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A PUBLICATION OF VOLUME 15, NUMBER 1 THE MOBILE RIVERINE FORCE ASSOCIATION SPRING 2006 MRFMRFAA MOURNSMOURNS LOSSLOSS OFOF AA TRUETRUE HEROHERO 3rd/60th Reactivated By Albert “Monti” Montillo B Co 3rd/60th 9th Lt. General William B. Fulton, USA, Ret., the Command and General Staff College, Infantry Division Vietnam 4/6-9/68 who served as the Association of the Fulton then held a variety of assignments United States Army’s director of industry first in Germany, then an instructor at the The Army recently decided to deactivate affairs, died 20 January 2006 in Arlington, Infantry School at Fort Benning, Georgia. the 1st Battalion 28th Infantry and reacti- Virginia. He was 86. During the Korean War, he was on the vate the 3rd Battalion 60th Infantry, The Joining the AUSA staff shortly after retir- planning staff, and later G1, with Head- battalion CO, Lt Col Christopher Rizzo ing from the service as quarters, Army Forces located the MRFA web site and soon there- the director of the Army Far East Advanced, The MRFA and our Country lost a after made contact with John Sperry. John staff at the Department before joining the 4th contacted several members of Bravo Com- of the Army, Fulton was true American hero in General Fulton. He was one of a kind, a true Infantry Division as a pany and a group of us attended the cere- in charge of the Associa- Officer and Gentleman. A Soldier’s, battalion commander. mony held at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, tion’s Sustaining Mem- Soldier, the likes of whom we will After an assignment November 16, 2005. We were greeted ber Program, advertis- not see again in our lifetime. The in the Pentagon in warmly by Lt Col Rizzo and we shared ing for both ARMY Maga- General loved and respected all research and develop- some camaraderie with B Co 3rd/60th. He zine and AUSA NEWS, who served in Vietnam. He once told me that he fought in three wars ment, Fulton attended explained how impressed he was with the the Annual Meeting and the Air War College at response from John Sperry and Bob Exposition and the grow- but the bravest of the brave were the young men who served in Viet- Maxwell Air Force Base, Stumpf and to have us attend the cere- ing symposia program, a nam. served as a member of a mony. He told us this is a Basic Training series of professional He will be deeply missed by all special study group in battalion and their new salute greeting will development forums who knew him and we who knew the Office of the Joint be “River Raiders!” He admitted they really held around the country him are better off today for having Chiefs of Staff and was a wanted to use “Wild Ones” but consider- each year dealing with known the General. He was such a member of the Army ing this is a Basic Training unit felt that inap- timely topics affecting Gentleman. War College’s staff and propriate. The ceremony was formal and national defense, the Keep Marching, Keep Marching… faculty; during which impressive, the inactivation of two battal- posture of the Army and Albert time he completed his CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 the men and women studies for a Master’s who serve. degree in international Fulton served with AUSA from May 1977 relations from George Washington Uni- to January 1985. A native of Berkley, Cali- versity. FROMFROM THETHE GALLEYGALLEY fornia, Fulton graduated from the Univer- Fulton then joined the re-activated 9th sity of California at Berkley in 1938 with a Infantry Division, the “Old Reliables” at ALBERT MOORE, MRFA PRESIDENT bachelor’s degree in political science and a Fort Riley, Kansas. commission in the United States Army. He As the United States increased its troop May 4-6, 2006, MRFA was an honor graduate of the Reserve Offi- commitment to Southeast Asia, Fulton cer’s Training Program (ROTC). Gathering of the Troops, Crews & became the commander of the Division’s Guests in Indianapolis, Indiana As a newly commissioned second lieu- 2nd Brigade and, under his leadership, his tenant of infantry, Fulton was assigned to unit expanded from a handful of officers an infantry replacement center in Oregon. and noncommissioned officers into a full- Some of you may remember as far back He then entered World War II and joined strength, combat-ready fighting unit that to our reunions at the Galt House in Lou- the 91st Infantry Division in North Africa was deployed to Vietnam in late January isville, Kentucky (94-95), and our first where he commanded a platoon. 1967. reunion at the Drawbridge in 1997. In As a captain, Fulton commanded a com- 1994 and 1996, we had what we called a While in-country, Fulton launched com- “unit gatherings” at the Galt House and pany that moved into Italy and fought in bat operations in the Mekong River Delta the Rome-Arno Campaign, experienced the Drawbridge, where you the members and later, because of its combat efficiencies could come and check the hotel and areas combat in the North Appenines to Bologna in this new endeavor, the brigade teamed and then saw action in the Po Valley--its out prior to our reunions. This went over up with Navy Task Force 117 to form the real well with the membership. We will final campaign of the war. For his gallantry Mobile Riverine Force, an effective and and heroism in combat, he was awarded be doing the same thing in at the Adam's proficient joint fighting unit of historic Mark Hotel by the Airport in Indianapo- the Nation’s second highest award for proportions. valor--the Distinguished Service Cross. lis. It will start on Thursday, May 4, 2006 Returning to the United States to attend CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 2 River Currents, Volume 15, Number 1 • Spring 2006 From the Galley Things to See and Do in Indianapolis CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 and check-out is on Sunday the 7th. Now, FROM THE VP ROY MOSEMAN the gatherings are somewhat different than the reunions. We will not have any We will be at the ADAM'S MARK HOTEL downtown and easily accessible. If muse- activities planned such as a meal, dance, in Indianapolis, IN, in May 2006 for a gath- ums are your thing, you are in luck. There etc., but we will have a hospitality room ering of the troops and crews. Our next are many museums in the area including available with snacks and beverages. reunion will be at the Adam’s Mark in Au- the Crispus Attucks Museum, the Eiteljorg There will be no registration fee for this gust '07. The Adam’s Mark is a beautiful Museum of American Indians and West- gathering, so if you live in the area and h o t e l l o c a t e d e r n A r t , t h e just want to come and visit that's fine, too. within 10 minutes Freetown Village, This is also a good time for some of you of the airport and the Indiana Basket- that have missed our prior reunions to close to downtown ball Hall of Fame, come and visit. There will be a free shuttle attractions. It is the Indiana Medi- service to and from the airport; the cour- large enough to cal History Mu- tesy phone for the airport shuttle service handle our associa- seum, the Colonel is located in the baggage area. For those of t i o n a n d w e l l Eli Lilly War Mu- you wishing to visit downtown and the equipped with the seum, and Con- local mall, the hotel will be providing free amenities that we gressional Medal shuttle service to and from downtown. require. They will of Honor Memo- The hotel has free parking; but there are be a gracious host rial. Indianapolis no RV hook-ups. The hotel has a large and willing to ac- also has the Indi- parking area so there will be no problem commodate our ana State Library, finding a parking space. Room rates are every need. Adam’s the American Le- $79 a night. You have to make your own Mark will undergo g i o n N a t i o n a l reservations. You may contact the hotel a $10 million renovation that will be com- Headquarters, and the Indiana War Memo- directly by calling (317) 248-2481. Be sure plete before our '07 reunion. rial Plaza Historic District where a Soldier to mention you’re making your reserva- Indianapolis is a fairly large city with a and Sailors large monument is located, tions under the Mobile Riverine Force small town atmosphere. It really is beauti- plus it has the second most war memorials Association. For more information on the ful with its downtown parks and over 2 and monuments of any city in the United hotel, contact Reggie Vaughn, Sales Man- miles of canals winding through the city. States--only Washington, DC, has more. ager, (317) 381-6127 (his direct-dial line) or One can rent a paddle boat or take a gon- There are many places to shop including e-mail rvaughn@ adamsmark.com. You dola ride through the canal with a slow and the downtown Circle Centre with shops in may also contact Angela Jordan, Conven- peaceful view of this beautiful city. If you many of the buildings connected by sky tion Sales Manager at ajordan@ are a race fan or not, the Indianapolis Mo- bridges. If you like animals, there is the adamsmark.com. The Adam’s Mark by tor Speedway is a treat for you. Situated world famous Indianapolis zoo with ani- the Airport is located at 2544 Executive only 5.05 miles from downtown the speed- mals of all kinds for your grandchildren or Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46241. Or, check way has a racing museum, a golf course, your young children to see. For a few of them out on the internet at www. and a nice restaurant within the infield. you, there is the Caribbean Cove Indoor adamsmark.com; click on the link to the They also offer bus rides around the track Water Park within 15 miles of downtown. Indianapolis Adam’s Mark. that includes a history of the track. There is Start planning now to attend our '06 gath- also the Indianapolis Speed dome that fea- ering or our '07 reunion at the Adam’s tures a 1.5 mile oval and figure 8 track that Mark Hotel in Indianapolis. For more in- host late model, figure 8, and stock car rac- formation on the Indianapolis, area feel ing year round. If you like wine or inter- free to contact Paul Williams, Meeting and ested in a tour of a winery, Indianapolis is Sales Manager, at the Indianapolis Con- the place for you. There are several winer- vention and Visitors Bureau 1-800-956- ies close by that offers tours and tasting. INDY, e-mail [email protected] The Easley Winery is in the middle of or go to their web site www.indy.org.

