WINTER 2015 from the Galley First of All I Want to Thank the Association’S

A PUBLICATION OF VOLUME 24, NUMBER 4 THE MOBILE RIVERINE FORCE ASSOCIATION WINTER 2015 From the Galley First of all I want to thank the association’s

Director members from Officersour Vice andPresident Board on of down for the hard work and effort they put in - Al Moore union such a great suc- tocess. making Most of the all 2015 I want re to thank you the member and your spouse and guests as well. Without your continuing support, these reunions would not be as successful as they have become. Although I was unable to attend, I was kept up- dated with e-mails and pictures and some from you the members as well three or four times a day by the Board. Everything that was sent was greatly Veterans Day 2015 Washington, DC appreciated. As for my health, it’s much better. I want to thank each and everyone who have asked ARTICLE AND MORE VETERANS DAY PHOTOS ON PAGE 7 about how I was doing. I hope and plan on being at

Frank Jones did a great job for us setting the re- ourunion 2017 up reunion.and we could not have asked for better 2015 Reunion service then the Marriott gave us. We are all set to A-91-3 Crew Reunites The last time these four behold back on toat it the as longMarriott as they in 2017.give good Nowadays service, when good sailors were together was youfood, find clean a rooms,hotel, such a clean as hotel,the Marriott, and a friendly you better staff. I have received a number of e-mails on how that occurred while leading - duringa column an of intense RivRon firefight9 boats eryone feel so welcome. In this edition of River to a landing zone in the Me- muchCurrents the, weOfficers did something and Board a Memberslittle different. made Weev kong Delta. added more pictures of the reunion, although we On May 8, 1968, ASPB- 91-3 was part of a group reunion. of boats conducting strike couldIf you not are fit anall AOLthe pictures user, you that may were not betaken receiving at the operations on the Song my e-mails when I send out my weekly History of Ba Lai, in support of Army the Vietnam War and other information. It seems units. As the assault craft all my AOL user’s e-mail come back as they have was proceeding to the been blocked by AOL as spam. beaching area, a large Viet I hope and wish for each and every one of you a - Albert Congtomatic unit weapons opened and fire small with Radioman Ed “The Greek” Gorczyk, Boat Captain Glenn Fitro, Twin 0.50 Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. rocket, recoilless rifle, au positions at the water line. cal. Gunner Jim “Rapid Fire Rosie” Rozema, and Engineman Art Mann armsASPB 91-3 fire fromwas hit bunkered by the The Officers and Board Members of uncontrollable engines revved and gained speed, as the alpha boat made an arcing turn and the MRFA wish you all a initialcrashed volley into ofthe enemy beach firejust that meters disabled from the controlenemy position.panel, steering, After hitting and engine the beach, throttles. the crew The Merry Christmas and was able to kill the engines and assess their situation. Multiple hits from enemy rockets and a Happy New Year! Thanks for all your support. RPGs had wounded the entire crew and there was smoke and fire emitting from the forward hull,wounds. coxswain’s flat, and 20-mm canon mount. An enemy rocket had made a direct hit on the coxswain’sA couple flatcrewmembers and the boat moved captain the was boat in seriouscaptain conditionto the stern with and multiple began deepadministering shrapnel

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 first aid as he laid on the engine covers while MORE REUNION PHOTOS ON PAGES 3-6 2 • River Currents, Volume 24, Number 4 • WINTER 2015

Lost on the Boats -

I was and still am lost on the boats. I was technically a Naval Advisor. Having served at Nha Trang (Camp McDermott) at a communications sta tion called Tay Ket from November 1969 until sometime around late April or early March 1970. Jim Miller and I ran a small vehicle garage that was not our rate but we were good at it. We did get the VNs to order parts through a supply chain. Then I was transferred to Vung Tau for about 4 weeks andon the on Grand to Saigon Canal for mostly assignment tied up to at Tango Tan Chau. Boat In53. the A coupleday time of weus rodeset ambush PBRs all up the and way down to the the YRBM-21, Grand Canal which looking was atlocated the Plain close of toReeds. An Long We sup and- just downstream from Cambodia. I picked up Tango Boat 53 there. We too were not attached to any big unit. We spent all our time day and night Tho along with what I think are F-1 portedOur operation the ARVN changed ambush to teams convoy with support Sea Wolves and the off boats the YRBM-21 followed convoyand also to Binh Phnom Thuy Penh, who Cambodia. had Black We Ponies once and again Hueys. furnished Cobras air came support out operat of Can- 4s. We did go through turnover and I spent some time with eight Vietnamese and two Americans on the boat.

ing from op base Tan Chau. We were around 153 and I want to say a Riv Div 55 was involved. AreThanks. you awareSteve Rouseof patrols T-53 on call the sign Grand Bogus Canal and maybe past Tram Chim to Phouc Xuyen? Phouc Xuyen was an ATSB on ammies (flat barges). You turned off the Mekong at An Long. REUNION away. Meanwhile, other alpha boats were mak- boat so that the more seriously wounded crew- Continued from page 1 immediate medical attention. ingenemy close-in from gunadvancing runs with on theirthe beached 0.50 cal. boat. and men could be flown back to the MRF ships for- embanked enemy. Ignoring their wounds, the 20-mmTheir effort canons resulted providing in more cover rocket fire to hits keep to the ing Alpha 91-3’s boat captain, who was later thedetermined remaining crew crew pounded began returning the enemy fire toposi the- assisting Alphas and additional casualties. Fi- That day saw 17 personnel casualties includ nally, a daring rescue of the craft was conducted not return to Vietnam. - flown to Japan for additional treatment and did tion with 0.30 cal. machine guns, M-16 rifles, who trained and fought together were thrilled M-79the enemy grenade position launcher, but andfailed 12-gauge to detonate shotgun be- byblank M-92-1, range. despite continuous rocket and au Now, 47 years later four of the original five fire.cause The the first round rounds hadn’t from traveled the M-79 far enoughlanded toat tomaticAlpha weapons91-3 was firesecured received alongside at almost the moni point- - tor with heavy rope, dragged off the beach, and to see each other at the 2015 Mobile Riverine and using it much like a mortar provided the towed out of the kill zone. Force Association Reunion. The fifth★ crewmem armdistance itself. necessary Pointing thefor M-79the HE nearly rounds straight to arm up Further down the canal at a safer distance a Edber, Gorczyk, 20-mm gunner [email protected] Henry “Hank” Dotson hopes and explode on the enemy just a few meters Dust-off chopper was able to land on a Tango to attend with his crew in 2017. River Currents, Volume 24, Number 4 •WINTER 2015 • 3

