1st Recon Battalion Association

1st Recon Battalion Association

Thanks for your service.

Part 20

2024

January - July

1st Reconnaissance Battalion
Missions / Patrol Reports

Are you looking for your Old Patrol Reports? Check out this page on my website:

http://www.weststpaulantiques.com/reconmissions.html

Too close to whisper...
...one click for "yes", two for "no"...
"Brothers of the Bush"

----------------------------
Recon...their name is
their honor...and nothing more
need be said...Recon

Floyd Ruggles

Newsletter August 2024

Part 21

All Companies

Photo Gallery

The Memory Remains Not All Wounds Are Visible.

"A Brotherhood Forged In Combat"

1st Reconnaissance Battalion Index

2014

Message Board Links

Part 1 - 2018-2019 

Part 2 - 2019-2020 

Part 3 - 2020 

Part 4 - 2020 

Part 5  - 2020

Past Message Board

Past Newsletters 

Part 1 - 2017-2018 

Part 2 - 2018 

Part 3 - 2018 

Part 4 - 2018-2019 

Past Reunions 

Past Stories 

Send in your photos

Part 6  - 2020

Past Photos Galleries 

Part 7  - 2020

Part 8  - 2020

Bobby Bare

 

 

Photo Gallery

Part 10  - 2021

Click a photo to link to a page on our  website or Facebook. Links are found on nearly all Web pages. Links allow users to click their way from page to page. You will find thousands of links on the 1st recon battalion association website.

In Remembrance of our brother Reconnaissance

Marines & Corpsmen 

Look at it as your Time Capsule. This website won't stand long after we are all gone.

 

Daniel M Turpin

1st Recon Battalion Association

To all members if you find a misspelled word somewhere on our website send the page that the word is on and the word and I'll correct the spelling appreciate the help thank you.

Part 11  - 2021

1st Reconnaissance Battalion
Missions / Patrol Reports

Too close to whisper...
...one click for "yes", two for "no"...
"Brothers of the Bush"

----------------------------
Recon...their name is
their honor...and nothing more
need be said...Recon
------------------------

YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN

Bravo Company 1968-1969

Part 12  - 2021

Meet some of our members of our association.

To all Association Members,

Please reply and update or confirm your Information.
Your 1st Recon Battalion Association Website Information
can be found at: 1streconbn.org/members.html

Hope to hear from you soon.
Thanks for all your help.

My email address is floyd@weststpaulantiques.com.
Please keep your information up to date.

This will allow the Association to send messages out from time to time by email or by mail.

Semper Fi,
Floyd Ruggles
Membership Director & Webmaster

1st Recon Battalion Association

New Members to the Association of the Natural Warrior

2023

Part 13  - 2021-2022

Part 14  - 2022

Part 15  - 2022

Part 16  - 2023

Get involved send in your messages, photos, stories share what you think about our website. I will post them on this page.

Get involved send in your messages, photos, stories share what you think about our website. I will post them on this page.

Get involved send in your messages, photos, stories share what you think about our website. I will post them on this page.

Get involved send in your messages, photos, stories share what you think about our website. I will post them on this page.

Get involved send in your messages, photos, stories share what you think about our website. I will post them on this page.

Get involved send in your messages, photos, stories share what you think about our website. I will post them on this page.

Get involved send in your messages, photos, stories share what you think about our website. I will post them on this page.

Get involved send in your messages, photos, stories share what you think about our website. I will post them on this page.

Get involved send in your messages, photos, stories share what you think about our website. I will post them on this page.

Get involved send in your messages, photos, stories share what you think about our website. I will post them on this page.

Get involved send in your messages, photos, stories share what you think about our website. I will post them on this page.

1st Recon Battalion Association

Message Board will be our newsletter going forward. 

It's ongoing and you can be a part of it, each month through out the year.

1st Recon Battalion Association

Message Board will be our newsletter going forward. 

It's ongoing and you can be a part of it, each month through out the year.

This is a heads up, Linda and I will be on spring break from March 1st through March 31st, 2025. We will be traveling with our children and totally disconnected from the internet. This is a chance for me and my family to recharge our batteries. I'll be back and working on the website in April. So sending your stories & photos and I'll post them for the 2025 edition of our Newsletter/Message Board.

