The newspaper of the 1st Cavalry Division Association published during each even numbered month at
302 N. Main St., Copperas Cove, TX 76522-1703.  Phone: (254) 547-6537
Deadline for publication is the 1st of each odd numbered month.
e-mail: firstcav@1cda.org
Home Page: http://www.1cda.org 
EDITOR: Lorinda Davison
ASSISTANT EDITOR: Martha E. Fisher
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Dennis E. Webster

Subscriptions are available to all Life and Associate members of the 1st Cavalry Division Association and are provided to all new Life members of the Association during the first year of their membership.  Regular columns include, President's Corner, 1st SIG/13th SIG, 5th CAV, 7th CAV, 8th CAV, 9th CAV, 12th CAV, 15th MED, 20th ARA, 27th MNT/ORD, 30th FA, 61st FA, 77th FA, 82nd FA, 99th FA, 545th MP, DIV ARTY, LRRP/Rangers, Silver Wings, Division Doings, Horse Detachment, Historian, TAPS, WANTED, Museum Notes, The HICCUP, It's the Law, Letters to the Editor, New Member Listing, and information on Reunions.  Additional articles on subjects generally associated with the Division and its history are also included as space permits.  Subscriptions are $10 per year.

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The following articles have been extracted from current and past issues of SABER and are submitted here for your information and enjoyment.

Visit to Walter Reed. In cooperation with the National Capitol Regional Chapter, the Association invited and hosted the three 1st Cavalry Division soldiers in treatment at Walter Reed Army Hospital to our Veterans Day banquet the night of 11 November.  SFC Belinda Perkins and SFC Jorge Peneiro, assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division liaison office at Walter Reed Army Medical Center , attended the banquet with them. In addition to SFC Perkins and her son, Shaquille, our guests were: SPC Nicolas Caldwell, 1-7 Cav and his father Mike; SGT Fernando Cardoso, 4-9 Cav and his wife Loretta: and PFC Samual (Sam) Angert 1-7 Cav and his mother Paulina Drabkin.

I spent as much time as possible talking to each group that night.  I also talked to SFC Perkins and arranged a visit to Walter Reed for the morning of the 12th.  My wife and I went out to Walter Reed the next day arriving about 1100 hrs. SFC Perkins and SFC Jorge Peneiro met us in the lobby/reception area.  Following a brief orientation, we visited the amputation ward and were introduced to Mr. Roger Lemacks, Administrator/Chief of the amputee physical therapy.  He welcomed us and thanked us for visiting and explained what they provide in therapy for wounded soldiers at Walter Reed.

I must tell you the visit was both heart breaking and heart warming.  Heart breaking due to the soldiers grievous injuries, and heart warming for the indomitable spirit of these young men.  Every one of them I talked to wanted to finish rehab and return to active duty with his unit.  As we moved along, we met Sam, 1-7th Cav and his mother, who had attended the banquet the night before.  Stopping to talk, I asked Sam to, “Tell me more about your treatment and therapy?  Is the staff strongly committed to your recovery, and are they cheerful and supportive to you and family”?  Sam’s answer was a strong “absolutely.” I then asked his mother the same questions, plus “How are they treating you personally?  Cheerful?   Responsive?  Supportive? Friendly?” Her answer was “Yes, The staff could not have been better.” As we discussed his future Sam said,” I want to go back to duty with 1-7th Cav. They are the best.” I told him, ”I know the 1-7th is very good, but I was talking to SGT Cardoso 4-9th Cav and he told me he wanted to go back to 4-9th because they are the best.” Sam threw up his arms and fairly shouted, “Oh B---S---,   They always say that. But everyone knows 1-7th is the best.”  I was very proud of Sam’s spirit and felt good about his recovery, but since I have my own biases, I left it at that.  As a matter of fact, if I had talked to members of other units I know they would all believe their unit was the best. 

As we walked down the hall a soldier went past us going in the other direction on a Segway.  His right leg was amputated below the knee.  He stopped a short distance away to talk to a friend so I took the opportunity to join them and talk awhile.  I asked about the Segway.  He said they were great for getting around the hospital quickly.  He could walk with his prosthetic if necessary, but it was quicker and easier on the Segway. He liked it, but would really like a Harley.  I later asked Roger Lemacks, “When the soldier is discharged from the hospital what happens to the Segway”?   “It belongs to him, he takes it with him” was his answer.  I asked, “Does the Army provide them”?   Roger responded, “No, an anonymous donor provides them for all who need them.”  I don’t know who that generous person is, but may God bless him/her.

The most gratifying part of our visit was the presence of the wounded soldier’s families.  The Army brings them to Washington to be with their son/daughter, husband, wife, etc. during their treatment and rehabilitation/therapy.  They are there for the full extent of treatment, participate in most meetings with doctors/therapist and are part of the total rehabilitation process.  I believe this program is a major advance in the treatment of seriously wounded soldiers.  It permits the family to heal with the soldier, to fully understand his/her wounds and any limitations it may place on their capabilities after recovery.  Equally important, I urge the Army to make a strong, extraordinary effort to get these young men back on active duty.  Most will surprise us with what they can do.  They are motivated and have earned the right to continue serving. 

Lou “Rocket” Rochet. This is an inspiring story of courage, love and brotherhood. “ Rocket” was highly respected in “E” Troop 1/9th in Vietnam . He was a tough courageous pilot:  Highly decorated and dependable—If you were in trouble, ” Rocket” would be there.   On 18 January 1971 he was shot down in the Iron Triangle. His injuries were severe.  He lost one leg and endured many surgeries, plus more than I can count recurring over the years.  Lou being the fighter he was, never gave up or complained – except maybe for an “ah S--- , here we go again,” when more surgery or hospitalization was required.  About 15 months ago he was diagnosed with End Stage Kidney failure.  He has been on dialysis for 14 months.  We all know that’s not fun.  In the November-December issue of the Saber, Lou asked for help. He requested some brave soul to donate a Kidney to prolong his life and enable him to live more normally. He knew that was a hellu’va request,  You can read the full story in Rocket’s “On Point” article beginning page 9 in the Nov/Dec issue. After Lou’s appeal, his prayers were answered.   I am pleased to inform you that Ron Livingston (who served with Lou in 1/9 Cav) volunteered to donate a kidney.  It was a match and surgery is scheduled for 13 January 2010.  I cannot find words to describe my admiration and respect for Ron.  He is a hellu’va man.  Jim Kurtz said it best: Ron deserves a medal. The citation should read—In keeping with the highest traditions of the Military Service and reflects great credit on the 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry and the US Army .  Our prayers are with you both.