2015 MRFA Reunion, Indianapolis, IN 2015 Reunion Feedback Dear Albert, and our spouses and all the volunteers who helped make the re- I wanted to take a moment to thank you and the many others involved with unionI personally a success, want but mostto thank of all all you our the Officers members and without Board yourMembers help the MRFA Reunion this past weekend. My sons and I found the experience to and support over the years the reunions would not be what they are be wonderful. It meant a lot for my boys to learn more about their Dad’s mili- today. Special thanks to my wife Linda and Georgie who kept me on a straight and narrow path. Memorial Service Participants: Dave, you always make me cry taryfrom service many howand timethey inmissed Vietnam. you. They I hope were that only your 10 healthand 12 will when improve he died. with - time.The flag and certificate will find a place of honor in our home. Also, I heard Thanks again and best wishes, Ellen Bergman (Lt. Henry Bergman II) whenwith the you Memorial do the Missing Service Man help Ceremony.make this reunion You do oneit with to remember the mem ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ bersand not with forget. nothing but class and dignity. You and the others involved Albert, Sorry you missed the reunion; it was one of the best ever. Take care Thanks to the hotel staff at the Marriott East, especially Christine of yourself and hope to see you next time. Thank you, Robert Bush B 3/47 9th Inf Div ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Noggle,great that for you their took outstanding the time toservice grace and us withhospitality. your attendance and Al: All the speakers did very well, and Chris was a big hit with Amazing yourOne singing last shout of Amazing out to Chris Grace Noel was for outstanding. attending ourThanks reunion. from Itus was all. Grace, it was very good. Her voice was very clear and sharp, well done. Glad to Chris you were a class act in Vietnam and still are today. hear you’re planning on the next one. Still lots of favorable comments on the hotel and the staff seemed to go out of their way, checking on meals and asking reunion will be held at the Marriott East in Indianapolis. Hope to if everything is going OK. seeIt you was there. a fantastic reunion!! Contrary to many rumors, the 2017 Emily Strange did not make it either. The day before she was to leave, her Frank Jones (Secretary and Reunion Coordinator) MRFA doctor pulled the plug. Pneumonia but she is doing better now. I was to take ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ her out to dinner. I told her I wasn’t happy with her breaking our date but was presented to the CCB crew. to her friend, the Gold Star Mother. She drove out there by herself from Wis- At the 2015 reunion, a plaque wouldconsin, giveat 88 her years a rain old. check Amazing! for theAll thenext boys reunion. are looking She said forward “Great!” to theI talked next for them. The working party reunion and are already making plans! Tomdoes Matynan outstanding accepted thejob. plaque In Re- Take care and we’ll see Ya in ‘17. Darrell, A-3-60, Class of ‘68-69 flections, a newsletter put out ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ by the Vietnam Unit Monument Well we made it home from another MRFA reunion; this might have been Memorial, mentioned they had the best one yet. Love all those men and women. Our Memorial Service was received positive comments fantastic. The hotel is just great too, they treated us royally. MRFA you out did from attendees at two recent Tom Matyn Board Member and ceremonies about how beauti- Harry Hahn when we gather in DC. ful the CCB looked as well as yourself,Harry Davidoutstanding Schoenian job, and a big thanks to all. Can’t wait till November 11 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ to take the time to thank Cap- We just arrived back tonight in Texas. I thoroughly enjoyed the reunion. the PCF 104 and the PBR. I like Adrianne and I and everyone I talked with had a great time. Tremendous coor- dination by all of MRFA’s staff and support. It was well done and well executed. tainBoard Paul Members Murphy for USN an excel (Ret.)- Take care and all the best, Jack Kitchura (VUMMlent job President)they all do andwith their the ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ VUMM; boat crews included. I just wanted to thank all of you and all others for organizing the reunion. I I can’t forget Captain Ken Mc- had a great time!! with me for a number of years - Gheefor what USN started (Ret.) off who as a put rocky up oriesI have and been places reluctant long forgotten!!! to attend as I do not like to listen to “one better Bob - “I’ll be back.” Kip Bonds Gunner Chet Stanley and Georgie war stories” BUT in 3 days I never heard one—just a lot of stories about mem came one of a great friendship. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Ardinger relationshipI have much admiration (on my part) for Cap be - tain McGhee who did an outstanding job with the VUMM. Albert Remembering Rich Corrick - Also the Association honored our own Georgie “the Energizer Rich L. Corrick will never be forgotten. Notice the cap Rich always wore. Bunny”Chet Stanley. Ardinger Thanks for all for of all her you hard do Georgie.work she ★ puts in for the Associa Richyou would was the ever best want of the to best.meet. Rich The servedMobile on Museum R-112-1 was (1966-1968). Rich’s idea Richfrom was the tion. Georgie was presented with a gift card and a plaque by Gunner anbeginning, Officer and and Board he did Member a great fromjob with our beginningit until he and one of the nicest people was taken away from us by Agent Orange. Paul Erasmus: This was a big model of the boat someone made. Renee Smith Novesteras: I will be forever Albert Moore: The models were done by Member Paul Kasper - these at no cost to the MRFA. Paul thankful for the sacrifices made by my Uncle Rich 15thhas been Combat and Eng. is a Paul very also dedicated did the APC that was on display. He did (Rich Corrick). I always looked up to him and en Vietnam Veteran who has helped listedUncle inRich the never Navy many of his Brothers who were myselfhad any children in 2007. of having problems with the VA doing his own so I proud- so while having many health issues ly passed his name himself. Paul’s health is still giving him issues. Camden Richard downwas born to my on own— July

after his passing. 2, 2013, 16 months Check out the MRFA website www.mrfa.org 4 • River Currents, Volume 24, Number 4 • WINTER 2015

Speaker Jack Janice Dahlke Gold Star Mother and Kathryn Goudelock Master Chief Chet Stanley and Kitchura Gold Star Wife Chris Noel Elaine Greer receiving flag for her husband Larry Greer USS White River LSMR-536

Nicole McKean receiving flag for her Fran Divelbiss receiving flag for her husband CDR father Lee Tex McKean USS White Dave Divebliss CDR USN (Ret.) Speaker Ed Eaton River LSMR-536 Missing Man Ceremony Ellen Bergman receiving flag for her husband Lt Henry “Hank” Bergman 3rd/34th Arty and 2015 3rd/60th Inf Indy Reunion

Dave Schoenian Don Blankenship David Lull

Richard McLeod Roy Moseman Chet Stanley Barry & Janine Baron John Weiss & Doc Bob Pries

Don Blankenship, Dave Schoenian, and Charlie BG Barbara Taylor reading names of Dave Schoenian & Frank Springer, Rodney Walker, Sue Walker, Holcomb departed Army & Navy Chaplain Jim Johnson Raffle Queen Mable (Thelma) Springer, Esther Lightwine, Ralph Bigelow, and Madelynn Peat River Currents, Volume 24, Number 4 •WINTER 2015 • 5 MRFA Mobile Memorial Museum Notes Good Morning Veterans Well we have tucked the Memorial Service MRFA Memorial/Museum away for the coming winter. We took it out for some show- ings at five different places. We picked up some new members and got a lot of exposure. Rufus Campbell First we went to Decorah, Bag Piper IA, to a Thunder Rode event. It was designed to help veterans with different needs. There were workshops, speeches, and horse rides for those who wanted. Iowa Public Television covered it also and we were on TV. Then it was off to Camp Ripley for their 50th Anniver- sary of the Vietnam War display. We were there over the weekend and a lot of people Shout out for Albert viewed our museum. Next was Forest City, IA, for Chaplain Richard & Fran Divelbiss at Mobile Operation LZ for the Vietnam Marcia MacCullagh Trailer at 2015 Reunion Veterans 50th Anniversary. This was a great event with an estimated 1,500 people going through the Memo- rial/Museum. We were there 4 days. The weather did take our tent one night so we had to replace that but everything else went well. Then it was off to Indy for our Reunion. All was good there Robert Tolbert & grand- Chaplain Jim Johnson & and it was a great get togeth- daughter Dakota Kristine Kittelson Looking For Trouble er. Thanks to all who helped make it a good reunion. Last was a trip to Fountain, MN, for their 50th celebration of Vietnam. Harry Hahn came over to help Charlie, Georgie, and myself. It was a little cold but we managed to make it a good time. We are looking into put- ting in a couple monitors (TV screens) so we can play some Registration: Linda Jones, Sandy continuous movies/documen- Marthenze, Lyn Blankenship, and Sue tary films inside the trailer so Timmerman 15 Combat Engineers Group people get a better idea of what it was like in Vietnam. We will see how that proceeds. There is nothing else for now. Hope everyone has a good year and hope to see you again in Indy. Your driver, Bruce ★

Your membership expiration date is printed on your River Currents just above your USS Askari (ARL-30) Group Don Blankenship & George Marthenze name and address. 6 • River Currents, Volume 24, Number 4 • WINTER 2015

Sue Walker & Raffle Queen Mabel “Thelma” Springer Speaks for itself VP Roy & Lynne Moseman Barton & Martha Karoll

Cleve Chick, Ron Pease, Ron Anderson, David Cowley, Homer Brown, Loren Salzman, & Dave Withers Paul Erasmus Max Holcomb, & Larry R. McCormick

Greer Family

Members together again

River Division 153

Cook Out Patio USS Mark Group

Rifle winner Elbon Cobb. Noelle O’Dowd picked the lucky tickets. The Quilt made and donated by Esther other rifle winner was Jerry Frazier Lightwine (Webster City, IA)

