Best Friends
MAJ Tom Veleker CPT Howdy Belknap LTC Jim Rainey
Best Moment
*Getting a Dept. of History Excellence in Teaching Award for 1990-91.
*Being course director of HI351, the honors version of the first semester of the two-semester military history course required of all cadets. This portion of the course covers the period from Greco-Roman times to 1900, with emphasis on Napoleonic and U.S. Civil War campaigns.
Worst Moment
Realizing that my age and looming health issues were forcing me to retire with just a year in grade as a major and a slot at CGSC waiting for me.
Chain of Command
LTG Dave R. Palmer - Superintendent BG Roy K. Flint - Academic Dean COL Robert A. Doughty - History Department Head COL Kenneth E. Hamburger - Military History Division Chief
Other Memories
*Speaking at cadet dinings-in and being invited to eat lunch in the cadet mess--especially during the weeks leading up to the Army-Air Force and Army-Navy games. . . .
*Revolutionary War staff rides to Stony Point, Saratoga, the Continental Army's final cantonment in New Windsor, and Washington's headquarters in Newburgh overlooking the Hudson.
*Leading a cadet staff ride to Gettysburg.
*Having the Superintendent show up in my classroom during the lesson on the WWI 1918 German offensives and staying for the entire hour.
*Having breakfast at the Thayer Hotel with Gen. William Westmoreland and Capt. Howdy Belknap.
*Serving as escort for USN&WR Senior Writer Joe Galloway while he was at the academy to interview Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf, who was there to speak to the Corps of Cadets.
Becoming good friends with visiting professors Malcolm "Kip" Muir of Austin Peay University and Herman Hattaway of the University of Missouri.
*Being elected president of the officers bowling league.
*Those awesome views from the faculty section of the stands in Michie Stadium during home football games.
*Having my retirement ceremony in the Pershing Room of Cullum Hall, the old Assn. of Graduates Bldg. overlooking the Hudson.
*Leaving the academy on July 25 for 83 days of terminal leave, then reporting in for my retirement outprocessing at the Presidio of San Francisco, Sept. 26-30, 1991.
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 Third Oak Leaf Cluster.
For exceptionally meritorious service as an instructor and assistant professor in the Military History Div., Dept. of History, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY.
Thi... Third Oak Leaf Cluster.
For exceptionally meritorious service as an instructor and assistant professor in the Military History Div., Dept. of History, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY.
This was my retirement award. Because of "The Incident," the superintendent had made it clear that I would NOT be getting the Legion of Merit, which was the standard award for retiring O-4s and above. . . . MoreHide
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
Comments
Second award (for being in service during Operations Desert Shield/Storm).
Best Friends
MAJ Dan Bolger MAJ Keith "Kit" Bonn CPT Dave Niedringhaus MAJ Tom Veleker LTC Jim Rainey LTC Doug Scalard CPT "Howdy" Belknap CPT Joe Fischer MAJ Chuck Jacoby MAJ Dave Lamm
Best Moment
*Serving as deputy director and then director of the USMA-ROTC Military History Fellowship. This monthlong postgraduate program is designed to equip college professors teaching the military history component of their school's ROTC program with the tools to teach operational military history as opposed to simply war and society.
*Receiving the Phi Alpha Theta Academic Excellence Award for 1988-89.
*Publishing my dissertation in 1989--before defending it! I was thus able to provide signed copies of the finished book to my committee at my defense in April 1990.
*Receiving my doctorate at Temple University's May 1990 commencement. I had the pleasure of hearing Bill Cosby give the commencement address at both my MA and Ph.D. graduation ceremonies.
Worst Moment
"The Incident." Without going into detail in this space, suffice to say that it almost cost me my career. Fortunately, thanks to the efforts of BG Roy Flint, the academic dean, and COLs Robert Doughty and Kenneth Hamburger, my department head and division chief, I survived with a "desk-drawer" letter of reprimand from the superintendent and having to spend the spring 1990 semester doing administrative duties and not being allowed to participate in cadet activities. It also resulted in me getting an MSM rather than the Legion of Merit when I retired in the summer of 1991. . . .
Chain of Command
LTG Dave R. Palmer - Superintendent
BG Roy K. Flint - Academic Dean
COL Robert A. Doughty - History Department Head
COL Kenneth E. Hamburger - Military History Division Chief
Other Memories
*MAJ Hank Keirsey jumping out of elevators or from behind corners and then reminding his startled victims to never let their guard down. . . .
*Being an assistant coach for the cadet crew team, motoring up and down the Hudson as far north as Newburgh and south to the Bear Mountain bridge. My job was to watch their technique and make needed adjustments. I also acted as a chaperon on trips to regattas throughout the Middle Atlantic states and lower New England.
*Those awesome views from the faculty section of the stands in Michie Stadium during home football games.
*Speaking at cadet dining-ins and being invited to eat lunch in the cadet mess--especially during the weeks leading up to the Army-Air Force and Army-Navy games. . . .
*Revolutionary War staff rides to Stony Point, Saratoga, the Continental Army's final cantonment in New Windsor, and Washington's headquarters in Newburgh overlooking the Hudson.
*Staff rides to Civil War battlefields at Manassas, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, the Wilderness, Spottsylvania Court House, Antietam, Gettysburg and in the Shenandoah Valley.
*Serving as a cadet honor education adviser.
*Serving as editor of the 1990 edition of "Perspectives," the annual History Department faculty newsletter.
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 Fourth Oak Leaf Cluster.
For exceptionally meritorious achievement while a graduate student at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA.
It was unusual for medals to be awarded to graduate students, but I ha... Fourth Oak Leaf Cluster.
