- Camp Campbell -- Jeffrey P. Caine CET 2, Wed, May 01 2013, 10:25:28 (209.248.152.20)
I was with MCB 7 in 1966 and was on the front line communicating with the main CP when the call came stating that "Stoney Campbell" was shot. Stil vivid in my mind almost 47 years later.
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christmas 1967 ton son nhut vs binh thuy basketball game -- herbert johnson, Mon, April 08 2013, 19:00:28 (108.92.196.11)
looking for anyone who played in that game from binh thuy or ton son nhut, and later in march of 1968 in the af wide vietnam tournament. email or phone me at 713-494-6451.
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- Tony Palumbo -- joe ciarlo (grateful), Thu, April 04 2013, 17:56:39 (67.253.222.34)
Trying to contact Chuck (Doc) Stewart, who posted a memory of Anthony Palumbo KIA may 1968. I grew up with Tony in Buffalo NY and would like more info on Chuck's association with him or anyone else who knew him as a soldier.
So if you see this Chuck, email me at lovejoyjo@gmail.com
joe ciarlo
Buffalo,NY
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Homepage graphic image and story: O1E Birddog boneyard and MIA -- Don Poss, Sun, March 17 2013, 0:20:21 (76.167.43.208)
Gents,
Check out this week's homepage graphic and story either from homepage http://www.vspa.com or directly at:
http://www.vspa.com/dn-in-plane-sight-o1e-birddog-crash-don-poss-1965.htm
:) Don Poss
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- War-Stories.com web site -- Larry Eley, Sat, March 16 2013, 10:56:21 (76.167.43.208)
[Larry Eley has stories posted at War-Stories.com]
I am pleased to tell you that many of my non veteran friends who have read my stories are taking the time to read the many other fine stories on your site.
Some are telling me it is opening their eyes to things we all knew 45 years ago.
Some of the guys from my unit have read the Dragon [http://www.vspa.com/poem-don-poss-dragon-the-long-night-2013.htm], thumbs up; I have made them aware they can comment to you.
Thank you,
Larry Eley
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- New Story posted from homepage: Agent Orange and the Dragon. -- Don Poss, Mon, March 11 2013, 7:02:12 (76.167.43.208)
Gents,
Check out the homepage (http://www.war-stories.com for a new poetic story about a veterans struggle to survive Agent Orange. Or go directly to:
http://www.vspa.com/poem-don-poss-dragon-the-long-night-2013.htm
Don Poss
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Replies:
- Re: New Story posted from homepage: Agent Orange and the Dragon. -- Steve Grace, Mon, March 11 2013, 7:03:46
- Re: New Story posted from homepage: Agent Orange and the Dragon. -- Terry Sasek, Mon, March 11 2013, 7:05:34
- Re: New Story posted from homepage: Agent Orange and the Dragon. -- Randy Albertson, Mon, March 11 2013, 7:07:07
- Re: New Story posted from homepage: Agent Orange and the Dragon. -- Jackie Kays, Mon, March 11 2013, 7:08:23
- I also wish I could remember a man's name -- Steve Richey, Thu, March 07 2013, 21:10:51 (173.60.53.109)
I too can't remember this one soldier's name. Had such strength of character. He was wounded. We were at Bu Dop. We'b been shelled all night. He was out on the slingout pad waiting to be medivaced out. There were a lot of body bags and a lot more wounded on stretchers. He was scheduled to leave in one of the first Medivacs. When they came to pick his strecher up, he said, "Put me down" and the stretcher guys, still lifted him and this time he said, "Put me down" and they did. He sat up, grimmacing in pain, then stood, picked up the bottles attached to him, and slowly walked to the chopper to get on. When he sad down in the chopper he said, "No man carries me.."
The bird left with him in it... That man was a soldier's soldier. I wish I knew his name.
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- Reply to The Quiet Warrior -- Kolby, Tue, January 22 2013, 11:52:32 (108.34.144.82)
the lines of this poem that stuck out to me the most were the ones when Bautista described the quiet ones. I liked this because i am frequently described as a quiet one. I also liked the line “Never again let a veteran be scorned” because i is true vets should NEVER be scorned
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- Reply to Tet 1968 -- Tan Son Nhut -- Kolby, Tue, January 22 2013, 11:23:47 (108.34.144.82)
I would like to thank Den Cook on the behalf of the soldiers who you did not shoot. In your one split minute of hesitation you saved the lives of two fellow American Soldiers.These soldiers were your Air Force brothers. You talk about what if they were the enemy if they were the Viet Cong. If they were you would of shot them dead. I have complete faith in this...in you.
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- Reply to Guardian of honor the night before christmas -- Kolby, Tue, January 22 2013, 11:00:00 (108.34.144.82)
The poetry used by the author made me feel the same as Santa did when he saw the veteran alone in his house asleep on the floor. The mood of the pome was very dark and depressing I pictured the house cartoonish it was colored with only black and shades of blue, the Veteran in a ball on the floor with a dark green tinted poncho over him trying to keep warm. The author goes from talking about the solider to talking about kids and families on Christmas day. Sadness to Happiness in just one stanza. The solider says to Santa “Santa don’t cry I don’t ask for more my life is my god, my country, my Corps.” These solider fought Americas enemies keeping us safe and he gets no thank you. But to him it’s ok. This veteran and all veterans deserve thanks and appreation for doing what they do without hesitation and for asking for nothing in return. I would like o say thank you to all who served, are serving, and will serve
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- trying to contact Bob Neener -- Andrea Polzin, Mon, March 17 2008, 9:54:45 (152.133.6.4)
I'm trying to contact Bob Neener, but none of the email addresses on the 3rd Marines in Vietnam website are working. My brother was Larry Borschel. He was the marine who died in Bob's arms on 9Dec65 during Operation Harvest Moon. If anyone knows how I can get hold of Bob, please email me. Thanks for your help and thank you all for ... everything.
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Replies:
- A quick poem: 'No, After You, I Insist' -- Don Poss, Thu, January 17 2013, 22:14:07 (76.166.238.211)
No After You, I Insist
January 2013, by Don Poss
Too many years to think and wonder
why I lived and you died.
I dont think we planned it to happen;
its just that we suddenly were there
and suddenly I fired and you did not.
I wonder why?
You were alone.
I was on point.
Unexpected. But that is silly
considering the fact we were only
there because of the war and
searching each other out.
Still,
I knew you could be there,
but you had never just appeared
like a sudden slap.
If I could undo it
If I could be certain you would
never kill my friends, and
If I could believe you,
I think I would undo it all.
Ive wished for that so many
sleepless nights.
Ive seen you fall
blown backwards really,
and not get up nor
breathe again.
Too many holes to even
think of trying to stop your
life draining away, even if I had
wanted to.
I didnt.
Your spirit fled so fast and
your eyes took on that look only dead
eyes can acquire to mock the irony of life
and so easily give up the ghost without
any fight to live.
No 'by your leave'
No 'sorrybout the mess'
No 'just deal with it.'
Just gone.
Checked out.
Did God see you fall, like a sparrow, that day?
Did He care?
Pats on my back
defensive laughter
cursing your body and believe me,
many did that.
Going through your stuff,
discarding photos with rude
remarks.
Posed photos as if you were a
hunting trophy.
I could not bring myself
to throw mine away after
all these years. Until finally,
I realized my eyes looked more
and more like yours. So I left
your crinkled black'n white soul
at a Buddhist temple in LA.
They were scared and
I was terrified at what
just happened to you
what had just happened to me.
How easily I had fired in reflex, and how
easily you fell, just like the movies, and
I, oh how easily, just walked away,
forced grin macho,
forever changed.
Better you than me,
so Ive told myself Lord knows
how many times.
Would you have felt the same?
Would you have still wondered why?
What the hell were you doing
out there alone?
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- BINH THUY: MARCH 22, 1968 SEARCHING FOR DOCTORS AND MEDICS FROM 632ND CSG DISPENSARY -- Ron Boussom, Thu, January 17 2013, 18:57:42 (70.199.215.178)
My name is Ron Boussom. I'm a writer doing background research for a book about my friend, A1C Kenneth E. Baker Jr., Weather Observer, 30WS, Det 13, Binh Thuy AFB.... killed in the weather observation cab of the control tower by a direct hit from a 75mm recoilless rifle shell during an artillery attack in the early morning hours of March 22, 1968. TSgt Billy Wayne Gentry, ATC, 1880th Comm Sq was on duty in the tower with VNAF controller Sgt Phat. After the attack, and wounded by shrapnel from the same blast, TSgt Gentry was first to respond and called down to the 632nd Fire Station next to the tower for emergency assistance. Four firefighters were sent up to the cab to retrieve Kenny, who was killed on impact.
After the firemen carried him down from the tower, medics arrived in an ambulance and took him to the dispensary, where a doctor(s) and/or medics prepared his body for shipment to Tan Son Nhut the next day. There are no existing records for the 632nd CSG Dispensary unit in any of the semi-annual periodic histories sent from Binh Thuy to Tan Son Nhut, or anywhere else for that matter. I'm hoping the actual medical staff on call that night will see this and similar postings on other websites and respond. Short of that, I'm hoping to hear from airmen in any unit at Binh Thuy during 1968 who might know the names of those men, or have medical papers from the dispensary with their names/signatures, or names/signatures of those who knew who they were. If they're still alive, I need to know what they saw and heard that night.
This book is for Kenny's family. They've been missing details of his death at Binh Thuy for the past 45 years. If there's anyone out there who can help, please contact me at the phone number or email address below ASAP. My heartfelt thanks and deepest gratitude to War Stories! for providing me the opportunity to post this notice and to those compassionate vets who have responded thus far.
Ron Boussom
(505)990-9441
ronboussom@aol.com:
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- War-Stories.com's Master Server moving to new technology -- Don Poss, Tue, January 15 2013, 18:47:22 (76.166.238.211)
Gents and Ladies:
The Master Server that houses War-Stories.com's is migrating 'everything' to a newer server. This is not an upgrade, nor an update, but newer technology that when completed will run faster and smoother.
We were told that it should be 'transparent' to the user, but history shows when those hopeful words are used it really means to 'fasten your seatbelt and hang on.'
What this means is War-Stories.com will be up and down until they complete the move. My brother, Larry Poss, is constantly on the phone with the techies and they really are working on it.
Don Poss,
Webmaster War-Stories.com
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- Commander VFW Post 295 - Request to use poem -- Terry Pieper, Sat, December 22 2012, 8:53:36 (76.167.44.218)
Dear Mr. Poss
My name is Terry Pieper Im writing to you in regards to your poem Forget Me Not [http://www.war-stories.com/poem-poss-forget-me-not-1965-1.asp], and requesting permission to use your poem in a program book, for an event to raise money for the Vietnam Veterans Education Center. Im send you the Mission Statement of our State Commander of the Department of Minnesotas Veterans of Foreign Wars. Thank You and I look forward to your response.
Terry Pieper
Commander VFW Post 295
State Commanders Project Chairman
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Replies:
- CT shooting at elementary school -- Don Poss, Sun, December 16 2012, 18:38:21 (76.167.44.218)
The CT school shooting just gets worse. What a horrifying event to read about or see on the news as it is disclosed to us on T.V. Families, the cities and state of CT, and the nation at large once more struggle for a solution to deranged and purely evil people in our midst who kill others. Society reacts to tragic events by demanding action and new gun laws. An irony for those wanting to ban firearms is that laws passed attempting to control firearms, when applied to the latest outrage, rarely if ever would have prevented that recent shooting. We also hear demands that the mentally ill should somehow be screened to determine those 'likely' to harm others -- Really? Rarely does anyone suggest that we look at how to prevent shootings, such as in CT, but in the end, all potential solutions boil down to 'there's no money' to pay for safe-rooms or whatever on such a national scale.
Gun-banner-types don't want to apply their banning type action to banning-autos which have killed millions since the Model-Ts first fatality -- because that addresses the user rather than the tool used. Traffic Fatalities in the U.S. are at the lowest number since 1939, at 32,367. For years, the numbers on annual vehicle deaths were at or above 50,000. Nevertheless, no one wants to ban motor vehicles.
Here are some gun-death stats on Firearm Related Deaths: "The majority of gun-related deaths in the United States are suicides, with 17,352 (55.6%) of the total 31,224 firearm-related deaths in 2007 due to suicide, while 12,632 (40.5%) were homicide deaths." [Wikipedia]
Motor vehicles are essential for todays society -- no argument there. Firearms are essential to the defense of our nation and as stated in the 2nd Amendment plenty of disagreement there. All should recognize that motor vehicles and firearms can be misused. Vehicle and shooting fatalities are often committed by crazed or chemical-abuser people in control of a car or a firearm. However, mass-predicting who will misuse one or the other in the future is unrealistic. Motor vehicles will never be banned, but there are those who would willingly shred our constitution and ban firearms.
So -- What to do? We are not going to mass institutionalize the obvious loons in our midst, nor try to 'predict' who might do something bizarre in the future. Politicians will give outrage-speeches to like-minded choirs; the news-pukes will move on to the next media event; the people will shake their heads and try to make-sense of the incomprehensible; society will continue mass-killing unborn babies by the millions, complain about the cost of gasoline, and buy ever larger wide-screen televisions. The Supreme Court will continue failing to support the constitution, our students will know more about who won Dancing with The Stars without being able to name the countries bordering the USA. Partial birth babies will continue to be harvested for parts, Death-Panels will proclaim that you dont need an expensive organ transplant take a pill -- and the cycle will conclude once more: nothing will change.
Don Poss
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- Were You There? Qui Nhon South Viet Nam 1966 -- James Netherland, Mon, September 01 2008, 17:32:46 (70.246.117.144)
There was a small Vietnamese boy who came into the American camp and helped us do small jobs. We gave him food and small amounts of money to help his elderly parents. He was their only child. We had become close to this little guy. One day we were working on Hwy. 19 between Qui Nhon and Ahn Khe on pipeline. He ran across the road suddenly and was struck by an American military vehicle and killed. This happened some time between August 1 and November 30. Anyone who was there, please contact me. By the way, my nicknames were: Swampy, Swamprat, and Webfoot because I was from Louisiana. If anyone remembers me, please let me hear from you. Thanks, James Netherland (697th Engineering Company, Pipeline Unit)
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Replies:
- Re: Were You There? Qui Nhon South Viet Nam 1966 -- Frisbee, Sat, September 06 2008, 5:31:32
- Re: Were You There? Qui Nhon South Viet Nam 1966 -- James Netherland, Sun, September 07 2008, 19:14:13
- Re: Were You There? Qui Nhon South Viet Nam 1966 -- Roy Ralston (Sad), Sat, November 29 2008, 15:48:06
- Re: Were You There? Qui Nhon South Viet Nam 1966 -- Gunter Fuchsenberger (sad), Mon, January 26 2009, 10:54:31
- Christmas mall shoppers surprised with carols -- Don Poss, Thu, December 06 2012, 14:38:09 (76.167.44.218)
Gents & Ladies,
A lot of Christmas shoppers are out at the malls now. If you're not yet in the Christmas mood, then this should help. Thought I would pass along two really great links that surprised mall shoppers:
* http://youtu.be/f7baFMmSv4k
* http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gwHx_LhdWA
:) Don Poss
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- Oldies Music -- Don Poss, Tue, November 27 2012, 6:43:19 (76.167.44.218)
Subject: Oldies Music
Gents,
I enjoy listening to '50s, 60's, and 70's Oldies music a lot. If you do, then you will like the hundreds of oldies at "The 60s Official Site" at: http://www.the60sofficialsite.com/
It's worth a visit!
:) Don Poss
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- Lost Pilot: This week's homepage graphic image -- Don Poss, Sun, November 25 2012, 12:22:43 (76.167.44.218)
Gents,
Thanksgiving weekend is drawing to a close, and I hope all enjoyed family and friends.
I have thought about the POW*MIAs this season, and it is easy to rationalize that very few could still be alive. Over 1,600 are still unaccounted for.
This week's homepage graphic image is about a lost pilot, long dead, whose last thoughts were of confidence that he would be found and returned home.
Check out the photo and brief story on the homepage at: < http://www.war-stories.com >.
Don Poss
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- Happy Thanksgiving -- Don Poss, Thu, November 22 2012, 11:45:02 (166.137.119.35)
Gents and ladies,
Happy Thanksgiving to all. Today is also our 45th anniversary and our son and daughter in law's 18th anniversary. And, my father's birthday (rip).
Dad was the greatest and getting married on his birthday was a way to honor him.
:) Don Poss
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- Regarding War-Stories Memorial Wall-Z: LZ Oasis on Mothers Day 1969 -- Kenneth Jules, Tue, November 13 2012, 11:21:48 (76.166.233.13)
I would like to thank everyone for sharing their memories. My father, George Henry Jules, was one of soldiers KIA at LZ Oasis on Mothers Day 1969 [http://www.war-stories.com/lz-oasis-reynolds-1969-1.asp]. My admiration to all those who have served this country proudly.
Mr. Poss, thank you for providing this forum and your time to support this site.
Kenneth Jules
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- 1/44 duster crew, rockpile, vietnam, 1967 june-august -- john p. miller, M.D., Mon, November 12 2012, 8:11:05 (174.18.183.129)
1/44 duster crews accompanied us on MEDCAPS to villages from ca lu to cam lo when i was the Bn surgeon, with 2/26. very fine group of GIs!!!! i am specially interested in an ambush, 8/21/1937 at a village midway between the rockpile and CA LU. 2-3 duster men were killed or wounded---do you have the names of any of them, i traged wounded from the ambush at the rockpile, am writing a book of my adventures in Vietnam. thanks, john p. miller, md
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Replies:
- Veterans Day stats: 1,326,612 KIA/LOD -- Don Poss, Sun, November 11 2012, 8:53:57 (76.166.233.13)
Gents,
Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans. As veterans, we do Welcome Home all who served. However, for most of us we cannot help remembering those we served with whose lifes were lost. We also recognize that of those serving today many will also fall in service to our country.
Here are some stats that I am sure most Americans are unaware of concerning the numbers of men and women who died in combat or line of duty, or were wounded in action:
* Killed In Action or Line of Duty: 1,326,612. If each of the 1,326,612 KIA/LOD stood in formation, shoulder-to -shoulder (every 36 inches), the line would extend 753 miles.
* Wounded In Action: 1,531,036.
Don Poss
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- Bob Hope and The Original Golddiggers, NKP 1968 -- Don Poss, Thu, June 21 2012, 8:41:51 (76.166.233.185)
Gents,
A follow up to the email below this one:
I received an email from Nancy Ray, who was with The Original Golddiggers and the Bob Hope tour show at NKP in 1968. This was in response to Bill Paddock's photo story on the 1968 NKP Bob Hope show with Ann Margret and The Original Golddiggers at http://www.vspa.com/nkp-paddock-bob-hope-ann-margret-1968.htm
Nancy Ray added some names to Bill's photos of the Bob Hope entertainers and included a link to a photo of the group today. WOW!
Just as God has blessed Ann Margret, He has truly blessed The Original Golddiggers with being stunningly drop-dead gorgeous to match their beauty within! That's exactly how it should be for their performances in Vietnam and Thailand. Do yourselves a favor and check it out the above link.
Thank you,
Don Poss,
VSPA Webmaster
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Replies:
- Welcome Home Michael Valadez, LM 93 -- Don Poss, Tue, February 21 2012, 21:19:00 (76.166.233.185)
Welcome Home to Michael Valadez, LM 93.
Michael served in the U.S. Army at Camp Evans, SVN, with Cav C Battery in 1967-1969.
Michael is also a Charter Member of War-Stories.com.
