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Re: VIETNAM:LOOKING BACK -- Anonymous, 12:35:13 10/14/05 Fri [1]
>Came across a very interesting article, Nam
>statistics, Draft Dodgers, the Media and politicians,
>and that Vietnam was a battle of the Cold War.
>interesting although a bit long-something to save and
>referr back.
> These are excerpts from dissertation by K.G. Sears
>Ph.D.
>VIETNAM:LOOKING BACK-AT THE FACTS
>go to www.lindasog.com/military/vietnam.htm
> Read it and see what you think. Rigo
Very good reading Rigo. I think it is something all combat vets have always known we just never had the voice to be heard.
The guilt the nation had for letting the north take over a country and destroying thier culture and killing the people who resisted and this is so unlike our nation and the media,draft dodgers and politicains are now getting old and the young people of this nation will find out the truth for themselves as now days people have very little trust or use for either the media or politicains.
Harley M Hawkins
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Re: VIETNAM:LOOKING BACK -- Anonymous, 16:32:45 10/14/05 Fri [1]
Wow, this article really brings out some things I didn't know like:
Why was Jane Fonda never charged for treason. Turns out, if Congress would have declared war then maybe she could have been charged with that- read here- another thing , it explained to me how cowardly the draft dodgers found a loophole to go to college, while we had to sludge our way through rice paddies and a hail of bullets- it really gets me mad cause I didn't have to go to Nam, but felt I was doing something for my country. Anyway, here is the part that refers to draft dodgers-
" Looking back it is now clear that the American military role in "Vietnam" was, in essence, one of defending international borders against a conventional cross-border communist invasion. Exactly as they had done in Korea. Contrary to popular belief, they turned in an outstanding performance. Again: The US military was not driven from Vietnam. They left under the terms of the Paris Peace Agreements. They were then barred from returning by the US Congress. This same Congress then turned around and abandoned America's former ally, South Vietnam. Should America feel shame? Yes! Why? For kowtowing to the wishes of those craven anti-war / draft dodging voting hoards, and for bugging out and abandoning an ally that America had promised to protect.
Johnson's Fatal Mistakes
Johnson made two colossal "Vietnam" blunders. First he failed to get a formal Declaration of War, which he could have easily had. The Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, which LBJ regarded as the "Functional equivalent of a formal Declaration of War." was passed unanimously by the House and there were only two dissenting votes cast in the Senate. A formal Declaration of War would have altered the judicial state of the nation, exactly as the Founding Fathers had intended.
The Constitution begins with the words "We the people of the United States…" and it spells out what government is, and what it should do and cannot do. The Founding Fathers were mostly all veterans of the Revolutionary War, and fully understood how difficult it is to maintain public support during wartime. At one point 80% of the "American" people were against their war. Intentionally, the Framers of our Constitution crafted the requirement for a Congressional Declaration of War, in a manner which makes it a double-edged tool. It was designed to insure that America will not go to War without at least the initial support of the People's Representatives, and through the Treason provision, it also creates impediments to public dissent once the battles are joined. The Constitution makes it perfectly clear that Congress shall have the "Power to declare War…" It then specifies that "Treason against these United States shall consist only in levying War against them, or, adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort." It makes a last reference to this issue by stating "The Congress shall have the power to declare the Punishment for Treason…"
Much modern thinking assumes the Constitution is all about law and government. Not totally. It was written for "We the People…" The government does not fight wars. The People's Representatives, authorize War, and, the appropriate entities of government to plan, staff, organize, direct, control and finance them. But, "We the People" do the fighting. And, when those of us "We" types are engaged on the field of battle, then "We" are entitled to every bit of protection that is provided for in Our Constitution.
A formal Declaration of War is an act which alters the judicial state of the nation. It not only provides measures for control of the press, but also to handle public dissent and deal effectively with traitors. Declaring War does not mean we have to impose martial law, reinstate universal conscription or launch the nukes. Control of the press in wartime is not for protection of the government. It's for the protection of our soldiers. Control of the press does not mean absolute control. Only their reporting from the War zone, and their treatment of our enemies. The Constitution guarantees a free press, but not a responsible press. During WW II all news dispatches from the battlefields (in fact not only news dispatches but personal letters from the soldiers as well) were censored, and, the US media was not allowed to publish the picture of a single dead American GI, until after the Normandy invasion (D-Day, 1944) was successful.
Johnson's second blunder was to grant blanket draft deferments to college students. This draft exemption loophole soon became a system of super loop highways, and the nation's campuses quickly filled to overflowing with students evading the draft. The overwhelming majority of these men knew they were acting in a cowardly manner. Subsequently, they took to appeasing their consciences by convincing themselves the war was somehow immoral. Once this "immoral" concept emerged and became creditable, it spread like wildfire across the nation's college campuses. In turn these campuses became boiling cauldrons of violent raging anti-war descent that swiftly overflowed onto the main streets of America. Anti-war protests and violent demonstrations became the accepted norm. Miraculously, acts of cowardice were transformed into respectable acts of defiance. However, when one goes back and scrutinizes those anti-war demonstrations, one promptly finds they were not really against the war. They were only against the side fighting the communists! This of course turns out to be the side which had the army from which the dodgers were dodging. Hmmmm! (From Dr. Sears)
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[> [>
Re: VIETNAM:LOOKING BACK -- Anonymous, 16:50:51 10/24/05 Mon [1]
> Wow, this article really brings out some things I
>didn't know like:
> Why was Jane Fonda never charged for treason. Turns
>out, if Congress would have declared war then maybe
>she could have been charged with that- read here-
>another thing , it explained to me how cowardly the
>draft dodgers found a loophole to go to college, while
>we had to sludge our way through rice paddies and a
>hail of bullets- it really gets me mad cause I didn't
>have to go to Nam, but felt I was doing something for
>my country. Anyway, here is the part that refers to
>draft dodgers-
> " Looking back it is now clear that the American
>military role in "Vietnam" was, in essence, one of
>defending international borders against a conventional
>cross-border communist invasion. Exactly as they had
>done in Korea. Contrary to popular belief, they turned
>in an outstanding performance. Again: The US military
>was not driven from Vietnam. They left under the terms
>of the Paris Peace Agreements. They were then barred
>from returning by the US Congress. This same Congress
>then turned around and abandoned America's former
>ally, South Vietnam. Should America feel shame? Yes!
>Why? For kowtowing to the wishes of those craven
>anti-war / draft dodging voting hoards, and for
>bugging out and abandoning an ally that America had
>promised to protect.
>Johnson's Fatal Mistakes
> Johnson made two colossal "Vietnam" blunders. First
>he failed to get a formal Declaration of War, which he
>could have easily had. The Gulf of Tonkin Resolution,
>which LBJ regarded as the "Functional equivalent of a
>formal Declaration of War." was passed unanimously by
>the House and there were only two dissenting votes
>cast in the Senate. A formal Declaration of War would
>have altered the judicial state of the nation, exactly
>as the Founding Fathers had intended.
> The Constitution begins with the words "We the
>people of the United States…" and it spells out what
>government is, and what it should do and cannot do.