Click a photo to link to a page on our website. Links are found on nearly all Web pages.
Links allow users to click their way from page to page.

Navigator is at the top of each page.

**WELCOME to FIRST RECON'S WEBSITE** 2009-2023 

Don't be fooled by the warning signs it's a safe website, it's just an old platfrom. Just hit advance, you will enjoy this website, it's my personal website.

1st Recon Battalion Association

Message Board will be our newsletter going forward. 

It's ongoing and you can be a part of it, each month through out the year.

Association Purpose

Our mission is to help locate former Recon Marines and their families, and to recognize those who paid the ultimate price through the 1st Recon Memorial Fund which has established and will help maintain the permanent memorial at the Marine Corps Historical Museum at Camp Quantico Virginia.

Message from webmaster!

2024 Newsletter

Part 17  - 2023

Web page under construction

Web page under construction

Part 18  - 2023

Part 19  - 2023

Camp Talega 1980 Front Gate & Charlie Company

Michael "Mike" Shokatz

Bravo Company Sept. 68 - Sept. 69, passed away June 21st, 2024

Blas George Mendez, Sr

Charley Company 1967 and 1968, passed away on July 3rd, 2024

Email from: Henry Cross
Email: henrycsc@aol.com
Subject: Korean War Gray Rock Ridge Feb 1953

Message: Hi,
I have been working with the family of Louis Rightmire to write his biography. I have also compiled the stories told by several marines into a single account of the events of Feb 27-28, 1953 on Gray Rock Ridge (now Camp Ouellette) in Korea.
1st Reconnaissance Company lost more men those two days than in any other event during the war, and I would like to offer it to as many sites willing to host the story. (8 names from your memorial in Quantico are included in the story with details and pictures of these men).
I've been talking with the men who run koreanwar.org as one hose, and your site is also a perfect home to remember these men.
Please let me know if you are interested in the story.
Henry

Henry,
Yes I believe all our members would be interested in the story. Let me pass this on to our president, so he can get on board with it.

Email from: Michael E Hermes
Email: Meh313us@yahoo.com
Phone number: 586-217-1712

Subject: Need help in finding info
Message: My uncle was in force recon his name was Thomas James Hermes he died state side out side camp lajune one day before he was due to come home in 1971 . This was just after he got back from his 4th tour in veitnam. From what I have been able to find out was he was in the 1st group to be trained as force recon . Is there any list I can look up or access that would enable me to find any team members he served with . I was 5 when he passed , just would like to know what he was like 

Michael,

Thanks for the email. I'll post your email on our website today.

S/F
Floyd

'Dear John'

Tony Williams, a long-time film director, made this television advertisement for BASF recording tapes about 1981. It was spectacularly popular and won the CLIO Golden Lion at Cannes in 1982. The creativity and fine acting was typical of some of the more original New Zealand television advertising of the 1980s.

2024

                      Louie Rightmire

Hospital Corpsman Third Class Rightmire was assigned to the 1st Marine Division. He was Wounded in Action while tending his wounded comrades and died of those wounds on March 18, 1953.

REUNION UPDATE
I talked with Charlie yesterday and here is a tentative schedule for 1st Recon Bn, in San Antonio. The division shows August 18-25, however, Charlie tries to concentrate our activities towards the end of the week so we don't have to travel and stay longer than necessary [read: cheaper for us].
Our auction and dinner will be Friday evening the 23rd. The location is still pending, as he is trying to work something out with 4th Recon Bn. If this doesn't work, the fall back location is our hotel.
Our business meeting will be Saturday morning. Note that the Division banquet is Saturday evening for anyone wishing to attend. If not, you will be able to check-out Saturday.
The Division has an excursion to the Museum of the Pacific War on Thursday. Seems it's about an hour and a half one-way, so it will be a mostly all day affair.
I'm exploring finding a local gun range for Thursday as an option for Recon. I don't know about you, but I could use some trigger time.
I will keep you informed as I learn more.
Semper Fi

Ronald Overton

Update: 7/8/2024

Arnold J. Gasper

Rj Blackwell

"Pappy" Ayers and Doc La Porte

Reunion 2021 in San Diego (read: Camp Pendelton). L-R
Rick Frederick F Alvira, Creg Howland, Mike Adams, Charles Kershaw, Gary Maxam. We all served together in Alpha Company in 1968-1969. And this is why you go to reunions. 

