Best Friends
E.J. Lavick, Dixie Miller, Mary Smith, Don Green
Best Moment
Moving from BRM NCOIC up to FATC S-3. This was my last assignment and I loved it. Came and went mostly as I wished , lot's of time off for fishing ! I was carried as over strenght , reassignable while working in a 13B40 position . That didn't help my chance of promotion ! I had set a goal of being E-8 before I reached twenty years. So when I didn't make it on the list again at nineteen plus eight months I went and set my retirement for 13 months from that date. I ended up with close to nine years time in grade on E-7 , so much for the Army. Got a job before my retirement date at the Goodyear Lawton Plant on Security as I had sixty five days leave . I really expected it to take longer and thought I'd have free time between , nope . Plus , I didn't think I'd still work weekends and Holidays , of course that was wishful thinking for the next 18 years !
Worst Moment
When SSG Ahyu died after PT one morning. He was a damn good man . That was while I was still Assistant NCOIC of Basic Rifle Marksmanship commitee C Co Training Command Battalion , changed to 1st Bn 78th FA ,before my move to HHB USAFATC and S-3. The next was while there the S-1 NCOIC was killed in a accident coming back from leave.
Chain of Command
Col. Robert Scales took command shortly before I retired. I was the first soldier in the command to be retired by him . It was funny as I had left and was working at Goodyear before he took command so it was the first time we met !
Other Memories
I ended up with a female Pfc as my subordinate the last year. Only time I supervised a female and she was nothing but trouble . Not very bright and spoke out of turn all the time to anyone. General on down. Talked trash about NCO's she had sex with , couldn't get along with other females in the unit barracks. Nude flashed the Marines in formation next door all the time . Finally she had decided that was the way to get put out . She was right she got her wish . Ding Bat !
Criteria The Meritorious Service Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by outstanding noncombat achievement or by meritorious service to the United States, but not of a... The Meritorious Service Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by outstanding noncombat achievement or by meritorious service to the United States, but not of a degree that would warrant the award of the Legion of Merit. MoreHide
Comments
While serving as Operations Sgt in the Field Artillery Training Center S-3 between 1986 - 1988. As a member of Hqs Btry FATC.
Criteria The NCO Professional Development Ribbon is awarded to all enlisted members of the Army to include the Reserve Components (Army National Guard and Army Reserve), for successful completion of designated... The NCO Professional Development Ribbon is awarded to all enlisted members of the Army to include the Reserve Components (Army National Guard and Army Reserve), for successful completion of designated NCO professional development courses. MoreHide
Criteria The NCO Professional Development Ribbon is awarded to all enlisted members of the Army to include the Reserve Components (Army National Guard and Army Reserve), for successful completion of designated... The NCO Professional Development Ribbon is awarded to all enlisted members of the Army to include the Reserve Components (Army National Guard and Army Reserve), for successful completion of designated NCO professional development courses. MoreHide
Criteria The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of conti... The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of continuous enlisted active service (normally three years in peacetime). MoreHide
Criteria The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of conti... The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of continuous enlisted active service (normally three years in peacetime). MoreHide
Criteria The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of conti... The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of continuous enlisted active service (normally three years in peacetime). MoreHide
Criteria The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of conti... The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of continuous enlisted active service (normally three years in peacetime). MoreHide
Criteria The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of conti... The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of continuous enlisted active service (normally three years in peacetime). MoreHide
Criteria The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of conti... The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of continuous enlisted active service (normally three years in peacetime). MoreHide
Criteria The Army Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces below the rank of colonel who, while serving in any capacity with the Army in a noncombat area, distinguish themselves by outst... The Army Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces below the rank of colonel who, while serving in any capacity with the Army in a noncombat area, distinguish themselves by outstanding achievement or meritorious service, but not of a nature that would warrant the award of an Army Commendation Medal. MoreHide
Comments
As battalion ammo NCO conduct of a total basic combat load out of all battalion munitions.