Don Poss,
Webmaster, War-Stories.com
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Replies:
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April 6, 1968 G/2/26 Hill 700 -- Julie Rader (Alexander), Wed, October 24 2012, 5:03:49 (69.23.217.170)
Hello everyone. I was saddened to learn of Jimmy Everly's passing. He was a great man and talked to me and had helped me in every way that he could but we never could come up with the answer.
I've been trying to determine the name and location of the Gunny Sgt. that saved my dads life on April 6, 1968 Hill 700. My dad was the radioman with Overstreet that day though he was not supposed to be. When he was hit with a grenade he had just called in Mortor rounds and this Gunny, whoever he was, risked his own life to save my dad.
I've been trying to determine who he is since around the Spring of 1998 I believe and I've had no luck. If anyone can remember who the "new" Gunny was at this time I would be grateful!
The only thing my dad remembers is that he was new, to him anyway as he had just come in off a "sick" navy ship. He also thinks he may have been hit in the face from flying debris from either enemy fire or the mortars that were hitting down around them.
Thank you so much and Eric Smith if you see this, long time no talk to, lost your email address please write!!
Julie Rader yeah married a 3rd time but was Boruff, and Hayes and of course Alexander ... my dad James F. Alexander.
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- Info Request RE: C-47 crash killing 7, Da Nang AB, 25 Jun 1966 -- Don Poss, Tue, October 23 2012, 13:21:55 (76.166.233.13)
Anyone stationed at Da Nang AB recall a USMC C-117D (C-47) crash on take-off killing seven of the 31 persons aboard and injuring most of the rest? Date was: 25 June 1966.
Don Poss
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- iPhone 4, update to 6.0 is now available (free) -- Don Poss, Wed, September 19 2012, 23:30:29 (76.166.233.185)
Gents,
If you have an iPhone 4, and have not done so, there is a new Update 6.0 that is ready to download. This takes about 25 minutes or so, and is an easy process. Open your iTunes, connect your cable to the iPhone and PC, and approve the upgrade.
Don Poss
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-
Company C 19th Engineer Battalion (Combat)-Sa Huynh, Vietnam -- Charlotte Thomas, Fri, December 04 2009, 9:17:06 (74.166.27.39)
I am looking for any LZ Lowboys who served in Vietnam with Company C, 19th Engineer Battalion (Combat) from July 1968 to July 1971. My father, David Nelson Boyd entered the Army as PVT. E-1 from Ft. Campbell, KY graduating class Co. B 10th Bn2b Bde on Feb. 1968. He was honorably discharged in July of 1971 as Specialist Four, Service number #RA 12968041. He received an Army Commendation Medal of Heroism, with a V Device for the act as stated:
For heroism in connection with military grounds operations against hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Aug. 17, 1969 while serving as a member of a mine sweep operation in Sa Huynh, Vietnam the sweep came under fire from a company size enemy force, a three quarter ton truck serving as an ambulance was hit by several rockets and began burning then completely engulfed in flames .Exposing himself to enemy rockets, grenades and automatic fire he ran to the ambulance & retrieved the medical aid bags and supplies. Frank E. Ruggles Major AGC Adjutant; as ordered this day 29th of Dec., 1969
He is retired and still lives in Ashland City TN. When he enlisted he lived in Nashville, TN. I am searching for anyone who served with him or knew him while he was in the U. S. Army, stateside or Overseas; Vietnam.
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Replies:
- Welcome Home to Steven P. Blumer, LM 100 -- Don Poss, Mon, July 16 2012, 15:19:07 (76.166.233.185)
Welcome Home to Steven P. Blumer, LM 100,
Steve Blumer was a pastor at Ft. Bliss, El Paso, Texas, from 1979-1988.
Don Poss,
Webmaster, War-Stories.com
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Replies:
- Army helicopter art work -- John Brennan, Tue, August 07 2012, 23:29:39 (108.66.3.58)
I've often wondered if many Vietnam vets took pictures or recall unofficial markings that were painted on Army helicopters? Myself, I was with the 114 AHC during 1970-71 and have counted over 100 names noted in logbooks, diaries, interviews and photos. I guess you could call it folk art which to me was a wonderful way to bring some color and humor to very stressful event.
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- Reunion -- Jay Gearhart (Memories!!!!), Sun, August 05 2012, 13:59:43 (97.83.39.184)
Just returned from our ( 299th Cbt Engr , Dak To Defenders ) yearly reunion in the DC AO. Great time had by all . Saw some brand new faces from 43 tears ago. Who would have thought??? Still kicken .
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- PICTURES 379th TC 68/69 ERA -- ROGER ASHWORTH (REEFER KINGS), Mon, July 30 2012, 9:55:04 (174.134.97.208)
Date Posted: Mon, July 30 2012, 9:43:56
Author: Roger Ashworth (1968/69)
Author Host/IP: 174.134.97.208
Subject: 379th TC , Orient Express "REEFER KINGS"
In reply to: Don Poss 's message, "Welcome Home to Steven P. Blumer, LM 100" on Mon, July 16 2012, 15:19:07
Welcome home . Hey we need to get our old pictures from Nam out here.. Any you have .. You might think the ones you have don't mean anything. But they will help us out here. Some have PTSD and need to release picture to get them in a better place.
I was with 379th TC , 48th Group, 7th Tc BN, 1st LOG, USARV.. Lot of convoys.. Please dig through you old dusty picture and get them out here.
Thank You,
Roger Ashworth REEFER KINGS , ORIENT EXPRESS
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- Oasis 1969 -- Frank Rosa, Mon, July 09 2012, 9:18:08 (76.166.233.185)
Don,
I too was there that night. I was the Platoon Sgt for the 3d platoon, 124th Sig Bn. We were the ones with the 45 foot tall antennas. We were able to keep the communications going through the ordeal. I can still remember all details of that night, and keeps me awake sometimes.
Thanks for the memories and hello to everyone,
SGM (RET) Frank J. Rosa
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Replies:
- We The People, homepage 4th of July Graphic image posted. -- Don and Larry Poss, Sun, July 01 2012, 13:52:57 (76.166.233.185)
Gents and Ladies:
Larry and I wish you all a very special 4th of July 2012 ... 236 years of Freedom. We've posted this week's holiday celebration graphic image, and hope you enjoy the symbolism of America's real strength: We The People....
http://www.war-stories.com
Don and Larry Poss
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- Homepage graphic -- Don Poss, Mon, June 25 2012, 21:49:05 (76.166.233.185)
Gents and Ladies,
Check out this week's homepage graphic image at http://www.vspa.com , about PTSD and never ending dreams.
Don Poss,
War-Stories.com Webmaster
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- Welcome LM 99, Harold Hartford -- Don Poss, Mon, June 25 2012, 8:24:38 (76.166.233.185)
Welcome LM 99, Harold Hartford.
Harold served with the 7th Air Force, 635th SPS K-9, U-Tapao, RTAFB, and at Andersen AFB Guam, TDY 1973-1974. He was a dog handler, and his MWDs were Sport and Tiki.
Welcome Home to War-Stories.com,
Don Poss,
Webmaster, War-Stories.com
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- Bob Hope show, and name spelling -- Nancy Bonetti Ray, Tue, June 19 2012, 18:12:27 (76.166.233.185)
Hello Don:
Thank you for posting the photos of the memories of the Bob Hope 1968 tour to Viet Nam. Please note that my name is spelled Bonetti (not Bennetti). If you could correct this, it would be much appreciated. Thank you for your help!
Nancy Bonetti Ray
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Replies:
- Time to Double-Check you Have Current version of JAVA -- Don Poss, Mon, June 18 2012, 11:16:45 (76.166.233.185)
It's time again to check and see if you are running the most current version of Java. One indicator that you need to check is that you may be receiving a "runtime error" when opening a PDF file.
Recommendations:
Copy/paste the direct War-Stories.com link, http://www.war-stories.com/aspprotect/ws-troubleshooting-2-2.asp and open the page, and double-click the install/check for CURRENT JAVA version. If necessary, Install the current version, then reboot. JAVA-things should then work fine for you -- Remember to Reboot!
Don Poss
Webmaster, War-Stories.com
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- A Welcome Home ... like we didn't have -- Don Poss, Wed, June 13 2012, 8:18:19 (76.166.233.185)
Gents & Ladies,
I almost didn't watch this short Welcome Home video. Your loss if you don't check it out:
God bless our troops past, present and future!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2L3skZ7FEw&feature=youtu.be
Welcome Home ... like we didn't have,
Don Poss
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- War-Stories.com's new Store is open! -- Don Poss, Tue, June 05 2012, 10:44:09 (76.166.233.185)
Gents,
War-Stories.com Store is open with new coffee mugs and other military items.
Check it out at: http://www.war-stories.com/ws_shop/index.php
:) Don & Larry Poss
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-
C-130 crash at An Khe, June 17, 1967 -- Jim Bailey (jimbo), Wed, May 30 2012, 18:15:01 (70.232.167.42)
I witnessed the crash of the combat loaded C-130 that crashed on takeoff at An Khe in the evening of June 17, 1967. I helped others pull some of the injured soldiers out of the plane until the front of the plane started burning. Aware that the plane was combat loaded with 105/155 and small arms ammunition, and had landed on an ammunition dump, we finally had to stop pulling the guys out. I think there were about 60 on board and do not recall how many we pulled out. It was a horrible experience that I will never forget.
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- LZ Oasis, Mother's Day story -- Ronald Squires, Sat, July 11 2009, 23:37:19 (75.82.158.38)
I was a Loach and Cobra pilot with D Troop 1/10 Cav (68-69). In the early dawn hours of May 11th, '69, our loaches and Cobras were scrambled to LZ Oasis, which was under attack. I don't remember the details of the attack, but after we strafed the wire and there was no more enemy movement or fire we were cleared to landed on the PSP ramp for a briefing in the TOC. There were burned enemy bodies and body parts strewn all over the ramp.
I only vaguely remember the Listening Post action, but it is starting to come back now. I do remember there were a lot of bad guys everywhere that day.
I will never forget that morning and the God awful sight and smell on the PSP ramp. Didn't remember it was May 11th. After reading your story this is the first time I ever knew it was Mother's Day. I was born on Mother's Day, but part of me was lost forever that morning.
After the briefing we went after them with our Air Cav Troop and the rest of the day was just another war story.
Ronald Squires
D 1/10 68-69'
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- Missing Vietnam Service Medal -- Tom Lorr (Requesting help to verify Vietnam medal), Thu, April 26 2012, 11:33:27 (98.155.42.247)
I flew with the Blind Bats out of Ubon Thailand in 1967 and have many great memories of my service there. I was an airborne Nav Aides Technician, USAF SGT, E-4, on TDY rotations out of Naha, Okinawa 374th Troop Carrier Wing, PACAF. I got to volunteer to fly on our C-130 Blind Bat flare missions flying out of Ubon RTAF Base over Vietnam.
It wasn't until I applied for VA medical benefits last year that I realized that my DD-214 does not list me for a Vietnam Service Medal but only the National Defense Service Medal.
I have my original AFTO 781 Forms and letters documenting that I flew on "...fragged out of country missions subject to hostile fire..." and the dates; however, these do not specify the name "Vietnam." I sent these in with the DD Form 149 to correct military records to Randolph AFB Personnel Center; however, they are not allowing award of the Vietnam service medal without specific documentation that states the location Vietnam or affidavits to that affect. Where else would we have been flying out of Ubon at that time other than Vietnam, but the reviewing staff there are is seeing it that way.
Has anyone run into this problem or know of other service members who have? And were they able to get it corrected somehow?
I would appreciate any advice on this that anyone may be able to provide to helping me out. Thanks! tomlorr@yahoo.com
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Replies:
- Erick W. Miller B-Co 1st Plt 1st 327th Inf 101st ABN Nov 69- Nov 70 -- don poss, Sun, April 22 2012, 15:06:54 (76.166.233.185)
Welcome Home to War-Stories.com new Life Member #97, Erick W. Miller.
Eric Wrote:
I am now a lifetime member! Carl Schneider (Maj Gen USAF Ret) turned me onto this site about 2 months ago. If only someone would write Carl's war stories. He was a Fighter Pilot in war time Korea with 100 combat missions as well as many combat missions in Vietnam. He was one of Bush 43's flight instructors.
Erick Miller, WS LM #97
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- A1C KENNETH E BAKER JR, 30WS BINH THUY KIA 1968 RE: 1880TH COMM SQ, 632ND CSG FIRE DEPT & DISPENSARY -- Ron Boussom, Tue, April 17 2012, 14:28:40 (75.211.184.236)
My name is Ron Boussom. I'm a writer doing research for a book about my friend, A1C Kenneth E. Baker Jr., Weather Observer, 30WS, Det 13, Binh Thuy AFB. He was killed in the weather cab of the control tower by a direct hit from a 75mm recoilless rifle shell during an artillery attack on March 22, 1968. I have been searching for the past 18 months to find those who responded to Kenny after the attack:
1.) 1880TH COMM SQ
MSgt Billy Gentry, ATC, 1880th Comm Sq was on duty in the control tower March 22, 1968 with VNAF controller Sgt Phat. After the attack, and wounded in the hand by shrapnel from the same blast, MSgt Gentry was first to respond to Kenny and radio for emergency assistance. MSgt Gentry was described as tall, lean, sparing of words and spoke with a slight Southern accent. If anyone knew him, or knows what state he was from and/or where he went after leaving Binh Thuy, please contact me asap. I'm also looking for the following 1880th ATC's who worked with Gentry in that unit:
-MSgt John Messenger
-TSgt or MSgt Robert L. "Woody" Wood
-TSgt Richard "Dick"Tucker
-SSgt Richards or Richardson (no first name)
2.) 632ND CSG FIRE DEPARTMENT
SSgt David "Rosie" Rosenbeck of 632nd CSG Fire Department received the emergency call in the fire station beside the tower and sent three firemen up to the cab to retrieve Kenny. However, he doesn't recall their names. If anyone knows the names of those three 632nd firemen, or names of any firemen in that unit who were there in March of 1968, please contact me asap.
3.) 632ND CSG DISPENSARY
I'm looking for the dispensary doctor and medics who attended Kenny after he was brought down from the tower. Capt's Charles Caton and Benjamin Bivins were doctors on staff early 1968. Caton was off base March 22nd. Bivins rotated out March 5th. His replacement might have been the physician on duty. Neither officer remembers who he was. Caton recalls he was tall with a Jewish surname. If anyone was at Binh Thuy in 1968 and knows the names of that doctor or those medics, and/or still has medical papers from dispensary visits with physicians' signatures other than the names mentioned above, please contact me asap.
I'm writing this book for Kenny's family. They've been missing details of his death at Binh Thuy for the past 44 years. MSgt Gentry, the three 632nd firemen, dispensary medics and doctor were the last people to attend Kenny in his final moment. If they're still alive, I need to know what they saw and heard. My heartfelt thanks and deepest gratitude to War Stories! for providing me the opportunity to post this notice and to those compassionate vets who have responded thus far.
Ron Boussom
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- Army A team VN 1964-65 -- Tony Markl, Fri, March 27 2009, 5:42:16 (72.60.99.115)
In May 1964 I brought the first USAF A-1E Skyraider to Bien Hoa, SVN. I am writing a book about my experiences during this time. Many of our missions were Night Fort Defense and I would like to find someone who was in an A team or spent time in these forts. Even better would be someone who was inside a fort while it was being defended by aircraft.
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Replies:
- Photo Request: War-Stories: Bob Hope, 1966 -- David Kaplachinski, Fri, April 13 2012, 18:09:10 (76.166.233.185)
To whom this may concern,
After reading through the article [http://www.war-stories.com/aspprotect/dn-poss-bob-hope-1966-2.asp], I noticed the caption next to the photo, from a Thomas J. Blagg requesting a copy of the photo. What can I do to get the same? My father is in this photo as well. Thank you in advance for your time.
Sincerely,
David Kaplachinski
(USAF 1995-1999 SrA)
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Replies:
- China Beach photos - How can I get them? -- Jim DeArment, Mon, April 09 2012, 18:16:21 (76.166.233.185)
Don ... I really liked those pictures [recently posted on the homepage] of China Beach ... man did that really bring back memories .... I bet I made it down to the beach at least once or twice a week .... I took my in-country R&R there ... the R&R center there had the best cheeseburgers and fries ... the bridge was not the same [as in the pictures] ...they change that old one out.
When I got there I would walk ... hitch a ride ... or take the bus ... till I asked the question ... what's the chain link fence on the windows for? "so they don't throw grenades through the windows" ... ah, hell no ... I walked and hitch rides from then on.
For me it was a place to go to get away form the real reason I was there. I was on vacation in the daytime and in the land of a thousand dances at night ... I worked Tiger Flight ... It really was the worst of times and the best of times.
Is there some way I could get those pictures sent or not? It's just that those were really good!
Thanks,
Jim DeArment, 366th SPS Tiger Flt, Da Nang 1968/69
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Replies:
- War-Stories Welcomes Home Life Member 96, Gary Macchioni! -- Don Poss, Mon, April 09 2012, 18:04:59 (76.166.233.185)
War-Stories Welcomes Home LM 96, Gary Macchioni!
Gary's Vietnam tour was in 1970-1971, with the 483rd USAF Hospital, Flight Surgeons Office at Cam Ranh Bay Air Base.
Welcome Home to War-Stories, Gary Macchioni!
Don Poss,
War-Stories.com Webmaster
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- War-Stories Welcomes Home LM 95, Newell Swartz. -- Don Poss, Mon, April 09 2012, 18:00:15 (76.166.233.185)
War-Stories Welcomes Home LM 95, Newell Swartz.
Newell served with the USAF, and later with the USArmy as a Warrant Officer. Newell wrote, "I was in Vietnam from 1966-1967. In 1968, I took an inter-service trasnsfer to the US Army CID. Retired in Oct 1976 as CW3. Retired AZ Highway Patrol in 2002 as Sgt after 25 years." During his military tours, Newell served at: Phan Rang AB, 35th SPS; Phu Cat AB, 37th SPS. Also served in KS, NB,NH, England, Spain, Germany, Turkey, Libya, and Korea.
Welcome Home to War-Stories, Newell Swartz!
Don Poss,
War-Stories.com Webmaster
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- By The Light of The Silvery Moon -- Don Poss, Sun, April 08 2012, 15:04:58 (76.166.233.185)
Gents and Ladies,
This week's homepage (http://www.war-stories.com) graphic image, "By The Light of The Silvery Moon" also is linked to a new story of the same name:
http://www.vspa.com/dn-by-the-light-of-a-silvery-moon-don-poss-2012.html
Don Poss,
War-Stories.com Webmaster
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- Re: LOOKING FOR NMCB 71 SEABEES -- SUSAN MEADOR, Thu, March 22 2012, 22:14:42 (98.197.193.247)
Hello Kathy,
My Grandfather was on the ship SS YOUNG AMERICA. He passed in 2002 and I am not 100% sure of the date he enlisted but I believe it was late 42 early 43. After talking with my Grandmother & reading a time line from Howard Landon about the SS YOUNG AMERICA I believe that my Grandfather was on the ship during the time it was hit by a Japanese low fighter plane. The ship sailed to Noumea, New Caldoneia for repairs. Do you have information on the ship prior to it returning to San Francisco in March of 1945?
Thanks so much!
Susan
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- LOOKLING FOR LOST FRIEND -- STEVE (TRYING TO FIND HIM FOR 40 YEARS), Wed, March 14 2012, 0:34:05 (216.215.18.202)
My name is David (Dave) Marrs, I served with Bravo,2/502 PIR, 3 platoon, 3rd sauad Alpha fire team leader, 101st Airborne Division oout of Camp Eagle South Vietnam, from 1968 July to June 15, 1969. I walked point at time and Steve unknow last name, walk slack. we both got wounded on fire support base currahe in the A Shaw Valley. I saw him again in Dang as we exchanged planes for Japan. I think he lives in Ohio, no real sure. Sure would love to find him. If you know or think you know him or his family please contact me. 509-633-1121. Thank you Dave
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- Military Justice influenced by media and politics? -- Don Poss, Tue, March 13 2012, 15:55:43 (76.166.233.185)
Like most veterans, I am concerned with the recent killing of what appears to be innocent women and children in Afghanistan, by an American Army Staff Sergeant. The questions asked now by the country is why, and what actually happened. But the major concern I have is the troubling comparison of the official response to both Fort Hood shootings and the current Afghan shooting.
