Guestbook Archive #1
Guestbook Archive
#1
NOTE: Due to the high maintenance
involved, email addresses |
| Name: Jim Leigh Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: PAWTUCKET, R.I. Time: 1997-10-31 17:05:00 Comments: I SERVED WITH THE 9TH INF 67-68 MEKONG DELTA, DONG TAM. |
| Name: David G. Warrilow Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Oregon City, Oregon Time: 1997-10-29 19:16:00 Comments: Enjoyed reading the guestbook. Brought back memories, especially of the 9th. The ride over on the General Wm. Wiggle and our stopover in Okinowa was extreemly memorable, particularly the day after when we hit a storm. I believe we left San Francisco 11/66, did the beach landing thing (Vung Tau?)and hitched a ride to Ben Cat. Great pictures of Dryling, Edwards, Hill, Lynch, Simpson, Kruger, Pavon, Adams, Hill, Hammond and Wally. I don't have any of Futch and many others although I haven't viewed the slides I took there in over 25 years. Maybe it's about time. Does anyone have a company picture of us from Riley? I'd love to have a copy. Left SVN in October of 68. Came home, bought a 442, got married and currently preparing for those golden years. There will probably never be a time when I have the kind of trust and admiration for a group of people that I had and still have for all of you in the 9th Infantry Division, 2/60th. Drop me a line if you have time. dw |
| Name: Mark R. Dee Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Originally from Calif. Time: 1997-10-29 01:01:00 Comments: I served in the 2/77th Armor, 9th Infantry Division Ft. Lewis, WA. from Dec. 1977 thru Jun. 1980 and would like to hear from anybody that was also stationed there During that same time period. |
| Name: David Munro Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Glasco, KS Time: 1997-10-20 19:53:00 Comments: I reported to HHC, 9th Infantry Div for duty on March 13, '66 at Ft. Riley, KS. Worked in G-3 Operations as SFC (Ops/Intel NCO) and deployed with the HQ Advanced Party from Forbes AFB, KS, Dec. 1966 and arrived at BienHoa Air Base on Dec. 7, 1966. Set up Division Tactical Ops Center at BearCat and worked the night shift as NCOIC G-3 until spring of '67. Moved to BenLuc with Asst Div Cdr (BG Roseborough) and set up forward CP (Forward TOC) for 9th's Delta Operations. Pulled "Night Watch" at the TOC and flew a number of C&C missions during operations in the Delta. Spent some pucker time at RachKien, TanAn, MyTo and Chu-Chi and an area called the "Parrots Beak". Had the privilege of working 7 days a week 14-18 hours per day for 6 months without a day's break and finally wangled an in-counry R&R to VungTau... Immediately upon arrival was quarantined to the hotel for 3 days because of "plague" scare. Transfered to HQ, US Army Japan (G-3) in November '67. Served another 8 years and including two tours as First Sergeant then retired. David E. Munro, MSG USA Retired. |
| Name: Dan Huffman Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Escanaba, MI 49829 Time: 1997-10-17 23:00:00 Comments: I served with the 4/39th, B Co, lst Plt from March 68 to Aug 68 then attached to HHC 9th Div. I was wounded on the 4th of July l968. I worked on boats (ATC's) also on air boats out of Cat Lo into the Rung Sat. I served on V.I.P. Laison team in Saigon for remainder of my tour. Names I remember, House, Holsenbach, Sams, Willie Johnson, Karracker, Lt. Jones, Danny Flatt, God, I wish I could remember more. Came in country at Cam Ran Bay, Old Reliable Academy at Bear Cat, Tan An, Tan Tru, My To, Na Ba, French Fort, Pink Palace, Hwy 4, many other places I have no idea what they were named. I with I had kept a better track of such things. I would like to hear from people from my time and unit. Dan Huffman, PO box 613, Escanaba, MI 49829 |
| Name: C. Ronald Farver Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Erie, PA (now Muncie,IN) Time: 1997-10-14 18:48:00 Comments: C. Ronald Farver, 3rd of the 5th Armored Cavalry, Feb. 5th, 1968 to Feb. 5th, 1969. Second Platoon, Charlie Troop. Hue, DaNang, DMZ, Highway 1. Anybody else? |
| Name: Jim Egge Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Time: 1997-10-05 21:46:00 Comments: Hi to all Nam vets, and especially those "Wild Ones" who served with E or Hq Companies, 3rd of the 60th between 11/66 (remember the ride over on the William Wiegle, or one of the other leaky WWII cans?), and 12/67. Who can ever forget Bear Cat, Dong Tam, "web-tocs", Bandido Charlie, the rat-patrols, and many other memories that this page uncovers? God Bless! |
| Name: Mike McLaughlin Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Oklahoma Time: 1997-10-05 11:16:00 Comments: D Troop 3/5 CAV (CHARLIE HORSE), Quang Tri, Phu Bai, Camp Evans, stand down Da Nang 71 - 72. Rotated back to Ft. Lewis was assigned to 184 MI for about 6 months then back to D 3/5 when they reorganized at Lewis. |
| Name: Robert B.Veach Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Moline Illinois Time: 1997-09-30 18:36:00 Comments: 6/31 9th Div. Firebase Gettysburg 1970.I got a dust off on the 28th of april.The rest of my outfit went to Cambodia,5th of may.I think we were across the border many times. I was moved to Camp Zama Japan,Fort Knox med.hold co.and then finished out my time at Ft. lewis Wa. Like your page alot. |