Criteria The Army Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces below the rank of colonel who, while serving in any capacity with the Army in a noncombat area, distinguish themselves by outst... The Army Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces below the rank of colonel who, while serving in any capacity with the Army in a noncombat area, distinguish themselves by outstanding achievement or meritorious service, but not of a nature that would warrant the award of an Army Commendation Medal. MoreHide
Comments
As battalion ammo NCO conducting DMZ mission with 1/17th Inf.
Criteria This medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who have been assigned, attached, or mobilized to units operating in the area of eligibility for thirty consecutive or for six... This medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who have been assigned, attached, or mobilized to units operating in the area of eligibility for thirty consecutive or for sixty non-consecutive days, or who meet the following criteria: Be engaged in combat during an armed engagement, regardless of the time in the area of elibility; Is wounded or injured in the line of duty and requires medical evacuation from the area of eligibility; While participating as a regularly assigned aircrew member flying sorties into, out of, or within the area of eligibility in direct support of military operations. Each day that one or more sorties are flown in accordance with these criteria shall count as one day toward the 30 or 60 day requirement; Personnel who serve in operations and exercises conducted in the area of eligibility are considered for the award as long as the basic time criteria are met. Due to the extensive time period for KDSM eligibility, the non-consecutive service period for eligibility remains cumulative throughout the entire period. The Area of eligibility encompasses all land area of the Republic of Korea, and the continuous water out to 12 nautical miles, and all air spaces above the land and water areas. MoreHide
Criteria The Army Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces below the rank of colonel who, while serving in any capacity with the Army in a noncombat area, distinguish themselves by outst... The Army Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces below the rank of colonel who, while serving in any capacity with the Army in a noncombat area, distinguish themselves by outstanding achievement or meritorious service, but not of a nature that would warrant the award of an Army Commendation Medal. MoreHide
Comments
As PSG in B Company 1st 17th Inf, 2d ID conduct of IG inspection.
Criteria The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement,... The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or meritorious service. MoreHide
Comments
As a PSG with C Company 1st Bn 13th Inf, 8th ID.
Criteria The Overseas Service Ribbon is awarded to all active members of the Army, the Army National Guard, and to Army Reservists who are credited with a normal overseas tour completed since August 1, 1981 (p... The Overseas Service Ribbon is awarded to all active members of the Army, the Army National Guard, and to Army Reservists who are credited with a normal overseas tour completed since August 1, 1981 (provided they have an active Army status on or after August 1, 1981). This ribbon may not be awarded for overseas service recognized by another United States service medal. MoreHide
Description
2d award with 1/13th Inf, 8th ID Germany.
Best Moment
Making E-7 the day we had a change of company commanders, the new CO wanted to know why my stripes were pinned on my greens.
Worst Moment
While attached at FT Sill during Christmas 1979 getting a letter from our XO telling me that I was DFR as they had orders saying I had been sent back to them. No one told me or had given me copies of the orders. Freaked me out.
Chain of Command
The first CO a Cpt Winchell used to say, Fuck,Stab,Jackoff all the time over things. That was different. 1SG Vance calling everyone "Sug or Sugar" he was different too. The next 1SG was Saledge and he fell asleep a lot only he would pull a bottle out to share a drink with us PSG's often.
Other Memories
Haviiiing to do a written counseling each month on the E-4's and E-5's that I did not recommend for advancement. What a pain. Got fed up one month and put them all in, what a mess, the CO had a problem with that. Oh, the time the CO and I were drinking and I told him how There were times I wanted to hit him. He was a pretty good CO really.
Best Friends
I was a Drill Sgt in a BCT Btry of the 5th Bn until spring of 1978 . Then a weapons instructor Hand Granades , M203 , M72 , M60 and M18 AP Claymore until PCS in March 1979 .
I attended Infantry ANCOES at Ft Benning during Aup - Oct 1978 from this unit at Ft Sill . Training Command Battalion
Best Moment
Lots of them so I can't name just a few !
Worst Moment
There were a few of these also !
Other Memories
DS from Feb 1976 until May 1978, weapons instructor C Company TCB 1978-1979. I instructed on M203, M-72, M-18 Claymore, Handgrenades and Battery Defensive Tactics. I also narrated the Weapons Fire Demonstration for first week training of BCT and OSUT units some times .