For exceptionally meritorious achievement while a graduate student at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA.
It was unusual for medals to be awarded to graduate students, but I had far exceeded what was expected of me as a student and I had also devoted countless hours of my free time in support of the school's ROTC detachment, to include helping to conduct rappelling training, administering PT tests, and doing AR 15-6 investigations. MoreHide
Other Memories
I was the Command Information Officer and editor of "The Mountaineer" during this assignment. I also assisted with special AV projects for the 4th ID ADC (M) and served as media liaison and post spokesman on call.
Best Friends
LTC Arnie Seligman. He was a staff group leader who subsequently made COL as an MP and became a close friend after we both retired and wound up in the Commandant's Dept. at Valley Forge Military Academy & College, where he was the adjutant and I was TAC of C Co. and Field Music.
Worst Moment
Breakup of my second marriage. I hit a low point and attempted suicide by taking an overdose of Tylenol. Fortunately, my "condotel" roommates found me and got me to the hospital in time. I had a great staff group leader and he helped insure that the incident did not adversely impact my career.
Chain of Command
LTC Ollie Schierholz - Staff Group Leader
Other Memories
*The inane emphasis on team volleyball competition. It was comical to see the degree of seriousness displayed by many of the staff group leaders. Thankfully, mine had a very laissez faire attitude. . . .
Trying to explain the 5-paragraph field order to the doctors and nurses in staff groups.
The heavy rains that summer and the flooding of the Missouri River.
*The designated smoking area was near the flagpole outside of Bell Hall. We used to joke that the post CSM was taking the names of all who went out there for smoke breaks. . . .
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 Third Oak Leaf Cluster
For exceptionally meritorious service as S-3 Air, D Co. and HHC commander, 2d Bn.-34th Armor, and command information officer, 4th Inf. Div., Ft. Carson, CO.
Ironically, we had ju... Third Oak Leaf Cluster
For exceptionally meritorious service as S-3 Air, D Co. and HHC commander, 2d Bn.-34th Armor, and command information officer, 4th Inf. Div., Ft. Carson, CO.
Ironically, we had just gotten a new division commander who had recently been the CG at MILPERCEN. One of the things he wanted to do was cut back on what he perceived as an inflated awards system. As a result, the MSM I had been recommended for was reduced to another ARCOM. This did not sit well with me as all of the other company commanders had gotten MSMs--even the marginal performers. This was a real slap in the face! . . . MoreHide
Best Friends
1SG Robert A. Murphy CPT Dave Niedringhaus MAJ Dick Wallace
Best Moment
Seeing the turn-around in the company's performance during my brief tenure as CO.
Worst Moment
Developing blood clots in my right calf again in July. This time I was required to take anticoagulants for an extended period and that meant I could not go out on field training exercises due to the risk of injury and being too far from medical aid to risk it. Fortunately, COL Landry ensured I was able to remain as CO long enough to complete a full 18 months as a company commander--an essential item for future promotion opportunity.
Chain of Command
COL John R. Landry - 3d Bde., 4th ID CO LTC Glenn D. Walker, Jr. - 2-34th AR CO
Best Friends
I was selected to replace our outgoing HHC commander, CPT Joe Curro. It was expected that I would remain in command for at least a year and possibly until the end of my tour. Unfortunately, I developed new blood clots in my right leg and after being hospitalized for a week in August and required to take a 12-month course of anticoagulant medication that precluded my serving in the field, I had to change command in late September after completing a total of 19 months in command in the battalion.
Chain of Command
COL John Landry, 3d Bde., and LTC Glenn Walker, 2-34th AR.
Best Friends
1SG Robert A. Murphy - Top was simply amazing! What else can I say? CPT Dave Niedringhaus - C Co. CO CPT Joe Curro - HHC CO CPT Jim Guyll - S4 CPT Tony Shafer - S1 MAJ Dick Wallace - S3
Best Moment
The "Deathdealers" winning the Draper Award for Armor Leadership in FY '85
Worst Moment
*Dec. 26, 1984: my wife--and mother of my six children--saying she'd had enough, didn't love me, wanted a divorce, and wanted me to move out that same day. I was so stunned I couldn't think of anything to say, so I left, made a few calls and CPT Jim Olecki, our A Co. CO, offered to let me stay with him until I could find a place to live. *Getting blood clots and a staph infection in my right calf during the offensive phase of REFORGER '85 and nearly losing my right leg below the knee. That's what the battalion was told and CPT Tony Shafer, our S1, was given command of D Company. They were shocked to see me upon my return to Ft. Carson, but I got command of D Company restored.
Chain of Command
COL John R. Landry - 3d Bde., 4th ID CO LTC Richard W. Rock, Jr., 2-34th AR CO
Other Memories
"Top" Murphy and I drag racing from in front of our battalion area to just past the MP battalion area. Murph had a '69 Camaro and I had a '67 Camaro. We were neck-and-neck at 80 mph in a 35-mile zone when we came to our senses and slowed down before we got pulled over. The next morning we went into LTC Rock's office at 0730 and told him he'd better check the MP blotter report. When he asked why we told him we'd been nailed by the MPs. He went ballistic and we let him go for a few seconds before we told him we were only joking. We agreed after that we would never depart the company at the same time again so as to avoid the temptation to drag in our Camaros.
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 For exceptionally meritorious achievement as D Co., 2-34th Armor, commander when his company was awarded the Draper Armor Leadership Award in FY 1985.
Although it is the lowest peacetime award I receiv... For exceptionally meritorious achievement as D Co., 2-34th Armor, commander when his company was awarded the Draper Armor Leadership Award in FY 1985.
