- 8 a.m.above till 10 p.m. your every day. name Museum OPEN Center on sides of trailer, plus pictures pistol. panied with a “Dear John” letter; quite Pay to see Tour: Additionally, Flair tours and memorabilia Several guys received Jiffy Pop, popcorn, in- will runand 3-hour sight-seeingaddress. tours from 2 the contrary. Bruce had been told that the guys member them and forgetspeci thespeci alhaters. rate.al rate.If Also,you Also, have in this in 0900this issue issue is a ???is form a form to Individual sign to sign upUnit forup forConferencethe thereunion. reunion. Center Get Individual Get signed signed Unit upRooms withup and with MRFAus andus and registered registered cluding Carl J. Kramer, Jerry Smith, Walter Lee, shouldn’t wear rings, watches, or other jewel- to 5 p.m. both Friday and Saturday for $35 stories about the care packages you received, we Rooms OPEN Museum Room Open and Mike Boylen, of B Company, 3/47. They all wouldper like person. to hear Places them! suchwith Please withas the the thehotelTennesseesend hotel to right terry. right away away as roomsas rooms will will go quickly.go quickly. This This happened happened in Nashville. in Nashville. heated it up using C-4, with mixed results. Jerry When he arrived in Vietnam and saw guys walk- [email protected]!Titans and Nashville ★ Predators & Sounds stadiums, homes of some of the music and Friday August 30 Smith said they heated it with C-4 in a C ration rying in around the field, “looking so Bruce like leftMr. allT.” ofHe that wrote at tohome. her As Asa reminder, a reminder, this this is not is notthe theregular regular (two (two year) year) reunion reunion as weas wejust just held he inld Nashville, in Nashville, but buta Gathering a Gathering of of can, but “It burned so hot, it just melted all the and told her to send it to him. “She ‘hid’ it in a movie stars, Natchez Trace parkway and bridge, Andrew Jackson Hermitage, State Start Time End Time Event Location Comments popcorn kernels.” The other guys apparently had coffee can full of fudge. What a mess when it ar- the theTroops Troops on theon theWest West Coast, Coast, (Left)offering offering Vietnam yet era yetanother PCF, another “Swift opportunity Boat.” opportunity (Right). for The for MRFAlast MRFAremaining members boatmembers and and their their families families to to Capital, Vanderbilt University, (Left)famous Vietnam era0700 PCF,of “Swthe 2100 Mobileift Boat.” Riverine Main (Right). Force,Hall a CCB, The Conference orlast Command remaining Center and Hall Communications boat is open of for the coffee Mobile and donuts, Riverine Force, a better luck. rived! She did ensure the coffee can's contents Music Row where Elvissee recorded,see the theVietnam PrintersVietnam Unit Unit Memorial MemorialBoat. in Coronado, in Coronado, and and to get to gettogether together with with your your friends friends once once again again in a in a Harless W. White received “a green wool for $100.00, what she had paid for the ring. We CCB, or Command and Communicationsbeer Boat. and meet all your friends Alley, Belle Meade Plantation,beautifulbeautiful Johnny setting! Cashsetting! sweater.” John Patrick Descoteaux got an olive were within a day of putting in an insurance Museum, Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, and the 0900 1700 MRFA Mobile Outside Conference MRFA Trailer with all the KIA listed drab Air Force uniform, to replace his polyester claim when it arrived, all beat up but after eat- Wild Horse Saloon. Pre-register Additionalfor these activities and details will Museumbe outlined OPEN in the springCenter and summeron sides editionsof trailer, plus of pictures “River Currents.” greens. Frank Jones received many pairs of tire tours directly with Flair Tours at 615-361- and memorabilia tread sandals and wide leather watch bands. to scoop it out, there was the ring still wearing it 3737.The They Mobile may have Riverine a representative ForceWe recommend in Uber or Lyft from San Diego Airport to hotel. There is no airport hotel shuttle! Cliff Mulder received the heartwarming gift of ing50 years all the later.” fudge, using my three middle fingers the lobby. 0900 ??? Individual Unit Conference Center Individual Unit Rooms and MRFA ★ and 9th Infantry Division a small heater for the monsoon season. Huston Johnson got a package from someone Vietnam Page. After you Yousend may book now either online orRooms by calling OPEN the hotel at 800-815-6397Museum or Room booking Open online at Joe Rosner received mosquito repellent, which that was simply meant for someone serving in a request to join the group, 0800 1700 Registration Conference Center was ALWAYS in need in the Mekong Delta! Vietnam. He sent a letter back to let them know https://book.passkey.com/go/MRFA2020. Use the Mobile Riverine Force Association name to get the Lobby Dale C. Simpson’s family sent him a yellow, he received their package. From then on, and for Bob PriesRiver will Currents approve Staff your orange and green stuffed duck. One morning, requestEditor to joinTerry the Sater group. 0900 1900 Free Bus Service Outside Conference Free Bus Transportation to Copy Editor Georginia Ardinger Center Opryland, Mall and Downtown Graphic Artist Robin Bartell (runs every hour). See below Mobile Riverine Force Association 1100 1500 BBQ Lunch Outside Patio This is a pay your own event Reflections artistMembership has Applicationdied Form 1930 2200 Entertainment: Main Room The Vietnam Veterans of America New Memberpainting,  Associate Reflections, Member  inRenewal which  Sponsor Wil- Sailor Jerri magazine has reported that Retired Donation liams  CCB-18 is pictured  Mobile deep Museum in thought, his US Air Force Master Sgt. James Tiley Change head of address bowed, below. and with one hand on Saturday August 31 Williams died, December 19, 2018, The Wall.” Start Time End Time Event Location Comments in Corriganville, Maryland, at age 84.NEWSLETTER As a former DELIVERY businessman who has Williams may have been one of the visited The Wall three times, this 0700 2100 Main Hall Conference Center Hall is open for coffee and donuts,  Postal Delivery  Go Green with Email country’s most recognized Vietnam painting meant a great deal to me. beer and meet all your friends War veterans. Sometimes known asName ______I have print #2997 hanging in my “The Man at The Wall,” he posed for “Man Cave.” 0800 1600 MRFA Mobile Outside Conference MRFA Trailer with all the KIA listed the artist Lee Teter as a businessmanStreet ______The magazine reports that Teter Museum Trailer Center on sides of trailer, plus pictures visiting the Vietnam Veterans MemoCity- ______licensed the rights to “Reflections” to and memorabilia rial. As “The VVA” veteran” magazineState ______Chapter 172 Zip of Code the ______Vietnam Veterans 0900 ??? Individual Unit Conference Center Individual Unit Rooms and MRFA reported it, “The result was the iconicPhone ______of America. ★ Rooms OPEN Museum Room Open Cell ______0800 0900 Late Registration Conference Center E-mail ______Lobby 0900 1100 Memorial Service Conference Center  WW-II  Korea  Vietnam and Presentation Main Room  Army Member of MRF Medal of Unit (Division, Brigade, Battalion, Company, Platoon, Battery) Honor recipients ______ Navy Member 1100 1500 BBQ Lunch Outside Patio This is a pay your own event Unit (Ship, Boat Hull Numbers, Navy Activity/Detachment, etc.) ______1900 1930 Saturday Night Conference Center Welcome from Stan Melton ATC in Music City USA; Main Room 91-5 Dates Served in Unit (mm/yr - mm/yr) ______to ______Entertainment by Country Music MEMBERSHIP RATES DONATION Singer, Brian Huff  1 Year $20  3 Years $50  ______1945 2200 Grand Ole Opry Main Room To become a member, mail your check or money order performers; Mike (payable To MRFA) to Frank Jones, MRFA Membership Chairman, 9 San Marino Pkwy, Fenton, MO 63026-7513 Snider Group

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VETERANS DAY 2019 – WASHINGTON DC “We few, we happy few, we band of brothers, for he today that sheds his blood with me, shall be my brother.” – William Shakespeare, Henry V As we do each year, members of the Mobile Riverine Force Association, their families and friends came VETERANS DAY 2019 – WASHINGTON DC together in Washington, D.C. to celebrate Veterans Day at theRiver Wall Currents, - the Volume Vietnam 28, Number Veterans 4 • WINTER Memorial, 2019 • 3 and the Vietnam Veteran Women's Memorial. “We few, we happy few, we band of brothers, for he today that sheds his blood VETERANS DAYwith me, 2019–WASHINGTON shall be my brother.” – William Shakespeare, Henry V DC “We few, we happy few, we band of Asbrothers, we do each for year, he members today thatof the shedsMobile Riverinehis blood Force with Association, me, shall their befamilies my brother.”and friends came together in Washington, D.C. to celebrate Veterans Day at the Wall - the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Vietnam Veteran Women's Memorial. – William Shakespeare, Henry V As we do each year, members of the Mobile Riverine Force Association, their families and friends came together in Washington, D.C. to celebrate Veterans Day at the Wall - the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Vietnam Veteran Women’s Memorial. We placed wreaths at the Wall for the 9th Infantry Division, Naval River Assault Squadrons 9,11,13,15, the 47th Infantry Regiment, and the MRF - Army and Navy, together by members of the MRFA, their families and friends. Each year our numbers are fewer as we are in the fourth quarter of our lives, and age and health are taking their toll. However, I am always in awe of the dedication of those that attend We placed wreaths at the Wall for the 9th Infantry Division, Navy River Assault Squadrons 9,11,13,15, our wreath-laying at the Wall and who come the 47th Infantry Regiment, and the MRFA - Army and Navy Together by members of the MRFA, their together for several days each year to enjoy some families and friends. comradery and some fun. Dedication is defined as the quality of being We placed wreaths at the Wall for the 9th Infantry Division, Navy River Assault Squadrons 9,11,13,15, dedicated or committed to a task or purpose. Those who were in attendance meet this the 47th Infantry Regiment, and the MRFA - Army and Navy Together by members of the MRFA, their definition. Thank you, Brothers and Sisters, for families and friends. your dedication and your friendship. Better men and women would be hard to find.

In closing, I share the following: War drew us from our homeland in the sunlit springtime of our youth. Those who did not come back alive remain in perpetual springtime -- forever young -- and a part of them is with us always.

As long as we speak their names, they will not be forgotten. Please speak their names often. Each year our numbers are fewer as we are in the fourth quarter of our lives, and age and health are taking Dedication is defined as the qualitytheir of toll. being However,As dedicated long I am always as or we incommitted awe speak of the dedication totheir a task of names, those or purpose. that attend they ourThose wreathwill who-laying not at “ the Never Forget - Never Quit Wall and“ who come together for several days each year to enjoy some comradery and some fun. wereDoc Pries in attendance meet this definition.Each year Thankbe our numbersforgotten. you, are Brothers fewer as Pleasewe and are in Sisters, the fourthspeak quarterfor yourtheir of our dedication lives, names and age andand often. health your are taking friendship.Vice President Better men and women theirwould toll. However,be hard I amto alwaysfind. in awe of the dedication of those that attend our wreath-laying at the Wall and who come together for several days each year to enjoy some comradery and some fun.

In closing, I share the following: War drew us from our homeland in the sunlit springtime of our youth. Those who did not come back alive remain in perpetual springtime -- forever young -- and a part of them is with us always. As long as we speak their names, they will not be forgotten. Please speak their names often. Never Forget - Never Quit Doc Pries Vice President

(Joyce, Please repeat the Facebook ad, the orange square that said; “Your membership expiration date is printed on your River Currents, just above your name and address,” and the Mobile Riverine Force Association Membership Application Form, that was on the 2nd page of the Fall River Currents. Put them wherever they fit, best.) The Challenge Coin Tradition: Do You Know How It Started?

(Courtesy “DOD Live”) By Katie Lange Defense Media Activity If you’ve been in the military or worked for the Defense Department, you know what a challenge coin is. They’ve been an American military tradition for a century, meant to instill unit pride, improve esprit de corps and reward hard work and excellence. The battle began when it sniper gave away Viet Cong positions by opening fire on a river assault force of U.S. infantrymen and Vietnamese marines moving up the My Tho River. It ended at nightfall with 235 Viet Cong dead and the river banks in the hands of the Americans and Vietnamese marines. Troops of the U.S. 9th Inf. Div. and 5th Vietnamese Marine Bn. had boarded armored troop carriers of the Mobile Riverine Force before dawn and were steaming up the My Tho River 65 miles southwest of Saigon. About 2,000 meters up river, the lead Vietnamese marines came under sniper fire. The allied force returned the fire, landed the troops and the battle was on.

