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2006 GUESTBOOK ENTRIES
MR. EDITOR,I HAVE BEEN AWAY FROM THIS SITE FOR A WHILE CAME BACK
THIS HOLIDAY SEASON,WISHING EVERYONE WELL,MAYBE FINDING PEOPLE I SERVED
WITH, THANKS BOB I served in B company 2/1 196th LIB in July, August, and September
of 1969. If anyone remembers me please send an email especially Fox. I went through basic and ait with a few guys that I am looking
for. Bill West, he went to the 101st aiborne. He sent me a picture.
He was from Fort Worth, Tx. Another, was Larry McMahon and he too was
from Fort Worth, Tx. He was wounded in a mine field working with the
198th division. He became a company clerk after that I think. He had
scares all across his chest. Another, was Robert Picnic who served in
Charlie Company of the 3/21 of the 196th. I have pictures of him and
me in Fort Ord, California. I have a couple from Nam. Anyway, if you
know him, or if you are him, call me brother. It has been along time
since 69. Robert Noland, who was in Alpha Company in 70. Fought in Heip
Duc and lived. Anybody, know these guys. Call, write, anything. Thank
you Roy WOULD LIKE IN FORMATION ON 2007 REUNION TRIED ADOBE IT JUST MESSES
UP MY COMPUTER THANKS BOB HELLO TO ALL, DOES ANYONE REMEMBER LZ LINDA OR MAUDE, DOES ANYONE
REMEMBER THE ARM FORCES RADIO STATION I BELIEVE TO BE AROUND TAN ME,
IT WAS RUN BY A CIVILIAN BOB I served in Vietnam from November of 1970 with Delta Company, 3/21st,
196th LIB. In April or May of 1971 I was transferred to Echo Company,
3/21st, 196th LIB. I am looking for anyone from Echo Company who served
during the same time I was at LZ Yonkers from April or May of 1971 until
August 1971. Please give me a call 563-735-5532. I would like to hear
from anyone who would have been at LZ Yonkers. I will be attending the
reunion this summer. Bert T. Selness (Baby Ranger, Delta and Echo Companies,
3/21st, 196th LIB, LZ Center and LZ Yonkers). Dave I also carried the M-14 sniper rifle with the leather cover
to cover the steel butt plate for awhile. Also the M-79, and the shotgun.
Man what ever we could get our hands on we would try it out. Sure use
to like the LAW too. E 3/21 Recon Assassins 1968 Is there any other 196th ers out there that were a part of the
sniper experiment in 1967 around the Chu Lai area? I watched the news today and I saw Jerald Ford a President and
the King of Soul James Brown passed within the last few days. Then,
I got a phone call. It was from a wife of a man that walked my slack
many times. His name, Dan Frisch, he served with the 3/21 of the 196th.
He had lung cancer. He had been fighting it for the last couple of years.
I called him a few months back. I could hardly understand his verbage
with me. He was wounded in the neck in 70. He had a small bar in Sioux
City, Iowa and his wife said since I contacted him it gave him a boost.
He said to me, if his health would hold up he would be at the reunion
I am hosting for the Recon 3/21 of the 196th next year. I was hoping
he would be present. So, my brothers, take this time, 30 seconds is
all I ask. Say a prayer, for support to his loved ones. I know, he is
up there. He waits without pain on us to make the journey to the other
side. He was a good man. I remember more. A prayer, is all I ask. Bless
you for your concern. Thankyou my brothers Roy Carter again , I didn't give my unit, A co 4/31 My original comment
is a few below. Merrychristmas to all 196ers and all our armed sisters & brothers.
And a special HOLIDAY greeting to the nurses from the Vietnam era and
anyone who has or is helping to save the lives or our wounded brothers
& sisters. Also happy holidays to everyone who was on LZ WEST Christmas
1968, I hope your Christmas dinner was better than the one I fixed in
ths C3/82 mess, as I recall it wasn't much. I think it may have been
heated C RATS. Any one that served C3/82 10-68 12-69 pls contact me. Wishing everyone a HAPPY NEW YEAR [john Aco 4/31 196th 70-71] like to find members from co.c 8th support Navy Unit Commendation information that was submitted by Roger
W. Starr thank you. The only problem I have is I have not found a simple
way to get the information from and to send it to. If anyone can condense
this for me it will make my life easer. Happy Holiday and New Year to
all from Bill (wildchild) Linnartz 3/21 Recon 67-68-69 Got Chu Lia April of 67 1sgt Keyes, then to sniper school M14 w/2.2
power scope. Didn't get to use it much, was riding on top of a loaded
deuce which rolled into paddy on our way to "Purple Heart Hill". Got
to work in supply thanks to 1st Sgt Keyes. Got back into the sh.. as
and assistant gunner with a big fella named Morgan. He rotated out within
a couple months and I got the 60. Carried it til I got to come home.
My assistant was named Abe Cannot remember his last name. I can remember
a lot of 1st or nick names but as to the places we walked and fought,
I guess I never payed a lot of attention. I Have been reluctant to get
involved but as I am pushing 60 now I am having a change of heart. Would
like to here from anyone who remembers me. Christmas just pasted hope
yours were Merry. Hear comes another new year 07 can you believe it.
where did they go. I see your faces in my memories, all barely 20 years
old. god love you and take care of you. Carter Wishing all 196's and their loved ones a very blessed Christmas
and Happy and Healthy New year. Jack Quinn 2nd Plt Co B 3/21 1965-1966 isn't it great. here we are much later in our lives trying to remember
the things that a few years ago we were trying to forget. i know that
we will always remember the good and the bad. i hope and pray that everyone
will have a great Christmas and a very good new year. may god watch
over all of us and our brothers that are now serving Just want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Healthy
and Happy New Years! God Bless MR MOTT,THE MAN YOU REFERED TO WITH BA HAND PROBLEM WAS SELF INFLICTED,WE
HAD JUST SUCH AN INCIDENT,HE SQUEEZED THE CLACKER OF A CLAMOR IN ONE
HAND AND HAD THE BLASTING CAP IN THE OTHER HAND,I ALSO WAS AT PHU BIA,QUANTRI,TAN
ME,DANANG BOB Looking for a guy nicknamed Crazy John who served with 4th/31st,
Charlie Co, 3rd Plt. Don't recall your last name John just remember
your nickname being Crazy John. Walked slack for you when you would
walk point. You and I were the LP one night in Kham Duc. That night
our mechanical claymore that we set up went off. A boar I think tripped
it. If by chance you see this and put this together please make a post.
I am in contact with Harvey Van Hoven, Ron Heimerel, Barry Everett,
Jim Mann and a few others who were short timers that had served within
our time frame of 1970 to 1971. MR MOTT ,I WAS IN CO. A 2/1 DURING THAT TIME FRAME TASK FORCE
GIMLET 196TH LEFT IN AUG.72 I REMEMBER TWO MEDICVACS ONE WAS AT NIGHT
ONE DURING THE DAY DONT KNOW THE NAMES I DO KNOW THE INJURIES MAYBE
ONE WAS YOU BOB It has been noted that in recorded history, two people have died
to set people free, one was Jesus Christ and the other was the individual
American soldier. God Bless our soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen and
their families and God Bless the United States of America. Hello and MERRY CHRISTMAS to all 196th LIB...Thank you for your
help in locating the names etc. of the guys I served with in Nam.The
memories are coming back and rest assured their not all bad. God Bless
and may you find the peace you deserve. You are my Brothers forever,Thank
you. And I will not forget the care and giving from our sisters(nurses
etc.)especially the 91st evac. You helped save my life, and helped me
heal. Provided a smile when one was needed most. Thank you and Merry
Christmas. Pete Sargent C co. (3) 1/46- 196th LIB To all "Chargers" of the 196th and especially the "Polar Bears"
of the 4th of the 31st, Merry Christmas and please always remember that
"Jesus is the reason for the Season" ~ this concept is fading fast.
