MARINE CORPS VIETNAM TANKERS

HISTORICAL FOUNDATION®  

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THE BREECH BLOCK© 

We are the voice of  history.   

 

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December 2014        
 
 Vietnam Ontos crewman, Tankers & support  have made history and we are making it known.


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Fellow Marine's
  
The Breech Block Staff trusts that November was one of the best months of the year for our Tanker/Ontos Crewman Community - Marines-all and your families. The 239th Birthday of our beloved Corps (many of us attended a Birthday Ball), was followed on its heels by Veterans' Day (some displayed the colors and/or marched in a local parade), and then Thanksgiving (most of us ate way too much!). These special days - and even those in between - provide the opportunity to reflect on what we've done in the service of our country and how proud we are to be part of the best peace makers in the history of the human race - The United States Marine Corps Family.
     Between 1965 and 1970 most Marines spent at least one - maybe two or more - Novembers going to, serving in, and/or returning from Vietnam. Based on our own personal experiences we thought that encouraging our readers to drop us a line - or call - to tell us of your November, as we did in our November Breech Block, would result in at least a few responses. In fact that did not happen. One of our crew - always the upbeat optimist - opined that our Brothers were just too preoccupied with family and friends in the context of the busy Holiday Season to find the time to correspond. I can find no better reason than that.  So, may I add, it's not too late to drop us a line (or call) to have your "November story" included in The Book. Hey, and now what about your December in Vietnam?
     I encourage you to page down to the Command Chronology Abstracts section. It has been expanded to be so much more. In fact so much has been added to the expanded original documentation (maps, pictures, personal stories) that there's not room in this, or subsequent Breech Blocks, to publish it in this present format. Please follow the link provided that will take you to our Foundation's web site and read some of what tanks and Ontos did during our Decembers in Vietnam.
     And so, on behalf of the Foundation's Board of Directors, the staff of the Breech Block wishes you a Very Merry Christmas and all the very best in the New Year.
 
Semper Fidelis,

Ray Stewart,

President, VTHF

 

 Mail Call! ,  Attaboy List  and anything else.                      
Video of Alpha 22 in Hue.
It's in WMV format, might take a bit to download.
Looks like South Hue and it might have been hit by a RR round.
Any one know who the crew might be?
We'd like to hear from them.

-----Original Message----- From: Thomas Colson Sr
Sent: Friday, November 07, 2014 7:58 AM
To: usmcvthf@comcast.net
Subject: LCpl Pignato

I just wanted to inform you LCpl Pignato was my tank crewman in November 1968. He was KIA on November 6, 1968 not on the 9th as stated in the news letter. Let's get it right in his honor. He is on Panel 39W, Row 29 of the WALL.
Thank You
SSgt. T. L. Colson

Accompanying a package of Ontos pictures and articles from John Williams:

"Col Stewart, These are articles & such that I have collected over the years.

I didn't even think about them until I was moving & checked some boxes.

Hope these will help fill in some gaps.

Semper Fi,

John W."

 

To which we answered:

John - Thank you for the Ontos package you sent: it arrived in yesterday's mail. It will become a significant contribution to the Ontos files we've built in the Foundation's Library.

Wishing you a (belated) Happy 239th Birthday of our Corps, a great Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, and a happy and successful 2015.

Please keep in touch

Semper Fidelis,
Ray

"The Book" SitRep:  December
CALL FOR EDITORS
     Just after the first of the year we're bringing on-board a professional editor. We've held off committing due to the expenses involved. Thanks to your generous financial support - and the special boost from Guy Wolfenbarger - we now have enough to move forward.
    We will be able to keep our costs down by supplying supplementary editing by our volunteers. Our small working staff (essentially two of us) will happily accept all the editing, proof reading, fact checking, supplemental research we can get. If you feel you would like to contribute a bit of sweat equity in getting The Book launched, please contact us and we'd be proud to add you to "The Book Staff".