2024
It's going to be a great reunion. Recon always has a good turn out. Hope to see all of you there. Semper Fidelis

Bill S Godfrey

Get involved send in your messages, photos, stories share what you think about our website. I will post them on this page.

Recon Team under fire during a hot extract 50 + years ago during the Vietnam war

Many teammates lives have been saved by these incredible pilots and their aircrews....

Photos provided by HM3 Richard “Doc” Borcicky the Corpsman onboard the aircraft during the extract...

The CH46 Sea Knight has over 50 bullet holes in her, but she flew our men home!

“Forever shall I strive to maintain the tremendous reputation of those who have gone before me”

The 1st Recon were also deployed to Helmand Province, Afghanistan in 2010 where they produced 300+ enemy KIA, did not lose a single man in their seven-month deployment and was regarded as "The deadliest battalion in Afghanistan right now" by Lt. Gen James Mattis.

The unit conducted a battalion-sized helicopter insert into the area of Trek Nawa, operating for 32 days straight, away from friendly lines, during that period there was contact with Taliban forces for 28 of those days using tactics and offensive action that stunned the local enemy forces. Following the missions in Trek Nawa and surrounding areas, the battalion deployed two companies to the Upper Sangin River Valley.

In February 2012, there was controversy when a September 2010 photograph was published showing members of Charlie Company, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, posing in front of a flag with a logo resembling that of the German Schutzstaffel while serving in Afghanistan.

Part 21

2024

August - December

Part 21

2024

August - December

Part 21

2024

August - December

Missing the Freedom Bird for love of brothers…
Thurman Mullens was a Recon Corpsman, in TEAM FIG NEWTON at 1st Recon Bn in 1970. When his teammates in TEAM PRIME CUT needed an emergency extract on the day he was due to fly home, he missed the flight to support his teammates.
“One of the first guys I met when I arrived at 1st Recon Bn. was Donnie Sheppard. He was a radio man with team Prime Cut and I was a Corpsman with team Fig Newton. We hit it off and became the True Grit brothers. I had turned in my rifle and other gear and hit my cot for what I thought would be my last night in Nam. I was scheduled to leave 1st Recon on May 17, 1970 to catch my Freedom Bird. As I was walking through the area giving my goodbyes, word came out that Prime Cut was pinned down fighting for their lives. A rescue force was gathering at the LZ to attempt a rescue. Prime Cut was pulled out on an extraction ladder under a CH 46. When they made it safely back to Camp Reasoner a major good time was had. Donnie’s radio had him hung up in the ladder and I was helping him get untangled when he asked me what I was doing there, I was supposed to be on my way home. I had missed my Bird.
On the 18th I was walking the area again and thinking about just staying when I encountered our Company C.O., 1st Lt. Spolter, who told me to grab my gear that I had been put on a flight that day (May 18, 1970). I got a quick flick made with my brothers who were heading out on a morning run. I snapped a photo of an unknown guy, and two of my favorite guys from the jeep as we were leaving out. Nano Villasana and Lowell H. “Big I” Iantorno are by the jeep. 

 Afterwards Nano was killed with the entire team Rush Act and hurt all of us that knew him.
And that’s how I missed my Freedom Bird.
Donnie and I still stay in touch after 50 years. The last photo is of Donnie and me raising the flag on Hill 119 between the Quesons and Go Noi Island in 2000 on a Recon Reunion tour to Vietnam.
Semper Fi
The Olde Doc

posted by, Michael Beard

Reunion update. Just heard from Division, and the cutoff date for the group rate at the hotel in San Antonio has been extended until July 18. About half of the set aside rooms have been booked. This again, makes it easy for folks to register now and cancel later if things don't work out. Hope to see you in San Antonio, TX

posted by, Ronald Overton

THE RECON CREED

Realizing it is my choice and my choice alone
to be a Reconnaissance Marine,
I accept all challenges involved with this profession.
Forever shall I strive to maintain the tremendous reputation
of those who went before me.

Exceeding beyond the limitations
set down by others shall be my goal.
Sacrificing personal comforts and dedicating myself
to the completion of the reconnaissance mission shall be my life.
Physical fitness, mental attitude, and high ethics --

The title of Recon Marine is my honor.