Although it is the lowest peacetime award I received, I am most proud of this one because of the reason it was given to me. MoreHide
Description Exercise Reforger (from return of forces to Germany) was an annual exercise conducted, during the Cold War, by NATO. The exercise was intended to ensure that NATO had the ability to quickly deploy forExercise Reforger (from return of forces to Germany) was an annual exercise conducted, during the Cold War, by NATO. The exercise was intended to ensure that NATO had the ability to quickly deploy forces to West Germany in the event of a conflict with the Warsaw Pact.
The Reforger exercise itself was first conceived in 1967. The Johnson administration announced plans to withdraw approximately two divisions from Europe during 1968. As a demonstration of its continuing commitment to the defense of NATO and to illustrate its capability of rapid reinforcement, a large scale force deployment was planned that would deploy a division or more to West Germany in a regular annual exercise. The first such exercise was conducted beginning on 6 January 1969. These exercises continued annually past the end of the Cold War, except for the year 1989, until 1993.
Major units: (Germany based units) USAREUR (U.S. Army Europe): 8th Infantry Division, Bad Kreuznach; 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fulda; 3rd Armored Division, Frankfurt-am-Main. (U.S. based units): 4th Infantry Division (Mech), 5th Infantry Division (Mech), 197th Infantry Brigade.... More
Best Friends
CPT Jim Guyll - S4 CPT Tony Shafer - S1 (we were in AOAC 2-83 together) CPT Chuck Finger - BMO (we were in 2-72d AR together in Korea) CPT Dean Lindholm - HHC, 3d Bde., S3 section (we were in 2-72d AR together in Korea) SGM "Pop" Decker - S3 sergeant major
Chain of Command
COL Robert Moscatelli - 3d Bde., 4th ID CO LTC Richard W. Rock, Jr. - 2-34th AR CO MAJ Robert A. Bruno - 2-34th AR XO MAJ John R. Wallace - 2-34th AR S3
Best Friends
CPT Paul Zacharzuk
CPT Gordon Bonham
CPT David Witty
Best Moment
Running the Kentucky Derby Half-Marathon in a driving rain storm with water on some streets almost ankle deep. Gordy Bonham and Paul Zacharzuk ran the race with me. Having the privilege of doing videotaped interviews on leadership with Gen. Bruce C. Clarke as my special project.
Chain of Command
CPT Clark Delevan was our group leader. An aviator and a truly "wild and crazy guy." He was the creator and handler of the infamous CPT I. B. Wackinoff--the scourge of the faculty throughout AOAC Class 2-83. . . .
Other Memories
*Staff rides to Irvington. . . .
*The incessant need for breaks during classroom instruction. . . .
*Wading through the unbelievably long "school solutions" to op orders. . . .
*Having the "Strip-a-gram" girl show up at our Dining-In--which happened to be the same night as the post newcomers' meet-and-greet with the CG at the Officers' Club. . . .
*Throwing our expensive glasses into the fireplace after the toasts at our Dining-In--and then having to level excessive fines to pay for them. Example: fining the FA Branch liaison officer $20 for "being an artillery officer"!
Description Team Spirit was a joint military training exercise of United States Forces Korea and the Military of South Korea held between 1976 and 1993. The exercise was scheduled from 1994 to 1996 but cancelled Team Spirit was a joint military training exercise of United States Forces Korea and the Military of South Korea held between 1976 and 1993. The exercise was scheduled from 1994 to 1996 but cancelled in each year as part of diplomacy to encourage the Government of North Korea to disable the North Korean nuclear weapons program. The North Korea regime abandoned talks following the January 1986 Team Spirit exercises, and in late 1992, North Korea unilaterally withdrew from the South-North High-Level Talks on the pretext of the 1993 Team Spirit exercise.
Until 2007 the exercise had been called "Reception, Staging, Onward Movement and Integration of Forces" (RSOI). As of March 2008, it is called Key Resolve. North Korea has denounced the joint military exercise as a "war game aimed at a northward invasion."... More
Memories I was sent TDY from Ft. Carson, CO, where I had been assigned in July as the S3-Air of the 2-34th ARI was sent TDY from Ft. Carson, CO, where I had been assigned in July as the S3-Air of the 2-34th AR. My job was to work 12-hour shifts in CP Tango, the large underground bunker housing the operations center for UNC/Eighth Army for two weeks in September.
My job was to post changes reported overnight to the wall-sized operations map, and then brief the UNC J3, Maj. Gen. Kenneth Leuer, on the changes when he arrived in the morning.
I was housed in a hotel on Yoeuido Island in Seoul, about a 30-minute bus ride away from CP Tango.
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
2d Oak Leaf Cluster.
Exceptionally meritorious service as adjutant, 2-72d Armor, 2d Infantry Div., Camp Casey, Rep. of Korea.
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
Comments
For service in the Rep. of Korea from Jan.-Nov., 1982.
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
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
Served short tour in Korea (all of 1982)
Description Team Spirit was a joint military training exercise of United States Forces Korea and the Military of South Korea held between 1976 and 1993. The exercise was scheduled from 1994 to 1996 but cancelled Team Spirit was a joint military training exercise of United States Forces Korea and the Military of South Korea held between 1976 and 1993. The exercise was scheduled from 1994 to 1996 but cancelled in each year as part of diplomacy to encourage the Government of North Korea to disable the North Korean nuclear weapons program. The North Korea regime abandoned talks following the January 1986 Team Spirit exercises, and in late 1992, North Korea unilaterally withdrew from the South-North High-Level Talks on the pretext of the 1993 Team Spirit exercise.