Criteria The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement,... The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or meritorious service. MoreHide
Comments
While assigned as a weapons instructor with Training Command Battalion,Fort Sill,OK. From Jun 1977 until Jan 1979. LAW,M203,M60,M18A1 and Handgranades.
Best Friends
Bob Steel, Laddie Saloggie,Doug Strange
Best Moment
A very interesting time at the Infantry Advanced Course. Ran into old trainees now officers a SSG I had served with in 1969 now a 1SG. Had a great time and stuck my foot in my mouth and said I would join the Rangers.
Worst Moment
Fighting to make the man sharing the room with me to get up in the mornings. First he wanted me to make sure that he gets up then he wants to fight. I let him do what he wanted and he missed classes and a movement to the field. He and his buddies were pissed at me, no way I let that go.
Other Memories
The rain and the sand as we were out in the field. The vines so thick we had to crawl with a hand on the foot of the man in front of you to keep together at night. Patrolling out of Camp Darbey with the Ranger Instructors. Could not believe how many E-6 combat vets failed the Land Nav Course at least once some more then that.
Criteria The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement,... The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or meritorious service. MoreHide
Comments
As instructor of weapons with C Company TCB at Ft Sill FATC. Handgrenades and Battery Defense Course, U.S. Weapons period one live fire.
Criteria The NCO Professional Development Ribbon is awarded to all enlisted members of the Army to include the Reserve Components (Army National Guard and Army Reserve), for successful completion of designated... The NCO Professional Development Ribbon is awarded to all enlisted members of the Army to include the Reserve Components (Army National Guard and Army Reserve), for successful completion of designated NCO professional development courses. MoreHide
Description
Completed Infantry Advanced NCOES at Ft Benning Aug 1978. 5th Army NCO Academy 1972, 4th AD NCO Academy 1969
Other Memories
Started out with everyone assigned to C Company Army Garrison as we formed the 7th ID. Before activeation I was sent to DS School at Ft Ord, one of the last classes there. We were the frist DA Selected NCO's.
Other Memories
Back to Sill and the FATC CSM asked if I was ready to return to DS duty. I said NO thank you. So I returned to C Co TCB and NCOIC for M203 and LAW commitee. All weapons committees became one named U.S. Weapons. I was a Senior Intsructor as a Sfc. Time went on and I moved to BRM as NCOIC of a Field Fire Range. Next to NCOIC of a 25 Meter Zero Range. Then it was time to go to Korea. I got a return assignment for Fort Ord and the 7th ID. In the short time before I left I got that changed to return to Fort Sill yet again.
Best Friends
Many great men in the Blue platoon . Ssg Burton , Sgt Daniel , Sp Walters and most of the platoon . We had a great group of pilots with us and we all got along good . Our CO was a Major and a good guy with a great 1SG the Troop ran smoothly .
Best Moment
The moment I got back into the Infantry and when I got promoted to Ssg . I had gone into photograpy as a E-5 and could not make E-6 as it was way over strenght . I got fed up and returned to 11 B where I was happy and made E-6 in no time . I should never have changed MOS although I did enjoy my time in photograpy .
Worst Moment
The jerk of a SSG that was PSG of the Blue Platoon told me if I showed I was proficent for about a year he would see I get boarded. Ass Hole and I never got along with him much. I got boarded and promoted shortly and he did not like it. Showed up drunk and wanting to fight at my promotion party in front of our Sqdn CO and CSM, he left the unit shortly after that. I became acting PSG at times after that.
Other Memories
Got sick and tired of not getting promoted as a 84G because it was way over strenght after Vietnam. Went back to 11B and had enough points to get E-6 before any board points added in. The 1SG saw my points as I signed in and wanted to know why wasn't I a SSG. I explained to him that since I changed MOS I needed to be boarded again. He said right away for sure.