Conquering all obstacles, both large and small,
I shall never quit.
To quit, to surrender, to give up is to fail.
To be a Recon Marine is to surpass failure;
To overcome, to adapt and to do whatever it takes
to complete the mission.

On the battlefield, as in all areas of life,
I shall stand tall above the competition.
Through professional pride, integrity, and teamwork,
I shall be the example
for all Marines to emulate.

Never shall I forget the principles
I accepted to become a Recon Marine.
Honor, Perseverance, Spirit and Heart.

A Recon Marine can speak without saying a word
and achieve what others can only imagine.

Thanks for update 6/18/2024 on your email address. Have a great weekend and stay safe.

Hope to see you at the up-and-coming reunion in San Antonio.

Note: Your emails I send to you are kicked back and rejected. You can try to repair it on your end but this is the message I'm receiving each time I send you an email.

"Message could not be sent to the following recipients: ["ggfrance@opionline.net" <ggfrance@opionline.net>] (501 - 501 5.7.1 Recipient rejected - OXSUS003_407 - https://postmaster-oxsus.vadesecure.com/outbound_error_codes/#_407"

Hopefully you'll see this message and repair your problem soon.

Semper Fi,
Floyd Ruggles
Membership Director & Webmaster

Gregory Francesco

1st Recon Battalion in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan


"Sacrificing personal comforts and dedicating myself to the completion of the Reconnaissance Mission shall be my life."

Capt. Stanford H. Shaw, III
Died: 10 MAR 2015

Seven Marines with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operation Command died when a U.S. Army UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopter crashed near Eglin, Florida, March 10, 2015.

Captain Shaw was born in Basking Ridge, NJ, and attended Ridge High School. He was Captain of the varsity lacrosse team and the student government president. After graduating in 2002 he attended the United States Naval Academy.

While at the United States Naval Academy he played club lacrosse and was the 6th Company Commander. He completed his degree in Political Science with a Bachelor of Science and upon graduating in 2006 he accepted a commission as a Marine officer.

Captain Shaw was assigned to Echo Company at The Basic School (TBS) and graduated in January of 2007. Following graduation, he immediately began training at the Infantry Officer Course.

In April 2007 he graduated from IOC as an Infantry Officer and was assigned to 1st Battalion, 7th Marines. In May 2007 he was assigned as the Platoon Commander for 2nd Platoon, Alpha Company. During August of 2007, he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom to Al Anbar Province, Iraq. Upon returning from this deployment Capt. Shaw was reassigned as the Weapons Platoon Commander, Alpha Company. He deployed in this capacity to Iraq again in 2009 where he served as both the Weapons Platoon Commander and Company Executive Officer. Upon returning from OIF he was reassigned as the Weapons Company Executive Officer and later as the Battalion’s Assistant Operations Officer. After completing the Battalion’s pre-deployment training cycle for the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit he was reassigned to 3D Marine Division in Okinawa, Japan.

n July 2010, Capt. Shaw was assigned to 4th Marines, 3D Marine Division and soon took command of Headquarters Company, August 2010. The company deployed to Camp Fuji, Japan, for training in October 2010 and again in February 2011, to Thailand in support of Exercise Cobra Gold. In May 2011, he was reassigned to the Jungle Warfare Training Center on Camp Gonsalves, Okinawa. More Info Click Here

I have finally accepted that the Navy will not recall me to active duty.............It was time to clean out the closet. I had kept all my uniforms and there was no longer a reason to do so. My favorite two uniforms were my mess dress amd my choker whites. When I bought the chokers I weighed 235, now I am at 185......If only I was 18 again. hehehehehe

Dave Doc Snider

Way to be “Doc” Snider!

posted by, Tom Moranz

West St Paul Antiques
Shop Where the Dealers Shop!

June 14th, 2024
Incident

A work in progress!

Send your stories in by the end of September to be added to my special for Christmas this year. It will be a great addition to our website. 

This is painful for me to say but I will be ending my 10 years as your Membership Director and Webmaster in 2026. I'm looking forward to passing the torch to a younger Marine at our reunion in 2026. If you're interested in the position please contact me as soon as possible. It's been my pleaure to serve as your Membership Director & Webmaster all this time but it's time for me to move on and retire from the job. 