>The Founding Fathers were mostly all veterans of the
>Revolutionary War, and fully understood how difficult
>it is to maintain public support during wartime. At
>one point 80% of the "American" people were against
>their war. Intentionally, the Framers of our
>Constitution crafted the requirement for a
>Congressional Declaration of War, in a manner which
>makes it a double-edged tool. It was designed to
>insure that America will not go to War without at
>least the initial support of the People's
>Representatives, and through the Treason provision, it
>also creates impediments to public dissent once the
>battles are joined. The Constitution makes it
>perfectly clear that Congress shall have the "Power to
>declare War…" It then specifies that "Treason against
>these United States shall consist only in levying War
>against them, or, adhering to their Enemies, giving
>them Aid and Comfort." It makes a last reference to
>this issue by stating "The Congress shall have the
>power to declare the Punishment for Treason…"
> Much modern thinking assumes the Constitution is
>all about law and government. Not totally. It was
>written for "We the People…" The government does not
>fight wars. The People's Representatives, authorize
>War, and, the appropriate entities of government to
>plan, staff, organize, direct, control and finance
>them. But, "We the People" do the fighting. And, when
>those of us "We" types are engaged on the field of
>battle, then "We" are entitled to every bit of
>protection that is provided for in Our Constitution.
> A formal Declaration of War is an act which alters
>the judicial state of the nation. It not only provides
>measures for control of the press, but also to handle
>public dissent and deal effectively with traitors.
>Declaring War does not mean we have to impose martial
>law, reinstate universal conscription or launch the
>nukes. Control of the press in wartime is not for
>protection of the government. It's for the protection
>of our soldiers. Control of the press does not mean
>absolute control. Only their reporting from the War
>zone, and their treatment of our enemies. The
>Constitution guarantees a free press, but not a
>responsible press. During WW II all news dispatches
>from the battlefields (in fact not only news
>dispatches but personal letters from the soldiers as
>well) were censored, and, the US media was not allowed
>to publish the picture of a single dead American GI,
>until after the Normandy invasion (D-Day, 1944) was
>successful.
> Johnson's second blunder was to grant blanket draft
>deferments to college students. This draft exemption
>loophole soon became a system of super loop highways,
>and the nation's campuses quickly filled to
>overflowing with students evading the draft. The
>overwhelming majority of these men knew they were
>acting in a cowardly manner. Subsequently, they took
>to appeasing their consciences by convincing
>themselves the war was somehow immoral. Once this
>"immoral" concept emerged and became creditable, it
>spread like wildfire across the nation's college
>campuses. In turn these campuses became boiling
>cauldrons of violent raging anti-war descent that
>swiftly overflowed onto the main streets of America.
>Anti-war protests and violent demonstrations became
>the accepted norm. Miraculously, acts of cowardice
>were transformed into respectable acts of defiance.
>However, when one goes back and scrutinizes those
>anti-war demonstrations, one promptly finds they were
>not really against the war. They were only against the
>side fighting the communists! This of course turns out
>to be the side which had the army from which the
>dodgers were dodging. Hmmmm! (From Dr. Sears)
Thanks Rigo.
This is a thoughtful piece; one with which I generally agree. The two mistakes he charges the Johnson administration are on target. However, I believe another huge mistake made by Johnson, one with far-reaching and paradoxical consequences, was his refusal to mobilize either the Reserve or National Guard. The Joint Chief's on a number of occassions made the request, but he thought it was political suicide to do so.
Perhaps the primary reason Bush the Elder enjoyed so much success in the first Gulf War was his mobilization of those reserve forces. In doing so, he not only mobilized those units, he also mobilized the nation. When hometown units are sent in harms way, people (as do politicians and news media) pay attention. When it was one or two draftees from a town, nobody noticed - or cared.
Today it is standard practice and it serves our nation well as they are generally well-trained and ready units. During Vietnam, many, perhaps most, guard and reserve units were not combat ready and indeed, served as a means for many as a way of avoiding the draft. And it is a better and more popular way of raising manpower than is conscription. These units are comprised of 100% volunteers and they are manned by people who know each other, have grown up together or have some sort of relationship, and, they have a sense of responsibility for their role in the unit.
Still the key is that hometown support as evidenced by the well-attended farewell ceremonies when those units depart for the mobilization stations and the equally well-attended parades when they return home. The hometown spirit for these units is akin to that of the spirit for the high school football team.
Had Johnson realized this, things would have been different in Vietnam and the ignominious ending to that ill-fated war may have been different.
Would be interested in others thoughts on this subject.
JT
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Re: VIETNAM:LOOKING BACK -- Anonymous, 03:39:53 10/21/05 Fri [1]
Here are more statistics. I have used these in talks with local High School History Students.
http://www.ussboston.org/VietnamMyths.html
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VA information -- Anonymous, 09:29:36 10/24/05 Mon [2]
Hola Rigo
Good job on this sounding and posting board... just wanted to share with all those vets who have been granted 100% from the VA that they can also file for Social Security disability because they can no longer work. Again you need to meet the criteria with Social Security such as quarters worked ect.If you need more information contact your Service Officer,certainly not the VA. Your Service Officer would be the one to steer you in the right direction.
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Re: VA information -- Anonymous, 12:59:55 10/24/05 Mon [1]
Thanks for posting, good advice.
(Mr. Realme served with the 137th Combat Engineer
Company (LE) assigned to the 19th Combat Engineer Bn. based at LZ English (North) just a few klicks from the Battle of Tam Quan area.
The 137th Combat Engineer Company (LE) and "A" Co. 19th Engineer Bn. were credited with 10 NVA kia while clearing the battle zone & destroying bunkers, trenches and tunnel complexes.
They suffered 3 kia and 5 wia in the Battle of Tam Quan.) R.O.
>Hola Rigo
>Good job on this sounding and posting board... just
>wanted to share with all those vets who have been
>granted 100% from the VA that they can also file for
>Social Security disability because they can no longer
>work. Again you need to meet the criteria with Social
>Security such as quarters worked ect.If you need more
>information contact your Service Officer,certainly not
>the VA. Your Service Officer would be the one to
>steer you in the right direction.
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Hurricane Wilma -- Anonymous, 05:41:04 10/24/05 Mon [1]
***************************************
HOPE OUR BROTHERS ARE FARING WELL IN FLORIDA
WITH HURRICANE WILMA- TAKE CARE BOB BIHARI- AND OTHERS LIVING THERE. RIGO
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Thanks -- Anonymous, 06:04:23 09/01/05 Thu [3]
Rigo,
Thanks for hosting this message board. I know a lot of the 1/50 troopers have missed being able to communicate in this manner. The September newsletter was sent to the printer last week and I expect it to be finished tomorrow or early next week; after which I will get it in the mail.
Mick Hawkins has sent me a couple of items for the newsletter for which I am most appreciative. One appears in the September edition and the other will follow in the next edition. I welcome any stories and other contributions from our days in Vietnam (and since) from anyone.
Thanks again, Rigo.
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Re: Thanks -- Anonymous, 07:09:34 09/01/05 Thu [1]
Sir,
I appreciate your comments, and will keep stories in mind to send to newsletter.
Hope this message forum works and beneficial to all. Again thanks for your comments. Rigo
>Rigo,
>
>Thanks for hosting this message board. I know a lot
>of the 1/50 troopers have missed being able to
>communicate in this manner. The September newsletter
>was sent to the printer last week and I expect it to
>be finished tomorrow or early next week; after which I
>will get it in the mail.
>
>Mick Hawkins has sent me a couple of items for the
>newsletter for which I am most appreciative. One
>appears in the September edition and the other will
>follow in the next edition. I welcome any stories and
>other contributions from our days in Vietnam (and
>since) from anyone.
>
>Thanks again, Rigo.
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[>
Re: Thanks -- Anonymous, 02:49:42 10/24/05 Mon [1]
>Rigo,
>
>Thanks for hosting this message board. I know a lot
>of the 1/50 troopers have missed being able to
>communicate in this manner. The September newsletter
>was sent to the printer last week and I expect it to
>be finished tomorrow or early next week; after which I
>will get it in the mail.
