1st Recon Battalion Association

1st Recon Battalion Association

Thanks for your service.

Part 28

2024

November 2nd Half

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

Check Out New Messages/Newsletter

...

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 killed in action or otherwise while on duty.

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

November 2024 - 2nd Half Newsletter

Part 17  - 2023

Part 18  - 2023

Part 19  - 2023

Part 20  - 2023

Part 21  - 2023

Part 22  - 2024

Member of 1st Recon Battalion Association

1st Recon Bn KIA Vietnam War

..

War Story

.....

Rest in Peace

The Jim Southall Story, Over 200 1st Recon Battalion Marines involved in this story. The story is a work in progress over the next year. Over 100 Patrol Reports.

Some Give It All

Vietnam 1968-1969

Thoughts of that Day

Doug Wolfe's Story

Patrol Report #349-68

98 hours on Charlie Ridge

Index by dates & names

Patrol Report #359-68

This patrol covered a period of 119 hours with contact with an estimated 40 or more VC/NVA that resulted in 8 USMC KIA, 7 USMC WIA on Hill 200 June 3rd, 1968.

Sergeant Jim Southall - Hill 200 1969

Are Message Board is now our new newsletter.

1968

1969

Membership Director & Webmaster

2016-2025

Floyd

Last night I awoke to the sounds of thunder. I was recalling a small part of a day a long time ago. As if it was yesterday...

Today is a particularly dreary, rainy day. Lookout Mountain is socked in good. It is not unusual for it to be socked in. Hell they fought the Battle Above the Clouds there during the Civil War.

However, today it put me in mind of another dreary, socked in ridge I was on for around 2 hours on 3 June, 1968. Known only to me as Hill 200, it was a desolate, indefensible place that somebody in the 1st Mardiv G3 shop picked off the map to insert my platoon on as an observation post & radio relay.

Stories from Members

Some Give It All

THE DAY THE CRAP WENT UP IN FLAMES
By Gary Graves, HM3

5 Minutes ‘Til Forever

Part 29

Coming Soon

Applicants

1st RECONNAISSANCE BATTALION ASSOCIATION

CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS

ARTICLE II – MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 4. DUES. Association members have no mandatory dues. However, Members and Associate Members are encouraged to make donations, annually, to help defray the Association’s operating expenses. An annual donation of $10.00 is suggested.

Semper Fi, Floyd Ruggles

Membership Director & Webmaster

1st Recon Battalion Association

Welcome to our New Members Page

1st Recon Battalion Association

Next Page

Previous Page

Some of the 1st Marines into Afghanistan in the aftermath of 9/11

For Membership in 1st Recon Battalion Association

All Units
March 1966 - May 1971

This link is to my old website It's a safe website on a old plarform follow instructions to the webpage. 

Part 24  - 2024

Part 25  - 2024

Part 9  - 2020

1st Recon Battalion

Association of the Natural Warrior

November 2024 - 2nd Half Newsletter

Part 26  - 2024

Part 27  - 2024

Part 29  - 2024

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. You will find thousands of links on this website.

Scam Alert

I received this email today. Thought that I would post it and forward it to Charlie. As you read the email you can see that it is a scam and it's not from Charlie so don't fall for a scam email like this.

Scam Email

From: Charlie Kershaw <monchikis@monchikis.com>
To: floyd@weststpaulantiques.com
Date: 10/13/2024 10:05 AM EDT
Subject: 1st Recon Bn Association

Hi Floyd,
Are you available to offer help? I'm currently out of states, but I have perfect trust in you to handle this task for me. The 1st Recon Bn Association electronic gift cards in order to make donations to Veterans in Hospice and Palliative care units for the purchase of COVID-19 prevention items. I'm responsible for the reimbursement upon my return. Do you want more information?
Sincerely,

Charlie Kershaw
President
1st Recon Bn Association

Phishing Email, The email address is the first clue that it's a scam. Email fraud is intentional deception for either personal gain or to damage another individual using email as the vehicle. Almost as soon as email became widely used, it began to be used as a means to defraud people, just as telephony and paper mail were used by previous generations. How To Spot a Dodgy Emails.

MIA/POW

MIA/POW

1st Recon Battalion Association is a non-profit organization of former and current members of the 1st Recon Battalion, 1st Marine Division

Thanks for taking the time to stop by our website today.