Passed on.  This issue also contains the obituaries of two of our past leaders and I wanted to pay special tribute to them.  Roy Blumenauer served as our Association President from 1998-2000 and his presence will truly be missed at all of our meetings and reunions.  CSM (Ret) Vern O. Peters was the Division Sergeant Major in Vietnam and served at the battalion and brigade level.  Our condolences to their families.

Bloomington , Minnesota .  Make plans to attend our 2010 reunion now.  We will be meeting in Bloomington from 2-6 June, 2010 and I look forward to seeing you there.

As always: GOD BLESS THE AMERICAN SOLDIER, GOD BLESS THE 1st CAVALRY DIVISION, AND GOD BLESS AMERICA.

It seems (to use a cliché) that time just keeps passing faster. Here we are approaching 2010 and what is shaping up as another year-full of Cav activities. Already, in 2009, I have attended the reunions of the 5th Cavalry Regiment Association, the 1st Cavalry Division Association and a mini-reunion for Charlie 2-5 Cav. And I’m planning, perhaps, the trip of a lifetime for Veteran’s Day in Washington, DC. After 26 years, I think it’s time to visit the Wall.

I know a lot of my brothers who still haven’t reached that point in their lives. I can only hope their time will come before it’s too late.

My visit to Marked Tree, Arkansas was a unique mini-reunion since the town adopted our company and hosted us in 2008 for a day of welcoming parades, ceremonies and meeting new people who have poured their hearts out, not only to those of us from C 2-5, but seemingly to all Vietnam vets. It is a small town in northeastern Arkansas that bears a striking resemblance to the atmosphere I remembered in some of the small towns I lived in during the 1950’s. We gathered this year during the annual "Cotton-pickin’ Festival" at Marked Tree and had a great weekend.

One fascinating moment during our visit to the Marked Tree Museum was when Richard "Doc" BOVIE (PHOTO) (Medic C 2-5 Cav 1968-69) of the Bronx, New York, discovered a medical machine that revolutionized brain surgery in the 1930’s. It was invented and patented by his grandfather. It looked like one of the original editions of a machine that is still in use today in modern medicine.

Doc gave a complete explanation of what the machine did and some of its history, but had no idea how it got to the Marked Tree Museum. He said that they have been in widespread use for many years in brain surgery and the cauterization of the many blood vessels in the brain.

Museum officials said that all the medical equipment in the museum had been donated by a local physician when his office was closed, but they couldn’t detail when it was donated.

The gathering of C 2-5 brought about 40 of the guys from all over the country including: Michigan, Illinois, Iowa, Florida, Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina and even Canada. Among them they represented almost every year of the Vietnam deployment from 1965 to 1972. (PHOTO) Back Row: John Meyers, Bill Connor, Don Jensen, Ernest McColley, Bob Moore, Donnie Bullock, and James 'Tree' Machin.  Front Row: Jim Stanford, Paul Sicca, David Carpenter, Richard Bovie, don Demchak,  Tom Jordan, and Eddie Hancock.

Bravo 2-5 held their reunion in September in Louisville with 61 troopers present and along with friends and family, they had 124 at the reunion. (PHOTO) Standing LtoR: Leon Tepoel, Richard Darling, Jim Whitaker, Earl Callan, Billy Clay, Gary Hubler and Dan Delong.  Sitting LtoR: Wayne Wilcox, Earl Mogg, Tom Crowley, Ed Walsh, Jim Roberts and Paul Schwiegeraht.  Kneeling LtoR: Kim Morelock and Bill Shepherd.

One of the interesting stories to come out of this reunion was the meeting between John "Doc" NAGEL (1968), the company medic and Ron WOTRING who served in the second platoon and was wounded at LZ Peanuts, in I Corps, on May 5, 1968.

"It was the greatest feeling of my life," Nagel, from Florida, said. "He was the first guy who I worked on that I have met since I came home. I think it was a meeting with some real meaning for me. This was my first reunion and I got to meet Ron. He was hurt pretty bad and had to spend quite a bit of time in the hospital, but he’s OK today. To see him alive was a real boost to my life and gives me an inner feeling of the good I did in Vietnam!"

Those are just a few of the examples of stories that can result out of reunions. To some they may seem pretty insignificant, but for those involved it could be a life-changing experience. And they take place at almost every reunion you might attend.

In early October he wrote that, "today, while doing physical therapy at the CFI (Center for the Intrepid), I watched a fellow Soldier take his first steps on his prosthesis. The young man was a member of my sister battalion, 1-5 Cav, commanded by my great friend Scott JACKSON. This young soldier was injured two days before I was, in an attack in northeastern Baghdad. He has had a great attitude and personality from the moment that I met him and seeing him taking those first steps was a great sight. You just don’t see smiles that big very often. This place is full of blessings if you keep your eyes open."

He noted, "my physical therapists do not go out of their way ensure that I get a serious workout every time."

From the sounds of it, by the time this column is read in January, he will be up walking around and getting ready to welcome his battalion back to Fort Hood. Wish I could be there.

His current address is: LTC Timothy KARCHER, Fisher House #3, 3623 George C. Beach Rd. #310, Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234.

I’d like to make note of the 3-5 Cav website, www.3-5cav-blackknights.org where administrator, Mike COOK reports they are adding a lot of new historical documents. Mike reports that there are new Troop websites within the squadron site. Should be worth checking out for some of you old 3-5 troopers who are looking for more info. You can also link to 3-5 Cav from the 5th Cavalry Regimental website, <www.5thcav.org/links.html>.

