Jan Feb '09 Saber.indd - First Cavalry Division Association

JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 2009ADDRESSCHANGEDon’t Keep it a SECRET, Let us Know About It.To submit by e-mail, send to membership@1cda.org.Clip and Mail to 1st Cavalry Division Association302 N. Main, Copperas Cove, TX 76522-1703Last 4 #s of your SSN_____________ DOB_____________________Tel: (_____) __________________Rank and Name: ___________________________________________New Address: ______________________________________________City: ___________________________State: ____ Zip: ___________Unit: (1)_______________________ and (2)_____________________Date of Assign: (1)_________________ and (2)__________________E-mail ____________________________________________________I served with the 1st Cav Div. in (Circle one or more) Pre-WWII WWIIJAPAN KOREAN WAR KOREA ‘57-’65 FT BENNINGVIETNAM FT HOOD GULF BOSNIA AFGANISTAN IRAQI DO/DO NOT authorize release of my personal info to Assn. members.I served with another military unit during a war time period? YES NOSABERThe newspaper of the 1st Cavalry Division Associationpublished during each even numbered month at302 N. Main St., Copperas Cove, TX 76522-1703.Phone: (254) 547-6537Deadline for publication is the 1st of each odd numbered month.e-mail: firstcav@1cda.orgHome Page: http://www.1cda.orgEDITOR: Lorinda DavisonASSISTANT EDITOR: Martha E. FisherEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Dennis E. WebsterSNOWBIRDSIf you have two addresses during the year, we need to know them. Please give usthe dates and addresses for both households.(Circle one) Winter SummerRank and Name: __________________________________________________LAST 4#s SSN:_______________________ DOB _______________________1: Address: _____________________________________________________City: ___________________________State: _____ Zip: __________________Dates: __________________________Tel: (_______) _____________________2: Address: _______________________________________________________City: ___________________________ State: _____ Zip: ________________Dates: __________________________Tel: (_______) _____________________Feb. 27-28June 3-7Nov. 11Calendar2009Board of Governors and Trustee Meetings, Fort Hood, Texas62nd Annual Reunion, Fort Hood, TexasVeterans Day in Washington, DC.OTHER REUNIONSPigiron 7 (B Co., 1-8th CAV, 1969-70), 20-22 Mar., 2009. La Quinta Inn,Fort Lauderdale, FL. Contact Dan HOUMES, (954) 489-0684, for additional details.C Co., 2-7th Cavalry, 14-17 May, 2009. Arkadelphia, AR. Contact JimBROWN, (870) 246-7292.30th Field Artillery Regiment Association - All Eras (Hard Chargers),17-21 June, 2009, Holiday Inn Express, Nashville, TN. Visit the Association’sweb site at or contact John HOETKER at (518) 377-9420, .1-8th Cavalry - Vietnam (Jumping Mustangs), 29 July-2 Aug., 2009. MinotInternational Inn, Minot, ND. Contact James KNAFEL, 5510 E. 500th South,Columbia City, IN 46725, (260) 244-3864, .1st Cavalry Division, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 10th Infantry Division andService Company, Camp Crawford, Hokkaido, Japan 1953-55, 11-13 Sep.,2009. Drury Inn, Merriam KS. Contact Allan W. SANDERSON, 1301 3rd St.NE, Oelwein, IA 50662, (319) 283-4043, .WANTEDIF YOU SERVED WITH, KNOW, KNEW OR HAVE INFORMATIONABOUT ANY OF THE FOLLOWING, PLEASE COMMUNICATE WITHTHE CONTACT LISTED.FREEMAN, PFC Donald R., E Co., 2-8th CAV, MIA on 2 Nov., 1950 andpresumed dead on 11 Feb., 1953. Contact his friend Jim BROWN (Svc Btry.,61st FA 1949-50), 6534 Bakers View Dr., Vale, NC 28168, (740) 462-1628,.President’s CornerContinued from pg. 1.some from seeking preventive care or proper management of chronic conditionswhich would negatively affect some patient’s health. Amen to that.Tighten VA enrollment—The VA healthcare system would be directed todisenroll 2.3 million Priority Groups 7 and 8—individuals who are not poor andhave no service related medical needs—estimated to save $53 billion over 10years with Medicare costs rising by $26 billion in the same period as these vetsshifted to Medicare.Congress has declined to pay similar legislation in the past. I hope they will dothe same this year, but we have a new Administration and Congress facing a hugebudget deficit. I hope they do not try to adjust that on the backs of our militaryand veterans who have already contributed so much to our country.As an organization, our Association can do nothing about this attack on our wellearned benefits. But as individuals you can. No one can limit your right to write,e-mail or contact your congressman/woman and express your opinion. I hopeyou seize this issue to flood their offices with your opinion. Let’s be heard.While each issue of Saber announces the deaths of our comrades, this issue announcesthe death of two of my predecessors, LTG (Ret) Harry W.O. Kinnard andNorman R. Osterby. They will be missed by us all. God bless the 1st CavalryDivision, God bless the American Soldier and God bless America.ARTICLE SUBMISSIONPage 2Manuscripts should be originals or clear copies, either typed or printed doublespacedin near-letter quality printer mode. Word processor submissions areaccepted via e-mail or a mailed CD in Miscrosoft WORD or Word for Windows,Please include a printout. Attach a self-adhesive label with photo information tothe back of photos or cutlines for each photo (and where you would like themplaced). Include name and address if the photo is to be returned. Please do notsend panoramic photos wider than 8.5 in.Articles should be received at National Headquarters no later than the 1stof every odd month. Any article received after the 1st will be put in ona space available basis.Opinions expressed are the writers and not necessarily those of the Saber orthe 1st Cavalry Division Association.LETTERS TO THE EDITORTo be considered for publication, letters should net exceed 300 words andshould be of general interest and in good taste. Letters express the writer’sopionion, not that of the Saber or the 1st Cavalry Division Association.Political endorsement, “thank you” notes and poetry cannot be used. Formletters or third-party letters are not acceptable. Letters which contain libelousor obviously untrue statements will be automatically rejected.All letters must be signed with addresses and telephone numbers included.Names will be used with the letters but addresses and phone numbers maybe omitted. Letters also may be edited for length or clarification.We reserve the right to reject for publication any letter received. Unusedletters will not be acknowledged.Dear Editor,As each person journeys from childhood to adulthood,he must discover and develop his own strength, values, anddreams. Many of his formative years are shaped by the typesof people with which he surrounds himself. He can find theseindividuals in his classroom, church, teams, or any numberof other environments. Yet the most influential people in ayoung person’s life are most often found in his own family.Grandparents in particular can have a profound impact upontheir grandchild’s life; they are initially perceived as the funmiddle-aged people who enjoy spoiling their grandchildren,but eventually are seen more accurately as generous and venerable individualswith much wisdom and love to offer.While I have shared countless experiences with my father’s step-father thatI would not trade for the world, I have always tried to imagine what my realgrandfather was like. Felix DeLoach KING was killed early in his involvementin the Vietnam War when my father was quite young, so I know very little abouthis interests and goals, or even what his laugh sounded like. However, I havebeen left with one clue that gives me a glimpse into his life and that is his role asnot only a husband and a father, but also as a Ranger in the Vietnam War. Thisscholarship allows me to connect with the grandfather I never knew in a uniqueway while enabling me to pursue my education and dreams of becoming an oralsurgeon. For that, I am truly thankful.Sincerely, Kathryn L. KINGDear Editor,I am entirely grateful to be the recipient of the scholarshipgrant awarded by the Foundation of the 1st Cavalry DivisionAssociation. My dad is so proud of his service with the1st Cavalry Division, and being awarded this scholarshipmeans a great deal to me. I am more than thankful to beable to attend Suffolk University and your generosity willlessen the burden placed on my parents because of the highcost of tuition and room and board.I will continue to strive to achieve the goals that I haveset for myself. The next four years will be challenging, butI am determined to work hard to accomplish my dreams.Again, I am so appreciative for your help in the continuation of my education.Your sheer kindness does not go unnoticed.Sincerely, Jamie M. PESTANADear Editor,This grant makes me appreciate what my grandfather andhis Division did for our country, giving us the freedom tochoose what we want to do with our lives. This grant helpsme continue my education allowing me to have a secure andfinancially stable career in the future. It makes me proud tobe a descendant of a veteran that gave so much to allow usto have our own rights and choices as citizens of the UnitedStates. Thank you, Foundation of the 1st Cavalry Division Association, for thischance.Sincerely, Tanner TAYLORDear Editor,I am sure that you have been apprised of the passing ofJoe Christopher. I would like to tell of my contacts withJoe. Joe served in Korea with the 8th Regiment, 2nd Battalion(Scrappy White), Company F. I did not know Joein Korea. I was in the same Regiment and Battalion, butI was in Company G back in 1950-51.I got to know Joe through his 8th Regiment column inthe Saber. As his readers will attest, Joe was an excellentJohn Maywriter. His stories were true, right out of history. AfterJoe gave up his column, I contacted him from time forinformation on experiences we both had. Also, from time to time, he sent oute-mails on items he knew would interest his e-mail buddies. Along the way IContinued on pg. 4.

Page 3LIFE APPLICATION/SUBSCRIPTION RENEWAL BUSINESS STYLE CARDSare available at 200 for $15.00. No hassle with having to carry legal size sheets ofpaper (Life Membership Applications) or sub forms. Orders will be sent to printersfor printing when 3-4 are accumulated. Please be patient with us. Sample below.(Actual size 2.5” x 3”)1st CAVALRY DIVISION ASSOCIATION302 N. MainCopperas Cove, TX 76522-1703(254) 547-6537NAMEPOSITION IN CHAPTERUNITDATES OF ASSIGNMENTSTREET ADDRESSPHONE:CITY, ST, ZIP (000) 000-0000E-MAIL:Enroll me as a Life Member....................................................................$10.00Renew my subscription............................................................................$10.00New or Renewal of Associate Membership............................................$15.00Business Cards..........................................................................................$15.00LAST 4 NUMBERS OF SSN ____________ DOB ________________________Rank __________________Name_____________________________________________________________Address___________________________________________________________City _____________________________________________ State __________Zip _____________________ Phone (________) ______________________Dates Assigned _(1)_________________________ (2)____________________I served with 1st Team in Unit (1)___________________________________and(2)________________________________________________________________E-mail ____________________________________________________________I DO / DO NOT Authorize release of my personal information to Associationmembers.I served with the 1st Cavalry Division in (Circle one or more)Pre-WWII WWII Japan Korean War Korea ‘57-’65 Ft Benning Vietnam WarFt Hood Gulf War Bosnia Afghanistan Iraq Ft BlissHave you served with any other military unit during a war time period? YES NO(CIRCLE)TAPSWE HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE DEATH OF:LAST NAME, RANK, First Name, Unit, Date. Date of DeathBESANCON, CPL Paul A., G Co., 2-8th CAV, 1951. 23 May, 2008.BRESLIN, SSG William L., CSC, 2-7th CAV, Ft. Hood. 20 Dec., 2008.CALLAWAY, COL (R) Jack G., HHB, 1-30th FA, 1969-70. 28 May, 2008.CHRISTOPHER, SFC (R) Job M. (Joe), 545th MP, 1948-49/F Co., 2-8th CAV,1949-51. 26 Dec., 2008.HALL, 1SG (R) Bobby J., C Co., 8th ENG, 1948-51. 16 Dec., 2008.HANNAN, SGT Dennis R., A Co., 2-8th CAV, 1967-68. 8 Jan., 2009.HEMINGWAY, BG (R) Jack W., HHC, 1CD, 1971. 12 Dec., 2008.GUTHRIE, SFC (R) Lawson D. (Larry), C Btry., 1-21st FA, 1965. 29 Nov.,2008.IGNACIO, CW4 (R) Abraham K., 1st CAV Band, 1973-76. 12 Dec., 2008JACKSON, TRP Ernest, Sr., F Trp., 2-5th CAV, WWII. 3 Dec., 2008.KILGORE, PFC Daniel, C Co., 1-7th CAV, 1965. 21 Dec., 2008.KINNARD, LTG (R) Harry W.O., HHC, 1CD, 1065-66. 5 Jan., 2009.LASITER, PFC Harold W., A/C Trp., 1st MED, 1946-47. 4 Dec., 2008.MEHL, LTC (R) Louis S., HQ, 1-7th CAV, 1947-49/545th MP, 1949-50. 18Nov., 2008.MORAN, CW2 James W., C Btry., 2-20th ARA, 1970-71. 7 Jan., 2009.OSTERBY, PFC Norman R., B Trp., 1-7th CAV, 1942-44. 29 Nov., 2008PECKHAM, SFC (R) Kurt A., E Co., 27th MSB, 1996. 20 Sep., 2008.PIERREN, TRP Kenneth I., 1-7th CAV, 1966-67. 22 Nov., 2008.RABON, SFC (R) Clarence, HHB, 4-5th ADA, 1991. 14 Dec., 2008.RIESTER, CPT (R) William H., Jr., HQ, 8th CAV, 1950-51. 27 Sep., 2008.ROOK, SGM (R) Marlin, 545th MP. 24 Nov., 2008ROYER, SGT Clarence G., B Co., 15th MED, 1969. 8 Dec., 2008.SHABRAM, TRP LeRoy, C Co., 1-12th CAV, 1968, HHC, 1st BDE, 1969. 14Dec., 2008.SIMPSON, CPT Homer, D., 3-7th CAV, Korean War. 20 June, 2008.THORNTON, SGT Jerry A., D Trp., 1-9th CAV, 1965. 18 Oct., 2008.WALKER, SGT Kenneth, C Co., 1-12th CAV, 1968. 7 Nov., 2008.ZIMPELMAN, CPL Carl R., C Btry., 61st FA, 1950-51. 10 Jan., 2009.ACTIVE DUTY TAPSWE HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE DEATH OF THE FOLLOWINGACTIVE DUTY TROOPERS AT FT. HOOD THAT WERE NOT COM-BAT RELATED:LAST NAME, RANK, First Name, Unit, Date. Date of Death.LYNCH, PVT Timmy, E Fwd Spt Co., 15th BSB, 2nd BCT, 1CD. 27 Dec.,2008MAY, PFC Jordon, A Trp., 4-9th CAV, 2nd BCT, 1CD. 20 Dec., 2008NEW MEMBERS LISTINGE-5 ALLISON, JOSEPH ROBERT NC HHC 1BDE 6512SGT BAGGOTT, CHARLES E. FL B 1-8C 68021SG (RET) BALLANTYNE, JERRY R. WA 1-9C 6706E-5 BARNES, JOHN L. FL HHB 1-77FA 6105SPC BATCHELOR, JIM TX C 2-5C 0303E-6 BAYDO, RICHARD J. TX D 2-5C 0808Continued on pg. 4.Division DoingsContinued from pg. 1.On two January 8 flights, more than400 Soldiers from the 2nd “Black Jack”Brigade Combat Team departed from WestFort Hood’s Robert Gray Army Airfield tobegin their year-long deployment in supportof Operation Iraqi Freedom 08-10.The brigade’s Soldiers are joining theirfellow Cav troopers from the 3rd and 4thbrigades who are currently serving in Iraqand departed from Fort Hood in mid to late2008. The division’s headquarters staffsections will be departing in mid and lateJanuary, with the 1st Brigade Combat Teamfollowing shortly after in February.As with the other deployed 1st CavalryDivision Soldiers, the departing Black Jacktroopers will be performing some finalcombat skills training at Camp Buehring,Kuwait, for about a week, and then movingon to their forward operating bases inIraq.LTC Hugh McNEELY, deputy commandingofficer, 2nd BCT, 1st Cavalry Division,who hails from Picher, Oklahoma said hehas the “utmost confidence” in the BlackJack troops who are ready to get the deployment started.JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 2009The 1st Cav Band and HonorGuard salute the Soldiers from the2nd BCT as they board their flightto Kuwait. (Photo by SPC PhillipAdam Turner, 1CD PAO)“I’m very proud to be a part of this, and we’re looking forward to the challengesand understand that there will be some dangers and difficulties, but we’reprepared and see ourselves going into a better situation than we have in the past,”said McNeely, explaining that the situation will be just a little easier thanks tothe on-going security improvements achieved during the troop surge nearly twoyears ago.One of the Black Jack Brigade’s main goals for the deployment will involveassisting the Iraqi Security Forces as they continue working toward the transitionto taking full responsibility for security in Iraq.“We’re looking forward to a smooth transition through our partnership with theIraqi Security Forces,” said McNeely. “Another of our goals will be to supportand sustain our Soldiers wherever they are -- at joint security stations or coalitionoutposts and to continue providing support to our allies with any demandsor requirements they have.”As his Soldiers lined up to board their aircraft, 1SG John SHUMAKER, thesenior-most noncommissioned officer for Headquarters and Headquarters Company,1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd BCT, walked by, checked on eachof the troops and asked how they were doing.“They’re trained and ready, and fortunately we’ve retained a lot of experiencedSoldiers who have deployed before, and they were able to help train many of theyounger Soldiers who are going over for their first time,” said Shumaker, whohails from Manassas, Virginia. “We feel confident that every Soldier we havehere is ready to go.”“One of the things they’re going to take away from this experience will be abrotherhood of trust with one another -- knowing they’ll be able to count on eachother in the good times and in the hard times,” Shumaker added.For Yorba Linda, California native PFC Karen GREWAR, a truck driver withCompany F, Forward Support Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment,2nd BCT, the departure marks her first deployment to the combat zone.“I get the benefits of being a driver and seeing all the different terrain overthere,” said Grewar. She further explained that her job allows her the opportunityto leave the forward operations base, something that many Soldiers may neverget to experience. “We get to have a lot of face time with the infantry and themedics; so in that respect, it will be a new experience.’‘Obviously, there will be some danger over there, but I’m trained and preparedfor it … and I’m really looking forward to putting all the training we’ve doneinto place.”With a longing to work on humanitarian-based efforts, Grewar, who has beenin the Army for about a year, originally wanted to join the Peace Corps or theRed Cross but decided that joining the Army and deploying to Iraq would giveher many of the same opportunities to help others.“There were some of my own needs that I wanted to meet -- my own agenda,which I found through giving back to my country by signing up for two yearsin the [military] and helping to improve the lives of people in other countries,”Grewar said. “I’m looking forward to experiencing the satisfaction of seeingfirsthand our efforts to assist in bringing peace and stability to the region.”With three previous deployments under his belt, SGT Mamadou DIALLO, anunmanned aerial vehicle maintainer for the 2nd Special Troops Battalion, 2ndBCT, 1st Cav Division, is no stranger to life in the combat zone.“It’s good if you’ve been there before because you know what to expect; Youknow that you’ll be working long hours with little sleep. So it isn’t that much ofa shock,” said Diallo. “But with that in mind, you also know what to do to getrid of stress. I always try to do things that keep me motivated like going to thegym, doing a lot of sports and taking correspondence courses.’‘I have a few mixed feelings about deploying but it’s my job, and although I willmiss my family, I’m not really down because I love what I do,” added Diallo. “Ifeel good about my unit and the people I work with. It always hurts to leave yourkids, but you’re not alone because everyone else here feels the same way.”Diallo, who calls Indianapolis, Indiana home and is a native of Guinea WestAfrica, said he has a lot of hope for his upcoming mission to Iraq and that someof his most memorable experiences in theater have involved interactions withIraqi children.“We see a lot of positives over there especially when you can help the kids inIraq by giving them food or help them with getting them other vital things thatthey need like school supplies,” said Diallo. “I understand this first hand becauseI come from a very poor country. One of the things you take away from experienceslike this is to never take anything that you have for granted, and when youContinued on pg. 22.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 200961st FA NewsGordon Cress6562 Windflower Dr.Carlsbad, CA92011-2508(760) 918-0470gordon@dlsea.netHi All! Ihopeyou had a greatholiday seasonand start to thebright NewYear. This issueof the Sabershould be getting to you in mid-February. Trust everyone remembered his or herloved ones on Valentine’s Day.I got a nice phone call from Ken Howser who writes the column on the 12thCavalry Regiment. Ken’s a real 1st Cav booster and it was a pleasure speakingwith him. He gave me the contact information for Wendell Murphy, who thedivision records show was a member of the 61st. I wasn’t able to make contactwith Wendell, but maybe he’ll read this and contact me. Ken and Wendell metat a Maryland meeting of the Korean War Veterans Association (KWVA).Received from Bill McSpadden in early November… “Done felt like HokeColburn, drivin’ Miss Daisy all de way frum Rochester to Alexandria, Virginny.Seem like it take forever, Miss Daisy not wantin’ to pass a single pee place by.What wif dat lady on the nabigatin system tellin’ me one thing and Miss Daisythe other, almost drive me crazy. Surprise we got here in one piece, but wesho did. Seriously, though it was a long trip, she endured it very well. We gotback late yesterday and she slept till 8:30 this morning. Got up feeling muchrefreshed and overall, better. Fortunately, her medications keep her relativelyfree of pain, though she will have some for several more weeks while her chestheals from being split open from breastbone to sternum. The doctors say that ittakes about 3 months for a patient to fully recover from open-heart surgery andthey expect her recovery to be complete. As another aside, she can’t drive for4 more weeks. Guess who’s stuck “Drivin Miss Daisy”? Truly, my pleasure, Iassure you. Our preliminary plans are to spend about a week here, while Blairgains more strength and stamina, before departing for Florida probably duringthe week of 9 November. Thanks for your prayers, love and kind thoughts, theyworked! Love, B&B”On Veteran’s Day, I got this from Kyle Nappi… “Again, I would like to takethis time to wish all of you a Happy Veteran’s Day and especially to thank youfor your service to our great country. Because of you, we are able to enjoy thefreedoms we have today…we must never forget that.” If you’ll remember, Kyleis the young man who has been gathering interviews, data and information regardingveterans from past wars and combat operations.