AMink
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Marine Corps honor dinner
- Thread starter AMink
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BoeingDiesel
TDR MEMBER
A very close friend and squadron mate of mine, USS Coral Sea 1972, wrote me a letter several years back; it was the usual, “Hey, how you doing, are you going to the reunion, it’s been a long time. ” He went on to tell me a little about his life as a commercial pilot and his family. He and his family had settled in the Midwest and life was good but he eventually went on to ask how I was doing and if remembered… if I remembered those days over SE Asia. In finishing his letter he related a story of one particular evening and how thankful he was for the U. S. Marines that had saved him from imminent death. I re-wrote his account in the third party as best I could because I believe it’s important that we, as the greatest nation on this earth, keep in perspective that sacrifice doesn’t always end on the battlefield.
“Many years ago, on a warm summer evening, a husband and wife sat on the front porch watching their children play. As it goes with most neighborhoods, their home was the congregation point, and, one by one the kids from up and down the street eventually made their way to the family’s yard. It was a perfect evening; the breeze was gentle and carried the faint fragrance of clover with it, the fireflies were bobbing and the echo of laughter coming from the little ones warmed his heart. He listened as the boys bantered for position and the girls chatting among themselves. Life was good; in fact, life was great. But, as things usually go, someone was about to gum-up the works. The boys had formed a circle and in a very audible tone of voice one of the older boys commented, “Yeah well…your dad is ugly. ” The response was immediate and without hesitation, the young boy replied, “My dad was a fighter pilot and he was shot down. ” Silence fell upon the crowd of youngsters and all watched with anticipation waiting for the accusers’ reply. A few moments passed when the offender stepped forward knowing full well that all eyes were upon him, “Well, if he was shot down why isn’t he dead?” At that point his eleven year old daughter stepped in between her brother and the other boy and bellowed, “My dad is alive because the Marines saved him you dummy,” then broke through the crowd and ran onto the porch. With tears streaming down her cheeks she sat in front of her dad choking out the words,” I was right, wasn’t I dad, the Marines saved you didn’t they?” Her father leaned forward and kissed her on the forehead and whispered in her ear,” Yes honey, the Marines saved me. ” His hand instinctively moved to the jagged scars on his face, and slowly tracing the lines, the memories returned. He remembered lying under the canopy of trees, bloated with infection with his face half torn off, unable to walk and accepting the end. He will never forget that sweet sound of the Sandys’ guarding the perimeter as two brave Marines repelled down from a hovering Jolly. He will never forget the bravery of those two young boys spraying rounds at the advancing force. He will never forget the first words he heard,” Good morning sir, we’ll be taking you home now. ” He will never forget.
Thanks for posting AMink…God Bless the USMC.
“Many years ago, on a warm summer evening, a husband and wife sat on the front porch watching their children play. As it goes with most neighborhoods, their home was the congregation point, and, one by one the kids from up and down the street eventually made their way to the family’s yard. It was a perfect evening; the breeze was gentle and carried the faint fragrance of clover with it, the fireflies were bobbing and the echo of laughter coming from the little ones warmed his heart. He listened as the boys bantered for position and the girls chatting among themselves. Life was good; in fact, life was great. But, as things usually go, someone was about to gum-up the works. The boys had formed a circle and in a very audible tone of voice one of the older boys commented, “Yeah well…your dad is ugly. ” The response was immediate and without hesitation, the young boy replied, “My dad was a fighter pilot and he was shot down. ” Silence fell upon the crowd of youngsters and all watched with anticipation waiting for the accusers’ reply. A few moments passed when the offender stepped forward knowing full well that all eyes were upon him, “Well, if he was shot down why isn’t he dead?” At that point his eleven year old daughter stepped in between her brother and the other boy and bellowed, “My dad is alive because the Marines saved him you dummy,” then broke through the crowd and ran onto the porch. With tears streaming down her cheeks she sat in front of her dad choking out the words,” I was right, wasn’t I dad, the Marines saved you didn’t they?” Her father leaned forward and kissed her on the forehead and whispered in her ear,” Yes honey, the Marines saved me. ” His hand instinctively moved to the jagged scars on his face, and slowly tracing the lines, the memories returned. He remembered lying under the canopy of trees, bloated with infection with his face half torn off, unable to walk and accepting the end. He will never forget that sweet sound of the Sandys’ guarding the perimeter as two brave Marines repelled down from a hovering Jolly. He will never forget the bravery of those two young boys spraying rounds at the advancing force. He will never forget the first words he heard,” Good morning sir, we’ll be taking you home now. ” He will never forget.
