MARINE CORPS VIETNAM TANKERS 

 HISTORICAL FOUNDATION
 

~ Dedicated to All Vietnam-Era Marine Corps Tankers, Ontos Crewmen & Support ~

 

 

OntosMCVTHF LogoOntos

 

THE BREECH BLOCK

We are the voice of  history  

 

CARPUCNat. Def. Ribbon

VNSMRVNCGMRVNCM

 

 

June 2012   

 __________________________________________________________ 

 

Dear Warrior,


The Breech Block reaches the in-box of nearly 600 computers every month. Counting on it being read - at least in part - by the majority of those who use their computers, the Foundation touches the lives of a lot of people. That places a pretty significant challenge to the creators of the Breech Block to make the historical newsletter worth the effort to open it up and then take the time to read it. We would ask that you take but a few more minutes to let us know what's missing, i.e., topics you'd like to see covered, those featured that you'd like more of, or those regular features that you'd like not waste your time reading. If you would like to weigh in with your opinion, please do. If we receive enough opinions, we'll start featuring an "Opinion Column" with a controversial issue or an on-going "hot topic" and ask for your response. And, if your thoughts tend towards not having to bother with the Breech Block at all, we'll honor that by removing you from distribution altogether. In any case, please let us know how we're doing.

    

Since the formal launch of the effort to write and publish the Vietnam War Marine Tanker/Ontos book, the input participation has been increasing, however slowly. Pete Ritch has sent a large package of pictures and write-ups. Herb Steigleman has sent in a draft. Pappy has a number of stories and pictures in the mix, to cite a few. The Foundation Board of Directors has been asked 1:1 to submit their stories. The all-inclusive "Glossary of Terms", "Index of Acronyms", and "Sayings About and By Marines" is coming together. If you have some material to add to these pieces, please drop a line and we'll get it included.

    

I believe the best book we could put on the street would be one that expresses every Vietnam War Ontos and Tank Marine's thoughts. Realizing that's a bit lofty, let's settle on each one of the Breech Block's readers taking a half hour to jot a few notes about an event - or two - they recall during their time in Vietnam (or on the way over, or in preparation for, or on the way back). One contributor used his pictures to inspire thought. That is, looking at the picture - supposedly worth a thousand words, it's been said - he told his story: who was in the picture, a bit about each of the three Tankers, what they were doing at the time, how the track was blown off, how far the road wheel landed from the tank, etc., etc. The picture captured the entire story and the Tanker took a few minutes to write it up. If you have a picture, and would take the time to write it up, and send them to the Foundation - we'll put it in "The Book" and cite you for the credit.

    

As stated in an earlier Breech Block, "every Marine is a(n) historian". Please allow us to add you to the list of Marine Corps Historians.


Semper Fidelis,

Ray
An Oral History
Tanks: The Michael Fischer Story
Marine Tanks: The Michael Fischer Story

Letter to the Foundation
VNSM Ray, 
 
I was reading your article for The Battle Of Dong Ha and wanted to email you and find out if you knew my grandfather! He was in the 3/9 USMC in Vietnam and I have been looking for stories and maybe people that may have served with him. He knows nothing of this I am trying to surprise him with this. I have heard him talk in the past of wanting to talk to others that were there as well, so i have been searching for a long time and have found one person that was there around the same time but did not know my Grandfather his name is Kenneth D. Davis and was a CPL in 3/9. So if you know of any others i would greatly appreciate a conversation with them also i would love to talk to you as well. Thank you for the article and most of all thank you for your service i know you boys didn't get the welcome home you deserved.
 
Sincerely 
John Hilburn 

VNSMRay,

I read the Breech Block every time!  I am pleased to see Sgt Mayte's silver star citation.  I was part of the react force who responded to their traumatic event.  My wife and I visited Mayte in 2006.  It was great to see him after all those years.  He is a good man and tough as nails!  I have never heard him bitch or complain about anything, and his injuries have had a significant effect on his health today.  Tim Mayte is my friend and brother-in-arms.  God bless you buddy!  