Best Friends
It was one of the first classes of DA assigned NCO's and we had a hell of a time ! They failed an E-5 that had come over from the Air Force , never took Army BCT or much of anything . He busted his ass and had voluteered for this . The poor guy worked much harder than any of us and we all worked with him as much as we could . Came time to get our Hats and we decided none of us would accept if that E-5 didn't graduate with us ! LMAO , that SMG Commandant had a cow and called all of us names and yelled only to give in as we all stuck together ! He knew a bunch of Vietnam vets E-6 & E-7 refusing wouldn't look good for him , and we were all willing to do it !
Best Moment
We had our ups and downs with the two DS Tacs and they tried to screw with us in ways and it never worked as they pissed us off and we would let them know being alone with us would happen sometime . We had lots of fun as most of us were hell raisers and stubburn combat vets , plus some of us weren't to happy about this assignment at that point . A great bunch of NCO's in my opinion .
Worst Moment
Now , it won't let me enter the years that I served in that unit ! March 1975 to January 1976 was the correct dates .
Chain of Command
Cpt Jones had been a SFC when on the SonTy raid in North Vietnam . Great guy ! SFC Prince was SDS and a really calm guy ! 1st Sgt Hewitt had been a squad leader during the battle in the IaDrang Valley in the 1st Cav . Fire and ice depending on what was going on . Great man that taught me much and supported all of the DS's . He had our backs ! Some great NCO's too work with . It was totally different at Fort Sill . I got moved often because of Officer's not liking the way that I did things mostly . Worked with some good NCO's and some so so one's there . Lucky the battalion commander had my back when one company commander wanted me Article Fifteen or worse . Bn Co did not agree and moved me with no action taken .
Other Memories
Kind of a strange time. Lots of things were alright and other things not. All in all I got to like it. Kind of hated to leave when I had too. Of course I was still a DS when at Ft Sill . I didn't stay in the same unit for my time there . Was in BCT then Pershing AIT then Special Training Battery and finally back to BCT again . I had asked for third year so no one to blame !
Other Memories
The Photo Platoon had a lab and offices inside of a mountain where Nukes used to be stored or something from the days when West Ft Hood was a Air Force Base. It was a pain if we worked late at night as we would be locked in by the FOD at 1800 hrs. If you forgot and walked all the way to the entrance you had to walk back to call from the lab to get them to come let you out. I remember one SSG we had was old and had a Silver Star and CIB from WWII. He had a long break in service.
Other Memories
Had assignment from Vietnam to this unit. Went to Ft MacArthur, CA and got attached to try and change orders. While there I did General of The Army Omar Bradley's and his wife's passport photos. Worked with a SFC that had been a pilot for General Bradley one time during WWII. He had a big break in service. Then on to Ft Hood,TX the 163d MI was a full MI battalion at the time on West Fort and they did not need me. The CSM asked if I wanted to go to the 5th Army NCO Academy as they needed to send someone, so off I went. While there I had been working with the 57th Sig BN and the 163d MI to get moved. I was a E-5 promotable from Vietnam and they had slots open. I got moved once I finished the Academy. While in the 57th we did much work with MASTER. I ended up on the Cammo Testing as photographer and my CO from 101 MI CO in RVN was on it also. I was the photographer on the M60A2 Tank testing and enjoyed that time with them. Got sick of not getting E-6 so changed back to a under strenght by grade MOS, 11B back to the Infantry.
Best Friends
Jim Pritchert,Jim Ekhoff,Martin Pinkstaff,Wayne Sorrenson,Steve Crews,Rick Garcia,
Best Moment
Going to the Bob Hope Xmas show at Camp Eagle 1970.Being congratulated on making E6 in Feb 1971.Leaving in Nov 1971 before the Division returned to Ft. Campbell.
Worst Moment
When Tom Dolan was shot down and listed MIA when it was KIA but no body! Being told I could not be promoted to E6 as the Army had changed the promotion system effective Jan 1971 and the 101st had not gone to it like they should have. Told that I could not extend as a 11B only if I stayed 84G and went to Thailand.