This is an important Message from the 1st Recon Battalion Association Membership Director & Webmaster

2026

Some Give It All

The Jim Southall Story

Over 100 Patrol Reports to date

Too close to whisper...
one click for "yes", two for "no"...
"Brothers of the Bush"

--------------------------
Recon...their name is
their honor...and nothing more
need be said...Recon

Wall Talk - Tour of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Di Di Mau
A True Story About Tigers, Rock Apes, the Jungle, and War

Publisher's summary
In 1969, Darren Walton, at the tender age of 19, enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, trading life in idyllic Marin County in California for the chaos of a raging jungle war in Southeast Asia. In no time, he got pressed into service as a member of a Marine reconnaissance unit operating near Da Nang, Vietnam.

There were a few times when he basked in the breathtaking beauty of the triple canopy jungle, the contoured glistening mountain ridges, and the luscious green valleys. But there were many, many other times when he and his fellow marines labored under the terror of the worst the jungle had to offer: torrential monsoons, torturous humidity, rapacious insects, and enemy-placed punji traps springing from hell below.

Darren survived thanks to the unconditional loyalty and courage of his fellow marines, men who risked their own lives to save his, men who demonstrated uncommon courage in the most desperate of circumstances. No questions asked. No conditions imposed. No social barriers erected. Semper Fidelis.

Di Di Mau is Darren’s unabashed personal account of warfare, survival, and brotherhood—and the enduring reflections that followed. It is unlike any book about the Vietnam War.
©2023 Darren Walton (P)2023 Darren Walton

US Marine cleaning his M1903 Springfield at a camp near San Diego in 1941

LIFE Magazine Archives - Horace Bristol Photographer WWP-PD

Shawnee News-Star
Lt. Col. Rod "K2" Richardson died Wednesday, Oct.4, near Baghdad, Iraq as a result of injuries received from an improvised explosive device, while serving his country as a civilian manager of a private security company.

He was born Oct. 3, 1952, in Lamar, Colo., to Gene and Reta (Fisher) Richardson. He was reared and educated in Kansas and Oklahoma, graduating from Boise City High School, Okla., in 1970.

Following high school graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served in Vietnam. Returning to Oklahoma he graduated from East Central University in Ada. There he met his future wife, Rita Aleene Wiley. They were married on July 2, 1977, in Shawnee.

Rod re-entered the Marines after graduation and attended Officer Candidate School in Quantico, Va., and was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. He held ever-increasing assignments and responsibilities with the Fleet and in the far East, mixed with shore duty and Marine schools in the United States. He was selected and served a two-year tour of duty with the British Royal Marines in England.

Throughout his years in the Marine Corps he was a leader in training and fighting in the jungles, the desert, and with the fleet. This includes some operations still not known to the public. He was credited with many paratroop jumps. He also exited from submerged submarines through the torpedo tube to lead his reconnaissance unit swimming to shore to recon on the beach.

He developed a love and ability for teaching mountain climbing and warfare tactics at the Pickle Meadows training site in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Later this climbing ability allowed him to ascend several of the highest peaks in the Himalayas and elsewhere.

Rod and his wife, Rita, built their home near the Marines' Sierra Nevada training site in Gardnerville, Nev., in 1987. Even though serving with the Marines in other areas of the world they resided in Gardnerville until his retirement from the Marine Corps in 1994.

Following his military retirement, he began work with Rite of Passage, a program designed to assist youths with discipline, education, and training. He also completed his Masters of Business Administration degree at Chapman University.

Shortly after the war began in Afghanistan he signed on as a contract employee providing VIP security services. He said, "I was trained for it and I want to help!" As the war spread to Iraq he continued his work in Iraq. Besides brief periods of returning to the United States to spend time at home with his wife, he served in the midst of an unconventional war zone from the onset.

Rod strongly believed in service, discipline, physical training, and developing the abilities of those he commanded. He cared for his men but did not expect them to do anything he could not do. He was known for always being out front as a leader.

Rod is survived by his beloved wife, Rita; three sisters, Deb Crabtree, Pam Thrall, and Sandy Wells, all of Boise City; one brother, Mike Richardson of Guymon, Okla.; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Kathy and Chris Rick of Shawnee; several nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and Marine friends throughout the world.