Thanks for posting AMink…God Bless the USMC.
BoeingDiesel
TDR MEMBER
Well said Tractor.
Air power from one grunts view!
When you are on the ground, Air Cover is a blessing! Words do not convey meanings as well as pictures. However, If you were not there, it still may be a concept that is not as poignant as it is for those that were. Those memories are etched in our minds for the rest of our lives. My pictures are not the greatest. But I have attempted to digital photograph a few in an effort for those that do not have those memories. I dont have a scanner or converter, so they may have glare and may not be very clear.
At one point in 1968, I was attached to the Chung Yong (Blue Dragon)(sp) Brigade of the ROK Marines as a TAD(same as TDY) ANGLICO communications radio operator.
We were located at an old french plantation near Hoi An, RSV.
Re supply was by Chopper and here is a picture of one of those events. It also stirred up a hornets nest of antiaircraft sniping, general ground fire and Mortar attacks. The air was thick with snapping incoming rounds during these resupplies. We did return fire, often with some effect. However, we required air strikes to suppress these indignities. Mortar attacks were a common reprisal method. and our 106 Recoilless Rifle was was only a single heavy weapon against so many targets at ranges of 700 meters. Our M-16's were useless. We had a couple of M-60s. a . 30 caliber BAR, (I borrowed one:-laf) and a couple of . 30 Caliber MG's and a . 50 BMG. Air power was certainly more effective in eliminating problem.
This is by no means the whole story. Just an introduction for some pictures that show just what friendly air support can do!
In these pictures, the Air support was supplied by Navy and Marine pilots flying F-4 Phantoms and Crusaders.
(The aircraft that dropped the fireball is located at 2 O'clock, about 3/8" in from the edge of the lower photograph)
When you are on the ground, Air Cover is a blessing! Words do not convey meanings as well as pictures. However, If you were not there, it still may be a concept that is not as poignant as it is for those that were. Those memories are etched in our minds for the rest of our lives. My pictures are not the greatest. But I have attempted to digital photograph a few in an effort for those that do not have those memories. I dont have a scanner or converter, so they may have glare and may not be very clear.
At one point in 1968, I was attached to the Chung Yong (Blue Dragon)(sp) Brigade of the ROK Marines as a TAD(same as TDY) ANGLICO communications radio operator.
We were located at an old french plantation near Hoi An, RSV.
Re supply was by Chopper and here is a picture of one of those events. It also stirred up a hornets nest of antiaircraft sniping, general ground fire and Mortar attacks. The air was thick with snapping incoming rounds during these resupplies. We did return fire, often with some effect. However, we required air strikes to suppress these indignities. Mortar attacks were a common reprisal method. and our 106 Recoilless Rifle was was only a single heavy weapon against so many targets at ranges of 700 meters. Our M-16's were useless. We had a couple of M-60s. a . 30 caliber BAR, (I borrowed one:-laf) and a couple of . 30 Caliber MG's and a . 50 BMG. Air power was certainly more effective in eliminating problem.
This is by no means the whole story. Just an introduction for some pictures that show just what friendly air support can do!
In these pictures, the Air support was supplied by Navy and Marine pilots flying F-4 Phantoms and Crusaders.
(The aircraft that dropped the fireball is located at 2 O'clock, about 3/8" in from the edge of the lower photograph)
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The photos with the white smoke is the result of White Phosphorus("Willie Peter").
You can see one of the aircraft just above the trees in the center of the first photo.
