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

Publishedsaber By and For the Veterans of the Famous 1st Cavalry Division VOLUME 63 NUMBER 1 Website: http://www.1cda.org JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 The President’s Corner Horse Detachment by 1LT Jason Vaughn Happy New Year Troopers of the First Team, the good The Horse Cavalry Detachment closed out 2013 on a very high note with numer- Lord has blessed us and we have started a new year. ous parade, ceremonies, and community outreach events that were conducted for I look forward to meeting with all of our Board of Gov- the month of November and December. With a heavy winter schedule of Change ernors and Foundation Trustees in February here at Fort of Command ceremonies, local Christmas and New Years parades, and local school Hood as we take care of our business at our annual board visit to the detachment; the HCD did not slow down despite the Holiday season. of governors meeting. In 2014, we predict that our participation in events will remain at the same tempo. By now you should have heard about the loss of one of The HCD will be coming to a city near you beginning in the month of January our past Association Presidents, Bob Johnson. Please keep to the Annual Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo Parade on the 18th followed his family in your prayers, he will be greatly missed. by the Blanco Parade and demonstration on 1 February. In the month of March, we will be participating in the Houston Live Stock and Rodeo for their Military The Troopers of our great Division are doing good, and as always are doing great Appreciation day where 500 Soldiers from Fort Hood will be recognized for their things, and are on the move, so remember them in your prays. Boards members dedication and service to the nation. I’ll see you here in February, God willing, and plan to join us in the windy city In the upcoming months, we also expect to see more Brigade Change of Com- in July. Good luck and may God keep us and our Country safe. First Team! mands, Responsibilities, and possibly a 1st Cavalry Division Change of Command. WAGONMASTER #9 If you haven’t seen a “Cavalry Charge” come out and enjoy the excitement. Jerry F. Eller, 808 S. 2nd St., Killeen, TX 76541-7703, (254) 526-6400, We’ve recently been fortunate to receive three new troopers to our ranks. We’d like to congratulate Troopers Dewald, Boyd, and Sear for joining the Horse Cavalry Detachment team, and wish them luck during their tenure here. On a sad note, THE DIRECTOR’S CHAIR we had to say goodbye to SGT Janeesa Kabela, one of your outstanding noncom- Dennis E. Webster Let me start by apolo- missioned officers who has moved on to begin her career as a veterinarian. We 302 N. Main St. gizing for the lateness would like to wish her good luck as she begins on a new journey. Copperas Cove, TX 76522-1703 of this issue of Saber As always, we conduct demonstrations at the detachment on Thursdays at 1000 (254) 547-6537 and the calendar. Issues hrs. This is the time we use to train new mounts and troopers, and invite the public [email protected] with the sale of the hotel to come out and enjoy the show. Feel free to call ahead and reserve some seats at for reunion from one (254) 287-2229. You can also find us on Facebook (Horse Cavalry Detachment) management company to the other delayed what is normally a very easy process. where we post pictures from the barn and let you know about upcoming events We’ll do better. and ceremonies. Information about the reunion and a registration form to register for the reunion is in the middle of this paper. Please register early to make it easier to coordinate all of the events and ensure that we have a great reunion. The Sheridan’s Cavalry Chapter is really doing some great things and I’m sure this is going to be one of our better gatherings. Anytime you get Cav Troopers together it is a great time. Make sure that you contact the Oak Brook Hills Resort and book your room for the proper nights in addition to sending us your registration form. See you at the reunion. Our mid-year meeting of the Board of Governors and the Trustees of the two foundations is actually being held on 1 March instead of February. Approval of the Association budget and financial status, actions on changes in the Constitu- tion and By-Laws of the Northwest Chapter and Rocky Mountain Chapter, and reviewing other programs of the Association are the top priorities for our Board of Governors. The Foundation Trustees will review the financial statements of the Foundation and look for ways to increase the longevity of the Ia Drang Scholarship Fund. As mentioned in earlier issues of Saber, the Ia Drang Fund is rapidly depleting their available funds and there remains only a few years before that fund is expended. The Museum Foundation will look to see how they can continue to provide support DIVISION DOINGS to the 1st Cavalry Division Museum and how the Mounted Warfare Foundation is coming along on the task of raising funds to build a museum at Fort Hood. Most of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team is back at Fort Hood and home early The work of the Finance and Budget Committee, primarily the hard work of its from a scheduled 9-month deployment. However two battalions and portions of Chairman, David Lutgen, is a key event for the success of these meetings. While other units remain and will be home by sometime in March. The 6-9th Cavalry we here at the Association try to keep good and accurate books, it is imperative continues their mission in the Sinai and will likely return to Fort Hood in May. Two that the Board of Governors, and Foundation Trustees review all of the accounts battalions from the Air Cavalry Brigade, 1-227 and 4-227 Aviation are deployed and verify that all is good. although the 1st Battalion is a more recent deployment. The 1-12th Cavalry de- There is a bunch of activity going on in the 1st Cavalry Division. We have ployed to Korea for a 9-month tour beginning in early February. units all across the globe. We currently have a unit in Korea, units in Afghanistan, The Division Commander will change command in early March, but that will be Kuwait, and training at Fort Irwin, California. All this while our Division is also covered in the next issue. preparing for a change of command and a deployment of the Division Headquar- The following stories were ters back to Afghanistan. Never let anyone tell you that today’s Troopers aren’t written by the Troopers of the Continued on pg. 24. 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs Office tell some of INDEX PAGE INDEX PAGE INDEX PAGE what is going on in the First 5TH CAV 5 99TH FA 14 LIFE MEMBERSHIP 3 Team. 7TH CAV 7 CALENDAR 2 LRRP/RANGER 15 3rd BEB Blows Up Quali- 8TH CAV 8 CHAPTER INDEX 15 LTRS TO EDITOR 2 fication Tables by SGT Kim 9TH CAV 9 CHAPTER NEWS 3 NEW MEMBERS 4 Browne, 3rd BCT, PAO, 1st 12TH CAV 6 CHANGE ADDRESS 2 OTHER REUNIONS 4 Cav. Div. 15TH MED 17 ELECTION NOTICE 23 REUNION 12/13 FORT HOOD, Texas – 20TH ARA 18 ENGINEERS 20 SILVER WINGS 16 More than 15 Soldiers stand 21ST FA 23 HICCUP 24 SUB RENEWAL 3 crowded against each other 27TH MNT 11 HONOR ROLL 24 TAPS 2 30TH FA 10 HQ AND SPEC TRPS 22 TAPS-ACTIVE DUTY 4 beneath a concrete bunker A squad with Company B, 3rd BEB, breaches an 61ST FA 4 JOHNSON OBITUARY 23 VON KANN OBIT 24 squinting their eyes with an- improvised door during the company’s engineer 82ND FA 19 Continued on pg. 10 qualification tables recently at a demolition range. JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 saber Page 2 Don’t Keep it a SECRET, Let us Know About It. To submit by e-mail, send to [email protected]. ARTICLE SUBMISSION Clip and Mail to 1st Cavalry Division Association Manuscripts should be originals or clear copies, either typed or printed in 302 N. Main, Copperas Cove, TX 76522-1703 near-letter quality printer mode. Word processor submissions are accepted Last 4 #’s of your SSN______DOB______via e-mail. Attach a self-adhesive label with photo information to the back Tel: (______) ______of photos and cutlines for each photo. Include name and address if the photo Rank and Name:______is to be returned. Do not send panoramic photos wider than 8.5 in. New Address: ______Articles should be received at National Headquarters no later than the 1st City: ______State: ______Zip: ______of every odd month. Any article received after the 1st of the month will be Unit: (1)______and (2)______put in on a space available basis. Date of Assign: (1)______and (2)______E-Mail:______Opinions expressed are the writers and not necessarily those of the Saber I served with the 1st Cav. Div. in (Circle one or more) Pre-WWII WWII or the 1st Cavalry Division Association. JAPAN KOREAN WAR KOREA ‘57-’65 FT BENNING VIETNAM

ADDRESS CHANGE FT HOOD GULF BOSNIA AFGHANISTAN IRAQ FT BLISS LETTERS TO THE EDITOR I DO/DO NOT authorize release of my personal info to Assn. members. To be considered for publication, letters should net exceed 300 words and I served with another military unit during a war time period? YES NO should be of general interest and in good taste. Letters express the writer’s opinion, not that of the Saber or the 1st Cavalry Division Association. SABER Political endorsement, “thank you” notes and poetry cannot be used. Form The newspaper of the 1st Cavalry Division Association letters or third-party letters are not acceptable. Letters which contain libelous published during each even numbered month at or obviously untrue statements will be automatically rejected. 302 N. Main St., Copperas Cove, TX 76522-1703. All letters must be signed with addresses and telephone numbers included. Phone: (254) 547-6537 Names will be used with the letters but addresses and phone numbers may Deadline for publication is the 1st of each odd numbered month. be omitted. Letters also may be edited for length or clarification. e-mail: [email protected] We reserve the right to reject for publication any letter received. Unused Home Page: http://www.1cda.org letters will not be acknowledged. EDITOR: Angela Murphy Letters to the Editor ASSISTANT EDITOR: Dennis E. Webster EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Dennis E. Webster Dear Editor, This Grant not only means a lot to me but also my family. This kind of award makes me want to pursue SNOWBIRDS my goal of being an agronomist and majoring in Ag If you have two addresses during the year, we need to know them. Please give us Business. This also means a lot to my family because the dates and addresses for both households. it not only helps us, but it also makes my family proud (Circle one) Winter Summer to see their son and grandson go to college. This grant Rank and Name: ______also means a lot to my grandpa since he was wounded LAST 4#s SSN:______DOB ______in Vietnam and to see his grand children being helped 1: Address: ______along the way by the 1st Cavalry Division Association, City: ______State: _____ Zip: ______which means a lot to him. Dates: ______Tel: (______) ______Thank you, 2: Address: ______Dillon Blyth City: ______State: _____ Zip: ______Dates: ______Tel: (______) ______Dear Editor, I’m writing this letter on behalf of my friend and fellow 1st Cavalry veteran, Calendar of 1st Cavalry Division Association SGT Terry Pohl, a Vietnam veteran who served as a combat infantry man with D Co., 1-12 Cav from December 1967 through December 1968. Terry is ask- ing fellow sky troopers to forward him personal incidents in Vietnam. During 2014 combat assault operations, we as infantry soldiers had to jump out of helicopters Feb. 28- Mar. 1 Board of Governors Meeting, Killeen, Texas while the aircraft had to remain at a high hover to avoid obstacles on the ground. July 9-13 67th Annual Reunion, DuPage County, IL Examples are elephant grass in the Ashau Valley, tall brush, tree stumps, or other November 8-11 Veterans Day Gathering, Arlington, Virginia and obstacles which didn’t allow the helicopter to get close to the ground. Washington, DC Terry is experiencing severe back problems and of course, without documen- TAPS tation, the VA has trouble recognizing service related medical problems. I can We have been notified of the death of the following: relate to this problem, and I’m sure many of you can too. Terry’s address is: ACKISS, SP-4 Alton J., B Co., 1-7th CAV, 1965. 22 January 2014. Terry Pohl, 13007 Club Drive,Hudson, FL 34667 BAXTER, CSM (Ret) Harold G., A Co., 8th ENG, 1959-60, HHC, 8th ENG, Any help from our fellow Cavalry troopers would be greatly appreciated. 1968-69. 20 January 2014. Sincerely, BONETTI, LTC (Ret) Joseph F., C Co., 1-12th CAV, 1967-68. 27 December Donald H. Oakley 2013. Delta Co., 1-12th 1967-1968, B Co. 228th Aviation, 1st Cav Division 1970- BURGESS, SFC Norman C. “Buck”, A Btry, 99th FA, 1949-51; C Btry., 77th 1971 FA, 1952. 1 January 2014. CALLENDER, COL (Ret) William E., A Co., 227th AVN, 1966-67. 17 Janu- Dear Editor, ary 2014. With the help from the 1st Cavalry Division As- DAWSON, SGT Anthony C., A Co., 1-7th CAV, 1969. 9 December 2013. sociation, by receiving this scholarship, it has not DREILING, TSG Alvin R., HHT, 1CD, 1942-45. 3 January 2014. only helped offset funding for my college education, FORD, CSM (Ret) Francis D. Jr., E Co., 7th CAV, 1950-51; HHC, 1-8th CAV, it means so much to further continue my father’s tour 1965-66. 12 November 2013. of his service to our country and gives me honor and GOSS, SP-4 Roger M., A Co., 227th AVN, 1968-69. 30 November 2013. pride for all women and men soldiers of our armed HART, SGT (Ret) David W., B Btry., 1-30th FA, 1967-68. 20 November forces. Thank you! 2013. Sincerely, HAUK, SGT (Ret) Ryan, C., D Co., 2-7th CAV, 2005-2008. 4 January 2014. James C. Knapp HUBLER, SFC Irvin C. “Tiny”, HHT/A Trp., 1-9th CAV, 1967-68. 1 January 2014. HUNT, SGT Richard H., K Co., 3-5th CAV, 1951. 27 November 2013. Dear Editor, JOHNSON, MSG (Ret) Robert D., HHC /E Co., 2-5th CAV, 1952-53. 16 De- I am extremely grateful for this scholarship to continue my education from the cember 2013. 1st Cavalry Division Association. I enjoy college and the opportunities that it KOBLE, CPL Conrad, A Btry., 61st FA, 1952-54. 10 January 2014. will give me. With this scholarship I get to continue on my quest for a degree LEISTER, COL (Ret) James W., HQ, 61st FA, 1949-51. 22 September 2013. from my university. When I get out of college, I will always remember what the MAGUIRE, SSG Jerry A., B Co., 2-7th CAV, 1970-71. 6 November 2013. 1st Cavalry Division Association scholarship did for me and my family to lessen MORENO, SP4 Mariano, A Btry., 1-30th FA, 1969-70. 22 November 2013. our financial burden. I will be and am eternally grateful. MUNN, LTC (Ret) Richard A., Jr., F Trp., 2-8th CAV, 1942-45. 23 December Sincerely, 2013. Brian Ruth MURPHY, SFC Lawrence J., HQ, 1-5th CAV, 1952-54. 11 January 2014. NIEMEYER, SSG (Ret) Walter A., A Co., 1-7th CAV, 1965. 5 January 2014. Dear Editor, NORFLEET, 1SG (Ret) Maurice S., 1CD Band, 1992-95. 4 December 2013. My name is Kerry Devney, granddaughter of retired OSOWSKI, SGT Ronald J., HHC, 2-8th CAV, 1969-70. 19 November 2013. LTC Alan E. Devney. I am currently a student at Indian STREIB, PFC Norman R., F Trp., 2-8th CAV, 1942-45. 6 December 2013. Wesleyan University. My parents are helping out in THEODORE, CPL Johnny H., HHC, 2-7th CAV, 1949-51. 31 December paying for my tuition, but I am also responsible for 2013. helping, therefore I am in need of financial assistance. TURNER, BG (Ret) Guthrie L. Jr., HHC, 15th MED, 1968-69. 9 January I am currently in my second year of nursing school 2014. and I am involved in athletics. VALADEZ, SGT Frank A., C Co., 5-7th CAV, 1966-67. 14 November 2013. I am greatly honored to receive this scholarship. My VAUGHN, SGT Jack B., B Trp., 1-5th CAV, 1940-45. 8 March 2013. grandfather served in the Vietnam War in the United VON KANN, MG (Ret) Clifton F., HHC, 1CD, 1962-63. 15 January 2014. States Army, and I am so proud of him. His example WATSON, SGT Robert W., A Co., 1-7th CAV, 1969-70. 16 November 2013. of service to our country has made me want to help WILLIAMS, SGT Wallace D., C Co., 2-5th CAV, 1965-66. 12 December others, and I know I will be able to do that in pursuing a career in nursing. 2013. I knew that choosing to major in nursing would not be an easy task to acco- WRIGHT, SP-5 Larry D., A Trp., 1-9th CAV, 1965-66. 9 December 2013. Continued on pg. 3 Page 3 saber JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 LIFE APPLICATION/SUBSCRIPTION RENEWAL BUSINESS STYLE CARDS are available at 200 for $15.00. No hassle with having to carry legal size sheets of CHAPTER NEWS paper (Life Membership Applications) or sub forms. Orders will be sent to printers JAMES J. MASON WEST MICHIGAN CHAPTER for printing when 3-4 are accumulated. Please be patient with us. Sample below. Our annual potluck for Chapter members and spouses was held on 19 Decem- (Actual size 3” x 2”) ber. We again hosted Bingo at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans on the 29th of December and are constantly recruiting when we are out in the community. 1st CAVALRY DIVISION ASSOCIATION Bingo dates for 2014 are: 30 March, 29 June, 31 August, and 30 November. 302 N. Main St. Copperas Cove, TX 76522-1703 Chapter meeting dates for 2014 are: 16 January, 17April, 17July, and 16 October. (254) 547-6537 We would love to have you stop in and say hi. [email protected] Chapter member Johnny H. Theodore passed away on 31 December. He served NAME in HHC, 2-7th Cavalry during the Korean War. POSITION IN CHAPTER Important information for Michigan Veterans who are rated or paid at the UNIT 100% level for Service Connection from the Department of Veterans Affairs. DATES OF ASSIGNMENT On November 12, 2013 Governor Snyder signed into law effective immediately Senate Bill 352 or Public Act 161 of 2013. This law provides an exemption to STREET ADDRESS PHONE: Property Taxes for those veterans or widows of veterans so classified for 2013 CITY, ST, ZIP (000) 000-0000 and forward. To qualify the Veteran or Widow must file a request with their local E-MAIL: (000) 000-0000 Cell taxing authority for their Property Tax Review Board, usually at the Assessor’s Office. Local media did not do a very good job of getting the word out to the Enroll me as a Life Member...... $10.00 veteran community so the time limit may have already expired for 2013. You should call your Assessor’s Office today. Please visit our web page at to see what we are doing. Bob Anderson, Secretary NEW YORK-NEW JERSEY CHAPTER New or Renewal of Associate Membership...... $15.00 The guest speakers at our Fall meeting held on 26 October, were D-Trooper...... $25.00 LTC Robert G. Picht, Jr. and LTC Scott Green who are both students at Business Cards ...... $15.00 the Army War College. In April 2012, $10 covers your subscription to SABER for one year. LTC Picht deployed for eight months $25 makes you a D-Troop member plus a one year subscription. in support of Operation Enduring $50 makes you a D-Troop member plus a one year subscription and you receive Freedom to Kandahar, Afghanistan, a suitable poster or print. as a Security Force Assistance (SFAT) $100 makes you a D-Troop member plus a one year subscription and you receive a First Team print. advisor to the Afghan National Civil L TO R: LTC Bob Picht, Bob Arbasetti, Order Police (ANCOP). LTC Green $500 makes you a Silver Brigade member plus a 10 year subscription. LTC Scott Green, Bob Heintz $1,000 makes you a Gold Brigade member plus a 20 year subscription. had the fortune of being present All D-Troopers receive certificates suitable for framing. for the initial invasion of Afghanistan in October 2001, the initial invasion of Brigade members receive handsome 1st Cavalry wall plaque. Iraq in 2003, the “Surge” in Iraq in 2007, and, most recently, the transition in All donors ($25 or more) receive mention in the Honor Roll column and may Afghanistan. He spoke of an assignment of having to personally watch Saddam dedicate gifts. D-Troop milestones can be achieved cumulatively. We will keep Hussein to make sure no mistreatment and no international incidents occurred. track of your contributions.. At our meeting we recycle war and history books, DVD’s also books and Associate Membership - for those with no service with the 1st Cav. Div. music on tape and donate them to the New Jersey veteran’s home in Paramus. $15 one year Associate membership plus a one year subscription. Our Spring meeting is scheduled for 26 April and our guest speaker will be $150 Life Associate plus a five year subscription and you receive a framed LTC John Tumino. He was born in Brooklyn and is formerly of Paramus, New certificate. Jersey so he has got to be good! Join us. Bob Arbasetti, President ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER LAST 4 NUMBERS OF SSN ______DOB ______The Chapter recently held a meeting Rank ______and voted to amend our Constitution Name______and By-Laws. The Association’s Board Address______of Governors will vote to approve them City ______State ______at their next meeting. Zip ______Phone (______) ______Associate member, Roger Fortin, who Dates Assigned _(1)______(2)______is retired Air Force’s brother, WO I served with 1st Team in Unit (1)______and (2)______Roger Fortin, was killed in action on 13 September 1971. Roger would like E-mail ______to talk to anyone that knew his brother. Roger presented an Eagle statue to the Chapter during the meeting. I Authorize release of information to: No one___ Other Members only___ We had over 40 attend our annual Christmas party and were entertained by Other Members and USAA Only___. one of our members and his band. I served with the 1st Cavalry Division in (Circle one or more) A photo of our officers and banner is included. Left to right: Bernard Penfield, Pre-WWII WWII Japan Korean War Korea ‘57-’65 Fort Benning Chaplain; Robert Stauffacher, President; Paul Lemieux, Vice President, Alfred Vietnam War Fort Hood Gulf War Bosnia Afghanistan Iraq Fort Bliss Gronroos, Public Information; and David Enyart, Secretary/Treasurer. Al Have you served with any other military unit during a war time period? YES NO Gronroos, Public Information Officer Letters to the Editor was a very informative article and of interest and very complete. Continued from pg. 2 But I take issue with the placement of the Combat Infantry Badge on the Cav mplish. My classes are difficult, but also interesting, and my professors are Hat as the article directed placement of rank, crossed sabers, and then throws accessible and always willing to help. They truly care about each and every in the CIB, and the CAB badges, and others with reunion pins and all sorts to student and a price cannot be put on that. When I finish nursing school, I would be placed on the back of the hat is a total insult to those who were awarded the like to work in a hospital in the neonatal intensive care unit. I believe that my Combat Infantry Badge of whom I happen to be the holder of (two). compassion for others would be translated well in working with the premature Just a short insight about the CIB: first, the CIB is in group number one of newborn babies, as well as their families. I want to be a nurse that is capable of all the badges it is one of the most respected awards a soldier can receive and making a difference in someone’s life, and by having a compassionate and soft most honored, even more so than the Medal of Honor. It has been said that the heart I know that I will be impacted by my patients as well. CIB is the only award worn above the Medal of Honor on the Army uniform. Sincerely, Many holders of the Medal of Honor have not also been bestowed the Combat Kerry Devney Infantry Badge. Now you may understand why I take issue to the placement of the CIB as stated in the Saber. The CIB is to take its place of Honor at the most Dear Editor, top center of the Hat. We would like to invite all 1st Cav vets who were previously members of our Sincerely, 11th Air Assault (Test) Division in 1963-65 to join our 11th Airborne Division Chuck Johnson, 1SG, US Army Retired, Past Commander Combat Infantry Association. The 11th Air Assault unit is an integral part of our total association. Association, 8th Cav, E Co. 3rd BN and 5th Cav 1950 Korea, Vietnam 68 To be eligible for membership, the vet must have earned either the “parachutist” or the “air assault” wings (authorized in 1964). Dear Editor: To receive an 11th Airborne Division Association membership application, As you know, my grandfather, LTG Hal Moore, com- please contact me. manded the 1-7th at the battle of Ia Drang. In all the time Bill Merkin, 11th Abn. Div. Assoc., 6482 Fox Hollow Dr.,Galena, OH we have spent together, he has never once told me any 43021 stories of combat there. I understand that these memories are terrible and private. What he does enjoy, is talking Dear Editor, about “his troopers,” and that this family of troopers has Thank you so much for the $600 scholarship from the Ia Drang fund. It means always been his other family, one that he loves. a lot to me that the survivors and contributors would establish this for family I am grateful to have this scholarship because it will members of the battle. This really helps me further my education. always remind me of “the troopers” -- which I really Regards, understand as caring for and living for the benefit of others. I will use my scholar- Julia Jacobs, Hal Moore’s granddaughter ship in college, where I am studying international affairs (like my grandfather!), to learn how different people and cultures live together; hopefully, in peace. Dear Editor, Sincerely, In reference to the write up in the Saber, November/December 2013, Page 13 Catherine V. Moore - University of Southern California 2017 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 saber Page 4 61st FA News I had a ralty Campaign was Gordon Cress 6562 Windflower Dr. great visit over I visited Com- Carlsbad, CA 92011-2508 with Bill mander Brunte and (760) 918-0470 Fancher on he offered some [email protected] November R&R for me at his 19th. Bill base. When I ask is 93 now and living in an apartment in Escon- BG Rex Chandler, dido. The primary reason for my seeing Bill our DivArty CO, was that he wanted to show me the great 1st for permission to Cav quilt he had made. I took several pictures R&R on Ponam, his of it and they’re included here. Of course you answer was only if really have to see them in color and in a larger he could go also! format to truly appreciate the fine detail, stitch- After checking with ing, etc. The quilts are the work of a lady who Commander Brunte, lives in Needles, California. The one shown GEN Chandler and I is on Bill’s double bed, but they can be made both spent a real en- in any size desired. I doubt if you can make it joyable week at Po- Troops, Truck-trailer out, but below the 1st Cav patch are the years nam as Commander Bill Fancher of Bill’s service (1941-45) that I thought that Brunte’s guests (metal beds with white sheets, great chow, and an up-to-date was a nice touch. If anyone is interested in Officers Club). At a later date GEN Chandler went on another R&R on a naval procuring one, just ship, leaving his Executive Officer COL Calicut in charge. At that same time drop me a line or Commander Brunte loaned us a walk-in reefer to cool any beer we might have give me a call and (only thing was that we did not have any beer), so he allowed us to buy from his I’ll put you in touch ship store and he even provided a naval vessel to transport the beer and other with the lady who items we purchased. The stipulation was that the reefer was to be placed in the makes them. And middle of our Island (Ndrillo Island) and was to be used by both officers and speaking of Bill, enlisted men. The reefer arrived and COL Callicut had the reefer put in our Of- here’s a shot I took of ficers Club, against my advice that it was not to be in the O-Club. Since I had him while we were assured Commander Brunte that it would be in the middle of the island, I flew out chatting. to Ponam and advised Brunte that he might wish to recall the reefer, but instead After visiting Bill, he asked me to fly him to our island, and of course I did! He went in and had a I had sent out an talk with COL Callicut and the reefer was moved out of the O-Club to the center email regarding the of the Island. Results were that I was not in good favor with Callicut after that. 1st Cav quilt and We had a rather pleasant stay in the Admiralties with only a few accidents. John received a call from Stobie, flying a CPT from the 271st, had a propeller come apart just after take- Margaret and Robert off from Ndrillo and they went into Seadler Bay. Our mechanics salvaged the Jackson. They were aircraft and talked the Air Corps out of two P-38 belly tanks and made a water 1st Cav Quilt interested in getting taxi out of it. On September 21st and 22nd Bob Hope brought his USO show one made and I got to Ndrillo and we all enjoyed it. In October 1944 we started getting ready for them the contact information for the lady who does that. We had a nice chat and the next move... to Leyte, Phillipines.” Thanks again, Pink. I’m sure it brought it was great to hear that they’re both doing well. Robert also told me about their back memories to a lot of the fellows. Harley Davidson trike. They’re having a good time riding with friends and are One of our local grammar schools had a special day on November 8th to honor members of the local HOGs (Harley Owners Group). He’s one of us younger veterans in the area. They had a Marine Corps color guard and the whole school guys at only 79. was out to say thanks to about 15 or 20 of us (active duty, retired, and just plain My wife and I took another mini-vacation out to the city of Palm Desert in the veterans) who had children or grandchildren there. My granddaughter Jillian Palm Springs area. We stayed at the Marriott Desert Springs Villas and had a very is in the third grade and following the ceremony I was invited to speak to her nice week. The villas are super nice. Marriott does do things right. Our one- class. It was fun and I think the kids got a kick out of it, too. At times they do bedroom top floor condo overlooked the golf course and we enjoyed our evening ask interesting questions… one boy asked me if I had ever been “mortarized.” cocktails out on the balcony. We visited a few local spots of interest like the Joshua I do want to thank all of you who took the time to send us a Christmas Card. Tree National Park and had several very nice meals in nearby restaurants. All It was really appreciated and we’re so glad you thought of us. We especially ap- in all it was a very relaxing and enjoyable week. Palm Springs is famous for its preciated the card from Hill and Sandy Hansen of Lewiston, Idaho. They read the brutally hot summers, but spring, autumn and winter are very nice from a weather Saber and say they enjoy it. That makes all of us “scribes” feel really good! standpoint. In early December we spent a week at the Lawrence Welk Resort near Escon- Here are a cou- dido. It’s a whole 18 miles from Carlsbad so you couldn’t exactly call it much of ple more of the a road trip. In any event, we did have a very relaxing time in an elegant condo. pictures from Ko- The place is fairly remote, but they have lots of activities for all ages. It’s a huge rea (circa 1951) place, covering some 400+ acres including two golf courses, five Recreation courtesy of Don Centers, and at least four swimming pools and fitness centers. Duggleby. The We had a very nice family Christmas at our daughter’s place. This time of first is labeled as year is very exciting for the children. We sincerely hope that all of you also had “Tent & troops” a great Christmas and that 2014 will be a good year for all of us. We lost a few and the second is more alumni this past year and that should be a reminder to us all that our friends “Truck, trailer & and family are what really counts; cherish them! troops.” Recog- Here’s hoping everyone remembered Valentine’s Day! If you forgot, just chalk nize anyone? it up to another “Senior Moment.” Here’s the sec- I thought I saw an eye doctor on an Alaskan island, but it turned out to be an ond installment of optical Aleutian. the memoirs that Take care, ‘Sta Bueno and keep those cards, letters, phone calls, and e-mails Fred “Pink” Mar- coming! Please note the change in the email address. I had a minor problem tin sent along… Tent-troops with some kind of virus and had to make the change. I just added a “c” to the “After the Admi- existing address. ACTIVE DUTY TAPS NEW MEMBERS The following Active Duty Trooper died while supporting Operation Enduring SGT AKAU, LISIATE M. TX HSC 1CDH 1304 Freedom in Afghanistan: SSG ASHLEY, CHANDRA K. WA HHBN 0903 SIPPLE, SPC Andrew H., C Co., 1-8th CAV, 2010-14. 17 January 2014. SP-5 BAILEY, WILLIAM L. OR 15ADM 6906 We have been notified of the death of the following Active Duty Troopers in CSM BARTEKY, ANDREW L. TX HHC 1CDH 1312 the United States that were not combat related: CPT BERNEY, DONN H. TN C 2-8C 6511 McDERMOT, SPC Ryan J., C Co., 2-227th AVN, 2012-13. 21 December 2013. SSG (RET) BRINGHURST, GEORGE TX HHC 2BDE 9002 VEDDER, SFC Robert F. Jr., HHT, 1-3rd CAV, 2011-14. 6 January 2014. SSG BROWN, OSCAR L. TX 1BCT 1401 SPC CAREY, NATHANAEL R. M A B 2BSTB 1201 We honor the passing of our friends and comrades in arms. SGT CHACON, RAY D. CA A 1-9C 66 CPT CHASE, JOEL K. VA D 1-5C 6910 OTHER REUNIONS SP-4 CORRIVEAU, DAVID A. OH C 2-7C 6702 15th MED Association, 2-6 April 2014. Renaissance Orlando Airport Hotel, SSG DAILY, THOMAS TX 1BCT 1401 Orlando, FL. Info at . Contact Leo Williams, < [email protected]>. SGT FLEMING, JOHN E. NM HHC 1-12C 6407 Aerial Rocket Artillery Association, 18-22 June 2014. Stone Castle Hotel and SSG HERNANDEZ, JOSE L. TX HSC HHBN 1307 Conference Center, Branson, MO. Info at . SP-5 HOFFMANN, ROY A. CA HHC 1-12C 75 Society of the 1st Infantry Division, 25-29 June 2014. Hyatt Regency, Orange SP-5 HOGE, THOMAS A. KS D 15TC 6603 County, CA. Information at . MAJ HOWARD, III, SIDNEY D. TX 2-12C 07 5-7th Cavalry Association, 14-19 July 2014. University Plaza Hotel, Spring- MAJ JONES, PETER M. NJ 1-8C 0907 field, MO. Info at . Continued on pg. 5 Page 5 saber JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014