Until 2007 the exercise had been called "Reception, Staging, Onward Movement and Integration of Forces" (RSOI). As of March 2008, it is called Key Resolve. North Korea has denounced the joint military exercise as a "war game aimed at a northward invasion."... More
People You Remember I served as the adjutant of 2-72d AR in the 2d ID's 1st Bde.
Among those I best remember are our bI served as the adjutant of 2-72d AR in the 2d ID's 1st Bde.
Among those I best remember are our battalion CO, LTC Larry Medley; our XO, Maj. Jerry Tenney; the S2, CPT Octavio Perez; SSG Reed, the PSNCO; 1LT Dean Lindholm, a C Co. plt. ldr.; HHC CO, CPT Anthony Lieto.... More
Memories
A lot of rain and mud.
Setting our combat trains up in a lumberyard next to a railroad. They put an
A lot of rain and mud.
Setting our combat trains up in a lumberyard next to a railroad. They put an open latrine next to a large pile of logs that was open to the RR tracks. I got caught there as a passenger train rolled slowly past, and it seemed like every Korean aboard was sticking out of the windows, laughing and waving and shouting, "Ahn yawn hah say ohhh!" Very embarrassing when your trousers are dropped over your boots. . . .
Setting up in an open field next to a ROK Army artillery unit before convoying back to Camp Casey. We frequently saw ROK senior NCOs take insubordinate or disobedient soldiers outside their perimeter and conduct two-fisted counseling sessions. A time-honored tradition in our old "brown-shoe army." . . . .
Other Memories
*I was in Junior Officer Maintenance Course 8-72D, Class #82-1
*Wading through the myriad, mind-numbing forms required for keeping track of vehicle maintenance. . . .
*I especially enjoyed having the opportunity to perform quarterly services on all of the tracked and wheeled vehicles used in the typical tank/infantry battalion of the mid-1980s. . . .
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 1st Oak Leaf Cluster.
For exceptionally meritorious service as a mechanized cavalry platoon leader in D Trp., 10th Cav, 194th Armd. Bde. and as deputy PAO and editor of "Inside the Turret" at Ft. Knox,... 1st Oak Leaf Cluster.
For exceptionally meritorious service as a mechanized cavalry platoon leader in D Trp., 10th Cav, 194th Armd. Bde. and as deputy PAO and editor of "Inside the Turret" at Ft. Knox, KY. MoreHide
Best Friends
1LT Jim Greer - D Troop XO 1LT Orly Johns - Greer's successor as XO 2d Lt. Nate Pulliam - 3d Plt. Ldr. CPT Gary Rhay, B Co., 5-33d Armor CO
Best Moment
When we served as OPFOR for 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) units at Fort Campbell, KY, in the spring of 1980.
Worst Moment
The night one of men accidentally shot and killed a fellow soldier in the barracks. I had warned CPT Reilly, our troop commander, that I feared there were guns in the barracks. We conducted several "health and welfare" inspections, but failed to turn up any firearms. On the night in question, this soldier, fearing for his life, went out and bought a pistol. He then got drunk and was going around the barracks after midnight, showing guys the weapon and telling them he'd gotten it for protection. The soldier who was killed had just returned from an extended AWOL of more than 90 days. His roommate said the guy with the gun came into the room, showed them the pistol and the guy who died was holding it and looking at it when he left the room to go to the latrine. A few seconds later, he heard a single gunshot, turned and saw the guy with the gun bolt from the room. When he went in, his roommate was sprawled on his bunk with his brains splattered on the wall. We later learned that the pistol's sear had been filed down, which meant it had a hair trigger. I did not believe the guy with the gun had intentionally shot the other GI. Hell, he didn't even know him since he'd only been with us for two months! I wound up testifying for the defense and I'm convinced this contributed to my getting a less than satisfactory OER from the new troop CO and our battalion commander, who had rated me much higher when I was rated by my first troop CO.
Chain of Command
Initial chain: COL John Yeosock - 194th Armd. Bde. CO LTC Edward F. Bruner - 5-33d Armor CO CPT William L. Shoup - D Troop CO Subsequent chain: COL Patrick Chisholm - 194th Armd. Bde. CO LTC Edward F. Bruner - 5-33d Armor CO CPT Robert M. Riley - D Troop CO
Other Memories
*Frequent training deployments to places like Fort Drum, NY; Camp Shelby, MS (three times); Fort Campbell, KY; and Camp A. P. Hill, VA. *The night my platoon sergeant's M48A5 was rammed from behind by a tank from the OPFOR while we were halted during a night road march in the winter of 1980 at Fort Drum, NY. Although no one was seriously injured, the damage to both tanks was extensive. The other unit was using that road at a time when they shouldn't have been on it. This was back in the day--before tanks were equipped with thermal sights. . . . *Getting heat stroke while serving as an adviser to a Mississippi National Guard cav troop during its annual training at Camp Shelby, MS, near Hattiesburg. I was teaching the scouts how to call for indirect fire and at the same time acting as the safety officer for the mortar section's live fire in support of the scouts' training. It was extremely hot and muggy and, having no jeep, I found myself jogging back and forth between their positions, which were separated by a saddle in the ridge line. I wound up being medevaced from the mortar site and awoke in the Camp Shelby infirmary packed in ice cubes as they fought to get my temperature down from over 106! After 36 hours in the infirmary I went back to the cav troop--but this time on light duty for the last few days of their training. . . . *Acting as OPFOR for 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) units at Fort Campbell in the spring of 1980. We had just come in from the field when I got a message saying not to worry about my parents. Why? Not having access to news in the field, I had not heard about the eruption of Mount St. Helens, which dumped a couple of inches of volcanic ash on my folks' acreage near Spangle outside of Spokane, WA. . . . *Coming back from my third trip to Camp Shelby, MS, planning on turning over my platoon and succeeding Orly Johns as XO, only to find that the guy who had been my PAO at Schofield Barracks in 1974-76 was the PAO at Fort Knox and got the post commander to spring me from the 194th Armd. Bde. to replace his Command Information Officer, who was leaving the Army.