Your Webmaster

Floyd Ruggles

Dropping off ammo for the Infantry

My little daughter designed this t shirt. Honestly I'm amazed at her great work. She asked everyone how her work was. Please encourage her so that she can keep up her good work

The real China Beach not the one in the movies.

When his platoon commander and platoon sergeant were killed, Corporal Cleveland King, the radio operator, took command. He fearlessly led the platoon up a hill to secure the objective, then exposed himself to hostile fire to mark the LZ for medevac bird, being wounded in the process. For his heroic initiative, Cpl King was awarded the Silver Star. Unfortunately, no one ever told him that...

43 years after his heroic actions, King received a call a fellow Marine's family member piecing together his tour in Vietnam. It was the first time since Vietnam King had heard from anyone regarding his service. The man had found King's award citation and congratulated King on the medal.

"What Silver Star?"

With the help of other Vietnam vets who served with King, in 2012 he finally received a host of awards he earned, but never actually received, including his Silver Star, Bronze Star with "V", two Purple Hearts, and a Combat Action Ribbon. The awards were signed off and approved in July of 1969. How their actual presentation was overlooked remains inexplicable.

"...serving as a Radio Operator with Company C, First Battalion, Fourth Marines. On 1 March 1969, Company C was heavily engaged with a numerically superior hostile force near Khe Sanh and, as Corporal King's platoon was advancing toward the Marine objective, his platoon commander and platoon sergeant were both wounded. Unhesitatingly assuming command of the platoon, Corporal King directed the men toward their hilltop objective which was urgently needed as a landing zone to extract Marine casualties. During the assault upon the enemy-held hill, Corporal King fearlessly exposed himself to hostile fire as he moved among his men, shouting words of encouragement. After the area was secured and the medical evacuation helicopters had been summoned to evacuate the casualties, Corporal King fearlessly rushed out onto the open landing zone and released a smoke grenade to mark the area. As he did so, an enemy mortar round impacted near him, knocking him to the ground, and wounding him in the hand. Undaunted, he recovered immediately and began directing the helicopter pilot by radio until the aircraft had safely landed. After the first helicopter departed with several injured Marines, Corporal King assisted with the preparation of the second load of evacuees, then again exposed himself to hostile fire as he directed the second helicopter into the zone, then aided with the embarkation of the casualties. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of several wounded Marines."

Forgot that there were so many Marines that were in the Arizona when it went down. Really was a gut wrenching moment seeing all those names. A must stop if you get the chance to go to Hawaii. Check out everything in Pearl Harbor- Big Mo was cool!

David & Shan Backer

Coming Soon

249th Marine Corps Birthday Message

We will host the 249th Marine Corps Birthday Ball Celebration on November 1, 2024, at the Hilton Garden Inn located at 101 S Front St, Albany, GA 31701.

Couldn't have said it better

Thanksgiving 1966 we were at a Montagnard village and some poor soul likely had lima beans and ham. Today we will have a lovely dinner, just the two of us, and a bottle of Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. I am glad you all made it back and send wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving.

Emmet C. Band

PFC Terry Augusta Jones

Sgt Justin M. Hansen

Died: July 24, 2012

Lejeune Sgt. killed in Badghis province combat

 

Staff and wire reports
Posted: Wednesday, Jul 25, 2012, 19:34:57 EDT

A North Carolina-based Marine was killed earlier this week in Afghanistan,

Defense Department officials confirmed late Wednesday.

 

Sgt. Justin M. Hansen, 26, of Traverse City, Mich., died Tuesday while conducting combat operations in Badghis province, according to the military. Hansen was assigned to 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion, out of Camp Lejeune.

Hansen’s father, who confirmed the death earlier Wednesday, said his son died after being shot while on a house sweep. Hansen was on his second deployment to Afghanistan and also deployed once to Iraq, his father said.

Rick Hansen said his son was no stranger to the insurgents that U.S. forces faced.

“I said, ‘Do you get real close to these guys — the enemy?’ And he said, ‘Oh yeah. Someday we’ll sit down in a corner and we’ll talk about it,’ ” he told the Traverse City (Mich.) Record-Eagle. “That day never came.”

Hansen, a 2003 graduate of Kingsley (Mich.) High School, played football in high school.