5th CAV News Friends and just rot and fall off. Anyone who would like to contact you can get your phone Allan F. Foster Pen Pals: Last and address by getting in touch with me. God Bless and ‘Boot to Boot’.) 732 E. College Ave. spring I received Raymond Brown writes: I was in Vietnam from December 1967 until December Westerville, OH 43081-2442 an email from a 1968. I was in 3rd Squad, 1st Platoon. I walked ‘Point’ from December until young Captain March. In March my friend Willy went on R&R and I took over the M-60. One (614) 891-4345 of one of the day the 3rd Squad was leading the company on a search. We had just walked 5th Cav Combat over a footbridge which crossed a canal. I was walking behind the Lieutenant Companies. He and shots rang out. The pointman went down. Then the man right behind the and his company were headed out of country and downrange. So, I called him pointman went down. Then the Lieutenant turned around, and he went down and we talked on the phone for a long while. We did some brain storming about too. I dropped down beside him. He was hit in the neck. We helped him off into an idea that he was working on. He wants to establish some kind of a ‘Friend a rice paddy. We were caught in a crossfire from the left side and down the trail. and Buddy’ program between the guys in his company and guys like you and The rest of the Company was on the other side of the footbridge. My squad me. We would write or ‘email’ to the young guys who are in harm’s way. If was pinned down. But, we finally got out of there. Well, enough of that. I was they choose to, they would write back. For instance, in my case, I have many reading your piece in Saber and thought I would share my story. SP-4 Brown. varied combat and life experiences and I might be able to relate to some aspects (Dear Ray: I have a similar experience and would like to share my story. When of their present life. I will never have their in-depth understanding of warfare in I got to Vietnam I was a Corporal and assigned to a Mortar Platoon. They the terribly hostile terrain of the high mountains of Afghanistan against warrior checked me out for a couple of months. Then they put our NCO into another tribesmen who have been fighting for generations. But, I understand a lot about platoon and I became the default NCO of the Mortar Platoon. A couple of days being a soldier in a combat zone and being shot at. All of us understand that later we had some trouble with some VC who were taking annoying pot shots at stuff. We are not part of the 99% of the population that does not understand. us. My LT, and an LT with another platoon decided to chase them down. They We are part of the 1% that does. Therefore, if you are able, please join me called in a dog and dog handler. The next day they took a squad, both LTs, the in this letter writing campaign. I feel comfortable writing to Infantry/Heavy dog and the dog handler and started chasing the VC. My LT decided to drop a weapons type E-3‘s through E-5‘s who are in combat. But, in all honesty, I only mortar round on the two fleeing VC. He figured out where to drop the mortar have a partial idea what the rest of a company’s day to day combat life is like. while running after the VC in the rice paddies and bamboo thickets while shots Therefore, if anyone wishes to join me in this letter/email effort (from former were being fired and communicating on the phone with us guys in the mortar pit. draft grunts to former colonels, from chaplains to cooks) please email me, write He called in the coordinates. My good friend ‘Spot’ (I can only remember his me or call me. If this thing gets off the ground I am sure I will need help with nickname - his brown hair had a big white spot in the middle of his forehead; he details and organization. Additionally, there is an 8th Grade teacher that I met at was probably the smartest guy in the platoon) received the numbers and plotted a Veterans Day celebration at a local Junior High School: we discussed doing a them. He gave the numbers to the mortar crew. Simultaneously, he glanced letter-writing campaign with her students and our soldiers. We are still working at me and gave me a definite doubting quizzical look. I was the NCO, I think out the details. Likewise, if any of you have a contact at a local school, please I should have been a stand up guy and said STOP. But, I didn’t. The mortar follow up on it. You never know where things might lead. round that we fired ended up short. It killed the dog, the dog handler and the LT. Wear Your Hat: COL Bernard Lieving writes. I have to tell you about one of Spot took over for awhile, he got everyone out of the pit, told everyone to leave those “God-incidences” (chaplain language?) that happened back in September. everything exactly where it was and to remember everything that was done and I am now retired from active ministry and we were enroute from Tampa to West said. They came and checked us out to see who was to blame. But, our LT Virginia to visit my family and see old friends. We drove out of Tennessee squashed that. He took all the blame. He was so sad and emotionally wounded and into Kentucky and stopped at a Welcome Center. I had on my “Vietnam about his part in the tragedy and losing his friend that he never recovered. Jim and Desert Storm” veterans cap with a small metallic Cav patch. A gentleman Reecamper was in the squad who lost their LT. We met again, for the first time stopped me and said, “Oh, a Vietnam vet, huh?” I confirmed his comment and in forty years, at the reunion in Riverside, California. We weren’t together for he said, “Oh, 1st Cav! I was in the 1st Cav.” I said, “What unit?” “Delta, 2-5,” more than one or two seconds before discussing all the details of this tragedy as was his answer. I asked “what years?” He responded, “68-69!” I asked him though it happened yesterday). if he remembered a guy who when he got off the log bird everyone called out, James Mullens writes: I see you are in Ohio. That’s where I joined the military, “Get your helmet. Here comes ‘magnet butt.” He said in amazement, “Were in Gallopolis. It was 1961. I was with C Co., 1-5th in 1965/66, and 5-12th in you that guy?” Well, bottom line...there in that Kentucky Welcome Center 1968/69. How I lived so long I don’t know. I am looking for men I served with parking lot, Mike MacDougle and I stood and talked. We told Vietnam stories. in Nam. Not able to travel much anymore. One thing still bothers me: a clerk Then we told CPT Joe Carpenter stories. Until he said, “I need to go. We are lied to me as I left the Army. A clerk said, “You have a medal coming!” Never driving home to Minnesota and need to get back on the road again.” Also, two got it. He lied. Sorry to bother you. I still wear my 1-5 Cav pin proudly. J. weeks ago we were in the Columbus, Ohio Airport. A gentleman walking with Mullens, retired and disabled. the aid of a walker came up to me (again, I’m wearing the cap) and engaged me Joseph T. Sobolak writes: I served with the 1st Air Cav in 1965/1966 over in in a conversation. He showed me his big silver belt buckle that said, “United An Khe. I was one of the thousands of soldiers to travel over by boat to get to States Marine” and under that it said, “Khe Sanh Survivor.” I stuck out my hand our destination. The reason that I am writing you is for some advice. In the again and said, “Shake hands with an Army guy that was in the unit that freed July/August issue of Saber I read your article pertaining to PTSD. When we you guys from the siege.” Bottom line...we were both inside the Khe Sanh wire landed in September at Qui Nhon Harbor we were thrown on a Chinook and on Easter Sunday, 1968 - he a Marine and me a Cav trooper. We shared a good landed at the Golf Course. My MOS was Supply; but that didn’t mean _ _ _ _! laugh and a handshake. There I was, with the Army Engineers, digging holes in ‘no man’s land’, waiting Mike McManus from Minnesota just happened to be thinking of COL Lieving for some guy named Charlie. I did not have an Infantry MOS but I volunteered and wrote: I served in the 2-5th Cav from 5/68 to 4/69. Initially I was a Platoon for every chance to be with my Brothers. Guys used to call me crazy, but I told Leader in A 2-5. I was reassigned as S&T Platoon Leader. I finished my tour them that, “I can’t stand playing stupid games like ‘filling sand bags’ when my as LNO to Brigade HQ. I’ve read with interest your comments and memories Brothers are getting killed.” When I came back I had issues, and it took me time of Chaplain Lieving in Saber. I am happy to know he is still living. I am glad to seek help. I joined the Vet Center in Pittsburgh (downtown). I spent almost you two had a chance to reconnect. I met him early in my tour, and got to every Tuesday night there for eleven years. When I showed up the first time I know him slightly while serving in Battalion HQ. I recall playing bridge with was scared to even speak. But, in those eleven years I met weekly with fourteen him and others, but we quickly dropped bridge for poker when enough poker other vets and a wonderful Counselor named Larry. Problem: Just recently players joined the unit. At one point he had a pet puppy. I believe his wife sent got over bladder cancer. (I never smoked while in Nam). I went through two him cans of Alpo. I have included a couple of copies of pictures I thought you marriages. I have sent many letters to the VA, Senators, and Congressman to might like to see. One is me alongside the Chaplain. I can’t remember where apply for VA compensation. The file cabinet is full of papers and letters telling they were taken, but I’m thinking LZ Jane or Rita. Memories fade and mine is me (at first) that I was not qualified. Now they tell me “we are looking at no exception. Best regards and welcome home. your records and you are on file.” Is the VA hoping that I die, and then they Dedication of the Ronald ‘Smokey’ Bakewell Memorial Bridge: Joe Orient do not have to do anything? Let me know what you think. Also, let me know writes: I served in the 1st Cavalry’s 8th Engineer Battalion in Vietnam in 1965- if I can stop sending letters and have the government compensate me for that 1966. I attended this bridge dedication at the request of some close friends who mess over there. Thanks. P.S. Excuse the penmanship. I get too emotionally are related to ‘Smokey’. Everyone assembled at American Legion Post 940 in upset when I talk about Nam. DEAR JOHN, I am not a specialist in this area. West Brownsville, Pennsylvania and then convoyed up to the place where the The Vietnam Vets organization has guys who specialize in helping guys like new sign was being dedicated. The Pennsylvania State Police reduced traffic to you. Contact them! On the other hand, I am the last person to ask about how one lane to allow the crowd a safe area to view the proceedings. It was a bright, to interact with the VA. I have been there a number of times. As soon as one sunny, cool day. The wind was pretty strong because this is a high point over of their secretaries or administrators insults me I get up and walk out. I suffer the river. A brief ceremony was held and the cover over the sign was removed. from excess pride and will do just fine without their help. On the other hand, I After numerous photo ops for family and friends we returned to the American have a friend who takes his cousin with him when he goes to the VA. She is a Legion for the balance of the program. I estimate that there were 250-300 people big, strong, smart, loud middle-aged woman who keeps great detailed written in attendance and it was certainly emotional at times. I believe the Traveling records (paper trail?) and enjoys exchanging comments with the bureaucrats. Vietnam Wall was in the area at this time. The dedicated sign states, “Private Also, I have a friend who kept searching for a solution to his problem for twenty First Class Ronald C. “Smokey” Bakewell made the ultimate sacrifice for this years. Finally, he ran into a retired lawyer who was a Vet, the retired lawyer Commonwealth on August 2, 1968, when he died from hostile, small arms fire and he somehow got in touch with a Congressman who watches out for Vets while serving in the Army of the United States in South Vietnam. On June (oddly, the Congressman is a left wing liberal - - so take your friends where 16, 1968, PFC Bakewell, age 20, was assigned to C Company, 1st Battalion, you find them). The Congressman assigned one of his Staff Researchers to the 5th Cavalry, 1st Air Cavalry Division, when less than two months later his life problem and she solved the problem within weeks. And finally, I don’t know ended in the service of his country.” whether you are a ‘reader’ or not, but there is a great book out there on Veterans WWII Vet writes: To fellow Trooper A.F. Foster, regarding your article about problems. It is called, Unbroken, A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, writers requesting ‘first person accounts’ and info about the 5th Cav on Los and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand. I first listened to this book on tape while Negros. My name is Frank Storno and I was a soldier with HQ Troop, 5th Cav driving and ultimately it helped me with some lingering ‘Old Pete’ PTSD issues. that landed on the Admiralty Islands. Being in the Communication Platoon we The book is being made into a movie and should be out soon. were not involved in much action after the first couple of weeks. The worst Next Issue: I will be changing my format just for the next issue. It will be action was on the landing, and a few days and nights after. I was with the 5th Cav an article on the similarities and differences between the Wehrmacht versus HQ Troop from 194 -1944. I was a victim of malaria and the skin disease called Russian Army in the WWII Battle of Stalingrad, the 5th and 8th Cav versus the ‘Jungle Rot.’ I was hospitalized and returned to the States. Upon regaining my Red Chinese in Korea, and the Fifth Cav versus the NVA in the Battle of Tet. I health I was reassigned to the Army Air Corps. (Thank you Trooper Storno. I will return to the present format in the following issue. got a type of ‘Jungle Rot’ in the pores of my arms while in the rice paddies in God Bless, ‘boot to boot’, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Welcome Vietnam. It comes back every summer. Also, many times my clothes would Home ! New Members 1CDH 1401 7104 Continued from pg. 4 LTC MARIN, ROBERTO E. TX 15FSB 0401 SGT McLELLAND, JAMES TX 1BCT 1401 CSM KELCH, DANIEL D. WA 3BCT 1401 SSG MARTIN, STEVEN L. IN 1-8C 71 SFC NORRIS, TOM E. CO B 2-7C 1283 SGT LOPEZ OLAVARRIA, JEAN P. TX HHC SGT McALHANY, JR., JOHN W. GA 15FIN Continued on pg. 24 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 saber Page 6

12th CAV News 0001 New day new receiving an extract of these files and a requester submits a follow-up request Ken Howser, Jr. journal. Journal opened. for additional information or documents will NPRC automatically send copies PO Box 234 Walkersville, MD 21793-0234 Hey Sailor, new in town? of all the other documents in the file.”}. Not all your records are sent to you (301) 898-7763 Your new best friend in up-front! You have to ask specifically for them all to be sent you. www.12thCav.US Taking this column, and 1235 Vietnam War Christmas Songs for your listening pleasure. The Vietnam Facebook.Com/12thCavalryRegiment by association the Saber War Song Project hosts nineteen Christmas songs from the likes of known and to a whole new level this year, I am composing this on the third level of my unknown artists such as Barry Sadler, Private Charles Bowens, the Soul Search- daughter’s house! [Rimshot!] My one resolution for the new year is to write ers, Charles Brown, Reverend Oris May, Becky Lamb, and others. If you know 2014 instead of 2013! Practice it – you have my word it will come in handy. of other war or era specific Christmas or other songs, send me a link and I will It is coming on to Christmas and past, the ending of one year and the start of a give them a listen and maybe highlight them here. I found these by accident new. I am looking forward to seeing my favorite float in the 125th annual Rose and that I found them is the only reason they are listed here. You cannot expect Parade, although I do not believe the Horse Detachment will be parading this me to find everything for you on my lonesome own-some, or you will be sadly season. Talk of bumming out a perfectly good new year! Old things ending with disappointed. reflection and new beginnings with questions and angst. “Another day older and deeper in debt; Saint Peter don’t you call me ‘cause I can’t go - I owe my soul 1536 LTC Jo- to the company store.” One step back and one and a half step forward doing the seph F. Bonetti, dialectic dance. The 12th Cavalry Association (We) wish you, yours, and the 66 of Maple- world; health, peace, prosperity, and growth, with enough challenge to keep us wood, New Jer- all challenged without being burdensome, complex, or overwhelming. Pax. sey died 27 De- 0336 Never too early, it is not yet too late, to plan for the grand 67th annual cember 2013. soiree of the 1st Cavalry Division Association Reunion 9 to 13 July 2014 (prac- Interment was tice, practice) in Oak Brook, Illinois. To round it off just say, “Chicago.” If you in BG William find one you can find the other. Maybe ask a Lieutenant to read a map for you. Doyle Veter- Toll Free: 855-458-5701, check the 1st Cavalry Division Association website, ans Cemetery, or call them when all else fails you. All plans have been laid and executed for Wrightstown, your comfort, enjoyment, pleasure, and happiness, and are ongoing. Sign-up, New Jersey. He pay-up, and show-up, the only ones you are denying are you and yours. If you was a banker for fail to show all your friends will find new friends and comrades to greet, meet, Brown Brothers talk to, and befriend. It’s how we roll in this world; no one wants to or truly Harriman & Co. needs to go through it alone. Being social animals we socialize and befriend our 1-12 Charger Closeout Competition retiring in 2006. peers and Army/Division/Regiment brothers and sisters. We never realize the Joseph gradu- last time we see someone until it is far past the time we miss them. Check the ated from Fordham University, New York, with a BS in economics. He served Fiddlers Green Duty Roster. in the US Army during the Vietnam War in C 1-12 Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. 0636 On that uplifting note, plan Joe retired after serving in the New York State National Guard and the US Army also for your specific Regiment Re- Reserve. Joseph was a member of the 69th Regiment Armory, Manhattan, New union. Our second section is 10 to York. He is survived by his wife Elizabeth, daughter Laura, and son Christo- 14 September in Branson, Missouri. pher. “Joe Bonetti was in my squad in the 3rd platoon of Charlie Company, 1st Location for the 9th annual reunion Battalion, 12th Cavalry. Joe came to the field and joined the company on the (we are slowly catching the Division morning of 16 December 1967 during a two day firefight with the 22nd NVA and they are running in fear) is the Regiment, which had begun 15 December. He served with Charlie Company beautiful and renovated Welk Resort until December 1968. He was a good guy and a good soldier. Joe had attended - Branson, 1984 State Highway 165, several reunions and was a real joy to be around.” Donations may be made to the Branson; toll free at: (800) 505-9355. Jimmy V. Foundation for Cancer Research, 106 Towerview Court, Cary, North Our reunion is open to all current Carolina, 27513; or St. Barnabas Hospice, 95 Old Short Hills Rd., West Orange, or former 12th Cavalry Regiment New Jersey, 07052. personnel of any era or segment, and 1736 1-12 Cav- anyone else you wish to bring and alry update. 12 pay for. Or let them pay their own October – “A and freight this year. Rates come in at B Company Infan- $84 per day including breakfast for trymen conducted two per room; any and all activities air assault training planned or scheduled are optional at when they were your convenience. Early registration not busy with live COL Al Freeland and LTC Monte Rone 2- and room reservation, as in all large fire training - our 12 Battalion Ball group gatherings, is appreciated and infantrymen are encouraged. Lawrence, the band, the most versatile the singers, the accordion player, and the staff are all onsite waiting to aid and in the world, and assist you. Or maybe I flashed back that part. enemy on foot, 0936 Dude, please please please please! Please go somewhere and get copies vehicle, or by of your Army records and DD214 before you need them. Make lots of copies of helicopter!” 27 the DD214 and stash them where you can find them or might need them. Use October – “1-12 bank safety deposit boxes or put it with your county courthouse records (if those Cavalry partici- pated in ‘Make a 2-12 Ironhorse Rampage by PFC Paige Pendleton 1st BCT encourage such), to safeguard your DD214. Your service organization records Public Affairs might be a place of safekeeping. They usually require a copy for your membership Difference Day’ application and acceptance. Service officers of VVA, Iraq/Afghanistan Veterans, at the Bob Gilmore Senior Center. It was a great day of cleaning, sweeping, and American Legion, and other service organizations will assist you in this effort. volunteering for a great cause!” 27 October – “Soldiers from 1-12 Cavalry spent You can do it yourself online at the website of the National Archives, or if you are a week executing defensive and react to contact lanes. Platoons were challenged flush with cash and drive a gold Rolls there are those who will take your money against OPFOR, dismounted enemy, civilians, and media on the battlefield!” 3 to help. All brought to mind by discussions on Facebook 1st Cavalry sites about November – “Deputy Secretary of Defense, Ashton Carter, paid a visit to 1-12 awards and ribbons. I was appalled at those who accept the fact that the Army Cavalry with a few words of encouragement!” 