4 • River Currents, Volume 28, Number 4 • WINTER 2019 ReprintedAt War’s from NPR, SeptemberEnd, 1, U.S. 2010 Ship Rescued South JosephVietnam’s Shapiro and Sandra Navy Bartlett

Reprinted from NPR, September 1, 2010 “Commodore Roane said something like, leave Saigon without their family, so therefore OnJoseph April Shapiro 30, and 1975, Sandra Bartlett North Vietnamese‘Young troops man, enteredI’m not used the to having deserted strange streets thereof Saigon. will be a lot Tanks of people,’ crashed “ Do recalls. civilians come aboard my ship in the middle of He says Armitage remained silent. “He didn’t throughOn April the30, 1975, gates North of Vietnamese the presidential troops thepalace night and and give soldiers me orders,’ hoisted “Armitage therecalls.” yellow say andyes; didn’t red sayflag no. ofSo Ithe just takeViet it as Cong. an entered the deserted streets of Saigon. Tanks I said, ‘I am equally unaccustomed, sir, to coming acknowledgement,” Do says. Justcrashed hours through before, the gates ofthe the lastpresidential Americans aboard had strangebeen shipsevacuated, in the middle rescued of the night and flownArmitage on Marinedidn’t tell hishelicopters bosses at the Pentagon to palace and soldiers hoisted the yellow and red and giving you orders. But steam to Con Son.’ there would be refugees on those ships. He feared U.S.flag of Navy the Viet aircraftCong. carriers waiting offAnd the so they coast. did.” the American authorities wouldn’t want them. Just hours before, the last Americans had Neither Do nor Armitage, though, could been evacuated, rescued and flown on Marine Secret Plan To Rescue predict how many refugees would turn up in Con Thehelicopters Vietnam to U.S. NavyWar aircraft was carriers officially waiting over. Now those Navy ships were steamingSon. away from Vietnam. off the coast. More Than Just Ships ThereThe Vietnam was oneWar was exception. officially over. That Now night, the captain of a small destroyer escort, theChaos USS At Kirk, Con Songot Islanda those Navy ships were steaming away from The Kirk and its crew of about 260 officers and men were ordered to Con Son Island, about 50 mysteriousVietnam. order to head back to Vietnam. The Kirk steamed through the night to Con There was one exception. That night, the miles off the coast of South Vietnam and not yet occupied by the North Vietnamese. Con Son was Son and reached the island just as the sun came captain of a small destroyer escort, the USS Kirk, up on May 1. There were 30 South Vietnamese Southgot a mysterious Vietnam orderese to head Navy: back to 'We Vietnam. Forgotthe 'Em' site of a notorious prison. Now, its harbors were the hiding place for the remnants of the navy ships, and dozens of fishing boats and cargo South Vietnamese navy. ships. All of them were packed with refugees, Paul Jacobs,South Vietnamese the captain, Navy: received the directiveArmitage had fromcome up Adm. with the Donald plan for them Whitmire, desperate commander to get out of Vietnam. of the evacuation‘We mission Forgot — ‘Em’ Operation Frequentto gather there.Wind. He was aboard the USS TheBlue ships Ridge, “were crammed the lead full ofship people,” of saysthe Armitage, a graduate of Annapolis, had been a Kent Chipman, who in 1975 was a 21-year-old Navy'sPaul Jacobs, 7th theFleet. captain, received the directive Navy intelligence officer, assigned to Vietnamese machinist’s mate in the ship’s engine room and from Adm. Donald Whitmire, commander of the units. He gained respect for the South Vietnamese today works at a water purification plant in Texas. evacuation mission — Operation Frequent Wind. as he worked alongside them and became fluent “I couldn’t see below deck, but above deck the JacobsHe was aboard recalls the USS Whi Bluetmire's Ridge, the surprise lead ship message:in the language. "He Then says, he resigned 'We're his goingcommission to havepeople to were send just youas tight back as you to could rescue get, side the Vietnameseof the Navy’s 7th Fleet.navy. We forgot 'em. Andand ifleft we the Navydon't in protestget them when theor Nixon any part ofby them, side.” they're all probably going Jacobs recalls Whitmire’s surprise message: administration signed the Paris peace accords. There was no exact count of how many people to“He be says, killed.'" ‘We’re going to have to send you back That 1973 agreement between all warring were on those ships. Some historical records say to rescue the Vietnamese navy. We forgot ‘em. parties in Vietnam ended direct U.S. military there were 20,000 people. Other records suggest And if we don’t get them or any part of them, involvement in the war. Armitage felt the U.S. it was as many as 30,000. Jan Herman, a historian they’re all probably going to be killed.’” had sold out the South Vietnamese. with the U.S. Navy Medical Department, who The Kirk was being sent to an island off the But as it became clear that the South Vietnam is documenting the story of the Kirk, uses the Vietnamese mainland — by itself. And there was government was about to fall, a Pentagon official higher number. one more odd thing, the admiral told Jacobs: asked Armitage to fly back to Vietnam with a The Kirk sent its engineers to some of the He’d be taking orders from a civilian. dangerous mission. His assignment: to remove boats to get them started. Richard Armitage came aboard the Kirk late at or destroy naval vessels and technology so they “They were rusty, ugly, beat up,” says night, wearing a borrowed sport coat. Years later, wouldn’t fall into the hands of the Communists. Chipman. “Some of them wouldn’t even get Armitage would become second in command to A few weeks before Saigon fell, Armitage had under way; they were towing each other. And Colin Powell in the Bush administration’s State shown up at the office of an old friend, Capt. some of them were actually taking on water and Department. But on that last day of April 1975, Kiem Do, deputy chief of staff for the South we took our guys over and got the ones under he was on a special assignment from the secretary Vietnamese navy. Together, they came up with way that would run.” of defense. He’d just turned 30 that week. the secret plan to rescue the Vietnamese ships One cargo ship was so heavy it was sinking. Armitage recalls coming aboard the ship and when — as was becoming clear would happen — People below deck were bailing out the water quickly being escorted to the officer’s mess the South Vietnamese government surrendered. with their shoes. where he met with Jacobs and Commodore Do remembers warning Armitage that they’d Donald Roane, commander of the flotilla of Navy be saving more than ships. destroyers. “I told him, I said, ‘Well, our crew would not continued next page River Currents, Volume 28, Number 4 • WINTER 2019 • 5

Stephen Burwinkel, the Kirk’s medic — in the ‘Last Sovereign Territory Of The Rick Sautter was one of the Kirk officers who Navy known as a hospital corpsman — boarded took command of a Vietnamese ship. that ship to check on the sick and injured. He saw Republic Of Vietnam’ “That was the last vestige of South Vietnam. a Vietnamese army lieutenant helping passengers And when those flags came down and the Of the some 30,000 refugees on vessels leave the sinking ship, crossing to another ship, American flags went up, that was it. Because a escorted by the Kirk over six days, only three over a narrow wooden plank. As people pushed Navy ship is sovereign territory and so that was died. to get off the sinking ship, one man knocked a the last sovereign territory of the Republic of But as the flotilla approached the Philippines, woman who stopped in front of him. She fell off Vietnam,” he says. the Kirk’s captain got some bad news. The the plank and into the ocean. “Thousands and thousands of people on presence of South Vietnamese vessels in a The woman was quickly rescued. But the boats start to sing the [South Vietnamese] Philippine port would present the government in Burwinkel worried that the others on the ship national anthem. When they lower the flag, they Manila with a diplomatic predicament. would panic. He says the lieutenant acted quickly. cry, cry, cry,” Do remembers. “The Philippine government wasn’t going to “This Vietnamese lieutenant did not hesitate, allow us in, period, because these ships belonged he went right up the back of that guy, took his to the North Vietnamese now and they didn’t ‘High Point Of My Career’ gun out and shot him in the head, killed him, want to offend the new country,” Jacobs, the kicked him over the side. Stopped all the trouble captain, recalls. On May 7, the ships flying American flags right then and there,” Burwinkel recalls. The The government of Philippine President were allowed into Subic Bay. shooting was shocking, he says, but it very likely Ferdinand Marcos was one of the first to For the refugees, it was just the beginning of prevented a riot. recognize the Communist rulers now in control of their long journey, which took them to Guam and a single Vietnam, and Jacobs was told the ships then resettlement in the United States. Leading The Way should go back. For the sailors of the Kirk, ending the Vietnam Toward The Philippines Armitage and his South Vietnamese friend, War by rescuing 20,000 to 30,000 people was Capt. Do, came up with a solution that Marcos very satisfying. After fixing what could be fixed on the had to accept. “This was the high point of my career and seaworthy vessels and transferring people from Do recalls the plan: “We will raise the I’m very proud of what we did, what we the ships that would be left behind, the Kirk led American flag and lower the Vietnamese flag as accomplished, how we did it,” Jacobs says. “I felt the flotilla of naval ships, fishing boats and cargo a sign of transfer [of] the ship back to the United like we handled it truly professionally and that ships toward the Philippines. States, because during the war those ships are was kind of a dark time.” The USS Cook, another destroyer escort, like given to the Vietnamese government as a loan, Armitage says he “envied” the officers and the Kirk, helped out as the ships were leaving if you want, from the United States, to fight the men of the USS Kirk. The ship had not seen Con Son. The Cook’s crew provided rice, and Communists. Now the war is over, we turn them combat on its tour to Vietnam. But it ended with its corpsman helped Burwinkel and his assistant back to the United States.” the rescue of tens of thousands of refugees, one from the Kirk attend to the sick and injured, too. There was a frantic search to find 30 American of the greatest humanitarian missions in the As the flotilla headed out to sea, on the way flags. Two officers from the Kirk were sent history of the U.S. military. to the Philippines, other Navy ships came in and aboard each Vietnamese ship to take command Says Armitage: “They weren’t burdened with out of the escort, according to Herman. Among after a formal flag ceremony. the former misadventure of Vietnam.” those other ships were the USS Mobile, USS Tuscaloosa, USS Barbour County, USS Deliver and USS Abnaki. But it’s clear from the daily logs from the Kirk and the other ships that the crew of the Kirk took the lead. “For me, the Kirk was ideal,” says Armitage, who moved from the Kirk to the Vietnamese navy’s flagship. “It could communicate with the rest of the U.S. fleet. They would go with us across to the Philippines and would be able to rescue any of the folks who might be in harm’s way. Some had been wounded. Some were pregnant. All were sick after a while. And we needed a way to take care of those folks.” The Kirk’s sailors kept busy providing food, water and medicine to people on the South Vietnamese ships. Burwinkel spent his time moving from ship to ship treating the sick and injured. With thousands of people — many of them babies and children — he had to work almost nonstop. “When they gave me the meritorious service medal over all this, I quite frankly referred to it as my ‘no-sleep’ medal,” says Burwinkel, who made a career in the Navy and is now retired and living in Pensacola, Fla. “I would go out there and do my thing and at dark we would come back to the Kirk and try to get a little bit to eat and make some rounds — gather my wits about me, “Courtesy of Adam Lawrence Twigg, son of Richard Twigg, posted to our Facebook page. resupply myself and get ready for the next day.” BMCM Richard E. Twigg (USN Ret.) passed away on February 25, 2011. While in Vietnam Rick served with River Assault Squadron 13 – River Assault Division 131. He was Boat Captain on Tango-131-1 from March 1968 to March 1969. “Soldiers from the 9th Division’s Second Brigade look forward to a hot shower and chow at the Mobile Riverine Base after fighting the Viet Cong in the Mekong Delta.” Official U.S. Navy photo (XFV-2824-E-6-68) Letters to the Editor If you have questions, stories, or comments for “River Currents,” please e-mail Terry Sater, at [email protected]

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6 • River Currents,************************************* Volume 28, Number 4 • WINTER 2019 A Positive Message For Every Vietnam Vet.

There was an incident, several years ago, that gave me a warm glow of gratification that we DID accomplish something, in Vietnam. I was grocery shopping, wearing my leather jacket that says “Vietnam Veteran,” and has some patches from the Mobile Riverine Force. A voice from behind me said; “Thank you for your service, sir!” I turned around to see a young man of Asian descent. His hand was out, to shake mine. I shook his hand and told him that I appreciated it and that he struck me as someone who was either active duty, or a Hey Brothers, check out Heyour Brothers, Facebook check page, out “Theour Facebook Mobile page,Riverine “The ForceMobile andRiverine 9th Infantryveteran, Division himself. He smiled and said that yes, Force and 9th Infantry Division Vietnam” Facebook group at https://www. he was active duty. He was a sergeant in the Vietnam” Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/195572170458597/ U.S. Air Force and he was home on leave from facebook.com/groups/195572170458597/ Iraq. He was in the process of helping shut Our Facebook Group is dedicated to all Army and Navy men who the base down. Our Facebook Group isserved dedicated with pride to all and Army distinction and inNavy a place men called who the served Mekong with Delta. pride Be and distinctionHe said his name in was a Tom and that he always thanked Vietnam vets he met. I’ll place called the Mekongit onDelta. water Be or land,it on they water all served or land, their th country.ey all servedWhether their they werecountry. on a Whethernever forget they his werereason. Heon said his father Monitor or making a helo assault, setting an ambush on a lonely, quiet, was in the South Vietnamese Navy, and when a Monitor or making a helodark night,assault, walking setting through an ambus waist-deeph on water a lonely, in a ricequiet, paddy, dark riding night, a walkingSaigon fell,through his father was put into a “re- education camp.” While his father was in the waist-deep water in a ricetango paddy, boat up riding a narrow a tango canal, orboat at anchor up a narrowin the middle canal, of a or brown-water at anchor in thecamp, middle men came of to theira home, to take their brown-water river for longriver hotfor long hours. hot hours. Places Places like like Dong Dong Tam, Tam, Tay Ninh, Ninh, Snoopy’s Snoopy's Nose, Nose, property.the Cross His mother Roads, tried to stop them. One the Cross Roads, Ambush Alley, My Tho, Rach Kien, Plain of Reeds, of the men hit his mother in the mouth with Ambush Alley, My Tho,Parrot’s Rach Beak,Kien, Tan Plain An, ofNha Reed Be s,or Parrot'sBen Tre Beak,and names Tan likeAn, Colleton,Nha Be or Benthe butt Tre of his and AK-47. His voice trailed off as he told me he “saw things a boy shouldn’t names like Colleton, Washtenaw,Washtenaw, Windham, Benewah, Benewah, Westchester, Westchester, Satyr, Askari,Satyr, PBR, Askari, and PBR,see.” and I can Swiftboat only imagine. When his father Swiftboat are names and places we’ll never forget. got out of the re-education camp, he told his are names and places we'llThis never group forget. is to preserve a living memory of all those who served in the family they had to get out of Vietnam. There was no future for them in the land of their Mobile Riverine Force and 9th Infantry Division Vietnam. birth. They made their way out to sea, going This group is to preserveMany a living friendships memory from of days all thpastose have who been served renewed in the because Mobile of ourRiverine from Force one country and to 9th another, until they finally group page. It is a great place to make connections with others who made it to America. He told me that because Infantry Division Vietnam. of Vietnam veterans, tens of thousands of served with the Mobile Riverine Force and 9th Infantry Division. Vietnamese people got “a taste of freedom.” Many friendships from days past have been renewed because of our group page. It is a greatHe said placethere are Vietnameseto all over the A few rules are in place to keep order in the group. They are: world, living in freedom today, because WE make connections with others who served with the Mobile Riverine Force and 9th Infantrygave Division.them that taste. That is why he thanks every Vietnam veteran he meets. He went on 1. Politics and religion are the fastest way to start an argument and to tell me that he told the men and women A few rules are in place to keep order in the group. They are: who worked under his leadership in Iraq, that cause hard feelings and absolutely have no place on this page. they were giving the people of Iraq a “taste of freedom,” today, and because of them, future 1. Politics and religion are2. Wethe expectfastest members way to tostart treat an each argument other with and respect. cause hard feelings andgenerations absolutely of Iraqi people will be free. When I returned home with the groceries, have no place on this page. I tried to tell Judi what I had just heard, but We hope you enjoy the group. every time I tried to tell the story, my voice broke and I was too overwhelmed to tell the 2. We expect members to treat each other with respect. story. It took hours before I could attempt In Brotherhood, to get the story out without the emotional Doc Pries - MRFA Vice President and Group Admin impact of his message making me break We hope you enjoy the group. down. Tom’s message to me was the most uplifting, reassuring message I had heard since the day I came home from Vietnam. I want In Brotherhood, all of my Brother’s In Arms, and their families to hear it, too. We NEED to know some good came of it.

