Dagwood Dispatches Vol. 30-No. 2 April 2020 Issue No. 103

NEWSLETTER OF THE 16th INFANTRY REGIMENT ASSOCIATION Mission: To provide a venue for past and present members of the 16th Infantry Regiment to share in the history and well-earned camaraderie of the US Army’s greatest regiment. News from the Front

The 16th Infantry Regiment Association is a Commemorative Partner with the Department of Defense Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the War

Annual membership fees ($30.00) WEre due 1 January 2020.

50 Years Ago . . .

1-16 IN departs FSB Dakota for Fort Riley

No Mission Too Difficult No Sacrifice Too Great Duty First! Governing Board Other Board Officers Association Staff President Board Emeritii Quartermaster Steven E. Clay LTG (R) Ronald L. Watts Bill Prine 307 North Broadway Robert B. Humphries (918) 398-3493 Leavenworth, KS 66048 Woody Goldberg [email protected] (913) 651-6857 [email protected] Honorary Colonel of the Regiment DD Editorial Staff First Vice President Ralph L. Kauzlarich Steve Clay, Editor Bob Hahn 210 Manor Lane (913) 651-6857 St. Johns, FL 32259 11169 Lake Chapel Lane [email protected] (904) 310-2729 Reston, VA 20191-4719 [email protected] (202) 360-7885 Vietnam-Cold War Recruiter [email protected] Honorary Sergeant Major Dee Daugherty (804) 731-5631 Second Vice President Thomas Pendleton [email protected] Bob Humphries 1708 Kingwood Drive 1734 Ellenwood Drive Manhattan, KS 66502 Desert Storm-GWOT Recruiter Roswell, GA 30075 (785) 537-6213 Dan Alix (770) 993-8312 [email protected] (706) 573-6510 [email protected] [email protected] Adjutant Commander, 1st Battalion Erik Anthes LTC Matthew R. Kelley Chaplain 415 W. Canada Road CSM, 1st Battalion Sturgeon, MO 65284 Vacant CSM Joshua Owen 727-505-0401 [email protected] Wounded Ranger Program Bob Hahn Treasurer (202) 360-7885 [email protected] Administrative Note: Vacant The Dagwood Dispatches is the newsletter of the 16th Infantry Regiment Association. It is Technical Webmaster printed quarterly on the first day of January, April, July, and October. Articles regarding members, activities, and history of the Association and our Regiment are solicited for Tony White publication. Please send all articles to the Editor, Steve Clay, via mail or e-mail at the [email protected] addresses above at least 30 days before the scheduled date of printing.

For membership card issues, please contact Phil Hall at (920) 699-2862 or [email protected] The membership fee for all Regular members of the Association is $25.00 per year, due on 1 January. From the Desk of the President Fellow Rangers:

Well, winter is behind us and spring is finally here. I hope you all had a relaxing winter season with few or none of the problems that accompany that season such as heavy snows, slippery roads and sidewalks, sniffles, flu, and this year Corona Virus. I don’t know about you, but I am thoroughly weary of hearing about the hysteria foisted on us by the media business. Having said that, however, I trust you all are taking the appropriate measures to stay healthy until this thing blows over. After all, we need everyone to travel to New Orleans for the reunion in August, which by that time, I suspect all will be well. You will find more information on the reunion on page 14 of this issue of the DD. You can also find more and register for the reunion on-line at: https://www.1stid.org/annual-reunion The Coronavirus has already affected the operations of the Steve Clay Association to some degree. Several of us were set to support the Honorary Colonel’s DMOR/ HMOR investiture ceremony at Fort Riley in April, but that event has now been postponed until the reunion in August. As soon as the itinerary for the reunion is available, I will send out a modified version showing what the Association plans to do in addition to the reunion activities. It will include the DMOR/HMOR investiture and other events. The only other event of not for 2020 at this time will be the dedication of the “we were there” plaque at Fort Concho in San Angelo, Texas, which is currently planned for Saturday, 7 November. More on all this in the July issue. In the meantime, remain hale and hearty, but don’t go overboard by stocking up on too much toilet paper!

Semper Paratus! Always Ready!

Steven E. Clay President

Dagwood Dispatches 2 April 2020 From the Desk of the Honorary Colonel Greetings to my Fellow Rangers of the 16th Infantry Regiment!