| Name: Leo A. Cachu Website: Referred by: Net Search From: Los Angeles Time: 1997-09-25 01:04:00 Comments: A great web page. I was a born-again christian when i served in Viet Nam. I served from Dec.69 to Oct. 10,1970. The unitI served in was 1st. plt, Comp. A, 5th Bat. 60th Inf. 3rd Brde. 9th Inf. From Ben Hoa i flew into Tan An. From there to Rach Kien in Dec.69. I was 11B10 Infantry. Looking back and hearing what some of our grunt brothers did, I sometimes feel I did't do enough, but I guess some-times we feel that way. Certainly looking back at what i went through others were lucking they didn't. We pulled ambushes around Rach Kien. We made "Eagles Flights". We spent serveral stints in the "Plain of Reeds". We also spent time working with the "Riverrine Force". We worked on tango boats with the Navy that was stationed just below "Ben Luc Bridge". We also worked on or off the "Air Cusion Vechicles" in the "Plain of Reeds". Around March or April 1970, we left Rach Kien and left it to the ARVN'S. We then were moved to Bien Phouc which was a mechanized unit. They moved out when we moved in. Around May we made a major eagle flight that lasted about a month. We substituted for the units of other division that were sent into Cambodia by Nixon. Then in June we were sent in to Cambodia. Our Fire-base was name "Shakey's Hill", that was named after the first 1st. Air Calvary casulty that lost his life on the hill. We were there for 1 month chasing an NVA battalion. We hit them harder than they did us. Other fire-bases we worked out of was "Jamie", "Francis", "Chu Chi" since we assigned to the 25th Division. Around Sept.1970 we left Bien Phuoc and also left that base to the ARVN and we were dispersed to the other units in Viet Nam. I must share with you one last experience that I am very proud of. I was one of the chosen to be part of the honor guard that brought the 3rd bde. 9th Inf. Div. colors back to the United States. We stayed in "DiAn" then flew out of Ben Hoa to Ft.Lewis. on October 10, 1970 the official date of departure of the 3rd. Bde, 9th Infantry Div. The 9th I believe is still in Ft. Lewis, Washington. I hope this piece of history lets some of you know what happened after you left or just before you arrived, before the 9th left. During the time i was with the 9th we lost 3 men: Victor Stribling, William Portor, and the other name i can"t rember. One of the times we were in Chu Chi there was a murder of a "Donut Dolly" by a solder, her name I found on the Internet: Viginia Kirsch. TO THE UTMOST EXTENT OF OUR POWER. GOD BLESS YOU ALL GUYS |
| Name: Denny Cowling Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Gillette, WY Time: 1997-09-21 11:10:00 Comments: served with Co. A 2/39th infantry from September 75 through April 78. |
| Name: Richard Rodrigues Website: Referred by: Net Search From: Fall River,MA Time: 1997-09-21 10:55:00 Comments: I served with the 1/84th FA 9th inf. Div. from 1985 to 1989 with like to here from people who served at the same time frame. |
| Name: Philip J. O'Mara Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: New York City Time: 1997-09-19 15:43:00 Comments: Hi Just wanted to leave a message from an old-timer. Was drafted in 1941 into co k 47th infantry 9th division. Boot camp was in Fort Bragg. Was shipped out on the destroyer USS Bernadou for the invasion of Safi No. Africa. Initially our being on ship was a military secret but I didn't fool anyone because i had to wear my GI brogans. We fought through Morocco, Tunisia, and Sicily under Patton. Left for England and prepared for the invasion. While drinking warm beer and annoying the English, kept busy by boxing on the 9th Div. boxing team. Landed on Utah beach on June 10th '44. Was Wounded on the 15th outside of Ste. Marie Eglis by a german 88. Was a million dollar wound and I was sent home. Mustered out in 1945. Not that you younger guys didn't have a tough time of it, but I would also like to hear from some WWII vets. Hang Tough. |
| Name: Steve Barnaby Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Michigan Time: 1997-09-16 18:45:00 Comments: Interested in hearing from anyone who served in the 4/39th in 68/69. I returned in 89 and 94 to the places, Nha Be (the tank farm) , Saigon, My Tho and many more. It was something else to stand in the same places all over again. The choppers are gone, but the nipa palms, muddy river shores of the Mekong and Saigon Rivers hold the memories for those who return. |
| Name: Jim Bagwell Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Time: 1997-09-14 11:33:00 Comments: in vietnam in 1967 , came over with A company 2nd / 47th after about 6 months was infused into B co. 5th / 60th |
| Name: Frank G. Seely Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: OVIEDO,FLORIDA Time: 1997-09-11 22:21:00 Comments: I was a dozer oper./ Rome plow oper. with CO C 15th Engr Bn (CBT) 9th Inf Div. I was with the 15th Engr Bn at Ft Riley, Ks. I was with the group that went to Vietnam on a C-130 , we arrived in RVN on 1 Oct 1966 and went to Bearcat. We were in RVN about 20 days before the rest of the 15th Engr Bn arrived in Vietnam. The 15th Engn Bn was in camp Bearcat, Vietnam about three (3) months before the rest of the 9th Inf Div got there. The 15th Engr Bn work day and night to make Bearcat ready for the arrival of the division. I was in Co C and tdy most of the time to HHC landclearing team. I was with the 15th Engr Bn in Vietnam from 1 0ct 1966-Sept 67, I am looking for members of Co C or HHC dozer/rome plow oper. Also spent time in Tan An |
| Name: Billy Aerts Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: St petersburg Florida Time: 1997-09-11 18:40:00 Comments: I was in the 2nd of 60th Ifantry Bravo Company TAn Tru south Vetnam Vietnam from October 68 until August 69 Looking for any ofmy buddies who are still alive. Let me knwo where you are |
| Name: Jerome Moore Jr Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Lunenburg Ma. Time: 1997-09-10 15:45:00 Comments: If anyone knows how to contact Ted Lecouffe from St. Clair Shores, MI, let me know, you can contact me at 192 Island Rd. Lunenburg, MA. 01462 I served w/him in the medical plt. of 2/1 Inf. Light Attack from 1988-1989. |
