POST SOLANT AMITY With the Members of “G” Company, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment Volume 6, Issue 1

March 2008

VETERANS' AID AND ATTENDANCE SPECIAL PENSION Trivia Question 2: Who was it that first used the expression: The Veterans' Administration month, while a surviving spouse is Guide” provided by the American “willing suspension of disbelief?” offers a special pension with an eligible for up to $976 per month. Veteran‟s Institute and found on Was it Che Guevara, Hillary Clin- aid and attendance (A&A) benefit the internet at ton, Tony Soprano or Samuel Tay- A couple is eligible for up to $1,801 that is largely unknown. This lor Coleridge? (Answer on page 4.) per month. http://www.veteranaid.org/ special pension (part of the VA‟s Improved Pension program) al- The Aid and Attendance benefit is Browse the website using their If the VA has a copy of a DD-214, lows for Veterans and surviving considered the third tier of the VA‟s menu on the left to learn more it is usually because the veteran spouses who require the regular Improved Pension program. The about the Aid & Attendance Spe- attached a copy, or sometimes, the attendance of another person to other two tiers are Basic and House- cial Pension, Eligibility Require- original to his or her application for assist in eating, bathing, dressing, bound. Each tier has its own level of ments, How to Apply, What to disability or education benefits in undressing or taking care of the benefits and qualifications. Expect and Resources to help you the past. needs of nature to receive addi- with this critical benefit. And, While our objective here is to alert If you've lost your original DD-214 tional monetary benefits. perhaps of even more concern, to you to the possibility of your own and have not so much as a copy of keep track of critical changes in It also includes individuals who eligibility for the program, you it and are either receiving or have the process. are blind or a patient in a nursing should be aware that there is an applied for disability or education home because of mental or physi- internet website with the specific Eligibility must be proven by filing benefits from the VA in the past, cal incapacity, as well as for care purpose of disseminating informa- the proper Veterans Application they may have a copy on file. requiring an assisted living facil- tion about the Aid and Attendance for Pension or Compensation. At the very least, if you have at any ity. benefit. We urge you to read an The application will require a copy time received benefits, the Vet- important document prepared by the These most important benefits are of your DD-214 or separation eran‟s Administration should be American Veterans Institute on their overlooked by many families with papers, a medical evaluation from able to provide a Statement of website that clearly explains the Veterans or surviving spouses a physician as well as current Service, which can be used instead Improved Pension program, its who need additional monies to medical issues, net worth limita- of a DD-214. levels of benefits and the qualifica- help care for ailing parents or tions, indications of net income, ————————- tions for each. loved ones. along with out-of-pocket medical The Veteran & Dependent If you or your spouse does not qual- expenses. This is viewed as a "pension Benefit’s Listing is Available ify for Aid and Attendance, you may benefit" and is NOT dependent Should you not recall, a DD-214 is want to check to see if you qualify At the time of Post Solant Amity‟s upon service-related injuries for issued to military members upon for another level of the Pension. In publication, only the 170 page compensation. Most Veterans separation from active service. which case, obtain a copy of “The Acrobat version of the 2007 De- who are in need of assistance DD-214s were issued to separated Improved Pension Beginner‟s partment of Veteran‟s Affairs qualify for this pension. service members beginning in the “Federal Benefits for Veteran‟s and 1950's. The term "DD-214" is As already stated, Aid and Atten- Trivia Question 1: Who was it Dependents” was available. often used generically to mean dance can help pay for care in the that stopped a tank column with a "separation papers" or "discharge home, nursing home or assisted .45 and the words “You‟ll have to papers,” no matter what form num- living facility. Thus, a Veteran is come through me.” (See answer ber was used to document active eligible for up to $1,519 per page 4.) duty military service. Sixth Marines fight off first Japanese tank attack of WWII, on Saipan Saipan, Marianas Archipelago pany‟s front line. They cruised attacked from their weak rears. (AP–17Jun44) — At 0330, the about, their 57-mms searching for By 0420, wave after wave of tanks Captain of B Company, 6th Ma- targets as the men on their backs were coming through in groups of rines, used a field phone to report dropped off and spread out. The four or five. The Marines mowed that the first Japanese tank attack of area became a deadly circus of their supporting infantry down. the war was bearing down on him. deafening sound, illuminated with Their commanders seemed to move Alerted destroyers moved closer in star shells hanging broodingly about aimlessly. They would halt, and fired spreads of star shells. But overhead. with great fanfare jump out of their before the first shell burst or Regi- Private Reed has been nominated tanks, sing songs and wave their mental command could order up for a Navy Cross. Hitting four swords. As each returned to his weapons-bearing half-tracks, a separate tanks with a bazooka and vehicle, Marines would smack it wave of tanks rushed out of the out of ammunition, he climbed with a bazooka round. Colonel dark at B Company, with riflemen another to toss a grenade inside. Risely had sat on a stump smoking It is available on our website and is and machine gunners howling from The incident was typical; these are a cigar through all of it and as a Jap listed on the left side of our site‟s their tops and more infantry com- veterans of Tarawa! They never tank approached he knocked off the first page. When the 2008 version ing from behind. budged from their foxholes. The aches and said easily to his clerk, is published, we will replace the The first tanks rolled over the com- tanks rolled past and were then (Continued bottom of pg 2, Col 3) older version.