I hope this update finds everyone healthy. We find ourselves in trying times with the novel Coronavirus, COVID-19, but we shall prevail in the end. As Sun Tsu said, if you know yourself, your enemy, and the terrain you will fight on, you will win each and every time. Unfortunately, we will likely not know our “enemy” for at least another 4-6 weeks, about the time we had planned to rendezvous for our Class of 2020 DMOR/HMOR Investiture at Fort Riley. With that being said, after serious discussions with the Honorary Sergeant Major, Tom Pendleton, and Association President, Steve Clay, we have decided to postpone the Investiture Ceremony until the Society of the 1st Infantry Division Reunion. By then, COVID-19 should be Ralph Kauzlarich defeated and we can safely gather to celebrate with our newest Distinguished and Honorary Members of the Regiment.

The Society of the 1st Infantry Division’s 101st Annual Reunion is being held at the Astor Crowne Plaza in New Orleans, Louisiana, 12-16 August 2020. It is the Honorary Sergeant Major’s and my intent to induct each new DMOR/HMOR member on the afternoon of August 15, 2020 at 1500 hours. On the conclusion of the Investiture Ceremony in the 16th Infantry Regiment Command Post, I will relinquish my position as the Honorary Colonel of the Regiment to Colonel Roger Crombie, U.S. Army (Retired). I have known Roger since he was a Second Lieutenant and as an Iron Ranger 6 Emeritus, I know that he will lead as the 8th HCOR in a manner that will exceed our Regiment’s expectations.

Speaking of exceeding everyone’s expectations, I want to congratulate Lieutenant Colonel Drew Conover’s spectacular command of the 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment these past two years. He trained, deployed and safely redeployed the Iron Rangers to and from Europe in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve. Through his positive and energetic leadership, he successfully navigated the complex European geopolitical environment with his Iron Rangers and maintained the high standards that were set by the 16th Infantry Regiment Soldiers that served before us. Well-done Drew to you and your Command Sergeant Major!

We now welcome Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Kelly into the fold. No doubt, he too will make an impactful difference in the months ahead as they reset the Iron Rangers and train for the next mission, wherever and whatever it may be. Welcome to the most decorated Regiment in our Army Matthew!

In closing, thanks for what each of you do in support of the Regiment and one another! There is no greater Regiment than ours and it is all because of people like you.

Semper Paratus!

Ralph L. Kauzlarich Colonel, USA (Retired) 7th Honorary Colonel of the Regiment

Dagwood Dispatches 3 April 2020 From the Desk of Iron Ranger 6

Fellow Rangers:

In October 2019 the Iron Ranger Battalion completed a successful deployment to Bulgaria and Romania in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve and redeployed to the United States. While in Europe, 1-16 IN led the way in 1ID’s mission to assure allies and deter adversaries by training with NATO and partner military forces from across east and southeast Europe.

The Iron Rangers redeployed all equipment through the port of Constanta in Romania, being the first rotational unit to redeploy through this port. This action demonstrated the strategic mobility of the U.S. Army and laid the ground work for future units to utilize this south- LTC Matthew R. Kelley East European port. Moreover, 1-16 IN completed the deployment with a 100% operational readiness rate across all platforms, with every single vehicle at the port rolling onto the vessel under its own power and ready to fight. This demonstrated the lethality that the battalion had built over the course the nine-month rotation.

Upon returning to the United States, the Iron Rangers conducted a deliberate consolidation, refit, and reset the battalion footprint in preparation for receiving the unit’s vehicles and equipment. The trains carrying the battalion’s equipment arrived to Ft. Riley in mid-December, and the Iron Rangers executed their well-practiced rail operations to rapidly and safely download all vehicles and equipment and move them to the unit’s motor pool. From start to finish the disciplined Iron Rangers redeployed all Soldiers, vehicles, and equipment with zero injuries, accidents, or damage.

After a well-earned period of rest, 1-16 IN began services and maintenance on the unit’s vehicle fleet in January and February to prepare for upcoming training events in the spring. Additionally, a platoon from Bandido Charlie, along with the Battalion Scout Platoon and support elements from India Forward Support Company, task organized to support our sister squadron, Task Force Quarterhorse. These elements will go to the National Training Center in September.

Currently, the Iron Ranger Battalion is preparing for gunnery and the Expert Infantryman Badge in the upcoming months as we continue to preserve our readiness even during this dynamic time. Thank you for all you do to support this battalion and for your service to this great nation.

Semper Paratus!

LTC Matthew R. Kelley Iron Ranger 6 Commander 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment

Dagwood Dispatches 4 April 2020 TAPS Actions Taken By Your Association January-March 2020

Donald G. Oberkiser John S. Beshears In January, the Governing Board submitted the B/2-16 IN, VN 1968-69 A/2-16 IN VN 1968-69 nomination of COL (R) Roger Crombie to be the 12 Jan 2020 13 Jan 2020 eighth Honorary Colonel of the Regiment. The Auburn, IN Mexico, MO official change of responsibility will take place at DMOR 2008 the reunion in New Orleans in August.

