Help A Combat Veteran Spread the Story of Our MIA Comrades

Richard Jellerson is the writer, producer and director of Storyteller Original Films. His latest documentary, "A Solemn Promise, America's Missing in Action" is the story of the ongoing search for America’s thousands of our servicemen still MIA ("Missing in Action"), with a focus on the effects of their loss on their families.

As a US Army combat helicopter pilot with two tours in Vietnam, Jellerson knows war first-hand. His first tour with the 116th Assault Helicopter Company, flying assault troops into action, then providing air support and rescuing wounded. His second tour was as personal Aircraft Commander for MAC-V Commanding Officer General Creighton Abrams. (W-2 Jellerson is pictured above while flying for General Abrams in Vietnam.)

Jellerson later earned a Bachelor of Business degree from Cal State University Los Angeles in 1975, and worked in advertising.

However, he was drawn to doing more creative work, which led him first to writing, including "The Healing, Pan American Flight 001" a story about his long journey around the world after the war (available from Amazon and Barnes and Noble ). Henry Zeybel, reviewer for Vietnam Veterans of America wrote; "This book is exceptionally well written” and counts it among his “three favorite books about that war.” Another reviewer, COL Bill Fortier, said the book could be very important to families of combat vets.

He then turned to film making, where he became interested in America’s MIAs and POWs. This, combined with his own military experience, drove him to create this documentary to honor and commemorate these missing men.

The documentary is intended to help people remember that the young men (and now women) who risked their lives in the service of this nation are more than just names on a wall. They were real people who had hopes and dreams, and families and friends who never knew what truly happened to their loved ones.

Though there aren't many MIAs from recent wars, there are still many unaccounted for dating back to at least World War II and Vietnam. While we're unlikely to ever find them all, it is important for their survivors to know that we continue to try. Every MIA accounted for means closure for families who have suffered for decades, who often share a common refrain; "We miss him every day."

Richard says of his work;

"When I put the trailer together, I hadn't yet interviewed an MIA family. I just felt it was an important story that Americans should be aware of. DoD called and asked if they could help, and introduced me to several MIA families, and the story became even more important to me.

Just as was the case during the Civil War, many of these families keep an empty chair at the table for their MIA family member. At least one family has kept that solemn tradition alive since WWII. That reverent symbol of their loss is always with them.

Many times, my crew and I had to wait for someone to recover from their grief, (always visible just under the surface), when they broke down during the interview. Fifty years after one woman lost her brother in Vietnam, she was still in pain.

What hit me hardest and drove me on was some footage I found early on depicting a winter cemetery and a military burial. A young widow is sitting near her late husband's flag-draped casket. An Army officer in dress blues is presenting her with the folded flag, saying, "With the thanks of a grateful nation." Then the camera pulls back... and she's alone. All the seats around her are empty. A professional mourner is all the comfort offered her. As I write this, it still angers me.

Every American for a hundred miles should have been standing there with her honoring her sacrifice and that of her husband. I cut that scene into the trailer and the final film. Never forget!"

Richard was promised funding by a backer, but it never materialized. Nevertheless, with that determination and courage which marked his time in service, Jellerson decided to move forward alone and made this important film on his own, using his own money (including some retirement funds) to pay for it.

This film also educates the young, as well as serving to remind the public that while "freedom isn't free" the men and women of our Armed Forces are prepared to pay, up to and including the ultimate price, for all of us.

A few of us who saw the film decided to start a GoFundMe campaign to try to compensate him for his fine work on this touching film, and to enable him to spread it more widely. This film has already been of great benefit to the families and friends of MIAs and POWs.

You may see a 10 minute trailer for the hour long film here: A Solemn Promise

Richard was not looking to get rich from this documentary. In fact, he has already passed it around free to many veterans and organizations this past POW/MIA and Veteran’s Days, and plans to distribute it widely to veterans' and other civic groups. However, it would be nice to recoup some of his out-of-pocket expenses.

If you want to assist, go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/f-j-taylor (the acct. I started for Richard) and use the donation button there. (All proceeds go directly to Richard.)

Donors who give $25 or more will be eligible for a download copy of the documentary or the book (email address required). Those who donate $50 or more will receive the film and get a signed copy of Jellerson's book, "The Healing, Pan American Flight 001". (Also available from Amazon and Barnes and Noble.)

(NOTE: Due to the Covid situation, the books are back-ordered, and may take longer than originally thought. However, please be sure to send Richard your address when he sends you his thanks, and he will send one immediately when they arrive. In the mean-time, the films are available for download.)

Thanks in advance for any amount you care to give, large or small. We know there are many worthy charities and many who need assistance, but we are most grateful for any help you might offer. Any money raised over the needed amount will be used to help (verified!) charities who assist homeless veterans.