Zack Robinson was at the far end of the My First Mortar Attack tent. The opposite end was where the By John Robinson 9th MP Co bunker was. All of a sudden, we heard a After graduating from military police very loud explosion. Before anyone could school at Fort Gordon, Georgia, in late June react, PFC Zack Robinson was running 1968, my entire company received orders past everyone toward the bunker in his for Vietnam. Returning from a 30-day underwear and t-shirt, no socks or boots. leave, we first spent a few days in San Fran- He ran so fast--similar to a 100-yard dash-- cisco processing before flying to Vietnam. everyone else could do nothing but laugh. Our first few days in country was in pro- You had to be there to really enjoy this cessing at Bear Cat before receiving our laugh because it was an outgoing round. weapons. I was with PFC's Ben Pearsall, Fortunately, all of us are still in contact Zack Robinson and Harold Smith. We with one another. Of course, Zack doesn't were assigned to the 9th Military Police remember any of this. Company; our orders were for Dong Tam. The night before leaving for Dong Tam, we John Robinson served with 9th MP Co. were all in a tent around 2300 hours. In the 8/68-7/69. You may contact John at 21 Craig Rd., Bear, DE 19701-1125. 302-322-6309 or tent there were 20 men--10 to a side. PFC e-mail [email protected]. 3 River Currents, Volume 15, Number 1 • Spring 2006 3rd/60th Reactivated Note from Albert CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 As you all know, we have the CCB at ions and the reactivation of two. Seeing the Coronado and we have a great working 3rd/60th banner unveiled and presented party that takes care of the boat. The was a beautiful sight for each of us. After working party is getting older and without the ceremony, we were invited to attend a the help and assistance of a few sons and reception and were surprised when Lt Col grandsons of our members the working Rizzo introduced each of us, individually, party would not be able to keep the boat up to the audience, and asked us to step for- the maintenance as they have done in the ward and receive a framed certificate. We past. Some of you that live in the immedi- are now Honorary Life Members of the 3rd ate area have often e-mailed or called me Battalion 60th Infantry, Fort Jackson, South wanting to know about the boat and how Carolina. Prior to introducing us, Rizzo to visit the boat. One problem is none have pointed out the banner Sperry mailed him offered to assist with the working party which was on display in the reception area. extended an open invitation for us to and upkeep of the boat. We have a few Later, we took many photos in front of the return anytime, and I believe he meant it. working party members who travel a few banner. Those attending were John and He also encouraged us to show up on Sat- 100 miles once a month to be on the Barb Iannucci, Lou and Elsie De Old, Mitch urday for PT, we declined. Each of us I’m working party. The working party meets Purdue, Bob Nichols, and myself, Albert sure felt this was a special event in our once a month and usually has some type of Montillo. I can't express adequately how respective lives. I know I do. I also came cook-out at the end of the work day. I know we were treated. Lt Col Rizzo gave us his away with a new appreciation for our all a lot of you are still in the work force but so full time and was generally sincere about Volunteer Army, which I can't express ade- are some of the active working party how he felt about our attendance. He quately. members we have. It would be appreciated if a few of you would step forward and offer your time and effort with the boat. You don't have to do it every month, but a VC Nurse Leads 2nd/39th to Hideout few times a year would be appreciated. If Rach Kien you are not retired Army or Navy, all you The 1st Brigade elements opened up on have to do is contact Charles Campbell or Seven VC who buried themselves alive Everett Jones and they will see that you get to escape detection were found by 9th Inf them killing all eight during a brief firefight. on base. You can find their phone numbers Division soldiers being led to a hospital and e-mail addresses in the working party complex by a former enemy nurse. The The search continued in the area indi- update posted here. nurse had rallied to the government under cated by the suspect when Private 1st Class the Chieu Hoi program 13 September and George L. Greendeer, 24 of Dallas, Wiscon- the next day volunteered to take men of sin, hit something hard as he probed the the 2nd Battalion, 39th Infantry, to a VC ground with his bayonet. He started dig- Working Party hospital where she had worked. Company ging and found a suspect hiding under- A was inserted and she led them to a large ground in a 50-gallon barrel. It had been Update house enclosed by a storm fence. cut in half and a layer of wood covered the If you live in the San Diego area and “The VC were using the house as a hos- top. “I couldn't believe it,” Greendeer said. would like to assist in the restoration of pital,” said 1st LT Phil Ward of Houston, The suspect told interpreters he had been CCB-18 by being an MRFA volunteer on Texas, A Co. 2nd/39th platoon leader. There underground for a day and a half. Contin- the working party, Army or Navy, con- were 11 beds for wounded, the hospital uing his search, Greendeer found five tact Charles Campbell, 677 G St. SP#1, was very clean, and had running water, more barrels containing suspects who had Chula Vista, CA 91910; 619-427-6835 or e- toilets and three showers. After searching buried themselves alive more then 30 mail:[email protected] or Everett Jones at the hospital and finding hours earlier. In one, a sus- 1947 Gotham St., Chula Vista, CA 91913, medical supplies and cloth- pect nurse and a man were 619-421-3721; [email protected]. ing, 2nd/39th elements found plus a .45 cal. pistol. began sweeping the sur- Also discovered were VC rounding area. Spec 4 flags, documents, a flag with Anderson Durham, 22 of a hammer and sickle and a Dallas, Texas, spotted an picture of Ho Chi Minh. “I PLEASE NOTE: enemy running into a still can't figure how they YOUR MEMBERSHIP EXPIRATION DATE bunker and detained him. The suspect could live in the barrels so long,” said more VC were in the area hiding in Greendeer said. is printed on the front of your issue of tunnels and bunkers. Minutes later eight Taken from the October 2nd 1968 issue of VC were seen running toward a wood line. the Old Reliable Vol 2, No 39 River Currents.

Clerks Turned Infantrymen September to repel a Viet Cong ground of New York City, one of the supply clerks attack against the 2nd/47th compound. involved in the battle. “It was apparent Repel Assault Heavy fighting began at midnight when that the VC were probing our defense to TAN AN SOUTH the VC attempted to penetrate the com- see how strong we were. They discovered pound from two sides. Supported by the that even clerks can be tough fighters as we The 9th Division's Reliable Academy newly formed “Panther Patrol,” the clerks repelled their attack before they could get stressed the point that any member of the turned back the charge. When the fighting close to our perimeter,” Clark added. Army can be involved in a firefight. ended at 3 am, seven VC had been killed. Several supply clerks of the 2nd/47th “We arrived at the compound several days Taken from the October 2nd 1968 issue of (Mech) Infantry found out how true that ago,” explained Specialist Five Neil Clark the old Reliable. was as they turned combatants here 16 4 River Currents, Volume 15, Number 1 • Spring 2006 Trading Movies Vietnam 1968 (Benewah) Life for those of us “River Rats” in the known to civilians as Mekong Delta in 1968 was a contrast in ex- “battle stations.” Once tremes. We were bored for most of the day at our guns and wear- and night and then waited for that 1 or 2 ing helmets and flax hours each night when the fireworks jackets, we waited to started. Most of the time, we were bored. see if the enemy would That is what happens when your job be- notice the huge dark- comes a dull routine even in a war zone. ened target halfway would swap with other ships. Eventually, River Assault Flotilla One consisted of between them and the base they were we saw all the movies. Whenever a Navy five ships, sometimes a couple more. We shelling. Only once in the year I was ship showed up on the river, we would al- were a mobile floating base, able to up an- aboard the ship did the enemy fire on us at ways ask if they had movies to trade. chor and take us and our embarked Army night. Because of this, even going to gen- Twice a day I stood anchor watch on the troops, and their transport, anywhere in eral quarters with flashes of exploding mor- bridge as the Officer-of-the-Deck. Stand- the Delta area of the Mekong River. We tar and rocket rounds lighting up Dong ing watch with me would be a quartermas- went where the action was. After the Me- Tam became routine to us. ter (to keep our position to make sure we kong River flow into Vietnam from Cam- There was no recreation on the ship to didn't drag anchor) and a lookout. The Offi- bodia to the west, it forms a delta. Within speak of. Once a week, there would be beer cer-of-the-Deck wore a pair of 8-power that delta, there are many rivers that even- call on the pontoons alongside. Those binoculars. On either side of the bridge was tually empty into the South China Sea. Al- weren't much to brag about just a few 100 a huge 20-power pair of “big eyes” binocu- though the river we operated on most of men standing on a scorching steel pon- lars mounted on a swivel. They were so the time was the Tien Giang. I am going to toon with no shade, drinking a couple of powerful that at night you could count the just refer to it as the Mekong to avoid con- beers that soon became warm. When we craters on the moon. fusion. officers weren't standing watch at anchor, One day in particular, I was on watch. We There was plenty of action--at least for which for me was the bridge, we were do- were anchored next to the base at Dong the Army troops and Navy boat crews who ing our daily routine jobs at our work sta- Tam. This stretch of river is wide, but from took off in their Armored Troop Carriers tions, or were in our staterooms. Our only there toward the sea it narrows consider- and other craft to sweep areas in the Delta. real form of entertainment, other than an ably and runs straight as an arrow for They would reach their zone of operation occasional poker game, was watching mov- about 5 miles or so. As I glanced down- by way of the canals and smaller streams ies. The enlisted watched their movies on stream, I saw something coming my way that flowed into the Mekong River. For the Mess Decks. The officers in the ward- but too far with my binoculars. I stepped those of us on the ships, it was the same room watched their movies in the officer's over to the “big eyes” and trained them routine, day after day. At night, it was a dif- dining area. There were so many officers, toward the southeast. There steaming to- ferent story. The Army's fortified base at Navy and Army, we ate in two sections. ward us was an LST, Landing Ship Tank. It Dong Tam came under attack just about The wardroom wasn't big enough to hold was one of the LSTs that brought supplies every night of the year. Anytime we were all of us for meals. It also wasn't big enough to the MRF and the base at Dong Tam. It anchored near Dong Tam--which was of- to hold all of us for movies. was a long ways off, too far to read the num- ten--we became part of the action in a curi- The senior officers got chairs during the ber painted on her bows. In accordance movies. Most of the ju- with the Captain's standing orders, I called nior officers had to him on the phone to notify him that a ship stand in the back of the was in sight. He immediately told me to ask room for the whole the ship if they wanted to trade movies. movie. If I was lucky, I The method of communicating between got to sit on a trash can in ships that were within sight of each other is the back corner. The to use a flashing light; this is a 12-inch light wardroom was air con- with shutters on the front so you can send ditioned, but it wasn't message by Morse code. up to the task of over- I do remember it was almost 4:00 pm be- coming the body heat of cause I told the signalman to send the mes- that many bodies. So it sage to the ship about trading movies. I was always hot during a never knew what the reply was because movie. my relief came on deck and I went below I remember one night off duty. That was the end of that… or so I there was a long movie. ous way. thought. I wasn’t to learn the rest of the When it was over and the light came on, story for some months. Most of our ships were painted a dark there was an extra can of film next to the A few months later, the ships were an- green. That is quite a contrast from the projector. We didn't even notice the break usual Navy haze gray. The dark paint was chored many miles from the Army base at in the story line. It was hot enough in there Dong Tam. One of our junior officers com- used so we would not stand out against the as it was and the projector lamp was add- river banks during the night and make us a ing back from R&R had