Terry Sater Editor, River Currents John Patrick Descoteaux. "It wasn't like you were in Danger." Charles Davis. “When I speak at a local school about Vietnam, I start with the lack of roads in the Delta and how Riverine operations were based on the riverine operations in Civil War and how monitors and specially built armored troop carriers were used to take confederate held islands.” Don Holt. “Go for a ride on an LST loaded with ammo on the main and fuel in the tank deck. Then talk to us about not being in any danger. Ride that same LST at 5 knots max along the coastline to deliver that crap.” Wally Nichols. “Ya. When asked what branch I served in, I always start off with "I joined the Navy to avoid combat. Guess what I got!" William Frede. “The Navy were only on Ships out in the ocean. Everybody in the states thought sailors were on ships out in the ocean, when in fact thousands and thousands of sailors were on support ships and river boats in the Mekong Delta plus all throughout Vietnam, I myself was on the River Boats T-112- 2 in 1967, and on a Destroyer off the coast in 1969, so I saw the perspective of the Vietnam War from two different views.” Bob Pries. "Oh, you were a medic and must have worked in a hospital so that couldn't have been too bad. You were lucky you weren't in the Infantry." Ben Felix. “I encounter so many ignorant comments, not all medics/ corpsman were in hospitals they were in hospitals as well as ships and in the bush along the River wherever they were needed.” Dan Andrews. “Another version, you were only in the Army. The Marines did all the fighting.” Michael Hoks. “Nobody knows what a Tango boat is, not even Medals of America or Military Issue Catalogs.”

River Currents, Volume 28, Number 4 • WINTER 2019 • 7 Sniper starts The Challenge Coin JohnTradition: Patrick Descoteaux. "It wasn't like you were in Danger." Charles Davis. “When I speak at a localriver school about Vietnam, battle, I start with the lack of roads in the Delta Do You Know How Itand howStarted? Riverine operations were based on the riverine operations in Civil War and how monitors and specially built armoredBy troopStars carriers andwerebut used Stripes, to takeallies confederate Published: heldend islands.” it. December 14, 1967 (Courtesy “DOD Live”) They initially planned to execute By Katie Lange him, since theyDon couldn’t Holt. ID“Go him. for Buta ride the on an LST loadedBy Stars with ammoand Stripes, on the Published:main and fuel December in the tank 14, deck. 1967 Then talk Defense Media Activity lieutenant, rememberingto us about nothe stillbeing had in theany danger. Ride that same LST at 5 knots max along the coastline to deliver that small pouch aroundcrap.” his neck, pulled out If you’ve been in the military or worked the coin to show the soldiers his unit’s for the Defense Department, you know insignia. One Wallyof the FrenchmenNichols. “Ya. recognized When asked what branch I served in, I always start off with "I joined the Navy to what a challenge coin is. They’ve been an that insignia, soavoid he wascombat. spared. Guess what I got!" American military tradition for a century, Instead of being executed, the lieutenant meant to instill unit pride, improve esprit was given a bottleWilliam of wine, Frede. probably “The Navy were only on Ships out in the ocean. Everybody in the states thought sailors de corps and reward hard work and as a form of reparationwere on ships for hisout initial in the ocean, when in fact thousands and thousands of sailors were on support ships excellence. treatment. Whenand he river finally boats inmade the it Mekong back Delta plus all throughout Vietnam, I myself was on the River Boats T-112- The coins represent anything from a to his squadron,2 in it 1967, became and a ontradition a Destroyer off the coast in 1969, so I saw the perspective of the Vietnam War from two small unit to the offices of top leaders, for all servicedifferent members views.” to carry a unit- such as the defense secretary. There emblazoned coin at all times, just in case. are also coins made for special events, Bob Pries. "Oh, you were a medic and must have worked in a hospital so that couldn't have been too anniversaries and even nonmilitary leaders. Not Everyonebad. Believes You were That lucky Depiction you weren't in the Infantry." Many service members and veterans While that story sounds cool, Air Force Ben Felix. “I encounter so many ignorant comments, not all medics/ corpsman were in hospitals they proudly display challenge coins at their Historical Research Agency archivist Barry desks or homes, showing off the many Spink isn’t buyingwere init. hospitals as well as ships and in the bush along the River wherever they were needed.” missions they’ve been on, the top leaders He said he’dDan been Andrews. told in the “Another 1990s version, you were only in the Army. The Marines did all the fighting.” they’ve met and the units for which they’ve that the tradition started in Vietnam, worked. when an ArmyMichael infantry-run Hoks. bar “Nobody tried to knows what a Tango boat is, not even Medals of America or Military Issue keep non-infantrymenCatalogs.” away by forcing But how did this tradition get started? “outsiders” to buy drinks for the whole I was curious, so I checked with the bar if they couldn’t prove they had been in National Defense University, Pentagon combat. The “proof” started with enemy librarians and historians, as well as those bullets, then got a little out of control with the U.S. Army Center of Military with grenades, rockets and unexploded History and the Naval History and Heritage ordnance. So a coin-sized item emblazoned Command. Those institutions couldn’t find with the unit’sBy insignia Stars and became Stripes, the Published: December 14, 1967 any written records, probably because the accepted form of proof. challenge coin tradition didn’t start as an This tradition – now known as a coin officially sanctioned activity. So I dove into check – continues today, hence it being the modern-day oral histories of the world called a “challenge” coin. Boats are beached near where Americans from the 9th Infantry Division's 2nd Brigade Riverine Force and – also known as the internet – to see what I could find. One More Possibility Spink also sent me an articleSouth called Vietnamese from the 5th Vietnamese Marine Battalion battled the Viet Cong along the My Tho The Most Common Myth “Coining a Tradition” that was printed in The most well-known story that the a 1994 edition of Soldiers Magazine.River, It 65 miles southwest of Saigon. JOHN OLSON/STARS AND STRIPES internet produced linked the challenge coin offered a similar version of the Vietnam tradition back to World War I. As the U.S. story, the World War I tale and one other started building up its Army Air Service, option, which dates back to the early many men volunteered to serve. One of 1960s: those men was a wealthy lieutenant who “A memberBoats of the are 11th beached Special near where Americans fromBoats the are 9th beached Infantry nearDivision's where 2nd Americans Brigade Riverinefrom the Force and wanted to give each member of his unit a Forces GroupSouth took oldVietnamese coins, had from them the 5th Vietnamese9th Marine Infantry Battalion Division’s battled 2nd the Brigade Viet Cong Riverine along Force the My Tho memento, so he ordered several coin-sized overstamped withRiver, a 65different miles southwestemblem, thenof Saigon. JOHNand OLSON/STARSSouth Vietnamese AND from STRIPES the 5th Vietnamese bronze medallions to be made. presented them to unit members, according Marine Battalion battled the Viet Cong along the My The lieutenant put his own medallion in to Roxanne Merritt, curator of the John F. Tho River, 65 miles southwest of Saigon. JOHN a small leather pouch that he wore around Kennedy Special Warfare Museum at Fort OLSON/STARS AND STRIPES his neck. A short time later, his plane was Bragg, N.C. A former commander of the The battle began when it sniper gave away Viet shot down over Germany. He survived but 10th SFG picked up on the idea, becoming Cong positions by opening fire on a river assault was captured by a German patrol, who the first to mint a unit coin for the U.S. force of U.S. infantrymen and Vietnamese marines took all of his identifiable items so he military unit. The 10th group remained moving up the My Tho River. would have no way to identify himself if the only Army unit with its own coin until It ended at nightfall with 235 Viet Cong dead and he escaped. What they didn’t take was the the mid-1980s, Merritt said, when ‘an the river banks in the hands of the Americans and small pouch with the medallion. explosion took place and everybody started Vietnamese marines. The lieutenant was taken to a small town minting coins.’” Troops of the U.S. 9th Inf. Div. and 5th near the front lines of the war. Despite So if you’ve ever wondered how the Vietnamese Marine Bn. had boarded armored troop his lack of ID, he managed to find some challenge coin came about, you can take carriers of the Mobile Riverine Force before dawn civilian clothing and escaped anyway, your pick of which story to believe! and were steaming up the My Tho River 65 miles eventually stumbling into a French outpost. southwest of Saigon. Wary of anyone not in uniform, the French Follow the Department of Defense on About 2,000 meters up river, the lead Vietnamese soldiers didn’t recognize his accent and Facebook and Twitter! marines came under sniper fire. The allied force immediately assumed he was an enemy. returned the fire, landed the troops and the battle was on. 8 • River Currents, Volume 28, Number 3 • FALL 2019 FREE SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER $60 www.mrfa.org Coins Bumper Stickers Quality crafted pewter coins are 1½” in Show your colors with pride. These durable vinyl diameter, with high quality embossing and bumper stickers will look great on your car or full color detail. Thank You, Purple truck. Brilliant, bright detail on a weather-resistant Heart, Army, and Navy coins have areas vinyl. Help spread the word out about a great for engraving. organization and maybe find someone right next $10.00 door! Six great styles to choose from. C001 MRFA