Gene Hays is a retired Marine MSGT who served in Vietnam with MAG-12, where his duties included work with his unit's Civic Action Team in Chu Lai during the last 9 months of 1968.

Their Civic Action Team interacted with 1st CAG units around Chu Lai. (He still has the original map used by 1st CAG given to him by Major John Lawson indicating 1st CAG TAORs. was involved in civic action work.) Their team’s TAOR overlapped much of 1st CAG, and some of the Army Americal Division 29th Civil Affairs Company’s areas, covering the area (roughly) north to the Tam Ky Quang Tin Province HQ and south to Quang Ngai HQ.

At the time he had no idea how many CAP units (27) were out there, but Gene had and still has a great appreciation for the CAPs. He said of their ; "All of those guys had their hands filled just trying to protect our base from incoming rockets and mortars. The VC were always after our F-4s and the A-6s in particular. The CAP units appreciated us because we did the majority of civic action projects while they were busy keeping us alive. I have nothing but the utmost respect for all of them. Except for a handful of nights I spent out in the Ville, I got to return to my hooch near MAG-12 HQ on the beach. Of course during Tet 1968, they pounded the crap out of us for almost an hour and a half and there were casualties."

Gene also said, "Most of what I learned about the war in general and the CAPs specifically has been obtained from CAP members, and of course from Generals Krulak and Walt and LtCol William R. Corson.

Gene later attended Pepperdine University with a major in Colonial Latin American History, and went on to become the author of seven books, as well as articles in the Medal of Honor Magazine, LifeZette Magazine, and other newspapers and magazines. His first two books were about his Vietnam tour, and an autobiography ("From Yellow Footprints to Pass in Review and Beyond") spanning his over 20 years service in the United States Marine Corps and several years spent in defense contracting. He also authored two books of historical fiction centered around the World War II German "stealth" bomber, the Horten Ho 229, and the Cuban Revolution.

His first book, "Civic Action, Marines Fighting a Different War in Vietnam" details what he remembers from Nov of 1967 to Dec of 1968. His unit made "Stars and Stripes" a few times. Two incidents involved an ambush of Major Richard Risner and GySgt Dick Petterson by the VC when they were on a mission. Major Risner was captured and tortured, but managed to escape.

In 2014, Gene was awarded a grant by the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation to write a book about the Combined Action Program as a part of the 50th Commemoration of the Vietnam War series, written under the auspices, guidance and approval of the University of the Marine Corps, History Division. This book ( "Combined Action, U.S. Marines Fighting a Different War in Vietnam, August 1965 to September 1970") is now available in print from the Library of Congress. (Gene adds that he has no official position with the History Division or University of the Marine Corps.)

Gene has also written an autobiography and several other books on the Marines (Leatherneck Warriors, Medals of Honor, etc.) and other topics.

In 2019, Gene's most recent book on CAP, "The Marine Corps Combined Action Program in the Vietnam War" is now in print, and is available (along with his other works) from Amazon in print and Kindle editions., along with his other works. (Autographed editions can be had directly from Gene by sending a check to cover the book and postage. E him at: rghays47@gmail.com for details.

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New Marine Corps League Detachment on the Oregon Coast

Oregon Coast Marines, led by Michael Bowman and Bill Sump held a dinner in November 2019 at the Chinook Winds Casino in Lincoln City to celebrate the 244th USMC Birthday.

Marines and their spouses of several eras from Korea on attended, and affiliated personnel who served with the FMF, such as FMF Hospital Corpsmen, chaplains and SeaBees, and others who served with or supported Marines.

This year’s event was casual attire, and did not have all the “bells and whistles” of the more formal Birthday Ball, but it was an opportunity for Marines to gather and get acquainted, and acted as a building block for a future and perhaps more formal event.

Mr. Bowman and Mr. Sump later established a local detachment of the Marine Corps League for Marines on the Pacific NW Coast to gather.

Mr. Bowman’s contacts are: (623) 703-1146‬ (This is an AZ AC, but he is in the Lincoln City, OR area), and michael.bowman1014@gmail.com.

Web Page:  https://www.marinecorpsleaguegeorgecleber1481.org

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/GeorgeCLeberMCL

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/george_c_leber_mcl

Twitter:   https://twitter.com/GeorgeCLeberMCL

You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi8y8dU2Lex4WBCliiQvEnw  

For more information on the Marine Corps League, see: www.mclnational.org

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CAP Unit Veterans Association Reunion

The CUVA always has a well-organized and well-run annual reunion that rotates around the country. You can access full information through their website.

Clan Leatherneck

The Clan Leatherneck Society & Foundation was started by a group of U.S. Marines stationed in Holy Loch, Scotland in the early 1960s as a way of combining their interest in things Scottish and Celtic with their Marine heritage.