Semper Fi,
Dan Farrell
farrell@elltel.net

VNSMRay,

 

I was the SupO for 3rd Tanks in 1968.  I recently had some slides digitized and I pulled out some I thought might interest you.  I will mail a cd with 60 photos to you on Monday.  I have 300 more but they are mostly repeats and guys in my unit multiple times over the year that I was there.

 

And of course one of my regrets is that I only have 359 photos and not 3,500. But then we were busy....

 

 

Semper Fi,

John Clark

john@lbitx.com 

VNSMLtCol, kind Sir,
 
I receive the monthly Breech Block news letter. Twice now I have noticed the call for personal recollections of situations being lived through while in Viet Nam.  I have a few things to offer for your evaluation of their value.  My weekend starts tomorrow on Sunday.  I will devote a few hours putting my thoughts down and present them to you then or the next day. 

Saluting with smile, Sempre Fi,
LCpl William Wertz, (68' 69)
twoxoneis2@aol.com 

 

USMC Birthday Notice
MC Flag Big Wave
Thanks for the MC (Marine Corps) Tanker Breech Block. Just something for your membership (if they live in the Everett WA area) 

On Nov 10th every year (at 1800-2100), the Irishman Pub changes it's name to the Tun Tavern and hosts a Marine Corps birthday celebration. The event celebrates with the traditional message from the Commandant, cake cutting, toasting to Chesty, and usually a short story from a guest speaker. The place usually breaks out in song with the help of a bugler. Last year there were over 100 attendees. Great time to get together and swap stories. All services are welcome but Marines always dominate! I think that the Irishman's address is 2817 Colby- it's next to the Everett Theater.  Hope to see some more tankers there! 

Rich Hine Maj, USMC (ret)

Listen Up!  If you have a Marines Corps Birthday event you would like to announce be sure to send us an email and will will post it here for all to see 

Semper Fidelis,

Click here to:

 

2012 Donors: Thank you for your support!

Platinum PlusPlat. Plus Award

Chuck Garrison

Joe Martinez

 

Platinum  

Peter Brush*
Dick Carey* 

Darrell and Jeni Cox   

Kyle Decicco-Carey*
Sid Ferguson 
Wes 'Tiny' Kilgore
Jim Raasch**
Pappy Reynolds*
LtCol Ray Stewart, USMC (Ret)**
LtCol Ev Tunget, USMC (Ret)
 
Gold
Michael ("Belmo") Belmessieri
Dan Farrell
David 'Doc' Forsyth
Rick Oswood  
LtCol Frank & Ruth Slovik, USMC (Ret)
Maj Ed Stitch, USMC (Ret)
Chris Vargo
 
Silver
Gene 'Doc' Hackemack
Jerry Wahl
 
Bronze
Bill Bohlen  
 
The Foundation is proud to announce that there has been quite a positive response to our e-mail asking for your help; financial  assistance, submission of your personal stories, and recollections of your "Vietnam Days," adding   to the Foundation Library, and volunteering to carry some of the day-to-day work load. The level of financial contributions are recognized with an Award Certificate as follows:

CertificateDonations

  

Platinum Plus ~ $1,000 +

Platinum ~ $250 - $999
Gold ~ $100 - $249
Silver ~ $50 - $99
Bronze $1 - $49

  

There  is a parallel process for rewarding your in kind,  non-monetary (books, documents, articles for the Breech Block, etc.), and volunteer effort (assisting  with Command Chronology research, Oral History  summary report writing, etc) as well. Just contact  me and we'll agree on where your work would be most meaningful for you in the context of our day-to-day goals attainment effort, the type of  non-monetary donation you would like to make,  and/or your planned article. Each Breech Block will cite donors and the VTHF web site will periodically post the up-to-date cumulatives. 
                             
If you desire to make your gift specific to our Book Project, please so indicate. Unless you specify otherwise, we will apply your donation where most appropriate. Of course, should you desire to remain anonymous, we'll honor that wish as well.

  

Thank you for your assistance.
Ray

+Additional Donation 

*In-Kind Services

**In-Kind & Monetary

Your continued support is appreciated.
Please send your Tax Deductible Donation to:

MCVTHF, 707 S.W. 350th Ct, Ste. #1 

Federal Way, WA 98023

                                                                                 Thank you!