Thank you & Semper Fidelis,
Ray Stewart,

President, MCVTHF

usmcvthf@comcast.net 

Command Chronologies

Decembers' 1965 to 1970 - Marine Tanks & Ontos Action

     This Breech Block - December 2014 - provides you an overview of the actions in which the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Tanks and Antitanks were engaged during each December that they operated in-country. For the more complete command chronologies, please visit our Foundation website athttp://www.mcvthf.org

     A suggested feature is to present the size/shape/commitment/results of the 1st and 3rd Tanks and Antitanks in the context of the Civic Action Program. We will not include the monthly reports in this series of abstracts but will create a dedicated composite in a single separate section of The Book.

    For The Book, we plan separate pieces for "Rough Riders", Korean Marine Corps (ROKMC), and the Special Landing Force (SLF), including "Dagger Thrust" and "Deckhouse" OPs with a focus on the Tank Platoons attached to and in support of the embarked Battalion Landing Teams (BLT). For an example of the SLF's read the adventures of then-Second Lieutenant Herb Steigelman, LtCol, USMC(Ret.). And about an anonymous M-48 jeep crusher on 13 December 1969 witnessed by Chuck Truitt: We've checked and the statutes of limitation have expired on jeep crushing. Hopefully, the gents who crewed that tank will own up.

     If you served in, or supported, or were supported by a Tank or Ontos unit during any month of December and can recall some experiences - especially Christmas - that you would like to see become part of our history, jot them down and send them to the Foundation. Pictures with captions are of particular interest. Nearly all of the material you send us will find its way into one of our publications - our web site, the Breech Block, and/or The Book. And, if writing is not your forte, and/or you would like to sit for a phone interview, contact me or a member of our Foundation Interview Team, give us about an hour of your time, and we will talk about your service to your country during in the Vietnam War.

    Also, you are encouraged to access the Foundation's Map Chronology that Pappy has createdhttp://www.mcvthf.org. There you may find out exactly where your unit - battalion, company, often platoon, and occasionally section - was located at any given time. If you do not find your unit on one of Pappy's several maps, let us know. Also is plotted the exact location and statistics of every Tanker and Ontos crewman who was killed in action.

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year & Semper Fidelis,

 

Semper Fidelis,

 

Ray Stewart

Pres. VTHF

usmcvthf@comcast.net

  

Killed in Action: December  1965-1970       

December Deaths in Vietnam
ASHMAN, JOHN F.LcplDec 23, 196521Scranton, PA1st TksNH
JAMES H. BUSH JR.PFCDec 18, 196719Guyton, GA1st TksKIA
CLARENCE W. OBIE IIILcplDec 22, 196720Staunton, VA1st TksKIA
DAVID C. SCHOENWALDHN Dec 4, 196921Phoenix, AX1st TksKIA
LAWRENCE A. LUCIANILcplDec 29, 196919Kenosha, WI1st TksNH
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MICHAEL G. ROMANCHUKLcplDec 22, 196620Hellertown, PA1st AtsKIA
VICTOR TARASUKCplDec 22, 196620Rachel, WV1st AtsKIA
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
None Listed
 
 
 
 
5th Tks
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DOUGLAS J. MILLERSgtDec 10,196620East Lansing, MI3rd TksKIA
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
JAY PAULCplDec 20, 6623Philadelphia, PA3rd AtsKIA
ROBERT C. BOYDPFCDec 22, 196620Newark, CA3rd AtsKIA
GARY E. SCHUBERTLcplDec 14, 196720Wheeling, WV3rd AtsKIA
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
None Listed
 
 
 
 
5th Ats
 
December Personal Awards
 
Awards Presented or Recommended by Bn. for December.  (From CC's.)
Bn/YrKIA'sWIA'sAwards PresentedAwards Recommended
1st AT's
 
 
 
 
1st Tks
 
 
 
 
19671 KIA1 NH, 1 Evac, 1 RTD
 
 
1968
 
 
14 Inc. 7 PH63 Inc. 1 SS, 7 BS
1969
 
 
10 Inc (8 PH, 1 Nav Com, 11 Nav Ach, 4 CoC, 2 VCG) 23, (1 BS, 8 Nav Com, 12 Nav Ach, 1 CoC, 1 PH)
3rd AT's
 
 
 