Officers of the 5th Cav Association have started their planning for the next reunion which will be held in St. Louis, Missouri, Sept 9-11, 2010. The final details are being developed and the complete agenda should be found on the 5th Cav website at www.5thcav.org. I expect to have the complete schedule for the next issue of the Saber for those of you not in the computer available population.

Bravo 2-5 is also planning to hold their reunion in conjunction with the 5th Cav affair in St. Louis, as well as a separate reunion May 13-16, 2010 in Chattanooga, Tennessee for those in the company who will be marking the 40th anniversary of the invasion of Cambodia.

One final note: The DOD has announced that 4th Brigade Combat Team of the 1st Cavalry Division is alerted for re-deployment to Iraq in the "summer of 2010". The also announced the extension of the tour of 1st Cavalry Division Headquarters (including Special Troops) for "up to 23 days" to provide for a smooth transition with their replacement headquarters.

As we prepare for the holiday season I hope we all take time to think about and pray about all our soldiers in harms way who need our support and prayers. Remember those "goodies" we got during the holiday season while we were overseas? Don’t forget the troops…they will want to celebrate, too.

Sky Troopers, I'll launch this month's column with my report of our annual gathering.  As you may know, the 62nd reunion was held in Killeen , Texas , my favorite location as it allows a visit to Fort Hood and a chance to talk with the troops.  Getting to Killeen was an assortment of tasks as once again, I teamed up with Gene McCRARY ("Sgt. Mac") and his wife, Rose, of Villa Rica, Georgia for the Texas sortie.  The assignment; I'd fly a thousand miles and drive a thousand mile each way.  You may recall in last year's report the my co-pilot in life, Susan, was not fond of the "flying, driving and camping" experience and decided to pass on another.  Sgt Mac was awaiting my arrival at the Atlanta airport late Tuesday morning, the second of June.  And after an overnight stay we departed for Texas in the wee hours of Wednesday morning.  Mac's newest toy, a self-contained V10 motor-coach, was comfortable, fast and fuel thirsty as a C130 while doing 70 mph and having another vehicle in tow.  Passing through Georgia , Alabama , Mississippi and Louisiana and sixteen hours of Country CD's later, we arrived at our Texas camp ground destination.

Thursday morning, we found our way to the reunion HQ hotel, a great location that's walking distance to the Killeen Convention & Conference Center .  I understand we will be returning to the same hotel in 2011.  After signing in and a visit to the Souvenir Shop for some purchases, we began checking the unit rosters for familiar names and spent the rest of the morning sharing in the kind of camaraderie that only reunions can provide.  Spending time with Mick and Linda McCANN as well as Jim BURN, Gene and Jenny BEYER, Glenn and brother Carl GRANDBERRY, Julie KINK, Jim and Janice OTTMAN, Carl LAWRENCE, Hank LAND , John GAILFOIL and many others.  As the morning drifted into afternoon and still packing some energy, one could find The Killeen Rodeo located just down the street (a rare sight for this Yankee with only 16 hours of Country genre under my belt).  Admission was free by showing your reunion badge.  The evening's Welcoming Mixer was a great prelude to concluding the day at the hospitality-reunion room.

Friday's Gold Star Family Breakfast was a sell out event, all 100 tickets sold!  I was looking forward to attending and providing my support for this first-ever event for our reunion.  Association President Pete BOOTH asked Julie KINK, sister of KIA David KINK, 1-9th Cav, to fly this sortie for the association and she did an outstanding job.  Steve RUSSELL joined my flight crew for the breakfast that preceded the presentation.  There were five KIA Gold Star Family members present.  Not bad, but I anticipate more family members of our fallen troopers will join in as this yearly function moves forward.  In 2010 the 63rd Annual Reunion will be in Minnesota .  If you know of a Gold Star family that could attend the breakfast, please ask.

Friday afternoon, Sgt Mac and Rose, Jenny and Gene BEYER and I boarded a bus at the Fort Hood Museum and proceeded to the Horse Cavalry Detachment barn for a blazing presentation (photo).  Of all my trips to Killeen , this was the first time that I managed to find the time for a visit to the HCD barn and their earth thumping show.  I must say, it was enjoyable.  They also performed for the public at the Killeen Rodeo the evening before.

Saturday morning, I was a little anxious in anticipation of hosting the Silver Wings Unit Luncheon.  My guest speaker, Deputy Commander, Rear Detachment, LTC J. Shawn PERRY had recently learned that his 13 year old son would be graduating 8th Grade on June 5th in California and needed to be there.  LTC PERRY invited MAJ Dan LEGEREIT to fill in as my guest.  Well my fears were unfounded, especially when I learned of the Apache pilots that were accompanying the Major.  The sold out "Wings" luncheon was one of the best ever.  MAJ LEGEREIT's crew and presentation were outstanding!  The group brought us up to speed on today's Army Aviation following a short motivational video.  The question and answer forum ran way past the time I had allotted.  Every person, young and old, veteran and active, in that room stood and had something to say.  CW4 (R) Steven BUCKEY and CW4 (R) Steven STEWART entertained the group with their knowledge and humorous personalities.  Mick McCANN also did an excellent job of entertaining the folks with a few of his legendary scout pilot stories.  I managed to give away a dozen “Silver Wings” caps as door prizes before ending the luncheon.  We ran a little late as the other Unit Luncheon rooms were already being cleaned as we departed.  My thanks to LTC PERRY, MAJ LEGEREIT and his crew for a wonderful event.  I also want to thank everyone who decided to attend the Wings lunch and contribute so much for an entertaining and informative afternoon.

The evening banquet found many of the luncheon folks and some late arrivals seated together in the Silver Wings table groupings.  The two CW4 STEVEN’s brought along a 615th Aviation Support Battalion “Avengers” emblem (photo) proudly displayed next to the table they shared with Herb DOYLE and his 17th Aviation (Caribou) crew and wives.  The fellowship of both new and old friends who share a common interest was evident as I watched the interacting among the attendees.  This is what these gatherings are all about.  Plus, as an added bonus, this year, many of the attendees had the opportunity to welcome home some of our returning troops, a boost for everyone's Esprit De'Corp.  The banquet concluded my reunion activities as Sgt Mac, Rose and I planned to depart very early Sunday morning for the return trip to Georgia . 