COL (R) John M. Brooks MSG (R) William Ramsey The Governing Board approved the purchase of HQ Co/1 Bn, WWII HHC/16 IN, 1948-54 trophies for the Association’s annual Leadership 13 Jan 2020 7 Mar 2020 Awards for five outstanding soldiers of the 1st Leawood, KS Myrtle Beach, SC Battalion. The trophies were delivered to the DMOR 1986 DMOR 2012 battalion in February and will be presented at the DMOR investiture there on 25 April.

LTC Don(R) Edmund Oberkiser “Mick”, R.I.P. Daley Due to a team effort between our Webmaster, Tony White, and our new Quartermaster, Bill Prine, the digital QM store came on-line in February on the Association website.

The Governing Board renewed the webmaster contract for 2020 at the February Board meeting.

Steve Clay represented the Association at the 1st Battalion change of command between LTC Conover and LTC Kelley at Fort Riley on 2 March.

In March, the Board approved the design and cost for the Fort Concho plaque to manufactured by Franklin Bronze Foundry in PA.

Steve Clay represented the Association at the funeral for COL (R) Jack Brooks at Leawood, KS, on 9 March. Donald G. Oberkiser of Auburn, IN, passed away on 12 January 2020. Don honorably served his country in the from November 1967 until October 1969. He served in Vietnam with B Company, 2-16 Infantry in 1968-69. After his service with the Army, Don worked for Wabash Electric for 20 years where he was in management and served as the Vice President of Sales. Don retired in 2016. He was a member of County Line Church of God in Auburn. He was a lifetime member of the Auburn American Legion Post 97 and also active with the Association E-Mails Disabled American Veterans. He enjoyed golfing and he was an avid fisherman. In his younger days he was a As you may know, our Association uses a mass e-mail pioneer in organizing fishing tournaments. He started both system to communicate information to our members of the “The Rusty Hook” and “Bass-N-Buddies” fishing a more urgent or timely nature and that can’t wait for tournaments. He would also write fishing articles for the Dagwood Dispatches. Right now only about 65 MidWest Outdoors magazine and he had a fishing radio percent of our members have provided us an e-mail program on WAWK Radio. Don gave many fishing seminars address with which to communicate with them on these to adults and kids alike over the years. Don was an lifetime messages. If you wish to receive these notices please member of the 16th Infantry Regiment Association and provide your e-mail address to was inducted as a DMOR in 2008. Don served as the [email protected] Association Treasurer for a number of years. Note: sbcglobal, att.net., and americtech addresses block these e-mails and will not work.

Dagwood Dispatches 5 April 2020 Meet the New Iron Rangers Command Team

On 2 March 2020, the 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry changed command once again. LTC Drew Conover handed the colors over to LTC Matthew R. Kelley and will soon depart for his new duty station at Fort Carson as the G3, 4th Infantry Division. LTC Kelley comes to Fort Riley from where he was the team chief of the Commandant’s Initiatives Group for the Armor School. The current Command Sergeant Major, CSM Joshua Owen has been with the battalion since 5 February.