 
19671KIA1 WIA
 
 
3rd Tks
 
 
 
 
19661 KIA, 13 WIA
 
 
1967
7 med Evac only listed 2 Cpl. C. A. Carson On 19th & Lcpl H. G. Garner on 28th
 
1968
 
1WIA5 inc. (1 SS, 2 BS, 2 Nav Com)1 SS, 1 BS, 10 Nav Com, 7 Nav Ach, 3 VCG Sil, 2 VCG Br
5th At's
 
 
 
 
5th Tks
 
 
 
 

There are a number of Tankers that have received awards that we have no record of.  If you received any award please let us know.

Note: The NCM and SSM are a matter of accessible archived documents. That is not the case w/Bronze Star, Navy Commendation, or Navy Achievement Medals. The only way the Foundation has to gain this data is through self-reporting by the respective recipients. 
December Purple Hearts

 

PH Reported by Bn. for December.  (From CC's.) (None could mean "NONE" or that they were just not reported in the CC.)

Found two from 3rd Tanks, Dec. 1967.
Cpl C.A. Carson, 19 Dec.
LCpl H.G. Garner, 28 Dec.
Veterans Information
RAO
BULLETIN
1 December 2014
 
HTML/PDF Edition

 

THIS BULLETIN CONTAINS THE FOLLOWING ARTICLES

 

Pg             Article                                                          Subject
                                                        * DOD *                                                         .

 

04 == AFRH [06] ----------------------------- (Gulfport MS & Washington DC)
06 == SECDEF [08] -------------------------- (Chuck Hagel is Stepping Down)
07 == DoD Fraud, Waste, & Abuse ---------- (Reported 16 thru 30 Nov 2014)
08 == POW/MIA Recoveries ------------------ (Reported 141115 thru 141130)

 

                                                         * VA *                                                           .

 

11 == VA Burial Delays --------- (52 Bodies Over 15 Months at LA Morgue)
12 == VA Burial Delays [01] ------------- (Oversight Bill to Decrease Delays)
12 == VA Suicide Prevention [23] ------------ (Mothers Plead for Legislation)
15 == GI Bill [186] ----------------------------- (For-Profit Schools Complaints)
15 == VA Appointments [12] --------------------------- (RFP Issued for MASS)
16 == VA Secretary [34] ------------------- (Skepticism on Reform Welcomed)
16 == Legionnaires Disease [09] ------ (Wanstreet & Evans Lawsuits Settled)
17 == VA Whistleblowers [14] ----- (Javier Soto's Whistleblower Complaint)
19 == PTSD [178] ------------------------- (Stellate Ganglion Block Treatment)
20 == VA Data Breaches [54] ------------ (GAO Report on IT Vulnerabilities)
21 == VA Data Breaches [55] ----------------------- (HVAC Hearing 19 NOV) 
22 == VA Choice Cards [01] ----------------------------- (Phase 2 Implemented)
23 == VA Reform [02] ---------------------------------- (Consolidating Services)
24 == VA Health Care Access [20] ------------- (30+ Day Wait Times Persist)
25 == VA Choice Act [08] --------------------- (James Talton's Appeal Denied)
26 == VA Choice Act [09] --------------- (Sharon Helman Formally Removed)
27 == VA Loans ------------------------------------------ (Power of Attorney Use)
28 == VAMC Memphis TN [02] ---- (Vets speak Out @ Town Hall Meeting)
29 == VA CBOC St. Augustine -------------------- (SEP 3 Town Hall Meeting)

 

                                                       * VETS *                                                         .