Criteria The Bronze Star Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States in a combat theater, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding ac... The Bronze Star Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States in a combat theater, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service not involving aerial flight. MoreHide
Criteria The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspa... The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspace; or, for any period of service during the same time period in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia or the air spaces thereover and in direct support of operations in Vietnam. MoreHide
Criteria The Overseas Service Ribbon is awarded to all active members of the Army, the Army National Guard, and to Army Reservists who are credited with a normal overseas tour completed since August 1, 1981 (p... The Overseas Service Ribbon is awarded to all active members of the Army, the Army National Guard, and to Army Reservists who are credited with a normal overseas tour completed since August 1, 1981 (provided they have an active Army status on or after August 1, 1981). This ribbon may not be awarded for overseas service recognized by another United States service medal. MoreHide
Criteria Awarded by the Vietnam Government to military personnel who have accomplished deeds of valor or displayed heroic conduct while fighting the enemy and have been cited individually at the regiment, brig... Awarded by the Vietnam Government to military personnel who have accomplished deeds of valor or displayed heroic conduct while fighting the enemy and have been cited individually at the regiment, brigade, division, corps, or armed forces level. MoreHide
Criteria The Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Colors) was authorized to be worn by units individually cited for service in military operations in support of the government of Sout... The Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Colors) was authorized to be worn by units individually cited for service in military operations in support of the government of South Vietnam. The actions cited are for the same services that would have resulted in the award of a Valorous Unit Citation by the Army or a Navy Unit Citation. MoreHide
Criteria This medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who: 1. Served for 6 months in South Vietnam during the period 1 Mar 61 and 28 Mar 73; or 2. Served outside the geographical l... This medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who: 1. Served for 6 months in South Vietnam during the period 1 Mar 61 and 28 Mar 73; or 2. Served outside the geographical limits of South Vietnam and contributed direct combat support to the RVN Armed Forces for an aggregate of six months. Only members of the Armed Forces of the United States who meet the criteria established for the AFEM (Vietnam) or Vietnam Service Medal during the period of service required are considered to have contributed direct combat support to the RVN Armed Forces; or 3. Did not complete the length of service required in item (1) or (2) above, but who, during wartime, were: a. Wounded by the enemy (in a military action); b. Captured by the enemy during action or in the line of duty, but later rescued or released; or c. Killed in action or in the line of duty; or 4. Were assigned in Vietnam on 28 Jan 73, and who served a minimum of 60 calendar days in Vietnam during the period 29 Jan 73 to 28 Mar 73. MoreHide
Description Operation Lam Son 719 (Vietnamese: Chiến dịch Lam Sơn 719 or Chiến dịch đường 9 – Nam Lào) was a limited-objective offensive campaign conducted in southeastern portion of the Kingdom of Laos by the arOperation Lam Son 719 (Vietnamese: Chiến dịch Lam Sơn 719 or Chiến dịch đường 9 – Nam Lào) was a limited-objective offensive campaign conducted in southeastern portion of the Kingdom of Laos by the armed forces of the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam) between 8 February and 25 March 1971, during the Vietnam War. The United States provided logistical, aerial, and artillery support to the operation, but its ground forces were prohibited by law from entering Laotian territory. The objective of the campaign was the disruption of a possible future offensive by the People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN), whose logistical system within Laos was known as the Ho Chi Minh Trail (the Truong Son Road to North Vietnam).
By launching such a spoiling attack against PAVN's long-established logistical system, the American and South Vietnamese high commands hoped to resolve several pressing issues. A quick victory in Laos would bolster the morale and confidence of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN), which was already high in the wake of the successful Cambodian Campaign of 1970. It would also serve as proof positive that South Vietnamese forces could defend their nation in the face of the continuing withdrawal of U.S. ground combat forces from the theater. The operation would be, therefore, a test of that policy and ARVN's capability to operate effectively by itself.
Because of the South Vietnamese need for security which precluded thorough planning, an inability by the political and military leaders of the U.S. and South Vietnam to face military realities, and poor execution, Operation Lam Son 719 collapsed when faced by the determined resistance of a skillful foe. The campaign was a disaster for the ARVN, decimating some of its best units and destroying the confidence that had been built up over the previous three years.... More
Description This campaign was from 1 July to 30 November 1971. This period witnessed additional progress in the Vietnamization program which included turning over the ground war to South Vietnam, sustaining the This campaign was from 1 July to 30 November 1971. This period witnessed additional progress in the Vietnamization program which included turning over the ground war to South Vietnam, sustaining the withdrawal of U.S. troops, but also continuing, U.S. air strikes on enemy targets.