| Name: Albert B. Moore Website: Mobile Riverine Force Association Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: 106 Belleview Dr. Conover, NC. 28613 Time: 1997-09-07 16:48:00 Comments: Seeking any of the men of the 9th Division who served on the Tangos, Monitors, ASPB's, The APB's Benewah, Colleton, Mercer, Nueces, APL-26 "the green apple" the support LST's Washtenaw Cty etc. , The ARL's Askari, Satyr, Sphinx, Krishna, anyone serving in the MRF and supporting units.. we have over 7000 members and will be meeting next year in San Diego, you can also contact me at 704-464-7228 I was the Head Cook on the Benewah APB-35 1966-68 after the Benewah I was in Dong Tam on the Navy side of the base by the YRBM I hope to hear from anyone who served in the Delta Thanks AL-Moore |
| Name: Albert Moore Website: Mobile Riverine Force Association Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Conover, NC. Time: 1997-09-03 16:41:00 Comments: There is another website for members of the 9th Div as well as an assoc the Mobile Riverine Force Association is open to all units of the 9th Infantry Division out of Bear Cat and Dong Tam, Though we're a Army and Navy assoc we number 7000 strong our membership includes anyone who served in the 9th Div in Vietnam our recent reunion brought in over 1400 members of the MRFA for more info on the assoc please contact Al Moore 106 Belleview Dr. Conover, NC. 28613 704-464-7228 E-mail mrfa@abts.net web site www.mrfa.org we have a reunion set for San Diego, Ca. June 25-28 1998 |
| Name: Dean
Delahaut Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Time: 1997-09-03 08:32:00 Comments: I served in 9th MI Company at North Fort Lewis, WA 1978-1980. Looking for some old Army friends. Any advice ? |
| Name: Earl Massey Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Time: 1997-08-30 12:18:00 Comments: A/5/60 - Walter Thone where are you? I have tried to contact you at the email address but it does not work. Please read my other message and reply. |
| Name: P.D. Flinders Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: mtn. view, ca Time: 1997-08-29 14:37:00 Comments: 2nd battalion, 77th armor attached to 9th infantry nice to see a page. |
| Name: George Skypeck Website: SKYPECK Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Maryland now Time: 1997-08-22 18:32:00 Comments: Glad to see this page--am looking for any survivors of the "Crossroads" battle in Kien-Hoa province 3 April,1968. Also, looking for any survivors of Tet 1968 in Ben-Tre, Kien-Hoa Province. |
| Name: Joseph W. Young Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Lexington,KY Time: 1997-08-22 17:25:00 Comments: I served in the 709th Maintenance Bn. June 67-June 68.I would like to hear from anyone sho was there during that time. |
| Name: Gary L.
Cagle Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Army Brat who grew up to be a soldier myself....Eugene, Oregon is my HOR Time: 1997-08-22 08:19:00 Comments: I served with the 9th ID at Ft Lewis from 85-87. I was the Medical Platoon Leader in 2nd Bn, 1st Inf (Light Attack). In those days, we were the "High Technology Test Bed" division, and 2/1 had the dune buggies (official army name was "FAV", or Fast Attack Vehicle). I am looking for the address, etc of the 9th ID Association. I would like to sign up.....I am now a Major, Medical Service Corps, and will be medically retired as of 31 Oct 97. Thanks for setting up this page, and if I can help you out, let me know. I am living in the DC area now, and am not certain what I will be doing post-army. Drop me a line!!! Gary Cagle |
| Name: Earl Massey Website: The Mystery Has been solved. Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Time: 1997-08-20 23:48:00 Comments: As so many have said, what a treat to find the "Old Reliables" after so many years. Thank you CPT Leon Baldwin for your service in Vietnam and again here. I served with A Co, 5th Battalion, 60th Infantry, and 1st and 3d Brigade Headquarters during 67 and 68. I served a second tour in 70-71. Walter Thone, I too remember that faithful night, Oct 13, 1967 when 1st Platoon, A Company, 5/60th (Cohart Alpha 16) was ambushed about three klicks North of the Ben Luc Bridge on Highway 4, while reacting to a request for assistance from an ARVN Ranger Camp that was being over run. Well remember the B-40 hitting the second track in the convoy directly in the fuel tank wounding all on board. Only through the platoon sergeant's (SFC Robinsons) quick reaction by firing the 106 Recoilless Rifle with Behive rounds into the tree line which was the long leg of the L shaped ambush, did some of us live. I too remember loading the Medicac Huey with 8 wounded soldiers and watching it fly off. SFC Robinson also quickly called the battalion for help and soon we were surrounded by our buddies from the rest of the battalion. I also remember the Medivac Helicopter returning for me later and taking me to Dong Tam's 3d Field Hospital, where I went into shock as they cut the skin off my burned face and hands. I awoke during the night thinking the pretty young nurse was an Angel and that I was in heaven - but no, God was good and I lived to fight another day. The next morning two other soldiers, the driver and gunner, and I were medivaced to Saigon's 3rd Surg Hospital, where the other two soldiers were sent to Japan. I was told later that both the driver and gunner died of burns in Japan. I have often tried to identify them and find their names on "the Wall". If I read your entry correct, you or PFC Green are one of the mem I have grieved over for over 30 years. Perhaps the only bright part of this story is when General Westmorland came by my bed the next moring and presented me with my Purple Heart. Although I could not see him, I asked him: "General when are we going to get diesel tracks? I just lost 8 good men in gas tracks." He said he would work on it. You see Walter, the reason I remember all this is because I was the young, scared 2LT who was facing his first real combat action. The one who looks back with pride as I saw the platoon and platoon sergeant react to the ambush and save us wounded. I am told the platoon killed 35 enemy soldiers that night, as the Brigade later found a mass grave where most of the enemy had received behive wounds and 1/A/5/60 got the count. LTC (Ret) Earl Massey |
