Spring 2007 - 117th Cavalry Association

117 th Cavalry Association
102 nd CAV 38 th CAV 117 th CAV (Mecz) 50 th RECON 5/117 th CAV 102 nd CAV (RSTA)
Volume 28, Number 2 115 th Issue (post WWII) Spring 2007
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE: Welcome home our returning troops from Iraq and
Afghanistan! Since our February meeting, the 150 th Personal Services BN and
the Embed Training Team that was advising the Afghan National Army has
returned to New Jersey. These proud soldiers are our newest veterans and the
117 th Cavalry Association thanks them for their service to our state and nation.
Our February meeting was a great success. I would like to thank the (over) forty
members who attended for helping our association honor Harold “Smoky” Owen,
a member of the “Class of 41” as our newest Distinguished Member of the
Regiment. I would also like to thank LTC Dean Spensos, commander of the 102 nd
Cavalry (RSTA) for his informative briefing on the roles and mission of his
command.
We will recognize two more outstanding organizations with 117 th Cavalry Certificates of Appreciation for their
continuing and greatly appreciated support to deployed members of our 117 th Cavalry Association and to all
deployed New Jersey Army National Guardsmen. They are the Washington Rock Girl Scout Council, and in
particular, the Girl Scouts of Westfield and Scotch Plains who have supplied all our deployed soldiers with an
unending supply of their cookies. In addition, the Military Transport Association which has given its
unconditional support in the form of snack foods, sundry items and almost anything that a deployed soldier can
use to all of New Jersey’s deployed Army National Guardsmen from 2003 until today.
As those of you who attended our February meeting know that we hosted Rick Harrison President of Viet Nam
Veterans of America, Post 668 at our last meeting. This is a continuing outreach program to all the veteran
organization in our Westfield community. Our goal is to host a different local veteran’s organization at each of
our meetings in order to build a dialog with many veterans’ organizations within our community. This will be an
ongoing program for our 117 th Cavalry Association and I hope it continues to grow. I am looking forward to
seeing all of you at our April 13 th meeting. I know we all have friends who we have served with in the 5-117 th
Cavalry or any of the other organizations whose lineage flows through Westfield Armory and are not members
of our 117 th Cavalry Association. I encourage everyone who attends to call one of these people and invite them
to come to our next meeting and help make Friday 13 th 2007 a lucky night for Ken Mahan our membership
chairman.
Show’ em the Way! Dennis
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CLASS OF ’41 MEMBER Harold “Smokie” Owen is recognized and
honored as a “Distinguished Member of the Regiment” in a ceremony
during the February meeting. Owen was featured in the last newsletter,
The “Special Edition” which chronicled the exploits of Smokie and his
fellow troopers of the 102 nd Cavalry as they were activated in 1941 and
went to fight the war in Europe, and the 117 th Cavalry Squadron
(Mecz). The 117 th was originally a squadron of the 102 nd Cavalry
Group and became a separate unit while in North Africa. Owen
received a Battlefield Commission after the Battle of Bitche, part of
Germany’s Operation Nordwind, late December 1944 and January
1945, which was linked to The Ardennes Offensive. From left to right
are Spur Editor Phil Notestine, COL (ret) Dennis Dougherty, Harold “Smokie” Owen, Joyce Owen, their
daughter Heidi Owen Ahlborn and granddaughter Betsy Ahlborn.
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FROM THE EDITIOR: During the development of the Special Edition of Spur and after it was received, I had
the honor and pleasure of speaking with a number of the WWII vets who served with the 117 th Cavalry
Reconnaissance Squadron (Mecz). In addition to the counsel I received from COL (ret) Harold Samsel, WWII
(final) commander, first post WWII commander and founding member of the 117 th Cavalry Association and our
historian Bob Lutz, I spoke with Marvin Carlile, Orinda CA; Paul Seidel, Glen Elder KS; Francis Prettyman,
Manasquan NJ and Joe Pocoroba, Bricktown NJ. They were appreciative of the recounting of their wartime
service, and wanted to have other family members get a copy of the Special Edition of Spur. I asked each to
send to me any anecdotes for inclusion in future Spur editions. No one wanted to remember the painful parts,
which were many. Memories were dimming. However, Joe Pocoroba, an assault gun commander did remember
working with recon platoon sergeant Smokie Owen in some tough situations. Few were worse than during the
Battle of Bitche. With his permission, I have taken the write-up from one of Joe’s medals, a Bronze Star for
Valor. Here it is, in part:
HEADQUARTERS VI CORPS 22 February 1945…….you are hereby awarded the Bronze Star with
accompanying citation: JOSEPH H. POCOROBA, 2024522, Sergeant, 117 th Cavalry Reconnaissance
Squadron (Mechanized), for heroic achievement in action on 31 December 1944 in France. While firing in
support of the Squadron’s Reconnaissance Troops, Sergeant POCOROBA, in charge of a gun crew, directed
fire continuously for over four hours. Disregarding the intense counterbattery fire and his own personal fatigue,
he continued to direct accurate supporting fire. A platoon of one troop was surrounded and called for supporting
fire. Though having a clearance of only fifty yards between the friendly and enemy forces, the crew fired
effectively and forced the enemy to withdraw far enough to allow the platoon to escape. Sergeant POCOROBA
and his crew remained in position and continued to fire until the tactical situation forced them to withdraw. His
courage and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered military service
from West Orange, New Jersey.
EDWARD H. BROOKS,
Major General, U. S. Army,
Commanding
[Ed. note: Pocoroba does not remember the names of the brave men calling in the fires so near to their
positions]
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As I wrote the main article in the last issue, I was moved to do more research. I recommend these three books:
The Final Crisis: Combat in Northern Alsace, January 1945 and Seven Days in January: With the 6 th SS-
Mountain Division in Operation NORDWIND and also America’s Forgotten Army: The True Story of the U. S.
Seventh Army in WWII – And an Unknown Battle that Changed History. I am again requesting that our WWII
vets send any stories and anecdotes that they would like to share with the readership of The Spur. Email is
best, but anything written is welcome. I’ll even transcribe a telephone call.
In future editions, I plan to do two separate articles on the 102 nd Cavalry Group, which consisted of the 102 nd
Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mecz) and the 38 th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mecz). The period
covered will be some months in England leading up to D Day, Normandy Beaches, 6 June 1944 through VE
Day - 8 May 1945, Czechoslovakia. I’ll be interviewing Bill Maloney (102 nd CAV) and James Kane (38 th CAV),
both Class of ’41 and members of the 117 th Cavalry Association and the Essex Troop. Anyone who served with
them may contribute. Please contact me:
Phil Notestine, Editor
The Spur
22 Yorke Road
Mountain Lakes, NJ 07046
973-263-8880 fax 973-316-6635
Email: notie@msn.com
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COL (ret) Harold Samsel advises that he has a new email address HJS1030258@hotmail.com and the
telephone # is 772-466-4074.
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2