Lifelong friend Jon Walton said Justin Hansen was “always full of energy, always up for something new.”

“And he was the most committed person I’ve ever met,” Walton said. “Whatever he did, he did 110 percent.”

Amanda Herrick, who graduated from Kingsley High a year before Hansen, said his loss was being strongly felt.

“We are still a small community. Everybody knows everybody,” Herrick said.

Kingsley is about 12 miles south-southeast of Traverse City.

Hansen joined the Corps seven years ago, according to TV stations WWTV/WWUP.

Rep. Dan Benishek...


Mr. Speaker, today, I join all Northern Michigan in extending my greatest sympathies to my constituent Ms. Vickie Hayes, of Vanderbilt, Michigan, as she and her family mourn the loss of Marine Sergeant Justin Hansen.

Sergeant Hansen was killed during combat operations in Badghis Province, Afghanistan on July 31, 2012. Justin had previously served in Iraq and was serving his second tour of duty in Afghanistan.

A gifted athlete, Sergeant Hansen served as captain of the track, wrestling, and football teams for the Kingsley High School Stags during his high school career. Sergeant Hansen also enjoyed outdoor activities such as snowboarding and was an avid motorcyclist--often doing these activities with members of his family.

Sergeant Hansen graduated in 2003 from Kingsley High School and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 2005. He attended the School of Infantry at Camp Pendleton, California, where he graduated with honors. In 2006, Sergeant Hansen was selected to participate in and graduated from the Basic Reconnaissance Course in Coronado, California. He was also stationed at Camp Schwab with the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion in Okinawa, Japan.

He was later deployed with the 31st Expeditionary Marine Unit and joined the Special Operations Command in 2009. His honors include the Purple Heart, two Combat Action Ribbons, two Good Conduct Medals, a certified Corps Parachutist, and a brown belt in the U.S. Marine Corps Martial Arts program.

Sergeant Hansen is survived by his parents, Ms. Vickie Hayes of Vanderbilt, Michigan, and Mr. Richard Hansen, of Williamsburg, Michigan. Sergeant Hansen is also survived by his stepmother, Shawna Hansen; stepfather, Steven C. Cornell; sisters, Adrienne (Matthew) Russell, of Traverse City, Morgan Compton and Veronica Compton of Kingsley; stepbrothers, Jeremy Borey, of Chicago, IL, and Adam Cornell, of Traverse City; stepsister, Jessica Borey, of Elk Rapids; grandparents, Wayne and Ardyce Hansen, of Traverse City, Ken and Sandra Sleder, of Traverse City, and Carol Hays, of Jackson; niece and nephew, Madison Goodwin and Garrett Russell, of Traverse City; aunts and uncles, Steve Hansen of Pacifica, California, Richard and Sue Costlow of Traverse City, USAF Chief MSgt. Erick M. and Mary Hays, of Benton, Louisiana, Lonnie, and Valerie Schaub, of Grand Rapids, Dave and LeAnne Sleder, of Traverse City, Jeff and Bev Sleder, of Katy, Texas, and Kathy Sleder, of Fort Collins, Colorado; as well as a large extended family throughout the United States.

I can find no words that can fully express my gratitude for his service to our country or for the sympathy I feel for the family, friends, and loved ones by the loss of this young man. I know Justin's memory will live on through our actions and conduct towards others. To Justin's family, I can offer only the hope that you will find solace in the loving embrace of your family, friends, and the kind providence of God. I am well aware that my words will not soften your overwhelming grief, but I am reminded of the words of President Lincoln, written to a mother during the Civil War, ``I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.'' On behalf of the citizens of the First District of Michigan, I would like to express my profound sadness for the loss of Sergeant Justin Hansen. Northern Michigan has certainly lost one of its finest, and his memory and service will not be forgotten.

LANSING, Mich.—By order of Gov. Rick Snyder, U.S. flags on all campuses of Western Michigan University and throughout Michigan will be lowered to half-staff Friday, Aug. 3, in honor of Marine Sgt. Justin M. Hansen, of Traverse City, Mich.