18 December - “CHARGERS and Department of Defense would never make a mistake on their DD214 or have and CHARGER Families - enjoy your leave! It is incredibly well-deserved, and less than correct information there or in their awards, citations, and ribbons, or Susan and I wish you and your loved ones the best over the next two weeks. correct spellings. Heck, they made three in mine alone! Gospel – you never PLEASE travel/drive safely and ensure we are looking out for one another....we know what they have until you see it all. Request them and make them send it to need EVERYONE in the CHARGER family back safe and sound! Thank you you! It might be right, it may be wrong – check, see, and fight for what is yours. for what you do for the Nation and our Army - I am honored and humbled to Read everything and to serve with you.” CHARGER 6. do it only once; request 1936 2-12 Cavalry update. “The Ironhorse 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st your DD214, all docu- Cavalry Division completed ‘Ironhorse Rampage’, conducted 4 - 22 November ments in your Official on Fort Hood. ‘Ironhorse Rampage’ is a brigade-wide field training exercise, Military Personnel File, served as a venue to certify or recertify company-level units on essential tasks medical records, and any needed prior to a rotation to the National Training Center in February. Soldiers other files you might with 2nd Thunderhorse Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Ironhorse BCT, know or can think of. 1st Cavalry Division, played simulated casualties, villagers, and reporters during Be advised: {“The re- a Soldier Leader Engagement scenario. (I believe that shirt reads ‘Keep calm sponse package from and charge, change, cheer…?) I would love to provide you more information on NPRC contains only the activities of 2-12 Cavalry but I can find no filling informational postings or key documents and ex- descriptive information on posted pictures. Military Personnel File, 2136 Patrolling the vast reaches of the Internet, constantly on guard for interest- Medical Record, and a ing items for you, when what to my wondering eyes should appear but a message copy of all separation from Trooper Mark Williams and eight tiny reindeer. Mark was a member of D documents. Only after Clarence Bradford, B 2-12 Cav Continued on pg. 14 Page 7 saber JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 7th CAV News I hope that an inventory. On May 26, the Sunday before Memorial Day, the Rev. DeVeer Robert J. Anderson e v e r y o n e rose to give his sermon. John Fitzgibbons’ Purple Heart medal was placed amid 9030 Conservancy Dr. NE had a Merry the offertory procession, next to the bread and wine, symbolizing Fitzgibbons’ Ada, MI 49301-8822 Christmas and valorous service to his country. DeVeer spoke about the importance of God in (616) 682-5446 [email protected] celebrated the people’s lives and how its absence leads to hatred, prejudice, war. He spoke [email protected] ringing in of of Fitzgibbons’ sacrifice, 45 years ago, and how his medals had recently found www.US7thCavalry.Com this New Year their way back to the family, a testament to the power of love and selflessness. in the finest traditions of the cavalry. Hopefully it isn’t too late to rush out and A church deacon played taps on a bugle at the end of the service. Paul Delaney, get that special someone in your life a special thought for Valentine’s Day. Fitzgibbons’ old BC buddy, is not a regular St. Francis Xavier churchgoer, yet he My first order of business is to report that my computer crashed and burned was there that morning. As he walked into church, DeVeer approached him for about the middle of November which left me struggling and wringing my hands a private word. “Paul,” said DeVeer, “they found John’s medals.” At her home for several weeks over my lost data and Saber To Do list. Fortunately (at least for in Tewksbury, Joyce Fitzgibbons shows a visitor her late brother’s medals and me) and with the help of a 9th Infantry Division former NCO, I’m mostly back expresses her profound gratitude towards the Benedettos, whom she still has not in business. Almost all of my data files on the Cambodian “Incursion” were lost met in person. “We will be forever grateful for your kindness and the way you but I did have hard copy printed files to work with. So my word to the wise is cherished the memory of a young man you did not know — but you knew he to make sure you back up your files regularly. Even though I did so the newer mattered to someone,” she wrote in her letter to the Benedettos. “What a won- operating system didn’t recognize some of my back-ups, especially my e-mail derful example of loving your neighbor as yourself.” Arrayed on a table with a files even after purchasing a conversion program! photo of John, these keepsakes are wonderful to have, she acknowledges. “My Another Alpha Company Phantom Raider that I served with in Vietnam passed brother has always been in my heart, though,” Joyce says softly. “I don’t need away recently. Bob Watson who lived in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania died in medals to remember him. In our humanness, we need something tangible for November. A contingent of former Phantom Raiders attended his funeral with our connection, I suppose. But I’ve always felt close to my brother, a knowing.” his only request that GarryOwen be played at the funeral. I received notice from The return of the medals has sparked a family-wide conversation about John, she John Huger who served in C 1-12 Cav from ‘68 - ‘69 that a 5-7 Trooper passed continues, and that’s a very good thing. She would like to take the medals on a away on the 14th of November: Frank A Valadez. After passing this information road trip from sibling to sibling, currently scattered from Vermont to Georgia. on, Karl Haartz reported that Frank was one of the Mortar men in Charlie 5-7 and One stop will most certainly be Forest Glade, a veterans’ cemetery in Wakefield, that he and five others were privileged to attend Frank’s funeral. Sergeant Tony possibly in the company of the Benedettos. After finding whom the medals be- Dawson lost his battle with cancer on 9 December and was buried in Oak Park, longed to, Debbie Benedetto, after another exhaustive search, also located where Michigan. Tony was also a member of A 1-7 Derosing in May of 1969. Tony Fitzgibbons is buried. His gravestone, it turned out, is roughly 50 yards from retired from both General Motors and the MIANG. Jim Savage, our Website those of John Benedetto’s father and several other family members. Debbie and Manager, reported that Jerry A. Maguire, of Bravo 2-7 in 1970 passed away on 6 John had been driving past John Fitzgibbons’ grave for years. When she solved November 2013. Johnny H. Theodore who served in HHC of the 2nd Battalion that final piece of the mystery, she again wept tears of joy. “We’ll visit with him during the Korean War passed away on 31 December. Walter Niemeyer who now,” she promises. “He’ll be a stop on our travels.” John Francis Fitzgibbons served with D 1-7 in ‘64 - ‘65 passed away on 5 January. is on Panel 38W, Line 57 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. He was killed in Joe Galloway reports that he has sold his home in Texas and has relocated action on 25 November 1968. Again, my thanks to Bob Skole who provided this permanently with his lovely wife Doc Gracie and Jacques the Wonder Dawg to wonderful and heart warming story of a hero gone but never forgotten. North Carolina. They were at Joe’s old home packing up for the move when The cold and ice has gripped Michigan for the past week and with widespread someone stopped by to take a peek and after a two-hour showing made an of- power outages - some longer than seven days. I’m again in awe of our broth- fer. This must be a record in today’s economy. Joe’s vast library of over 3,000 ers in arms who fought the North Koreans and Chinese during the Korean War. books also made the move. As you may recall Joe is also serving on the 50th As bad as it sometimes was in Vietnam at least we didn’t have to deal with the Anniversary Commission of the Vietnam War and is still advocating for veterans numbing cold. You are not forgotten. of ALL conflicts and we thank him for his tireless work. I never know where a column thought might come from but I got this idea from An important message for all concerns your Veterans Administration Identifica- a friend at the Vet Center recently. Thornell was a member of the 173rd Airborne tion Card, and comes to us from Ron (Shortround) Migut, C 1-7. Your identity and made the only Combat Jump of the Vietnam War with the 2nd Battalion in could be stolen from data that is contained in the magnetic strip on this card. February of 1967 prior to being wounded around Dak To and medevaced back to Watch this short You Tube Video and take the necessary steps to protect yourself. The World. We were taking about family histories and how those stories outline . You can also the history of our respective families. Thornell then pointed out that when you get a new card from the VA which doesn’t have compromising data embedded. see the initial tag line in an obituary it usually reads like 1925 - 2012, which New books recently published by 7th Cav veterans include: Eden Lost by represents my father’s dates. It’s that dash between those 2 dates that reflect the Richard Taylor; Gray Horse Troop, Forever Soldiers by Charles Baker and measure of the person, so don’t forget the dash. Sometimes we can get caught The Missing Horsemen by Don Campbell. Suggested by Karl Haartz and Bob up in describing ourselves as a Vietnam, Korean War, World War II, OEF, or OIF Kincaid. Reflections on Albany by James T. Lawrence, who was one of the veteran when in fact for the majority of us it’s just a small percentage of who we original LT’s from Fort Benning to the IaDrang and afterwards. Donut Dolly: really are. Our military experience shouldn’t be the only adjective to describe An American Red Cross Girls Story by Joan Puffer Smith. Joan was one of the who we are, although it was and is most likely the singular emotional aspect of first Donut Dollies for the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) in An Khe and this our life. Embrace it, but don’t let it govern your daily experiences. Another is a great story about how these few girls lived and brought some civilization to interesting story is that Thornell had been using the Detroit Vet Center prior to us guys so far away from home. Reflections and Donut Dolly were suggested moving to Grand Rapids and mentioned the Team Leader there by the name of by Bud Alley, a warrior from the 2nd Battalion. I recently ordered Reflections Cory Buckley. I asked if Cory had a brother that was MIA from Vietnam? It and Hal Moore and will be reviewing them in a later column. If you are a Civil turns out that I have been wearing the MIA bracelet of SFC Louis Buckley, Jr. War history buff I recommend the memoirs of John Singleton Mosby, who was for over 20 years. What a very small world indeed! a Cavalry Commander under J.E.B. Stuart. The book is full of history and letter Several months ago a number of us old 1-7 warriors from RVN were discuss- excerpts to his wife regarding many of his campaigns, and gives us a glimpse ing one of our soldiers who had been killed and we were trying to find out more into the cavalry tactics of the CSA. Colonel Mosby is buried in Warrenton, information. One of the guys made reference to the Coffelt Data Base and pro- Virginia which is the home of our President Emeritus Bill Richardson, himself a vided the following link: . This database is a treasure southern gentleman and career soldier. Happy Birthday to General Moore who trove of information on the casualties from Vietnam including in many cases the turns 92 in February. Task Force Joint Accounting record of the casualty. The only drawback is that John Margenau was named Ambassador of the Month by Hawaii VA Loans. you aren’t able to print out any of the information. He served with the 1st platoon of C 1-7 ‘68-’69. Sent to Glynn Donaho who was Please consider putting your name up for 7th U.S. Cavalry Regiment Association his One-Six and forward by Ron Migut. . Officer elections to be held at the Chicago reunion in July. Currently the office of Our Website manager Jim Savage has been working tirelessly to get the 7th President is vacant and my term as your Secretary/Treasurer expires at the end of Cav forms back online after a computer glitch by the web server. that reunion. To date I have only received one inquiry. It would be sad to think Maurice E. Waters is looking for any info on that OUR great association may go stagnant if no one steps forward. Speaking of medic Walter L. Wonnacott who was KIA on 28 December 1966. Did anyone that reunion, please make your plans ASAP as time is running short. So far Bob know him and where was he KIA? He started out with Delta Company 1-8th Palumbo, Mike Brennan, and I have committed from the A 1-7 ‘69 - ‘70 group. Cav and then was switched to 1-7th Cav. He was from Downey, California. He Bob Arbasetti from New Jersey will be there too as well as a contingent from C and Maurice served together in the 8th Cav. 1-7 who served together in Cambodia. President Emeritus Bill Richardson and Mikhail Kalashnikov, the designer of the primary infantry rifle the AK-47, used Eva are planning to attend. Chicago is easy to get to from almost any airport against many of us in VietNam, Iraq, and Afghanistan has passed away at the in CONUS. 2014 marks the 45th year since I went to Vietnam and next year age of 94. Once asked about his “contribution” to warfare he responded, “It’s is the 50th anniversary of the First Team going to war in the Central Highlands the politicians who are to blame for failing to reach an agreement and thereby and the Bloody battles at X-Ray and Albany. The years are fast piling up on us resorting to violence.” An estimated 100 million of this weapon are scattered and makes it that much more important to reach out to that buddy or to attend a around the world. gathering of your squad, platoon, company, battalion, or division. As mentioned The final excerpt from the John Fitzgibbons story: After that, the family did a few lines ago time is running out. its best to move on, much as America would, and especially other families who From the Patriot’s Almanac: the 1st of January: 1863, President Lincoln signs had lost loved ones in ’Nam. By the mid-1970s, just a few years after John’s the Emancipation Proclamation; 1892, Ellis Island begins processing immigrants death, his parents, Daniel and Jean Fitzgibbons, were semi-retired from the family in New York Harbor; 1902, the first ever Rose Bowl is played and Michigan business and had moved to Florida but seven of the children stayed behind in the beats Stanford; 2014, the 100th Rose Bowl is Played and Michigan State beats family house in Wakefield. In 1980, the house was put on the market and sold. Stanford. No one is exactly sure what happened to the medals. “Emptying a 16-room house Don’t forget that special lady in your life on Valentine’s Day. GarryOwen was no small job,” wrote Joyce in a June 21 letter to the Benedettos, guessing at from Michigan! the sequence of events. “The timing was such that the family was going to take advantage of an annual sidewalk collection, by the town, of unwanted items. We Attend a reunion, it’s good therapy! believe that at least one large box of family collectibles was inadvertently directed 67th Annual Reunion of the 1st Cavalry Division Association for collection. ”Other household items were distributed among family members. 9-13 July 2014 in DuPage County, IL Everyone assumed the medals were with one sibling or another but nobody took JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 saber Page 8 8th CAV News Thomas J. De Young cially since he spoke the Korean language. The four of us walked for 14 days. 1710 7th St. SW Lot 17 We waved our yellow scarves desperately but vainly to observation planes. Once Ruskin, FL 33570-5520 in a village we got rice and potatoes at gun point from a papa-san. For a time (813) 419-4432 or (616) 719-0223 we stayed at a house of a frightened civilian. He eventually drove us out warn- [email protected] ing us of communists in the area. At one point we came dangerously close to www.8Cavalry.Org being captured. On the 14th day, nearing physical collapse and at the point of surrender, I thought I noticed a tank bearing a “red carpet” identification panel. Article submitted by Karl Moreland. As we walked further a London newspaper was found on the ground, also British This issue is dedicated to the Cavalry Troopers who ration packs. Finally, we saw a tracked vehicle moving. Our spirits were lifted. fought so gallantly at the Battle at Unsan – North Korea. As we stood on the road hoping for another vehicle to appear, we decided to The Battle of the Little Bighorn, fought on June 25, 1876, near the Little surrender if it was the enemy. Fortunately, the next vehicle that came was from Bighorn River in Montana Territory, pitted federal troops led by LTC the British 27th Brigade. Needless to say we were highly relieved and thank- George Armstrong Custer (1839-76) against a band of Lakota Sioux and ful. After being interviewed by British and American intelligence I was sent to Cheyenne warriors. Tensions between the two groups had been rising since a rear area medical facility for observation and treatment. Subsequently, I was the discovery of gold on Native American lands. When a number of tribes returned to the front lines. missed a federal deadline to move to reservations, the U.S. Army, including On January 26, 1951, while G Company was attempting to take a hill, I was Custer and his 7th Calvary, were dispatched to confront them. Custer was badly wounded in my right arm. After four operations in Korea, Japan, and the unaware of the number of Indians fighting under the command of Sitting United States, I do not have full use of my hand. I received the Purple Heart. Bull (c.1831-90) at Little Bighorn, and his forces were outnumbered and Robert “Bob” H. Kies – L Co quickly overwhelmed in what became known as Custer’s Last Stand. It was indeed a dark day for the 8th Cav Regiment on 1-2 Nov 1950 when At mid-day on June 25, Custer’s 600 men entered the Little Bighorn Valley. we were attacked by a divisional size force of the CCF. The regiment’s 3rd Among the Native Americans, word quickly spread of the impending attack. Bn was virtually annihilated during the attack. Several factors contributed to The older Sitting Bull rallied the warriors and saw to the safety of the women this unfortunate situation where a formerly combat seasoned force was simply and children, while Crazy Horse set off with a large force to meet the attackers outnumbered. We were already cut off from other US forces to the south and head on. Despite Custer’s desperate attempts to regroup his men, they were had been in this situation for several days. During the battle, artillery support quickly overwhelmed. Custer and some 200 men in his battalion were attacked was disrupted when the artillery itself was overrun. There was no capability to by as many as 3,000 Native Americans; within an hour, Custer and all of his resupply us, and we were practically out of ammunition in the later stages of the soldiers were dead. battle. During the second day, 2 Nov, after I had been wounded a second time Causality loses of the 7th Cavalry at the Little Bighorn were: on 1 Nov, I spent part of my time digging up clips of ammo in my vicinity and Total 268: 16 Officers; 242 troopers; and 10 civilian scouts. tossing them to the few defenders we had left in that defense point. Dr. [CPT] What could be worse than the 7th Cavalry Regiment’s loss at the battle of The Anderson apparently had run out of medical supplies and a number of us gave Little Bighorn? him our first aid packets to use on other wounded personnel. A requested medical Unsan – North Korea drop resulted in only a small carton of items dropped from an L-1; Anderson’s “Personalities rose and fell, the battles swelled and diminished, boys became reaction will not be repeated, but it can be surmised from the circumstances he men and men became memories...” Lt.David R.Hughes 1st Cavalry Division faced at that time with a large number of wounded on hand. During daylight 1-2 November 1950 hours on the 1st we were faced with sniper fire, mortar and artillery barrages, The dates of 1 and 2 November 1950 are forever ingrained in the minds of the none of which directly hit our position. The same followed on the 2nd, which 8th Cavalry Regiment Korean War Troopers. ended with a heavy artillery barrage followed by the night attack which finally South of Unsan, the 3rd Battalion had dug in just north of the Nammyon overran our position, which no longer even had any riflemen capable of firing. River. By 2:00, 02 November, the Chinese had blocked the last remaining road The CCF immediately marched off survivors capable of walking which included for a possible retreat overland. By dawn, the entire regiment was completely Father Kapaun and Dr. [CPT] Anderson. The remainder of our group of about surrounded. Some men of the 1st and 2nd Battalions were able to break through 29, who would have to be removed on litters, was left behind. A couple of days the Chinese road-blocks. The bulk of the 3rd Battalion was trapped by the later we were move by litter to an old house in the Unsan area. The CCF did not Chinese. The bitter fighting which raged for the next five days would see many return for about two weeks, by which time we had already suffered five deaths heroes and many memorable sacrifices, but it also stands for the most painful in the group. We then began a series of almost nightly moves first to the north chapter in the proud history of the 1st Cavalry Division. On 06 November, the and then to the south, where we were moved into a shed in front of the US lines 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment ceased to exist as a unit. It died gallantly. on the night of Nov 25th. Elements of the 35th Regt, 25th Div picked us up on More than 600 officers and men were lost at Unsan, most of them from the 3rd the 26th. Our original group experienced further losses before that time. All in Battalion. In order to execute their battle plan, the Chinese and the nearly beaten all, we, the survivors of Unsan, can thank the good Lord for watching over us North Korean forces had a trio of powerful allies located half way around the during an ordeal which we were fortunate to live through. I have kept in touch world. Three Britons, two working in the British Embassy in Washington, DC with a number of our group, and I believe that most returned to duty and retired and a third heading the American Department in London, were Soviet agents. from the service later on. I know that the group continues to shrink in numbers The three spies; H.A.R. “Kim” Philby, Guy Burgess, and Donald Maclean, had as old age now is overtaking us. Please feel free to use any portions of this input access to communications between MacArthur and the Pentagon because Great that you see fit, and please excuse the ramblings of an old soldier. Sincerely, Britain had sent its Commonwealth Brigade to be part of the U.N. military Robert H. “Bob” Kies, COL, Inf, Ret. forces in Korea. Copies of communications relative to military planning of U.N. Author’s Note: An excerpt from page 29, The Coldest Winter by David Hal- military organizations was sent directly to Moscow and relayed to Peking. berstam (Deceased). “―From the south, a young lieutenant named Robert Kies, Recollections Of Troopers Who Endured And Survived The Battle of Unsan, a platoon leader in Love Company of the Third Battalion, new to the unit, and Tom Goss - I Co Richardson’s friend Pappy Miller, the assistant platoon sergeant who had picked My name is Tom Goss. I was the Unit Administrator (sometime platoon leader) up warnings about the Chinese the moment he arrived at Unsan, were pulling back for “I” Co, 8th Cav during 1950 and half of ‘51. I know many of the men and from a position two or three hills to the southeast of Richardson, a place called officers of the other companies of the battalion, a great many that were KIA or Hill 904. Richardson barely knew Kies—the Cav went through platoon leaders MIA and POW from the Unsan debacle. I (by chance) have a copy of the MR very quickly—but Kies arrived eager to use Richardson’s landline to phone to try for I Co, 30 Oct 1950. It shows we had 169 EM and 10 Off (which includes me to find out what was going on. Because of the pathetic state of communications, -- I was a WO). After the Unsan debacle we had only about 13 total. The figure Kies and his men were completely cut off. By then Richardson’s landline phone kept changing. Stragglers, that’s not the right word - Escapees would be more was out—the Chinese, Kies decided, had already cut the wires. Kies decided appropriate. I also have a beat up 3”x 5” note book which I carried while I was to take his men up the road to Battalion. Miller shook Richardson’s hand and there listing WIA’s, KIA’s, MIA’s etc. on a daily basis up until Unsan. I was with wished him good luck. (―”The next time I saw him was fifty-two years later at the battalion back in Fort Devens ( 7th Regt, 3d Div) when we were alerted and a Cav reunion” Miller said.) shipped to Korea where we became 3rd Bn., 8th Cav. LTC Harold K. Johnson Robert F. Morrison - G Co was battalion commander (Later he commanded the 5th Cav Regt. and still later Dear Whitey, he became Chief of Staff, US Army. It was very nice to hear from you, although your name is only vague to me Bernard Simon - G Co at this time. I joined with the company just before Pyongyang, so there wasn’t My unit, G Company, 8th Cavalry Regiment had been uneasy, unhappy, and much time to get to know people from the other Platoons. Your memory is very uncomfortable since we crossed the 38th parallel. I was slightly wounded in a good about Johnnie Brown, and my squad leader was Homer Harvey. I believe skirmish soon after entering North Korea. The only moment of the war I enjoyed LT was the Platoon Leader and culprit who didn’t let us get out that night. We was the Bob Hope show. Being very short I had to jump up and down to catch were definitely in reserve, in fact probably the platoon J.B. (1SG Blair) was try- a glimpse of him. I was one of the many thousands of men immensely relieved ing to locate. We were dug in on the hill up behind the Company CP. I chanced to find the war almost over. We were told that we were going home. However, to be with a machine gun looking down over the CP. We saw it overrun, then the war took a different turn. On the evening of November 1, 1950, another they came up for us with bugles blowing. The rest of the platoon was out of company reported itself in trouble and under attack by unidentified troops. The their holes and assembling on top, and finally someone remembered us, and we South Koreans could not identify the language and assumed they were Chinese. barely got out to join them. The rest of the night we followed the hill tops go- As the darkness closed in, my unit was fired upon. We heard firing, bugles, and ing back (south), where we bumped into the platoon from K company. The two shouting. We were ambushed, almost annihilated, and there was mass hysteria Lieutenants hashed it over and decided on moving to a little knob off to the left among us. Absolute chaos and no discipline. It was every man for himself. The of our original hill down in the valley. We stayed there all day and night of the Chinese were shouting everywhere. I didn’t know which way to go. In the end, 1st (Nov) and in mid afternoon of the 2nd, the Lieutenants decided to try and get I just ran with the crowd. We just ran and ran until the bugles grew fainter. I out. That was after watching the Chinese on both sides of the valley withdraw found myself among 35 frightened soldiers not knowing which direction to go for their rations, then watching them go back into a positions once more. They as no one had a compass. The officers showed no leadership to the men. We must have enjoyed the target practice as we went down the valley. I, fortunately, were all running in a rice paddy heading what we thought was South. Suddenly or unfortunately, got hit in the leg by a spent bullet, but it didn’t break the thigh we were fired upon from all directions. Most of the men were heading directly bone. Hobbling, but still going south, was stopped by Chinese in a blocking toward the firing shouting “don’t shoot, we’re Americans.” Most of them were position. At that point we were all on our own. [Author’s Note: It was at this shot and I kept running. Ducking into a village for safety, I met three soldiers. point that Bob was taken prisoner]. They held me briefly, so I could watch their One was a South Korean. He was very helpful during this perilous time, espe- Continued on pg. 9 Page 9 saber JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 9th CAV News Michael W. Bond Mike Bond, who in the Fort Knox Chapter of the Association. Both 3014 Northridge Rd. writes the 9th CAV of these men will be missed. Hardy, VA 24101 News is in the hospital Larry Wright’s DSC citation says: “The [email protected] after suffering a heart President of the United States takes pleasure in (540) 815-5004 attack, and this column is presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to submitted on his behalf Larry D. Wright (RA16798308), Specialist Fifth by the Association staff. Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in Mike was in the ICU and is expected to recover but the length of his recovery is connection with military operations involving unknown. Please keep Mike and his family in your thoughts and prayers. conflict with an armed hostile force in the Re- As you likely know, the 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry is no longer a cavalry squad- public of Vietnam, while serving with Troop A, ron but is now a combined arms battalion. After their return from Afghanistan, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division the unit was moved from the inactivated 4th Brigade Combat Team (BCT) to (Airmobile). Specialist Five Wright distinguished the 2nd BCT and reorganized. They still carry the same history and lineage himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 2 but the mission and organization have changed. The 1st Battalion, 9th Cavalry October 1966 while serving as door gunner on (Headhunters) has a platoon of scouts and two infantry companies and two the command helicopter during aerial support of Larry Wright, 1966 tank companies, the headquarters and support unit. There have been numerous combat maneuvers near Hung Lac. Prior to the changes of command at the company and battalion level since their return to Fort infiltration of infantry units into this area, Specialist Wright’s helicopter surveyed Hood, and a change of the unit’s command sergeant major. LTC Jose Polanco the territory, spotting small groups approaching the village of Hung Lac. An relinquished command of the battalion to LTC Jason B. Tussey on 19 December infantry platoon was helilifted into a landing and CSM Heinze has moved on to be the CSM of the 3rd Cavalry Regiment and zone to search the village and made heavy been replaced by CSM Randel J. Bettger. contact with a Viet Cong Battalion. Specialist The reorganization of the 1-9 Cavalry is hard to swallow for many of the Wright’s aircraft quickly flew in and hovered Veterans of the Headhunter Squadron from Vietnam, but the unit had been reor- over the friendly unit, enabling him to pour ganized several times and it is always possible that another reorganization may suppressive fire into the enemy emplacements. occur in the future. During the fierce firefight, he spotted several The 4th Squadron, 9th Cavalry, Dark Horse, returned from Afghanistan, minus Viet Cong in a trench about to ambush a friendly one Troop that will return in February or March. The colors of the squadron were element. His extremely accurate fire, to within uncased during a welcome home ceremony on Cooper Field 22 January. We wel- three meters of the friendly soldiers, destroyed come these Troopers home and look forward to the ambush and killed several of the attackers. the last Troopers returning to U.S. soil. When confronted with a machine gun position The 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry, Saber, con- firing directly at his aircraft, Specialist Wright tinues their mission on the Sinai. Their return disregarded his personal safety by stepping out is scheduled for the spring of 2014, likely in Larry Wright, 2012 onto the skid of the helicopter and destroy- late May. They have been busy conducting ing that emplacement. Having landed near their mission in support of the Multinational a pinned down squad, Specialist Wright again ignored the threat of hostile fire Force and Observers peacekeeping force that which ravaged the zone to race to the side of a wounded man lying in the open. has been enforcing the peace since 1982. He carried the casualty to the aircraft and placed him aboard just as enemy rounds Two Troopers of the 1-9th Cavalry that served hit the helicopter’s hydraulic system and fuel cell. After the pilot flew to safety in Vietnam have died recently. SP5 Larry D. 150 meters away, Specialist Wright returned to the battlefield in an unarmed he- Wright, who served with A Troop in 1965-66, licopter to rescue two more wounded men. Throughout the battle, he dauntlessly and earned the Distinguished Service Cross, ignored imminent danger to himself to support the infantry forces. Specialist died on 9 December 2013. SFC Irvin C. “Tiny” Five Wright’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with Hubler died on 1 January. Tiny served in both the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, Irvin “Tiny” Hubler HHT and A Troop in 1967-68, and was active his unit, and the United States Army.” 8th CAV News and low on ammo. Later in the evening of 1 Nov when the Chinese hit our main Continued from pg. 8 line, my mortar section was completely over-run. By this time the company was own wounded dig their graves, then they shot them and buried them. Finally scattered pretty badly but I managed to bunch together 10 of my platoon and they moved me down to a village, and put me in a farm house with several oth- started moving back east (you recall that our company was facing the West) with ers. Before daylight, they moved us north through Unsan, and we saw all the them when we happened to run into 1SG Blair alone. Our Company Commander tanks knocked out there. Some distance north of Unsan, the Chinese took over (CPT Davis) had been killed and Blair was concerned that one group had not several farm houses, putting 25 of us in each room; you can imagine how crowded received the word to pull back. We just didn’t know yet that things were as bad those small rooms were. To sleep, we had to lie like spoons on the floor, with as they were. I told Blair that we could try and find them if he could lead the way some up on top of furniture. We were kept there until the 9th of November, to where they had been. We (the 12 of us) moved back up front several hundred and interrogated daily along with “brain washing” in the hopes of information yards, but couldn’t find them. There’s no guessing at how many enemy we went being given. CPT Anderson, a doctor from the 3rd Battalion, was the Platoon through or around, but saw none. While we were at that position where we thought Leader for my room and we stayed together for the movement north. Our trucks the platoon had been, our two tanks passed us up backing down the road and a wouldn’t run well on their gasoline, so most nights on the move, the trucks would machine gun at about 300 yards range on the north side of the road started firing break down and we ended up walking. We always put up in farmhouses during at the tanks, but was firing high and right into our group. We started the day, and it was about the 12th, when CPT Anderson had a chance to get the pulling back rather rapidly, but couldn’t get past the tanks as they were moving bullet out of my thigh. Very primitive, as he only had scissors with him, and the so fast in reverse. And of course they started firing at us. I was bringing up the Chinese aid man gave him a wire brush to scrape away the flesh. However, he tail end of our little rag-tag group with Blair in the lead, when the tankers shot did give me the bullet for a keepsake. In the course of the way, I learned, that the trooper in front of me, and Ralph Burton who had fallen behind a little and the Chaplain, Father Kapaun, was the one to go out and surrender the wounded was behind me. Burton made it OK and I sent him on ahead while I tried to carry in the 3rd Battalion bunker, so that must have been in their minds when you of- the other man. I fell way behind and the trooper died when I laid him down for fered your services. Father Kapaun rode different trucks each night, to comfort a break. I was alone then and managed to hook up with LT Cory and 14 others, the wounded, and as a result had his feet frostbitten by the time we arrived at all from E Company. By this time, we all knew just how bad the situation really Pyoktong (Camp 5) on the Yalu. He could barely walk from house to house to was. (Blair got out with some of my guys). My new group then headed to the offer prayer to the prisoners. The U.S. Air force welcomed us to Camp 5, with south-west to the 3rd Battalion area. We got there by the next evening (2 Nov). a bombing raid, and we spent half the night out on a hillside. The next day, we LT Cory, myself, and the only other SGT in our group offered our services to one were formally turned over to the North Koreans who guarded us with their na- of the Battalion Staff officers, but for some reason or other he turned us down, tional guard troops. They fed us two meals a day, at 4 AM and after 4 PM. For THREE times! We had 16 good healthy men and ammo, and the guy would that we had to travel across Pyoktong to a school house, rewarded with a bowl not tell us where on their line we could go. The next morning he finally told us of grain with hot broth poured over it. the best thing we could do was to try and get across the river and find our own More “brain washing” took place most days, and about the 19th, they selected outfits! We all made it across the river OK, under fire. Of course, you recall walking wounded to be released. I was one of the lucky 22 that got released the that the 3rd Battalion was wiped out, right there! After four or five more days day before Thanksgiving. It was a bit hair-raising to cross “no man’s land” in of heading south and skirting the enemy, we made it back to our own side and I the dark of night, and it was none other than the “Garry Owen” that welcomed found some remnants of G Co. Blair (1SG) was there and he told me that I was us. We were evacuated on about the last plane out of Pyongyang; then followed number 49 or 59 (can’t recall which) man back into the Company. That’s about more interrogation by 8th Army in Osaka and Camp Zama. It was in Tokyo Army all to my experience. One old War Dog to another.... Whitey Hospital that a doctor finally got the cloth out of my thigh with “chopsticks”, Author’s Note: While the record indicates general reluctance on the part as it would not heal. I finally arrived in Massachusetts on New Year’s Eve, and of the American command to accept the accumulating evidence of Chinese spent three months on Penicillin and finally released for duty. I remained in the intervention, at least one responsible staff officer seems to have agreed with the Army, and finally retired in 1967. I served another tour in Korea in 1962-63, ROK interpretation of events at an early date. COL Percy W. Thompson, G-2 that time with the “Garry Owen.” Well, I guess I have rambled enough for now, of I Corps, briefed troops of the advanced party of the 1st Cavalry Division at I will write to Don Yeakos, although I don’t know what I can offer him. I Corps headquarters when the division was committed in the Unsan area. He Keep healthy, and enjoy each day to the utmost. pointed out that they might be fighting Chinese forces. Their reaction was one As Always, S/ Bob of disbelief and indifference. This same attitude was apparent in the staff of the E.C.”Whitey” Reese - (G Co) 8th Cavalry Regiment and some of the division officers when COL Hennig, who Yes, I was with G Co. throughout the whole Unsan affair. On 31 Oct I went had been with the ROK 1st Division throughout the Unsan fighting, tried to tell with LT Trollope and helped set up that outpost way out front. I took one of my them that they were up against Chinese forces. GEN Gay maintained that his mortar squads with us. At about dusk on 1 Nov is when the enemy hit us there, first information on Chinese intervention came on 1 November when he visited and after we successfully held them off for a couple of hours, we got permission GEN Paik at the latter’s ROK 1st Division headquarters at Yongbyon. This to pull back into the Company with one or two dead and five or six wounded, Continued on pg. 10 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 saber Page 10 30th FA News “HARD CHARGERS” Hard Charger 1918 to January Daniel P. Gillotti News: Happy New 4204 Berkeley Dr. 1919. We learned Sheffield Village, OH 44054 Year! It is New the 30th Field Ar- (440) 934-1750 Years’ Day as I’m tillery Regiment, [email protected] writing this article. part of the 10th www.HardChargers.Com We have eight inch- Division, lost 30 es of snow on the Hard Chargers ground and it’s about 10 degrees outside. We are looking at another 6-8 inches while prepar- of snow within the next few days. It’s just another day in paradise here on the ing to deploy to shores of Lake Erie. France. But we Hard Charger Condo- never found the lences: I received a message names of those today on Facebook from that died. As we Louie Perez that another prepare for the 30th FA Troops Camp Funston 1918 Hard Charger has gone to 100th Anniver- Fiddler’s Green. David W. sary of the organization of the30th FA Regiment on 10 August 2018, we needed Hart, SP-4, B Battery, 1-30th to identify these Hard Chargers. I turned this task over to CSM (Ret) John H. FA, 1967-68 passed away on Hoetker who is also a retired Police Detective Sergeant. Thanks to his excellent 11-20-2013 in San Antonio, investigative skills, he was able to identify the names of 28 of those 30 Hard Texas. The attached picture Chargers who died. The cause of death for most of those men resulted from the shows Louie Perez on the Spanish Flu epidemic that was running rampant across the country at that time. left and David W. Hart on the Approximately 2,000 soldiers died at Camp Funston, Kansas during the period right. This picture was taken March 1918 thru February 1919. As a result of Big John’s detective work we will in November 1967 at LZ read the names of these Hard Chargers during our annual memorial service. They Ollie in the II Corps Region are as follows: September 1918: B-30th FA ~ PVT Frank Moore. October 1918: of the Central Highlands in A-30th FA ~ PVT Roy A. Avery, SGT Joseph C. Harold, PVT Arvey Farmer; Vietnam. Additionally, we Perez-Hart LZ Ollie 1967 B-30th FA ~ SGT Omar A. Kerscheval, PVT Clyde S. Osborn, PVT Fritz Stolte, were notified of the death of Mechanic Floyd T. Tarr, PVT Joseph D. Terrell, PVT Robert L. Varner; C-30th the former CPT (Dr.) Robert J. Bethje, age 91, of Binghamton, New York. CPT FA ~ PVT Fred N. Baker, PVT Ray D. Frey, PVT Anton Mingori, PVT Charles Bethje served as the Medical Officer with the 30th FA Battalion in Germany in F. Wilson, PVT Paul E. Wren; D-30th FA ~ PVT Ocal Chapman, PVT Daniel 1951-1953. He went to Fiddler’s Green on 29 November 2013. Additionally, we R. Spillane; E-30th FA ~ PVT Elzie M. Dickey, PVT Jacob Martin, CPL Homer received an email from Gary Dunnagan notifying us that we lost another Hard E. Polk; F-30th FA ~ PVT Louis D. Embry; HQ-30th FA ~ PVT Clair Brooks. Charger on Friday, 22 November 2013 to cancer. Mariano Moreno 64 years November 1918: A-30th FA ~ PVT Leslie A. Headrick; E-30th FA ~ PVT William old, A Battery, 1-30th FA 1969-70. Rest in peace good friend. Also, we were A. Cline. December 1918: A-30th FA ~ PVT Peter B. Petek; B-30th FA ~ PVT called by Rich Jones who notified us of the death of Paul J. Gasque, who passed Temple S. Sherman. January 1919: {Btry Unknown} Vester T. Weiss; #1 Name away on 31 July 2013. Paul was wounded on LZ Ross on 14 January 1968, and Unknown, #2 Unknown; C-30th FA ~ Wagoner James A. Christian. May they he served in A Battery, 1-30th FA from 1967-1968. Finally, we were notified also rest in peace. This is Hard Charger 9G, End of Mission ~ Out! by LTC Robert Krieg, Battalion Commander, 1st Battalion, 30th FA at Fort Sill of the death of SGT Brian Comaduran on 31 October 2013. He was serving as a Gun Section Chief with A-1-30th FA. We pray that Hard Chargers David W. Hart, Robert J. Bethje, Mariano Moreno, and Paul J. Gasque, and SGT Brian Comaduran rest in peace, Amen. Hard Chargers that need prayers for healing: The following Hard Chargers are suf- fering from serious health problems and they need your prayers: Frank M. Hilburn, John H. [Jack] Love, Ronald R. Curry, Jerry L. Peck, Ronald E. Simpson, Paul E. [Doc] Ellington, Rich Jones, and Joe Brown. Hard Charger History: Many years ago we ob- tained copies of the 30th FA Regi- mental Returns D Btry., 2nd Battalion, 30th FA Camp Funston 1918 30th FA Troops on Break Camp Funston 1918 For August

8th CAV News 103,000 US wounded Continued from pg. 9 8,179 US Missing In Action is hard to reconcile with the fact that in the last two days of October officers 7,000 Prisoners of War: Only 3,450 re-turned; 51% died in prison camps; 389 and men of the 8th Cavalry Regiment at Unsan heard a great deal about the POWs Unaccounted for Chinese from the ROK 1st Division troops and the attached KMAG officers. 22 Different nations united into one powerful army to halt communist Apparently most of the officers and men of the 8th Cavalry Regiment received aggression this information with skepticism or disbelief. The Eighth Army announced on The first UN Army ever fielded 5 November that “as a result of an ambush” the 1st Cavalry Division would This bloody war began June 25, 1950, and ended in an armistice July 27, 1953. receive all the new replacements until further notice. In the next twelve days, Technically, the Korean War still continues, as no peace agreement has ever Eighth Army assigned 22 officers and 616 enlisted men as replacements to the been signed. Every year, young men still die in skirmishes along the Korean 1st Cavalry Division. Nearly all of them went to the 8th Cavalry Regiment. War Demilitarized Zone. A few facts from the Oklahoma Chapter of the Korean War Veterans Further historical accounts of the Battle at Unsan may be found on the internet at: Association about the forgotten war: and . 33,651 Killed in Action Division Doings building. Continued from pg. 1 “These are common tasks for combat engineers,” said SFC David Melendez, ticipation, using their fingers to plug their ears …waiting. platoon sergeant in Co. B. “Fire in the hole,” loudly echoes from within the bunker. Three seconds later Once the Soldiers were trained up on Tables V and VI, they were then evalu- a compression wave shakes the bunker, and a massive explosion rattles each ated on Tables VII and VIII. Soldier. These two tables are the same as Tables V and VI but they are set to a tactical Pieces of metal fence posts, mud and wire thud and pop as they fall all around scenario. Table VII allowed for the Troopers to practice with blank ammunition, and over the bunker. Moments later an “all clear” verbal signal is given, and the simulated demolition and inert munitions before being evaluated and qualified Soldiers rush out of the bunker to check their controlled destruction. as a squad in Table VIII with live munitions. This was the experience of Soldiers with Company B, 3rd Brigade Engineer “Everyone has been trained to standard and all the squads have performed Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, conducting engineer really well despite the cold and battling the elements,” said 1LT Zack Bloom, a qualifications tables V through VIII, at a demolition range here. platoon leader in Co. B. “They sucked it up and got through it.” The Soldiers began their qualifications with table V, which is designed to train These EQTs are held within engineer battalions and companies at least twice the squad on fire control and offensive and defensive actions. Within table V the a year and with each squad competing against each other. squads had to perform tasks, such as reacting to ambush, reacting to an improvised The engineers emerged from the rain and cold to the sun shining and a light explosive device, and evacuating a casualty. breeze, to conduct their Table VIII. Table VI engaged the squads with Sapper tasks, such as conducting reconnais- “It’s been good training,” said PVT Jose Esquivel, an engineer with B Co. and sance, clearing obstacles using demolitions, and breaching a passageway into a Continued on pg. 11 Page 11 saber JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 27th ORD/MNT/MSB/BSB News I’m taking time out between Alberta Ed Jones 38 Sedgwick Rd Clippers to update the goings on of our Oswego, IL 60543-8907 great battalion. Winter has been rough (630) 554-9245 for many thus far, but I hope you all [email protected] have been able to cope and have noth- ing but good experiences! As I knock on wood, all at the Jones home is good. It is with heavy heart that I inform you of Cliff Baker’s death. Cliff passed away October 31, 2013. He was a member of the 27th Ordnance Company in occupied Japan at Camp Drake, and was deployed to Korea with the 27th when the Korean War started. Cliff, from his stories as well as from his friends, was a first class repairman and was sought out for his expertise and abilities. I first met Cliff at our 27th reunion in DC in 2000. What a wonderful man he was. We became regular email buddies and he passed along many army stories that we shared in past SABER articles. He had many interests in life and one he shared with me was his raising of homing pigeons. He sent me pictures of his hobby and also a couple books. He also was very proud of his ability to still get around Ron Stokes, Fred Vath, Jack Robak, Bill Galbraith and John Ramsden on his motor cycle. I mentioned something to him just a couple years ago about maybe getting a small bike to ride locally. He told me, “Ed, you’re too old, you’ll and pictures get yourself killed. You need years of experience for today’s roads if you want COL Galbraith to have a chance of surviving.” That convinced me! provided us Picture 1 is of Cliff at the while he was DC reunion in 2011. He was CO of the 27th so proud of his uniform. He BSB at Fort even got some time on a local Hood and in DC television station talking Iraq, continu- to a crew covering the Veterans ing with input Day activities. Rest in peace, from his time my friend. at G-4, the War I recently received a message College and now from his from Larry Phelps, former 27th Bill Galbraith with John and Lydia Ramsden MSB Commander, who now newest assign- is working for the Mounted ment as Commander, 733d Mission Support Group, Eustis Joint Base, Langley- Warfare Foundation in Killeen. Eustis. We look forward to his continued involvement. Thank you Sir. One of his research people, Gene Picture 2 is left to right Bauer (also a 27th Alum) uncov- Ron Stokes, Fred Vath, ered a certificate issued by the 1st Jack Robak, Bill Gal- Cavalry Division (Airmobile) in braith, and John Rams- 1971 to SSG Phillip Varsel. He den. Picture 3 is two thought it would be great if we distinguished Colonels, could find him and he could be Galbraith and Ramsden, given the certificate. Well, that with John’s wife, Lydia. wasn’t too hard! I contacted Picture 4 is COL (Ret) Cliff Baker Nelson Cardona and he got back Terry and Lisa Beynon. to me the next day with Phillip’s home address, phone and email. He was as- Picture 5 is Fred Vath signed to the 27th from the 25th Infantry when they cased colors. He was in the and Jim Donahue. unit from 10/70 to 3/71, when the majority of the Cav rotated to Fort Hood. I To the best of my notified Larry and he sent Phillip a nice note along with the certificate. If any knowledge, no cameras of you remember Phillip and would like to get in touch with him, drop Nelson needed repair after the or myself a line and we’ll help you to connect. photo session. Once again the Veterans Day Reunion in DC was a good time for all who at- Remember to keep tended, and the bonus was we had great weather! The National Region Chapter did Teryy and Lisa Beynon July 9 - 13 open for the themselves proud. Thank you to Gene Russell and his band of volunteers, as 1st Cavalry Division well as to Dennis Webster, and the 27th’s own Jerry Eller from Killeen. Those Association Reunion attending this year were Fred and Bonnie Vath, John and Lydia Ramsden, Terry in suburban Chicago. and Lisa Beynon, Jack Robak, Jim Donahue, Ron Stokes, Rollie Koreski, and a Hopefully you will have first timer but a good first timer, COL William (Bill) Galbraith. Also attending received updates on this was LTC (Ret) Wilbur Smith, who, unfortunately, had to leave to take care of event prior to the publi- some personal business before most of us arrived. We had an informal afternoon cation of this edition of gathering, rested up a bit, and proceeded to the banquet in the evening. Guest SABER. speaker at the banquet was BG Gary Volesky. Besides the notables from the We need input to keep 27th, a few other notables attended this year’s dinner including Medal of Honor this column going. Pass recipient Bruce Crandall, and Joe Galloway and his wife Gracie. Tuesday morn- along your stories and ing many of us met for breakfast and said our goodbyes and best wishes for safe pictures, please. Stay travel home for the holidays. healthy and safe. Bright- We old timers were very pleased to have COL Galbraith attend. For those who Fred Vath and Jim Donahue star 2 Charlie - OUT. have followed our SABER articles you’ll probably remember the many great stories Division Doings “We all go over there, Continued from pg. 10 but not everyone Memphis native. “I’m actually really happy we’re doing this, because I feel comes back,” said more prepared than I was before … definitely, definitely good training.” Galloway, a San An- The company’s completed training with a 12-mile foot march back to their tonio native. battalion, with the march being the competitive tiebreaker, if one was needed. “He did an out- “We’re all competitive with each other,” said SFC Robert Avilla, platoon ser- standing job over geant in B Co. “Something about the engineers, and especially the sappers, is there leading Sol- that bragging rights go a long way.” diers,” said Gallo- Cav Soldiers Complete Mission, Return Home by SGT Angel Turner. 1st way’s wife, Ramec- Cavalry Division Public Affairs Office ka, a former Soldier. FORT HOOD, Texas — Families gathered on Cooper Field, Jan. 21 and 22 to “He got a Bronze welcome home Soldiers from 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Star, which isn’t easy upon successful completion of their mission in Afghanistan. to get and that says a More than 100 Soldiers stood in formation each day as the command teams lot about him.” of the 15th Brigade Support Battalion and 4th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment For PFC Jerry Hall uncased their unit colors. Jr., a mortarman as- SFC Marvin Galloway, a food service specialist platoon sergeant assigned to signed to Troop A, The Family of SFC Marvin Galloway (center), await his Forward Support Company G, 3rd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd 4th Squadron, 9th arrival during a welcome home ceremony on Cooper Field. BCT, said he returned home to more than he expected when he saw his parents, Cavalry Regiment, Galloway was surprised by his parents and other Family cousins and friends joined by his wife. completing his first members upon his return from Afghanistan. “This is truly a blessing,” said Galloway, as he embraced his Family members. deployment held sentimental value. His dad, a former Soldier, was stationed at “Just to see the support we have, it’s an honor.” Fort Hood in the past. This was Galloway’s fourth deployment. Although he re- “Being born here when he was serving in the Army, then to actually deploy turned home sooner than the nine months the deployment was pro- from here is very meaningful to me,” said Hall Jr. jected, he said he is grateful to finally step back on Fort Hood soil. Continued on pg. 24 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 saber Page 12 Reunions are a time for all of us to gather together and renew old friendships way to honor those that gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country. and make new ones and we want each of you to be a part of this great event. The Seating for all events is open with the exception of the Reunion Banquet Troopers of the 1st Cavalry Division Association will be meeting in the Chicago, on Saturday night. If you are attending the banquet, you must get your tickets Illinois area (Oak Brook) to celebrate our 67th Annual Reunion from 9-13 July, marked with a table number at the Banquet Seating table prior to Saturday noon. 2014. Plan to join us for a fun time meeting old friends and making new ones. If you want to sit with specific people, we recommend that you all go to the We have numerous events being planned and there will be opportunities for you Banquet Seating table together with your tickets available. Don’t wait until the to go off on your own and see the surrounding area. The Sheridan’s Cavalry last minute or we may not be able to accommodate your needs. Chapter is hosting this reunion and they are setting up an excellent program, Cavalry casual attire is appropriate for all reunion events. We are always so make plans now to join us for our reunion and help make Oak Brook and questioned about attire for the banquet. Wear what you feel comfortable DuPage County CAV Country! wearing; a coat and tie, your uniform (if it still fits), casual clothing with open LODGING collar or jeans. We want you to attend and aren’t overly concerned with what The hotel hosting our reunion is the Oak Brook Hills Resort. This hotel you wear, as long as it isn’t indecent! was a Marriott property but was transitioned to a new management company, The Association provides a Reunion Room in the Oak Brook Hill Resort Destination Hotels and Resorts, on 22 November. The hotel is located in during the reunion for you to gather together and enjoy yourself. Drinks in the Oak Brook, Illinois. The Oak Brook Hills Resort will serve as our Reunion Reunion Room are free but we ask that you generously donate to help us pay Headquarters for the 67th Annual Reunion and all of our regularly scheduled for this room. events will occur here. You must make your reservations prior to 25 June 2014 The Crossed Sabers Chapter Souvenir Shop will set up a gift shop in the to receive the guaranteed rate. To reserve a room call one of the numbers listed Oak Brook Hills Resort to sell all kinds of First Team merchandise including below or reserve your room on-line using the On-Line Reservation link provided shirts, hats, Stetsons, pins, stickers and other items. Pre-order your Reunion T- by the Oak Brook HillsResort. Shirt from the Crossed Sabers Chapter Souvenir Shop. They will have limited Oak Brook Hills Resort - $99 per night plus tax (11%) quantities available at the reunion so order your T-shirt today. 