WWII US Navy Vet Supported Operations Overlord/Neptune and Anvil/Dragoon
FROM THE EDITOR: I met Henry Patterson after a lecture on WWII
carrier service in the Pacific Theatre. A mutual friend, Adrian “Duke”
Smith was the presenter. Duke had served on the Essex Class carrier
USS Intrepid (CV11) and the USS Oakland (CL95), an anti-aircraft light
cruiser. Part of the impetus for the lecture was the news focus on the
Intrepid, now a museum on the Hudson, NYC, being moved to be
refurbished. Henry and Duke had become good friends as fellow WWII
Navy veterans who both served in the Pacific on cruisers. As I spoke with
Henry, I discovered that he initially served in the Atlantic and
Mediterranean during Operations Neptune/Overlord and Anvil/Dragoon.
So, here was a new friend that had been part of the Naval Operations so
vital to the 102 nd Cavalry Group in the Normandy landings and the 117 th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron
(Mecz) as they landed in Southern France. I asked Henry for an interview for a possible Spur article, and he
agreed. Intrepid: http://www.chinfo.navy.mil/navpalib/ships/carriers/histories/cv11-intrepid/cv11-intrepid.html
Oakland: http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/sh-usn/usnsh-o/cl95.htm
For the interview, I met with Henry in his pleasant home in the Cedar Lake section of Denville. Henry and his
wife Claire have lived there for almost as long as they have been married, about 60 years! Henry and Claire
knew each other in Englewood High School and wrote frequent letters during his enlistment.
After boot camp at the NTS Great Lakes, Illinois, Seaman Patterson was sent
to his duty station, the Battleship USS Texas (BB35) at Portland, Maine. The
Texas was commissioned in 1914, and saw action during WWI. At that time,
she was the most powerful weapon in the world. Converted from coal fired to
oil fired steam - reciprocation engines (pistons) and upgraded in the ‘20s and
‘30’s including radar, she was in the Atlantic Fleet when the Japanese struck
at Pearl Harbor, December 7 th , 1941. His first major duty was escorting a
convoy crossing to Gibraltar. Rated a Fireman 2 nd Class, his assignment was
in the engine room, hot and noisy! His battle station was in one of the 14” gun
turrets as a powder bag handler/loader. The Texas’ main armaments were ten
14” guns paired in 4 turrets. The Texas would serve in the same fleet as
Patterson’s next ship, while in the Atlantic, Mediterranean and the Pacific
battles. Texas: http://www.navsource.org/archives/01/35a.htm
After returning to port, he was transferred to the new USS Quincy (CA71), a heavy cruiser of the Baltimore
class. She was newly constructed and had yet to undergo sea trials, Patterson was a “Plank Owner”. The
Captain was Elliot Senn, an Annapolis graduate, who went on to become an Admiral. Henry said that Senn
was one of the most outstanding men that he ever knew.
Quincy: http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/sh-usn/usnsh-q/ca71.htm
Stationed at Boston and part of the 5 th Fleet, the Quincy was the latest
technology, including radar, a top secret. Her main armament was nine 8”
guns in three turrets. She was powered by steam turbines, oil fired, and
faster that some destroyers! She performed very well during sea trials.
Machinist Mate Patterson was assigned to the aft engine room, starboard
throttle. He was to respond to orders from the officer asking for changes
in RPM and direction. His initial battle station duty was loader on a 40MM
antiaircraft gun mount. This was to change during actual battle. The
Captain ordered that MM 2/C Patterson remain at his engine room
station, “on the throttle”, as he had learned to be quite harmonious with
and responsive to commands from the deck, and had earned trust.
The fleet mustered in Western Scotland to ready for the Normandy Invasion. Quincy had developed a steam
leak and it was decided that a local welder was needed. The Scot did a fine repair. 55 years later, amateur
(ham) radio operator Patterson was communicating with a Scot and they discovered that it was he, the Scot,
that had done the steam leak repair back in 1944!
3