South Vietnam assumed full control of defense for the area immediately below the demilitarized zone on 11 July, a process begun in 1969. Secretary of Defense Melvin R. Laird announced completion of Phase I of Vietnamization on 11 August which meant that the U.S. relinquished all ground combat responsibilities to the Republic of Vietnam. The participation of U.S. forces in ground combat operations had not ceased, however, U.S. maneuver battalions were still conducting missions, and the 101st Airborne Division joined the 1st Army of Vietnam 1st Infantry Division in Operation JEFFERSON GLEN that took place in Thua Thien Province in October. This was the last major combat operation in Vietnam which involved U.S. ground forces. Following the close of Operation JEFFERSON GLEN on 8 October, the 101st began stand-down procedures and was the last U.S. division to leave Vietnam.
U.S. troop strengths decreased during Consolidation I. American battle deaths for July 1971 were 66, the lowest monthly figure since May 1967. By early November, U.S. troop totals dropped to 191,000, the lowest level since December 1965. In early November, President Nixon announced that American troops had reverted to a defensive role in Vietnam.... More
Description This campaign was from 1 Jul 1970 to 30 June 1971. Fighting continued in Cambodia during early February before and after South Vietnam began its U.S.-aided drive in Laos, Lam Son 719, the most signifiThis campaign was from 1 Jul 1970 to 30 June 1971. Fighting continued in Cambodia during early February before and after South Vietnam began its U.S.-aided drive in Laos, Lam Son 719, the most significant operation during this campaign.
Lam Son 719 was conducted out of I Corps by Vietnamese troops with US fire and air support. Their object was to cut the Ho Chi Minh Trail and to destroy enemy bases at Techepone, Laos. The operation consisted of four phases. In Phases I, called Operation DEWEY CANYON II, the 1st Brigade, US 5th Infantry Division (Mechanized) occupied the Khe Sanh area and cleared Route No. 9 up to the Laotian border. In the meantime, the US 101st Airborne Division conducted diversionary operations in the A Shau Valley. The US 45th Engineer Group had the mission of repairing Route No. 9 up to the Laotian border. This lasted from 30 January to 7 February 1971. During Phase II US forces continued to provide fire support, helilift, and tactical and strategic air support for ARVN units. This phase was 8 February to March 1971. Phase III ran from March to 16 March 1971; Phase IV was the withdrawal phase.
Faced with mounting losses, Lt. Gen. Hoang Xuan Lam, the commander of the invasion forces, decided to cut short the operation and ordered a withdrawal.
Lam Son 719, though it was less than a signal success, forestalled a Communist offensive in the spring of 1971. Enemy units and replacements enroute south were diverted to the scene of the action.... More
Best Friends
The men in the Honor Guard. I was a member of the Signal Crops Honor Guard while a student , not cadre , of Photograpy . I was the NCOIC of the B Team as I had knowledge of fancy drill from my ROTC time .
Best Moment
Had fun working with the Drilll Team while going to school for MOS 84G. I enjoyed living in the Honor Guard barracks rather than in a training barracks . The only thing I didn't like was the day of Graduation I had to change my stripes from Sgt to SP/5 and hang up my Infantry Cord !
Worst Moment
While processing in and being told I had to agree to a change from Sgt to SP5 once the MOS was awarded.
Chain of Command
The Honor Guard Detachment NCOIC, a 1SG E-8 , don't remember his name. No officers that I knew of.
Other Memories
Spending 1969 Christmas in the barracks on Post for two weeks. I had no leave time, having taken 30 days before getting here. Seperated from my wife for a time , had hoped to have her there . I had spent a year without her in Germany after our wedding then she wouldn't come with me to Ft Monmuth . It was a strange time as we were married for over four years before finally living together full time.