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E-mail ______8 • River Currents, Volume 28, Number 2 • SUMMER 2019 MRFA Mekong Mirth–Things That Gave Us a Laugh In Vietnam! “About 1 week in-country, I was at Bear Cat Ed, showing his Captain pins on his collars. The sickness and threw-up. Later that night we froze in a bunker on base camp security. My Starlight For the sailors of the Kirk, endingtrying to the sleep. Vietnam All of us War bundled by rescuing up in our 20,000pon- to 30,000 people was very scope told me I had movement out front. I called walked away. To thissatisfying. day, Ed feels bad about it. cho liner. Weird we thought. So hot during the back and reported it. The sirens went off and officerHe thought didn’t for say sure a word,that he but was kept in a silent world and of transition from our ship to Bear Cat and then somehow froze our butts at night. I brought running around in the area cleared back to the One of the worst"This jobs anyone was the had high in Vietnam point of mythat careerponcho and home I'm and very my proudlittle girl of usedwhat it we as did, what we accomplished, how we thejungle. flares I was went a bit up. of Guess the laughing what? Istock had monkeysfor a few troublewas the forwork being detail rudedid requiring toit," an Jacobs officer. the grunt says. or sailor"I felt likeher wesuckie handled blanket it for truly many professionally years. I still have and it.” that was kind of a dark time." days...” Delano Poppelreiter to pull the half barrels of waste from under the Floyd Mcgovern “On a night insert with two choppers and latrines and burn themArmitage with fuel. says Tom he Zigoris "envied" re- the“It officers was either and the men 4th of of the July USS or New Kirk. Year’s The ship had not seen combat on its eight men, we landed in a clearing hoping to members that day an “FNG” was ordered to do Eve. After a full day of operation, we pulled into have contact...the only contact was something to tour to Vietnam. But it ended with the rescue of tens of thousands of refugees, one of the greatest our left that myself and one of my men emptied explained that nobodyhumanitarian told him he was missions supposed in the112-6 history and ofCaruso the andU.S. I weremilitary. sitting on top of the our M-16s into...the thing was a water buffalo... thatto pull job the with half the barrel officer’s out latrine.of the latrineThe new before guy aboat fire talkingsupport about base thingsfor the we night. had I donewas on as ASPBkids. Says Armitage: "They weren'tAs weburdened were talking, with allthe of former the cannons misadventure went off of Vietnam." the farmer for destroying his John Deere.” Denny and scared the hell out of us. Some of them had theFrank next day we flew back to the area and paid heauspicious set it on start fire. onThe a yearofficer’s tour.” latrine went up in ************************************** Edward Harshman tells the story of seeing a flames in minutes. As Tom says, “That was an had a good laugh, knowing that they scared us.” USO show on the Colleton got drunk and passed out in his bunk. His head firedJoseph some Mattie form of fireworks. I know that they a soldier stepped in front of him, blocking his was“We shining had a inPetty the Officernight light. with Ia cut shaved a slit head. in card He- “Two Alpha-boats were patrolling across from view. Ed addressed the situation (APB-36). with Suddenly,the salty board and sprayed through the slots with red, language of a sailor, telling the soldier to get out white, and blue spray paint and had his head in ran aground on a sand bar. Try as we may, we of10 •his River way. Currents, The Volume soldier 28, Numberslowly 4 •turned WINTER 2019towards stripes. He sure wasOn mad. the IMRFA got caught Facebook and had page,Dongcould I askedTamnot back(free-fire the off question; it. zone) Not wantingin “Whichdarkness to showentertainerswhen any we stand out to YOU, the most? We work details chippingowe and them painting ALL on a YRBMdebt of 17, gratitude!” light, and trying Here toare keep some as quiet of the as possible,responses we I received; LOL.” Ronnie Fontenot opted to walk a line over to our sister boat. Our From the Membership John Gerard Organ Jr. “The.50 beautifulgunner volunteered. and talented Off he Ma wentrilyn and McCoo was stopped at Tan An in 1970 and I story.Our “We hacked Favorite through heavy jungle USO all quickly invisibleShow in the darkness; barely visible My name is Terry Sater. I have the honor morning.Calvin Finally Bailey came (Agot 4/39, outto talkonto 1967-68) witha road. her. There tells Also, thisthe thewith New a Starlight. Christy AfterMinstrels several did minutes a show of steady at Tan An Airfield.” Theand daunting Misperceptions, responsibility of assuming the duties of Editor of “River Currents” from Al- TwoEntertainers Vietnamese immediatelyBruce Harness abandoned. “Gary it and Merrill him), and there Susan was a Oliversudden 'shout,'visited a Tan lot of Tru splash in -70 had a beer and a chat.” Mythsbert. I, like and you, thank the Albert Realities and everyone pointdisappearedOn the team MRFA found into Facebook thea stalled jungle page, Lambretta on I askedthe other the(scooter).” question;side of “Whichprogressing, and entertainers the (we line were quickly stand laying outbeing out to YOU,pulled the linethe from most? behind our who have made the MRFA what it is, today. the road. “The point team started checking out hands. The splashing stopped when he reached of the MRF We owe them ALL aJohn debt of Crooker. gratitude!” “Joey Here are Bishop some of and the responseshis wife Ivisited received; us at Tan An in 1968.” I wish everyone who served with the MRF that scooter and found over $118,000 in Viet- the other boat; we were pulled off, and he was I askedhad takenour members the opportunity “What are tothe join erroneous our as - reunited with us. We all asked him what had John Gerard Organ Jr. “The beautiful and talented Marilyn perceptionssociation, people attend may reunions have about and readwhat “Riveryou did happened out there. He responded, he thought Currents.” Being part of the MRFA has made McCoo stopped at Tan An in 1970 and I got to talk with in Vietnam, and what your daily life was like?” nameserucksack. money By the (a timeVietcong the payroll).Lieutenant One got of themwind he had been 'attacked' by a sea snake, and took our lives happier, healthier, and fuller. “River her. Also, the New Christy Minstrels did a show at Tan An Here are some of the responses we could print. said, "War is Hell, boys" and started stuffing his- off 'running.' It wasn't until he reached the other Currents” is a constant reminder that none etsAirfield.” and rucksacks with money.” The Lieutenant boat that he realized the 'snake' was the bitter of us are alone and that we are all part of Marvin Raffler. “Some people back in the states ofordered it, about the fivemen guys to return had stuffed all of it, all so their that pockintel- end of the line he was hauling over!” Gary Grahn Brotherhood, forged in war, many years ago, Bruce Harness. “Gary Merrill and Susan Oliver visited Tan may have thought that we hated the Vietnamese ligence could determine what Viet Cong units ★ but will last forever. wereTru in operating 70 had a inbeer the and area. a chat.”Calvin had suspicions peopleI spent and one my thing career is forin thesure electrical we loved indus those- kids.” to this very day about what REALLY happened to try and have dabbled in writing for years. I thatJohn money. Crooker. “Joey Bishop and his wife visited us at Tan have written political editorials for news- An in 1968.” - Rodneypapers, Muggs sales columnsSteed. “Oh! for a You trade were magazine, in the Navy in Vietnam, a nice big ship!” grees. We weren’t used to it yet. I had heat and a book “The Nightmare of the Mekong.” Robert“Our Hoelle. first day “Johnny in-country Cash, was June about Carter, 90 Carl de Perkins, I hope in the months and years to come, Jimmy Stewart, and Rocky Marciano.” Johnwe Patrickcan bring Descoteaux. more of your “It experiences wasn’t like you and were in Danger.” memories to the pages of River Currents. We Bob Deissig. “I wasRobert with 3/47th Hoelle. from 68-69 “Johnny at Tigers Cash, Lair. June Jimmy Carter, Stewart Carlcame toPerkins, us with hisJimmy wife, Stewart, and Rocky Marciano.” want a balance of stories of interest from Gloria, and Greg Morris who was a cast member for the T.V. series “Mission Impossible.” It was a Charlesthe Army Davis. and “When the Navy. I speak One at of a mylocal favorite school thrill to shake their hands and spend some time. Stewart wasth a true war hero, and humble, amazing aboutquotes Vietnam, is from I start Lieutenant with the lackGeneral of roads Harold in Bob Deissig. “I was with 3/47 from 68-69 at Tigers Lair. Jimmy Stewart came to us with his wife, man.” theG. Delta Moore, and who how said;Riverine “There operations is no such were thing Gloria, and Greg Morris who was a cast member for the T.V. series “Mission Impossible.” It was a thrill basedas closure on the riverinefor soldiers operations who have in Civil survived War a Lloyd Edwards. Ron“Georgeto shake Mason. Peppard. their “We hands Saw had him and inthis Dong spend band Ha some on1970, Tango time.just as 131 Stewartwe were-12. preparing wasThey a sang true to back war“Order out hero, in andthe court,humble, here amazing comes man.”the andwar. how They monitors have andan obligation, specially built a sacred armored duty, to the field.” troopto remembercarriers were those used who to takefell in confederate battle beside held judge.” This photo is signed by them. One says make it home, the judge. Thank god it wasn’t war every islands.”them all their days and to bear witness to the day.”Lloyd Edwards. “George Peppard. Saw him in Dong Ha 1970, just as we were preparing to back out to insanity that is war.” David Howington. “I met Janis, Chuck Conners & Reymond Burr T-92-13 1967. Remember Chuck was very tall.” the field.” Don IHolt. look “Goforward for a toride working on an LST with loaded each withof ammoyou, on and the leaning main and on fuelall ofin youthe tankfor helpdeck. and Then Jerry Smith. “LouDavid Brock cameHowington. out to the boats “I met while Janis, Chuck Conners & Reymond Burr T-92-13 1967. Remember Chuck was talkguidance. to us about I am not intimidated being in any at danger. the prospect Ride we were aboard the Benewah while trying to track down that same LST at 5 knots max along the coastline very tall.” my pay records. Got to shake his hand and visit with to candeliver count that on crap.” him to keep me on course and ofcontinue trying histo fill legacy. Albert’s shoes, but I know I him for a few, but I Jerryhad a more Smith. pressing “Lou issue; Brock we were came out to the boats while we were aboard the Benewah while trying to track If you have funny stories about things to head to Taiwan in 2 days for R&R and I needed some Wally Nichols. “Ya. When asked what branch that happened during your time in Vietnam, moohla.” down my pay records. Got to shake his hand and visit with him for a few, but I had a more pressing issue; I served in, I always start off with “I joined the please send them to [email protected]. we were to head to Taiwan in 2 days for R&R and I needed some moohla.” Navy to avoid combat. Guess what I got!” If you would like to contact me with Ron Mason. “We had this band on Tango 131-12. They ideas or stories for future editions of River sang “Order in the court, here comes the judge.” This William Frede. “The Navy were only on Ships Currents, you can reach me at terry.s8er@ photo is signed by them. One says make it home, the out in the ocean. Everybody in the states thought yahoo.com. I will also be at the Nashville re- judge. Thank god it wasn’t war every day.” sailors were on ships out in the ocean, when in factthe thousands RivRon andHospitality thousands room of sailors during were much on union.ofsupport the reunion! You ships will and likely river be boats able in to the find Mekong me in DeltaIn plus Brotherhood, all throughout Vietnam, I myself was on theTerry River Sater Boats T-112-2 in 1967, and on a DestroyerEditor, off River the coast Currents in 1969, so I saw the David P. “Pappy” Meritt passed away on October 24, 2019. While in Vietnam he served with B-3, 3rd perspectiveRiver Assault of the VietnamSquadron War 13 from two different th views.” Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9 Infantry Division from January 1967 to February 1968.

Bob Pries. “Oh, you were a medic and must have worked in a hospital so that couldn’t have been too bad. You were lucky you weren’t in the LettersI received the following to message the from Diane Editor Thom her husband Mike; “It is with a broken heart and Infantry.” great sadness to let you know Mike passed away on 10/15/2019. He overcame so much, especially in the Ben Felix. “I encounter so many ignorant last year, but this time he didn’t come home with me, he went home with God.” comments, not all medics/ corpsman were in If you have questions, hospitals they were in hospitals as well as ships Mike was a Gunners Mate on T-131-6, 1968-1969. It was a joy to see Mike and Diane at recent reunions. and in the bush along the River wherever they He struggled with the effects of A.O., but was always smiling and taking life head on. were needed.” stories, or comments for “River Currents,” Dan Andrews. “Another version, you were only in the Army. The Marines did all the fighting.” please e-mail Terry Sater, at Michael Hoks. “Nobody knows what a Tango boat is, not even Medals of America or Military Issue Catalogs.” [email protected]

Patrick V. Riley passed away on September 28, 2019 in Gettysburg, PA. While in Vietnam he served with Bravo Company, 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division during 1968-1969. Pat is survived by Virginia, his wife of 54 years.

MRFA Member Gerald (Jerry) Weiss Passed away from cancer September 16, 2019. Jerry served on the USS Benewah APB 35 1966-1967, as an Electronics Technician in the Ops Department. Jerry is survived by his wife and Sandra and children. Jerry lived in Little Falls, Mn. at his passing.