God Bless each and every one of you always ~ we were/are the lucky ones
! Was with Alpha and Delta 4th/31st .. September 68 to August 69... HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL WHO SERVED IN 1972 2/1 AND 3/21 MILLS,EDENS,THOMPSON,PEURA,JENKINS,PACHECO,MULLER,DEGREW,MAXIE
COLLINS,PETRANGLO,ROBERTS,RAGSDALE,PETIT,BAKER,GRAM,GIDIONS HARRIS,PAYCHECK,BERRYHILL,RYAN,MORAN,GARCIA,PORTERFIELD,
DRAGONI,GRISWALD,SMILEY,TEX,WOODY,DEVANE,RYEA, BOB MCCBOB52@AOL.COM I forgot a minor/trivial detail...after liberating the C-Rats in
Camp Evans several times they got wind of C Rats being liberated by
some misfits so they decided to have dogs on guard behind THEIR barbed
wire...baaad bad on us...then they noticed the empty pile of cans and
they made us dig and dig and dig...we never found whatever we were digging
for...turned out the area we were was an old dump. Gentlemen, That means you too Frenchie ..... Hey La Palio i am
flattered....ahhhh the memories...walking in the boonies, raiding the
chopper pads of some other company in Camp Evans for some newer c-rats,
babysitting the big wigs in Da Nang (Camp Horn), taking laundry and
mail to the guys on circus day...showering in the field during a rain
storm, being buzzed by the F-4 on LZ West(i have proof), Marines in
Antenna Valley testing their 50 Cal on Co C, having the luxury of riding
the APCs a couple times.....ahhh the memories.........best of all? The
permanent bond we have with each other.... Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Recon and Delta Co 2/1 I too, extend my best wishes to all Chargers, Merry Christmas.
A healthy and happy New Year. Pro Patria, ED. Gentlemen, That means you too Frenchie all of you guys in HHC,
Delta, and Charlie companies, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas
and a happy holiday season... Thank you all and God Bless you and your
familes. Doc La Palio Wishing all my brothers a very Merry Christmas, Bob Dunphy B 2/1
1970. I read what you post most everyday and it makes me proud just to
have been a small part of it. With what I read I feel that many of you
are really heroes in my mind. Like, Frenchie, Webre, Stoney, Buelher,
and Captain Jack, you are the men that care. You hang with it. You touch
the men. My hat is off to you. I do not have a clue where you have been
but you do make a difference now. Keep it up. I do feel like a small
part. I am proud to have served with you. So merry Christmas and a Happy
New Year. I hope there are many more. Keep it coming. Until then, may
God Bless you for all the trials you have been in. Roy For the past three years I have been activly involved, along with
others, in trying to locate former members of Echo Co, 1st Bn, 46th
Inf, 198th & 196th LIB. We have met with great success and as of tody
we have made contact with over 150 former members of our unit. I have
had a couple of really great success stories, the one that is most rewarding
is locating an entire Recon squad for someone that, when I first spoke
with them stated that they didn't think they would ever want to get
involved with our group or any reunions. There have also been some really
negative responses from members when they are located. This week I have
found two former members, one has cancer and the other has a heart problem,
and both have told me that they do not want any contact with anyone
from our group, and that I am not to pass on their information. One
of the guys told me that it was too late in his life to try to rekindle
any friendships that happened over thirty years ago. He did tell me
that he would have someone notify me when he is gone so we can add him
to our memorial service. It is an honor for me to be involved in locating
these guys, coordinating the reunions, and just being a part of this
in general. I think that there is a great deal of healing that takes
place at our reunions, or at any military reunion. We came home, one
at a time, and for the most part hid the fact that we were even over
there. I am proud of our generation for what we did, some because we
were told to and some of us volunteered, but none of us refused. We
all need to be proud of what we did as well as be proud and supportive
of the kids that have taken over for us. God bless and watch over those
that are still in harms way throughout the world. Merry Christmas to
all. Anyone out there who may have ran into a SFC George Mills from
Oklahoma during their army stint. He was in A 3/21 and was wounded in
March 68, left the Company and never saw him again. It was a minor wound
of the foot. He was a career soldier. Sure would like to locate him
as I have tried over the years with no success. Stoney I do want to wish everyone from C 4/31 196th LIB a very Merry Christmas
and a Happy New Year....La Palio, Ralph, Richard Martinez...and all
of you too. REQUEST My buddy Richard Martinez in Dallas is looking for
Sgt Guiterez(3rd platoon) (Spel) email address...email me please if
you have it. Ill forward it to my buddy Richard.. What a guy that Sgt
G...whooooohoo!!! Anyone here heard from Tony Vigil? Thank you all for
the info in regards to the Reunion. Please dont send me any more...
Lastly i do wish all our troops a safe return. We been there and know
what sacrifice means. frenchie. you need abobe reader to open the file. i emailed the
file to you. hope that you can open it. Frenchie, Ralph Urrutia,Jeff Miller,Jerry Josey,Doc LaPalio,Bob
Hermann,... Nui Chom, LZ West chopper crash, LZ West gook assault, Sgt
G's sapper squads,humping, weather, eating chicken... I still remember
most... Happy holidays to all 196ers. Doc Mercer Brotheres, Just finished reading the 31st. Inf newsletter. I was
disconcerted to find out that, on 9/19/o6, Spec. Bobby Callahan from
Jamestown, N.C was killed in iraq, when the vehicle he was in turned
over. On Oct.1st.P.F.C Satieon V "T" Greenleewas killed by sniper fire
in Baghdad, he was from Pemdleton, S.C. Also on the 1st., Lt. Scott
Quilty lost an arm and leg (improvised explosive device) while on dismounted
patrol. These men were and are with A/4/31, the unit, since 2001, has
had four combat tours. Our' brother Polar Bears are still under the
hammer. With deep regret, Ed. Pro Patria. I am trying to access the reunion information and so far I am not
getting anywhere. Ive used Internet Explorer and FIREFOX...nothing is
happening. I even tried sendind the webmaster a note and nothing is
happening. I dont believe the problem is on my end. Could someone email
me the Reunion (Kentucky) information? Thank you. MERRY CHRISTMAS to all my grunt friends from C 4/31 68/69 Wishing all the brothers from the 196th MERRY CHRISTMAS to all,and
health ,and all the guys that served with me , co. B 2/1 in 1966.Anyone
from second platoon ? Joseph Edward Hogue my Uncle, served in the 196th 2/1 Americal
Division, Headquarters Company, from August 1968 to January 1970. He
was at both LZ Baldy and Hawk Hill. He was a Colonel’s Driver. He lives
in Central Florida now and doesn’t have a computer. He would really
like to hear from anyone who remembers him. If you do please give him
a call at 863-422-8550. Also if there are family members or friends
that have questions he may have answers for you since he was a driver
he got around. May God Bless all who have served and those who still
do!! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all my brothers in the 196th...may
we all exprience the piece of the season and extend prayers for those
and their families who never made it home...the attached e-mail is to
the web site ( https://thor.aafes.com/scs/default.aspx )that allows
us to send prepaid calling cards to all those in iraq and afgahnistan...this
is a way to offer them some comfort...we all remember what its like...vince. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all 196th brothers. Woody
Glaudel B/4/31 July 66- Feb. 67 Dave, this is D-2-1. I hear you lima-charlie. Roger that Merry
Christmas and same-same to you. Sit-Rep-Neg here,over Ron Just wishing all my brothers in the 196th a ver"Merry Christmas"
and "Thanks to all" Sit Rep Neg, over At this holiday season, and as I have gotten older, I think back
to the days when I was younger. The finest people I have ever met, have
been those with Delta Comapany, 4th Battalion, 3lst Infantry, 196th
Light Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. I was an R.T.O. for several
months in 1970, with Delta Company, before being reassigned back to
Chu Lai. Over the years, I have attempted to locate several old friends,
with no results. Particularly, I remember Micahel Kelley from Missouri,
and Doc Rhodes from New Jersey, and Sgt. Waterberry from Rhode Island.
My father was involved with the invasion of Europe during W.W. II, and
also received his C.I.B. He once told be that it was best to forget
those friends of old. I find that hard to do. If anyone was with Delta
Company, 4/31st Infantry, 196th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division,
from April 1970 to May 197l, please send me an e-mail. I look forward
to hearing from you. Take care. Ray Bess, R.T.O., 2nd platoon, Delta
Company, 4/31st, 196th, Americal Divison. RB Wishing all fellow 196 GRUNTS a Very Merry Christmas and Happy
New Year! Slick Burns Wishing all a safe and Happy Holidays for you and your loved ones.
Special wishes to my brothers of C/321 196th 68-69. Thanks Wishing all my 196th brothers a MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW
YEAR.[ John Aco 4/31 196TH 1970] Just want to wish you all a very merry Christmas and remember the
reason for the season. Bob Hammond, B,4/31, 1969 looking for anyone that may remember me. Was stationed in CHU LIA.