1

Lieutenant Colonel Matthew R. Kelley Command Sergeant Major Joshua Owen

In 2002, LTC Kelley graduated from the United States CSM Owen enlisted in the United States Army in July Military Academy where he was commissioned as an 1999 from Redlands, California. CSM Owen’s previous Armor Officer. Following completion of the Armor Officer assignments include tours with Alpha Company, 1st Basic Course and the Scout Leaders Course at Fort Knox, Battalion 9th Cavalry Regiment, Fort Hood, Texas; Bravo KY, LTC Kelley was assigned to 1st Squadron, 11th Company, 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, Korea; Armored Cavalry Regiment where he served as a Tank 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment and 3rd Brigade, Platoon Leader, Troop Executive Officer, and Task Force 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Kentucky; ROTC Scout Platoon Leader in from 2005-2006. LTC Kelley Instructor at Tennessee Technological University in was then assigned to Fort Knox as a student in the Armor Cookeville, Tennessee; Delta and Headquarters Captains Career Course and after graduation, attended Companies, 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, Fort Ranger School at Fort Benning, GA. On completion of Stewart, Georgia; 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment Ranger School, LTC Kelley was assigned to the University and 2nd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, , of Oregon as an Assistant Professor of Military Science. Georgia. Following his assignment in Oregon, he was assigned to 4th Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment where he served as CSM Owen has served in every leadership position a Cavalry Troop Commander and Headquarters Troop from a rifle squad Team Leader to Operations Sergeant Commander during a deployment to Afghanistan from Major. He has completed every level of the Non- 2010 to 2011. He then served as a Congressional Fellow Commissioned officer professional Development System with duty in the office of Congressman Sam Farr and later (NCOPDS) from the Basic Leaders Course to the United as an Army Congressional Budget Liaison in the Office of States Army Sergeants Major Course. His additional the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Financial military schools and qualification courses include the Management and Comptroller. LTC Kelley was next Master Fitness Trainer Course, Instructor Course, Rappel assigned to 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Master Course, Fast Rope and Special Purpose Insertion Infantry Division where he served as the S3 and XO for Extraction (SPIES) Master Course, Air Assault School, and 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, and deployed to Pathfinder School. Poland and the Baltics in support of the Regionally Allocated Forces – Europe in 2016. His previous CSM Owen has deployed three times to Iraq and once assignment before his arrival at Fort Riley was with the each to Afghanistan, , and Germany. His awards United States Army Armor School where he served as the and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal (2OLC), commandants initiatives group lead. Lieutenant Colonel the Meritorious Service Medal (2OLC), the Combat Kelley’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Infantrymen’s Badge, Expert Infantrymen’s Badge, Medal (1OLC), Meritorious Service Medal (2OLC), Ranger Pathfinder Badge, and Air Assault Badges among Tab, Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge, and Air numerous others. Assault Badge. He holds a BS in Electrical Engineering from the United States Military Academy and a Master’s CSM Owen is married to Samantha Starling, and they Degree in Legislative Affairs from The George have one 14 year old son, Hunter. Washington University.

Dagwood Dispatches 6 April 2020 Ranger Profile Ranger Profile

1 COL (R) John A. Noble Jim DeFelice COL Noble was commissioned as a Reserve Infantry Jim DeFelice has earned a reputation as one of the officer at the Citadel in 1959. He entered active duty in most entertaining and thoughtful popular writers of our 1965 to serve in Vietnam. He served there as the time. Perhaps best-known for his work with Chris Kyle commander of C Company, 2-8 Infantry, 4th Infantry on American Sniper, Jim has written over fifty books. Division, 1966-67 and as the Battalion S3 Air. After Among his fifteen NY Times best-sellers are techno- serving as an ADC at the War College, he served with thrillers, a story anthology, and several works of the Office of Personnel Management in Washington nonfiction. Jim’s greatest contribution has been the until his second assignment to Vietnam in 1972. There, writing and publishing of the recent New York Times he was assigned to MAC-V’s II Corps as Senior District bestseller, Every Man a Hero, A Memoir of D-Day, the Advisor to Bin Dinh Province. On return to the US in First Wave at Omaha Beach, and a World at War, a 1973, he was posted to Fort Riley were he served as book he co-authored with Ray Lambert. The book is the SGS, HQ, 1st Infantry Division, and as the XO for the biography of then Staff Sergeant Ray Lambert and 1-28 Infantry for over 2 years. He was transferred to includes an unforgettable firsthand account of D- Heidelberg, Germany in 1977 where he was assigned Day—the some astonishing true story celebrated by as the XO for the Exercise Division, USAREUR and Tom Brokaw on “CBS This Morning,” and NPR, and Seventh Army. The following year he was reassigned read by President Trump to the world at the 75th D- as the commander of the 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry at Day Anniversary at Omaha Beach on 6 June 2019. Böblingen. Arriving at Fort Leavenworth in 1982, he Every Man a Hero is one of the most remarkable was assigned as the Chief of Doctrine, Department of memoirs of our time, a tour-de-force of remembrance Tactics at the Command and General Staff College. In evoking Ray’s role as a decorated World War II medic 1984, he spent a year in Korea as the Deputy Assistant who risked his life to save the heroes of D-Day. Chief of Staff, Operations (C3) of the Combined Forces DeFelice’s Every Man a Hero is the unforgettable Command at Yongsan. He was next posted to Fort story not only of what happened on Omaha Beach, Lewis, WA, where he served as the commander of 2nd but also of the bravery and courage of many men of Brigade, 9th Infantry Division until 1988. That year he the 16th Infantry who fought throughout the Second returned to Korea where was assigned as the Chief of World War—from the sands of Africa, through the Staff of the 2nd Infantry Division. His last duty treacherous mountain passes of Sicily, and beyond to assignment was as the Assistant Modernization the greatest military victory the world has ever known. program Manger for the Saudi Arabian National Guard Jim DeFelice will be inducted as an Honorary Member in Riyadh. COL Noble will be inducted as a of the Regiment for 2020. Distinguished Member of the Regiment for 2020.