| Name: Norm Wilkinson Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: DELAWARE CITY, DE Time: 1997-08-20 19:34:00 Comments: Leon it was quite a treat to stumble across your efforts. I read all the entries posted as of today, and intend to visit often. I was with CO B 4/47 from 3/67 to 3/68 - I guess one of the first replacements to the original (Viet Nam) Ft Riley 9th Division. My year with the 9th Div started at Bearcat, provided a couple cruises with the navy on the beautiful muddy rivers of the Mekong delta and ended at Dong Tam. Some may remember being mortared nightly during Tet of 68 at Dong Tam. I was one of the three, I guess more adventursome, that helped direct return artillary fire from our perch on the 4/47 water tower - the others were Aldas Carpenter, and 1Lt Richard Koski (later kia 3/8/68). I'm sure I would recognize Milt Estrella (enjoyed your comments) since most of the time you lived right down the street or on the same ship. Thank you Leon for provided this place. Norm Wilkinson - long ago sgte5 |
| Name: Roger Riddle Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Time: 1997-08-19 01:19:00 Comments: Charlie co., 2/39 from 68 to 69. |
| Name: Richard
Hutchinson Website: Referred by: Word of Mouth From: Time: 1997-08-18 06:10:00 Comments: Gawd a mighty.... I just heard of your page, and surfed on in. I was with "D" 15th Engr. and supported the 4/47 as a demo spec. The notes that I have read herein bring back a lot of memories some good some bad. I have visited "Pop" Pelham at the wall on several occasions, and plan to be there again for this years Veteran Day events. MFRA is planning an event so everone get the word out. I guess my fondest memmory is water skiing the Mekong with Gerald (Keith) Brown. I visit him at the wall occasionally as well. |
| Name: Frank
Martinolich Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Washington State Time: 1997-08-17 17:45:00 Comments: I've been going through some slides and photos and decided to see if any could locate any old friends. I was with A/3rd/60th from March 1968-1969. I'd be glad to here from all that were there with me. This is a great site and if I can assist with any additional information I might have, please let me know. Anyone who has been back to the Delta for a visit, I'd like to hear from you also. Thanks. |
| Name: Ken Reiss Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Colonia, NJ. Time: 1997-08-17 15:34:00 Comments: I can't tell you how surprised and pleased I was to "stumble" across your web page. I served with the 5/60 Mechanized infantry in the delta from Oct 67 thru Oct 68. The unit was transferred to the 1st division in September of 1968, shortly before my rotation date. Over the years, with all that was written about the war, I rarely saw references to the 9th division and I applaud your efforts. |
| Name: Alfred Banfield Website: SSG That Needs To Say Thanks Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: So. San Francisco, CA Time: 1997-08-17 07:13:00 Comments: SSG Platton Leader Would like to contact men that I was associated with in Vietnam with the 9th Div. 6/31 C Co. Aug.-Oct. '68. I was wounded in the lower right leg and evac out on a mission. Never got to say Thanks and it was great knowing you. I need to close this part of my life. |
| Name: Howard Pillman Website: Referred by: Net Search From: SAN DIEGO Time: 1997-08-16 11:19:00 Comments: I was reading Tom Strieglers account of his trip on the USS JOHN POPE I was also on that trip sent an E-mail came back as invalid address. I really like your site and hope it really does well I have a lot of memories as I was a machine gunner with the 4th 47th and operated part of the time off the Benewah a converted ww11 LST. the rest of the time we operated out of Dong tam.went over with the original Division landing at Vung tau and then proceded to Bear Cat where we often pulled Patrols in the bein son rubber plantation, later we went to the Delta where we operated up and down the river mostly in unheard of places like the Rung sat plain of reeds toi san island I would say that two thirds of our operations were night patrols or night ambush sites. when we were on the Benewah we mostly traveled around by APB s. Every once in a while we would get a cush assignment like security for the dredge in the river outside Dong Tam Or a couple times we ended up spending the night at the old french Fort at the fork in the river.They usually kept us pretty buisy not spending too much time at Dong Tam or aborad the Benewah. Did get a short break when I got warm water imersion foot and and ring worm on my legs.Very few fire fights as we were buisy with booby traps and snipers My spelling on names is probably a little off as we never were interested in there names at the time. we did get great support from the 5th air calvary and Navy pilots. Not to forget the Navies APB's and PBR's. there was never anything sweeter than the sound of those Grey marine diesel coming to extract you from a L Z afterbeing out all night I am interested in hereing from anyone who was in those areas around the same time 1967 or any one who was at Custer hill Fort riley 1966 |
| Name: Howard Pillman Website: Referred by: Net Search From: Sad Diego Time: 1997-08-16 08:59:00 Comments: I served in the Mekong Delta 1967 with 4th/47th /9th Inf. I was a member of the mobile riverine forces,seraving at Dong Tam near Mytho and aboard the Benewah a convrted ww11 LST. Interested in contacting any one who was in that area around the same time |
| Name: Willy Website: Willy's Place Referred by: Word of Mouth From: Oregon Time: 1997-08-10 20:10:00 Comments: Hi Leon Nice page you have here I will spend more time looking around after I sign this....Thanks for stopping by my pages... Keep up the good work .... stop by again some time |