 

30 == Clark AFB Vet Cemetery [09] ----------------------- (Burials Suspended)
31 == Veterans in Congress [06] -------------------- (Last WWII Vets Leaving)
32 == Vet Service Dogs [16] ------------- (VA Moving to Alter Access Policy)
34 == Vet Pro Bono Legal Assistance [03] ------ (National Resources Listing)
34 == Homeless Vets [59] ---------------------------- (Los Angeles Stand Down)
35 == Burn Pit Toxic Exposure [29] ----------- (10 Things Vets Should Know)
37 == Solar Education for Vets -------------- (PV Scholarships Offered Online)
37 == No Man Left Behind --------- (Sculpture Unveiled At Camp Pendleton)
38 == Anthem Veterans Memorial ------------------ (Our Modern Stonehenge)
40 == Vet Jobs [163] ------------ (New Veterans Career Center Web Platform)
40 == Retiree Appreciation Days --------------------------- (As of 25 Nov 2014)
41 == Vet Hiring Fairs -------------------------------------- (01 thru 31 Dec 2014)
41 == WWII VETS 75 ------------------------------------------ (Davis~Sherwood)
43 == America's Most Beloved Vets --------------------------- (World War II (6)
43 == Veteran State Benefits & Discounts ----------------------- (Georgia 2014)

 

                                            * VET LEGISLATION *                                        .

 

44 == Ebola Military Tax Exclusion ---------- (21-Day Quarantined Soldiers)
44 == Combat Vet Enhanced Benefits [09] --- (Walsh Wants 5-yr Extension)
45 == VA Medical Marijuana Policy [08] -------------------------    (H.R.5762)
46 == Vet Toxic Exposure Legislation [05] ----- (H.R.5484 Hearing 19 Nov)
46 == NDAA 2015 [05] -------------- (Stalled Over Cuts in Compromise Bill)
47 ==VFW Federal Charter -- (H.R.5441 & S.2782 Would Include Women)
47 == HVAC [16] ------------------------- (Ranking Member Seat Controversy)
48 == DoD Suicide Policy [09] ------- (Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention S.2930)
49 == Vet Bills Submitted to 113th Congress ----------- (As of 28 NOV 2014)

 

                                                    * MILITARY *                                                .

 

51 == Military Benefit Proposals [02] ---------- (Housing & Healthcare Cuts)
52 == Uniforms [03] ----------------- (Army Shifting to Coyote Brown Color)
53 == Military Allotments --------- (Payments to Specific Creditors Banned)
54 == USAF Religious Expression Policy ----- (Revision Approved 7 NOV)
55 == POW/MIA [41] -------------------- (USS Oklahoma Exhumed Remains)
56 == USS Ponce (AFSB-1) -- (1st Persian Gulf Laser Weapon Deployment)
58 == Trauma Mannequins ----------- (Robotic Medical Training Simulators)
59 == GHOST Boat ---------------------------- (Breakthrough in Naval Design)
60 == Medal of Honor Citations ----------------- (Truemper, Walter E. WWII)

 

                                             * MILITARY HISTORY *                                    .

 

62 == Aviation Art ----------------------------------- (Coming Home to Kirkby)
63 == Military History ----------------------------- (Pearl Harbor | Will Lehner)
65 == D-Day ----------------------------------------------- (Little Known Facts 2)
68 == WWII Postwar Events ----------- (Expelled Ethnic Germans July 1946)
68 == Spanish American War Image 63 ----------- (Captured Spanish Sailors)
69 == Military History Anniversaries -------------------------- (01 thru 31 Dec)
69 == WWI in Photos 117 ---------------- (Indian Troops at a Gas Mask Drill)
69 == Faces of WAR (WWII) --------------------------- (ETO P-47 Pilot 1944)
70 == Military Kits ---- (1982 Falklands conflict | Royal Marine Commando)

 

                                               * HEALTH CARE *                                             .

 

72 == TRICARE Autism Care [13] --------------------------- (5 DEC Webinar)
72 == Medicaid Eligible Vets [02] -------------------------- (Website Changes)
72 == Medicare Reimbursement Rates 2014 [09] ----------- ((22% Looming)
73 == Sweet Potato ---------------------------------------------- (Health Benefits)
74 == Concussions [01] ----- -------------------------- (Oxygen Therapy Study)
75 == Medicare Coverage Rates -------------------------------------------- (2015)

 

                                                  * FINANCES *                                                   .

