SUMMER 2015 Veterans Day 2015 Washington, DC

River Raiders in mud in the USS Luzerne County (LST-902) Vietnam Mekong Delta A PUBLICATION OF VOLUME 24, NUMBER 2 THE MOBILE RIVERINE FORCE ASSOCIATION SUMMER 2015 Veterans Day 2015 Washington, DC

The MRFA and 9th Infantry Division will be placing wreaths at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC, on Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11, 2015. We will be gathering at the steps of the Lincoln Memorial at 8:30 a.m. and proceed to The Wall at 9:00 a.m. on November 11. We have blocked 40 rooms at the Arlington Court Suites, a Clarion Collection Hotel, in Arlington, Virginia, from- November 8 to 11 (check out on 11/12). Room rates are $119 (plus tax) per night. For reservations, call 1-703-524-4000 ext. “0.” Please state our group name “MRFA” and give your dates of ar rival and departure. If you plan to attend, you must make your reservations under our group code prior to the cutoff date of October 15, 2015. Al Moore The Arlington Court Suites is located at 1200 N Courthouse Rd, Arlington, Virginia 22201. More information on this hotel is available at http://www.arlingtoncourthotel.com/. The MRFA and 9th Infantry Division will have a hospitality room available November 8 to 11. Come★ join us as we From the Galley honor our fallen Brothers on Veterans Day 2015. We look forward to seeing you in DC. Man it seems like only yes- For more information, contact Board Member Bob (Doc) Pries, (513) 659-4974, [email protected].

River Currents. Time goes by MRFA Reunion September 2-6, 2015 We will be at the Indianapolis - terday we sent out the Spring Marriott East again. The hotels Frank Jones has done an ex- Frank prefers e-mail (frank@raf fast when you’re having fun below with the room charge. or as you’re getting older!!!!- fertylighting.com or popsaroni@ we want to fill up first are listed sbcglobal.net). You can leave a - or e-mails as soon as possible. cellent job putting the re message at his home (314-822- When making your reservation 1230). Frank will return calls union together. He has really bear with him on answers. worked hard at it. I should through the reservation depart ment, make sure to reference the FrankIndianapolis works a Marriott full-time East job, sois have turned the reunions - located in Indianapolis’s East over to Frank much sooner MRFA so you get the MRFA rate. - These rooms went very quickly neighborhood and local attrac- than I did. There have been - a few changes with the hotel last reunion, so make your res ervations early. These rates are staff which is understand - - good 3 days prior to the reunion Kelly Moore, Sales Manager tions include Indiana State Fair able. There is always a lot of 2015. changes in the hotel industry, and 3 days following the reunion. and Christine Noggle, grounds, Pepsi Coliseum, and TheIndianapolis last day to bookMarriott is August East 3, Children’s Museum of Indianapo but this will not affect the re Director of Event Planning ($79.00/night) 1-317-352-1231, lis. Regional points of interest union one iota. We have a lot East. There are no special rates it’s always nice to see new 1-800-228-9290—is already also include Indianapolis Motor of members attending this Hotel Features: Indianapolis reunion for the first time and- Speedway and Bankers Life Fieldhouse. ($69.00/night) 1-317-359-1021 for these two hotels. These hotels faces, even though the ma filled up. are just back-ups, if needed. jority has been members for La Quinta Inns & Suites Marriott East’s restaurant serves night) 1-317-322-3716 Quality Inn & Suites East, 7050 a number of years. The hotel breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A Other Back-up Hotels: Below E 21st St, 1-317-352-0481 hasthe givenpatio usand some some excellent decent Fairfield Inn & Suites ($74.00/ bar/lounge is open for drinks. are two more hotels in Indianap- CandlewoodNote of Interest Suites, 7040 E menus for the daily meal on Room service is available during olis. They are located one block 21stany problemsSt, 1-317-495-6600 registering at the limitedapply). hours.Recreational The hotel amenities serves hotel, please contact: Frank If you Jones. have prices. That’s about it for me; buffet breakfastsCONTINUED (surcharges PAGE 3 there is more info below on the reunion. One thing I need- from the Indianapolis Marriott toter. say That’s I seem really to not get the most case of the credit for the newslet MRFA Reunion - Witness to War Foundation

withoutdo with Robinthe newsletter. and Georgie It’s we could never do the job we Martin Mader ([email protected]) The Witness to War Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in Atlanta, Georgia, that is dedicated- something we’re all proud of to preserving the oral histories of combat veterans from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and the Global War on Terror by andjob Robinthey anddo asGeorgie well. should Folks conducting free video interviews that honor your service, preserve your story, and promote the education of mili be recognized for the great tary history for future generations. Every veteran receives three DVD copies of their interview, unedited, that they - can share with family and friends in addition to having a copy of their interview donated to the Library of Congress’- take care and I look forward Veterans History Project that currently contains 65,000 veteran interviews. The Witness to War website (www. togood seeing one. everyoneAlbert at the re WitnessToWar.org) publishes clips of these interviews that the public can freely browse to learn about the sacri union. It’s going to be another fices made by our Armed Forces over the past century. If you would be interested in participating in this important★ project at the 2015 Mobile Riverine Force Association reunion in Indianapolis, IN, please contact Martin Mader at 770-628-0024 or [email protected] to set up an appointment. This service is absolutely free of cost. 2 • River Currents, Volume 24, Number 2 • SUMMER 2015 MRFA Reunion: Plan of the Day From Kansas Thursday, September 3, 2015

to the Delta - Special Edition 1st Year in Vietnam 7:00 a.m. Liberty Hall Hospitality Room opens The Old Reliable 9:30 a.m. Registration hosted by George Duke Marthenze and his staff (setup outside Lib Vol. 1, No. 50, Dec. 20, 1967 erty Hall) - 9:30 a.m. ProductA and sales B) hosted by Chet Gunner Stanley and his staff 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. MRF and 9th Inf Division Museum Room hosted by Bob Pries and his staff (Salons Oct. 19—15th Engineer Battalion be- comes first echelon of the 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. MRFA Memorial and Museum Trailer hosted by BruceNote: Graff Members (contact person and guest and Divisionwork at Bear to arrive Cat near in Long Viet driver)pay for and their Charlie own meals.Ardinger (front of hotel) namThanh. and begins construction 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. LuncheonBeer will be on supplied the patio on patio(if it rains,at no cost.will serveFood pricing: inside) Cheeseburger $5.00; Hot Dog - $4.00; Bratwurst, Kraut $5.00; Bag of Chips $1.00; Soft drink $2.00. Condiment bar to include ketchup, mustard, lettuce, tomato, buns, and watermelon slices Dec.19—MajorReliables General onto George the beach S. Eck at hardt leads some 5,000 Old - Throughout the Day Raffle tickets available from Mable Springer (Raffle Queen) and her staff Vungliam C. Tau,Westmoreland. where they are 10:00Friday, p.m. September 4, 2015Liberty Hall Hospitality Room closes welcomed by General Wil treats 350 patients at Tam 9:30 a.m. Registration Dec. 30—The Division’s first MEDCAP 7:00 a.m. Liberty Hall Hospitality Room opens

Phuo. - 9:30 a.m. Product sales Jan. 19—About 400 advance party 10:00 a.m. Herb Worthington (2/60 Recon, National Chair for the Agent Orange/Dioxin & members from various Divi Other Toxic Substances Committee of Vietnam Veterans id America and the sionprepare units a brigade-size move into Dongbase Region 2 [DE, NY, NJ & DE] Director for VVA) will talk about Agent Orange and Tamcamp. in the Mekong Delta to the health effects on the MRFA and the families of your members. Jan 20—The lst Brigade and elements 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Shopping at Castleton Mall. Sign up at front desk for shuttle. First come, first serve basis. - 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. MRF and 9th Inf Division Museum Room Note: Members and guest of the 3d Brigade and the 3d 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. MRFApay Memorial for their andown Museum meals. Trailer Squadron, 5th Armored Cav 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. LuncheonBeer will be on supplied the patio on patio(If it rains,at no cost.will serveFood pricing: inside) Cheeseburger $5.00; Hot Dog alry launch Operation COLBY. $4.00; Bratwurst, Kraut $5.00; Bag of Chips $1.00; Soft drink $2.00. Condiment In the Divisions first major bar to include ketchup, mustard, lettuce, tomato, buns, and watermelon slices contact, 14 Viet Cong lose theirto 15,000 lives. as the last major Feb. 2—Division strength mushrooms- Afternoon. Signing table for Chris Noel Throughout the Day Raffle tickets available from Mable Springer (Raffle Queen) and her staff units, including the 2d Bri 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Delta to DMZ dance with a DJ playing your favorites of the ‘60s and ‘70s music gade, reach Vietnam. held in the Grand Ballroom. Board Member Frank Jones and wife Linda will be Feb. 12—Firing in support of the 3d hosting the dance. No dress code. Battalion, 47th Infantry, the 10:00Saturday, p.m. September 5,Liberty 2015 Hall Hospitality Room closes 3d Battalion, 34th Artillery- learning two they 105-mm can navigate howitzers the 10:00 a.m. Master of Ceremonies Delta waterways by mount 7:00 a.m. Liberty Hall Hospitality Room opens - Speakers on floating barges. - Gunners Chet Stanley and Don Blankenship Feb. 13—The 3d Battalion 39th Infan- try initiates Operation EN • Chris Noel Weather Girl in Vietnam TERPRISE, a continuing op 11:00 a.m. Memorial• Jack Kitchura Service RivDiv 153 eration designed to uproot • Ed Eaton B Co. 3rd/60th the Viet Cong from Long An Amazing Grace Province. Bag Piper Rufus Campbell who will honor us again with playing of a couple Mar. 10—2dto Tan Brigade An. takes over Dong songs and Chris Noel singing at the memorial service. We all Tam,Mar. 19-20—In and 3d Brigade the pre-dawn moves appreciate what