>
>Mick Hawkins has sent me a couple of items for the
>newsletter for which I am most appreciative. One
>appears in the September edition and the other will
>follow in the next edition. I welcome any stories and
>other contributions from our days in Vietnam (and
>since) from anyone.
>
>Thanks again, Rigo.
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NEW PHOTOS -- Anonymous, 05:38:04 10/23/05 Sun [1]
************************************
SUNDAY 23 OCT.2005
HAVE INCLUDED PHOTOS ON THE BRAVO CO. PAGE. SENT IN BY DENNIS LAROCQUE. INCLUDES PHOTO OF DENNIS AND EDWIN LA PUERTA. SEE LINK ABOVE
POSTED TWO PHOTOS ON THE D CO. PAGE OF 1ST PLT. NEED MORE INFO ON NAMES. RIGO
************************************
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New Board -- Anonymous, 01:42:35 10/22/05 Sat [1]
Rigo, Again the "Grunts" come through. If the web-master wants it & the Associations wants it, then do it!! Brother, there really not much you can't do....PLAY THE GAME!! PS Thanks for providing this message board it has been a real asset!!
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Message Board -- Anonymous, 05:33:43 10/21/05 Fri [1]
TO ALL OFFICERS OF THE 1/50 ASSOCIATION:
A Message Board can be initiated, like this one or the one on the Air Assault Parity coalition. I volunteered to help them with a message board because they had problems with Porno, or Spam.
A Message Board can be initiated at no cost in the 1/50 website, all you have to do is link it , like in the Parity Coalition website- I believe I have included their page before in one of the posts.
What I am saying is that I am volunteering to help in this effort to set up a message board, which we all agree is much needed. Thanks and eiher post here or write= I can set it up whithin hours= just let me know. Rigo
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Ambush at Dak Po -- Anonymous, 09:46:45 10/19/05 Wed [1]
*********************************************
HAVE INCLUDED ACCOUNT OF A SUCCESFUL AMBUSH NEAR HWY 19 , SEE ACCOUNT ON ALPHA 2ND PAGE ON LINK ABOVE. HAVE RECEIVED AN E MAIL FROM ONE OF THE PARTICIPANTS- E MAIL ME OR POST IF YOU WERE THERE AND WANT YOUR NAME INCLUDED. THANKS RIGO
***********************************************
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Cold War & Vietnam -- Anonymous, 10:16:38 10/16/05 Sun [2]
Rigo, Thanks for posting the web site on this subject. Some of this stuff were suspicions of mine for a long time. I guess the author of this article researched the issue & authenticated the facts. The issue with draft-dodgers still affect 'Nam Vets even today. Here in Georgia the Director of the Augusta, GA VAMC (James Trusley III) is a draft dodger he also posed as a Vietnam Veteran as a wannabe-fraud. Not only did he evade military service in 1967 by getting deferments in colledge, but in 1969 he was photographed with a "Get Out Of Vietnam" sign in his hand while attending Xavier College in Ohio. He was removed from the Carl Vinson VAMC in Dublin, GA by the Inspector General when hundreds of Vietnam Vets protested & encircled that VA Hospital when he placed Our PTSD Doctor under House-Arrest for treating PTSD. (Reported in Stars & Stripes ). As you can see this stuff doesn't go away with me, maybe because I was Drafted right out of high-school but then I extended a year for further Military Training. Even in Vietnam I extended for early Discharge. This Article exposes an array of issues that have caused 'Nam Vets just about as much stress and combat caused shock. This stuff really lights-up my Christmas tree!! His indepth explanation of who, what, when and how is right on point. The WHY is what really "erks" me. But again , Thanks Rigo for passing along this important "lessons learned" from Our Past.
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Re: Cold War & Vietnam -- Anonymous, 13:03:10 10/18/05 Tue [1]
Gus,
What you have done on behalf of our veteran brothers took a lot of guts and determination. I read the article you mention in the Stars and Stripes, you should be commanded.
I often wonder how many of those draft dodgers or anti-Vietnam war sympathizers work in the many va hospitals and clinics. They can believe anything they want, as long as it doesn't effect the veteran in the way he or she is treated.
I am not saying there aren't some good people in the system, but a lot I have met make us feel like they own the throne, and we are unimportant servants begging for some care. This is from my experience, others might see things different. It gets to the point some veterans don't want to go to the clinic to avoid the aggravation.
Again thank you for all you have done and are doing for Vietnam veterans. Rigo
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archives -- Anonymous, 18:26:02 10/11/05 Tue [4]
ok. My hats off to Jim Sheppard. I spent 4 hours looking in the army Archives. All I wanted is to see is a roster for May 1968 for A company.
You can see all the day logs you want. You can't read them but they are there. Why they are there I don't know.
The only roster I could see was A com[pany had so many guys may 1968 they give you a number not names.
In order to see anything like that they tell you of a form you have to fill out and why you want to know.
Ive talked to Wayne Wright he remembers Beefer but didn't know if he was still in A company at the time.
James Bradford was from Davenport, Iowa He no longer lives there.
If anyone has a roaster or orders from 1968 of Acompany I would like to see a copy. I did kind of enjoy going though all the pages. It takes alot of time more then I'm willing to give right now.
Later
Mick Hawkins
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Re: archives -- Anonymous, 22:23:49 10/11/05 Tue [1]
Thank you Mick,
What you saw (And it sounds as though you visited the facility in St. Louis?) were the Morning Reports. They are in "Negative" format and as such difficult to read.
If you obtain any copies (Those from Alpha Company and Charlie Company for May 5, 6, 7, 8 of 1968 would be a great addition to the An Bao files we have) this hard to read Negative format can be inverted and more easily read.
As you state, Morning Reports simply give numbers...they are not rosters. They are intended to show the daily Company status in numbers only....however, they do list the names of casualties. These reports have helped clarify some names for our KIA list, but are very time consuming and red-tape intensive to try to obtain...unless you live in Saint Louis!
Might you be willing to help out from time to time by getting copies of selected morning reports for our archives? Nothing extensive, just would be a great addition to have some of these. In time I may be in touch with you to check for certain dates.
Sorry you could not find anything to help you in your search. Hopefully we will have the regular Association website back up and running by the end of the year. This has helped on a limited basis, but the main website is accessed by hundreds...and your inquiry might get a better response there once things are up and running again.
Our webmaster has done such a great job in the past that we have extended him every courtesy to allow him to regroup after a very difficult personal stretch...but it's now been several months past a promised "rekindling" and we may have to discuss alternatives soon.
Did you try contacting Gary Quint for A company information? If he cannot help, he could likely tell you who might know. Let me know if you need Gary's contact information.
Regards,
Jim
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Re: archives -- Anonymous, 04:57:22 10/12/05 Wed [1]
How do you get to the arhives?
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Re: archives -- Anonymous, 05:54:31 10/13/05 Thu [1]
>ok. My hats off to Jim Sheppard. I spent 4 hours
>looking in the army Archives. All I wanted is to see
>is a roster for May 1968 for A company.
>You can see all the day logs you want. You can't read
>them but they are there. Why they are there I don't
>know.
>The only roster I could see was A com[pany had so many
>guys may 1968 they give you a number not names.
>In order to see anything like that they tell you of a
>form you have to fill out and why you want to know.
>Ive talked to Wayne Wright he remembers Beefer but
>didn't know if he was still in A company at the time.
>James Bradford was from Davenport, Iowa He no longer
>lives there.
>If anyone has a roaster or orders from 1968 of
>Acompany I would like to see a copy. I did kind of
>enjoy going though all the pages. It takes alot of
>time more then I'm willing to give right now.
>
>Later
>
>Mick Hawkins
Ernie
Go to what ever engine search you want to use and type army archives. You will get about 36 million hits. U.S. army military history institute is a pretty good one,but from here you can spend alot of time.