| Name: Kurt R. Van Anglen
(EM2 USN '68 - '72) Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Westfield, NJ (originally Nutley, NJ) Time: 1997-08-03 15:43:00 Comments: Served in USN, at NAVSUPACT DET DONGTAM 1969-1970 alongside 9th Infantry Div. |
| Name: H.N. Blaisdell Website: Referred by: Net Search From: PA Time: 1997-08-03 08:59:00 Comments: LOOKING FOR ANYONE FROM MY UNIT 335TH RRC JAN 1968-FEB 1969 BEAR CAT, DONG TAM, TAN AN, TAN TRU |
| Name: Howard
Benach (AKA Dusty) Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: PENNA Time: 1997-07-30 04:23:00 Comments: JUST SURFING AROUND LOOKING FOR MORE INFO ON THE 9TH INF. I SERVED WITH HHQ TROOP 3/5 CAV FLAME PLATOON FROM NOV 70 TO NOV 71. I WAS AT THE BLACK KNIGHTS REUNION LAST MONTH 6/97. LOOKING FOR MORE TROOPS FROM THE 3/5 CAV. I STOOD DOWN WITH THEM. BUT CAME HOME TO SOON KEEP IN TOUCH. |
| Name: Joe Palumbo Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Joplin,mo. Time: 1997-07-28 13:09:00 Comments: served with C6/31st inf at FSB Moore,plain of reeds,Dong Tam.After 8 months of ambush patrols,went to 9th S+t,staph+immersion ft. |
| Name: Robert P. (Bob)
Hatch Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Time: 1997-07-12 22:57:00 Comments: Glad to meet you. Was in Vietnam from 2/67 through 6/68. Pointman in the 3/39th. Wounded three times, stationed at Rach Kien and the French Fort (Don Rach Cat) on the mouth of the Saigon River. Drafted 6/66. Got out 6/68. Staff Sergeant. Have some information to send you and will do so soon. Best Regards, Robert P. (Bob) Hatch First Squad, First Platoon, A. Company 3/39th Infantry |
| Name: Frank Papandrea Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Time: 1997-07-12 22:55:00 Comments: hi, Gt Web page- I'm very impressed!!! I was at bearcat 2/67 - 8/67 2/47th A Company, then to Dongtam 8/67 to 2/68 gt idea to find info & how it all fits into a web of understanding will write again soon! R U going to reunion in Drawbridge end of mo for 9th.? Abt 30 fm 2/47 will be there to begin a 47th Regement group if all goes well. Wd love to talk then === Frank Papandrea |
| Name: Tom Striegler Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Time: 1997-07-12 22:51:00 Comments: I Just found your 9th Infantry Home Page and thought I'd give you a little history of me and the 9th Division at Ft. Riley and our first year or so in Vietnam. I was born and raised in Irving, Texas. I graduated from Texas A&M in January 1966, after squeezing four years of college into four and a half plus a couple of summers. I was commissioned a 2nd Lt. in Field Artillery, and reported to Ft. Sill, OK, for Field Artillery Officers Basic April 28, 1966. After 8 weeks of FAOBC and 3 weeks of Airborne School at Ft. Benning, I reported to the A Battery, 2nd Battalion, 4th Artillery, 9th Infantry Division at Ft. Riley, KS. The 9th had been recently reactivated and was training for deployment to Vietnam. We actually got about 15,000 draftees direct from the reception centers and took them through Basic Training and AIT within the Division, the first time that had been done since WWII. On January 7th, 1967, the 2/4 FA along with a brigade of infantry boarded a troop train at Ft. Riley for the trip to Oakland Naval Terminal. On January 9th, we all boarded the USS General John Pope, an old WWII troop ship for a 22 day voyage to Vietnam. After 18 days, we made a 12 hour stopover in Okinawa. About 24 hours out of Okinawa, one trooper, who had apparently smuggled a bottle of liquor on board jumped overboard in the middle of the South China Sea. We spent 24 hours in the area searching for him, but never found him. Shortly before we landed in Vietnam, I was reassigned from forward observer to assistant fire direction officer, exchanging places with Lt. Mike King. We landed at Vung Tau on January 31, 1967, and were trucked to Bear Cat base camp. On our initial operation out of Bear Cat, which was really only an orientation / training exercise, I was forward observer for a troop of the 3rd squadron, 5th cavalry. After a couple of relatively uneventful weeks, I was recalled from the field and reassigned as Executive Officer of B Battery, 2nd of the 4th FA, this time exchanging places with Lt. Fred Chesborough. B Battery spent late February and part of March '67 in the Rung Sot Special Zone south of Saigon, in support of the newly formed Mobile Riverine Force that was in training there. In late March, we along with the rest of the 2 / 4 moved into Long An province, becoming the first U.S. combat troops in the Mekong Delta. A Battery moved into Rach Kien, C Battery into Tan Tru and B Battery moved into Binh Phouc in support of the 5th battalion, 60th infantry (mechanized). On March 16, 1967, both Fred Chesborough and Mike King were killed in action. I was later to lose a lot of other good friends over there, but Fred and Mike were the first, and because I had recently traded places with both of them, their deaths were probably the hardest to accept. Throughout the spring and summer, we continued to engage both the Viet Cong and the NVA throughout the upper Delta. The 2 / 4 FA had the dubious distinction of leading the 9th Division artillery in casualties. I was wounded by a grenade on August 5, 1967, during a perimeter probe of our base camp at Binh Phouc and medivaced to the field hospital at My Tho (Dong Tam). In early September, I transferred from the 2 / 4 FA to the 7th battalion, 8th artillery (8" / 175mm), 54th Artillery Group, and spent the rest of my tour with them, including a month at a fire base at Ben Luc, northeast of Tan An supporting the 9th Division. I returned from Vietnam in January 1968 and spent the next 18 months as an instructor at the Field Artillery School at Ft. Sill. Then following a shortened tour in Korea, I left the Army in January 1970 to return to my civilian career with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. I'm currently Chief of Law Enforcement for the Service and plan on retiring shortly after the first of next year. I'm married (second) and between us we have four children, one son and three daughters. Recently, several alumni from the original 2/4 FA have found each other after 30 years. As I said earlier, we'll add you to the mailing list, and we would love to hear what happened to the 2/4 after we left. In checking the Citations of Medal of Honor winners in Vietnam on the net, I wa surprised how many were in the 9th. In November 1967, a soldier from the C Battery, 2/4 won the Congressional Medal of Honor when the battery was attacked and over run. Hope I haven't bored you to death. It was good to hear from you. Let me know if I can be of any further help. Tom Striegler |