 

76 == Car Rental Insurance -------------------------- (Best Credit Cards to Use)
78 == Ohio Vet Bonus [04] ------------------------------- (December 31 Cutoff)
78 == DFAS 1099-R [05] --------------------------- (Obtain Online Via myPay)
78 == Insurance Myths ------------- (Things People Believe About Insurance)
80 == Santa Claus Letter Scam ----------------------------------- (How It Works)
81 == Computer Fix Scam [01] -------------- (Bogus Technical Support Offer)
81 == Debit Card Customer Support Scam ---------------------- (How It works)
82 == Health Care Insurance Scams ---------------- (Obamacare Open Season)
82 == Tax Burden for New Hampshire Retirees ------------- (As of Nov 2014)  
84 == Thrift Savings Plan 2014 ----------- (Share Prices + YTD Gain or Loss)

 

                                         * GENERAL INTEREST *                                        .        

 

 85 == Notes of Interest ------------------------------------ (01 thru 15 Nov 2014)
 85 == RP~China Dispute [06] ------------------- (Maritime Dispute Continues)
 87 == Home Security ------------------------------ (Tips to Harden Your Home)
 88 == Tattoo Removal [04] ------------------------ (Popularity, Stigma & Cost)
 90 == Federal Employee Legislation ------------ (Benefits | Death & Pension)
 91 == Agent Orange Lawsuits [16] ------------- (South Korean Vietnam Vets)
 92 == Celebrities Who Served In the Military -------------------------- (Eleven)
 92 == The Chesty Puller ----------------------------------- (New Holster System)
 94 == Household Aids: Mr. Clean Magic Erasers ------------------------ (Uses) 
 95 == Photos That Say It All --------------------------------- (Xmas at the Wall)
 98 == WWII Ads ---------------------------------------------------------- (Chrysler)
 99 == Have You Heard? ------------------------------------------------ (Shampoo)
100 == Normandy Then & Now -------------------------------- (Rue Saint-Pierre)
100 == They Grew Up to Be ----------------- (Tina Mjorino (Waterworld 1995)
101 == Interesting Ideas ------------------------------- (Stripped Screw Removal)
102 == Moments in US History ----------------- (Academy Awards April 1974)

 

                                                *ATTACHMENTS*                                            .
Attachment - RAO Bulletin DEC 01, 2014
Attachment - Veteran Legislation as of 28 NOV 2014
Attachment - Georgia Vet State Benefits & Discounts Nov 2014
Attachment - Military History Anniversaries 01 thru 31 Dec
Attachment - Retiree Activity\Appreciation Days (RAD) Schedule as of Nov 25, 2014
                                                
Note:  Numbers contained within brackets indicate the number of articles written on the subject.  To obtain previous articles send a request to raoemo@sbcglobal.net.

 

-o-o-O-o-o-

 

TO READ OR DOWNLOAD THE ABOVE ARTICLES OR PAST BULLETINS REFER TO:

 

-- http://www.nhc-ul.com/rao.html (PDF Edition w/ATTACHMENTS)
-- http://www.veteransresources.org (PDF & HTML Editions w/ATTACHMENTS)
-- http://frabr245.org  (PDF & HTML Editions in Word format)
-- http://www.veteransresources.org/rao-bulletin (past Bulletins)
-- http://w11.zetaboards.com/CFLNewsChat/topic/10387883/1 (Index of Previous Articles 140701)

 

Notes:
1. The Bulletin will be provided as a website accessed document until further notice.  This was necessitated by SPAMHAUS who alleged the Bulletin's former size and large subscriber base were choking the airways interfering with other email user's capability to use it.  They directed us to stop sending the Bulletin in its entirety to individual subscribers and to validate the subscriber base with the threat of removing all our email capability if we did not. This Bulletin availability notice is being sent to the 18,824 former subscribers who have since validated their email addee for continued receipt of the newsletter.