Hansen, 26, died July 24 while conducting combat operations in Badghis province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion at Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Hansen graduated from Kingsley High School in 2003, joined the Marines in 2005, and attended the School of Infantry at Camp Pendleton, Calif. He was first stationed at the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion at Camp Schwab in Okinawa, Japan, and later deployed with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. Hansen joined the Special Operations Command in June 2009. He served a tour of duty in Iraq and was serving his second tour in Afghanistan.

Hansen received a Purple Heart, two Combat Action Ribbons, and two Good Conduct Medals.

Services

Former Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm issued a proclamation in 2003, requiring U.S. flags to be lowered to half-staff throughout Michigan and on Michigan waters to honor Michigan servicemen and servicewomen killed in the line of duty. Michigan was among the first states to honor its fallen sons and daughters by lowering flags.

Honoring those who fought

LCpl Jerry Frederick DeGray

LCpl Jerry Frederick DeGray

Jerry the son of William J. DeGray and Ester A. DeGray of Milwaukee Wisconsin enlisted in the US Marine Corps on September 19 1966 in Milwaukee WI. He arrived in Vietnam on July 30 1967 where he was assigned to and served with 1st Force Recon Company, 1st Force Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st MARDIV (Rein) FMF.

During the month of October the Battalion continued normal patrolling and related activities in general support of the 1st Marine Division thoughout its area of operations.

On October 15, a seventeen man reconnaissance patrol code named PETRIFY was inserted in the mountainous area in the vicinity of Dong Top (Mountain) in the Phu Loc District of Thua Tien Province. On the second day the patrol had almost continuous contact with the enemy with two Marines being killed in action and three men being seriously wounded. A Bald Eagle comprising of Company G from the 7th Marines was launched to reinforce the Team until all the men could be extracted. One of the casualties was LCpl Jerry De Gray; he was killed in action by hostile rifle fire.

GySgt Alewine #1115870
MOS: 0369 Infantry Unit Leader.

GySgt Alewine arrived in Vietnam 4 September 1967 and was assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Recon Battalion, 1st Marine Division. Recon Team Texas Pete was on a patrol when they were engaged by hostile forces 8 kilometers from the Hai Van Bridge. GySgt Alewine died as result of a gunshot wound to the body from hostile small arms fire.
GySgt Alewine served his country for 16 years and during the Korean War.
Survived by his wife, Lydia H Alewine of Vista, California and his parents, Ollie L and Florence Alewine and 3 brothers, Homer P, Ivan W and Wilson W Alewine all of Jacksonville, Florida and a sister, Rita Davis of TX.

Big Hill Cemetery
Big Hill, Limestone County, Texas, USA

LCpl Kenneth Francis Olenzuk

LCpl Kenneth Francis Olenzuk

Olenzuk, Kenneth Francis, LCpl
Born 4 Oct. 1947
Died 25 Dec. 1967 Thua Thien Provence South Vietnam

Panel 49W - Row 043 Vietnam Memorial Wall, Washington D.C.

Lance Corporal Ken Olenzuk died on Christmas Day, December 25, 1967 as a result of wounds suffered in Thua Thien Provence in South Viet Nam on Dec 19, 1967.During a recon mission with B CO, 1ST BN, 4TH MARINES, 3RD MARDIV, III MAF, Reconnaissance Team ‘Marshal Hall'. The incident was deemed a "Friendly Fire Misadventure".

The subsequent investigation showed that the unfortunate USMC casualties were indeed no fault of the gunner of the rescue helicopter from VMO-3 but determined the fault was that of a mechanical failure of the mounting bolts of the M-60 Machine gun from which the fatal shots were fired. The faulty bolts were faulty caused inaccurate suppressing fire and that caused the eventual two USMC casualties. The Platoon leader at the time was Lieutenant Jimmie Glenn now a Colonel USMC (RET) of Albuquerque New Mexico. Colonel Glenn although not part of the ill fated patrol was involved in the investigation of the incident. Colonel Glenn emphatically and categorically stated that the fault was indeed mechanical and not attributable to any USMC Air Crews involved in insertion and subsequent extraction of the team on Dec. 19, 1967.


Another Marine who was leading the team was L/Cpl Rodney Leroy Huddleson of Milford Ohio was killed immediately during the extraction of the Marshall Hall Recon Team. L/Cpl Rodney Huddleson was interred at Evergreen Cemetery in Miami Ohio. Find A Grave Memorial# 91456856. RODNEY LEROY HUDDLESON is honored on Panel 32E, Row 23 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Shortly after Kenneth's death, his brother PFC Paul Gregory Olenzuk Find A Grave Memorial# 9757733 joined the United States Army, arrived in South Vietnam on 7/19/1968. Paul was killed in hostile action less than a month later in the same Provence of Thua Thein in ,South Vietnam.