3500 Midwest Road, Oak Brook, IL 60523 TRANSPORTATION Toll Free: 855-458-5701 Local: 630-850-5555 We encourage you to coordinate your travel arrangements early especially if On-line reservation: 1st Cavalry Division Association On-line Reservations you are using public transportation. The hotel does not provide a free shuttle from the airports but we have Air Travel – Chicago has two major airports, O’Hare International Airport coordinated with Windy City Limousine and Bus to provide you with a much (ORD) and Midway International Airport. Both are located about 25 minutes better rate for traveling from the airports to the hotel and return. They will (19-20 miles) from our our hotel. O’Hare International Airport is a major provide transportation from both O’Hare and Midway airports to the hotel metropolitan airport with service currently provided by numerous airlines and return using a fleet of Lincoln Town Cars, SUV’s, and limousines. They including: Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, JetBlue, Spirit offer a shared ride service. The cost is $28 + gratuity for one person with each Airlines, United Airlines, and US Airways. Midway International Airport also additional person on the same reservation being $10 instead of $28 per person. offers service from several airlines including: Air Tran, Delta Airlines, Frontier They have set up an online portal for booking ahead of time, as well as a “Group Airlines, Southwest Airlines code” for attendees to refer to when calling in. They can accommodate the day Traveling by automobile: From the North: Take I-294 (Tri-State Tollway) of arrival with vehicles in less than 15 minutes. Windy City currently operates South to I-88 West. Exit at Route 83 South, approximately one mile to 31st over 250 vehicles in its fleet. Street (Oak Brook Rd). Turn right on 31st Street, approximately one mile to The Oak Brook Hills Resort-Chicago is located just west of downtown Midwest Rd. Turn left on Midwest rd. Take Midwest Rd to the second next Chicago, nestled into the quiet suburb of Oak Brook, Illinois, with easy access light at 35th Street. Oak Brook Hills Resort is on the left. From the South: to I-88, I-290 and Chicago’s Metra Rail system. The Oak Brook Hills Resort Take I-294(Tri-State Tollway) North to I-88 West. Exit at Route 83 South, offers an ideal destination for our reunion and other events. The 348 rooms and approximately one mile to 31st Street (Oak Brook Rd). Turn right on 31st Street, 38 suites are complemented with meeting and event spaces, exercise facilities, approximately one mile to Midwest Rd. Turn left on Midwest Rd. Take Midwest swimming pools and several dining options. The lush 150 acres of the resort Rd to the second light, 35th Street. Oak Brook Hills is on the left. From the feature the hotel and the Willow Crest Golf Club. Besides a good test of golf, East: Take I-290 (Eisenhower Expressway) West to I-88 West. Exit at Route 83 the Oak Brook golf course is also a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, South, approximately one mile to 31st Street (Oak Brook Rd). Turn right on 31st with lakes and willow trees and beautiful scenery for hotel guests. Just a few Street, approximately one mile to Midwest Rd. Take a Left on Midwest Rd to the miles away are the Brookfield Zoo, Morton arboretum, Chicagoland Speedway, second light, 35th Street. Oak Brook Hills is on the left. From the West: Take and Oak Brook mall featuring 160 upscale stores, dining and entertainment. I-88 East and exit at Midwest Rd. Turn left on the Midwest Rd approximately Within easy reach are more than two dozen restaurants and eateries, as well. one mile. Oak Brook Hills in on the left. The hotel is smoke-free with plush bedding and offers complimentary on-site Join us and help make Oak Brook and DuPage County CAV Country! parking. All rooms include flat screen TV’s with HBO, two-line telephone, coffee maker with complimentary coffee, large writing table, ergonomic chair, Luxurious pillow-top mattresses and high-quality linens. Wireless and wired connections afford you the ability to be online in every room and they have a full-service business center on site. The hotel has indoor and outdoor pools and sauna. Fully equipped fitness center is available along with tennis courts. A billiard and game room are also on the property. Located inside the hotel the Windows Restaurant is available for breakfast, lunch or dinner. This casual restaurant has something for every appetite – any time of the day including breakfast items, salads, Panini sandwiches, seafood and steaks. The Window’s Café is the resort’s coffee house and perfect place to get quick items. Light fare includes fresh muffins and breakfast breads, homemade yogurt parfaits, and coffee and tea. The Grille offers mesquite wood grilled burgers, chicken dishes and other classic American cuisine. The Grille is also a casual resort restaurant and is normally open for lunch and dinner. You can enjoy a drink and admire the view of the Willow Crest Golf Club at The Lobby Bar. REUNION EVENT OVERVIEW The Sheridan’s Cavalry Chapter welcomes each of you to Oak Brook, Illinois for the 67th Annual Reunion of the 1st Cavalry Division Association. As usual, this reunion will include a Welcoming Mixer on Thursday; Gold Star Family Breakfast, Ladies Tea, and War Era Lunches on Friday; Unit Lunches and our Annual Association Banquet on Saturday; and Group Breakfasts and Memorial Service on Sunday. We will have meetings of the Chapter Presidents on Thursday, the Foundation and Museum Foundation Trustees and the Board of Governors meet on Friday, and our General Membership meeting on Saturday morning. Elections for officers of the Association will be held at the General Membership meeting and a listing of nominated candidates will be on our bulletin board. The Gold Star Family Member Breakfast is becoming a major event during our reunions and we want everyone that is in contact with the families of our fallen Troopers to invite them to attend. There is never a registration fee for our Gold Star families and the Association will pay for their breakfast at this event. The Sweetheart Dance will not occur during this reunion due to the high cost of obtaining a quality band. New to our reunion line-up of events this year is the Purple Heart Breakfast. This new event provides us an opportunity to honor those that have been awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in combat. Many of our Veterans and our active duty Troopers have this award and we hope this gives them a chance to share their experiences. You do not have to be a recipient of the Purple Heart to attend, this is open to all attendees. The Reunion Banquet will mark the end of the term for our current President, Jerry F. Eller and see the gavel passed to James Stokely who will serve as our President for the next two years. The Commanding General of the First Team will be deployed but we will coordinate for a “State of the Division Address” from one of the Division’s leaders. We will have Troopers currently serving with the Division in attendance along with our Division Honor Guard. If you have not been able to attend one of our Memorial Services and hear the “Long Roll Muster”, please plan on attending this one. This is a very special Page 13 saber JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 67th Annual 1st Cavalry Division Association Reunion WEDNESDAY, JULY 9 FRIDAY, JULY 11 - CONTINUED 1300-1800 Registration Desk Open 1300-1800 Souvenir Shop Open 1300-1800 Souvenir Shop Open 1500-1700 Board of Governors Meeting 1300-2400 Reunion Room Open SATURDAY, JULY 12 THURSDAY, JULY 10 0730-0900 Purple Heart Breakfast 0900-1800 Registration Desk Open 0900-1030 General Membership Meeting (Elections) 0900-1200 Souvenir Shop Open 0900-1200 Registration Desk Open 0900-2400 Reunion Room Open 0900-1200 Souvenir Shop Open 1300-1800 Souvenir Shop Open 0900-2400 Reunion Room Open 1330-1500 Chapter President’s Meeting 1000-1130 Ladies Tea 1600-1800 Welcoming Mixer (Hors d’oeuvres/Open Bar) 1230-1430 Unit Luncheons 1300-1700 Souvenir Shop Open FRIDAY, JULY 11 1500-1600 Veterans Benefits Briefing 0730-0900 Gold Star Family Breakfast 1745-1845 Cocktails (Cash Bar) 0900-1800 Registration Desk Open 1900-2200 Association Banquet 0900-1200 Souvenir Shop Open 0900-2400 Reunion Room Open SUNDAY, JULY 13 0915-1015 Museum Foundation Trustees Meeting 0700-0830 Group Breakfast Buffet 1030-1130 Foundation Trustees Meeting 0700-0830 LRRP/Ranger Breakfast Buffet 1200-1400 War Era Luncheons 0900-1000 Memorial Service (Long Roll Muster) 1st CAVALRY DIVISION ASSOCIATION 67th REUNION - 2014 REGISTRATION FORM Mail to: 1st Cavalry Division Association - Reunion 302 N. Main Street, Copperas Cove, TX 76522-1703

I will attend the 1st Cavalry Division Association 67th Annual Reunion at the FUNCTION NO. OF COST TOTAL Oak Brook Hills Resort in Oak Brook, Illinois on July 9-13, 2014. Cancellations TICKETS AMOUNT must be received by 5:00pm Monday, June 30, 2014 in our office (254-547-6537) for a refund. Seating at all functions is limited. Hotel cancellations must be Registration Fee (Member Only) $20.00 $______done personally with the hotel. Postmarked After June 2, 2014 $40.00 $______Active Duty (Must have Active Duty ID Card) $10.00 $______Register early. YOU MUST BE AN ASSOCIATION MEMBER TO REGISTER. THURSDAY, JULY 10 PLEASE PROVIDE ALL THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION. Welcoming Mixer _____ $28.00 ea. $______

Are you a member of the 1st Cavalry Division Association? Yes ___ No ___ FRIDAY, JULY 11 Gold Star Breakfast _____ $22.00 ea. $______Please Print Clearly or place a return address label. Don’t forget Nickname. War Era Luncheons World War II Veterans _____ $26.00 ea. $______NAME______Korean War Veterans _____ $26.00 ea. $______Vietnam War Veterans _____ $26.00 ea. $______STREET______Gulf/IraqWar Veterans _____ $26.00 ea. $______

CITY, STATE & ZIP______SATURDAY, JULY 12 Purple Heart Breakfast $22.00 ea. $ NICKNAME ______Ladies Tea $16.00 ea. $ Unit Luncheons ____ $26.00 ea. $______GOLD STAR FAMILY MEMBER ______I wish to attend lunch with: (Circle one) 5th Cav 7th Cav 8th Cav 9th Cav 12th Cav Artillery Telephone # (______)______Engineers HQ & Special Troops LRRP/Ranger Silver Wings

Preferred Unit(s) order (1)______Association Banquet Adult _____ $45.00 ea. $______(2) ______Child (12 years and under) _____ $25.00 ea. $______

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

______Banquet table seating is assigned during the reunion. You must take your banquet tickets to the Banquet Seating Table to get your table number assigned. I served at/during (Circle one or more): WWII Japan (Anytime) Korean War NO ONE will be admitted in without a table number on their ticket. To assist Korea 1957-65 Fort Benning Vietnam War Fort Hood Gulf War us in organizing the seating, please circle the unit that you wish to sit with at the Bosnia Iraq War Afghanistan Fort Bliss Other ______Banquet. Please get your table number assigned prior to noon Saturday. I will be accompanied by my spouse or other (Full Name and Nickname)___ SUNDAY, JULY 13 ______Group Breakfast _____ $26.00 ea. $______and the following persons, please specify relationship. (Family members LRRP/Ranger Breakfast _____ $26.00 ea. $______only.) Name Nickname Age (Children) Add a little extra to help cover expenses? $______Please renew my SABER Subscription ($10 per year) $______New Life Membership ($10) $ RANK ______Last four of SSN ______DOB ______Is this your first 1st Cav Division Association Reunion? ___Yes ___ No Grand Total $______My E-mail is: ______(Don’t forget the Registration Fee) I am staying at: Oak Brook Hills Resort____ Home ___ Local ___ RV ______Credit Card VISA or Master Card Only ____ Check ____ Cash Other ______EXP Date ______Please specify where you are staying, as it will help us to find you in the event Card Number - Print clearly of an emergency. Thank you! Registration fee required for Association members only (Widows and ______Gold Star Family members pay no Fee) - no fee for family members accompanying Print Name on Card Association member. Registration includes: Name Tags (required for admission to Reunion Room and other activities), Official Reunion Program, Reunion Pin ______Date ______and information package. Signature - Credit Card Payment Only JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 saber Page 14 99th FA News First, I’d like to ended at Unsan like so many of our troops. I told them that is where Chaplain Jim Miller thank all of you who Kapaun exhibited his bravery along with so many of our troops. I would have 819 West Howard St. sent me cards for taken them farther, but it was too cold just like it was at Unsan. I noticed that no Winona, MN 55987-2642 Christmas. Unfor- one was too upset that I ended early. I was certainly reminded of the days after (507) 454-4224 tunately I was under [email protected] Unsan when my frostbitten fingers were aching for an hour afterwards. a double whammy Sometimes (not very often for me) things turn out well. After lunch a group of over the holidays. Not only was I favoring my new knee, but I came down with us Honor Guards visited a nursing home/assisted living facility, divided into two a horrendous cold or some kind of viral infection which laid me pretty low. small groups, and give a little program to the residents. After we were finished Once again you’ll receive some kind of written communication from me before with our flag folding demonstration, someone suggested I give my little talk. I the Fourth of July. The old saying if it ain’t one thing etc…certainly fit for me was happy to be able to do the whole thing without freezing my tail to do it. So over Christmas. I’ve recovered now and have to go replace my Kleenex supply, I gave the assisted living folks the whole speech and even added a few details which I never thought would run short. and the audience seemed to enjoy it. So in the end everything turned out well. My Veterans Day mini- We were even rewarded with a red, white, and blue ice cream treat. speech went as I predicted. I’m planning on that being my last outside speaking engagement. It’s just too The night before, it turned frustrating to have to adjust your presentation to the weather. cold and snowed with some When I talked about the second (or third) hand equipment we were using during freezing rain. I predicted our occupational duties in Japan, I was reminded of two instances of poor equipment. that because not only was it During my duty as a truck driver (after a short stint as a cannoneer, and before a Veterans Day but the theme career as a wireman), I was in my dream job: truck driver. On one instance I was was the Korean War. I’ve driving a 2½ ton 6X6 hauling dirt. This was one of those older models with the noticed even in mid-July if full metal cab. The mechanics told me to ride the clutch so it would go bad and be our Honor Guard is burying replaced. By a Korean veteran, there will the time I got be a cold breeze when the done with hearse door is opened. that assign- I was introduced by an ment, I could active duty soldier who engage the had served in the 1st Cav in clutch by lift- Veterans Day 2013 the Middle East. The cold ing my toes wind was blowing off the lake adjoining Veteran’s Park as I made my way to the inside my podium. Man, it was cold! I had gotten my talk down to 12 minutes, but I was boots. The lucky if I made it to eight. We had a Civil War re-enactor team on hand to fire a other time three round salute from their original cannon, and they were dressed in authentic that comes uniforms with scarves wrapped around their heads. I’m sure they were wishing to mind is a they were at the Battle of Lookout Mountain rather than at Lake Winona, Min- similar truck nesota. There were probably a 150 or so people braving the cold to hear what on which I had to say along with the various honor guard personnel. We have a 24-hour the brakes vigil from midnight to midnight on Veterans Day so there is always someone at would sud- the flagpole area where all this takes place. This year a group of Korean War denly build re-enactors were standing guard during the program. I felt like telling them that up pressure Hq-9 minus headlights and windshield in Korea I was a Korean War “Actor” but I thought they were miserable enough with the and go on cold without some sarcasm thrown in. bringing you to a screeching halt. At that point one had to slide under the truck I began my presentation by telling the audience I was going to take them way and bleed a wheel brake cylinder to release the pressure. One evening I was as- back to April 2013 when Captain, Chaplain, Emil Kapaun was awarded the Medal signed to go to the depot at Utsonumya and pick up several replacement troops. of Honor by President Obama. I picked that because he represented a couple of On the way back to Camp Bender at Ota the truck did its unanticipated skid to truths in our fight with the Communist forces in Korea. Mostly he represented a stop, much to the discomfort of the troops packed in the back. They and the the bravery shown by troops in the early days of fighting. Secondly he was part officer in charge looked on in disbelief as I crawled under the truck in my dress of a force sent basically unprepared to help us under-strength, unprepared, ill- Khakis and went through the bleeding procedure. When I fired the six-by-six equipped 1st Cav troops survive during that first year. If you remember, those up and we resumed our trip, the officer asked me if that was a normal thing. I troops from Fort Devens, Massachusetts were supposed to do some training assured him that it did not happen very often. He looked at me and shook his before entering combat, but were sent (over their commanders objections) right head. I’m sure those two trucks made the landing at Pohang Dong on July 18, into the fray. 1950. I’ve included a photo of the Wire Section Jeep, Hqs-9, to show the state I talked about how under-strength we were before they drained even more of some of our equipment. key personnel from us to staff the 24th Infantry Division on their ill-fated early I’ve been asked to write more about World War II. I’ll see what I can come up entry into the war. Our unit, the 99th FA Battalion, had eight 105mm howitzers with next time. Having joined the 99th FA Battalion in 1949, I have no personal instead of 16. Even so, we went using non-combat troops who were in sort-of a experience, but I’m sure I can find some items to write about. If any of you WW learn-by-doing situation, with fatal consequences for failure to learn in a hurry. II veterans want to help me out, you’re sure welcome. I would ask that you do it Somehow most historians have forgotten that part of the story. Interestingly a by mail or e-mail, because my hearing is no longer reliable; the artillery veteran’s Korean War Vet from the 24th Division told me later that he was glad someone common denominator. had the courage to tell the truth. He said, “You told it like it was.” I told it the The United States has young men and women serving all over the world; many only way I know it; the way I saw it. of them in dangerous places. Say a prayer for them once in a while. Include the I left a lot of stuff out of the story of us hanging on by our fingernails at the 1st Cav Troopers who have gone before us also. And always remember we are Naktong River, the breakout, and up to Pyong Yang and the Bob Hope show. I all in this together. 12th CAV News 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regi- Continued from pg. 6 ment, 1st U.S. Cavalry Division from Troop 3-12 Cavalry 1971 - 1979 in Fort Hood, Texas to Camps Hovey swinging Büdingen, Germany and lives and Stanley, Republic of Korea, on now in Enterprise, Alabama. Knowing, February 1. This combined arms bat- as he does, my propensity to all things talion, comprised of approximately 12th Cavalry Regiment, he alerts me to 800 soldiers and its own wheeled things of interest that cross his radar. and tracked vehicles, will deploy to He found a signed 1987 12th Cavalry conduct operations in support of U.S. Regiment print, 1 of 100, by SFC Robert Forces Korea and Eighth Army. This Torsrud (offered at one time by Armor action supports the United States’ Magazine?). SFC Torsrud (born 1949 defense commitment to the Republic - died 1996) was the former illustra- of Korea as specified by the mutual tor for Armor Magazine. Yeah, I was defense treaty and presidential agree- clueless also. I provide the picture for ments. The battalion will provide a your bona fides. If you want a bigger trained and combat-ready force that better clearer image of this, or any of will deploy with their equipment to the photos of this column, email me. South Korea. The soldiers of the bat- SFC Robert Torsrud 12th Cav Regiment 2236 Ron ‘Shakey’ Sauers, C 1-12 talion will return to Fort Hood upon Signed Print, Armor Magazine Cavalry. “Daughter Jenny made this completion of their 9-month rotation. quilt for me for Christmas. It is made The equipment will remain in coun- Ron Sauers, C 1-12 Cavalry Christmas from my old Nam T-shirts. Yep she had me speechless. Presently it is hanging try for use by follow-on rotations. ” Quilt in the man cave, but will be put on the guest bedroom bed as soon as we get all “The deployment to Korea is part of the Christmas stuff off of it.” America’s “enduring rebalancing efforts within the Asia-Pacific region, and allows 2359 “It is inaccurate to say I hate everything. I am strongly in favor of com- for greater responsiveness to better meet theater operational requirements.” It also mon sense, common honesty, and common decency. This makes me forever signals a move by the Army to potentially replace individual tours to Korea with ineligible for any public office.” ~ H.L. Mencken. Semper Paratus; write if you deployments of trained and equipped combat units. The Army has been studying get work! Journal closed for this day. a plan that would rotate units in and out of South Korea, which officials have Addendum: After this column was written and put to bed (sent to its room?) said will result in formations that are more ready and trained to higher levels.” the Department of Defense decided to release the following on 7 January. “Today, Thanks again to Dennis Webster for the Defense Department announced the rotational deployment of the U.S. Army’s noting, suggesting, and allowing this timely update. Page 15 saber JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 CHAPTER INDEX ALL THE WAY BRIGADE CHAPTER FLORIDA TROOP B “BAKER JUMPING MUSTANG CHAPTER LRRP/RANGER of the 1st Cav Division ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER Pres: Bennett Guthrie TROOP” 1-8 Cav during the Vietnam War. Pres: Robert Stauffacher 29112 S. 558 Road Pres: Bill Franklin Pres: Maurice Waters Pres.: Doug Parkinson 18355 Drennan Rd. Park Hill, OK 74451-2875 473 Kimberly Dr. 18543 Rancho Vista Dr. PO Box 131 Colorado Springs, CO 80928-9308 (918) 931-0911 Melbourne, FL 32940-7773 Ramona, CA 92065-6011 Bayside, CA 95524-0131 (719) 683-2837 E-mail: [email protected] (321) 255-0868 (760) 789-5136 (707) 822-8421 POC: Paul Lemieux Call or e-mail for meeting info. E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] PO Box 6548 POC: Frank Alverson POC: James C. Knafel Website: www.tomah.com/lrrp_ranger/ Woodland Park, CO 80866-6548 CENTRAL SAVANNAH 12468 Boney Rd. 5510E - 500 South Full chapter meeting during Reunions (719) 687-1169 RIVER AREA CHAPTER Jacksonville, FL 32226-1983 Columbia City, IN 46725-7621 E-mail: [email protected] Pres: John Rangel, Jr. (904) 757-7009 (260) 244-3864 NATIONAL CAPITOL REGION Meets 9am 2nd Sat. of mo.at at Retired POC: Gary Quinn E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] CHAPTER Enlisted Assn. Chapter 1, 834 Emory Cir., 395 Harlem Grovetown Rd. Meets qtrly for dinner at area restaurants Website: www.JumpingMustangs.com Pres: Gene Russell Colorado Springs, CO. Harlem, GA 30814-4525 in Melbourne, Merritt Island area, usu- 7923 Jansen Dr. (706) 513-5858 ally on Tues. evening. KETTLE MORAINE CHAPTER Springfield, VA 22152-2413 SHERIDAN’S CAVALRY CHAPTER Meets on 2nd Sat. of mo., 1400 at Ryans Pres: Dick Schwarten (703) 220-5322 (Greater Chicago Area) Steak House on Peach Orchard Rd., Augusta, FLORIDA TROOP C W152 S7917 Mystic Dr. E-mail: [email protected] Pres.: Bruce Peterson GA (Mar., June, Sept. and Dec.) Pres: Leo ‘Doc’ Williams Muskego, WI 53150 Website: 1cda.org/national_capitol.htm 614 Burch St. 3098 Golden View Ln. (414) 422-8555 Meets 3d Sat. of the month Jan.-Apr and Sugar Grove, IL 60554-9297 COLUMBIA-WILLAMETTE Orlando, FL 32812 E-mail: [email protected] Sep.-Oct. 0900 at the American Legion Post (630) 466-9059 CHAPTER (407) 277-5763 POC: Harold Bourne 176, 6520 Amherst Ave., Springfield, VA. E-mail: [email protected] Pres: Terry Low Meets 2nd Sat. at 11:00am of ea. mo. 6415 Carolann Dr. Breakfast available prior to start of mtg. Jun Website: www.sheridansfirstcav.com 16560 S Harding Rd. at VFW Post 2093, 4444 Edgewater Brown Deer, WI 53223-1519 meeting is at WRAMC and Nov. meeting Meets at the American Legion Post #1084, Oregon City, OR 97045-9679 Dr., Orlando. (414) 255-7829 at the Assn. Vets Day gathering. 322 E. Maple Ave., Roselle, IL 61072 (503) 210-5558 Meetings held at 3 month intervals with at 1pm. E-mail: [email protected] FLORIDA TROOP E “BLACK a banquet dinner in Dec. when elections NEVADA CHAPTER Website: www.Hood2Hood1stCav.webs. HATS” are held. Pres: J.H. “Mac” McCracken SOUTHEASTERN COLORADO com Pres: Juan Kellog (702) 595-1253 CHAPTER Meets 1830 3rd Wed of ea. mos. at the Vil- 607 SE 47th St. Apt. 7 GERALD F. KINSMAN CHAPTER E-mail: [email protected] Pres: Gregorio Trujillo lage Inn, 1621 NE 10th Ave., Portland, OR Cape Coral, FL 33904-5506 Pres: Owen Levine Meets the first Saturday of the month PO Box 215 97232. No meeting in Dec. (239) 277-0064 77 Clubhouse Dr. at 10am at American Legion Post 8, Las Animas, CO 81054-0215 E-mail: juankellogg@embarqmail. Leominister, MA 01453-5170 downtown Las Vegas, Nevada. Call for (719) 456-0028 CONNECTICUT CHAPTER com (978) 534-6284 directions. POC: John Campos Pres: Keith Moyer Website: http://www.seahog.org/cav/ E-mail: [email protected] 1308 Lewis Ave. 48 Boretz Rd. index.html Meets yearly. NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY CHAPTER La Junta, CO 81052-3024 Colchester, CT 06415-1009 Meets 4th Sat. ea. mo. from Sept.-May Pres: Bob Arbasetti (719) 384-0379 (860) 537-1716 1:00pm. at Biggys Place, 3701 Fowler JAMES J. MASON WEST MICHIGAN 60 River Rd. #E103 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] St., Fort Myers, FL 33901 CHAPTER Bogota, NJ 07603-1528 Website: www.firstcavalry.net Website: www.ConnCav.com Pres.: Ron Kloet (201) 883-0343 Meets 1st Sat. of each month at 10am at the Meeting info in newsletter and on web FLYING HORSEMAN CHAPTER POC: Bob Anderson E-mail: [email protected] Holiday Inn Express in LaJunta, CO. page. (Upstate New York Area) 9030 Conservancy Dr. NE Facebook: New York New Jersey Cav- Pres: Charles T. Sullivan Ada, MI 49301-8822 alry WALTER H. WESTMAN CROSSED SABERS CHAPTER 148 Decker Rd. (616) 682-5446 Meets at Elk Lodge at Cedar and Spruce, NORTHLAND CHAPTER Pres: Jerry Eller Lowman, NY 14861-8900 E-mail: [email protected] Ridgefield Park, NJ. Pres: Donald A. Delsing 808 S. 2nd St. (607) 737-0743 Website: jjmwmc1cd.com 3697 Gresham Ave. N. Killeen, TX 76541-7703 E-mail: [email protected] Meets Sept.-June on 3rd Thurs. of mo. NORTH CAROLINA - TARHEEL Oakdale, MN 55128-3212 Meets 1st Sunday each month at the Elmira at 7pm, at the Grand Valley Armory in CHAPTER (651) 770-5422 FIRST CHAPTER American Legion Post #443 on Lake St. Wyoming, MI . Pres: Roy Wood E-mail: [email protected] Pres: Robert H. Wolfe 4407 Talavera Dr. POC: James D. Wright 4756 Haracourt Dr. FOLLOW ME CHAPTER LAST FRONTIER CHAPTER High Point, NC 27265-9660 12781 Able St. NE El Paso, TX 79924-3047 Pres: Robert Dodson Pres.: William H. Martin (336) 707-1402 Blaine, MN 55434-3261 (915) 755-7944 (334) 298-5852 8050 Pioneer Dr #1304 E-mail: [email protected] (763) 757-7140 Meets 1900 4thTues. ea. mo. Veterans Anchorage, AK 99504 Contact for Membership: Don Gibson E-mail: [email protected] FLORIDA CHAPTER Ctr., 1000 Victory Dr., Columbus, GA. (907) 274-6479 803 McDonald Church Road Meets quarterly at different locations. Call Pres: Leo ‘Doc’ Williams No meeting in December [email protected] Rockingham, NC 28379-8529 or write for information. 3098 Golden View Ln. Contact for meeting info. (910) 895-0747 Orlando, FL 32812-5947 FORT KNOX AREA CHAPTER e-mail: [email protected] (407) 277-5763 Pres.: Thomas Ken O’Barr LOS ANGELES/ORANGE COUNTY Meets 2nd Sat of Mar., Jun, Sept. & Dec. Facebook: Florida Chapter 1st Cavalry 12210 Valley Dr. CHAPTER Division Association Goshen, KY 40026-9501 Pres: John Guillory NORTHWEST CHAPTER Meets quarterly at different locations around (502) 228-8032 780 Mandevilla Way Pres.: Roy Rio the state. E-mail: [email protected] Corona, CA 92879-8251 PO Box 773 POC: Larry A. Whelan (951) 278-3740 Manchester, WA 98353-0773 If you have changes to this FLORIDA TROOP A “LAKELAND 2103 Winston Ave. E-mail: [email protected] (360) 871-5867 listing, contact the Association AREA“ Louisville, KY 40205-2535 Vice Pres: John Burgner E-mail: [email protected] Pres: Walter C. Smith (502) 485-1270 228 South Hacienda St. POC: Ric James at (254) 547-6537 or e-mail at 5090 Ironwood Trail E-mail: [email protected] Anaheim, CA 92804-2569 PO Box 1305 . Bartow, FL 33830-8946 Website: www.1cda.org/fort_knox.html (714) 535-0737 Bremerton, WA 98337-0511 (863) 904-8875 Meets 3rd Sat. of mo. at 1100 at the E-mail: [email protected] (360) 536-1050 E-mail: [email protected] Barker Masonic Lodge, 705 Main St., Meets 0900 on 3rd Sat. of mo. at Brea Vet- E-mail: [email protected] POC: Verlin Buck Rogers West Point, KY. erans Club, 735 S. Brea Blvd., Brea, CA Meets 1200 1st Sat. of even months, (863) 858-3559 contact Roy Rio or Ric James for meet- E-mail: [email protected] ing location. A Troop is currently without a meeting location, please contact Buck for meet- ing info. LRRP/Ranger News Hello from the na- mending the Americans who have upheld these values and who have given us Ken White tion’s capital. I hope the opportunity for a better life. It is with deference that we honor the services 3834 Inverness Road that everyone had a and sacrifices you have made for our great country. It is with admiration that Fairfax, VA 22033 joyous holiday season, we recognize the men and women who took on the responsibility of protecting (703) 352-1468 and I wish everyone a our freedom and the American dream. It is with pride that we look to the finest [email protected] very happy, healthy, examples of patriotism and strength that our country has to offer. And on this and prosperous 2014. day, it is with due regards that we simply wish to say thank you.” I had the pleasure of talking with LTC John Norton, Jr., USA (Ret.) on Veterans “Today, we remember the fallen. Today we also take the time to honor those Day at The Wall in Washington, DC. John of course is the son of LTG General who have served our country. You proved strong in the face of adversity and your Jack Norton (Ret.) who commanded the 1st Cav in Vietnam in 1966-1967. loyalty and love for this country remains undeniable. You are a true American John and his family live in northern Virginia. His father also lived in northern hero who deserves the thanks of every person in this great nation.” Virginia until his death in 2004. Prior to commanding the 1st Cav, LTG Norton “So, without further ado, the students of Forest Park High School and the was involved in the development of the airmobile concept while working in the members of Forest Park’s America’s Club wish to give you our deepest gratitude. office of Research and Development at the Pentagon. He was there with LTG Thank you for answering the call and serving the United States of America when Hal Moore, who at the time was a Major fresh out of the Command and Staff we needed you most. Thank you for ensuring the blessings of freedom. Thank College at Fort Leavenworth. Commanding the 1st Cav gave him the chance to you for coming to Washington, D.C. today to honor and remember your fellow put into practice some of the concepts he helped develop at the Pentagon. comrades who did not make it back. We want you to know that the bravery and Sometime in late 1966 or early 1967, I met LTG Norton, who at the time was a courage you have shown will never be forgotten. Thank you. God bless you. Major General. We were on the perimeter at either LZ English or LZ Hammond And God bless the United States of America.” in eastern Binh Dinh Province when he flew in on a helicopter with his entourage “Sincerely, the students of Forest Park High School and the Members of For- to attend an awards or change-of-command ceremony. After the ceremony, he est Park’s America’s Club, Forest Park High School, 15721 Forest Park Drive, came over to us and made small talk for a few minutes and then left with his Woodbridge, VA 22193, ”. entourage. Tell me that doesn’t give you a sense of pride in America’s young people. John served as an advisor to the Vietnamese Airborne Division in Vietnam dur- There has been a flurry of email activity recently regarding the seven-mile ing the Vietnam War, and later commanded an aerial rifle platoon with the 2nd forced road-march requirement of RECONDO School, which most of us attended Armored Cavalry Regiment in Germany, patrolling the borders of East Germany as part of our reconnaissance training with the LRRP/Ranger unit. Some say and Czechoslovakia on ground and as a helicopter pilot. He also served as a the march in full combat gear including a 50 pound sandbag in the rucksack had professor of military science at Brigham Young University. He retired from the to be completed in 60 minutes. Others say 75 minutes, still others say 90 min- Army in 1992 after 22 years of active duty. utes. Finishing a march like that in 60 minutes would be roughly 8 1/2 minutes While we were at The Wall, a group of high school students from Forest Park per mile. This is approaching marathon-class