Relaxing at the Patio

50/50 raffle winners: Richard Christine Noggle Products Table Quilt Winner: Robert Phelps Hauner and David Young Sales Marriott We Did Good on Sales! 7 • River Currents, Volume 24, Number 4 • WINTER 2015

The MRFA—9th Infantry Division First timers Henry Gregory and Charles stood together and honored our Rousey, along with Roy Moseman, Dave Brothers and Sisters on The Wall as Schoenian, and Ron Albee placed the 9th well as our fellow Veterans. Infantry Division wreath at Panel 48 W in honor of their 15 Brothers from the 4/47 on Veterans Day, this panel. Washington, DC,

This year kicked off the our laying of wreaths at The Wall on Veterans Day. Vietnam War and the MRFA Harry Hahn presented 50thand 9th Anniversary Infantry Division of the Doug Smith mentioned that hadNovember a very good turnout 11, Anniversary 2015 of the Vietnam some could not be with us today, but who are with us just the to honor our fellow Veter- everyWar Commemorative Veteran with a Label 50th MRFA—9th ID ans and our Brothers and Pin and a proclamation same. the Vietnam War and his what an honor it was Sisters on the Wall. Fifty- from the President. thoughts of those we lost to be at The Wall on could not be with us today - Harry Hahn and Frank Veterans Day. due to illness or other rea- ily members participated in Army Team long ago. A prayer was offered sons, but who are with us 9th Infantry Division five Veterans and 17 fam fromFirst our timers joint Dave Navy Pear and- by Charles Elder followed just the same. Once again, wreath at the apex of The Jones placed the MRFA— son and Dick Brown placed by some remarks by Doug Wall in honor of all those - Smith on how wonderful it Division stood together we lost in Vietnam. Harry was to see so many present andthe honored MRFA—9th our Brother Infantrys shared some comments asome wreath thoughts for the 47thregarding Infan to honor our Brothers. Doug and Sisters on The Wall, as trythose at Panelwe lost 26 longE and ago shared and also mentioned that some well as our fellow Veterans. Bravo Zulu! on the 50th Anniversary of We hope to have more of you join us next year on this very special occasion. In brotherhood, Doc Pries - ard Chernikoff. Patrick Hughes shared Note: All photos by How his thoughts on Veterans pictures are available on Day and the wonderful ourPS: Facebook FYI, All ofgroup Howard’s page. Brotherhood we have in ★ the MRFA. Charles Elder Harry Hahn and Frank Jones MRFA Partners with the Dept. of Defense for 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War The Mobile Riverine Force Association is proud Federal agencies and gov- pin, a special commemoration de- to announce a partnership with the Department ernmental and non-gov- vice. Lapel pins were given t - ernmental organizations veterans in DC and a number were nam War. Harry Hahn is the contact person for that served with, or in sup- given in San Diego by Tom Matyn.o 65 ofthis Defense partnership, for the and 50th Frank Anniversary Jones is the of assistant. the Viet port of, the Armed Forces. Any future MRFA events would 3. To pay tribute to the authorized the Secretary of Defense to conduct a contributions made on the The 2008 National Defense Authorization Act home front by the people Veterans Day Parade in San Diego qualifybe made for aware this of commemoration. the event so he - of the United States during Harrycan co-ordinate Hahn (RivRon the materials 13) needs and to programmemorative to commemorateprogram, the Secretary the 50th shallanniversary coordi- the Vietnam War. a ceremony for the lapel pin recipients. Harry’s ofnate, the support, Vietnam and War facilitate and “in conductingother programs the com and To highlight the advances in technology, sci- email is [email protected] activities of the Federal Government, State and ence, and medicine related to military research More information on this commeoration can local governments, and other persons and orga- conducted4. during the Vietnam War. be found on the website http://www.vietnam- ★ The Secretary of Defense determines the sched- made by the allies of the United nizationsule of major in commemoration events and priority of the of Vietnamefforts for War.” the States5. To during recognize the Vietnamthe contributions War. and sacrifices war50th.com commemorative program, in order to ensure event. Two such events just took Commemoration Objectives place,MRFA the events wreath qualify laying as ceremonyan official achievement1. To thank of and the honor objectives veterans specified of the in Vietnam Law. on Veterans Day at the The Wall in War, including personnel who were held as pris- Washington DC, and the Veterans oners of war or listed as missing in action, for Day Parade in San Diego. At both events, participants were given ma- States and to thank and honor the families of theirthese serviceveterans. and sacrifice on behalf of the United anniversary. Vietnam Veteran’s and Harry Hahn and Frank Jones handing out pins and To highlight the service of the Armed Forces terialsanyone commemoratingserving during the the Vietnam 50th certificates along with others—Bart Karoll, Ed Frank, Pete during the Vietnam War and the contributions of War period received a bronze lapel Bernier, and MRFA members 2. 8 • River Currents, Volume 24, Number 4 • WINTER 2015 My Tho, Tet 1968 Taken from the Army Records of the Battle