 

IRS Tax EIN 91-2111544 

A 501(c)(19) Non-profit Historical Foundation
Hero's Corner
Silver Star

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Gunnery Sergeant Harold D. Tatum (MCSN: 1102779), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company B, Third Tank Battalion, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 10 September 1967. While participating in Operation KINGFISHER in direct support of the Third Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, during a sweeping operation, Gunnery Sergeant Tatum's section of tanks came into contact with the lead elements of attacking enemy forces. He unhesitatingly reacted to the situation and positioned his tanks to repel the brunt of the enemy attack, effectively preventing Companies I and L of the Third Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines from being overrun. In the ensuing battle, Gunnery Sergeant Tatum's tank was penetrated by an enemy rocket-propelled grenade which set off several rounds of white phosphorous ammunition, resulting in an intense fire inside the tank. Disregarding his own personal safety, Gunnery Sergeant Tatum remained inside the burning tank and assisted in the removal of a mortally wounded comrade. As a direct result of his heroic and unselfish actions, Gunnery Sergeant Tatum received severe burns over 40% of his body. Gunnery Sergeant Tatum's initiative, outstanding courage and selfless efforts in behalf of another reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

 

Action Date: September 10, 1967

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Gunnery Sergeant

Company: Company B

Battalion: 3d Tank Battalion

Division: 3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMF


A True Fallen Hero!
By Clyde Hoch author of "Tracks Memoirs' of a Vietnam Veteran."
Charlie Company, 1st Tank Battalion

I enlisted in the Marine Corps because I felt it was my duty to serve my country as my ancestors had done before me. After boot camp and infantry training I was told I was going to the Second Tank Battalion at Camp Jejune, North Carolina. I reported in to the First Sergeant of Second Tank Battalion with another Marine who just got out of infantry training; his name was Robert Lee Alexander. The First Sergeant asked "which one of you is Private Hoch." I said "I am sir," just being out of boot camp and infantry training where ever one was Sir! He shot back "I'm not a dammed officer don't call me sir." Shortly after reporting in we were sent home on leave.
When we returned from leave there were four of us new guys coming into tanks at the same time. We were all about the same age. Gary Young, Donald May, Robert Alexander and myself. Alexander was the most colorful. He was a big-time trouble maker but he did it in a way that it was just meant to be fun and he got away with lots of things by laughing his way out of it. He was always getting us into trouble.
 
Donald May was a genuine good average American Marine. He meant well and strived to do well. I remember drinking heavily one night with May. He started to slap box with me. I was never into slap boxing and got angry very quickly. I started to punch him as hard as I could. I was shocked to see him the next day without any marks on his face. I guess I was drunker than I thought or a lot weaker.
Gary Young or Young as we called him, was a nice genuine, quite country boy, with a great sense of humor. He was by far the best liked. People asked where he was from and he always replied "Tucky!" I remember asking him what time it was and he used to be very accurate judging by the sun. Gary was by far the quietest and probably the most sensible. 

We asked about going to tank school and we were told, "we are going to train you; it will be on the job training." So we were taught by our Sergeants. 

The four of us hung out together. We went on a Mediterranean Cruise together and that's where Alexander shined. We were young and new to overseas travel. Young, being quiet and sensible kept out of trouble, but he was always with us. After our Med Cruise we were sent our separate ways. Young was sent to Vietnam. May, I never hear anything about him after that? 

Alexander and I were sent on another Med Cruise. Party time again. This time we were experienced and knew what to expect.  After that, Alexander was sent on his third Med cruise while I remained at Camp Lejeune for a period of time before being sent to the Vietnam.
After awhile in the Nam I found that Alexander was in Bravo Company. I was in Charlie Company both us in the  First Tank Battalion. One day he came to visit when I was back at battalion headquarters. It was great to see him again. It was the last time I saw him.

Cpl Gary Young was sent to Bravo Company, Third Tank Battalion. His tank crew consisted of Gunnery Sergeant Tatum as tank commander. The gunner's name was L/Cpl James Wilson. L/Cpl Louis Ryle was the driver and Gary was the loader.