I urge all veterans to be pay attention to the unfolding Afghan shooting news, official and media responses, and their sudden rush to circumvent justice and ignore the orderly progress of an investigation for the Afghan incident, while the Fort Hood shooter has not even gone to trial.
Please consider my above intent and do not respond with a pro or con political statement regarding the political election events in progress. I am concerned with a fair and balanced application of military justice with an unimpeded investigation.
Concerns:
Details are now emerging as to the 38 year old Army SSgts background and events leading up to the Afghan civilian shootings. One issue concerns The SSgts injuries in Iraq during his third tour, as a trained sniper, his being wounded, traumatized, and suffering PTSD after an IED blew up his Hummer resulting in a traumatic brain injury. Yet to be answered is the extent of brain injury from the IED explosion, and what medical procedures (if any) were used to determine his state of mind and suitability to reenter combat. We shall see.
Consider this:
A comparison of the Afghan killing of Muslims by an American soldier, and the Fort Hood killings of innocent Americans by a Muslim American Army Major.
I was impressed that the US government and military had not leapt to conclusions concerning the Afghan shooting, and spoke in measured terms such as alleged and other carefully worded comments that can set the tone for investigators, media, political groups and military prosecutors in the official position and direction.
Nevertheless, President Obama showed an even hand when he remarked in his weekly radio and internet address on the Fort Hood [planned and executed] shooting, as follows:
Its difficult enough when we lose these brave Americans in battles overseas, it is horrifying that they should come under fire at an army base on American soil in the meantime I would ask all Americans to keep the men and women of Fort Hood in their prayers.I want all of you to know that as Commander in Chief that there is no greater honor but also is no greater responsibility for me than to make sure the extraordinary men and women in uniform are properly cared for and that their safety and security, when they are at home, is provided for themI hope in the meantime all of you recognize the scope of this tragedy and keep everybody in their thoughts and prayersgiven the potential warning signs that may have been known prior these shootings, we must uncover what steps -- if any -- could have been taken to avert this tragedy."
The Fort Hood shooter, Major Nidal Malik Hasan was charged with 13 counts of premeditated murder [and wounded 32 others] for allegedly going on a shooting massacre at the Army base. Again, Obama presented a balanced statement:
"There is an ongoing investigation into this terrible tragedy that investigation will look at the motives of the alleged gunman, including his views and contacts." The next day he ordered the military and intelligence community to undertake a full review of the sequence of events that led up to the shootings."
Just as importantly, President Obama remarked:
"The purpose of this review is clear: We must compile every piece of information that was known about the gunman, and we must learn what was done with that informationIf there was a failure to take appropriate action before the shootings, there must be accountability."
But It is with todays news and official comments that I fear for an even handed approach and investigation as to what happened; why; who is at fault or blame; actions leading to the shooting; and why the SSgt was returned to combat at suffering a traumatic brain injury.
Consider these news releases and bold statements such as the alarmist phrase and use of death penalty:
WASHINGTON - Pentagon officials insisted Monday that the weekend's Afghanistan killing spree was an isolated incident and said that a 38-year-old Army staff sergeant would soon be charged in connection with the deaths of 16 Afghan civilians, including nine children. The soldier could face the death penalty if convicted in the unprovoked attack, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said Monday.
President Barack Obama is calling the alleged slaying of 16 Afghan civilians by a U.S. soldier "absolutely tragic and heartbreaking" and said that he is still "proud generally" of what U.S. troops have achieved in Afghanistan while working under "enormous strain.
WASHINGTON (KABC) -- President Barack Obama on Tuesday called for the Pentagon to do a full investigation into the shooting of 16 Afghan civilians by a U.S. soldier, calling it "outrageous and unacceptable."
"The United States takes this as seriously as if it was our own citizens, and our children, who were murdered. We're heartbroken over the loss of innocent life," Obama said.
The president is working to calm tensions in the wake of the massacre. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta says the American soldier could face the death penalty if convicted.
What concerns me mostly about the official response to the tragic killings of women and children in Afghanistan, is the commander in chief having labeled the incident a massacre and murder of innocent women of children, whom this country will seek out and punish the guilty, sparing no expense, while alluding to a potential death penalty before the full investigation of circumstances are even known. These statements and positions prematurely signals those in charge of military justice as to what is expected of them, and sounds a bugle-charge mind set forward to prosecute the accused shooter [Afghan...not Fort Hood].
How does a balanced scale of justice, play for the yet unnamed SSgt in Afghanistan, compared to the opposite direction flagged to the prosecutors regarding Foot Hoods planned and executed murders? Especially when considering to date that neither Leon Panetta nor the commander in chief have called the Fort Hood Muslim shooter a Muslim, Terrorist, nor even a Murderer of innocent Americans -- In fact the shooter at Food Hood, Army Major Nidal Malik Hasan, is yet to come to trial.
Nevertheless, will veterans and current military draw further confidence in the USMC legal system from their commander in chiefs statement that he is still generally proud of our troops.
U.S. military Veterans should expect a balanced and fair investigation of all circumstances and effects regarding the Afghanistan killing of civilians and Fort Hood massacre. Only then should the appropriate charges be filed befitting the cause and effect. It seems the media and politicians on both sides have forgotten a truism in the American legal system: the seriousness of the accusation does not outweigh the evidence and facts of a case.
If it turns out the Afghan civilian killings by an American SSgt, or the Fort Hood killings of Americans by a Muslim, were performed as a planned and evil act by a sane man, without mitigating circumstances, then the harshest justice would be perceived as just and fair by veterans and our citizens. However, if traumatic brain injury, or serving four tours of duty in the ants nest of Muslim nations played any part, then the public must be made aware of the role it played, and related questions asked and answered as to why the SSgt was placed in a combat zone, and permitted to simply walk out of the military compound alone and engage in such conduct. These details are yet to be discovered and must be answered if the necessary perception of justice is to be reached.
Don Poss
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- War-Stories Welcomes Home LM 94, Steve Miller -- Don Poss, Sat, February 25 2012, 19:42:34 (76.166.233.185)
War-Stories Welcomes Home LM 94, Steve Miller.
Steve served with the USAF 100th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing at Davis-Monthan AFB, Osan AB Korea, U-Tapao RTNAF, and Nakhon Phanom RTAFB, Thailand, 1972-1976.
Steve also contributed to War-Stories' fund that assures no Vietnam Veteran with financial hardship will go without a membership.
Welcome Home to War-Stories, Steve Miller
Don Poss,
War-Stories.com Webmaster
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- Welcome Home: 3 new War-Stories.com Life Members -- Don Poss, Wed, February 08 2012, 17:58:02 (76.166.233.185)
Welcome Home to:
LM 89, Frederick Dupont, USMC, Delta Company, 9th Engineer Battalion, Fleet Marine Force, Chu Lai, 1967-1969.
LM 90, Joseph Abodeely, US Army, 2nd Platoon Leader, D Dompany, 2/7 Cav, 1st Air Cavalry Division, Camp Evans, 1968.
LM 91, Joseph Connelly, USMC, 1st BN 3rd Marines, RLT 26, 1967.
Don Poss,
Webmaster, War-Stories.com
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Replies:
- KIA A1C KENNETH E. BAKER JR., WEATHER OBSERVER, 30WS DET 13, BINH THUY, MAR 22, 1968 -- Ron Boussom, Sun, March 20 2011, 20:47:47 (75.226.49.9)
My name is Ron Boussom. I'm a writer doing a story about my friend, Kenny Baker, who was stationed at Binh Thuy AFB and killed in the weather observation cab of the control tower Mar 22, 1968. He was scheduled to fly home for 30-day leave on Mar 25 before returning for his 2nd tour. On the day of Mar 21 another observer returned from R&R too tired to work his midnight shift in the weather cab and asked Kenny to take it for him. On Mar 22 at 12:30am, hostile fire broke out. A 75mm recoilless rifle shell struck the AC unit on the side of the cab, exploded through the wall and hit Kenny, causing massive shrapnel wounds to his torso. Men from Det 13 said there were fingerprints in blood on the intercom, indicating an attempt to call for help. Medics retrieved him from the tower to the dispensary within minutes after the attack, but doctors were unable to save his life. His body arrived home intact, but there was a small surgical incision scar at the base of his throat from a tracheotomy, apparently an emergency procedure to try and save him.
A. James Moyers, USAF Historian/Kirtland AFB, NM said medical personnel might have been a small contingent assigned to 632nd Combat Support Group at Binh Thuy. He also thought 9th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron might have been assigned to Binh Thuy at that time and possibly played a part on the night of Kenny's death. I'm trying to find the medical personnel who:
1. Retrieved him from the tower to the dispensary
2. Attended and operated on him in the O.R.
3. Prepared his body for transport to Tan Son Nhut mortuary facility
B. There was an individual who came down to the weather cab from the tower's eagle nest after the attack and found Kenny. That person very likely radioed medics for help. He might have been an air traffic controller from 1880th Communications Squadron that arrived at Binh Thuy Feb 12, 1968. If anybody has any information on the names of the ATC's from the 1880th, or knows what medical unit was operating on base in the early morning hours of Mar 22, 1968 would you please contact me?
C. Kenny's family has a 42 yr old sympathy card signed by eleven members of Det 13. I've found all but two of them:
-Cecil H. McGregor Forecaster (?) Tech Sergeant or Master Sergeant (?)
-James S. Wernert - AWS Equipment Maintenance (don't know rank)
Am also searching for:
-Bruce Campbell, AWS Observer
-Ron Rider (or Ryder), AWS Observer
Two other men were acquaintances of Kenny's at Binh Thuy, but I'm not sure if they were AWS:
-Ron "Frenchy" French
-Richie Keeney
If anybody from Binh Thuy in 1967-1968 remembers any or all of these men and knows where they might be, please contact me. The smallest detail is valuable. I'm writing this for Kenny's family. There are missing pieces of his life and death at Binh Thuy they have wanted to know for 42 years. They knew him in one world but there were parts of him that grew as a result of his experience in Vietnam they'll never have a chance to know. Combing over the past won't bring him back, but knowing the whole truth of it may help bring further closure and greater peace to them in the aftermath of his loss. My heartfelt thanks and deepest gratitude to VSPA for providing me the opportunity to post this notice and to those compassionate vets who have responded thus far.
Ron Boussom
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Replies:
- Re: KIA A1C KENNETH E. BAKER JR., WEATHER OBSERVER, 30WS DET 13, BINH THUY, MAR 22, 1968 -- Bruce Swander, Mon, March 28 2011, 13:39:04
- Re: KIA A1C KENNETH E. BAKER JR., WEATHER OBSERVER, 30WS DET 13, BINH THUY, MAR 22, 1968 -- Andy Joppa (Remember), Fri, February 17 2012, 18:38:17
- Locate info: D Battery, 6th Bn, 56th Art (HAWK) missile unit. Bien Hoa Airbase -- John Mayfield, Sun, November 01 2009, 10:47:20 (75.82.158.38)
Hello,
My name is John Mayfield I am trying to location information on D Battery, 6th Battalion, 56th Artillery (HAWK) a HAWK missile unit station at Bien Hoa Airbase from Sept 1965 to Sept 1968. The missile battery was located in the north west area of the base. I am trying to located pictures, maps or other items that would give the location of the battery.
Thanks for any help you can give.
John Mayfield
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Replies:
- Re: Locate info: D Battery, 6th Bn, 56th Art (HAWK) missile unit. Bien Hoa Airbase -- Don Poss, Sun, November 01 2009, 10:55:30
- Re: Locate info: D Battery, 6th Bn, 56th Art (HAWK) missile unit. Bien Hoa Airbase -- ronald preskitt (georgia boy), Sat, February 11 2012, 10:53:22
- Article on Miss America -- Katherine German, EMNRD, Wed, February 08 2012, 18:10:13 (76.166.233.185)
Hello Mr. Poss,
I saw an article on your Vietnam War Stories web site about the visit in Vietnam by women from the Miss America pageant in 1970. We are putting together an exhibit about the two visits made to Vietnam by the pageant and I'd like permission to use part of your story. It would be wonderful to have something from the point of view of the men these women came to visit.
I tried to contact the author via email but was unable to get in touch with him. Can you help me? If you have any questions, feel free to give me a call.
Kate German
Heritage Educator
Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park
Angel Fire, NM
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Replies:
-
Vietnam Dog Handlers -- Caroline (Goodwin), Tue, February 07 2012, 6:48:22 (76.117.253.148)
Hello,
I'm trying to learn more about the dogs and handlers who fought in Vietnam and are fighting today. Please share anything you want. Just email me at houndygirl@gmail.com
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- Phu Cat AB photo: Just outstanding! -- Jay, Mon, January 30 2012, 9:13:45 (76.166.233.185)
jaybird718@att.net [mailto:jaybird718@att.net]
Sent: Sunday, January 29, 2012 1:55 PM
To: DonPoss-LM37@VSPA.com
Subject: Yo
Hi Don. That photo of Phu Cat AB [http://www.vspa.com/images/week-03-05-2006-pc-1st-tiger-division-base-perimeter-night.jpg]brings back some real pleasant memories.
In 1970, I was on a second tour and with the 299 Cbt Engrs supporting the 173rd out of LZ North English. Once in a while we would go back to our base camp in Phu Tai and ALWAYS stopped at Phu Cat AB. Im telling you the Air force knows how to live. They let us (if properly attired) use there NCO club and open mess. Ice in the drinks and the best grub we ever got. Also had the opportunity to visit the on-site Korean Steam bath. Just outstanding. Jay
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- War-Stories.com will be moving to a new Linux Server IP on 1/25/2012 -- Don Poss, Wed, January 25 2012, 9:19:49 (76.166.233.185)
Gents & Ladies,
For your information, War-Stories.com will be moving to a new Linux Server IP on 1/25/2012 through 1/26/2012, and may be off line during this process.
You will note broken links/images until the full upload to Linux has completed. When service is restored, all URL addresses and links will remain the same. War-Stories.com emails will NOT work during this move.
For updates, check the bulletin board.
Don Poss,
Webmaster, War-Stories.com
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- 1962 -- Don Poss, Sun, January 01 2012, 1:35:07 (76.166.233.185)
1962
Eleven days out of High School I enlisted in the Air Force. John Kennedy was president. Khrushchev wanted to bury us. Dee Dee Sharp was doing The Bird; The Chiffons sang Hes So Fine, and The Crystals whaled Hes Sure the Boy I Love. Ozzie and Harriet slept in separate beds and Ricky Nelson was wondering Where Oh Where Can My Baby Be.
School kids played duck and cover. B-52s tag-teamed photo-ops with Russian-Bears, and half the world hated the other half. Arabs hated the Jews. The Jews hated the Arabs. Soviets hated everybody, and Americans wanted everybody to like us. The ground was still radioactive in Hiroshima. Life was great! Gas was cheap. The Cuban Missile Crisis lit the fuse to end humanity on earth. I dressed like an eskimo while freezing on Montanas Minutemen Missile silos. Martin Luther King was marching and regularly getting bailed out on the daily 15-minutes of black and white TV news, and Mahalia Jackson sang goose-bump gospel songs just before the TV Test Pattern of an Indian wearing a war-bonnet signaled several hours of non-broadcast static.
Nave Times. Innocent Times. Dangerous Times. Vietnam loomed just over the dark horizon, like a cancer whose twisting tentacles would embrace and rip the nation a new silo. The first lines of 77 Names destined for a distant Wall were shadows upon uncarved marble. Things would never be the same again .
Don Poss
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- Three New Stories, by USMC Fred DuPont -- Don Poss, Thu, December 29 2011, 13:15:15 (76.166.233.185)
Welcome Fred DuPont, War-Stories.com Life Member #89. Fred served with the USMC Engineers, 1st MARDIV, III MAF, Chu Lai, 1967-1968.
Check out Fred's three new stories and photos at:
* Ambush at Calu! 1967, NVA RPGs, grenades, mortars, small-arms:
http://www.war-stories.com/aspprotect/pdf/cl-fred-dupont-ambush-at-calu-nov-1967.pdf
* Bad Day at Dien Ban! August, 1968, NVA walking in mortars:
http://www.war-stories.com/aspprotect/pdf/cl-fred-dupont-bad-day-at-dien-ban-aug-1968.pdf
* The Ba Ren Bridge! Sep, 1968, 3rd Pltn marines pinned down by snipers:
http://www.war-stories.com/aspprotect/pdf/cl-fred-dupont-the-ba-ren-bridge-sep-1968.pdf
Don Poss,
War-Stories.com Webmaster
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- When F-4s Collide! -- Don Poss, Mon, December 26 2011, 9:11:54 (76.166.233.185)
Gents,
On September 17, 1966, three F-4C Phantom aircraft took off from Cam Ranh Bay Airbase, responding to a call for air support during a night-recovery rescue of a downed helicopter. After a successful mission, the three Phantoms landed at Da Nang Airbase for service and refueling. The F-4s of the 558th TAC Fighter Wing then took off from Da Nang AB for the flight home to Cam Ranh Bay AB. As two F-4s prepared for a formation landing flying side by side, at Cam Ranh Bay Airbase, the third F-4 trailed behind. Suddenly, everything seemed to go wrong: in seconds the two lead F-4 Phantoms slammed together and a hung-bomb from one exploded ....
Read: When F-4s Collide: http://www.vspa.com/aspprotect/crb-f4s-collide-on-landing-manuel-m-roybal-1967.asp
Don Poss,
War-Stories.com Webmaster
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- Battleship IOWA open house -- Dave Way (Happy.), Fri, December 23 2011, 13:34:28 (166.250.41.188)
For your members on the West Coast / Bay area of San Francisco......if you could pass this along. Thank you.
Hi-
We wanted to let your group know that Battleship USS IOWA is open for tours on the weekends for a brief period of time at Pier 3 at the Port of Richmond before our departure to Los Angeles.
Pacific Battleship Center, the non-profit organization that is bringing USS IOWA back to life is hosting the Battleship Expo at the Port of Richmond. The expo includes a visit on board USS IOWA and access to exhibits that include a short film on the battleship, 16 shells, a Sheridan tank & half-track displayed by the Military Vehicle Foundation, the Blue Angels F-4 Phantom flight simulator from Pacific Coast Air Museum, and numerous other exhibits. The Battleship Expo entrance donation is $10 per adult, $5 per child 12 years or older, and children 11 & under are free.
Currently the forward portion of the main deck with a view of turrets 1 & 2 is open to guests. As work is completed, additional exhibits and areas on the battleship may be open to the public for visitation. It is encouraged to return to see the progress.
Reservations are not required. USS IOWA is located at Terminal 3, 1411 Harbour Way, Richmond CA. The Battleship Expo can be accessed via the northeast gate on Saturdays and Sundays during the hours of 10am to 4pm. (Closed for Christmas weekend, but open New Years weekend through at least February).
--
Kind Regards,
Jonathan Williams
Vice President
---
Dave Way
Tour Manager
USS IOWA BB-61
Pacific Battleship Center
877-446-9261 xt. 713
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-
Iraq War IED Trivia -- Don Poss, Fri, December 23 2011, 10:41:08 (76.166.233.185)
Gents,
During the Iraq War, terrorists, zealots, and tribal members with an 'issue' planted IEDs to kill each other, civilians and allied military. IEDs were delivered by various methods, such as strapped to children, women, naive teenagers, and really disturbed adults, and of course planted under new paving/sidewalks and detonated by cell phones or tripwires, and delivered on or in bicycles, cars, trucks, boxes, and on 'believers' of the cause.