The original members moved on after their assignment, but in 1996, when the Richmond Virginia Highland Games & Celtic Festival started, Cpl. Wayne Watkins got together several of the Marines from Holy Loch for a reunion. They discovered that there was a Leatherneck tartan (designed by Rory MacLeod and our own Bob Hall who had previously been a member of the 26th Marines Radio Relay Team at the Sub-District HQ at Khe Sanh in 1967), and a new Clan Leatherneck came about.

In 2012, the Watkins family passed Clan Leatherneck on to Cpl. Donald Green, a Marine artillery veteran of Desert Storm, who took their beginning efforts and began bringing in members to raise money to cover expanded expenses and make some donations to Marines in need.

In June of 2017, the IRS approved Clan Leatherneck Society & Foundation Inc. as a 501(c)3 charity.

Their mission is to provide small, one-time grants to Marines, as well as family members, survivors, and Corpsmen who served with Marine units. monetary aid to Marines in need while celebrating Celtic Heritage and Marine Corps tradition, raising awareness of Clan Leatherneck through participation at Celtic Festivals, Highland Games, Irish Festivals, parades, military appreciation and recognition events, and in the media.

Funds to provide aid are gathered through donations and the sale of Clan Leatherneck logo coins, stickers, patches, shirts, and other items.

They raise awareness of Clan Leatherneck through attendance and participation at Celtic Festivals, Highland Games, Irish Festivals, parades, military appreciation and recognition events, and in the media. None of the officers or board of directors accept any pay or financial benefits.

For those of us who have Scottish, Irish or other Celtic heritage, or just an interest in the subject, Clan Leatherneck is a great way to combine our interests, and help our fellow Marines and Corpsmen.

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Leatherneck 4 Life is a veteran-owned and operated site headquartered in Manchester, NH, which is dedicated to providing Marines with a forum to share views and ideas through its social media outlets like Facebook and Instagram, and slick Marine-branded apparel and accessories for Marines and their fans. Unlike many similar operations on-line, it is officially licensed by the Marines to use our emblems and sources 100% of their products in the USA, helping in this way to encourage American manufacturing. Check out their great clothing and gear!

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A new documentary film from the makers of "Bravo! Common Men, Uncommon Valor" (see below) about the men of Bravo Co., 1 / 26, who gallantly served with us at Khe Sanh, "I Married the War" is long over-due, giving voice to the unsung heroes of every war - the spouses of combat veterans.

The film follows a selection of spouses from World War II to the present-day wars who have waited anxiously at home, managing their households and children, and welcoming their warriors back from battle - only to discover the war had followed their spouses home in the form of physical and mental wounds.

The producers, Ken Rodgers (formerly a member of 1 / 26 at Khe Sanh) and his wife Betty, are currently seeking funding to support this valuable and worthwhile documentary. You can donate here to support this worthy project.

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The Women In Military Service For America Memorial, located at the Ceremonial Entrance to Arlington National Cemetery is the only major national memorial honoring all women who have served and helped defend the USA throughout its history. The Memorial houses an Exhibit Gallery, Hall of Honor, Theater, Upper Terrace, Court of Valor and, at the heart of the Memorial, a computerized register containing more than 258,000 women’s stories. Admission to the Memorial is absolutely free (though donations are always much needed and welcome).

Like the Vietnam Wall, it was built and is sustained by private donations from those who want to memorialize the role of women in service to America since the nation's foundation. It is a beautiful, moving, and long over-due tribute to our sisters in arms.

Those of you who have women who have served in your family, you can memorialize their service at this fitting monument. Please consider donating to this good cause.

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History & Mission

Purple Hearts Reunited was founded by CPT Zachariah Fike of the Vermont Army National Guard. CPT Fike has served 17 years, with combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, where CPT Fike was wounded and received his Purple Heart on 11 September 2010 in Afghanistan. He is a Life Member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. He comes from a long line of servicemen and women starting in the American Revolution, the War of 1812, and in the Civil War. His grandfather served in the Philippines, two uncles served in WWII, and two served in Vietnam. His father served 26 years in the Army (incl. Vietnam), and retired as a Command Sergeant Major. His mother was one of the first female Drill Sergeants in the Army.

A collector of antiques and militaria, CPT Fike was given a Purple Heart as a gift by his mother, and wondered how it had come to be for sale. He decided to trace its owner if possible. He learned that Private Corrado Piccoli had enlisted in January 1943, shortly after graduating from high school, and had died in France on 7 October 1944. Fike also found Piccoli's home address and discovered he had six brothers and sisters. That was as far as he got before he was sent to war again - this time to Afghanistan, where he was wounded by an incoming enemy rocket blast.

After his return, he again searched for Pvt. Piccoli's family and eventually located two of his sisters. and returned the medal. CPT Fikes then began what would become a personal mission to find and return as many Purple Hearts and other medals as possible. Working by himself initially, he eventually attracted others who were also interested in his mission, and Purple Hearts Reunited was born. (The full story can be read here.)