The VC 261st, 263d, and 514th Bns pinned the 32d ARVN Ranger Bn outside My Tho and entered the city. There they fought to within 200 yards of the 7th ARVN Div command post before beingMobile beaten Riverine back. Force, The 9th US Inf Navy Div on TF the 117 southern landed the 3/47th and 3/60th Infantry battalions of the the streets where Company B, 3d Battalion, was edge of My Tho on the morning of Feb 1. The ARVN My Tho, Vietnam. A Viet Cong base camp. In the attacked in conjunction with the 3/47th Inf. The foreground is PFC Raymond Rumpa, St. Paul, the Vietnam Army 7th Division attempted to enter them. house-to-houseBy nightfall, the fightingwestern washalf of very the difficult city had as been the MN, C Company, 3rd Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th - enemycleared usedto the intense main canal. machine-gun During one and point rocket in fire. the Infantry Division, with a 45 pound 90-mm recoil- fighting, but by 2100 Company B had eliminated battle, the VC used an armored sampan cruising less rifle. Photograph courtesy of the National - Archives & Records Administration ment,Company which A,had 3d met Battalion, intense 47th resistance Infantry, from re quested a light fire team to support its point ele- of the Mobile Riverine Base moved from Vinh Long up and down the river to fire at government force. to Dong Tam in order to be in a better position to and was used to relieve the pressure on Compa- Navy SEALs attacked this sampan with LAWs and small arms and rocket fire and had suffered sev support operations. put it out of action. On 2 Feb, the 3/47th and the eral casualties. At 1825 the light fire team arrived After landing unopposed in My Tho, Company team made runs directly over Company A and 3/60thMy Tho attackedwas once north again astride in allied the hands. city reservoir. These MRF At 1800 H they linked up with the ARVN forces and nies A and E by firing on Viet Cong positions. The On 31 January My Tho, Ben Tre, Cai Lay, Cai Be, on the southwestern edge of the city for its parent elements. To evacuate the wounded, a platoon battalion and was joined by Companies A and C. As actionsand Vinh were Long part were of attackedCORONADO by the X. Viet Cong. The B, 3d Battalion, 47th Infantry, secured landing sites placed fire within 25 meters of the company's lead Viet Cong units involved included at My Tho, the the troops began to move north into the city, they Vietnam Array jeep parked in the street, and drove - leader sprinted through enemy fire, jumped into a - try, moving on the west, both battalions advanced him, he helped the wounded men aboard the jeep north through the western portion of the city, 261st, 263rd, and 514th Battalions; at Vinh Long,- met heavy fire. With the 3d Battalion, 60th Infan to the wounded. Ignoring the fire directed against the 308th, 306th, 587th Battalions, and local forc to withdraw under cover of darkness. Through- es;Companies at Cai Be andand localCai Lay, forces. the 261st The MobileMain Force Riverine Bat and drove back to his company lines. By 2100 kind new to the riverine battalions. The city had talion,Force, supportedhowever, had by thenot 540th found and any 530rd Viet CongDistrict in receiving small arms, automatic rifle, and rocket most of the firing had ceased and the enemy began the populated area along the Rack Ruong. When fire.to be Fighting cleared wasslowly intense and systematically; and continuous pockets and of of a grenade attacks were directed against the Ameri- the force moved from this area, a lot of guerril- enemy resistance had to be wiped out to prevent outcans the and night Vietnamese sporadic but sniper no major fire and engagements occasional las made an effort to delay its return movement the Viet Cong from closing in behind allied troops. developed. to the My Tho River. Although planning and co- While advancing through the city, Company A - ordination were evident in the enemy attempt to tack strongholds within the city, which was encir- prevent movement of the Mobile Riverine Force and Company E was ordered to reinforce. On the On 2 February the 2d Brigade continued to at to the scene of the major battles, the boats and 3dway, Battalion, the lead 47th elements Infantry of metCompany heavy fireE also at 1615 met battalions continued a sweep to the north in the their embarked battalions were able to reach cledwestern by U.S. portion and Vietnamese of the city, encountering units. At 0630 only both light U.S. the western edge of My Tho. At this time, both ma- intenseneuver battalionsfire and were were eventually involved in pinned pitched down battles at on the northern edge of the city. Tactical air strikes with napalm were called in and dislodged Viet theelements Mobile were Riverine ordered Base to by conduct 0220 on operations 1 February. in resistance. At 0915 a Viet Cong force was engaged Infantry, continued its movement north, advanc- Cong troops holding a guard tower near a highway Afterthe vicinity less than of Cai 4 hoursBe. Before rest, the the landing Army and could Navy be executed, however, orders were changed by the se- and were taking casualties. The 3d Battalion, 60th bridge. The resulting damage to the bridge was nior adviser of IV Corps Tactical Zone and the river assault divisions were diverted to My Tho where ingelements. under Troopsheavy enemy moved fire, in and and out air ofstrikes doorways, were supporting engineer platoon. Upon completion of allied forces were still heavily engaged. Elements requestedfrom house at to 1740 house, to assistand from the battalion'sstreet to street. forward Ar- repairedthe sweep, under the city fire was by the cleared Mobile of enemyRiverine units Force's and of the two battalions were landed by water craft in tillery was used against enemy troops who were the Mobile Riverine Force battalions loaded onto had been in a previous engagement with troops of CONTINUED NEXT PAGE My Tho at 1520, 1 February. The five major ships fleeing the city. At 1955 a group of Viet Cong who Battle at My Tho, Tet ’68 by 1st Lt Charles Howe Bravo Co. 3rd/60th Infantry artillery and airstrikes. I helicopters in Bien Hoa by a number of friends to commandeered a Dodge and would position them in relayI havemy beenexperiences requested at pickup from the My Tho Dong Tam. We had the jets My Tho during Tet, 1968. Chief of Police; I remem- Col. John Hill, CO of the ber it had a three on a tree Viet Cong had captured an - inAmerican less than M11330 minutes. armored The chine gunners, my RTO, all personnel carrier and was 3/60th,had been informed pinned down me that in tranny. I took four M-60 ma driving up and down the theMy Tho 3/47th for over Infantry a day and Bn. headed for the tallest build- streets really raising hell that we needed to get con- froming in Bravo town. Co We 3/60th, fought andour trol. Bravo Company’s CO, way to the top of the build- gun. They had already be- Jim MacDonald, had been ing without any casualties. I with the 50 cal. machine- 1st Lt Charles Howe B Co. 3rd/60th wounded and I was made received a radio transmis- dren from an orphanage Bravo Company’s acting sion from Hungry Dragon headedprior to roughlyour arrival. 100 chilOn mission. Within an hour, the machine gunners in for CO. We were being trans- 8, who I found out later was enemy was leaving My Tho the Silver Star, which they General Westmoreland. He - to the northeast. It was like received, and I got my ass that dropped us off on the asked what I needed for about the fifth attempt, one chewed out by Col Hill for portedbeach onin anthe LCM south Navy side boat of - of the F-105’s hit the per they ran across the open town. Hill gave me the au- tery of 8-inch howitzers sonnelthe M113 carrier was with moving. a 250 The lb. shooting fish in a barrel as to General Westmoreland, thority to commandeer a support. I requested a bat bomb.8-inch Ithowitzers was quite arrived a feat asin from the time we arrived, makingCommander support of all requests Allied vehicle, get positioned at said he was having the ar- Dong Tam, came down on fields.we had In lessMy thanTho 2½secured. hours Forces, Vietnam. ★ the highest point, and direct and five jets. The General The following day I put the tillery picked up by CH-47 my net, and requested a fire River Currents, Volume 24, Number 4 •WINTER 2015 • 9