Trivia: No IED was ever detonated on the back of a camel.
That speaks volumes in the priorities of tribal leaders still living as they did 2000 years ago.
Don Poss
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- Iraq War is over... -- Don Poss, Wed, December 21 2011, 12:42:53 (76.166.233.185)
Iraq
Don Poss,
Copyright, 20 December 2011
And now its over
or so they say,
Iraqi leaders can have their way
4,500 dead
buried across the land
the battles play on,
the sandmans friend.
What about Vietnam?
a mistake they still say
It was you veterans
who lost that day.
No one remembers
we were gone two years
When the North was Victorious
the South fell in Tears
What will they say should Iraq stumble?
Their Vice President is fleeing
Their people live in fear
No one will remember
the high hopes we had
when Iraq was united,
then fell to sand
What about Iraq?
another mistake, theyll say
it was you veterans
who lost that day.
Decades will pass
New generations arise
Look upon the veteran
Iraqs still in their eyes.
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- OPEN LETTER to my State Senators: military remains dumped in Landfill! -- Don Poss, Thu, December 08 2011, 13:12:23 (76.166.233.185)
Gents,
This has been confirmed and is the most dispicable uncaring action by government ever! Worse -- it somehow involves the United States Air Force or civilian designees.
I have sent the following email to my California State Seantors (Boxer and Feinstein). I urge you to email your own State Senators. You can find their email addresses at: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
Just click on your STATE and their names/emails will appear.
----------
Dear Senator,
First, thank you so much for your years of great service to California. You can count on my support, as always.
Briefly, I would like to express my outrage concerning how the United States Air Force has disposed of the remains of approximately 200 veterans: by 'dumping' the veterans' ashes in a landfill. I had hoped the rumors circulating were untrue, but now appears this despicable act is true, and worse, as the USAF and responsible departments will not take steps to investigate the circumstances, hold accountable the responsible parties, nor take immediate corrective action to recover and properly bury these veterans. These vulgar, disrespectful, and sacrilegious actions by the USAF is absolutely outrageous and unacceptable.
I know that you have been a strong advocate for veteran issues, and I am requesting that your office please call for an investigation and require the USAF to take corrective steps to set-right this horrible treatment for the remains of men and women who served our country and hold accountable responsible parties, regardless of the time and expense necessary. To think men and women now in active service defending our nation might feel we as a nation hold their service, and those who fall in combat or line of duty, in such contempt, as to dispose of their remains in a landfill, is so loathing and hideous a concept, as to be intolerable.
Sincerely,
Don Poss,
Hemet, CA
PS: Please read the Washington Post news article: http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/air-force-dumped-ashes-of-more-troops-in-va-landfill-than-acknowledged/2011/12/07/gIQAT8ybdO_story.html?wprss=
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- War-Stories Remembers Pearl Harbor: Dec. 7th, 1941 -- Don Poss, Wed, December 07 2011, 0:05:23 (76.166.233.185)
As sons and daughters of the WWII Greatest Generation, we certainly remember the Infamous Date Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, Hawaii: December 7th, 1941.
As a Memorial for those who died that day, and during WWII, I have posted a special graphic image on the homepage. In the image are three brothers, including my father-in-law, who served on the U.S.S. West Virginia (at different times), which was sunk by seven aerial torpedoes that day. My wife's Uncle Albert was killed in action on the West Virginia.
Please check out the homepage (http://www.war-stories.com) and click the image for the full story.
Welcome Home to War-Stories.com
Don Poss,
War-Stories.com Webmaster
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- Military Order of The Purple Heart: 2011 Award to Ann-Margret -- John Bircher III, Tue, November 29 2011, 15:01:05 (76.166.233.185)
From: "John Bircher"
[Military Order of The Purple Heart, a Congressionally Charter Veterans Service Organization]
Date: November 29, 2011 11:49:58 AM PST
Subject: War-Stories: Bob Hope, 1966 [Posted at: http://www.war-stories.com/aspprotect/dn-poss-bob-hope-1966-2.asp]
To Don Poss: This year, MOPH gave an award to Ann-Margret. Below is an article [http://www.war-stories.com/aspprotect/pdf/MOPH-PNC-Jones-Medallion-to-Merit-to-Ann-Margret-2011.pdf] that will appear in the next issue of the Purple Heart magazine. Since I included a quote from you, I thought I would share it with you. I hope you dont mind!
Yours in Patriotism John,
John E. Bircher III
Director, Public Relations
Military Order of the Purple Heart
5413-B Backlick Road
Springfield, VA 22151
Tel: 352-753-5535
Cell: 352-250-9555
Fax: 352-753-5538
Email: PublicRelations@PurpleHeart.Org
Web: www.PurpleHeart.Org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/groups/PurpleHeartPR/
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- HAPPY THANKSGIVING to ALL ! -- Don Poss, Thu, November 24 2011, 11:22:27 (76.166.233.185)
Welcome Home! and a Happy Thanksgiving to all !
Don Poss
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Vietnam research for a theatre-script -- Carl A. Rossi (Respectful), Wed, November 16 2011, 8:23:49 (12.237.69.18)
I am a playwright currently doing research for an original theatre-script set in Vietnam c. 1969-70; I am writing to ask, what would be the smallest group of fighting men that I could put onstage (12 actors or less) and still be believable (actors, not characters, for the actors could play numerous roles)? Would it be a recon force or snipers or a troop stationed atop a hill? Could you give me a break-down of who would be who and what would be each mans responsibilities? I would be focusing on the interactions among the American men, themselves, rather than on battle sequences.
Would it also be believable to write a script without including any Vietnamese characters? I ask this because said characters would mean casting Asian actors, which would increase the cast size, and many theatres, nowadays, want to keep the body count down.
Unlike a film-script which can have numerous actors, constant shifts of locations and special effects, a theatre-script is like playing in a box you put your characters in the box and then must find believable ways of taking them out, again, so I am looking for situations that can take place in one, maybe two, locations at most (i.e. a bunker, or a barracks, or an REMF office, etc.).
I would welcome correspondence from veterans who would like to share his/their experiences and also be a sounding board to my planned script (as you may gather, I never served I was two years shy of Vietnam but I've read over 3 dozen books on the war, so far ... each one, with a different point of view).
I thank you in advance for any assistance you can provide, and I salute all of you.
Carl A. Rossi
playwright
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- A3C-James-Bruce-Jones, KIA, Da Nang, Vietnam -- Larry Mower, Sat, November 12 2011, 12:31:39 (76.166.233.185)
Don, I collect military memorabilia and I recently purchased a helmet liner dated 1965 with a sweatband dated 1964. I noticed written in pen, on the sweatband: Jones, James B. with the numbers 25176013 below and HHB 151 and two letters that are hard to make out, but I think they're either AF or AP. I came across your story about J.B. Jones and it brought tears to my eyes as I read it. I was a little boy during the Vietnam War and I remember it very well. I remember the images on TV and the hippies that protested. I could never understand that. I remember my aunt crying when she learned a young man she dated had been shot near the heart. He survived. I have nothing but admiration and respect for those of you who served, fought, and died over there. I'm feeling emotional as I'm writing you now. I'm an ex-Navy man and currently a sergeant with a state Highway Patrol. I was hoping you might know what the numbers and letters mean from the liner I have and if it did indeed once belong to your friend J.B. Any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time and May God Bless You.
Respectfully,
Sgt. Larry Mower
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Replies:
- Re: A3C-James-Bruce-Jones, KIA, Da Nang, Vietnam -- Don Poss, Sat, November 12 2011, 12:35:11
- Re: A3C-James-Bruce-Jones, KIA, Da Nang, Vietnam -- Larry Mower, Sun, November 13 2011, 13:32:13
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Welcome Home to new USMC Life Member #88: Terry Gourley -- Don Poss, Thu, November 10 2011, 14:44:26 (76.166.233.185)
Welcome Home to new Life Member #88,
USMC, Gourley, Terry L., 1969-1970, 1st Wing Mass 2 (Dong Ha), Mass 3 (asrat Quang Tri) Da Nang, Dong Ha; Quang Tri.
Don Poss,
Webmaster, War-Stories.com
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- Larry T Waltz -- Donald R Gray (Sad), Mon, May 30 2011, 8:19:42 (74.178.216.206)
Larry Thomas Waltz was one of my Navy Corpsman while I was assigned to USNH Philadelphia. I along with some of my shipmates attended Larry's furneral service on a cold and wintery snowy day at Harrisburg.
I want everyone to know that I am thinking of him on this Memorial Day as I always do.
God Bless,
Donald R Gray
Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman (FMF)
U.S. Navy Retired
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- Check Homepage for graphic, PSTD...and a Wakeup! -- Don Poss, Sun, November 06 2011, 7:32:19 (76.166.233.185)
Gents,
Check out the new graphic, "PSTD...and a Wakeup" and click on the link, http://www.war-stories.com or copy/paste directly to:
http://www.vspa.com/poem-don-poss-ptsd-and-a-wakeup-2011.htm
Don Poss
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Replies:
- Re: Check Homepage for graphic, PSTD...and a Wakeup! -- Jackie Kays, Sun, November 06 2011, 7:34:52
- Re: Check Homepage for graphic, PSTD...and a Wakeup! -- Terry Sasek, Sun, November 06 2011, 7:37:01
- Re: Check Homepage for graphic, PSTD...and a Wakeup! -- Ramps, Sun, November 06 2011, 7:38:39
- Re: Check Homepage for graphic, PSTD...and a Wakeup! -- Gary Walters, Sun, November 06 2011, 7:40:27
- The Last Patrol... -- Alice Braddy (Searching...), Sat, October 22 2011, 17:42:31 (184.206.240.37)
In November of 1986, I was married to a Methodist Minister in Eden, Texas. I heard that a group of Veterans calling themselves "The Last Patrol" were walking/riding from Colorado (I think) to San Antonio, Texas for Veteran's Day, to call attention to the POWs and MIAs...I found out that they were camped on the west side of San Angelo and drove down to meet them. I invited the whole group to stop at the Eden Methodist Parsonage when they came through, to have coffee, food, showers and a little bit of an R & R. They did stop, the whole Patrol, and then went on their way...I took biscuits and coffee to them the next morning at their camp, told them to have a safe trip, and went on my way home. I never heard again from any of them...but if anyone out there knows of anyone in that particular group...I'd like to send a message...I enjoyed the meeting and hope that their lives and their dreams are sweeter now...those that are still on Patrol...and the ones that have gone on - you served well and are at rest...I am the daughter of a career Naval Officer, that went to Vietnam several times, as deployements during his three tours on Guam and I lived there during those three tours. I lived through the Vietnam War as a dependant and remember the stories of people that my daddy knew that went on missions and didn't come back.
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- 9/11: Open Letter to New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg -- Don Poss, Sun, September 11 2011, 0:52:13 (76.166.233.185)
New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg:
You have banned from attending the Ground Zero 10th anniversary 9/11 ceremony, religious leaders, uniformed law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, first-responders, and other volunteers. Many of these men and women are veterans or current members of military service to our country, and union workers. Your proclamation is as inconceivable to me as if soldiers who fought and survived on Civil War battlefields of Arlington were excluded from attending Lincolns Gettysburg Address. How dare you deny todays living heroes of 9/11 participation in this truly American-family-ceremony of remembrance and celebration of those who died, and those who survived!
As a Vietnam Veteran, I recall the political-voices proclaiming the need to win the hearts and minds of the people. I also note Shakespeares observation The eye is the window of the soul... seems relevant to your edict. Anyone looking into your eye will see in to a frighteningly uncaring dark soul as if it were filled with coagulated-contempt and utter distain for American citizens and our heritage.
Your decree, on this infamous 9/11 day, forever fails to win the hearts and minds of Americans and New Yorkers, and could be voiced only by a politically-correct shriveled-hearted bureaucratic-coward filled with contempt and callous disregard for the majority opinion of the nation.
Mayor Bloomberg, you have excluded from attendance at this ceremony the very people Americans call upon during times of crisis, distress, and acts of terror. A decision glaring wrong in so many ways as to leave America stunned, and heaps everlasting shame and dishonor upon your name.
Your ugly proclamation is as despicably hideous as a diseased-festering wound, and would have shocked our nations forefathers. It is fitting that you will be remember by the American people as having betrayed emergency personnel, veterans, union workers, and people of faith, for which the shame and disgrace is yours alone.
Don Poss
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- War-Stories.com's Banned Authors List: Wayne Coe -- William Brooksby, Thu, June 30 2011, 8:44:50 (24.24.239.102)
Subject: Wayne Coe
Don: To make a long story short and realizing that most of what I know about Wayne [Coe] isnt an eye witness account I really dont have much to add. I did meet Dr. Dave Warden, who is mentioned in Waynes stories. Dr. Warden practiced medicine in Kaysville, Utah after returning from his service in Viet Nam.
The last contact I had with Wayne was a voice mail I received five years ago after I sent him a message, through a web master that posted the picture you linked to in you post. My brother had stayed in contact with Wayne over many years and when he was killed in a motorcycle accident I sent word to Wayne.
The stories he has written as consistent with stories he told me after he left the Army in the early 70s but I wasnt in harms way and cant verify their truthfulness.
Bless you for your service. I hope you are well.
Bill Brooksby
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Replies:
- From Pleiku 1968 to Afghanistan 2011 -- Don Poss, Tue, August 16 2011, 12:57:04 (76.166.233.185)
Gents & Ladies,
Check out From Pleiku 1968 to Afghanistan 2011, Camp Leatherneck, K-9, by: Gary Truszkowski:
http://www.vspa.com/aspprotect/pdf/pk-afghanistan-camp-leatherneck-k9-gary-truszkowski-2011.pdf
Gary's report is direct from in-country Afghan.
Don Poss,
Webmaster War-Stories.com
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- Don Matthews, War-Stories.com Life Member #86 -- Don Poss, Fri, August 12 2011, 17:18:37 (76.166.233.185)
Welcome Home to Don Matthews, War-Stories.com Life Member #86.
Don Poss,
Webmaster War-Stories.com
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- War-Stories.com Book Review: "Pass Me The Rice", by USN Advisor LT Robert G. Kay (Ret.) -- Don Poss, Thu, August 11 2011, 18:35:44 (76.166.233.185)
Gents and Ladies,
BOOK REVIEW, by: Don Poss
Webmaster, War-Stories.com and VSPA.com
PASS ME THE RICE, 2011, by Robert G. Kay, Lieutenant, Ret. US Navy (War-Stories.com Life Member #84)
Robert G. Kay's duties aboard Vietnamese Navy Junks patrolling the South China Sea and a Vietnamese River Assault Group, takes the reader along enemy infested rivers and coastal waters. Pass Me The Rice is a raw, raunchy, and riveting nothing is sacred living testament as to how it was.
Pass Me The Rice is in your face with the good, bad, funny, outrageous, absurd and genuine ugliness of combat. Robert Kay's characters are alive and you quickly care for them, and cant help hoping theyve survived the war. Experience the clash between negotiators and exterminators: Lazy ARVN and Americans, politicians, bureaucrats, and media, vs. the Warriors -- only the warriors engage the enemy, and kill them.
TET 68 erupts with infiltration by North Vietnamese Army Regulars and the Viet Cong National Liberation Front, and the ever present obnoxious politicians and dead journalists who thought they were in charge -- and TET '69 is still full speed ahead!
Ladies, Pass Me The Rice is your proof that men, warriors, really are from a testosterone-laden Mars. Firefights, crossfires, ambushes, sudden death and a brutal assault surprising an enemy concealed for ambush that leaves 150 KIA of the 9th NVA Regiment. Standby to cringe at the method used to encourage a POW to talk, and visualize the outcome if he doesnt in this page-turning first-hand saga.
Just when youre ready for an R&R after bloodletting KIAs, WIAs, MIAs, POWs, punji stakes, minefields, experience a dustoff medevac up close and personal, then evac to Japan and the USA. "Goodbye Vietnam it was a hell of a ride", and so was Pass Me The Rice.
Pass Me The Rice -- A four-star 500 Pages must read novel!
Check out the full Book Review and where to make online purchases at:
http://www.war-stories.com/aspprotect/book-review-pass-me-the-rice-robert-g-kay-2011.asp
Don Poss
Webmaster, War-Stories.com and VSPA.com
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Replies:
- Letters Home -- Don Poss, Wed, July 13 2011, 16:10:24 (76.166.233.185)
Gents,
Before my mother passed away, she gave me all the letters I had written home from Vietnam ... typos, misspellings, scrawled penmanship, and all. Reading those letters, in some cases, was a mix between 'remembering' more than I wanted to, and my first visit to The Wall. Nevertheless ...I think sharing letters written home from Vietnam to our friends and loved ones, could be just as meaningful to all of us, as we experienced the 'same walk' in general.
I'm am considering a new Menu section for the War-Stories.com homepage, to possibly be called "Letters from Vietnam" or just "Letters Home". So, the point of this post is to ask if anyone is interested and thinks this could be a good idea ... and possibly something for others to read long after we're gone? If so, start looking around and see if you have old letters home (including the envelope) you would consider scanning -- just as it is -- and emailing to Don Poss (dlp@war-stories.com). Of course you can withhold any letter you consider too personal, or, just request that personal letter be including in the Restricted Area/Current Members Only.
Don Poss,
Webmaster, War-Stories.com
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Replies:
- Re: Letters Home -- Terry BOONE, Wed, July 13 2011, 18:43:23
- Re: Letters Home -- Harry Larsen, Fri, July 15 2011, 16:16:32
- Re: Letters Home -- Susan Jensen Alsop, Fri, July 29 2011, 5:08:59
- Re: Letters Home -- Diane Barker, Sun, July 31 2011, 18:46:27
- Looking for Michael Calkins, Vietnam Vet & Marine -- Diane Barker, Sun, July 31 2011, 18:21:59 (207.200.116.6)
Looking for Michael Calkins, born in July, a Marine who was stationed in 1967 at the Naval Weapons Station in Concord, CA, after returning from Vietnam. He had dark blond hair, blue eyes and had a slim build. He had a Marine friend at the base named Doug who was planning to return to Nam.
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CONFESSIONS OF A CH-54 PILOT -- ROBERT J. ARCHER, (former CPT in Vietnam) (Fear versus Courage), Mon, January 12 2009, 14:40:36 (24.23.234.140)
Monday, January 12, 2009 CONFESSIONS OF A VIETNAM CH-54 PILOT
Thank you for your suggestion and encouragement (<dlp@war-stories.com>) to publish my experiences in Vietnam in War Stories.I am telling this story to let you know that more often than not, when I was in trouble, I was scared to death.
The reason I did not originally post my 158th Assault Helicopter experience (Lancer 24, 1970) on war stories is because I believed that was only for people who had done something courageous who posted their experience. I was just a combat assault pilot like every other Lancer pilot or crew member. However, I thank you for your suggestion. And I followed your advice and posted my letter on "war stories". Thank you very much for your invitation. I am filled with humility and sadness and appreciation for those young warrant officer and officers and crew members who gave their lives. God Bless You, Bob Archer (alias Lancer 24 and Lancer 11) p.s. I am not a hero. I was often scared once I experienced my enemy fire.
Ironically, I never took a hit as a Lancer. I was shot down as a CH-54 pilot. I was forced to land after taking a hit from small arms fire while taking off from a Vietnamese village where we dropped off some supplies - just a log mission. Our Cobra escort had left us early so we had no support at the time. A CH-54 Skycrane has no guns, and are easy targets due to their size. We have a 72-foot rotor span. One of the bullets struck the spar or main support for our rotor blade. If we had not landed we would not have made it very far before catastrophe struck. We were on the ground in an open field for several hours while we waited for assistance from our maintenance crew. Our crew set up a defensive perimeter and waited for assistance from the 478th Maintenance crew. They flew out a new blade and we were back in business without further incident. Again, I was very fortunate. This was apparently the act one person. I think that we were the only CH-54 ever "shot down" (forced to land under power) in Vietnam.