Ron Mason. “We had this band on Tango 131-12.Randy They sang “OrderN. Erickson in the court, here passedcomes the away on March 12, 2018 from heart related problems. While in Vietnam he judge.” This photo is signed by them. One says make it home, the judge. Thank god it wasn’t war every River Currents, Volume 28, Number 4 • WINTER 2019 • 11 day.” served with River Assault Squadron 15 – River Assault Division 151 as the River lead Currents, Engineman Volume 28, Number on 2T • -SUMMER151-13 2019 • 11 during 1968-69. Randy was living in Huron, SD at the time of his passing. He is survived by his wife Janet and children. InIn Memory Memory Of Of is survived by his wife Ar- 484-512-0316. passed away June 30, David P. “Pappy” Meritt passed away on Randy N. This section is for members who wish to sponsor the MRFA by placing a This section is for members who wish to sponsor the MRFA by placing letta, Senatobia, Missis- Erickson passed 2018. Charles served on notice in memory of one of their fallen comrades. In some instances, October 24, 2019. While in Vietnam he served a notice in memory of one of their fallen comrades. In some instanc- with B-3, 3rd Battalion, 47thsippi, Infantry, stuli1966@yahoo. 9th away on March the USS Blanco County es, thethe name name of of the the sponsor sponsor will will precede precede the the name name of of the the person person who who was Infantry Division from Januarycom. 1967 to February 12, 2018 from was KIA, or has passed onon sincesince Vietnam.Vietnam. It’s $25$25 forfor four four issues. issues. A fellow veteran, Harold & Beverly Bailey, David Blossom, Kimberly Butler, 1968. heart related Chuck is survived by his LST-344wife Janice. (09/66-09/67). WendellDelmar Affield, & Diane for “Buddha”Cable, Robert Ed &Thomas, Barbara Crowley,Boat Captain, Dean Tango& Karen 112-11 Despelder, problems. While (02/68-02/69)Dick & Lisa Dorato, Steve & Leah Futch, Godfrey Lee Education Association, David P. “Pappy”I received Meritt passed the away following on October 24, message 2019. While from in Vietnam Diane he served with B-3,in 3 rdVietnam he WilliamLois Blauser, J Host, forJ. H. Thomas & S. L. Gaudet,Nauta, Mrs. David Artel Land, Scheid, and Gabriel Jose Campos,S Snyder, Karen Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division from January 1967 to February 1968. served with River our 151& Mark Division Vander brothers Vliet, John that F.were Williams, KIAs. David & Lavonne Yoder, and Connie L Thom, concerning her husband Mike; “It is with Bill Buffie, in memory of Lyle Parin, USS Floyd County LST-762 a broken heart and great sadness to let you know Assault Squadron Young in memory of David Donovan HHC 3rd/47th Inf (01/67-12/67) (Vietnam)William Blauser for Thomas Gaudet, David Land, and Jose Campos our 151 I received the following message from Diane Thom her husband Mike; “It is with a broken heart and John and Doris Chrzanowski, in memory of SP/4 Humberto Ruiz Mike passed away on 10/15/2019. He overcame 15 – River Assault Division brothers that were KIAs great sadness to let you know Mike passed away on 10/15/2019. He overcame so much, especially in the Santiago Jr. Grenadier A Co. 4th Bn., 47th Inf. Rgt., 9th Inf. Div., Died last year, but this time he didn’t come home with me, he went home with God.” Division 151 as the so much, especially in the last year, but this time of woundsMajGeneral 06/27/69, Lucien KienBolduc, Hoa, Jr. SouthUSA (Ret) Vietnam for Guy (DC Tutwiler Wall Panel 21W Mike was a Gunnershe didn’t MateFrench oncome T-131 -home6, 1968- 1969.with It me,was a hejoy towent see Mike home and Diane with at recent reunions.lead Engineman on LnBill 025). Buffie in memory of Lyle Parin USS Floyd County LST-762 (Vietnam) He struggledGod.” withMember the effects of A.O.Robert, but was alwaysA. smiling and taking life head on. T-151-13Westling during JohnJohn and and Doris Doris Chrzanowski, Chrzanowski for in memoryB Co., 6th/31st, of SP/4 9thHumberto Inf. Div. Ruiz Troop Santiago- Jr. French passed away 1968-69.Member Randy Reverend was living in Huron, SD at the ers. KIA,Grenadier B-40 ARocket, Co. 4th 12/13/69, Bn 47th Inf. Gary Rgt M. 9th Gryzen Inf. Div. (DC Died Wall of wounds Panel 06/27/69, Lester Leon Westling Jr. W15,Kien Line Hoa, 54) SouthDavid VietnamA. McIntyre (DC (DCWall WallPanel Panel 21W LnW15, 025) Line 54) and March 26, 2019. RobertMember GeorgePowell H. Sikestime passed of his awaypassing. on He August is survived 5, 2017. by his wife While in VGaryietnamMike T. Clark in memoryhe served of Laurence with Welk (KIA Charlie May 1967) and Lydes Gardner served in C Co 4th/47thCompany, Member 4th Frank Battalion, L. Janet 47th and Infantry, children. 9th Infantry Division from January Phillips(KIA (DCSeptto Wall September1967) Panel 4th/39th W15, 9th Line Inf 1969. Div54). George Powell passed away May Ret.) passed away May 2, DavidJanice Wilson, Dahlke 2nd/60th, for son Cpl.KIA Randy08/05/69. R.Mueller Timothy D Co. Shelton, 2nd/47th 4th/39th KIA 03/03/69 KIA 06/25/69. Steven Murrary, 4th/39th, KIA 05/26/69. Harvey Crabtree, was living in Iberia, LA at(Chaplain2019. the Reverend time Captain of Westling his USN passing. HeHowe is survived by hisFran wife, Divelbiss forJoyce, Cdr. Dave andDivelbiss, several Supply Officer on Staff COMRIVFLOT 7, 2018. Frank served MemberMember George GeraldH. 2nd/4th Arty., KIA 06/19/69, and Dennis Mattox, 1st/501st, 101st Abn., 05/68). Robert is sur- KIA ONE,08/23/69. USS Benewah APB-35 (1966-68) (Riverine Infantry) 9thchildren. onboard the USS Nueces (Jerry)Sikes passed L. Howe away passed vived by his wife Char- with the 3rd Battalion, JaniceSgt RobertDahkle, Flaige for son, for Cpl.SFC RandyFernando R. QuinteroMueller, KIAD Co. 02/27/68 2nd/47th, and KIA SP4 Robert Infantry Division (05/66- awayon August August 5, 2017.14, 2014. “Bob” Jenks E Co. 3rd/60th KIA 03/03/68 lene K. French, Tampa, FL, Frank is survived by his first9th Marine served Regiment 14 months at 03/03/69 Camp Carroll in I Corps JerryWhile served in Vietnam on the USS FranBill Divelbiss, Frede for BM1for Cdr. Guy Dave Dail and Divelbiss, Johnny SupplyManess Officer T-112-2 on Staff Patrick V. Riley rfr [email protected] away on September 28, 2019 in APB-40wifeGettysburg, Patty PA. (03/69-05/70). Keith. While in Vietnam he served he served with COMRIVFLOTFrom your Brothers ONE, B USS Co. 2nd Benewah 39th Infantry, APB-35 9th (1966-68) Infantry Division in memory of th near the DMZ. His second with Bravo Company,Mikerr.com. Thom 4th May Battalion, our was 47th Brother a Infantry, Gunners 9 Infantry Mate Division on T-131-6, during 1968- 1969. Pat is Charlie Company, DavidMonte Donovan Marten from B Co.Delmar 2nd/39th & Dian (04/68-04/69) Cable survived by Virginia, his wife of 54 years. tour of duty was with 07/69). You may contact David Donovan from Dick & Lisa Dorato rest in peace. 4th Battalion, 47th From your Brothers B Co. 2nd/39th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division in memory 1968-1969. It was a joy to see Mike and Diane the Naval Support Activ- Nueceshis daughter APB-40 Wendy (06/68- Wen- Davidfor Donovan John Nielsen from BKimberley Co. 2nd/39th Butler (04/68-04/70) Member Jerry Shock- David Donovan from Dean & Karen Despelder at recent reunions. He struggled with the effects ity, Saigon in IV Corps sitsInfantry, at wensits@1cloud. 9th Infantry Nan Fulton for LtGen Bill Fulton Cdr 2nd Bde Asst Div Cdr 9th Inf Div (1966-68) ley passed away October David Donovan from Steve & Leah Futch of A.O., but was always smiling and taking life com.Division “Jerry from was a found- Regina Gooden for Sgt Lloyd Earl Valentine B Co. 3rd/47th KIA 09/05/68 16, 2018. Jerry served in David Donovan from Steve & Lavonne Yoder ing Member of the MRFA. Gordon Hillesland for Pat Lawson NSA Dong Tam (1967-68) headHHC on.3rd/60th Infantry his tour was about to end, January to September David Donovan from Karen & Mark Vander Vliet (05/69-05/70).he was ministering When to 65 He1969. was Georgea good sailorwas and DavidJoe Donovan Hilliard for from Joe BenackHarold from& Beverly Florida Bailey and Donald Hartzell from Pennsylvania a good person who made RobertSally Flaige, Jackson for for SFC Paul Fernando Nace USS Quintero, Colleton APB-36 KIA 02/27/68 (09/68-11/69) and SP4 Patrickis survived V. Rileyby his passed wife different units. living in Iberia, LA Member Marvin Lawrence Marks passed awayhimself on August available 1, 2019.when Duringit Robert BruceWorld “Bob” Jensen War Jenks in memoryII E Co.he 3rd/60thserved of Frederic KIA Peers 03/03/68 Webb A-111-4 KIA 12/21/67 awayBarbara. on September 28, at the time of his Bill DorisFrede, May for Johnson BM1 Guy in memoryDail, BM3 of JohnnyFranklin Maness,Johnson TFand 117 SN 1967 David Purple Heart (12/67-12/68). Jerry onboard the USS Nicholson (DD-442) and thecame USS to Askari.helping hisThe fellow latter was originally commissioned as 2019William in Gettysburg, “Bill” McMul - passing. He is survived by his wife, Joyce, and FlabburisVet T-112-2, 1967 LST-1131. She was later converted to ARLVeterans-30 and utilized.” Albert during Moore. the VietnamTony Garvey, War. for Wes Marvin Sade, Billyearned Olsen, the and Staff Sgt. James PA.len passedWhile inaway Vietnam Febru - several children. J. R. Johnson Recon 3rd/47th (01/67-01/68) for Walker, Paredez, Gotch, Purple Heart Medal as a gunner during WWII. He was very proud to be aWilliams MemberHayes, Nelson, of our and association. Howard heary served 12, 2019. withMember Bill Bravo served Marvin Lawrence Marks passed away on August 1, 2019. During World War II he served C Co. 4th/47th, 9th Inf. Richard MacCullagh for John (Doc) Phillips, HMC, USN (Ret) RivRon 15 Hall Regina Gooden, for Sgt. Lloyd Earl Valentine, B Co 3rd/47th, KIA Company,with C Co. 4th6th/31stonboard Battalion, Inf.the USS Nicholson (DD-442) andMember the USS Marvin Askari. The latter was originally commissionedRichard as MacCullagh for Chaplain Rene L. Petit, LT, CHC, RC, RivRon 13 and 15 Daniel E. Hall Jr. Lawrence Marks September 5, 1968 47th Infantry,LST 9th- Infantry1131. She was later converted to ARL-30 and utilized during the Vietnam War. Marvin SusanearnedKaye Hanmer, Marten, the forTravis SFC Marten, Michael and Hanmer, Tristen Marten RivRon in 13 memory and 153 of Monte Marten time of his passing, Bill passed away April 6, Division duringPurple 1968- Heart Medal as a gunner during WWII.passed awayHe was on very proud to be a Member of our association. (07/69-02/71)(husband, father, and grandfather) B Co. 2nd/39th 9th Inf Div (1968-69) MRFA Member Gerald (Jerry) Weiss Passed1969.(04/68-04/690).was away residing Pat from is survivedin cancer Welling At the by September- 2019. Daniel 16, served2019. with Jerry August served 1, on 2019. the GordonAdam Hillesland, Metts for Donald for Pat L. Lawson, Bruckart NSA T-111-2 Dong KIA Tam 03/31/69 (67-68), & Mike USS Benewah APB 35 1966-1967, as an Electronicston, Florida. Technician in theCharlie Ops Co. Department. 9th Inf. Divi- JerryDuring is Worldsurvived War MoseyAlbert NSA Moore Dong for RalphTam (67-68)Tresser CS3 USS Benewah APB-35 (1966-67) Virginia, his wife of 54 Joe Hilliard, for Joe Benack from Florida, and Donald Hartzell, from years. II he served onboard Albert Moore for Tom Bityk CS3 IUWG-1 VC-Hill/Ha Tien (1969-70) by his wife and Sandra and children. Jerry lived in Little Falls, Mn. atDaniel his passing.is survived by his PennsylvaniaAlbert and Sara Moore for Capt Gerald Saucier CO USS Benewah APB-35 the USS Nicholson Sally(09/66-02/68) Jackson, for Paul Nace, USS Colleton, APB-36 (09/68-11/69) sionwife Kathy. Vietnam I’m (1968-69).very proud Bruce Jensen, in memory of Frederic Peers Webb, A-111-4 KIA, MRFA Member Gerald (DD-442)Kitchen and the Victoria Mortensen in memory of G. Thomas “Morto” Mortensen RivDiv 92 of my dad. He will be 12/21/67 (Jerry)greatly Weiss missed, Passed Lisa Hall. USSMember Askari. The Arthur BruceA-92-8 L. Johnson, (01/68-11/69) C Co. 2nd Plat. 4th/47th (8/67-3/68) MRFA Member Gerald (Jerry) Weiss Passedaway from away cancer from cancer Septemberlatter“Artie” was Kitchen originally 16, 2019.passed Jerry servedJohnson on the J. R.Roy Johnson, Moseman 3rd/47th, for Oscar 9th Santiago “Recon” C-2 (05/66-01/68), 4th/47th (10/67-10/68) in memory of USS Benewah APB 35 1966-1967, as anSeptember Electronics 16, 2019. Technician incommissionedaway the March Ops 15,Department. as 2019. He Jerry is survived Walker,Herman Gotch, Murphy Paredez, EN2 for Nelson, USS Benewah Hayes, Howard,shipmates: King, John Twitchell Long EN2, and Craig served as a Third Class ChesnoskiBronish MR3, and George Schnieder MR2 by his wife and Sandra and children. JerryJerry lived served in onLittle the USS Falls, Mn.LST-1131. at his passing. She was FrankMajor Jones, J. D. for Nichols SFC Michael III CMDR Hanmer, C Co. 3rd/60thRivRon 13Inf and (12/66-11/67) 153 for Alfred Benewah APB 35 1966- later converted to - (07/69-02/71)Cornejo, Anthony Galeno, Richard Lasher, Rudolph Melendez, Sigfredo Richard MacCullagh, for John (Doc) Phillips, HMC, USN (Ret), 1967, as an Electronics ARL-30board ****************************************************the and USS utilized Satyr ARL- during the Vietnam War. Pinto-Pinto, and Garrett Reid KIAs 08/20/67 RivRonJasper Northcutt for SSGT Henry T. Aragon B-2 2nd/47th KIA 08/23/67, SGT Technician in the Ops MarvinEngineman earned (EN3) the Purple on Heart Medal as a 15, and Richard MacCullagh, for Chaplain Rene L. Petit, LT, CHC, James E. Boorman B-2 2nd/47th KIA 08/27/67, SP4 James D. Bronakoski Please send Frankis survived Jones any by changeshis wife inof address, phone number or e-mail addresses RC, RivRon 13so and he 15 can keep our Department. Jerry is gunner during WWII. He was very proud to be a B-2 2nd/47th KIA 04/27/67, SP4 Michael G. Hartnett B-2 2nd/47th KIA Stull database updated.Member2348 years, (05/70-03/71). His addressof Joan, our andassociation. is; 9three Artie San Marino Parkway, Fenton, MO 63026Stella Gayle Malone, for Timothy Neary, USS Jamestown, AGTR-3, survived by his wife and (01/69-12/69)04/27/67, SGT William D. Mize B-2 2nd/47th and 5th/60th KIA 10/28/67, Member Col Terry G. sons. Sandra and children.Frank’s Jerry e -mail address is; [email protected]. KayeCPL Marten, Harold Travis K. Southwick Marten, andB-2 Tristen2nd/47th Marten, Inf KIA in03/02/67 memory (first of Monte KIA in B Co. livedStull in Little Falls, Mn. at his passing. Marten2nd/47th (husband, in Vietnam), father, andand grandfather)PFC Robert C. B Voltz Co. B-12nd/39th 2nd/47th 9th InfInf. (Mech) Div. KIA Randy N. Erickson passed away on March 12,away 2018 April from 6, 2019 heart fol related- problems.**************************************************** While in Vietnam he (1968-69)03/11/67 (first KIA1st Platoon B Co. 2nd/47th in Vietnam) lowing USA a (Ret.)battle passedwith AdamClaire Metts, Siebert for Donaldfor GMG3 L. Bruckart,Richard Siebert T-111-2, IUWG-1 KIA, 3/31/69 Unit 3, Qui Nhon (03/67- served with River Assault Squadron 15 – Rivercongesti Assaultve heartPlease Division failure. send 151 Frank as Jones theKershner lead any changesEngineman in address, on T- phone151-13 number or e-mail addresses so he can keepMajor01/69) J.our D. Nichols III, CMDR, C Co. 3rd/60th Inf. (12/66-11/67), for (Joyce, please repeat the box, “Letters to the Editor”Johnson which says; “If you haveAlfredChet Cornejo,questions, “Gunner” Anthony Stanley stories, Galeno,for all the or Richard USN and Lasher, USA KIAs Rudolph of the Melendez,MRF (1967-70) during 1968-69. Randy was living in Huron,As SD a proudat the databaseWesttime ofPoint updated.his passing.Member His address He BM1 is survivedis; Paul 9 San Marino by his Parkwaywife , Fenton, MO 63026 Sigfredo Pinto-Pinto, and Garrett Reid, KIAs 08/20/67 comments for “River Currents,” please e-mail TerryMember Sater, Bruce at [email protected] L. Ken Sundberg.”) for Michael David Sheahan 5th/60th KIA 02/25/68, Robert Kershner Luis Peraza, for SSG Michael K. Lewis, KIA, 06/13/69, SGT Harold graduate of the Class of Johnson passed away L. Conley 5th/60th KIA 02/01/68, and Glenn Dean Taylor 5th/60th KIA Janet and children. Frank’s e-mailContactpassed address away is; [email protected] April 27, Changes. H. Hunter, KIA, 01/27/69, and brothers of D Co 3/60th KIA during 1966, he bravely served August 31, 2018. Bruce 02/01/68 2019. Paul (USNwas Ret.)Boat 1968-69 two tours in Vietnam. served with C Co. 2nd ClaireRobert Siebert, Sutton for for GMG3 LT James Richard F. Rost Siebert, Jr. Vin IUWG-1Te Canal ChauUnit 3, Duc Qui KIA Nh 11/69on Col StullPlease served with send A Captain Frank of Tango Jones 112- any changes in address, (03/67-01/69)Okey Toothman in memory of Major General Lucien “Blackie Bolduc Wendell Affield, for “Buddha ” Ed Thomas, Plat.Boat Captain4th/47th, Tango Infantry 112- 11 (02/68-02/69) Randy N. Erickson passedCo 3rd/47th away 9th on Infantry March 12,12 2018and Tango from 152-10heart related problems. While in Vietnam he All Okeythe USN Toothman and USA in memoryKIAs of theof SgtMRF Dick (67-70) Arnold A Co. 3rd/47th, Max DelaC phone number or e-mail addresses Ken Sundberg, for Michael David Sheahan, 5th/60th KIA, 02/25/68, served with River AssaultDivision Squadron River(Joyce, Raiders 15 please – River repeat Assault the box,William Division “Letters Blauser to 151 the, for Edas Thomasitor” the whichlead Gaudet, Enginemansays; David “If youLand, haveon and T questions,Jose-151 Campos-13 stories,, our 151 orOkey Division Toothman brothers in memory ofthat Judy were Wallace Paul is survived by his is survived by his wife RobertSteven L. Totcoff Conley, for 5th/60th, my brother KIA CPL02/01/68, Dennis and S. GlennTotcoff DeanB Co Taylor,3rd/47th 9th Inf commentsso he -for “Rivercan Currents,”keep our please databasee-mail Terry Sater, updated. at [email protected].”) 5th/60th, KIA 02/01/68 during 1968-69. Randy was living in Huron, SD at the KIAstime. of his passing.Doolan He is survived(08/67-03/68).Connie. by his wife Bruce Div KIA 5/2/68 joyed a successful career (T-50)wife Tazuko (01/69-02/70). Kershner. Okey Toothman, in memory of Sgt. Dick Arnold, A Co., 3rd/47th, Max Member SMSGT ruz and G. P. Jones C Co. 3rd/47th Janet and children. in(11/66-12/67). the Army, retiring He as en a You may contact the fam- DelaCruz, and G. P. Jones, C Co. 3rd/47th ily c/o his son Paul Jr., Charles “Chuck” At- OkeyUSS Toothman, Benewah inshipmates: memory ofJohn Judy Long Wallace EN2, Craig Bronish MR3, and George Colonel in 1993. Col Stull His addresswood Doolanis: OkeySchnieder Toothman, MR2 in memory of Major General Lucien “Blackie” Bolduc HenryUSS Velez, Guide forMSO-447 my fallen for brothers, Shipmate Band Co., Brother 2nd/39th Harold Inf. Foster Wendell9 San Affield Marino, for “Buddha Parkway,” Ed Thomas, Fenton, Boat Captain MO, Tango 63026 112-11 (02/68-02/69) FromHenry your Velez Brothers, for my B fallen Co. brothers,2nd 39th BInfantry, Co. 2nd/39th 9th Infantry Inf Division, in USAF (Ret) memoryCPT Steve for JohnWilliams Nielsen, and MAJ B Co., Bob 2nd/39th Bischoff (04/68-04/70) in memory of 2LT David George William Blauser, for Thomas Gaudet, David Land, and Jose Campos, our 151 Division brothersCpt. that SteveWilliams, were Williams Co A, 4/47th,and Maj. KIA Bob 9/21/67 Bischoff, in memory of 2ndLt. David Frank’sKIAs. e-mail address is [email protected] GeorgeDavid Williams,Wilson 2nd/60th, Co A, 4/47th, KIA KIA08/05/69, 9/21/67 Timothy Shelton 4th/39th KIA Your membership expiration date is printed on your 06/25/69, Steven Murrary 4th/39th KIA 05/26/69, Harvey Crabtree 2nd/4th Arty KIA 06/19/69, and Dennis Mattox 1st/501st 101st Airborne KIA Member George H. Sikes passed away on August 5, 2017. River While Currentsin Vietnam hejust served above with your Charlie name and address. 08/23/69 Company, 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division from January to September 1969. George Luis Peraza for SSG Michael K. Lewis KIA 06/13/69, SGT Harold H. Hunter KIA 01/27/69, and brothers of D Co 3/60th KIA during 1968-69 was living in Iberia, LA at the time of his passing. He is survived by his wife, Joyce, and several children.