MY THO - the medical station; they had iron Continued from previous page sonnel if they would give us some of pipe saw horses so they just laid the “Here’s Your McDougalltheir ammunition, then asked which the they Navy did. per canvas litters on the saw horses and Once we landed around 3 p.m. - Platoon-Size redeployment to Cai Lay District in on the bank of the My Tho River, we gist the surgeons were using syringes armoredDinh Tuong troop Province. carriers at 1201 for reached a road that paralleled the My startedof xylocaine operating. like water No pistols. anesthesiolo There Sump,” Sergeant! By this time, the Viet Cong offen- Tho River and we moved east half the were four surgeons operating, every Submitted by Tony Puglisi 5th/60th sive had lost much of its original in- company on each side of the road sin- B Co 3rd Plt. 9th Inf Div Bear Cat tensity in Dinh Tuong Province and (11/66-04/67) the enemy appeared to be withdraw- - 15wash minutes. his hands, One of go the behind doctors a wouldgreen There was one thing while in the ing to the north and west. Base Area glenants file, of wethe wereSouth receivingVietnamese machine Army say, “Frank, it's your turn.” He would gunas we fire moved at this into time. My Tho. We We saw turned rem come back wash his hands and con- had taken up positions before Tel, north and reached a Catholic school curtain,tinue operating. and 5 minutes Fifteen later minutes he would later, 9thwas Infbeing Div sort5th/60th of punished that was by kind the 470,was thoughtwhere the to beMobile a likely Riverine location Force for complex with a Catholic Church in ofsame funny Platoon (at leastSgt. who I thought infused so). me I the Viet Cong to regroup. The Mobile the courtyard. The Church was full Riverine Force therefore moved the and the Priest was at the altar pray- theagain. doctor He would would wash say, “Jim,his hands, it's your go a punishment for me. He ordered ing. We stayed at the Church that turn.”through Then the greenthe same curtain, thing and happens return (ame longto dig story) a platoon-size and he decided sump. on I area to cut off enemy escape routes night; there was heavy machine gun obeyed and started digging and 25from km eastern from MyDinh Tho Tuong to the Province. Cai Lay and continues operating. This same the hard rice paddy and the en- - The next morning we formed on a 5routine minutes continued later. He washesover and his over. hands A trenching tool made the palms of ments during the following two days fireroad and in front artillery of the all Catholicnight. school, at my hands start bleeding. So being a Thereas the Viet were Cong no apparently significant remained engage 6 a.m. the Captain walked over to Lt were bringing the wounded in on one close to My Tho and did not immedi- - fewside daysand laterthe dead I found on outthe why—theyother side. and a blasting cap, set it up in the ately withdraw to their normal base - Demolition Man, I got a block of C4 areas. McDougallthe suburbs and and said, reached “Move an yourintersec pla- cate before they can take the body to hole three times and pressed the toontion. outI saw first.” Lt WeMcDougall advanced move through out Agraves doctor registration. has to sign a death certifi holeplunger. I started, Everyone called started out fire running in the Member’s recollection into the street. This is when he was to see what blew up and when the shot and I saw him spin around and Thomas Urban T-92-11 of TET 1968 at My Tho fall backwards. I was one of Lt Den- Albert: During TET I was the radio- From: Alfred Griffith Co E & D Co. Sgt.Platoon-size (he hated sump my Sgt! guts) got to the when I went over to help him, he had 3rd/60th Inf [mailto:[email protected]] from one of the ships anchored in the scene,I thought I said thatto the was Sgt., humorous “Here`s your be- The details that I can recall, we nis McDougall’s squad leaders and river at Dong Tam and landed them me. His eyes were glazed and we all man on T-92-11. We loaded troops were on the ships and about 1 a.m. at My Tho. I remember a wall in front the Platoon-size sump. we were sent to eat breakfast, then a blank stare and didn't recognize of us that the guys used for cover. We causeI do he not did have not any say photos, “How” butto dig at to see him several months later back were at battle stations with all guns - - onto the landing craft. Around noon thought he was dying (It was a shock manned but with strict orders not to aroundthe landing 2:30 craft a.m. wewere were anchored loaded lain Johnson came running up and onekinds time of things I did duringhave 24 my rolls tour of with un near land and Lt McDougall told us inthey the helped 3/60). carry The medichim to and safety. Chap A developedthe 9th Inf. film They I hadwere taken destroyed of all few minutes later, we suffered more we were going to My Tho because a weeks landing and picking up troops wounded from artillery. I believe fire under any circumstances. South Vietnamese Army regiment and replenishing the guys in various - We pulled out and spent the next 2 had been destroyed by the enemy. locations. We only tied up to the ship by fire (our PC took three hits by a cluding me. The medevac helicopter to refuel and reload ammo, water, 75 mm and it melted on the road took us to the Benewah. There was you could hear the artillery shells there were five more wounded in and c-rations. ★ alongthey would with mybe safefilm. and I was I could bringing sell About 10 minutes before we landed, a helicopter landing pad right over them toto baseLOOK camp Magazine (Xuan and Loc) Na so- tional Geographic but they did not exploding and machine gun fire. Lt make it. Anyway, I can tell you that be- Danang 1968 fore I was infused we were security By Pete Weber Bravo Co. 2nd Plt. 3/47 Albert, Pete Weber here the jeeps and any other and I will give you my rec- mobile vehicles we had. onnearby a bridge village (around people and April we or could May Things start to get foggy 1967?). The engineers built so thefor me from here because lage people used it to go to a Catho- ollection of the “Battle of I also came down with the have a connecting route (the vil My Tho.” We were on a fire- same thing. I went to jump one PC there on the far side of the support base (Jan. 28, ‘68, a small ditch and ended up licbridge Church and it nearby). was my track. Well I we was had on I believe). We were prom in the ditch and couldn’t - ised a 5-day guarding a fire function. I was tossed Pete Weber Today ing when it was very foggy and we supportday and then 155s got (they the word were onto the spotlight jeep Guardwere pointed duty on towardsthe 50 cal. they one villagemorn when I heard singing. I alerted the onwe Barges).were being We lasted airlifted one Pete and Art Weber Marine lot of guys were emptying just outside of My Tho on it. It was a mess and Col (Ret.) rest of the guys and we watched but that didn’t happen). A as two Vietnamese Catholic nuns to take the city back! We withawful. about The next 12 othermorning guys I up with good American were dropped and assem- found myself on a corner were taking a group of children to their canteens and filling bled in a rice paddy about in My Tho with a couple the Catholic Church down the road down alongside the canal were walked to the river of other guys. I asked the and piled in a pile (all were past us. It was amazing, we heard liquorand got and back whatever. on the boats We We received our sundry guy who was watching dead). We then progressed singing in the heavy fog and then - and then went back to the these nuns and children appeared 2 mi. outside of My Tho. over us where my platoon troop ships and waited for was and he guided me to (wide open from the other from within it; it was great. Because canal. We made it down to the next operation. After into My Tho on a main them. I got all my gear and side) and started receiv we were there and the engineers packets and after about 2 some cover and silenced some time it came back to road. It was dark and we grenade launcher and we ing fire from across the rebuilt the bridge the VC blew up, hours (dinner) we headed - us that the reason for the had a spotlight jeep spot- were briefed on what we they were able to go to church. ed to do a store-to-store illness that night was bad ting for us. At this point were going to do. We were search looking for enemy tropical chocolate. A total in time, troops started going to take back My Tho the enemy fire. We start meaning to me besides that. After soldiers. We found a lot - years of being back home, I was dropping out! They were and progressed north to capacitated that night but Now that bridge holds a personal throwing up, defecat- a bridge that went over chatting about war stories with a warehouse full of Honda of 23 troops became in guy from home, at home, about the ing, had no strength and the main canal of My Tho next day. Hope this helps a couldn’t even walk. They where we immediately of American liquor and a load them and resell them quicklylittle Albert? recouped ★ by the started piling them on CONTINUED ON PAGE 11 motorbikes (we wanted to 9th Division 5th/60th Mech. He saw some NVA burning 10 • River Currents, Volume 24, Number 4 • WINTER 2015 MRFA Gear Locker SALE Hat Pins 00 $ A great gift for any occasion. These sturdy and colorful 5 FREE SHIPPING! pins will make a great addition to that special hat. Makes a great lapel pin and tie tack too! Each is quality hand- crafted pewter and comes complete with clasp. 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E-mail______Ordering is as easy as 1-2-3. 1. Indicate your choice of item number (be sure to include color and size, if applicable), with quantity, and total amount. Add amounts for grand total to enclose. 