I also flew secret missions in Laos to support the Mong and Mien military who were busy fighting their Pathet Laos and the North Vietnamese (with our help). After we left, they lost the war in Laos, and many of them fled to Thailand refugee camps. We left some very good friends behind. Some of them made it to the U.S. eventually. There is a group in Richmond, CA. that get together every year to celebrate. Those people say that they lost the war, but gained something more precious, their freedom with their families in the United States.
Some of those missions in Laos scared me more than anything I did as a Lancer. I guess the more time and experience one has to anticipate what could happen, the greater the fear factor, at least for me. Although, I never let the crew know when I was afraid. That would have destroyed their confidence, and increased their fear. We supported Air America which I later found (via TV about 20 years later) was working for the CIA!. We were the only aircraft powerful enough to put a 105 Howitzer on a 11,000 foot mountain top. We referred to this act as a "controlled crash". The winds were fierce (strong updrafts and down drafts). Our approach angle had to be perfect. The aircraft would shudder severely from the strong winds. And constant and quick use of the collective and trim were critical to maintain the proper glide path. I was fortunate to have learned on a previous mission from one of the best Army CH-54 pilots that I ever met. He was WO3 Joe Winters from Texas. He was a big guy, very tall. He had to get his height waived by the Army to get into flight school. Thank God for that! He taught me a lot on my first mission to Laos. He trusted me to make several of those mountain top landings.
The weather was not always good in Laos. I remember flying at tree top level trying to keep up with our Air America friends. The top speed (VNE) on a CH-54 is about 115 knots. They were flying at about 115-120 knots. The clouds were very low, almost on the deck (tree tops). In fact, I found myself flying through enough low clouds on the way back to base camp that I would momentarily lose track of the tree tops. This happened over and over again. I was terrified that I would go IFR, and have to rise up off the deck. That was white knuckle flying all the way back. Near the end, I was totally exhausted (after about 1 hour of this type of flying). Acting perfectly normal, I calmly said to the co-pilot, and excellent Warrant Officer, okay, why dont you take the controls for awhile. I dont ever remember being more scared. I really did not know if we would make it back on the deck. Those Air America pilots were absolutely fearless, and a little crazy, but very good guys.
Thanks Again for your help.
Warm Regards, formerly CPT Robert J. Archer
478th Heavy Lift, Red Beach, DaNang.
On Mon, 1/12/09, War Stories
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- PTSD, Poem -- Don Poss, Tue, July 12 2011, 22:58:13 (76.166.233.185)
PTSD
Copyright 2011, by: Don Poss
I thought I was stronger than that.
I thought I could put it in a box.
I thought I didnt need anyone.
I thought no one understood.
I thought I could handle it.
I thought no one cared.
I thought it would go away.
I thought I could forget.
I thought I could forgive.
I thought I wouldnt be missed.
I thought I couldnt stand it anymore.
I thought I was alone.
I thought about asking for help.
I thought they would think me weak.
I thought I would say goodbye.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, with friendship and counseling can be overcome. Like the most severe physical wound, it is a wound deeper than heartfelt and can consume the soul.
You are strong but not invincible.
You can put it in a box for a time.
You may not need anyone, but we need you.
You can meet hundreds who understand.
You can handle it let us help.
You know we care weve been there.
You know it will never go away we can face it together.
You can forgive but you neednt forget.
You still miss those who fell as do we.
You can stand with us.
You are not alone. There are no dust offs for wounds of the soul but we are here waiting.
You can ask us at any hour for as long as we live.
You are not weak just human and have seen what mankind was not meant to see.
You can say I need to talk and we will say, Welcome Home.
We will make it, together.
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- Dog Tags Vietnam Memorial: Above and Beyond -- Don Poss, Sun, July 31 2011, 8:10:38 (76.166.233.185)
Gents,
I am reading a book that has a photo of a Vietnam Memorial I have never heard of. Has anyone seen the 'dog tags' memorial at the National Vietnam Veterans Art Museum in Chichago? The artist had "Dog tags [made for] the 58,211 American service personnel who died in the Vietnam War, [displayed hanging] from the ceiling of the National Vietnam Veterans Art Museum...in Chicago." The memorial is displayed in a giant formation, 10ft x 40ft (dog tags are one inch apart).
"The ... Above and Beyond Memorial [is] like an enormous windchime, made from thousands of military dog tags, one for each of the more than 58,000 American service men and women who died in the Vietnam War."
http://milmag.com/2011/01/above-and-beyond-%E2%80%93-honoring-our-nation%E2%80%99s-veterans/
Don Poss
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- Ronald L. Miller, War-Stories.com Life Member #85 -- Don Poss, Fri, July 29 2011, 15:21:20 (76.166.233.185)
Welcome Ronald L. Miller, War-Stories.com Life Member #85. Ron served in the USAF with the 635th Security Police Squadron, at U-Tapao RTAFB, from 1972-1973.
Welcome Home to War-Stories,
Don Poss,
Webmaster, War-Stories.com
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- War-Stories.com Book Review: "A Vietnamese Fighter Pilot In An American War" -- Don Poss, Fri, July 29 2011, 12:19:44 (76.166.233.185)
Gents & Ladies:
War-Stories.com is pleased to recommend a new book called "A Vietnamese Fighter Pilot In An American War" (by former Major, VNAF), spanning decades from 1945-1975, and the author's migration to the United States. Copy/Paste link to read my complete Book Review:
http://www.vspa.com/aspprotect/book-review-a-vietnamese-fighter-pilot-hoi-tran-2011.asp
The Chinese had three curses in increasing severity -- all would apply to author Hoi B. Tran's life:
May you live in interesting times
May you come to the attention of those in authority.
May you find what you are looking for.
Author Hoi Tran's fight through the gauntlets of all three Chinese Curses is the enduring and compelling story of honor, valor, and personal victory through decades of war and struggle as A Vietnamese Fighter Pilot in an American War. Hoi Tran relives these Chinese curses through his dramatic life story as written in A Vietnamese Fighter Pilot in an American War.
Tran's personal struggle to fight for his country is well referenced, with glossary and index, and generously documented with photographs, and has earned a place in my Vietnam War library. It simply is a must-read that tells the story of "The American War" from a Vietnamese perspective.
Welcome Home
Don Poss,
Webmaster, War-Stories.com
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- KIA*MIA Spec5, Juan Jacquez -- Carolyn Weaver, Tue, July 26 2011, 14:16:37 (76.166.233.185)
I have had a silver POW bracelet for years with the name spec.5 Juan Jacquez 5/11/69. Thanks for writing your story, now I have some idea who he was.
Carolyn Weaver
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Re: 821st combat security police squadron -- frank ruiz (interested locating deployment from 68 to 69), Fri, July 22 2011, 11:40:16 (174.18.72.125)
trying to locate safeside members took my training schofield arrived in 68 nam,until 69 march.was station at tin son nhut then deployer to pleiku ontil march 24 69.during my stay received letter of commendation for ton son nhut,trying to locate what other names received recommndation.also after pleiku went to seymour johnson then tdy to terrejon spain anyone else that you might know that went.came back to seymour then back to pleiku,tyh hoa bin thuy cam rahn bay then discharged.names i remember suess john lawerence,valenti,rauls,yenter.supan,nickname ski,novak,jimenez,azavedo,LT.kitterman,ssgts,stark,shupe,christian,nick name boo boo,shelley hope u can help.ruiz.
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- Welcome Home, Robert G. Kay (LT/USN-Ret), LM 84 -- Don Poss, Mon, July 18 2011, 11:37:13 (76.166.233.185)
Welcome Home, Robert G. Kay, LM 84.
Robert Kay is the author of "Pass Me The Rice" which covers his first two tours ('67-'69) as an Advisor to the VN Navy that covers his assignment to a remote Junk Group based on Poulo Obi, an island off the southern tip of Camau. Robert Kay (LT/USN-Ret) also served a stint in Saigon on the Staff of the Senior Naval Advisor during TET '68 where he founded and was Editor of "The Advisors Newsletter" which won him the CHINFO Award 4th quarter for the best Navy/Marine Corps Newsletter and with River Assault Group 24 patrolling the Saigon River from Binh Loi to Phu Cuong.
Don Poss,
Webmaster, War-Stories.com
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- looking for friend -- roy g allen (help find my old buddy), Fri, July 15 2011, 6:01:36 (71.76.177.213)
I was in B Co. 704th Maint. Batallion. 4th Infantry Div. located at LZ Oasis 23
miles Southeast of Pleiku, Base Camp Enari--it was the night of
Mothers Day May 11 1969. We were getting hit by a batallion size force NVA, when
ever we got hit my orders were to go to a jeep we named
"Rat Patrol", it had a 50 Cal. & 60 Cal. mounted on it. It was parked in front
of the CP tent for security, as the first rockets came into the
compound. I ran to my designated place In the " Rat". I was sitting there
waiting for Staff Sgt. Dunn to join me, rockets were coming in and
mortar flairs were in the sky everywhere, when I saw movement just in front of
me between the latrine and a bunker that surrounded the CP
tent. I could see only enough to think it could only have been NVA. I was scared
to death. I could see he had a gun and he was comming
toward me. I thought to my self that I was going to have to kill this guy or
that I was going to die or be captured. I was already locked and
loaded and on full auto. I raised my 16 to my shoulder and just as I was about
to squeeze the trigger I heard a voice call my name, as it turned
out it was my friend that worked in grave registration which was located just
behind the latrine and above the mess tent for our company. It
was a very emotional experience that happened in a split second. I can see how
friendly fire can happen. Now after remembering all this,
would you believe I can't remember my friend's name?
If there is any one out there that knows the guys that worked in Graves
Registrations at LZ Oasis, please let me know. Welcome home
everybody, and never forget the ones that didn't get to come home.
Roy Garland Allen Jr.
--
Garland & Wanda Allen
Previous Message | Next Message
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- looking for ron gessler -- rick kapp, Mon, July 11 2011, 9:35:58 (24.164.51.131)
my name is rick kapp and i was in the army 101st airborne and was also at camp evans in 1970.if you have any idea how i might reach him please let me know..i have thought about him over the years and wondered how life is treating him..rick kapp
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- Welcome Home to War-Stories.com Life Member 83: Thomas Hohmann, USMC -- Don Poss, Tue, June 28 2011, 15:57:08 (24.24.239.102)
Welcome Home to War-Stories' Life Member #83, Thomas Hohmann, who served in Vietnam with Golf Co., 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, at An Hoa Combat Base.
Welcome Home!
Don Poss,
Webmaster, War-Stories.com
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- Vietnam -- Don Poss, Wed, June 08 2011, 18:34:20 (24.24.239.102)
Gents,
When I think of the Vietnam War, which is often, I wish that we had won ... although clearly 'we' did not lose. When I think of Vietnam, South Vietnam, I wish they had won the 'American War' and as a country kept their freedom. When I think of the Vietnamese people still there ... I can only think of what might have been for them, and only wish them well. I do not hate them. When I think of the thousands missing in action and still there, living or dead, and their families here, living or dead, my heart is heavy. When I think of our brothers sick and dying years too soon, and read of their crumbling health and understand the fear and hurt and worry all that entails, I want someone to blame. 'We didn't know...' is true, but someone did. All the above is part of the war that will not let go, and the record can play and loop and play again. It is not possible to not think of the consequences of war that plagues those who fought and those who waited and those who still wait in vain, until, like all previous wars the last warrior of that era, fades away.
Don Poss
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- looking for information -- ssgt wayne g schwartz USMC (hopeful), Mon, May 30 2011, 17:50:15 (68.45.102.29)
w.ould like to hear from fellow Marines who were our . .brother wayne at da nang. he was killed by 2 rpg's on may 15 1965 .
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- Month of May -- Jay Gearhart (Always remembered), Mon, May 30 2011, 12:27:38 (76.253.105.40)
It haunts me all year long BUT in the month of May the thoughts are more personel. Those who served with the 299th CBT engrs and were in the Dak To, Ben Het AO during the spring offencive of 1969 will pause and reflect on those who did not come home.So many left in the mud , God bless them all.
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- Poem: Dappled Shadows of Why -- Don Poss, Sun, May 29 2011, 12:27:02 (24.24.239.102)
Gents & ladies:
A Memorial Day poem. A little dark, but still very true to many:
Dappled Shadows of Why
Don Poss, Copyright 2011
Memorial Day
The Why, is like scurrying bruised clouds of combat whose dappled shadows in flight exploit valleys and folds of earth, embracing every blade of grass every rock every thing.
A frightful shadow that takes but does not give, and wounds a man (did you hear his cry?) or slays another (utterly silently),
and you turn to laugh with him at the silver-lining having randomly skirted bunkers, divided fighting-holes and drawn so near
startled to find him slain and you happily (too happily) alive.
Why me? Why am I still here? Why did this mortar arc its way merrily-twisting hither, swirling upon the axis of life, nudged left, right, up or down ever so gently by winds-aloft
then tugged by gravities indifferent mass, flicked by fickled fingers of toying gods only to slash the earth with shrapnel gleefully flying yet heartless as to the where, what,
or even if it smites flesh. Yet, he is dead ... the sandbags still bleeding rivulets of indifferent soil and dappled shadows of Why
caring not this night you will tread the first-step of decades seeking the answer to Why.
Clouds passed again, often and without prediction, favoritism or fate, playing games of inequality and chance, fully shorn of joy or sadness, blasphemous and devoid of all emotion while
skipping a tuneless cleansing-purging dance or not.
I saw the inviolate pattern forming
They died I didnt.
They were wounded I wasnt.
They have Agent Orange I dont.
They are broken I am not.
They are resolute in manly strength I try to be.
They are coping as am I, mostly.
They do not sleep the sleep of innocence nor do I.
Im all used up from the Why;
dappled shadows have passed me by.
Don Poss
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- Visit Walter Reed, WIA - I met a true American Warrior -- James Stastny, Chaplain, Sat, May 28 2011, 16:38:06 (24.24.239.102)
Earlier this week I got news that two USAF Security Force members, serving in Afghanistan, were injured. On May 8th, while on patrol, MWD [K-9] handler SSgt Ben Seekell stepped on a land mine -- it blew off his left foot, injured his K9 partner Charlie, and SSgt Russell Logan.
The two airmen were sent to the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, just a few miles from here [where I live]. Charlie [the K-9 dog] not only received shrapnel wounds but the explosion blew out his eardrums. Hes still overseas awaiting transportation back to the states. Once Charlie undergoes de-programming, the Seekell family will adopt him.
As a result of this news, Linda and I decided to pay them a visit and present them with letters of appreciation from The Vietnam Security Police Association [VSPA.com] and the Old Dawgs and Pups [War-Stories.com] program.
We first went to visit SSgt Logan in the hospital. Unfortunately, when we got to his room the nurse told us he had checked out for the weekend. So, Ill return sometime next week to see him.
We went to SSgt Seekells apartment where his wife and children are able to stay with him. The attendant on duty told us they were at a picnic just around the corner. So, we traipsed over to the picnic. When I spotted a one-footed, young man in a wheelchair I asked if he knew SSgt Seekell. He said, Its me. Recognizing the patches on my vest he said, Its K9. We agreed theres a bond between K9 that transcends age, once a K9 handler always a K9 handler.
We then sat around and had a great chat with the SSgt and his wife Meagan for at least forty-five minutes. We also got to see their three beautiful children Kayla, Matthew, and Caiden. When Linda asked the SSgt why Charlie didnt alert on the explosives in the SSgt told us that: 1) he had not given Charlie the command to seek, which would have put him primed him to look for explosives, and 2) Charlie did not have the specific training to look for mines. Because theyre buried more deeply than IEDs and such, it takes a different training.
I cannot begin to tell you how much SSgt Seekell impressed me. Heres a young man, with his foot blown off, sitting in a wheelchair, and he has the most upbeat, positive attitude one could imagine. Instead of bemoaning his loss, or complaining about a missing appendage, he kept talking about getting his prosthesis and going back to duty. In fact, as we visited, the band played the Star Spangled Banner. Being the true American he is, the SSgt didnt remain seated, which would have been proper, but, on his one leg ... stood at attention to honor this great country.
To think that we have such men carrying on the tradition of the USAF Security Forces, and especially K9 -- with a tear in my eye I must say -- he makes me proud.
What a grand way to celebrate Memorial Day Weekend.
Jim Stastny, VSPA Kennel Master
'Where others fear to go K9 walks alone'
Korat RTAFB '70-'71
388th SPS K9 /Boots 645m
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- Memorial Day homepage Tribute -- Michael McMurray, Sat, May 28 2011, 16:24:32 (24.24.239.102)
I was stuck at Tachikawa AB on my way home for leave before assignment to Viet Nam. The old sarge at base ops after 48 hrs on standby for a hop boarded me on a C-141 with caskets bound for McCord AB. Nov 1969.
Mike McMurray,
VSPA LM 690
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- Memorial Day homepage Tribute -- Ted Wright, LM 81, Sat, May 28 2011, 16:18:14 (24.24.239.102)
Don,
What a touching tribute. Anyone who had the experience we had and reads what yo so eloquently wrote should well up with pride, emotion, and yes, tears. What a ride it was! Ups and downs. Friendships made and lost, and many still are today. I love the patriotism of the patriot. It is something than cannot be purchased or traded for. Little did we know at the time how proud we would be today of our contribution to this nation. It was our time. America called, right or wrong, and we went! I am truly glad to say, I served my country with people like you and many others. I am a far better man for it. I only wish the majority of our youth today would know what we know. Some things just cannot be called or texted or emailed. Some things have to be experienced. You have to know what you have before you can lose it. Thanks Don. You have made a terrific contribution to us Vietnam Vets and America.
My kindest thanks,
Ted Wright,
War-Stories.com LM 81
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- US Navy Bombing of Da Nang AFB on 1-8-73 -- Jim, Fri, May 27 2011, 9:25:39 (98.231.42.75)
Looking for any members of us bombing attack of Da Nang AFB on 1-8-73
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- A New Book about the Vietnam War -- C.A. Casey, Tue, May 24 2011, 9:42:11 (71.198.70.83)
A new book called Dr. Tom's War - A Daughter's Journey, is filled with stories told by Marines who served in Vietnam in their own words.
"Well told, in large measure through the gritty recollections of the men of the Second Battalion/Fifth Marines who lived them, the book details the daily sacrifices they made for each other, Corps, and Country. Sacrifices by our Vietnam Veterans that I fear may never be fully appreciated by their fellow Americans.” — Gen. James T. Conway, USMC (Ret) 34th Commandant, U.S. Marine Corps
Check it out at http://www.bedazzledink.com/drtomswar
Thanks!
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- RVN 1968, Hill 327 -- Gay Moore, Sat, June 06 2009, 10:41:42 (67.101.62.231)
Just found your blog by accident. My late husband John Moore (then a Capt., later a Col.) was the C Battery Commander in lst LAAM Bn. on Hill 327 in '68-'69. Their motto was "WGOST." He worked with lst Sgt Leary, who was later SgtMaj USMC.
John collapsed on the tennis court and died almost instantly 4 1/2 years ago. He had 26 years in the Corps, then taught college history. If anyone remembers him, I'd love to hear from you!
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- Don Poss - Phu Cat Air Base 1968-1969 -- Marlou Spry, Wed, April 06 2011, 19:55:42 (173.20.164.175)
My father, Fred Campbell, was also in security at Phu Cat during 68-69. Did you know him then? Would like to chat with you if you did.
