Heidi and I, plus numerous friends from across the land, attended the 70th anniversary of the MP Corps' Hall of Fame induction ceremonies at Fort Leonard Wood. We had an awesome time with friends like Larry Wilson, whom I had been a Sgt E5 with over 40 years ago. Also there was former drill sergeant, Mark Nevins whom I've known since my time in Berlin in 1974. My former boss, Ed Delk and his lovely wife Sue were also there along with Mike Rauer and Mike Brandstetter and his wife Hae Yon. Carolyn Kidd and Carl Fowler represented the 287th MP Company and it was so nice to see Carolyn after 25 years. My daugher Becky also came with her intended Roger from Kansas, and Scott represented the Buckheits from Maryland. Jenny, my younger daughter remained in Maryland tending to her new baby Charlotte, plus 6 year old Ava Grace. My pal for life, Chris Walton showed from Colorado with dress blues and all the trimmings. It was so nice to see him in his uniform with silver oak leaves of an Army Lieutenant Colonel. The last time I seen him in person he was a Lieutenant. Thanks also go to my newest friend, Art Canham, my USAF pal who is 81 years young. He had a great time and has told me how impressed he was with all of my friends. Mary Jane Snyder also attended with her cousin Carolyn. It was refreshing to meet her and hope that we see her and Carolyn again. John Wolf, from the Jefferson County PD in Missouri showed representing the famous 716th MP Bn. It was so nice to see him again as well. I was completely overjoyed when Carl Fowler from the old 287th MP Company walked in. He is the current County Sheriff of Osage County, Mo. How wonderful and pleasant to know that so many did so well after Army life. And, I must mention my dearest friend, Barry Oakes, who did much to arrange things for me on the ground. Barry is a special person to Heidi and I and we think of him in terms as a close relative like a son. So, thanks to you all for being there during a special time in my life. The memories of you will be forever engrained in my heart, mind, body and soul...
Other Comments:
Rememberance Profile: MSG(R) Johnny W. McDuff, passed on 10 Jul 2009 in Louisanna of pancreatic cancer. He and I served together when we were drill sergeants at Fort McClellan, Alabama. He was a good drill sergeant whereas he served as the senior drill sergeant in my absence. We did a lot of good work together back then. I obtained the death information from his former wife, Jane Hurdle of Vivian, La. May he rest in peace.
Best Friends Ed Mancil(deceased 91), Enrique Acosta. Lost my pal Jim Coleman on Christmas Eve, 71. May he rest in peace.
Best Moment Going home.
Worst Moment Bad memories that should not be repeated.
Chain of Command MAJ Darrell B. Maertens (deceased 91)SGM Victor D. Weekly(WWII, Korea and RVN Vet) SFC Enrique Acosta, CPT Servando Pico, CPT, then retired LTC Ken R. Wood, who commanded the 127th MP Co. LTC James P. Duffy, Cdr, 93rd MP Bn, and BG Paul Timmerberg, CDR, 18th MP Bde.
Other Memories I had a lot of responsibilities doing the work of higher ranking NCOs. I worked very hard in getting things done at our MP station in Qui Nhon. I got promoted because two other E6s in the Battalion got killed. Me and Victor Debord got their blood stripes. They put me in charge of the pass and ID section of the Provost Marshal Office. It was a mess. I soon fixed it then they said to take over the evidence room. I didn't have a clue about running the evidence room. So, I went to the CID, (Ron Culeprete) who showed me what to do and gave me a copy of the regulation pertaining to the operation. Over time I found major mistakes, including a fragmentaion grenade was sitting on a shlf with pin plulled and a rubber band arund the spoon. I ended up reporting to my commander the many items and money missing including hand guns as well. When our operations sergeant left, I took over as the operations sergeant which was an E-7 position. I was an E-5 promotable at that time. I would end up getting promoted to SSG E-6 before I left the unit. I did observe the murder of my friend James Coleman on Christmas Eve of 1971. It was a contract killing that went wrong. The killers hit the wrong man. I tried saving his life but it was too late getting him to the hospital. I would later on identify his killers. They hired killers who were also civilian policemen. I nearly killed one of them by slamming his head into a concrete wall. Yes, it was a scary time because the word on the street was that a contract had been put on me for iding the killers. I was one lucky fella to get out of Nam alive...I did injury my leg after an explosion knocked me to the floor where I sustained a laceration to my leg. I didn't report it nor go to the hospital. There are more stories about near misses, but that is for a later date.
.png?ixlib=java-2.3.0&w=100&s=028b4e916869f51498e92e132c084224 "Order of the Marechaussee (Bronze)")
.png?ixlib=java-2.3.0&w=100&s=77c63637393f2295084dfe5c7e5542f2 "Order of the Marechaussee (Steel)")