Congo Evacuation—1961 Happy St. Patty’s Day!!! Trivia Question 3: What were the principal Marine infantry And how about some Irish Soda Frank Fredericks was an Engine- units of the III Marine Amphibi- Bread? It‟s easy enough to make, man aboard the USS Graham ous Force operating in Vietnam, County on SoLantAmity in 1961. don‟t cha‟ know. While heating the 0 1962-1975? (Answer on Page 4) A former Graham County ship- oven to 350 , just pile the following mate and retired City ingredients on your kitchen counter: Who was that guy? fireman, Wayne Halloran, had A 9” bread loaf pan, greased asked him to reach out to the our Born Jerry De Louise on 30April40 and flour coated. website. He did so on 26Dec07 in , the burly character thespian came to and I responded saying in part: Two, one quart sized bowls acting late in life. Dry Stuff You may remember that during SoLant Amity, the Graham County 3 1/2 cups of flour After a tour with the US Marines dispersed its Marines and then 2/3 cup ( or less) of sugar [1957-59], fourteen successful professional boxing matches and went up the Congo River basin to 1 tsp of salt evacuate wounded and sometimes 1 tblspn of baking POWDER years of installing carpets, he otherwise very sick “friendlies.” 1 tsp of baking SODA agreed to help a friend by audition- 1 1/2 cups of raisins ing along with her for famed acting I plan to dedicate website space to 1 - 2 tblspn of Caraway seed teacher at the world events surrounding the ship’s famous Actor’s Studio. tribulations during that experi- dried bread strapped to their back- Wet Stuff ence: security, interactions with He was accepted; she wasn't. packs, dirty green fatigues and caps 2 eggs the evacuees and anything lending bearing a blue globe, implying a 1 1/2 cups of buttermilk Honing his craft on stage, he se- to a greater understanding of the connection with UN forces. We may gued to films where he almost 2 tblspn of melted butter evacuation’s history. have thought of them as friendlies, immediately registered with audi- Whatever you’ve got, I’d appreci- because of those blue globes or, Now, sift the flour, sugar, salt and ences. There was "Cinderella Lib- ate an opportunity to add it to the perhaps only, because we weren‟t both the baking POWDER and erty" in 1973 and, over time, six website. shooting at them. But, were they SODA into one of the bowls and stir more movies with James Caan. In really? They certainly weren‟t any- the concoction up a bit. Then, add- "Chinatown" he did a favor for Frank answered by saying: thing we might consider civilized. ing the raisins and caraway seeds, Jack Nicholson's Jake Gittes. mix the lot once again thoroughly. “I remember well the ship‟s going “Their boarding provided numerous After a guest appearance on to Leopoldville, a UN flag on her problems. They spoke only French. OK, now: Beat the eggs in the sec- “Baretta” (ABC, 1975-78), he main mast and our various en- They brought monkeys, parrots and ond bowl, adding the buttermilk and began a writing career with a script counters. SNAKES onboard. And the Navy melted butter. for that series and penned the 1978 used to worry about cockroaches!!! “On the way, we took small arms Pour the contents of the second CBS TV-movie “Daddy, I Don't fire from ashore. We kept rolling. “Two further incidents stick in my bowl into the first and stir the mix Like It Like This.” Subsequently, We passed a small ship coming mind: (1) While on the 1st night‟s until all the dry ingredients are he played a variety of gangsters in south, flying an orange flag with a security watch, I found they‟d moist. The batter should appear very miniseries like “Vendetta: Secrets yellow hammer and cycle. It piped flooded the head with water and sat thick and lumpy, so don‟t overdue of a Mafia Bride” and “The Last Don.” In addition to his recurring a salute. We did not reply. about on the floor splashing about the mixing. like kids. Calling the bridge I asked role on “Walker, Texas Ranger,” he “Some 320 miles inland we Pour the concoction into the pre- guest-starred as psycho serial rapist docked in Leopoldville, Congo. for assistance. They sent an inter- preter. The matter was addressed. pared bread loaf pan and bake it for Lewis Darnell on NBC's "Law & “The Marines were moved into (2) Events in the mess hall the next 45 minutes. Order.” He then tweaked his pen- the sleeping quarters of the ship‟s morning proved interesting as well. Probe the loaf with something like a chant for goombah roles in the crew. They were also directed to They knew nothing about utensils. swizzle stick. If there is liquid on comedy “Mickey Blues Eyes” turn over their weapons, which They tore open cereal boxes and ate the probe, continue the baking for opposite Hugh Grant, and more were secured in the ships weapons the contents dry. another 15 minutes. If dry, “eat seriously when he guest-starred as locker. I thought that very odd. hardy my brothers!” Bobby Baccalla Baccalieri, Sr., on “It all made for an interesting, be- HBO's acclaimed series “The So- “Those troops we evacuated came fore its time, multicultural event. It goes well with Irish Coffee (Hee, pranos” in 2001. aboard grubby with old wire han- hee. What doesn‟t?) or eggnog, if (Continued on pg 3, column 1) Now a painter whose art has been dled machine guns, loaves of you please. displayed in galleries throughout TWO “PEACE ADVOCATING” PROPOGANDISTS And, leftovers, if any? Well, toast a the world. He is also a published slice or two at your leisure and John F. Kerry Iva Toguri D’Aguino author whose works include two butter „em up. You‟re going to like filmed screenplays and a histori- Born 11Dec43—Denver, CO Born 4Jul16—Los Angles, CA yourself for doing so. cally-based novel called Endings.