Worst Moment
Developing gastric ulcers and having to drop out of the class I was in after Tank Table VI and then join a later class that didn't graduate until Oct. 1979.
Being stricken with a terrible bout with vomiting and diarrhea after shooting Tank Table VI (night firing). I was hospitalized for 14 days before being diagnosed with gastric ulcers. I then took a three-week medical leave before being allowed to complete the course. I started out in AOBC 15-79 and graduated with class 18-79. . . .
Other Memories
The harassment we got from cadre on the tank wash racks. Knox has thick, sticky mud that is hard to wash off and they loved to work us like dogs to get every tiny bit of mud out of track end connectors and other minute locations. . . .
Trying to stay awake in boring classes. . . .
*Getting to drive tanks for the first time. . . . Then having to work into the wee hours of the following morning, washing the mud off the damned things while the EM whose tanks they were kicked back and savored the experience of watching a bunch of "butter bars" do the dirty work. . . .
*The rush you get during live fire at night. . . .
*Getting to know allied officers from Lebanon, Egypt, Kenya. . . .
Best Friends
Neil Heckman
Tom Pinnock
David Witty
Timothy Yde
Best Moment
Who can forget the "Wizard of OCS" skit at our Senior Status Formal or CPT Jesse McCorvey as "Karnack the Tacnificent" at our Intermediate Status Picnic?
Any successful "pogey" run. . . .
Worst Moment My initial counseling session with my platoon Tac, 1st Lt. Lawler. He made it clear to me from the beginning that he was going to make my life miserable for the next 14 weeks because I was severely infected with a bad case of "NCOitis," as he termed it. I was an E-6 with six years in grade on was selected for early promotion to E-7.
When he called me into his office he left me standing at attention for the entire session. He swiveled his chair around, took a felt-tip pen and drew a black dot on the while at my eye level and told me whenever I was in his office I was to keep my eyes focused on that dot. If not, he would gig me for "eyeballing." He went on to say that he would either keep me at the position of attention or, if he was in a good mood, would allow me to stand at parade rest.
He was true to his word. He was so rough on me during room inspections that he rotated me through four roommates during the course as he thought it unfair to subject them to more than a few weeks in that environment with me. I toughed it out though--despite being the only Senior Candidate still marching tours with the 51st Company "bean heads" on our last weekend before graduation!
Other Memories
*Running 10K races with the OCS running team. It was a great way to get out of the OCS environment for a few hours. . . .
*The showers that suddenly went cold when somebody flushed a toilet. . . .
*Watching the little guys bath in the large mop-cleaning sink in an effort to save time when all the showers were being used. . . .
*Sending wives of married candidates to fast-food vendors near closing time to order enough burgers, fries, shakes, sodas, pizzas, etc. to feed the entire platoon and then sneaking the contraband into the barracks and eating it under the noses of our Tacs. . . .
*Only being able to see my family once a week in the company day room even though they lived in Senior NCO housing a quarter of a mile from our barracks. . . .
Best Friends
SGT Dave Green
TSGT Roy Adams
JOC Mary Rothgeb
CPT Dale Baird
Tommy Tompkins
Best Moment
Authoring the "Handbook for Stringers in the Armed Forces." It was my Newspaper Editor's Course project--which I took on a TDY basis while assigned to the Applied Journalism Department--and was subsequently published as a DOD pamphlet.
Worst Moment
The death of my son, James Alma, at the age of 5 months and 23 days on April 1, 1977.
Chain of Command
COMDR. William Gengler
MAJ Ron Peck
Tommy Tompkins
SGM Marvin Sibulkin
Other Memories
*The birth of my son Jared in October of '77.
*Getting really hooked on long-distance running. Regular participation in 10K, 10-mile, and half-marathon races while averaging 60-80 miles a week.
*The all-around fun of being part of the DINFOS faculty.
Criteria The Joint Service Commendation Medal is awarded in the name of the Secretary of Defense to members of the Armed Forces who, while assigned to a joint activity, distinguish themselves by outstanding ac... The Joint Service Commendation Medal is awarded in the name of the Secretary of Defense to members of the Armed Forces who, while assigned to a joint activity, distinguish themselves by outstanding achievement or meritorious service, but not to an extent that would justify award of the Defense Meritorious Service Medal. MoreHide
Comments
For meritorious service as an instructor in the Applied Journalism Dept. of the Defense Information School, Ft. Benjamin Harrison, IN.
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
Comments
For exceptionally good conduct during more than nine years of enlisted service spanning the period 9 Dec. 1969 to 22 Feb. 1979.
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
Other Memories
Although I went to the 71L ANCOC, we 71Q/R personnel reverted to DINFOS control for the final two weeks of the course. In my case, I was put in the Newspaper Editor Course and, since I did not have a newspaper for which I was responsible, I was assigned to write a pamphlet offering guidelines for "stringers." The latter are people who are not assigned to the newspaper staff, but who cover events in their unit or activity. The finished product was eventually published as a DOD pamphlet titled "A Handbook for Stringers in the Armed Forces" and remained in use for three decades. . . .
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
Best Friends
SP4 Brian Balint SGT Mary Campbell SP5 Pat Bigold SSG Terry Lucarelli SSG John Savard MSG Marvin Sibulkin
Best Moment
Placing second in the Army Authorized Newspaper category for three consecutive years in the annual Keith L. Ware Award competition conducted by Department of the Army and piling up a collection of DA Journalist Awards to rival that of any other newspaper staff in the Army.