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6.  Past Bulletin articles are available by title on request to raoemo@sbcglobal.net.  Refer to the RAO Bulletin Index alphabetically listing of article and attachment titles previously published in the Bulletin.  The Index is available under pinned topics at http: //s11.zetaboards.com/CFLNewsChat/forum/27519/  or
http://w11.zetaboards.com/CFLNewsChat/topic/10387883/1. Bear in mind that the articles listed on this index were valid at the time they were written and may have since been updated or become outdated.

 

7.  The Bulletin is normally published on the 1st and 15th of each month. At least it has been over the last 18 years with the one exception when I inadvertently backed over my computer with the car. To aid in continued receipt of Bulletin availability notices, recommend enter the email addee raoemo@sbcglobal.net into your address book. If you do not receive a Bulletin check either http://www.nhc-ul.com/rao.html (PDF Edition), http://www.veteransresources.org (PDF & HTML Editions), or http://frabr245.org  (PDF & HTML Editions), or before sending me an email asking if one was published.   If you can access the Bulletin at any of the aforementioned sites it indicates that something is preventing you from receiving my email.  Either your server considers it to be spam or I have somehow incorrectly entered or removed your addee from the mailing list. Send me an email so I can verify your entry on the validated mailing list. If you are unable to access the Bulletin at any of these sites let me know. 

== To subscribe first add the RAO email addee raoemo@sbcglobal.net   to your address book and/or white list. Then send to this addee your full name plus either the post/branch/chapter number of the fraternal military/government organization you are currently affiliated with (if any) "AND/OR" the city and state/country you reside in so your addee can be properly positioned in the directory for future recovery. Subscription is open to all veterans, dependents, military/veteran support organizations, and media.
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*********************************

 

Lt. James "EMO" Tichacek, USN (Ret)
Editor/Publisher RAO Bulletin
RAO Baguio, PSC 517 Box RCB, FPO AP 96517-1000
Tel: (951) 238-1246 in U.S. or Cell: 0915-361-3503 in the Philippines.
Email:  raoemo@sbcglobal.net
Office:  Red Lion, 92 Glen Luna, cnr Leonard Rd & Brent Rd., Baguio City, 2400 Philippines
FPO Mail Pickup:  TUE & THUR 09-1100 - Outgoing Mail closeout: THUR 1100
AMVETS | DAV | NAUS |NCOA | MOAA | USDR | VFW | VVA | CG33 | DD890 | AD37 |TSCL member

 

Major USMC Ground Operations in Vietnam for month.
Operation NameDates of OperationYearFirst DayParticipating Units
*Operation Harvest Moon9 - 20 Dec 656592nd Battalion, 7th Marines 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines, "Lima" and "Echo" 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines, and "Golf" Company 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines and 3rd Battalion, 1st ARVN Regiment, 1st Battalion, 5th ARVN Regiment, 1st Battalion, 6th ARVN Regiment and ARVN 11th Ranger Battalion operation in Quang Tin Province 37 km NW of Chu Lai in Phuoc Ha and Que Son Valley's
Operation Beaver I17 - 21 Dec 6565173rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division road clearing and security operation in III Corps
Operation Hoa Xuan27-Dec-6565271st Battalion, 4th Marines search and destroy operation on Hoa Xuan island
*Operation Prairie I#1 Dec 66 - 1 Feb 67661
 
*Operation Trinidad6 - 7 Dec 666661st Battalion, 1st Marines search and destroy operation in Quang Nam Province
*Operation Trinidad II7 - 11 Dec 666671st Battalion, 1st Marines search and destroy operation in Quang Nam Province
*Operation Sterling11 - 16 Dec 6666113rd Battalion, 9th Marines search and destroy operation in Quang Nam Province
*Operation Sierra#12 Dec 66 - 21 Jan 6766122nd Battalion, 7th Marines search and destroy operation in Quang Ngai Province
*Operation Chinook#19 Dec 66 - 2 Jan 676619
 
Operation Shasta II19 - 21 Dec 6666191st Battalion, 1st Marines search and destroy operation in Quang Nam Province
Operation Deckhouse V#28 Dec 66 - 16 Jan 676628
 