2020 Membership Renewal Just a reminder that the membership year now runs from 1 January to 31 December and dues are $30.00 per year. Please take the time now to write a check for $30.00 to the “16th Infantry Regiment Association” and send it to:

Bob Humphries 1734 Ellenwood Drive Roswell, GA 30075 You can renew also renew on line at: http://ww.16thinfassn.org/Members/join.php

Dagwood Dispatches 7 April 2020 The 16th Infantry After Vietnam 1970-1991

After Vietnam, the 1st Infantry Division, less the 3rd Brigade, was reorganized in April 1970, once again at Fort Riley, this time as a mechanized infantry division. There, the 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry was reorganized as a mechanized infantry battalion. The 1st Battalion’s colors and records were initially shipped to Sheridan Kaserne, Augsburg, Germany, where it was also concurrently reorganized as a mechanized infantry battalion. In Germany, the 1-16 IN was part of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division which was later designated as the 1st Infantry Division (Forward). In 1972, the 1st Battalion moved to Panzer Kaserne in Böblingen. During this period, the 1st Battalion conducted training events in local training areas and frequent rail operations to training areas at Grafenwöhr and Hohenfels. Its soldiers made recurrent trips out to the battalion’s General Defense Plan (GDP) positions to recon and evaluate how it would defend the ground. The battalion also participated in the various REFORGER exercises and occasionally trained at locations such as the urban combat site in Berlin. In 1983, the US Army underwent a major reorganization that encompassed a new division Table of Organization and Equipment (i.e., the “Division 86” or also known as the “J-Series” TOE) and the US Army Regimental System (USARS). Under USARS, the 16th Infantry was expanded by two additional active battalions: the 4th Battalion (nicknamed the Blue Devils), which was activated at Cooke Barracks in Göppingen, Germany, as part of the 1st ID (F); and the 5th Battalion (nicknamed the Devil Rangers), which was assigned to the 1st Brigade at Fort Riley. These new battalions were activated to support the USARS and a new manning system called COHORT (Cohesion, Operational Readiness Training). Under the COHORT concept entire companies would go through basic and advanced individual training together, transfer to their new battalion, and spend the rest of the “life cycle” of the company training together until replaced by another COHORT company at the end of 3 years. Additionally, the program’s intent was that a Soldier would spend his entire career, except for non-divisional assignments such as recruiting, R.O.T.C., or Reserve Component advisory duty, in the same regiment. In the case of the 16th Infantry, soldiers would transfer to Germany as part of the 1ID (F) and back again to Fort Riley to the 1st Infantry Division. After providing support to Operation DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM in 1990-1991, both battalions of the regiment in Germany were inactivated as part of the Post-Cold War drawdown there and the 1st Battalion replaced the 5th Battalion at Fort Riley.

Dagwood Dispatches 8 April 2020 Colonel (R) John M. “Jack” Brooks, R.I.P.

COL (R) John Mahan Brooks passed away on 13 January 2020, in Kansas City Missouri. Known to his friends as “Jack,” he was a University of Nebraska-Omaha Army ROTC graduate and brought on active duty as a Thompson Act officer in 1941. He joined C Company, 16th Infantry that June when the 1st Infantry Division was at Fort Devens, MA. He fought with the regiment through North Africa and Sicily during part of which he commanded the regiment’s Anti-Tank Company from 22 April to 14 July 1943. He was serving as the regiment’s Assistant S4 on D-Day and temporarily took over as the S4 when Major Leonard C. Godfray was killed in action on Omaha Beach. On 16 June 1944, he took command of Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion and held that position until at least June 1945 He was reassigned as the regimental S4 in September 1945. Although eligible on points to go home (having participated in all 8 of the regiment’s campaigns and the D-Day landings in North Africa, Sicily, and Normandy) Colonel Brooks remained with the 16th Infantry in Germany and Austria until 1947. He stayed with the occupation forces at Bamberg, Germany, where he met his future wife, Ingeborg Schulz. They were married in Greenwich, New York, when they returned to the United States in 1947.

Jack came from a long and distinguished military line that dates back to the Revolutionary War. His great-grandfather, Dennis Hart Mahan, was a noted military theorist, civil engineer and professor at the United States Military Academy at West Point from 1824-1871. Mahan Hall at the U.S. Military Academy is named in his honor. Dennis was the father of American Naval historian and theorist Alfred Thayer Mahan, whose book, The Influence of Sea Power Upon History won him recognition as perhaps the most important strategist of the 19th century. Mahan Hall at the U.S. Naval Academy is named after him. His grandfather, Commodore Dennis Hart Mahan, Jr., graduated from the Naval Academy in 1869. Jack was proud to wear his grandfather's graduation ring (which will now be passed on to his grandson, Jeffrey). Jack's father, Major General John B. Brooks, was among the first of the US Army aviators making, in 1927, the first non-stop flight from the U.S. mainland to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. He later was the Commander of Clark Field in the Philippines, the Primary Flying School at Randolph Field in San Antonio, Texas, and the 11th Army Air Corps in Alaska.