A Silver Wings salute goes out to the association for another great reunion. I/we appreciate all the work done by Dennis, Lorinda, Martha and all to insure that we had an enjoyable time.  I also wish to thank the McCRARY's for their hospitality.

Okay, let's pull pitch and get the mail sortie underway.  I received a phone call and e-mail from Ted LONG, of Portland , Oregon .  Ted, a former air traffic controller in the 11th Combat Aviation Group, 1st Cav, Vietnam, 1969-70, did tactical field air traffic control in the AO's of Phuoc Vinh, Song Be, Tay Ninh and Quan Loi.  He enjoys reading the SABER stating, "It's good therapy for me."  If you have any adventures to share with Ted, I'm sure he'd love to hear from you.  He can be reached at ted.long@comcast.net.

Art TETREAULT of Middleboro, Massachusetts sent a photo copy of an article from the Aug., ‘09 issue of Vietnam Magazine.  The short article tells of the crew recovery of Huey 808 missing for 43 years.  The crew, WO Jesse PHELPS, WO Kenneth STANCEL, crew chief Don GRELLA and gunner James RICE, all members of A/229th and Ia Drang veterans disappeared 28 December, 1965 along with Huey #808.  The remains and artifacts were sent to CIL in Hawaii before being turned over to the families in the near future.  I've written several times concerning the loss of this crew/bird and have had many e-mails and phone inquires concerning over the years, as well as contact with family members.  I know this find will bring closure to all the family members as well as the men who served with this crew.  I will have a follow up in another issue of the SABER.  Thanks, Art for the copy and remarks.

Thom J FLASH876@aol.com sent this short note: "A bunch of old guys, CE/DG and a pilot hooked up, I think they are all imposters, the guys I served with were all tall slim and dark haired..lol Thom J."

A J JOHNSON , USA retired icecreek37@aol.com sent the following, "Hey Hank I thought I would set the record straight about the Hook and LZ Columbus.  COL BRIGHAM was not aboard our aircraft that day or he would have known that the pilot was wounded by enemy gunfire and I don't think I would be arguing with the pilot about returning to home base under the circumstances.  The morning of the 19th November, there was a conversation about blowing the aircraft up in place if they couldn't get it out by night fall.  Which I would like to commend the recovery crew from the 15th TC Bn for recovery of the Aircraft.  Although it was not returned to flight status until 21 January.  They recovered this Hook three times that I know of.  Let me know if you get the picture.  The tall gentleman was WIA on January 28 and went stateside.  I have some 8 mm film that I transferred to VHS not much good but some pretty good flying shots.  If you are interested I will send you a copy.  I do think there's a short shot of the Flying Circus B Model in it, minus some paint just primer."

From Al WALKER, colcmsr@earthlink.net, www.610thtransco.com/, "Greetings Hank, I trust this note finds you well.  A group of us were talking over the weekend when it dawned on me that it was just over a year ago that you info'd me on a 13 May, ‘08 message you had sent to Pete DELEYSER.  Here we are a year later with a full blown site with over 4000 hits to date and 50+ members from all over the Union .  Some have already attended a reunion held by our former Battalion Hq's in Nashville last Veteran's Day.  Not bad for 10 months work.  I'm hoping to reach the 5000 Hit mark by August.  It's been a lot of fun and I have certainly learned a lot, made new friends and lost a couple a long the way due to the ravages of time.  One of our accomplishments, I'm happy to say, was to help increase the VA benefits rate for a couple of the guys.  That right there made it all worthwhile.  I visit your site quite often and may have to purchase one of your hats one of these day.  Take care and all the best to your family."  Al, thanks for the nice comments and I'm sure you'll hit your target by Aug.

This request for help came into the Wings mailbox from Larry AGOSTA, (973) 752-6662 or la.oldies@yahoo.com, 229th Avn Bn, Bien Hoa, 1969-70.  "I need help in locating an online store or info on how I can purchase some of the equipment we used in Nam for example, the toothpaste, foot powders etc., original bandannas and even a flak jacket.  Where can I find a pilots chair from an old Huey?  I'm redoing my den and thought of decorating it with some memorabilia.  Thanks Larry"

The next e-mail comes from SFC (R) David WEAVER, greyghost04401@yahoo.com.  "Dear Sirs, Again I am still in search of information on my dad, SFC Randy WEAVER and D Co. 227th in Vietnam .  I had a lot of pictures on my computer and had copied them to a disk, or so I thought anyway.  Well long story short when my computer crashed I lost most everything.  I can recover much of the information that was e-mailed me because I saved all the e-mails you sent me.  I would like to ask a favor and I hope I'm not rekindling any hurtful times.  Does anyone remember any of the D Co. 227 gunship tail numbers.  I know that there are 12 gunships usually assigned but through attrition some were lost and replaced.  That would be a big help for me and if you have any pictures you can send/resend me again I sure would appreciate your help.  I am mainly interested from 1967-68 or until the Huey’s were turned in for Cobra's.  Also does anyone know the names of pilots and crews also the maintenance people from August 1967-68.  I know I am asking a lot but it is real important.  My dad has been real sick and still won’t talk about it and I don't want to press him.  I have found out that he was in Chu Lai on Guild Island and then was at the Marine camp in Hue in January of 1968.  They settled on the Seabee's baseball diamond.  He was also at Camp Evans when the Ammo Dump was blown.  He took part in the A Shau campaign and helped to save the Marines at Khe Sanh. I guess what I am really asking is: does anyone know who was in each of the D Co. platoons and where and what the serial numbers of the aircraft they flew in each platoon.  I know I am asking a lot and if you don't want to relive any of this, I understand.  Thank You very much and God Bless You."