1968 1969 was in motor pool B co. attached to. the first of the 14th
artillery. It was a jump battery. Most of the time we were on LZ Dottie.
was also in the motor pool, headquarters Co. LZ bayonet.both of the
LZ's were off of Highway 1.hope to hear from someone. SPC 4 PARIS Christmas Eve 1967 a Vietmanese preist did midnight mass
@ Arvin Arty. Familiar tunes strange words and fog rolled down the Valley
. Six months in and six to go.'' Peace & Happiness to all merry xmas to all of the men i served with in b co 2/1st inf 196th
inf bde.i wish you and your families a happy, prosperous and good health
for the new year.to i was fortunate this past year to know that some
of the men i served with are doing well and i was happy to hear that
they rememberd me, after all these years. looking for anyone that served with a 2/1 3rd plt from nov 67-oct
68, The name Michael Myers seemed familiar, so I did a little research.
It turns out he was in C 4/31 (I was in A 2/1), so I didn't know him.
In the process of looking for his unit, I came across a webpage I hadn't
seen for a while called The Virtual Wall (www.virtualwall.org). This
is really a great resource, with pages dedicated to information about
names on The Wall, including about 5000 of the 38000 Army dead, these
the ones friends and family have posted memorials for. It is too bad
that 33000 are not there, including many from the 196th. The website
is searchable by unit, so it is easy to find out more about who you
knew, as well as who needs to be added. I would like to suggest that
we all look at the project and think about the brothers we can remember
there. looking for anyone who knew my brother, michael myers. kia feb
28,1967 operation junction city. happy holidays to all former and present chargers.our next reunion
is going to be another great time for all. hope to see everyone there.
dave, if you see this try to make it this time you will not regret it. Best wishes to all of the great guys who were with me in 1st platoon
of A/2/1 from January thru September of 1970. LT MAC I had one of my friends I served with write me tonight. He ask
why I should bring things up talking with all of Recon 3/21 of the 196th.
He said it should all be left in the past. I thought about it awhile
and I finally figured it out in my mind. It is not the war, or the hard
things we did. It is the men that I served with. A bond. Knowing they
would be there when the shit hit the fan. Like Frenchie said you do
not have to say the words. The feeling is still there. I agree. The
feeling, a bond, it is still very strong in my heart. The war now, does
not mean a thing but Recon was the only thing in my life I felt a part
of. So go figure why after 36 years of keeping it bottled up inside
I go to find my brothers. Some like what I have done, finding Recon.
Some said I should not talk about it. Why Not? How else can you write
history? This is American History at its best. Who, but we, can make
it clear, What Happened? Now that we are older and all I do is piddle
around. I feel like man, I'd like to go another round but I know that
is out of the question but it would be a good way to go out. Now, I
feel like I am lingering, just waiting for a time even though we thought
everyday would be gravy after Nam. So as Stoney said I will relinqish
the hammer now. These were just thoughts running through my head. I
could be wrong. Heaven help us. Roy Looking for antone who was with the 48th Scout Dogs- 196th LT INF.
Especially 1967-1968. My dogs name was Tina 19x7 I believe Lt. Ransbottom's call sigh was Snoppy-6.There was a memorial
painted on a rock at LZ Ross in honor of him and the Recon Plt. It was
a picture of Snoopy the Beagle from the Peanuts Gang. I believe he is
the one that called in and said he was the last one alive and he was
killing them as they came in his bunker. They were all heros. D-2-1,
196th. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong. Ron Looking for anybody who served with my father Samuel Robert Springs
in vietnam {Da Nang} in the 196th or ft.carlson co. or panzer kerzerne
germany and FT Lewis WA. I have not heard from him since 1982 belived
to be in charlotte NC area, He has grand kids now Thankyou looking for John Webre found message from dec swampy70-71 swampy70-71 John Webre Looking for mac byrnes pls e-mail KHAM DUC: Mrs Ransbottom has picked 13 Jan 2007 1:00 pm at the
Henderson Hills Church ,in Edmund OK.for her son's burial. Lt. Ransbottom's
remains were recently returned from OP-2 at Kham Duc where they have
been since 12 may 1968 , Mother's Day. He was the Plt Ldr of the Reconn
Plt manning OP's at Kham Duc and they were overrun. He was in "E" Co.
2/1st Inf. Skip Skivington's, from same OP-2 bunker, remains were also
returned and an Arlington burial is planned ,,but no firm date yet.
"God Bless the Infantry",,, and their families KHAM DUC Mrs Ransbottom has set the date of 13 Jan 2007 at 1:00pm
for Burial of her son Frederick whose remains were recently returned
from OP-2 at Kham Duc, they ahve been there sindce 12 May 1968, Mother's
Day. Lt Ransbottom was the Plt Ldr of the Rconn Plt "E" Co 2/1st Inf If any of you are interested on December 14 12:00 noon, programs
are being held at most if not all National Cemetaries called WREATH'S
ACROSS AMERICA to honor all vetrans - especially those no longer with
us. Should you want more information check out WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA
and click on the site. Wishing all of you a very safe and merry Christmas
as well as a Happy New Year. For those of you considering what to do with your memorabilia from
your Vietnam experience, I ask you wait until after the reunion to decide.
We will have Dr. Richard Verrone from the Vietnam Center of Texas Tech
University as our guest speaker. Dr. Verrone will explain the Vietnam
Project which will offer all of us the opportunity to donate our stuff,
under our names and indvidual units, to the University for use in promoting
the study of the Vietnam War and preserving our history for future generations.
All of our material will be converted to electronic media as a Virtual
Vietnam Archive that will be available for viewing on-line. Anything
you send to the Project, they will keep under your name as the "John
Doe Collection" and all will be recorded on CD's, free of charge and
sent to you. The University also has an Oral History Project to preserve
our voices and stories. Thousands of individuals and many units to include
the Americal Division Association are already involved with this project.
There is much more to this than I can remember to tell you at his time.
Again, I ask you to please hold off on your plans until after the reunion.
I think you will be glad you did. The email address for the Vietnam
Archive is www.vietnam.ttu.edu. The reunion flyer will be in the mail
shortly. I look forward to seeing you all there. I wish you all a happy
and healthy holiday season. Both are excellent suggestions...I was hoping for suggestions that
would keep the stuff locally....so that Frenchie Jr etc etc would be
able to take family to view history made. Hope you know what i mean. Frenchie I think the 196th at Ft. Shaftner in Hawaii has some type
of museum for the 196th, pictures and memerobelia. Frenchie - An option is to check with the army bases. Ft Benning
was in the process of opening a new Infantry museum and was requesting
donations of memorabilia. I'm sure others may do the same. Hope that
helps Most of us are about 60. Some of us have many pictures, slides,
silent movies, memorabilia of our tour over there. I dont want my slides
to end up on Ebay because no one wants to mess with them.... my question
is: what are some of you going to do with your stuff...ok, treasures.
I am thinking of donating my stuff to a local veterans organization.
They have a nice local museum...any other options? besides the next
of kin. Ken, I know that you read these comments and delete the spam, keep
up the work.. but could you post a date as to when we can start making
resv. for the 2007 reunion... D/4/31/ 68 Roy I was with E-3/21 Recon Assassins 1968, where are you planning
this reunion It's been awhile since i was last on im still looking for
you guys in bco3rd21st71/72 ive have a bunch of pics from then i have
contacted a few guys preacher animal and a few more have a merry merry
!!! Recon 3/21 was coming off the side of a hill one day in 1970. I
do not know the date. The point man tripped a booby trap with a delayed
fuse. An explosion. I was in the drag of the platoon but I ran to the
front to see what had taken place. Our LT was laying on his back in
the middle of the trail. I ran to him and cradled his head in my lap.
As I held him I said " you have got the million dollar wound". " You
are going back to the world". He looked at me with the dazed eyes. He
could not talk. He blew me a kiss. I said " I love you man". We carried
him down to a rice paddy when the dust off came in. We sloshed through
the rice paddy carrying the LT. We had to hold him up over our heads
to slid him in the dust off. It was over then. I never saw him again.