flown into Dong ing to the stifling heat; we didn't watch the Tam only to find the ship not there. While target. We were also blacked out at night so extra can of film. we would not alert the enemy of our posi- he was trying to arrange for a helicopter to There were usually five ships in our flo- fly him to the ship, he managed to strike up tion. When the attack on the Army base tilla on the river. Every time a supply ship started in the early hours before dawn, the a conversation with an officer who was off (LST-AKL) came, we got a new batch of CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 ship would go to general quarters, or better movies. When we saw all the movies, we 5 River Currents, Volume 15, Number 1 • Spring 2006 nam Vets. Nonetheless, one VA estimate of Most veterans do not know that if they the program shows the potential pool of have at least a 10 percent service- VA Update poor veterans and widows without the connected disability, they can get free eye- pensions has remained unchanged for the glasses, hearing aids, and mobility devices, FYI Veteran’s Survivors Miss past 4 years. The total number of pension such as canes and walkers. Other little ben- cases fell to 541,000 in Fiscal Year 2005, the efits go begging as well. Very few veterans Out on Pensions sixth straight year of declines. The VA actu- know they can get a clothing allowance Nearly 2 million poor veterans or the ary office predicts that the pension partici- (now over $600 a year) if they wear a pros- impoverished widows are probably miss- pation is likely to drop further, losing be- thetic device that damage their clothing or ing out on as much as $22 billion a year in tween 7,000 and 8,000 enrollees a year and use tropical medication for skin ailments. pensions from the U.S. Government, but falling below 500,000 participants by 2012, Why doesn't the VA inform veterans of the Department of Veterans Affairs has according to a VA report. At the same time, their benefits? The VA's answer is simple had only limited success in finding them. the separate 2004 report estimates that an because it is not a requirement. Up until 3 Widows are hardest hit. According to a VA additional 853,000 veterans and 1.1 million years ago, the VA had outreach programs estimate, only one in seven of the survivors survivors--generally widows--could get designed to find and inform veterans of of the Nation's deceased soldiers, sailors, the pension but don't. Of all those likely their benefits. These programs were airmen, and marines, who probably could eligible, only 27 percent of veterans and 14 cancelled by the VA Secretary at that time. qualify for the pension, actually get the percent of widows receive the money. The The reason? The programs were “too suc- monthly checks. What's more, participa- VA's pension program is targeted at veter- cessful” and it was felt the VA budget tion in the program is falling, according to ans who served their country during war- couldn't handle any more veterans into the a Knight Ridder analysis of VA records. time but have falling on hard times. The system. Who suffers the most of the VA's “The reason for the lax program provides a “non information” policy? All veterans, participation,” a VA study monthly check to bring but most of all its poorer veterans suffer the said, “is that poor veter- HOW TO GET HELP... incomes up to a certain most. There has been legislation floating ans generally are com- No veteran or widow eligible for this program level. A veteran can make around Congress for years that would re- pletely unaware that the should be left out. Veterans and their widows up to $10,579 a year and quire the VA to inform all veterans of all program exists.” “Veter- or other dependents might be eligible for the qualify for the VA pen- available benefits. The legislation just ans simply don't know Department of Veterans Affairs pension if they sion, while widows can keeps getting bounced from one commit- about it,” said Despina meet certain requirements: make up to $7,094 a year. tee to another committee hearing with no Hatton, who runs a senior >Veterans must have served during a time of Those who are home- action taken. So we find ourselves in the law program for residents war, even if not in combat, and they must be bound or in need of extra unique situation of having the state in- of Washoe County, Ne- either permanently disabled or 65 or older. assistance can receive forming veterans of their Federal benefits vada, that seeks to help >Their income must fall under a certain level. more. One reason why and look for more states to start doing this. veterans or their widows >Widows of veterans can also apply, although so many veterans are The irony here is that as states look to save receive the benefit. There their incomes must be even lower. missing out on the pro- money, veterans will be the winners. But are people such as a 72- If you think you may qualify or know someone gram is the VA literature the real answer to the problem lies in the year-old widow of a who may qualify for the benefit, go to www.vba.va.gov/bin/21/Milvsc/Docs/Pensoneg lists the program under legislation to require the VA to inform all World War II sailor who .doc. If you are a widow of a veteran, go to the dozens it provides. veterans of all their benefits. lives in Nevada on $9,732 www.vba.vagov/bin/21/Milsvc/Docs/Dpeneg.do But the program's name a year on Social Security c The VA also has a toll-free number (800-827- confuses many veterans: benefits. Frail, legally 1000) for more information; or contact your it's called a “disability blind, suffering from de- state or local county VA representative. pension,” but a person mentia, and in need of doesn't have to be dis- NOW AVAILABLE! regular assistance at home, she could be abled to receive it. Further, a “Summary of !1/35th scale of the Program 5 Command and Communi- eligible for $1,608 more a year under the VA Benefits” on the Department's Web site cations Boat limited edition. Resin kit is 20” long. VA's formulas. That would boost her in- doesn't spell out a central criterion of the Orders usually shipped within 2 to 3 weeks. Shipped via come by about 17 percent. She had never UPS with insurance and confirmation domestic shipping. program that veterans can qualify based Price: $199.95 plus Tax $20.00. Grand total $215.00. heard of the VA pension until recently. on their age. (The age requirement is listed Paint and glue not included. She's working to apply. in other parts of the VA Web site and the VA To order contact Masterpiece Models, 7907 NE St Johns The VA knows that many veterans and said it will correct the error.) BASICALLY, Rd., Vancouver, WA 98665. For credit card and other info, call 360-256-1488. To see the model, go to widows are missing out on the benefit. any poor veteran, who is 65 or older and http://www.masterpiecemodels.com, or “We obviously are here for any veteran or served during a war, in combat or not, is [email protected]. The Models are By MRFA survivor who qualifies,” said a VA pension eligible for the program, the biggest prob- Member Jack Carrico SFC Ret. official “but so many of these people we lem is the majority of the poor or elderly 6 McGrogan's Military Patches: 208-762-4481/New e-mail don't know who they are or where they veterans have never heard of the program. macpatch@mcgrogans. com. McGrogan's patches has are.” Indeed, a VA report from late 2004 If you know of anyone whom you believe one of the largest collection there is of Vietnam Patches-- recommended that the agency “improve can be helped or assisted by this program, Army and Navy. Don will be on hand for our '07 reunion. its outreach efforts” with public service please pass this information on. 6 Military Watches Etc. MRFA and 9th Inf 541-863-3144 or e-mail [email protected] www.chiefsquarters.com announcements and other pilot programs. Why are there millions of veterans and 6 While it made limited efforts to reach vet- widows nationwide who are not getting Books: www.mrfa.org erans or their widows through existing VA benefits? The simple reason is because 6 Supplier of Challenge Coins and Military Key Fobs (Frank channels, it is “difficult to determine” Gubala) 716-873-4821 or e-mail [email protected]; or they don't know they are qualified, but the visit the website www.9thinfantry.bravepages.com whether such efforts have been successful, real answer is much more complex: The the numbers don't suggest they have been. 6 Seaweeds Ships Histories and Photos 1-800-seaweed VA is NOT required to tell veterans, de- www-uss-seaweed.com In Fiscal Year 2005, there were fewer veter- pendents, or widows that they qualify for ans and widows added to the pension rolls 6 GOING BACK: IndoChina Tours owned and operated by benefits. As strange as this may seem, the MRFA member Courtney Frobenius B Co 3rd/60th than there were in 2004. World War II and VA is under no obligation to inform any- 9thInfDiv. 207 Decatur St. NW, Olympia, WA 98502. 360- Korean War veterans are dying and are one of any benefits. This is also true for vet- 570-2096 or e-mail [email protected] rapidly falling off the rolls. At the same erans who already enrolled in the VA sys- www.indochinators.com time, the department said it's been “rea- tem. Millions of veterans in the VA system The only products to be pictured in sonably successful” in signing up new Viet- are only receiving some of their benefits. River Currents will be MRFA products. 6 River Currents, Volume 15, Number 1 • Spring 2006 92-1 from December 1967 through Decem- ber 1968. Lt. David Wyrick There was a Naval Chapel at the Long By Ronald McAbee M-92-1 Beach Naval Station dedicated in memory Early on the morning of 18 March 1968, I of Lt. David Wyrick. When they closed the was with River Assault Squadron 9 and Naval Base down a number of years back, their tango boats loaded with troops as the the association ask for the dedication squadron proceeded toward Cai-Lay--the plaque that was placed on the outside of operation area on the Rach Ba Rai Canal. It the Chapel, unfortunately we never was also known as “Snoopy's Nose.” It was haste to reload, I had left off the cover to received a reply from the Navy Depart- Charlie country. my ammunition box and empty 20-mm ment on our request. The palm trees looked dead from previ- shells had fallen and jammed the guide. ous fire fights. It was hot and humid, and The only way to correct the problem was the air was difficult to breathe. Around sun- to remove my feeder to take the pressure rise, we dropped the Army off on the left off the ammunition belt. As I was standing ARMY/NAVY Golf Tournament side of the canal and waited. Hours passed to the side of my machine gun, I heard with no sign of the 514 VC Battalion. what sounded like hands clapping outside Tournament Around 4:00 pm we started to move my gun mount. The VC has spotted me Member David McCann has volun- upriver slowly. The Army commander and they were firing away, the rounds teered to put an Army and Navy golf tour- decided to pick up the troops and proceed were hitting inches from my face. As nament together for the '07 reunion. If any- up the canal. quickly as possible, I turned my turret out one is interested in assisting David, please I was sitting in my 20-mm machine gun of the line of fire, removed the feeder, and do so--C/O David McCann, 1263 Big Horn mount aboard M-92-1, with my hand and got my 20 mm back in firing condition. Rd, Helena, MT 59602. 