The last picture is a time fused heavyweight ordinance, toss bombed from a Phantom . The aircraft comes in low and stands on its tail, with the afterburners lit. As it reaches a zenith the bomb is released. The bomb buries itself into the ground to a good depth and detonates. Caving in tunnels and underground structures.
This one was very close to us. One detonated above ground and you talk about shrapnel in the air:--). The initial velocity of shrapnel is equivilent to the propagation rate of the explosive. Normally about 14,000 feet per second! More than 5X the speed of a US issue . 7. 62 NATO ammunition! Steel rain! GregH
You can see one of the aircraft just above the trees in the center of the first photo.
The last picture is a time fused heavyweight ordinance, toss bombed from a Phantom . The aircraft comes in low and stands on its tail, with the afterburners lit. As it reaches a zenith the bomb is released. The bomb buries itself into the ground to a good depth and detonates. Caving in tunnels and underground structures.
This one was very close to us. One detonated above ground and you talk about shrapnel in the air:--). The initial velocity of shrapnel is equivilent to the propagation rate of the explosive. Normally about 14,000 feet per second! More than 5X the speed of a US issue . 7. 62 NATO ammunition! Steel rain! GregH
Navy and Marines flew more Skyraiders than the Air Force our version was a 2 seater the A-1E. With 2 of those flying cover you could rest easy knowing that they would take out alot of opposition in a big hurry and could stay on site for an incredibly long time. The amount of punishment that they could take and still fly was NUTS many times the planes would come back missing complete piston/cylinder and puking oil all over the place and not sound that bad just a little miss. the Wright R 3350 was a tank of a motor and not all that hard to work on. Sense I have been putting Pics on Disk these are 2 that I did not take but the FAC pilot and Sandy gave me. Our little slice of HEAVEN. The big planes were cargo and landed just to get combat time so their pay went up. Home is where your FLOP is . SORRY FOR THE MESS MAID'S DAY OFF :-laf
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BoeingDiesel
TDR MEMBER
GHarman…Bignasty, thanks for posting pictures of your time in country…and Big’, I’m still working on transposing my account of two very courageous A1 drivers that initiated a Prairie Fire request for a trapped SOG team.
To all the vets on the TDR GHarman, Bignasty, Mr. Barlow, Tractorat, et al…Uncle Sugar hired us to do a job…and we did it.
To all the vets on the TDR GHarman, Bignasty, Mr. Barlow, Tractorat, et al…Uncle Sugar hired us to do a job…and we did it.
I can't even begin to describe how thankful I am for all of you and the sacrifices of those less fortunate. It's very difficult being young and looking at my generation of kids that haven't got a clue, I can only pray one day they'll understand. A thank you will never be enough but it's all i can say.
I admit that I "served" in the United States Army at a time of peace and have never seen a day of combat, but I did shed a tear while viewing the link!!
It's not entirely about Marines!! (to all, I give a proud salute), however, it is really about ALL OF US (United States)... Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard, USCG, and reservists of ALL of the branches listed above!! I listed them in NO particular order of importance, instead, I just listed them in a manor that I could remember to INCLUDE ALL OF MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS that are fighting for the same goal!!
If any American can watch without feeling SOMETHING, then they have no souls!!
It's not entirely about Marines!! (to all, I give a proud salute), however, it is really about ALL OF US (United States)... Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard, USCG, and reservists of ALL of the branches listed above!! I listed them in NO particular order of importance, instead, I just listed them in a manor that I could remember to INCLUDE ALL OF MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS that are fighting for the same goal!!
If any American can watch without feeling SOMETHING, then they have no souls!!
jclark
I still look at OUR!!!! GENERATION and think that they dont have a clue, Its just that not having a clue for so long some of us are able to hide the fact better. :-laf
Mikey
I dont look at what a servicemen did or did not do YOU WERE IN AND THAT'S WHAT COUNTS. I went in, in CA along with a bud from El Cajon CA his job was a carpenter. He spent pretty much the entire length of time at George AFB building kit OUTHOUSES. Every time I went to the can I thought of him and put a notch on the I TRIED TO BY-PASS THE CUSSING FILTER HOUSE wall for him. Before my untimely departure from VN I took a picture of the I TRIED TO BY-PASS THE CUSSING FILTER House wall with all the notches and thanks for letters from the guy's that used his KIT I TRIED TO BY-PASS THE CUSSING FILTER HOUSE. He has that picture blown up and in his living room and ware's it like a badge of HONNER AS HE SHOULD. JMO
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We were mostly young and still "invincible"!