Rufus and Chris are doing this for our brothers and sisters. Chaplain LtCol Jim Johnson U.S. Army (Ret) 3rd/60th and Captain Richard- is attacked by major ele- MacCullagh U.S. Navy (Ret) ComRivFlot One Staff hours, Troop A, 3d/5th Cav- Flags and certificates will be presented to widows, sons, or daughters who at - tendwill do the the reunion honors. of our fallen Brothers from Vietnam and those who have ments of the 273d VC Regi Missingpassed Man on Ceremony since Vietnam. Gunner Chet Stanley assisted by Don Blankenship mentenemy near dead. Bau Bang. A furi ous 6-hour battle leaves 254- Playing of Taps ing away a large island in a DaveRoy Moseman Schoenian C Co 4th/47th Mar. 24—A harbor is created by dredg Note: Members and guest pay for their own meals. turning basin between Dong 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. LuncheonBeer will be on supplied the patio on patio(If it rains,at no cost.will serveFood pricing: inside) Cheeseburger $5.00; Hot Dog Tam and the My Tho River. $4.00; Bratwurst, Kraut $5.00; Bag of Chips $1.00; Soft drink $2.00. Condiment Apr. 8—Battery B, 3d Battalion, 34th- bar to include ketchup, mustard, lettuce, tomato, buns, and watermelon slices Artillery shells shoreline of- the My Tho River from barg es, marking the first time ar Noon to 2:00 p.m. Product sales tillery is employed for direct- Afternoon. Signing table for Chris Noel fire river assault. - 3:00 p.m. Raffle drawings Apr. 9-11—A pre-planned airstrike un 3:30 to ? Visiting with shipmates, family, and friends 10:00Sunday, p.m. September 6, 2015Liberty Hall Hospitality Room closes covers undergroundCONTINUED VC PAGE po 5 sitions, forcing the enemy to Note: Volunteers are appreciated. See Frank Jones

Check out River Currents, Volume 24, Number 2 • SUMMER 2015 • 3 REUNION Continued from page 1 - damages to the scooter, the rate upon return will or call her at 317-322-3716, ext.1255. You must be delivery and pick-up for the dates of Septem have the names of the riders when e-mailing or berCastleton 1-6, 2015. Square The MRFA Mall is not responsible for- calling. Shopping will be from 10 a.m. to 2:30 include an indoor pool, a spa tub, and a fitness the delivery of the scooter or the payment. p.m. on Friday, September 4, 2015★ (times could - facility. Wireless and wired high-speed Internet : Sign up for the shop change a little). This is first come, first serve. access is available in public areas (surcharges ping shuttle began on May 1, 2015. You can e- When the shuttle is full, it’s full. apply). Guest parking is complimentary. Ad mail Christine at [email protected] ditional property amenities include gift shops/ 2015 MRFA & 9th Infantry Division Reunion Registration Form • Sept. 2-6, 2015 newsstandsGuest Rooms and: Indianapolis laundry facilities. Marriott This East ishas a smoke-free property. ______315 air-conditioned guest rooms featured with Name coffee/tea makers and complimentary weekday ______newspapers.complimentary Beds toiletries, come with and premium hair dryers. bedding. The Unit in Vietnam ______Dates Bathrooms feature shower/tub combinations, Street ______MRFA guests are exempt for the fee for in-room City______State______Zip high-speed Internet (wired and wireless). Guest rooms offer multi-line phones with voice mail. Phone______E-mail______or Cell Televisions have premium satellite channels and pay movies. Rooms also include electronic check-out. Guests may request refrigerators but- ______they are available on a first come/first serve Name(s): Spouse/Guest(s) City State basisNotifications and wake-up and calls. Fees Housekeeping is avail ______ableand depositsdaily. Guest are roomscharged are by all the non-smoking. property at time : The following fees ______of service, check-in, or check-out: (1) Pet fee, USD 75.00 per pet; (2) Pet deposit: USD 75.00 ❍Yes ❍ per stay; and (3) Buffet breakfast fee, USD 16.95 (RegistrationDoes not cover fee lodging, food, bus trips, or shuttles) $60.00 ❍Send my registration Cost includes member and spouse/girlfriend per person (approximately). The above list may form by email? No notDiscount be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may ❍ not include tax and are subject to change. No guests Total number of other guest(s) (____ x $20 each) ______: The hotel will be giving us a 10% First Reunion Guests under 16 are free. ______discount for all food and beverages purchased Registration fee for Nonmember ($75) in Handicap the hotel restaurant.Home Health You Depot have toScooters wear your: To name badge when asking for this discount. Late registration fee ($75) - Grand total enclosed $______rent a handicap scooter, contact Kathy or Paula - and other items. at Home Health Depot (317-347-6400). The re When filling out the form, be as There will be a $25 processing fee your fees to purchase food, beverages, quirement is a $400 deposit, $150 for rental, $75 accurate and clear as possible. Use forNote all returned checks and cancella forMobile delivery, Riverine and $75 for Force pick-up. Association If there are no one unit and one date, even if you have tions prior to the reunion. com). If you have any questions, contact Membership Application Form servedcheck or in money more than order one (payable unit. to name: tag.You will still have to check in at Frank Jones (frank@raffertylighting.  New Member  Associate Member  Renewal  Sponsor Please send this form with your- the registration desk to receive your- great association. Albert Moore,  Donation  CCB-18  Mobile Museum MRFA Thanks President for your support in our  Change of address below. MRFA or Mobile Riverine Force As If you wait and pay your regis sociation) before August 16, 2015, to tration fee at the reunion, the late NEWSLETTER DELIVERY MRFA 2015 Reunion, 1857 County registration fee will be $75. Register Road A14, Decorah, IA 52101. early and help the MRFA as we use  Postal Delivery  Go Green with Email 2015 MRFA & 9th Infantry Division Reunion Flight Information • Sept. 2 to 6, 2015 NOTE No exceptions to this Name ______rule. If you do not sign up, you will have to find your own transportation to the hotel. : Flight info due no later than August 16, 2015, to get on the hotel shuttle. Street ______City ______State ______Zip Code ______Name(s):______Phone ______Flight Cell ______Cell Phone:______Airline E-mail:______Indianapolis Airport Number of People Needing Arrival time INTO Airport E-mail ______Date Ride from Indianapolis Number

 WW-II  Korea  Vietnam  Flight Army Member Airline Unit (Division, Brigade, Battalion, Company, Platoon, Battery) Ride to Indianapolis Airport Arrival time DEPARTING Number of People Needing Date ______Number Marriott East Hotel  Navy Member Unit (Ship, Boat Hull Numbers, Navy Activity/Detachment, etc.) ______Flight Information Form Dates Served in Unit (mm/yr - mm/yr) ______to ______: If you are flying and have friends flying, try and work your air travel aroundand MEMBERSHIP RATES DONATION each other. The airport is about 16 miles from the hotel and the cost per taxi runs around $45 or $50. To  1 Year $20  3 Years $50  ______provide the complimentary transportation on a prearranged scheduled basis, fill out the form above send to Christine Noggle by e-mail [email protected]; fax to Christine Noggle at 1-317-352- To become a member, mail your check or money order 9775; or mail to Christine Noggle, Event Manager, Indianapolis Marriott East, 7202 E 21st St, Indianapolis, (payable To MRFA) to Charlie Ardinger, MRFA Membership Chairman, IN 46219, ATTN: 2015 MRFA Reunion Flight Info. - 1857 County Road, A14, Decorah, IA 52101-7448. If you e-mail this form, you will receive a confirmation e-mail back within 3 days of arrival as to what your pick up times will be. If flights are delayed, call 1-317-322-3716, Ext 1255, when you get into India napolis airport and they will get you on the next shuttle. 4 • River Currents, Volume 24, Number 2 • SUMMER 2015 Where did most of the fighting take place during the Vietnam War? - - - - many passable only by - Most of the fighting took China, the Chinese Commu but rather a series of paths, Minhnam did Trail little and real Hanoi damage, and andalternate Khmer paths Rouge while (Cambo work placeAmerican in South troops Vietnam were bein nists sent hundreds of thou other areas of North Viet- dian) porters would take cause the official reason sands of troops south into foot or by motorcycle, that in the craters. At most, a the war) in Vietnam and put moved supplies and men although hundreds of thou gangs would quickly fill Vietnam was to assist the North Vietnam off limits for south from North Vietnam sands were killed. North- - South Vietnamese fight a major ground offensives. and into South Vietnam. Vietnam did not have that section of the trail would Communist insurgency, the Most of the incursions into While the United States did many large industrial com- be out a few hours follow- Viet Cong (VC), who were Laos, Cambodia, and North notareas, send we largedropped numbers more plexes, but used a number ingpaired. a bombingBombing run,does evenwell supported by the North Vietnam were, and still are, of ground forces into the of cottage industries to pro by B-52s, before it was re- Vietnamese regular army secret due to the political - duce its home-grown war (NVA). Because of this, sensitivities of the times. It bombs on the Ho Chi Minh material. Therefore, if one against industrialized so- ground forces were limited wasn't until April 1970 that- Trailtactical than bomber we did onraids Germa and small factory was knocked cieties,ized societies. but not against de- tothe South border Vietnam, into Laos, although Cam- the United States launched nyB-52 in WW2.strategic This bombing included out, another small factory centralized, pre-industrial special units did go across aTrail large-scale in Cambodia. ground offen raids. We also dropped a lot producing the same thing - sive against the Ho Chi Minh- was up and running within Within South Vietnam,- bodia, and, even, North - a very short period of time. most of the fighting took Vietnam. Laos and Cambo The NVA/VC took advan ofing bombs in Laos, on NorthCambodia, Vietnam. and Also, since the Ho Chi Minh place in the Central High dianot werewant officiallyto risk a neutralrepeat tage of American reluctance So to say there was no fight Trail was not a developed lands along and south of- and the United States did to invade Cambodia and a misnomer as that ignores road, but a series of paths,- thenam borderand in between the Mekong South Laos and created a massive North Vietnam is somewhat repair took a few hours. A- Vietnam and North Viet of the Yalu Campaign (in supply and resupply route air combat that took place. B-52 bombing raid, for in and west to the Cambodian the Korean War, when the just east of the Vietnamese theI tremendousmight add amountthat the of stance, might crater a num Riverborder. Delta ★ around Saigon United States crossed the bordersThis was ofnot those a single countries road, ber of paths in an area of Yalu River just south of the called the Ho Chi Minh Trail. the Ho Chi Minh Trail, but borderMRFA of North Member Korea and finds lostbombings dog of tag the Ho Chi NVA/VC, Pathet Lao (Laos), -