Member George H. Sikes passed away on August 5, 2017. While in Vietnam he served with Charlie Company, 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division from January to September 1969. George was living in Iberia, LA at the time of his passing. He is survived by his wife, Joyce, and several children. Mobile Riverine Force Association NON PROFIT ORG. 9Mobile San Marino RiverineParkway Force Association U.S. POSTAGE 9 San Marino Parkway Fenton, MO 63026 PAID Fenton, MO 63026 ST. LOUIS, MO ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED PERMIT #2710 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

MRFA Sponsors OurMRFA expressed Sponsors thanks to those who have become MRFAOur expressed sponsors! thanks It’s never to those too late who to have get onboard become asMRFA a sponsor, sponsors! so It’s we never continue too tolate seek to get and onboard welcomeas a sponsor, those so who we wish continue to sponsor to seek the and MRFA! welcome those who wish to sponsor the MRFA! Sponsorship inRiver the MRFACurrents helps. Sponsorship to defray the lasts cost for a ofSponsorship producing inRiver the MRFACurrents helps. Sponsorship to defray the lasts cost for a periodof producing of one year, with your name and information appearingperiod of one in four year, issues. with your Send name your and$25 information(payable to theappearing MRFA) in to four Frank issues. Jones, Send 9 San your Marino $25 (payable Parkway, to Fenton,the MRFA) MO to 63026 Frank Jones, 9 San Marino Parkway, Fenton, MO 63026