Worst Moment
After Army CofS Gen. Bernard Rogers completely revised the regulations governing height/weight standards in 1975, being told by the CG that I had 12 months to get from 285 pounds to 200 pounds or be barred from reenlistment. . . .
Chain of Command
1973-74:
MG - CG COL John Q. T. Quinn - CofS CPT Ken Ho - PIO MSG Marvin Sibulkin - NCOIC
1974-76): MG Harry W. Brooks, Jr. - CG COL - CofS MAJ Billy J. Cone - PIO MSG Dorothy Aldrich - NCOIC
Other Memories
*Putting my "two-star thinking cap" on and writing the CG's column after getting guidance on what MG Brooks wanted to say in the next issue. . . .
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
For exceptionally meritorious service as an army journalist and editor of the Tropic Lightning News for the 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks, HI.
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 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
Third Award
For meritorious achievement while serving as editor of the "Tropic Lightning News," 25th Inf. Div., Schofield Barracks, HI.
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 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
Second Award
For meritorious achievement while serving as editor of the "Tropic Lightning News," 25th Inf. Div., Schofield Barracks, HI.
Best Moment
Attending the III Corps Mechondo Course with the entire platoon.
Worst Moment
We were participating in force-on-force maneuvers with the 1st Cav Div. in the spring of '73 when a UH-1H carrying a squad of grunts from the 1CD dropped out of low-hanging scud when we had the airspace. I was in a "slick" with my squad and a "pink team" consisting of an OH-58 Kiowa and an AH-1G Cobra gunship was leading us into an LZ. The 1CD bird's main rotor hit our scout's fuel tank. The resulting explosion killed the pilots and crew chief in the -58 and five of the 10 men in the 1CD chopper. It was the worst aviation disaster in Ft. Hood's history--and still is as far as I know. The left-seater in our scout bird was from Brownsville, so we provided the funeral detail consisting of our PSG, six pallbearers, a seven-man firing detail and a bugler from the 2AD band. It was one of the saddest funerals I was ever a part of in the military. . . .
Chain of Command
CPT Daniel Karis - PL (an OCS guy and UH-1 pilot, he was caught in the RIF and reverted to E-5. Last I heard, he had gone on to serve in Ranger battalions and made CSM)
1LT Adams - PL (replaced Karis; was SF-qualified and said he served in the infamous Det. B-57, which gained notoriety for its rôle in Operation Phoenix in Vietnam)
SFC "Doc" Daugherty - PSG (I ran into him at Fort Carson, CO, when I was a CPT in the 2-34th AR and he was a MSG in the 1-8th IN. He was court-martialed in his 18th year of service for some misconduct that I cannot recall.)
Other Memories
D Troop was the armored cav squadron's aviation unit and I served in the aerorifle platoon. We were the only light infantry in the 2d Armd. Div.
Best Friends
SP5 John R. Long, a 71R Broadcast Specialist. During our tenure with the 2d Armd. Div. PIO, he and I were sent on TDY to Fort Benning, GA, for six months to serve as narrators for infantry MOS lessons in what was then the new Unit Training Extension Course Program.
Best Moment
During this period I was assigned to the 2AD Public Information Office as Command Information NCO..
Worst Moment
The major, fearing a second pass-over for promotion to LTC, refused to allow me to transfer to SOLDIERS magazine, which wanted me to become a staff writer. The problem was that I was in a TO&E position in a combat unit and he could thus block me from leaving. I got pissed and volunteered to reclassify back to the infantry so the division CSM could get me out. That set up my next assignment and proved to be the best thing I did at Hood.â?
Chain of Command
MAJ McIllvaine - 2AD PIO 1LT Rock Albers - 2AD Public Relations Officer
Other Memories
The major, fearing a second pass-over for promotion to LTC, refused to allow me to transfer to SOLDIERS magazine, which wanted me to become a staff writer. The problem was that I was in a TO&E position in a combat unit and he could thus block me from leaving.
Best Moment
Working part-time as a DJ for WXLE-FM 100 in Phenix City, AL, across the Chattahoochee River from Columbus, GA. I was on weeknights from 10 p.m. until signoff at 2 a.m., Saturdays from 6 p.m. to midnight and Sunday mornings from 6 a.m. to noon. It was a heck of a schedule--especially since I was working my day job for the army--but great experience and a lot of fun.
Worst Moment
Being disheveled with long hair, rumpled uniform, tarnished brass and poorly shined shoes when I got on the Infantry Hall elevator and wound up sharing the ride to the top floor with the chief of staff and commandant/CG. Needless to say, I got smoked that day!
Chain of Command
MAJ Patrick Canaan - PIO
Other Memories
I was assigned to the Infantry School on an extended TDY to narrate tapes for the UTEC-TEP Program. However, I wound up spending most of the time working with the post newspaper, the "Bayonet," and helping Jim Gilbert--who went on to become DINFOS SGM--with broadcast duties before being sent back to Fort Hood.
Worst Moment
Going to a local nightclub with the entire class in Class A uniform for a party the night before graduation and having my classmates discover that I wasn't old enough to drink! I'd managed to conceal the fact I was under 21 and I hung back until all the rest had entered. Ironically, I was the only one who got "carded." As a show of solidarity, they all agreed to take the party to the all-ranks club on post so I could drink beer with them. . . .