I was raised in Richmond, California, on the We had already made some contacts with Navy coast, 1600-0600, 21 days on, 21 off. It was dur east bank of the San Francisco Bay. At age 13-14, advisors of the NAG Navy and it seemed like that ing my time out there, I began to formulate my I used to take a bus on a Saturday by myself to was right up my alley. Anyway, there was only plan to visit Thailand. I made my first trip there China Town in San Francisco and just wander one hitch. You had to have 1 year left in the Navy SeptemberI knew my 26,position 2011 was on angoing almost to be empty eliminated 747. I around all day long and take in the sights, sounds, and I only had 8 months. No problem! As much guessand so people I began were to make afraid another to fly. After plan. about I had plentya year, and smells of the Asian culture and it grabbed as I disliked the Navy, I disliked the stateside bull - me. In February 1964 at age 17, I joined the Navy and21, later the stateside re-designated duty. SoYRBM-16. I extended The and YRBM-16 was in - and after boot camp in San Diego I was fortunate- Saigon in early Feb 1967 assigned to the YFNB- of experience in a bar on both sides and my cook- to get assigned to a Gearing class destroyer, USS - ing skills were kept up so I decided once that oc Higbee (DD-806), homeport Long Beach, Califor was mined while I was onboard with a loss of- curred I’d go to Pattaya and try my hand at run nia, as a non-designated SA and was promptly seven men who died from the bomb that explod ning a bar and restaurant. After 2 years, my liver assigned to the deck force. In May 1964’. In late ed against the hull of the YRBM-16 on Thanks told me it was time to sell and change vocations June, we changed homeports to Yokosuka, Japan, giving night!, 1:15 a.m., November 24, 1967 in so I took my TEFL course (Teacher of English as a for a period of 2 years. I was going to be back in the middle of a river at Ben Tre, Vietnam. A fire Foreign Language) and moved to Bangkok which my element again. About 2 weeks after arriving- also damaged much of the interior. Lionel Burns lasted for 2 years and I moved to Udon Thani in in Yokosuka, the Tonkin Gulf incident happened CS3, who was there, supplied this photo (taken NE, Thailand. - and most of the time spent there we were ei in Binh Thuy). It is assumed that a VC swimmer In August 2009, I met a Filipina online and in ther chasing bird farms (carriers) or conducting evaded the nets and placed the bomb there. April of 2010 she came to live with me in Thai SHOBOM, starshell, and NGFS operations. As a land. She expressed a desire to go back to school side note, the Higbee and the USS. Black (DD- so we moved to the Philippines November 2010. 666) were the first two ships to initiate Market After 3 years in the Philippines, I needed to move Time8, 1965. patrols We did and manage the Higbee to get was some the port covering time out of the country and she was real good for me warship for the Danang Marine landings March giving me the stabilization and understanding I needed. I decided for her future, I would buy a (26 days in the first 5 months) in Honk Kong and house and bring her back on a fiancée visa. So Subic and once in a while Yokosuka. Around May I moved back and bought a house in northern 1965, my chit was approved and I went into the Arizona in July 2013 and did the immigration galley. Much to my sorrow, the ship returned to paperwork and had it approved in June 2014. It Long Beach Naval Station in July 1966. I had an YRBM-16 explosion hull rupture took a little longer than usual as I had some prior option of staying in Asia but I would have had to divorce paperwork from December 1986 that- ship over, not an option. It wasn’t long before the - wasn’t completed. In July of 2014, she told me stateside routine and regulations began to wear she didn’t want to come to the United States any on me. No more sleeping in on days off, quarters John Hendrickson and Dick Strandberg sup more and I darned sure didn’t want to be there at 0730, and then to add insult to injury after plied the additional information. so I sold everything for what I could get for it and the first month we would cast off and steam to While we were in Tan Chau. I was separated left in late January 2015 for SE Asia. - Seal Beach to load up 5/38 ammo and go shell from the Navy on Feb 9, 1968 and went on or When I relocated to Da Lat, Vietnam, from the San Clemente until Friday and then return to should I say tried to readjust to civilian life. It- United States last February, one of my first pri Long Beach. Now mind you we fired over 10,500 didn’ttionship go changes. well for me and I suffered as a lot of us orities once I got settled was to visit some of the rounds of 5” rounds in 3 months off the VN coast have with alcohol, fights, job, instability and rela places where the United States had bases north in support of troops and SHOBOM. Plus I had a 72 of Saigon during the Vietnam War, Buon Ma every other weekend and weekend duty on the While working in Nigeria, I worked with a Thout, Pleiku, Kontum, Quy Nhon, Danang and alternates so that didn’t give me much playtime. guy from Louisiana that was married to a Thai especially along the DMZ Dong Ha, Doc Meiu, In late Nov of 1966, my orders came through- and he gave me a book on Pattaya, Thailand. Con Thien, Camp Carrol, Khe Sanh, and Lang Vey. for Vietnam, even though I had submitted my After the Nigeria job went away, I went to work On March 25, I began that journey. After going up chit in Oct 1964 after a SECNAV instruction stat for the same company as a radar observer and through the central highlands,CONTINUED I arrived atPAGE Don 6 ing that anyone that went and did 1 year would helicopter dispatcher in December 2009 on an have their choice of duty after they rotated out. oil rig 3 miles off the Santa Barbara, California River Currents, Volume 24, Number 2 • SUMMER 2015 • 5 Remembering 9th 5th/60th Article submitted by Tony Puglisi 5th/60th 9th Inf Div Bear Cat (11/66-04/67) “Been There and Done That!!!” There was one thing while in the 9th 5th/60th that was kind of funny (at least I thought so); I was being sort of punished by the same Platoon Sgt. who infused me (a long story) and he decided on a punishment for me. He ordered me to dig a platoon size sump. I obeyed and started digging and the hard rice paddy and Mekong Delta, the entrenching tool made the palms of my hands start bleeding. So being a Demolition Man, I got a block of C4 and a blasting cap, set it up in the hole I started, called out fire in the hole three times and pressed Vietnam (1968-1969) the plunger. Everyone started running to see what blew up and when the Sgt. (he hated my guts) got to the By Jim Silva scene, I said to the Sgt., “Here`s your Platoon size sump Sgt!” 4th/39th Inf 9th Inf Div Vietnam I thought that was humorous because he did not say “How” to dig the Platoon-size sump. I do not have any photos, but at one time I did have 24 rolls of undeveloped film I had taken of all kinds of things during my tour with the 9th Inf. They were destroyed by fire (our PC took three hits by a 75 mm Rice paddies, VC, NVA, Dog tags, Flower- and it melted on the road along with my film. I was bringing them to base camp (Xuan Loc) so they would Power, Psychedelic Asshole, Napalm, F4’s, HE, be safe and I could sell them to LOOK magazine and National Geographic but they did not make it. Willy Peter, illumination, Puff the Magic Drag Anyway, I can tell you that before I was infused we were security on a bridge (around April or May on, jungle trails, booby traps, trip wires, rats,- 1967?). The engineers built so the nearby village people and we could have a connecting route (the village huge spiders, mosquitos, fire ants, medi-vacs,- people used it to go to a Catholic Church nearby). Well we had one PC there on the far side of the bridge Dong Tam, Ambush Alley, Tombstone Territo and it was my track. I was on Guard duty on the 50 Cal. one morning when it was very foggy and we were ry, FSB Danger, F4 Phantoms, Hackworth, pull pointed towards the village when I heard singing. I alerted the rest of the guys and we watched as two ing base camp guard, Nippa Palm, M79s, M60s, Vietnamese Catholic nuns were taking a group of children to the Catholic Church down the road past us. It M16s, 45s, SKSs, AK 47s, chi-coms, 81 mortars, was amazing, we heard singing in the heavy fog and then these nuns and children appeared from within 4 Deuce mortars, 105 Howitzers, marking it; it was great. Because the engineers rebuilt the bridge the VC blew up and because we were there, they rounds, canister rounds, sick call, shot cards, were able to go to church. Doc, medics, CS gas, PRC25’s, whip antennas, Now that bridge holds a personal meaning to me besides that. After years of being back home, I was c-rations, bouncing bettys, plastic canteens,- chatting about war stories with a guy from home, at home, about the 9th Division 5th/60th Mech. He told lightbandoliers, scopes, VC command number detonated fucking 10, booby C4, traps, P38s, me that he was drafted and was sent to the same company and my same platoon (he was my replacement) RPGs, incoming, PZs, LZs, 50 calibers, Star and to the same squad and that same personnel carrier guarding that same bridge. Small world, huh? - red tracers, white tracers, boom-boom girls, He went on to tell me that he and two others were securing that bridge and two were killed by a VC land mines, FNG’s, quad 50s, green tracers, attack and he was able to escape capture by going down a ravine and was found the next morning by rein ★ forcements. He was the sole survivor. APCs, claymores, grenades, firefights, dustoffs, Tony was transferred to the 11 Armored Cavalry Div. where he earned a Bronze Star and Purple Heart. KANSAS