On September 10th a Rocket Propelled Grenade penetrated the turret of the tank. It killed the gunner Wilson instantly. The Rocket propelled grenade struck and detonated a white phosphorus round inside the tank. Gunnery Tatum and Gary were severely burned. Louis the driver received shrapnel wounds to his back.
On September 20th, 1967, Gary died of his wounds. The next day Gunnery Tatum died of his wounds.
I was saddened to hear of Gary's death. I have always heard bits and pieces of his death. I still picture him with his little grin and I can still hear his laugh.  

People sometimes say to me "You were a real hero." I get a little angry inside and say respectfully "no I'm not a hero, I never was and never will be." I think to myself about Gary and the men of his tank crew. They are true American Heroes. They gave all they had for you and me.

Vietnam Flashbacks

CHRONOLOGY OF MAJOR MARINE CORPS EVENTS

 

 

June Major Named Marine Corps Operations

 

Union II25 May-5 Jun 67
12 Days
3 Bns
1 MarDiv operation against NVA forces in Quang Nam and Quang Tin ProvincesVC/NVA KIA 701
US KIA 110
Allen Brook4 May-24 Aug 68
113 days
6 Bns
1 MarDiv operation in southern Quang Nam ProvinceVC/NVA KIA 1,017
US KIA 172
Mameluke Thrust18 May-23 Oct 68
159 days
7 Bns
1 MarDiv operation in central Quang Nam ProvinceVC/NVA KIA 2,728
US KIA 270
Virginia Ridge1 May-7 Jun 69
77 days
3 Bns
1 MarDiv operation in northern Quang Tri ProvinceVC/NVA KIA 560
US KIA 106
Apache Snow10 May-7 Jun 69
29 days
8 Bns
1 MarDiv and 101st Airborne Division operation in western Thua Thien ProvinceVC/NVA KIA 977
US KIA 102
Pipestone Canyon26 May - 7 Nov 69
166 days
6 Bns
1 MarDiv operation in Quang Nam Province centered approximately 13 kms west of Hoi AnVC/NVA KIA 488
US KIA 54


May-June 1965 - On May 6, the 9th MEB was transformed into the III Marine Expeditionary Brigade which the next day became the III Marine Amphibious Force (III MAF). III MAF consisted of the forward elements of the 3d Marine Division and the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. MajGen William R. Collins was commanding general of both III MAF and the 3d Marine Division and was relieved on June 4, 1965 in both capacities by MajGen Lewis W. Walt. MajGen Paul J. Fontana established the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing headquarters on May 11, 1965 and was relieved on May 24, by Brigadier General Keith B. McCutcheon. By this time, III MAF had established three bases at Da Nang, Chu Lai, and Phu Bai. The Commanding General, III MAF was responsible for all US. military activity in South Vietnam's I Corps consisting of the five northern provinces. The total strength of III MAF at the end of June was over 18,000 personnel.

 

Significance: This was the formation of the Marine Corps command structure in Vietnam that was to remain in place to the departure of the Marine units from Vietnam in 1971.

 

June - October 1968 - The 3rd Marine Division, now under MajGen Raymond G. Davis, undertook an aggressive counteroffensive against North Vietnamese forces in the northern border section below the DMZ.   
 
Significance: Employing new helicopter mobile and firebase tactics, and no longer confined to securing defensive outposts, the 3rd Marine Division swept the 320th NVA Division out of its forward positions in South Vietnam.     
July 5, 1968 - The last Marine forces officially closed out and departed the Khe Sanh Base. 
 
Significance: With U.S. forces employing more mobile tactics in the north, Khe Sanh was no longer required as a major base. The close out of the base was more of symbolic significance than of any military strategic one.     
June 27, 1971 - The 3d MAB was deactivated.   
 
Significance: This ended the major Marine participation in the Vietnam war with a few exceptions. Marine advisors continued to be assigned to the Vietnamese Marine Corps and Marines of Subunit 1, 1st Air/Naval gunfire liaison company continued to coordinate ship gunfire and naval air support for U.S. Army and ARVN units in Vietnam.   

 

It appears that June in Vietnam was a rather calm month vis-�-vis "significant events." The Marine Tanks and Ontos Battalions command Chronologies convey a different story.

 

Here is an abstract of what follows in July's Breech Block. Starting in July, Tank and Ontos actions will be presented in much greater detail. You are encouraged to write your "June Story" - whether you were in Vietnam during June, on your way to, or coming back from, please let jot a few lines to let us know what you were doing at that time.    