“Enjoy Freedom? Thank a Veteran”From Jimmy Marks in early November… “I am very happy to report thatJimmy Marks and Jenelle Williamson Nelson were married October 24, 2008in Lovington, New Mexico by our Kermit, Texas friend Judge Barbara GrayCampbell.” Congratulations, Jimmy! We all wish you and Jenelle all the bestand many happy years to come.Got a call from Richard Walter in late November. Richard just wanted toreassure me and everyone that he was still with us and getting along just great.As he said, “Reports of my demise are slightly premature.” Richard Weakleyhad earlier sent me a notice that… “Richard Walter was taken via ambulanceto Iowa City last week. He had trouble moving his left arm and left leg. Afterover night stay the hospital released him and he was informed that the hospitalcould not find anything wrong with him. Walt returned home to New Hamptonand Sunday he received a call from the hospital and was informed that he wasto return Monday to set a time to operate on his carotid artery. They missed itand informed Walt that his artery was 50 percent closed. We talked to Joyce andWalt yesterday and he had a very serious nose bleed prior to us calling him. Willlet you know when we hear more.” I had forwarded Weakley’s note to everyonevia e-mail, but Walt just wanted to let everyone know that his carotid artery isjust fine and that the preliminary diagnosis was in error. Walt is working on thenext reunion and will keep us informed on progress.Received the following e-mail from Jane Arthur in late November in answer tomy note regarding Richard Walter… “Tom is also in the hospital. He had a smallintestine blockage that wouldn’t respond to the usual treatment. He had surgerya week ago yesterday. Six inches of adhesions from radiation 7 years ago wereremoved. He had his first liquid meal in 2 weeks and his system is beginning tofunction. He is coming home on Thanksgiving Day and daughter Julia should bearriving about the same time. Besides being very weak he is doing very well.”By the time you are reading this, in mid-February, Tom hopefully will be backon the golf course and tennis courts. Thanks, Jane, for keeping us informed.On a personal note, I’m back at the softball wars, doing my meals on wheelsdeliveries, worked at the semi-annual Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast in early Novemberand took part in the charity motorcycle rides for both the Pediatric BrainTumor Foundation Ride for Kids and the Marine Corps Toys for Tots. Both wereextremely successful in that we raised over $56,000 for the PBTF and collectedmore than 1,000 toys for the kids. We had nearly 200 motorcyclists at the Ridefor Kids and more than 600 bikers at the Toys for Tots ride. The Pauma Casinoprovided the Toys for Tots riders a free lunch, T-shirt and hat. Lots of fun atboth events.Got this November note from John Hasselmeier… “Hey, Gordon, do you planto attend the upcoming 1st Cav reunion at Fort Hood? As you know, this is thefirst one there in some time...I may go, but the Fort Hood area traffic is very thick,very fast and very scary, at least to me! I do wish the various 61st organizationswould attend the big one. Do have a Merry Thanksgiving!! Ol’ John Hasselmeierin Lubbock, Texas.” Don’t think I’ll be able to make the Cav reunion,John, but we’ll see as the time gets closer. Hope more of our guys can make it.It’s really something and I truly enjoyed the one up in Riverside, California. Afew days later I received a package from John and it contained the ThanksgivingDay menu at Camp Bender-Ota, Japan for B & C batteries from 1947! That1947 Thanksgiving meal included roast turkey, giblet gravy, sage dressing, bakedham, snow-flaked potatoes, candied sweet potatoes, buttered peas, whole kernelcorn, head lettuce salad, olives, celery, Parker House rolls, pumpkin pie, raisinand apple pie, fruit cake, ice cream fruit cup, pickles, tea and coffee, mixed nutsalong with cigarettes and cigars. Not too shabby for mess hall fare! Not surehow many of you out there remember those days in 1947, but the B CO was Capt.Handley and the CO for Battery C was LT Elkey. I’m including a photo here ofthe menu front page. Thanks so much, John. This kind of memorabilia reallyB and C Batteries ThanksgivingDinner Menu from CampBender-Ota, Japan 1947.brings back memories.F r o m J i m m yMarks in early December…“I had anice visit in Octoberwith General BillBecker and had agrand tour of theBecker Ranch. Iwas going throughKaufman last weekand wanted to stopand introduce theBeckers to Jenelle.Mrs. Becker saidthe General was inBaylor Hospital inDallas for stomachsurgery. I made afollow up call andMrs. Becker toldme he came throughsurgery fine and should be home in a few days. Update:The General had successful surgery and is recouping athome at the Becker Ranch.” About a week later Jimmysent along this… “I am sending a photo of General BillBecker at the marker for the original Becker homesteadin Kaufman County, Texas, founded by General Becker’sGreat-Grandfather Ernest William Becker in 1848. Theland has been occupied by the Becker family ever since.Page 4General Bill Beckerat the marker forthe original Beckerhomestead inKaufman County,Texas, founded byGeneral Becker’sGreat-GrandfatherErnest William Beckerin 1848General Becker graduated from Texas A&M in 1941 and was Commandant of theCorps of Cadets. Life magazine had Becker and the Corps on the cover of theirMay, 1941 issue. During WW II Becker was with the 1st Cav’s 61st FA Battalionand DivArty. He was DivArty Commander in Vietnam and later Assistant DivisionCommander.” Thanks, Jimmy, appreciate the report and the photo.On December 8th, we received a sad call from Fred “Pink” Martin. He relatedto us that Jim Sterling’s son Dan, only 58 years old, had passed away onSaturday, December 6th from a heart attack. Fred reported that Dan had retiredfrom Proctor & Gamble and had been working with his dad on the ranch. Ourcondolences to Dan and his family on this tragic event.Got a nice note from Pat and Bill Stewart wishing us all a Merry Christmas anda Happy New Year. Bill also noted that they went to Fort Campbell, Kentucky onChristmas Eve to welcome their grandson Nick home from Afghanistan. They werethere as he came off the plane and this made it a very special Christmas for them.Bill said there were many families there to welcome their soldiers home.In a note from John Hasselmeier… “Hey, Gordon, I recently learned of thedeaths of two of my good friends from the old days in B Battery. They are FrankMatusz of Rome, New York and Richard Pobuda of Tacoma, Washington. Theywere really good guys.”Also want to thank all of you who sent along the Christmas greetings, wishesfor the New Year and inquired about my health, progress, etc. Really do appreciateyour thoughts!Take care, ‘Sta Bueno and keep those cards, letters, phone calls and e-mailscoming!Letters to the EditorContinued froom pg. 2.came across this enclosed picture of my Company G crossing a typical shallowKorean stream. We were headed out onpatrol. I enlarged the picture and I wasmailing it to Joe. It was such a typicalpicture of a patrol and the terrain that Iknew Joe’s Company F had traveled thesame way many times. Unfortunately,Joe passed just before I sent the picture.God bless Joe. He is in the green pasturescavalry men go to.The men in the picture are men fromCompany G that I knew. Does anybodyout there recognize themselves or othersin the picture? If so, please send me anote about yourselves.My son’s e-mail address is and mine is . My street address is John May, 9245 Hickory Road, Petersburg,VA 23803-1167 (804) 590-1407. I am enclosing a picture of myself toaccompany the article. Somebody took it as I was standing in my fox hole; thetime was spring or summer 1951. I am smiling no doubt because, it was notbelow zero and I am not you-know-what that deep in snow. Lord help us fromSiberian weather!God Bless the First Cav, one and all! John MAYContinued on pg. 14.New Members ListingContinued from pg.. 3.SGT BELL, HAROLD K. IL B 2-8C 6511SFC BENTLEY, STEVEN R. OK A 21FA 90102LT BLUE, KRISTA M. TX HHC 1-227AVN 08081LT BOWER, DAVID L. NJ B 1-77FA 6802E-4 BRAUNE, DIRK R. TX HHC 27MNT 6505SGT BRICENO, ALEJANDRO L. TX HHC 1ACB 0805CPL BRODERICK, THOMAS A. PA 77FA 5305LTC BROWN, JAMES M . IL A DSTB 0810E-8 BROWN, JOHN A. CO D 2-8C 6709SSG CARMAN, HERMAN ME 5C 4311SP-4 CARR, FRED H. NC 1-5C 6512CPT CARTEE, SAMUEL WV C 2-12C 06041SG CLAPP, ROBERT A. SC A 2-19FA 6401Continued on pg. 5.

Page 55th CAV NewsDennis CAM-BRIDGE AKA“SGT BRUNO”Paul Schwiegeraht3088 N. Davis Dr.Cornelius, OR 97113-8126(503) 846-0550swig6667@peoplepc.com1st Cav Stetson to COL Joe LOVE,1-5th Cav Commanding Officer in1967-1968. I have a picture for youin this issue of COL LOVE and hiswife. He looks great in his CavStetson and shirt.I received an e-mail from DebbieRUSSO, wife of B Company,2-5 veteran Ray RUSSO. Shereceived a phone call from DennisCAMBRIDGE’s daughter who hadfound a reunion invitation with herphone number in it. She asked thatDebbie relay the information thather father AKA “SGT BRUNO”, BCompany, 2-5 Cavalry, 1966-1967passed away on 15 December, 2008Hello Readers,Greetings BlackKnights.In the past issueI told about BillSHEPARD andfriends collectingand presenting aCOL LOVE and hiswifefrom a massive heart attack. Sympathy cards can besent to his family at 2651 S. Juniper St., Unit 900, Foley, AL 36535.I have included a picture of Dennis from Tom CRAWLEY’s collection. I hadthe opportunity to talk with Dennis by phone in recent years. He was a changedman from the hard ass NCO who struck fear into both the troopers and Vietnamese.He was happy to share his faith in Jesus Christ which brought about hisconversion. Swig Out!!LTG HARRY W. O. KINNARD – 1915-2009The former Commanding General of the 1st CavalryDivision and former President of the 1st Cavalry DivisionAssociation, Harry William Osborn Kinnard, LieutenantGeneral U.S. Army (Ret) died peacefully at his home inArlington, Virginia on January 5, 2009. He was 93.LTG Kinnard was born into an Army family in Dallas,Texas on 7 May, 1915 and graduated from the U.S.Military Academy at West Point. While at West Pointhe participated in tennis and the modern Pentathlon andwas Captain of the Fencing Team.He witnessed the attack on Pearl Harbor while assignedto the Hawaiian Division and later parachutedinto France on D-Day. He commanded airborne soldiers in Holland and directedoperations during the Battle of the Bulge with the 101st Airborne Division atBastogne. LTG Kinnard is known for coining the phrase, “hole in the doughnut”and recommended to the CG of the 101st that his reply to the Germans who hadasked for their surrender be the initial word the CG said when presented withthe offer, “Nuts”.He served in various commands with commands of the 1st Airborne BattleGroup, 501st Infantry and the 101st Division Artillery. While at Fort Campbellhe started a “Sky-Diving” club.In February, 1963, he was transferred to Fort Benning where he formed andtested the airmobile concept as the Commander of the 11th Air Assault Divisionat Fort Benning. In July, 1965, that unit became the 1st Cavalry Division(Airmobile) and he commanded the First Team during its move to Vietnam andduring its first fighting giving up command in May, 1966. After 39 months indivision command he served as the interim commander of I Field Force, Vietnam,from May to June, 1966.After his time in Vietnam he was Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff for ForceDevelopment in Washington, DC. He ended his Army career as the Commanderof Combat Developments Command at Fort Belvoir, Virginia in 1969.He received many high military honors, including the Distinguished ServiceCross, and being knighted by the Queen of Holland for his actions in Holland in1944. After his retirement he remained very active as a consultant and advisor.He was president of the Army Aviation Association of America and inducted intothe Army Aviation Hall of Fame. He was president of both the 1st Cavalry Divisionand 101st Airborne Division Associations. He served as President of the 1stCavalry Division Association from 1976-1978. He represented the President ofthe United States during the 50th Anniversary Commemorative events of WWIIin “Market-Garden” ceremonies in the Netherlands.He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Kinnard; three daughters, Susan C. Payson,of Prescott, AZ, Kathleen L. Coursey of Stockton, CA and Cynthia L. Harmanof Lexington, SC; two sons, Robert H. Kinnard of Prescott, AZ and Harry W.O. Kinnard, III of Gainesville, FL; two stepdaughters, Libby Nicholson of SanClemente, CA and Janmarie Hall of Hamilton, VA and one step-son, COL (R)Tom M. Nicholson, Jr. of Augusta, GA; sixteen grandchildren and fifteen greatgrandchildren.His son, Bruce Kinnard, preceded him in death.A viewing and visitation were held on Sunday, January 11th, 2009. Gravesiteservice and interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery with full militaryhonors on Thursday, March 19th at 1300 hours. In lieu of flowers, donations canbe made to Calvary United Methodist Church, Memorial Fund, 2315 S. Grant St.Arlington, VA 22202. Donations to the Foundation of the 1st Cavalry DivisionAssociation will also be accepted in Memory of LTG Kinnard.New Members ListingContinued from pg. 4.SGT CLIFFIN, RONALD W. FL D 1-82FA 06LTC COGLIANESE, CHRISTOPHER M. TX DSTB 0806CW4 CONWAY, WILLIAM H. PA HHC 13SIG 60051LT COOPER, STEPHEN B. PA C 2-12C 6701CW4 DILL, GEORGE D. WA D 15TC 6608CW4 EATLEY, GORDON F. LA 2-20ARA 6701Continue on pg. 6.JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 2009THE ADMIRALTIES – The Battle for Los Negros Beachead (PartII)(Excerpted from Center of Military History Publication 100-3)Editors Note: Two previous parts to this described the planning and the 1 stCavalry Division’s initial landing on Los Negros and were published in theMarch/April and May/June 2008 issues of Saber. The story of the Division’sbaptism of fire continues on the afternoon of D Day, 29 February, 1944.“Hold What You Have Taken”During the afternoon the reconnaissance force organized its defenses, whichpresented many difficulties. A good fox hole required back-breaking efforts, forthe soil was heavy with coral. Since there was no barbed wire to put around thebeachhead, men and weapons had to be spaced closely and every man availableused for the perimeter defense. The 40 field artillery officers and men were assignedsectors for close-in defense, because their two pack howitzers could notcover the critical space in front of the defense line from such a shallow depthas the perimeter allowed. They took over these sectors after the howitzers hadblasted away for awhile at the Japanese known to be in the skidway area. Forheavy weapons support, the twelve .50-caliber machine guns of the antiaircraftunit were moved into positions along the front line. Colonel Lobit, Commanderof the 2nd Squadron, 5th Cavalry, took over an abandoned Japanese dugout witha triple-layer log roof and a dry, hard floor while General Chase set up the taskforce command post near a revetment toward the center of the triangular perimeter.Signalmen strung the perimeter with wire to make the necessary hook-ups forofficers in the chain of command, and removed the radio sets for communicationwith Sixth Army Headquarters from an advanced position to a more shelteredbomb crater. Outposts were stationed beyond the strip on the far edges of thedispersal area. At 1920 the destroyer Bush was called on for interdiction fire onthe eastern tip of Manus, and at 1948 was ordered to fire a few rounds on thenorthern coastal strip outside the harbor.The measures taken for night defense proved to be well justified. As documentscaptured later disclosed, the enemy was preparing to put up much more fightthan had yet been indicated. The Japanese commander had issued the followingorders to an infantry battalion defending the Hyane Harbor sector:Tonight the battalion under Captain Baba will annihilate the enemy who havelanded. This is not a delaying action. Be resolute to sacrifice your life for theEmperor and commit suicide in case capture is imminent. We must carry outour mission with the present strength and annihilate the enemy on the spot. Iam highly indignant about the enemy’s arrogant attitude. Remember to kill orcapture all ranking enemy officers for our intelligence purposes ...About dusk enemy riflemen hiding in the woods began to exchange fire with theoutposts, which were soon called in. The enemy, however, apparently assumedthat he would find our main forces close to the outpost line. An attack was startedjust after dark, but by the time the Japanese reached the line where the cavalrymenwere dug in, the movement was no longer coordinated. Small groups of the enemydid, however, make aggressive moves against the 2d Squadron’s position.Groups of 7 to 15 Japanese kept edging in, flinging grenades at the weaponsthat fired. The only way the Japanese could be seen was by the light of grenadeexplosions or when the attackers got close enough so that a cavalryman crouchedin a fox hole could see them silhouetted against the sky. Many of the Japanesewere killed by machine-gun and rifle fire, but some got through and succeededin cutting all telephone lines. Although infiltrations occurred on all edges of theperimeter, the attack was heaviest near the shore on the southern side. Here someJapanese reached the shore in the rear of the main defense line by swimming infrom the sea with life preservers. The vegetation bordering the beach providedprotection for these infiltrators. One group found an opening in the left flank ofTroop E, holding the south sector, next to the field artillery unit that held alongthe shore. The enemy penetrated Troop E’s defense line, entirely isolating the3d Platoon. Without communication with its troop, the unit had to fight it outalone against very heavy attacks.Nevertheless, communications were not greatly missed, since the only way tohold this small jungle area at night against an infiltrating enemy was for eachman to stay in his fox hole and fire at anything that moved. Alertness was thebest defense; on one occasion an officer sleeping in a hammock above his foxhole was killed by a stealthy Japanese using a sword. Grenades were the chiefclose-in weapons of the enemy, and mortar fire continued to harass our troopsthroughout the night. The necessary tactic of firing at all movement made it extremelydangerous to venture from cover in the darkness and few men took thechance. Most of the wounded had to lie in their fox holes until daylight; someof them bled to death. Those who reached the operating rooms found them informer enemy dugouts where work was done on Japanese mess tables by the aidof electric lantern and flashlight.Even the task force headquarters was not safe from Japanese attacks within theperimeter. Fifteen feet away from General Chase a strange incident occurred.In the words of his adjutant:Two Japanese soldiers entered the CP area, apparently looking for something.They observed the CP surroundings for a moment or two and then stepped backto an opening in the CP perimeter. They then took hand grenades from their beltsand began to speak in low monotone, apparently to form a plan of attack on theCP. Major Julio Chiaramonte, S-2 of the task force, observed the movementsof the Japs but did not fire immediately because he was not positive at first thatthey were Japs. Upon hearing the chattering of the two Japs, Major Chiaramonteopened fire with his tommy gun. He killed one Jap and wounded the other.By daylight the majority of the enemy survivors had disappeared back into thejungle. However, those who had infiltrated and reoccupied some of their formerpillboxes and fortifications in the perimeter had to be cleared out by the tiredcavalrymen. The Japanese inside our lines were well hidden, but they often gavetheir positions away by sniping. A Yank correspondent describes the difficultiesof rooting the enemy from the perimeter:At about 0730 the divisional wire chief, a captain, passed a pillbox and a Japshot at him, hitting him in the groin and chest. Lying in the mud 6 feet from thetip of the V-shaped dugout, the captain pointed to the pillbox.Pfc. Allan M. Holliday of Miami, Florida, and Cpl. James E. Stumfoll of Pittsburg,Kansas, who were coming up the track when the captain was shot, duckedbehind the palms and began firing at the pillbox.When four Japs ran out of the other entrance, they were cut down by a squadContinued on pg. 10.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 200912th CAV NewsKen Howser, Jr.PO Box 234Walkersville, MD 21793-0234(301) 898-7763,AceHigh6India@ComCast.Netwww.12thCav.us/0001 Journal Opened. HeySailor, new in town? Youare military – I don’t needexplain ‘space available’ doI? Any needing clarificationof items feel free to connectto the LZ Grant homepagevia the addresses above. Note: all e-mail states the sender is Sgt Rock, I haveno civilian name. Those already in my vast e-address book get e-mailed division,regiment and battalion updates as soon as I receive them, no one gets firstpreference. If this is good for you, shoot me an e-mail and I will put you in theFirst-to-Know Wiki; I am worth every penny that they pay me.0002 12-12-2008 marked the return of the 1-12 Cav and the 3rd Brigade CombatTeam of the 1st Cavalry Division to Iraq as the first flights winged east from FortHood. You will remember that 2-12 Cav has been in Iraq since June. The 2ndand 1st BCT’s will follow in order throughout December, January, and Februaryuntil all are in place. Remember them and their families in your daily thoughtsand prayers and support them in the manner of your choice. The Regiment AssociationTrooper Support Fund is again activated and can use the donations ofus all, to include our time. There is always need of troopers nationwide to beavailable for call if tragedy befalls. The Regiment Association has made andcontinues to make a conscious effort to see no 12th Cav trooper make their finalride alone and we ask for you to volunteer for this service to our brothers.0003 The 12th family has lots of mourningthis period. The 2-12 Battalion, 4thBCT in Iraq lost one of their own to anaccident on 20 November, PVT Charles YiBarnett, 19. He was a resident of Bel Air,Maryland and came from a military familyand background. His brother serves inthe Air Force. Charles enlisted at 18 afterearning his GED. He was a caring son andbrother and had many friends. A man ofsome talent though no formal training hePVT Charles Yi Barnettdrew comics and super heroes, self portraitsand abstracts of friends, and loved playingvideo games. He hoped to attend collegeafter his military experience. The HCOTR and I attended the various servicesto his honor and memory and were his outriders to Fiddlers Green.We obtained a picture as promised from Recon JimBreen of Butch Hawthorn, whose untimely demisewas noted last issue. Two former members of C 1-12Cav are also noted as passing; Kenneth Walker andLeroy Shabram. From Al and Tweek VanDan: “KennethWalker, NJ, died of a massive heart attack. Hewould have been 62 on New Year’s Eve. He servedin C from February, 1968 to February, 1969 and duringTET 68. He was awarded the Bronze Star w/Vwhen he helped recover the bodies of two fellow CCompany KIA’s in May of 1968. He had no familyand no survivors. His neighbors were cleaning outhis apartment when they found the album he madeof C Company pictures that we had sent him and theletters they’d exchanged in the past few years. Theneighbor said he cried every time he read the letters.They wanted Alan to know that Kenny died considering Alan his ‘brother.’Leroy Shabram, 61 served as an assistant gunnerfor the 2nd platoon gun squad in 1968 and HHC 1stBrigade in 1969. He was intending to attend his first‘Cav’ reunion this year when he found out he hadan Agent Orange related cancer and needed chemoinstead. He lost his battle with cancer on December14th. He was a farmer and tractor mechanic in Neligh,Nebraska, survived by a wife, 4 sons and a daughterand extended family in the area. While Leroy was inLeroy and MarianShabram12 Cav Metal Ornamenta hospital in Omaha, his wife was shot in the chest bya purse snatcher in the hospital parking lot. She wasreleased in mid November.0004 The 2-12 FRG has designed and fabricated astriking metal ornament that all 12th Cav troopers will wishto add to their collections of military goods. It is a stylizedRegimental crest of good size and quality to put on your tree,window, wall, in your truck, or slide on a cord and wear itaround you neck as a medallion. The lovely is for purchaseat $12 inclusive, payable by check or money order to thefollowing address: 2-12CAV, Bldg. 180027, Battalion and50th Street, Fort Hood, TX 76544. Tracey M. Jones (254)287-5331 0005 “Updated 24 December, 2008 Thunderhorse friendsand families - the Battalionand your Soldier will get awell-deserved period of a few days enjoyingChristmas alongside his fellow Soldiers andfriends as well as communicate back homewith family and loved ones. On Christmas Day,your Soldier will get a gift out from under aChristmas tree followed by a terrific and plentifulChristmas meal. All around the battalion,company, combat outposts and joint securitystations - decorations are creatively displayedand showcased. Additionally, we’ve deliveredeveryone’s’ mail and packages. Finally, everyonehas good access to the internet and phones,so you should be getting regular e-mail and callsfrom your Soldier.Butch HawthornChristmas ‘67 LZGeronimo 4th Plt. A Co.1-12 We Charge HarderJohn Wayne DeltaRecon 2-12 January20, 1966Page 6We’re all doing well at the 6-month mark of thedeployment. Since Thanksgiving, we’ve had manyvisitors to include Iraqi Prime Minister Maliki.After the Christmas break, we’ll be working toensure successful provincial elections in Muthannaand Dhi Qhar, which are set for the end ofJanuary. These elections are similar to what wewould think of as state senatorial elections. Theparty which wins the most seats on the provincialcouncil will most likely be able to determine whowill be the next provincial governor. The IraqiArmy, Police and Iraqi High Election Commissionare already hard at work in preparation for whatwe’re sure is going to be a great day. Your Soldierwill play an important role in a critical milestoneof a democratic Iraq.”0006 “Chapter #110 of the Military Order ofthe Purple Heart in Battle Creek, Michigan willprovide a free lifetime membership within the Orderto any 12th Cav trooper that has been awardedthe Purple Heart and has not already enrolled in the organization. Applicantsshould contact Roger L. Kehrier, , 9084 MuirlandDr, Plymouth, MI 48170, (734) 453-2031 with their mailing address for an application.Upon receipt, the application should be filled out by the applicant andreturned to Roger along with a copy of either the applicant’s General Orders forthe Purple Heart and/or his/her discharge papers (these are the only acceptabledocuments to join the MOPH). The MOPH currently has approximately 42,000members nationwide.”0007 Willard A. Flippin, , sent the following messages.“I served with Alpha Company, 2nd Bn., 12th Cav. from June of 1965through most of February, 1966. I was with my unit in Vietnam for about fourmonths from November, 1965 through February, 1966; Happy Valley, Bong Songand field hospital ‘Dog’. I would also like your help in locating the Alpha Gunnerof my squad, Sp4 Archibald from Cincinnati, Ohio, He served from August,1965 to at least March, 1966.”The Association researched and reported that they had been informed of thedeath of Archibald and Willard replied “Thanks for the information regardingGeorge D. Archibald. Regrettably, your information was correct. Archi passedaway in 1998 of cancer of the esophagus according to his sister-in-law, Karel.He had no surviving wife or any children, he had remained a bachelor, retiringfrom the Cincinnati Fire Department.”0008 “I was in B 1-12 1965-1966 and I’m always looking for people who servedwith me who I may remember.” Tom Karnes 0009 “I was a platoon leader and XO of A Co., 1-12 Cav from July, 1969-June, 1970 and the S1 of the battalion for about 3 months in between, when wehad more lieutenants then captains. We were out of Ben Hoa. Been a long timeago....” Tim Gifford 0010 “I was Platoon Leader 3rd platoon, then 1st platoon “Death Wing”, thencompany CO Delta -- all in same company. Spent the entire tour in the bush--except of course, hospital “R&R” stays.While I was in DELTA we had two MOH recipients--Rod Evans on 18 July,1969 (posthumous) was our 3rd platoon 1st squad leader and John Baca -- 90mmrecoilless rifle gunner from (also) 3rd platoon. I am 100% VA disabled frommy wounds—I do not work for money anymore but instead work as an (unpaidvolunteer) employee of Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC), assistingour seriously wounded soldiers and their families from Iraq and Afghanistan.Actually go on inpatient rounds once a week despite not having any formal medicaleducation--only vicariously as a patient! LT Jon Dodson Please respond positively to these troopers and make them smile.0011 “I called Trooper Carl H. Lawrence on his inquiry if anyone had remembereda time in late 1966 in a SF camp west of An Khe and an encounter with JohnWayne. Our Delta Recon 2-12 platoon encounter with JW was on February 20,1966 in the early am in Bong Son just before saddling up to assault an LZ whereour A Co., 2-12 was trapped. As you can see the photos are not the best of JW(I was the only one with a camera.) JW was firing artillery to where we were toland later on. As he walked toward us I remember one of our guys yelling to him;“Duke come with us. We have one foot in Hell and we’re going to put the otherin soon.” An officer tried to stop him from coming over but he did. I rememberhim saying to us; “If I could go with you I would. But these SOB’s won’t letme. God be with all of you.” It was a short five minutes of an encounter but alife time memory.” Gary “Doc” Baxman 0012 Vietnam Veterans Day weekend 28-29 March, 2009 in Crossville, Tennessee. in conjunction with NativeAmerican Veterans Honor Pow Wow, honoring all vets of any/all conflicts. I cannot rate high enoughthe opening ceremonies to a pow wow for any veteran.