Operation Neptune was to begin on 4 June 1944, during a heavy storm. The actual landings and air drops
were delayed until the 6 th . Henry remembers the small landing craft hovering about the big ships and the
ship’s crew trying to help the soldiers, who were cold and miserable, by passing down sandwiches and coffee.
Ice cream was often requested by the young soldiers. http://www.army.mil/cmh/books/wwii/100-11/ch1.htm
D-Day Landings: http://www.army.mil/cmh/books/wwii/100-11/ch3.htm
The Quincy was the first major ship to do bombardment missions and to
hit a significant target. Her supporting fire was quite effective, and
praised by the US Army forces. She made good use of her scout
planes, the durable and effective OS2U Kingfisher. These were
launched and retrieved by the ship and a vital part of target acquisition,
fire control and corrections. Quincy and the fleet would do fire missions
until their munitions were exhausted, and then, in small groups, steam
to Portland, England for replenishments. She would then stand off port
to receive munitions from tenders. Returning to station in the Bay of the
Seine, she would resume bombardment missions and other duties.
German counter-fires from Normandy were heavy at first, but waned as the Allied Fleet, air bombardments
and Army ground units sought and destroyed them. Enemy air attacks were frequent and furious at the
beginning, but diminished as the days wore on. Quincy was able to receive downed flyers, sailors from
sunken Allied vessels and soldiers, both saved and dead. The carnage was terrible. However, Quincy
suffered no direct hits, just shrapnel. Sobered by the sight and sound of intense fighting, death and
destruction, sailors were thankful for their warm and safe berths.
15 days after the initial assault, Quincy and much of the fleet were on station in the Bay of the Seine, moving
as required while continuing fire missions and rescue. At times the seas were heavy from bad weather. The
fleet did their best to shelter and save the works and people of the invasion forces. The Allies were relentless
in their push to establish a beachhead and firm base, including the 102 nd Cavalry Group – the 102 nd
Mechanized Cavalry and the 38 th Mechanized Cavalry, both bloodied early and with honor.
After midday on 22 June, much of the fleet was to depart station and return to UK ports in preparation for the
next mission, in support of the taking of the port of Cherbourg. The Allies desperately needed a deepwater
port for supply of the invasion forces. The battle fleet would include the Texas and the Quincy.
The Germans knew that Cherbourg would be a great prize and had prepared heavy defenses, which had
been identified by American and British recon and other Intel resources. On 25 June, the fleet moved into
position and commenced preplanned bombardment at 0900 hours. After the long-range fire missions were
successfully completed, at 1000 hours, the ships moved in closer and continued their devastation. German
counter-fires were now more effective. No ships were lost and the US Army was fighting into the rear and
flanks of Cherbourg. At 1530 hours the naval bombardment was ended, mission accomplished. That night,
the Army takes Cherbourg. The Stars and Stripes fly over a now freed great city of France!
After berthing and preparations at Belfast Lough, Northern Ireland, Quincy was ordered to form with another
Task Force to participate in yet another great mission and make for the Mediterranean. She steamed into the
Port of Oran, Algeria on 10 July 1944. Ammunition was loaded and information received about the Invasion of
Southern France – Operation Anvil/Dragoon!
http://www.army.mil/cmh-pg/brochures/sfrance/sfrance.htm
After the fleet did practice exercises near Palermo, Sicily they moved to Valetta, Malta. Here the Quincy was
assigned to a British bombardment group and old friendships were renewed, veterans of the Normandy
Invasion and the taking of Cherbourg. Preparations and battle drill exercises were conducted in other areas
near Italy.
On 15 August, the Quincy and her bombardment group moved into station in Baie de Cavalire and
commenced firing at 0600 hours, targeting preplanned defensive gun emplacements. No counter fires were
received – the defenders were overwhelmed or unaware. Spotter planes and fire control of the Quincy and
other Allied ships kept fires effective and devastating. The US 3 rd Army, which included veteran divisions of
the Italian Campaign, Free French units and the 117 th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mecz) moved
onshore for a highly successful invasion, consolidated and began moving toward objectives inland.
4

Naval forces including the Quincy were to maneuver and conduct fire
missions in support of 3 rd Army units as they advance and overcame
enemy forces and objectives, including the vital port of Marseilles, which
was one of the Free French objectives, taken after a furious defense on
27 August. During these 12 days the Quincy would duel with several
powerful land based naval guns, including a battery taken from the old
French Battleship, Strasbourg. Called “Big Willie” by Quincy crews, the
fight would go on without either doing serious damage to the other,
although Quincy guns destroyed many lesser emplacements. It was the
US Army that finally took “Big Willy’s” surrender.
Supplied largely through the Port of Marseilles, the Allies kept the Germans on a defensive retreat. Important
in this was Task Force Butler, a highly mobile and effective armored force consisting mostly of veteran units
of the Italian Campaign, and built around the 117 th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mecz).
So it was to be that the Quincy and at least one crewmember from northern New Jersey, Henry Patterson
would help other New Jersey men and their brothers of the Essex Troop squadrons fight onto the shores of
Normandy and Southern France and go on to help win ultimate victory in Europe.
While the cavalrymen fought and helped to free the people and Nation of France, the Quincy was ordered to
return to America and the Boston Naval Yards to repair, refit and make ready for sea.
Subsequently and before her next important mission, she sailed for the Chesapeake for training, then back
north to New York and Manhattan, Pier 88 where the officers and men celebrated New Years Eve! Then she
steamed for Norfolk to complete refitting included ramps and such for handicap access – she was to have the
honor of carrying President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and his entourage to meetings with other Allied
Leaders, including Prime Minister Winston Churchill and others at Valetta, Malta.
The Quincy would host these leaders and many other senior dignitaries during the period from 23 January
through 18 February 1945, at Valetta and Port Said, Egypt.
FDR & King Farouk
FDR & King Farouk
From Malta, FDR, Churchill and their entourages flew on to Yalta, in The Ukraine where Josef Stalin of the
USSR was waiting. Decisions made during the Yalta conference would prove to be quite fateful for decades,
not for just Europe, but the entire world! http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/mod/1945YALTA.html
The Quincy sailed from Port Said through the Suez Canal to the Great Bitter Lake, mentioned in The Bible
(Exodus XV, 22-25), to Ismalia in the Red Sea. It was here that King Saud, out of his country for the first time,
met with FDR. From there, the Quincy returned to Norfolk. The Quincy was readied for another mission.
With naval warfare drawing to a close in the European Theatre, the Quincy, Texas and other warships were
ordered to sail to the Pacific to join and take assignments in the 3 rd and 4 th Fleets. So it was through the
Panama Canal and on to Pearl Harbor and - liberty in Honolulu!
The crew had a great time and a good rest in the Hawaiian Islands. Not all was fun and play, plenty of work
was done in readying Quincy and learning about the Pacific War and Japanese tactics. Special emphasis was
made regarding the protection of the carriers from submarines and, especially, aerial attacks. The Japanese
had been losing since the momentous Battle of Midway, 4 – 7 June 1942.
http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/events/wwii-pac/midway/midway.htm
5