Purple Hearts Reunited was established in Vermont on July 23, 2012, with a mission to return lost or stolen Purple Hearts and other military medals to veterans or their families to honor their sacrifice to the nation. It is the only organization in the country returning lost or stolen medals to veterans and military families at no cost. Purple Hearts Reunited spends a considerable amount of time and money obtaining medals, researching and locating the original recipient or family and, whenever possible, conducts a “Return Ceremony” to reunite the veteran or family with the medal. To date, Purple Hearts Reunited has returned medals to more than 200 veterans and is currently working on 300 lost medals that need a home. In the case that a veteran or family cannot be found, a home of honor is located for the medal, such as a military museum. Purple Hearts Reunited also takes time to enroll them into the Purple Heart Hall of Honor and has successfully enrolled over 1500 recipients.

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Loss of a Great Marine

I recently received word from a mutual friend and fellow Recon Marine, LTCOL Vic Taylor, that one of our great Marine heroes, the legendary Colonel Wesley Lee Fox, passed away.

COL Fox was one of my icons and the very image of a Marine, as he was to many others, and was (literally) depicted on Marine recruiting posters. I often describe him as "the Marine we all wanted to be.” To me, he was the epitome of a Marine, and I tried (though not always with success) to model myself on him and other fine Marines I had the good fortune to serve with at 3rd Recon, such as COL Harper Bohr, COL (then MAJ) Jay Vargas, LTCOL (then CPT) Vic Taylor, and other fine officers, NCOs, and enlisted men.

I first met COL Fox when he was a captain assigned as both the S-2 and S-3 officer at 3rd Recon Bn., then at Camp Onna Point in Okinawa when I was there in the mid 1970s. He was later my reporting senior when I became Commander of the Guard before my return to CONUS.

An outstanding Marine officer, he taught us many things about being better Marines, and also taught some of us sport parachuting. (COL Fox was a master jumper in both the civilian and military realms.)

He was one of the legends of the Corps, and had a long career, starting in Korea, holding every rank between PVT and COL except SGTMAJ and WO. Among his many medals, ribbons, and awards, he received the MOH in Vietnam. (We had two MOH recipients at 3rd Recon during my time -- the other was our BN XO, MAJ [later COL] Jay Vargas.) Here is his MOH citation:

The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pleasure in presenting the

MEDAL OF HONOR

to

CAPTAIN WESLEY L. FOX

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

for service as set forth in the following CITATION:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as commanding officer of Company A, in action against the enemy in the northern A Shau Valley. Capt. (then 1st Lt.) Fox's company came under intense fire from a large well concealed enemy force. Capt. Fox maneuvered to a position from which he could assess the situation and confer with his platoon leaders. As they departed to execute the plan he had devised, the enemy attacked and Capt. Fox was wounded along with all of the other members of the command group, except the executive officer. Capt. Fox continued to direct the activity of his company. Advancing through heavy enemy fire, he personally neutralized one enemy position and calmly ordered an assault against the hostile emplacements. He then moved through the hazardous area coordinating aircraft support with the activities of his men. When his executive officer was mortally wounded, Capt. Fox reorganized the company and directed the fire of his men as they hurled grenades against the enemy and drove the hostile forces into retreat. Wounded again in the final assault, Capt. Fox refused medical attention, established a defensive posture, and supervised the preparation of casualties for medical evacuation. His indomitable courage, inspiring initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger inspired his marines to such aggressive action that they overcame all enemy resistance and destroyed a large bunker complex. Capt. Fox's heroic actions reflect great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps, and uphold the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

/S/ Richard M. Nixon

However, COL Fox would have been an impressive Marine and officer without any of his medals. He had all the essential leadership traits and characteristics, and charisma in spades, but he constantly led the very best way, by personal example -- and I can state with authority based on close personal observation that while he set a high bar for all of us, he set a still higher one for himself.

COL Fox also had an interesting education path. He had dropped out of school after the 8th grade, originally intending to be a farmer, but during his Marine career, he got his GED and eventually earned two college degrees by dint of hard work and study.

After his retirement from the Corps, COL Fox spent 8 more years in uniform teaching the Corps of Cadets at Virginia Tech, retiring as the deputy Commandant of Cadets.

He was both a great man and a great Marine. His loss is also great, both to the Corps and the nation, at a time when we desperately need men of honor and integrity. But his memory will live on in the hearts of all of us who were privileged to know him.

Here are some other sites which feature details of COL Fox's remarkable career.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wesley_L._Fox

http://www.pritzkermilitarylibrary.org/Home/medal-of-honor-with-ed-tracy-7.aspx

http://www.historynet.com/interview-moh-recipient-and-author-wesley-fox.htm

http://www.pbs.org/weta/americanvalor/stories/fox.html

COL Fox wrote a memoir of his service called Marine Rifleman: Forty-three Years in the Corps, available from Amazon and other bookstores. It is well worth a read.