You can also go to U.S. ARMY Archives St. Louis not as many hits here,but some good stuff in there if you have the time.
Later
Mick Hawkins
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BRIDGE NAMED TO HONOR Co.A CASUALTY AT BATTLE OF AN BAO -- Anonymous, 04:12:20 10/12/05 Wed [2]
A bridge on the Lewisburg Highway- State Hwy. 64 west of Shelbyville TN. has been named in honor of Co.A casualty at the Battle of An Bao.
The bridge was named for Donald Ray Stephenson who was killed in the line of duty on 5 May, 1968.
See story from the Shelbyville Times-Gazette is on the Alpha page on Dolphin Warrior link above.
I have written the newspaper to see if there any photos of the bridge or ceremony.
It was a shame there was no representatives from the 1/50 for the unveiling, but perhaps, and this is just an idea, there could be a group of An Bao survivors or other members to attend Veteran's Day at the bridge and the cemetery. I really feel bad for the parents. Rigo
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Re: BRIDGE NAMED TO HONOR Co.A CASUALTY AT BATTLE OF AN BAO -- Anonymous, 05:56:34 10/12/05 Wed [1]
>A bridge on the Lewisburg Highway- State Hwy. 64 west
>of Shelbyville TN. has been named in honor of Co.A
>casualty at the Battle of An Bao.
>The bridge was named for Donald Ray Stephenson who was
>killed in the line of duty on 5 May, 1968.
>See story from the Shelbyville Times-Gazette is on the
>Alpha page on Dolphin Warrior link above.
>I have written the newspaper to see if there any
>photos of the bridge or ceremony.
> It was a shame there was no representatives from the
>1/50 for the unveiling, but perhaps, and this is just
>an idea, there could be a group of An Bao survivors or
>other members to attend Veteran's Day at the bridge
>and the cemetery. I really feel bad for the parents.
>Rigo
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NEW OFFICERS -- Anonymous, 08:31:22 10/10/05 Mon [1]
Here's a list of the new officers of the Assn. anywhere. I set out to find who they were-found some and Gary Quint gave me the rest. They are:
President- Randy "Doc" Smith
Vice-President- Jimmy Segars
Secretary- Gary Quint
Treasurer - Chuck McAleer
Historian- Jim Sheppard
Newsletter Editor- John Topper
Chaplain- Parker Pierce
Harry Wilson-General Counsel
Dues go to Treasurer:
Chuck McAleer
1/50 Inf. Assn.
P.O. Box 4863
Oak Brook, IL. 60522
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James Bradford -- Anonymous, 15:50:26 10/07/05 Fri [2]
Jim
Were could I get or look at a A company roster? I would like to see if James Bradford was still in Acompant May 5th.
Mick
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Re: James Bradford -- Anonymous, 21:51:02 10/07/05 Fri [1]
Mick,
Assuming you were directing the question to me? I do not have one for that time frame. These are difficult to obtain. They are located in St. Louis & it takes an act of Congress to get them! (My exageration, I think) I've seen a few and copied a few from other times than you have requested, and the quality is so poor I cannot read ahlf of them.
We do have an extensive membership of survivors from "A" Co and the An Bao Battle who might be able to tell you if he was there or involved. Try writting to Gary Quint?
Regards,
Jim
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I was wrong -- Anonymous, 16:41:30 10/07/05 Fri [1]
After reading over my past "Posts" on this forum, I have come to the conclusion that "I was Wrong" about the increase of membership dues. I checked the "On The Right Track" Magazines and sure enough it was Posted. I checked the 1/50th web-site and it was there also. I also have been assured that noone claims expenses for trips, accomodations or other reinbursements from the 1/50th Association. "I was Wrong there also". My appologies to everyone, and I mean everyone!! The only bad thing about gossip & rumors are they are just that!! Gossip & Rumors. An ignorant man once said "I have never made a mistake in my life, at one time I thought I did, but I was mistaken"! Again my appologies to the entire management of the 1/50th Association... Gus
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Battle of An Bao -- Anonymous, 11:51:21 10/07/05 Fri [1]
Check first hand account of Battle of An Bao by Bob Bihari on the Dolphin link above on Alpha Co. page. Also there are maps, newspaper report, and kia at that battle. Rigo
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Driver name -- Anonymous, 03:29:07 10/04/05 Tue [2]
With regard to the battle at An Bao. I missed that one because I was wounded in April of '68. I would like to know who was driving track 311 for Charlie company that day. I heard it was hit & the driver was wounded.
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Re: Driver name -- Anonymous, 22:01:24 10/04/05 Tue [1]
Dan,
Try contacting Harry Wilson, former Platoon Leader for the Third Platoon of Charlie Company. (Now our Assn.legal council). You might also try Ken Reilly and Toby Hammon. Contact me directly if you need their email addresses..although I think they are on the website.
Regards,
Jim
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Letter in Stars and Stripes -- Anonymous, 02:42:51 10/02/05 Sun [1]
From Army Times, Letters Column, April 04, 2005 "Fix the Air Assault Badge"
It is good news that some sort of Close Combat Badge is in the works for combat support troops after attempts to establish one following World War II, Korea, Vietnam and the Gulf War went nowhere. While troops today appear to be enjoying a high level of support, let's consider fixing the criteria for the Air Assault Badge. The current AAB criteria address only successful completion of an approved air assault school subsequent to April 1, 1974.
They thereby ignore all air assault training between 1964 and 1974 and all combat air assault actions subsequent to 1965. In comparison, the Parachutist Badge criteria require the successful completion of an approved jump school or participation in one combat jump against an opposing armed enemy force. If the Air Assault Badge criteria mirrored that of the Parachutist Badge, appropriate retroactivity would be built in. Thus, the Sky Soldiers who pioneered the modern air assault techniques and used them in combat in Vietnam in 1965 would not continue to be denied this badge. I hope that our leadership addresses this inequity. Maj. Neil Laughy (ret.)
Lawton, Okla.
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RE:HELP OUR VETERANS -- Anonymous, 16:47:15 10/01/05 Sat [1]
Right on Rigo. If there is anyone that needs assistance in their VA claim just let me know. Send an email to me at danneely@harbornet.com and I will get back to you. That way your case or your questions are not as public. I will be out of town alot the next two months (hunting season) but will reply ASAP. Dan
"HELP OUR VETERANS" on 03:56:55 09/07/05 Wed
>We need to help our fellow Vets who are feeling
>additional stress because the VA has decided to review
>many claims of PTSD.
>Last month, the VA Inspector General reviewed 2,100
>PTSD claims and found that 25% or 527 lacked documents
>to verify veteran reported evidence. Now the VA is
>planning on reviewing 72,000 claims made from Oct.1,
>1999 through Sept.30,2004.
>What is some of the evidence required? The required
>medical evidence in a Veteran's Service Jacket are
>legitimate stressors such as (1) Written descriptions
>of combat engagements (locations and when it happened,
>plus any other evidence. Write, how it affected you
>emotionally,(mentally) physical, (In my case I sent in
>8 pages discribing my combat experiences in Vietnam )
>(2) Other stress indicators are like a Combat
>Infantry Badge or a Purple Heart.
>Let's try to help our fellow veterans as much as we
>can, providing documents, information etc.
>I want to thank personally Dan Neely, for finding
>and sending me my CIB orders. They had not been
>posted in my jacket and therefore were not annotated
>in my DD214. Although my claim had already been
>approved by the VA- It always helps to have enough
>documents and into in it.