Years later, my wife and I were visiting my parents. My father was in
WW2. He was talking to me about coming home from the service. He came
into Whitewright, Texas on a train. He decided to get his hair cut before
he went home. It was a small town and the news spread fast. By the time
he got out of the barber shop my fathers parents pulled up in a old
vehicle. I guess it would have been pretty imotional but as the story
goes. He opened the door of the vehicle and had a short conversation
with his dad. My dad sad that was the first time his dad ever said I
love you. He broke down and cried and I did too. Since then, that is
the ending to any visit with family or friends. Three little words that
mean so much. I have found 28 of Recon from E3/21 of the 196th. I am
still looking. I am hosting a reunion May 4, 5, 6th of 2007. Any I have
not found please get in touch. The words though. Just the three little
words. Go to all my brothers in arms. It is from my heart. Gods speed
to you all. Happy Thanksgiving Roy I knew of the finding of the remains of Lt. Ransbottom
and others. VERY unofficially, the services for Lt. (Maj) Ransbottom
will be in Edmond, OK on Saturday, January 13, 2007. What is the latest
on Skivington and the other three remains found? Bill. e-mail me. Jim
Quisenberry Co B, 2/1, 196 LIB Kham Duc, Mother's day, 1968 George Papachronis, i was in the 1st. platoon 2/1 when your buddies
got hit. they walked into a chinese claymore mine which was a 50 gallon
drum filled with nut, bolts, razers ect.ect.ect. i was in base camp
when the incident happened. my job was to wash there gear from the blood
and guts to be handed out to there replacements. i also collected there
personal items to be shipped home. i will never forget that assignment
because there names were on there backpacks. i still think about it.
george, i always thought you were killed in action during the war. thank
God for this web site. now i know you're alive. please write back to
me. thanks and welcome home brother... nov 26. oklahoman.com has the story of the return of Frederick
Ransbottom's remains after 38 years. He was killed at Kham Duc while
a member of E Co.,2/1.Will print the article,and mail a copy to anyone
who wishes one. Regarding fungus on your feet. I have a friend who's nephew had
this problem and we were sitting in the Dr's waiting room talking about
my foot problems. I had a fungus on my toe nails. Well the Dr had tried
several expensive methods including wanting to remove toenails. Well
this guy said to just soak my feet in a bleach and warm water solution,
it cured his nephew's problems after several Dr's trys. I asked the
Dr and he said it would kill about anything so I went home and gave
it a try. It cured it in a hurry and still have all my toenails in tact.
It's cheap but the Dr's wont prescribe it. No money in it I guess. Stoney Joe: Re Trench Foot. I have a friend who served in another
unit in Vietnam that has suffered for years with some kind fungus or
other foot disease that is nearly incapcitating and should rate some
VA disability. I have searched the internet and gotten lots of information
about foot problems, but never seen anything relating them to Vietnam
and/or the VA. I would like to see what your efforts have turned up.
Thanks. C, Hq, A 2/1 '65-'67 On Nov 20 1968 I was wounded on Nui Chom. I was helping carry another
wounded soldier out. I was carried out, and did not know what happened
to him. After four days in LZ Baldy, Da Nang, then to 245th Evac in
Tokyo, on Thanksgiving day, in what I thought was another nightmare,
I heard Dave Larrick's vouce calling out to me. We had been shipped
to not only the same hosptal, but to the same wardand beds next to each
other. Now, THAT wqas a Thanksgiving to remember! Dave, if you are out
ther and reading this, I'm glad that you made it. Get in touch, leave
an e-mail address and I'll get back to you. Welcome home, and Happy
Thanksgiving. Jim, "gunner Wil" Willard In honor of the men of the 196th "Thanksgiving Day Battle, Taskforce
Dorlan Hill 63, Nov 23rd 1967. Phillip Adams, Ken Adams, Ron Essler,
Robt. Waddell, Rod Loatman (D 4/31): Joe Cloud (F Troop 7th Cav): Calvin
Strong (B 3/21). They fought beside us and gave their all, may God bless
them and all of us and this country. Happy Thanksgiving-its a depressing rainy day here-Does anybody
remember the day when the 198th dropped a granade in the chow line?
David Estrada: I could send you dozens of links about trench foot.
Get a DAV officer and get the VA to take care of it. Trench foot (immersion
foot) caused 20+ percent of the casualties in WWI and as lately as the
Faulkland war , 14 % of those.As you already know it causes long term
nerve damage, pain or numbness and a dozen other things over time. Ken! You made my day! It is always nice when someone recognizes
my dad. I have no idea what Track he was on but I do know that his hearing
was impaired after the track he was on was blown up. He told my sister
that they lost their driver that day as well. Does anyone know where I could get some information on Jungle Rot/emersion
foot. I would like to know the long term effect of this condition. I
got a really bad case in Vietnam in 1968. The doctor at the field hospital
on LZ Center informed me at the time that if I had been there 48 hours
later I would have had both feet amputated. I have had extreme pain
on both feet for about 30 years. Kristen, I recognize your Dad. Although I was an original 196er,
I was also shipped down to the 5th Mech in January '67. I was on Track
22 "Track of Fools". Nice to see the photos on your web site. My dad Ric "The Logger" Schoonover served in B Co. 3/21
196th LIB 1966 - Jan 1967 before being transfered to C Co. of the 1/5
[Mech] 2 25 (from 1/67-7/67). Anyway.. I just posted a bunch of new
photos from a photo album that my mom created when my dad was in the
196th on my website. I also have some photos of his time in the 1/5.
I have no idea who anyone is except for my dad of course. He doesn't
want to explain the photos to me yet so I am on my own. Feel free to
check them out at http://web.mac.com/misskrisaz71/iWeb/NewSite/Vietnam.html.
Let me know if anyone looks familiar. Thanks and God Bless. Kristen
My brother was Sp4 Richard Lee Moss. At the time of his death he
was serving as senior company aidman with A/4-31. Killed on May 16,
1968 by hostile mortar fire. Just finished reading Col Humphries "Through
the Valley" which fills in a lot of big picture stuff. I highly recommend
this book. I would be particularly interested in hearing from anyone
who knew my brother, or could fill me in as to the operations of A/4-31
through April and May of 1968, or could tell me about the action in
which my brother died. Thanks to all. To: Dave Kruger/ Read your messsage Re: Wormdahl/ Wendowlowski.
I was with the both of them the day that they died. I was a Forward
Observer.(Wormdahl) He swung his machete and hit a booby trap. Re :
Wendowlowski ,There were 3 of us that retrieved his body from the jungle.Stratazar(can't
remember his 1st name) Joe Caldwell(medic) Deceased 12-27-05. We had
been in that jungle 3 times that day, were under heavy fire each time.
We took a head count and Wendowlowski was missing. We didn't play leaving
our boys out in that Sh... He was married before we went over and I
don't think he had to go. But all of those guys from Ill. wanted to
go. John Crandall from the same area was also killed. Write back if
there is more you or someone in his family needs to know. Freeman Hello, Ed, I'm doing well. Abit too busy, but, oh well, that's
just the way it is. I am starting to get several Gulf War vets as patients
in our VA hospital. They seem so young, but they are older that we were
when we were in the Nam!. I am surprized at the similarities of their
post-war problems and our's. I encourage all Viet vets to reach out
to the new, young brothers who are coming home "damaged goods". Tom
Gimble, Tom Stanley, are you still reading the guest book? I havn't
heard from you in a while. I'm looking forward to next reunion, see
you there. Gunner Wil Hey "gunner" Will, how are you? I remember Nui Chom all to well.