Other Memories
I was in Information Specialist Journalist (ISJ) Class 3-71
Chain of Command
MG James L. Baldwin - Americal Div. CG
COL Warner S. Goodwin - 11th LIB CO
CPT Gregory Brozek - HHC, 11th LIb CO
1SG Reyes
Other Memories
I was pulled out of the 31st PID to spend my last six weeks as the Company Clerk in the brigade headquarters company. It was during this time that we closed down LZ Bronco at Duc Pho and moved to Rosemary's Point in the 23d Inf. (Americal) Div. base camp in Chu Lai.
1971 - 1971
31st Public Information Detachment, 11th Infantry Brigade (Light)
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
Comments Awarded for meritorious achievement while serving on detached duty as a combat photographer/correspondent with XXIV Corps covering Operation Lam Son 719 and escorting civilian news correspondents in t... Awarded for meritorious achievement while serving on detached duty as a combat photographer/correspondent with XXIV Corps covering Operation Lam Son 719 and escorting civilian news correspondents in the field. MoreHide
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 For meritorious service as an infantryman and combat photographer and correspondent in the Americal Div., Republic of Vietnam.
If you're wondering why I was given a lesser award for service than I was ... For meritorious service as an infantryman and combat photographer and correspondent in the Americal Div., Republic of Vietnam.
If you're wondering why I was given a lesser award for service than I was for achievement, it's because my commander called me in before I left country to tell me he was recommending me for a second Bronze Star. I told him I would prefer an ARCOM instead as it would give me two full rows of ribbons. Dumb move! It never occurred to me that you can't get the Bronze Star in peacetime and that I might never have a chance to earn another one later in my career.
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
Comments
For participation in the Counteroffensive Phase VII campaign.
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
Comments
For participation in the Consolidation I campaign.
. . . and this one we jokingly called the "Vietnam Thank You for Going Award."
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 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
Comments
Awarded by the Republic of Vietnam to all allied troops who served in the Vietnam War.
We jokingly called this the "Vietnam Thank You for Coming Award." . . .
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
PFC Larry Busick (KIA Sept. 20, 1970) PFC Larry "Mouse" Moore SGT Larry Plagman SGT Glenn Wittenborn PFC Scott "Red" Curtis
Worst Moment
Lying pinned down by heavy machine-gun fire, feeling bullets hitting my ruck and being unable to get to SSG Ronnie Fields as he bled out from a .51-cal. wound in his throat just a few feet away from me on Sep. 30. . . .
Chain of Command
MG Albert E. Milloy - Americal Div. CG COL John Insani - 11th LIB CO LTC John B. Luke - 3-1st Inf. CO CPT Gregory L. Morgan - C/3-1st Inf. CO 1LT Samuel E. Grashio - 2d Plt. Ldr. SSG Dan Pritchett, Jr. - 2d Plt. Sgt. SGT Glenn Wittenborn - my squad leader
Other Memories
*David "CPT Fly" Smith - truly a wild man! Hysterically funny, but deadly serious when it mattered most. He went berserk on Sept. 3 when Charles "Lucky Chuck" Callahan was shot in the face by an AK-47 as we fought back against dug-in NVA when we hit the big ambush in Nghia Hanh Valley. . . .Ã?Â
*Kenneth "John Wayne" Warren and his incessant prattle about how many "dinks" he was going to kill. . . .
"Doc" Mitchell pulling me and SGT Wittenborn--both fair-skinned guys--aside in the late afternoon in NDPs to squeeze pus out of the boils and jungle ulcers we were constantly getting mostly on our butts. . . .
Best Moment
Surviving the grueling PT they threw at us during the first week of training.
Worst Moment
Being told a week before graduation that I failed to demonstrate adequate tracking skills. I was a city boy who'd spent two years in the Boy Scouts without progressing beyond Tenderfoot and I just didn't have the field craft demonstrated by guys who'd hunted, fished and trapped from a young age and who spent long vacations in the wild.
Other Memories
*We were assigned to Company B (Infantry), Provisional Battalion, U.S. Army Military Police School.
*The company area was located directly across the street from the old wooden EM Club, which led to some memorable--and occasionally regrettable--incidents.
*The Visual Tracker Course (VTC) was six weeks long and began with a 5-day week in garrison that started with a daily 0330 wake up call, grueling PT from 0345-0530, an hour to shower and shave, do barracks cleanup, and eat chow. We then ran a couple of miles to an outdoor training site where we were taught the basics of tracking.
We broke at 1100, ran back to the company area and did another hour of PT made up of things like guerrilla exercises, grass drill, log drill and the good-old "daily dozen" featuring permutations guaranteed to make tired muscles scream!
We then got an hour to rest and eat lunch, then it was off in a formation run of 2-5 miles to another outdoor training site for more classes. We wrapped up at 1630, ran back to the company area and were treated to one last blistering 60-minute PT session before being released for chow.
*The good thing was that we pulled no additional duties other than posting a "fire watch" in the rickety old WWII "temporary" barracks that housed us. Those fell to guys in a "casual" status who had dropped out of the course for medical or personal reasons--or who failed to make the cut at the end of each week of training--and were awaiting orders sending them to Vietnam.
*The next three weeks consisted of five-day field exercises at Clark Hill Reservation in nearby South Carolina. Track layers would precede us by several hours and lay progressively more difficult trails. They would throw in ambushes and booby-traps. By the fifth week they had begun using active countermeasures such as walking backwards, doubling back on us, and using water obstacles to throw us off.
*The last two weeks coincided with the last two weeks of the six-month Tracker Dog Handlers' Course. A handler and dog was assigned to work with a four-man VT team. The dogs were, for the most part, black labradors--a breed that proved itself particularly adept in the tracking role.
*Throughout the field exercises each five-man team was assigned an instructor to accompany them. By the time I went through the course they were all men who had been trained by the Brits in Malaysia and then pulled a tour in Vietnam as a member of a divisional "Infantry Platoon, Combat Tracker" (IPCT).