>Again, let's help our brothers in arms in any way we
>can . Play The Game Rigo Ordaz
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WEBPAGE CHANGES -- Anonymous, 14:23:47 10/01/05 Sat [1]
Have made some changes in the Dolphin Warrior page (see link above)
Have created pages for all of the companies,A,B,C. D Co. and Recon are under the Dolphin Warrior Page.
Changing Title page to include "Airmobile" and some quotes from the 2nd Bde Commander, 1st Cav Div.
Have included Jerry Couch's remembrances of Attack at Litts. As you can see, there have been new 1/50 vets posting and some wanting to contribute articles and photos. Some of these can be transferred once the 1/50 Assoc. website comes back (I guess).
Feel free to post in your company pages. Rigo
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Air Medals -- Anonymous, 12:44:37 09/29/05 Thu [6]
I to spent a lot of time in the air and never received an Air Medal.
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Re: Air Medals -- Anonymous, 13:13:08 09/29/05 Thu [1]
Ernest, good to hear from you. Welcome Home!
(Ernest was in Delta Co. with Sgt. Jordan's squad along with George Borges. There is a picture of them at the Dolphin Warrior page.
http://community.webtv.net/ORDAZRF/DOLPHINWARRIOR
I think the criteria for the air medal is 25 or more air assaults. while the Air Assault Badge, if it gets approved as drafted, will only require one combat assault, like the Paratroopers wings.
Good to hear from you, and keep on posting. Play the Game - rigo
>I to spent a lot of time in the air and never received
>an Air Medal.
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Re: Air Medals -- Anonymous, 13:22:18 09/29/05 Thu [1]
I'm in the picture with Jordan. I drove his track then Tony? was the next leader. Slazes was on the 50.
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Memory Coming Back -- Anonymous, 15:50:35 09/29/05 Thu [1]
I remember Tony Navarra, he was an Italian guy squad leader, he is the one holding te 60 on the pic with Tovar and wounded vietnamese.
Slazas I remember him quite well, cause after that he was in my track and on the 50 during the Tet battles. He got his chest and stomach burned with the 50 casings and I took over the 50, got hit wit a grenade but kept on going- that was Jan.31, 1968.
Check the picture on the Delta pics on the Rd.(That is "Heat Exhaustion" and ex A Co. Medic track. Slazas is on the 50, I am right behind him as Squad Leader. Antilla, Selonia and Helvie are there, I don'tremember the guy sitting looking east towards Dai Dong, I think we were coming from north of LZ Tom. Eddy Sternin the driver was killed on March 9, 68 at Litts with a rocket. One last question. Were you on that group of two squads sent to an abandoned FSB for two or 3 weeks. I think that FSB was in southern I Corps. Jordan was in charge, and they abandoned us up there. The memories just came rushing back. Rigo
>I to spent a lot of time in the air and never received
>an Air Medal.
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Re: Memory Coming Back -- Anonymous, 19:28:07 09/29/05 Thu [1]
I do not rememder the FSD. Litts (refugee camp) I will never forget. Slazas and I were sleeping in the track with the back hatch down restinng on boxes. The morters started comming in. Got up and draged Slazas out of the track then a rocket went thruogh the track and hit our radio and the rest is history.
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Memory Coming Back -- Anonymous, 21:17:46 09/29/05 Thu [1]
Do you remember what track number you were in? Were you close to Lt. Welsh? You must have been to my right. I was just north (right) of the burning track. Rigo
>I to spent a lot of time in the air and never received
>an Air Medal.
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Post for 1/50 (M) Infantry -- Anonymous, 20:00:42 09/28/05 Wed [1]
------------------------------------------------ PLEASE POST AT THE AIR ASSAULT PARITY COALITION MESSAGE BOARD :http://voy.com/198796/
Fixing to send all messages to the Congressman. Would hate to have 1/50 left out- after all those Combat Air Assaults we did. Play the Game, Rigo
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walk back in time -- Anonymous, 19:38:54 09/28/05 Wed [1]
Yo Mick, I would like a copy of the CIB orders, maybe there will be some of the guys in my platoon. Will send you my snail mail address. A lot of the guys in Delta 1/50 were being carried under HHC - cause the same 1st Sgt. was handling both companies.
----------------------------------------
You know, the 1/50 Assoc. message board is not the only one bombarded with Porno and Spam. There are many military boards with this ailment. The Air Assault Parity Coalition was also hit with Porno etc, so they had to shut down.
I have set up a message board for them similar to this one, and have volunteered to monitor it. If you want to get to that board to visit or post this is the address: http://www.voy.com/198796/
The mission of the Air Assault Parity Coalition is to get the Air Assault Badge to be awarded retroactively to Vietnam Vets who participated in Combat Air Assaults.
------------------------------------------
For those 1/50 vets who remember the Ammo Dump at Uplift being blown up, here is a good site with aerial picture of the dump getting blown up.
http://www.angelfire.com/ga3/galkie/uplift.html If you were there or got some pics/or comments let us know.
-------------------------------------
Some troopers from 1/50 don't want to post etc. Let me make myself perfectly clear, I am all for the Association. This message board or my site is not to deviate from the Assoc. but to make it better by allowing many members to keep in touch when we need it the most. Rigo
----------------------------------
Remember to visit all 1/50 webpages to include the latest one www.LZ Betty.com
PLAY THE GAME
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walk back in time -- Anonymous, 14:34:06 09/27/05 Tue [2]
My folks came down with a box they found in the attic. It was full of all my letters I wrote home and orders, plane tickets,all kinds of things.
All my letters had dates and places on them so I can just walk back though my time in the army this is all the way from basic to nam.
I never wrote them anything about battles or fire fights so as not to worry them. They said I wasn't fooling them anyway so wish I had put some firefights in there.
I can tell by the dates and were we are at what was going on.
I orders for combat infantryman badge for hhc. I have a training schedule from 9-14 Jan. for mortar platoon fort hood, Texas anyone remember 2lt Nelson, SSG Loomis, PSG Sauls, 2LT Discoll.
If anyone wants a copy of these or if any dates will help you I would be more then happy to send you what I got.
Mick Hawkins
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Re: walk back in time -- Anonymous, 15:29:01 09/27/05 Tue [1]
Wow Mick, what a treasure you have found. I have only been able to find one letter. Are there any photos in there? Great find. Rigo
>My folks came down with a box they found in the attic.
>It was full of all my letters I wrote home and orders,
>plane tickets,all kinds of things.
>All my letters had dates and places on them so I can
>just walk back though my time in the army this is all
>the way from basic to nam.
>I never wrote them anything about battles or fire
>fights so as not to worry them. They said I wasn't
>fooling them anyway so wish I had put some firefights
>in there.
>I can tell by the dates and were we are at what was
>going on.
>I orders for combat infantryman badge for hhc. I have
>a training schedule from 9-14 Jan. for mortar platoon
>fort hood, Texas anyone remember 2lt Nelson, SSG
>Loomis, PSG Sauls, 2LT Discoll.
>If anyone wants a copy of these or if any dates will
>help you I would be more then happy to send you what I
>got.
>
>Mick Hawkins
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Air Assault Badge -- Anonymous, 14:23:40 09/24/05 Sat [3]
Although we were a Mech. unit, we went on many combat air assaults with the 1st. Cav, 173rd.AB, and other units we were attached to at one time or another. There are photos of our companies out on CA's in our website. I would guess that about half of our time we were on a chopper going out to the boonies. Many of us got the Air Medal over there.
I am saying this because we along many other troops of the 101st, 1st Cav. Div, and many other units who put our life in extra danger in CAs and who developed Airmobile/Air Assault tactics and perfected them in combat are not entitled to the Air Assault Badge.