Page 77th CAV NewsRobert J. Anderson2243 Ancient Dr.Wyoming, MI 49519(616) 534-9180RJ.Anderson2243@comcast.netSaber@US7thCavalry.comwww.US7thCavalry.comAs I sit staring at thekeyboard and a blankscreen, I am rememberingwith fondness NormOSTERBY, who servedwith B Troop during thefierce fighting in the Pacific.Norm passed justafter Thanksgiving andis survived by his wife, Peg. He served with greatpride as President of both the 1st Cavalry DivisionAssociation as well as the 7th Cavalry Association, butto me I always think of him as our Scribe, for you seehe wrote this column for many, many years. In thosedays, I think the columns were submitted in literallywritten form and it must have been a whole lot harderfor the news to get transcribed and edited. The photoshows Norm at the 2003 dedication of the Horse CavalryMemorial at the Little Bighorn National Monument.So to Norm OSTERBY, a great friend to every trooperof the 7th Cav, I say Garryowen and goodbye. Thisinformation was brought to my attention by another BTrooper – Bob ANDERSEN, and even though it wassad news, I thank you.Like many parts of the country, the weather here inGrand Rapids, Michigan has so far been brutal with wellover 50 inches of snow already this winter. Some ofmy Alpha Company friends live down south and theyjust might get an unexpected visitor.Bill RICHARDSON, HHT, 7th Cav sent the followingOp Ed article from the LA Times, written by MichaelELLIOT, regarding Native Americans.“Today marks the anniversary of an iconic moment ofAmerican history: CUSTER’s Last Stand, the culminationof LTC George Armstrong CUSTER’s disastrousattack on a coalition of Lakota Sioux, Cheyenne andArapaho Indians camped on the Little Bighorn River.Nearly every American knows the image: On a dusty,Norm Osterbybloody hill, CUSTER and the final survivors of his battalion fight to the lastagainst merciless hordes of Indians who press closer at every moment.“What few Americans know is that the command of about 600 men Custerled into battle in 1876 included about 35 American Indians, mostly Arikarasbut also six Crow and a few Santee Sioux. Some of the Indian scouts woulddie alongside the 7th Cavalry at Little Bighorn. Others would ride away as thefighting began and spend the rest of their lives recounting what little they sawof the battle. What almost no one knows is that men from the same tribes thatfought against Custer would, one year later, be riding alongside the U.S. Armyas scouts in the campaign against the Nez Perce - or that the Indian scouts whoserved the Army in the 19th century became one of the precursors to the ArmySpecial Forces, also known as Green Berets.“This history meansthat patriotism is rarelysimple in the Indiancountry of the AmericanPlains. AmericanIndian communitieshave some of the highestrates of enlistmentin the U.S. military,yet their leaders alsodefend the principleof tribal sovereignty- which holds that the7th Cav Korean War Veterans gathered in Boston in1970. The lady looking directly at the camera withthe striped collar is Rose and to her right is EmersonChurchill. He served in B Company of the 7th Cavin Korea.tribes should enjoypolitical and economicautonomy. So at thesame time that theyare sending men andwomen to fight onbehalf of the UnitedStates, many American Indian communities continue to claim their independencefrom it.“At the site of the Little Bighorn battle in Montana, this contradiction becomesmanifest on the anniversary of the battle. Indians from across the northern Plainscome to celebrate the history of resistance to the United States, but they includecolor guards of Native American veterans, often in their service uniforms, carryingAmerican flags.“In this, America’s season of intense patriotic display, those of us who arenot Indians may be able to learn a few things about patriotism from the LittleBighorn celebration. The first is that American patriotism is not something thatyou simply have or do not. What that flag means to you will depend heavily onhow you regard the history behind it.“Consider this: The Lakota Sioux offered some of the fiercest resistance to theUnited States in the 1860s and 1870s, but in the decades that followed, Lakota artistsregularly incorporated the design of the U.S. flag into their beadwork, paintingand weaving. What those stars and stripes meant to the Lakota artists could varywidely: In their hands, the U.S. flag could be a gesture of their new allegiance, aplea for justice from the U.S., a symbol of the nation for which their young menwere now fighting or simply a decorative motif they knew to be popular withcollectors. It might have been all of these things at the same time.“The other insight is that genuine patriotism can still take place amid dividedloyalties. Americans are capable of more nuanced thinking about what it meansto be an American than we usually give ourselves credit for. Non-Indians whoattend celebrations like the Little Bighorn anniversary are often surprised by theexhibitions of U.S. patriotism. But for more than a century, American Indianson the Plains have understood that their love of country can contain both theirJANUARY/FEBRUARY, 2009struggles to achieve tribal autonomy and their deeply felt attachments to the UnitedStates.“That is the kind of patriotism that was born at the Little Bighorn battlefieldand the kind that American Indian soldiers now take with them to Afghanistanand Iraq. It is the kind of patriotism that is too big to fit on a lapel pin.” MichaelA. ELLIOTT is the author of Custerology: The Enduring Legacy of the IndianWars and George Armstrong Custer.I received this report from MG (Ret) Maury EDMONDS regarding the 5-7Cav participation at Veteran’s Day in DC. General EDMONDS is a formerBattalion Commander of that proud unit and currently serves as their associationpresident. Over 75 veterans of the 5-7th Cav and families gathered inWashington on Veterans Day to honor our lost brothers at the Wreath LayingCeremony at the Wall. They came from California, Texas, Colorado, NewHampshire, Florida - and points between. This annual gathering included, asusual, a dinner the night before. Ian McALISTER, Nick MASCOLA and LarryNUNEZ placed the wreath in that solemn ceremony, representing us all. ColonelJody PETERY, the first commander to deploy the battalion to Iraq and his familycame in from Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania where he is a student in the ArmyWar College. We were all blessed to be together again.”Larry GWIN reports from DC as follows: Nancy and I are back from D.C.,where we had three days doing Veterans Day-related things. We stayed at theRenaissance Hotel, downtown on 9th Street, right in the middle of town. ArrivingThursday afternoon, we had an hour to get ready for a reception at the Army/NavyClub in honor of LTG Hal MOORE and Joe GALLOWAY, who were signingtheir new book, We Are Soldiers Still. We took a cab there with our friend, PaulCLIFFORD, a MAC-V vet who was attending the American Veterans CenterConference (our hosts for the weekend) and immediately ran into Joe MARMand Tony NADAL, the only other Ia Drang vets there. We sat up front when Haland Joe, who’d signed books for an hour or more, came into the room and spoketo the guests. It turned out to be an emotional night for all of us.On Friday, Joe MARM joined us for breakfast. Then we went to the AVCConference, signed in and sat through an amusing hour-long panel featuring fourmembers of the “Filthy Thirteen” from the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment ofthe 101st Airborne Division who’d jumped into Normandy (and other places) andwere, purportedly, the inspiration for the movie, The Dirty Dozen (though none ofthe speakers were felons). The four old paratroopers were sharp as tacks as theyrecalled their adventures in training and in Europe. Funny stories, too. Then our“Ia Drang Panel” was seated: LTG Harold G. MOORE, Joe GALLOWAY, TonyNADAL, Joe MARM and yours truly. Joe acted as moderator and asked me totalk about the fight at LZ Albany, which I did for about ten minutes, covering thehighlights and letting the world know how heavily we were outnumbered (1200against 350), how well we fought, and how we “kicked ass.” (We really did.) Iwas honored to be there and it was a cathartic experience.The other gents spoke about their experiences at LZ X-Ray and then we answeredquestions. After it was over, I had two more days to play. Yeah.After hobnobbing with and getting books signed by, varied and sundry authors,Nancy, Paul and I hadlunch at the Old Ebbetts Grill, which is always a treat. Afterwards, we saunteredpast The White House, walked to The Wall, paid our respects, visited Old AbeLincoln’s Memorial and then returned to the hotel for a nap.Saturday, we were up early, took a cab to the Smithsonian Air and Space Museumnear Dulles Airport, and arrived at 9am for a special ceremony at which PaulTuttle’s painting, Night Rescue at LZ Albany was accepted by the Smithsonian tobe memorialized forever with the UH-1D “Huey” there. What a treat! Presentfor the ceremony were about 15 IaDrang vets, mostly chopper pilots and theircrews, all of whom had flown into Albany and/or X-Ray. Three of the pilots(Lee KOMICH, Bob MASON and Bob STENNET’s copilot) had flown at nightinto LZ Albany and I learned that there were three rescue missions into the LZthat night after dark. (I’d always thought there was only one.) Also present,representing the grunts on the ground, were John EADE, Bob TOWLES, Jim EP-PERSON and yours truly. General “Shy” MEYER, former Army Chief of Staff(and 3rd Brigade XO in Vietnam), was also there and he quietly joined us for thephotos. After that, we had free run of the place and all I can say is, “Wow! Ifyou ever get to that neighborhood, don’t miss it, especially if you like airplanesand space vehicles.” We spent two hours after the ceremony wandering aroundand gawking at the scores of historical aircraft.Afterwards, Jim EPPERSON gave us a ride back to the Crystal City Hiltonand we had a chance to touch bases with Bill and Jennifer BECK, Ed SOLTIS,Jim “Doc” HACKETT, Jerry “Legs” SKELLY, John RUSSELL and his brother,Ron SLEEIS, CSM Dennis WEBSTER, the 1st Cavalry Division Color Guardand others. Unfortunately, we couldn’t stay long. We had to get back to meetSam and Lauri FANTINO, John CAHILL and Angela COREY. Sam and Lauriwere joining Susan RESCORLA at the AVC Awards Banquet where Joe MARMwas getting an award and Rick RESCORLA was being honored posthumously.We missed the banquet, but had a good dinner, then sat at the hotel bar for twohours waiting for Sam, Lauri and Susan to meet us after the banquet. We leftearly the next morning for Boston. End of trip. End of report. My regards toall you vets. Garryowen! Thanks Larry.Gordon SEVERSON, who served in L Company of the 3-7 in Korea reportsthat one of his best buddies from their squad, Arlo R. RIEFF, passed away in July.Arlo is survived by his wife Carol. Another gallant soldier from the IaDrang hasreported to Fiddler’s Green. PFC Daniel KILGORE, who served with the secondplatoon in C 1-7 passed away on 21 Dec.Our own Ron “Shortround” MIGUT, C 1-7 sends this link regarding Vietnam:If you want to learn about the Vietnam War, bookmark this and take a few months(years) and read it all. This quite possibly could be the best search list evercompiled about the Vietnam War. It would take months to look at everythingthis site offers. Somebody went to a lot of effort on this site and it’s one of themost complete that I’ve seen. http://www.static.cc.gatech.edu/fac/Thomas.Pilsch/Vietnam.html Again from Shortround: COL (Ret) Bob EDWARDS, whocommanded Charlie Company 1-7 in the IaDrang recently (December), assistedin the promotion ceremony of COL Glenn A. KENNEDY, II by pinning on oneof his two Eagle insignia. COL KENNEDY is the son of C 1-7 SFC Glenn A.KENNEDY who was KIA May 6, 1966. The word is that COL KENNEDYwill become the Garrison Commander at Fort Gordon, Georgia in the summerContinued on pg. 9.