Best Friends
Best Friends
PV2 Vernon Edwards
PV2 Charles Lenhardt
PV2 Lewis Ford
Other Memories
"Shake-and-Bake" E-5s and E-6s getting practical leadership training in a garrison environment as supervisors to infantry AIT trainees before being sent to Vietnam or a line unit somewhere else in the U.S. or the world.
Our company commander, CPT Tyrone Russell, telling us how fit he was and that he would be out there in front to run us into the ground whenever we ran--then falling out, gasping and wheezing, after we'd gone about half a mile. . . .
Our field first sergeant--a black sergeant first class named Carter who had a bad stutter--who a couple of guys from other platoons could mimic with shocking clarity. The most memorable occasion was when we were in the back of cattle trucks waiting to go back to the cantonment area from a range and he started screaming: "Ah-ah-ah-all ruh-ruh-ruh-right yuh-yuh-yuh-you muh-muh-muh-muh-mens, luh-luh-luh-let's ni-ni-ni-nip th-th-th-this sh-sh-sh-sh-s**t in th-th-th-the buh-buh-buh-bud! Ju-ju-ju-just ni-ni-ni-nip it, I-I-I suh-suh-suh-said!" Only to hear it being shouted out in the barracks area on subsequent occasions--usually well after normal duty hours. . . .
Having a last name starting with "W" and having to wait until the wee hours to turn in my rifle after training because the armorers--on all but one occasion--made us return them in roster order sequence--from "A" to "Z." . . .
Criteria The Purple Heart may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the Armed Forces, has been wounded, kill... The Purple Heart may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the Armed Forces, has been wounded, killed, or who has died or may die of wounds received in armed combat or as a result of an act of international terrorism. MoreHide
Comments
For wounds received while serving as a grenadier in C Co., 3d Bn.-1st Inf., 11th Light Inf. Bde., Americal Div., on Sept. 3, 1970.
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 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
Description
Awarded to the 11th Light Inf. Bde., Americal Div. by the Rep. of Vietnam
Best Moment
Getting the heck out of there after spending three weeks as a holdover before finally shipping out for infantry AIT at Ft. Jackson, SC.!
Worst Moment
Spilling a can of C-ration ham and lima beans on SSG Allendorf's DI hat while I was pulling KP during our bivouac.
Instructors
SFC Gonzalez - he always looked SO sharp! SSG Allendorf - a short, tough little guy who was wounded in the Ia Drang Valley with the 1st Cav Div. in 1965. SGT Camacho - a short, squat, tough-as-nails guy from Guam.
Other Memories
*We were the last BCT cycle to train with the M14 rifle at Ft. Ord. *We had a Pvt. Spero, a "McNamara's Project 100,000" draftee (men in Mental Category IV who would otherwise have been ineligible for service) in our platoon. They had to assign another trainee to watch over him and make sure Spero was on time and in the correct uniform for all training events. The guy who got tagged with that monumental task was Pvt. Baugh. *The cadre treated Spero mercilessly--especially during chemical, biological, radiological warfare (CBR) training. I'll never forget how they tortured Spero with an inert atropine injector. Nevertheless, with Baugh's help--and that of a few others of us in 5th Platoon--Spero graduated. . . . *The occasional third-floor "counseling session" done in an empty room--a tribute to the fact that the Army had not completely done away with corporal punishment by 1970. . . . *Our field first sergeant, a squat Hawaiian E-7, waiting at the bottom of the cargo-net-climbing obstacle on the confidence course to ask airborne volunteers if they still wanted to go to jump school.
MAJ Tom Veleker
CPT Howdy Belknap
LTC Jim Rainey
*Getting a Dept. of History Excellence in Teaching Award for 1990-91.
*Being course director of HI351, the honors version of the first semester of the two-semester military history course required of all cadets. This portion of the course covers the period from Greco-Roman times to 1900, with emphasis on Napoleonic and U.S. Civil War campaigns.
Realizing that my age and looming health issues were forcing me to retire with just a year in grade as a major and a slot at CGSC waiting for me.
LTG Dave R. Palmer - Superintendent
BG Roy K. Flint - Academic Dean
COL Robert A. Doughty - History Department Head
COL Kenneth E. Hamburger - Military History Division Chief
*Speaking at cadet dinings-in and being invited to eat lunch in the cadet mess--especially during the weeks leading up to the Army-Air Force and Army-Navy games. . . .
*Revolutionary War staff rides to Stony Point, Saratoga, the Continental Army's final cantonment in New Windsor, and Washington's headquarters in Newburgh overlooking the Hudson.
*Leading a cadet staff ride to Gettysburg.
*Having the Superintendent show up in my classroom during the lesson on the WWI 1918 German offensives and staying for the entire hour.
*Having breakfast at the Thayer Hotel with Gen. William Westmoreland and Capt. Howdy Belknap.
*Serving as escort for USN&WR Senior Writer Joe Galloway while he was at the academy to interview Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf, who was there to speak to the Corps of Cadets.
Becoming good friends with visiting professors Malcolm "Kip" Muir of Austin Peay University and Herman Hattaway of the University of Missouri.
*Being elected president of the officers bowling league.
*Those awesome views from the faculty section of the stands in Michie Stadium during home football games.
*Having my retirement ceremony in the Pershing Room of Cullum Hall, the old Assn. of Graduates Bldg. overlooking the Hudson.
*Leaving the academy on July 25 for 83 days of terminal leave, then reporting in for my retirement outprocessing at the Presidio of San Francisco, Sept. 26-30, 1991.