Now, if you want to do somethig about it or want to support a group who has been working to get the Air Assault,to be awarded retroactively -
go to http://airassault.bizhosting.com/
The person who started this website and effort is Guy C."Doc"Lamunyon who was a Medic over there.
Lets lend the support to his efforts.
(OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS WITH THOSE AFFECTED BY KATRINA AND RITA) Rigo
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Re: Air Assault Badge -- Anonymous, 08:53:54 09/25/05 Sun [1]
Rigo I think when I was there(july68-july69) you had to have 25 combat assaults to qualify for an airmedal. The officers in Hdqs. would do them in 2 days without drawing fire.
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Re: Air Assault Badge -- Anonymous, 11:18:48 09/25/05 Sun [1]
I think part of the problem in awarding the air assault badge retro to combat vets is that the AAB is a TRADOC initiated award and delegated to the 101stAB. Can't very well award a training badge to combat situtions. Two different animals. Let's say there were no CIB award and us veterans were trying to get the EIB for combat= no bueno.
What the coalition is working is to retro award the AAB to personnel in Nam who made 1 Combat Assault or more. I am sure there will have to be changes, but that is when a Senator or Congressman sponsors the bill. Rigo
>Although we were a Mech. unit, we went on many combat
>air assaults with the 1st. Cav, 173rd.AB, and other
>units we were attached to at one time or another.
>There are photos of our companies out on CA's in our
>website. I would guess that about half of our time we
>were on a chopper going out to the boonies. Many of us
>got the Air Medal over there.
> I am saying this because we along many other troops
>of the 101st, 1st Cav. Div, and many other units who
>put our life in extra danger in CAs and who developed
>Airmobile/Air Assault tactics and perfected them in
>combat are not entitled to the Air Assault Badge.
> Now, if you want to do somethig about it or want to
>support a group who has been working to get the Air
>Assault,to be awarded retroactively -
> go to http://airassault.bizhosting.com/
>The person who started this website and effort is Guy
>C."Doc"Lamunyon who was a Medic over there.
> Lets lend the support to his efforts.
>(OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS WITH THOSE AFFECTED BY
>KATRINA AND RITA) Rigo
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Thanks -- Anonymous, 11:42:02 09/22/05 Thu [1]
Hey Thanks Guys,
Right now Rita is in the same latitude with Brownsville Tex, but the projected path takes it north west which would take it to Galveston and surrounding areas.
Of course if it decides to turn directly west it will hit where I live, but that is very unlikely. If it hits Galveston, the most we'll get down here is Tropical Storm winds.
Galveston is 367 miles from where I live.
Hey Happy, I wish I had some of those uncashed checks, most of the time they are gone by the time it gets here.
Anyway, if I see it coming this way, I'll hit the road. Thanks , Rigo
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RITA -- Anonymous, 10:55:57 09/22/05 Thu [1]
RIGO, GRAP ALL YOUR VA PAPERS AND UNCASHED CHECKES AND GET THE HECK OUT OF THERE , PLAY THE GAME , YOUR FRIEND HAPPY
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Keeping An Eye On Rita -- Anonymous, 11:04:34 09/21/05 Wed [4]
You know $150. sounds like a good bargain, except to those who are on tight budgets and have to depend on the monthly VA checks to keep on subsisting. I know , dues are necessary just like taxes to keep the Assoc. going.
My ideal association would be an all voluntary one where all ex 1/50 vets are equal members, free of dues. I guess this is wishfull thinking. I know there are many 1/50 ex vets who are not members for one reason or another, and are excluded out of many activities and the only way to keep in touch with those who were with them was through the message board.
That said, now I will have to keep an eye on Rita. If it hits here, I'll be flying in the wind. Rigo
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Re: Keeping An Eye On Rita -- Anonymous, 17:14:29 09/21/05 Wed [1]
Rigo, Well said, Hunker-down brother, looks like a really big hurricane. Now I remember why I moved out of Florida in 91... Play The Game
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Re: Keeping An Eye On Rita -- Anonymous, 22:38:31 09/21/05 Wed [1]
Rigo,
I wondered if you might be affected. There are other friends in the way also. Good luck.
RR
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Re: Keeping An Eye On Rita -- Anonymous, 07:55:50 09/22/05 Thu [1]
Rigo get out of Dodge. Global warming has made hurricanes stronger.
Good luck, John
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Due Process -- Anonymous, 05:49:23 09/21/05 Wed [2]
It's not the amount of money, most Veterans Organizations have $20.00 dues, its DUE PROCESS. I get the "On Track" magazine & I know there are expenses involved in all things. Had I been notified that membership dues were being increaased I would have probably agreed with the increase. Really whats $5.00 today, a little over a gallon of gas. Its being forced to pay something that was forced upon members without a vote. Just give me a say-so, a voice, some type of notice. I'll pay the increase. Just don't cram it down my throat or up my ??? Sounds nick-picky & it is, but people have the right to know. Put the membership dues at $ 30 or $40, again thats not even a tank of gas, I'll pay!! Just let me know. The 1/50th Association is a GREAT Organization & I am priviledged to belong to such a distinguished organization..
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Re: Due Process -- Anonymous, 08:57:18 09/21/05 Wed [1]
Gus,
If I am not mistaken, I believe there was a vote on the increase at the reunion. Perhaps you missed it or maybe my memory is a bit hazy=) I do agree with you people have a right to know. Thanks for the clarification.
RR
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gus sorry you feel that way -- Anonymous, 15:35:18 09/20/05 Tue [2]
Gus sorry you feel that way. This is not a Ass. board and I'm sure am grateful to Rigo for putting it up as I like to talk to other troopers.
Your problem really seems so simple to me don't pay the $25
Mick Hawkins
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Re: gus sorry you feel that way -- Anonymous, 22:06:11 09/20/05 Tue [1]
Gus,
I agree with Mick. Another thing you could do is become a life member which, I believe, is $150 and then you are done with it. That is only 6 years worth and you are ahead of the game. Bear in mind that the Association officers put in a LOT of time and effort to keep things going and put out a newsletter. 25 bucks seems like a bargain to me.
RR
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Lost Trooper -- Anonymous, 07:35:39 09/15/05 Thu [2]
Received a letter from Willie Barge. He served with the battalion Jan '68 - Aug '68 in Charlie Company as an 11B. He fought in the Battle of An Bao, 5 May. He remembers his track driver was nicknamed "Peepsight". He doesn't remember anyone else by name, but is looking to make contact with anyone who may remember him or who was there at the same time.
His address:
Willie Barge
3995 Canton
Detroit, Michigan 48207
He didn't include a phone number or email address.
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Re: Lost Trooper -- Anonymous, 09:35:46 09/16/05 Fri [1]
Have sent out some messages to the guys in C Co., hopefully some one will remember Willie, Rigo
>Received a letter from Willie Barge. He served with
>the battalion Jan '68 - Aug '68 in Charlie Company as
>an 11B. He fought in the Battle of An Bao, 5 May. He
>remembers his track driver was nicknamed "Peepsight".
>He doesn't remember anyone else by name, but is
>looking to make contact with anyone who may remember
>him or who was there at the same time.
>
>His address:
>
>Willie Barge
>3995 Canton
>Detroit, Michigan 48207
>
>He didn't include a phone number or email address.
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website -- Anonymous, 08:53:35 09/15/05 Thu [1]
Hello,
www.LZBetty.com I built this in honor for all who served
in Phan Thiet. We came and went at different times but we all traveled the same paths.
Thanks Rigo, its truely nice to have our message board back up and running,
Great job,
Frenchy
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La Puerta/ Larocque -- Anonymous, 01:34:42 09/15/05 Thu [1]
Dennis Larocque, Thanks for writing. Edwin La Puerta is not in the internet, but you can send the pics to me at www.ordazrf@webtv.net or to Jim Sheppard, just click on his name on his message and you will get his e mail.