2. Make your check or money order payable to the MRFA. The MRFA does not take NOTES: credit cards. 3. Mail Gear Order Form and check to Products Chairman, Chet Stanley Jr., 205 Total items ordered ______Carolina Ave., Easley, SC 29640-1409; 864-306-8400; [email protected]. Grand Total $ Visit www.mrfa.org to download our product catalog from the MRFA Gear Locker! River Currents, Volume 24, Number 4 •WINTER 2015 • 11 In Memory Of Alexander Plankowner Den- 83 Box 69A, Gap Mills, - This section is for members who wish to sponsor the MRFA by placing a notice “Sandy” Young C Co. nis N. O’Toole - tact the family c/o in memory of one of their fallen comrades. In some instances, the name of - [email protected]. Janis Poindexter, 6 De- the sponsor will precede the name of the person who was KIA, or has passed 1994 TF-117. You may con on since Vietnam. It’s $25 for four issues. 1999 Pete Schmidt WVMary 24941-9411, Fleming elb lores Ct., Odessa, TX Wendell Affield for Buddha Ed Thomas, Boat Captain Tango 112-11 (02/68-02/69) 5th/60th passedserved awaywith IUWG-1 Novem Bolduc, wife of mem- Tom Bird for Sam Boyce RM3 A-92-2 KIA Vinh Long (02/06/68) James Cook ber 6, 2015. Dennis ber Maj Gen Lucien was very proud of his William Blauser for Thomas Gaudet, David Land, and Jose Campos our 151 Division brothers B Co. 3rd/60th Inf may contact the fam- Bolduc, Jr., passed 79765-8544.service to his Coun David- that were KIAs 2012 (05/66-08/67).ily c/o Embery Mimi, You try, especially his time MajGeneral Lucien Bolduc, Jr. USA (Ret) for Guy Tutwiler A Co. 3rd/60th In - served in the Mobile Bravo Charlie A 10 (04/69-04/70) for Terry Mason and Gil Reyna (Class NIOTC 2-69) Brothers of the 2nd/47th Inf for all Army and Navy KIAs away August 24, Craig “Doc” Champion in memory of KIAs 3rd Plt D Co. 3rd/47th (1968) 431 E 6th St, Chul 2015. Maj Gen Lucien More pain no more John and Doris Chrzanowski in memory of SP/4 Humberto Ruiz Santiago Jr. Grenadier A Co. uota, FL 32766-8624, served in 3rd/47th Riverinesorrow may Force. our No 4th Bn 47th Inf. Rgt 9th Inf. Div. Died of wounds 06/27/69, Kien Hoa, South Vietnam (DC 407-797-2735. Inffamily (02/67-01/68).c/o Lucien brother rest in peace. Wall Panel 21W Ln 025) YouBolduc, may Jr., contact 11111 the Mike Clark in memory of Larry Welk and Lydes Gardner 4th/39th 9th Inf Div (1967) Monmouth, San Anto- Janice Dahlke for son Randy Mueller D Co. 2nd/47th KIA 03/03/69 Orville Daley for Merrill Davis USS Askari ARL-30 (1952-1953) Fran Divelbiss for Cdr. Dave Divelbiss, Supply Officer on Staff COMRIVFLOT ONE, USS [email protected]. Benewah APB-35 (1966-68) nio, TX 78239-3142, Ron Easterday for Marco A. Serrano Jr. and Franklin D. Hite HHC 2nd/47th Inf (Mech) KIA Raddatz 03/13/67 and William B. Cronin (LTC) HHC 2nd/47th Inf (Mech) KIA 04/27/67 Ted Fetting for Eloy “Stevie” LeBlanc, Roy Phillips, and Fred Jansonius B Co. 2nd/60th KIA Member Leland 02/02/68 Raddatz passed away Sgt Robert Flaige for SP4 Robert “Bob” Jenks E Co. 3rd/60th KIA 03/03/68 - Nan Fulton for LtGen Bill Fulton Cdr 2nd Bde Asst Div Cdr 9th Inf Div (1966-68) land served with A Cobb Tony Garvey for Wes Sade, Billy Olsen, and Staff Sgt. James Williams C Co. 4th/47th 9th Inf August 12, 2015. Le Glenda S. Cobb, John W. Gerbing for Noel T. West A Co. 4th/47th KIA 06/19/67 9th Infantry Division. wife of member Clay Regina Gooden for Sgt Lloyd Earl Valentine B Co. 3rd/47th KIA 09/05/68 Mrs. Elizabeth M. Hayes for LTC Daniel P. Hayes HQ 3rd/34th Artillery (06/67-01/68) Co. 709 Maint. Bn., Elbon Cobb, passed Richard James Leo Haynes for my fellow plank owner and buddy Don Grier GM2 USS Benewah. He died in family c/o Marjorie Clay passed away a car crash in 2003 You may contact the Elbon served in Riv- James Henke, Dave Nelson, James Callan for Sgt Tony Spradling, Sgt Gerald Thurman, Spec St., Beaver Dam, WI away April 16, 2015. Rambo served with D Co. James B. Johnson, and all our Brothers lost on June 19, 1967, from A Co. 4th/47th 9th in Raddatz, 809 Beaver - Joe B. Rambo July 7, 2015. Richard AP BAC, Long An Province hotmail.com. tact Elbon Cobb, HC passed away October residing in St. Paul, Gordon Hillesland for Pat Lawson NSA Dong Tam (1967-68) Ron 9 T-92-2 (12/66- Joe Hilliard for Joe Benack from Florida and Donald Hartzell from Pennsylvania 53916, lmraddatz@ 02/68). You may con 3rd/47th Inf. He was Bruce Jensen in memory of Frederic Peers Webb A-111-4 KIA 12/21/67 Correction in the 2015 Fall River Currents passing. J. R. Johnson 3rd/47th 9th “Recon” (05/66-01/68) in memory of Walker, Gotch, Paradez, 10, 2011. Joe served MN, at the time of his Nelson, and Hayes withthe family E Co. c/o 2nd/39th Lynn Dave Justin for Robert “Bobby” Scharpnick A Co 2nd Platoon 3rd/60th and Dennis McDougal Michael Pacholka C-112-1 passed away in Inf. You may contact A Co 3rd/60th 2009 and not in 2015. Lincoln, Hamburg, AR Bob Land, Rich Lierman, Jim Zervos, and Pete Oakander for Frank Dettmers, our boat captain Mobile Riverine Force Association on CCB-131-1 (May 69-May 70). We do this in his honor and remembrance. Craig Rambo, 208 E Richard MacCullagh for John (Doc) Phillips, HMC, USN (Ret) RivRon 15 Membership Application Form Richard MacCullagh for Chaplain Rene L. Petit, LT, CHC, RC, RivRon 13 and 15  New Member  Associate Member  Renewal  Sponsor 71646-3218. H. Bruce McIver for HM1 Zeph Lane who was severely wounded 03/31/69 and unfortunately killed in a private plane crash 05/20/85  Donation  CCB-18  Mobile Museum Adam Metts for Donald L. Bruckart T-111-2 KIA 03/31/69  Change of address below. A R “Monti” Montillo for William “Bulldog” McLaughlin B Co 3rd/60th KIA 10/03/68 and Barry “Butch” Copp B Co 3rd/60th KIA 10/28/68 Albert Moore for Ralph Tresser CS3 USS Benewah APB-35 (1966-67) NEWSLETTER DELIVERY Snowden Albert Moore for Tom Bityk CS3 IUWG-1 VC-Hill/Ha Tien (1969-70)  Postal Delivery  Go Green with Email Janet Snowden, Albert and Sarah Moore for Capt Gerald Saucier CO USS Benewah APB-35 (09/66-02/68) VP Roy Moseman for Oscar Santiago C-2 4th/47th (10/67-10/68) wife of member John Herman Murphy EN2 for USS Benewah shipmates: John Long EN2, Craig Bronish MR3, and Name ______Snowden, passed George Schnieder MR2 Street ______Maj J. D. Nichols III CMDR C Co. 3rd/60th Inf (12/66-11/67) for Alfred Cornejo, Anthony Poindexter Galeno, Richard Lasher, Rudolph Melendez, Sigfredo Pinto-Pinto, and Darrell Reid KIA City ______Member David away November 25, 08/20/67 Jasper Northcutt for SSGT Henry T. Aragon B-2 2nd/47th KIA 08/23/67, SGT James E. State ______Zip Code ______Poindexter passed 2014. John served in Bmay Co. contact 4th/47th John Inf. Boorman B-2 2nd/47th KIA 08/27/67, SP4 James D. Bronakoski B-2 2nd/47th KIA Phone ______04/27/67, SP4 Michael G. Hartnett B-2 2nd/47th KIA 04/27/67, SGT William D. Mize (04/67-04/68). You B-2 2nd/47th and 5th/60th KIA 10/28/67, CPL Harold K. Southwick B-2 2nd/47th Inf KIA Cell ______away November 12, 03/02/67 (first KIA in B Co. 2nd/47th in Vietnam), and PFC Robert C. Voltz B-1 2nd/47th Inf E-mail ______2015. David served Snowden, 12160 N (Mech) KIA 03/11/67 (first KIA1st Platoon B Co. 2nd/47th in Vietnam) onTango-92-10 350 W, Wheatfield, Luis Peraza for SSG Michael K. Lewis KIA 06/13/69, SGT Harold H. Hunter KIA 01/27/69, and (01/67-12/67) MRF IN 46392-7603, brothers of D Co 3rd/60th KIA during 1968-69    John Smith for Paull D. Jose B Co. 3/60th KIA Westy 11/01/68 WW-II Korea Vietnam SUMP! Aaron R. Spurway for Chief Ray Continued from page 9  Army Member Chet “Gunner” Stanley for all the USN and USA KIAs of the MRF (1967-70) Unit (Division, Brigade, Battalion, Company, Platoon, Battery) Ken Sundberg for Michael David Sheahan 5th/60th KIA 02/25/68, Robert L. Conley 5th/60th told me that he was drafted and was sent to the KIA 02/01/68, and Glenn Dean Taylor 5th/60th KIA 02/01/68 ______Robert Sutton for LT James F. Rost Jr. Vin Te Canal Chau Duc KIA 11/69  Navy Member Robert Thacker for SFC Earl T. Pelhan, Jr., 15th Eng, 9th Inf Div, KIA in Delta Lo Okey Toothman in memory of Sgt Dick Arnold A Co. 3rd/47th, Max DelaCruz and G. P. Jones Unit (Ship, Boat Hull Numbers, Navy Activity/Detachment, etc.) samethat same company personnel and mycarrier same guarding platoon that (he same was ______C Co. 3rd/47th mybridge. replacement) Small world, and huh? to the same squad and Steven Totcoff for my brother CPL Dennis S. Totcoff B Co 3rd/47th 9th Inf Div KIA 5/2/68 Dates Served in Unit (mm/yr - mm/yr) ______to ______He went on to tell me that he and two others USS Benewah shipmates: John Long EN2, Craig Bronish MR3, and George Schnieder MR2 were securing that bridge and two were killed USS Guide MSO-447 for Shipmate and Brother Harold Foster MEMBERSHIP RATES DONATION by a VC attack and he was able to escape cap- Henry Velez for my fallen brothers, B Co. 2nd/39th Inf ture by going down a ravine and was found the Ron and Judy Wallace for all those lost from 3rd/47th Inf  1 Year $20  3 Years $50  ______next morning by reinforcements. He was the sole Gary Williams for Dale Winkel C Co. 3rd/60th 9th Inf (01/68-01/69) CPT Steve Williams and MAJ Bob Bischoff in memory of 2LT David George Williams, Co A, survivor. To become a member, mail your check or money order 4/47th, KIA 9/21/67 (payable To MRFA) to Charlie Ardinger, MRFA Membership Chairman, Tony was transferred to the 11 Armored Caval- David Wilson 2nd/60th KIA 08/05/69, Timothy Shelton 4th/39th KIA 06/25/69, Steven Murrary 1857 County Road, A14, Decorah, IA 52101-7448. ry Div. where he earned a Bronze Star and Purple 4th/39th KIA 05/26/69, Harvey Crabtree 2nd/4th Arty KIA 06/19/69, and Dennis Mattox Heart. ★ 1st/501st 101st Abn KIA 08/23/69 Mobile Riverine Force Association 1857 County Road A14 Decorah, IA 52101-7448 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