COL Fox also wrote two other excellent books, Courage and Fear: A Primer, and Six Essential Elements of Leadership, also available from Amazon and other booksellers.

Many of COL Fox's life lessons detailed in these books can also be applied to other professions. Good leadership is (sadly) a commodity in very short supply in today's world.

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Sad Loss of a Friend of CAP

I am sorry to relate that Joe Adamski, the good friend of our comrade Earl Grissom of O-3, passed away on the night of July 30, 2017 following a long illness. Joe, a US Army veteran of Vietnam, was a long-time friend of Earl's, and they helped one another through some pretty tough times.

Those of us who had the pleasure of meeting him at the 2015 Reunion found Joe to be a great guy, and he made many friends among us. I personally am glad I had the opportunity to meet him, however briefly.

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2015 Oscar Co. Reunion

The next morning, most of us met for a get-together brunch in the Claim Jumper restaurant in the Golden Nugget on Tuesday morning, where we planned the day.

After brunch. we adjourned until 1300, when we met at the truly memorable and outstanding Leatherneck Bar, home of the Las Vegas Marine Corps League Detachment, where the owners and fine staff (“Ghost" and “Google", Kathy, “Asia", et al) kindly provided us with a place to meet, a staff for our guidon, a large flat-screen TV to watch the photo slide-shows I had put together, and some excellent food, drink and service!! They went far "above and beyond" the call of duty to ensure we were comfortable and to ensure our meeting went splendidly!

They also have a fine USMC “mini-museum” running the length of the room on both sides, ranging from WW I through Iraq. It is reputed to be the best Marine Museum West of the Mississippi, and I’d have to say it lives up to that reputation!

Thanks to their kindness and generosity (and the able and unstinting assistance of our honored guest, Dave Hansen, a former dust-off med-evac pilot who is involved with the Soldiers Sanctuary and Khe Sanh Peace Garden projects), we had a pleasant afternoon where the men (and their families!) could get together for quiet chats, reminiscences, and renewing old friendships while making new ones.

We took a photo around our unit guidon w/ battle streamers (center of picture, below), though unfortunately “Doc” Sargent was unable to attend. (Possibly due to a rough night before! )

The men later signed our unit guidon (center, w/ awards streamers) and a copy of "Last Stand at Khe Sanh" by Gregg Jones, which has an account of Oscar Company’s gallant stand in KS ville.

The next morning, some of us met for coffee at Starbucks, followed by another brunch at the Claim Jumper.

Some of the group then dispersed for “liberty call” with their families, while others got together again in small groups. The final dinner was at the buffet in the Golden Nugget, where we toasted comrades past and present.

The next morning, some of us met for coffee at Starbucks, and we reluctantly parted company. The consensus was that we must do it again -- but not wait 47 years! Ideas were discussed for another meeting, perhaps elsewhere in the country to accommodate those living east of the Mississippi.

There was also some discussion of returning to Khe Sanh for the 50th anniversary of the battle and Siege. The Vietnamese have planned a major celebration to honor the soldiers of all sides, and to open and dedicate the first phase of the Khe Sanh Peace Garden, a monument to honor the fallen of both sides.

For all those not able to attend, your presence was missed, but perhaps if we do this again, we will see you then!

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CAP Veterans Association

CAP Veterans Association information and news.

For reunion information, see the CAP Vets Association Website

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CPT Peter DeCamp Haines was one of Oscar Co.'s COs prior to the Siege. CPT Haines now lives in the Boston, MA area, where he works as a sculptor, working primarily in bronze. His work has been collected and exhibited at museums, galleries, and private collections around the country.

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REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

An Army officer whose father is a Vietnam veteran seeks information and witnesses about an incident which occurred about December 1967, in which a Marine LT (believed to have been part of the CAP Program) lost a leg around December 1967 near Chu Lai, Tam Ky, or Duc Pho. His father jumped off a half-track to retrieve the lieutenant under fire.

The Army officer is hoping to find the LT and / or any Marines who witnessed the event, in order to arrange a reunion. Any would be greatly appreciated.

Please contact this site if you have any information.

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OTHER BOOKS OF INTEREST

The late Larry L. Woolverton (see In Memoriam), the author of this memoir, was a "plank owner " in Oscar Company, as well as being one of our longest-serving members. After graduation from Central High School in Muskogee, OK, Larry enlisted in the US Marines in October, 1965, completing boot camp at MCRD San Diego and ITR at Camp Pendleton. Larry was sent to Viet Nam in 1966 with the 26th Marine Regiment, later joining Oscar Company, 1st Plt. as a radioman. This memoir is Larry's account of his service. It can be ordered in paperback at Amazon.