Quincy departed Pearl Harbor and sailed to the Carolinas Islands chain to fuel and rendezvous with an
element of the 5 th Fleet. This group included tankers and supply ships, badly needed by the Fleet. Quincy was
assigned to protect the carriers against air attacks as the carriers launched wave after wave of planes
attacking Okinawa, part of the Japanese homelands! Japan was threatened with invasion and desperate
measures were being taken by Japanese forces; suicide attacks were common. Daylight aerial attacks were
few, but night attacks were troublesome. Other elements of the 5 th Fleet were under heavy Kamikaze
(suicide) attacks and losses were significant.
Quincy’s element was relieved for a rest and another mission. On 9 May, the task group pulled out for
operations against Kyushu, in the southernmost parts of Japan. On 14 May, Quincy shot down her first
Kamikaze aircraft during a night attack that lasted for many hours, well into the day. Japanese aircraft were
shot down in significant numbers, but struck no ships. However, the attacks were much more intense on part
of the fleet some 50 miles away. Overall, the Navy lost 36 ships and 368 damaged. Naval loss of life was over
5,000 – the largest loss sustained by the US Navy in any war.
http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/battle_of_okinawa.htm
Such were the days for the Fleet – carriers launch planes for attack against Japan, defend against torpedo
and dive bombers and/or Kamikaze attacks. Withdraw for fuel, quick repairs, provisions and munitions - then
back on station, defending the carriers. In time, the 3 rd Fleet relieved the 5 th from operations against the
Japanese. On 28 May, Admiral Halsey relieved Admiral Spruance. A job Well Done! Quincy was assigned to
the 3 rd Fleet and went back into the fight.
By 4 June, warnings of very heavy weather, a typhoon! The fleet completed refueling and maneuvered to
avoid. Soon, another typhoon was reported and navigation became very difficult. By early morning of the 5 th ,
seas were becoming enormous and winds of over 120 knots were upon the fleet. By 0600 that morning, one
of Quincy’s sister ships, the Pittsburg, lost her bow! Her crew, acting quickly and with no small measure of
heroism, kept her watertight and not a man was lost. Ships endured damage; the carriers had parts of their
flight decks bent. Quincy endured 40 degrees of roll to one side! By mid-morning, the sun broke through. The
storm was passing!
After 35 days of continuously underway and in action, the task group was ordered back to a rest base, this
time Leyte in the Philippines, the place where General McArthur returned after retaking the islands, as
promised. It was here that Captain E. M. Senn, original master of the ship, was relieved by CPT J. A. Waters,
who had come aboard during the battles off Okinawa. CPT Senn was to be later promoted to Rear Admiral.
Near the end of June, Quincy was assigned into new Task Group, 38.4 of the 3 rd Fleet. Preparations were
begun for a new sortie, and TG commander Admiral Wiltse shifted his flag to the Quincy. One 1 July, the
ships headed for Japan. On 10 July, carriers launched attacks against Tokyo. Days later, bombardment by
ships began. Quincy took part in the destruction of the giant steel works of Kamaishi, 240 miles north of
Tokyo. Expected Kamikaze attacks did not happen. One “Betty” bomber was shot down. There were few
defense efforts by the defenders; it was a complete and dismaying surprise. Later, a Japanese destroyer did
make a run but was beat off. She retreated and made for a cliff overhang, protected from indirect fire. By 1415
that day, cease fire was ordered; Kamaishi was ablaze and devastated. The battleships had destroyed
factories further inland. The US Navy had not been challenged.
Another major naval bombardment was planned for the industrial center of Hamamatsu, over 100 miles south
of Tokyo. Quincy was to lead the TG into battle and at 2322 hours of 30 July 1945, heavy bombardment
began. However, it was difficult to assess. There was no threat to the attacking force from the defenders.
The atomic bomb attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki were the final blows that ended the war. Japan
surrendered unconditionally. Even so, there were sporadic attacks by fanatic Japanese in small actions. The
carrier-task group steamed quietly toward a refueling destination on 10 August. At about 2108 hours, it was
announced over the fleet radio “JAPAN SURRENDERED PROVIDING THE EMPORER STAYS IN” …then
“RUMOR CONFIRMED BY GUAM RADIO, GOOD DOPE”. Machinist Mate Patterson and his crewmates
were overjoyed!
27 August 1945 - the US Naval fleet steamed into Sagami Wan to begin the Occupancy of Japan. Quincy was
there, of course, right at the very portals of Tokyo and Imperial Japan! The expected fanatic attacks never
6