You were hit eight times! A miracle you're still with us. Looking forward
to seeing you again at the reunion. Pro Patria. Ed. The VAMC and Vets Center staff in Syracuse, NY are terrific. They
could not be more helpful, respectful and cooperative. Not sure all
us vets are always equally respectful with them, however. I served with
Echo Recon, HHC and Delta 1/46 in 1970 - 71. It saddens me to see so many postings from fellow 196ers who are
not getting quality care in our VA hospitals. It is criminal that any
veteran not have the best care available anywhere in America. I was
in A4/31 196 from May to Nov 1968. I carried the"60" and was wounded
on Nui Chom. I spent a full year recovering from those wounds, and still
have pain 24/7 (not to mention the nightmares etc. from my PTSD). I
choose to get all my needs met through the VA. Our local VAMC in Walla
Walla WA is a small facility with most of its staff also being veterans
(many in Nam). As a result of the quality of care I got here, late in
life, I went back to school and became a RN, and am now working in the
VA here in Walla Walla, making sure that every veteran who comes through
our doors is treated with respect and given state of the art care. Please
do not give up on the VA, although you have had a bad experience, not
all VAs are the same. Most are dedicated to our vets and to giving them
the care they deserve. To all who served, "Welcome home!" Jim "Gunner
Wil" willard Hey Brother Vincent Scalese...Happy Thanksgiving from Marna &
I. We have now moved to Ft. Worth Tx. God Love Ya Man!! All is going
great....Go Bears!! Ken Very good site, and very the interesting, is a lot of helpful
information for me. But many spam in guestbook...:( With best wishes,
Max CHARLIE CO.,3rd platoon,4/31 Nov.67-Nov.68. Stiglitz died May 25th,
1968. I heard Gutsfield died later. I have found Fitz and am still looking
for Willie Taylor, Alvie Schmidt,Earl Ward, and any others that served
with me. I was originally from Ohio. Bob Johnston Served with recon plt in E.co,D.co& HHC,in 1972 with 3/21 also
in TASK FORCE GIMLET. I just submitted a photo in the Bix website that Harvey Harrison
mentioned in his post. It's of my brother Donald Cook, c 3/21, KIA 10/27/68
and his buddies sharing a beer in or around 7/68. I have no desire to
win a contest that is not why I posted this picture, I just want to
make sure that people don't forget any of you guys who served in Vietnam
and to pay tribute to the men in the picture who helped make at least
one day over there a good one. To all of you I thank you from my heart! Hello Brother Chargers. It's been awhile since I last posted,
I hope all is well. It's been 39 yrs. since arriving in the Nam. I can't
quite recall where these decades went so quickly. I still wonder why
I'm still around to witness them! Can't wait to see you all again at
the reunion. Ed A/4/31, 2nd.Plt. 2nd.Squad. 11/67-11/68. Sorry about misspelling its Nhi Ha not Nho Ha in previous
post. Stoney This is a long shot, so here goes. I was in the battle for Nho
Ha in early May of 68. I was in A 3/21. On the first day of the battle
I led a squad across the small paddy to retrieve dead and wounded around
an old house foundation. The guys were in C 3/21. Anyway I was awarded
the Bronze Star w/v for this. I received the medal at an awards ceremony
but none of this got in my records, hence not on my DD214. My question
is, is anyone out there who might have gotten a medal at the same time
and my name might be on your set of orders. It's no big deal but would
like to get it corrected. Thanks Jim Stone Fred Startz, You'll need to go to the Army Board for the Corrections
of Military Records in Washington, DC 20310,Rm 1E-517 The Pentegon or
call this no. 301-837-1699.You'll have to send them the DD214 and other
pertinent info. Let me know if you were successful. D4/31 67-68 I am an ORIGINAL CHARGER from back in October of 1965 at Fort Devens
where The Brigade was initially formed. Note: I recently read that our
'Old Home', Fort Devens was sold to the pharmaceutical 'giant' Bristol
Myers Squibb. JIM,ALSO CHECK OUT CAFEPRESS.COM/AMERICANHERO.FOUR 196TH SECTIONS.MORE
VARIETY. It is not possible to thank our veterans adequately. Their service,
sacrifice, heroism, and humanity is above any expression or acknowledgment.
Yet, we must try. Specifically but not exclusively, we must try with
respect to our Brothers and Sisters who served in Vietnam because they,
unlike other generations, were neglected (or worse) upon their return
home. Please check out the AoG (http://www.bix.com/person/AoG) and the
Voices of Veterans. Please post a story or a photo if you can. And please
pass along to your Brothers, Sisters, friends and family. will whalen 196th hats try www.cafepress.com/196th Fred Strtz read about john simpers problem, here's a suggestioh.
Have john go to a VA office and request a form 180 "requsst for military
records. Send form to St. Louis MO requesting his DD-214 a DD215 plus
all his medals ribbons and citations awarded him during his military
career and list the date. Ifthat doesn't work he will have to search
the National Archives in VA or DC,(memory a little vague), and research
the date of the event and the date he was supposed to receive the medal.
Also try searching the 196th for a morning report of such an event or
thy searching the other WO name and reference his date of award. He
may be able to research the archives on line but it may cost a few bucks.
Good luck. I am a retired Veteran Service Officer for the state of Mass.
Good luck the project soldier tree went very well our church's goal was to
fill 150 boxes. we filled just over 300. at least a few guys in iraq
will be getting a nice surprise. i heard on the news that so far the
great people of the USA have sent a total of 1 million of these boxes
to date to our troops in iraq Hope all had a quiet Veterans Day--including the Shake and Bakes.
Methinks that "Grunt Medic" should take a deep breath, bend way over,
and pull the stick out of his ass. Get a life, man! I found 196th hats on ebay. Try searching for 196th Infantry hat
or just search for this item number. 280043114205 on ebay. Joe, sorry to hear you found it necessary to honor a VAMC
with your presence, I truly mean that. A VAMC is not a cheery place,
especially during holiday. Thanks for posting the VN Era music address.
Doc Crawford put another one up, but I could not get to it, might have
something to do with my PC skills or lack there of. Take care! "out,
here" Speaking of Veterans Day I ended up at the VA Hospital that day
as a patient. Huge place with empty halls and no visitors anywhere.
A few Korean War vets in the room with me ,one Vietnam Vet. The Korean
War vets had just given up, packing it in, not eating anymore. The Vietnam
Vet had a botched exam which resulted in septicemia and surgery , he
wasn't expected to make it. I heard he was a medic in Nam .No visitors
, no one cared , a grateful nation and all that. Have seen nothing but post's in the last 3-5 days wishing everyone
well. Here you come again, dumping on the Shake-N-Bakes! When I went,
we got orders from Ft. Ord to go to Benning for NCOC. I didn't ask for
it and the 190-220 others guys in the AIT Company didn't either, 4-5
guys refused to go and went to Nam in the next few weeks to get it over
with. After my 3-4 months with the Ranger Company then sent to the 1/46th,
it was a real awakening, they operated differently than the 6 man teams
I was used to, but we mainly worked in platoon size elements from the
Arizonas to Charlie Ridge up to the Southern Old Shit valley. From Sept.
71-March 72, then had the surprise Easter Offensive. Worked with an
Lt and Capt ounce in awhile, and e-6 every now and then, everyone else
was e-3's to e-5's. All others were in the rear or REMF's as we called
them, never heard any BS about SNB's the whole time I was there. "I believe" Fox News has Ollie North's "War Stories" on at 1600
hrs (EST) this evening (11.12.06) with the subject matter being "the
Battle for Dong Ha". The era is later than the May 68 snafu in which
'some' of 196th's best were involved 'helping out the Marines near Dong
Ha. The story IS related to an Army unit.------In regards to my posts
regarding the S&Bs, the last post by a 'buck' Sgt proves my point, went
to VN as a school trained 11Beat-um-up, "leader of men" and left there
as a Supply Sgt. I now relinquish the 'hammer'to whomever wishes to
crack my nuts. "out' here" Hope all 196 had a nice and peace full week end and all vets everwhere My hat is looking pretty bad-any ideas where to find a FNH A big thanks to all my brothers from C Co, 4/31 with whom I served
in 68-69. I thank God for you all and for the sacrifices you made for
our great country. God Bless! Thank you all for serving our country. I wish all my 196th brothers a happy VETERANS DAY. I would like
to share something with all. Yesterday i went to an airshow and to my
surprize i saw a Huey man did that bring back a lot of memorys it even
brought a tear to my eye. to see a Huey after 35 years. Yesterday September 10th I was invited to a local school to talk
about our Vietnam vet brothers.For the first time I accepted.I must
tell you all that it was a VERY emotional expierence for me!I was so
proud of those 7th & 8th graders.We have a GOOD crop of young people
taking over for us!I told them all about the 196th LIB and all my brothers
I lost over there.They asked some pretty tough questions.If I didn't
know better I would have thought they were High School Seniors.I thought
I did terrible but the principal and the history teacher came up to
me after the ceremonies and Thanked me and said I did a wonderful job.They
are the best. God Bless you all this Veterans Day and I miss all of
my comrads lost in Nam.A special tip of the hat to Lt. Robert Scottie
Byrnes our FO from the 82nd artillery who was KIA after I came home.I'm
so proud of you ALL! Hope to see you ALL in Kentucky! God Bless.Tim
Martin (Sgt.Marty D/2/1 12/66'-12/67') good morning men . hope that all of you have a very good veterans
day. i know that i will. i am going to watch my grandson play in a soccer
game today. i will be wearing my 196th lib t shirt to show my colors Vincent---Just noted your post, have a great time in Boston. See
you in July! Happy Veterans Day to all. The Veterans Affairs is asking ALL VETERANS
TO WEAR THEIR RIBBONS AND AWARDS TOMORROW. To start a Pride Day for
all Veterans, What do you all Think. Let's do it and be proud. We did
our Service to this Country LET'S BE PROUD. Happy Veterans Day MY Brothers! May each and every one of you have
a Very Good Day today and may every day from now on be the best it can
possibly be! If any one deserves it! You Guys Do! My Brothers of the
"ROPE". May God Bless! I just wanted to wish our Veterans a Happpy Veterans Day, and THANK
THEM All for what they done for are country and for all of us. Esp.