Cobras,beer, a R&R,warm My beer, Tho, company Vin Kihm, parties, Nha Bei, coco Can- Continued from page 2 Tho, letters from home, care packages, a cold nuts, palm trees, memorial services, EM clubs,- “We’ve Got to get out of this Place,” “Leaving flee their damaged hideouts. The 3d/39th combines with the 2d, 3d and 5th Battalions, on a Jet plane,” “The good, bad and ugly,” “Bal 60th Infantry to kill 209 of the disorganized enemy. lad of the Green Beret,” “My Girl,” Bob Hope, May 2—Units of the 2d Brigade tighten the noose around a major Viet Cong force at Ap Bac, near Reliable Academy, point man, ambush, eagle Dong Tam, killing 196 enemy and capturing numerous weapons. flights, canals, mud, “It don’t mean nothing!”, May 13—Company B, 2d Battalion, 39th Infantry discovers an enemy hand grenade and Claymore La Dae, Diddi Mow, Bou Coo, No Bic, poncho mine factory just 2 miles from Camp Bear Cat. liners,medals, jungle Long boots,Binh jail, jungle sand rot, bags, to dai garbage signs, May 15-16—2d Brigade units wipe out 90 Viet Cong during Operation PALM BEACH in the Cam Son- death choppers, Peace signs, St. Christopher area, about 20 miles west of Dong Tam. June 1—Major General G.G. O’Connor takes command of the 9th Division, as General Eckhardt de- dump, TOP, sick call, burning shit, GI buy me parts for II Field Force. tea ,conscientious objector, Chieu Hoi, water June 2—For the first time since the Civil War, the Army and Navy team up to form a mobile water jugs, Dinky dow, ponchos, being wet, sweating, borne fighting force. The Mobile Riverine Force, composed of two battalions from the 2d snakes, ham and lima beans, Tigerland, LRRPs, Brigade and Naval Task Force 117, uses 100 small speedy assault craft to secure the Long snipers, riverine boats, shrapnel, malaria pills,- Tau shipping channel between Saigon and the South China Sea. - diarrhea, river crossings, salt tablets, leeches, June 19-22—MRF units kill 256 VC at Rah Nui Canal, west of Rach Kien. bunkers, tree lines, mamasan, KIA, WIAs, sam July 10—The 1st Brigade, together with the 1st Australian Task Force and two battalions of the Viet pans, Mobile Riverine Force, ARVNs, coke girls, namese Marine Corps, begin Operation PADDINGTON in Phuoc Tay Province. The 6-day- beetle nut, whore houses, penicillin shots, mission, designed to open previously VC-dominated jungle, results in 93 VC killed. arms caches, capturing VC, hour on/hour off,- July 21—While clearing jungles where Highway 20 crosses Highway 1, elements of the 11th Ar sleepless nights, FTA, short, PTSD, short timer mored Cavalry Regiment are suddenly attacked by an estimated battalion of the 275th VC stick, Battle, Alert, Claymore, Dagger Compa Regiment. A savage counterattack produces 90 confirmed enemy dead. nies, lifers, return to the World, Hueys, search Aug. 3—After the 8-day Operation CORONADO II, Allied forces from the 2d Brigade, Navy Task Force and destroy, number 1, number 10, Agent- 117, along with ARVN Rangers, Marines and soldiers, count 285 dead Viet Cong in the- Orange, Purple Hearts, Bronze Stars, Silver Cam Son Secret Zone. Stars, DSCs, short time calendar, iodine tab Sept. 12—Units of the 2d and 3d Brigades, plus the 7th ARVN Division complete the 27-day Op lets, hooches, C141, Caribous, door gunners, eration CORONADO V in the Cam Son Secret zone. Totals include 330 enemy killed and c-ration cigarettes, LOHs, platoon leaders, numerous weapons and ammunition captured. captains, NCOs, RAs, no fuckin slack, draftees, Sep. 21—The 2,200 man Royal Thai Army Volunteer Regiment lands in Vietnam as the 5th free- basic training, AIT, forced marches, escape world force to join the South Vietnamese in their counter-insurgency struggle. The Thai and evasion, class A inspection, Oakland Army unit, the Queen’s Cobras, sets up base at Camp Bear Cat. terminal, 90th Replacement, Travis Air Force Oct. 1—Company B of the 9th Supply and Transportation Battalion records its one millionth mile- Base, Japan evac hospital, body count, body traveled in support of the Division in Vietnam. The unit has also hauled almost 200,000 bags. If you were there and in the 4th of the tons of goods, trucked nearly two million gallons of fuel to forward base camps, and pro- 39th 9th Infantry Division everything should vided transportation for more than 80,000 soldiers. ring a bell. You would only remember if you- Oct. 8—The largest enemy arms cache ever found on Vietnamese soil is uncovered by the 9th Di are a ground pounder, grunt, rice paddy daddy, vision during Operation AKRON III—a jungle-clearing operation 13 miles southeast of Hardcore Recondo, and a true American com Bear Cat. A massive system of bunkers and tunnels yields 1,140 weapons, almost 95,000 bat infantryman!!! To all that were part of this rounds of small arms ammunition, 3,634 grenades, 2,373 recoilless rifle shells and 452 unique unit “Thank You” for your service and mortar rounds. - for your contribution in helping your fellow Nov. 5-11—Division MEDCAPs treat their 250000th patient. ★ brother complete his tour and make ★ it home Dec. 4—Action in Operation CORONADO IX explodes as the 2d Brigade’s MRF and the 5th Vietnam to his loved ones. Welcome Home to a great ese Marine Battalion kill 250 VC in day-long encounters 65 miles southwest of Saigon. bunch of very dedicated individuals! 6 • River Currents, Volume 24, Number 2 • SUMMER 2015 - MOBILE RIVERINE FORCE SUMMARY Force (TF-117) was acti- U.S. Riverine Assault opera February Riverine Assault ComRivFlotOne / ComRivSuppron - Seven tion since the CivilUSS War. Askari Also - Command History – February 1967 on the 16th of February, the vatedsigned underto TF-117 the command were arrival of the of Captain Wells. Units as ship, Whitfield County was (ARL-30) gave Commander- - River Assault Squadron River Assault Flotilla One/ On the 1st of February- had been completed. Other- SEVEN, a repair capabil River Support Squadron 1967, ComRivFlotOne/ anchored in Vung Tau Har elements of the squadron ity.personnel The following gathered morning at the Seven Staff/River Assault ComSuppRon-Seven, Cap bor, 1 mile from Vung Tau. and division were under at 0800, Army and Navy Squadron Nine Staff, River tain Wade C. Wells, USN, Elements of River Assault goingTho and training My Tho. as observers Assaultthe USS DivisionAskari (ARL-30). Ninety- and the major portion of Squadron Nine (RAS-9)- aboard VN RAG boats at Can Command Post in the RSSZ One and Ninety-Two and his staff were at the Naval- and River Assault Division for a brief on the already Amphibious Base Coronado- Ninety-One (RAD-91) con- trainingDuring operations the TET holidays were commenced operation. On Captainhis pennant Wells at flew 1010 to (localVung preparing for their deploy- tinued training with the 9th from 9 to 12 February, the 18th of February, a Joint Tautime) on in the USS 28th Henrico and. broke ment to Vietnam. The ad Infantry Division’s 3rd Bri Tacticalthe Whitfield Operation County Center vancedUSS Whitfield echelon County of the com gade, using boats borrowed secured and the time was (JTOC)and destroy was established and on mand divided between the- fromwere theexercising Vietnamese with Navythe used for boat maintenance . Search (LST (VNN).Army in RAS-9 LCM andoperations. RAD-91 and repairs. On February 12, 1169) and the Headquar RAS-9 and RivDiv-91 began ambush attempts- ters for Commander Naval - working with the 3rd/47th by the Army failed Forces Vietnam, Saigon. This training followed a 2nd Brigade 9th Infantry to produce and sig Under the leadership of 4-day cycle set up by Com Division. In the first 4-day- nificant contact with Chief Staff Officer Captain- RivFlot One personnel. cycle “A” and “B” Company thehis enemy.recent However,presence Edwin P. Smith Jr. USN, this participated. On Feb positivewas ascertained. evidence of USS Henrico (APA-45) advanced group of 10 of- ruary 16, 1967, “C” ficers and 15 enlisted men and “E” Companies - - was preparing for the ar were scheduled to On the 23rd of - - rival of the staff of River start the same 4-day February, the staff of Com Significant among Febru Assault Flotilla One and cyclecompleted. That “A” Increased and “B” RivFlot One arrived in Da ary 1967 activities for Com- was overseeing the training- Hog Backs borrowed from Companies had just Vietnamese NavyMontrose nangThe USS and Henrico was transferred RivFlot One was (1) the- of River Assault Squadron to Vung Tau on the 25th. change of operational sta Nine 4 officers and 9 enlist- enemy activity in the (APA-45) tus on the 16th, (2) the ar- edcers men and and135 enlisted. River Assault Both Long Tau Channel of- stood in LongWhitfield Tau HarborCounty rival of ComRivFlot One on- Division Ninety-One 2 offi Day 1. Movement to the the RSSZ caused a change. on the 24th of February to theary 27th,1967. and (3) the activa the Whitfield County. - ship, lectures by ship and ComNavForV on 16 Febru relieve the tionThe of TF-117USS Henrico on 28 was Febru re- of which were embarked on flotilla personnel. ary 1967, ordered RAS-9- as interim support ship for Serv exercises.Day 2. Wet net training and RAD-91 to support two ComRivFlot One. - ★ ing as temporary support and beaching and gunnery- companies of the 3rd Battal Captain Wells arrived- in lieved by the USS Montrose - ion in the Rung Sat Special Saigon on the 27th of Feb (APA-212) May 1967. tionsDay and 3. Dayextractions and night at exse- Zone (RSSZ). This message- ruary after partici- ercises with several inser marked the end of training- pating in briefing at and the beginning of com CinPacFlt Headquar lected areas in the RSSZ. bat operations for River As ters. RAD-92 arrived- Day 4. Another exercise sault Flotilla One. At 0800- in Saigon on the inoperation the RSSZ areas, with and insertion a re- hours, units of RAD-91 28thUSS andHenrico was shut- USS Whitfield County and extraction, at various landed “A” and “B” compa tleding the to Vung day. AtTau 0801 and Boats of Task Force 117 alongside (LST-1169) nies of the 3rd/47th in the (local time) on dur 28 Montrose turn to the support ship. By RSSZ, thus began Operation February 5, five such cycles River Raider One, the first DOG TAG - Continued from page 4 I’d take a look at it. The tional Cemetery. I sent buy it. I told him no but Calverton New York Na I calledA woman it via answered Skype and from I on to Albert (Cookie) Dongexplained Ha. who I was, where - Viet went around to the- the dog tag information I was, and where I had been. backthing ofin thehis hootchhand and rack and added that