I thought I'd share this e-mail from my former CO, Gene BEYER eugenebeyer@gmail.com, concerning COL GUDE.  The time would have been early 1968.  "Hank, While reading the latest SABER I saw that COL GUDE had passed away.  You may not remember, but he was commander of the 12th Avn. Grp which consisted of the 227th, 228th and 229th Avn. Battalions. He was a prince of a guy.  I remember one incident while we were at LZ Evans.  I came in off a mission after dark and was told by operations that LTC BROWN wanted to see me in his tent.  I walked down and opened the outer flaps and closed them and opened the inner flaps and bent over to enter.  When I straightened up I was face to face with COL GUDE.  I looked around and saw LTC BROWN and another LTC who was XO of the group and they were all looking at me.  I felt like my fly was unzipped or something.  COL GUDE finally said, "Gene, you and your company have been requested by name to move to Quang Tri.  When can you move?'  Well, when you are hit with a question like that, you don't have much time to formulate an answer.  We had just got our company area organized at Evans.  I looked at COL GUDE and replied, "Sir we can move tonight, but I would much prefer to wait until tomorrow." COL GUDE said, "That's fine, you can move tomorrow."  I think if LTC BROWN had answered the question, we would have been up all night moving.  Anyway, LTC BROWN succinctly replied, "That's all."  I really admired COL GUDE along with the Infantry Battalion Commanders we supported.  I have often thought of LTC DUBIA who commanded 1-8.  We were close friends.  I knew LTC FRENCH, who commanded 1-12 but not as well as DUBIA."

Gene also informed me that Homer JACKSON, A/229th, was on sick call.  He has had carotid artery surgery and followed that up with back surgery and has recovered fine.  Gene added, "He is gardening and canning from his home in Enterprise , Alabama .  He and I did a lot of quail hunting at Rucker when we got back from Nam .  He and I pulled my fishing boat from Rucker to Canada and back on a fishing trip.  I was telling him I still have the boat and had put it in the shop to get it running again as my grandson wants to go boating.  I bought the boat in 1968. Regards, Gene"

And lastly, Mike "Mouse" McGHIE, www.angryskipper.org expressed, "I wish to thank all pilots and crews of the 229th for providing exceptional taxi service for us grunts in Nam .  You guys were great!  The photo is from Fort Benning in March at the dedication of the new parade field at the National Infantry Museum.  Mike "Mouse" McGhie D2/8"  Thanks Mouse for the comments and photo.

One more thing before I end this sortie.  Several troopers have asked how do I join the Silver Wings of the Cav?  Well you are part of the group if you flew, crewed, maintained, directed the birds or personnel of a Cav aviation unit.  You belong by virtue of your service.  If you want to find information on your First Team Troopers visit www.cavcountry.net.  With that, I'll bring another Wings flight to an end.  Enjoy the rest of the summer season.  Send in your comments and anything you wish to share.  Until next time, Clear Right!

It was 39 years ago on 1May that the Incursion into Cambodia began.  A military strike that denied the enemy, at least temporarily a safe haven and allowed US and Vietnamese forces to capture and destroy material vital to NVA.  The 7th Cavalry played a vital role in that operation and in fact we were initially briefed to be the first ground forces into the Kingdom.  Somewhere along the line that changed and the 1-7 went over the border several days later.  The fighting was brutal and 150+ Sky Troopers paid the ultimate price to assist the South Vietnamese in their ongoing quest of freedom from the oppression of the North.  In my continuing research of those casualties, I would appreciate any assistance with identification of the unit that our KIA’s served with.  

I received a nice letter from Arthur R. KENNEDY who served in D Troop during the bloody fighting in the Pacific.  Arthur took his Horse Training at Fort Riley and joined the First Team at Camp Stoneman , California .  Then they were off to Brisbane , Australia , New Guinea , the Admiralty Islands, Leyte and then Luzon .  Then they were headed to Tokyo after a mad 100 mile dash through the countryside where he was acting Top Kick in the Troop before rotating home.  Arthur also reports that he most likely is the last Horse Soldier living in Maine and will be 86 in June.  Thank you Arthur for your report and your penmanship was fine.

Alpha company 1-7 is busily preparing for their 5th Company Reunion in Fairfield , Ohio .  Currently there are 35+ troopers and spouses signed up for the event.  This get together is open to anyone who served at anytime during the period 1969 through 1971.  In years past there have been close to 70 total people and we are hoping for a similar turnout this year.  

On a sad note, one of our attendees from past reunions passed away suddenly on the 28th of April. Charlie CALKINS was a Sergeant in the Company and earned a Bronze Star for Valor on 9 October, 1970. Charlie leaves behind his wife Anne and their two sons.

John HERREN writes to inform those of you who weren’t aware that another warrior from the Ia Drang has passed away.  Randy “Doc” LOSE was given an outstanding military honors farewell at the Biloxi National Cemetery on 3 April under blue and sunny skies.  Mark LOSE, his nephew, organized the service that featured a former 82nd Airborne Reverend presiding, and a former XVIII Airborne Corps bandsman singing a solo and doing the readings.  About 45 minutes before the service, the Patriot Guard motorcycle group rolled in with American flags flying to honor Randy and to guard the service against any anti-war protesters who in other parts of the country have disrupted military funerals.  The local National Guard and Reserves were there in dress blues to handle the presentation of the flag to Pam GERALD, Randy's daughter, and to bugle taps.  The Reverend Thack DYSON recapped Randy's battle with PTSD, and other problems and Ernie SAVAGE, Ed TIMES and I made some short comments about Randy and his actions at LZ X-Ray with the cut-off platoon.  About 20 members of Randy's family attended as well as Billy SMITH and Jim ERTLE from B Company and a member of the 21st Artillery from Bob BARKER's Battalion.  During the service we had unexpected Air Force participation with an air show from the nearby Kessler AFB going on and featuring F-15s doing their low level maneuvers. Some of us were able to attend the family gathering afterwards at Mark LOSE's house in Saraland , Alabama that featured some delicious southern cooking - Joe GALOWAY, you would have really dug into that spread.  I don't know how many of you saw Van WILSON's outstanding plaque that he made up as a tribute to Randy. It was the main piece behind the urn containing his ashes.  Doc would have been proud and honored by his sendoff and we will all miss that brave medic - soldier who helped save many of his fellow troopers at LZ X-Ray.  “Garry Owen”, Sir. 