Service was held Saturday, Oct. 14, at Boise City Baptist Church in Boise City with burial at Boise City Cemetery.

Sgt. Jonathan J. Simpson
Died: October 14, 2006

25, of Rockport, Texas; assigned to the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, Calif.; killed Oct. 14 while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in Anbar province, Iraq.

U.S. Marine killed in Iraq, buried in Quebec


globalnational.com
Published: Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2006

QUEBEC -- A U.S. Marine sergeant who was born in Canada and died during U.S. combat operations in Iraq was buried Tuesday in Quebec, where his mother lives.

Marine Sgt. Jonathan J. Simpson, of Rockport Texas, died Oct. 14 in the Al Anbar province of Iraq. According to his father, who also lives in Rockport, Simpson was born in Canada and held dual Canadian and U.S. citizenship.

The 25-year-old apparently grew up in Montreal, but according to relatives, went to visit his father in Texas and never returned to Canada.

Simpson was assigned to 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton, Calif.

He had joined the Marines five years ago and left for Iraq in September as a flight navigator. However, when his cousin died at the onset of the Iraq war, Simpson apparently wanted to honor his cousin by switching from flying aircraft to fighting on the front lines.

 

Corpus Christi Caller Times -- Sgt. Jonathan J. Simpson, 25, of Rockport, died Saturday during combat operations against enemy forces in the Al Anbar province of Iraq, the Department of Defense announced Monday.

Simpson, who was assigned to 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton, Calif., left for Iraq on Sept. 27, according to his father, Frank Simpson of Rockport, who visited him the day he left.

The elder Simpson said military officials told him his son, who was in the special forces, was on foot patrol when his unit was fired upon by insurgents.

Jonathan Simpson was born in Quebec, where his mother still resides, but he lived with his father before he enlisted in the Marines in 2001. Simpson said his son had dual citizenship.

Jonathan Simpson's cousin, Abraham Simpson, was killed in 2004 in Fallujah, Iraq. Photos of them in full dress uniform are displayed side-by-side at the Rockport Wal-Mart, where they share a wall with other local military personnel.

Frank Simpson said his son saw those photos during one of his visits from California.

"I watched him and he looked at every face - that's a Marine," Simpson said, adding that his son, who once was on the dean's list at Del Mar College, had dreams of owning land in the Coastal Bend after he finished his service. "He loved his country, he loved Texas. He was a good soldier."

Simpson said services likely will be in Quebec.

Fellow Marine Brad Kealiher, who lives in Wisconsin, met Jonathan Simpson in San Antonio where they were stationed in 2002.

"He was a little different, being that he grew up in Canada, but the first thing I noticed was he was smart with bookwork and math," said Kealiher, who was honorably discharged the same day his friend shipped off to Iraq.

After being stationed apart, the two friends reunited in San Diego, Calif., in January.

"We did a lot of barbecuing, sitting in my garage in lawn chairs, listening to music, and talking about what we wanted to do with the rest of our lives," he said.

Kealiher said he, Jonathan, and Frank Simpson went camping just before Jonathan left. During the trip, Kealiher, who served three tours in the Middle East, told his friend what to expect in Iraq. Simpson was unfazed.

"He was in the same mindset we all were - you're not really scared. You're going into it and willing to accept whatever life throws at you."

Brave man. Respect!

Rest in Peace

Rest in Peace

USS Oriskany

USS Oriskany was laid down 1 May 1944.

Oriskany's post-service history also differs considerably from that of her sister ships.

Decommissioned in 1976, she was sold for scrap in 1995, but was repossessed in 1997 because nothing was being done. In 2004, the Navy decided to sink her to create an artificial reef off the coast of Florida in the Gulf of Mexico. After much environmental review and remediation to remove toxic substances, the ship was carefully sunk in May 2006. She settled in an upright position at a depth accessible to recreational divers.

As of 2023, Oriskany is the largest vessel ever sunk to make a reef.