I’d Ha. I contacted a tour ar returned with some Moorelike to beforeget it back hitting to the that belonged to Tyrone raigner and was paired up - I told her I found a dog tag with a former ARVN soldier, was rubbing the dirt off Hoa (Hwaa) and his 100- it. He said during the next of kin if at all pos andshe wanted she said it and Dilligard? she an - I cc Honda as my guide. He- course of scratching in sible and if the MFRA said, “Yes,” and asked her if showed me various places I opened my e-mail and the dirt he found the - could be of help. around Dong Ha. After leav item.was immediately It was a U.S. doginterested tag Next morning at 0545 swered in the affirmative. ing Dong Ha, we went to Con stillin it encrustedand took ain closer dirt. look I So, I told her I’d send it to outthinking of my all daypack the time and thatjot Thienthat was firebase. some time He had ago, only and had an answer from Albert her as soon as I returned to tedthis might down belong the information to an MIA. gone to it twice before and- with water to be legible. (Cookie) Moore, Steve Fetty, Da Lat. So, a Bravo Zulu to at it. It had to be rinsed off and Mike Harris. Included Al, Mike, Steve Fetty, and the thetook areaa trail was that heavilymeandered for a closer look at it and read in the information was the MFRAjob and in got helping it done me extreme and for- As an afterthought, I ested with rubber trees. He Oncethe name. it was It rinsedbelonged I took to date(11B), of and enlistment among 1969,other an outstanding thorough asked how much he wanted - separationthings that date, he 1970,had beenMOS and was told 40,000 VN through the trees and we ly quick to return the dog Dong.As soon Well as40k I gotVND back is less to came upon a clearing and one Tyrone R Dilligard, se tag that belonged to a loved than $2 so I purchased it. a hootch. He asked the Viet rial number U.S. 67198302 married and his wife had one from a firebase along that approached us about and other information that- remarried. Member Steve- the DMZ in Vietnam after my room after the 10-hour the location of the bunkers. goes on a dog tag including Fetty had come up with a- about 45 years. They did a- tour, I googled the name After some discussion, my I was to find out later a so few possible names, ad fast job locating the widow. ★ and came up with it. I found guide Hoa turned to me and- cialrestraightned. security number. I immediate It had- dresses,one on the and list a hadphone a phone num Lionel Burns ExCS3 (iben out he was born 10/1/1947 told me the Viet had a war also been bent in half and ber for his widow. The first [email protected]) souvenir for sale and want and died 1/29/1984, age 36 and was buried in the ed to know if I wanted to ly retrieved my notebook number in the Bronx so River Currents, Volume 24, Number 2 • SUMMER 2015 • 7 Red’s Hit U.S. Ships in the Mekong Delta MRF Operations Stars and Stripes Thursday April 18, 1968 in I Corps - (Info furnished by Mike Harris SAIGON (AP)—“The Viet Cong launched forget the LSTs who made the dangerous [email protected]) their sharpest attack of the war against supply runs up the narrow, shallow riv - the U.S. Navy’s Mobile Riverine Force- ers of Vietnam and the numerous other which patrols the Mekong Delta,” Military “Green” and “Gray” auxiliaryUSS Benewah vessels that be- On 3 March 1968, COMUSMACV directed that ele- spokesmen said. In a brief attack Mon made up the great “Green Fleet” of Vietnam. ments of one river assault division be deployed for a day afternoon, April 14, 1968, Viet Cong Here is a photo of the period of about 30 days to provide heavy escort servic troops hiding along the banks of a river fore she was sunk for an artificial reef. It- es for waterborne logistic convoys of the Cua Viet and- 50 miles southwest of Saigon opened up wasbert B. a sadMoore day for a gallant old ship that Perfume rivers. The deployment of these 14 riverine with 75-mm recoilless rifles on several served many and accomplishedTom Green County much. Al craft from RAD 112 decreased the MRF troop lift capa ships of the Task Force 117. Headquarters bility by about 25%. For the period of the deployment said three of the ships, - to I Corps, RAS 9 was tasked to support both infantry includingship USS the Benewah flagship,, On 22 March 1968, battalions while RAD 111 augmented by the RAD 112 thewere 328-foothit. The Benewah barracks Tom Green County ar- boats that were left behind, provided base defense and and the USS Tom Green rivedmence ina thedeployment Mekong close support for Task Force SIX GUN. County Delta region to com in TheI Corps riverine on unit,9 March under and command commenced of CTG operations 117.2 and comprised of 1 CCB, 3 monitors and 10 ATCs, arrived , a 384-foot tank- as support LST for the Force CLEARWATER. landingtained minor ship useddamage. for Riverine Assault Force. under the operational control of Commander Task logistical support, sus 75-mm recoilless rifles hit on On 15 April, Viet Cong Benewah April 15, 1968. Photo insurgents attacked the On 10 March, TG 117.2 commenced its first sweep A 56-foot landing craft courtesy of Paul D. Bessler. ship withTom recoilless-rifleGreen County and clear transit of the Cua Viet River from Cua Viet to medium, a standard and automatic-weapons- Dong Ha. Four ATCs, one monitor and a CCB escorted amphibious landing fire. two Landing Craft Utility (LCU) boats and six LCM8s craftsank. usedThere to carrywere men no shuddered under the im- up the 8-mile stretch of river and returned escorting a or supplies, burned and pact of nine hits taken in similar group of resupply boats without incident. quickdamage, succession. the tank Follow land- About 1345 the next day, a command-detonated fatalities,Army personnel but 14 were U.S. ing repairs of her battle- mine was exploded astern of an LCM minesweeper- sailors and four U.S. in an area that had been swept four or five times. The The Benewah ing ship resumed opera command wire and part of the detonator were recov wounded. - Former USS Benewah (APB-35) tions with Amphibious ered by ATC-112-2 on the south bank of the river near- served MRF TF-117 Ready Group Alpha (TG- a resettlement village. her country loyally dur 76.4) and participated completelyThe following destroyed day the maintenance, riverine assault messing craft and de ing war and peace. She in Operation “Swift Pur tached was subjected to an enemy artillery attack that- was hit numerous times suit” before returning to during her service on the Mekong in December- berthing facilities at the Cua Viet Naval Support Activi the Brown Waters of to commence resupply ty Detachment loading ramp. There were no casualties the Mekong Delta. She duties for TG 117 River to either the personnel or craft of TG 117.2; however, received many awards ineTom GroupGreen Bravo.County Whilecame as a result of the attack, the assault boat crewmembers andCombat decorations Action Ribbon, for enroute on 28 December, were required to berth on their craft. her Vietnam service: On 14 March at 0719, ATC-112-7 was sweeping close under rocket fire from to the west bank of the Cua Viet River 2 miles southeast (4) Presidential Unit Vietport side. Cong gunners and of Dong Han in Quang Tri Province when the boat hit Citations (4); Navy Unit- tookRepairing seven hitsthe damage on her an estimated 900-pound water-mine. The force of the Commendations; (1) - explosion was so tremendous that it flipped the 72-ton Meritorious Unit Com signed missions, she con- troop carrier upside down causing extensive damage mendation; Vietnam- Ex USS Benewah as a hospital ship and continuing her as to the bow and starboard side of the craft. There were Service Medal with (15) of the Philippine Navy sixboat crewmembers was deemed killed and one seriously wounded in Battle Stars; RVN Gal ducted her operations in the mining. Because of the extensive hull damage, the lantry Cross with Palm, the1969, Bassac while Riverbeached near at RVN Civil Action Medal, Can Tho. On 21 January unsalvageable. First Class, with Palm, Task Group andBenewah the RVN Campaign Vung Tau and loading 117.2 assault Medal with 60s device. supplies for a routine craft continued- was one of the convoy run, the ship to keep the Cua most decorated shipsBe of- againrocket camebarrage under directed fire Viet River sup thenewah Vietnam War. Tom Green County (LST-1159) asat the Viet loading Cong launched ramp and a ply18 routeMarch, to Dongcom- Although the during a PUC Ceremony for the Ha open and, on- was one of the Task Force 1969 rocket (122 mm) im- first “Green Ship” to the adjacent airstrip. One menced enforc - serve in the Mekong Tom Green ing a 1630-0830 curfew against sampan traffic on Delta, as part of the USS Colleton County pacted on the fantail and the waterway. Sporadic enemy harassment contin Mobile RiverineUSS Mercer Force, she wasn’t alone.USS exploded in the mess decks of ued throughout the following week as evidenced by ThereNueces were three more APBs: USS inflicting heavy material damage- one 60-mm mortar attack on the assault boats, which (APB-36),Satyr (ARL-23), USS Sphinx (APB-39), and USS and wounding several men in the after part failed to cause any personnel or material damage. Askari (APB-40). There were 5 ARLs: of the ship. Awards earned during the Viet These continuous patrols were most instrumental in USS Krishna (ARL-24), nam War: Combat Action Ribbon, (3) Navy enabling the logistic craft from Naval Support Activity, (ARL-30), USS Indra (ARL-37), and Unit Commendations, (4) Meritorious Unit Danang, to maintain their independent transits of the (ARL-38) and many APLs and Commendation, RVN Gallantry Cross with Cua Viet River. YRBMs. There were also hundreds of small- Palm, RVN Civil Action Medal, First Class, On 28 March a monitor, M-112-1, on a routine sweep Green River Boats: the Monitors, Zippos, with Palm, RVN Campaign ★ Medal with 60s patrol operation on the Cua Viet River, experienced a Assault Patrol Boats, Armored Troop Car device and the Vietnam Service Medal with near miss when an estimated 200-pound water-mine- ★ riers, PBRs, and although not “Green,” the (12) Battle Stars. was command-detonated about 10 feet astern of the Swift Boats of Task Force 115. We cannot craft. The monitor lost steering control but did not suf fer any personnel casualties. 