From Shortround MIGUT, we just received notification that SGT Gregg BRUSH of Charlie Company 1-7, 1968-69 died on 28 September, 2008 (His name was in TAPS in the last issue).  Gregg lived in Davenport , Iowa .  Top FLANDERS , A 2-7 informs of the passing of Ulric “Ric” NIELSON. You can sign the online guest book at the funeral home by going to:  www.ruffnerwakelin.com.  Sign in, and message.  Services are scheduled for 7 June 2009 in Prescott , and burial in the local cemetery.  Ric was one fine NCO, starting in Korea in 1950, and I hope this info gets to all who remember and served with him.

Fort Benning , GA.  Posted by Joe GALLOWAY.  It was a great day for the infantry and for the U.S. Army , and it was one for the history books, as well.  On a bright, sunny spring day in Georgia , Fort Benning and the National Infantry Museum dedicated a new parade ground, and the first of what will be thousands of basic training companies broke it in by marching in review for their graduation.  Before the 125 newest soldiers in the Army set boots on that field, though, it was consecrated in a ceremony that saw veterans and descendants of veterans of eight of America ’s wars spread soil collected from their battlefields on the new parade ground.  Douglas HAMILTON, a fifth generation descendant of Alexander HAMILTON, sprinkled soil gathered from the decisive battlefield of Yorktown in the Revolutionary War.  Former Senator Dirk KEMPTHORNE, a great-grandson of PVT Charles KEMPTHORNE of the Union Army ’s 3rd Wisconsin Infantry, and Henry B. PEASE Jr., a descendant of Henry Lewis BENNING, the Confederate commander at the Burnside Bridge, spread soil from the blood-soaked Civil War battlefield of Antietam, or Sharpsburg, as GEN BENNING probably called it.  Soil from World War I battlefields in France was spread on the parade ground by George YORK, son of the legendary SGT Alvin YORK, and Samuel Parker MOSS, grandson of Samuel PARKER of the 28th Infantry.  Both YORK and PARKER earned the Medal of Honor during World War I.  World War II was represented by soil collected from the beaches at Normandy and those of Corregidor and Guadalcanal in the Pacific.  Theodore ROOSEVELT IV, grandson of Theodore ROOSEVELT Jr., who earned the Medal of Honor on D-Day at Normandy , and by Kirk DAVIS, son of Charles DAVIS, who earned the Medal of Honor at Guadalcanal , spread soil from those battlefields.  Two legendary warriors from the Korean War COL Ola Lee MIZE, who held Outpost Harry against overwhelming odds and earned a Medal of Honor, and GEN SUN YUP PAIK, who at age 30 commanded both a Division and a Corps in the South Korean Army sprinkled soil from their war’s battlefields.  Then it was time to honor the infantrymen who fought in Vietnam , and two legendary old soldiers marched onto the field wearing their Black Cavalry Stetsons.   LTG (Ret) Hal MOORE and CSM (Ret) Basil PLUMLEY carried jars bearing soil collected at Landing Zone X-Ray in the Ia Drang Valley and on other Vietnam battlefields.  In the stands, a dozen or more Ia Drang veterans and other 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) veterans, most wearing the same black hats, stood at attention as MOORE, 87, and PLUMLEY, 89, carried out their mission and then saluted them. CSM Marvin HILL, the senior enlisted adviser to GEN David PETRAEUS at the U.S. Central Command in Tampa , spread soil collected from battlefields in Kuwait , Iraq and Afghanistan during Operation Desert Storm and Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.  Actor Sam ELLIOTT, who portrayed Sergeant Major PLUMLEY in the movie “We Were Soldiers”, narrated the ceremony. (Full disclosure: The movie is based on a book that LTG MOORE and I wrote.)  The program began and ended with some spectacular flying demonstrations using helicopters of the Vietnam War era, and Fort Benning once more heard distant echoes of the blades of Hueys, OH-6s and Cobra gunships.  The ceremony marked a partial opening of the new $100 million National Infantry Museum that adjoins the parade ground.  The grand opening of the entire facility is scheduled for June 19.   Fort Benning ’s hometown, Columbus , Georgia , provided more than 200 acres of land at the gates of the post for construction of the Infantry Museum , and Columbus citizens, foundations and companies donated almost half the money needed to build it.  The Infantry Museum Foundation is busy rounding up the last $10 million to complete work on the displays that will fill the museum’s galleries on America ’s wars and the infantry battles that distinguished them. The new soldiers graduating from basic training with B Company, 1st Battalion, 50th Infantry marched past the stands, which were filled not only with their proud parents and siblings, but also with the assembled VIPs and such legendary infantrymen as GEN (Ret) David GRANGE and GEN (Ret) Ed BURBA and COL (Ret) Ralph PUCKETT.  In the infantry and in the Army , there are good days and bad days, and a few great days.  This was one of the great days.  

Finally there is some long overdue recognition for Rick RESCORLA.  On March 25, 2009, Rick was awarded the Above & Beyond Citizen Medal - the most prestigious civilian award in America .  Every year, on National Medal of Honor Day, three United States citizens are awarded the Above & Beyond Citizen Honor.  They receive this award from a group of Americans whose actions have defined the word courage - the fewer than 100 living members of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.  Rick's children, Kim and Trevor, accepted this honor at a ceremony held in the shadow of the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery .  Video of the ceremony is on YouTube.

Michael A. SMITH, C 2-7 is looking for some help regarding an incident at what was referred to as the Graveyard in January of 1966.  He and Tommy COLE somehow got separated from the company until a group from A 2-7 found them.  Michael had been injured.  He needs this corroborating information for a VA claim.  If you know Michael or Tommy or remember this incident please contact him at: smith2067@bellsouth.net.  