time. Even 75 minutes would be High School, Woodbridge, Virginia came around and handed out letters to the tough to do. According to the book A HISTORY OF THE MACV RECONDO veterans thanking them for their service. It read as follows: SCHOOL (1966-1971), by Tom Halliwell, 2000, Radix Press, the march had to “To you, our Veterans: John F. Kennedy once said, “Let every nation know, be completed in one and a half hours, or 90 minutes, in full gear with the sandbag whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, in the rucksack. meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and As I remember it, we had a full week to work up to the 7-mile march. On day success of liberty.” We at Forest Park High School strongly believe in com- Continued on pg. 17 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 saber Page 16

Hank Llewellyn stories and remarks of Jon to family and friends as every guest was given the 58 Mapleleaf Lane opportunity and encouraged to do so. I thanked Jon’s son, Troy, for inviting me. Pottstown, PA 19464- He remarked, “It meant a tremendous amount to my family to meet so many 1543 people (troopers) whose names we heard over the years.” Troy’s statement hit (484) 948-9451 home, I’m glad so many were able to attend. Jon, you are missed. SilverWingsoftheCav@ Let’s dig into the mail bag. Kenneth (Mike) Pierce, 229th (70-71) Crewchief/ Comcast.Net Doorgunner, Account Manager at CQMS - Razer, wrote in. “I was with the GS Platoon, part of the 229th. We flew Chuck Chuck missions for the battalions. I Hello once again fellow Sky Troopers! Finally, the hustle and bustle of the mainly flew with the 2- 8th. We also had 3 RRU birds attached to us. We also holidays is behind us and we have a new year to look forward to. You’ve kept me flew the division and the assistant division commanders. My call sign was Hawk- busy the past few months as I’ve accumulated almost 14 pages of typed notes and eye. I would like to track down Richard Bird, call sign Buzzard. Originally from mail. So, “Abridge” is today’s password in order to share the essential elements Uvalde, Texas. Lost track with him several years ago, he was flying corporate of your correspondence into my allotted SABER space. So let’s pull pitch and in New Jersey, and I live in Arlington, Texas, just up the road from Fort Hood. launch this “Wings” sortie. I keep saying I’m going to one of the reunions.” Mike, maybe we’ll get lucky Veterans Day in DC and a reader can help out. Thanks for writing. was outstanding. On Old buddy Joe Mirabella wrote in to inform us of the passing of a sky trooper. arrival the fall weather “Hi Hank, been awhile since we’ve talked. I hope you’re well. I follow the do- could not have been ings of the Silver Wings online and your column is still one of the best. I regret to nicer, mild temps and tell you that one of the good guys passed away on November 16, in San Antonio, abundant sunshine. Texas. Dan Green was a good friend and fellow helicopter pilot from B Co., Met many old friends 229 Aviation Battalion – ‘66 to ‘67. Dan was one of the most talented (in many and made some new areas, not just flying) and personable people I’ve ever met. His flying skills were ones. Our HQ hotel, recognized and rewarded as the Instructor Pilot of B Company. In addition to the Crowne Plaza, was teaching many new pilots the ropes, Dan was a talented musician whose singing a beehive of former and playing made the tour all the more bearable. He continued flying long past troopers coming and his leaving the military. He was the author of two books The Red Tavern, a tale going. Rumor in the lob- of the men of B co and their exploits as some of the most distinguished aviators by was McCormick & in the Cav, and The Great American Air Circus, a comic and poignant story of Schmick’s steak house, his “derring do” as a barn-stormer, airport manager, aviation magazine editor Bob and Dennis three blocks away, was and publisher, who crisscrossed America for well over 20 years. Dan spent the offering free meals to last years of his life in service to his Lord as a music director and minister to the vets on Sunday the 10th. So a gaggle Spanish population of the Woodlake Baptist Church in San Antonio. After many of us made our way to the restaurant to years, I reconnected with Dan after I read in your column about his book, The discover it was not only true, but special Red Tavern. It took a lot of investigative work to track him down at the church. “reserved” seating was set aside to honor Anyway, I called him and we laughed a lot when I asked him if he mentioned me the vets in the busy eatery. Monday’s in the book. He said, “sure I did,” so I bought the book, read it cover to cover, services/events at Arlington, WWII, and I wasn’t mentioned. I got back on the phone and took him to task about not Korea, the Wall, and Vietnam Woman’s mentioning me...anyway, we laughed some more and he said “you’re in the other Memorial were under blue skies and full book.” I said “The other book, now you want me to buy another book?” Well I sun as thousands of vets, family mem- did, and lo and behold there I was. We’ve spoken a few times over the past two bers, supporters, and school children years...not enough lately though...(seems I have a bad habit of not keeping up attended. It was the 20th anniversary my end of the correspondence). Anyway I‘m saddened by his death and know of the Vietnam Women’s Memorial. that anyone who came in contact with Dan will be equally saddened. He was a Our own Lil’ Sis, Julie Kink spoke at fighter to the end. He leaves behind a loving wife and mother. A memorial ser- the memorial Monday afternoon. The vice celebrating his life was November 30th. Cards of condolence can be sent to speeches were recorded for archiving in his widow Rachel through the church. Woodlake Baptist Church, 6980 Woodlake the Library of Congress. “Where they Dr., San Antonio, TX. 78244. Stay well my friend.” Joe, much thanks for send- can be viewed for generations to come” ing your remarks. Johnny Hubbs informed me of Dan’s passing on November Julie Kink speaking at Vietnam said Diane Evans, who served in the 19. But no details. I never met Dan but we had several conversations over the Woman’s Memorial burn unit of the 36th Evacuation Hos- years. He also sent a copy of The Red Tavern that I loaned out and never got back. pital in Vung Tau and at Pleiku with the 71st Evacuation Hospital. The holiday Didn’t make me buy one! Sorry to hear of his loss and good hearing from you. concluded with the 5th annual 1st Team dinner back at the hotel. Three days of This message came in from George Bush. It is with great sadness I have in sharing remembrance and camaraderie. the passing of a good classmate and great hero of our country. MAJ (Ret) Richard T u e s d a y Harris has just reported for duty to a higher calling. He is survived by his Army took me back bride, Juansaye, and two grown sons. They were residents of the Atlanta, Georgia to Arlington area. May God Bless and Keep Him, George Bush . N a t i o n a l I received several emails about an article written by Terry Garlock, “Betray- Cemetery for ing our own troops, American style.” Excellent article addressing an issue the interment which makes my blood boil! I suspect those of us who flew helicopters in o f f r i e n d Vietnam...and those who depended on their support, have seen the reenact- and fellow ment of battles which took place in Iraq and Afghanistan on TV and asked A / 2 2 9 t h “Where are the helicopter gunships which will end this battle with ease?” alumni, LTC “Where are the replacements who can be flown in to support the outnumbered (Ret) Jon troops in contact?” “Why is there no helicopter on the scene (designated Mills. Among medevac not necessary) which can medevac their critically wounded?” The the 80 fam- risk averse, PC, hamstrung attitude is going to...and has... created unnecessary ily members casualties! How can one suggest a military career to a young man these days? and guests at- From Bruce Silvey, “It was difficult enough in Vietnam dealing with the Rules tending were of Engagement - I can only imagine that in today’s Army each soldier must 1st Air Cav Farewell to Jon Mills research his tablet device to determine if he is allowed to return fire. Based on Vietnam vet- the following article, if the current rules existed in WWII we might still be go- erans; Frank ing house to house in Germany. As a point of explanation - the term ‘Dustoff’ Moreno, Joe was the radio call sign for the MedEvac helicopter in Vietnam and became the G a l l o w a y, universally accepted term for this heroic event that took place almost every time Paul Win- it was flown.” You can view the article online at: . I’d F l e m i n g , like to hear your feedback. Lee Komich, The follow request came in to the “Wings” mailbox from Megan Thacker. Frank Laf- “Hello Silver Wings, I am wondering if you could help me out please. My dad ferty, Charles is Patrick Shea. Some background: is SP-4 Patrick Shea was deployed from Fort Shudtz, and Dix, New Jersey on 6/29/69, he served with A Co., 229th battalion of the 1st Cav- M e t a l o f alry Division Air Mobile. He was in Bien Hoa, Vietnam and then onto Tay Ninh, Honor recip- Vietnam. He earned a medal that was very special to him and it has been lost. I ients Bruce am looking to surprise him with a replacement. He also said that he donated a Crandall and flag of the Co. A 229th to the history society and he wishes he had another one. Joe Marm. I am wondering if you are able to point me in the direction of anyone that could The sky was help me find anything. He served in Nam from 7/1/1969-7/28/1970. Thanks so slightly over- much for your time. If you can help at all I would really appreciate it.” cast with a chilly wind as we departed the administration building, making our Word came of the passing of another trooper, SPC Ryan Jeffrey McDermot, way along the winding paths between the headstone covered hills to the awaiting member of C Company, 2nd Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Combat gravesite. Many walked behind the caisson. The silence of the procession is Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas since March of 2011. His home of record is listed broken only by distant jet engines at Regan Airport, and the rhythmic clip-clop of as Newington, New Hampshire, entered active duty service in July 2010 as a the caisson horses, and the fall leafs responding to a brisk breeze. Jon received UH-60 Helicopter repairman. He deployed in support of Operation Enduring full military honors, 21 gun salute and taps. A luncheon followed at the Fort Freedom from June 2011 to March 2012. Ryan’s awards and decorations include Myers’ officers club. Both Bruce and Joe told personal, humorous, reminiscing Continued on pg. 17 Page 17 saber JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 15th MED/15th FSB/15th BSB Mike Bodnar New Found Members - We writes, “As 13010 N. Lakeforest Dr. are still finding members who everyone has gathered, I like to call and Sun City, AZ 85351-3250 plan to attend the 2014 Re- check on everyone and see how your health (623) 972-4395 union. It brings us great joy and well being is. [email protected] to welcome them to our As- “I have talked to Gus & Patsy Bensen- http://15thMedAssociation.Com sociation. Recently, Dennis haver; they are doing fine and Gus is do- Behm sent me this e-mail: ing well after knee surgery. Dan and Ann “After all these years - I served in Vietnam June ‘67-June ‘68 - I am consider- Toothman are doing great; John and Barbra ing attending the 2014 Reunion in Orlando. This will be the first time attending Crespi are looking good; Dave and Val are and I am looking forward to seeing some of my service buddies. I couldn’t find getting ready to move into their new home. some of the guys that I flew with on the Reunion Website. I know some times I can be a pain in the “Do you know the butt for calling but it is my way of staying whereabouts of David in touch with everyone.” A. Wellner, Richard “I just talked to Jim Calibro and he told Ruiz, John J. McFar- me that the book - The Conflict that was lane, Randy D. Dibble, a War; In Vietnam and at Home – that he, or Gary E. Vining? Randy and I helped to write with sixteen Dave Wellner was my other men from the Medeste VA Center, crew chief for most of has sold over fourteen hundred copies. All my tour and I believe monies from the sales of the book go to help he lives in Florida. veterans with disabilities.” “Dennis Behm, gun- “I want each and every one of you to start ner 1st Cav/MEDE- thinking about the Reunion in Orlando in Ron Trogdon was the Crew Chief of VAC, ’67-‘68, North April, be sure to register early. Take care, Medevac 803. Tonawanda, New and if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me, Bob, Lee, or York.” Jim and we will get answers to your questions.” Please reply to 15th MED Reunion reminder: Location: Orlando, Florida, Dates: Wednesday or (716) 694- Email: Toll-Free: 1-888-236-2427. If calling by phone 5772. reference MEDEVAC Reunion 2014 to get our rate. 15th MED Asso- Always remembering our 1st Cav troops on duty around the world; over and Tail boom MEDEVAC 803 replicated at Mini-Reunion, ciation President Mau- out. Peru, IN, Aug. 10 and 11, 2013. rice “Corky” Walsh FIRST TEAM! Garryowen, SO THAT OTHERS MAY LIVE LRRP/Ranger News Wesselius.” Continued from pg. 15 I received an email from Lois Ann Regan that Jim (1968-69) is in the hospital one of the first week of the course, the march was one mile in full combat gear recuperating from triple bypass open heart surgery. “He is in the Intensive Care with the sandbag. On day two, it was two miles, on day three, it was three miles, Unit (ICU) and is doing very well. We expect that he will be moved out of the and so on until day seven when it was a full seven miles. We were required to ICU in a couple of days.” finish the 7-mile march within the time allotted or we failed the course and were Shortly afterwards, we got an email from Jim himself, “I’m now at home re- forced to drop out. As I remember it, roughly ten percent of my class, Class 06- covering. YES, I do have a heart! Lots of prayers involved with the operation, 68, failed to finish in the time given. especially from me. I have something to be thankful for, I’m alive!” Jim has been a regular at the reunions over the years and is a regular contributor to the unit newsletter. Jim’s email address is . Jim must be feeling better because he’s sending out email updates. “Seems as if what I’ve been preaching, cajoling, agitating, and pushing for is happen- ing! It looks like I’m a fortunate recipient for notes and calls. Thanks to all. I should have kept a log, but you know how that goes. I’m doing my best to respond. Sometimes the spellin’ is off. Good drugs here at Regan’s and the kid ain’t going to put up with any pain. I’ve tried that over the years after ankle and shoulder surgery. A “Hero” is a sandwich! Lois Ann just brought the mail in. Now I know I’m “somebody!” I got a musical card from the Gals at my favor- ite Hallmark Shop! Ain’t that cool? Y’all take care, stay warm, and thanks for stayin’ in touch. Jim” I also received an email from Joseph Grande (no date listed in the unit roster). “I’m on my third round with cancer. I have to pay off everything I owe. I will be placing an order for some unit hats and other unit memorabilia that I want my grandchildren to have. Some days life can get you down. The government took away my disability payments for Agent Orange lung cancer. Now that I have another round of cancer, I would like to reapply for it but the DAV advised me that I could lose my permanent and total rating. I’ll just shut up and be happy with what I have. It would be good to hear from a fellow Ranger. Take care. Phil.” If you would like to contact Phil, his email address is . The designer of the AK-47 assault rifle and its variants, former Red Army tank corps sergeant Mikhail Kalashnikov, died December 23rd at a hospital in Izhevsk, From left to right Wilbur Wesselius, Don Miller (KIA), Mike Tibbets, Randy Russia. He was 94 years old. Parker, and Bruce Block During the Vietnam War, the AK-47 was used by North Vietnamese Army and Speaking of RECONDO School, I received an email from Wilbur Wesselius Viet Cong soldiers. Over the years, it has been produced by more than two dozen (1968-69). “Attached is a picture of a group of us LRRPs taken at An Khe in countries, including China, North Korea, Iraq, and others, and is used today by 1968. From left to right are: me (Wilbur), Don Miller (KIA), Mike Tibbets, al-Qaeda in Iraq, the Taliban in Afghanistan, and anti-government rebels in Syria. Randy Parker, and Bruce Block. Some of the guys were getting ready to go to It is a gas-operated, semiautomatic carbine, based on technology used in the U.S. RECONDO School while others had just completed it, Class 14-68 and 15-68. Army’s M-1 rifle and an earlier Russian version. AK-47 stands for automatic by Odd as it may seem, I’m the one who “flunked” out but went back later as part Kalashnikov, model of 1947. of another group and came in as 1st in the class, Class 02-69. Regards, Wilbur RANGERS LEAD THE WAY. Silver Wings News they shouldn’t, they laughed too loud, and thought they owned the sky, the Bar, Continued from pg. 16 and generally thought they could do everything better then the next guy or gal. an Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Nothing was funnier than trying to screw with a buddy and see how pissed off they Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars, Global War on Terrorism Service would get. They flew planes and helos that leaked, that smoked, that broke, that Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and NATO Medal. He went fast, that burned fuel too fast, that never had auto pilots or radars, and with had 200+ combat and 200+ home station flight hours. A Silver Wings salute for systems that were archaic next to today’s new generation aircraft. All true! the warrior. But a little closer look might show that every guy or gal in the room was sneaky This was sent to me from Army Caribou pilot Bruce Silvey. A good feeling smart and damn competent and brutally handsome! They hated to lose or fail to share. As we get older and experience the loss of old friends, we begin to realize accomplish the mission and seldom did. They were the laziest guys/gals on the that maybe we bulletproof Military Aviators won’t live forever, not so bulletproof planet until challenged and then they would do anything to win. They would anymore. We ponder, if I check out tomorrow, did I say what I wanted to my fly with wing tips overlapped at night through the worst weather with only a Brothers and Sisters? The answer is no! Hence, the following thoughts: little red light to hold on to, knowing that their Flight Lead would get them on When people ask me if I miss flying, I always say something like – “Yes! I the ground safely. They would fly in harm’s way and act nonchalant as if to miss the flying because when you are flying, you are totally focused on the task challenge the grim reaper. at hand. It’s like nothing else you will ever do (almost). But then I always say When we went to another base we were the best Squadron on the base as soon “However, I miss the Squadron and the guys/gals as much as I miss the flying.” as we landed. Often we were not welcomed back. When we went into an O club Why you might ask?” They were a bunch of aggressive, wise ass, cocky, insult- we owned the Bar. We were lucky to have the Best of the Best in the military. We ing, sarcastic bastards in smelly flight suits who thought a funny thing to do was knew it and so did others. We found jobs, lost jobs, got married, got divorced, to fart and see if they could clear a room. They drank too much, they flew when Continued on pg. 23 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 saber Page 18 20th and 79th Artillery Regiment News Bruce Wilder people to defeat and drive the communist aggressors from their country. During 1308 Blue Sky Ln this period alone (5 April through 25 June 1972), “BLUE MAX” was credited Kingsport, TN 37664-3896 with 1039 enemy kills and an impressive number of enemy weapons and supplies, (423) 245-6116 to include 12 tanks destroyed and four damaged beyond use. Although this in [email protected] itself was a monumental effort, the unit’s greatest acclaim lies in the countless www.araassociation.com U.S. and ARVN soldiers it had saved by its courageous and responsive support. “Armed Falcon 28D, Going hot!” First, let me take just a moment to wish For its actions, “F” Battery, 79th Aerial Field Artillery was recommended for the everyone a Happy New Year; not just a feel good New Year, but one that provides U.S. Presidential and Valorous Unit Citations, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry us, individually and collectively, economic freedom and with that, individual with Palm, and the U.S. Army Aviation Unit of the Year. Although its successes freedom. A freedom to achieve our goals and objectives. A freedom to exercise were many, they were not accomplished without loss. Thirty-three percent of our God given rights without fear of judgment, persecution, or condemnation. the unit’s aviator personnel were killed in action and others had been wounded. From that, hopefully, comes world peace. That is my wish for everyone! Of the original 12 Cobra Gunships in the battery inventory, 75% had been lost Now, let us read More On Helicopters vs Tanks: Recently, we published the to battle damage. Of the 21 gunships flown against the enemy only two escaped obituary of Lawrence (Larry) McKay and paid tribute to him and F/79 for their without battle damage. The gallantry of the aviators of “BLUE MAX” has been part in halting the NVA offensive at An Loc. And while F/79 gets the lion’s recognized by the recommendation of one Distinguished Service Cross, 17 Silver share of credit for engaging and destroying enemy tanks, this was not the first Stars, and 33 Distinguished Flying Crosses. encounter between NVA armor and the Aerial Rocket Artillery according to our After the enemy had been defeated at An Loc, “BLUE MAX” was deployed to Vice President N. G. (Glenn) Brown. In his book, BLUE MAX: Missions and Military Region I to participate in the Quang Tri Offensive. The unit departed Memories, there is a section entitled “Tanks, But No Tanks” (pages 97 & 98) Long Thuan on 25 June 1972 and was operationally ready for its first combat which reads – “While sitting around the hooch one quiet afternoon, we received mission on 27 June 1972. During the month of July, which would be the last that a report that an infantry patrol had spotted some tanks, probably Russian made the unit would serve in Vietnam, “BLUE MAX” provided Aerial Field Artillery T-54’s on the road southwest of An Loc about 45-50 klicks, headed toward us. support for four major insertions of South Vietnamese Marines into and around We figured that if they were traveling at 30 kph we had about one and one half- the city of Quang Tri. After 7 years of distinguished service “BLUE MAX” hours before they would be upon us. The battery commander had us rearm two stood down. The last combat mission was flown on 31 July by Captains Billy Cobras with the little six-pound HEAT (High Explosive, Anti-tank) warheads. H. Causey, Paul J. Kedrow, Thomas W. Garret, and 1LT Johnny F. Ganas. As As soon as we got our aircraft rearmed, we headed west. mentioned above, one-third (nine) of F/79’s pilots were killed in action between The four of us going on the mission talked before takeoff about tactics. We 5 April and 24 June of 1972. This was perhaps the highest number of pilots decided to go low and fast toward the grid given by the ground pounders. When killed in action in such a short period of time, especially considering the size of we got airborne, we turned west and stayed at treetop level and cruised at 150 the unit. Following is a list of KIA’s: knots. We decided at some point to arm the system in case we saw the tanks and CW2 Charles S. Windler, Aircraft Commander, 5 April 72, Loc Ninh had to fire quickly. As soon as I flipped the Master Arm Switch, I popped over a CPT Henry M. Spengler, Pilot, 5 April 72, Loc Ninh tree line and found myself looking down a dirt road from about 150 feet altitude, CPT Robert F. Williams, Aircraft Commander, 11 May 72, An Loc and face to face with seven or eight enemy tanks coming toward me. Almost in CPT Rodney L. Strobridge, Pilot, 11 May 72, An Loc self-defense rather than aggression, I fired several pairs of rockets at the enemy CW2 John R. Henn, Jr., Aircraft Commander, 24 May 72, An Loc column hitting several. As I broke off to the left, I could see my wingman mak- CW2 Issac Y. Hosaka, Pilot, 24 May 72, An Loc ing his first run on the column. The tanks started deploying off each side of the 1LT Stephen E. Shields, Aircraft Commander, 20 June 72, Tan Khai road, as they had no doubt been trained to do. They headed for the heavy cover CPT Edwin G. Northrup, Pilot, 20 June 72, Tan Khai about 50 to 100 meters off the road. Before they could get into the tree line we CW2 John L. Dilallo, Maintenance Test Pilot, 24 June 72, Long Thuan stopped five of them and damaged the others to some degree. As far as I could Two pilots were wounded during this same time period. tell the tanks never got off a single round. Evidently the encounter surprised them CW2 Roger L. Cauble, Aircraft Commander, 11 April 72, Loc Ninh even more than it did us. We had definitely messed up their plans for attacking CPT Marco A. Cordon, Pilot, 21 June 72, Tan Khai somewhere, possibly even An Loc or Quan Loi. We continued firing into the (Marco Cordon and Mike Brown survived having their tail boom blown off heavy trees where the three remaining tanks disappeared with unknown results. I by an SA7 missile. Story published in “Straphanger” Jan/Feb/Mar 2013). The never saw any other enemy tanks during the remainder of my tour in Vietnam. Straphanger Gazette is a quarterly publication of the Aerial Rocket Artillery As- I believe it noteworthy that the NVA tried this same plan again in 1972 with sociation. Issues are published on or about the 1st of January, April, July and better results. The NVA attacked An Loc and Quan Loi in early April 1972 with October. Members who have e-mail will receive a copy. Previously published tanks and infantry. Blue Max Cobras kept it from becoming a rout, but the siege copies of the Straphangers can be found on the web site and you can keep up with the latest at . remnant of the American forces.” In preparation for our next reunion I have included some inspiring words from Glenn Brown served with “A” and “C” Batteries, 2-20 ARA from April 1968 our Board of Directors. A note from our President, BG (Ret) Cecil B. Hengeveld. – March 1969. “Happy 2014! I hope you enjoyed celebrating the Holidays with your friends and Additional Notes for F/79: As the drawdown of American Forces in Vietnam family. As I write this, Peg and I are preparing to celebrate Christmas with our continued in 1971 the 3rd Brigade of the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) became children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Each year we are happily chal- the last combat element of the division. On 1 August 1971 “C” Battery, 2nd Bat- lenged to try and have just the right gift for everyone. Of course, the best gift we talion (ARA), 20th Artillery stood down and was redesignated “F” Battery, 79th are able and thrilled to give and receive is the love of family and friends. Another Artillery (AFA), 3rd Brigade (Separate) 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). F/79 wonderful gift is the remembrance of those who have been in our lives even for would stand down on 31 July 1972. The following information was extracted a brief time; family, friends, and those instructors, mentors, and comrades who from the “History of F/79” prepared by Captain John R. Parker III and Chief served with us during our time in service to our country. In this new year, 2014, Warrant Officer Ronald L. Tusi. I hope you remember those you have served with and possibly reconnect with Operational Summary: During the period 1 February 1972 through 31 July some of them. Perhaps we can also get them to get their gear together and travel 1972, “F” Battery, 79th Aerial Field Artillery, 3rd Brigade (Separate), 1st Cavalry to Branson Missouri for our reunion (June 18-22, 2014). Check out reunion Division (Airmobile), continued to perform its myriad assortment of missions. In details on your ARA web site and send in your a General and Direct Support role, the unit supported medical evacuations, troop registration form as soon as you can. Now get out there and recruit as many insertions and extractions, visual and electronic day/night surveillance, and close ARA alum as you can. air support for friendly troops in contact. As U.S. troop withdrawal continued, and Peg and I have never been to Branson, but we understand there is something the role of U.S. forces was downgraded, “BLUE MAX” found itself in an even everyone can enjoy doing. We reserved the “golf theme” room and plan to greater demand. Missions that had been performed by aviation units, which had play some rounds out there before and after the reunion. So whether you have since “Stood Down”, became a part of the Battery’s responsibility. Flight hours a chance to catch up with a long lost buddy or meet new friends with common increased each month, until they peaked in the month of April when the enemy experiences, Branson is the place for us all to meet. Bring your photos, movies, launched their Spring/Summer offensive against Loc Ninh-An Loc. In that month or slides that are collecting dust and share as you see fit. Do you have an idea alone 1623 combat hours were flown. This was by far the greatest number of for a reunion location? Are you willing to coordinate a reunion? Let us know. combat flight hours ever logged by any U.S. Army aviation unit of comparable In Branson we will have a short formal meeting