*Operation Pitt#5 - 12 Dec 676752nd Battalion, 7th Marines search and destroy operation in Quang Nam Province
*Operation Fortress Ridge#21 - 24 Dec 6767213rd Battalion, 1st Marines operation on the beach area of Gio Linh District, 7 km south of the DMZ
*Operation Badger Tooth#26 Dec 67 - 2 Jan 6867263rd Battalion 1st Marines search and destroy operation in Quảng Trị and Thua Thien Provinces
*Operation Taylor Common6 Dec 68 - 9 Mar 696861st Battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines and 2nd and 3rd Battalions, 26th Marines operation to clear the An Hoa Basin, neutralize NVA Base Area 112 and develop Fire Support Bases to interdict NVA infiltration routes leading from the Laotian border
Operation Valiant Hunt15 Dec 68 - 5 Jan 696815BLT 2nd Battalion, 26th Marines and HMM-362 clear and search operation on Barrier Island, south of Hoi An, Quang Nam Province
Operation Dragon Eye8 Nov -23 Dec 66668
 
Operation Mississippi29 Nov - 7 Dec 6666292nd Battalion, 5th Marines search and destroy operation in Quang Nam Province
Operation Sutter30 Nov - 6 Dec 6666301st Battalion, 5th Marines search and destroy operation in Quang Tin Province
*Operation Lancaster I#1 Nov 67 - 20Jan 686711st Battalion, 1st Marines, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines and 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines search and destroy operation to safeguard Route 9 between Cam Lo and in the old Operation Kingfisher area around Ca Lu
*Operation Neosho I#1 Nov 67 - 20Jan 686711st Battalion, 4th Marines, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines and 3rd Battalion, 26th Marines operation northwest of Hue
*Operation Scotland#1 Nov 67 - 31 Mar 686711st Battalion, 9th Marines, 1st Battalion, 13th Marines and 1st, 2nd and 3rd Battalions, 26th Marines operations in the westernmost portion of Quang Tri Province centered on the Khe Sanh area (including the Battle of Khe Sanh). The operation terminates with commencement of Operation Pegasus
*Operation Napoleon5 Nov 67 - 29 Feb 686753rd Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines and 1st Amphibian Tractor Battalion operation on the coast, north of the Cua Viet River in the Dong Ha area
Operation Scrotum II15 Apr 68 - 28 Feb 6968151st Battalion, 1st Marines, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines, 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines and 1st, 2nd and 3rd Battalions, 26th Marines continuing operations around Khe Sanh plateau upon termination of Operation Pegasus
Operation Henderson Hill23Oct 68 - 6 Dec 6868231st Battalion, 5th Marines, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines and 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines search and clear operations in north-central Quang Nam Province as a continuation of Operation Mameluke Thrust
*Operation Kentucky1 Nov 67 - 28Feb 686811st Battalion, 1st Marines, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 3d Battalion, 4th Marines, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines, 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines, 1st and 2nd Battalions, 26th Marines and 3rd Tank Battalion anti-infiltration operation in Leatherneck Square between Con Thien, Gio Linh, Cam Lo and Dong Ha
Operation Commando Hunt (part of Operation Barrell Roll)15 Nov 68 - Mar 19726815USAF, US Navy, USMC and Royal Lao Air Force dry season phase of the air interdiction campaign to bomb the Ho Chi Minh Trail
*Operation Meade River/Operation Hung Quang 1/8120 Nov - 9 Dec 6868201st Battalion, 1st Marines, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines and 2nd and 3rd Battalions, 26th Marines and ARVN 51st Regiment cordon and search operations south of Danang in support of Accelerated Pacification Campaign
*Operation Dawson River28 Nov 68 - 26 Jan 6968281st Battalion, 9th Marines, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines and 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines clear and search operation in the vicinity of Khe Sanh, Quảng Trị Province
Operation Fulton Square22 Oct 69 - 18 Jan 7070221st Marine Division, 101st Airborne Division, 5th Infantry Division operation in Quảng Trị Province
 