Ghost Warriors of the Vietnam War

By: TJ McGinley

In November of 1968, I was walking slack for 1/327/101st Airborne Divisions recon team  “Tiger Force,” in the jungle covered mountains of the Central Highlands, about 50 miles west of Hue, South Vietnam.  John Gertsch was walking point that day, when we came across a well-used trail.  Gertsch stopped and put his left fist up, which meant that everyone stop and be perfectly quiet.  Then he spread his hand out in an open gesture, which meant, quietly, get down and pay attention.  We did.  Gertsch and I checked the trail for tracks and any another other signs of enemy activity.  We found fresh prints and reported back to the lieutenant, who told us to set up an ambush. 

Within 15 minutes, a small patrol of six NVA appeared on the trail.  We waited until they were in the right spot, made sure there were no more NVA behind them and the opened fire.  Afterwards, we cleared the trail, cleaned up any evidence that we were there and left the area.  One of the NVA soldiers was an officer and was carrying maps and paperwork.  We walked to a suitable site and called in a helicopter to take the NVA paperwork to the rear to be analyzed.     

We hiked for another hour and set up a night defensive position.  Early in the evening, Gertsch, Zeke, Campos and I, quietly discussed the day’s events before taking our defensive positions.  As I sat in silence, just listening to the jungle, I reflected back on just how I got to be in this elite unit of sky solders.
   
   When the United States first started sending significant numbers of troops to Vietnam, we were using WWII tactics. This didn't work against the North Vietnamese who were waging guerrilla warfare, and it soon became clear that superior firepower and company-sized units were ineffective. A unit of 180 men moving through the jungle could be heard for miles giving the enemy time to react to our presence.

     Late in 1965, a young and highly decorated Lt. Col. in the 101st Airborne Division, David Hackworth convinced his superiors we would have a greater success using smaller, well-armed, camouflaged units that could move quietly through the jungle. The first of these small units were created from hand-picked, experienced volunteers from the First Brigade of the 101st.  They became known as Tiger Force.

for more on the story.

2018-2023

The Vietnam war ended nearly 50 years ago, but thousands of Vietnam veterans and their families are still fighting illnesses related to Agent Orange exposure. On the 60th anniversary of the first use of Agent Orange in Vietnam, we bring you a couple of personal stories from people whose lives are still marked by the use of this deadly toxin.

Sgt Daniel Gurr
Died: August 5, 2011

21, of Vernal, Utah; assigned to 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), Okinawa, Japan; died Aug. 5 in Helmand province, Afghanistan, while conducting combat operations.

 

From The Vernal Express 8/9/2011

Sgt. Daniel David Gurr USMC was taken back to the loving arms of his Heavenly Father on Aug. 5, 2011. He was killed while defending his country in Afghanistan.

Daniel was born March 17, 1990 to David and Tracy Gurr. He was the second of four children. Daniel graduated from Uintah High School in 2008 where served as a member of his Junior Class Presidency. He participated in football, was the captain of his soccer team, and was named as an All American. During his senior year, he joined the Marine Corps which had been his lifelong ambition.

Daniel was full of life! His smile would brighten any room that he walked into, he brought joy to everyone he met. Anything that he did was done with all the energy and enthusiasm he had. Daniel enjoyed doing most anything, camping, hunting, fishing, riding four-wheelers, and snowboarding, but most of all he enjoyed stirring up the excitement while hanging out with family and friends.

Daniel had always wanted to be a Marine. He wanted to be the best and poured his heart and soul into his career. His great-grandfather AA (Mac) McCarrel was a veteran of World War II who had fought in the South Pacific was Daniel’s hero and Daniel was Mac’s. He was very proud of him. Daniel is and always will be our hero! He will greatly be missed by all who knew him.

Daniel is survived by his mother, Tracy Beede; father, David (Dana) Gurr; sisters, Ashley (Shane) Mecham; and Caitlyn Gurr; brother, Austin Gurr; and nephew, Karsyn Gurr; numerous step brothers and step-sister; maternal grandparents, Georgia and Mike Vander Linden (Vernal); Dean and Connie Abplanalp (Florida); paternal grandparents, Gen and Janet Gurr (Vernal); many great-grandparents; aunts; uncles and cousins; his high school sweetheart Stephanie Sabin; and his Marine brothers in 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division. Daniel was proceeded in death by his great grandparents AA (Mac) and Adoree McCarrel and great-grandfather Earl Gurr.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, Aug. 13 at 11 a.m. at the new Glines Stake Center on the corner of Main and Aggie Blvd. A viewing will be held at the Stake Center Friday, Aug. 12 from 5-8 p.m. and one hour prior to services on Aug. 13.