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Paul Eastham T-132-11 (05/69-07/69) Frank B. Jones RivRon 15 T-48 Bill Posson USS Hampshire County LST-819 (1969-70) VirgieRobertPaul EasthamEblen Flaige, Associate T-132-11E Co. 3rd/60thMember (05/69-07/69) Inf. 05/67-05/68 T-91-10,EdwardFrank B. Jordan 9/69-6/70Jones RivRon RivRon 15 15 T-152-4/T-44 T-48 (08/68-08/69) BillPaul &Bill Donna PossonRay M-151-5 Robinson, USS Hampshire (06/69-07/70) C.O., USS County Mark, LST-819 AKL-12, (1969-70) CliftonNeilVirgie Fovel, J.Eblen Elliott 3rd/47th Associate C Co. Inf.2/60 Member 11/67-03/68 (1976) LTCJerryEdward Nick “Hollywood” Laiacona Jordan RivRon USA Kawecki (Ret.), 15 T-152-4/T-44B Co.C Co. 3rd/47th 3rd/60th (08/68-08/69) Inf., 11/68-07/69 06/70-05/71DavidPaul RayRaybell M-151-5 Monitor (06/69-07/70) 111-3 (11/66-02/68) LeonDennisClifton Edmiston J.Frank, Elliott BD C Co. Co.Co. 3rd/60th CMDR2/60 (1976) 3rd/60th9th Inf (06/68-05/69) Inf., 07/68-07/69 JerryJerry 9thLippincott, “Hollywood” Inf (07/68-12/68) IUWG-1, Kawecki LCM-877, B Co. 3rd/47th 06/70-05/71 LarryBillDavid Roche,& Donna Raybell A-152-2, Robinson Monitor 10/68-07/69 CO111-3 USS (11/66-02/68) Mark AKL-12 (06/70-05/71) Bill Frede, RivRon 11, T-112-2 04/67-10/67 James Long Sr., ComRivFlot One Staff, 11/67-11/68 Jerry Ross, T-131-1, 08/69-08/70 EdithLeon Ethridge Edmiston Associate B Co. 3rd/60th Member 9th Inf (06/68-05/69) Dane 9thKeller Inf RivDiv(07/68-12/68) 532 PBR 121 (05/69-05/70) LawrenceBill & Donna “Larry” Robinson Roche CO A-152-2 USS Mark (10/68-07/69) AKL-12 (06/70-05/71) Fred Frost, E Co. 2nd/60th, Inf., 12/67-12/68 NAG, Saigon Shipyard, 06/70-06/71 Pieter A. Ruig, 3rd/47th, 9th Inf. Div., 12/67-07/68 Edward R. Aldrich B Co. 720th MP BN (07/69-07/70) Edith Ethridge Associate Member Dane Keller RivDiv 532 PBR 121 (05/69-05/70) Lawrence “Larry” Roche A-152-2 (10/68-07/69) Dallas Abbott, A and E Cos. 3rd/60th Inf. 06/67-06/68 LarryRichard Gunner Gallagher, Ethridge USS USS Mercer, Askari ARL-30APB-39, (07/69-07/70) 1968-69 JamesThomas Lowe, Kelley APL-26, USN (Ret) 05/68-05/69 RivDiv 152 (09/68-06/69) BillyGreg Sanders, Rockow Rivron USS Harnett11 Plankowner, County LST-821 C-112-1, (1968-69) & T-112-1, Edward R. Aldrich B Co. 720th MP BN (07/69-07/70) Larry Gunner Ethridge USS Askari ARL-30 (07/69-07/70) Thomas Kelley USN (Ret) RivDiv 152 (09/68-06/69) Greg Rockow USS Harnett County LST-821 (1968-69) ThomasEdward Anathan R. Aldrich, USS BBenewah Co. 720th APB-35 MP BN (08/67-08/68) 07/69-07/70 TerranceTony Garvey, Fetters C HHQ Co., 3rd/47th4th/47th, Inf 9th (04/69-07/69) Infantry Div., 03/68-04/69 JamesMichael H. Knowlton MacDonald, YRBM-18 B Co 3rd/60th(01/68-01/69) Inf., 11/67-03/68 03/67-12/67Jerry Ross T-131-1 (08/69-08/70) Thomas Anathan USS Benewah APB-35 (08/67-08/68) Jerry Ross T-131-1 (08/69-08/70) JimmieGeorge J. ApelB. Amador, A Co. 4th/47th USS Krishna Inf and ARL-38, 6th/31st 06/69-06/71(1969-70) RobertCapt.Terrance James Flaige Fetters EGautier, Co HHQ 3rd/60th 3rd/47thC.O., Inf RivDiv (05/67-05/68)Inf (04/69-07/69) 111, 10/68-05/69 RobertGaryMichael L. Marburger, Knox Knowlton RivRon C YRBM-18 Co.9 A-91-8 2nd/60th (01/68-01/69) (01/68-06/70) Inf., 11/68-11/69 NormanNorman Saunders, Saunders B B Co., Co. 3rd/39th InfInfantry, (01/69-08/69) 01/69-08/69 CharlieJimmieThomas and J. Anathan, ApelGeorginia A Co. USS Ardinger4th/47th Benewah T-151-11 Inf and APB-35, 6th/31st (05/68-07/69) 08/67-08/68 (1969-70) NeilJohnRobert Fovel N. FlaigeGavin, 3rd/47th E USSCo Inf 3rd/60th Satyr,(11/67-03/68) ARL-23,Inf (05/67-05/68) 05/71-10/71 FrankLarryGary O. KoltzL. Martinolich,Knox Command RivRon A Flotilla-19 Co., A-91-8 3rd/60th Task (01/68-06/70) Force Infantry 03/68-03/69 RobertRobertNorman “Bob” “Bob” Saunders and and Betty Betty B Co.A. A. Schrader, 3rd/39th Schrader Inf D D Co.,(01/69-08/69)Co. 9th Med. Bn., EdCharlieJimmie Arledge and J. USS Apel,Georginia Indra A Co. ARL-37 Ardinger 4th/47th (1967-70) T-151-11 Inf. and (05/68-07/69) 6th/31st, 05/69-09/69 DennisHarryNeil Fovel Hahn Frank 3rd/47th RivRonD Co. CMDRInf 13, (11/67-03/68) M-131-1, 3rd/60th 03/69-03/70Inf (07/68-07/69) VincentLarry117 KoltzMatura, Div Command91 TRivRon 91-10 Flotilla-1 15(09/66-06/70) RAD Task 152, Force 10/69-10/70 07/68-07/69Robert9th Med“Bob” BN and (07/68-07/69) Betty A. Schrader D Co. JohnEdKeith Arledge Armstrong Arboleda, USS HHC Indra RivDiv 3rd/47th ARL-37 595 RADInf(1967-70) (04/66-01/68) 153. 06/69-06/70 BillWilliamDennis Frede FrankHalloran, RivRon D Co. 11 COMRIVFLOT T-112-2CMDR 3rd/60th (04/67-10/67) ONE Inf (07/68-07/69)(N2), 09/67-09/68 PaulLTC A.Nick117 Mayne, LaiaconaDiv 91 YRBM-16, T 91-10USA (Ret.) (09/66-06/70) 01/67-02/68 C Co. 3rd/60th Inf (1968-69) F. GeorgeCOL Sam9th Schuster, Med Schutte BN (07/68-07/69) Co.LTJG, B 4th/47th USS Indra, Infantry ARL-37, (03/66-12/67) 1968-1969 DaleJohnEd AshleyArledge. Armstrong USS USS MonmouthHHC Indra 3rd/47th ARL-37. County Inf (04/66-01/68)04/68-11/68 LST-1032 (11/66-11/67) FredRogerBill FredeFrost Hamilton, ERivRon Co. 2nd/60th Jr.,11 T-112-2USS Inf Mark, (12/67-12/68) (04/67-10/67) AKL-12, 08/68-08/69 RandallJerryLTC NickLippincott McComas Laiacona IUWG-1, E USA Co., (Ret.)LCM-877 15th CCombat Co. (06/70-05/71) 3rd/60th Eng., 10/68-08/69Inf (1968-69) Col.GeorgeCOL Sam Sam Schutte,Schwemmer Schutte Co. Co. CB, Co.B 4th/47th 4th/47th 6th/31st Infantry, Infantry Inf. (1968-69) 03/66-12/67(03/66-12/67) RalphDaleDale AshleyBakle Ashley. from USS USS Charles Monmouth Monmouth Sykes County forCounty a LST-1032job LST-1032,well done (11/66-11/67) 11/66-11/67 NanRobertFred Fulton Frost Hammond, AssociateE Co. 2nd/60th Jr., Member HQ Inf 3rd/34th (12/67-12/68) Arty., 10/68-08/69 CratisJamesJerry McLaughlin, LippincottLong Sr. ComRivFlot IUWG-1, D Co. 3rd/47th,LCM-877 One Staff 9th (06/70-05/71) (11/67-11/68) Inf. Div., 09/68-07/69 GeorgeThomasGeorge Schwemmer, D.Schwemmer Scott USS C CColletonCo. Co. 6th/31st 6th/31st APB-36 Inf., Inf. (12/66-04/68) (1968-69)1968-69 JamesRalphChristian BandyBakle Bachofer from USS CharlesTutuila Jr., Commander AARG-4Sykes for (03/69-10/70) a job River well Assault done Div. 92, RichardJeffieNan Fulton Hanks,Gallagher Associate USS USS Benewah Member Mercer APB-39APB-35, (1968-69) 01/70-01/71 CyrilJamesJames “Bud” Lowe Long McQuillan, APL-26Sr. ComRivFlot (05/68-05/69 Jr., E Co. One 2nd/39th Staff (11/67-11/68) & HHC 9th ID ThomasJerryThomas ShearerD. Scott,D. Scott C USSCo. USS 3rd/60th Colleton, Colleton 9th APB-36,APB-36 Inf (04/67-04/68) (12/66-04/68)12/66-04/68 07/68-06/69 StephenJames BandyBenedict USS A CoTutuila 3rd/60th AARG-4 Inf (03/68-03/69)(03/69-10/70) CaptBMCMRichard James (Ret) Gallagher Gautier Wayne USS Co Hapgood, RivDiv Mercer 111 APB-39 RivRon (10/68-05/69) (1968-69) 15, T-52 G3,JamesJames 02/68-02/69 Lukaszewski Lowe APL-26 DC2 (05/68-05/69 APL-30 (8/68-8/69) JerryCDRJerry Shearer, William Shearer CD. CCo., Shutters Co. 3rd/60th, 3rd/60th USN (Ret)9th9th Inf.Inf Boat (04/67-04/68) Div., 04/67-04/68 James Bandy, USS Tutuila ARG-4, 03/69-10/70 TomStephen Bergman Benedict USS AWhite Co 3rd/60th River LSMR-536 Inf (03/68-03/69) (07/66-07/68) Capt(07/70-12/70) James Gautier & RID Co 48 RivDiv (12/70-07/71) 111 (10/68-05/69) AdamJames Metts, Lukaszewski RivRon 11,DC2 T-111-2, APL-30 08/68-10/69(8/68-8/69) CDR.CDR William William D. D. Shutters, Shutters USN USN (Ret),(Ret) Boat Boat Captain, Stephen Benedict, Alpha Co. 3rd/60th Inf. 03/68-03/69 John N. Gavin USS Satyr ARL-23 (1971) Larry Lyons RivDiv 112 C-112-1 (1967-68) Captain T-111-1 (9/67-8/68) RichardTom Bergman Bittle USS USS Nueces White RiverAPB-40 LSMR-536 (06/68-04/69) (07/66-07/68) ReginaJosephJohn N. Gooden Harper, Gavin USSAssociate USS Satyr White MemberARL-23 River, (1971) LSMR-536, 12/66-12/68 NickRobertLarry Miller LyonsMarburger COS RivDiv RivDiv C Co.112 152 2nd/60thC-112-1 (07/68-06/69) Inf(1967-68) (11/68-11/69) T-111-1,RichardCaptain 09/67-08/68 Simpson T-111-1 C Co. (9/67-8/68) 3rd/47th Inf 9th Div (05/67-05/68) Richard Bittle, USS Nueces APB-40, 06/68-04/69 Richard Hawkins, COMNAVFORV, NAVADVGRP Chief Staff Officer RAD 152 07/68-06/69 John Smith, For all Riverines, B Co. 3rd/60th Infantry, RobertRichard B. Bittle Blair USS NuecesClarion RiverAPB-40 LSMR-409 (06/68-04/69) (1966-68) HarryRegina Hahn Gooden RivRon Associate 13 M-131-1 Member (03/69-03/70) VincentRobert MaturaMarburger RivRon C Co. 152 2nd/60th (10/69-07/70) Inf (11/68-11/69) “Suffolk 24” JohnRichard Smith Simpson B Co. 3/60th C Co. 3rd/47th(05/68-06/69) Inf 9th for Div all (05/67-05/68) Riverines Donald Blankenship, A-111-3, and A-152-21, 02/69-02/70 (VNN HHQ), 12/69-12/70 Rick Miller, B-2, 4th/39th Infantry, 12/67-12/68 05/68-06/69 DonaldRobertPatrick Blankenship B. Boffa, Blair USSRivDiv’s A-111-3 Clarion 552-535, Riverand A-152-21 LSMR-409 02/70-02/71 (02/69-02/70) (1966-68) WilliamHarry Hahn Halloran RivRon COMRIVFLOT 13 M-131-1 ONE (03/69-03/70) N2 (09/67-09/68) JerryVincent L. Maygarden, Matura RivRon USS 152 Luzerne (10/69-07/70) County “Suffolk 24” MarcJohn Spilberg Smith B 4th/47thCo. 3/60th Inf (05/68-06/69)(01-68-01/69) for all Riverines Donald Blankenship A-111-3 and A-152-21 (02/69-02/70) LeoWilliam Haynes, Halloran RivDiv COMRIVFLOT 594, PBR-8120, ONE N2 04/69-02/70 (09/67-09/68) NickolaJerry L.Mitschkowetz, Maygarden, USS BM2, Luzerne APL-30, County 11/68-11/69 MarcMarc Spilberg, Spilberg 4th/47th 4th/47th Infantry, Inf (01-68-01/69) 01/68-01/69 PatrickThomas Boffa, R. RivDivsBogner, 552-535 A & C Cos. 2nd/39th Inf., 02/68-01/69 RogerCharles Hamilton, Heindel, Jr. C-91-1, USS Mark 11/67-12/68 AKL-12 (08/68-08/69) Capt.LST-902 Lawrence (6/69-7/69) K. Monahan, USNR (Ret.), YRBM-20, ChetChet “Gunner” “Gunner” Stanley, Stanley C-111-1 C-111-1 and and M-111-3 M-111-3 1967-68 (1966-68) Patrick Boffa, RivDivs 552-535 LST-902 (6/69-7/69) Chet “Gunner” Stanley C-111-1 and M-111-3 (1966-68) MajGenBruce BlackieBranigan, Bolduc D Co. USA 3rd/60th (Ret.) Cdr Infantry, 3rd/47th 05/68-12/68 Inf JeffieWayneRoger Hanks Hamilton,Higdon, USS USS Jr.Benewah USS Satyr, Mark APB-35 ARL-23 AKL-12 (01/70-01/71) 06/67-05/69 (08/68-08/69) NavSupAct,Paul A. Mayne Saigon, YRBM-16 07/70-07/71 (01/67-02/68) ThomasThomas Stuart, Stuart USS USS Benewah, Benewah APB-35APB-35, (1966-67) 1966-67 ThomasMajGenDavid Brown, R.Blackie Bogner A-91-7Bolduc A&C andCosUSA RivRon 2nd/39th(Ret.) Cdr 9 Inf. Staff,3rd/47th (02/68-01/69) 01/68-01/69 Inf SFCJoeJeffie MichaelHilliard, Hanks Hanmer Gunner,USS Benewah RivRon T-48 (09/69-03/70), APB-35 13 and 153(01/70-01/71) (07/69-02/71) and Boat Captain, JoeCratisPaul Moore, A.McLaughlin Mayne USS YRBM-16 Colleton, D Co 3rd/47th (01/67-02/68)APB-36, 9th 10/66-08/67 Inf Div (09/68-07/69) JohnJohnThomas Sturtz, Sturtz StuartT-151-9, T-151-9 USS 06/68-06/69 (06/68-06/69) Benewah APB-35 (1966-67) BruceThomasGary Branigan Bruno, R. Bogner USSD Co. A&CBenewah 3rd/60th Cos 2nd/39th APB-35,Infantry (05/68-12/68)Inf. 02/70-02/71 (02/68-01/69) BMCM SFCT-44 Michael (03/70-07/70)(Ret) Wayne Hanmer Hapgood RivRon RivRon13 and 15153 T-52 (07/69-02/71) J.Adam CratisRussell Metts McLaughlin and T-111-2 Alice DMoore, (08/68-10/69)Co 3rd/47th A-91-5, 9th 11/68-06/69 Inf Div (09/68-07/69) BryanBryanJohn Swisher, SwisherSturtz T-151-9B B Co. Co. 3rd/47th 3rd/47th(06/68-06/69) Infantry, Inf (12/68-06/69) 12/68-06/69 DonaldBruceM. Gen. BraniganP. Brosnan Walter D Bryde, CSMCo. 3rd/60th 2nd Jr., Bde HQ Infantry (06/68-06/69) 3rd/34th (05/68-12/68) Artillery, 07/68-08/69 JosephAlanBMCM Hodgkinson, Harper (Ret) Wayne USS A White HapgoodCo. 