the Viet Nam Vets that really never got thanked for all that they done,
and all they went through. THANK YOU ALL. sorry about that i am thinking about the 196th and all who never
made it home on this veteran's day weekend...i will be in boston this
weekend and looking for chargers...hope to intoduce my son to all i
see...vince Just my usual hello and search for anyone who was with the 2/1,
C co., 67/68. Thanks and GOD be with you all. Douglas Brown, you stated that you were with the 1/46th but did
not list a company. Please give me a call at 231.876.0468 or send me
an e-mail. I was with Echo Co, 1/46th from Nov 69 thru Nov 70. Welcome
Home to all my Brother. I finally have the nerve to sign the guest book, Iwas with the
3/21 Da Nang 1972 a,c and d company's, happy to see you guys are still
doing a job with the 196th LIB, I want to thank each and evey one of
you for your service to country, Sincerly Steven A Fuchs Is Vance still in the hat business?? Fred Startz Re Jim Van D's bronze star. If you can get a copy of
the general order for his BSM it may have both names on it. Good luck.
PAXSON I TRIED CONTACTING YOU BY EMAIL.PLEASE CONTACT ME. Still looking for guys who were with Aco.4/31 196th lib.70-71.
I found 20 guys so far. George, I was the 1st Platoon Medic, and I remeber Nov 3rd, it
is more of a night mare to me. That day on the trail, with all the men
down. And Lt Dale Perkins, I remeber a caring officer, and I wish to
this day, there was more I could have done for him, and the others.
I pray they rest in peace. George email me if you want to share information
on that day. Don "Doc" OBrien George: The 2/1 platoon leader's tent lost three guys in a little
over a month: Jim Panzarella on 9/20, Ron Van Sessen on 10/31 and Dale
Perkins on 11/3. Dale's home of record was Oregon City, but he actually
came from a little place called Scotts Mills, where my great-gandmother
lived all of her life. If you want contacts, you need to put an email
address. It was 40 years ago yesterday that my co. got ambush. co B 2/1
LT Perkins,Fawble,Klink,Hesson, they all got killed.Anybody from co
B outhere. drop me a line. George ((the greek)) Papachronis Hi, I am writing to you on behalf of someone at the P.O.W. Network
(http://www.pownetwork.org/). The directors Chuck and Mary Schantag
are trying to help a friend from the 196th LIB. After Christmas, December
1967, two warrant officer pilots of the 196th were scheduled to receive
Bronze Star Medals for their service in VN. Then, at just the same time
the ceremony was due to begin at the 196th BTOC, the brigade commander,
Col. Gelling, was called out for a brigade emergency. He told the pilots
that their awards would be presented properly at their next duty stations.
One pilot, Jim VanDuzee, got his BSM presented later in the USA. The
second pilot, John Simpers, never got his. For years this probably didn't
matter, but now it would be good if we could close a circle for someone
who worked his rear end off in VN flying everyone around inside - and
sometimes outside - the AO. Checks of John Simpers' military records
in St. Louis, MO do not show authorization for that BSM. Somehow his
paperwork must have dropped through the cracks. Remember, two pilots
were scheduled to be awarded the medal that day and only one got his.
Unfortunately, Col. Gelling is deceased. Other major participants of
the cancelled ceremony aren't known. First, I would like to ask if anyone
stopping in at this forum remembers the cancelled ceremony or even more
importantly, handling the Bronze Star paperwork for this pilot. Finally,
any ideas that you may have about how we might get John Simpers his
medal authorized, but then forgotten, long ago would be much appreciated.
You can post here, write me (expat3@start.mailshell.com), or write Mary
Schantag directly at the POW Network (info@pownetwork.org). Thanks for
any help. Sincerely, Fred Startz HHC, 196th LIB Tay Ninh and Cu Lai,
SVN 1966-1967 1btn46 inf 196th. would like to here from anyone as i was on lz
pro and helped start lz maryann i was there from aug.69 to aug of 70. Roy: I few months back I was eating out with friends and spotted
a young Marine next table over wearing a combat action ribbon. It's
hard to describe the feeling I had. I had a beer ordered for him and
sent to him. He came over and shook my hand, I wished him luck. A few
weeks earlier I had ordered a few shots of whiskey to sit on the table
for a Marine that died on that date many years ago in Vietnam.When I
say "I wished him luck", what I was feeling was, I hope it all turns
out better for you then it did my generation. Tonight I went to dinner with my youngest son. Afterwards we went
to Fast Eddies which is a pool hall. We had a couple of drinks and played
a few games of pool. I saw a soldier with camo on at the bar. I told
my son he was just back from Iraq. I approached the soldier and said
" Did you just get back from Iraq". He said " Yes Sir" and ducked his
head. He did not want to talk. I said " I served in the Nam and welcome
home son" He said "Thankyou" and turned and left the place. I came back
to the pool table and my son ask me how I knew he was just back from
Iraq. He ask me " Dad was his fatiques" I said no son. He ask again
"How did you know?". I said " Son it was his boots. There was no polish
on them at all." I was proud that I had no polish on my boots. They
were brown and worn. I remember the feeling. Do you? This was just a
thought tonight. Yes, I have the tears in my eyes now. I can not help
it. Peace to you my brothers. Tonight I found the 28th man that I served with in Recon 3/21 of
the 196th. He was wounded November 15, 1970. My LT left me back with
the cp because I was a short timer. The squad went to the top of the
hill to look for the enemy. They were ambushed and the man I found tonight
was the one that was wounded. A special find for me. He took my place.
I called the fire missions in on top of that hill while they were coming
off of it. I was very scared but we all made it threw it. This is just
a reflection from the past and I am up tonight. I wish you the best
my brothers and I will talk again. Later Roy Does anyone remember the (tropical chocolate bars) that were given
out in mid to late 1967. They were in white wrappers and were everywhere
you looked when I got there in Oct of 67. They absolutely would not
melt no matter what. They would just turn a chalky white and tasted
awful. No one ate them, even the gooks would throw them back at you.
I just remember them laying on sandbags, in and on bunkers, on the ground,
man they were everywhere you looked. Some one made a big sale to uncle
sam that was a big flop. Stoney Does anyone have info on SSF. Robert Murray of Bravo Co. 4/31-third
platoon.He was Killed on june 1969,I need to find someone who was there
or wrote him up for his award. Thanks, Jim I was on the quad 50 when we got overrun 28 March 1971
27 March was my birthday I had a pallet of beer and dint get any,Cco.
1/46 was back for a small stand down,We played penuckle in our hutch
with some of the guys that were back for a stand down. mr. kruger, i believe you have the year incorrect for their death.
it was 1966. please contact me at my email address The internet is really amazing in some ways. The other night I
spent a few minutes looking up information on my Dad and some uncles
concerning World War Two. I had heard the story maybe one time from
my Dad, Army Aircorps, shot down over Italy, Pow camp etc. Same with
my Uncle Harry. Anyway there are public records on all enlistment data,
units served with at time of incidents for almost all military personnel.
I go to the website for the bomber group mentioned in an incident report
and there is a group photo with my Dad sitting in the front row. I wonder
what they'll have listed for us as the computer age advances in the
coming years? Everyone mentioned has passed on now but these computer
archives remain. Hello everyone from 1/46 196LIB. would like to know the guys in
my unit Charlie co 1/46 196LIB (3rd PLt). I was a short timer because
I was wounded in a minefield (bt) along with 3 others. My name is Peter
Sargent. I was near lz young Dec 12,1970 , when we wandered into a minefield
the others wounded were Robert Mooneyham,sgt Austin Oliphant,and ssgElwin
Aultman. The only others i can remember were LT.Frank M. Brosnan and
Capt. Knight. I was there from Oct. - Dec.12,1970. If you were there
and/or know the guys with me at that time,then please contact me. Thank
You...Pete Hello everyone from 196 LIB This is the first time I have posted
to this guestbook.I was with C co. 1/46 196(third PLt) Oct,.-Dec.12,1970.