R.J. ROBERTS reports that The National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis , MO has provided the following website for veterans to gain access to their DD-214's online: http://vetrecs.archives.gov/.  This may be particularly helpful when a veteran needs a copy of his DD-214 for employment or other purposes.  NPRC is working to make it easier for veterans with computers and Internet access to obtain copies of documents from their military files.  Military veterans and the next of kin of deceased former military members may now use a new online military personnel records system to request documents.   Other individuals with a need for documents must still complete the Standard Form 180, which can be downloaded from the online web site.  Because the requester will be asked to supply all information essential for NPRC to process the request, delays that normally occur when NPRC has to ask veterans for additional information will be minimized.  The new web-based application was designed to provide better service on these requests by eliminating the records centers mailroom and processing time.  Your Scribe continues to suggest that all veterans get copies of their official 201 file as well.

Again from Shortround MIGUT, C 1-7, there is a new website regarding the entire listing of Medics KIA in VietNam – for all units – but there is a search bar “by KIA date” just for 1st Cav Medics.  It provides their full name, home city & state, service number, age, date-province-cause of death, and Panel and Line Number listing on The Wall.  Many of us knew the Medics as just “Doc”.  It would be nice to visit this site and reflect upon who Doc actually was.  If you don’t know the KIA date, it only takes about 20 minutes to scan the entire alphabet listing (where a Unit Patch is clearly shown next to each name). www.1stcavmedic.com/medic-names.html.

Our website manager, Jim SAVAGE, D 3-7 in 1967-69, has provided a link to current stories regarding units of the various Squadrons. The link is as follows:
www.us7thcavalry.com/ActiveUnits/.   

It’s never too early to start thinking about how you might be able to serve your 7th Cavalry Association. At our business meeting in Bloomington , Minnesota next year we will again be electing a new slate of Officers. We are also looking for someone to write our On-Line column called Boots and Saddles.  If you are interested in any of these positions please contact me.  

The great game of college basketball is over until exhibition games start in early December.  My team, the Spartans of Michigan State University made it to the final game against the powerhouse team from Chappel Hill , North Carolina – the Tar Heels. I was fortunate to get tickets courtesy of my daughter – Rebecca Lyn.  She and I had a blast watching the festivities and after the first 8 minutes it was a pretty good game.  For me it was most likely a once in a lifetime experience to view my team, in my state.  Other than the outcome the whole experience was memorable.  We sat two seats down from Mike TIRICO of ESPN – a very nice guy.  I can hardly wait till December when the raucous sounds of hoops again fill the gyms across our Great Country.  With my new beard Rebecca, calls me the Travelocity Gnome and Tony DURAN of A 1-7 thinks I look like Papa Smurf.  I’ll let you decide.  (Photo)

Well we have covered some more ground during this ride, from Brisbane to Fort Benning and some points in between.  Some of the news has been sad, when the report covers warriors gone before their time but even that gives us a chance to reflect upon their service to our country.  Again, if you have never been to a reunion, give it some serious thought because I guarantee that you will be richer for the experience.  I’m especially looking forward to this reunion because I’m driving to Texas with another great warrior, Phil ZOOK.  He and I served together as Platoon Leaders in C 1-7 in the spring of 1970.  GarryOwen from the great state of Michigan.

The most commonly published picture of the place was from a higher angle as the photographer passed over in another helicopter. The 2007 calendar published by the 1st Cavalry Division Association has a slightly lower angle of that photo for the month of September. The helicopter is also just lifting off the LZ instead of being on the ground with blades turning.  Photo

The location on a military map would be BR 879950, but for the multitude who lack military maps it is near the north end of a ridgeline with several prominent knobs just to the east of Highway 1 and just south of Bong Son. The highest point on the ridge is the Nui Tach Ba with an altitude of 314 meters, while Highway 1 in that area is at an altitude of about 12 meters. To the east of the ridge is a fertile valley that separates it from the Cay Guip Mountains which are referred to in the book, Brennan’s War, as the ‘Tiger Mountains’. In some spots access to the top of the ridge can be gained by following routes that are 10-15 degrees. Other areas are over 40 degree pitches.

Near the end of ’67, the 1st Cavalry Division had most of its forces operating within 40 kilometers of Bong Son with an important headquarters just northwest of the Hwy. 1 bridge at Bong Son was LZ Two Bits. A few kilometers north and on the east side of Hwy. 1 was LZ English. Both were important to the 1st Cavalry Division.

The VC and NVA forces realized the importance of the bridges over the Song Lai Giang and had as a matter of fact dropped the highway bridge into the river. The railroad bridge then had heavy planks laid across it and was used by Hwy. 1 wheeled traffic.

On 30 Dec., ’67, the 2nd Platoon, of D 1-8 Cavalry was dropped onto the ridge at about BR 880947. The platoon leader was one Nelson DeMILLE who would later gain fame as a best selling mystery writer (Word of Honor, Charm School, Plum Island, Gold Coast, General’s Daughter, Up Country, Night Fall, etc.)

D 1-8 often had a platoon on separate operations and CPT Al CONETTO would have liked the idea of being able to rotate all of his four platoons through the operations. Unfortunately, he had lost his experienced 4th platoon leader, LT Leonard HIGDON (later killed with E 1-327th Infantry of the 101st Airborne) and his replacement was working out poorly. LT Timothy BARRICK of 3rd platoon had been wounded in the Bong Son Plain and his replacement LT FLORENCE, was showing promise but lacked experience. LT Robert REID’s 1st platoon had more than their share of separate operations for the month so this one fell to LT DeMILLE. CONETTO sent along his artillery recon sergeant, Glenn SHEATHELM, to call artillery fire which would allow DeMILLE to concentrate on maneuver details.

DeMILLE’s platoon air assaulted onto the ridge at about 1530 hours and was instructed to patrol the sides of the ridge until dark then set up an ambush behind one of the villages on the east side of the ridge. Due to the steepness of the slope the platoon found it rough going before they found a suitable ambush site. They had movement below them and to the south during the night, but no clear targets. The mosquitoes on the other hand had a holiday feast at the expense of 2nd platoon.

Hardly anyone got any sleep and the troops were in a pretty common state of exhaustion when morning came. They resumed patrolling and DeMILLE sent part of the platoon to see if they could identify what had been moving during the night. It turned out that several VC had been in that area and had continued south, further up the ridge. There was considerable grumbling in the ranks, but they were back on top of the ridge shortly after noon.