June of 1966
1st Tanks were heavily engaged in the Chu Lai TAOR - the Sothern Defense Sector - and had moved one of their companies up to Phu Bai, just south of Hue City. They supported 5th and 7th Marines on patrols and in defense of the Chu Lai TAOR.   
3rd Tanks had encountered 31 mines during the month and stated that "Tank action during June has been decidedly more intense than any previous month." Operation Liberty was a major success   
1st ATs were located in Chu Lai TAOR in support of the 5th Marines. Company "A" moved to Danang.  
3rd ATs at Danang and Phu Bai were in D/S to elements of 3rd, 4th, 9th Marines.

June 1967
1st Tanks participated in Operations Adair and Arizona in support of the 5th and 7th Marines, respectively and suffered from increased mining, RPG, and RR attacks.  
 
3rd Tanks reports "NA/VC activity in the 3d Marine Division TAOR was very light during most of June." However, increased in activity around Khe Sanh prompted the move of one platoon from Company "B" to that area. Companies "A", "B", and "C" continued to support the 9th, 3rd, and 4th Marines, respectively.  
1st ATs Companies "A", "B", and "C" were in D/S of the 1st, 5th, and 7th Marines, respectively.   
3rd ATs Company "A" participated in Operation Cimarron and Crocket and maintained a presence at Khe Sanh. Company "B" in D/S of the 4th Marines for Operation Choctaw. Company "C" was in D/S of 9th and 12th Marines Operations Cimarron and High Rise.

June 1968
1st Tanks participated in Operations Nevada Eagle (w/ Company "A", ATs) in support of the 101st Airborne, Houston (w/ ATs), Allen Brook, and Mameluke Thrust (w/5th Tanks),  in support of 1/5.  
3rd Tanks Company "A" supported 1 & 3/3, 1 & 3/9, and 2/26 in Operations Kentucky and Napoleon/Saline. Company "B" & "C" supported 3/1, 1/3, 1/4, 1 & 2/9, and Task Force Hotel in Operations Lancaster and Scotland Yard II.  
3rd ATs - Company "A" under Opcon of Task Force Hotel in Operation Scotland II.

June 1969
1st Tanks Company "A" reverted to cadre status but "B" remained in D/S of both the 5th and 7th Marines and "C" was in D/S of 1st Marines and the ROKMC.  
1st ATs Company "A" reverted to a cadre status.  
3rd Tanks remained in general support of the 3rd Marine Division with Company "A" (Rein) D/S of the 3rd Marines, Company "B" (Rein) D/S of Task Force Hotel, and Company "C" remained at Quang Tri.  
3rd ATs Company "A" at the Dong Ha Combat Base. 
Gettysburg Story Photos

Photos provided by Joe Tyson

3rd MarDiv, 3rd Tank Bn. 

 

Cpl SemusSteaks & Beers1Steaks & Beers@SgtMaj, Tyson & Wear 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At the bottom far right is Historical Foundation member Joe Tyson, SgtMaj of the Marine Corps, Michael P. Barrett and Historical Foundation board member & President of the USMC Vietnam Tankers Association, John Wear.

Book Review

By LtCol Raymond A. Stewart, USMC (Ret) 

 

This has been a very busy month for me. I've spent most of it away from my desk and in the Middle East. I had little time to read there other than that that prescribed by the trip itself. However, I did get away long enough to walk (crawl on hands and knees) the battle fields - and multiple cemeteries - of the World War One Gallipoli Campaign. What a sobering few days were these. 

    
In preparation for the trip to the Middle East and the possibility of getting to Gallipoli, I read a couple of books about the WWI Gallipoli Campaign during my flight to (and "interesting" bus ride down from) Istanbul through Canakale on the Asian side of Turkey. Being a Tanker, one book jumped out of the Kindle Fire library - "The Defense of Gallipoli: A General Staff Study" by then-Lt.Col., General Staff, George S. Patton, Jr., 1936.
    