Page 9NORMAN R. OSTERBY, 1922-2008Norman Robert Osterby, who served as a Private First Classduring World War II and later served as President of the 1stCavalry Division Association, died on 29 November, 2008 at theVA Medical Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was 86.Norm was born on 3 May, 1922 and was raised in Minnesotagraduating from Annandale High School in 1940. He thenserved in the Civil Conservation Corps for the next year.After joining the Army he was assigned to the 1st CavalryDivision at Fort Bliss, Texas and was assigned to B Troop,1-7th Cavalry. Norm served with the First Team throughoutthe war as a rifleman and scout.In 1949, Norm graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree inCivil Engineering. He worked as a civil engineer in the Minnesota Departmentof Transportation and retired from there as an assistant commissioner in 1984.During his time with the Department of Transportation, he coordinated all thedesign work for the metro area interstate highway system.After his retirement Norm served on the Governor’s Council on Fire Preventionand Control and as the Wright County Representative to the Highway JurisdictionPolicy Commission.Norm was elected to serve as the President of the 1st Cavalry Division Associationand served in that position for two years from 1990 to 1992. During his timein office the Division deployed to Saudi Arabia for Operation Desert Shield andDesert Storm. He previously served as a Vice President and was a member of theBoard of Governors. Norm was a member of the Walter H. Westman NorthlandChapter of the Association in Minnesota.Norm is survived by his wife of 38 years, Margaret “Peg” of Annandale, children,Erik Osterby (Heidi) of Buffalo, Krisan Osterby Benson (Jay) of Excelsior;granddaughter, Kaijsa Benson of Excelsior; step son, Greg Olson (Connie) ofHopkins; 4 step grandchildren, and 6 step great grandchildren.1st SIGNAL and 13th SIGNAL NEWSW. D. “Stretch”Hungerford15 Desert Candle Cir.LeHigh Acres, FL 33936(239) 369-7871E-mail:Hi troopers, hope all had a great Thanksgiving and you all have a great Christmasand a healthy New Years.We lost a great trooper in November, 2008. SSG Harold May served in Burmain World War II and in the 13th Signal Troop in Japan and Korea.I have been asked to put in Saber a list of troopers from the old 1st Signal Troopand the 13th Signal Battalion that I have access to. So here goes, some may havepassed on to Fiddeler’s Green: Me, in 1st SIG, Harold (Red) Llywelyn, VirgilLatrell, Bob Bloss (1st SIG/13th SIG), Rudolph Fallon, Francis Venuto, FredRobling, Jr., Gil Harris, Allen Voit, George T. Burns, COL (Ret), Hubert Corken,Bruce Davis, Wallace Enderle, Robert Krug, Bill Ahrenberg, James Johnson MAJ(Ret), John Ruby, Howard Hester, James Beilstein, John Vey, Slaney Walford,Irving Klein, E. E. Brandies, T. D. Walton, Sr., Ken Newman (Ret), SheldonSindelar, Leslie Troyon, Harold Williams, Robert Ankeney, Hugh Burns COL(Ret), Joseph Plasters, Emmearl (Scotty) McKinnon, Tom Thomsen (got to CampDrake in May 1950 just in time to go to Korea) and lastly Eloit Woronoff.Here are what I have for Vietnam. Terry Hodous, radio Bong Son 12/66 to12/67, Fred Murillo 1967-68 A Company and of course, Jim Shields. If thereare any Signal Troopers that I have left off of this list please contact me or getin contact with Ken Newman, 10147 Sycamore Landing Rd., Williamsburg, VA23188-1257.For you Troopers that missed the reunion in Jacksonville, Florida, it was goodone. We did not have many Signal Troopers. This year we will be in Fort Hoodand hope the numbers will be higher. It looks like a lot of us are too old anymoreto travel long distances to reunions along with the rising costs. Gas prices arecurrently going down but lodging costs are going up. I will try to get up to Minnesotafor the reunion in 2010. I am going on eighty now and still kicking, butwho knows what lies ahead.New Members ListingContinued from pg. 8CSM (RET) MONEYMAKER, ERNEST R. CO HHC 2BDE 65SP-4 MOORE, DAVID K. VA H 75INF 7111PFC MOORE, ROBERT J. FL H 8C 5101SGT MUSSON, CHRISTOPHER L. TX 39SB 0409E-4 NIGIDO, PETER J. NY A 2-7C 7008LTC NOBLE, LARRY PA HHC 1-5C 7010E-4 ODUM, HOWARD IL C 7C 67MAJ PALMER, IAN C. TX HHT 4-9C 08112LT PAWLAK, RONALD Z. TX 1-5C 0811E-5 PERETTI, ROMANO M. NJ C 2-8C 6609MAJ PUENTES, CARLOS A. FL HHC 1CDH 9112E-3 PURCELL, DARRYLE AZ D 1-8C 6512SP-5 QUINTANA, ROBERT L. TX C 1-9C 6910SGT ROSARIO, FELIPE TX B DSTB 0807SFC (RET) SABREE, JAMEEL H. TX 2-82FA 0108SPC SCALF, CHRISTOPHER TX 2-5C 0605PFC SCHAFER, JOHN WI B 2-7C 98MAJ SMITH, JEFFREY A. TX 155ARMBDE 8601MRS. SPENCER, LAURA CA 1-ASSOC2LT STEPHENS, SCOTT LEE TX HHT 3BSTB 0808E-3 STEVENS, DANA D. IL B 1-7C 67031SG (RET) STOKESBERRY, TOM CA C 1-9C 6401SGT STROSSER, JR., ROBERT J. OR 11PATH 6805SGT TAYLOR, DAVID MO C 1-12C 6903SGT TAYLOR, MICHAEL J. CA E 2-12C 6802CW4 UNDERWOOD, WILLIAM KS 1BDE 7001MSG URBANSKI, DOUGLAS MN 345PSY 0402E-4 VAZQUEZ, JULIO NJ HHC 1CDH 66Continued on pg. 10.JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 20097th Cav NewsContinued from pg. 7.of 2009.Rolando SALAZER, D 2-7 and most recently our Association VP received thefollowing from one of the fellows who serves in the United Kingdom 7th Cavre-enactment group.Joe HOBDELL ) wrote to me and asked me toforward the note below. He is one of the leaders of the UK Air Cav group thatre-enacts the 7th Cav during the Vietnam War. As you can see, they would liketo connect with people who were actually there and they would like contactsand resources for their re-enactment activities. These guys are VERY dedicatedand try to be as accurate as possible about EVERYTHING they do. If you canor would like to help, please contact them directly. Here is Joe’s note: “Guys:“I’m Joe, the LT from the UKAIRCAV Vietnam re-enactment group in England.I think many of you have seen our website www.ukaircav.org. I’ve asked Rolandoto pass this e-mail onto you all as I’d like to try and get my guys in contact withVietnam veterans. I’d like to do this as 1.) It makes it more personal to them toactually speak to a guy that was there, and 2.) We give our guys roles within thegroup, i.e., M60 gunner, RTO, medic, etc. It’d be good if they could speak toa guy that did that role and learn from them and in turn pass that info onto newguys and the public. Please bear with them as some are naturally nervous aboutchatting to a vet, but I can vouch they are all nice people with a passion for theVietnam War. “We thank you all for letting us portray this and to all those thathave offered their help and support so far. Garryowen! Joe” If you are interested,please contact Joe directly.From Jim BRIGHAM, Association President comes the following: Becauseof problems relating to AOL the Silver Wings newsletter will now be accessiblefrom the 7th Cav website. http://www.us7thcavalry.com/AirCavUnits/Silver-Wings/newsletter.html.As an addendum to Pete BOOTH’s President’s Corner, I would like to addthe following information regarding a program called Combat Related SpecialCompensation. This program if applied for and approved will reimburse you forthe VA deduction from your retired pay. As an example in the simplest terms:Currently you receive $1,500 per month as an Army retiree and $800 per monthfor a VA Service Connected disability. Without CRSC you receive $700 fromDA and $800 from the VA for the same total of $1,500. With CRSC You wouldreceive $700 from DA, $800 from the VA and $800 from the CRSC fund for atotal of $2,300. All you need to do is plug in CRSC into Google and follow thedirections. Remember that these dollars are just examples as every retiree whohas a service connection is different. You are entitled to this money which offsetsthe DA deduction from your retirement pay. It has no effect on Survivors pay.The additional benefit is that both VA and CRSC are tax free. It took my fatherabout 3 months after his service connection for hearing loss to receive approvalfrom the Air Force CRSC unit.Commentary: The Times drags an honorable soldier through the mud, ByJoseph L. Galloway | McClatchy Newspapers.This week, I’m writing in defense of an old friend, retired Army GEN BarryR. McCAFFREY, who was dragged through the mud this week in a 5,000-wordarticle by David BARSTOW in The New York Times. Several months ago, BAR-STOW wrote a story on a Pentagon program undertaken on orders of then-defensesecretary Donald H. RUMSFELD that offered hand-feeding and special treatmentto a motley crew of television’s military talking heads. That was a largely successfuleffort to get the analysts, especially retired military brass, “on the team”cheerleading for the Bush administration’s war in Iraq and to keep them therewith a mix of carrots and sticks. The article noted that after the war got underway,McCAFFREY, almost alone among the 50-plus analysts, was an unrelentingcritic of RUMSFELD’s misconduct of it and his gross interference in matters ofstrategy and tactics that are better left to professionals. I found it curious, then,that BARSTOW chose McCAFFREY, who didn’t feed at RUMSFELD’s trough,as the target of his allegations of conflict of interest and self-dealing, especiallywhen he offered no proof that the general ever tailored his analysis of the warand other military matters to smooth the way into RUMSFELD’s Pentagon forthe defense companies for whom he was consulting. Whether NBC News, forwhom he worked as a military analyst, should have disclosed McCAFFREY’sbusiness dealings is a different issue, but as a sometime target of RUMSFELD’sire, I can assure you that criticizing him was not the way to win friends, muchless influence contracts, in a Pentagon that he ran like a banana republic. In theinterest of full disclosure, I’ve been a good friend of Barry McCAFFREY eversince I rode to war beside him with the 24th Infantry Division (Mechanized) inthe Persian Gulf War. I also was a good friend of his father, retired LTG WilliamMcCAFFREY and I consider myself a good friend of his son, COL SeanMcCAFFREY, who’s on active duty today. In my dealings with GEN Mc-CAFFREY, I’ve always found him to be a very intelligent, honorable soldier ofimpeccable character. I’ve never seen him shy away from telling the truth, evenwhen it might be controversial or incur the wrath of a powerful dung beetle suchas RUMSFELD. We also should remember that McCAFFREY is one of the mosthighly decorated combat soldiers ever to wear general’s stars, with two awards ofthe Distinguished Service Cross and three Purple Hearts for wounds he sufferedin the Vietnam War. On his second combat tour in Vietnam, McCaffrey was thecommander of B Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th U.S. Cavalry. During an assaulton North Vietnamese bunkers in the jungle, he was so badly wounded by machinegun fire that the men who put him aboard a medical evacuation helicopterwere certain that he’d soon be dead. That wound and more than 20 surgeriesleft his left arm non-functional and still he pleaded with the doctors at WalterReed Army Hospital to be allowed to continue to serve in our Army. That wasa great call by the doctors and then, Captain McCAFFREY went on to four-starrank. If he had a flaw as a commander and everyone does, it would be a temperthat could approach volcanic when he stumbled upon errors or inefficiency thatmight threaten the lives of his soldiers.As we hop scotched around southern Iraq during the chaotic 100-hour warin 1991, I witnessed one such eruption when, as he maneuvered three heavilyarmored brigades, his communications links to both the front and the rear failed.The roars emanating from the little tent hung on the side of his Blackhawk commandhelicopter bulged the walls and inspired me to walk 30 yards or so to a pileof rocks and take a seat out of the line of fire. The general, having thoroughlyContinued on pg. 11.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 200930th FA News“HARD CHARGERS”Daniel P. Gillotti4204 Berkeley Dr.Sheffield Village, OH 44054(440) 934-1750firstcav68@roadrunner.comwww.hardchargers.comHard Charger News:I hope this New Yearwill be better than thelast one. I wish all ofyou good health andall the happiness youcan hold.Our 2009 Reunionis set to be held June 17-20, 2009, in Nashville, Tennessee. The Hard ChargerReunion Headquarters will be set up in the Holiday Inn Express (Downtown),920 Broadway, Nashville, TN. The phone number for reservations is: (615)244-0379. For Reunion Registration information, our Hard Charger ReunionCoordinator is John Hoetker and he can be reached at: or bycalling: (518) 377-9420. Also, check our website at and look for “Reunion 2009” for the Registration Form.One of our previous commanders of the 1-30th FA is COL Sam White (2002-2004). Sam is currently deployed in Iraq and at my request he has provided theflowing information about what he is accomplishing. COL Sam White wrote, “Iam the theater lead for the Counter-Rocket, Artillery and Mortar (C-RAM) programhere in Iraq, responsible for the operation, maintenance and integration of the C-RAM system on the various Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) throughout Iraq.I am honored to work with and lead some outstanding Soldiers and Sailors whoman the C-RAM systems. Their dedication and vigilancekeeps their fellow service members safe and protected.COL Sam White inIraq.Integrated Army-Navy PHALANX C-RAM3 Btryin IraqThe AdmiraltiesContinued from pg. 5.on that side. Holliday and Stumfoll crept up, tossed grenades into the openingnear them. The Japs threw back two of the grenades but the others explodedinside the hole.There was no noise after that inside, so Holliday and Stumfoll and a handfulof other cavalrymen circled to the other entrance and started to pull the palmfronds away from the hole.A Jap was sitting up inside, drawing a bead with a rifle. About 20 carbinesand tommy guns practically sawed him in half. He folded over like a man inprayer.The GI’s heard more noises inside the pillbox but didn’t bother to find out whowas causing it; they just blew the roof in with TNT and grenades, and the battlefor this particular pillbox was over.Meanwhile the wounded wire chief had been pulled out of reach of the Japsby the ranking Medical Corps officer in the force, a colonel, who himself wasslightly wounded by a grenade. A Signal Corps photographer, who tried to getmovies of the action, was shot through the stomach.Toward the end of the morning the Japanese dead within the perimeter werecounted 66 against 7 Americans killed and 15 wounded. Seven critically woundedwere evacuated to the Bush.Reinforcements were still one day off. It was therefore imperative to knowhow much enemy activity the 2d Squadron could expect that night. Reconnaissancepatrols were sent west and northward in the direction of the skidway. Theywere stopped after going only 400 yards and, as the pressure against the patrolsincreased throughout the day, it was apparent that the enemy was still present inforce on all sides of the perimeter. At 1530 all patrols were recalled.The perimeter was further contracted and tightened during the afternoon. Ammunitionwas called for, to be dropped from planes if the weather permitted. Theplanes arrived, but some of the air drops fell beyond the perimeter. Strangelyenough, the officers and men who moved out to retrieve the ammunition werenot fired upon, although the planes that came low, strafing beyond the perimeter,received enemy fire. One drop that fell well within the enemy’s territory was setafire by strafing from the planes.Naval guns and artillery were busy softening up positions that had been revealedin documents captured during the previous day’s search of the bivouac area.Hyane Harbor and the southern coast of Los Negros were shown to be organizedfor defense with machine guns, mortars, and a few field pieces. The enemy hadscattered ammunition and food supply dumps which also became targets. The99th Field Artillery’s howitzer sections were moved into positions in the frontlines during the morning and fired 50 rounds on some of the targets that had beenlocated. The two destroyers were given the maps that showed enemy gun positionsand ordered to carry out area bombardment. The targets were first the areajust north of the skidway, then Papitalai, then Porlaka and the skidway, fired atalternately. In the afternoon the targets were the road back of the Hyane Beachto the north, and concentration areas and fortifications back of the eastern tip ofManus as well as the tip itself.The dispersal area west of the air strip was the chief target of an air bombardmentby our planes which began at 1600. Heavy ack ack opened up against theplanes at 1715 from the southern end of the air strip, so the Bush and Stocktonclosed to 1,000 yards and raked that area with everything they had. Both vesselsmade two passes southward and two northward. The air bombardment hadunexpectedly good results, for while the bombs were falling in the dispersalarea west of the air strip, about 100 Japanese ran pell-mell across the strip in thedirection of the defense perimeter. A majority of these were killed on the strip,Continued on pg. 17.Page10I have sent three pictures. The first is a picture of me in the IZ in Baghdad. Ihave Soldiers there and I visit a couple times a month. The second is a pictureof one of the C-RAM Joint Intercept Batteries that is here in theater. They are allsitting on one of the Land-based Phalanx Weapons Systems (LPWS) that makeup part of the C-RAM system. The LPWS is designed to shoot enemy rockets,mortars and artillery out of the air. There are 8 guns per battery and they areplaced around critical assets that must be protected. The guns are actually mannedby Sailors...as this system is amodified version of the PhalanxClose-In Weapons System (PhalanxCWIS) that is used on Navyships. The third photo is a timelapsed photo of the LPWS duringan engagement. Notice how itfollows the round down until itis destroyed. The LPWS putsout a very large volume of fire(about 6000 rds/min). C-RAMalso consists of a system of radarsand warning speakers...whichdetect the incoming rounds andTROOPER SUPPORT PROGRAMMost of you remember what it was like to be far away from home and have aletter or a package arrive during mail call and many of you remember not receivinganything and how that made you feel. Show your support for our deployed 1stCavalry Division Troopers by sending a letter or box to a deployed Trooper.The 4th Brigade Combat Team (BCT) of the 1st Cavalry Division deployedto Iraq during June 2008 with the rest of the Divsion, with the exception of theAir Cavalry Brigade will be in Iraq before March 2009. Based on these factsthe 1st Cavalry Division Association asks you to support its ‘Trooper SupportProgram’. There are specific procedures, guidance, and postal details availableon the Association’s web page at .Unit Points of Contact (POC’s) and overseas mailing addresses for the 4th BCTare printed below and available from the Association via e-mail or phone. Wewill list the POC’s for the remainig units in future issues of SABER. For securityreasons the names of our POC’s and their addresses will not be displayed on ourweb site. All mail must be addressed to an individual. You can not send mailto Any Soldier or to a position like Commander. All units in the 4th BCT havethe same APO number APO AE 09331 with the exception of 5-82 FA which islocated at APO AE 09391.1-9 CAV – CPT Gerald Mantanona, HHT 1-9 CAV, 4BCT, 1CD, APO AE093312-7 CAV – CPT Matthew Fontaine, HHC 2-7 CAV, 4BCT, 1CD, APO AE093312-12 CAV – CPT Robin Worch, HHC 2-12 CAV, 4BCT, 1CD, APO AE093315-82 FA – SSG Dwan Miller, HHB 5-82 FA, 4BCT, 1CD, APO AE 0939127 BSB – CPT Kimberly Jennings, HHC 27 BSB, 4BCT, 1CD, APO AE093314 STB – SFC Dion Williams, HHC 4 STB, 4BCT, 1CD, APO AE 093314 BCT – MAJ Boyce Edwards, HHC 4th BCT, 1CD, APO AE 09331Information on the other units will be available at the Association within a fewdays and will be published in the next issue of SABER.Use the following format on your letters and packages:Rank & Name - SFC Dion WilliamsUnit - HHC, 4STB, 4BCT, 1CDAPO Number - APO AE 09331sound a warning so Soldiers cantake cover. This sense and warnPHALANX Gun firing in Iraq.capability is THE MOST important part of C-RAM - not as snazzy as the guns,but more important. As you well know, if Soldiers or Marines have early warningof incoming artillery or rockets, they can take cover which greatly increases thechances of walking away from an attack.” We’ll take this opportunity to thankHard Charger COL Sam White for providing us with some great insight into theintegrated Army-Navy effort in the War of Terror.We ask you for your prayers for the soul of Raleigh Baughman (C-6-16th FAand B-1-30th FA) as he lost his fight with cancer. We ask you also for prayersand consolation for his family.Additionally, I want to continue to spread the word that the 30th FA RegimentAssociation is raising funds to purchase a large St. Barbara Statue to be displayedin Vernor Auditorium at Fort Sill. Tentatively the statue could be between 36”to 72” tall and we’re giving everyone an opportunity to make tax deductiblecontributions. Please contact me if there are any questions about this project.This is Hard Charger 9G, End of Mission ~ Out!Please prepare and organize your efforts to support this very worthwhile cause.Those wishing to provide support that may have questions should contact the 1stCavalry Division Association National Headquarters by mail, phone or e-mail orthe Association’s Program Coordinator, Bob Tagge at .Show Them That You Care!Remember when you were overseas and what it was like toreceive mail or a package from home?Please support the Troopers of the First Team!New Members ListingContinued from pg. 9.SSG VERNON, BRANDON L. TN E 1-7C 0205SP-5 WHITE, GARY D. GA B 1-8C 6711SGT WILCOX, CLARENCE DENNIS OH B 1-8C 6605SGT WNEK, JOHN AZ C 2-5C 6609CPT WOODS, KRISTI MARIE NM B 13SIG 0305