Burial will be at the Vernal Memorial Park immediately following the services with full military honors. In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made to the Daniel Gurr Fund set up at Zions Bank, proceeds will be used to make care packages for the troops serving in Afghanistan.

Services have been intrusted in the care of Blackburn Vernal Mortuary

1ST RECONNAISSANCE BATTALION FREE FALL JUMP

Marines with Company C, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion conducted a free-fall and static-line jump aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton Calif., June 25, 2014. The Marines jumped from CH-46 Sea Knights at approximately 10,000 feet for free-fall and approximately 2,000 feet during the static-line jumps. Conducting free-fall and static-line jumps ensures the Marines are capable of being deployed into any location as quickly as possible. Also available in high definition.

1stLt Frank S. Reasoner
Died: July 12, 1965
 

        The President of the United States, in the name of The Congress, takes pride in presenting
the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to:


FIRST LIEUTENANT FRANK S. REASONER

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

                             For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as commanding officer, Company A, 3d Reconnaissance Battalion, 3d Marine Division in action against hostile Viet Cong forces near Danang, Vietnam on 12 July 1965. The reconnaissance patrol led by First Lieutenant Reasoner had deeply penetrated heavily controlled enemy territory when it came under extremely heavy fire from an estimated 50 to 100 Viet Cong insurgents. Accompanying the advance party and the point that consisted of five men, he immediately deployed his men for an assault after the Viet Cong had opened fire from numerous concealed positions. Boldly shouting encouragement, and virtually isolated from the main body, he organized a base of fire for an assault on the enemy positions. The slashing fury of the Viet Cong machine gun and automatic weapons fire made it impossible for the main body to move forward. Repeatedly exposing himself to the devastating attack he skillfully provided covering fire, killing at least two Viet Cong and effectively silencing an automatic weapons position in a valiant attempt to effect evacuation of a wounded man. As casualties began to mount his radio operator was wounded and First Lieutenant Reasoner immediately moved to his side and tended his wounds. When the radio operator was hit a second time while attempting to reach a covered position, First Lieutenant Reasoner courageously running to his aid through the grazing machine gun fire fell mortally wounded. His indomitable fighting spirit, valiant leadership and unflinching devotion to duty provided the inspiration that was to enable the patrol to complete its mission without further casualties. In the face of almost certain death, he gallantly gave his life in the service of his country. His actions upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

Richard M. Nixon
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

Camp Reasoner - Da Nang

USS Reasoner (FF-1063) was a Knox-class frigate of the United States Navy, named in honor of 1st Lt. Frank S. Reasoner, awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously in the Vietnam War.

1st Recon Battalion Marines & Corpsmen at Milwaukee Reunion 2013

2024 Reuion will be in San Antonio, Texas

Good evening gentlemen,
We had a fantastic Christmas mostly eating, Church and family, and more eating! I trust you all were as blessed as the Howlands, all 20 of us!

Here are copies concerning items I recently performed that may be of interest to you guys.

Account balances, the letter to Sanders for his donation and deposit detail:


BUSINESS CHECKING $6,317.77
BUSINESS MARKET RATE SAVINGS $18,046.25

Semper Fi,
--
Creg

Floyd, 

I’m updating my email address for the 1st Recon roster. If there is another form, or online way please POINT ME IN THAT DIRECTION. Thank you 

Mike Fallon

Mfallon4@cox.net

Mfallon4@outlook.com

703-201-2644 

I am researching and desire to interview Marines and Corpsmen who served on Hill 119, Delta Company OP/RR between September 69 and September 1970. 

Thank you

Semper Fi

Mike Delta & Bravo Companies 1970

1st Recon Battalion Association

Your Name: Edward ,Spike JSpike Jones
Your Address: AL
Your Email: mahaspiker@yahoo.com
Guest Book Message: Just finished reading an account of total esprit de corp. it?s why I joined my marine corps back in ?74.

Thanks for the message!

MSgt Aaron Torian

Part 21  - 2024

Part 9  - 2020

Click a photo to link to a web page on our website, a memorial tribute.