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"Expendable Warriors - The Battle of Khe Sanh and the Vietnam War" by COL Bruce B. G. Clarke (Praeger International Security Westport, Connecticut & London, ISBN-13: 978-0-275-99480-8) ( http://www.expendablewarriors.com ) COL Clarke (then a CPT) was the US Army Advisory Team OIC at Khe Sanh before and during the Siege. COL Clarke was present in the District HQ / O-1 compound in Khe Sahn village before and during the initial Tet Offensive assaults on Jan 21st 1968, and directed the air and artillery support. After the stunning victory of the tiny garrison against great odds, the Marine command at Khe Sanh ordered an aerial withdrawal of the Marines and Army, but failed to provide transport for their ARVN and RF-PF native counterpart troops. Loathe to abandon them to their fate, COL Clarke refused air evacuation, instead marching them back to Khe Sanh Combat Base and finding a place for them on FOB 3, the Special Forces / SOG base adjacent to the Khe Sahn Combat Base. COL Clarke later served on FOB-3 for the duration of the Siege.

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Our comrade Robert A. Hall (M.Ed., CAE, FSA Scot, FSR) served with 26th Marines Radio Relay in 1967, including a stint in Khe Sanh ville in the O-1 compound before the Siege. Upon his return to CONUS, he attended school, and served as a Marine reservist, finishing as a SSGT. He later served five terms as a MA State Senator, and later became an executive specializing in managing non-profit organizations. He is now retired.

Bob is also a talented writer who has written a number of books on various subjects (see below). He received the Robert A. Gannon writing award for poetry for his book "Old Jarhead Poems: The Heart of a Marine."

The award was delivered jointly by retired Marine LTGENs Boomer and Blackman at the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation 2012 Awards Dinner at the Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico, and he was congratulated by CMC Amos. (See above photo. More Photos and details can be seen on his blogspot.)

Bob also designed and registered the handsome USMC "Leatherneck" Tartan which can be worn by any Marine, their families or supporters. Note that Bob is sporting the "Leatherneck" tartan tie he designed in the photo with GEN Amos!)

Bob's books include:

"The Good Bits: The Marines, the Massachusetts Senate and Managing Associations" (Also available in Kindle.)

"Old Jarhead Poems: The Heart of a Marine"

(Gannon Award-winning book -- all author’s royalties from this book will be donated to the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund to help wounded veterans.)

"The Coming Collapse of the American Republic: And what you can do to prevent it"

(All royalties go to a charity to help wounded veterans.)

"Advice for my Granddaughter: For When I'm Gone"

(All royalties go to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.)

These are available in print format from Amazon and other booksellers, with "The Coming Collapse" available in E-book format from Smashwords.

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BRAVO! COMMON MEN, UNCOMMON VALOR

Now available for purchase on DVD with additional footage and interviews. Ken Rodgers was a riflemen in Bravo Company, 1/26 in 1968. He and his wife Betty have made a documentary that involved four years of research, filming, and traveling thousands of miles.

The late LTCOL Ken Pipes (a former CO of B 1/26) said that this film tells the story of one rifle company, as told by 15 men who were there and survived, and how the men of Bravo lived, fought and died during the Siege of Khe Sanh in one of the most fiercely contested battles of the Vietnam war. During this 77 day battle Bravo Company and attachments lost 65 KIA and 185 WIA, with 35 of these being wounded two or more times.

According to the producer, BRAVO! also speaks for all the men and women who fought in Vietnam, as well as in World War II, Korea, Afghanistan and Iraq. It is the story of combat and its aftermath, a testimony to the human spirit.

Rodgers says that the DVDs are currently available for veterans, history departments at schools, universities and libraries, veterans organizations, and others interested in the nature of war. You can purchase DVDs of BRAVO! COMMON MEN, UNCOMMON VALOR at the producer's website for $19.95 per DVD.

(Price includes freight, shipping and handling. Offer good through November 30, 2015.)

Please pass this along to anyone else interested in this profound account of the Vietnam War experience.

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Also on Facebook.

THE VIETNAM FUNNY BOOK: An Antidote To Insanity

"When I get home and someone tells me to go to hell, I'm going to die laughing."

Author's letter home, Jan. 20, 1969.

This is a book most of us who have served will be able to relate to. Written by a CAP Marine, it is a collection of cartoons and vignettes of the author's experience in Vietnam.