406-442-8168 or e- arm sticking out over the rim of my turret, I then noticed I was standing in a great mail [email protected]. David served in talking to LT David Wyrick. He had been in deal of blood. It was everywhere, running RivRon 15 1970. country only 16 days. Underneath his hel- down the inside wall, on the deck, on my met he wore a ball cap with the bill turned feet, and in my sandals. I knew I was bleed- backward for good luck. ing, but not that bad. Then I remembered We were looking straight ahead toward LT Wyrick sitting between the two 50- PIG OUT the ASPB in front of us when a rocket hit caliber gun turrets. This was his blood. and exploded on their right side. Black Neither Kanabe nor I could get to him; As of right now, we will have a free smoke poured from the boat. The squad- we had to fight our way out of the ambush pig-out in ‘06 and ‘07, the pig-outs by ron immediately began devastating fire first. I could hear a considerable amount of Dean and the 709th Maintenance and into the right and left sides of the canal. firing going on over the sound of my own 99th Combat Support Battalion have Chris Kanabe and I (he was the starboard machine gun. I thought it might be rockets gone over great and there is no way we 50-caliber gunner) were firing our weap- hitting the river bank nearby, but I wasn't can thank Dean enough for these cook ons on the right side of the canal when the certain. It also could have been the explod- outs. Also, we need to give thanks to all Army radio suddenly shouted a “cease ing rounds from our 40-mm turret. those who assisted Dean at our last fire.” We had been shooting at our own Once again my gun stopped firing, and reunion; they had a pig pickin’ good troops on the left side. for the second time I was out of ammuni- time. Thanks folks! There was a pause in the fighting. tion. I swung my turret out of the VC firing Kanabe and Ramos, our port 50-caliber line and looked behind us. To my disbelief, gunner, began handing me some ammuni- our other boats had turned around and tion stored underneath my turret. As they were headed down the river. They were Movies on the Benewah reached down for more ammo, we heard a more than a 100 yards away from us, leav- loud BOOM! A B-40 rocket detonated on ing us and the two ASPBs out there by our- CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 that LST we had asked to trade movies our right side between the coxswain flat selves. Our radio must have been dam- with some months before. The officer was and Kanabe's gun turret. It hit about 4 feet aged by the rocket because we hadn't immediately asked to have dinner aboard from us, and the blast knocked me back heard the order to turn around. The two the ship. She was anchored at Dong Tam. against my own gun turret. ASPBs had heard the order, but they were When the officer set down to eat with the I remember seeing a bright flash. The afraid to turn and go by us because of the LST's officers, they were eager to talk to noise was incredible and black smoke was intense firing from our 40 mm. him. They told him his ship was one “cool everywhere. Kanabe, Ramos, and myself I crawled out of my turret to tell Kanabe customer.” The officer was puzzled by this were hit with small amounts of shrapnel! about the situation. While I was struggling remark. They went on. Our boat captain BM1 Billy Miller and to get back into firing position, the firing They remembered vividly, months helmsman Arthur Melling were critical. slowed down and our boat turned around before when they rounded the last turn in Everything seemed to be happening in and left the ambush. We were finally safe, the river many miles below Dong Tam. All microseconds. I looked down and saw back with the rest of the squadron. at once they were ambushed by the enemy pieces of shrapnel lodged in my legs; they Our boat and the two ASPBs has taken from both banks of the river. They received were about the size of the end of my finger. several rockets and many small arms hits. machine gun and RPG rounds that blew I bent down and physically pulled them When we pulled to the medevac boat to holes into the side of the ship. The ship out. They were very hot, and one of them, get the critical wounded out, I saw them went to general quarters as every man in my left leg, was too deep to pull out. gently place LT Wyrick on a stretcher. He manned his battle station. As they Miller and Melling were moved to the had been severely injured and he was in returned fire with the enemy on both lower compartment for medical attention critical condition. Corpsman Biddle banks of the river and tried to steam away and Kanabe took over the helmsman posi- administered CPR in a valiant attempt to from the trap they had sailed into, they tion. My ears were ringing unbelievably. I keep him alive, but to no avail. Lieutenant received a flashing light from the Benewah grabbed my ammunition and pulled it into David Wyrick died between 4:00 and 4:30 wanting to know if they wanted to trade my turret, reloaded my 20 mm and fired as pm in the jungles of Vietnam on 18 March movies. rapidly as possible into the jungle. Sud- 1968. denly my gun stopped firing. During my Ronald McAbee served on the Monitor By Lt/Jg Tom Sparkman USS Benewah 1968 7 River Currents, Volume 15, Number 1 • Spring 2006

crew said. It came from one side of the A Tribute to Chaplain Nate Loesch canal. For several minutes, there was shooting and yelling and we fired back. By Captain Al Dillon US Navy (Ret.) Then it got quiet. We were past the enemy The Navy Chaplain entered the ship’s because another officer was sick. Neither area.” The command boat called by radio wardroom weary and dejected. His usu- the Chaplain nor Wyrick were under the and asked for me. They said Lt. Wyrick was ally pleasant face was pale and drawn, Captain’s operational command. His ship hurt bad and could I come aboard their etched by the stress of the mission from merely provided hotel services for them boat. We took our boat alongside the com- which he’d just returned. It was hours and the combat soldiers and sailors. mand boat and I went aboard.” after midnight and though tired he knew The Chaplain turned his cup round and The Chaplain paused for another sip of he could not sleep. round in his hands staring at it absorbed in coffee and went on with his story. “The He greeted the Captain with a glance thought. The Captain waited in silence, he rocket had torn open his stomach. He was and slumped into a seat at the dining table. knew the Chaplain wanted to talk about conscious though I could see his insides “Cup of coffee Chaplain?” asked the Cap- what happened on the mission. were exposed and all torn up. He'd been tain. The Chaplain nodded as if in deep “We were going down a narrow canal,” given a shot of morphine and his pain was thought. The Captain drew coffee from an said the Chaplain. “The boats were travel- subsiding. I held his head in my lap. It took urn on the sideboard. Placed a cup in front ing in a column. I was in the third boat. It an hour and fifteen minutes for him to die. of the Chaplain and set opposite him. was very dark.” There were no helicopters available; we “Lt. Wyrick is dead,” said the Chaplain. The Captain listened intently, compas- couldn't get him back to a doctor. He talked “Yes I heard,” replied the Captain, “We sionately to this marvelous man who went the whole time. I didn't know him 'till then. got the report by radio.” into combat with the soldiers and sailors. He was groggy, but he told me about his The Chaplain and the Captain were He was not required to go officially. He wife in San Diego. They had two little girls. friends. Thrown together by the war in the could remain onboard the ship in relative He told me about his mother and his child- river, they had come to like and respect safety, but he went voluntarily into “the hood. He never asked for anything. He just each other. The Chaplain could have valley of death” in the small boats. The talked, we prayed together and he died.” resided aboard the flagship with his boss men accepted his presence, they expected Both men were silent. They sipped cof- and the Commodore, but he chose to live it. He was popular; he never preached to fee. Several minutes passed. The Chaplain aboard the LST where life was less formal. them, but they felt his goodness and were said softly yet urgently “I don't want to go The Chaplain stared at the Captain and comforted. out there again, Al.” said, “Wyrick had only been here 10 days. The Chaplain took a sip of coffee and “I know, “said the Captain, “but you will. This was his first mission.” continued his story. And the worst part of it is that you don’t “Yes I know,” said the Captain. He knew “There was a streak of light and an explo- have to, but you will.” And he did. too that Wyrick had gone on the mission sion hit the first boat. A B-40 rocket the

MRFA & 9th Infantry Division Mobile Museum The museum will be at our next reunion in '07. Board Member Rick Corrick handles all aspects of the trailer. The trailer will be open from 9 am till 5 pm. If you have never had the opportunity to see the trailer please plan on doing so, it’s an awesome display. All the 9th Infantry Division KIAs, Navy Task Forces 117-116-115 KIAs, as well as all in-country Navy Units and Coast Guard KIAs are listed on the outside of the trailer under their respective units. We have pictures of all the different units of the 9th and all Navy units posted behind plexiglass inside. Rich Corrick served on R-112-1, 1966-1967.

Nicholas Miller COS RIVASTDIV 152 7/68-6/69 Thanks to Our Members The Memorial Trailer is a Great Success! Albert Moore USS Benewah Chuck Morgan RivDiv 91 T-91-5 The MRFA would like to thank the following members for their generous donations to our memorial Roy D. Moseman C-2 4th/47th Infantry trailer. If you would like to make a donation, please make check or money order payable to MRFA. Richard E. “Doc” Nelson RivRon 15 Staff Send to: Charlie Ardinger, 1857 County Rd. A-14, Decorah, IA 52101. Christopher O. O'lsen T-131-8 5/68-5/69 SFC Claude Onley 3rd/60th Infantry Luis F. Peraza Casanova D Co. 3rd/60th Infantry Charles E. Ardinger T-151-11 Jeffie L. Hanks USS Benewah Carl Petty A/Co/4th/39th Inf 1967-68 Preston Banks HHC 3rd/47th INF SFC Michael D. Hanmer RivRon 13 / RivDiv 153 Bob “Doc” Pries B Co. 2nd/47th Infantry Gery Benedetti T-112-2 and T-112-6 Michael A. Harris T-152-1 Paul A. Ray Monitor 151-5 6/69-7/70 Ralph H. Bigelow T-131-8 1968-69 John “Jack” Herrmann ComRivDiv-92 1967-68 John J. Read USS Colleton ABP-35 In memory of nieces, Amy J. Jerome H. “Jerry” Bogart USS Tom Green County LST 1159 Lucien Hinkle HQC 3rd/60th Infantry 9th Inf Div Gilbert and Kristen Wagner MG Lucien Bolduc, Jr. USA (Ret.) CO 3rd/47th Infantry, 2/67-1/68 George Frank Humphreys, II E CO 3rd/39th Infantry Joe Rosner Monitor 6, RivRon 15 John W. Boling IUWG-1 Unit 2 Don P. Jackson IUWG-1 Unit 1, Vung Tau Thomas F. Scheider A Btry 1st/11th Art & B Co 2nd/39th Infantry Al Breininger COS RivDiv-91 1966-67 Andrew Jancosek USS Benewah APB-35 Harry David Schoenian C/CO/4th/47th Inf 67/78 Edward T. Brennan E Co 3rd/60th Infantry 02/68-02/69 Dale S. “Doc” Jones B Co. 4th/47th Infantry David M. Smith C/Co/2nd/60th Inf 1969-70 The Brothers of 2nd BN 47th Inf Reg 9th Inf Div Vietnam David R. Jones Zippo 111-7 Chester C. Stanley, Jr. C-111-1 Kenneth L. Brown A/CO/3rd/60th Inf Richard T. Kane B-1 4th/47th & D Co 5th/60th Inf. James E. Steffes COSDIVS 12 and 13 James Byrnes LCM-P7713 8/61-10/62 Chris R. Knabe M-92-1 John F. Stone USS Harnett Cty LST 821 Alfred M. Cady, III USS Benewah Michael A. Knowlton YRBM-18 1/68-1/69 Robert J. Stumpf 3rd/60th Infantry Rick J. Chapman Z-111-7, 10/68-7/69 George C. Lang A-3 4th/47th Infantry Ken Sunberg HHC 5th/60th Mech. Infantry Northern Kentucky Convention Center Walter F. Lineberger III XO RAD 91 1968-69 William E. Tamboer T-151-9 Richard T. Coogan B & A Cos. 9th Inf 15th Combat Eng ENT William H. Little RivRon 11 Charlie E. Taylor C-3 5th/60th Infantry Clarence G. Cooper River Section 511 Ed Lohf C/Co/4th/47th Robert (Bob) Thacker D/Co 15th Combat (Eng) 3/68-6/69 Richard L. Corrick R-112-1 Robert Lorman T-152-6 6/68-6/69 Jimmy Toney 3rd/60th Infantry Sam Crawford USS Satyr Stephen Luft B Co. 4th/47th Infantry Ralph Tresser USS Benewah Joseph Dizona, Jr. NSA Nha Be David E. Lull B-2 2nd/47th Infantry Erol S. Tuzcu A Co. 3rd/60th Infantry Anonymous Donors Brian J. Mahoney USS Sphinx ARL-24 David Tyler RivDiv 132 M-3-6 T-24, 1969-70 Tom “Doc” Duthie E Co 4th/47th Infantry George J. Marthenze T-91-10 Victor E. Unruh T-151-1 Paul Eastham T-132-11 BMC Robert C. Martin, USN (Ret.) USS Benewah Roger C. Valentine USS Askari ARL-30 Larry C. Ethridge USS Askari William McCollum T-111-2 Robert E. Vandruff T-91-5 and T-92-4 Terrence Fetters HHC 3rd/47th Inf 04/69-07/69 Bruce McIver T-131-7 RAID-72 3/69-3/70 Gen. William C. Westmoreland (COMUSMACV) 64-68 Ralph J. Fries River Sects. 543 and 535 Adam Metts T-111-2 Gerald Weston C/91/7 A/91/7 1967-68 Lt Gen William B. Fulton, USA (Ret.) CO 2nd Bde., 9th Infantry Div. John P. Miller C Co 3rd/47th Infantry William H. Wulff B Co. 3rd/47th Infantry Rebecca Hancock Associate 8 River Currents, Volume 15, Number 1 • Spring 2006 Naval Support Activity, Danang, provided The Naval Command in South Vietnam logistic support to all American Forces in I Corps, where predominant Marines pres- ence demanded a naval supply establish- In contrast to the carrier, amphibious, units. As a result, on 1 April 1966 Naval ment. Naval Support Activity, Danang, and naval gunfire support forces and, at Forces Vietnam was established to control was under the operational control of Com- least during early 1965, the Coastal Patrol the Navy units in II, III, and IV Corps Tacti- mander III Marines Amphibious Force. Force, which Commander Seventh Fleet cal Zones. This eventually included the COMNAVFORV also commanded the directed the Navy forces within South Viet- major combat formations: Coastal Surveil- Naval Advisory Groups and the Seabees of nam, were operationally controlled by lance (Task Force 115), River Patrol Force the 3rd Naval Constructional Brigade; the Commander Military Assistance Com- (Task Force 116), and Riverine Assault Military Sea Transportation Service Office, mand, Vietnam (COMUSMACV). Initially, Force (Task Force 117), The latter unit Vietnam, which coordinated the gargan- General Westmoreland exercised this com- formed naval component of the joint tuan sealift to Southeast Asia; the Officer- mand through the Chief, Naval Advisory Army-Navy Mobile Riverine Force. In-Charge of Construction Vietnam, who Group. But the increasing demands of the Commander Naval Forces Vietnam handled in-country construction by civil- war required a district operational rather (COM NAVFORV) also controlled the ian contractors; the Naval Research and than an advisory headquarters for Naval Naval Support Activity (NSA) Saigon, Development Unit, Vietnam, which tested which sup- new equipment in the field: and Com- plied naval mander Coast Guard Activities, Vietnam. forces in II, Information from the Naval Historical III, and IV Center Washington, DC. Corps areas.