————————————- He is, however, probably best Saipan (Continued from pg 1) known for his role as 's brother Paulie in the 1976 Oscar- “Son, get a bazooka.” After which, winning “,” for which he half-tracks provided the coup-de- netted an Academy Award nomina- grace. tion for Best Supporting Actor . By 0630, there was little to do but If you‟ve not yet gleaned from the mop up. And scattered about the extended biography provided just battlefield lie the putrefying remains who “our guy” is, check out the of an entire battalion of the Japanese U.S. Senator WWII’s “Tokyo Rose” photo and answer number 4 on 135th Regiment and the hulks of page four. AWAITING TRIAL CONVICTED OF TREASON twenty-nine tanks.

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moved away, I could see the smoke Crimes Against Humanity Trivia Question 6: Women from two destroyer stacks coming Marines, for the most part, have We‟ve heard much about water- towards us to challenge the owners not served in combat zones. boarding and those “terrible viola- of the periscope. I never heard any- When and where did this official tions” at Abu Ghraib. Both have thing more about the inci- been characterized as torture by policy change? dent…„Hush‟ again.” some. Others, including the head- (Answer on page 4.) I thanked Frank for his input and less ghost of Daniel Pearl, dis- linda Andoy described 38 bayonet shortly thereafter he added some agree. But suppose we step back wounds she received while view- more thoughts he was having. from the polemics of Iraq for a few ing her parents being murdered. moments and look back in history “There was another equally „funny‟ AP Bermuda (3/1/08): Police for things deemed as unquestiona- Then on 11Nov45, one Eugene incident that occurred. While the bly horrific and compare the two Bayot provided both testimony report a breathless beachcomb- GC was doing its own search pat- periods. and a hand drawn sketch of a ing biker is “busted!” tern, mentioned earlier, we encoun- personally survived atrocity per- tered a ship about the size of a tug In Manila on 29Oct45, there began Evacuation (Continued from Pg 2) petrated by elements of Yama- boat. a recital of cruelties perpetrated by shita‟s forces. The sketch illus- “We took them 1,000 miles north troops under the command of Gen- “I remember asking what was going trated a blindfolded prisoner AND west to Conakry. They disem- eral Tomoyuki Yamashita, during on and was told to look for myself. knelling at the edge of a hole in barked and we were given a short his occupational control of the The small ship was flying no col- the floor of the top story of a port-and-starboard liberty to look Philippines. He was to be the first ors...no flag. The lights and sema- building. The victims were be- around…at the little and abysmal to tried for war crimes in the Pacific phore challenge went something headed and their remains would be seen. following WWII. like this: „Who are you? What coun- tumble to floor below. Somehow “Ashore, there were small pennants try are you from? What is your Bayot survived with but a deep strung about with the same orange purpose for being in these waters? gash on the back of his head, background fabric with yellow ham- What is your destination?‟ They did before falling into the hole. mer and cycles we‟d seen on that not respond for about 15 minutes. ship passed on the Congo River. “Then, we came so close to the craft “All hands pulled them down for that our wake hit it...ugggh...VERY souvenirs, causing a problem. Lib- abruptly. Their prevailing attitude erty was cancelled. We were recalled changed, all previous questions to the ship. Flag ordered all U.S. were answered forthwith. However, ships to leave post. And he dealt as before, I never heard another with the politics ashore. thing about it or about what the ship Actress Carazon Noble “I later recognized that despite the signaled back. Again, there came On that first day, a quite young UN insignia on their caps, the the „HUSH, FRANK!