Again thanks for writing and glad you can help Edwin. Feel free to write your experiences of LZ Uplift or your time in Nam- Again Thank You, and Welcome Home! Rigo
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Edwin La Puerta -- Anonymous, 18:02:22 09/12/05 Mon [3]
Got in touch with Edwin La Puerta by phone, turns out he lives in Puerto Rico. He says he was in Bravo Co. from Sept. 68 to July 69, and got wounded in June of 69 while pulling perimeter guard. Although he seems confused as to locations he does remember some of the guys that were with him. The spelling might not be exact, but he remembers Chaney, Bailey, Harmon (sp) was Driver, Dennis or Dennich, La Rouch, Big O, Lubanoski his hooch was "the Happy Hooch"
La Puerta says he has 2 purple hearts. If anybody from B company at that time remember him or know any of these personnel please let us know. Rigo
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Re: Edwin La Puerta -- Anonymous, 23:48:49 09/13/05 Tue [1]
I went back to my files after reviewing Rigo's findings. The man who was helping Lapuerta told me JULY! and I rechecked June....bingo! There were incoming mortar rounds at LZ Uplift, which is where we were then. One man from "B" Company was wounded in the leg. The wound was described as a mortar frag...and not serious. I might add that this event occurred right around the time he stated....1:10 AM on the 8th of JUNE, not July. I would tend to believe him...since it's too accurate to be a lie.
I would still advise him to get his personal records from St. Louis. I would bet the incident is mentioned...especially since he was wounded.
We can provide him with the copy of the daily log for the incident, but it does not mention names...just events and units.
Thanks for your help...and let me know if he wants us to mail a copy of the Daily Staff Journal for June 8, 1969
Regards,
Jim Sheppard
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Re: Edwin La Puerta -- Anonymous, 14:36:44 09/14/05 Wed [1]
I am Dennis Larocque and I remember La Puerta. I remember the incident and it happened at LZ uplift I think and he was in the next bunker over and I heard he got hit by schrapnel during the mortor attack and that was the last I heard of him. I have pictures of the two of us together and can send them if I have an email addy to send them to. Don't know how to attach them here.
Dennis
>Got in touch with Edwin La Puerta by phone, turns out
>he lives in Puerto Rico. He says he was in Bravo Co.
>from Sept. 68 to July 69, and got wounded in June of
>69 while pulling perimeter guard. Although he seems
>confused as to locations he does remember some of the
>guys that were with him. The spelling might not be
>exact, but he remembers Chaney, Bailey, Harmon (sp)
>was Driver, Dennis or Dennich, La Rouch, Big O,
>Lubanoski his hooch was "the Happy Hooch"
> La Puerta says he has 2 purple hearts. If anybody
>from B company at that time remember him or know any
>of these personnel please let us know. Rigo
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Edwin De La Puerta -- Anonymous, 00:56:14 09/14/05 Wed [1]
I went back to my files after reviewing Rigo's findings. The man who was helping Lapuerta told me JULY! and I rechecked June....bingo! There were incoming mortar rounds at LZ Uplift, which is where we were then. One man from "B" Company was wounded in the leg. The wound was described as a mortar frag...and not serious. I might add that this event occurred right around the time he stated....1:10 AM on the 8th of JUNE, not July. I would tend to believe him...since it's too accurate to be a lie.
I would still advise him to get his personal records from St. Louis. I would bet the incident is mentioned...especially since he was wounded.
We can provide him with the copy of the daily log for the incident, but it does not mention names...just events and units.
Thanks for your help...and let me know if he wants us to mail a copy of the Daily Staff Journal for June 8, 1969
Regards,
Jim Sheppard
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Bill Cook -- Anonymous, 07:40:10 09/09/05 Fri [1]
THANKS RIGO, YOU FOUND HIM AFTER I HAD GIVEN UP. HE SAID I WAS THE FIRST ONE FROM THE SCOUT'S FROM TIME OF 69 AND 70 TO GET IN TOUCH WITH HIM. SAID AFTER TALKING TO YOU HE DID NOT NO IF HE WOULD NO HOW TO ACT. I HAD A LONG CONVERSATION WITH HIM. HE IS 100 % SAID IF I COULD COME UP WITH A DATE THAT I GOT WOUNDED HE WOULD GET ME SOME PAPER WORK OUT TO ME. THANK AGAIN RIGO
HAPPY
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Thanks -- Anonymous, 17:54:39 09/06/05 Tue [2]
Thanks for the board Rigo. I had been wondering when the Association's board would come up again. I understand, from Mick, that Ray is as busy as a Mississippi sow at feeding time. Anyway, thanks for the board and getting out the word. Dan
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Re: Thanks -- Anonymous, 04:48:34 09/08/05 Thu [1]
>Thanks for the board Rigo. I had been wondering when
>the Association's board would come up again. I
>understand, from Mick, that Ray is as busy as a
>Mississippi sow at feeding time. Anyway, thanks for
>the board and getting out the word. Dan
Dan
hope you got my message about louis living in Ok. now. John sent me his phone number if you want it I will send it to you.
Mick
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PTSD Reviews -- Anonymous, 18:03:50 09/07/05 Wed [1]
Rigo, Is correct fellows, the VA is reviewing "all" PTSD Claims from 1999 to the current. But not just for Vietnam Vets, but for everyone!! If you are a true Combat Veteran you really have nothing to fear. Its the wannabe's & frauds that will get their butts in a snag over this audit. From what I see down here in Georgia all the REMF's are in the VA's PTSD Units. All the chronic & severe cases of PTSD are bush-vets. Maybe this audit is needed in a way. I feel there are too many guys reading books and watching war movies to get their war-stressors. But I also don't trust the VA. This may turn into a crisco or vaseline-party by the VA. The CIB, Purple Heart and other medals of "Valor" are considered "presumtive stressors" also an infantry MOS or Infantry Unit. Take Good Care and "Play The Game".. Gus
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Edwin LaPuerta -- Anonymous, 19:58:57 09/06/05 Tue [1]
Does anyone remember Edwin LaPuerta, "B" Company....not sure which year, but during our time OPCON to the 173rd Airborne. A friend is trying to help him with a VA beneifits revision.
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THANK'S RIGO, THIS IS MUCH NEEDED -- Anonymous, 08:27:52 09/02/05 Fri [3]
HELLO RIGO, GOOD TO BE BACK IN TOUCH WITH EVERYONE, TO JOHN TOPPER, I HAVE TRIED THE TELEPHONE # FOR BILL COOK AND HAVE TRIED SNAIL MAIL, CAME BACK UNDELIVERABLE, CAN YOU HELP, I GOT SCHRAPLE OR HOW EVER YOU SPELL IT, AND DID NOT RECEIVE A PURPLE HEART FOR IT, I NEED A PAPER FROM HIM SAYING I WAS WOUNDED. I REMEMBER HIM BUT CANT FIND HIM NOW. HAPPY
P.S. WOULD EVERYONE SEND ME A SMALL MESSAGE SO I CAN ADD YOU TO MY ADDRESS BOOK. WORM GOT ME AND HAD TO REDO PC
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Re: THANK'S RIGO, THIS IS MUCH NEEDED -- Anonymous, 11:19:50 09/02/05 Fri [1]
Happy,
I take it Bill Cook was a Medic over there.Do you know what state he was from, or city-to start a search for him. Who was your CO or platoon leader at that time, they can probably also write something about you being wounded. Rigo
>HELLO RIGO, GOOD TO BE BACK IN TOUCH WITH EVERYONE, TO
>JOHN TOPPER, I HAVE TRIED THE TELEPHONE # FOR BILL
>COOK AND HAVE TRIED SNAIL MAIL, CAME BACK
>UNDELIVERABLE, CAN YOU HELP, I GOT SCHRAPLE OR HOW
>EVER YOU SPELL IT, AND DID NOT RECEIVE A PURPLE HEART
>FOR IT, I NEED A PAPER FROM HIM SAYING I WAS WOUNDED.