While the book is rather clinical - as military staff studies are prone to be -General Patton, as portrayed in his biographies and movies, shines through. There's even humor! "Some Australians who had captured a Turk soldier had an argument as to whether a Turkish soldier or a goat smelled worse. They asked a British Sergeant to umpire and make a decision. First, the goat was brought in and the Sergeant fainted. Next the Turkish soldier was brought in and the goat fainted." And some subtleties: "While not specifically stated, it appears that the Turks, while great water drinkers, did not use water for any other purpose."
    
But - in true Patton style - the humor is rare and the subtleties few. He tells it straight. In short, British leadership was the worst possible and the direct reason for the catastrophic loss of Australian New Zealand Army Corps (Anzac) soldiers and the ultimate loss of the campaign in humiliating defeat and final retreat.
    
In his summary, Patton does address the possible - or better, impossible - use of tanks. In this observation he is a master of understatement. I can say without reservation that the flooded rice paddies and triple canopy jungles that proved a challenge to our tanks and Ontos in Vietnam were but that - a challenge - and one we overcame. The foliage and terrain of the Gallipoli Peninsula could not have been overcome by any level of combat engineering or Tanker/Ontos crewman ingenuity.
    
And, Patton's final conclusion in typical unwashed clarity: "Had the two sets of commanders (British and German/Turkish) changed sides it is believed that the landing (and the final results of the several months long campaign itself) would have been as great a success as it was a dismal failure."
Important Veterans' Information

 

Project 112 Compensation

        

Project 112/SHAD (Shipboard Hazard and Defense) is the name of the program for both shipboard and land-based biological and chemical testing conducted by the U.S. military between 1962 - 1973.VA will provide physical examinations to veterans who participated in the testing. Veterans will receive medical care free of charge for conditions related to exposure.

    

Veterans may be eligible for disability compensation if they have a service-related disability and were discharged under other than dishonorable conditions.VA does not presume by regulation that any specific disabilities are related to participation in Project 112/SHAD. Veterans' claims are decided on a case-by-case basis.

             

VA presumes amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) diagnosed in all Veterans with 90 days or more continuous active military service is related to their service, although ALS is not related to Project 112/SHAD.Surviving spouses, dependent children and dependent parents of Veterans who died from health problems related to participation in Project 112/SHAD may be eligible for health care, compensation, education, and home loan benefits.

 

Income Assistance Programs for Veterans

 

The five (5) following programs assists homeless veterans with monetary help:

  • Social Security - a monthly benefit program for people age 62 and over.
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI) - a monthly benefit program for disabled people with little to no income.
  • Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) - a monthly benefit for people who are disabled.
  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) - a cash benefit and work opportunities program for needy families with children.
  • VA Compensation - A monthly benefit paid to veterans who are disabled by injury or disease that developed or worsened in the line of duty.

Free Passports

   

Passports are available to family members free of charge for the purpose of visiting their loved one's grave or memorialization site at the American military cemeteries on foreign soil.

 

Did You Know?

  • If a veteran has a service-connected rating of 60% - 90% that causes unemployability, the veteran may be eligible for compensation at 100%.
  • If a veteran is hospitalized for 21 days or more, or inconvalescent care for one month or more for service-connected disabilities, the veteran will be compensated at 100% during the time period.
  • Any veteran rated 10% or more for a service-connected disability is eligible to receive training from Vocational Rehabilitation Training program.
  • Any veteran rated 10% or more for service-connected disabilities may have the Home Loan fee waived.
We Need Your Assistance

One of the toughest job in any organization is keeping membership information up-to-date.  

 

You might believe we have all your information since you are already receiving the Breech Block newsletter but, the simple facts are we do not. Even though your membership in the Historical Foundation is free when you join the USMC Vietnam Tankers Association that information is not automatically shared with the Foundation.

 

From time to time we send out pertinent information to those that served in the various Battalions, i.e. 1st Tanks, 3rd Anti-Tanks, etc. By doing so you are not receiving information that is not of interest to you.

 

Please take the time to go to the bottom of this newsletter and click on "Update Profile/Email Address."

 

You guys are great; we appreciate your support.

 

Semper Fidelis,

MC Flag Big Wave 

Dick Carey,

Vice President

Director Public Relations

Reunions

VTA Logo  

USMC Vietnam Tankers Association ~ Biennial 2013 Reunion, San Antonio, TX. Dates to be announced.