came. White flags were apparent and a Japanese destroyer came out as escort. The destruction wrought by
American forces was apparent – everywhere.
September 2 nd, 1945. The sun rose over Tokyo Bay and the formal surrender ceremonies took place at 1030
hours on the battleship USS Missouri (BB63), General Douglas McArthur presiding. Quincy was along side
and the crew could witness. A Great Day!
http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/events/wwii-pac/japansur/japansur.htm
Quincy then steamed to the Izu Islands of Northern Japan and was part of the overseeing of disarming of
Japanese forces. The crews were allowed to take a weapon for a souvenir. Patterson chose a Type 38 6.5
mm Arisaka rifle (many years later, one of his sons made it into a hunting rifle). After that, Quincy returned to
the good old USA, to San Francisco. Then by train to Ohio and then to home - Ridgefield, NJ, discharged in
March, 1946. The Quincy was later mothballed and eventually scrapped, unneeded, like many hundreds of
other proud, fine ships.
Henry Patterson and Claire Zieger were married 26
August 1946. A very handsome couple! Soon after,
they moved into her grandmother’s cottage on Cedar
Lake. Her parents lived in the main house. Later, Henry
and Claire bought the property and live there today,
some 60 years later. Like many thousands of his fellow
veterans, Henry took advantage of the GI Bill and went
to college, graduating with a teaching degree (the
college is now Kean University in Union, NJ). He had to
take a position in South Plainfield, a long and difficult
commute. Later, he taught in Mendham and Florham
Park schools, retiring after 37 years of teaching
Environmental Sciences and Industrial Arts (Henry is
very pleased to have a good number of his students call and write often). Claire
worked locally until she had their two sons, Richard and Thomas. Both are mature, successful men, long
married, and each family has a son and a daughter.
Henry is a member of the U. S. Navy Cruiser Sailors Association, http://www.navycruisers.org/ and has a
weekly call with four of his WWII shipmates. Henry and Claire are still a handsome and healthy couple, as you
can see!
Statement from Henry Patterson:
“We arrived at Normandy along with many other ships in a very severe storm. Many soldiers were in landing
crafts and were unable to go to the beaches in the storm. The landing crafts tied up alongside of the larger
ships to wait out the rough water. These poor guys were cold, wet, hungry and very uncomfortable. Many of
us on the Quincy lowered down sandwiches, hot coffee and most of all ice cream to the boats along side of
us, (to this day, I do not know why these soldiers were not invited to come aboard and spend the night). When
the skies cleared and these boats set off towards the shore, I wondered if the ice cream and coffee was the
last these guys would have. How could I be so lucky to be on a large ship that supplied me with a dry warm
bed, good food to eat, lots of water to drink and many other nice things. We felt this more so after the firing
started and began to see the damage our fellow servicemen suffered - destroyed landing crafts, body parts
and other debris in the water. How awful! We also saw some of the damage done to our fellow sailors. We
watched the destroyer USS Cory go down and went in to draw off the fire of German batteries and to pick up
any survivors, again the feeling that the luck of the draw was with us on the Quincy. Little did we know that we
would go through this havoc twice more in Southern France and Okinawa, each time the feeling comes to
one, no matter how bad things are you are a very fortunate person to be where you were in the war. My
thanks go out to all of you who hit the beach and secured Normandy and Southern France, you guys are TOP
NOTCH! I hope some of you may have enjoyed my ice cream or coffee.”
Mr. Patterson invites any communication, especially from an Army vet “who was there”. Phone 973-627-5312,
email k2deu@verizon.net and “ham” radio call sign K2DEU.
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7

TROOP C 5/117 TH CAVALRY
SPUR RIDE 2007
LSA ANACONDA, BALAD, IRAQ
Articles and Photo’s by CPT Kevin Welsh and 1LT Hugh Dixon
The Order of the Spur is a Cavalry tradition in the United States Army. For a Cavalry Trooper to join the Order
of the Spur, they must pass a series of tests set by their Command, which is known as the Spur Ride. Once
accomplished, the Trooper is awarded spurs to be worn with his or her military uniform. However, a Trooper
may forgo the tests in joining the order of the spur if they see combat with their cavalry unit. In some units, gold
spurs are awarded for combat inductions while silver spurs represent having completed a spur ride. Therefore,
silver spurs and gold spurs hold a relationship in the cavalry as the Expert Infantryman Badge and the Combat
Infantryman Badge holds in the infantry. But some units require troopers to complete the Spur Ride before gold
spurs are permitted from combat. Induction into the Order of the Spur is for life, and the status travels with the
Soldier from unit to unit with no Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) requirement.
The tradition of having to "earn your spurs" reaches back to the beginning of the Cavalry. When green Troopers
first arrived at their new cavalry assignments they were assigned a horse with a shaved tail. This led to the
nickname "Shave Tail" for newly assigned, ‘spurless’ Soldiers. These new Troopers were in need of extensive
training, especially in the area of swordsmanship from atop a horse. The horse with a shaved tail was given
extra space in which to operate since its rider was marked as an amateur. During this phase of training, the
Troopers were not allowed to wear spurs because this would only serve to compound their problems. Only
when they were able to prove their ability to perform with their horse and saber were they awarded spurs.
Troopers from Troop C, 5/117 th Cavalry Squadron, in conjunction with their parent Squadron, the 1-167 RSTA,
has conducted two Spur Rides so far while in theatre. The first Spur Ride was held on 21 February 2007 and
the second on 21 March 2007 with a third slated for 21 April 2007. The stations for the Spur Ride were as
follows: a timed 3.6K road march with full battle rattle, Commo, Cav History, Blue Force Tracker, Tire Change,
Weapons, First Aide, Map Reading, and Hand grenades. Troop C had the responsibility of manning the Cav
History and Blue Force Tracker Station. The Spur Holders for Cav History Station were 1LT Hugh Dixon SPC
Joseph Schorno, SPC Jesse Nieto, and SPC Marcin Cymek. While 1LT Kenneth Wuerker, SSG Michael
Hughes, and PV2 John Cando were the Spur holders for the Blue Force Tracker Station. On top of successfully
completing the tasks at each station, each maggot, as the participants were referred as, may have experienced
a little hazing or physical training. Each 4 man team had to complete each station and received a score up to
10 points. A cumulative score of 70 points was needed to successfully complete the Spur Ride. C Troop had 3
teams pass and earn their Silver spurs. The first team consisted of 1LT Joseph Mucci, SGT Jose Santiago,
SPC Eric Smith, and SPC Enrique Peralta. The second team consisted of 1LT Michael Tarricone, SGT Joseph
Quigley, SGT Todd Rose, and SPC Shawn Maaser. The third team to complete the Spur Ride consisted of
SSG Jerry Chavers, SGT Jason Mulligan, SPC Daniel Farnkopf, and SPC Andres Lebron. Great Job Troopers
and Welcome to the Order of the Spur! With one Spur Ride left, hopefully other Troopers will have the
opportunity to earn theirs.
TROOP C 5/117 TH CAVALRY continues to
“SHOW ‘EM THE WAY!”
KEVIN H. WELSH
CPT, AR
Commanding
8