8 • River Currents, Volume 24, Number 2 • SUMMER 2015 Battle of Doi Ma Creek by Gino Vasquez Bear Cat Dong Tam, Binh - Phuoc (12/66-01/67) a.m. and I took the first guard at 5:00 a.m. I woke the M-60, Willie Pitts became the magazine load up the next guy in line for guard at 5:30 and told er for my rifle, and the other guy was the guide- him to be very awake and alert because Charlie that gave us directions on how to arrive at that I spoke about this battle at one of the reunions. was around us. He said ok, but, I knew him better place. I told Willie Pitts to load as many maga At that reunion, there was an ex-helicopter pilot than that. I made him believe that I was sleeping zinesand many as fast had as crossedhe could to and the we other charged side. aroundWe got who validated a point that I spoke about during and 10 minutes later he laid down and fell sleep. the other side where Charlie was coming out my recollection of the events. He saw the boat At that moment, I woke everybody up and we- that I hit with my M-79 grenade launcher. Here stayed up until daybreak when we started to eat caughtred hot, in I adropped cross fire, it inside I fired the automatic track and with Willie my we go; we were relaxing one afternoon at Binh- our C rations. I was sitting on top of the hatch eat M16 “Over and under” that I had until it turned Phuoc when the word came up for us to mount- ing when a shot just missed my head. I put my up and head to the rescue of the 3rd/39th be helmet at the end of my rifle and pushed it up in handed me his rifle, I switched my firing because cause they were going to be attacked by a supe hopes that the VC would do it again? He did and Charlie was coming out of the tree line again. I riorentering VC force. their We basecamp. were the When second we track were and inside we I saw the smoke of his gunpowder. I told Lester usedthe only my timeM-79 that to get I can a VC say that that was I hit about something to get received fire from the VC about a mile before Brown to call Lt. Palmer and tell him that Charlie away from us as he entered a hut (that’s about was on the tree line right behind us. We turned the 3rd/39th basecamp, I could not help but our tracks and charged the tree line with every with it). When the VC stopped coming out of the say; Damn! This basecamp is worth fighting for! weapon blazing. After what seemed an eternity tree line, we dismounted and went to the tree Nice huts that were much nicer than ours. As we of heavy fire from both sides, I knew that we had line again, this time I found myself in front of the waited, word spread that two ARVN tracks have the upper hand. Word also came that four of our Doiappeared Ma Creek. going I slowlystarted down to shoot the atcreek, anything and I thatsaw hit mines trying to go in the direction that the VC guysand chase had been Charlie killed all in the the way exchange. to the Wordother cameside. looked like a head in the water. Suddenly a boat were thought to be located. A thought occurred that we had to dismount and go into the tree line to me that if the VC started to mortar the base ahad VC atrying break. to When climb intowe were the boat, resting, I fired word my M-79came camp they could wipe out all of our tracks. Later, As I was about to enter the tree line, a VC jumped and hit the boat. Later on that day we finally- word came that we would drive through a mine up in the tree line, I fired a burst, he dropped a- field and meet Charlie wherever they were. Pat grenadelow me into and the as trees I was when falling Lester I yelled Brown grenade. yelled through the radio asking if we deserved any med Donnelly was driving our track that was given the When I got up I turned to tell the guys to fol als for what we did that day. We just replied we task to lead the company through the mine field. blood streaming down. Lester told me to go back did what we were supposed to do. I never got my I had just gotten out of the hospital after hitting a Vazquez you’re hit! I looked at my chest and saw- second Purple Heart for that wound. I also want mine with our track a month earlier. I remember to mention that day was Andrew Johnson’s finest having the thought that if we were going to hit to the track and get patched up by the medic. Les hour. During the firefight he changed barrels on a mine that night to please let it be big enough ter took our squad through the wood line, when the M-60 machine gun twice because they turned to blow my ears drums again and send me home I got to the track Donnelly patched me up when redLater hot. on After that thenight fight we was sent over, a patrolthere wasto the a huge en- for good. God had other plans. We traveled all the word came through the radio that Charlie pile of empty shell cases next to his machinegun. night with the cover of gunships and Puff the was coming out of the tree line at the other side. I ★ Magic Dragon who not only was puffing fire but looked at the guys that were left in the track and trance of the tree line, the guys killed another VC also dropping huge flares that gave us light to see they were Donnelly the driver, Ace Johnson on trying to come out of the woods. our way to Doi Ma Creek. We arrived around 4:30 The Mekong Delta was always wet…

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Grand Total $ Visit www.mrfa.org to download our product catalog! 10 • River Currents, Volume 24, Number 2 • SUMMER 2015 MRFA Memorial Monument for Disabled Veterans Opens and Museum Trailer The MRFA Memorial and Museum Trailer Disabled veterans’ service and sacrifice is now being honored with the dedication will be at Camp Ripley, Little Falls, Minne- of the nation’s first memorial explicitly designed for them. The American Veterans sota, for the grand opening of their 50th Disabled for Life Memorial at 150 Washington Ave. in Washington, DC, was officially Anniversary of the Vietnam War display, dedicated with a public ceremony on October 5, 2014. Only a stone’s throw from- Capitol Hill, the monument of granite and glass attempts to convey the strength and July 18; at the Viet Nam Vet Thank You vulnerability of the troops who defend our nation. The memorial includes an eter Weekend at Forest City, Iowa, August 27 nal flame, star-shaped fountain, reflecting pool, four bronze relief sculptures, and through August 30; and at Fountain City, laminated glass panels whose text and images tell the story of service, sacrifice, and Minnesota, October 3, 2015. dedication of America’s disabled veterans. To learn more about the memorial, visit the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial’s dedication page at www.avdlm.org. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Vietnam Armored Personnel Carrier From Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia - - - The Vietnam War was the first combat op receiving credit for killing 218. The revised offi portunity for “mechanized” infantry, a techni cial count for D/16 was 8 KIAs and 21 WIAs. The cally new type of infantry with its roots in the company commander, Captain Robert Helmick, armored infantry of World War II, now using the- was awarded the DSC, and many D/16th soldiers M113 Armored Personnel Carrier. In addition, earned awards for valor. D/16 was awarded a- Armored Cavalry squadrons in Vietnam consist Valorous Unit Award and a Meritorious Unit ed largely of M113s, after replacing the intended Award for its actions in Vietnam. It was deacti A combined arms operation in Vietnam. M114 in a variety of roles, and Armor battalions vatedAirborne in 1969Brigade. and the company’s M113s were M113s clear the way through heavy bush contained M113s within their headquarters distributed to E Company, 17th Cavalry, 173rd- while infantry follows. companies, such as the maintenance section, - medical section, vehicle recovery section, mortar M113s were instrumental in conducting Re section, and the scout (reconnaissance) section. connaissance In Force (RIFs), Search and De U.S. Army mechanized infantry units in Vietnam stroy missions, and large invasions (incursions) were fully equipped with the M113 APC/ACAV,- such as during the U.S. invasion of Cambodia which consisted of one headquarters company on 1 May 1970 and later Laos (Operation Lam and three line companies, normally with an au Son 719) in 1971; all of which used the M113 as thorized strength of approximately 900 men. the primary work horse for moving the ground Ten U.S. mechanized infantry battalions and one armies. While operating with Cavalry and Armor mechanized brigade were deployed to Vietnam- units, the M113s often worked in conjunction from 1965 until their departure in 1972. with U.S. M48 Patton and M551 Sheridan tanks. Company D, 16th Armor, 173rd Airborne bri- During the Vietnam War, U.S. Army gun trucks- gade was the first US Army armor unit deployed (modified 2½-ton and 5-ton cargo trucks), along The 4.2” Mortar Platoon of D/16 Armor, to Vietnam. It originally consisted of three pla- with V-100 armored cars, conducted convoy es- 173rd Airborne on a fire mission in Operation toons of M113s and a platoon of Self-Propelled corts for military traffic. Waco in Vietnam. Anti-Tank Systems (SPATS). It was the only in The USAF used M113 and M113A1 ACAV ve dependent Armor Company in the history of hicles in USAF Security Police Squadrons, which the US Army. Upon the company’s arrival in provided air base ground defense support in Vietnam, a fourth line platoon was added; this Vietnam. M113s were also supplied to the South the machine gun and a recoilless rifle mounted was equipped with M106 4.2” mortar carriers Vietnamese Army of the Republic of Vietnam- on the roof. (modified M113s). The mortar platoon often (ARVN). One notable ARVN unit equipped with The Australian Army also used the M113 in operated with Brigade infantry units to provide the M113 APC, the 3d Armored Cavalry Squad- Vietnam. After initial experience showed that indirect fire support. It also deployed at times as ron, earned the Presidential Unit Citation. M113s the crew commander was too vulnerable to fire, a dismounted infantry unit. The remaining SPAT were also supplied to the Cambodian Khmer Na the Australians tried a number of different gun platoon was reequipped with M113s in late 1966 tional Armed Forces, equipped with a turret for shields and turrets, eventually standardizing- and the mortar platoon was deactivated in early with the Cadillac-Cage T-50 turret fitted with 1967. From early 1967, D/16th had three line- two 0.30 cal Browning machine guns, or a sin platoons equipped with M113s and eventually, gle 0.30/single 0.50 combination. Other turrets itstrack, diesel one version, M2 .50 thecaliber M113A1. and two It also M60 standard machine were tried as