Kenneth is interred next to his brother Paul at Mt. Olivete Cemetery in Detroit Michigan.

Terry the son of Edith L. Jones of Detroit, and Wichita Jones also of Detroit Michigan enlisted in the US Marine Corps on February 21 1967 in Detroit. He arrived in Vietnam on September 9 where he was assigned to and served with Company B, 3d Reconnaissance Battalion, 3d MARDDIV (Rein) FMF.

During the month of December the Battalion continued with patrols in support of the 3d Marine Division in Thua Tien and northern Quang Tri Province with subordinate units operating from Phu Bai - Hue, Dong Ha, and the Khe Sanh Combat Base.

On December 30, a patrol 9 kilometers west of the Khe Sanh Combat Base was ambushed and during the ensuing fire fight two Marines were killed in the action. One of the casualties was PFC Terry Jones who suffered several gunshot wounds from hostile rifle fire.

HN James Patrick McGrath

United States Navy Hospital Corpsman served with Alpha Company, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, Third Marine Division. He was part of an extraction team of the 2nd Platoon, Alpha Company, 3rd Recon Battalion in Thua Thien, South Vietnam aboard a CH-46A Sea Knight helicopter from the Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 164. Once on the ground and during the extraction, the aircraft took on rocket propelled grenades disabling the aircraft and killing Corpman McGrath and three others from the team; Cpl Thomas A Gopp, LCpl John B Nahan, LCpl Jack Wolpe. The chase helicopter landed and took on the rest of the survivors and departed unable to the four men killed. In June 1994, their remains were repatriated and individually identified in July 2001.

HN James Patrick McGrath

SSGT Sky Russell Mote

Staff Sgt. Sky R. Mote, 27, of El Dorado, Calif., died Aug. 10 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

A California mountain will be named "Sky Point" in honor of a Marine killed in Afghanistan in 2012.
Congressman Tom McClintock, R-Calif., announced that President Trump has signed legislation that names a mountain after Marine Staff Sgt. Sky Mote.

The bill H.R. 381 designates a mountain in the John Muir Wilderness of the Sierra National Forest in California, according to a press release from the congressman.
Staff. Sgt. Sky Mote was killed in Afghanistan on August 10, 2012, after a uniformed Afghan police officer opened fire on the Marine Raiders' team tactical operation center. Mote was an explosive ordnance disposal Marine deployed with Marine Special Operations Command.
-----------
Sky R. Mote
DATE OF BIRTH: June 6, 1985
PLACE OF BIRTH:
Bishop, California
HOME OF RECORD:
El Dorado, California
AWARDS BY DATE OF ACTION:1 of 1

Navy Cross
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Global War on Terror
Service: Marine Corps
Battalion: 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion
Division: U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command
GENERAL ORDERS:
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Sky R. Mote, United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician, Marine Special Operations Team 8133, First Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. While conducting village stability operations in Helmand Province on 10 August 2012, the Marine Tactical Operations Center came under automatic small arms fire from a rogue Afghan uniformed policeman attacking from inside the perimeter. Working in an adjacent room and unseen by the attacker, Staff Sergeant Mote could have exited the structure to safety. He instead grabbed his M4 rifle and entered the operations room, courageously exposing himself to a hail of gunfire in order to protect his fellow Marines. In his final act of bravery, he boldly engaged the gunman, now less than five meters in front of him, until falling mortally wounded. Staff Sergeant Mote's heroic and selfless act assisted in halting the enemy assault and ultimately forced the enemy to withdraw, enabling all but one of the other Marines to get to cover and survive. By his decisive actions, bold initiative, and complete dedication to duty, Staff Sergeant Mote reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Contributor: Buffalo (50696055)

Add Text Here...

Dave Doc Snider & Big Jim Gore. Mayfly and Vesper Bells. 68/69.

Michael Willis

Member of 1st Recon Battalion Association since October 13, 2024

Cain Duffy

2022

SSgt. Kerry M. Kemp
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.