From left to right: SPC Joseph Schorno, MAJ Eric Teegerstrom, and CPT Kevin Welsh discuss the
Event as the maggots begin to arrive.
Hungry Spur Holders (SPC Marcin Cymek, SPC Joseph Schorno, SPC Jesse Nieto, and 1LT Hugh
Dixon) await the arrival of the maggots.
More hungry Spur Holders: 1LT Ken Wuerker, PV2 John Cando, SSG Michael Hughes
Road March complete, Spur Holder Mike Hughes inspects the rucks for proper gear
The Weapons Station: Pieces of M2, M240, M9 and M249 in a box. Get them together!
Congratulations to the
new Spur Holders!
Well Done!
9

[Ed. Note: The following is an edited excerpt from an official report of the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)]
Release 0307-51 Cavalry unit conducts business at one of Iraq’s largest entry control points
DATE 20070324 By: Sgt. 1 st Class Douglas Schultz
LSA ANACONDA, Iraq – The New Jersey-based Troop C, 5/117 th Cavalry stays busy securing the North
Entry Control Point at the camp. The Troop has allowed more than 355,000 military and civilian vehicles to
traverse and the Soldiers have screened more than 144,000 people entering the base, one of the largest in
Iraq, since beginning their mission.
This ECP controls both Coalition Forces and civilian trucks entering and exiting the base. The trucks,
deliver supplies to the base.
Each of the civilian trucks and drivers undergo a thorough screening process.
Capt. Kevin Welsh, Troop Commander, said his intent is to make the search process “triple redundant.”
One way to do this is to ensure that the commercial vehicles that enter the ECP drive through a series of
checkpoints. The checkpoints use many means and technology to ensure that only the correct cargo passes
through. These include robots, x-ray machines, bomb-sniffing dogs and Soldiers that search all the contents
and persons upon entry.
Standing duty at this ECP is far from safe. Because it is “outside the wire” or off base, it has its fair share of
hazards. Since the troop assumed its duties about a year ago, “There has been one rocket propelled grenade
attack and sporadic small arms fire attacks. Mortar and IDF attacks take place daily.”
“Basically the insurgents use drive by shootings as a tactic against the ECP,” Welsh said. “A lot of the
shootings are aimed at truck drivers who enter the (base), and our soldiers defending it. The IDF attacks come
from everywhere”
Welsh also mentioned that his Soldiers have observed a decrease in shootings because of the civil military
operation teams’ activities in nearby villages. “We have had a lot of success in the nearby villages winning the
cooperation of the local nationals there.”
The CMO teams know how important providing humanitarian assistance to villages across Iraq is, these
Soldiers manning the ECP also know how important their mission is.
“I know the importance of defending the (base), said Sgt. Matthew Steiner of Newark, Del., “but it is
physiologically demanding on the men. You have to be more mentally fit and ensure weapons are working and
maintenance is getting done.
In addition to Soldiers manning the ECP, the troop employs 17 interpreters who have become part of the
team.
Case in point: While preparing for a photograph, Spc. Filbert Green of Vineland, N.J., motioned to his
interpreter and said, “Come on Kimo, you are family too.”
Many Soldiers like Green have developed friendships with the interpreters as well as other friendships
within their troop.
Soldiers work several hour shifts at the ECP.
“We rotate the Soldiers every few days, but we keep the key leaders in the same job so they maintain
continuity and know their job well,” said Sgt. 1 st Class Andrew DeBlock.
He also said Soldiers do get some time off every four to five days, but the leadership is always out at the
ECP to ensure they have good situational awareness.
Many Soldiers are happy with the job they do even though they put in long hours.
“I like to work the gun truck and checkpoint one,” said Spc. Giovanni Pineda of Elizabeth, N.J.
“I get to react with all the people, it’s not boring. You are always doing something.”
Staff Sgt. Jerry Chavers, who has been in the National Guard for more than 22 years, said he has been
able to go to the Morale, Welfare and Recreation room to call his wife.
“But sometimes it is really not a day off because I have (non commissioned officer) business to do.” he
said.
Chavers needed this time off after one experience at the ECP.
“We got about 10 injured civilians from north of the base one night,” he said. “I assisted with treating the
wounded and assisting them to the combat surgical hospital. The civilians were wounded just a few kilometers
north of here.”
Many distinguished visitors, including adjutant generals and their state command sergeant majors and the
deputy commander of the Multi-national Corps-Iraq, have visited the ECP.
Welsh said guests like this are common visitors to the base and they have witnessed several
improvements and modifications.
“Forty percent of the ECP has been changed, modified, and improved since we’ve been here” said Welsh.
“These improvements will be ongoing until the day the Troop leaves Iraq.”
10