| Name: DAVE Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Time: 1997-07-12 22:47:00 Comments: Hi Leon, Many many years ago I was a pfc.. Went to Nam june 1968 and left Sept 1970..At the time of departure I was an E-5 working on E-6 but decided to deros and become a civilian.. I was in communications and Bearcat was one of our sites. .As a tech controller I traveled to many of the sites....from dong tam to can tho etc... Sincerely, DAVE p.s. Thank you for your contribution then and now..... |
| Name: Jim
Bennett Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Time: 1997-07-12 22:44:00 Comments: My name is Jim Bennett. Like you, I am a veteran of the 9th Infantry Support Command. I was the Support Command Hqs Company Commander from its inception at Ft Riley in February 1966 until February 1967 when I transferred to 12th Aviation Group. If you're looking for info on the early days, I may be able to provide some. |
| Name: unknown Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Time: 1997-07-12 22:42:00 Comments: 9th infantry a co 5th 60 benphuc 1967 armored , any information on this unit |
| Name: Connie Menefee Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Time: 1997-07-12 22:40:00 Comments: I happened across your web page while on a survey for sites about the 9th...I was doing that because the 9th is having a reunion near Cincinnati in (June?July?) of this year AND coincidentally am reading a couple of new books about the SEALs & the 9th is merely mentioned, of course, as the army unit that gave support to many SEAL ops in the Delta. (Book is Swimmers Among The Trees by Joel M. Hutchins, 1996, Presidio Press) Funny how some of the units in Vietnam are so obscure. The 9th had to be one of the odder ones in terms of what it was and how it was used....I have run across some references to it, but not many. A neat little book you may not have found yet is: Riverine: A Pictorial History of the Brown Water War in Vietnam, by Jim Mesko, 1985. The publisher is listed as Squadron/Signal Publications 1115 Crowley Dr Carrollton TX 75011-5010. Those Texans don't move around much, so maybe they're still there. Not tons on the 9th, but lots of pictures and a really good breakdown of all the Task Forces. A couple of books written by advisor types down the Delta...I'll pass on titles if you're interested. Not the 9th by don't know how widely your own Area of Operations (vis a vis the Web Page) is going!!! Only odds and ends in my own collection, but if I run across anything big I'll pass the title on to you. Connie Menefee (A sometimes historian for the CAP Marines and don't even ask how I got involved in Vietnam....but I was lucky enough to go over in April 1994 with a group of vets. Mostly did I Corps, but flew into Saigon. No Delta. Next time!) |
| Name: Peter D.
Cecconi Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Time: 1997-07-12 22:36:00 Comments: My Brother Lou was at Dong Tam. After the Army he spoke of the 8 inch Guns, 200# Shells and firing all the time. I think he said Big "D" 10th something. He told me of moving on roads and breaking down and sniper fire. Hot,eating was no fun. I must ask him of specific names. He gave me a pair of pants (combat fatigues) in 1970, I still have them-wrapped in plastic. I wore them for awhile in the 70's. Hey, I was 10 and thought thats what you did with a prize like that . |
| Name: Larry Eason Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Time: 1997-07-12 22:32:00 Comments: I FOUND YOUR HOME PAGE INTERESTING. I WAS IN THE 9TH ALSO,1967,WENT THRU BEAR CAT THEN BIEN PHOUC,RIFLEMAN 3RD.PLATOON B COMPANY 5TH OF THE 60TH.MY LAST 4 MONTHS I SPENT AT THE AIR STRIP IN TAN-AN, PULLING GUARD DUTY EVERY NIGHT. THE ONLY OTHER PEOPLE THERE WAS A MEDICAL CO. WITH A SMALL FIELD HOSPITAL AND A CONSTRUCTION COMPANY-- WHAT A PLACE THAT WAS!!! LIKE YOU, IAM SUPRISED AT THE LACK OF INFO. ON THE 9TH INFANTRY DIV. AND I HAVE LOOKED |
| Name: Pat McAleavey Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Time: 1997-07-12 22:30:00 Comments: Hi Leon, My name is Pat McAleavey and I served as an infantryman with the 9th Division from April 67 to February 68. I was in C Co., 4th Bn., 39th Inf. operating out of Bearcat although we didn't really spend that much time there. I stumbled across your web site today and just thought I'd drop a line to say great job. As I approach the 30 year mark of my arrival in-country I've been using the web to look for info to sort of make sense of it all. I agree with the statement you make re: the lack of historical information about the 9th's operations. I know that we did a bit of traveling while I was there, even supporting the 4th Division in the Central Highlands in late 67. I definitely feel like kicking my own butt sometimes for not keeping a written record of my experiences there. The worst part is being able to remember faces but not the names. Let me know if I can be of any help with information, etc. Who knows! Maybe exercising the braincells will actually be fun. Pat McAleavey |
| Name: Vincent Z.