‟” Philippine actress named Carazon friendlies were communists and Have you had any contact with men Noble took the stand with her arm never did show any gratitude...in onboard that worked in CIC or in a sling and spoke of a massacre English or French...for our pulling Communications, Frank?” I asked. in the Manila Red Cross building their bacon from the fire. “THEY may have some insights on 10Feb45. She explained with a low voice and tears in her eyes “You may be right. The cruise was none of us have. And with nearly how she had come to be shot and After weeks of such revelations, not much of a „good will‟ anything. forty-seven years having past, they bayoneted while holding her ten- General Yamashita, the “Tiger of When on the Congo River, our ships might be free to reveal what they month-old infant in her arms. She Manila” was found guilty and performed fleet directed and organ- heard in response to those inquires further testified that the baby had sentenced on 7Dec45 to death. ized sonar searches. For what? The and communications made with that likewise been bayoneted...to death. most I could get from sailors on submarine you wrote about.” Now, in comparison to the faux Bridge Contact Duty was „Hush; “No. As a matter of fact I wonder Major R. M. Kerr, chief prosecu- drowning experience of water- Frank!‟ while they looked for and where a lot of my old crew mem- tor, charged Yamashita with fail- boarding or the, less dangerous challenged fishing vessels loaded bers are. The only one I found was ure to adequately control the ac- than a common fraternity hazing, with radar and comm gear. Halloran. We email and I spoke to tions of forces under his command. absurdities of Abu Ghraib: Which, to you, seems like torture? “At one point, I was talking with the him once, months ago, on the On 6Nov45, eleven year old Rosa- Fantail Watch wearing phones on his phone. head. I pointed to a submarine peri- „That's it. What‟s needed is a ship‟s scope cutting through the water crew list and I‟ve no idea where to some 300 yards to our stern. Like find one? Remember 47 years have any mutt his age, he just about shit passed, I was only 17 yrs old at that his pants with excitement, trying to time.” properly notify the Bridge Officer: „Bridge, this is...ugggh... Fantail I remember, Frank. Every damn Watch. Pppperiscope sighted day, I‟m reminded don‟t ya‟ know. pppport side aft!‟ When asked how Semper fi. far away, he replied „I don‟t know Trivia Question 5: What Marine but its there.‟ unit holds the distinction of being “Captain Chamberlain immediately amongst the smallest in history and broke off our search pattern and the smallest of all during the Viet- headed straight away from the area, nam War to be awarded a Meritori- in ordering our four diesel engines ous Unit Citation? put into high gear. Then, as we (Answer on page 4.)

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Solant AmityAmity — I —G- 2G 6-2 Association 6 Association real world “boot camp” as both a Trivia Question 7: What 20th 922 “B” NW 30th Avenue reward and test! century commander, renowned as 19 Orchard Avenue much for his beard and mustache Delray Beach, Florida 33445 In April 2006, as part of this ongo- as his military prowess, shaved to 1Saint-561-531 James,-9435 New York 11780 ing process, Charlie Wilson and receive a Presidential Unit Citation 631-766-2500 others of his Marine Corps League chapter brought a delegation of for his unit? (See answer below.) SeeSee the the whole whole story story at at: these “yutes” from the Naples school district to the parade decks, SolantAmity.comSolantAmity.com rifle range and obstacle courses...both emotional and physi-

cal...of Parris Island, SC.