 
 
 
 
* Included Tanks and/or Ontos
 
 
 
 
# Detailed Documentation - See List
 
 
 
 



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Secure Credit Card Donations 
[  IRS Tax EIN 91-2111544 ] 
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 Approved Tax EIN 91-2111544 A 501(c)(19) Non-profit Historical Foundation Est. 2001 

 FYI: Donations and Donors

    Each year we wipe the slate clean as to who has donated for that calendar year. All donations received after October 1, 2013 will appear in the Breech Block beginning with the January 2014 issue. Donations received before October 1, 2013 will not appear in the eNewletters beginning the first of the year.

    Thank you for your support without you the foundation cannot achieve its goals of researching, recording, archiv-ing and publishing your individual stories.

 Semper Fidelis

2014 Donors: Thank you for your support!
    The Foundation is proud to announce that there has been 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:

     Conspicuous by its absence in this Breech Block is the list of our generous contributors who have weighed in since 1 October. As posted earlier, our plan is to streamline the process of recognizing contributors with a Certificate of Appreciation that covers the most recent entire fiscal year i.e., in this case 1 October 2013 to 30 September 2014, rather than a certificate for each contribution. We're a bit short-handed, especially during this time of the year, however, we are working on the certificates and we'll mail them out in the next couple of weeks and cite the recipients, along with the to-date contributors' list, in the January Breech Block.

    We appreciate your patience and understanding. For the Foundation's Staff and Board of Directors, wishing you a Very Merry Christmas and all the success and happiness in 2015.

Semper Fidelis,

Ray


    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.

We Really Need Your Assistance

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

    Please take the time to go to the bottom of this newsletter and click on "Update Profile/Email Address."  By doing this we can automatically update your information.

     You guys are terrific; we appreciate your support.

 

Semper Fidelis,

MC Flag Big Wave 

Ray Stewart,

Prersident

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. Click here.
In This Issue
Mail Call!
Donate Address
Credit Card Donations
Donate Address
FYI: Donations and Donors
2014 Donors
Is your personal information up-to-date?

 

THE BREECH BLOCK
 
Publisher
Marine Corps
Vietnam Tankers
Historical Foundation
VNSM

Staff  

President

LtCol Raymond A. Stewart USMC (Ret)

Contact:

usmcvthf@comcast.net

 

Administrator

Jackie Hunter

  

Web Master

Lloyd 'Pappy' Reynolds

www.mcvthf.org

 

Media Technical Advisor

Richard "Dick" Carey

vietnamtankers@gmail.com

 

  

Board of Directors

President     

LtCol Raymond A. Stewart, USMC (Ret)

President 

Charter Director, 

USMC Vietnam Tankers Association 

  

Vice Pres.  and Flame Tanks Rep. 

Guy Wolfenbarger,

Secretary 

James Raasch

    

Oral Historian  

Charles 'Chuck'

Garrison,    

 

Treasurer   

Charter Director, 

USMC Vietnam Tankers Association

 

Recruiter    

Richard Tilden

   

Director 

LtGen Martin R. 

Steele, USMC (Ret)

Charter Director,

USMC Vietnam Tankers Association  

 

Director  

Col William  'Bill' Davis, USMC(Ret)

 

Director  

David 'Doc' Forsyth

 

Director

Dr. Ken Estes,

LtCol, USMC (Ret)

  

Director and Ontos Rep. 

Rick Walters

   

Directors Emeritus:

Richard "Dick" Carey;

Director Emeritus,

Founder/President Emeritus

USMC Vietnam Tankers

 

Director Emeritus 

MGySgt Donald Gagnon, USMC (Ret),

Quick Links

  

by Jim Coan

 

Praying for Slack

by Bob Peavey 

 

Tracks 

by Clyde Hoch

 
   
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
 

 

Disclaimer: 

 "Marines" and the Eagle, Globe and Anchor are trademarks of the U.S. Marine Corps, used with permission. Neither the U.S. Marine Corps nor any other component of the Department of Defense has approved, endorsed or authorized this newsletter.

 

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