MRFA Sponsors Our expressed thanks to those who have become MRFA sponsors! It’s never too late to get onboardRiver as a sponsor, so we continue to seek and welcome those who wish to sponsor the MRFA! Sponsorship in the MRFA helps to defray the cost of producing Currents. Sponsorship lasts for a period of one year, with your name and information appearing in four issues. Send your $25 (payable to the MRFA) to Charlie Ardinger, 1857 County Road A14, Decorah IA 52101- 7448

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Terrance Fetters HHQ 3rd/47th Inf (04/69-07/69) Roy Lee D Co. 15th Combat Eng Bn (01/67-04/67) Donald and Marijo Robbins USS Benewah (APB-35) Ted Fetting B Co. 2nd/60th Inf (10/67-02/68) Bob Lennon USS White River LSMR-536 (1966-68) William Robinson Jr. CO USS Mark AKL-12 (06/70-05/71) Robert Flaige E Co 3rd/60th Inf (05/67-05/68) Walter F. Lineberger III XO RivDiv 91 (1968-69) Greg Rockow USS Harnett County LST-821 (1968-69) Ronnie Fontenot YRBM-17 in Dong Tam (01/68-11/68) Arthur L. Lockhart NSA Det Dong Tam RVN (01/68-01/69) Jerry Ross T-131-1 (08/69-08/70) Neil Fovel 3rd/47th Inf (11/67-03/68) James Long Sr. ComRivFlot One Staff (11/67-11/68) Durwood D. Rosser M-91-1 (10/67-08/68) Dallas Abbott A Co. 3rd/60th Inf (06/67-06/68) Dennis Frank D Co. CMDR 3rd/60th Inf (07/68-07/69) Steven Loomis Naval Advisory Group (VNNSY) (06/70-06/71) Robert Roth USS Benewah APB-35 (08/68-09/69) LT H. M. “Murk” Alexander ComRivDiv 132 (06/68-06/69) William B. Fullerton USS Benewah APB-35 (1970) Robert “Bob” Lord YTB-785 Winnemucca (02/71-12/71) Matthew F. Rovner USS Colleton (09/66-12/67) George B. Amador USS Krishna ARL-38 (1969-71) Nan Fulton Associate Member Richard Lorman T-152-6 (06/68-06/69) Ronald Rulon D Co. 15th Combat Engr. Bn (03/6-10/67) Jimmie J. Apel A Co. 4th/47th Inf and 6th/31st (1969-70) Richard Gallagher USS Mercer APB-39 (1968-69) Lucas Lilyard Z-132-2 (06/68-06/69) Billy Sanders RivRon 11 RAD 112 T-112-1 & CCB-112-1 (Vietnam 1967) Charlie and Georginia Ardinger T-151-11 Gamewardens of Vietnam Mid-Atlantic Chapter Corrado Lutz PCF-23 (03/68-03/69) Norman Saunders B Co. 3rd/39th Inf (01/69-08/69) John Armstrong HHC 3rd/47th Inf (04/66-01/68) Jaime Garcia M-111-1 (03/67-12/67) Stella Gayle Malone Paul Schaut COMRIVFLOT ONE USS Benewah APB-35 (1967) Dale Ashley USS Monmouth County LST-1032 (11/66-11/67) DonationInMemory Frank O. Martinolich D. Co 3rd/60th 9th Inf Div (09/68-07/69) Dave Schell RivRon 15 Tango 49 (07/69-07/70 Christian Bachofer Jr. ComRivDiv 92 (07/68-06/69) Tony Garvey for Wes Sade, Billy Olsen, and Staff Sgt. Terry Mason RM3 RivDiv 132 Robert “Bob” Schrader D Co. 9th Med BN (07/68-07/69) Dr & Mrs John Baldwin Surgery 24th EVAC HOSPITAL (1968-69) James Williams C Co. 4th/47th 9th Inf Larry McCallister C-2 4th/47th Infantry (12/67-12/69) F. George Schuster LTJG USS Indra ARL-37 (1968-69) Ralph Bakle from Charles Sykes for a job well done John N. Gavin USS Satyr ARL-23 (1971) Lee “Tex” McKean GMG2 USS White River LSMR-536 (12/66-12/68) Bob Shawen Friend of the Ardingers Tom Bergman USS White River LSMR-436 (07/66-07/68) John W. Gerbing A&E Co 4th/47th Inf (1966-68) Cratis McLaughlin D. Co 3rd/47th 9th Inf Div (09/68-07/69) Jerry Shearer C Co. 3rd/60th 9th Inf (04/67-04/68) Tom Bird A-92-1 (1967-68) Regina Gooden Associate Member Phil McLaughlin USS Blanco County (LST-344) & USS Clarence Shires Jr. C-1 4th /47th Inf (01/67-01/68) Bob and Sara Bischoff CO A Co 4th/47th Infantry (01/68-07/68) George Grigorovitch 1097 TC Medium Boat Company (03/68-04/69) White River (LSMR-536) (08/67-09/69) Richard Simpson C Co. 3rd/47th Inf 9th Div (05/67-05/68) Richard Bittle USS Nueces APB-40 (06/68-04/69) Roger “Grossie” Grossinger D Co. 3rd/47th 9th Inf (1968-69) Sgt E-5 Ken McLean B Co. 4th/47th Inf 2nd Bde John Smith B Co. 3/60th (05/68-06/69) for all Riverines Robert B. Blair USS Clarion River LSMR-409 (1966-68) Frank Gubala A Co. 3rd/47th Inf (02/68-07/68) USS Colleton (11/68-01/69) Thomas E. Smith 9th S and T Battalion (03/67-06/68) Donald Blankenship A-111-3 and A-152-21 (02/69-02/70) Harry Hahn RivRon 13 M-131-1 (03/69-03/70) Thomas L. “Mac” McLemore T-112-7 (12/66-12/67) Marc Spilberg 4th/47th Inf (01-68-01/69) MajGen Blackie Bolduc USA (Ret.) Cdr 3rd/47th Inf William Halloran COMRIVFLOT ONE N2 (09/67-09/68) Philip Mercurio USS Colleton APB-36 (09/48-07/52) Aaron R. Spurway USS Vernon County LST-1161 (1966-68) Thomas Breidel R-92-2 (06/68-06/69) Roger Hamilton, Jr. USS Mark AKL-12 (08/68-08/69) Adam Metts T-111-2 (08/68-10/69) Chet “Gunner” Stanley C-111-1 and M-111-3 (1966-68) William Brennan USS White River LSMR-536 (02/66-10/67) Bob Hammond HQ 3rd/34th Arty (10/68-10/69) Nick Miller COS RivDiv 152 (07/68-06/69) John Swart T-132-1 (04/68-04/69 Brothers of the 2nd/47th (Mech) Inf Jeffie Hanks USS Benewah APB-35 (01/70-01/71) MilSpec Tours Inc Bryan Swisher B Co. 3rd/47th Inf (12/68-06/69) C. Vic Brumley USS White River LSMR-536 (05/66-07/67) SFC Michael Hanmer RivRon 13 and 153 (07/69-02/71) Capt Lawrence K. Monahan USNR (Ret.) YRBM-20 (1970-71) Jack