Page 1127th ORD/MNT/MSB/BSB NewsEd Jones38 Sedgwick RdOswego, IL 60543(630) 554-9245ecjones19@aol.comJohn Ramsden11210 ShadowmereMewsColumbia, MD 21044jlram80@aol.comGreetings and Happy 2009! I trust all had a most Merry Christmas and areenjoying the New Year. My wife and I just returned from a 15 day cruise to Hawaiiand back, out of San Diego, (When you get to be 75 and retired, you too cando that.) so we are rested and ready for whatever 2009 brings. We met severalveterans on the cruise ship as they had two get togethers for military veteransduring the cruise. I was not able to write down the names but they included anengineer who was in II Corps in 1968-69 with an Engineer Battalion, an aircraftmaintenance type who was in the Aircraft Depot Maintenance Company that wasattached to the 1st CAV in 1967-68 and veteran of the 101st Airborne Divisionwho served with the 327th Glider Infantry Regiment at the Battle of the Bulge in1944-45 and was in Bastogne. Meeting someone like that was quite an honor.We had a small but significant gathering of 27th Veterans over the Veterans Dayweekend. We had a wonderful, private, long lunch on Sunday, November 9 at theBistro Restaurant at the Hilton Crystal City Hotel. We had planned to meet in theCAV Hospitality Room but it was overrun with CAV troopers waiting in line to getHal Moore’s and Joe Galloway’s new book “We are Soldiers Still” autographed. Itwas a mob scene! The Bistro set us up early in a private area and we had a grandold time. Presentand accounted forwere: Ron Stokes,Bill Farroux andhis wife Sheryl,Phil Barb and hiswife Sharon, LarryHarmon and yourstruly. Ron, Bill,Phil and I wereall in Vietnam togetherfor somepart of the 1968-70timeframe. Larryserved with the27th in Korea in1963-64. PicturePhil, Sharon, Bill, Sheryl and Larry at start of the luncheon.number one shows, Phil, Sharon, Bill, Sheryl and Larry at start of the luncheon.We were joined by two “guests” from the CAV. They were Paul Hanson and RogerMay. Both belong to the New York – New Jersey Chapter of the 1st Cavalry DivisionAssociation that Ron Stokes also belongs to. Paul Hanson served in Vietnamfrom 1968 to 1971with the Quad 50’sunit that was oftenassigned missions insupport of the CAV. Iknow we always appreciatedthose folksPaul (on the right) and Roger (on the left).Ron, Phil and Bill enjoying a “cold one.”being on the wire atnight to lend theirfirepower. They alsodid lots of convoyescort missions. Paulwent on to serve asthe CAV G3 SergeantMajor at Fort Hoodfrom 1988-90. RogerMay served at FortHood with the 3-32Armor from 1986-88.Picture number twoshows Paul (on theright) and Roger (onthe left). The thirdpicture shows Ron, Phil and Bill enjoying a “cold one.”We were expecting Joe Viggiano (27th Maintenance Bn, 1968-69) and partof his family to attend but I found out through Joe’s daughter, Terese, in herChristmas card, that Joe broke his foot that week and then had to have knee replacementsurgery on December 10. Hopefully he is recovering nicely and willbe in Washington, DC next year!While on the subject of Christmas cards I had a nice note from Chuck McLean(27th Maintenance Bn, Vietnam,1966-67) who lives inPetersburg, SD (burr). Picturenumber 4 shows Chuck’s ridinghis new “toy”! As Chucksays, “no fool like an old fool.”Hang tough Chuck – lookinggood.Another motorcycle enthusiast,Cliff Baker (27thOrdnance Company, Korea,1950-52) also wrote to correctme on a name in the last SA-BER, Pete Shakes. I referredto him at one point as “Peter.”Cliff informed me there is nosuch name for him. Turns our Pete’s mother is from Cuba and his father is fromAustralia and his real first name is “Harry.” We have yet to find out how he gotthe nickname of “Pete.” Pete/Harry, maybe you can enlighten us! Cliff wentSeveral 27th troopers visiting withRudolphThanks to LTC Mark Simerlyand his staff, we have updatednews from the 27th BrigadeSupport Battalion. The mainstory, of course, is celebratingthe Christmas Season, whichcan be difficult being so faraway from home, but as alwaysthe 27th troopers did themselvesproud. Picture number5 shows several 27th troopersvisiting with Rudolph and Picturenumber 6 shows severaltroopers with appropriate treeand snowmen. Ingenuity on theJANUARY/FEBRUARY, 2009on to say that Pete had lost his wifein the last two years and was havinga tough time adjusting. Cliff hadalso lost his wife and he and Pete aretalking about coming to the reunionnext year.I also had an e-mail from Ed Karl(27th Maintenance Bn, Vietnam,1969-70) who was unable to makethe November Reunion due to hisrecovery from cancerous esophagussurgery he had last January (2008).He thought all would be well byNovember but his recovery is takinglonger than expected. We will keepyou in our thoughts and prayers Edand hope to see you and Pat in November,2009!Shows several troopers with appropriate treeand snowmenpart of our soldiers is alive and well! Mark reports the following: “We enjoyedthe Holiday Season here in Iraq. Although we deeply missed our families, wemade a great effort to have a bright and cheerful holiday. Christmas decorationsand spirit were plentiful as we started the season with a Christmas Tree LightingCeremony at our Headquarters building on 2 December, complete with caroling,cookies and hot chocolate. Each company had their own Christmas partieswith gifts, decorations and music. We also had a Christmas Eve celebration atthe Headquarters featuring the arrival of Santa Claus and gifts for each soldierdistributed by Chaplain Bankston. On Christmas Day our dining facility provideda wonderful holiday meal to our Troopers and we had a visit from GEN Petreaus,the CENTCOM Commander, who provided words of thanks and inspiration toour troopers.” (Note from John: I think this is great! For him to take the time tovisit a logistics unit shows how much more logistics are recognized and respectedcompared to times past.)From a mission standpoint Mark reports that they have now completed morethan 135 combat logistics patrols totaling over 220,000 miles driven, completedover 4700 maintenance jobs and treated more than 5575 medical patients. Allthis while continuing to work closely with the 10th Iraqi Army Division andproviding supply, transportation, maintenance and medical assistance, trainingand mentoring to them.For those of you interested in the big picture, the rest of the 1st Cavalry Divisionis now in or on its way to Iraq. They are replacing elements of the 4th InfantryDivision. For those of you thinking about going to Fort Hood for the 62nd AnnualReunion, June 3-7, it appears nearly all units of the CAV will not be at FortHood. The 27th BSB should be heading home sometime later this summer. Ifyou are planning to attend the 62nd Reunion at Fort Hood, would you please letNelson Cardona know so plans to have a 27th get together can be coordinated.Nelson’s e-mail is .Many thanks to all that sent me info for this edition of SABER and best wishesto all for 2009.7th Cav NewsContinued from pg. 9.chewed every butt in the tent, stepped outside, spotted me on my rocky perch andcommenced yelling at me. I raised both hands in the time-out sign and shoutedback: “You can’t yell at me. I don’t work for you!” He shook his head and turnedback inside his tent. McCAFFREY retired from the Army to serve as PresidentCLINTON’s National Drug Czar and after that he became an adjunct professorat his and his father’s alma mater, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Hecontinues to teach there today. That’s not the usual revolving door route to richestaken by the many retiring admirals and generals who sit on the boards of bigdefense companies or take executive positions with those companies. Instead,he set up a small consulting firm, B.R. McCAFFREY and Associates and hiredhimself out to advise small defense contractors on how to negotiate the shoalsand reefs of Washington, DC. In the last six years as a military analyst for NBCNews, I’ve never once known him to trim his sails or duck a troublesome issue,no matter what company or companies he might be consulting for. That’s notthe Barry McCAFFREY I know and respect - the one who’s a true Americanhero with service to the nation bred into him and with the old West Point mottoof Duty, Honor, Country still ringing in his ears. I like the Barry McCAFFREYI’ve come to know well. I don’t recognize the one portrayed by Mr. BARSTOWand The New York Times. As he has for many years, GEN Barry McCAFFREYagain hosted the bi-annual gathering of Bravo 2-7 warriors this past Veteran’sDay in Washington, DC.Tammy SMITH CHURCHILL writes on behalf of her father, Emerson. Emersonserved with Baker Company during the Korean War and would love tohear from any of his former buddies. Attached is a picture taken at the Boston,Massachusetts 1970 reunion with Emerson and his late wife, Rose sitting in thefront. Rose is in the striped dress while Emerson sits to her right. Tammy reportsthat her dad is quite active with the local KWVA. Thank you and Happy NewYear. Tammy can be reached at .With that I bid you a hearty Garryowen and First Team from the Great LakesState.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 2009THE 62nd ANNUAL REUNION, 3-7 JUNE, 2009KILLEEN, TEXASReunions are a time for all of us to gather together and say “Welcome Home”and we want each of you to be a part of this great event. The Troopers of the1st Cavalry Division Association will be meeting once more in Killeen, Texasto celebrate our 62nd Annual Reunion. We normally are here every other yearbut missed 2006 due to the first deployment of the Division to Iraq. Most of the1st Cavalry Division will be in Iraq again for this reunion but we have a planthat will be fun and there will be some of our great active duty Troopers presentfor the reunion. The Horse Cavalry Detachment will be here. Come and joinus for a fun time meeting old friends and making new ones. We have numerousevents planned and there will be opportunities for you to go off on your own andsee the surrounding area.The Shilo Inn Suites Hotel, located at 3701 South W.S. Young Drive, will beour Reunion Headquarters. The Shilo is located next to the Killeen Conventionand Conference Center (KCCC) which will be the main location for most of ourevents. Come by the Shilo to pick up your tickets, reunion pin and schedule orto register if you chose not to pre-register. The Shilo will also be the location forour Reunion Room (hospitality suite) and the Crossed Sabers Souvenir Shop.LODGINGDon’t wait; reserve your hotel room now and make sure that you identifyyourself as a part of the 1st Cavalry Division Association Reunion. We do notreserve rooms for you and making reservations and cancelling them are yourresponsibility. As many of you know, Killeen has no hotels large enough to holdour reunion so we will be staying in several different hotels. While the Shilo islocated next to the KCCC, the rest of the hotels are not within walking distancebut are located close to each other. The Association will provide a shuttle busto move you from one of our many hotels to the Shilo, the KCCC or to the postfor any events being held there. We have blocked rooms and reserved a specialrate with the following hotels:Hotel Rate ReservationsShilo Inn Suites FULL (800) 222-2244 or (254) 699-0999Residence Inn $99 + Tax (888) 236-2427 or (254) 634-1020Fairfield Inn $89 + Tax (888) 236-2427 or (254) 526-3333TownePlace Suites $89 + Tax (888) 236-2427 or (254) 554-8899Holiday Inn $89 + Tax (800) 465-4329 or (254) 690-5511Candlewood Suites $85 + Tax (888) 226-3539 or (254) 501-3980We have several other hotels that we are working with to get a special rate andwill list them in future issues of SABER or on our web page. Please contact usfor a listing of alternate hotels if these are all full. There are many other motelsat different rates in Killeen but if you stay at a different hotel than what we havelisted we will not be able to provide a shuttle service for you.All of the hotels that we have selected are newly constructed and provide awide variety of services. Each hotel provides internet service that is either wirelessor wired included in the price. All have a small refrigerator and microwaveand several have full kitchens. All offer a breakfast with the price of the roomwith the exception of the Holiday Inn and Candlewood Suites. The ResidenceInn provides a hot breakfast while the others serve Continental breakfasts. TheHoliday Inn and Shilo have full service restaurants on site.REUNION EVENT OVERVIEWThe Crossed Sabers Chapter welcomes each of you to Killeen and Fort Hoodfor the 62nd Annual Reunion of the 1st Cavalry Division Association. We arestill refining the plan and will do our best to make this event special for everyonethat comes to the reunon. As the plan gets fully developed we will announcechanges in SABER and also on our web page at . Please makesure to bring photo identification to ensure that you have no issues getting onpost for any events scheduled there.As usual, we are planning for a Welcoming Mixer, War Era Lunches, UnitLunches, Sweetheart Dance, Annual Association Banquet, a Ladies Tea, GroupBreakfast, and Memorial Service. Additionally, this year we will be having aGold Star Family Member Breakfast and want everyone that is in contact with thefamilies of our fallen Troopers to invite them to attend. There is never a registrationfee for our Gold Star families and the Association will pay for their breakfastat this event. Julie Kink, the sister of WO Kink who was killed in Vietnam whileserving with 1-9th Cavalry, will be our guest speaker and this special event willbe a standard item in future reunions. If Gold Star families wish to attend anyother function they will need to pay for those events. The Sweetheart Dance isa fund raising event that supports the Foundation of the 1st Cavalry Division Association.All money raised from this event supports scholarships for the childrenof Troopers that were killed in action or were totally and permanently disabled.The Ladies Tea will have an additional activity for the ladies to enjoy. Eachyear during our reunions in Killeen we have had a Historic Tableau on Fridayevening that shows the history of the Cavalry in a demonstration set to music. Asyou may know, the 1st Cavalry Division will be in Iraq during our reunion andwe are still working to see if we can host this special event. If the task provestoo much to handle or can not be done in a quality way, we will have plans forsomething else on Friday evening.We will have meetings of the Chapter Presidents, Foundation and MuseumFoundation Trustees, the Board of Governors and our General Membershipmeeting. During our General Membership meeting on Saturday morning we willhold elections for the Association and both Foundations and select the locationfor our 2012 reunion. Please put this important meeting on your list of thingsto do at the reunion.Seating for all events is open with the exception of the Reunion Banquet onSaturday night. If you are attending the banquet, you must get your tickets markedwith a table number at the Banquet Seating table when picking up your registrationpacket. If you want to sit with specific people we recommend that you allgo to the Banquet Seating table together with your tickets available. Don’t waituntil the last minute or we may not be able to accommodate your needs.Cavalry casual attire is appropriate for all reunion events. We are always questionedabout attire for the banquet. Wear what you feel comfortable wearing;a coat and tie, your uniform (if it still fits), casual clothing with open collar, orjeans or shorts. We want you to attend and aren’t overly concerned with whatPage 12you wear, as long as it isn’t indecent!The Association will provide a Reunion Room in the Shilo during the reunionfor you to gather together and enjoy yourself. Drinks in the Reunion Room arefree but we ask that you generously donate to help us pay for this room.The Crossed Sabers Souvenir Shop will set up a gift shop in the Shilo to sellall kinds of First Team merchandise including shirts, hats, Stetsons, pins, decalsand other items to numerous to mention and it’s home location will also be openin the 1st Cavalry Division Museum on post.TRANSPORTATIONWe encourage you to coordinate your travel arrangements by using our on-lineCav Travel program. Visit and give it a try. Wehave received a couple of complaints and several compliments on this site. OurTravel Program offers you discounted rates and also provides the Associationwith some income. If you don’t like making your own travel arrangements anddo not have a travel agent that you regularly use, we recommend either of thetwo following travel agents in our area that we know are reputable.Casa Blanca Travel – Toll free (866) 833-0327, local (254) 526-5555, website All Country Travel – Toll free (800) 226-1990, local (254) 547-9090, website If you send a message to either of these travel agencies please remember toprovide them with your telephone number and e-mail address so they can contactyou!Air Travel – You can fly directly into the Killeen/Fort Hood Regional Aiportthrough Dallas, Houston or Atlanta on American Eagle, Continental Connectionor Delta Connection. While some of the flights into and out of Killeen are still onsmall prop airplanes most of the service is by commuter jet. Lines in the airportare small by comparison to the major airports and we highly recommend that youchoose to fly into and out of the Killeen/Fort Hood airport. The airport is co-locatedwith Robert Gray Army Airfield and the runway can handle all commercialaircraft. Austin’s Bergstrom Airport is located on the other side of Austin, about1½ hour drive to Killeen, and the Dallas Fort Worth Airport is 3 hours north ofKilleen. All airports offer numerous rental car companies. The Killeen airporthas Advantage, Avis, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Thrifty rental car agencieson site. Taxi and shuttle service are also available in Killeen. Check with yourhotel to see if they provide a free shuttle from the Killeen airport.Train/Bus Travel – AMTRAK serves Temple, Texas which is located about20 miles east of Killeen. You can make reservation with AMTRAK by calling(800) 872-7245 or visiting their web page at . The TrailwaysBus Station is located at the corner of 4th Street and Avenue C in Killeen and inAustin at 916 E. Koening.Automobile Travel – Those traveling to the reunion by automobile can expectto find construction on the Interstate highways leading to the central Texas area.There has been and will continue to be construction and some delays on IH-35.You may wish to check for possible problems on your planned route by callingthe Texas Department of Transportation at (800) 452-9292 or visiting their webpage at prior to leaving homefor the reunion. The Association will have a site set up at the Reunion Registrationarea in the Shilo to issue temporary passes for Fort Hood. Make sure thatyou have your Drivers License, automobile registration and proof of insuranceand a photo ID to preclude any problems. Those with rental car must have theirDrivers License and the rental contract.TOURSTours are still being set and will be announced in the next issue of SABER andon our web page at .The Killeen Rodeo will be going on during our reunion and you may wish toplan on attending the rodeo to see how its done in Texas.GOLD STAR FAMILY BREAKFAST - A New Reunion EventGold Star Families are among the bravest people I know. I was honored to beasked by Pete Booth, President of the 1st Cavalry Division Association, to workwith Association Executive Director, Dennis Webster, to organize and publicizethe first-ever Gold Star Family Breakfast to take place at the 1st Cavalry DivisionAssociation Reunion in June, 2009 at Fort Hood.The breakfast - for both families and veterans who support them - will be onthe reunion registration form and is scheduled for Friday morning. It’s a wayfor families to feel welcomed, knowing that there’s a special place for themamong the comrades who served with their loved ones. Today, we have GoldStar Mothers and Fathers who are in their forties on into their nineties . . . GoldStar Sisters and Brothers who are in their teens to their sixties . . . Gold StarChildren of all ages. All share a common desire to know that their loved oneswill never be forgotten.If you have been in touch with a family of a buddy who was KIA or MIA andare thinking about going to the reunion, consider inviting them as well, and mentionthat there is a breakfast on Friday which you and they can attend together.If you need any encouragement, let me know.There are many ways to get in touch with the family of a fallen trooper whomeant something to you. Sending a note to the SABER columnist for your unit,or Silver Wings columnist Hank Llewellyn, is a place to start. Check the internetfor locator bulletin boards. For Vietnam casualties you knew well, post a tributeon The Virtual Wall, . If it’s a Vietnam helicopter loss,our Family Contacts Committee of the Vietnam Helicopter Flight Crew Networkcan help: . There may be a family out therelooking for some memories you can share.Years ago when I started my journey to learn more about my brother David, Ifeared that my presence among veterans would be unwelcome because I representeda tragic loss. Of course, I found just the opposite - I now have many “newbig brothers” who are very dear to me. I’m grateful for this opportunity to helpother family members realize that we are welcomed in the extended Cav family.What better place to share memories of your buddy with his or her family thanat a reunion of his comrades?Please consider coming to the Gold Star Family Breakfast to honor our fallen,and bringing someone you know who wears the Gold Star.Julie KinkSister of WO David Kink, C Troop 1-9th CAV, KIA 8-3-1969, Honorary Member9th Cavalry Regiment, .

Page 1362nd Annual 1st Cavalry Division AssociationWEDNESDAY, JUNE 31300-1800 Registration Desk Open1300-1800 Souvenir Shop Open1300-2400 Reunion Room OpenTHURSDAY, JUNE 40900-1800 Registration Desk Open0900-1800 Souvenir Shop Open0900-1500 Reunion Room Open1030-1200 Chapter President’s Meeting1300-1400 Foundation Trustees Meeting1400-1500 Museum Foundation Trustees Meeting1600-1800 Welcoming Mixer (Hors d’oeuvres)1600-1800 Kid’s Mixer1900-2400 Reunion Room Open2030-2400 Sweet Heart DanceFRIDAY, JUNE 50730-0900 Gold Star Family Breakfast0900-1800 Registration Desk Open0900-1800 Souvenir Shop Open0900-2400 Reunion Room Open0900-1030 Board of Governors Meeting0900-1100 Ladies Tea1230-1430 War Ear Lunches1630-1730 Retreat CeremonySATURDAY, JUNE 60900-1100 General Membership Meeting (Elections - Reunion Site Selection)0900-1200 Registration Desk Open0900-1700 Souvenir Shop Open0900-2400 Reunion Room Open1200-1400 Unit Luncheons1745-1845 Cocktails1900-2200 Association BanquetSUNDAY, JUNE 70700-0830 Group Breakfast Buffet0700-0830 LRRP/Ranger Breakfast Buffet0900-1000 Memorial Service (Long Roll Muster)1st CAVALRY DIVISION ASSOCIATION 62nd REUNION (2009) REGISTRATION FORMMail to: 1st Cavalry Division Assn. - Reunion302 N. Main Street, Copperas Cove, TX 76522-1703JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 2009Yes, I will attend the 1st Cavalry Division Association 62nd Annual Reunionat the Shilo Inn and Suites in Killeen, Texas June 3-7, 2009. Cancellationsmust be received by 5:00pm Monday, June 1, 2009 in our office (254-547-6537) for a refund. Seating at all functions is limited. Hotel Cancellationsmust be done personally.Register early.YOU MUST BE AN ASSOCIATION MEMBER TO REGISTER.PLEASE PROVIDE ALL THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION.Are you a Member of the 1st Cav. Div. Assn. Yes ___ No ___Please Print Clearly or place a Return Address Label. Don’t forget Nickname.NAME________________________________________________________NICKNAME ___________________________________________________STREET_______________________________________________________CITY, STATE & ZIP____________________________________________Telephone # (_______)____________________________________________Last 4 SSN _________ Birth Date_________________________________Preferred Unit(s) order (1)________________________________________(2) ____________________________________________________________Date(s) Served in 1st Cav (1)________________ to____________________(2) ___________________________to ____________________________________________________________________________________________I served during (Circle one or more): Pre-WWII WWII JAPAN (Anytime)KOREAN WAR KOREA ‘57-65 FT. BENNING VIETNAM WARFT. HOOD GULF WAR BOSNIA AFGHANISTAN IRAQ FT. BLISS.I will be accompanied by my spouse or other (Full Name and Nickname)_________________________________________________________________and the following persons, please specify relationship. (Family membersonly.)Name Nickname Age (Children)_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Is this your first 1st Cav. Div. Assn. Reunion? ___Yes ___ NoMy e-mail is: ___________________________________________________I am staying at: Shilo___ Residence Inn ___ Fairfield ___ Towneplace ___Holiday Inn ___ Candlewood Suites ___ Local ___ Home ___ RV ___Other ____________________________________________________Please specify where you are staying, as it will help us to find you in theevent of an emergency. Thanks!Registration fee required for Association members only (Widows no Fee)- no fee for family members accompanying Association member. Registrationincludes: Name Tags (required for admission to Reunion Room andother activities), Official Reunion Program, Reunion Pin and informationpackage.FUNCTION NO. OF COST TOTALTICKETS AMOUNT AMOUNTRegistration Fee (Member Only)Through May 5 $20.00 $____________After May 5 $40.00 $ ___________Active Duty (Must have Active ID Card) $10.00 $____________THURSDAY, JUNE 4Welcoming Mixer _____ $20.00 ea. $___________Kids Mixer (6 & Over) _____ $10.00 ea. $___________Sweet Heart Dance _____ $ 7.50 ea $___________FRIDAY, JUNE 5Gold Star Breakfast _____ $17.00 ea. $___________Ladies Tea _____ $10.00 ea. $___________War Era LuncheonsWWII Veterans _____ $22.00 ea. $___________Korean War Veterans _____ $22.00 ea. $___________Vietnam War Veterans _____ $22.00 ea. $___________Gulf/IraqWar Veterans _____ $22.00 ea. $___________SATURDAY, JUNE 6Unit Luncheons _____ $18.00 ea. $___________I wish to attend with: (Circle one)5th Cav 7th Cav 8th Cav 9th Cav 12th CavARTY ENG HQ & SP Trps Ranger/LRRPSilver WingsReunion BanquetAdult _____ $43.00 ea. $___________Child (12 years and under) _____ $25.00 ea. $___________5th Cav 7th Cav 8th Cav 9th Cav 12th Cav13th SIG 15th MED DISCOM DIVARTY ENGHQ & SP Trp Ranger/LRRP Silver WingsBanquet table seating is assigned during the reunion. You musttake your banquet tickets to the Banquet Seating Table to get yourtable number assigned. NO ONE will be admitted without atable number on their ticket. To assist us in organizing the seating,please circle the unit that you wish to sit with at the Banquet (Circle one)If you haven’t picked up your tickets by 4:00pm Saturday,you will be assigned a seat as permitted with your unit at the Banquet.SUNDAY, JUNE 7Group Breakfast _____ $19.00 ea. $___________Ranger/LRRP Breakfast _____ $19.00 ea. $___________And a little extra to help cover expenses?Please renew my SABER Subscription ($10/year)$___________$___________New Life Membership ($10) RANK _____ $_________Grand Total (Don’t forget Registration Fee) $__________Circle One___ Credit Card VISA or Master CardCard Nunber - Print clearly____ Check ____ Cash____________________________________________ EXP Date ______________________________________________________ Date ___________Signature - Credit Card Payment Only

JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 200999th FA NewsJim Miller819 West Howard St.Winona, MN 55987-2642(507) 454-4224Unfortunately, I muststart this column with anobituary. I received ane-mail from Walt Eplinginforming us of the deathof WW II 99th veteranjimarmiller@charter.netJose Mendez on Oct. 7th, 2008 at age 88. CPL Mendez served in C Btry from1942-1945.Walt Epling wrote: “CPL Mendez (all the guys called him Joe) was a goodsoldier. All the men in C Btry thought a lot of Joe. Joe served most of the warwith FO parties. We set up our radio under heavy enemy mortar and sniper fireand transmitted fire commands to the firing batteries which resulted in the neutralizationof enemy positions.”“I owe my life to Joe. One time we were on FO with a unit of the 8th Cav onLuzon. We came to a halt on the trail while scouts went forward. A Jap crawledup behind me ready to plunge a knife in my back and Joe nailed him. Joe wasabout 15 feet from me and the first three rounds missed my head by just a fewinches. Joe was very fast and could place those rounds where they did the mostgood. Joe, you will be in my memory until the day I die!”Ed Carty also sent an e-mail remembering Joe Mendez. Ed also mentionedlooking at a photo of Joe and Walt as they returned from and FO “outing.” Edsays, “I say ‘outing’ since I am so familiar with those horrible experiences havingbeen a member myself many times.” Ed also mentioned that Walt Epling washis First Sergeant during WW II. Let me add our condolences to all those whoknew and remembered Jose Mendez: farewell, Comrade.We all know how close we got to our buddies in combat situations. It issomething that those who have not experienced combat will never understand.Unfortunately it seems that many of those serving in Congress and administrativepositions dealing with veterans fall into the category of not understanding.I was surprised and pleased to see that our President Elect chose 1st Cav veteranGEN Eric Shinseki to head the VA in his administration. I had the honor ofmeeting and talking to GEN Shinseki on Veterans’ Day 2000 while in DC to attendceremonies of the 50th Anniversary of the Korean War. I could tell by theway that Cav combat veterans of Vietnam respected him, that he was someonewho understands.Several of us Korean vets have been having trouble keeping track of someof our members. John Rutledge seemed to disappear but we have found himagain. I received e-mails from Ray Nebe and Jo Green saying that John is inan assisted living facility. The next day I received a Christmas card and letterfrom Phillis Rutledge giving me the whole story. (It takes my mail an extra daybecause of the dog sleds.) It seems that John is suffering from Alzheimer’s andhad to be placed in a nursing home. John is living in Mulberry, Indiana and hisphone is (765) 296-2991. You may write to Phillis at her home: 208 EastlandDr., Lafayette, IN 47905-4805 and note Please Forward. Now we have to seeif Richard J. Clark is still with us.Speaking of Christmas cards (mine will be out about Easter time) Thanks forall of the nice ones sent by members of the 99th FA Battalion. I received a cardfrom Darwin Palmer with a note telling that Darwin celebrated his 90th birthdayon August 26 and then on September 12th he had a stroke which affected hisspeech. He has gone through home therapy and is doing quite well. Good luck,Darwin.Paul and Karolyn Coleman noted that Karolyn had a mini stroke and was inthe hospital for four days. She is walking without a cane now. She said Paul isjust reading and watching TV. Sounds like me this winter. I also received cardsfrom Rich Higginbotham, Harry (Rich) VanGiesen and Don White. In all mycards I saw three negative comments about the “Golden Years.”John Batt gave me an update on his new knee. The last time I talked to him,he was doing therapy and everything was going OK.Don White and I had a couple of interesting phone conversations recently. Doncalled Chaplain Griepp who was with the 7th Cav and talked to him. He is 95 andstill going. If you would like to call him, his phone is (310) 541-6334. Don alsosent one of the photos for this issue. He said, “I have a picture of a tank that wastipped over on the road in Korea near Yon Chon. I went past it a couple of timesa day for a longtime while wewere laying wire.We never knewwhose it was orwhat kind it wasor what happenedto it.” I told Donthat I would putthe photo in theSaber and someonewould surelylet us know. So,help me out hereguys. How aboutsome of our buddiesin the 70thTank Battalion?I talked to Jim Warren on the phone. Someone had mentioned the word: “Reunion”and he was interested. Unfortunately, health problems kept us from gettingtogether. I don’t know what the status of the Div Arty Hqs guys is. They don’tseem to have a home in the 1st Cavalry Division Association. I’m glad Jim andI were able to get in touch. The 1949 football team and the fact that Jim was awireman who I probably dealt with give us things to talk about. His daughterbeing my neighbor helps. Hey, Jim; the Detroit Lions didn’t win a game this year,so we’ve got good company. The 1949 Red Necks were winless also, accordingto Batt. I find that hard to believe!We’ve had a hard winter this year. It’s gone something like this: cold, snow,cold, snow etc. with one day of each. Once in awhile, like today, it will be prettynice and sun melts a little of it down in the few hours it shines now. One suchday I was out with my roof rake. (For those of you in warm climes, a roof rakePage 14is a flat, rectangular blade on a 16 foot handle that can be used to scrape excesssnow off your roof.) I was taking some of the snow off so it didn’t hang overthe edge and drip on my steps when it melted. When I got to thinking about thewinter of 1950-51. Here I was with a parka, stocking cap, gloves and boots linedwith thinsulate getting too warm. I would have paid a lot of dough for someclothes like that in Korea.I think about all the wounded young men and women coming home from theMiddle-East. If war ever does anyone any good, one thing that will come ofthis one is the opening up of the window on war wounds to the public. I noticedthat medical folks are starting to say things like, “You know what? Those youngpeople who have suffered though those IED explosives might have some problemsinside their heads.” Oh, really? Gee, how about all the guys from WW II,Korea, and Vietnam who have the same problems? It’s too bad we have to haveso many young people hurt to open up some of these subjects for questions.That looks like it for this time. Remember all those who have and are servingour country during these dangerous times. Say a prayer for all those of ourbuddies who are ill or have passed on before us. Keep hanging in there, andremember, we are all in this together. CSMO.BRICK AND PAVER CAMPAIGNDo you want to go down in history and help the 1st Cavalry Division AssociationMuseum Foundation fund a new 1st Cavalry Division Museum?The 1st Cavalry Division Association Museum Foundation has begun a Brickand Paver Campaign to raise funds to construct a new museum. The 1st CavalryDivision Museum is currently housed in a World War II building that wassupposed to be destroyed years ago. While money and hard work have kept thebuilding well maintained, there is no room for expansion to increase exhibit spaceto display the history and accomplishments of the First Team.You can have granite brick or paver can be inscribed and placed in the museumcomplex that will become the new 1st Cavalry Division Museum. This brick mayhonor your service or the service of someone that you wish to be remembered.SGT John SmithB/1-77 FAKIA 65 - Aug 66A 4 X 8 inch granitebrick can be inscribed fora donation of $100. The brick can accommodate no more than 14 characters,including spaces, on each of 3 lines.In Memory ofSGT John JonesA/1-5 CAVKIA 20 Nov 1965Rest in PeaceMom and DadGranite pavers are available in three sizes. An 8 X 8 inch paver is availablefor donation of $200, a 12 X 12 inch paver is available for a $450 donation anda 24 X 24 inch paver is available for a donation of $1,200.All pavers can accommodate no more than 14 characters, including spaces,on each of 6 lines. A design may be substituted for 3 lines of characters. Anadditional cost for a specific design is $50. Replicas of your brick or paver canalso be purchased for the same price as indicated above plus shipping charges.The Museum Foundation reserves the right to reject wording and art that itdeems unsuitable for this program.It is easy and convenient to order a personalized commemorative brick orpaver. Order forms are available from the 1st Cavalry Division Association officeat 302 N. Main St., Copperas Cove, TX 76522-1703 or from our web pageat . Determine the inscription you want on the brick or paver,ensure each line is no more than 14 characters including spaces. Bricks are 3lines and pavers are 6 lines maximum. Fill out your order form and mail to theAssociation with your check or money order.The 1st Cavalry Division Association Museum Foundation is a charitable organizationin accordance with Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code. The MuseumFoundation’s tax identification number is 91-2199014.For more information contact the Association Headquarters at (254) 547-6537or e-mail .Letters to the EditorContinued from pg. 4Dear Editor,My name is Leo Haubenschild. I now live in Rochester, Minnesota. I servedwith the 16th Reconnaissance Company of the 1st Cavalry Division in Koreafrom late 1951 until the Division moved to Camp Chitose on Hokaido, Japan in1952. I was stationed there until I went home at the end of 1953.The 16th Recon Company was inactivated on October 15, 1957 and the trooperswere absorbed into the Headquarters Troop of the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron,9th Cavalry Regiment.The American Legion Magazine has a section called “In Search of...”. TheSeptember 2005 issue listed the name of a man I recognized from the 16th ReconCompany. I called him and with his help, we started searching for other menfrom our company some fifty years later!In searching for these men, we used many tools. In the book, “The 1st CavalryDivision Book - Korea, June 1950 to January 1952, there was a roster of allthe men that were in the 16th Recon Company, including every unit of the 1stCavalry Unit that moved with the Division from Korea to Hokaido and otherparts of Japan.Once I had the names of the men from the roster, I used Yahoo People Search tohelp locate some of the men. Picking a name from the roster - usually someonethat was a buddy with or that I knew well, I would insert his name, hometownContinued on pg. 24.

Page 15ALL THE WAY BRIGADEPres: Garry Bowles1664 Anderson Rd.Holton, KS 66436-8006E-mail: gbowl9@aol.comWebsite: www.allthewaybrigade.comCall or e-mail for meeting info.CAJUN CAVALRY CHAPTERPres: Perry Tillman1330 S. Vista Ave.Gonzales, LA 70137E-mail: diane-perry@worldnet.att.netCENTRAL SAVANNAHRIVER AREA CHAPTERPres: John Rangel, Jr.2665 Teakwood Dr.Hephzibah, GA 30815(706) 771-1173Website: gandata.com/First_Cav.htmMeets on 2nd Sat of mo., 1400 at RyansSteak House on Peach Orchard Rd., Augusta,GA (Mar., June, Sept. and Dec.)COLUMBIA-WILLAMETTE CHAP-TERPres: Klaus W. Lachmann880 Fran St. SESalem, OR 97306(503) 740-2402E-mail: k.lachmann@comcast.netMeets 1830 3rd Wed of ea. mo.at DAVBingo Hall, 8725 NE Sandy Blvd., NoDec. MeetingCONNECTICUT CHAPTERPres: Keith Moyer48 Boretz Rd.Colchester, CT 06415-1009(860) 537-1716E-mail: kpmoyerco@hotmail.comVice-Pres: Dennis DeLaire55 Salmon Brook Dr.Glastonbury, CT 06033-2141(203) 659-4169http://www.conncav.comMeeting info in newsletter and on webpage.COWBOY STATE CHAPTERPres: L. Pete Quinnell11 Lone Cedar Dr.Gillette, WY 82716(307) 682-5354E-mail: pbquin@vcn.comPOC: George Cook1400 O’ShannonGillette, WY 82716Meets in July and on the Sat. closest toSept. 23 .CROSSED SABERS CHAPTERPres: Jerry Eller808 S. 2nd St.Killeen, TX 76541-7703FIRST CHAPTERPres: Robert H. Wolfe4756 Haracourt Dr.El Paso, TX 79924-3047(915) 755-7944FIRST COAST TROOPPres: Mark Adams495 Romano St.St. Augustine, FL 32086(904) 824-7839Meets monthly on the 3rd Thurs. at 7pmat VFW Post 2391, 6184 US 1 S., SouthCityFLORIDA CHAPTERPres: Woodrow N. Hines, Sr.2465 Bronco Dr.St. Cloud, FL 34771-7955(407) 957-6917E-Mail: wnhinessr@juno.comPOC: Ken Baker1509 Tate St.Cocoa, FL 32922-6532(904) 429-7832E-mail: BakeVet@aol.comhttp://members.aol.com/b1stcav/flachhap.htmlMeets quarterly around the state.LAKELAND AREA TROOP APres: Walter C. Smith5090 Ironwood TrailBartow, FL 33830(863) 644-7207E-mail: tarbucket67@yahoo.comPOC: Verlin Buck Rogers(863) 858-3559E-mail: vrogers8@tampabay.rr.comMeets at 1100 on the 1st Sat. of mo. atL.J.’s Diner & Lounge, 1395 E MainSt., Bartow, FL (corner of Main andHwy 17 South)SPACE COAST TROOP BPres: Bill Franklin473 Kimberly Dr.Melbourne, FL 32940(321) 255-0868E-mail: swfwwf@aol.comPOC: Ken Baker1509 Tate St.Cocoa, FL 32922(321) 632-4928E-mail: BakeVet@aol.comWebsite: http://members.aol.com/Vet-Council/TroopB.htmlMeets qtrly. at area restaurantsFLORIDA TROOP CPres: Woodrow N. Hines, Sr.POC:Thomas Horas1007 Catalpa Ln.Orlando, FL 32806-1742(407) 894-5213E-mail: thoras@aol.comMeets last Tues. at noon of ea. mo.at VFW Post 2093, 4444 EdgewaterDr., Orlando, No meeting in July orAugustFLORIDA TROOP E “BLACKHATS”Pres: W. E. “Stretch” Hungerford15 Desert Candle CircleLehigh Acres, FL 33936(239) 369-7871E-mail: wdhung@earthlink.netWebsite: http://www.seahog.org/cav/index.htmlMeets 4th Sat. ea. mo. from Aug. - May1:00pm. at Buddy Freddies at the cornerof Old 41 and Bayshore, N. Ft. MyersFLYING HORSEMAN CHAPTER(Upstate New York Area)Pres: Thomas R. Randall3374 Lower Maple Ave. #65Elmira, NY 14901-9516(607) 259-9881Vice-Pres: Charles T. Sullivan148 Decker Rd.Lowman, NY 14861-8900E-mail: firstcavhorse@aol.comMeets 1st Sunday each month at the ElmiraAm. Legion Post #443.CHAPTER INDEXFOLLOW ME CHAPTERPres: James R. Lee3 Marriott CourtColumbus, GA 31907(706) 568-3732E-mail: ljam93@bellsouth.netMeets 1900 4thTues. ea. mo. VeteransCtr., 1000 Victory Dr., Columbus, GA.No meeting in DecemberFORT KNOX CHAPTERPres.: Robert L. Magruder8012 Boadfern Dr.Louisville, KY 40291-2304(502) 239-1522E-mail: bobmagruder@bellsouth.netPOC: Larry A. Whelan2103 Winston Ave.Louisville, KY 40205(502) 485-1270E-mail: whelanl@bellsouth.nethttp://www.1cda.org/fort _ knox.htmlMeets 3rd Sat. of mo. at 1300 at theBarker Masonic Lodge, 701 Main St.,West Point, KY.JUMPING MUSTANG CHAPTER1-8 CavPres: Robert G. Lynch1160 Industrial Rd #18San Carlos, CA 94070POC: James C. Knafel5510E - 500 SouthColumbia City, IN 46725(260) 244-3864E-mail: jjknafel@earthlink.netWebsite: www.JumpingMustangs.comKETTLE MORAINE CHAPTERPres: Gerald J. NelsonN99 W16781 Woodcock Rd.Germantown, WI 53022(262) 947-7011Vice-Pres.: Gordon Weidner1219 Cleveland Ave.Racine, WI 53403(262) 637-3835Meets quarterly at the Bunker,29224 EvergreenDr.,in Waterford, WI.GERALD F. KINSMAN CHAPTERPres: Owen Levine77 Clubhouse Dr.Leominister, MA 01453(978) 534-6284E-mail: sonny01453@comcast.netVice-Pres: Robert S. Mable41 N. Royalston Rd.Winchendon, MA 01475(978) 297-3031CHAPTER NEWSJAMES J. MASON WEST MICHIGAN CHAPTERWe continue to meet in the Grand Valley Armory located in Wyoming, Michigan.Member Steven LOWREY has been working very hard to get our websiteup and running. The Chapter continues to encourage and welcome any formermembers of the First Team to join us for fellowship on the 3rd Thursday of themonth at the Grand Valley Armory in Wyoming at 1900 hours. The next meetingsare as follows: 19 February; 19 March; 17 April and 21 May. The next Bingodates are: 29 March and 31 May. Robert J. Anderson, SecretaryNEW YORK/NEW JERSEY CHAPTERThe Chapter will hold itsspring meeting on 11 April,2009 at the Elks Lodge inRidgefield, New Jersey. Duringthis meeting we will finalizeour plans for a field trip to visitthe Battleship New Jersey on25 April. The cost for the fieldtrip, which includes admissionand lunch, is $27. Parking isan additional $10.A photo of our Chapter’sfighting Docs (combat medics)is included. The Troopersare from Left to right DonJOHANSEN, Tom EGAN, Joe HOLLOWAY and Ken RUTH. Bob Arbasetti,PresidentSOUTHEASTERN COLORADO CHAPTERThe Chapter held elections during the January meeting and reelected our officersfrom the previous year: President - Clifford BOXLEY, VP - Gregorio TRUJILLO,Treasurer - Jesus GARCIA, Secretary - Loyde GARDNER and Public Relations- C.P. ‘Jerry’ BRYANT.We have started a Junior Shooting team that includes 20 boys and girls, agesJAMES J. MASON WEST MICHIGANCHAPTERPres.: Doug Kamphuis86 Birchwood Ave.Holland, MI 49423(616) 392-5074POC: Bob Anderson2243 Ancient Dr.Wyoming, MI 49519(616) 534-9180E-mail: rj.anderson2243@comcast.netMeets Sept.-June on 3rd Thurs. of mo.at 7pm, at the Grand Valley Armory inWyoming, MI .LOS ANGELES/ORANGE COUNTYPres: John Guillory780 Mandevilla WayCorona, CA 92879(951) 278-3740E-mail: fisheye1@sbcglobal.netVice Pres: John Burgner228 South Hacienda St.Anaheim, CA 92804(714) 535-0737E-mail: jburgner@sbcglobal.netMeets 0900 on 3rd Sat. of mo. at Brea VeteransClub, 735 S. Brea Blvd., Brea, CALRRP/RANGER of the 1st Cav. Div.during the Vietnam War.Pres.: Keith Phillips18288 Acre Ln.Kemp, TX 75143(903) 498-4194E-mail: darby7172@embarqmail.comWebsite: www.tomah.com/lrrp_ranger/Full chapter meeting during ReunionsNATIONAL CAPITOL REGIONPres: Lou HoffmanSec: Scott Torgerson15349 Maywood Dr.Montclair, VA 22025E-mail: ncr1stcavdivassn@yahoo.comBreakfast meetings are held at 0900 onthe 3rd Sat. of each month, except Nov.and Dec.at the American Legion, Post#290, in Stafford, VA.NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY CHAPTERPres: Bob Arbasetti60 River Rd. #E103Bogota, NJ 07603(201) 883-0343E-mail: rsetti1@optonline.netVice Pres.: Joe PanzardiMeets at Elk Lodge at Cedar and Spruce,Ridgefield Park, NJ.NEW YORK TROOPTroop Commander: Joe Panzardi89-59 217th St.Queens Village, NY 11427(718) 776-9749e-mail: doorgunner@nyc.rr.comMeets at Fort Totten, Queens, NY in thespring and fall.NORTH CAROLINA - TARHEELCHAPTERPres: Allen O. Norris8160 Waterford Dr.Stanley, NC 28164(704) 483-8778E-mail: anorris@infionline.netContact for Membership: Don Gibson803 McDonald Church RoadRockingham, NC 28379(910) 895-0747e-mail: dtbjgibson@yahoo.comMeets 2nd Sat of March, June, Sept. andDec.NORTHWEST CHAPTERPres.: Roy RioE-mail: allrio@msn.comPOC: Ric JamesPO Box 1305Bremerton, WA 98337(360) 536-1050E-mail: arejay5353@aol.comMeets 1200 1st Sat of even months inthe Sam Allen Room at the Tacoma ElksClub,1965 S. Union, Tacoma, WAJANUARY/FEBRUARY, 2009ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTERPres: Richard Sweat4436 Delighted Cir. NColorado Springs, CO 80917(719) 596-7773n0ike@juno.comWebsite: www.geocities.com/pentagon/base/1499Meets 9am 2nd Sat. of mo.at at RetiredEnlisted Assn. Chapter 1, 834 Emory Cir.,Colorado Springs.SAN BERNARDINO CHAPTERPres: Robert E. Keith3105 Glenview Ave.San Bernardino, CA 92407(909) 522-7465SHERIDAN’S CAVALRY CHAPTER(Greater Chicago Area)Pres.: John Schwan27 Watergate Dr.S. Barrington IL 60010-7123(847) 381-6868E-mail: john@schwanusa.comVice-Pres: Don Smolinski435 Fordham Pl.Roselle, IL 60172(630) 894-2606E-mail: dsmolin266@comcast.netWebsite: sheridansfirstcav.comMeets quarterlySOUTHEASTERN COLORADOCHAPTERPres: Clifford Boxley24 Paseo St.Lamar, CO 81052(719) 336-7385E-mail: crboxley@hotmail.comVice Pres.: Gregorio TrujilloPO Box 215Las Animas, CO 81054(719) 456-0028Website: www.firstcavalry.netMeets 1st Sat. of ea. mo. at 10am in theConference Room at the Bent CountySheriff’s Office in Las Animas.SOUTHERN CALIFORNIACHAPTERPres: Ray McCarville(626) 358-3790Meets 1st Sat. of mo. at the MonrovianRest. at 0730.WALTER H. WESTMAN NORTH-LAND CHAPTERPres: David L. LaPlante5307 Mayview Rd.Minnetonka, MN 55345(952) 933-3487laplanterez@comcast.netPOC: James D. Wright12781 Able St. NEBlaine, MN 55434(763) 757-7140E-mail: 1stCav-MN@comcast.netMeets quarterly at different locations. Callor write for information.Changes or additions to thislisting, should contact Marthaat (254) 547-6537 or e-mail at8-14, that will be competing as individuals and as teams. They will be firing BBguns and air rifled and we will be providing coaching for them.In December, the Chapter donated clothing to two local charities and our kid’smounted unit, The Bear Creek Riders, delivered Christmas cards to the StateVeterans Nursing Home in Walsenburg, Colorado for the second year in a row.Clifford Boxley, PresidentWALTER H. WESTMAN NORTHLAND CHAPTERThe Chapter is beginning coordination to host the 2010 1st Cavalry DivisionAssociation reunion. Planning the tours that will be conducted, identifying aband for the Sweetheart Dance, and beginning to identify who will be able toassist the National HQ are all being worked at this time.Our Chapter has been raising money by working at Gun Shows in Minnesotaand we use the money to assist deployed Soldiers and their families that arefrom Minnesota. We need members to assist in working at the Gun Shows andsomeone to take over the program from Blair RUMBLE. Blair did an excellentjob with our 2008 fundraising but he was only able to commit for one year andnow we need someone to help continue this most worthy project.We lost three members due to death in 2008 and all were WWII Veterans. BennieBOESHANS, Robert ANDERSEN and Norm OSTERBY were all Chartermembers of the Chapter and will be missed greatly. Dave LaPlante, PresidentIf there is no chapter of the 1st Cavalry Division Associationlocated near you and you are interested in forming a newchapter, contact the Association’s Chapter Coordinator atmembership@1cda.org or call (254) 547-6537 for informationon how to start a chapter in your area.Each of our chapters are separate organizations that provide atime and a place for Veterans of the First Team to gather. Eachhas its own personality and style. Some chapters have verystructured business meetings while others are more like a social gathering.We have both small and large chapters. Some chapters meet in the sameplace each time while others move the meeting around to accomodate theirmembers. Join one near you or help start one. First Team!

JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 2009Hank Llewellyn58 Mapleleaf LanePottstown, PA 19464(610) 970-9092SilverWingsoftheCav@comcast.netHello once again fellow Sky Troopers,As of this writing I still have not gotten around to building a new Silver Wingswebsite to replace the one AOL pulled the plug on. I must say it has had an impacton my mail, it sure is a lot more convenient to click a mouse then lick a stamp.You may access the temporary site at thanks to the 7th Cav Association.My thanks to all for the holiday greetings and cards. Some were unique andall appreciated.Let’s launch this issue’s column with my After Action Report of Vet’s Day inWashington, DC. This year marked the 15th anniversary of the Vietnam Women’sMemorial and was the focal point of the Veteran’s Day Ceremony at the Wall. Thekeynote speaker was Diane Carlson EVANS, an Army nurse during the VietnamWar and founder and president of the Vietnam Women’s Memorial Foundation.The Vet’s Day ceremony at the Wall was the culmination of three days of eventscommemorating the 15th Anniversary. Other events included a Sunday eveningfilm screening of “A Touch of Home: The Vietnam War’s Red Cross Girls,” honoringthe 627 Donut Dollies who served in the Vietnam War; Storytelling at theVietnam Women’s Memorial; A Native American dance; reading of the names bya rotating cache of volunteers; A candlelight ceremony and much more filled theSaturday - Tuesday hours. In addition to the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial, the1st Cavalry Division Association and the Division Honor Guard placed wreathsat the WWII and Korean War Memorials.I was headed to my room after checking in and bumped into Jim SHERIDAN,vice president of the Vietnam Helicopter Crewmembers Association. Their reunionthis year will take place in Reno, Nevada June 17-21st. More information can befound at: . Nice talking with you Jim. The Novembergathering sure seems different without the late Charlie RAINS around.One could find Joe GALLOWAY and Hal MOORE signing copies of theirmost recent book, We Are Soldiers Still as well as We Were Soldiers Once… andYoung in the Cav’s hospitality room Sunday afternoon.I joined Charlie SWENSEN and Joe PANZARDI for breakfast Monday morning,November 10, before heading out to the Iwo Jima Memorial to watch theannual and very impressive Marine ceremony celebrating their birthday. I gotto speak with a bunch of outstanding “Jarheads” wearing their dress blues. I justknow they were in awe of our Stetsons. Afterwards we made our way to visitthe accommodating John Lyon, VFW Post 3150, in Arlington, Virginia, alreadypacked with Cav folks.Back at HQ and the “Wall”, we ran into many familiar faces like Julie KINK,Jim and Janice OTTMAN, Ron SLEEIS, Dennis WEBSTER, Paul HANSONand Dave DOLBY to name a few. But I missed some folks that I was lookingforward to seeing again like Bob TREDWAY and Mike LEARY.In all, it was another great few days in DC and Arlington, Virginia. So muchto see and do, but never enough time.Okay, time for the mail sortie. I received a number of orders for replacement“Silver Wings” caps as soon as the SABER hit the mail boxes. Like, JoeGUTZMANN, who was with C/227th from February 1969 thru February 1970.He crewed for COL BENNETT for a while and then his successor (he can’t rememberthe name). The last six months of his tour he crewed a “regular” Huey.And Larry HASTE (Okie) , who was a gunner/Crew Chiefon #351 with A/229th, from July thru December of 1971. I still have some forthose in need of a new cover. Contact me at the above e-mail address.Bill (Doc) HOFFMAN, Senior Medic, A 2-7 Cav and D 1-7 Cav, did a “Commo Check”. He shared: I sent a heated letterto the Joint Chiefs per STATIC LINE (Airborne newsletter) concerning theswitch from Army Green to UN Blue uniforms and the fact that the Airbornewould no longer be allowed to “blouse” their pants over jump boots. Horses#!%!.Doc, I’ve never known you to hold back your thoughts. I’m sure you made animpression on them.Editors Note: The new Army Service Uniform regulations do allow Airbornepersonnel to wear bloused boots. Please read the story on the new uniform onpage 20 of this issue of Saber.Al WALKER, 610th, An Khe, checked in. Thanksfor your comments about AOL dropping all their members’ websites (homepages).Always good hearing from you.A request arrived from SFC (Ret) William LAWLESS, , “I served with B Company, 228th Aviation from FortBenning to An Khe, DROS was the end of August, 1966, from the First Team. Ifyou were in the Cav from the end of November, 1965 to January 10, 1966, I wouldlike to have your e-mail address (to be used only once) and then deleted.”I received a couple short stories from MAJ Robert RUNYAN, A/229th AHC,1967-68. One of which reflects his thoughts of Vietnamese Lunar New Year (Tet)that I will share with you. Bob does not have an e-mail address. So if you wouldlike to respond with comments, please send them to the “Wings” e-address and Iwill see that he receives them pronto. Karl ZINSMAN, “Snoopy Flight”, HHC3rd Brigade, Camp Evans, you may enjoy this one.Memoirs of Tet -1968 - “Hello fellow “Silver Wings” troopers. My name isBob RUNYAN and I was a 1st Lieutenat with A/229th AHB, 1st Cav at CampEvans in February of 1968. I was also 1st Platoon Leader and one of two RRF(Ready Reaction Force) flight leaders in our company.On what became the first night of the Tet Offensive of 1968 I was assignedthe duty of taking the RON detail (Remain Over Night) aircraft to a more secureairfield; A practice we used to keep our flyable birds dispersed in case of attack.The secure place I was to take my eight helicopters to that night was Hue!We were parked along side the commercial airfield at Hue Phu Bai, located afew miles south of the Citadel and the Vietnamese I Corps HQ. All went welluntil about midnight when we started taking 122mm rocket and mortar fire. Wewere sleeping in our helicopters and were immediately told to “crank-up” andPage 16clear the area! I quickly, as you can imagine, had my flight up and running. Iwas ordered to land the flight on the southeast side of the base - outside the perimeterwire. I didn’t like it but had no choice as, by now, the base was takinga real plastering.We landed in a swampy area and dismounted our M-60 machine guns - all sixteenof them, that would afford us some fire power! A platoon of troops openeda path though the barbed-wire and upon seeing my group commenced to relieveus of our crew chiefs and gunners and all that firepower. They put us pilots insandbagged - open top - four foot high “bunkers” and some REMF told us todefend it in case of attack?! In all, there were sixteen of us pilots in two of thosesquares, armed with our 38 cal. pistols and maybe 6 rounds of ammunition each.Pucker factor set in as the fireworks blazed all around us.Phu Bai had actually two bases. One was the airfield and the other was a supersecret “Spook” base with it’s own barb wire, guards, PX, real air conditionedbarracks and the biggest insult of all - an Olympic size swimming pool. Thatpool could be seen by all, but no one except the “Spooks” were permitted accessto it.As I said, the base was really taking a hammering from the rockets. Everyonewas concerned that a ground attack was forming so the Air Force turned the nightinto day with aerial flares. About the same time we heard and saw a barrageof incoming that squarely hit the “Spook” compound and blew their swimmingpool to hell and back. Pieces were all over the compound. And in spite of thedin of the assault you could hear hoots, yells, whistles and shouts of “all right!”as their pool was transformed into a large dirt hole.As daylight approached we were told to crank-up and return to Camp Evans.Ordering the flight into two V formations I noticed we had a lot of ground fogaround Hue and the Perfume River area with a broken layer of clouds near 1200feet. The weather was getting worse so we climbed to around 2500 feet withsolid overcast at 3000. Now I’m telling you about the weather because a momentlater, looking to my right through a break in the clouds, I see the biggestNVA flag, about 100 ft. by 50 ft., that anyone has ever seen, it was flying abovethe ARVN I Corps Headquarters. Shouting to my peter pilot, “Look at that NVAflag!” He replied, “Someone must be playing a joke”. “The ARVN don’t jokelike that” I said as I got on the mike to alert the flight. Most had already seenthe flag and a lot of chatter commenced on the radio.In the next instant green tracers came flying through the flight. We were receivingfire from a Quad 12.7 mm antiaircraft heavy machine mounted atop awater tower on an island located in the middle of the Perfume River. I got onthe “horn” to Phu Bai tower to warn of the situation. Their reply was that I wasmistaken and that what I was reporting couldn’t have happened! My final replyto them just before switching the radios to the 1st Cavalry Division net to warnothers was, “Well, you boys have one hell of a surprise coming”.We flew back to Camp Evans - the Tet Offensive of 1968 had began - and themost exciting, challenging two weeks of my life just commenced, requiring thefull use of ones abilities and resources.Now, fast forward 15 years to the Texas National Guard Headquarters in Austin.Over lunch one of the guardsman asked if I was in Nam during Tet of 1968?“Yes”, I Corps I replied, as did a 30’s-something NG 2nd Lieutenant. Turningto the 2LT I asked, where? Phu Bai, he replied. “I was an 18 year old Spec 4at the “Spook Shop”. Maybe you can clear something up for me? When thebarrage hit our compound and blew up the PX and swimming pool we were surea ground attack was coming as we heard hoots, yells, whistles and shouts - butit didn’t sound Vietnamese. Do you know what happened?”We both laughed as I told him why it did not sound like Vietnamese, Many ofthe GI’s vented while enjoying the sight of the privileged pool disappear. Thento my shock he informed me that for their year of duty they were not allowedto leave the “Spook”compound and were only permitted one R&R and it had tobe to Hawaii for fear of being “snatched”. Hence, the PX and swimming pool.Little did we know! Bob.And finally. Dogs have always been a part of my life since I was a child.We provide a good home and in return they provide companionship, protectionand unconditional love. After our Golden Retrievers’ passed of old age a JackRussell pup came into our lives. “Jack” is now fifteen months old, a great dogand at my side as I write this article. Yesterday I received information from afriend about Military Working Dogs (MWDs). Congress passed law H.R. 5314on November 6, 2000 that allows civilians to adopt a retiring Military WorkingDog. These wonderful animals can now have a well-deserved retirement witha loving family. To adopt, (the dogs are free) an application must be filled outconcerning the prospective owners experience with dogs, household, etc. Onceapproved, an agreement is signed with the Defense Department removing themfrom any liability. The new owner is responsible for transportation and any costassociated with same. For more information and to learn about these dogs, goto: .With that I will shut down this month’s flight of Silver Wings of the Cav. Untilnext time, “Clear Right!”We expect good attendance at this year’s Reunion so preregister inorder to be sure you have your tickets for each event that you wantto attend. The size of available rooms limits the number of ticketsthat we can sell. Registering early helps us make the Reunion a betterexperience for you.RETURN ADDRESS LABELS1st Cav Div Assn. return address labels are now available from DouglasTIMM, 1000 Main Rd., Richmond, VT 05477-8804,

Page 1715th MED/15th BSBMike Bodnar13010 N. Lakeforest Dr.Sun City, AZ 85351-3250(623) 972-4395e-mail: mbodnar27@juno.comForum: http://groups.msn.com/15thMEDASSOCIATIONWebsite: http://15thmedassociation.comHello fellow Alumni. As I sit here at the keyboard typing this issue of the Saberthe holiday season has come and gone. I hope that when everyone sat down toenjoy their special meals that they said a prayer for our troops. As always mythoughts were not only on our Blue Max unit C1-10 but all the other units and their membersso far away from their families. As I crankup my computer much of my article will bebased on the good and not so good feelingsthis holiday season had for many of us.---- UPDATE ON RICKENBACKER----Ernest W. RICKENBACKER AKA FastEddie was laid to rest in Arlington NationalCemetery on December 2nd. In addition toRick’s family, Jim MACLACHLAN, WarrenCHUNN, Art JETTER and Marco CORDON,who served with Rick, attended the services.Jim MACLACHLAN credits Rick with savingMEDEVAC Memorial, Canby,OR. Photo from ‘69-’70 MEDE-VAC gunner Mike “tater”SMITH.his life by pulling him from a burning Cobraon October 12, 1971. Mike SLONIKER, whowas an A/229 1CAV Huey pilot escorted byBlue Max, also attended.Mike SLONIKER attended 41 Arlingtonservices since 29 August, 1989 when one ofour Blue Max members was interred. Thank you, Mike. You have always supportedthe ARA/AFA and Blue Max.---- UPDATE ON BLUE MAX C 1-10 ----E-mail message from the First Sergeant of Blue MaxC 1-10: “The troops arrived in northern Iraq and havebeen flying missions 24 hours a day without any incidentsthus far. In just three weeks we’ve flown almost600 total hours and have maintained an OperationalReadiness Rate, which exceeds unit, brigade and Armystandards.The Soldiers still have high moral and they are bustingtheir humps to keep these Apaches in the air so thatthey’re providing security for our brothers on the ground.I, of course, cannot mention details of engagementsor missions but the pilots are motivated and doing anoutstanding job. They are putting in long hours andare focused on their mission and are making us proud.I could not possibly ask for any better Soldiers and1969 MEDEVAC PSGGordon RUSSELL ashe looked in WWII.Aviators that I have the absolute pleasure of serving with over here in the BlueMax. Those of you that came before us would be proud of the job that they’redoing, just as we’re proud of the job that you guys performed during your toursof service for our great nation. It’s always great to hear from you and I hope thatall is well with you and your family. God bless and take care.”Thank you Top, we pray for the safety of ALL our troops and will be glad tohear of the return of our Blue Max as well as ALL our troops.We have a full list of troops and a mailing address but have been asked to notpublish it due to security issues. We also have a list of their families here in thestates and will be supporting them in any way we can.---- STILL SERVING ----CW4 Gordon EATLEY who served with C 2-20 in 1967 just send us anThe AdmiraltiesContinued from pg. 10.but some reached the areas near the perimeter to the south. This rush was verydefinitely not an attack but a mass effort to get away from the bombs.A few enemy aircraft appeared but failed to put up a successful defense. Eightenemy fighters were destroyed in air combat over Momote, including one shotdown by an Allied combat transport dropping supplies, and four other enemyfighters were probably destroyed. One enemy element of 8 fighters and anotherconsisting of 7 to 10 fighters intercepted twelve B-25’s shortly after noon approximately30 miles south of Momote. A B-25 was lost and one enemy fighterdestroyed.The afternoon was free from enemy activity except for a patrol which was discoveredinside the perimeter at about 1600. The patrol’s mission was evidentlyto kill or capture the American commanding officer. It was led by Captain Baba,the commander of the battalion which made the major attack on the precedingnight. Although operating in broad daylight, the patrol came close to succeeding.The Americans were confident that the morning’s mop-up had taken careof all the enemy within the perimeter. Secondary growth was thick in the areaand the Japanese were unnoticed until they were within 35 yards of the task forcecommand post. Once the group was sighted, a considerable amount of fire wasplaced on it. The Japanese lay concealed in the undergrowth and a single sniperpecked away with his rifle in the direction of the CP. Not knowing the size ofthe party, Major Chiaramonte set out with four men “to get the sniper.” The taskforce commander and his executive officer directed the movement of the groupeither right or left according to movements in the underbrush, and the soldiersand Major Chiaramonte opened up whenever they detected any movements. AsMajor Chiaramonte and his party finally entered the area on which they had beenfiring, they heard a click followed by grenade explosions. Three of the Japanesehad committed suicide. Another rolled over on his back and used his sword tocommit hara-kiri. Fifteen dead officers and sergeants were counted, includingCaptain Baba.Although another attack had not been expected before dark, the enemy madea coordinated effort against the perimeter at 1700. However, its intensity wasJANUARY/FEBRUARY, 2009e-mail from Iraq. He wrote, “Forty three years of fun and games, and moretime in the cockpit than I care to remember.”He just arrived in Iraq so he will not be home until about this time next year.We wish him a safe tour and plan to stay in touch.---- THE TIMES ARE A’ CHANGING ----When we look around us and see the hardships that others are going through, itreminds us of what we have gone through or maybe what we are going throughright now. The loss of a friend who was like a brother or family member cannot be described in words.For me, 2008 presented a challenge I had to face with great emotion, havingbeen the founder of the Blue Max ARA Association. It was like watching yourchild move away from home. But, after over 14 years, it was something I neededto do. This past May, I met that issue with mixed feelings, turning the group overto the membership. They selected their own slate of officers, started a journeydown a road to a new beginning with all the membership on board.As the new chain of command moved into office, they elected to change thename to the Aerial Rocket Artillery Association and to have a reunion in Midland,Texas from April 16th -19th 2009 with Glenn BROWN, in charge of arrangements. Wish I could be at this reunion but it is notpossible. You will all be in my thoughts and I hope that everyone has a greattime at the reunion.---- UNIT HISTORY TIMELINE ----I am trying to compile what I am calling a UNIT HISTORY TIMELINE. Ihave a lot of history but hope to gather information such as when 2-20 changedcall signs such as Tough Barron, Griffin, Armed Falcon and Blitzkrieg from thelist of many call signs used in Vietnam. Case in point, we know that the BlueMax call sign came into play sometime in early to mid April, 1968 when CPTJerry BARLOCO returned from R&R in Hawaii and brought a Blue Max shirtwith him. Battalion was asking for suggestions for a new radio call sign and therest is history.I am also collecting information on when each battery got their first Cobras.Some research finds dates which do not match what we know as fact. Remember,we want to cover ALL the ARA units as we collect this history.If anyone has anything showing when something took place please contactme.---- TAPS ----James W. “Buggs” Moran, 61, of Baldwinville, Massachusetts, died unexpectedlyWednesday, January 7th, 2009 at his residence. He was born in Worcesteron February 23, 1947, the son of the late James Earl and Marjorie Moran.He was an active member with Ovila Case Post 905 VFW and was its presentQuartermaster. He gave speeches at Memorial Day and Veterans Day observances.Jim proudly served in Vietnam with C Btry 2-20th Arty as a pilot. He was arecipient of the Vietnamese Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, ArmyAviator Badge, Good Conduct Medal, Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Crosswith Oak Leaf Cluster, and numerous Air Medal awards, one awarded for Valor.He was a member of the Aerial Rocket Artillery Association and the VietnamHelicopter Pilots Association.He leaves his wife, of four years, Denise J. (Marcoux) Larson-Moran; one son,Matthew D. Moran and his fiancée Megan MacMahon of Hoboken, New Jersey;three stepchildren, Edward P. Larson of East Templeton, Lori A. Guthrie and herhusband Jody of Baldwinville and Lisa M. Larson and her boyfriend Ryan Daigleof Gardner; four brothers, Ken Moran, Wayne Moran, Gerry Moran and StephenMoran and two step grandchildren, Sadie and Madelyn Guthrie. A sister, CindyMoran, predeceased him.Military funeral services were held Monday, January 12th at the MassachusettsVeterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Winchendon. The family asked that memorialdonations be made to the PACC Scholarship Fund, 171 Kendall Pond West,Gardner, Massachusetts 01440. A guest book was set up on line at where yourthoughts and messages can be left for the family.Until next issue, “Clear Left, Sir!”undoubtedly lessened by the loss of the battalion commander and his staff, andits effect reduced by the further tightening of the perimeter. The daylight washelpful in spotting targets and the Japanese were kept beyond the perimeter untilnightfall. At 2000 the main attack ceased, but individuals and small groups continuedto infiltrate throughout the night, including about 50 Japanese who crossedthe harbor entrance by wading and by use of inflated life belts, and attacked ourposition at the base of the peninsula. It was a big night for the field artillery:not only did they fire 300 rounds of 75-mm at the approaching enemy but theykilled 47 of the Japanese by small-arms fire within the artillery positions. Thetotal of enemy killed within our positions for the first two nights was determinedon the morning of 2 March to be 147, including those who had infiltrated duringthe second night and had been mopped up between dawn and 0900. JamandilaiPoint was cleared by 1045 to prepare for the reinforcements scheduled to arriveduring the morning and the defense of the area was turned over to the 168th and211th Coast Artillery Batteries.Enlarging the PerimeterThe 2d of March had been eagerly awaited by the troops, exhausted after thelong strain of defending the perimeter against infiltrating Japanese, for about1,500 combat troops and 534 naval construction men of the support force wereexpected to arrive to expand the perimeter and get the air strip ready for operations.The 1st Squadron, 5th Cavalry, was to land, bringing with them the restof the 99th Field Artillery Battalion. A machine-gun battery and a gun batteryof antiaircraft would also increase the fire power in the perimeter. The 40thNaval Construction Battalion and other service troops were scheduled to comein with the support force so that work on the air strip could begin immediately.The beachhead would no longer depend on the light weapons and “K” rationsthat had sustained the 2d Squadron, 5th Cavalry.The convoy with reinforcements commenced standing in to Hyane Harborat 0926. Six LST’s (three from Oro Bay and three from Finschhafen) and sixdestroyers, which were joined by the Bush at 0800, made up the convoy. Threedestroyers were detached to accompany two minesweepers on a mission withinSeeadler Harbor, while the others patrolled outside Hyane Harbor, ready to fireContinued on pg. 18.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 200920th and 79th Artillery Regiment NewsRuss Warriner10845 SE 178th St.Summerfield, FL 34491(352) 307-9310arace@aerial-rocket-artillery.orghttp://www.aerial-rocket-artillery.orgHello fellow Alumni. As I sit here at the keyboard typing this issue of the Saberthe holiday season has come and gone. I hope that when everyone sat down toenjoy their special meals that they said a prayer for our troops. As always mythoughts were not only on our Blue Max unit C 1-10 but all the other units andtheir members so far away from their families. As I crank up my computer muchof my article will be based on the good and not so good feelings this holidayseason had for many of us.---- UPDATE ON RICKENBACKER ----Ernest W. RICKENBACKER AKA Fast Eddie was laid to rest in ArlingtonNational Cemetery on December 2nd. In addition to Rick’s family, Jim MA-CLACHLAN, Warren CHUNN, Art JETTER and Marco CORDON, who servedwith Rick, attended the services. Jim MACLACHLAN credits Rick with saving hislife by pulling him from a burning Cobra on October 12, 1971. Mike SLONIKER,who was an A/229 1CAV Huey pilot escorted by Blue Max, also attended.Mike SLONIKER attended 41 Arlington services since 29 August, 1989 whenone of our Blue Max members was interred. Thank you, Mike. You have alwayssupported the ARA/AFA and Blue Max.