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"Heaven's Pavement" - A gritty portrayal of Airborne in the Second World War. The author, the late Juarez Roberts, was a paratrooper in the 507th, and fought with them from the first jump into Normandy all the way to Combat Varsity and the end of the war. (As a side note, I knew Juarez personally, and he was the real deal.) The story is a lightly fictionalized account of his own service in WW II. Available at Amazon.com

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Books by Dale A. Dye

Dale A. Dye was born in Cape Girardeau, Missouri on October 8, 1944. He attended Missouri Military Academy, graduating as a cadet officer, but lacking money for college, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in January 1964. He spent 13 years as an enlisted Marine, including tours in Vietnam in 1964 and again in 1967 - 1970, being promoted through the ranks to Master Sergeant before being selected for Officer Candidate School. Appointed a Warrant Officer in 1976, he later converted his commission, and was promoted to captain.

CPT Dye went to Beirut with the Multinational Peacekeeping Force in 1982-83, and later served in a variety of assignments around the world. He also attended college, graduating with a B.A. in English from the University of Maryland.

After his service in the Marines, CPT Dye later worked for a year at “Soldier of Fortune” Magazine. CPT Dye spent time in Central America, reporting on and training troops in guerrilla warfare techniques in both El Salvador and Nicaragua before leaving the magazine in 1985.

Dye then sought a new career in Hollywood, where he became a successful military consultant, actor, and writer, whose firm Warriors Inc. has participated in such films as Platoon (in which Dye had a cameo role as "CPT Harris"), Saving Private Ryan, and many others. (See his complete biography and info at his website.) He has also authored a number of fiction books (including his most recent "Chosin File") and has established a publishing group for his own books and others, Warriors Publishing.

CPT Dye's medals and awards include the Bronze Star with 'V'; Purple Heart (3 awards); Meritorious Service Medal; Joint Service Commendation Medal; Navy Commendation Medal with combat 'V' (2 awards); Air Force Commendation Medal; Navy Achievement Medal with 'V'; Combat Action Ribbon (2 awards); and numerous others. (See his Wikipedia entry for a full list.)

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Angelica Pilato was a USAF officer, who as a young captain, was assigned to manage the officers' club at Udorn Air Base in Thailand in 1971.

Among her clientele were the pilots who flew sorties over North Vietnam. They soon christened her club "Angel's Truck Stop."

Though many would consider this a "soft billet, " the young officer soon found herself faced with many challenges and a struggle to fit into the high-testosterone world of combat pilots. She also has to cope with the realities of warfare eroding her youthful ideals, and a less than certain future.

This book runs the gamut of human emotions, and gives us the war from a rare perspective -- that of a woman in a supporting role, in the days when women were rarely seen on the front lines. I highly recommend it for both men and women, especially those with a service connection.

Her book is available from Amazon and other booksellers, as well as in iBook format for iPad. A Kindle edition is also available, and Angel is now working on a movie version.

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Items of Marine / Military Interest

When I was in boot camp, one thing they hammered in was that a Marine never wears anything he isn't entitled to or didn't earn. Unfortunately, there are "wannabees" out there [sadly, even among some who really wore the uniform] who apparently have forgotten or never learned this basic lesson. According to DoD and USN / USMC regulations and policies, any veteran with an honorable discharge may wear their uniforms with their last highest successfully held rank and appropriate medals, ribbons and badges, or to wear said medals, ribbons, etc., on their military or civilian garb on appropriate occasions, as long as they comply with the regulations governing such wear. See: MARINE CORPS UNIFORM REGULATIONS CHAPTER 11, spec. 1102 and 1103 for details.

The basic three medals each man in Oscar co. earned for being in service and in theater were (in order of precedence): the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnamese Campaign Medal (plus any personal decorations, 2nd and subsequent awards of ribbons, or other awards, such as the Good Conduct, Purple Heart, etc. ). In addition to the medals, all members of CAP Oscar are entitled to at least one award of the following ribbons without accompanying medals (in order of precedence": Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation (when awarded for combat units, this is the equivalent of a Navy Cross for the entire unit), Navy Unit Commendation (when awarded for combat, this is the equivalent of a Silver Star for the entire unit), Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry (Unit Level w/ frame and palm, the equivalent of a Cross of Gallantry for the entire unit) and the Vietnamese Civic Action Ribbon (Unit Level w/ frame and palm). (See illustration below.)

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As their name implies, this US veteran-owned and operated business specializes in US military medals and ribbons and other military memorabilia to order. They can help you select and mount your full-size of miniature military medals and / or ribbons, and badges either in a shadow box or for wear on appropriate occasions on your uniform or your cap or shirt. (Their "mini-ribbon" racks are really great, as they can be used in a number of different ways to wear or display your ribbons).

The owner is a veteran, as are many of his staff, particularly the "military specialists" who assist with putting your ribbon and medal racks together. (The gentleman who assisted with my "mini-ribbon" order was a Marine who had served in the Marine Drum & Bugle Corps at 8th and I, and was highly knowledgeable and efficient.)

I believe their prices are reasonable, and are competitive with even the MCX Uniform Shop. It is a great way to show your branch and affiliation, display your earned medals and ribbons,

They can carry other products, so if you don't see what you are looking for, be sure to enquire.