Criteria The Presidential Unit Citation may be awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States and cobelligerent nations for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy occurring on or aft... The Presidential Unit Citation may be awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States and cobelligerent nations for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy occurring on or after December 7, 1941. MoreHide
Criteria The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspa... The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspace; or, for any period of service during the same time period in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia or the air spaces thereover and in direct support of operations in Vietnam. MoreHide
Criteria
The unit citation of the Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Medal was awarded certain units by the Vietnamese government for meritorious service during the period 1 March 1961 to 28 March 1974.
Best Moment
Graduation day of course ! Getting out of there and a two week leave .
Worst Moment
There were many of these . The worst was when I got put in the hospital for measles , flu and a infected left foot . I was so affraid of getting recycled . They cut me slack and after four days missing training somebody made the decision to keep me in the company . I guess I was doing good enough that they thought I could keep up . If I missed any important stuff they covered for me I'm sure .
Instructors
Our SDI Sfc Douglas was tough and seemed mean , only I don't think for real . He would call you a girl or baby and yell in your face . He got at the end of my bayonet one time during drills and asked if I wanted to kill him , yelled that is . I knew what he wanted so I yelled Yes ! SDS ! and he moved on . My DS was really a E-4 acting E-5 and we didn't know it until near the end of cycle he got promoted in front of us . We had some that were only through Basic and Infantry AIT then picked for DS school . I roomed with a E-4 in 2/54th Inf , Gray Ground , that had gone to DS school with my DS in Germany later .
Other Memories
I was the platoon ammorer and one night as the weapons were turned in we were one bayonet short . It was from a Pvt that said he didn't know where it went ? I cross checked all of them for their number and found his in another Pvt's slot . So that brought hell down on him ! He was shock down by DS's and they found alive round and the bayonet . He got some company punishment so it didn't get him in much trouble which was lucky for him . All in all basic was hard in some ways and easy in others and sure made a guy feel great when it was over and ready to move on with more confidence . I had lost fourty pounds during the eight weeks . I had to get my greens taliored when on leave .
Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
Criteria The Army Service Ribbon is awarded to members of the Regular Army, National Guard, or Army Reserve for successful completion of initial entry training. In the case of personnel who receive a Military ... The Army Service Ribbon is awarded to members of the Regular Army, National Guard, or Army Reserve for successful completion of initial entry training. In the case of personnel who receive a Military Occupational Specialty identifier based on civilian or other-service acquired skills, the ribbon is awarded upon honorable completion of four months active service. Only one award of this ribbon is authorized, even if an individual completes both officer and enlisted initial entry training. MoreHide
E.J. Lavick, Dixie Miller, Mary Smith, Don Green
Moving from BRM NCOIC up to FATC S-3. This was my last assignment and I loved it. Came and went mostly as I wished , lot's of time off for fishing ! I was carried as over strenght , reassignable while working in a 13B40 position . That didn't help my chance of promotion ! I had set a goal of being E-8 before I reached twenty years. So when I didn't make it on the list again at nineteen plus eight months I went and set my retirement for 13 months from that date. I ended up with close to nine years time in grade on E-7 , so much for the Army. Got a job before my retirement date at the Goodyear Lawton Plant on Security as I had sixty five days leave . I really expected it to take longer and thought I'd have free time between , nope . Plus , I didn't think I'd still work weekends and Holidays , of course that was wishful thinking for the next 18 years !
When SSG Ahyu died after PT one morning. He was a damn good man . That was while I was still Assistant NCOIC of Basic Rifle Marksmanship commitee C Co Training Command Battalion , changed to 1st Bn 78th FA ,before my move to HHB USAFATC and S-3. The next was while there the S-1 NCOIC was killed in a accident coming back from leave.
Col. Robert Scales took command shortly before I retired. I was the first soldier in the command to be retired by him . It was funny as I had left and was working at Goodyear before he took command so it was the first time we met !
I ended up with a female Pfc as my subordinate the last year. Only time I supervised a female and she was nothing but trouble . Not very bright and spoke out of turn all the time to anyone. General on down. Talked trash about NCO's she had sex with , couldn't get along with other females in the unit barracks. Nude flashed the Marines in formation next door all the time . Finally she had decided that was the way to get put out . She was right she got her wish . Ding Bat !