I am Honored to have been able to Serve our Nation.
From my standpoint, thanks are not necessary! BUT, Are appreciated!
I've met many good people, over the years that did not go to Viet Nam, that say; "They wished now that they could have gone"! My reply is; No you dont! You did not miss a thing!
Lessons were learned from the Viet Nam conflict that has given the newer generations of War Fighters a REAL Leg up on any potential enemy!
No matter what the job. A high profile, in the thick of the nastiest strategic combat or just a sh**tbird on a work detail, digging **** tubes! We all had a link into a greater purpose. Some of us will never know the value or extent of our contributions to that effort. Just knowing that our present War Fighters need not come home to ridicule and demonizing slander, is a great step forward!
Knowing that we do not live in a perfect world and War is inevitable, must keep us prepared! As long as we have what others want, we will have to defend it. The fundamental Human failings of "Lust of the Eye, Lust of the Flesh and the Pride of Life" will guarantee difficulty! GregH
I am Honored to have been able to Serve our Nation.
From my standpoint, thanks are not necessary! BUT, Are appreciated!
I've met many good people, over the years that did not go to Viet Nam, that say; "They wished now that they could have gone"! My reply is; No you dont! You did not miss a thing!
Lessons were learned from the Viet Nam conflict that has given the newer generations of War Fighters a REAL Leg up on any potential enemy!
No matter what the job. A high profile, in the thick of the nastiest strategic combat or just a sh**tbird on a work detail, digging **** tubes! We all had a link into a greater purpose. Some of us will never know the value or extent of our contributions to that effort. Just knowing that our present War Fighters need not come home to ridicule and demonizing slander, is a great step forward!
Knowing that we do not live in a perfect world and War is inevitable, must keep us prepared! As long as we have what others want, we will have to defend it. The fundamental Human failings of "Lust of the Eye, Lust of the Flesh and the Pride of Life" will guarantee difficulty! GregH
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Another thought! I grew up with WW-1 and WW-2 Veterans as my elders. Many of whom were wounded. Some were decorated. All were PATRIOTIC!
One of my very best Friends, recently passed away. He was like a second Dad to me. He hit the Beach in the Normandy Invasion. He was wounded and received 2 Bronze Stars.
A top notch Human Being! His Family and Friends were Blessed greatly by his leadership, during his life after the War! GregH
One of my very best Friends, recently passed away. He was like a second Dad to me. He hit the Beach in the Normandy Invasion. He was wounded and received 2 Bronze Stars.
A top notch Human Being! His Family and Friends were Blessed greatly by his leadership, during his life after the War! GregH
T Rat
From a crew chief point of view I HATE F4'S look at the Avatar of Boeing Diesel and what do you see?????? the look of help on the way? I look at it and DAMN GE J79 ENGINES. They were the dirtiest engines of all that we worked on SOOT from head to toe working on those. :-laf If it was still running when it landed and we had the time we had the crew keep it running and we would put 2 or 3 bags of almond hulls/shells that were all ground up to clean even a destroyed motor so not to get as dirty on their removal. #@$%!
A few years ago (okay... Maybe 10 :-laf ), I had the pleasure of seeing a B-52 take off
I even pulled over in a place that has "NO PARKING OR STOPPING AT ANY TIME" signs every 50' or so, just to hop out and raise my hand in salute 
I also was able to snap a pic (that I can't seem to find anywhere 
) while I was at it!! I All I can say is WOW!!! I guess I was lucky that the police weren't anywhere near because I would have surely received a ticket! :-laf
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