3rd/60th,River RivRon LSMR-536 9th 15 Inf., T-52 (12/66-12/68) 01/68-08/69 LtRick AdamFrank Miller MettsMoran, B-2 T-111-2 4th/39th B-3, 4th/47th (08/68-10/69) Inf. (12/67-12/68) Infantry, 11/67-10/68 AlbertJackBryan L. Terry Taylor, Swisher USS RivDiv ColletonB Co. 92, 3rd/47th APB-36 R-92-1, Inf (1966-68) 11/68-6/69(12/68-06/69) DavidDonaldJohn Brown, Burger, P. Brosnan RivRon USS CSM Page9 Staff 2nd & (1/68-1/69) BdeUSS (06/68-06/69) Washoe Gary County Bruno LST-1165, RichardKennethJoseph HawkinsHarper Hogan, USS COMNAVFORVRivRon11, White River RAD NAVADVGRPLSMR-536 112, T-112-13, (12/66-12/68) 2/69-9/69 ThanksMilSpecRick Miller Artillery, Tours B-2 Inc 2nd/4th,4th/39th ArtyInf. (12/67-12/68) C Btry., 04/69-04/70 BernardThanksJack Thewes,Terry to Artillery USS EN3, Colleton USS APB-36 Askari, (1966-68) ARL-30, 01/69-01/70 David 01/68-01/69USS Brown, Benewah RivRon APB-35 9 Staff (02/70-02/71) (1/68-1/69) Gary Bruno JamesRichard(VNN Hoyer, Hawkins HHQ) 1097th (12/69-12/70) COMNAVFORV TC (MB), 08/68-07/69NAVADVGRP DarylNickolaMilSpec Newelll, Mitschkowetz Tours USS Inc Benewah, BM2 APL-30 APB-35, (11/68-11/69) 04/70-02/71 CharlesCharlesThanks Thompson, Thompson to Artillery 9th 9th Admin. Admin Company,Co. (02/66-11/67) 02/66-11/67 GaryRobert USSBruno CaldwellBenewah USS Benewah Jr., APB-35 USS APB-35 (02/70-02/71)Nye County, (02/70-02/71) LST-1067, LeoMaj.Gen. Haynes(VNN IraHHQ) RivDiv A. Hunt(12/69-12/70) 594 Jr., PBR-8120 HHQ 9th (04/69-02/70) Inf. Div. 05/68-07/69 JamesAlbertNickola Noyes,and Mitschkowetz Sara C Moore Btry., 3rd/34thUSSBM2 BenewahAPL-30 Arty, (11/68-11/69) 06/67-06/68(APB-35) HarleyHarleyCharles Timmerman, Timmerman Thompson RivRon T-132-10 9th Admin 13, (06/68-06/69) T-132-10,Co. (02/66-11/67) 06/68-06/69 02/66-02/67 MGenGary BrunoWalter USSBryde, Benewah Jr. HQ 3rd/34th APB-35 (02/70-02/71)Arty (1968-69) CharlesAlanLeo HaynesG. Heindel Hyde, RivDiv 9thC-91-1 Signal 594 (11/67-12/68) PBR-8120 BN., 12/66-10/67 (04/69-02/70) GaryJoeAlbert MooreO’Brien, and USS Sara MM3, Colleton Moore USS USS APB-36 Mercer Benewah (10/66-08/67)APB-39, (APB-35) 04/68-12/69 JosephTipHarley of J. the Trovato,Timmerman hat to Albert 3rd/60th T-132-10 9th Infantry,(06/68-06/69) 6/67-6/68 Jim Carter, RivRon 15, T-52, 12/69-8/70 JohnMGen Burger Walter USS Bryde, Page Jr. & HQ USS 3rd/34th Washoe Arty (1968-69) TrumanCharles Irving,Heindel USS C-91-1 Mark, (11/67-12/68) AKL-12, 08/68-08/69 GeorgeJoe Moore R. O’Connell, USS Colleton USS APB-36 Terrell (10/66-08/67)County, LST-1157, MiltonTip Turnage, of the hat M-151-1,to Albert 07/68-06/69 Thomas Childress, USS Krishna ARL-38, 06/70-08/71 Wayne Higdon USS Satyr ARL-23 (06/67-05/69) J. Russell and Alice Moore A-91-5 (11/68-06/69) Joseph J. Trovato 3rd/60th 9th Inf. (06/67-06/68) JohnCounty Burger LST-1165 USS Page (01/68-01/69) & USS Washoe JoeBillWayne Isetts,Hilliard Higdon RM2,Gunner USS USS T-48 Satyr Askari, (09/69-03/70) ARL-23 ARL-30, (06/67-05/69) and07/66-08/67 1960-62LtJ. Frank Russell Moran and BAlice Co 4th/47thMoore A-91-5 Inf (11/67-10/68) (11/68-06/69) RogerUSSJoseph Valentine, Terrell J. TrovatoCounty USS 3rd/60thLST-1157 Askari, 9thARL-30, Inf. (06/67-06/68) 07/67-05/68 John and Doris Chrzanowski, A Co. 4th/47th, and B Co. Francis Janssen. B Co., 93rd Const. Eng. 08/67-07/68 Christopher Olsen, T-131-8, 05/68-05/69 GMGI Ricky Vice, USN (Ret.), Riv Ron 13, T-131-7 & NAG, RobertCounty Caldwell LST-1165 Jr. USS (01/68-01/69) Nye County LST-1067 (02/66-02/67) JoeBoat Hilliard Captain Gunner T-44 T-48 (03/70-07/70) (09/69-03/70) and RoyLt Frank and Lynn Moran Moseman B Co 4th/47th 4th/47th Inf Inf(11/67-10/68) RogerUSS TerrellValentine County USS LST-1157 Askari ARL-30 (07/67-05/68) 6th/31st, USS Benewah APB-35, 03/69-03/70 David Jarczewski, C Co. 4th/47th Inf. 9th Div., 05/66-05/68 Charles Ostrov, HHC, 2nd/47th, Mech Inf., 01/68-12/68 03/68-03/69 JohnRobertErcil and G. Caldwell PamelaComer, Jr.Carlin Jr., USS USS in Nye honor Monmouth County of Erol LST-1067 CountyTuzcu (02/66-02/67)LST-1032, Alan HodgkinsonBoat Captain A T-44 Co. 3rd/60th(03/70-07/70) 9th Inf (01/68-08/69) NavalRoy andAdvisory Lynn MosemanGroup 4th/47th Inf BobRoger and Valentine Nancy VanDruff USS Askari T-91-5 ARL-30 and T-92-4(07/67-05/68) John and Pamela Carlin in honor of Erol Tuzcu BradleyAlan Hodgkinson Jenkins, HHSBA Co. 3rd/60th 3rd/34th 9th Arty Inf & (01/68-08/69) 2nd/47th Mech. EdNaval Paananen, Advisory HQ, Group 3rd/47th, 9thInfantry, 05/66-05/68 DavidBob J. and Vicknair, Nancy USS VanDruff Washtenaw T-91-5 and County, T-92-4 LST-1166, RADM 05/69-05/70 William Carlson CO USS White River Kenneth 09/68-10/69 Hogan RivRon 11 RAD 112 T-112-13 (02/69-09/69) BM3Daryl Charles Newell, C. USS Page, Benewah USS WhiteAPB-35, River, 4/70-2/71 LSMR-536, 1968-70David J. Vicknair USS Washtenaw County RADM William Carlson CO USS White River Daryl Newell, USS Benewah APB-35, 4/70-2/71 David J. Vicknair USS Washtenaw County LTG.LSMR-536 Robert Conaty,(10/65-03/68) XO, RivDiv 131, 05/68-04/69 JamesBruceKenneth Jensen,Hoyer Hogan 1097th T-111-3, RivRon TC 11(MB)1967-68 RAD (08/68-07/69) 112 T-112-13 (02/69-09/69) 04/69-05/70Nha Trang (1967-68 and 1970-71) Ron Wallace,LST-1166 B Co.,(1968-70) 3rd Plat., 3rd/47th Infantry, 05/66-08/67 LSMR-536 (10/65-03/68) JimSteven Carter A. RivRon Crecy, 15 E T-52Co., 15th(12/69-12/70) Eng. Bn., 12/67-12/68 MajGenRichardJames HoyerIra G. A. Jensen, Hunt1097th Jr. A HHQTC & E(MB) 9thCos. Inf(08/68-07/69) 3rd/60th Div (05/68-07/69) Inf., 12/66-11/67 CaptJasperNha Jerry Trang Northcutt Pape, (1967-68 USNB Co. and (Ret),2nd/47th 1970-71) Staff, Mech COMRIVFLOT Inf (11/66-05/67) ONE, HankRon and WallaceLST-1166 Becky B Washburn,Co.(1968-70) 3rd Plat USS3rd/47th Colleton Inf (05/66-08/67) APB-36, ThomasJimTony Carter Day, Childress RivRon T-151-4, USS 15 06/68-06/69 T-52Krishna (12/69-12/70) ARL-38 (06/70-08/71) AlanDuaneMajGen G. HydeJohnson, Ira A. 9th Hunt Signal 15th Jr. HHQCombat (1966-67) 9th Engineers,Inf Div (05/68-07/69) 06/67-06/68 01/68-12/68JamesJasper Noyes Northcutt C Btry B Co. 3rd/34th 2nd/47th Arty Mech (06/67-06/68) Inf (11/66-05/67) 09/66-09/68HankRon Wallaceand Becky B Co.Washburn 3rd Plat USS 3rd/47th Colleton Inf (05/66-08/67) JohnThomasFrank and De ChildressDoris La Oliva,Chrzanowski USS Harbor Krishna A Clearance Co ARL-38 4th/47th (06/70-08/71) Unit One (HUC-1) & InJ.Alan honorR. Johnson,G. ofHyde Albert 9th Recon., MooreSignal Eand(1966-67) Co., all he3rd/47th has done Infantry, for the 05/66-01/68 MRFA JohnGaryJames Wayne T. O’BrienNoyes Parrish CMM3 Btry Jr., USS3rd/34th Co. Mercer A, Arty4th/47th APB-39 (06/67-06/68) Inf., (04/68-12/69) 01/68-01/69 Bill WeidmanHankAPB-36 and BeckyT-111-12, (01/67-09/68) Washburn 02/67-02/68 USS Colleton JohnCombatand and B CoSalvageDoris 6th/31st Chrzanowski Boat-3 (03/69-03/70) (CSB-3), A Co 4th/47th 09/68-06/71 TrumanGeraldIn honor Johnston,Irving of Albert USS USSMooreMark NyeAKL-12 and County, all (08/68-08/69)he has LST-1067, done for the01/66-01/67 MRFA DwayneGeorgeGary T. R.Parsons, O’Brien O’Connell MM3 M-111-1 USS USS Terrell (ZippoMercer Cty 1),APB-39 LST-1157 11/67-11/68 (04/68-12/69) DavidBill WeidmanH.APB-36 White, T-111-12 (01/67-09/68)USN (Ret), (02/67-02/68) USS Satyr, ARL-23, MikeRobert andClark BDockendorff, MedicCo 6th/31st 4th/39th NSA(03/69-03/70) 9th Dong Inf. Div Tam/YRBM-17, (1967) 03/67-04/68 BillDavidTruman Isetts R. Irving RM2Jones, USSUSS RivDiv AskariMark 111, AKL-12 ARL-30 Z-111-7, (08/68-08/69) (07/66-08/67) 10/68-10/69 KurtChristopherGeorge I. Patton, R. O’ConnellOlsen Mike T-131-8 5 andUSS T-37, Terrell(05/68-05/69) 11/69-11/70 Cty LST-1157 08/69-08/70GaryBill Weidman Weisz A-91-4 T-111-12 (10/67-07/68) (02/67-02/68) EldonMikeWilliam L.Clark Cobb Duggan, Medic RivRon 4th/39th RAS 9 T-92-2 13 9th M-131-2, Inf.(12/66-02/68) Div 08/68-08/69(1967) FrancisFrankBill Isetts Jones, Janssen RM2 RivDiv USSB Co. Askari 152,93rd T-48,ARL-30Const Boat Eng (07/66-08/67) (08/67-07/68)Captain, 07/69-07/70 AnthonyCaptChristopher Jerry L. Perez,Pape Olsen USN USS T-131-8 (Ret) Iredell Staff (05/68-05/69) County, COMRIVFLOT LST-839, Wm.DavidGary “Whit” H.Weisz WhiteWhitworth, A-91-4 USN (Ret)(10/67-07/68) Lighthorse USS Satyr 5 D ARL-23 Troop, (08/69-08/70)3rd/5th Cav., Robert Durrett, T-112-7, 01/67-12/67 ErcilEldon G. L.Comer, Cobb Jr.RivRon USS Monmouth9 T-92-2 (12/66-02/68) County DavidRichardFrancis Jarczewski JanssenL Jones, BC USS Co. 93rd4th/47thTutuila, Const ARG-4, Inf Eng 9th (08/67-07/68)Div 06/71-12/71 (05/66-05/68) 11/69-07/70CaptONE Jerry (01/68-12/68) Pape USN (Ret) Staff COMRIVFLOT 03/68-03/69JeffreyDavid H.L. WithersWhite USN RivRon (Ret) 11 USS A-112-8 Satyr ARL-23and (08/69-08/70) Paul Eastham, T-132-11, 05/69-07/69 ErcilLST-1032 G. Comer, (05/69-06/70) Jr. USS Monmouth County EdwardDavid Jarczewski Jordan, RivRon C Co. 4th/47th 15, T-152-4/T-44, Inf 9th Div (05/66-05/68)08/68-08/69 John “Ron”ONE (01/68-12/68) Perry, T-132-11, 06/68-06/69 RhettJeffrey Wise, L. A Withers Co., 3rd/47th RivRon Inf.,11 A-112-8 02/67-04/68 and Virgie Eblen, Associate Member, 2003 Bradley Jenkins HHSB 3rd/34th Arty & John Wayne Parrish Jr. Co. A 4th/47th Inf (01/68-01/69) M-112-12 (06/68-06/69) LST-1032 (05/69-06/70) JerryBradley “Hollywood” Jenkins HHSB Kawecki, 3rd/34th B Co. Arty 3rd/47th, & 9th Inf., MichaelJohn Wayne Howard Parrish Phillips, Jr. Co. D Co., A 4th/47th 15th Combat Inf (01/68-01/69) Engineers, Jeffrey L.M-112-12 Withers, (06/68-06/69) RivRon 9 & 11, A-112-8 and M-112-12, LTgLeon Robert Edmiston, Conaty BXO Co., RivDiv 3rd/60th 131 (05/68-04/69) Inf., 06/68-05/69 2nd/47th Mech (09/68-10/69) Dwayne Parsons M-111-1 (Zippo 1) (11/67-11/68) William H. Ziebarth 9th Signal 3rd/34th Arty (05/66-12/67) TonyLTg RobertDay T-151-4 Conaty (06/68-06/69) XO RivDiv 131 (05/68-04/69) Bruce 07/68-12/682nd/47th Jensen T-111-3Mech (09/68-10/69) (1967-68) 9thKurtDwayne Inf., I. Patton 08/68-06/69Parsons Mike M-111-15 and T-37 (Zippo (11/69-11/70) 1) (11/67-11/68) 06/68-06/69JamesWilliam Zieminski H. Ziebarth EN2 9th Boat Signal Captain 3rd/34th RivDiv Arty (05/66-12/67) Clifton J. Elliott, C Co. 3rd/60th Inf., 11/73-11/79 Dane Keller, RivDiv 532 PBR-121, 04/69-04/70 BM1 W. R. Posey, Craft Master, YTB-785, 1967-68 William H. Ziebarth, 9th Signal Batt. 3rd/34 Arty., FrankTonyLarry DeDay Gunner La T-151-4 Oliva Ethridge, Harbor (06/68-06/69) Clearance USS Askari, Unit ARL-30,One (HUC-1) 07/69-07/70 & BruceBruce L. Jensen Johnson T-111-3 C Co. (1967-68)4th/47th Inf (08/67-03/68) AnthonyKurt I. Patton Perez MikeUSS Iredell5 and T-37County (11/69-11/70) LST-839 (11/69-07/70) James153 ZieminskiASPB 6854 EN2 (04/69-04/70) Boat Captain RivDiv Frank De La Oliva Harbor Clearance Unit One (HUC-1) & TimothyBruce L. J. Johnson Kelly, C-3 C Co. 2nd/47th, 4th/47th (Mech) Inf (08/67-03/68) Inf., 06/68-06/69 BillAnthony Posson, Perez USS USS Hampshire Iredell County County, LST-839 LST-819, (11/69-07/70) 02/69-08/70 05/66-12/67153 ASPB 6854 (04/69-04/70) TerranceCombat Fetters, Salvage HHQ,Boat-3 3rd/47th (CSB-3) Inf., (29/68-06/71) 04/69-07/69 DuaneMichael Johnson Knowlton, 15th YRBM-18, Combat Engineers 01/68-01/69 (06/67-06/68) PaulJohn Ray, “Ron” M-151-5, Perry T-132-11 06/69-07/70 (06/68-06/69) JamesRobert Zieminski, Zimmer XOEN2, USS Boat Mercer Captain APB-39 RivDiv (02/68-07/69) 153, Combat Salvage Boat-3 (CSB-3) (29/68-06/71) Duane Johnson 15th Combat Engineers (06/67-06/68) John “Ron” Perry T-132-11 (06/68-06/69) Robert Zimmer XO USS Mercer APB-39 (02/68-07/69) DavidHorst Donovan S. Filtzer, HHC MD 3rd/47th FACS, InfBattle (01/67-12/67) Surgeon, 3rd/47th 9th J.Gary R. Johnson L. Knox, Recon RivRon 3rd/47th 9, A-91-8, (01/67-01/68) 01/68-06/70 DavidMichael Raybell, Howard Monitor Phillips 111-3, D Co. 11/66-02/6815th Combat ASPB-6854,Admiral Elmo 04/69-04/70 Zumwalt ComNavForV David Donovan HHC 3rd/47th Inf (01/67-12/67) William Inf., 12/66-4/68Duggan RAS 13 M-131-2 (08/68-08/69) GeraldLarrtJ. R. Koltz,Johnson Johnston Command Recon USS Nye3rd/47th Flotilla-1 County (01/67-01/68) TaskLST-1067 Force (01/66-01/67) 117, RivDiv 91, Capt.MichaelEngineers William Howard Renton, 9th PhillipsInf (08/68-06/69) USS D Co.Askari, 15th ARL-30, Combat 10/68-09/69 RobertAdmiral Zimmer, Elmo X.O., Zumwalt USS ComNavForV Mercer, APB-39, 02/68-07/69 RobertWilliam Durrett Duggan T-112-7 RAS 13 (01/67-12/67) M-131-2 (08/68-08/69) DavidGerald R. Johnston Jones RivRon USS Nye11 Z-11-7 County (10/68-10-69) LST-1067 (01/66-01/67) BM1 EngineersW. R. Posey 9th Craft Inf (08/68-06/69) Master YTB-785 (1967-68, 1970-71) Robert Durrett T-112-7 (01/67-12/67) David R. Jones RivRon 11 Z-11-7 (10/68-10-69) BM1 W. R. Posey Craft Master YTB-785 (1967-68, 1970-71)