Frederick John Vogel - Photo Gallery

Frederick John VOGEL <vogelfj@hotmail.com> 8/17/2024 10:10 AM

Re: Alpha Company, 1st Recon

To  Floyd

Floyd, I'm still alive (barely) and all my info is correct

Attaching a couple pictures for the site:

1st Extract LZ, but shot out and running gun battle to follow - no casualties
2nd Crossing a stream somewhere in the wilderness
3rd Sgt. Lucas, extract from Charlie Ridge
4th Sgt. Johnson and L/Cpl Herrera, KIA - RIP

Fred Vogel
Alpha Co, 1st Recon Bn 1968
(other Recon billets as well)

Extract LZ, but shot out and running gun battle to follow - no casualties

ALPHA COMPANY JUNE 1968 - JANUARY 1969

Crossing a stream somewhere in the wilderness

Sgt. Lucas, extract from Charlie Ridge

Sgt. Johnson and L/Cpl Herrera, KIA - RIP

Email from:

Sergeant Larry Allen Johnson was a member of the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division who was killed in action in Vietnam on September 20, 1968. Johnson was a field radio operator and was mortally wounded while carrying a fallen comrade to a helicopter. His actions were described as heroic and inspirational, and he was recognized for upholding the highest traditions of the Marine Corps.

At Peace
I stopped by the small cemetary where he was buried. It is on the highway just north of his home town of Varna. It is peaeful there. He is not forgotten.

PEORIA JOURNAL STAR OCTOBER 1968

SGT. LARRY JOHNSON

LACON: Services for Sgt. Larry Allen Johnson, 21, U.S.M.C., son of Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Johnson of rural Varna, will be at 2 p.m. tomorrow in Varna Methodist Church, the Rev. Edward Pinder officiating. Burial will be in Lutheran Cemetery #2 in rural Varna.

Friends may call at Lenz Memorial Home, Lacon, after 7 p.m. this evening and until 11 a.m. tomorrow, when the body will be taken to the church, where it will lie in state until time of services. Peoria members of the U.S. Marine Corps will conduct military rites at the gravesite.

Sgt. Johnson was killed in action in Tu Ang, South Vietnam, September 20, 1968.

First Lutheran Cemetery #2
Also known as Salem Cemetery

Varna, Marshall County, Illinois, USA

Semper Fi
Silver Star

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Larry Allen Johnson (MCSN: 2232731), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company A, First Reconnaissance Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the afternoon of 20 September 1968, Sergeant Johnson was the Assistant Patrol Leader of a reconnaissance team operating near Thoung Duc in Quang Nam Province when the Marines came under a heavy volume of automatic weapons fire from a large enemy force and sustained several casualties. Reacting instantly, Sergeant Johnson boldly ran across fifteen meters of fire-swept terrain to the side of a wounded radioman where he took the radio and simultaneously administered first aid while he accurately directed air strikes upon the hostile soldiers, which disorganized their attack. Continuing his determined efforts, he skillfully directed helicopters into a landing zone to extract the beleaguered Marines and assisted in evacuating casualties. Alertly observing a fatally wounded Marine, he delayed his own extraction further while he maneuvered across the hazardous area to the casualty. Ignoring the intense enemy fire, he then carried his fallen comrade to a waiting helicopter and, while placing him aboard, Sergeant Johnson was mortally wounded. His heroic actions and sincere concern for the welfare of his comrades were an inspiration to all who observed him and contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of his unit's mission. By his courage, resolute determination and steadfast devotion to duty, Sergeant Johnson upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Action Date: September 20, 1968

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Sergeant

Company: Company A

Battalion: 1st Reconnaissance Battalion

Division: 1st Marine Division (Rein.), FMF

Lance Corporal Felipe Herrera

Felipe Herrera
Date of birth: 20-Mar-48
Date of death: September 20, 1968
Home of record: San Antonio Texas
Status: KIA

AWARDS AND CITATIONS

Navy Cross

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal Felipe Herrera (MCSN: 2341619), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with Company A, First Reconnaissance Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the afternoon of 20 September 1968, Corporal Herrera was the machine gunner of a reconnaissance team operating near Thoung Due in Quang Nam Province when he alertly observed a large hostile force maneuvering to attack the Marines. Reacting instantly, he warned his comrades of the approaching enemy, and almost immediately the patrol came under a heavy volume of hostile automatic weapons fire. With complete disregard for his own safety, Corporal Herrera boldly moved from his position and fearlessly assaulted the enemy soldiers to within ten meters of their location, killing six of the attackers and halting their advance. Continuing his determined efforts, he resolutely remained in his dangerously exposed position and delivered intense machine-gun fire against the enemy until he was mortally wounded. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in enabling his comrades to gain fire superiority and deploy into advantageous defensive positions. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit, and steadfast devotion to duty, Corporal Herrera upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

General Orders: Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals

Action Date: 20-Sep-68

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Lance Corporal

Company: Company A

Battalion: 1st Reconnaissance Battalion

Division: 1st Marine Division (Rein.) FMF

September 18, 1968, 10 Recon Marines went on patrol near Thuong Duc in Vietnam. Two days later, 8 of the team returned from the jungle with the bodies of of their comrades - Lcpl. Felipe Herrera (left) and Sgt. Larry Johnson (right).

Terrible, Thanks for Asking: Semper Fi

When Nora McInerny’s dad died, she lost his stories. Like those from his time as a Recon Marine in Vietnam. So Nora decides to look up some of the men he served with, and discovers one day in 1968 that forever shaped a group of boys into the mercurial, complicated men they would become.

Episode #10: Semper Fi

Stephen John McInerny

Alpha 1968 - 1969

McInerny, Stephen John age 64. Died peacefully in his home in Minneapolis on October 8, surrounded by family. Husband to Margaret, his bride of 40 years. Father to Meghan, Austin, Nora, and Patrick. Grumpy to Trixie, Theo, William, Ralphie and Temple. Stephen proudly served his country as L. Cpl. in the United States Marine Corps. The youngest child of Austin and Vivian McInerny, he was preceded in death by his loving parents and brothers Ralph and Austin. He is survived by Mary Margaret, Theresa, Raymond, Roger, Maurice and Dennis. A fifth generation Minneapolitan, Steve was a voracious reader, novelist, golfer, fountain of knowledge, and writer of your favorite infomercials. He filled our world with wit and wisdom and a deep and abiding faith. We treasure the time we had together on this earth and know, in his words, "we never really leave one another." Funeral Service Monday, 10/13/14 at 10 am with visitation one hour prior at St. Helena's Catholic Church, 3201 E. 43rd St., Mpls. Interment on 10/14/14 at 10:45 am at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Visitation Sunday, 10/12/14, from 4-7 pm at Washburn-McReavy, Nokomis Park Chapel, 1838 E. Minnehaha Parkway, Mpls. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to DeLaSalle High School.

Published on October 12, 2014