to discuss the future to include size in the 10 year Vietnam conflict. This six month period, highlighted by the the election of association officers. Please consider running for office, after all offensive, was to see ARVN and U.S. Airmen engaging enemy forces equipped it’s your association.” with the most sophisticated weapons they had thus far employed in the war. Next is a note from our immediate past president, Jesse Hobby. “I hope ev- During the offensive, which began on 5 April 1972, “BLUE MAX” provided eryone had a Merry continuous day and night Aerial Rocket Artillery support against numerically Christmas and a Happy New Year. As Reunion 2014 draws closer we need superior forces, which had surrounded the city of An Loc. The enemy’s goal to announce that the Registration Form has a revision. “Titch” Titchenell and I and one that was publicly announced to the world was to capture An Loc and have been working with the manager for the “Branson Belle” and have gotten a establish a People’s Communist Government” thereby proving that U.S. Viet- reduced rate for the Dinner/Show Cruise. The new price for the Cruise is $47.29. namization efforts in South Vietnam had failed. In their gallant support, “BLUE I’m helping Titch with this as he is recovering from back surgery. Continuing on MAX” Aviators encountered the most intense anti-aircraft fire ever experienced Reunion 2014, I would like to bring to everyone’s attention the great job that Cecil by U.S. Army Aviation at any time or place in history. Daily missions became and Peggy Hengeveld did with the decor of the Hospitality Suite at our Hershey daring encounters in which the Cobra Gunship was pitted against enemy tanks, Reunion. Those who were there and those who get the newsletter will note that missiles, and anti-aircraft weapons of virtually every caliber in the enemy arsenal. Cecil and Peggy brought in a Huey seat, some combat art and other artifacts, and With artillery support nonexistent, friendly forces were on the brink of defeat pictures from the previous reunion at Portland. I would like to suggest that those on several occasions. In each instance “BLUE MAX” was decisive in denying who have mementos and souvenirs from Vietnam and who can do it (those who enemy forces an assured victory. When inclement weather and the proximity drive?) bring them to Branson to display in the hospitality suite. I have flight of friendly forces to the enemy precluded the use of heavy tactical air support, helmets, steel pot, survival vest, flak vest, chicken plate, and even a couple of “BLUE MAX” was the only air support which could be employed. After two and working TA-312 telephones. Art work, photographs, slides, videos, maps, uni- one-half months of savage fighting, three badly battered enemy divisions (5th, 7th forms, anything from that time and place in our lives will be of interest. and 9th NVA) abandoned their offensive with virtually no gains in MR III. This Lastly, I implore members to submit items of interest to the newsletter. We battle has since proven to be the impetus for the ARVN and the South Vietnamese Continued on pg. 19 Page 19 saber JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 82nd FA News 82nd FA Dragon News: “Can and Will” Happy New Year! We are Dan Gillotti enjoying beautiful sub-zero 4204 Berkeley Drive weather here on the shores Sheffield Village, OH 44054-2916 of Lake Erie along with a (440) 934-1750 [email protected] large dose of many, many, many inches of snow on top of freezing rain. 82nd Field Artillery Regiment 1919: In the June- July 2009 issue of the VFW Magazine, I published an article titled “Texas ~ Mexico Border Aflame,” to correspond with the 90th anniversary of this combat action. My article detailed the combat ac- tion that occurred on 15-16 June 1919 along the Rio Grande River at El Paso, Texas that was initiated by sniper fire from Poncho Villa’s rebels. The 82nd FA Regimental Returns from the National Archives reports PVT Sam Tusco of HQ, 82nd FA was hit by sniper fire and died at 10:30 PM on 15 June 1919. Additionally, PVT Burchard Casey, also from HQ, 82nd FA was wounded. At 11 p.m. on 15 June 1919, the District HQs ordered an American force comprised of the 24th Infantry Regiment, the 5th PVT Sam Fusco Procession 18 June 1919 Cavalry Regiment, the 7th Cavalry Regiment, the venirs by members of the command. The conduct of the artillery’s direct support 2nd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery, and supporting role with the Cavalry in Mexico so pleased COL Tompkins, he later came to the Engineer and Medical troops to cross into Mexico 82nd FA Camp to express his approval personally to the command. A full military to prevent further loss of American lives. At 12:20 funeral for PVT Sam Tusco was conducted after a procession through El Paso. a.m. on 16 June 1919, LT McMahan arrived by Additionally, a Guard Camp on the bank of the Rio Grande River was named PVT Sam Fusco HQ-82nd motorcycle at the location of the 1st Bn., 82nd FA. “Camp Tusco” by the War Department in honor of this Trooper of the 82nd FA FA KIA 15 June 1919 His instructions from COL Hadsell, Commander of Regiment. Fast forward now to October 2011 when I received an email from the 24th Infantry Regiment, were to open fire on the Ron Mangine. He explained that PVT Sam Tusco was his great-uncle, and that Juarez Racetrack as the Villistas had been definitely located there. The first 75mm the US Army had his name wrong. In fact, his great uncle’s last name is FUSCO howitzer round was fired across the Rio Grande River into the Juarez Racetrack not TUSCO. Well I checked my documents that include the 82nd FA Regimental by Battery A, 1st Bn., 82nd FA, at 12:30 a.m. on 16 June 1919. Battery A fired Returns for June 1919, and an article from the El Paso Times that also reported his a total of 52 shrapnel rounds and Battery B fired a total of 12 shrapnel rounds last name as Tusco. Ron also sent me a copy of PVT Fusco’s Death Certificate before a “Cease Fire” was called at 1 a.m. The 3rd Bn., 82nd FA, commanded from El Paso that also lists his last name as Tusco. We’ll never know why PVT by MAJ Carl C. Krueger, was in position and prepared to fire, but did not get in Sam Fusco enlisted in the Army as PVT Sam Tusco, and it really doesn’t matter on the action. At 4 a.m., LT McMahan returned to report the 24th Infantry Regt. as he will always be a part of the history of had arrived at their objective at Palazio Commercio in Juarez. Simultaneously, the 82nd Field Artillery Regiment. while the 24th Infantry was advancing through the streets of Juarez, the 5th and Ron Mangine asked me to correct my 7th Cav Regiments with the support of the 2nd Bn., 82nd FA, were moving as a article, but unfortunately, that VFW ar- blocking force on either side of the advancing Infantry to prevent any flanking ticle from 2009 went out to hundreds of movements by the Villistas. By 6:50 a.m. most of the battle within the town thousands of members of the VFW. But had subsided. The mounted forces of the US Cavalry and the 2nd Bn., 82nd FA at least I finally got around to making the were in hot pursuit of the rebel forces who were trying to extricate themselves correction here in Saber. May God bless from Juarez. The mounted forces had advanced southeast about six miles when a the soul of PVT Sam Fusco, and may he sizeable force of Villistas was spotted. The 2nd Bn., 82nd FA advanced towards forever be remembered by the 82nd Field the Villistas at an extended gallop and opened fire with shrapnel on their column Artillery Regiment. at a range of about 4,000 yards. A direct hit was made with the first volley of For further information, look at the 82nd 75mm howitzer rounds and the shrapnel bursting overhead in the center of the Field Artillery DUI and you’ll see a large rebel column wiped out a complete section. The other two sections of Villistas white wavy strip with a black erect projec- were routed and scattered in all directions. This action was completed around tile in the middle. That white wavy strip 9 a.m. on 16 June 1919, by Battery D, 2nd Bn., 82nd FA. During the continued represents the Rio Grande River and the pursuit afterwards, an adobe shack was targeted and a direct hit was made by the black projectile represents the first rounds howitzers of the 2nd Bn., 82nd FA. After this attack the bodies of twenty-five fired in combat by the 82nd Field Artillery killed or wounded Villistas were found. On the return march over 50 abandoned Regiment. And now you know the rest of saddles, 300 horses and burros, and 100 rifles were scattered all over the area. the story! This is Black Dragon 582, End Some of the rifles were of German manufacture and were brought back as sou- of Mission ~ Out! PVT Sam Fusco KIA 15 June 1919 20th and 79th ARA News the country’s population, and with low cost flights to the new Branson Airport, Continued from pg. 18 as well as Springfield-Branson National Airport, it’s easier to get your family or have dug up some of the history of F/79 and have more to publish in the future. group to Branson. Please check early for plane reservations as we have heard There are a couple of web sites for 4/77, but contacting the site managers has proven that Southwest is cutting back on services to Branson. It could be a connection elusive, so if anyone can provide a contact source it would be appreciated. hassle if you have to use Frontier which hubs in Denver. Final note – If you renew your membership annually – it’s that time again. Headquarters for the 2014 Reunion will be the Stone Castle Hotel and Conference Gloria and I are looking forward to Branson and hope to see a big crowd Center located at 3050 Green Mountain Drive in Branson, Missouri. The hotel there.” is conveniently located in the heart of Branson’s theater and attraction district, Our editor for the Straphanger, Asa Talbot, who served as our Flight Surgeon minutes from award-winning golf and mini golf courses, water parks, theaters, in 1967-68, added an editorial note, which I have included here. “It is not just a restaurants, and other unique family-fun experiences. Phone numbers for the matter of keeping costs down, filling the scheduled attractions, or pushing for a hotel are (417) 335-4700 and (800) 677-6906. We have reserved thirty-five (35) higher attendance at each reunion. (That is a contradiction in terms considering Jacuzzi Theme Suites at $84.00 per night + tax ($93.74 total). When you make we are a closed system unit which no longer is a part of the Army’s strategy, and reservations, inform them that you are attending the Aerial Rocket Artillery As- the passage of time reduces our numbers and mobility). In spite of the proceed- sociation Reunion to get the contracted rate. Prior to calling, go to the hotel web ing, the ARA has had a steady increase in attendance at our reunions. Perhaps site , click on rooms and accommodations, and we are realizing that this may be the last chance to see those we fought along select a suite from a variety of themes. On-line reservation is not available. side of (or maybe even against for a better bed, a better poker hand, or a better Some of these are balcony rooms (click on amenities and property info for place in the chow line). listing). If you desire something other than the Jacuzzi Suites you may request We encourage you to register early and get a good room and a place at the a standard room (one king or two queen beds) at $69.00 per night + tax ($77.00 banquet table. Look in the old trunks or on the shelves and find some material total). Family suites are also available at $99.00 + tax per night ($110.48 total). object that reflects the spiritual journey. Vietnam was for all of us. These have two bedrooms, one with a king bed and one with two queen beds. 17th Aerial Rocket Artillery Reunion - Branson, MO - June 18-22, 2014 Each has a private bath. As with other reunions the rate is good for three days Wallace “Titch” and Mary Alice Titchenell, hosts for the reunion, Rodger before and after if you wish to arrive early or stay later. and Marilyn McAlister, Huey and Kathy O’Dell, and Jesse and Gloria Hobby Reservations made after May 18, 2014 will be at the prevailing rate and avail- have performed a ground recon and are now ready to pass on useful information ability may be limited. The hotel will also provide a Hospitality Suite/Meeting for you to use in making your travel plans. Additional information may also Room for the ARA TOC and a separate meeting room for the Ladies Meeting on be found on the Association web site and will be updated as more information Saturday morning. We may bring in snacks, drinks, alcoholic beverages (BYOB) becomes available. Known as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” Branson, of choice. There is a complimentary full hot breakfast buffet each morning. Missouri, is truly a one-of-a-kind family vacation destination and an incredible Parking and Wi-Fi access is also complementary. For those who are coming in value. There are more than 50 live performance theaters, three pristine lakes, RV’s – recommended parks are the Branson KOA & Convention Center or Oak Grove Campground . ens of attractions and museums, an Historic Downtown district, and shopping These two are in close proximity to the Stone Castle. galore. You’ll find a full range of dining options, and a host of hotels, motels, Branson is all about entertainment and you can do as much or as little as you resorts, RV parks, campgrounds, and meeting and conference facilities. Located want. We have therefore scheduled only two main events – the Showboat in America’s heartland, Branson is less than a day’s drive from more than half of Continued on pg. 20 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 saber Page 20 ENGINEER News In Case You Wondered: Those It Is My Duty: Jesse Crimm of you kind enough to send 4445 Silverwood Ln. to represent you at Jacksonville, FL 32207-6241 notes and pictures have doubt- certain golf tour- (904) 737-6172 less wondered why the printed naments on the [email protected] version is not as clear as your PGA tour among photo. Just remember that: 1) them the McGlad- We’re dealing with black dots on yellow paper. 2) Those dots are converted from ery Classic at St. original print to digital form twice in the reproduction process. 3) The originals Simon’s Island, have often faded over time. Now, having said all that, may I reintroduce you to Georgia. There, Robert Cook of Henderson, Nevada? You will recall from several issues back after I sampled the that Robert originally had one of those long and unpronounceable Polish sur- complimentary names. Being tired of having his name hacked and butchered during roll call, he media breakfast bowed to the obvious solution, a name change to Cook. Robert also sent several on your behalf, I pictures of his engineer days in Japan after WWII. In those times the engineers strode out to the were also the firefighters. Thus we have Camp Drake, Japan pictured below. veterans gather- Persons known to have served in Japan with Cook are: Robie Robertson, John ing tent and first Gonzales, Ginoza, Esposito, Jackson, Millard, Boyd Potter, Pappy Hayes, Ray found Bob Reid West, Coolonka, Sid Smith, Bairnes, and Wheeler. Robert, we do wonder about who claimed the that painting on the wall behind the 1949 New Year Picture. After all, you guys 87th Engineers were at a bar in Tokyo. Self Explanatory as his home of re- cord. Bob served in I Corps in 1969 supporting the Ma- rines and knows all about Fort Leonard Wood. His platoon was heavy equip- ment, dozers, and the like. Much of his time was spent in road construc- tion. After his return, he worked throughout his ci- vilian career with AT&T including 8th ENG Fire Fighters the breakup of the Ready to Roll monopoly. Bob may not have been Nissan 1947 Fire Engine 1st Cav but he rates space among his engineer brethren. A while later I made my announcement to the tent crowd again looking for 1st Cav types. Chris Gherhart happened to be within hollering distance and he waved me over. Turns out that Chris was 1-12 supply officer at Fort Hood during 1980-1981. That was the period during which the Abrams tank was in develop- ment. The troops would blow a turbine engine and Chris would call Detroit for another. This process went on and on but the end result was the tank that won The Mother of All Battles. Chris is now a training agent for the U.S. Treasury Department. As you may know Federal firearms training is now consolidated among almost all Departments to Brunswick, Georgia. That’s where you will find Chris these days. Robert Kokocinski And then, of all places, at my neighborhood gym none other than Jim Aiello Day Room Repair noticed my 1st Cav sweat shirt and introduced himself. It turns out that he was a Blackhawk pilot with the 1-12th in Bosnia. Since then he went to medical school, courtesy of Uncle Sam, paid back his time and remained in the Army Reserve as an emergency physician, MOS 62 A/B. He is slated for a tour in the Sudan or some other God-forsaken place in the horn of Africa in 2015. That reminds me to mention again COL Jack Kaplan, USA Ret, who spent two tours eating the sand of Ethiopia and Somolia in S.O.C. As I understand it, Jack is now a civilian advisor type probably drawing twice the pay in that capacity. A Retro Thanks in Advance: As I compose this in November to submit in De- cember for the January/February issue, thanks for the past year of your bearing with me, the reunion at Fort Hood, your Christmas cards, and for your stories. Hopefully the trip to Hanoi, published in the November/December issue will evoke responses. Remember, you have to stay in touch in order to be in touch. Oh yeah, and thanks to Steve Richey for his regular bombardment of status emails. MG W.C. Chase Inspects Also, a thanks to Leo Miller for his consistent updates on the VA.

20th and 79th ARA News the Phuoc Vin area and were very familiar with places like LZ Evans and LZ Jane. Continued from pg. 19 These were the guys who drove the Rome Plows in jungle clearing and built the “Branson Belle” and the Farewell Banquet. You can make your own schedule roads and airfields that we drove on and flew from. They recalled how our guys or, if you like, you can just hang out with friends and catch up on what’s been had flown cover for their operations and convoys. They even had pictures of happening in the last year. You may also take in shows starting in the afternoon ARA Cobras in revetments that they had built. It was a memorable experience and continuing into the late evening. Show schedules are available at the hotel meeting those who had both supported us and been supported by us. and on the website . Discounted tickets can be Rodger McAlister, one of our past presidents, reported that the food was good, arranged through the hotel. Now, as “Titch” has stated, Branson is all about the hotel very gracious, the attractions and shows are world class and the company entertainment, but there is a misconception that Branson is primarily “Country the best of all. So...ARA and FHF, what’s that all about? Its members from our and Western.” There is such a wide variety of entertainment that anyone can find wonderful ARA membership, getting together for FHF (Friends Having Fun)! what interests them. There are country/western theaters and shows, and those For our trip to Branson, Missouri, and we drove in from Utah, Georgia, and Ken- that feature popular and classical themes. There are illusionists and comedy of all tucky. Our 3-4 day stay gave us time to catch up, eat out, sight see, and laugh a types. To truly know what is available at Branson you need to go to the website lot! We encourage you all to get together in between our annual reunions. We’re and check it out. You may also call the Chamber of Commerce (1-877 Branson) sure we are not the only ones when we say “stop and see us” if you are traveling and request your own Branson Vacation Guide. The 2014 edition should be through our town (Louisville). Make this an overnight stay! available in early January. Thanks to all the members who are working together to make the Branson While we were there we took the “DUKW Tour.” It’s hard to imagine that a Reunion the best! We hope to see you all there with as many family members 2 1/2-ton truck will float but these do. We also did the “Branson Belle,” which and friends (ARA and those made since Vietnam). will be a highlight for anyone. We did the late cruise, departing at 8:00 pm, had Have a safe and healthy New Year! May our Creator continue to bless us all dinner, and were entertained for about two hours, returning at 10:30 pm. Other and give us peace! shows that we have previously seen and would recommend are the “3 Redneck “Armed Falcon 28D, Breaking right!” Tenors,” the Shanghai Circus (Acrobats of China), Six, and Legends in Concert (Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater). When we arrived on Tuesday, September 10, we discovered that we were not the If you do not have a Chapter of the 1st Cavalry Division Association only advance party at the hotel. The reception committee for the 589th Engineer in your area, contact the Association for details on how you can Battalion was also there. When they found that we were from 2-20 ARA we were organize a chapter in your area. (254) 547-6537, greeted like long lost brothers and invited to their reunion. The 589th served in . Page 21 saber JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 545th MP COMPANY Sam Reinert 626 ½ South 9th St. Richmond, IN 47374-6232 (765) 962-4627 Phone and FAX [email protected] http://www.545thMpAssn.Com Since the deactivation of the 545th MP Company, 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood in 2005, the writer of this document has had dozens of questions as to Cavalry Division Provost Marshals office what ever happened to the Goto Stone, or what exactly is the Goto Stone. This to thank for organizing and implementing document is a humble effort to answer all your questions regarding this historical this move. Mike is a member of the unit monument which has followed the unit from Camp Drake, to Camp Crawford, association. to Camp Custer, and finally resting at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. On September 24, 2008 at 1400 hrs, a Originally, the stone was placed near the main gate of Camp Drake, but ceremony was held at the Military Police shortly found its way to the company area of the 545th MP Company. Until the Memorial Grove located at Fort Leonard deactivation of the unit, it was usually found by the orderly room, arms room, Wood, Missouri. The Goto Stone was or supply room door of the 545th MP Company. Upon the units deactivation, This is a photo of the life sized officially turned over to the Regiment by the stone was reverently taken to the 1st Cavalry Division Museum and given to monument that was destroyed at Ft an Honor Guard of 545th MP Company them to hold in custody until such time as the unit was reactivated. Originally Hood by construction workers on accident. veterans – both active duty and retired. there was a life sized statue of Cav troopers that stood with and/or behind the This Honor Guard was commanded by stone, but it was destroyed during construction of new buildings near the 1st CPT Jerry Koltz, who is also a veteran Cavalry Division Museum by a large construction vehicle. of the 545th MP Company. BG Phillips, As almost everyone knows, the 545th MP Company war reactivated once the Commandant of the MP School, again, this time at Fort Richardson, Alaska, and plans were made to move the accepted the Goto stone on behalf of the stone to that location so that it could once again stand outside the orderly or Regiment of Military Police. arms room door. But, due to the extreme changes in temperature there was The Goto Stone rests on the stage concern that the stone might crack and be broken or destroyed in Alaska. We in front of the Memorial Wall at the finally decided that the best place for the stone would be in the MP Memorial Grove, and is covered by an MP Green grove, somewhere near the Memorial Walk Way. The stone has been turned silk coverlet which has a 1st Cavalry over to Mr. Jim Rogers who is the Director of the MP Museum for safe keeping Division patch sewn in the center of it. until the 545th MP Company is once again stationed in a warm climate where The patch was worn by CPL the stone will be safe from the ravages of extreme cold weather. Floyd Schuhrke at Camp So that everyone has a working idea of the stone’s history – here is a little Crawford, Japan. Note the background for your reading and viewing enjoyment: headgear placed on the stage by the unit honor guard as headgear is not worn in the Memorial Grove out of respect. The Honor Guard marched up on the stage and took their places next to their prepositioned head gear and behind the Goto Stone which is still covered. To begin the ceremony, the Regimental Chaplain, Chaplain Ramsey gave the Invocation. CPT Koltz and BG Phillips uncovered the Goto Stone, which had been ravaged by time. There are chips on the corners, a large crack down the Private First Class Goto - PFC Goto was a Japanese-American born in right side, and several nicks off the side edges. BG Hawaii. He was an interpreter assigned to the 1st Platoon, 545th MP Company, Phillips then presented challenge coins to our Old 1st Cavalry Division. Timers Honor Guard. Present in the Honor Guard On or about 19 July 1950, when the 8th Cavalry Regiment was about to be was SGT Jesse Murrah. He and BG Phillips chatted committed to combat in Korea, a request was received from Captain Church, S- about SSG Cunningham, a mutual acquaintance, 2, 8th Cavalry Regiment for an interpreter. CPT Church needed an interpreter and member of the 545th MPs who was KIA in Iraq to translate interviews held with the natives and/or POW’s about the location while assigned to the 89th MP Brigade. BG Phillips of the enemy, his strength, equipment etc. At that time, most Koreans spoke also complimented CPT Koltz on the appearance of Japanese so PFC Goto was the logical candidate since he spoke that language. the Honor Guard. During his speech, BG Phillips PFC Goto was ordered to report to CPT Church and accompany him on a CPT Jerry Koltz, Honor Guard Commander. made several references to his personal experiences reconnaissance of the 8th Cavalry Regiment’s area of responsibility. CPT with the 545th MP Company who could Church and PFC Goto left on the mission in a jeep prior to dawn on the 23rd of always be counted on to get the job done. July 1950. As they began to reconnoiter the area, they hit an enemy land mine He also spoke about the great MPs assigned and were killed instantly. CPT Church and PFC Goto were the first Troopers to the 545th. from the 1st Cavalry Division killed in action during the Korean War. Following the ceremony, there were group The granite block that was in front of the 545th Military Police Company’s pictures taken. Our Old Timers Honor Guard Orderly Room is from a firing range that was dedicated in honor of PFC Goto was featured in the November/December at Camp Drake, Japan. issues of the Saber. Below is the Active LTC Louis Mehl who was the commander of the 545th MP Company as a Duty Squad; from left to right: 1SG Steven young Captain at Camp Drake Japan, and later during the Korean War, knew Stone, SSG John McQueen, SFC Eddie PFC Goto personally and was greatly saddened by the loss of PFC Goto, Lagarez, SFC Carrie Killea, and SSG Fred who had been an excellent member of the unit. LTC Mehl is our Association Killea. Commandant. Due to the high state of training, deployments The Machine Gun Range named after PFC Goto at Camp Drake. Although and combat operations worldwide, the Army PFC Goto did not have an MP MOS, he was respected and treated as a fellow has little or no time for pomp and ceremony 545th MP from all members of the unit and will always be remembered as an BG Phillips as in peace times. However, it is important MP from the 545th MP Company. that a unit’s history be preserved, so that On the 8th of July the Goto Stone was transported by veterans of the 545th peacetime soldiers may view MP Company from the the accomplishments of their 1st Cavalry Division respective units in times of non Museum located at combat activity. The veterans of Fort Hood, Texas to the the 545th MP Company realize MP Museum located this more than MPs of other units at Fort Leonard Wood, and act accordingly. No matter Missouri. It was held if it is manning a road block, under security until it check point, TCP, or escorting a was placed near the convoy or EPW’s, they still find memorial walkway in time to honor their unit and its the MP Memorial Grove MPs both past and present and during the rededication Active Duty Honor Guard to preserve the traditions and of that hallowed place history of the 545th Military in September of 2008. Police Company. Most of the MPs that participated in this ceremony drove We have SFC Mike thousands of miles to be present and the old timers at their own expense. That Pentecost of the 1st shows the high state of commitment to their unit and its traditions. JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 saber Page 22 HQ and Special Troops News Ron Killingsworth I was recently with Charlie Company 53 men lost their lives. After the first tour I spent two years 10329 Caddo Lake Rd talking with a in the Transportation Corps at Fort Eustis. I branch transferred back to Infantry Mooringsport, LA 71060- longtime friend in 1969, attended the Vietnam Refresher Course and went back to Vietnam and 9057 who was a teen- the 1st Cav. On my second tour I served as Assignment Officer, G1, Hq 1st Cav (318) 996-9969 ager during WWII. - August ‘69 -October ‘69 and May ‘70-August ‘70 and as Commander, Co C, [email protected] He lived in Des 2-12th Cav in 2nd Bde - November ‘69-April ‘70. After Vietnam, I remained Moines, Iowa, and on active duty until 1980 when I left active duty as a Major and transferred to told me that the first Women’s Auxiliary Army Corps (WAAC) personnel