Staff Sergeant Kerry Kemp served as a critical skills operator in 2D Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

Kerry Kemp was born in Memphis, Tenn., and lived there until the tenth grade. He then moved to Port Washington, Wis., where he graduated from Port Washington High School in 2005. Upon graduating, he worked full time at Cramer Coil and Transformer Company and attended Milwaukee Area Technical College until he enlisted in the Marine Corps. In July of 2007 he shipped to Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Calif., for boot camp. Upon

 

completion of boot camp in October 2007 he attended Marine Combat Training and Military Occupations Specialty School where he became an Artillery Mechanic, MOS 2131.

In March 2008, then meritoriously-promoted Lance Corporal Kemp received orders to Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twenty-nine Palms, Calif., where he was assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 7. Staff Sergeant

 

Kemp was again meritoriously promoted to the rank of corporal and deployed to Al Asad, Iraq, with CLB-7 as a machine gunner attached to Motor Transport Company. Upon returning from deployment he was once again meritoriously promoted to the rank of sergeant.

In September 2010, Sgt. Kemp attended the MARSOC Assessment & Selection Preparation and Orientation Course (ASPOC) and MARSOC Assessment & Selection Class 01-11 (A&S) and was selected to attend the Individual Training Course. In April 2011 Sgt. Kemp executed orders to Marine Special Operations School, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina to attend the Individual Training Course Class 2-11. Sergeant Kemp completed ITC and graduated in May 2012 with Class 3-11.

In May 2012, Sgt. Kemp received orders to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina to serve with 2D Marine Special Operations Battalion and deployed to Operation Enduring Freedom from November 2013 to June 2014. On December 1, 2014, following his deployment with Hotel Company, he was promoted to the rank of staff sergeant.

Staff Sergeant Kemp’s awards include The Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Valor, Combat Action Ribbon and Good Conduct Medal.

SSGT Kerry Michael Kemp

Capt. Matthew P. Manoukian
Died: August 10, 2012
 

Son of Silicon Valley judges killed in Afghanistan
South Bay News
by Tomas Roman
Saturday, August 11, 2012

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- An extraordinary young Marine who touched lives throughout the Bay Area has been killed in action in Afghanistan.

 

Capt. Matt Manoukian is the son of two Silicon Valley judges. They are mourning along with his two brothers.

 

Manoukian's death has also devastated the kindergartners from St. Vincent's Day Home in Oakland, who had adopted him as a penpal.

 

Manoukian was on his fourth tour in Afghanistan when he was killed. He was shot by an Afghan police officer.

Manoukian is known to his family and friends as a Marine's Marine. He was in Afghanistan during this tour to train Afghan police forces to provide security for their own country.

Carol Ann Corrigan, a longtime family friend, and associate California Supreme Court justice, has known Manoukian and his family for the past 25 years.

"After 9/11 he became very committed to the notion of defending his country and assisting in its protection," she said. "He is a truly proud member of the Marine Corps."

Manioukian, 29, is the son of Santa Clara judge Socrates Pete Manoukian and associate justice Patricia Bamattre-Manoukian of the state appellate court.

Both are on the board of St. Vincent's Day Home in Oakland. At the center, children adopted a group of Marines as penpals due to the influence of Matt and his parents.

Corrigan said she learned that Capt. Manoukian was killed while having a meal with a group of Afghan police officers Thursday.

Corrigan said the family is headed to Dover, Del. to wait for Manoukian's casket. He is also survived by his two brothers, Michael and Martin.

MILITARY: 3 Marines slain by Afghan policeman were from Camp Pendleton
By MARK WALKER North County Times

Three elite Camp Pendleton Special Operations Marines slain by an Afghan police officer early Friday have been identified by the Defense Department.

Killed were Capt. Matthew P. Manoukian, 29, of Los Altos Hills' Gunnery Sgt. Ryan Jeschke, 31, of Herndon, Va., who also had a Vista address and was portrayed in the book and HBO series "Generation Kill;" and Staff Sgt. Sky R. Mote, 27, of El Dorado, whom records show also had a Vista address.

They were all members of Camp Pendleton's 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion, a specially trained and secretive unit that carries out some of the most dangerous missions of the war.

Military officials in Afghanistan said the police officer shot the men after sharing a meal with them. The shooter fled, but has since been detained, according to the Associated Press.