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Flying Scarfs (TM)

In the summer of 2011, four young Air Force officers, Jon, Josh, Joey and Ryan deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. They came upon beautifully crafted handmade scarfs created by a group of women who had lost their husbands to the Taliban, and the officers saw a need to assist and empower the local population beyond their basic military role, and soon Flying Scarfs (TM) was formed. Through a lens of free market capitalism and micro-economic development, Flying Scarfs is a socially responsible enterprise dedicated to the empowerment of the artisans in Afghanistan and around the world, and has turned into a worldwide mission to find and assist in similar situations in underdeveloped countries. Please consider joining me in supporting these fine young men in their new mission.

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Kult of Athena Replica Arms and Armor

While not a site of Marine or Vietnam interest per se, there are many of us who are arms collectors and re-enactors seeking quality reproductions to use, or just to fill a hard-to-find spot in our collections. When I was younger in the Civil War Centennial re-enactments, it was very hard to find some items of kit. These days, there are many places to seek replica arms and armor on the Web, at many levels of price and quality (both of which can vary widely). Usually, you have to slog through dozens of sites, comparing prices, before you get the right piece at the right price.

However, there is now an alternative. KoA (not to be confused with the campground chain or certain sound-alike secret societies) is a terrific "one-stop shopping" resource for those seeking good quality, accurate reproductions of historic arms and armor of many periods and cultures, both historic and fantasy.

Ryan Whittlinger at Kult of Athena has assembled some of the finest reproduction arms and armor from well-known makers and suppliers all over the world, from A to Z (well, "W" at least), including well-known names such as Albion, CAS Iberia, Cold Steel, Del Tin, Hanwei, Marto, and Windlass (to name but a few) with prices for every budget. They stock the finest available products at highly competitive prices - and though some of the products are from off-shore they also carry American made items from companies such as Albion, and employ Americans at their HQ and warehouse in IL.

They stock a wide range of swords, spears, axes, shields, dirks and daggers, from ancient times through the 19th century, and from many cultures and periods. They keep most items in stock in their warehouse, and do not "drop-ship" or order after your order comes in. They have an actual warehouse with many of the weapons and equipment they advertise - over 4000 at present. (See their FAQ for details and a lot of other good reasons to buy from them.)

In addition to weaponry of all sorts, they have the gear to carry them in the form of belts, baldrics, etc. They also carry period jewelry, clothing, etc. So if you are in the market for Celtic weapons or equipment (or for that matter, almost any type of weapons and equipment), have a look at Kult of Athena first.

(Note: As with all links and reviews on this site and others, I receive no financial or material reward or incentives of any kind. They are posted because I have personal experience of them and / or their products, and think they are good quality and might be of interest to our readers.)

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Though not strictly speaking a Marine-oriented business, J. Higgins are specialists in outfitting Police, Fire, Veterans and Masonic pipe bands, honor guards, and other groups. They carry a large selection of Kilts, Highland wear, bagpipes, and a full line of Highland, Irish, and Celtic accessories, with something to suit every taste and budget.

Their well-made and well-designed garments look sharp and are reasonably priced - the more so when you consider that they are based right in America's Heartland in Lenexa, KS. American owned and operated, they provide real value for money!

(Note: As with all links and reviews on this site and others, I receive no financial or material reward or incentives of any kind. They are posted because I have personal experience of them and / or their products, and think they are good quality and might be of interest to our readers.)

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(Note: This site represents the result of many years of investigative work and research. I have tried to be as accurate throughout as possible, but there is no such thing as 100% perfect. In cases where I was not present, I have relied on the accounts of those who were present and / or official records, correspondence, statements from comrades, friends and family, and other sources. Statements, quotes, poems, or any material other than my own reflect the views of those who made them. Neither this author nor this site assumes any responsibility for any errata made in good faith, nor for any of the views expressed other than my own. All the photos, documents, text, and other materials are copyright, and they belong solely to the authors, photographers, etc., who retain all rights to the materials. All material is copyright, and may not be used without express written permission of the owners or their heirs and assigns. All material used with the express permission of the owners, who are named where known. Unattributed material will be attributed when the owner contacts me. I receive no financial or material reward or incentives of any kind for any reviews or links on this site. They are posted because I have personal experience of them and / or their products, and think they are good quality and might be of interest to our readers. Most of the goods and / or services offered here have been either seen or used by me personally and found satisfactory, but neither I nor this site receives any money or other remuneration or compensation for any of the products or services mentioned, and do not assume any responsibility whatsoever for any product, service, or transaction of any sort. Disputes are solely between the buyer and seller of said goods or services. Your contact information will NEVER be used for solicitation by us, nor will it be traded, hired, lent, sold or otherwise distributed. You will only be contacted if you request us to do so.)