were various gun shields, the main ized in late 1968 with three machine guns per design of which was similar to the gun shield used on the U.S. M113 ACAV version. guns mounted on each side. After several years, In addition, the Australians operated an M113 the machine gun array varied considerably from variant fitted with a Saladin armored car turret, APC to APC. The company conducted search and with a 76-mm gun as a fire support vehicle, or destroy missions, road, and firebase security. FSV, for infantry fire support. This has now also Twenty-five D/16th paratroopers were killed in been removed from service. action and many more were wounded during the- Subsequent to Vietnam, all Australian M113 courseing the ofday, the the war. company D/16th’s lost largest 5 men battle killed, took 16 troop carriers were fitted with the T50 turret. place on 4 March 1968 at North Tuy Hoa. Dur The FSV was eventually phased out and replaced ACAVs of the 3rd Squadron 11th Armored with a modernized version known as the MRV wounded, and 3 missing (who are believed dead- Cavalry assume a herringbone formation (medium reconnaissance vehicle). The MRV as two unrecognizable [sic] bodies were found). during Operation Cedar Falls. This formation featured a Scorpion turret with 76-mm gun, The enemy took a much greater loss. An esti- gave vehicles optimal all-round firepower in improved fire control, and passive night vision mated 2 enemy battalions, 85th Main Force (VC) the event of an ambush in a restricted area. equipment. and the 95th NVA Regiment, were rendered inef ★ The US Army stopped buying M113s in 2007, fective as they had 297 KIAs, with D-16 Armor with 6,000 vehicles remaining in the inventory. River Currents, Volume 24, Number 2 • SUMMER 2015 • 11 In Memory Of Ronnie Lee Boal From shipmate (and Gary Forshee Rest in peace. Gary This section is for members who wish to sponsor the MRFA by placing a notice brother) BM2 Joe Harp- Newman. in memory of one of their fallen comrades. In some instances, the name of the er and wife Vickie Harp- sponsor will precede the name of the person who was KIA, or has passed on died October 12, 2013. er: Dear shipmates and passed away April 4, Member Myron J. since Vietnam. It’s $25 for four issues. friends let’s keep Nicole Schober passed away Wendell Affield for Buddha Ed Thomas, Boat Captain Tango 112-11 (02/68-02/69) Ronnie served on LCU- 2015. Gary served on Tom Bird for Sam Boyce RM3 A-92-2 KIA Vinh Long (02/06/68) 1477 (01/66-01/69). and the rest of Lee’s the USS White River William Blauser for Thomas Gaudet, David Land, and Jose Campos our 151 Division brothers He was residing in family in our thoughts LSMR-536 as an RM2 that were KIAs NorthDouglas Las Vegas, NV, B.at and prayers. He was a (1966-68). You may November 10, 2014. MajGeneral Lucien Bolduc, Jr. USA (Ret) for Guy Tutwiler theHinchliff time of passed his passing. away good man and an out- contact the familyMay Myron served in HQ Co. Bravo Charlie A 10 (04/69-04/70) for Terry Mason and Gil Reyna (Class NIOTC 2-69) standing shipmate. c/oour Brother 40322 PoppyGary rest Dr, 9th Inf (04/68-04/69). Brothers of the 2nd/47th Inf for all Army and Navy KIAs Hemet,in peace CA and 92544. in God’s You may contact the- Craig “Doc” Champion in memory of KIAs 3rd Plt D Co. 3rd/47th (1968) after a long hard battle Hands. Fair sea’s my family c/o Darlene John and Doris Chrzanowski in memory of SP/4 Humberto Ruiz Santiago Jr. Grenadier A Co. with ALS, March 8, Brother. Shipmates USS Schober, 44476 Hill 4th Bn 47th Inf. Rgt 9th Inf. Div. Died of wounds 06/27/69, Kien Hoa, South Vietnam (DC Wall 2015. Doug served in- White River. view Dr, Rushford, MN Panel 21W Ln 025) the Supply Department 55971, 507-864-2181. Mike Clark in memory of Larry Welk and Lydes Gardner 4th/39th 9th Inf Div (1967) Orville Daley for Merrill Davis USS Askari ARL-30 (1952-1953) onboard the USS Be Fran Divelbiss for Cdr. Dave Divelbiss, Supply Officer on Staff COMRIVFLOT ONE, USS Benewah newah APB-35 (1966- APB-35 (1966-68) 68). He is survived- Ron Easterday for Marco A. Serrano Jr. and Franklin D. Hite HHC 2nd/47th Inf (Mech) KIA by his wife Jeannie 03/13/67 and William B. Cronin (LTC) HHC 2nd/47th Inf (Mech) KIA 04/27/67 Hinchliff, 1914 Pump Dennis D. Erlandson for Verlyn H. Hanson Co D 3rd/47th (1968-69) kin Ridge Dr., Anthem, Ted Fetting for Eloy “Stevie” LeBlanc, Roy Phillips, and Fred Jansonius B Co. 2nd/60th KIA AZ 85086. 02/02/68 Smith Sgt Robert Flaige for SP4 Robert “Bob” Jenks E Co. 3rd/60th KIA 03/03/68 Member James Ronnie Fontenot YRBM-17 (01/68-11/68) Wayne Smith passed Nan Fulton for LtGen Bill Fulton Cdr 2nd Bde Asst Div Cdr 9th Inf Div (1966-68) Greer Tony Garvey for Wes Sade, Billy Olsen, and Staff Sgt James Williams C Co. 4th/47th 9th Inf Delaney Member Larry John W. Gerbing for Noel T. West A Co. 4th/47th KIA 06/19/67 awayrelated after cancer a long March battle It is with regret that Greer passed away Regina Gooden for Sgt Lloyd Earl Valentine B Co. 3rd/47th KIA 09/05/68 with30, 2015. Agent James Orange- was I inform you of the May 11, 2015. Larry Mrs. Elizabeth M. Hayes for LTC Daniel P. Hayes HQ 3rd/34th Artillery (06/67-01/68) an original crew mem- death of Rear Admiral Leo Haynes for my fellow plank owner and buddy Don Grier GM2 USS Benewah. He died in a ber on R-92-1 (1966- Kevin Delaney. Admiral car crash in 2003 James Henke, Dave Nelson, James Callan for Sgt Tony Spradling, Sgt Gerald Thurman, Spec Delaney passed away served on the USS- James B. Johnson, and all our Brothers lost on June 19, 1967, from A Co. 4th/47th 9th in AP McKean in the Navy from exposure to Agent White River LSMR- BAC, Long An Province 68). You may contact Orange (lung cancer) 536 as a EM3 dur Gordon Hillesland for Pat Lawson NSA Dong Tam (1967-68) the family c/o Kathy April 7, 2015. He was ing the Vietnam War Joe Hilliard for Joe Benack from Florida and Donald Hartzell from Pennsylvania Smith,30286-2739, 104 Sherwoodlakeway- 68. Rear Admiral Del- (1965-67). You may Bruce Jensen in memory of Frederic Peers Webb A-111-4 KIA 12/21/67 Dr., Thomaston, GA aney, although not a contact the family c/o J. R. Johnson 3rd/47th 9th “Recon” (05/66-01/68) in memory of Walker, Gotch, Paradez, member of the MRFA, Doris Elaine Greer, Nelson, and Hayes [email protected]. he was there with us, 621comcast.net. 700 N. Hobart,May our IN Dave Justin for Robert “Bobby” Scharpnick A Co 2nd Platoon 3rd/60th and Dennis McDougal Heyears. was a friend and a providing cover when 46342,brother legfarmer45@rest in peace. A Co 3rd/60th shipmateMay our forbrother a lot rest of things were going bad. Crew USS White River Bob Land, Rich Lierman, Jim Zervos, and Pete Oakander for Frank Dettmers, our boat captain on in peace. Crew member He flew those wonder- CCB-131-1 (May 69-May 70). We do this in his honor and remembrance. Richard MacCullagh for John (Doc) Phillips, HMC, USN (Ret) RivRon 15 Johnny Jones R-92-1. ful “Huey’s” and his Richard MacCullagh for Chaplain Rene L. Petit, LT, CHC, RC, RivRon 13 and 15 courage was beyond H. Bruce McIver for HM1 Zeph Lane who was severely wounded 03/31/69 and unfortunately belief. This man was McKean killed in a private plane crash 05/20/85 a hero, a friend, and a Adam Metts for Donald L. Bruckart T-111-2 KIA 03/31/69 Member Lee “Tex” warrior. I had the privi- A R “Monti” Montillo for William “Bulldog” McLaughlin B Co 3rd/60th KIA 10/03/68 and Barry McKean passed away lege of knowing him “Butch” Copp B Co 3rd/60th KIA 10/28/68 - for several years. Rear Albert Moore for Ralph Tresser CS3 USS Benewah APB-35 (1966-67) rest March 22, 2015. Adm. Kevin Delaney Albert Moore for Tom Bityk CS3 IUWG-1 VC-Hill/Ha Tien (1969-70) because of cardiac ar who flew 686 combat Albert and Sarah Moore for Capt Gerald Saucier CO USS Benewah APB-35 (09/66-02/68) missions in Vietnam He- VP Roy Moseman for Oscar Santiago C-2 4th/47th (10/67-10/68) Lee served on the USS licopter Attack Squad- Maj J. D. Nichols III Cmdr C Co. 3rd/60th Inf (12/66-11/67) for Alfred Cornejo, Anthony Galeno, Richard Lasher, Rudolph Melendez, Sigfredo Pinto-Pinto, and Darrell Reid KIA 08/20/67 White River LSMR- ron 3—better known Lind 536 from Dec. 1966- Jasper Northcutt for SSGT Henry T. Aragon B-2 2nd/47th KIA 08/23/67, SGT James E. Boorman as the Seawolves—was B-2 2nd/47th KIA 08/27/67, SP4 James D. Bronakoski B-2 2nd/47th KIA 04/27/67, SP4 to October 1968. You Lee a land-based, Navy he- Herbert E. Lind may contact the fam David W. Lee passed passed away May 10, Michael G. Hartnett B-2 2nd/47th KIA 04/27/67, SGT William D. Mize B-2 2nd/47th and licopter unit charged 5th/60th KIA 10/28/67, CPL Harold K. Southwick B-2 2nd/47th Inf KIA 03/02/67 (first KIA in B ily c/o Nicole McKean, with helping naval riv- Co. 2nd/47th in Vietnam), and PFC Robert C. Voltz B-1 2nd/47th Inf (Mech) KIA 03/11/67 (first 13618Lee was Stonehenge a long time Dr., - erine forces to block battle with cancer. KIA1st Platoon B Co. 2nd/47th in Vietnam) Sugarland, TX 77478. away March 24, 2015. North Vietnamese 2015, after a 19-year- John Smith for Paull D. Jose B Co. 3/60th KIA Westy 11/01/68 Davidand later served with in-coun C Co Army and Viet Cong Chet “Gunner” Stanley for all the USN and USA KIAs of the MRF (1967-70) member of the MRFA. try with the 2nd/47th infiltration and use of Herb was the Com Ken Sundberg for Michael David Sheahan 5th/60th KIA 02/25/68, Robert L. Conley 5th/60th KIA He also was a very the rivers, canals, and mander of C Co. 02/01/68, and Glenn Dean Taylor 5th/60th KIA 02/01/68 largewas always part ofwilling the USS to 2nd/39th 9th Infantry- jungle that made up the 4th/47th Inf 9th Inf Div Robert Sutton for LT James F. Rost Jr. Vin Te Canal Chau Duc KIA 11/69 Robert Thacker for SFC Earl T. Pelhan, Jr., 15th Eng, 9th Inf Div, KIA in Delta Lo White River’s crew. He Divisionily c/o Cindra Vietnam. Lee, 200 You Mekong Delta. Rear Ad- in the Mekong Delta, a shipmate or brother may contact the fam 1967. You may contact Okey Toothman in memory of Sgt Dick Arnold A Co. 3rd/47th, Max DelaCruz and G. P. Jones miral Delaney retired as C Co. 3rd/47th go that extra mile for the most decorated offi- theCreek family Road, c/o Manhat Becky- greatly missed by all Cardinal Ln., Vallejo, CA Lind, 3550 McDowell Steven Totcoff for my brother CPL Dennis S. Totcoff B Co 3rd/47th 9th Inf Div KIA 5/2/68 cer in the U.S. Navy. May Edward Toth for Norman Neuleib USS Askari ARL-30 (1952-53) Veteran.who knew Hehim. will be 94589. my friend and Brother USS Benewah shipmates: John Long EN2, Craig