*******************************************************************************************************************************
29 March 2007
Mission Complete
Michael Hrycak
On Thursday, 22 March 2007, we departed FOB Echo
aboard two Blackhawk helicopters with our replacement
Team lined up rendering us a salute in recognition of Mission
Complete! I was amazed at the strong emotions that I
experienced during the 50-minute flight to BIAP (Baghdad
International Airport). I expected to feel relief, especially
after our base was attacked four times the day before with
rockets, mortars and RPG’s (Rocket Propelled Grenades).
Instead I felt that we were leaving the Team there instead of
being Relieved In Place (RIP’d).
We spent that rest of that day and the next waiting for our flight into Kuwait. Once in Kuwait we had one full day
to relax and appreciate our flight crossing the berm and out of Iraq after one year of a fantastic adventure
working with the Iraqi Security Forces.
The final relief for us was arriving at Pope AFB, North Carolina, to drop off a group of Soldiers on or about 1045
hours on 27 March 2007, and finally arriving at Fort Hood, Texas, at 1500 hours that day. We could not believe
it, but we were back. Now we are in our third day of outprocessing and our Soldiers are starting to depart for
their Home Stations.
I will be here for a little while to take care of some matters, but I want to thank all of you for your support and
attention to our Soldiers serving in Iraq. From countless care packages including snacks to staples such as
coffee, to encouraging notes to the troops thanking them for their service, it was all greatly appreciated and
made us feel truly at home as Soldiers serving our great Nation. Our Team had all its Soldiers return, two
extended in Theater, making this a successful deployment. We missed some of those Soldiers that were
wounded and evacuated previously, and some that made the ultimate sacrifice. Our heartfelt gratitude goes out
to all of you because you took care of our families and loved ones while we were away. There is no greater
calling.
Thank you and may God bless all of you and the United States of America!
Show ‘em The Way!
Michael Hrycak
Fort Hood, TX
LTC Mike Hrycak and colleague
11

Membership Update – SMG (ret) Ken Mahan
Trooper! Look at your address label! If the date is not Sept. 07 or later, you are behind
in your dues. Your subscription to THE SPUR is going to run out because of nonpayment
of dues. A sample of label:
SEPT 07
KENNETH L. MAHAN
12 W. WALNUT ST.
METUCHEN NJ 08840-2616
To Members behind in their dues, you will have date circled in RED!
This is the only notice you will receive. Send information and/or dues to me at the Metuchen address shown
above. Annual dues are due in September; regular dues are $15 annually. Make checks payable to 117 th CAV
Assn. Note: If you have an e-mail address, please send it to me at KMAHAN117@AOL.COM . We are in the
process of compiling an e-mail list of members and we want to include you. We now have over 63 addresses.
Association web site: www.117 th -cav.org/
New Members
Jack Nafus, Edison,
Was in HHT 5/117 at Westfield and full time OMS #13
Carmine Williams (wife - Lynn), Walton, NY
Was in “B” Troop 5/117 at Westfield and West Orange
Members deployed to Iraq
LTC Michael P. Hrycak
MSG Mark Crosby
SGT Pablo E. Chavez
SGT Omar Munoz
Members in Afghanistan
COL Michael V. Shute
1SG Wayne May
SFC Jaun B. Ramos, Jr.
SGT David A. Bell
SGT Edwin Soto
Ft. Myers, VA
LTC Christopher Sands
Men that have come just back from Afghanistan that are in the 102 nd Cavalry (RSTA) Or where
in 5/117 th Cavalry Squadron: CPT Peter Zabita, 1SG Anthony Freda, SFC Ronald Ambrose
These 3 Troopers where awarded the Bronze Star. There are others, but I was not able to get their
names and rank at this time. I hope to get them for the June newsletter.
I notice in some Information put out about “C” Troop, 5 Squadron, 117 th Cavalry, they are referred to
as the 102 nd Reconnaissance, Surveillance, Target, Acquisition. Currently in Iraq and attached to 1-
167 th Cavalry (RSTA), 1 st Brigade Combat Team/34 th ID (Minnesota NG) they are listed as “C”
Troop, 5/117 th CAV. The men are proud of the fact that they are the LAST of 5/117 th CAVALRY and
wanted to keep that designation until they return home.
12

“The Last Ride”
COMMEMORATIVE BELT BUCKLES AVAILABLE!
3” x 5”, cast in pewter! 3D sabers & crest. This will be a Collector’s item! Place
your order with SGM (ret) Ken Mahan, now!
It will sell for $35.00 each, but we need to buy at least 50 buckles! You may buy more
than one. To place your order, send your name, address, phone #, and e-mail address to:
Kenneth Mahan
12 W. Walnut St.
Metuchen, NJ 08840-2616
Email: KMAHAN117@aol.com
Call me if you wish: 732- 548-7991
We will order after everybody has sent in his or her money.
We will need to order at least 50 Belt Buckles
13