Short timer as I was wounded in a minefield Dec.12,1970 along with 3
others-Robert Mooneyham, Austin Oliphant(sgt),Edwin Aultman(ssg) the
only others I remember were LT.Frank M.Brosnan and Capt. Knight. I would
like to know the others in my platoon. I would like to hear from someone
as I have never had any contact with the unit.Pete.... psargent@maine.rr.com Grunt medic, here is another website for you. http://www.aclassicvoicefilms.com/aclassicvoicemilitaryfilms.htm
This one has short videos, many with music from the Nam era (I remember
hearing CCR's Who'll stop the rain on one, and that one always takes
me back. One of these videos about halfway down the website is from
my company when I was in the Nam (1970-1, 196th, 3/21, B Company) but
of another platoon. Shows a platoon picture with everyone sitting on
like stadium type bleachers. Also, I think at one time there was a picture
showing Lurch holding up a 7-ft Monitor Lizard someone had shot. Only
Lurch was tall enough to get the darn thing off the ground. Every now
and then I look through these to see if there any new ones which might
have guys I recognize. does anybody have any idea how many 196th nam vets there
are? it would be interesting to find out Is there anyone who was there or with 2 friends of mine from basic
at Devens that were KIA in Dec.'67, they were with C company 2/1. Their
names were Richard Wormdahl, and James Wendolowski. Both were KIA on
the same day. Nice to see this website. I was stationed at Ft Devens and was
waiting in line at the post theater when I happened to see a friend
of mine from Indiana also in line. He was a no striper (Pvt E-2) and
he was very happy to see me. He had been drafted. We had worked in a
steel mill together in Northern Indiana. I had enlisted about a year
earlier. We talked of home and I stated I would call on him at his barracts
later. When I arrived at his barracts I was amazed at the professionalism
these troops displayed. At the time I was only a young buck sergeant
(E-5), but when I entered the company area I was given every courtesy.
Every sentence was 'Yes Sergeant' 'No Sergeant', even my friend exhibited
this behaviour. I then learned that they were being trained as a unit
from basic training through advanced infantry training and would be
deployed as a unit. The officers and NCOs were to be assigned later.
After about 2 hours I left as it was way past lights out. It was soon
after that I watched the unit fly out of Devens into harms way. But
one thing that I was sure of was that my friend was with some of the
most well trained well disiplined soldiers I had seen in my army service.
Thank you 196th. Here's the link http://chu65nang67.us/nam/vietnam.html Joe; try (chu65nang67@yahoo.com). I previously posted what I see
on the site. I'm a total novice on the PC, first started 2 years ago
this month; was necessary as my health "went south" and was confined
to home. My Son set me up and taught me what I have retained since he
left. I have the 'Vietnam Era (60's, 70's) in my favorites. If this
doesn't get you to the 'site' please let me know; we will work something
out as I'm sure many would appreciate what is available. I'm doing much
better now after several surgeries so don't spend as much time on the
PC as I once did. I would ask that you post a clear web address for
the site in question if you get there. Thanks! "Out, here". http://chu65nang67.us/nam/vietnam.html ? Grunt Medic: you forgot the link, but I've been there before, nice
site. All the music from the era that means something.I always enjoy
your posts. Grunt medic: You never did link the site you're talking about. Reference my last post, the Marines served in the mid 60's, please
excuse the typo. Now that I have sufficiently stirred the pot, I will now present
all with something I have found to be useful when taking that stroll
thru the memories of VN and that "era". It is a Web Site put together
by a couple of Marines who served in the Chu Lai and Da Nnang AO's in
the mid-70's. The site has leads to numerous others and has tons of
music you probably haven't heard in a 'long time. Hope you go there
and enjoy it to the extent possible. Some folks were able to come 'home',
put it all behind them and got on with their lives; others did not and
others 'could not' as they left their lives in VN. I saw too many of
the latter. Take heart tho, American Forces and Allies wasted a whole
generation of N. VN males; I hope the word "satire" comes to mind now.
Here is the address for the site: . In retrospect, I resent nothing
anyone has EVER called me, I've become numb (yes it rhymes with dumb)
to the disdane from others. To all, I wish you well. "Out, here" In late August or early September I was coming back to LZ center
from a week in the hospital. I had a wallet full of money to go on R&R
with. Things were looking up for me. I was on one of the refueling pads
on Hawk Hill. There was a man there refueling the choppers as they came
in. Inbetween refueling we struck up a conversation. I do not recall
exactly what we talked about but I think he ask me about my unit. I
was very proud of Recon E 3/21 of the 196th. I was part of it. Anyway,
during the conversation the man ask me if I would smoke one with him
and I said yes. It was some good shit. Then the slick came in and I
headed out. After I got back to Center I was missing my billfold with
all my R&R money. I was crushed. Man I was not even going to get an
R&R without money. The next day I got word from my LT to go to Hawk
Hill because my billfold was turned in. I caught the next bird out and
found this Captain. He gave me my billfold and it had every cent in
it. Nothing missing. I ask him if I could talk to the guy that turned
it in. The Captain said he had already left to go back to the world.
I do not even know his name. He was just my brother. Life is good. Roy I agree with John on the SNB's. When I got in county and out to
the field as squad leader. I was assigned to another squad leader Sergeant
Ikiebie for several weeks to learn the ropes of squad leader. Then I
was asigned my squad where I learned from the school of hard knocks
and from the members of my squad. Everytime we went out on ambush I
had coordnates ready to call a fire mission if needed. Just some of
the things I learned at the Shake and Bake School. Seems that the company
commander tried to have us walking point several days in a row and told
him it was not right. He respected my wishes. Our squad was good and
maybe the best of the company at the time. My mission in the war was
NOT to make more rank, but to not get anyone killed and I did that.
I was made supply sargent towards the end of my tour. The top sergeant
came to the rear and ask me if I would come back to the field and the
co would make me E6. I ask if it was an order or just asking and Top
said just asking. I did not want the responsibility of a platoon. Seems
that some know it all and I am still learning. I resent anyone calling
me a shake and bake!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sergeant George Sanders PS: Have
not used this title since 1969. In another couple of weeks The Gimlet will go to press and then
be mailed to members of the Gimlet Association 21st Infantry Regiment,
many former 3/21 Gimlets from the Vietnam era. You guys that served
in the 3/21 with the 196th in Vietnam ought to consider joining the
association as a way of staying connect to your brother Gimlets that
you fought with in Vietnam. Contact the association at gimletmail21
"at" yahoo.com No dues, yep it's free. grunt medic- we all learned as we went. we learned from everybody
in the unit. it was really a very humbling experiance. i know that it
was not all fun. i did mine sweeps, walked point,carried m79, carried
m60,carried radio for Lt seibert and any other job i was given. i guess
it was all part of the learning. when i came back to the states i became
a di. in 27 months of service i was an e6 and still learning. i do not
regret a thing that i did nor would i change anything. would i do it
over? probably. after all i was RA i do not want this to sound critical
please do not take it that way. after all we had a lot of LT's that
were fresh out of OCS school and did not know what to do . they also
learned thru OJT remember we all learn something new everyday Jon Burns; My problem with the 'system' was that the knowledge
and skill of the OJTs was wasted and time was of the essence. The OJT
got the short end of the stick in regards to promotions as well. I may
not have walked in your shoes, but I walked much of the same ground
as you did. Following my VN 'grunt' experiemce with the 196th, I was
Flight Medic with Chu Lai Dust-off for 18 months. Having been 'dusted-off'
myself, I thought flying was better than walking AND the air temperature
was nice. I had the dubious 'pleasure' of "picking up the pices" of
many a mistake and listening to guys screaming about 'a lot of things'.
A follow on to that was and extended tour with 1st Field Force Spec
Ops and an association with the ROK White Horse Division; it was difficult
to believe that the Koreans were once a 'rag tag' army; only after YEARS
of training (post Korean War) by the Americam 'dough-boy' did they become
the professionals they were. I did not say ALL S&Bs were useless, but
most were a 'one trick poney' as few extended (lets get some feed-back
on this). Where did you think you were going when you were offered NCOS?