Jack was born on May 6, 1920, at Fort Shafter, Hawaii, and grew up on military bases. As did his father, he attended Manlius Military Academy in New York in 1938. He later attended Rice University, graduated from the University of Nebraska and obtained a Master's Degree in International Relations from George Washington University. He graduated from the Command and General Staff College at Ft. Leavenworth in 1955 and the Army War College in 1964. A soldier's soldier, he began his service to the country in World War II serving through 1966 with the conclusion of his second tour of duty in Vietnam.

He has received a multitude of decorations including the Combat Infantry Badge with Star, the Army Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, 2 Purple Hearts and the Army Commendation Medal. He was designated by the Secretary of the Army as a Distinguished Member of the 16th Infantry Regiment in 1986. Most notably, in 2011, he was awarded the Knight of the French Legion of Honor for his service to the people of France by the French government in a ceremony at the Command and General Staff College at Ft. Leavenworth. This was for his actions on D-Day, landing in the first wave on Omaha Beach with The Big Red One on 6 June 1944. In 2004, he had the honor of addressing the graduating class at Ft. Leavenworth in which he described the pre-invasion preparation in England and his landing in Normandy. Jack left The Big Red One for a second career in academia, serving as an administrator and teacher of military history at the University of Missouri-Kansas City before retiring for a second time in 1982. He maintained his strong feeling of service to his country with his activity in the Sons of the American Revolution, the Civil War Roundtable of Kansas City and his beloved First Infantry Division as a Distinguished Member of the 16th Infantry Regiment.

Dagwood Dispatches 9 April 2020 Memorial Service for Jack Brooks

A memorial service was held for COL (R) John M. “Jack” Brooks on 9 March 2020 at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church in Mission, Kansas. The service was attended by President Steven Clay, Lieutenant Colonel Matthew R. Kelley, commander of the 1st Battalion and Command Sergeant Major Joshua Owen, 1st Battalion CSM. LTC Kelley was asked to represent the active elements of the Regiment and he provided a short eulogy regarding Jack’s military service. Steve ensured that the US and Regimental colors were posted for the service at the request of Jack’s family. The service was well- attended by many former military service members who were friends of Jack and by friends and family from the Kansas City area.

Distinguished and Honorary Members of the Regiment for 2020

Honorary Colonel of the Regiment Ralph Kauzlarich has announced the Secretary of Defense’s confirmation of the 16th Infantry’s Distinguished and Honorary Members of the Regiment for 2020. The awardees are as follows:

Distinguished Members: Service Period: COL (Ret.) John A. Noble Cold War LTC (Ret.) Edward T. Christiansen Vietnam LTC (Ret.) Paul M. Davis Operation Desert Storm SGT (Ret.) Samuel A. Marr Vietnam Mr. Nathaniel R. McClure Operation Iraqi Freedom Honorary Members: Mr. Florent Plana Mr. Jim DeFelice Ms. Samantha Fuller Dr. Marie-Pascale Legrand

Dagwood Dispatches 10 April 2020

The roughly 500 members of the 16th Infantry Regiment Association wish Association Annual Leadership Awards for 2020

Each year, the 16th Infantry Regiment recognizes five soldiers in the 1st Battalion for demonstrating outstanding leadership or leadership potential. Based on input from the battalion commander and command sergeant major, the Iron Ranger awardees for 2020 are as follows:

Award: Recipient: PVT Robert T. Henry Soldier of the Year Award SPC Jeffrey A. Arsola COL William S. Hathaway NCO Leadership Award SGT Robert F. Weaver PSG Matthew Leonard NCO of the Year Award SFC Jeremy M. Bradley COL Lloyd L. Burke Lieutenant’s Award 1LT Noah M. Bryson COL Roger Seymour Company Commander’s Award 1LT Mark A. Newcomer

The award consists of an eagle trophy shown at the left. These awards will be presented at the 1st Battalion headquarters at Fort Riley on 25 April.