were the Army Reserves. I’m afraid the peacetime Army and I didn’t get along too trained at Fort Des Moines. I knew that Fort McClellan, Alabama, was the well. I retired from the Army Reserve as a full Colonel (O6) in 1997. After I left home of the Women’s Army Corps when I went on active duty from 1963 and active duty, I went back to school on the GI Bill and earned a second degree in I remember when the WAC was abolished and women were assigned to regular accounting and completed numerous courses in computer science. The remainder units sometime in 1978. A quick search of the internet revealed this to be true of my civilian work was spent in manufacturing, purchasing, plant management, and much more about Fort Des Moines. Not only was this fort the first place to and quality assurance. I have been married to my bride for over 46 years. We train WAACs but it was also the first US Army fort to host an officer candidate married between tours and eventually produced three children but we are still school for African Americans. Fort Des Moines was used for US Army training waiting for grandchildren. There is a “Charlie Company Reunion Group” that beginning in 1901. It was dedicated as a Cavalry post in 1903. The all-Black meets annually for the men from my first tour.” 25th Infantry Regiment began training at Fort Des Moines in 1903. In 1917, the Thanks Jim for the picture and those promised in the future. I sent a copy of first black officer candidates were commissioned in the US Army at Fort Des the picture to the Association for the archives. Moines. In 1917 it also became the training grounds for black medical person- Dave Lutgen, 1st Cavalry Division Association finance committee chairman, nel. In 1942 it became the training grounds for the Woman’s Auxiliary Army foundation trustee, and former LT with the 15th Admin (finance officer) who Corps (WAAC). In 1943 the WAAC was converted to full status as the Woman’s shipped over with the Cav in 1965, sent me a newspaper article from the “Enderlin Army Corps (WAC). The Women’s Army Corps School was founded at Fort Mc- Independent” from Enderlin, Ransom County, North Dakota, dated October 2, Clellan on 25 September 1952. About two years later, official ceremonies were 2013. Dave, along with Keith Kemmer, who served in the 12th Cav, Wayne Ber- conducted to establish the post as the first permanent home of the U.S. Women’s glund, who served with Scout Dog platoon in ‘68, and Gary Skonseng, who served Army Corps Center, the WACC. The Women’s Army Corps was disestablished with the 8th Engineers, organized a celebration of the 1st Cav’s 92nd birthday in and its flag retired in 1978. Participating in the final ceremony was MG Mary September 2013 at Enderlin, North Dakota. The same paper announced the first E. Clarke, the last director of the Women’s Army Corps and soon appointed the floating of the USS North Dakota (SSN-784). A quick search of “Wikipedia” Commanding General of Fort McClellan (1978-1980), the first female officer revealed: “North Dakota (SSN-784) will be a Virginia-class submarine. She ever to command a major U.S. Army installation. Fort McClellan was used as will be the second ship of the United States Navy to be named for the state of a basic and advanced training center during the Vietnam War and was home of North Dakota. The contract to build her was awarded to Electric Boat division the Military Police School and the Army Chemical School. In May 1999, the of General Dynamics in Groton, Connecticut on 14 August 2003. This ship is fort was closed and turned over to the Alabama National Guard. I visited Fort the first of the Block III subs which will feature a revised bow, including some McClellan in 2012 and all the old historical buildings still stand. At that time it technology from Ohio-class submarine cruise missile submarines. Her name was was a training center for Homeland Security as well as training grounds for the announced on 15 July 2008 and her keel was laid down on 11 May 2012. She was Alabama National Guard. To learn more about the first black officer’s candidate floated on 15 September 2013 and was christened on 2 November 2013, sponsored school at Fort Des Moines just “Google” Fort Des Moines. (Info gleaned from by Katie Fowler, wife various internet sources including Wikipedia) of Vice Admiral Jeff Now, all you veterans out there who served in the WAC or WACC, let me hear Fowler.” from you. I would really like to hear from some of our many female warriors Dave sent me an that have served in the Cav – I know you are out there – so let your voices be email to go with the heard! newspaper article. He Gary Vogt of Albuquerque, New Mexico, contacted me by snail mail and sent said, “I am attaching me a copy of his book “Dear Gang.” Gary was a combat photographer (84B) some pictures of us who served with the 1st Cav (Airmobile) from June ‘67 to June ‘68. He worked raising the 1st Cav with the Public Information Office (PIO) and had field assignments with several flag at our Veterans of the Brigades, with the 1-50th and went on missions with the National Police monument. In 2011 Field Forces. He served at Camp Radcliff, Camp (LZ) Evans, An Khe, LZ Jane, we dedicated a monu- LZ Betty, and other locations. I enjoyed reading Gary’s book and it is quite dif- ment in Enderlin to ferent from the many books out there written by veterans of the war in Vietnam. honor all local area Gary’s book is composed of letters he wrote to his family. His family saved every veterans who served letter he wrote and after the death of his parents Gary decided to put the letters in the Armed Forces together in the form of a book which he titled “Dear Gang.” Gary has dedicated from World War I to $1 of each book sold to the VFW National Home for Children and $1 of each book the present. Our VFW sold to the Wounded Warrior Project. Both are great causes. Here is a chance to Post decided to fea- read a good book that will definitely remind you of how immature we all were at Wayne Berglund and Dave Lutgen, in Stetson, raise 1st Cav ture individual units age 19, and at the same time donate a couple of bucks to two good organizations. flag at Enderlin, North Dakota, memorial services. by flying their flag and Gary’s book is available at his web site < www.dear-gang.com>, Amazon for having an article in Kindle, and other locations. Gary can be contacted at . our local paper to include some history of the unit. We started by flying the 1st Thanks, Gary, for the copy of your book and for an enjoyable read! Cav flag during September for the 1st Cav birthday. We are going to feature the I received several emails from Jim Wolf, retired Colonel, who served with the USS Coral Sea next. We have five Enderlin vets who served on the Coral Sea at Cav in Vietnam from June ‘66 to June ‘67 and from August ‘69 to April ‘70. Jim different times.” Dave provided this picture taken at the end of his second tour. It shows LTC Iverson, sent a picture of two the Division G-1, pinning several medals on Jim. Of great interest to me is the proud 1st Cav veterans board in the background that gives a picture of the division command at that holding up the 1st Cav point in time. You probably will not be able to read the board in the picture flag at the ceremony. published in the Saber, but the board shows the major division personnel, their I was going through a dates of rank, dates assigned, and DEROS dates. I noticed that MG Putnam was lot of pictures provided the CG at that time. by COL (Ret) John Jim said, “The picture McCain, former com- was taken in August 1970 mander of 191st MI a day or two before I in Vietnam, and found DEROS’d. LTC Iverson this picture of the 1st (G-1, 1st Cav Div HQ) Cav Memorial Chapel. was a tremendous G-1 I was wondering how and a superb Battalion many of our readers out Commander. He was a there actually visited true officer and gentle- this beautiful Chapel man. On my first tour I and have to wonder joined Charlie Company, what became of it after 1st Cavalry Division Memorial Chapel Vietnam 1967-68. 1-5th (2nd Bde), at Dak the war. To in June 1966, after I hear that all the Special Troops Battalion’s are being deactivated and that each completing Jungle War- brigade will now have an engineer battalion. I wonder what will become of the fare School in Panama. MI, MP’s, maintenance, and other support personnel. One thing I remember about I was initially the Third the US Army is “change.” I must have attended ten or more different “leadership Platoon leader, then development” classes during my career. Each time it was a different “method” moved to Mortar Platoon of leadership. The best leadership “method” I found was by example. I never CPT Jim Wolfe presented medals by 1st Cav G-1, LTC Leader, and finally Com- asked any of my troopers to do anything I had not done or was not willing to do Iverson. pany Executive Officer but there again, I was combat support. in October 1966. When I am writing this the first of January 2014 and just received my Nov/Dec 13 we became short of lieutenants I again became Third Platoon Leader and com- edition of the Saber. I like to get feedback from my previous column to put in pleted my tour as Mortar Platoon Leader. When I was assigned to the Battalion, the next column but this one is going to have to go as is to make the cut-off date. I was told six months in the line and six on the staff. When I got ready to leave So, Sue and I wish you the very best in the New Year. We will see some of you 12 months later, I was told that if I extended six months I would be given a staff at Fort Hood for the board meeting in February and some of you in Chicago for assignment. I strongly indicated this was not an option. In the 12 months I was the reunion. Until then may God bless each of you and the USofA. Page 23 saber JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 21st FA News Hello Troopers! I do hope every- you, it’s much more. It’s a living museum on veterans from the Revolutionary John Parker one had a great Thanksgiving, Merry War to present. Most of the items on exhibit were donated by other veterans. 10915 Tradition View Dr. Christmas, and a Happy New Year. There is no agenda to come in, only the warm welcome of other veterans. As I Charlotte, NC 28269-1411 No matter what unit you were in, or was here I overheard a veteran comment that coming there for him was better to [email protected] duty station, the special times of the him than the counseling sessions he had received. If you are interested please year was difficult being so far from visit the website . Is there any special place home. Remember those still serving. in your state that you would like to have mentioned? Oh, by the way, as a veteran I haven’t had any feedback so I’ll make a few points. I attended my local chapter there are many places that do give a veterans discount. Just need to ask and have of the 1st Cavalry Division Association; the North Carolina “Tarheel Chapter.” a way to prove you are a veteran. Several items of information I picked up and wish to pass along to my fellow Is there someone that you wish to give a shout-out to? Or maybe you don’t troopers. Anyone heard of Public Law 110-181 Sec.598? Neither had I until know the person. I would like to give a shout-out to the pilot of the A-1 Sky- someone brought it to my attention. Since the vast majority of the readers are raider that stayed on station that seemed like forever. I can’t remember his call Vietnam Veterans, this may be worth looking into. The Department of Defense sign, but thanks. has been authorized to begin a multi-year commemoration of the Vietnam War. A big shout-out to my chief of firing battery, Arlyn “Smoke” Wood. I never There is a great amount of information and I wish you to get it correctly. Visit thought that after all these years I would ever be in contact with any of my fellow the website . There may be an event near you, or troopers. He kept in contact with a few that allowed more to reestablish contact you could be the one to start an event. again. There are so many that I wish thank for helping setting up the website During the holidays I watched a report about The Greatest Generation. It was for A Battery 1-21 FA. Anyone wishing to visit our place please go to . I just wish there was more I could pass on about other bat- and came home only a million are left. We are losing those veterans at a fast teries. Anyone having any info about 1-21 FA, please contact me. Hey, Tim rate. Many of our fellow troopers served in World War II. We are not losing our Millar, glad Larry Clayton was able to get caught up with you. I wondered if Vietnam Brothers at the same rate as WWII veterans, but it will increase over anyone was able to help Mike Maddox. He was looking for some information the years. This will bring recognition to many that felt like they were forgotten. on his brother, 1LT Robert Bruce Maddox. 1LT Maddox was KIA on February Check it out, please, it’s for you. 11, 1969. At the time he was serving with A Battery, 1-21 FA. 1LT Maddox I came across a special place for veterans. It’s called, Richard’s Coffee Shop. was from Macon, Missouri and can be found on W32 Line 13 on the Vietnam It’s in Mooresville, North Carolina. This is a most unique place. It’s a place for War Memorial Wall. veterans run by veterans. Not a formal organization, but rather informal atmo- Question for this quarter’s issue: What was your best memory of your tour? spheres that will make you relax. Don’t let the name of the coffee shop mislead Until next time, Garryowen! Silver Wings News a Not Politically Correct Tap Dancing and Singing spectacle that couldn’t help Continued from pg. 17 but make you grin and order another round! I am a lucky guy and have lived a moved, went broke, got rich, broke something, and the only thing you could re- great life! One thing I know is that I was part of a special, really talented bunch ally count on was if you really needed help, a fellow Aviator would have your of guys and gals doing something dangerous and doing it better than most. Fly- back. ing the most beautiful, ugly, noisy, solid aircraft ever built by the lowest bidder. I miss the call signs, nick names, and the stories behind them. I miss getting Supported by ground troops committed to making sure we came home again! lit up in an O-club full of my buddies and watching the incredible, unbelievable Being prepared to fly and fight and die for America. Having a clear mission. things that were happening. I miss the Crew Chiefs saluting as you taxied out Having fun. the flight line. I miss the lighting of the Afterburners, if you had them, especially We box out the bad memories from various operations most of the time but at night. I miss going straight up and straight down. I miss the cross countries. never the hallowed memories of our fallen comrades. We are often amazed at I miss the dice games at the bar for drinks. I miss listening to bull shit stories how good war stories never let the truth interfere and they get better with age. We while drinking and laughing till my eyes watered. are lucky bastards to be able to walk into a Squadron or a bar and have men we I miss naps in the Squadron with a roomful of aviators working up new tricks to tor- respect and love shout out our names, our call signs, and know that this is truly ment the sleeper. I miss flying upside down in the Grand Canyon, and hearing about where we belong. We are Military Aviators. We are Few and we are Proud. flying so low that boats were blown over. I miss coming into the break hot, looking My only parting concern is “Why the hell did we get flight pay”? over and seeing three wingmen tucked in tight, ready to make the troops on the ground I am privileged and proud to call you Brothers and Sisters. Push It Up! Check proud. I miss belches that could be heard in neighboring states. I miss putting on SIX! In Victory you deserve Champagne, in Defeat you need it! Author Un- ad hoc Air Shows that might be over someone’s home or farm in far away towns. known.” Finally I miss hearing DEAD BUG being called out at the bar and seeing and With that, I’ll bring this Wings sortie to an end. Come on warmer weather! hearing a room of men hit the deck with drinks spilling and chairs being knocked Until next time, Clear right! over as they rolled in the beer and kicked their legs in the air, followed closely by ROBERT D. “BOB” JOHNSON – 1934-2013 OFFICIAL NOTICE Former Association President ELECTION OF OFFICERS – REUNION 2014 Robert D. “Bob” Johnson died The By Laws of the Association provide that the Officers and members in hospice care on 16 December of the Board of Governors shall be elected by the General Membership at 2013. Born in Summersville, the General Membership meeting conducted during the Annual Reunion. West Virginia on 24 Septem- Further, that the President may appoint a Nominating Committee to nomi- ber 1934 he grew up in West nate candidates for office and that other nominations may be made by Life Virginia and Dayton, Ohio members from the floor at the General Membership meeting. The Resolu- where he worked as a paper tions of the Trust Agreement of the Foundation of the 1st Cavalry Division boy and earned the rank of Association and the By Laws of the Museum Foundation require the election Eagle Scout. to the Board of Trustees for positions coming vacant each year shall occur Bob retired from the Army at at the Annual Reunion. Candidates for all offices must be Life members the rank of Master Sergeant and of the Association. lived in Casselberry, Florida The President has appointed a nominating committee to recommend Life where he worked for the Orange members of the Association for election or re-election to fill the terms of County Schools and as a letter office for the following positions that become vacant as of 12 July 2014: carrier with the U.S. Postal 1st Vice President Service. He was a referee for 2nd Vice President football, basketball and base- 3rd Vice President ball and an avid Florida State Ten Places on the Board of Governors Seminole Booster. Two Trustee of the Foundation Bob served in E Company, Two Trustees of the Museum Foundation 2-5th Cavalry and HQ of 2-5 Any Life member of the Association, including an incumbent, who wishes CAV in 1952-54 and also served in Vietnam with another unit. to be considered by the nominating committee for one of these positions Bob served on the Association’s Board of Governors for many years should forward a letter to the Chairman, 2014 Nominating Committee, 302 before serving as the Association President from 2004 to 2006. He N. Main St., Copperas Cove, TX 76522-1703, requesting consideration for remained on the Board of Governors until his failing health caused him nomination to the specific office. The Nominating Committee must receive to resign. Bob was known for running the Korean War Luncheon at the all requests no later than 1 May 2014 to assure sufficient time for process- Association reunions and reading the Long Roll Muster for the Korean ing and full consideration. Requests must be accompanied by appropriate War at many of Reunion Memorial Services. Bob was also very active documentation that includes proof of service with the 1st Cavalry Division in the Florida Chapter of the 1st Cavalry Division Association and many (e.g., a DD214 or equivalent) and a biographical sketch. The biographical other Veteran groups including the Korean War Veterans Association, the sketch needs to outline the applicant’s full name and provide ranks, dates 5th U.S. Cavalry Regiment Association, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, of service and units assigned to in the 1st Cavalry Division. Additionally, and the American Legion. He was an active volunteer for these and many it needs to provide the dates and positions for any offices held at National other civic groups. or Chapter level in the Association and similar information for any other Bob Johnson was a big man with a big heart who gave every bit of his veteran’s organization the applicant belongs to. Any instances of special being to any organization that he was involved in and will be greatly missed support for Association programs should also be included if applicable. by all of the members of the Association who knew him. The election will be held during the General Membership meeting at the Bob is survived by his wife of 46 years, Doris, four children, 15 grandchil- 67th Annual Reunion of the Association on Saturday, 12 July 2014 in Du- dren and 4 great grandchildren, two half brothers and two half sisters. Page County, Illinois. Nominations from the floor will be accepted. A Life His funeral was attended by numerous members of the Florida Chapter, member making such nomination will be expected to provide the information the Executive Director of the Association, many neighbors, friends and outlined above on the nominee and in addition provide assurance that the co-workers and his loving family. The Honor Guard of the Florida Chapter nominee is either present at the General Membership meeting or has agreed provided military honors. to accept nomination to the specified office. JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 saber Page 24 HONOR ROLL Acknowledgement of generous donations from the following troopers:

UP TO $25 $26 - $50 CSM (RET) and MRS. WEBSTER, Dennis SP-5 AAKJAR, Raymond P., Sr. SP-5 BONN, Henry Lawrence In Memory of MSG (Ret) Robert D. JOHNSON, SP-4 AHERN, Richard MRS. DUVE, Patricia President of the Association 2004-2006 MAJ (RET) ARMER, Raymond B. On behalf of my husband Fred A. DUVE, Jr. who SP-4 WILSON, Russell L. 1LT ASH, Emil J. served from July 1950 to August 1951, 1st Cav Divi- In Memory of Jim Brigham SGT BENNETT, Kenneth E. sion, 7th Regiment in Korea LTC (RET) BLEVINS, Dean 1LT (RET) WARD, Elliott $101 - $500 PFC CASTELLANOS, Louis CPT HALL, Sanci M.and Brian SP-4 FLAVIN, George CW2 CAUFMAN, James L. SP-4 HAMILTON, Larry SGT HENDRICKSON, David L. CW3 CHIN, James PFC MEYER, Charles The Troopers of the 11th PATHFINDER CO., Viet- SP-4 CICERO, Barry C. COL (RET) SPENCE, Thomas H. nam 1965-1971 SFC CORBIN, Don R. MG (RET) STADLER, Gerald P. SGT COURTNEY, Daniel M. $51 - $100 PFC STEPHENS, William SFC FISCHER, Clifford O. SGT CRAVELLO, Robert SGT FLYNN, Edward F. E-4 GARDINER, Kenneth W. Cisco $501 - $1,000 SFC (RET) MARTUCIO, Stephen G. In Memory of Tony Wasmer, 1st BDE., 1st Cav Lawrence J. JACKMAN Family Trust MR. McSHERRY, Robert Scouts LTC (RET) PLUMMER, Gerrell V. T-4 GILMORE, Jack V. In Memory of SGM (RET) Frank D. FORD, Jr. CPT HETH, Donald G. PFC REISS, Ron 1LT LUTGEN, David A. The First Team Family SGT RICHTER, Don W. In Memory of Bob JOHNSON Cares! SGT SCHILTZ, Richard A. COL (RET) MARM, Walter J. Your donations to the Foundation and Museum E-4 SMITH, Simon P. MEN of C CO., 1st of the 7th - 1965 Foundation are tax-deductible. CW3 (RET) STAATZ, Jerry In Memory of LT Bobby G. HADAWAY. We are also grateful for your SFC (RET) SWANTEK, Robert C. MR. POOL, Robert support of the SFC (RET) TOTH, Steven P. In Honor of LTG (RET) MOORE and Joe Association through donations CPT VATH, Frederick J. GALLOWAY to our D Troop program. SP-4 WESSELHOFT, Rudolph J. PFC SOLTIS, Edward F. LTC (RET) WHITE, Dennis M. MAJ (RET) SPENCE, William R. SGT WOLAVER, Rob New Members 8908 SPC WHALEN, MATT MD 1ACB 1401 Continued from pg. 5 SFC STEELE, ROBERT LEE NC HHC 1-12C SGT WIGINTON, JAMES L. IL 227AVN 6609 MR. NORWITZ, JEFFREY CO 1325 1-ASSOC 9412 SFC YARGICI, SELCUK TX HHC 1CDH 1401 LTC O’CONNOR, RYAN P. TX HHT 1-7C 1305 SGT SUCKFIEL, MARK PA A 91ENG 0402 MR. PENNINGTON, JON MO 1326 1-ASSOC SGT SZIDON, MARVIN H. IL D 2-7C 6806 Thank you for joining the 1st Cavalry Divi- CSM PITKUS, ERIC H I 3-227AVN 0807 SGT THOMSON, TRAVIS CO A 3-82FA 1012 sion Association. Please keep us updated SP-4 TURPIN, MARION W. IL 15SS 6505 when you move. All it takes is an e-mail to SSG (RET) REYNOLDS, WILLIAM TX A PFC VECCHIONE, JR., TED W. FL A 1-8C 6909 2BSTB 0811 MAJ WEBER, ETHAN T. NC B 3-8C 0110 to update our database. SGT RODRIGUEZ, MANUEL TX SVC 1-82FA Division Doings Director’s Chair Continued from pg. 11 Continued from pg. 1 While deployed, Hall Jr. provided security during different reconstruction projects as good as they were years ago. These Troopers and their leaders are great! in his area of operations. They understand that they are carrying on the proud heritage and traditions that “I’m very proud of him,” Hall Sr. said. “He’s not following in my footsteps; you set for them. he’s making his own footprints.” Besides the upcoming reunion we are beginning the process to get ready for Over the next few months, the remaining deployed Soldiers of the 2nd BCT will Veterans Day in Washington, DC. This is always a special gathering and the trade their MultiCam combat uniforms for the standard Army Combat Uniform National Capitol Region Chapter is a major part of its success. Our speaker as they reintegrate into the Fort Hood community. from last year’s Veterans Day Dinner has been selected to command the 101st Although their mission will be complete, the commitment and sacrifices made Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Congratulations to MG Gary by 2nd BCT’s “Black Jack” Soldiers will remain evident to the citizens of Af- Volesky on that great honor. I guess the 101st Airborne isn’t a bad place if you ghanistan. can’t be back with the First Team! See you all at the Reunion! MG CLIFTON F. VON KANN – 1915-2014 THE HICCUP - Health Care Information Committee Report MG (Ret) Clifton Ferdinand von Kann who commanded the 1st Cavalry Divi- Scott B. Smith I guess I should title this column, sion in Korea from October 1962 to June 1963 died on 15 January 2014 at the 833 State Highway 11 “Gloom Period.” With the possible age of 98. Laramie, WY 82070 exception of those of you living General von Kann was born in Boston, [email protected] near The Great Place (Jerry Eller’s Massachusetts on 14 October 1915. He description), most of the U.S. is in graduated cum laude from Harvard in the throes of winter. The months of January, February, and March are referred 1937. Following a year as a reserve to by many as ‘gloom period,’ the time of year when the weather seems most lieutenant under the Thomason Act, he oppressing, the Government most demeaning and demanding, the future most was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant on depressing, and the Veterans Administration least supportive. 1 July 1938. He performed battery offi- This is the time to keep our fellow Troopers---and all veterans---in our hearts. cer duties with the 77th Field Artillery at These are the times when it benefits our souls to help sustain the Christmas Schofield Barracks, Hawaii and served spirit of joy and warmth. These are good times, the right times, to look for opportunities to remember those who are deployed throughout the world…and with the 77th FA and the 631st FA Bat- to seek opportunities to help those in need on the home front. talions throughout World War II in North One activity that we might consider is our local Veterans Court. Motivated by Africa and Sicily. MG von Kann was the success of the first Veterans Court in Buffalo, New York, many communities awarded a Silver Star for actions in Italy have established this alternative court system for veterans experiencing legal near Cassino. He later commanded the troubles. Almost without exception, these courts need volunteers to help 7th Infantry Division Artillery and has beleaguered veterans with job hunting, physical fitness, drug counseling, and numerous jobs in senior staff positions. college advice. Some of the courts aren’t even sufficiently represented by V.A. General von Kann spent two years with representatives, and so VSO-like assistance is also needed to help some of these the 82nd Airborne Division as an As- veterans access V.A. services. What better way to spend four or five hours a sistant Division Commandeer making week? For others of you, taking an interest in the benefits offered by your home 46 jumps during his tour and left the state might be of interest…and might spark some action on your part. For division as a Master Parachutist. During his time in the Airborne, he developed example, there are many states that offer military retirees an exemption (from an interest in Army aviation. This resulted in his rotary wing pilot rating at Fort state taxation) for some or all of their military retired pay. Other states allow Rucker, Alabama in August 1958. Following his assignment as the Command- scaled tax exemptions for disability ratings. Still other states allow property tax ing General of the First Team he commanded the Army Aviation Center at Fort exemptions. Some states now allow in-state tuition rates at their institutions of Rucker. He was also a Committee Chief on the Howze Board which studied Air higher education for nonresident veterans. And so it goes. BUT the operative Mobility and resulted in the formation of the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). thought here is that these and other benefits are available only in “some” General von Kann’s first and second wives, Sallie Emery Flint and Kathryn locations. Unfortunately, not all states extend a full range of realistic, helpful, Maxwell Heyne, predeceased him. He is survived by two children, his son Curtis and affordable benefits to veterans and retirees. My own state of Wyoming, E. von Kann of Washington, DC and Lisa C. von Kann of Barnet, Vermont; two for example, has not yet embraced the notion of offering in-state tuition to nonresidents of the Cowboy state. stepchildren, Pamela Heyne Widell of St. Michaels, Maryland and Peter Heyne I encourage you to educate yourself on the state of affairs where you live… of Houston, Texas; and eight grandchildren and step grandchildren. A memorial and consider in what way you might be able to better the lot of those who have service at Fort Myer Chapel and interment at Arlington National Cemetery will volunteered to defend our way of life. Do not let yourself succumb to “gloom” be held at a later date. and inaction…there’s lots for us to do!