Whaley Website: Tribute the the 47th Infantry "Raiders" Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Time: 1997-07-12 22:27:00 Comments: Dear Leon, I just ran across your page and would like to thank you for remembering the 9th Infantry Division. My grandfather served with the 47th Infantry Regiment "The Raiders" during World War II. I have created a few Web pages in honor of the 47th and the 9th. You may be able to find some information at my main home page. The URL is: http://home.tricon.net/vzwhaley If I can help you in any way, just let me know. Vincent Z. Whaley email: vzwhaley@tricon.net |
| Name: Richard White Website: Black Knights' home page Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Time: 1997-07-12 22:25:00 Comments: Mr. Baldwin... I'm in the process of trying to build a home page for 3/5 Cav (Black Knights) I'm an absolute neophyte at this html business, having decided Monday evening that I would give it a whirl and see what happens. Having spent three of the past four nights working at it, I'm not sure yet but I think I'm more or less satisfied with the index page and my next step is going to be to try to figure out how to create other pages linked to it. You can look at the results at: http://www.freenet.tlh.fl.us/~rwhite ... and I wouldn't mind at all if you added a link to that page from your 9th Inf Div page. Thanks Richard White C Trp 3/5 Cav Dong Ha/Quang Tri, RVN 1971 |
| Name: Larry King Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Time: 1997-07-12 22:12:00 Comments: My name is Larry King, I was with the 9th Infantry Division Mobile River forses 1967/1968. I drove a Boston Whaler. While on operation I carried troops, wonded and supplies up and down the shallow or narrow canals that the amphibius troop carriers couldn't go. If thier are others out there I would like to hear from you. The Flower Power Division. |
| Name: Milton
Estrella Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Time: 1997-07-12 22:11:00 Comments: I'm Milt Estrella a former River Raider of the 9th Division 2nd Brigade in Vietnam. I was a in A/4/47, from May 1966 at Ft. Riley Kansas until I was wounded in Vietnam in July 1967. The Ninth Division was reactivated for Vietnam in 1966, using cadry mostly from Germany to train the new recuits (not the triditional DI's). the second brigade was sent to Vietnam early 1966, I arrived Jan. 10, 1966 with our advanced party.. The main body arrived later that month. We first were in Bearcat, operating in the Rubber Plantation area. Later we went to the Delta and Dong Tam operating in the Delta. My company suffered Heavy losses in a firefight in the delta (Appx. 40 KIA) on June 19, 1967. I was wounded on July 11, 1967. I did spend some time on the Colleton in the Delta. You Might be intersted in the Mobile Riverine Force Association, A group of Navy and Army members who served in the Delta. They are on the Internet and have Biannual reunions. Our service in Vietnam was unique and few outsiders (inclueding Vietnam Veterns) Know much about our operations to keep the approaches to Sigon open. Sincerly, Milt Estrella |
| Name: Walter Thone Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Time: 1997-07-12 22:08:00 Comments: 11/21/67 9th Inf 5th of the 60th mech out of Bien Phouc company A, B, C was ambushed on Highway one about 12 miles from saigon 2 maybe 3 survivers One of the survivers was PFC Green who recounted the attack to me in a japan hospital. Odly enough he was sitting in my seat on the APC and was just told by the other soldiers not to get to comfortable because I would be back. My Leu had survived to make it to japan but was severly burned 95% the nurse told me. wjturner@netzero.net |
| Name: Bob Nichols Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Time: 1997-07-12 22:03:00 Comments: Leon, Just becoming acquainted with the internet and found your site. I was with B Co. 3/60 9th Inf Div in the Delta in 68/69. Looking forward to completion of your page, and with time, maybe I can add something to it for you. I started at Ben Hoa, then to Long Binh, Bear Cat, Dong Tam, USS Benewah, then the USS Colleton. Was a grunt with a PRC 25 on my back most of the time. At work now and can't spend a lot of time, but wanted to touch base with you, and I plan on coming back. Speaking of back, I returned to the Delta in March of last year, but that is another story altgether. Be in touch, Bob Nichols |
| Name: Joe Wilson Website: Tth Association of US Army Transporters in Thailand Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Time: 1997-07-12 22:01:00 Comments: Leon, I really enjoyed reading you home page, and like the setup of you 9th Inf page too. I was in the 9th Inf Div at Ft Lewis in 72-73, and am currently trying to do some of the same things you are doing. I want to research my old 519th TC Bn in Thailand during the late 60's & early 70's. I have been to various links, (and will be to some more too), but the Association Listings off the Army home page is a good place to find people who might be able to help as well. Well I just wanted to say, thanks for an enjoyable visit. You can check out one of my pages, if you want at: http://www.pcisys.net/~jjwilson/trans.html I got to go, but good luck on you quest to humanize the Vietnam Veterans for those of us who weren't there, but remember where we were during that time. God Bless, Joe |
| Name: Brian Hilary
Schwalen Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Time: 1997-07-12 21:53:00 Comments: Viet Nam 1970-71 Army Helicopter Crew member Crew Chief- Huey's North & Central Highlands 498th Medical Company, "DUST OFF" Last Company size medivac unit. They took the colors home 4 months after I got there. 237th Medical Detachment, "DUST OFF" 68th Medical Detachment, "DUST OFF" First and last unit to have 6 white birds. We lost three in three weeks. we took the white paint off real quick. I had one of the remaining birds. I and 3 other guys brought the unit colors home to Hawaii 1971. |
| Name: Bill
Coppernoll Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Time: 1997-07-12 21:51:00 Comments: I was with the advance party that went to bear cat 11/66. A co 9th avn flying slicks. sp-5 w.d. coppernoll if I have any info that can contribute please give me a E message. thanks Bill Coppernoll (RA 16800830) |