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- Attacks on DaNang -- Bob Baker (Smooth), Tue, May 10 2011, 7:56:21 (99.141.146.229)
Don,
The VA informs me that there were no attacks on the base prior to July, 1965. I was in and out of DaNang several times from Feb. through July 04, 1965 and know that the base was hit in Feb. 1965 Can you tell me if there were any other attacks on DaNanag air base during that period?Thanks,
Bob
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- james "jimmy" goodson -- sandra chackman (loyal), Sat, February 12 2011, 23:43:40 (64.12.116.12)
I am helping my friend Michael Thanh search for his father an American soldier James "Jimmy" Goodson, he had a relationship with Michaels mother and gave her money for an abortion, which never occured. Michael was adopted and became Michael Shepard, he is married and had two daughter's and needs to know his medical history. Mike does not want to disrupt or cause any pain, he would just like to have closure. Mike is 43 which would put his father in vietnam 1967-68. Mike has his own business in Venice Fl.
941-488-1015 or can be contacted through me. sandy
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- Osama Bin Laden is DEAd -- Don Poss (Don Poss), Sun, May 01 2011, 20:08:19 (76.166.237.73)
On 9-11, I posted "We are coming for you!" Now Osama meets his maker...and I do not think Him pleased.
Don Poss
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- Memories of my son, Fallen Soldier SSGT Raphael A Futrell K9 handler -- Ms. Vicki Futrell, Fri, April 22 2011, 10:35:20 (76.166.237.73)
Dear Old Dog and Pups,
My name is Vicki Futrell Mother of Fallen Soldier SSGT Raphael A Futrell K-9 handler of ALF. It was a pleasure to see his picture in the collage of other soldiers, and a paragraph of him. I miss my Ralph very much and to see his picture made me feel so good. Thank you and keep the good work up. Ralph was good with dogs, he trained his own here at home.
Thank you,
Ms Vicki Futrell Anderson SC
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-
GPSs needed -- Howard Yates, Fri, April 08 2011, 14:49:54 (76.166.237.73)
I am seeking some assistance in obtaining six "Garmin Foretrex 401 GPS" units for my son's outfit in Afghanistan. It seems that the Army will authorize it's use but will not provide it...duh! They have GPS units in their vehicles but since they are in a very high and rugged area, a lot of their patrol work is done on foot. Thus the need for a good portable unit like the Garmin Foretrex 401 GPS. They have 6 three-man teams and each team leader needs one. Well at about $200 a pop I can afford to send them a couple at the most. Does anyone have any ideas about where such an item can be obtained for a reasonable price or perhaps a retailer who might be willing to donate a few. It's a shame the Army won't supply something these guys need. I thought I'd throw this out there for some ideas.
Howard Yates
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- Looking for info on my dad Roger Goodwin U.S. Army -- Carlena Neftelberg (anxious), Tue, April 12 2011, 20:21:46 (68.205.43.111)
Is there anyone out there that served in the Vietnam war and knew my father Roger L. Goodwin? I really would like to know more about his life in the Army and the war. He passed away 2 yrs ago March 9, 2009. He served 3 tours of Vietnam, earned lots of medals, Served in 101st Airborne Division and a few others. He was a chemical engineer and more. During one tour of Vietnam, he was hit by shrapnel just below the groin in the right thigh. If anyone knew my dad and can tell me ANYTHING at all about him, please contact me via e-mail: cneftelberg@gmail.com or my cell phone: (386)956-2179. Thank you
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- What Does Melt Down Mean? -- Newell M. Swartz, Wed, March 16 2011, 22:17:35 (76.166.237.73)
I have heard all the experts discussing the "meltdown" of fuel rods in the Japanese reactors. I hate to appear so ignorant in front of so many people but I am tired of watching the news and all I hear the experts say, "meltdown in bad", "the fuel rods have partially melted", etc.
What they do not say is what actually happens when the fuel rods have totally melted down? Do they keep burning their way through the concrete and deeper into the earth? Most agree there will not be an atomic explosion.
So what actually happens when the rods are totally disolved. Are they like road flares which just consume themselves and end the chemical reaction. We know that area will be radioactive for years to come. We also know that some radiation will escape into the atmosphere. Worst case scenario, just dump cement/concrete on the whole thing until it is covered up like they did in Russia. But my initial question remains, what does the meltdown consist of and what are the consequences.
Reporters are prone to pick up on part of a scientist's comments but they totally lack comprehension or what the words mean. One prime example was that a reporter said pumping seawater into the reactors was a very bad thing because seawater is not pure. The next day, a Japanese scientist said that seawater was not a good choice for cooling the reactors because the corresiveness means the reactor can no longer be saved to use again. The reporter words just frightened more people into believeing that more contamination was being released because of the use of seawater which was not the case.
Newell
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- My Dad's service in Vietnam -- Karmen Turner Payne (curious), Wed, March 09 2011, 0:37:42 (68.113.110.229)
I am looking for information on where my daddy served in Vietnam. He died three years ago and never really talked about Vietnam much but I recently joined an American Legion group in his honor and want to know more about his life there. His DD214 looks like Greek to me. I have ascertained his discharge status but cannot figure out where his unit was active and in which campaigns. Anyone that can help?
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- David Hartsoe -- Stephen Weber (USMC May 20, 1967 Operation Hickory), Sun, March 06 2011, 13:01:17 (174.102.156.114)
I knew Hartsoe and Bendorf both. I was in the night battle when they were killed along with Doc Warren. All, Heroes
Steve Weber
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- What a great Article ( One small error} -- Bill Perkins ("The Operation mentioned was Lam Son 719"), Mon, February 28 2011, 0:07:23 (72.173.24.4)
Lam Son 719 was an incursion into Laos in early 71 and was staged out of Khesan,Dong Ha and Quang Tri. This was the last major operation that the US was involved in. Many helicopters lost in this operation.
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- Medical Records! -- Christopher Tammarine, Tue, November 16 2010, 18:58:25 (76.236.85.112)
How does one get Medical Records? While serving in Tuy hoa back in 69,if, ANYONE AS AN ANSWER THAT CAN HELP ME ,PLEASE E-MAIL ME ,I WOULD TRULY APPRECIATE IT!
THANK YOU!
TAM.......
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- Information on my Cousin -- Ted Akins, Wed, February 23 2011, 18:41:45 (98.244.168.90)
I have been searching for my 1st cousin for several years. I found him on this site thanks to Don Poss. His name is Gary McClendon. He was with 282nd AH Co(Blackcats)Da Nang, Marble Mtn. in 67-38. He is listed as dead now in the roster.
I am looking for anyone who knew him or has any information on where he retired to. Please contact me at tfakins@yahoo.com.
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- DOUGHNUT DOLLIES -- SGT THOMAS MITCHELL OWENS, Sat, February 12 2011, 19:22:26 (99.120.8.154)
MY UNIT 1st Bn 61st Infanty 5th Infantry lost 29 men in a rocket attack May 21, 1971 and several days later some of the finest Dough Nut Dollies came and spent a few hours with us. I have several pictures of them Thank you ladies very much.
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- Info on a Civil War poster -- Justine, Fri, February 11 2011, 10:14:17 (75.82.145.91)
I have one of these war posters i think, can you tell me more about it? it is the [Civil War] poster [for the 7th Indiana Cavalry "Avoid the Draft" [http://www.war-stories.com/war-posters-civil-war-usa.asp], and its on a piece of wood.
Thank you very much,
Justine
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Replies:
- Photo from a War-Stories: Bob Hope, 1966 request -- Thomas J. Blagg, Thu, February 10 2011, 14:49:53 (75.82.145.91)
Hey Don, I am the Marine MP in front of Ann Margaret in the picture on your site, is there anyway to get a picture from you or somewhere else?
It is the photo of Ann Margaret on stage with troops in the background [http://www.war-stories.com/aspprotect/dn-poss-bob-hope-1966-2.asp]. It is ok to list my name as being in the photo.
Thomas J. Blagg
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Replies:
- Looking for Curtis Benson -- Kim Burgess, Fri, January 14 2011, 20:17:54 (216.59.251.183)
Hello my name is Kim Burgess from Guelph, Ontario Canada. I am hoping someone would be able to assist me as I am trying to locate a vietnam veteran by the name of Curtis Benson. Curtis would have served at Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam between 1967-1968.
This is the information I have to date in regards to Curtis Benson:
Curtis would be in his mid 60's. We think he came from Virginia or North Carolina. He served in the 623rd quarter master in Vietnam in 1967-68. Stateside Curtis would have been in either the 82nd at Fort Bragg, NC or 101st airborne in Kentucky.
I am doing this for a good friend of mine Ed Cox who served with Curtis at Cam Ranh Bay between 1967-68 in the 623rd quarter master. Nothing would mean more to me than to reunite these two after all these years and I am sure it would mean a lot to the two of them as well.
Any assistance would be greatly appreciated!!!!!
Thank you ...Kim Burgess
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- Blind Bat from Ubon -- Lawrence Shelton (Tranquil), Sun, January 02 2011, 15:56:18 (190.41.178.18)
Don, I was post Commander ( 1st Lt) for Camp Khon Kaen, an Army Transportation unit which delivered materials to Ubon, Udorn , and NKP and delivered the MTY trailers back to Korat. On an emergency leave in Jan/Feb 69, coming back to Thailand on SPACE AVAILABLE commercial flights, I found myself dropped off the flight to make space for RVN replacements. Needing to get back to my unit, and not being able to swing the senority to get a seat, some kind fellow suggested I go over to NAHA where a group called BLIND BAT was flying nightly to UBON via Camran Bay. I took a taxi over, and was told to wait around and, sure, I could hitch a ride, there were 2 C-130s going that afternoon.
When we were preparing to load up, I was asked which plane I wanted to ride on, and not knowing any difference, they suggested I go on the first craft. Having no seats available in the cargo area, I was told to wrap my armas in the straps and hold on till I was given a blast on the klaxon horn, and I could curl up on the top of the cargo. We were to land in Viet Nam , discharge some cargo, and go on to UBON. I would be warned when to hold on for landing or take off.
The following morning, arriving at UBON, with my driver there to meet me, I was invited to the base club, where the 2nd crew was to buy us drinks. When I asked why, welllll, er, Our craft was rigged to make noise and well lit, and the other craft, quietly following without lights, was there to pinpoint the bad guys on the ground firing at us to have them wasted. I was told the crews took turns as decoy. And I had volunteered to go on the decoy!! Brave dumb guy that I was. But I did gain a lot of admiration for you guys. First time I have seen your site. I will spend some time reading.
Happy New Year!
Larry Shelton
Capt. U S Army Trans Command
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- Chinese Bandits Recon -- Tom Ralicki, Wed, December 29 2010, 8:28:41 (75.82.145.91)
I was in the 534tc sept69 sep70. There is a book about US. It was written by Lt. Rast it's called Don's Nam, he was in the 379th tc ... did you remember the Lt. with the rock ape? that's him. A must read, talks about us drivers and our convoys.
Tom Ralicki
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- Agent Orange -- Bill Childers, Wed, December 29 2010, 8:26:25 (75.82.145.91)
I was at Udorn 1974, two years later I get cancer, the VA told me not to waste their time.
Bill Childers
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- USMC Dog Handler & Dog KIA in Afghanistan -- Fred Dorr, Tue, December 28 2010, 7:36:05 (98.215.145.95)
Dear VDHA & VSPA Members,
On December 24th, the morning before Christmas, the remains of Marine Lance Cpl. William H. Crouse IV, were returned to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware.
Cpl. Crouse was killed in combat along with his partner, a bomb-sniffing dog named Cane, on Tuesday, December 21st by a roadside bomb, in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
Crouse, 22, from Woodruff, S.C., was the 161st Marine killed in Afghanistan this year, according to the independent website www.icasualties.org. Of those, 60 were from Camp Pendleton in Southern California.
Others, like Crouse, were from other Marine bases but, in Afghanistan, were attached to the Camp Pendleton-based 1st Marine Expeditionary Force. Crouse was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 10th Regiment, from Camp Lejeune, N.C.
He had been in Afghanistan for six weeks as Marines continue their mission to secure control of what has long been a Taliban stronghold.
His mother, Nancy Siders of Fort Wayne, Ind., told the newspaper in Greenville, S.C. that her son's dying concern was for his dog. "My son was coherent for a brief period, and his biggest concern was 'where is my dog? Save my dog! Put him in the Medevac with me. Save his life,'" she said. The dog was put in the helicopter with Crouse but died. It was the Marines' fifth bomb-sniffing dog to be killed in combat.
He played football in high school and joined the Marines, his mother said, because "he always lived life on the edge."
Funeral arrangements: Calling begins at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, December 29, 2010 at the First Assembly of God, 1400 W Washington Ctr Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46825. Funeral to follow at 2:00 p.m.
More information can be found at these links:
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2010/12/on-the-morning-before-christmas-a-marines-remains-return-from-afghanistan.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+lanowblog+%28L.A.+Now%29
http://freedomremembered.com/index.php/lance-cpl-william-h-crouse-iv/
Our deepest sympathy is extended to family and friends,
Fred Door
VDHA President
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- Your Thoughts on War and Modern Society? -- Matt Molloy, Wed, December 22 2010, 20:19:48 (75.82.145.91)
Matt: I will express my opinion within your below email. Don Poss
On 12/22/2010 6:26:40 PM, Matt Molloy (hermanjnr@aol.com) wrote:
From: Matt Molloy [mailto:hermanjnr@aol.com]
Sent: Wednesday, December 22, 2010 6:27 PM
To: dlp@war-stories.com
Subject: Your Thoughts on War and Modern Society?
Dear Mr. Poss,
First of all I apologise if this is the wrong contact address. I only recently discovered the site, but I think it's a great project. As a British student born in the 90's, I wasn't alive in the Vietnam period, but I've always had an interest in history and the history of war. For the obvious reasons, I think it's extremely important that records are kept of such events.
I've thought a lot recently about the relationship war has with modern society, and (what I see as) the hypocrisy of society when dealing with the subject. I think in the present day war is perhaps exposed to the general public more than ever - through news, film and entertainment forms such as video games. What I struggle to understand is whether this increased exposure educates people about war or desensitises them and makes them ignorant to it.
(Don Poss) With media embedded within military units today, and satellite coverage, exposure to military events will become common place worldwide. The issues are not only exposure, but the medias slant on the events presented (pro or con). Form your opinions from several sources. I am sure you are aware of those sources unduly pushing an agenda.
(Matt Molloy) With the current situation in Afghanistan seemingly sharing parallels with the Vietnam War (with some in this country even calling Afghanistan "Britain's Vietnam"), I seriously began to wonder if lessons have been learnt from Vietnam if that statement could be classified as accurate. More to the point, I began wondering what Veterans of that war think of the present day media coverage and public opinions on war.
(Don Poss) It seems the British public, like the American public, have bought-in to the premise that the Vietnam War (Vietnam calls it The American War) was a military defeat for the United States. All United States military were withdrawn from South Vietnam by January 27, 1973, after Vietnamization of the war (training and turning over military responsibility to South Vietnam). The South Vietnamese successfully defended their country for a period Dr. Henry Kissinger referred to as A Decent Interval, for over two years, until April 30, 1975, when North Vietnams military invasion successfully defeated the South.
The North Vietnamese were victorious. The South Vietnamese were defeated. Both North and South Vietnams formed what is officially called the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. To me, if there is a parallel between the Vietnam War and the current Terrorist War, it is our president has set dates for U.S. withdrawal. My concern is if there will become a Decent Interval for Iraq and Afghanistan after U.S. and allied departures? If they succeed in defending their countries, where South Vietnam failed, then hallelujah. If Iraq or Afghanistan falls to insurgent forces-- would their defeat(s) be declared a USA/British defeat? And where it so --then why? Just how long must a country be responsible for the life of any country unable to stand on its own after a lengthy departure by us? In Vietnamwe were winning when we left. Independence was the Souths to defend or lose.
(Matt Molloy) One of the most disturbing parallels between the present war and Vietnam in my opinion, for example, is the lack of public support for British Soldiers currently serving in Afghanistan. While most people in this country do seem to support our troops over there, there have been some disgusting scenes of troops being labeled as "murderers" as they returned home by radical groups that have shocked and revolted me.
(Don Poss) The USA and Britain have common values, and therefore similar concerns and problems nationally. The people of both our countries genuinely do not like the pursuit of war. Our peoples will be patient for a time but will grow weary (as they did in WWII) and yearn for the return of peace. The problem today is the Terrorist Wars are likely to last decades. Defeating an ideology is not the same as pulverizing an advasary of a known country.
(Matt Molloy) When reading up on past wars I have noticed this common theme. Brit Veterans of WWII were promised "homes fit for heroes", and yet were sorely disappointed. Many felt extremely angry with the government for betraying them, and disappointed with civilians for forsaking them. Then, in Vietnam, the protests and apparent public apathy.
(Don Poss) The US government made empty promises to our WWI veterans. It sometimes seems that a nation returned to a peaceful state often forgets their warriors. I think most military in the current war zones are aware of the overall strong public support. Likewise, they are aware of opposing opinions.
(Matt Molloy) It's my personal belief that no matter what cause a war is started for, support must be shown to those who fight it, regardless of whether people believe the causes for a war are just. I despise the British politicians who lead us to join the war (several have been shown to have made substantial personal profit from it) because I believe they did it for purely selfish reasons
(Don Poss) I understand your point; however, it is difficult for a nations people to support troops of what may be perceived as an unjust war, for a blanket time-frame. I am sure Germans supported their troops in what today must be viewed as an unjust war from a German perspective.
As for some politicians exploiting political events to their advantageit has always been so. Likewise, war cannot be waged against an enemy cheaply. Countless billions of dollars and pounds are at stake for the industry winning contracts to manufacture weapons. Profits are there to be wonlike it or not.
(Matt Molloy) However, the men who fight for the country are in a different class entirely and I have profound respect and admiration for them. I know several people from my area who have died in Afghanistan, some only a few years older than me.
Then I realised my own hypocrisy and how I was just as much a part of it as everyone else. I mentioned video games earlier - I, like many people my age, play them and enjoy them. They vary greatly in theme, but some of the most popular right now are based blatantly on the very war our real soldiers are fighting right now.
(Don Poss) I do not have a problem with video games. They are just that. The problem would be for the poor soul that cannot distinguish reality form a game. But I understand your point. Even video games can be made to support an anti-war point of view.
(Matt Molloy) You could argue that perhaps such games show public interest in the real war, but I'm not so sure. I think the more disturbing conclusion is that we now brand war as a cheap form of entertainment. How many "headshots" can you kill people with? How much gore is in this particular game? "Buy this game for the most realistic battle experience yet."
That's all a little alarming when applied to alien planets or outlandish scenarios, but now games are constantly striving to apply these mechanics to situations that try to mirror real warfare
(Don Poss) No one who has fought or survived a war would consider war as a cheap form of entertainment.
(Matt Molloy) I'm taking a pretty negative and generalised look at games here, but as they make me feel sick in that context, I'm genuinely interested in what someone with real military experience thinks when they see games and movies being marketed to people like this. To me it seems a bitter irony indeed that we say we support our soldiers, and then turn around and start playing a simulation about shooting them.
Do you think these forms of media can serve to educate people, or are simply exploitative and morally wrong? Is there a way to balance entertainment with respect for those who sacrificed themselves in service?
(Don Poss) Answering this point raises could raise a greater danger in any attempt to restrict freedom of speech (video game or otherwise) used for purposes we might disagree with. Maintaining such freedom is part of what the military defends.
(Matt Molloy) It's getting late and I fear I'm rambling, so I'll stop there. I've been hesitant to mention the Vietnam War too much, because frankly I'm very ignorant about it compared to someone who served there. I can't even imagine what it was like. Instead I've tried to talk more of the present situation and compare it with some observations.