______________________________________________________ 

 

OntosUSMC ONTOS REUNION ~ May 8 - 11, 2013, Quantico

Contact: Louis Nafjus, najfus@hotmail.com or call  678-546-1444

 

Foundation Member Information
New Members:     
Tom Baranski
3d Tanks, B / H&S Co ~ '66/'67
5 Sherbrook Place
Lynn, MA 01904
Phone: 781-599-2783

Don
Cole
1st Tanks., A / B / H&S Co  ~ "65/'67
502 S Jefferson
Litchfield, IL 62056
Phone: 636-221-4411

Eli Duck
1st Tanks, C Co ~ '66/'67
1775 Long Run Rd
Mill Hall, PA 17751-9356
Phone: 570-726-3807
No email address @ this time

Frank Kopf
1st Tanks, Bravo Co ~ '68
3982 Wilner Drive
Oregon, WI 53575-2346
Phone: 608-873-8785


Member Information Changes:

Sammy Binion                               Greg Martin
375 Lawrence Drive                       827 Soroya Drive SW
Ringgold, GA 30736                      Olympia, WA 98502-5144
Phone: 931-696-1601

Todd Phillips                                  Lawrence Rogers
Phone: 740-296-8184                      Phone: 740-545-9726                                                                           1st Tanks, 1966
Can't Access Links
We have had a few emails stating that it was not possible to click on a link or the wording, photos, etc. were not as they should be on the page.  

With each issue of the Breech Block and other important emails sent to you there is a wording at the top of each email that states: "Having trouble viewing this email? Click here." If you are having an issue such as this be sure to click on the aforementioned link. This should resolve any problem,  if not let us know.
In This Issue
An Oral History
Letter to the Foundation
USMC Birthday Notice
Donors 2012
Donate Address
Hero's Corner
A True Fallen Hero!
Vietnam Flashbacks
Gettysburg Story Photos
Book Review
Important Veterans' Internet Links
We Need Your Assistance
Reunions
Foundation Member Information
Can't Access Links

 

THE BREECH BLOCK

Publisher

Marine Corps
Vietnam Tankers
Historical Foundation

 

Staff

President & Editor

LtCol Raymond A. Stewart USMC (Ret.)

Contact:

usmcvthf@comcast.net

 

Archivist in Residence

Kyle Decicco-Carey

Harvard University

BA in History, MLIS

 

Author in Residence

Dr. Oscar "Ed" Gilbert

 

Historian in Residence

Peter Brush

Vanderbilt University

BA and MA in History

 

Marketing & Production

Richard 'Dick' Carey

Contact:

mcvthf@gmail.com

 

Web Master

Lloyd 'Pappy' Reynolds

www.mcvthf.org

Contact: 

bravo3d@earthlink.com

____________________

  

Board of Directors

  

LtCol Raymond A. Stewart,

USMC (Ret.)

President 

Charter Director, 

USMC Vietnam Tankers Association 

 

Richard 'Dick' Carey
Vice President 

Public Relations 

Founder, USMC Vietnam Tankers Association

President Emeritus

 

James Raasch

Secretary

Oral Historian  

 

Charles 'Chuck' Garrison

Treasurer 

Charter Director, 

USMC Vietnam Tankers Association

 

Richard Tilden

Recruiter  

 

LtGen Martin R. Steele,

USMC (Ret.)

Director

Charter Director,

USMC Vietnam Tankers Association  

 

Col William  'Bill' Davis,

USMC(ret.)

Director

 

Robert 'Mike' Flick

Director

 

David 'Doc' Forsyth

Director

 

Dr. Ken Estes,

LtCol, USMC (Ret)

Director

 

Rick Walters

Director

 

Guy Wolfenberger

Director

 

MGySgt Donald Gagnon,

USMC (Ret)

Director Emeritus 

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Beyond My Horizon

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    Official USMC Flag

POW
In Memory
Lance Corporal
Robert Hugh Gage
1st Marine Division
1st Tank Battalion
1st Anti-Tank
Alpha Company
  
MIA/POW
03 July 1966
PP/ Staff Sergeant
 30 September 1974
____________________
 
 

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