Thirty-four U.S. and coalition service members have been killed this year by Afghan forces or insurgents dressed in Afghan National Army or police uniforms.

The slayings took place in Sangin, a former center of anti-government Taliban drug trafficking and roadside bomb manufacturing.

Two years ago, Camp Pendleton-based Marines invaded the district and have largely taken control over it.

The Associated Press said Sangin's Afghan district chief and the Taliban both identified the gunman only as Asadullah, a member of the Afghan National Police who was helping the Marines train local police.

The news service quoted a Taliban spokesman, Qari Yousef Ahmadi, saying the attacker joined the insurgency after the shooting.

The slain Marines all had a wealth of combat experience, and each was highly decorated.

Jeschke was a 12-year veteran who joined Special Operations in July 2009.

He was quoted in the 2004 book "Generation Kill," in which embedded Rolling Stone writer Evan Wright chronicled the experiences of Camp Pendleton's 1st Reconnaissance Battalion during the invasion of Iraq.

In the book ---- which served as the basis for the 2008 HBO series of the same name ---- Wright wrote of the then-22-year-old Jeschke's reaction after a young Iraqi girl was killed when Marines opened fire on a car that failed to heed commands to stop at a roadblock.

"War is either glamorized ---- like we kick their ass ---- or the opposite ---- look how horrible, we kill all these civilians," Evans quoted Jescke as saying. "None of those people know what it's like to be there holding that weapon. After (another Marine) and I went up to that dead girl, I was surprised because honestly, I was indifferent. It's kind of disturbed me. Now, sometimes, I think 'Am I a bad person for feeling nothing?'"

Jeschke's decorations included a Purple Heart, four Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medals (one with combat V), two Combat Action Ribbons, and four Good Conduct Medals.

He was also an airborne parachutist and combatant diver and a 1st degree black belt in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program.

Mote was a nine-year veteran who joined the Marine Corps' Special Operations Command in August 2009.

After boot camp and combat training, he became a bulk fuel specialist, then later an explosive ordnance disposal technician.

Photos on his Facebook page show a keen interest in the outdoors, especially rock climbing. The photos show him at Joshua Tree National Park in the Mojave Desert and backpacking through Piute Pass in the Sierra Nevada mountain range.

His service included deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Mote's decorations included a Purple Heart, a Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal, two Combat Action Ribbons and three Good Conduct Medals.

Manoukian was a 6 1/2-year veteran who joined Special Operations in March 2010.

His previous assignment was as a platoon commander for 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment at Camp Pendleton.

He also had multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. He was on his second deployment with Special Operations Command.

Manoukian's decorations include two Purple Hearts, two Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medals and two Combat Action Ribbons. He was also an airborne parachutist and 1st degree Black Belt in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program.

Both of his parents are California judges. His mother is Associate Justice Patricia Manoukian, a member of the California Court of Appeals 6th Appellate District based in San Jose. His father is Socrates "Peter" Manoukian, a Santa Clara County Superior Court judge.

Efforts to reach family members of the three Marines on Monday were not successful.

The newspaper UT San Diego quoted Manoukian's father Saturday saying his son was a "heat-seeking missile" and that he and his wife worried about the dangers he faced.

So far this year, 244 U.S. service members have been killed in Afghanistan.

Since the war began shortly after the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, 2,088 American troops have been killed and more than 17,000 wounded.

Capt. Matthew P. Manoukian

Capt. Matthew P. Manoukian

Capt. Matthew P. Manoukian

CPL Robert Lewis McIntyre

26 Nov 1946- 24 Jul 1967 (aged 20)

CPL Robert Lewis McIntyre

Robert Lewis McIntyre was serving his country during the Vietnam War when he gave his all in the line of duty. He had enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Entered the service via Reserve Military. McIntyre had the rank of Corporal. His military occupation or specialty was Rifleman. Service number assignment was 2185681. Attached to 3rd Marine Division, 3rd Recon Battalion, B Company.

He was born on November 26, 1946. According to our records Texas was his home or enlistment state and Harris county has been included within the archival record. We have Houston listed as his city.

During his service in the Vietnam War, Marine Corps Corporal McIntyre experienced a traumatic event which ultimately resulted in loss of life on July 24, 1967.

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