Bronish MR3, and George Schnieder MR2 tan, Kansas 66502. USS Guide MSO-447 for Shipmate and Brother Harold Foster Henry Velez for my fallen brothers, B Co. 2nd/39th Inf Ron and Judy Wallace for all those lost from 3rd/47th Inf Your membership expiration date is printed on your Gary Williams for Dale Winkel C Co. 3rd/60th 9th Inf (01/68-01/69) River Currents just above your name and address. CPT Steve Williams and MAJ Bob Bischoff in memory of 2LT David George Williams, Co A, 4/47th, KIA 9/21/67 David Wilson 2nd/60th KIA 08/05/69, Timothy Shelton 4th/39th KIA 06/25/69, Steven Murrary ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4th/39th KIA 05/26/69, Harvey Crabtree 2nd/4th Arty KIA 06/19/69, and Dennis Mattox 1st/501st 101st 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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Larry Gunner Ethridge USS Askari ARL-30 Roy Lee D Co. 15th Combat Eng Bn (01/67-04/67) Durwood D. Rosser M-91-1 (10/67-08/68) Cdr Kirk Ferguson USN (Ret.) ComStabRon-20 (11/69-11/70) Bob Lennon USS White River LSMR-536 (1966-68) Robert Roth USS Benewah APB-35 (08/68-09/69) Terrance Fetters HHQ 3rd/47th Inf (04/69-07/69) Walter F. Lineberger III XO RivDiv 91 (1968-69) Matthew F. Rovner USS Colleton (09/66-12/67) Ted Fetting B Co. 2nd/60th Inf (10/67-02/68) Tom Lively C Battery 3rd/34th Arty (10/68-09/69) Ronald Rulon D Co. 15th Combat Engr. Bn (03/6-10/67) Robert Flaige E Co 3rd/60th Inf (05/67-05/68) James Long Sr. ComRivFlot One Staff (11/67-11/68) James Saboe C Co. 3rd/47th Inf (02/69-07/69) Dallas Abbott A Co. 3rd/60th Inf (06/67-06/68) Ronnie Fontenot YRBM-17 in Dong Tam (01/68-11/68) Steven Loomis Naval Advisory Group (VNNSY) (06/70-06/71) Billy Sanders RivRon 11 RAD 112 T-112-1 & CCB-112-1 (Vietnam 1967) LT H. M. “Murk” Alexander ComRivDiv 132 (6/68 6/69) Neil Fovel 3rd/47th Inf (11/67-03/68) Robert “Bob” Lord YTB-785 Winnemucca (02/71-12/71) Norman Saunders B Co. 3rd/39th Inf (01/69-08/69) George B. Amador USS Krishna ARL-38 (1969-71) Dennis Frank D Co. CMDR 3rd/60th Inf (07/68-07/69) Richard Lorman T-152-6 (06/68-06/69) Paul Schaut COMRIVFLOT ONE USS Benewah APB-35 (1967) Jimmie J. Apel A Co. 4th/47th Inf and 6th/31st (1969-70) William B. Fullerton USS Benewah APB-35 (1970) Corrado Lutz PCF-23 (03/68-03/69) Dave Schell RivRon 15 Tango 49 (07/69-07/70 Charlie and Georginia Ardinger T-151-11 Nan Fulton Associate Member Stella Gayle Malone Joe Schladweiler HHC 2nd/47th Inf (Super Scouts)( 01/68-09/68) Ed Arledge USS Indra ARL-37 (1967-70) Richard Gallagher USS Mercer APB-39 (1968-69) Michael Marquez A Co. 3rd Plt 3rd/60th Inf (07/68-07/69) Robert “Bob” Schrader D Co. 9th Med BN (07/68-07/69) John Armstrong HHC 3rd/47th Inf (04/66-01/68) Gamewardens of Vietnam Mid-Atlantic Chapter Frank O. Martinolich D. Co 3rd/47th 9th Inf Div (09/68-07/69) F. George Schuster LTJG USS Indra ARL-37 (1968-69) Dale Ashley USS Monmouth County LST-1032 (11/66-11/67) Jaime Garcia M-111-1 (03/67-12/67) Terry Mason RM3 RivDiv 132 Col Sam L. Schutte USA (Ret.) B Co. 4th/47th Inf (VN) Christian Bachofer Jr. ComRivDiv 92 (07/68-06/69) Ron Garcia USS Windham County LST-1170 (1966-68) Lee “Tex” McKean GMG2 USS White River LSMR-536 (12/66-12/68) Jerry Shearer C Co. 3rd/60th 9th Inf (04/67-04/68) Dr & Mrs John Baldwin Surgery 24th EVAC HOSPITAL (1968-69) Tony Garvey C Co. 4th/47th 9th Infantry Div (1968) Cratis McLaughlin D. Co 3rd/47th 9th Inf Div (09/68-07/69) Clarence Shires Jr. C-1 4th /47th Inf (01/67-01/68) Ralph Bakle from Charles Sykes for a job well done John N. Gavin USS Satyr ARL-23 (1971) Sgt E-5 Ken McLean B Co. 4th/47th Inf 2nd Bde Richard Simpson C Co. 3rd/47th Inf 9th Div (05/67-06/68) Tom Bergman USS White River LSMR-436 (07/66-07/68) John W. Gerbing A&E Co 4th/47th Inf (1966-68) USS Colleton (11/68-01/69) BrGen Douglas Smith USA (Ret.) Cdr 2nd/47th (Mech) Inf Tom Bird A-92-1 (1967-68) Regina Gooden Associate Member Thomas L. “Mac” McLemore T-112-7 (12/66-12/67) John Smith B Co. 3/60th (05/68-06/69) for all Riverines Bob and Sara Bischoff CO A Co 4th/47th Infantry (01/68-07/68) Ron Gorman T-91-10 (01/68-12/68) Philip Mercurio USS Colleton APB-36 (09/48-07/52) Thomas E. Smith 9th S and T Battalion (03/67-06/68) Richard Bittle USS Nueces APB-40 (06/68-04/69) George Grigorovitch 1097 TC Medium Boat Company (03/68-04/69) Adam Metts T-111-2 (08/68-10/69) Jim Solar USS Mercer ABP-39 (1968) Robert B. Blair USS Clarion River LSMR-409 (1966-68) Roger “Grossie” Grossinger D Co. 3rd/47th 9th Inf (1968-69) Nick Miller COS RivDiv 152 (07/68-06/69) Marc Spilberg 4th/47th Inf (01-68-01/69) Donald Blankenship A-111-3 and A-152-21 (02/69-02/70) Frank Gubala A Co. 3rd/47th Inf (02/68-07/68) MilSpec Tours Inc Chet “Gunner” Stanley C-111-1 and M-111-3 (1966-68) MajGen Blackie Bolduc USA (Ret.) Cdr 3rd/47th Inf Harry Hahn RivRon 13 M-131-1 (03/69-03/70) Capt Lawrence K. Monahan USNR (Ret.) YRBM-20 (1970-71) Robert Sutton RivRon 9 M-92-2, Z-92-11, and R-92-1 (11/68-05/69) Thomas Breidel R-92-2 (06/68-06/69) William Halloran COMRIVFLOT ONE N2 (09/67-09/68) A R “Monti” Montillo B Co. 3rd/60th Inf (04/68-09/68) John Swart T-132-1 (04/68-04/69) William Brennan USS White River LSMR-536 (02/66-10/67) Roger Hamilton, Jr. USS Mark AKL-12 (08/68-08/69) Albert and Sarah Moore USS Benewah (APB-35) Bryan Swisher B Co. 3rd/47th Inf (12/68-06/69) Brothers of the 2nd/47th (Mech) Inf Bob Hammond HQ 3rd/34th Arty (10/68-10/69) J. Russell and Alice Moore A-91-5 (11/68-06/69) John Tatich Jr. A Co. 2nd/47th Inf (08/69-08/70) C. Vic Brumley USS White River LSMR-536 (05/66-07/67) Jeffie Hanks USS Benewah APB-35 (01/70-01/71) Roy and Lynn Moseman 4th/47th Inf Jack Terry USS Colleton APB-36 (1966-68) MGen Walter Bryde, Jr. HQ 3rd/34th Arty (1968-69) SFC Michael Hanmer RivRon 13 and 153 (07/69-02/71) Tom Muench Korea Era Vet SAC Thanks to 155 mm (Mech) Arty Gerald Busic USS Garrett County LST-786 (06/68-05/69) William Harman T-132-2 (02/69-03/70) Co Van My TF-115.3.7 Cat Lo Charles Thompson 9th Admin Co. (02/66-11/67) Robert Caldwell Jr. USS Nye County LST-1067 (02/66-02/67) Joseph Harper USS White River LSMR-536 (12/66-12/68) Naval Advisory Group Harley Timmerman T-132-10 (06/68-06/69) John and Pamela Carlin in honor of Erol Tuzcu Leo Haynes RivDiv 594 PBR-8120 (04/69-02/70) Nha Trang (1967-68 and 1970-71) Edward Toth USS Askari ARL-30 (1952-55) RADM William Carlson CO USS White River LSMR-536 (10/65-03/68) Charles Heindel C-91-1 (11/67-12/68) MAJ Joseph D. Nichols III, CO Co. 3rd/60th 9th Inf Div (12/66-11/67) Milton Turnage M-151-1 (07/68-06/69) Jim Carter RivRon 15 T-52 (12/69-12/70) Joe Hilliard Gunner T-48 (09/69-03/70) and Jasper Northcutt B Co. 2nd/47th Mech Inf (11/66-05/67) Erol Tuzco A Co. 3rd/60th Inf (1968-69) William Catron River Sect. 513 (10/67-10/68) Boat Captain T-44 (03/70-07/70) James Noyes C Btry 3rd/34th Arty (06/67-06/68) USS Terrell Cty LST-1157 Craig “Doc” Champion E & D Cos. 3rd/47th Inf (03/68-11/68) D. D. Hoffman RivRon 9 ASPB 91-8 (03/67-03/68) Gary O’Brien MM3 USS Mercer APB-39 (04/68-12/69) Roger Valentine USS Askari ARL-30 (07/67-05/68) John and Doris Chrzanowski A Co 4th/47th and MajGen Ira A. Hunt Jr. HHQ 9th Inf Div George R. O’Connell USS Terrell Cty LST-1157 Bob and Nancy VanDruff T-91-5 and T-92-4 B Co 6th/31st (03/69-03/70) Alan G. Hyde 9th Signal (1966-67) John C. Oxley Recon E Co 3rd/47th Inf (11/65-11/67) GMGI Ricky Vice USN (Ret.) T-131-7 (03/68- LTg Robert Conaty XO RivDiv 131 (05/68-04/69) Truman Irving USS Mark AKL-12 (08/68-08/69) Capt Jerry Pape USN (Ret) Staff COMRIVFLOT ONE (01/68-12/68) 05/69) and NAG (01/71-06/72) Randall Cook USS Monmouth County LST-1032 (1970) Bill Isetts RM2 USS Askari ARL-30 (07/66-08/67) Dwayne Parsons M-111-1 (Zippo 1) (11/67-11/68) Ron Wallace B Co. 3rd Plat 3rd/47th Inf (05/66-08/67) LTC Richard Crotty HHC 3rd Bde, 9th Inf (07/67-07/68) David Jarczewski C Co. 4th/47th Inf 9th Div (05/66-05/68) Luis F. Peraza D Co. 3rd/60th Inf (11/68-08/69) Hank and Becky Washburn USS Colleton APB-36 (01/67-09/68) David Czech B Co. 34rd Platoon 4th/47th Infantry (04/68-09/68) Bradley Jenkins HHSB 3rd/34th Arty & 2nd/47th Mech (09/68-10/69) John “Ron” Perry T-132-11 (06/68-09/69) Gary Weisz A-91-4 (10/67-07/68) Orville Daley USS Askari ARL-30 (1967-68) Bruce Jensen T-111-3 (1967-68) Col Pete Petersen USA (Ret.) Cdr 3rd/60th Inf (11/68-08/69) Captain Chaplain Lester Westling Jr. NSA Saigon Peter Danchuk USS Windham County LST-1170 (02/72-02/76) Gerald Johnston USS Nye County LST-1067 (01/66-01/67) Michael Howard Phillips D Co. 15th Combat in IV Corps (05/69-05/70) Frank De La Oliva Harbor Clearance Unit One (09/68-06/71) “Doc” Dale Jones B Co 4th/47th Inf (09/68-07/69) Engineers 9th Inf (08/68-06/69) David H. White USN (Ret) USS Satyr ARL-23 (08/69-08/70) Robert Dockendorff NSA Dong Tam/YRBM-17 (03/67-04/68) Everett Jones CCB-151-4 and CCB-152-5 (04/69-04/70) BM1 W. R. Posey Craft Master YTB -785 (1967-68 1970-71) BMCM Donald Wiita USN (Ret). T-111-13 (03/67-02/68) William Duggan RAS 13 M-131-2 (08/68-08/69) Frank B. Jones RivRon 15 T-48 William “Bill” Powell USS Askari ARL-30 (08/69-09/70) Norm Wilkinson B Co. 4th/47th Inf (03/67-03/68) Bruce Dunalp USS Mark AKL-12 (07/70-07/71) John L. Jones 1st Plt, A Batt 84th Arty (10/66-11/67) LCDR Leonard Previto CTF-117 (08/67-08/68) Tom Wischman USS Indra ARL-37 (1967-70) Ron Easterday HHC 2nd/47th Inf (04/66-09/67) Mackey Joyner USS Krishna ARL-38 (1946-49) Richard Pubanz A Co. 4th/47th Inf (01/69-03/69) Rhett Wise A Co. 3rd/47th Inf (03/67-04/68) and 659th Div (09/67-01/68) Dave Justin A Co. 3rd/60th Inf (12/66-11/67) Bryan and Dolly Rasco USS Indra ARL-37 (09/67-01/69) Jeffrey L. Withers RivRon 11 A-112-8 and M-112-12 (06/68-06/69) Paul Eastham T-132-11 (05/69-07/69) Anton “Tiny” Karenko 9th Inf Div HHC 15th Eng Bn (02/68-02/69) Paul Ray M-151-5 (06/69-07/70) William H. Ziebarth 9th Signal, 34 Arty (1966-68) Virgie Eblen Associate Member Harry & Judy Kawamura Donald and Marijo Robbins USS Benewah (APB-35) James Zieminski EN2 Boat Captain RivDiv 153 Leon Edmiston B Co. 3rd/60th 9th Inf (06/68-05/69) Jerry “Hollywood” Kawecki B Co. 3rd/47th 9th Inf (07/68-12/68) William Robinson Jr. CO USS Mark AKL-12 (06/70-05/71) ASPB 6854 (04/69-04/70) Dennis Erlandson D Co. 3rd/47th Inf (1968-69) Dane Keller RivDiv 532 PBR 121 (05/69-05/70) Greg Rockow USS Harnett County LST-821 (1968-69) Robert Zimmer XO USS Mercer APB-39 (02/68-07/69) Edith Ethridge Associate Member LTC Nick Laiacona USA (Ret.) C Co. 3rd/60th Inf (1968-69) Jerry Ross T-131-1 (08/69-08/70) Admiral Elmo Zumwalt ComNavForV