S&Bs also took the place of the lifers who found a way to avoid VN or
the bush if assigned to VN. Your statements regarding that you 'learned'
each step of the way makes my point; my thinking is if an on the job
guy was offered a promotion to E-5 or 6, it would have been a hugh incentive
for many to 'remain on station' and a time saver in regards to getting
'slots' filled with experienced people. As I said, I just wanted to
'stir the pot',; you may have the spoon now. I miss Missouri, especially
the SW. "Out, here". I would really like to hear from some of the Lrrps. I have
met a few of them. Got to have had a big set to do the thing. Talk to
us. Thanks, Roy As a Shake-N-Bake I can say not all showed up thinking we knew everything,
I came, I listened, I learned and kept my mouth shut and my eyes and
ears open and learned from the old guys....who 80% were E-4's and below.
After a few weeks they let me have the reins and I still learned as
I went on. Like almost all of the other SNB's, I didn't ask to go, I
got orders and went and did the best I could. If you were upset by us
being there, you should have walked a few clicks in our boots.....we
knew if we screwed up that someone would get hurt, and we kept that
at the top of our list. We didn't mind something happening to ourselves....our
guys were another matter.....we were scared all the time....mainly that
we would screw up and get someone hurt! Maybe you had an asshole of
a SNB, but I can bet that was the exception not the rule? I had SNB's
come into the company after I was there some 3-5 months and made sure
they went by the same rules that I did! I came to A 1/46th after 3 months
with the Ranger Company down in Chu Lai, even so...I still had to relearn
a whole hell-of-alot cause a Line Company and a Ranger Team do not operate
the same in the bush. Maybe you ought to take it easy and not judge
all by a few, I know that usually one only saw what their squad/Platoon
and company experienced in their tour.....I hope your perception is
not the rule as to your feelings of Shake-N-Bakes. Just my 2 cents!
Sgt. Jon K. Burns USA Retired Can anyone tell me the value of "shake & bake" officers
and NCOs. I never understood the rationale for this concept, peace-time
OCS yes, as the 'newby' can gain 'some' experience without killing anybody;
sending a 'green' Officer/NCO from school to combat did nothing but
cause turmoil in the Plt/Co, especially when they showed up believing
they had the answer prior to the question and often rejected the counsel
of the E-4/5s who had learned by OJT. What an incentive it would have
been for those 'combat tested' E-4s and E-5s to remain on the job if
they were given the same opportunity for promotion as the 'shake & bake'.
Continuity of the units would have been maintained and, consequently,
been more effective. A junior grade officer served at most 6 months
in the 'bush' unless they asked to stay (something I never heard of)
and when they were just beginning to have a clue---they left. I would
venture to say that more Pfcs and Sp4s were promoted to the next grade
after being KIA than those who lived thru a full tour. A 'S&B' NCO took
the slots that a 'junior grade' had filled up to the time of the formers
arrival and in all probability trained the 'newby'. Of the my 20 active
duty years, I was assigned to 'combat arms' units 9, (6 Inf & 3 with
155 SP Arty) per my request. School does not impart leadership, it can
only enhance what is already there, whereas, in the bush those having
the 'trait' showed up and did the job. Just thought I would stir the
'pot'. "Out,here" Bob Jasinski, did you know a couple other instant NCO"s who came
to A 3/21 about the same time you did? Their names were Grant and Clements.
They came in at Nhi Ha right after A Co was hit. Stoney -Third Plt Sgt Joe, thanks for the reply. I about fell out my chair. That was
so funny man. Glad to know someone has a sense of humor but if you look
at it closley you told the truth. I am glad to hear from you brother.
Keep it up. Later brothers Roy I will be getting Commissioned in April and I want my father to
do the oath. I wanted to know if there was anyone out there who remembers
a 2nd Lt Manuel D. Joglar who served with the 196th in 1967. I am trying
to do a bio on his service as a formal introduction but I am having
a hard time finding any. Don't know why, but just for the heck of it, entered 196th light
infanty brigade into www.A9.com search engine. Had no idea that I would
find this web site. After being drafted and entering Army 8May 1967,
did basic training at Fort Knox, KY. AIT at Fort Polk, LA. Leadership
School (class #5) at For Benning, GA. Back to Fort Polk, LA as an E5
for OJT. Arrived at Fort Lewis, WA 16 April 1968 for processing to Viet
Nam. Some time around the 1st of May arrived with Alpha Company 3/21
196th near the DMZ. My first night was spent outside the perimeter on
the side of a bomb crater on OP. The next night we were attacked and
those on OP came back over the concertina wire. After about a week,
the company saddled up and headed back to battalion where we were choppered
South and dropped off on LZ Colt. We then walked off heading in a more
western direction for some length of days. When it was our turn, we
walked to the top of hill 352 (LZ Center) guarding the perimeter. We
opperated in that general area during my tour of Duty. I left country,
very early February 1969, leaving the Army 6 February 1969. Today I
am looking forward to retirement in about a year. As much as I hated
the thought of leaving civian life to serve my country, I have to put
things into perspective that this unit became a part of my life. Scanning
the entries here, bring back that history and the thought that so many
served as I did and returned home. Some that I befriended over there,
did not. I will always remember them. I have a cousin whose son attended
West Point and was sent to Iraq. He has returned safely home for more
training and eventually another tour of duty. Why on a planet of six
or so billion people, does a relative small number make life so miserable
for so many. I have printed out the news letter and am thinking that
joining the Association is something that maybe I should do. Roy I saw your comments in the 196th Guest book good to hear another
brother still out there. I was with Recon 67-68-69 call sign “Wildchild”
I got in country Dec of 69 assigned to Delta but never got there I volunteered
to go to a start up recon platoon E 3/21 196th with a lieutenant Perkins
(HOG) I was out for awhile after a run in April 13 1968 the back in
a month or so. When were you there? I have a picture of us on Center
and can email it to you. Lather Brother " mercenaries", I think I figured my pay once for working as a
mercenary 24/7 as about 40 cents an hour. Probably why I changed my
line of work.I almost forgot about "the benefits" like being condemned
by your country, agent orange disease, early death etc. Gotta remember
the benefits. Thanks for your comments about the Koreans. I do not know. It was
just a story I heard. But if you look at it and think about it, we were
mercenaries in a way. I was drafted and I went. I did believe. There
is nothing wrong with that, I was ingnorant that is all I was ingornant.
I feel like I am much beter now. Maybe not. So, tell me more and I will
listen. Thankyou my brother. Roy The Korean troops in South Vietnam were not mercenaries. They were
regular South Korean Army divisions whose government the Johnson administration
essentially paid to be there, hence the old story that they were mercenaries. I did some research today. Yes the Koreans were in Nam. They were
the second largest force there. One was called White Hore, the second
was Tiger, and the third was Blue Dragon. They were mercenairies. I
was never around them and I do not know how they fought. I believe what
I heard was probably right. Anyway, I found excerpts from interviews
with the Koreans. They are not happy about not being mentioned in our
history. I really can't believe we diss them so bad. They are our brothers
in arms. Am I wrong? I heard several stories about how fierce they were.
I was touched by the interviews on the men from Korea. Just look up
White Horse Korean mercenaries. That is what I looked up. They had 350,000
men there in the years Nam was going on. Give me some feedback. Later
brothers, Roy "Andy," from Maine, was with 196th then went to Wolfhounds, I lost
your e-mail address, when I was trying to change my password. Send me
one, so I can re-build my address list. Denny To John re Cpt. Conley, B Co. CO, 2/1 Mar 68: I remember him well.
I was a radio operator in the 2/1 TOC, and then the NCOIC of the TOC.
Cpt. Conley often was in the TOC when his company was rotated back to
LZ Ross.He was definitely hardcore -- his favorite story for a while
concerned the 12 gauge that he carried and an NVA that was in the wrong
place during a B Co. ambush.He repeatedly tried to recruit me out to
the field as a B Co. radio operator, and he was contemptuous about my
refusal to give up my cot, cooler with beer, and day job. Here is another story that I recall and would like some feedback
brothers. There was a group of men that served in Nam that were from
South Korea. I think they called them the White Horse. They were mercenairies
that were paid for each individual head that was brought in. I know
that is gross but this is just a story I heard. Is it true? I really
do not know. Give me some feedback brothers. I know you have it. I will
be back again. Thankyou my brothers. Roy A few weeks ago I posted a story about a man named Snag. With the help of my brothers | |