I sincerely hope I haven't caused any offence with my thoughts, that is definitely not my intention. I don't know how much you hear from younger people, but I hope I provided some points of interest with what I wrote.
Yours Sincerely, Matt Molloy
Matt: Thank you for a thoughtful and considered email. If your peers have such concerns as yours, then I will not worry for Britains safety. Only a democracy would worry over these issues. Those against democracy will destroy more than video games if given the chance.
I have posted your email on my two military website bulletin boards (http://www.voy.com/283/ (War-Stories.com) and http://www.voy.com/287/ (VSPA)); therefore you may receive additional replies regarding all or part of your remarks (please advise me of any disrespectful replies).
Don Poss
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- looking for Marine... Jimmy Joe Shelton -- Geri Lynn Shelton- Cooper (lost my Marine father.. help me find him), Mon, December 06 2010, 8:14:28 (12.2.239.160)
I am Looking for U.S. Marine Nam Vet Jimmy Joe Shelton. He was born in Arkansas. Married Theresa Przybylinski and they had me in 1970. A friend of my Uncle Gerald Przybylinski: H BTRY, 3RD BN, 12TH MARINES, 3RD MARDIV, III MAF. Not sure if they were in the same unit or not. Thanks
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- DaNang B-57 Photos -- Keith Owens, Wed, December 01 2010, 12:44:37 (63.70.138.184)
Don,
I read the story about the DaNang B-57 crash with great interest, as my father-in-law was a navigator in B-57s and was stationed at DaNang. His name is/was Paul Harrington and may have been a 1st LT at the time. He retired as a Major, and has unfortunately passed away. I noticed in one of your responses to the son of one of the air crew that you had other photographs of B-57s in DaNang. I was hoping that you could e-mail me copies of those photographs to provide to his wife and two children. We only know a small part of his service, and I would like to help them to learn more. His son in particular has expressed an interest in passing on information to his children.
Thanks, Keith
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- Happy Thanksgiving -- Don Poss, Thu, November 25 2010, 8:57:50 (75.82.145.91)
A Happy Thanksgiving to All !
Don & Larry Poss
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- Pop goes the Weazer -- Dr. Tracy M. Baker, Wed, November 03 2010, 8:11:05 (164.58.165.58)
I liked the "creative" way of dealing with the fat commo Sgt. I wonder if he wet his pants? I have to wonder what the other GIs ahead did about the sudden firing behind them? I think it is possible they also put the "pedal to the metal".
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- Restoring Honor speech -- Don Poss, Mon, August 30 2010, 18:46:51 (75.82.159.66)
Gents:
We all know that politics is not a part of VSPA's bulletin board. I say that, first, to assure you the following link has nothing to do with politics, but everything to do with a honoring Vietnam Veterans, love of country, and a hope for America. It is a link to all the above and is an uplifting and stirring 1-hr video of faith in our country, restoration of the faith of our founding fathers in what American could be, and what we hope it will become. With drums and bagpipes of Amazing Grace, and the closing prayer of a Vietnam Veteran which most certainly will bring tears to your eyes a lump in your throat and joy that finally We The People are standing up for restoration of honor in our land.
Glenn Beck's speech is everything the media ignored and little of what they called it. Nothing to do with politics, and everything to do with our American heritage. This speech restores faith that we can and will fundamentally restore the honor and hope our founding fathers proclaimed 240 years ago.
Do yourself a favor and check it out: http://www.glennbeck.com/content/articles/article/198/45013/
Don Poss
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168th engr bn lai khe 1969 a co -- boyd lee bryant (sad), Sun, October 24 2010, 19:46:07 (205.188.116.12)
i am looking for other combat engrs from nam i served with in the 20th engr brigade 168th engr bn combat at lai khe in 1969 who might remember me i went by my midd;e name my platoon sgts name was hamilton he called me boyd he was a real good guy iam looking other brother engrs who might remember me for a d a v upgrade im 40 percent d a v i go to out patient mental health every 4 months for pt s d have been going since 1987 then quit for about a year half but went back to out patient mental health was diagnosed with p t s d in 1994 but was never informed just given meds and sent on my way finall talked to another vet who told go see county vetrans service officer he filed letters etc with dav and they went to bat for me i only received for 2007 because i didnt ask what was wrong they didnt have to tell according v a rules if ihad known in 94 it would have been a different story i need lay statements from people who were there in this time zone dec before chrismas 1968 to 19 70 im having health issues plus work related problems i dont care if you were engr grunt medic chopper pilot if you remember lai khe the you remember all those rocket and mortor attacks then you remember rocket city thanks to all who served and are still serving Boyd Lee Bryant
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- Freedom Hill -- Konrad Kottke, Fri, October 08 2010, 13:22:55 (67.158.26.77)
I remember Freedom Hill very well, while assigned to the SPs in 1971 at DaNang, I think the month was either Nov or Dec., my CO was looking for volunteers to go to Freedom Hill and assist the Army MPs with the security of the gates and perimeter, I know, never volunteer, however, I was getting sick and tired of the Flight Line and Tower duty, so I was sent to Hill 327, my first day there the Army Sergeant of the guard I think that is what they called him handed me an Army Colt 45 ., which I had never shot or had not had any training with, we carried 38s at the time in the Air Force. Anyway I educated myself on it real fast. We worked 6 hours on and 8 hours off, my second night on duty I was working the entry gate to the facility with another Army Private, I could tell that this private was disturbed; he had recently been in the bush and had been sent to Freedom Hill temporary for some reason I still dont know what that reason was, anyway, he keep saying t me while we stood in the Gate Shack that he was not going back to the bush no matter what and he was scheduled to go back to his unit in a couple days, around 1:00 or 2:00AM in the morning I was making my rounds around the Cafeteria and I heard a Bang and it came from near the gate shack, I ran back and saw this private standing in the middle of the Gate shack with his hand half blown off, I yelled at him What Happened and all he said was Im not going back, I called on the radio for the Sergeant of the guard who responded and said something like Dam not Another I had no idea on what he meant at the time, anyway I had to man the gate until 6:00AM by myself, the private was driven to DaNang AB for care, I never heard what ever happened to him, I hated staying in the gate shack, the mess was still left on the ground in the gate shack (bits and pieces of his hand and a lot of blood). The next day I called down to DaNang and talked to my CO., told him what happened and said I want out of here, I left back for DaNang AB.
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- Jane Fonda' s Apology -- Joseph Bellantoni (Disgusted), Wed, October 20 2010, 11:49:39 (71.184.197.98)
Jane Fonda's actions in Vietnam were and still are inexcusable....sorry...she should have know better at the time that what she was doing was wrong...and totally unpatriotic.
No apolgy can ever make up for the damage she has done...perhaps she and her husband should set up a Multi million dollar foundation to help Vietnam vet's who are still suffering from their tour of duty in Nam.
She is despicable...sorry and I will never forgive her for what she did. I have even saved some of the paper propaganda that the VC used to drop in our base camps and forward area's and I believe I even have one from "jane fonda".
Joe Bellantoni
101st Airborne Division
Camp Evans and LZ Sally
Aug 68-Aug 69
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- FILM Review: "RED" -- Don Poss, Sat, October 16 2010, 15:51:32 (75.82.145.91)
Gents: I just saw the just-released movie, "RED". A CIA Spoof that was hilarious! If you liked "Romancing The Stone", "Indiana Jones", or remember the first-time you saw "Home Alone", you will enjoy "RED". Filled with sight-gags and one-liners that will keep you laughing. An 'R' Rating for mild language, but I don't recall anything like that. You can take the kids and the significant other (there's a funny romance-angel to keep her amused), and she won't mind the two or three "tastefully killed" bad guys getting greased. Action, Humor, Adventure, Spies, Russians, Secret Service, FBI, USMC, black helicopters, Bannana-Republics, a million rounds fired (no body hit!) explosions, and a movie the Trailer Adds live up to. Treat yourself and check it out.
Don Poss
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- Anyone knowing Joe Tuck at BearCat 1969 -1970, gunner -240th Greyhounds -- Red Steiner, Mon, September 06 2010, 12:02:18 (99.184.48.43)
Joe Tuck is trying to find his pilot for confirmation of a combat wound from shrapnel. Joe is a good friend and a fellow veteran. Anyone having any information or who knew Joe at BearCat please contact me and I will relay your message to him.
Thanks,
Red Steiner, USAF 1960-1972
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- Oval Office Flag tradition. -- Don Poss, Tue, August 31 2010, 20:29:30 (75.82.159.66)
It is a White House staff tradition to change the Oval Office rug and flag to reflect Peace or War. During peace time, the flag and rug are changed overnight to the Eagle facing its talon clenching olive branches. If there is a military action, or war, the staff changes the flag and rug to the Eagle facing the talon with arrows.
I watched President Obamas speech announcing U.S. combat action at an end in Iraq. I noticed the U.S. flag, and the presidential flag behind him, and was interested to note the Eagle was facing to the right at the olive branch.
I hope the flag and carpet displayed are merely an error by staff (which I doubt), as peace is not yet at hand in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the U.S. is still at war with terrorists.
Don Poss
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- Recruiting Posters -- Gordon Calhoun, Wed, August 25 2010, 10:57:07 (75.82.159.66)
Very good collection of recruitment posters! Been looking for a site like this!
Sincerely,
Gordon Calhoun
Editor/Historian
Hampton Roads Naval Museum
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FILM Review: Inception -- Don Poss, Sat, July 17 2010, 21:52:09 (75.82.159.66)
Saturday: My wife said, "Come on...you're taking me to see a movie!" No room for arguement there. We looked at the film trailers and watched "Inception" which was five-star rated.
If you watch the trailer, it is typical in that it sucks you in to the blackhole of hope that you will get your money's worth.
To be fair, it was an action movie with plenty of action (just none of it made sense). It also had good actors in search of good-acting (a decent script would have helped), with a theme about dreams within dreams...which should have been plots-within-plots...or even one plot for that matter.
The bottom line is that Inception was misnamed and should have been named 'Deception' in that its main attempt was to deceive you into think all the special-effects (which weren't so special) amounted to something worth seeing.
I noticed people kept heading for the snack bar, or rest rooms, but no one seemed to return. What's with that? After forty minutes, even my wife couldn't take it anymore...and we walked out to the snack bar and kept right on going (following the crowd) to the car.
Inception/Deception...you had best get your money this weekend. Sweet Dreams.
Don Poss
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- SP4 Merrel P. Whittington. -- James Whittington (???), Mon, July 19 2010, 19:36:08 (68.53.78.235)
I am looking for information about my uncle, SP4 Merrel P. Whittington.
He was an Army Medic with the 173rd Abn Bde B Co 4th Bn 503rd Inf. I believe that he was killed on Nov. 20, 1967 while B Company was trying to relieve the 2nd Battalion paratroopers on Hill 875.
I was 9 years old when he was killed and never had to opportunity to know him. I am hoping to be able to communicate with anyone that knew my uncle and might know more about how he died. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
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- Rudy Sedillo -- James, Fri, February 26 2010, 11:04:22 (63.123.150.65)
This is a reply to the below. i too am next of kin to my dad Rudy sedillo and i would also like to hear any stories about his time in the military. i have a few written stories he provided me during school. he actually came to my history class and did a presentation on Vietnam, i have an audio recording of this. anyway, please contact me with any info you have. thanks again,
James
Date Posted: Sun, May 07 2006, 13:34:44
Author: Jeff Northridge
Author Host/IP: 4.131.215.204
Subject: Re: Rudy Sedillo
In reply to: Nancy 's message, "Re: Rudy Sedillo" on Sat, May 06 2006, 14:49:23
Howdy Nancy;
Since you qualify as a next-of-kin of a deceased veteran, you have the right and privilage to request copies of your father's Navy and Army personnel files from the National Archives and Records Administration (see http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/get-service-records.html for particulars). You may also request a copy of his DD-214 (discharge paper) and a set of replacement medals (except foreign awards which must be purchased commercially). The most important, however, will be your father's personnel files because they will reveal what units he was in and when he was in them.
After determining what ships/units that he was in, then we can help you get in touch with others who served with him or you can do it yourself with a search engine. There is a CPT Rudy Sedillo listed in a DOD record on the Military.com website, but it doesn't say much--only that this particular CPT Sedillo was in the National Guard and that his MOS was 91D (Operating Room Specialist). Does that make sense?
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- Permission to print WWII Posters -- Frank Ryczek, Fri, July 09 2010, 10:24:23 (75.82.159.66)
Ahoy there, Don- I was just surfing the web when I came across your fantastic site for vintage posters [at: http://www.war-stories.com/war-posters-usa-wars-menu.asp ]
The reason for this e-mail is to ask you if perhaps I can have permission to copy some of these posters to use at our August 20th, 2010 Williams Family YMCA, Mandarin Jacksonville Florida Seniors Dinner Dance. The theme is something that I suggested, I being a WW II scale modeler of PT boats of the South Pacific theathers of operation and a local historian on PT boat history. I want to convert our gym into a USO 1940's Canteen, complete with historical posters and do the whole thing up in red, white, and blue. It will be billed as-" 1940's USO Canteen- A Salute to our Troops and Veterans". The Y has already given me a green light on this idea and our senior members, many veterans themselves are going to be attending!
I would like to copy these WW II posters and then mount them on backing boards to be displayed in the gym and to save them for a possible future event at our YMCA.
Thank you for a truly wonderful web site, Don! I have visited many sites relating to WW II Posters, but yoiurs is truly unique with many posters I have viewed for the first time. Thanks again!
Frank Ryczek, Jr.
Williams Family YMCA- Mandarin Jacksonville, FL
Events organizer- "USO 1940's Canteen Dinner Dance"
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- Iraq Terrorist War ending in Aug 2011 -- Victory or Defeat -- Don Poss, Fri, March 05 2010, 18:08:49 (75.82.155.89)
Gents:
A simple question in comparison as to how will Iraq be viewed in five years -- Victory or Defeat:
If the United States brings home its combat troops from Iraq in August 2011, and then in 2013-ish, the Iraq nation is overwhelmed and defeated by the Taliban or terrorist units, will the Media then brand the Iraq War a U.S. defeat-- even though our combat troops left two years previously? Or does it matter which U.S. political party or president is in power come in to play as to defining what is Victory or Defeat?
The time-span of two years (a 'decent interval' as Henry Kissinger phrased it) would be the same length of time as when combat troops left Vietnam in 1973, and Saigon RVN fell in 1975.
Don Poss
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- Names of lost men Liberty Bridge Vietnam 1967 -- Fabio Allodoli, Tue, March 30 2010, 12:53:39 (76.175.66.222)
Hello,
My Name is Fabio Allodoli.
I am trying to locate two fellow KIA Veterans from Vietnam 1967, with I believe were with 3/7 India Co, or possibly Kilo. I have been trying to locate these men for 6 years, now and I have not been successful.
I have tried this site in the past but no luck.
I was in Nam in 1967, and 1968, with the Navy as a Seabee with MCB4 C. I was one of the original men of about 35 men who built the Liberty Bridge from the beginning on April 67 to the end of September 67.
While there we knew most everyone of the Marines, as we worked with them. There were two men whom I had gotten to know each other somewhat, and on one evening myself and another men were talking to these two men as they were preparing to leave on an LP.
We said see you later, and watched them disappear in the night. Later never came to them as they were ambushed about 1 click out. I was sitting inside a tank talking with one of the crewmen and listening to the chatter on the radio from the men to the CP. Last sound I heard from them was when they were reporting that they had heard some movements nearby. Seconds later we hear an explosions and the radio went silent I bailed out of the tank, as the rest of the crew boarded, and went out to support them. About a half hour later the tanks returned with their bodies, and we unloaded them to stretchers.
I used to have their names but in a couple of moves I have made lost their names. I would like to be able to find their names for a couple of reasons.
That particular Bridge was the longest bridge built in Vietnam, 2,040 long. I know that there were many more casualties and KIA while there in Arizona Territory. But these two men I knew were attached as one of the companies with the bridge, I also believe there was Kilo Co, and Lima, I do not remember all of them. I know there was a sweep team that got wiped out around June July I think, but do not remember if they were also attached with the Companies providing security for us. If there were other men that where KIA or wounded, and you know how to get their names then I will list all of them on my web site and project.
One, I belong to an Organization called Point Man International Ministries, which was started 26 years ago by Vietnam Vets for the purpose of helping all our Brothers who served in Nam and all past and present wars who struggle with the aftermath of war, PTSD. I have a web site, which also shows the Liberty Bridge, and I want to have their names listed by the Photos, and give them Honor.
Two, I am in the process of constructing an exact scaled down replica of that Bridge, with all the surroundings and donate it to the new Seabee Museum which is now in very early stages of construction. The names of those Marines will also be listed on the Bridge info and all the casualties.
So I need some help and hopefully you might be able to help me.
The time that those boys died was either July or August of 1967.
Thank you.
In His service
Semper Duris
Fabio Allodoli
805 983-3686
fallodoli@roadrunner.com
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- All my memiores -- Christopher Tammarine, Sat, July 03 2010, 7:52:42 (98.28.77.103)
Just wanted to say how much i enjoy reading and looking at all the old photos of Da Nang and Ban me thuot and Tuy hoa,there are so many feelings after all these years that i still hold inside,so many are good and a few that are bad...I enjoy reading all the Christmas letters that were writen by my brothers that served in Nam,after readng them i just sit here for a few minutes with a smile on my face..
God bless
Tam......
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- Tuy Hoa July 1968 -- Aletta, Mon, September 29 2008, 15:10:38 (64.136.27.225)
A few months ago, I posted a message. I had the date wrong. My husband was a firefighter with the Army at Tuy Hoa. I am having trouble verifing an incident by goverment records. Does anyone know how I can get goverment records on the incident on July 29,1968 at Tuy Hoa? I read about it, but I need offical doc.
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Replies:
- Request Permission to post 'Warriors Last Prayer' -- Archie Parsons, Thu, June 17 2010, 8:31:08 (75.82.156.229)
Good morning, I would like to ask permission to use your poem, Warriors Last Prayer (http://www.vspa.com/dn-poss-warriors-last-prayer-1966.htm) for posting on the Warriors Watch web page. This particular page is for posting for family members who have lost a loved one serving in the military.
In case you have not heard of our group. We provide Motorcycle and car support. We are ask by loved ones to provide welcome homes and flag line support, we also provide flag line during wakes and escorts for the funeral and flag line support at the gravesite.
I am an old Viet Nam combat medic who averages 3 to 5 missions a week doing these worth causes. I am also part Cherokee and Choctaw and wanna be I guess. Anyhow after the tears cleared from reading your poem I thought if allowed it could be used when I post condolences to family and friends of our lost Warriors. I will be sure to post full credit with your name each time it is used.
Thank You for your time.
Archie
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Replies:
- hill 327 68-69 -- mike nestor (rembering), Sun, June 13 2010, 9:31:09 (68.84.92.217)
I was attached to a lamb outfit on top hill 327,was there when the ammo dump went off,also when we were attacked on I beleive mothers day 1969,they got inside our perimer,blew up one of the hawk launchers,wounded,and we loss cpl sickles,anyone remember that?
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- War-Stories' Store Reopens Under New Management -- Don Poss, Wed, June 09 2010, 13:07:11 (75.82.156.229)
Gents and Ladies:
As you may know, Bob Kehoe, WS Store previous manager, passed away recently after an extended bout with cancer. His family decided to retire and not continue managing the store. We wish Bob's family the best as always, and pray that he is now a rest and in peace.
Life goes on, and War-Stories is pleased to announce our Store has reopened under new management. We invite you to check out the thousands of military collectibles at War-Stories Store at
<http://www.war-stories.com/aspprotect/shop/default.asp>, where the public is always welcome, and login is not required.