> I REMEMBER HIM BUT CANT FIND HIM NOW.
> HAPPY
> P.S. WOULD EVERYONE SEND ME A SMALL MESSAGE SO I
>CAN ADD YOU TO MY ADDRESS BOOK. WORM GOT ME AND HAD TO
>REDO PC
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[>
Re: THANK'S RIGO, THIS IS MUCH NEEDED -- Anonymous, 12:11:54 09/05/05 Mon [1]
Happy,
I have nothing on Bill Cook at all - he is not listed in our directory. Sorry. You might try to locate your medical records through the VA where any injury/wound should be recorded. No guarantee, but it might work.
Call me if you have any questions that I can maybe help with. 812-544-2064.
>HELLO RIGO, GOOD TO BE BACK IN TOUCH WITH EVERYONE, TO
>JOHN TOPPER, I HAVE TRIED THE TELEPHONE # FOR BILL
>COOK AND HAVE TRIED SNAIL MAIL, CAME BACK
>UNDELIVERABLE, CAN YOU HELP, I GOT SCHRAPLE OR HOW
>EVER YOU SPELL IT, AND DID NOT RECEIVE A PURPLE HEART
>FOR IT, I NEED A PAPER FROM HIM SAYING I WAS WOUNDED.
> I REMEMBER HIM BUT CANT FIND HIM NOW.
> HAPPY
> P.S. WOULD EVERYONE SEND ME A SMALL MESSAGE SO I
>CAN ADD YOU TO MY ADDRESS BOOK. WORM GOT ME AND HAD TO
>REDO PC
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Message Board -- Anonymous, 09:47:32 09/02/05 Fri [2]
Rigo, appreciate your efforts with this board. Figured the other one became a vehicle for various advertisers. I hope all our brothers in the path of Katrina faired well. Prayers out to them all. Pete
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Re: Message Board -- Anonymous, 22:30:28 09/03/05 Sat [1]
Good to hear from you. Heard you had gone to Iraq or Kuwait.
Katrina did create a major disaster, let's all help in whatever way we can. Keep in touch. R.O.
>Rigo, appreciate your efforts with this board.
>Figured the other one became a vehicle for various
>advertisers. I hope all our brothers in the path of
>Katrina faired well. Prayers out to them all. Pete
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LZ Betty web site -- Anonymous, 10:46:41 09/02/05 Fri [3]
Hello, Just a note to all who served in Phan Thiet. I started a new web site dedicated to all who served at LZ Betty from 1966 to 70. \
i also have posted a number of pictures of the LZ from my trip back in 2005.
Yours, Frenchy
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Re: LZ Betty web site -- Anonymous, 10:48:12 09/02/05 Fri [1]
>Hello, Just a note to all who served in Phan Thiet.
>I started a new web site dedicated to all who served
>at LZ Betty from 1966 to 70. \
> i also have posted a number of pictures of the LZ
>from my trip back in 2005.
>
> Yours, Frenchy
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[>
Re: LZ Betty web site -- Anonymous, 22:25:03 09/03/05 Sat [1]
Hey Frenchy,
Would you like to post the web adress so we can take a look at it. Thanks Rigo
>Hello, Just a note to all who served in Phan Thiet.
>I started a new web site dedicated to all who served
>at LZ Betty from 1966 to 70. \
> i also have posted a number of pictures of the LZ
>from my trip back in 2005.
>
> Yours, Frenchy
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GLOBAL WARNING TO AMERICA -- Anonymous, 04:46:44 09/02/05 Fri [1]
You are invited to visit :
GLOBAL WARNING TO AMERICA
THANK YOU.
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Board & Katrina -- Anonymous, 11:50:12 09/01/05 Thu [2]
Thanks Rigo, I missed looking at the board every day. Talmadge Cain lives on the Alabama coast across the bay from Mobile. I hope his home is ok.
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Re: Board & Katrina -- Anonymous, 15:55:42 09/01/05 Thu [1]
You are welcome. I sent an e mail to Talmadge Cain, but I guess electricity is out in that area. I had been tracking Katrina a bit before it hit Florida, but I never thought it would do that much damage. My thoughts and prayers are with those people suffering there. We had a near one down here in south Texas, but nothing as bad as Katrina. keep in touch-- Rigo
>
> Thanks Rigo, I missed looking at the board every day.
>Talmadge Cain lives on the Alabama coast across the
>bay from Mobile. I hope his home is ok.
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newsletter -- Anonymous, 13:14:50 08/31/05 Wed [3]
I talked with John Topper he is about to get the newsletter out. Anyone interested in doing a story I know he would be glad to hear from you.
As I sat one night at the reunion and listen to storys until 1 or 2 am I know there are some good ones out there.
Mick Hawkins
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Re: newsletter -- Anonymous, 00:58:35 09/01/05 Thu [1]
Hey Mick,
Your e-mail keeps getting kicked back to me as undeliverable. How come since it must work for you otherwise?
RR
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Re: e mail -- Anonymous, 05:39:28 09/01/05 Thu [1]
My e mail to Mick got kicked back quite a bit too- but the one with the 3 in his address is the good one. Rigo
>I talked with John Topper he is about to get the
>newsletter out. Anyone interested in doing a story I
>know he would be glad to hear from you.
>As I sat one night at the reunion and listen to storys
>until 1 or 2 am I know there are some good ones out
>there.
>
>Mick Hawkins
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THANKS/ NEWSLETTER -- Anonymous, 15:37:12 08/31/05 Wed [1]
Thanks, Mick and Gus for starting off this message board. I linked the Association website on top so we can go directly to it.
As for the newsletter, let's say you want to send a story, do you send it by e mail or snail mail?
Again thanks to everybody and pass the word, ok. Rigo
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Our way to communicate -- Anonymous, 08:23:59 08/31/05 Wed [2]
Rigo, Thanks for providing this forum for Troopers of the 1/50th to communicate. The old message board was being saturated with junk. It needed to be cleaned and revamped but it just simply disappeared. If you can provide this board I know the webmaster of the 1/50th could have provided one also. Its just another example of "grunts" getting things done!! That is the way it was in combat, we seemed to find a way to accomplish a mission with what we had to work with and usually, it was sucessful. Hope all is going well with you.. Take Good Care.. Play The Game.. Gus
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Re: Our way to communicate -- Anonymous, 10:07:05 08/31/05 Wed [1]
Thanks Gus,
What you said about Grunts getting things done in combat reminded me about the Mortar Platoon, they didn't have shields in their 60s but they stacked C ration boxes and used them as shields-There are many other examples of things the grunts did- thanks for your post-Hope it works well, if not we can find something else. Thanks rigo
>Rigo, Thanks for providing this forum for Troopers of
>the 1/50th to communicate. The old message board was
>being saturated with junk. It needed to be cleaned and
>revamped but it just simply disappeared. If you can
>provide this board I know the webmaster of the 1/50th
>could have provided one also. Its just another example
>of "grunts" getting things done!! That is the way it
>was in combat, we seemed to find a way to accomplish a
>mission with what we had to work with and usually, it
>was sucessful. Hope all is going well with you.. Take
>Good Care.. Play The Game.. Gus
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