Note Recently, the USS Whitfield County (LST-1168) another 1159-class vessel met her sad ending as she was intentionally sunk by the Greek Navy to create a coral reef in the Aegean Sea. The USS Whitfield County served as part of the Mobile Riverine Force TF-117 during her service in the Vietnam War. A good percentage of the MRFA Army and Navy members should remember this fine ship and the gallant service it performed while serving with the MRF. Mechanized Operations in the Mekong Delta By MRFA Staff

The extensive rice paddies and man- landing craft were therefore required for flank under the control of the 3rd/60th In- grove swamps of the canal laced Delta transportation across major rivers and fantry Battalion. Lt Larry Garner's mecha- were very different from the jungle area of canals. Route reconnaissance by air was nized company was given the deeper ob- Operation CEDAR FALLS-JUNCTION always important but was essential during jective because of its mobility would per- CITY in III Corps Tactical Zone. But in the the monsoon season. mit a quick search of the area. It was hoped Delta, with few high elevations, M113s The Delta's open, level terrain permitted that tracked vehicles could make up for could move as freely as rivers and major ground troops to engage the enemy with lack of a blocking force. By 0830 the M113s canals permitted. The 2nd Battalion 47th organic weapons at much greater range of Company C were advancing north, Infantry (Mechanized) and the 5th Battal- than that of the point blank fighting nor- crossing paddies surrounded by narrow, ion 60th Infantry (Mechanized) of the 9th mal in the jungle. One of the hardest bat- dikes. Mostly dry, the paddies easily sup- Infantry Division's two armored units tles fought by mechanized infantry in the ported tracks, but crossing the many ca- used in this region conducted successful Delta occurred at the village of Ap Bac II on nals and streams proved more difficult. combined American and Vietnamese oper- 2 May 1967. Ap Bac II was a base area for Company C found none of the enemy dur- ations throughout 1967. Typical missions the 514th Viet Cong Battalion, and the ing its northward sweep; however to the included reconnaissance in force, route enemy pattern of movement between east. Company A, 3rd/47th Infantry, en- and convey security, night roadrunner base areas had suggested the probability of countered stiff resistance as it approached operations, cordon and search of villages, the battalion's presence near Ap Bac II on 2 the Soui Sau. and rapid reinforcement. May. The steep banks of the streams were dot- Flooded rice paddies slowed, but did not The original plan of the 2nd Brigade, 9th ted with thatched huts and lined with prevent cross-country movement. Small Infantry Division, was to conduct an air- dense vegetation. A squad, maneuvering canals up to 3 m in width were crossed mobile search and destroy operation with across the stream, was quickly pinned with balk bridging. In instances of larger two battalions of infantry, on 2 May. How- down by heavy automatic weapons fire. canals and rivers, which were major obsta- ever, when no helicopters were available, Within minutes all who had crossed the cles because their banks were usually the insertion of a blocking force was de- stream had been hit. Two companies of the steep or composed of loose soil bulldozers leted from the plan. Movement of two bat- 3rd/47th Infantry, moved to block the or explosives were used to construct entry talions abreast without a blocking in the northern escape route. At 1300, with and exit routes. Mechanized units quickly rear was regarded by many as “forcing blocked forces in a reversed “C” C Com- discovered that when track shrouds were toothpaste from a tube,” and there ap- pany of the 5th/60th and A Company of removed to prevent the buildup of mud peared little likelihood of a significant en- the 3rd/60th Infantry were ordered east to between track and the hull, the M113s counter. Company C, 5th Battalion, 60th fill the open end of the blocking positions. swimming ability was impaired. Navy Infantry (Mechanized) manned the left The eleven M113s of Company C had to CONTINUED ON PAGE 9 9 River Currents, Volume 15, Number 1 • Spring 2006 Mechanized Operations responded by moving four M113s to aid “Leadership is the art of getting some- the dismounted attack. Since darkness CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8 had set in, further reinforcements were one else to do something you want maneuver through inundated areas that done because he wants to do it.” appeared impassable. Crossing two fairly considered impractical and the units on large streams, the company chose routes hand had to finish the job. Additional fire -- Dwight Eisenhower that brought them abreast of Company A, support by the M113s, a charge by the 3rd/60th Infantry, on a 1,000-m assault line attacking companies, and heavy fire supe- by approximately 1530. Under cover of riority finally broke the enemy's defense. artillery and air bombardments, the com- The Companies pressed the attack, forcing In Memory Of: panies crossed more irrigation ditches and the Viet Cong from their bunkers and anni- This section is for the members who wish to by 1700 were poised for the attack. On hilating those who tried to escape. A sponsor the MRFA by placing a notice in memory of order, artillery fire stopped and the tracked sweep of the battle area early the next one their fallen comrades. In some cases the name vehicles surged forward, while blocking morning indicated that the enemy had lost of the sponsor will precede the name of the person units supported by fire. The mechanized the equivalent of a reinforced company. who was KIA, or has passed on since Vietnam. It’s company moved rapidly across the rice Two U.S. soldiers had died. $25 for 4 issues. Colonel William B. Fulton, the 2nd bri- paddy, its machine guns searching out the Jack Benedick for C Co 4th/47th 66-68, C Co enemy bunkers along the wood line. At the gade commander, noted the speed, shock 3rd/60th 69, & E Co 3rd/60th Inf KIA 4-7-68 wood line, infantrymen dismounted and effect, and heavy firepower provided by James J. Byrnes for members of the Junk Force, attacked the enemy soldiers who had been the personnel carriers, along with sup- pinned down by heavy fire. Although porting artillery, had kept the enemy sol- Dung Island stunned by the shock of the assault, the diers in their bunkers until the infantry James Roselli for Mark Schoenberger B Co 3rd/39th enemy continued to resist, and the infan- was literally on top of them. Inf. try was forced to move among the bunkers Lt/Col Edwin W. Chamberlin, Jr., com- Frank T. Buck SKCS Ret for Son ENFN Frank H. Buck destroying the enemy with grenades. mander of the 3rd/60th Infantry, stated KIA 12/28/67 T-92-10 Company A, moving on foot to the right that since the tracked vehicles proved capa- John Philp for LTC William B. Cronin KIA 04/27/67 of Company C, met with heavy resistances ble of negotiating more terrain that had Co 2nd/47th and finally stalled about a 100 m from the been thought possible, there should John Philp for Colonel Arthur D. Moreland USA (Ret.) bunker line. The Company commander always be an initial attempt at using the 2nd/47th 4/67-12/67 requested help from Company C, which tracks whenever possible. Fred Gottwald for Sgt. Walter J. Garstkiewicz C Co 3rd/60th and C Co 6th/31st KIA 01/09/70 Gene Cooper for Steve Brichford FT2-68/69 and Jerry Roleofs 67-68 USS White River LSMR-536 47th Infantry Bill Brennan for Tom Swanick GMG3 USS White SEEKING... River LSMR-536 David Lynn for Howard Burns (QM2), Robert I am the younger brother of Scott Regiment Reunion Bouchet (SM2), and Herman Miller (GM3) Edward Saylor who was killed in action The 2nd Battalion 47th Infantry “Pan- 08/11/68 IUWG-1-3 May 26, 1969, in Kien Hoa province while thers”, 9th Infantry Division Vietnam are Brothers of the 2nd/47th for all Army and Navy KIAs serving with D Co 3rd/60th Riverine Infan- once again hosting the 47th Infantry Regi- Adam Metts for Donald L. Bruckart KIA 03/31/69 try. I would like to hear from anyone who mental Reunion at the Holiday Inn-North Tango-111-2 served with my brother. Please contact in Columbus, Georgia, April 27-29, 2006. Robert Thacker for Earl T. Pelhan, Jr. SSG KIA 15th David Saylor, 1572 Clayton Rd., West Ches- Room rates are $65 per night, per room. Combat Engineers ter, PA 19383 or e-mail dsaylor1@ You may begin making reservations at any Larry Hunter for Sgt/Maj Daniel Williams U.S.A. (Ret) comcast.net. time, but you must call before April 3, 2006 Lloyd W. Austin for Arthur M. Day KIA 5/8/69 D Co My Cousin Herman A. Miller II (“He to get this rate. THE BEST WAY TO MAKE 4th/47 Inf went by Ham”) was killed August 11,1968, YOUR RESERVATIONS IS TO CALL THE James A. Morse for Mark W. Weachter CTO-3 HOTEL DIRECTLY AT 706-324-0231 and in Binh Dinh Province while serving as a V.P. Roy Moseman for Oscar Santiago C-2 4th/47th tell the reservation clerk the code is “47TH GMG3 with IUWG-1-3 at Qui Nhon. Two 10/67-10/68 others died that day. Qm2 Howard Burns INFANTRY REUNION.” Alternately, you th th may call the Holiday Inn-North toll-free Tom Sanborn 4 /47 Inf. for Spec4 David Thorton KIA and SM2 Robert Bouchet. I would like to 10/68 on Toi Son (VC) and 1st Lt James L. Tarte KIA hear from anyone who knew my cousin. number at 1-888-465-4329. 