Status of the First Infantry Division Monument & Fund Drive

On 4 October 1924, the 16th Infantry Regiment participated in the dedication of the unveiling of the 1st Division Monument in Washington, DC. Two days previously, some forty-two officers and 1,120 enlisted men of the 16th and 18th Infantry Regiments boarded the USAT St. Mihiel in New York Harbor and sailed to the nation’s capitol. On the morning of 4 October, the 16th and 18th Infantry Regiments formed a single composite regiment and marched to the Ellipse. There, the composite regiment was stationed before the grandstand, upon which stood President Calvin Coolidge, Maj. Gen. Charles P. Summerall, and other dignitaries. After speeches by Coolidge and Summerall, the massed bands of the 16th and 18th Infantry Regiments played “America.” Then, SGT Dan Edwards, a BRO recipient, unveiled the gleaming white column upon 16th Infantry honor guard at the which stood the bronze angel of “Victory.” On the base was The 1st Division Monument in dedication of the 1st Division inscribed the names of division soldiers who were killed in Washington, DC as it looks Monument in 1924. action or died of wounds during the Great War. Since then, today. the 1st Infantry Division Foundation has continued to add the names of those Big Red One soldiers killed in action. Today there are 12,947 names on the monument and the 1st Infantry Division Foundation is endeavoring to add the names and units of 631 more BRO soldiers (24 of whom were 16th Infantry Soldiers) lost in the various combat zones of post 9-11 military operations (Afghanistan—192; Iraq—439). The US House of Representatives has passed a resolution named, “First Act” which authorizes the revisions to the monument base and the addition of the names. The resolution is included in a National Park Bill which must go before the Senate. Senator Jerry Moran (R) of Kansas sponsors the bill and is working to get the resolution/bill passed in the Senate, but it appears unlikely it will pass before the Fall elections. Once the bill passes in the Senate it then must be approved by the National Park Service. The Foundation still needs about $400,000 to make the necessary modifications. Therefore, all Rangers are encouraged to provide a donation to the Foundation to further this cause. You will find more information on where and how to donate on page 15 of this issue.

Dagwood Dispatches 11 April 2020 Thomas P. McKoan Photo Collection

In 2019, Tom McKoan, son of Major Thomas P. McKoan, Regimental S4, 1944-45, donated a collection of images his father took during the latter stages of WWII. The editor finally found enough room in this issue to finally share a number of them with our Association members. The DD staff hopes you enjoy the images.

McKoan’s Jeep about to cross the S4 Jeep and Driver One more bridge to cross somewhere treadway bridge at Remagen, Mar 1945. in Germany.

A downed ME-109 fighter somewhere near Mons, McKoan’s jeep taking lead in a convoy somewhere in the Belgium, 1944. Harz Mountains, Apr 1945

Regimental HQ at the Post Hotel in Falkenau, S4 Section at the railroad station in Frenzensbad, Czechoslovakia, May 1945. Czechoslovakia, May 1945.

Dagwood Dispatches 12 April 2020 Thomas P. McKoan Photo Collection

Captured German hospital train in Frenzensbad, May 1945. Captured German Opel truck used by the S4 Section.

McKoan at Post Hotel in Falkenau.

Entrance to Regimental HQ and Staff Entrance to “Club 16” Officer’s Club Quarters in Bamberg, Germany, June in Bamberg, Germany, June 1945. 1945. Guard posted from B Company.

S4 Trailer at Frenzensbad.

Regimental HQ and Staff Quarters in Bamberg, “Club 16” Officer’s Club (on right) in Bamberg, Germany, Germany, June 1945. June 1945. Regimental Staff Quarters next door (left).

Dagwood Dispatches 13 April 2020 Society of the 1st Infantry Division Reunion, 12-16 August 2020

The reunion will be at the Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel in Baltimore, Maryland.