2nd Platoon was told to move to BR 879950 without being seen and set up a position to observe any mortar positions the enemy might set up to fire on the bridge New Year’s Eve. LT DeMILLE started north with his platoon until he saw their objective in the distance. The location was scoured of any vegetation by previous artillery fire and occupation. Concealment was nearly non-existent. DeMILLE had a solution for getting to the top of the hill without being seen. Wait until dark. He had his platoon take a break in the wooded section of the ridge line.

About an hour later, he received a radio call asking whether he was at BR 979950 to receive supplies. After some conversation on the radio, DeMILLE was aware that waiting to move after dark was not an option. He was supposed to move to the barren hilltop ASAP. The troops who had been informed that they would be an observation post (OP) above the bridge and Hwy. 1 were beginning to think the idea of a "secret" OP would be compromised if they walked up there in broad daylight, but they went to the barren hilltop anyway.

The security of the hilltop was reported by radio up the chain of command. Later a CH-47 was observed flying their way with huge rolls of barbed wire slung under the helicopter with a Huey behind it. The CH-47 stopped over the hilltop and dropped the barbed wire and sling. It then moved left and landed on the barren little hilltop. Several other troopers got out of the helicopter and told DeMILLE that they would be with him as additional forces for the night and that additional food and water was inside the helicopter.

Meanwhile, SHEATHELM noted a sampan on the river had turned up a side stream and was unloading things in the distance to the northeast. Using his left knee to steady one elbow he watched them with the binoculars. He was unable to verify they were unloading military equipment so they didn’t become a target for artillery fire. (In the calendar picture he is the 4th from the left along the top of the hill.)

After the CH-47 was unloaded, it clattered away borne aloft by its own wind storm. It was during that time frame that the calendar picture was taken.

As quiet returned to the little hilltop, DeMILLE called his NCOs together for a meeting. One of his squad leaders, SGT Gary WILSON, commented, "I guess we aren’t a ‘secret’ OP any more. The VC are not dumb enough to think the Chinook put the barbed wire up here as late Christmas present for them nor blind enough not to see us walking around." There were other negative comments about the mission and all the barbed wire they were supposed to string. LT DeMILLE realized the troops were exhausted. Troops would still dig in even if only improving shallow craters and old positions, but the barbed wire would not be strung because they would have to just roll it back up in the morning. As soon as it was dark, all position improvement work was to cease unless it was essential for security of the hilltop.

The troops, who had already spread out in groups of two, went to work on the positions as instructed but as the warm glow of unusual late afternoon sun bathed the hilltop one of the troops noticed movement below them in the general direction of the bridges. As word spread, the entrenching tools were dropped and the troops grabbed their rifles. SHEATHELM scurried over to the side of the perimeter with radio and rifle. The troopers had flipped off the safeties on their rifles and were looking down the ridge to the northwest. One figure could be seen briefly between the bushes advancing towards them. There was discussion whether to engage with rifle fire or artillery fire when SHEATHELM got the binoculars on the figure several times. He reported that it appeared to be a woman with a wicker backpack and no weapon was visible. SGT Gary WILSON sent for LT DeMILLE.

DeMILLE wanted the woman stopped and turned around with shooting her, if possible, before she got within 100 yards of the perimeter. He sent three troops down the hill in short rushes and had others covering them with their rifles. The woman made no attempt to evade but kept walking up the hill.

The first troop reached her and she stopped to remove the wicker pack from her back. The trooper raised a bottle from the pack. The woman not only knew that the 2nd platoon was on top of the hill, but knew what holiday they would be celebrating!

DeMILLE allowed a limited number of troops to go down the hill to purchase alcohol tow at a time and instructed the rest of the platoon to keep rifles pointed into the jungle below them. The woman’s hike up the hill was financial success for her. By keeping the platoon in an obviously alert mode, DeMILLE was ensuring that if the woman encountered any VC on her way back down to the village she would report that the platoon or larger force was well prepared and alert.

They did maintain 50% alert on the hill over the night and when some of the troops heard SHEATHELM chuckling they asked him what was funny. He said an artillery recon sergeant named ANDERSON from B 1-8 was a bit drunk and was very entertaining on the artillery net. The infantrymen wanted to hear it too and they had SHEATHELM put ANDERSON on the speaker. Off and on for the next hour or two ANDERSON was the New Year’s Eve entertainment for an unknown number of American troops and maybe a few of the enemy. He was the Johnny Carson of the Bong Son Plain that night.

The morale of the 2nd platoon also improved because the hill had a nice breeze blowing across it and there were no mosquitoes. They spent a quiet night.

At daylight on 1 Jan., ’68, LT DeMILLE received instructions to break down the perimeter and prepare to be lifted out by noon. He reported that he was already on it as he looked over the hilltop and his relaxed soldiers. The rolls of barbed wire had not been used and he figured it would take less than an hour for his troops to break up the simple perimeter. There was no rush. He walked calmly to the positions and told the troops to eat breakfast, break down their sandbags, rig the wire for lift and relax until the helicopter arrived.

Shortly after noon Delta 26 was on the ground at LZ Mustang in the An Lao Valley. The troops wished others from their company a Happy New Year. The 1st Cavalry Division had pretty much defeated the North Vietnamese in Binh Dinh Province in several big battles and numerous smaller ones during ’67.

The first six months of ’68 saw 1-8 CAV moving to Quang Tri, Tet ’68, relief of the Marines at Khe Sanh, and air assaults in the A Shau Valley with flak bursts from 37mm and 57mm anti-aircraft fire as they sat in the open doors of their helicopters. By the time of the A Shau, artillery recon sergeant Glenn SHEATHELM, CPT Al CONETTO, and others had rotated back to the USA. Evans CROCKER, the machine gunner at the front center of the picture, would die in the A Shau along with others in the company including Ray I. HAAS and SSG Doward JONES who were wounded in late December and returned to the unit.

Now you know the rest of the story behind the September picture on the 2007 calendar. There may be others in the picture with other information to add. I would be interested in their comments.

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