8/24/68 near Kai Lay He was my hero and still is to this day. Your Reunion Committee encourages Please contact Gary Miller, 180 Central you to make plans to attend and share in Jasper Northcutt for SSGT Henry T. Aragon B-2 Ave., New Providence, NJ 07974. 908-898- the camaraderie of the 2006 reunion. For 2nd/47th KIA 08/23/67, SGT James E. Boorman 1 1 8 1 o r e - m a i l G a r y. m i l l e r @ a d d i t i o n a l i n f o r m a t i o n g o t o B-2 2nd/47th KIA 08/27/67SP4 James D. us.calyon.com. www.47inf.org or contact Bob Pries at 513- Bronakoski B-2 2nd/47th KIA 04/27/67, SP4 659-4974 or e-mail [email protected]. Michael G. Hartnett B-2 2nd/47th KIA 04/27/67, and SGT William D. Mizc B-2 2nd /47th 5th/60th KIA 10/28/67 CHECK OUT THE MRFA-9TH INFANTRY DIVISION WEBSITE: Ted F. Fetting B Co 2nd/60th Inf. 10/67-2/68 for all from B Co. 2nd/60th and KIA 2/2/68 Fred www.mrfa.org Jansonivs (ND), Elroy “Stevie” Le Blanc (CA), and Mike Harris is our web master. He does a great job with the web site. There's Roy Phillips (IL) VA info, KIA info, and about anything you want on the 9th and the MRF and Gerald Johnston USS Nye Cty for James “Willie” Willeford Nye Cty LST-1067 11/28/66, friend, and other in country units. Mike has it somewhere on the site. There are patches, sailor 19-year-old (RIP Buddy) books, and tour info on the web site. You may contact Mike Harris if you Ellen Bergman for Henry Bergman C Co 3rd/34th and want a book, pictures, etc. posted on the web site. Mike makes the final deci- 3rd/60th Inf (09/68-05/69) sion on what's to be posted on the web site. Contact him by e-mail Gary Williams for Dale Winkel C Co 3rd/60th Inf [email protected]. Mike served on Tango-152-1 68-69. (01/68-01/69) 10 River Currents, Volume 14, Number 3 • Fall 2005 those he served with in combat. You may TAPS Those gone but not forgotten contact the family at Mrs. A. Kovich, 167 Rear Chandler Ave, Johnstown, PA 15906; 814-539-6176. Mourning A Hero Jimmy W. Young passed away 11 Decem- Member William Rose, USN (Ret.), ber 2005 from a heart attack. Jimmy served CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 passed away 18 December 2005. William To record the successes of these opera- with Company A of the 2nd/47th (Mech) served on the USS St. Clair Cty LST 1096 tions, Fulton later authored a monograph Infantry 8/67-8/68. He was in the 4th pla- (1965-66). You may contact the family at titled “Vietnam Studies Riverine Opera- toon. You may contact the family at wife Mrs. Ileana Rose, 213 Pearl St. (Gilboa), tions, 1966-1969.” Marie Young or daughter Ottawa, OH 45875; 419-456-3318. After becoming the 9th Division’s assis- Au d r e y, P O B ox 3 4 , Livingston, TX 77351. George E. Burtchell tant division commander, Fulton served in passed away from a several key staff assignments in Washing- Member John Magriplis heart attack 1 April 2000. ton and also as the deputy commanding passed away 6/15/05. John George served on the general, U.S. Army Training Center (Infan- served in the 3rd/34th Arty USS Tutuila ARG-4 try), Fort Polk, Louisiana; commanding (riverine) 1968-69. Contact 1965-67. George was general, 9th Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, the family at Dispinia onboard when she was Wash., and commanding general, U.S. Magriplis, 3600 Anvers attached to the Mobile Army Recruiting Command, Fort Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32210-5003; 904- Riverine Force In Vung Sheridan, IL. 771-9334. Tau. You may contact In addition to the Distinguished Service Master Sergeant Sabino “Sam” Saavedra, the family at Mrs. Rosemarie Burtchell, 34 Cross, Fulton's other awards include the U.S. Army (Ret.), passed away 5 Novem- Bell Road, Crossville, TN 39571; 931-484- Distinguished Service Medal, the Silver ber 2005. Sam served in C Co 3 rd/47th 6549 or e-mail nyc2tn@ earthlink.net. Star, the Legion of Merit (three awards), 1966-1967. You may contact the family at the Bronze Star Medal, the Air Medal (14 Dr. Elizabeth Ziegler passed away 2 Janu- Lupe Saavedra, 221 Pescard Way, Madera, ary 2006 from complications of diabetes. awards), the Army Commendation Medal, CA 93638. 559-673-9550. and the Combat Infantryman Badge (two Dr. Ziegler was a well-known Infectious awards). Curtis Hatterman passed away 12 Decem- disease expert and professor of medicine “General Bill Fulton was truly an Ameri- ber 2005. Curt served in C Co 5th/60th emeritus at the University of California can hero and a ‘Soldier's Soldier’,” the pres- 9thInfDiv 6/68-10/68. He then served in C School of Medicine at San Diego. Dr ident of the Association of the United Co 1st/16th, 1st ID 10/68-06/69. Curt was a Ziegler was the wife of LT. Thomas W. States Army said. tireless worker for Vietnam veterans. He Ziegler (ComRivFlot-One Staff Doctor) “Serving in the Army for over 31 years in will be deeply missed. You can contact the 1966-68. You may contact the family at Italy, Germany, Korea, Japan, Vietnam, family at Deborah Hatterman, 5521 Cedar Thomas W. Ziegler, 930 Gage St., San and the United States, General Fulton had Ridge Dr., Enid, OK 73703. Diego, CA 92105. a vision for the future of our Army espe- Rev Charles “Doc” Kovich passed away Member John P. Long passed away Feb- cially in Vietnam, he was a pioneer in joint 28 June 2005. Doc served in B Co 3rd/60th ruary 23rd,2006. John served on the USS operations when he joined his forces with 9thInfDiv as a medic 1968-69. Doc’s life- Benewah APB-35 9-67/8-69 John was a a Navy unit in the historic Riverine Opera- long ambition was to become a priest friend and shipmate and will be missed by tions,” Gen. Gordon R. Sullivan, USA, Ret., which was attained 6 years ago. Doc gave all. You may contact Sallie Long At: 6680 said. his all to those he served today as he did Pirch Way Elkridge, MD. 21075. 410-799- He added, “He brought that vision, dedi- 1599 [email protected] cation, and dynamic leadership to AUSA after he retired from active duty. He led this Association to new heights and helped Larry is an MRFA Board Member and put our Annual Meeting and Exposition Get Well Wishes served on the USS White River LSMR-536 on the path to becoming the world’s larg- We wish good health and recovery for 1966-1967. You may contact Larry at 6363 Winding Way, Maineville, OH 45039. 513- est and best land warfare forum.” each and every one of our brothers Fulton is survived by his wife, the former 677-2581 or e-mail [email protected]. Nancy Tuttle. They are the parents of four Member Jon W. Fisher has been in the Member Bob VanDruff, our Products children, Claire, Judith, Laurie, and Wil- hospital and is now fighting cancer of the Chairman and Board Member, had an liam Jr. You may contact Mrs. Nan Fulton lung. Jon served in A Co 3rd/60th Riverine operation 23 February for stomach can- c/o 4739 North 34th Rd., Arlington, VA Infantry 1967-68. You may contact Jon at cer. Bob is now home and doing well and 22207; 703-536-3922; or daughter Laurie E. Jon W. Fisher, 521 E. Columbia St., Mason, we wish him all the best for a full and Kroll 9886 Burke Pond Ct., Burke, VA 22015 MI 48854. 