Astor Crowne Plaza Hotel in New Orleans

The 101st Reunion of the Society of the 1st Infantry Division (SFID) will take place 12-16 August 2020 at the Astor Crowne Plaza Hotel located at 739 Canal Street (at the corner of Bourbon Street) in New Orleans, LA. As you might expect, there are many shops and boutiques for those with shopping interests, restaurants and a host of other attractions. As usual, there will be a number of tours and other events to keep everyone entertained this year. Watch for e-mails from the Association president and in the Spring issue of the Bridgehead Sentinel for more details on registration, etc. More to follow in the July issue of the Dagwood Dispatches as well. Date/Time Activity Date/Time Activity Fri, 14 Aug (cont’d) Wed, 12 Aug 1045-1400 WWII Museum Self-Guided Tour 1330-u/c Unit Rep Meeting 1300-1500 New Orleans City Tour 1700-u/c 16th IN Command Post Operations 1300-1630 Steamboat Tour on the Creole Queen 1300-1400 TBD (in 16th CP) Thurs, 13 Aug 1700-u/c 16 IN Command Post Operations 0930-1700 DC Monuments Tour 0845-1200 WWII Museum Self-Guided Tour Sat, 15 Aug 1045-1400 WWII Museum Self-Guided Tour 0900-1000 Memorial Service 1400-1600 TBD (in 16th CP) 1000-1100 General Business Meeting 1700-u/c 16th IN Command Post Operations 1100-1200 PTSD Presentation 1900-2200 SFID Welcome Party 1300-1500 New Orleans City Tour 1300-1630 Steamboat Tour on the Creole Queen Fri, 14 Aug 1600-1730 DMOR/HMOR Investiture in 16th CP 0730-0830 Conflict Breakfast 1800-1900 Cocktails 0845-1000 Association Meeting in the CP 1900-u/c Reunion Banquet 0845-1200 WWII Museum Self-Guided Tour @2100 Auction 0900-1230 Steamboat Tour on the Creole Queen

Dagwood Dispatches 14 April 2020 Donate to the 1st Division Monument $$ 2020 Donation Drive $$

All Rangers are encouraged to donate to the effort to inscribe the names and units of 631 Big Red One soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice during the Global War on Terrorism since 2001. If you would like to make a contribution, please clip and fill out the A big THANK YOU to those Association coupon below, fill out a check or money order, and members who contributed to the annual mail it to the address indicated. You may also fund drive this year since the last issue. contribute on-line at: The Association couldn’t do what we do https://www.1stid.org/foundation-donations without members like you! Daniel Durand Richard Airoldi Keven McGeady Peter Alcala Ken Alderson Lucille M Holm Michael Fuller Kevin McGeady Greg Fontenot Woody Goldberg Michael Harper

Membership Application Name: ______Address: ______City: ______State: ______Zip: ______Telephone: ______E-Mail: ______Unit (Co., Bn.): ______Dates of Service w/Regiment: ______Spouse’s Name: ______Highest Rank while with the Regiment: ______If a new member, recruited by whom? ______

Dues: ______Donation: ______Total Enclosed: $______

Please fill out all information requested so we can verify or update our database entries. Annual dues are $30.00 per year payable on 1 January of each year. The dues year runs from 1 January–31 December. If a new member joins the Association after 1 September of any given year, they are credited with the next year’s dues. If they join prior to 1 September, they are credited with the current year’s dues only. We established this practice because we do not have any paid staff, nor the capacity to track dues by the month in which a member joins. Tracking dues on an annual basis is the most economic method for the Association. If you are paying more than 1 year’s dues, please make note on your check and the form.

Please send applications and money to: Bob Humphries 1734 Ellenwood Drive Roswell, GA 30075 (770) 993-8312 [email protected]

Dagwood Dispatches 15 April 2020 16th Infantry Regiment Association PRST STD US 307 North Broadway POSTAGE PAID Leavenworth, KS 66048 PERMIT #3000 TUCKER, GA

50 Years Ago . . ., 1-16 IN departs FSB Dakota for Fort Riley ..…………………….. 1 Association Officers ...... 2 From the Desk of the President...... 2 From the Desk of the Honorary Colonel…………...... 3 From the Desk of Iron Ranger 6 ……...... 4 Taps ………………………...... 5 Actions Taken by Your Association ……………………………………………………...... 5 Don Oberkiser, R.I.P. …………………………………………………………….………….……….. 5 Meet the New Iron Rangers Command Team …………………………………………….. 6 Ranger Profile, COL (R) John A. Noble ………..…………………………….……………….. 7 Inside Ranger Profile, Jim DeFelice …….……………………………………………….……………….. 7 2020 Membership Renewal …..…………………………………………………………………… 7 The 16th Infantry After Vietnam 1970-1990 ……….……………………………………… 8 Colonel (R) John M. “Jack” Brooks, R.I.P. ……………………………………………………. 9 Memorial Service for Jack Brooks …………………………………………………………….. 10 Distinguished and Honorary Members of the Regiment for 2020 …...... 10 Association Annual Leadership Awards for 2020 ……………………………………… 11 Status of the First Infantry Division Monument & Fund Drive …………………… 11 Thomas P. McKoan Photo Collection …………………………..………………….………… 12 Thomas P. McKoan Photo Collection (cont’d) …………………………..………………. 13 Society of the 1st Infantry Division Reunion, 12-16 August 2020 ..…………… 14 Donate to the 1st Division Monument …..…………….………………………………….. 15 2020 Donation Drive ………………..……………………………………....…………………….. 15 Membership Application …………………………………………………………………………. 15