Terry USS Colleton APB-36 (1966-68) MGen Walter Bryde, Jr. HQ 3rd/34th Arty (1968-69) William Harman T-132-2 (02/69-03/70) A. R. “Monti” Montillo B Co. 3rd/60th Inf (04/68-09/68) Thanks to 155 mm (Mech) Arty Chapman Burguieres Jr. B Co. 3rd/47th Inf (1968-70) Joseph Harper USS White River LSMR-536 (12/66-12/68) Albert and Sarah Moore USS Benewah (APB-35) Charles Thompson 9th Admin Co. (02/66-11/67) Gerald Busic USS Garrett County LST-786 (06/68-05/69) Leo Haynes RivDiv 594 PBR-8120 (04/69-02/70) J. Russell and Alice Moore A-91-5 (11/68-06/69) Harley Timmerman T-132-10 (06/68-06/69) Robert Caldwell Jr. USS Nye County LST-1067 (02/66-02/67) Charles Heindel C-91-1 (11/67-12/68) Roy and Lynn Moseman 4th/47th Inf Edward Toth USS Askari ARL-30 (1952-55) John and Pamela Carlin in honor of Erol Tuzcu Joe Hilliard Gunner T-48 (09/69-03/70) and Tom Muench Korea Era Vet SAC Milton Turnage M-151-1 (07/68-06/69) RADM William Carlson CO USS White River LSMR-536 (10/65-03/68) Boat Captain T-44 (03/70-07/70) Co Van My TF-115.3.7 Cat Lo Erol Tuzco A Co. 3rd/60th Inf (1968-69) Jim Carter RivRon 15 T-52 (12/69-12/70) D. D. Hoffman RivRon 9 ASPB 91-8 (03/67-03/68) Naval Advisory Group USS Terrell Cty LST-1157 William Catron River Sect. 513 (10/67-10/68) Alan G. Hyde 9th Signal (1966-67) Edwin Newland A-111-7 (06/67-06/68) Roger Valentine USS Askari ARL-30 (07/67-05/68) Craig “Doc” Champion E & D Cos. 3rd/47th Inf (03/68-11/68) Truman Irving USS Mark AKL-12 (08/68-08/69) Nha Trang (1967-68 and 1970-71) Bob and Nancy VanDruff T-91-5 and T-92-4 John and Doris Chrzanowski A Co 4th/47th and Bill Isetts RM2 USS Askari ARL-30 (07/66-08/67) MAJ Joseph D. Nichols III, CO Co. 3rd/60th 9th Inf Div (12/66-11/67) GMGI Ricky Vice USN (Ret.) T-131-7 (03/68- B Co 6th/31st (03/69-03/70) David Jarczewski C Co. 4th/47th Inf 9th Div (05/66-05/ Jasper Northcutt B Co. 2nd/47th Mech Inf (11/66-05/67) 05/69) and NAG (01/71-06/72) LTg Robert Conaty XO RivDiv 131 (05/68-04/69) MajGen Ira A. Hunt Jr. HHQ 9th Inf Div (05/68-07/69) James Noyes C Btry 3rd/34th Arty (06/67-06/68) Ron Wallace B Co. 3rd Plat 3rd/47th Inf (05/66-08/67) Randall Cook USS Monmouth County LST-1032 (1970) Bradley Jenkins HHSB 3rd/34th Arty & 2nd/47th Mech (09/68-10/69) Gary O’Brien MM3 USS Mercer APB-39 (04/68-12/69) Hank and Becky Washburn USS Colleton APB-36 (01/67-09/68) LTC Richard Crotty HHC 3rd Bde, 9th Inf (07/67-07/68) Bruce Jensen T-111-3 (1967-68) George R. O’Connell USS Terrell Cty LST-1157 Bill Weidman T-111-12 (02/67-02/68) David Czech B Co. 34rd Platoon 4th/47th Infantry (04/68-09/68) Duane Johnson 15th Combat Engineers (06/67-06/68) John C. Oxley Recon E Co 3rd/47th Inf (11/65-11/67) Gary Weisz A-91-4 (10/67-07/68) Orville Daley USS Askari ARL-30 (1967-68) Gerald Johnston USS Nye County LST-1067 (01/66-01/67) Capt Jerry Pape USN (Ret) Staff COMRIVFLOT ONE (01/68-12/68) Captain Chaplain Lester Westling Jr. NSA Saigon Frank De La Oliva Harbor Clearance Unit One (09/68-06/71) “Doc” Dale Jones B Co 4th/47th Inf (09/68-07/69) Rodney Peeler 2nd/60th Inf (04/69-08/69) in IV Corps (05/69-05/70) Robert Dockendorff NSA Dong Tam/YRBM-17 (03/67-04/68) Everett Jones CCB-151-4 and CCB-152-5 (04/69-04/70) Luis F. Peraza D Co. 3rd/60th Inf (11/68-08/69) David H. White USN (Ret) USS Satyr ARL-23 (08/69-08/70) William Duggan RAS 13 M-131-2 (08/68-08/69) Frank B. Jones RivRon 15 T-48 Anthony Perez USS Iredell County LST-839 (11/69-07/70 BMCM Donald Wiita USN (Ret). T-111-13 (03/67-02/68) Bruce Dunalp USS Mark AKL-12 (07/70-07/71) John L. Jones 1st Plt, A Batt 84th Arty (10/66-11/67) John “Ron” Perry T-132-11 (06/68-09/69) Norm Wilkinson B Co. 4th/47th Inf (03/67-03/68) Ron Easterday HHC 2nd/47th Inf (04/66-09/67) Mackey Joyner USS Krishna ARL-38 (1946-49) Col Pete Petersen USA (Ret.) Cdr 3rd/60th Inf (11/68-08/69) Tom Wischman USS Indra ARL-37 (1967-70) and G-5 9th Div (09/67-01/68) Dave Justin A Co. 3rd/60th Inf (12/66-11/67) Michael Howard Phillips D Co. 15th Combat Rhett Wise A Co. 3rd/47th Inf (03/67-04/68) Paul Eastham T-132-11 (05/69-07/69) Anton “Tiny” Karenko 9th Inf Div HHC 15th Eng Bn (02/68-02/69) Engineers 9th Inf (08/68-06/69) Jeffrey L. Withers RivRon 11 A-112-8 and M-112-12 (06/68-06/69) Virgie Eblen Associate Member Harry & Judy Kawamura BM1 W. R. Posey Craft Master YTB -785 (1967-68 1970-71) William H. Ziebarth 9th Signal, 34 Arty (1966-68) Leon Edmiston B Co. 3rd/60th 9th Inf (06/68-05/69) Dane Keller RivDiv 532 PBR 121 (05/69-05/70) William “Bill” Powell USS Askari ARL-30 (08/69-09/70) James Zieminski EN2 Boat Captain RivDiv 153 Edith Ethridge Associate Member Thomas Kelley USN (Ret) RivDiv 152 (09/68-06/69) LCDR Leonard Previto CTF-117 (08/67-08/68) ASPB 6854 (04/69-04/70) Larry Gunner Ethridge USS Askari ARL-30 LTC Nick Laiacona USA (Ret.) C Co. 3rd/60th Inf (1968-69) Bryan and Dolly Rasco USS Indra ARL-37 (09/67-01/69) Robert Zimmer XO USS Mercer APB-39 (02/68-07/69) Cdr Kirk Ferguson USN (Ret.) ComStabRon-20 (11/69-11/70) James Lanier 2nd/47th Inf (07/68-07/69) Paul Ray M-151-5 (06/69-07/70) Admiral Elmo Zumwalt ComNavForV