515-676-3811 or e-mail speedy recovery. You may contact Bob 703-250-2032. [email protected]. C/O 2906 Starlite Dr., Topeka, KS 66605. General Fulton will be buried in Member Michael Faughn has been 785-267-1526 or e-mail bvdmrfa@ Pocatello, ID with full Military Honors. diagnosed with squamos cell carcinoma networksplus.net. and is receiving treatment through the Member Ray Pineau has suffered a Member YNCS Edward Q. Castle, U.S. VA. Michael served on the USS Krishna stroke and not doing all that well. Ray Navy (Ret.), recently passed away. Senior ARL-38 67-68 out of An Thoi and Phu served in D&E Co’s 4th/47th 1968-69. You Chief Castle served Quock Island. You may contact Michael at may contact Ray at: 44 Lavoie Street, Jay, on the staff of PMB 424 610N 1st St. Suite 5, Hamilton, Maine 04239; 207-897-3898; rapineau@ ComRivFlot-One MT 49840. 406-363-2254 or e-mail adelphia.net 3/68-3/69. Contact [email protected]. Dave Magnuson is being treated for the family at 402 Member Larry Hunter was recently cancer of the mouth . Dave served in the Kingsway Dr. E., diagnosed as having throat cancer and is 3rd/39th 68-69 you may contact Dave or Te r r y t o w n , L A now taking radiation treatment. The doc- Linda Magnuson At: 2848 W Stonybrook 70056-3080; 509- tors told Larry that his cancer is in the Dr. Anaheim, CA; 92804. magnusonlj@ 393-1342. early stages and the outcome looks okay. adelphia.net 11 River Currents, Volume 15, Number 1 • Spring 2006 MRFA Catalog Products MOBILE RIVERINE FORCE ASSOCIATION SAVE 25% ON MRFA/9TH DIV. HATS AND SHIRTS! MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION Name:______Charlie Ardinger Address: ______1857 CO Rd. A-14 City ______State ______Zip______Decorah, IA 52101 Phone:______E-Mail: ______o New Member o Renewal o Donation Order Online at www.mrfa.org! Embroidered Hats $21.50 each (includes S/H) o Sponsoro CHANGE OF ADDRESS - Note o 9th Infantry Divsion Logo (Dark Blue) Qty: ______T-SHIRTS Fully Embroidered Logos All Shirts are $22.50 (in- o MRFA Logo (Dark Blue) Qty: ______Below! cludes S/H). Please indicate quantity and size in space provided. o Combat Medic (Black) Qty: ______NAME: ______o River Rat (Tan) Qty: _____Sz: ______o CIB Hat (White) Qty: ______o Combat Action Ribbon (Tan) Qty: _____Sz: ______M Purple Heart Hats (White) STREET: ______o River Assault Force TF-117 (Ash) Qty: _____Sz: ______o 9th Div. Qty: ______o MRFA Qty: ______o 9th Infantry Div. (Dark Blue) Qty: _____Sz: ______CITY: ______M Boat Hats (Off White w/Blue Bill) o Monitor Qty: o MRFA Army & Navy (Ash) Qty: _____Sz: ______STATE: ______ZIP: ______o Combat Infantry Badge (Ash) Qty: _____Sz: ______o Tango Qty:______o ASPB Qty: ______o USS Benewah APB-35 (Tan) Qty: _____Sz: ______o IUWG (Dark Blue) Qty: ______PHONE: ( ) ______o USS White River Qty: _____Sz: ______o 2nd/47th Infantry (White w/Blue Bill) Qty: ______o LSMR-536 (Tan) Qty: _____Sz: ______E-MAIL:______TOTAL HATS ORDERED ______x $21.50 EA =$ ______o 2nd/47th Mech. Infantry (Ash) Qty: _____Sz: ______M Boats o ASPB o Monitor Dates Served in Unit (mm/yr - mm/yr) o Tango (Ash) Qty: _____Sz: ______Embroidered Hats also available with gold lettering showing ______TOTAL SHIRTS ORDERED ______x $22.50 EA =$ ______unit name and ship with “VIETNAM” text. o USS Benewah APB-35 Qty: ______o WWII o Korea o Vietnam o USS Colleton APB-36 Qty: ______o USS Mercer APB-39 Qty: ______o Army Member: Unit (Division, Brigade, Bat- EMBROIDERED SWEAT SHIRTS $44.00/ea. (incl. S/H) o USS Nueces APB-40 Qty: ______o MRFA (Ash) Qty: _____Sz: ______o 9th Medical Battalion Dong Tam Qty: ______talion, Company, Platoon): ______o 9th Infantry Div. (Dark Blue) Qty: _____Sz: ______o Riverine Infantry (Khaki) Qty: ______o Navy Member: Ship, Boat Hull Nos. or River Assault Force (Ash) Qty: _____Sz: ______o MRF/TF-117 Staff Qty: ______TOTAL SWEATSHIRTS ORDERED_____x $44.00 EA =$ ______o USS Mark AKL-12 Qty: ______NavDet: ______o USS Brule AKL-28 Qty: ______o USS White River LSMR-536 Qty: ______o Associate Member PATCHES $5.00 each (includes S/H) o USS Carronade IFS-1 Qty: ______Membership Rates: o MRFA Qty: _____ o 9th Infantry Div. Qty: ______o USS Satyr ARL-23 Qty: ______o USS Sphinx ARL-24 Qty: ______o TF-117 Qty: _____ o River Rat Qty: ______o USS Askari ARL-30 Qty: ______o 1 Yr. $15.00 o 3 Years $40.00 o River Raider Qty: _____ o IUWG Qty: ______o USS Indra ARL-36 Qty: ______o Donation: $______o MRFA Mekong Delta Qty: ______o USS Krishna ARL-38 Qty: ______TOTAL PATCHES ORDERED ______x $5.00 EA =$ ______o PBR’s TF-116 Qty: ______oTo become a member, mail your check or o USS Hartnett Cty. LST-821 Qty: ______money order (payable to MRFA) to: o USS Benewah APB-35 Qty: ______Charlie Ardinger, Membership Chairman NEW! NEW! NEW! NEW! NEW! NEW! NEW! NEW! o USS USS Holmes Cty. LST-836 Qty: ______o USS Tom Green Cty. LST-1159 Qty: ______1857 County Rd. A14, Decorah, IA 52101-7448 HAT PINS $5.00 each (includes S/H) o USS Washoe Cty. LST-1165 Qty: ______Please Note: This form may be used for New o MRFA Qty: _____ o 9th Infantry Div. Qty: _____ o USS Westchester Cty. LST-1165 Qty: ______Memberships, Renewals and Changes of Ad- o 47th Inf. Crest Qty: _____ o 39th Inf. Crest Qty: _____ o Combat Medic Vietnam Vets with Insignia Qty: ______o 60th Inf. Crest Qty: _____ o 3/60th Riverine Qty: _____ o US Navy Corpsman Vietnam with Insignia Qty: ______dress. Be sure to check the appropriate box. o RivDiv91 Qty: _____ o RivDiv92 Qty: _____ o USS Whitfield Cty. LST-1169 Qty: ______o RivDiv111 Qty: _____ o RivDiv112 Qty: _____ TOTAL HATS ORDERED ______x $21.50 EA =$ ______o RivDiv131 Qty: _____ o RivDiv132 Qty: _____ o RivAstSqd-15 Qty: _____ o River Raider Qty: _____ VIETNAM STUDIES RIVERINE o River Rat Qty: _____ o IUWG-1 Qty: _____ o USS Benewah o USS White River Personalized MRFA Mug $30.00 ea. (incl. S/H) OPERATIONS, 1966-1969 (APB-35) Qty: _____ (APB-35) Qty: _____ Member’s Name (max. of 20 characters/spaces). Maj. Gen. William B. Fulton o TOTAL PINS ORDERED ______x $5.00 EA =$ ______At the request of the Member’s Rank (max. of 4 characters/spaces). ______MRFA this book is being MRFA Bumper Sticker $5.00 each (includes S/H) Command in Vietnam ______reprinted in soft cover. High quality, full-color vinyl. TOTAL ___x $5.00 EA =$ _____ Specify insignia for the reverse side of the mug: o Army o Navy o USCG o USMC o Purple Heart The book is 210 pages filled with photos and TOTAL HATS ORDERED ______x $30.00 EA =$ ______maps. You may purchase Forces Afloat $30.00 ea. (incl. S/H) High quality, the book here on our products page. full-color MRFA video TOTAL ___x $30.00 EA =$ ______The book covers just about all of the MRFA or 9th Inf. Satin, NylonY OUT orOF SDenimTOCK! Jackets RY, TEMPORARIL units of the 9th (not just the 2nd brigade Jackets embroideredSOR with MRFA or 9th Div. logo. MRFA Poster $21.50 ea. (incl. S/H) Full color, and MRF-TF-117). It covers a wide beautifully reproduced TOTAL ___x $21.50 EA =$ _____ T-SHIRTS ______x $ 22.50 EA =$ ______range of all the operations from 1966- SWEATSHIRTS ______x $ 22.50 EA =$ ______69 in the Mekong Delta. For those of PATCHES ______x $ 5.00 EA =$ ______you who want a part of the 9th and Ambush Print $150.00 each (includes S/H) PINS ______x $ 5.00 EA =$ ______BUMPER STICKER ______x $ 5.00 EA =$ ______MRF history, this book is a must-have! Limited Edition, full color print by Bill McGrath FORCES AFLOAT ______x $ 30.00 EA =$ ______Please remember that when putting TOTAL ___x $150.00 EA =$______MRFA POSTER ______x $ 21.50 EA =$ ______AMBUSH PRINT ______x $150.00 EA =$ ______any book together, especially books on RIVERINE STUDIES BOOK ______x $ 28.50 EA =$ ______war subjects, that every little thing you Vietnam Studies Riverine HATS ______x $ 21.50 EA =$ ______remember may not appear in this book. Operations, 66-69 MRFA MUG ______x $ 30.00 EA =$ ______MRFA JACKETS SORRY, TEMP______ORARILY OxU T$ O F30.00 STOC KEA! =$ ______This is not a war novel but a U.S. Army by Lt. Gen. William B. Fulton, U.S.A. (Ret.) Study of the 9th Infantry Division and $28.50 ea. (incl. S/H) TOTAL ITEMS TOTAL ENCLOSED $ the MRF in Vietnam. TOT AL ______x $28.50 EA =$______. Ken Dudek for Erol Tuzcu's 3rd/60th Inf Duane Johnson 15th Combat Engineers Rudolph Pries, Jr. M-111-1 (12/67-12/68) Robert B. Durrett T-112-7 (1/67-12/67) Gerald