Wearing standard-fair utility trou- The First Marines to “land” in Monrovia sers, boots, red tee-shirts and caps The First Marines to Land in Monrovia with USMC emblems, they were New Beginnings for Some of Florida’s Castaways put through the ringer and told in no uncertain terms that if they did Seeing any number of children Howald, then added some not cut it...life as they‟d been living labeled incorrigible and cast from “vibrancy” to the program. Induc- it in Florida was going to change the school system in grades as tees would wear utility trousers, a and for the worse. The demands for early as the 4th through middle red USMC T-shirt and cover. There personal discipline and a ceaseless, school, former Marine Mustang would be no exceptions. Show up unrelenting and LOUD barrage Captain John May proposed an for school in civvies, “your gone.” called for them to accept responsi- intervention program of stagger- The students are provided mentors bility both now and in the future. ing proportions in Naples, Florida. and tutors, all of whom are former And that success and the prospect It would be provided under the active duty Marines. They have their for a better life began with getting Charlie Wilson and Russ Lawley auspices of something called New own school busses and start school an education. . Beginnings. Once initiated, it took earlier than regular students. They Others never will. But, given the They were put through the paces we on a life of its own. have their own building and mess handicaps and disadvantages of are very familiar with. Some got it. hall. They have roll call formations both poor family and community His successor, now a teacher in daily, as well as monthly recogni- examples to draw upon, that any of Jacksonville, NC and a one time tion and promotion ceremonies. these children can rise above the USMC Lieutenant Colonel, Russ flotsam is amazing. Howald then saw to it that the dis- enchanted lot of them would get a When the “deed is done” and the special offering of Marine Corps Parris Island trial is over, Charlie discipline but only, and ironically, explains, “what is really cool about for exhibiting good behavior and all of this is seeing even one of academic performance. He and the them, after receiving but paper school district, in cooperation with awards and promotions of a sort the Marine Corps League of Naples, Burt Young — AKA: Jerry De during simulated graduation cere- Florida and the Ma- Louise, “Paulie,” “Baccalla” and monies, succeed upon returning to the ghetto and the beleaguered rine Corps would send the kids to a United States Marine 1957-59. school system. But surprise of all Enlightening Odds and Ends for your reading pleasure: surprises, a great many, not just a Trivia Answers: few or a mere one from each group Delwin “Bill” Bailey has pro- Their email address and phone num- 1. Capt. Charles Johnson, 9th has moved on and, in accepting vided a recent photograph of ber remain the same. Marines, stopped advancing Is- responsibility, changed their lives. himself for the website. It is raeli forces, Lebanon — 2Feb83. Dick & Dianne McGibbeny are “Success can be allusive for any of posted along with his biography. moving down-the-road-a-piece in 2. Surprise! It was not the verbal us, even with the best of opportuni- If we‟ve not gotten yours, how Lehigh Acres, FL. Check the mailing assault of General Patreus by ties for an education and given about sending one? list for details. Their phone number plagiarist Hillary Clinton but good example. But, not long ago, I remains the same. Samuel Taylor Coleridge in his met one young graduate of the Trevor Davies advises all having Biographia Literaria of 1817: program who had gone on to col- an interest and appropriate need to Tom Poole D.D.S, the dentist aboard “That willing suspension of dis- lege and has since been commis- contact their VA representative. the Hermitage during SoLantAmity, belief for the moment which sioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the Every community has one They is doing well and has provided an constitutes poetic faith.” Army. will...given the authority to do so interesting anecdote about his re- in your behalf...file a claim for quired services during the Congo 3. The 1st, 3rd and 5th Marine “That has to mean something.” disability or other benefits to troop evacuation. Divisions, assisted by the 1st which you are entitled. Marine Aircraft Wing. Mailed as a black on white copy, a It and any other information YOU fully colorized version can be Government agencies, like the can furnish about the evacuation will 4. Burt Young. found at our website, where on VA, do not advertise most bene- be published in our next issue. I look 5. The 1st Platoon, D Company page one you‟ll find a link to a fits. You must do your own re- forward to hearing from you. of the 1st Marines. downloadable version. search. Then, file. [See page one I hope you‟ve enjoyed this latest 6. Late 1968 in Vietnam when 35 for more details] Editor’s Note: A big thanks to effort. Send in your stories by e-or- were assigned to combat zones. Trevor also reminds all hands that George Bitsoli, Trevor Davies, Frank snail mail to make for an even he and Ruth have changed their Fredericks, Charlie Wilson and Tom 7. Colonel David Lownds, Com- better next issue. address. It is posted with the most Poole for their help in producing this mander of 26th Marines at Khe Semper Fi; recent membership mailing list. and elements of the next newsletter. Sahn — 1968. Ed Shea

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