BE A BOOSTER OF THE SPUR (Financial Supporters) Shown at the left of each name is the issue and year in which
your booster will be last published. SP = Spring, SU = Summer, FA = Fall, WI = Winter
WI-08 EMIL & MARGARET ALLGEIER
WI-24 BOB & LORRAINE APGAR
FA-09 ROSE MARIE BENNERT (in memory of) BILL BENNERT
FA-08 DORIS & JIM BRODERICK
SP-07 THOMAS R. BULLOCK, MSG TRP A 76-93, PD LT RET SP-08
DONALD F. CARLSON, (in memory of) MSG GARY D. HADDICAN
WI-08 SANTI L. CARNEVALI
WI-08 DOROTHY L. CASPAR (IN MEMORY OF MY HUSBAND,
RICHARD J. CASPAR
WI-08 HARRY J. CHRISTOPHER, JR (in memory of) BY SHIRLEY M.
CHRISTOPHER (WIFE OF 58 YRS)
SP-08 STEVE S. CUP Scout, A Troop 102 ND CAV (WWII)
FA-07 LTC (ret) PETER A. D'ELIA
FA-07 SMG (ret) JIM DOOLEY AND JUDY
WI-08 DENNIS DOUGHERTY, COL (ret)
WI-10 PHILIP DUNNE, 1SG (ret), TRP A
WI-09 DAVE ELLIS, 1SG (ret), TRP D
SP-08 WALTER H. ELEY
SU-08 MANUEL G. FERRI
Wi-07 LTC (ret) ALAN R. FISHER
WI-22 MIRIAM FISHER (W OF WILLIAM E) (IN MEMORY)
SP-12 WILLIAM FISHER, JR
SP-08 BOB FOLEY
WI-07 HENRY & MARION FORSTENHAUSLER
WI-11 JOHN FRANTZ, LT A TRP
FA-08 WARREN J. GARONI
SP-11 BILL HETTRICK CHIEF ARMORER (RET))
WI-07 JOHN W. HOLTER (IN MEMORIAM)
WI-07 JOHN S. HUFF
FA-11 CHARLES JOHNSON
SP-08 GEORGE F. (FRED) KIMBLE
SU-09 JOANN & KEN KLEIN, COL (ret)
WI-07 ARTHUR K. KLING (IN MEMORIAM)
SU-07 NORMA & LTC NORMAN S. KOED (IN MEMORIAM)
SU-11 DONALD KONDROSKI
WI-07 WALTER & NANCY LAWRENCE
SP-09 EDWARD J. LEONARD
FA-09 GRACE LILLEY (in memory of husband) EDWARD
SP-10 CSM (ret) KEN MAHAN
FA-09 (in memory of) TIM MALONEY
SP-08 JOE MANTO
FA-07 COL (ret) DON McAVOY
WI-09 OSCAR MERBER
WI-08 CHARLOTTE MERRING
FA-08 JOSEPH MINNITI
FA-10 JUANITA MITCHELL (W OF FRANK)
SP-07 FRANK & JANET MNICH
SP-08 JAMES A. MOUSHEGIAN (IN HONOR OF MY FATHER)
SP-09 RONNIE NIER
WI-12 PHILIP NOTESTINE (in memory of) MAJ JOHN B. COULSTON,
MG TROOP 102 CAV '40 -'42)
WI-07 FRANCES NUGENT (in memory of) MY HUSBAND, WILLIAM B.
NUGENT)
SP-12 JOYCE & HAROLD "SMOKIE" OWEN
FA-08 FOTINOS PANAGAKOS
SP-11 COL (ret) BOB PEARCE & CAROL, (in memory of) RICK
APBLETT
SP-10 TOM PETTY
FA-07 CSM (ret) AL PHELAN
WI-16 COL (ret) TOM PIDDINGTON (in memory of)
SU-12 SALLIE LEE PIERCE (WIDOW OF DANIEL LEE, CMH)
SP-08 LTC (ret) TONY PLONNER
WI-07 DOT & KEN QUAAS, LTC (ret)
FA-08 SOLEDAD C. REYNOLDS (friend of ELDRED BROWN)
SU-07 BILL & DOROTHY REPKE
SP-09 PAUL RIOS
WI- 82 MRS. ROBERT D. ROBBINS (in memory of ROBBIE)
FA-09 WALTER RODMAN
SU-11 HAROLD J. SAMSEL, COL (ret)
SP-17 JAMES SCANLON
FA-07 EILEEN SCHNARR (in memory of HUSBAND,'WILLY")
FA-07 ROBERT J. SMITH
WI-09 ELMER K. SQUIER TRP B 117th CAV
SP-12 JOHN SUITER
WI-07 1SG GEORGE THOMAS
WI-10 DON & CHICKIE TRACY, CWO 4 (ret)
Fa-11 CHARLES A. VIVIANO (50th RECON BN)
SP-12 CSM (ret) HENRY WETZEL & GRACE, (in memory of) GEORGE
"RED" EMERY
SU-08 FRANK WISWALL, LTC USAF (ret) B TRP 102 CAV JAN '41-JUL
'42
SP-10 MRS. EDWARD J. WITOS, JR (in loving memory of) MY
HUSBAND, ED SR
FA-07 MR & MRS ED WITOS, SR (in memory of ED)
FA-19 FRANK A. WOODS SSG TRP A 3RD PLATOON
WI-07 JOHN I. ZARING C TRP 117th CAV (in memory of)
BE A SPUR BOOSTER - RENEW AS A SPUR BOOSTER
To become a SPUR Booster, please send $10.00 for a year of inclusion as a Booster in 4 SPUR issues. Make check
payable to 117th Cavalry Association, $10 for each year of support. Send to Don Tracy, Treasurer, 11 Girard Ave Chatham,
NJ 07928 Indicate how you would like to be listed:
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
14

TAPS
Andrew f. Coppolo – Atlantic Highlands, nj. Killed in an
aviation accident, 15 January 2007. 55 years old. Former pilot
5/117 cavalry, 1971 – 1994. Combat aviation specialist. Angel
Flight volunteer.
COL Paul A. Kelly, USA (ret) -- Parsippany, NJ. Passed away 27
February 2007. Enlisted as a private in the 102 nd Cavalry (Essex
Troop) Regiment in 1947. Was CO of 2 nd BN, 102 nd Armor. Also
G--2 50 th Armored Division NJARNG. Retired with 45 years of
service, USAR as a Colonel. Past Essex Troop president and
trustee.
Walter Rodman – Hurricane, Utah. Passed away November
2006. Served in the 102 nd Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron
(Mecz), joining in England 1943 after basic and cavalry training
in Ft. Riley, KS. Fought from Normandy to Czechoslovakia, VE
Day. Member of the Essex Troop and the 117 th Cavalry Assn. A
proud patriot, he loved his fellow troopers and always wore
his association caps.
15

Address all future communications to:
Phil Notestine, Editor, THE SPUR
22 Yorke Road
Mountain Lakes, NJ 07046
Email: notie@msn.com
COL (ret) Harold Samsel
President Emeritus
COL (ret) Dennis Dougherty
President
LTC (ret) Kenneth L. Quaas
Editor Emeritus
DUES DUE ↓
1 st New Jersey Cavalry
MISSION STATEMENT: It is the continuing objective of The SPUR to foster and preserve the spirit of the
117 th Cavalry Association, and to promote and enhance the friendships and camaraderie of our
members, who are mutually bound by service and devotion to our country.
NEXT ASSOCIATION MEETINGS: (always Friday) 13 APRIL 2007; 1 JUNE 2007; 7 SEPTEMBER 2007;
2 NOVEMBER 2007
16