| Name: Robert McDowell Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Time: 1997-07-12 21:48:00 Comments: Welcome home, i was attached to 9th for a few weeks in 67-68 era. I was transfered to II Field Forces also at Bearcat. I worked with MACV calling arty for ARVN 101 Div and 30th Ranger Bn. I am waiting to see your Bearcat page. I think I saw it once while there. BoB |
| Name: Bob Yarnall Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Time: 1997-07-12 21:45:00 Comments: Hi, my name is Robert M. Yarnall Jr. I was with the 9th Infintry Division >From May 1966 to May 1968. I was in the 9th Signal Bat. attached to the 3rd of the 39th. I went to Vietnam in Nov. 1966 by boat [USS Benawah] when the who division was moved there at one time, what a mess. I spent my whole tour of duty in the delta with the 3rd of 39th. I have several books about the 9th in Vietnam plus many pictures and slides. Looking forward to hearing from you. Bob Yarnall |
| Name: John MacDonald Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Time: 1997-07-12 21:44:00 Comments: I just wanted to say how happy I am that the 9th has finally made the web. I can't think of any specific contributions that I could make right now, but will contact you if I do. Good luck with the project. John MacDonald E/2/39, 9ID, 67-68 "Romeo Six-Oscar & Mike Three-Six" |
| Name: James H
Deason Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Time: 1997-07-12 21:42:00 Comments: I ran across your web page on the net. I served with the 9th inf div company A 2/60 inf in 1968 I was wounded Aug 7 1968 and spent a few days at the Hosp. at Bearcat before comming home. I can give what info I have on the 9th / as far as inf. If you want it. enjoyed your web page. james h deason |
| Name: slim Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Time: 1997-07-12 21:39:00 Comments: i am a ret cpo usn,served on the rivers 68-69. i am familiar with the 9th and the job they did. the MOBILE RIVERINE FORCE ASSOC PO BOX 3101 PADUCAH KY 42002-3101 has a news letter you might find interesting. good luck, slim. |
| Name: Walter Thone Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Time: 1997-07-12 21:36:00 Comments: I was at Bien Phouc may 1 1967 - Oct 13 1967 9th infantry division 5th of the 60th MECH. Company A 1st platoon. I was wounded on a night ambush Oct 13 1967 and dusted to Da Nang hospital Bien Phouc was home base for A B C company. The unit got wiped around Nov 18 1967 on highway 1 on the way to saigon. I saw my leu and a pfc in a Japan hospital and he recounted the attack. I was never sent back and spent 8 months in Korea till my ETS when I returned home to forget the war. 30 years latter I still can't forget and know it left scars I will never forget. I have recently returned to the VA, joined the DAV, Bronx River Soilders where I am an executive board member, and begun a search for history and names of my division and company. I am also in search of survivers but have yet to find one. Hoping to hear from you and any 9th Inf soilders |
| Name: Ron Raymond Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Time: 1997-07-12 21:34:00 Comments: Ok Leon, here's a little info on the 9th Med. Battalion from the Delta Division of 1969. It was constituted on July 8, 1918, as the 9th Sanitary Train. It was inactivated 1/31/62 at Ft. Carson, Colo. & four years later it was reactivated. I myself was with the 6/31st Inf. in Dong Tam from May '68 - '69 in Delta Co. By the way, Leon, there's a 9th Div. Reunion coming up in June 26 - 29 in Ft. Mitchell, KY. There's info on the webb under the 9th. Div. or the MRFA. e-mail me back if you want more details !!!!!!!!! Hope to hear from you soon Capt. !!!!! Ron Raymond |
| Name: Bernie Ham Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Time: 1997-07-12 21:31:00 Comments: I just wanted to thank you for setting up your home page. My name is Bernie Ham. I was in C Company and HHC of the 2/39th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division from November 1, 1967 to October 28, 1968. When I got over there, we were at Bearcat. After Tet '68, we moved to Dong Tam and later on we moved to Rach Kien near Tan An. We were also at Fire Support Bases Fels and Moore near Cai Lay (khiem Ich on the map). I felt safer in the field than I did at Dong Tam. I never got use to the mortar attacks at night. Has the 9th deactivated? I understand that the division rotated back to Ft. Lewis. I have not heard anything of it in recent years. Were you a doctor or a medical officer? We really appreciated the work you guys did. I am an alumni of the 3rd Field Hospital in Saigon and the 6th Convalescent Center in Cam Rahn Bay. I spent one day at the evac at Dong Tam (was it the 24th?) before they sent me to the 3rd Field. I remember on night when I was at Dong Tam, one of the medics Michael or Mitchael Skein and I were told to go over to the evac to identify the casualties and tie toe tags on them. They had flown them in before anyone identifed them. Skein and I were roaming around the surgery suite identifying everyone. I came back home and got a degree in accounting and work as an internal auditor. I would like to hear from you if you would like to respond. My e-mail address is rham@visioncom.net. |
| Name: Sgt. Jawaski Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Time: 1997-07-12 21:29:00 Comments: I was a Sgt assigned to 3/60th Battalion between Aug. 68 and Jul. 69 and was part of the Mobile Riverine Force stationed part time at Dong Tam and part time on the Navy barracks ships in the Mekong. I was part of the first of Nixon's so called troop pull outs with a parade in Seattle, etc. If I can help, write to me. |
| Name: Loren Irving Website: Referred by: Net Search From: Time: 1997-07-12 21:25:00 Comments: Welcome Home Captain, Was Lt wi 709th Maint Bn 9th Inf Dong Tam Oct 68 to July 69. Most of the time on the base camp. Little time in choppers and some on the river. Very interested in reading your effort. I try to look back but not stare. Could have done more. Pretty much a lucky SOB. Looking forward to reading your stuff. Ever heard of the Mobile Riverine Force Assoc? Signing off.. Loren Irving |
| Name: Leon
Baldwin Website: 9th Infantry Division Referred by: I made this! From: Los Angeles, California Time: 1997-07-12 03:20:00 Comments: Due to the unexpected number of e-mail responses, I have added a guestbook. Since there is no other official 9th Infantry page, here is an opportunity to post a story, look for someone, leave a message, or just say 'Hi' to everyone. Some previous e-mail has been added to the Guestbook. |
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Copyright 2001 Leon Baldwin