Johnston USS Nye Cty LST-1067 (1966-67) Grey (Doc) Rather HMCM (DV/PF) USN (Ret.) RivDivs 112 Virgie Eblen (Associate Proud Member) of MRFA David Jones Z-111-7 (10/68-10/69) and 132 (1969-70) SPONSORS SSGT Peter H. Eckhardt 6th/39th Inf (2/69-2/70) Everett Jones BMCS Ret, RivRon-15 (04/69-04/70) GMCM Kenneth S. Ray USS Vernon Cty. LST-1161 (6/65- SPONSORS Leon B. Edmiston B Co. 3rd/60th Inf (1968-69) 9/69) Frank B. Jones RivRon-15 T-48 Scott Edwards C/CO/3rd/47th Inf (5/68-5/69) LT. David Justin A Co 3rd/60th (7/66-10/67) Paul A. Ray M-151-5 (6/69-7/70) Marshall Adams D Co. 4th/47th Inf Richrd Ehrler E Co. 50th ABN (04/68-01/69) Alex Kaufbusch A Co 3rd/60th Inf CDR David Richardson USN (Ret.) USS Hampton Cty LT. H. M. “Murk” Alexander CO RivDiv 132 (6/68 6/69) Capt. James D. Eldridge, Jr. CSO/CO RivDiv 91 (12/67-8/68) CPT Milton Keene A Co 3rd/60th Inf Captain Walter J. Riedemann USN (Ret.) USS Tom Green George Amador USS Krishna ARL-38 Christopher Emerson A-112-4 General William A Knowlton ADC 9th Inf Div (1/68-6/68) Cty LST-1159 (1968-70) Charlie & Georginia Ardinger T-151-11 Edith Ethridge Associate Member Frank & Linda Keim ComRivFlot-One Donald & Marijo Robbins USS Benewah APB-35 1st Sgt John J. Armstrong HQ 3rd/47th Inf (4/66-1/68) Larry Gunner Ethridge USS Askari ARL-30 Maurice Kock RivDiv 531 PBR-101 Larry Rose CRIP 9th Inf Div Christian Bachofer Jr. ComRivDiv 92. (7/68-6/69) Cdr Kirk Ferguson U.S. Navy (Ret) ComStabRon-20 Dennis Kotila T-131-2 Jay Rosenberger LCM-6 #26 River Sweeper Colonel Dennis A. Bassett A Co 3rd/60th Inf (8/68-7/69) (11/69-11/70) Walter F. Lineberger III XO RivDiv 91 (1968-69) Joseph K. Rosner RivRon-15 M-6 Claude Beal 4th/39th Inf (12/67-12/68) Terrance Fetters HHQ 3rd/47th Inf (4/69-7/69) Bonni Rosner Associate Member th th Ken Locke USS White River LSMR-536 Jack Benedick C Co. 4 /47 Inf Dean Fritz & Carol Campbell James Long Sr. ComRivFlot-One Staff (11/67-11/68) Donald Salmi Associate Member Lt/Jg Harry Beerman USS Benewah APB-35 (1967-68) Ed L. Freeman Cdr 9thMP Co. (4/68-2/69) BMCM Ray Longaker RivDiv 131 T-14 (1969-70) Norman Saunders B Co. 3rd/39th Inf (1/69-8/69) Dan S. Bien E Co. 5 th/60th Inf Harold Foster USS Guide MSO-447 (1960-1963) Richard Lorman T-152-6 (6/68-6/69) John Schleicher IUWG-1 Robert Blair USS Clarion River LSMR-409 Lt/Gen William B. Fulton U.S. Army (Ret.) Kelly Loudon NAG-MAT-55 Harry David Schoenian C Co 4th/47th Inf (7/68-7/69) Capt Peveril Blundell USN (Ret.) ComRivRon-13 (1968-69) Toney Garvey C Co. 4th/47th Inf Jim Lukaszewski APL-30 (1968-69) Jerry (Doc) Schuebel B Co. 3rd/60th Inf Maj/Gen Blackie Bolduc U.S. Army (Ret.) Cdr 3rd/47th Inf. Lee D. Gavet A Co. 4th/47th Inf Robert Bouchet (SM2), Herman Miller (GM3) IUWG Col Sam L. Schutte, USA (Ret). B Co 4th/47th Inf (VN) Thomas Brady B Co. 3rd/47th Inf (11/67-01/69) Bill Geraghty USS White River LSMR-536 (8/11/68) Lawrence J. Shallue HHC 2nd/47th (Mech) Inf Anthony Brand Jr. MSB-Det Alpha (1966-67) Richard Gerke USS Blanco and Holmes Ctys (3/69-1970) Chaplain Richard MacCullagh Captain USN (Ret.) Jerry J. Shearer 2ndPlt C Co. 3rd/60th Inf Ed Brennan E Co 3rd/60th (12/68-12/69) Edward J. Graft A Co. 2nd/47th (Mech) Inf ComRivFlot-One Donald Shelton USS White River LSMR-536 Brothers of the 2nd/47th (Mech) Inf James (Jim) Grooms NSA Danang (1966-68) Gary Manninger A-92-(5/68-1969) William & Jocelyn Shreffler B Btry 7th/9th II Field Forces CPT Kenneth Brown A Co. 3rd/47th Inf Frank Gubala A Co.-3rd/47th Inf David P. Marion TF-115 (Army Advisor) (1967-68) Maj/Gen Walt Bryde Jr. 3rd/34th (FA) Charles Gurley CWO3 USN (Ret.) USS White River LSMR- Larry (Chief) Marshall TF-116 Nha Be / TF-115 Duc Pho Richard M. Simpson C Co 3rd/47th Inf (5/67-5/68) Robert W. Caldwell Jr. USS Nye Cty (2/66-2/67) 536 (1971-72) William (Bill) Sinclair XO USS White River LSMR-536 Vic Campbell USS Benewah APB-35 Daniel Guy IUWG-Unit 2 (11/66-1/68) Patrick N. Marshall USS Jerome Cty LST-848 (4/65-2/68) David W. Cargill HHC 9th Inf Div CCSS Michael Haecke NavSupDet Nha Be (8/67-8/69) Frank O. Martinolich A Co. 3rd/60th (3/68-3/69) Tom Slater USS Hampshire Cty LST-819 RADM W. Carlson U.S. Navy (Ret.) CO USS White River CDR Daniel B. Hall USNR (Ret.) RivFlotOne (12/68-7/69) Phil McLaughlin Blanco/Holmes Ctys 334-836 Br/Gen Douglas Smith U.S. Army (Ret.) Cdr 2nd/47th LSMR-536 1st/Sgt Paul T. Hall U.S. Army Ret. USS Kemper Cty Big Jim Meehan IUWG-1-Nha Trang (Mech) Inf (A most enthusiastic sponsor) (02/67-06/67) Jim Meeuwenberg IUWG-1-2 Cam Rahn Bay John (Boats) Sparks LST-344-836 (1969-70) George Carlstrom Jr. 3rd/34th (Arty) (1967-68) Oliver G. Halle CosDiv 11 PCF-70 Terry Metzen C Co 3rd/60th Inf (12/66-11/67) Chet “Gunner” Stanley C-111-1 (1966-68) Darrell Cartmill M-131-2 (6/69-2/71) Roger Hamilton USS Mark AKL-12 Alan Metzer LCUs NSA Danang Alan Strickland A Co. 2nd/47th (Mech) Inf Craig (Doc) Champion E&D COs 3rd/47th Inf (3/68-11/68) David Hammond C Co 3rd/47th (1967-68) Adam Metts T-111-2 (8/69-10/69) Allen Strohmeier 5th/60th Inf (11/67-11/69) Rick Chapman Zippo-111 (7/68-1969) Hazel Hanks Associate Member Walter Wally Meyers USS Benewah APB-35 Terry Stull A Co. 3rd/47th Inf Donn E. Christiansen 3rd/60th Inf Wilbert Hannah USS White River LSMR-536 Bruce McIver Tango-131-7 RAID-72 (3/69-3/70) John P. Sturgil USS Colleton APB-36 CDR Charles Clark Jr. CO USS Monmouth Cty LST-1032 SFC Michael D. Hanmer RivRon 13 / RivDiv 153 (07/69- Nichols Miller COS RAS Div 152 (7/68-6/69) William Tamboer T-151-9 (2/66-3/67) 02/71) James Morse CTFs-116/117 (11/70-10/71) James J. Tanner CCMA(C) Randall G. Cook USS Monmouth Cty LST-1032 (1970) Fred Hanseroth USS Hunterdon Cty LST-838 Albert & Sara Moore USS Benewah APB-35 Vice Admiral Emitt Tidd USN (Ret.) ComNavForV COS Sam Crawford USS Satyr (01/69-9/70) Mike Harris IUWG-1-3 Qui Nhon / Cam Rahn Bay J. Russell & Alice Moore RivRon 9 Erol Tuzco A Co. 3rd/60th Inf (1968-69) William J. Crowther A-2 20th Brigade 93rd Eng (2/69-09/70) William A. Harman T-132-2 Lt/Jg Joe Moore USS Colleton APB-36 (1967-68) USS Terrell Cty LST-1157 LTC Richard E. Crotty US Army (Ret.) HQ 3rd/Bde 9th Inf Div John Harrison C Co. 3rd /47th Inf Charles & Cynthia Moran (BMC) Ret. RivDiv 91-595 David Tyler RivDiv 132 M-6 / T-24 (1969-70) Vern Curtis HSAS Saigon / Chu Lai Richard Hause WW11/Korea Associate Frank Moran B Co. 4th/47th Inf Benjamen D. Utley C Co. 3 plt 3rd/60th Inf William J. Currier, HSB 3rd/34th Arty (11/68-12/69) Kent Hawley YRBM-20 (10/60-10/70) Roy & Lynn Moseman 4th/47th Inf Bob & Nancy VanDruff T-91-5 and T-92-4 William Dabel C Co 3rd/60th Inf Leo H. Haynes USN (Ret.) PBR-8120 RivDiv 594 (4/69-2/70) Richard (Doc) Nelson RivRon 15 Staff Ricky & Darrell Vice T-131-7 (1968-69) Orville Daley USS Askari ARL-30 Charles Heindel C-91-1 (11/67-11/68) LTC Jim L. Noyes U S Army Ret. 3rd/34th Arty A.J. “Jim” Webster IUWG-1-Unit-2 (2/69-7/70) CDR David Desiderio USCG Pontchartrain WHEC-70 (6/69- Denver Hipp RivRon-15 Staff (3/68-9/69) George R. O'Connell USS Terrell Cty LST-1157 Charles Westcott, RivDiv 111, 112, and 131 1/71) John Holland 4th/39th Inf. Ronald K. Olney, RivRon 13 T-132-1 Tom White C Co. 4th/47th Inf QMC Frank De La Oliva USN (Ret.) HCU-1 (9/68-6/71) Henry K. Holcombe USS Sphinx (10/67-7/69) John C. Oxley E Co 3rd/47th Inf Pete T. White (XO) USS Guide MSO-447 Captain Robert Dockendorf USNR (Ret.) USS Askari ARL- Al Holtan B Co 4th/47th Inf Col Pete Peterson US Army (Ret) Cdr 3rd/60th Inf. Everett Wiedersberg Monitor-112-1 (2/68-1/69) 30 / YRBM-17 Maj/Gen Ira A. Hunt, Jr., HHQ 9th Inf Div Luis F. Peraza D Co 3rd/60th (11/68-8/69) Bruce A. Wiener, C Co. 3rd/47th Inf Dan Dodd PHC Ret. ComRivFlot-One Alan G. Hyde 9th Signal (1966-68) John Perry Tango-132-11 (6/68 6/69) Stephen G. Wieting USS Benewah APB-35 11/66-2/68 Msg/Ret Jesse T. Dooley HHC 2nd/Bde Inf. 9th Inf Div David Jarezewski M/Sgt USA (Ret.) C Co. 4th/47th Inf LTC Nathan Plotkin US Army (Ret). HQ 2ndBde George Wilfong USA (Ret) A Co. 4th/39th Inf

(1968-69) Brad Jenkins 3rd/34th Arty 2nd/47th (Mech) Inf (1966-68) William Posey BM1 Craftmaster YTB-785 (1967-68) Bob Witmer USS Krishna ARL-38

Roger B. Drucker C Co. 9th Signal Ron Jett T-92-8 (1/67-1/68) Robert Zimmer XO USS Mercer APB-39 (1968-69)

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