Don Poss,
Webmaster at War-Stories.com, since 1995
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- sp/4 Charles Carpenter -- Chelle Carpenter-Whitney, Mon, May 31 2010, 21:16:53 (97.92.60.219)
I just found your site.My grandma gave me a letter dad wrote from the the LZ NORTH.My dad was SP/4Charles(chuck)Carpenter from Kalamazoo,MI..The info on the envelope read hhc 4/31 196th aposf 96374. dad never said much about his time in nam.
dad died 5/5/2007 of cancer.they told us 2/19/2007 and he was gone in a blink of an eye.if anyone remembers my dad i would love to hear from you.i have two photo albums full of pic's but no names, but allot of empty beer cans.I'm sure they were all planted our boys would never drink...lol
thank you chelle
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- Death of War-Stories' Store Manager -- Don Poss, Fri, May 14 2010, 22:41:47 (75.82.155.89)
Gents and Ladies:
War-Stories regrets to announce that our Store Manager, Bob Kohoe died suddenly after an extended fight with cancer. The military store will reopen in approximately one week and continue under the management of Bob's family, which has helped with daily operation of the store since opening.
Services will be private and the family askes that no flowers be sent, per Bob's wishes. Your thoughts and prayers for the family and friends are appreciated.
Bob was a great guy and will be missed by all.
Don Poss,
War-Stories Webmaster.
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Replies:
- Bob Hope, Da Nang, 1966 -- Philip Monteleone, Wed, May 12 2010, 21:42:09 (75.82.155.89)
Don, This was great, it took me back to that exact moment in time, I was also there.
L/Cpl Philip Monteleone, VMFA 115F-4s
Danang
1965-66
Semper Fi
See:
http://www.war-stories.com/aspprotect/dn-poss-bob-hope-1966-2.asp?zoom_highlight=%22Bob+Hope%22
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- Regarding War-Stories Memorial Wall-Z -- John Harter, Thu, May 06 2010, 9:02:13 (75.82.155.89)
From: JOHN HARTER [mailto:jondonharter@verizon.net]
Sent: Tuesday, May 04, 2010 1:46 PM
To: webmaster@war-stories.com
Subject: Regarding War-Stories Memorial Wall-Z
Thanks for sharing the picture, Francis was a great guy.
John Harter
http://www.war-stories.com/wall-h.asp
http://www.war-stories.com/t_hart-ellis-bart-kethcart-1970.asp?zoom_highlight=Francis
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- looking for contacts -- anderson, mark, Mon, May 03 2010, 17:42:52 (24.32.68.166)
well long story short my dad served there in nam for the TET 1968 and under the comand of cpt pane! and since then im in the army know 13yrs. i just wanted to get some contacts from his commrads so he could talk to them. he was in the 120th assault platoon and at hotel 3. so if some one could point me in the right direction?
heres my cell 580-354-6210
thank you again
SSG ANDERSON , MARK
FT, SILL OK
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- Suggestion for your web page! -- Elizabeth Bailey, Fri, April 30 2010, 11:45:55 (75.82.155.89)
From: elizabeth@edu-student-mail.org [mailto:elizabeth@edu-student-mail.org]
Sent: Friday, April 30, 2010 11:02 AM
To: Webmaster@war-stories.com; larry@larryposs.com
Subject: Suggestion for your web page!
Hi Don!
My name is Elizabeth Bailey and I wanted to provide feedback on your page. I want to tell you that as a student teacher working on a lesson plan, your page was a great source of information.
As a thank you, I thought I'd suggest an additional resource in case you were looking to replace it. I've been using material from this page (http://www.usa-people-search.com/content-a-timeline-of-world-war-ii.aspx). It has a ton of information on WWII that you may find useful.
Thanks Again :)
Elizabeth Bailey
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- Warrior's Last Prayer -- Ben Quinney, Mon, April 26 2010, 12:37:09 (75.82.155.89)
Mr. Don Poss,
I want to thank you for your Poem Warriors Last Prayer. With your permission I would like to use it in a Memorial Day letter I would send to our Clients and Friends. Please let me know if you are OK with this. I would add the copyright listed on the website on the letter. It will not be used as a solicitation in anyway. It will simply go to honor those that have fallen to protect this great nation. Thank you.
Thanks,
Ben Quinney
Director of Marketing, Mid-America Region
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Replies:
- OUTBACK Restaurant Veterans' Rip Off -- Don Poss, Fri, March 26 2010, 18:05:39 (75.82.155.89)
Gents:
My brother Larry is slow to anger but is royally pissed at OutBack restaurants. He went to OutBack because they are advertising a Veterans' Special menu from which they will donate One Dollar to veterans' groups. Sounds fine to me. While looking at the Outback's 'Special Menu' he noted the price was exactly the same as for the 'Regular Menu', and wondered what might be different. The Regular Menu comes with a Salad...the 'thank you very much Veteran' Menu--does not! So -- Outback -- just who the BLANK is 'donating' a Dollar to veterans? Seems to me you are RIPPING OFF Veterans while waving a Flag.
It will be a VERY long time before either Larry or I go to Outbacks--and I hope you consider doing likewise.
Check out their March Menu Veterans' Special at
http://outback.com/companyinfo/thanksforgiving.aspx
Don't bother looking for the Menu -- you won't find it!
Don Poss
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Replies:
- Trying to reach Russ "Gus" Reynolds -- Mary Bell Lunsford, Fri, February 26 2010, 22:56:21 (75.82.155.89)
Mr. Reynolds wrote a story about the Mother's Day POWs on May 11, 1969. My brother Malcolm Frank Bell was one of the 11 KIA that day. I would like to reach him via e-mail if possible.
Respectfully,
Mary Bell Lunsford
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Replies:
- American Warrior, Home at Last -- Justin Leow, Sun, January 31 2010, 22:57:11 (75.82.155.89)
Dear Don Poss,
I would like to use your essay "American Warrior, Home at Last," and cite it in one of my papers. I would give you proper credit and not claim it as my own . I would only be using a sentence or two of the essay in quotations. I would also be willing to send you a final copy of the essay if you would like to make sure it is used in a context that respectful of the monument. There simply is not enough
written about the riverside memorial. I feel the essay has a certain first person account that I would like to include. I would permission to use it in my essay for a college art history class. Please get back to me when you can thank you.
Justin Leow
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- War-Stories' Memorial Wall -- Art Dembinski, Sun, January 31 2010, 13:40:34 (75.82.155.89)
Attached is a PDF including a memorial I made to my cousin John L Burgess, KIA in Viet Nam in 1970. He was an Ottawa Indian, 2 brothers & 2 sisters belong to the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians. He was not recorded as Native American because he was adopted as an infant. Full details are in it.
Art Dembinski
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- 24 Series - Review -- Don Poss, Wed, January 20 2010, 7:39:35 (75.82.155.89)
24 TV Series Review
Full disclosure: I am a 24 junkie and have all the released 24 DVDs. Unlike previous electrifying 24 Seasons, this years 24 Season Premiere (Season Eight, Episodes 1-4) failed to establish a reason why anyone should care enough to Tivo the rest of the season.
Its not too late to slip in a real reason viewers should want the just-another Arab president-king-dictator to live. How about: If Jack can keep him alive 24 hours the dictator will give us .29 cent a gallon gas? Or he wants to wear a sandwich board endorsing Sarah Palin and Rev Wright? Or, wants to open a carwash next door to General Ky's Am-PM? Or, he just accepted Jesus and wants to construct Baptist churches all over the Middle East? Or he wants to give every American a million dollars and bring back gas-guzzling American power-cars? Or more believable, the dictator doesnt want the Israelis to turn his sandbox into a glass parking lot, and a signed treaty might delay for a couple of weeks the imminent and inevitable nuclear war in the Middle East?
Currently, in Season Eight, the U.S. president wants a deal with a good-guy Arab president-for-life-dictator who wants to give up his nukes. Yawn. Give me a break! Already the basic synopsis is flawed. I mean, really, a good-guy Arab potentate who wants to give up his nukes while cheating on his wife and breathing-heavily with a blonde bimbo liberal reporter? And that is suppose to support all that follows?
Nevertheless, CTU is still easily penetrated by spies and a sink-hole of government bureaucratic incompetence. Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) is doing what he does best by assisting various nasty-guys in assuming room-temperature (Yawn). Chloe OBrian (Mary Lynn Rajskub), plays the same character overcoming obstacles and is perfect for her role. Katee Sackoff (Starbuck on Battlestar Galactica) plays a more sophisticated character and reinforces that she is genuinely the sexist lady on TV.
The first 24 season was electrifying and cost me a lot of lost sleep. The bad guys were going to nuke L.A. (some parts could still use renovating) which would probably screw up rush hour traffic even more than normal but also, god forbidtake out the Hollywood signnow that was a reason to TiVo.
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- USAF Base Attacks -- Fred Shine (USN), Mon, December 15 2008, 8:35:13 (75.82.158.38)
I happened upon your post. I have a friend who is listed as having been killed at Bien Hoa, January 31st, 1968, while attached to Company C 52nd, Inf, 95th MP BN, 89th MP Group, and listed as killed by Artillery, rocket, mortor fire. His name was John "Jackie" Fullerton Jr., from Wilmington Massachusetts. All the history listings, I have found, record only ONE man, from that unit as being killed, at Bien Hoa that day, but none of them list the individuals name. I believe it was Jackie, and have been searching for 40 years to find someone, anyone, who was at that base that day, and remembers Jackie. There are conflicting reports of "where" he was killed. Officially he is listed as killed at Bien Hoa, while the family has been contacted by men stationed at the Embassy in Saigon, who claim Jackie was actually killed (by rocket) in the alleyway, on route to BOQ#3, while T.A.D. to the 716th MP's. Jackie, we know, was wounded three times, and was sent to Saigon for discharge, He was scheduled to be discharged n February 11th, 1968, and perhaps he was sent from Bien Hoa, to Saigon. Does Jackie's name ring a bell?
Does anyone who was stationed at Bien Hoa at that time that may remember him? Thank you for you time, and your service!
Fred Shine
USN Vietnam 1968-1970
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Replies:
- Permission to Reprint 'Three Sisters' -- Francisco Muniz III, Editor VVA-NYSC, Wed, January 13 2010, 20:09:34 (75.82.155.89)
Welcome Home:
I am the editor of the INTERCHANGE, Vietnam Veterans of America - New York State Council (VVA-NYSC) On-Line newspaper. I am writing to request Permission to Reprint the story by Michael Herrera, entitled Three Sisters.
Many of our Vietnam members like to read on these types of stories. Full recognition to author and publisher will be posted at end of article.
You could visit our web site at WWW.NYVIETNAMVETS.ORG and link to our INTERCHANGE site to view our paper. We have had the honor of being chosen twice the State Council Newspaper of the Year Award.
I was based in Phuoc Vinh with Co B, 1st Bn, 2nd Inf, First Infantry Division in the years 1965 to 1966 in the Michelin Rubber Plantation. I returned to Vietnam, two years ago, but was not allowed to enter the village because the Vietnamese is using our military base as their own.
Hoping to hear from you, in a timely manner, I remain
Yours truly,
Francisco Muniz III
Editor
VVA-NYSC
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Replies:
- Teaching 'Charity' -- Don Poss, Sat, December 26 2009, 19:00:47 (75.82.155.89)
My daughter was trying to teach her 5 years old son what 'charity' meant at Christmas. She suggested to him that he had so many new toys that he should go to his room and put some of his old toys he no longer played with in a box, so they might be given to little boys that have nothing. This was a shocking concept with a simple solution. After a few minutes he came out of his room with the box loaded with ... his brother's toys. :-)
Maybe next year...
Don Poss
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- Parallel between Afghanistan and Vietnam? -- Don Poss, Tue, December 22 2009, 0:48:53 (75.82.155.89)
A friend today asked if I thought there is a parallel between Afghanistan and Vietnam. I thought you might care to read my reply to him:
Jackie:
We do not go to war to honor warriors. We honor warriors because they fought our country's battles. We are at war today directly because of Islamic-fascisms 9-11 attack upon our country, whereas thousands of innocent Americans died.
Many of today's fallen American warriors were only ten or eleven years of age on September 11, 2001. Many yet to fall have not even drawn their first breath of life. It is even possible our young grandchildren will be called to serve.
Warring against another nation is never easy, but we did not ask for this fight, nor did we quake when it was thrust upon us. We must not despair. We must be certain of purpose to exact a measured-vengeance and lay waste to their lands-of-shelter. Yet such directed-certainty is possible only when the heart of an eagle and poet beats within the breast of our president.
Warring against a sect of an ideology is to slice the air with a sword in hope of drawing blood. But strike-away we must until the heavens are free from their naked evil. There is no other choice than victory against a tyranny that would see our nation dead.
Our sons and daughters will step forward to do what must be done. The question posed is whether we will stand behind them in support and with determined vigilance. I fear the answer our soft nation may soon voice, but the terrorists surely fear our warriors even more so--and well they should.
I pray for safety and strength for our troops, and that our enemies will turn from their dark path of evil. Until then, I do not view Afghanistan as 'another Vietnam.' I do not see any parallel other than to recognize victory or defeat will be upon the heads of those who govern our nation. There were only imaginary dominoes falling before the Vietnam War. I do not need to see the annual TV replay of the twin-towers falling to understand why we are fighting today...and with the briefest pause I can see our fellow Americans falling in my minds-eye and hear the brutal slap of pavement.
Afghanistan another Vietnam? I think not. We must win this one.
Don Poss
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- Pearl Harbor, Dec 7th 1941 -- Don Poss, Mon, December 07 2009, 12:03:24 (75.82.155.89)
Gents:
President Roosevelt described the Japanese's attack on Pearl Harbor as "a date which will live in infamy".
Three weeks ago, my wife and I were at the Punch Bowl cemetery near Pearl Harbor, where hundreds of Dec 7th KIAs are buried, along with thousands of WWII KIAs. We placed our flowers on her uncle's gravestone, noting the Dec 7th engraved date. We also noted there were very few flowers on graves throughout the cemetery.
Is it fair to say that 'December 7th' is not a date that lived in infamy? Just ask your kids, grandkids, or young adults for that matter, what happened on that date...and you will be met with a blank stare.
Don Poss
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- Major Elijah (Buddy) G. Tollett, IV -- Joan Odom (bittersweet), Mon, November 16 2009, 13:30:54 (63.135.183.23)
Major Tollett was my Uncle Buddy. He was like a god to us kids as he could master anything. I know he was a bit ashamed of being navigator rather than pilot, due to color blindness which runs in our men. He was as handsome as a movie star and he loved me very much. I saw his widow, Aunt Polly, just a couple of weeks ago. She loves Buddy now as she always has. I have tears creeping out of the corners of my eyes. I was never fully informed re the particulars of Uncle Bud's death. It grieves me to think of that proud, beautiful head possibly removed from his precious body. I had to know, and I thank you. However, I choose to see him on the golf course, in the sun, drving the hell out of the ball and grinning...
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Replies:
- ARMISTICE SONNET -- Teddy Rex Patton II (HONOR), Sat, November 14 2009, 17:13:58 (98.228.22.243)
~~~ PEACE LIGHTS OUR EYES ~~~
Peace walks a way more beautiful than moonlight.
Bright, as from its own light; shines o'er land and sea.
We must remember Peace, what it was and is:
fearless in the face of Fate. Youth's pure courage.
Striving, "Peace Must Conquer!" - not just breaK even.
The hope of our Age, Youth's brave eyes, smiles still bless;
comforting focus warming: Joys from heaven.
We're calmed: the quiet, soft blessings of God's Peace.
Peace's tears drop softly; our salt offerings.
As life grows older, our praying knees spring up,
kept free, honored to salute Peace's sunlight.
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- The Honor Goes To Them Where They Fell -- Teddy Rex Patton II, Sat, November 14 2009, 17:10:35 (98.228.22.243)
NOT FLANDERS FIELDS
In desert sands no poppies grow;
unmarked, no crosses, row on row.
3Young lives cut down; Youth tarries, dead.
Hopes hover high; mem'ries un-fled,
still held despite the fate we know.
'Spite death, Peace lives--unbowed-- to show
yon lives the way Justice must flow,
for ardor and fervor have never yielded.
In desert sands no poppies grow.
Truth rose, fought darkness, met all foes,
wrestled, won; failed, again rose!
Guard Peace's journey through blackness wide.
Take Peace's torch! Hold high with pride!
Cowards lack the will that Heroes know!
In desert sands no poppies grow.
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- To Veterans Who Are Still Dying, From Viet Nam -- Teddy Rex Patton II (Teddy Rex Patton), Sat, November 14 2009, 17:05:22 (98.228.22.243)
A SEASON FOR PEACE
A season for Peace as Ages flow;
Man's heart the Spring of Hope shall know.
Pale death and war confined to one grave;
Peace, Freedom, and Truth both humble and brave,
Just Trio of Peace shall flourish and grow.
Passively vanquished, Man's wrack and God's woe!
Man lives together -- no rival, no foe.
War gone, Life flourishes, to Summer a slave;
a season for Peace as Ages flow.
A debt to Summer Autumn shall owe,
with Peace in full bloom, its harvest in throe.
The calm Peace of Winter our homes will soon have,
enjoying the sweet fruit Peace's preparation gave.
Our sharp, burnished plow-shares no battles now know.
A season for Peace as Ages flow.
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- Honor to our veterans -- Teddy Rex Patton II, Sat, November 14 2009, 16:59:56 (98.228.22.243)
Some heartfelt tribute to veterans who may have missed the honor due them.
To Veterans and Fallen of All Wars
O'er Countless Graves
O'er countless graves our teardrops flow
to earth to nourish mem'ries that grow.
Cherished the place, beloved each face,
each sparce, narrow garden is a holy place;
those whose love turned grief now know.
Strong word is "Love", despite Death's throe.
'Tis sunrise there, still night here below.
Peaceful Love with Stately Grief God doth replace,
o'er countless graves.
Take up their dream! They tell us, "GO !
Liberty 's strong thread, run it ! So
our hopes, dreams, fires of Soul may pace
yet coming runners in Life's race,
and win!" 'Though Death counts countless tears
. . . . . o'er countless graves.
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- Movie Recommendation: 'A Christmas Carol', iMax 3D -- Don Poss, Sun, November 08 2009, 17:50:11 (75.82.158.38)
Gents & Ladies:
If you liked the traditional 'A Christmas Carol' by Charles Dickens, then you will really enjoy the just released version. I highly recommend seeing this new outstanding version that is in iMax and 3D. The 3D glasses worn are the polarized type and do not cause eye strain at all. The movie is animated, but if you saw the animated film, 'Polar Express', then you know the quality of animation comes very close to life-like characters.
The film may not be suitable for very young grandkids, as some parts could be too scary for them.
Check out the Film Trailer in HD at http://www.trailerspy.com/trailer/5347/A-Christmas-Carol-Trailer-HD
Don Poss,
War-Stories Webmaster
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- Veterans Day -- Jay Gearhart (Thanks Brothers), Wed, November 11 2009, 13:45:41 (97.83.98.119)
Thank you, to all Veterans, from all branches on this Veterans Day, 2009.Can you imagine how we would have felt, coming back from the Nam, to have the public treat us the way the the new veterans are being treated. Thank God we are treating them as they deserve , Hero's, every one.
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- Blin Bats Lt Col Earl J. Fitzsimmons -- David Schachle, Wed, October 28 2009, 10:25:23 (68.157.235.226)
My Grandfather was Lt Col Earl J Fitzsimmons. I wanted to know more about him as I was only 12 when he passed away. I know he was part of the Blind Bats, I have one of his Blind Bat hats. I would love to find out more. My grandmothes's health is failing and Im trying to get some info together for her as a gift. If you can help let me know.
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