---- UPDATE ON BLUE MAX C 1-10 ----E-mail message from the First Sergeant of Blue Max C 1-10: “The troops arrivedin northern Iraq and have been flying missions 24 hours a day without anyincidents thus far. In just three weeks we’ve flown almost 600 total hours andhave maintained an Operational Readiness Rate, which exceeds unit, brigadeand Army standards.The Soldiers still have high moral and they are busting their humps to keepthese Apaches in the air so that they’re providing security for our brothers onthe ground. I, of course, cannot mention details of engagements or missions butthe pilots are motivated and doing an outstanding job. They are putting in longhours and are focused on their mission and are making us proud. I could notpossibly ask for any better Soldiers and Aviators that I have the absolute pleasureof serving with over here in the Blue Max. Those of you that came before uswould be proud of the job that they’re doing, just as we’re proud of the job thatyou guys performed during your tours of service for our great nation. It’s alwaysgreat to hear from you and I hope that all is well with you and your family. Godbless and take care.”Thank you Top, we pray for the safety of ALL our troops and will be glad tohear of the return of our Blue Max as well as ALL our troops.We have a full list of troops and a mailing address but have been asked to notpublish it due to security issues. We also have a list of their families here in thestates and will be supporting them in any way we can.---- STILL SERVING ----CW4 Gordon EATLEY who served with C 2-20 in 1967 just send us an e-mailfrom Iraq. He wrote, “Forty three years of fun and games, and more time in thecockpit than I care to remember.”He just arrived in Iraq so he will not be home until about this time next year.We wish him a safe tour and plan to stay in touch.---- THE TIMES ARE A’ CHANGING ----When we look around us and see the hardships that others are going through, itreminds us of what we have gone through or maybe what we are going throughright now. The loss of a friend who was like a brother or family member canThe AdmiraltiesContinued from pg. 17.on targets when called upon.The LST’s came in just before 1000 while B-25’s were bombing enemy positions.Light and ineffective enemy mortar and machinegun fire from north ofthe skidway was countered by the 40-mm machine guns and .50-caliber machineguns of the antiaircraft battery from the decks of the LST’s, which also got goodpractice with their 20-mm, 40-mm, and 3-inch guns.The big boats grounded to a stop, the doors swung open, and men of the supportforce spread out on the narrow beach. Bulldozers, the first vehicles to land,began to construct ramps for unloading supplies and vehicles. Sniper fire wasencountered on the right flank of the beachhead where the 40th ConstructionBattalion had been assigned a defense section. The battalion’s ditch-digger, acomplicated machine that only one man in the unit had the patience and skill torun, scooped out a trench 300 yards long, which was protected by Seabees armedwith BAR’s and rifles. The battalion’s 20-mm. gun, mounted on a truck, tookposition 20 yards behind the trenchand opened up on the grove acrossthe air strip from which the sniperfire had come.Piles of ammunition and a largeamount of construction equipmentand rations soon clutteredthe beach. Enemy reconnaissanceplanes flew over when the unloadingwas taking place, so it was urgentthat a larger dispersal area than theperimeter allowed be obtained immediately.Accordingly, when Col.Hugh T. Hoffman, commander ofthe 5th Cavalry Regiment, arrivedwith the support force, he went toGeneral Chase’s headquarters andparticipated in planning an attackfor the afternoon. All the dispersalareas not yet occupied were to becaptured and consolidated, so thatMap No. 6the perimeter would include roadsPage 18not be described in words.For me, 2008 presented a challenge I had to face with great emotion, havingbeen the founder of the Blue Max ARA Association. It was like watching yourchild move away from home. But, after over 14 years, it was something I neededto do. This past May, I met that issue with mixed feelings, turning the group overto the membership. They selected their own slate of officers, started a journeydown a road to a new beginning with all the membership on board.As the new chain of command moved into office, they elected to change thename to the Aerial Rocket Artillery Association and to have a reunion in Midland,Texas from April 16th -19th 2009 with Glenn BROWN, in charge of arrangements. Wish I could be at this reunion but it is notpossible. You will all be in my thoughts and I hope that everyone has a greattime at the reunion.---- UNIT HISTORY TIMELINE ----I am trying to compile what I am calling a UNIT HISTORY TIMELINE. Ihave a lot of history but hope to gather information such as when 2-20 changedcall signs such as Tough Barron, Griffin, Armed Falcon and Blitzkrieg from thelist of many call signs used in Vietnam. Case in point, we know that the BlueMax call sign came into play sometime in early to mid April, 1968 when CPTJerry BARLOCO returned from R&R in Hawaii and brought a Blue Max shirtwith him. Battalion was asking for suggestions for a new radio call sign and therest is history.I am also collecting information on when each battery got their first Cobras.Some research finds dates which do not match what we know as fact. Remember,we want to cover ALL the ARA units as we collect this history.If anyone has anything showing when something took place please contactme.---- TAPS ----James W. “Buggs” Moran, 61, of Baldwinville, Massachusetts,died unexpectedly Wednesday, January 7th, 2009 at hisresidence. He was born in Worcester on February 23, 1947,the son of the late James Earl and Marjorie Moran.He was an active member with Ovila Case Post 905 VFW andwas its present Quartermaster. He gave speeches at MemorialDay and Veterans Day observances.Jim proudly served in Vietnam with C Btry 2-20th Arty asa pilot. He was a recipient of the Vietnamese Service Medal,Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Aviator Badge, Good ConductMedal, Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster, and numerousAir Medal awards, one awarded for Valor. He was a member of the AerialRocket Artillery Association and the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association.He leaves his wife, of four years, Denise J. (Marcoux) Larson-Moran; one son,Matthew D. Moran and his fiancée Megan MacMahon of Hoboken, New Jersey;three stepchildren, Edward P. Larson of East Templeton, Lori A. Guthrie and herhusband Jody of Baldwinville and Lisa M. Larson and her boyfriend Ryan Daigleof Gardner; four brothers, Ken Moran, Wayne Moran, Gerry Moran and StephenMoran and two step grandchildren, Sadie and Madelyn Guthrie. A sister, CindyMoran, predeceased him.Military funeral services were held Monday, January 12th at the MassachusettsVeterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Winchendon. The family asked that memorialdonations be made to the PACC Scholarship Fund, 171 Kendall Pond West,Gardner, Massachusetts 01440. A guest book was set up on line at where yourthoughts and messages can be left for the family.Until next issue, “Clear Left, Sir!”on both sides and around the southern end of the airfield. Outposts were tobe pushed 100 yards beyond the objective to permit the consolidation of thenew perimeter, and then recalled at dark. The attack was to be supported by anair bombardment, naval gunfire, and artillery, and would be under cover of asmoke screen laid by an LCV (Landing Craft, Vehicle). Both squadrons of the5th Cavalry would make the attack.Bombing and strafing by B-25’s, P-38’s, and P-47’s began at 1415. The westernhalf of the airfield and the dispersal area were softened up for the ground attack,and the skidway and Hyane coast beyond were also targets. Bombs were alsodropped on the strip of land forming the northern arm of the harbor. At 1500the 5th Cavalry jumped off across the air strip, the newly arrived 1st Squadronon the left and the 2d Squadron on the right. Within an hour the entire airdromewas taken and the troops started to dig in along the line of the western andsouthern dispersal bays (Map No. 6). There were no casualties due to enemyaction. However, the bomb line that had been set at the western edge of the airstrip proved too close. Three bombs landed on an antiaircraft position and on aTroop E position, killing two men and wounding four.The beachhead had been successfully extended against light opposition, butthe new frontage was excessive for the strength of the garrison. It was certainfrom the documents captured on searching the area that the enemy had a force ofabout 1,000 men of a reinforced mixed infantry battalion in the areas south andwest of the airdrome, in addition to antiaircraft personnel. Earlier estimates hadplaced reserves at Lorengau, Lombrum, and Papitalai, totaling more than 2,000troops, and these had also to be reckoned with. Although they had not yet beencontacted, the possible use of these reserves against the north sector from thedirection of Porlaka and the skidway was considered a greater threat than attackby the infantry battalion south of the air strip.Nevertheless, the larger area was necessary for dispersal room, and GeneralChase estimated that the troops on the new perimeter could hold it against acoordinated attack by the Japanese, though some infiltration would be hard toprevent. All units behind the perimeter were therefore ordered to prepare closeinprotection for their arms and equipment.The construction battalion and a combat engineer troop had much work to dobefore they could prepare defenses for the rear areas. The construction battalionhad gone to work at noon on grading and clearing the taxiway. As soon asthe advance across the strip was made, three graders started clearing grass andtop soil from the strip itself. These troops also buried the enemy dead, clearedfiring areas for field artillery and mortars, and demolished enemy dugouts andContinued on pg. 19.

Page 1982nd FA News“Can and Will”Dan Gillotti4204 Berkeley DriveSheffield Village, OH 44054(440) 934-1750firstcav68@roadrunner.comHappy New Year! I’vereceived correspondencefrom John E. Smith fromShreveport, Louisiana andhis short stories are alwayswelcome. He wants to knowwhen ‘ol Templin is goingto send him some pictures.Trooper Templin, are youlistening?I also received a nice Christmas card from Emogene Gray and she is doingwell. I think she said her oldest son is back in Iraq for a fourth tour.I also received an e-mail from Ed Kresan. He wrote” Hi Dan: In reading theSept/Oct 08 SABER I noticed a couple of Christmas menus. As a former memberof the 82nd, I happen to have my menu from Christmas Dinner 1938 and I dohave a ‘‘repro’ of this which I would be happy to forward to you, if you sowish. I wish to keep my original but I’ve made a color repro copy of this, soyou are welcome to have it....just say the word. It also has a photo of the entirebattery and roster of Hqs Btry, 1st Battalion, 82nd FA, Year 1938. I thought itmay possibly be of some interest to others. I spent the first part of my militaryservice with this unit (1938-39) and I’ve had some nice memories of this time,having spent some time at the remount stables. Of course, it was all horse atthat time but I really enjoyed a lot this brief time at Fort Bliss. Sort of made mean ‘odd ball’ at that time, liking the horses but I do have some nice memoriesof that period and I did like my horses. If you wish, you can contact me at:. If you aren’t interested in this, please let me know, nohard feelings either way. I do like the fact that I can say I once was a member ofthis unit. Best wishes to all of youall. Best Regards, Edward Kresan,(PVT – 38-39)”. He did send me thecopy and it is in my 82nd FA Binder,thanks Ed.I also received an e-mail fromCarl Buick, a former “Woodpecker”Fixed-Wing Pilot from E-82nd1LT Carl Buick, Pilot, E-82nd FA1970-71.FA in Vietnam (1970-71). Carl’snew contact info is as follows: e-mail: , homeaddress: PO Box 4066, Wenatchee,WA 98807, phone: (509) 662-5155.Carl wants to make contact withmembers of the E-82nd FA Fixed-Wing Section and his picture next to his O-1 Birddog is attached. He sentthe following information to share with those ‘ol Troopers who want to knowpart of what E-82nd FA did during the Vietnam War. Carl wrote: “Dan: Wecommunicated a few years back. Your recent article on E Btry 82 FA caughtmy eye. I may have told you this before, but here it is again. The 1st CavDivision was the only division in Vietnam which had its own organic fixedwing aircraft. When I was there, we had six O-1 Birddogs and one O-6 Beaver(which we fondly called the “Bullshit Bomber,” since it was used to drop ChieuHoi leaflets, among other things. In all, we had ten F/W pilots. We were the“Woodpeckers”. I Have a unit patch. If I can scan this cloth patch, I will sendit on. My work was divided among three major tasks: Artillery adjustment:We “registered” artillery at the different fire support bases throughout the oparea. This is the arty equivalent of zeroing a rifle. This had to be done initiallybecause the maps could be off and then on a daily basis, since tubes wore out,bases would shift, ammo lots would change, and weather conditions would vary.Convoy protection: Circle over slowly moving convoys as they progressed fromthe Division base camp out to the battalion base camps and observe for hostileforces and direct counterattack if required. Mortar watch: Fly at night for six ormore hours (in shifts, alternating with a Cobra from Blue MAX 2-20 ARA) overThe AdmiraltiesContinued from pg. 18.fortifications within the position.The defense preparations were thorough. To block possible enemy landingsfrom across Hyane Harbor, two antiaircraft batteries and Company E of the 592dBoat and Shore Regiment defended the shore. The Seabees formed an innerdefense line to the west and northwest of the brigade CP. Six rough trencheswere dug out by a bulldozer and ten men stationed in each. The remainder ofthe 40th Construction Battalion elements remained in their trench on the rightflank, which was now a secondary line behind the troopers. The critical northand northwest sectors were the 2d Squadron’s responsibility. They prepared theirpositions with careful attention to interlocking bands of machine-gun fire, whilethe 1st Squadron dug in on the left flank.The field artillery battalion was put into position some 500 yards to the rear,south of the jetties and shielded on the flank by revetments. The battalion frontformed a half moon, enabling one battery to cover each flank of the beachheadand all three batteries to fire in front of the central sector and on vital points andstrategic routes most likely to be used by the enemy. The three batteries wereplaced so that each without changing position was able to cover not only its ownsector but one sector on each side.When the LST’s were ready to return to New Guinea at 1700, General Chaseasked for a heavy concentration of naval fire on the northern prong of the harborentrance. The destroyers Warramunga, Mullaney, Ammen, which had screenedthe LST’s arrival, along with the Bush, moved in to fire 50 rounds each from theirmain batteries at point-blank range. In spite of the bombardment, however, theLST’s on leaving the harbor were fired on from the point by machine guns and hadto shoot their way out. Since their guns were mounted forward, the ships had toback through the harbor entrance while firing at the enemy position north of theskidway and at those on the north point of the harbor entrance. When the LST’shad gone, the destroyers resumed their positions to support the beachhead.The first night in the enlarged beachhead passed by without crisis. An attackcame at 2100, but it was not as severe as expected. The chief enemy effort wasto push machine-gun parties and infiltration groups through the 2d Squadron’ssector, and in particular through that held by Troop G. Communication lineswere cut, radio equipment was slightly damaged, and a few Japanese penetratedas far as the field artillery positions. The artillery, prepared for interdiction fire,was not called on.At daylight a systematic search for enemy within the position was started andall Japanese within the perimeter were killed. When the construction battalionJANUARY/FEBRUARY, 2009the Division base camp observing for points of origin of incoming mortars androckets, and then directing counterattack. I once did this for 2 straight months.It ruined my social life as well as deprived me of much sleep, since it was fairlyhard to sleep in the day. Other tasks: We also did other odd jobs to includeintelligence recon flights, mail runs, radio relay and more. The Beaver was usedfor leaflet drops, flare drops (it could stay on station all night; over 10 hours).Before floodlights were installed on the green line at Phouc Vinh, illuminationwas constantly provided over the camp with 5 million candlepower parachuteflares. These were dropped in shifts provided by our Beaver and a Cobra fromBlue Max, and various ash and trash missions. We were based in Phouc Vinh andoperated in II Corps along the III Corps line from the ocean to Cambodia (andinto Cambodia for the 2 months that we were there). This included the Parrot’sbeak, the Fish-Hook, and War Zone-C. I have lost touch with everyone. I wouldlike to hear from anyone from E/82, particularly any officer or enlisted from theFixed-Wing Section, especially from John HAWLEY, the section leader. Afterreturning to the world, I was at Fort Benning as the commanding officer of the3rd Army Marksmanship Training unit. After 1-1/2 yrs I was RIFed. I laterjoined the Coast Guard and servedfor 4 yrs in Aids to Navigation,then Search and Rescue and LawEnforcement as a 41 foot boatpatrol boat operator. It was a rudetransition from navigation in a 3dimensional environment whereone can see down on the earth to2 dimensional navigation on thewater’s surface, although now1924 82nd FACrest with Motto“Ready toServe”.GPS makes this a snap. GPSunits have displays with movingcharts and the display is integratedwith the radar. Also a computercan compute time and course tointercept targets and other coolthings. I stayed in the reserves andam retired as a Chief Boatswain’sMate. (With O-3 retired). Pleaseforward this to 2LT Morrisonand I do have many pictures.” Thanks Carl, and weeagerly await copies of those pictures as well. AndI’m still waiting for more stories and pictures frommy brothers fromWWI-era 82nd FA Guidon with1st Cav patches.1918 Felt Banners forSupply Co. and Btry A,82nd FA.E-82nd FA who complained that they neverread anything about “their unit.” It will onlyhappen if you Troopers send me the storiesand pictures to publish.Finally, as a collector of anything relatedto the 1st Cavalry Division I discovered theattached image of an 82nd FA DistinctiveUnit Insignia (aka Unit Crest), in a 1st CavDiv Polo Tournament Brochure from 1924.What caught my eye was the Motto on thescroll “Ready to Serve.” I checked mypersonal library resources and determinedthat the Motto “Can and Will” was not officially approved until 5 July, 1927.This is just a bit of 82nd FA historical trivia that we in fact had a differentunofficial Motto prior to 5 July, 1927. I also attached a picture of two 20” feltbanners from my personal collection. One is for the Supply Company, 82ndFA, 1918 and the other is from Btry A, 82nd FA, 1918. Also, I’ve included apicture of my WWII-era Btry A, 82nd FA Guidon with 1st Cav Patches for youto enjoy! Can and Will ~ Sir!began work on the air strip at 0900 some sniper fire was coming from beyond thestrip, but the Seabees continued their work. The pattern of Japanese resistance wasbecoming clear. During the day our troops would probably meet little resistanceexcept from snipers against front-line positions. At night, however, attacks couldbe expected and the cavalrymen would have to dig in and thoroughly prepareagainst these night actions.With more troops the reconnaissance force could exploit its initial successwith greater speed, and Sixth Army had already planned reinforcements. Inspite of the early light resistance, General Chase never regarded the situation ascompletely safe with one regiment of cavalry against a possible 4,000 Japanese.Therefore, Sixth Army planned for the remaining units of the 1st Brigade to arriveby 6 March, and the 2d Brigade on 9 March. Because General Chase’s requestswere so urgent, Sixth Army Headquarters indicated that the 2d Squadron, 7thCavalry, with a weapons company and additional field artillery would arrive bydaylight of the 4th.In the meantime, the 5th Cavalry was to meet the most severe test of the entireoperation.Continued in future issues of Saber.Crossed Sabers Chapter Souvenir ShopP.O. Box 5774Ft. Hood, TX 76544Phone: 254-532-2075FAX: 254-532-6490Visit to view on-line catalogThe Crossed Sabers Souvenir Shop is a non-profit organization. Net incomeis distributed to the Association for application to the Scholarship Program andother ongoing programs as needed, to the Soldier Travel Fund which allowsactive duty soldiers of the Division to attend away Reunions as guests of theAssociation, to the 1st Cavalry Division Museum and to fund other activities forthe Troopers and families of the 1st Cavalry Division Association. The manager,Rebecca Nethercutt, accepts telephone orders with payment by MASTERCARD,VISA or DISCOVER credit cards or you can order on-line using credit cards.Printed catalogs are available for $3.00 from the Association, 302 N. Main St.,Copperas Cove, TX 76522-1703. Make your check out to 1st Cav. Div. Assn.Thank you for supporting the Souvenir Shop and the Troopers of the 1stCavalry Division Association.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 2009ENGINEER NEWSJesse Crimm4445 Silverwood Ln.Jacksonville, FL 32207-62241(904) 737-6172Readers will recall in thelast issue of SABER that weleft SFC Malcom Kelly inVietnam at what becameCamp Ratcliff in 1965. Kellyrecalls that PFC’s Miles andSmitley were good concrete mixers and much in demand to pour pads for allsorts of structures although sand and gravel were hard to come by. His platoonperformed mine clearing operations for the 7th Cavalry in the Suoi Ca Valleyduring operation Shiny Bayonet. While in the Pleiku area, his platoon supportedthe 8th Cavalry in clearing tea plantations. PFC’S Nye and Brantley, Bud Davis,Mel Allen, Jimmy Nakayama and SP-4 Musselman were assigned to LZ X-rayduring the operation. LT Peters and CPT Holly commanded and did a professionaljob of protecting the troops during one mortar attack on the tea plantation.It seems that the French owners of the plantation and LZ area did not pay the VCenough to leave the area alone. CPT Holly survived a mortar round that landednear him but did not explode because the safety ring had not been released fromthe round. During this period, LTC Malley was the Battalion CO.Returning to Camp Radcliff, Kelly recalls, with humor, that a python got intothe NCO tent of A Company one day. From there, the snake was chased into thechapel where it was beheaded. The head and 15 feet of body were displayed ona 2 ½ ton truck driven around the company area. Later, a change of platoon leadersbrought LT Larry Houston to Kelly’s C Company as LT Peters was assignedto HQ. After R&R in Japan, Kelly returned to find his platoon in Bong Son andsubsequently deployed to LZ Silver. SP-4 Archie Schreck as being effective intreatment of wounded Cavalry. SFC Pfahl also participated in operations aroundLZ Silver. His troops were engaged in blowing down tunnels and bunkers.More from SFC Kelly in next issue as his saga continues. Should you readersrecall any events or names retold so far, please contact SFC Kelly at 2109 BalfourSt., Augusta, GA 30906.In the meantime, from way out in the panhandle of Florida, PSG HowardBuchanan sent notes of his own. Those who recall any persons or events maycontact PSG Buchanan at 502 Indiana Ave., Lynn Haven, FL 32244.Buchanan recalls that as the 1st Cav came out of Cambodia, he and a LT Mitchellwere assigned to build firebase Grunt. Grunt had the specific mission of coveringthe withdrawal from Cambodia and was presented with a difficult location interms of engineering requirements. However, “Black Jack 6” was in the area forsolutions. Now who is Black Jack 6 you readers may wonder. Well, none otherthan the Battalion CO with his 05 entitlement of a Huey and CSM sidekick.Buchanan and Mitchell first encountered difficulty with bamboo thickets.MEDAL OF HONOR - JON E. SWANSONRank and organization: Captain, U.S.Army, Troop B, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry,1st Cavalry DivisionPlace and date: Kingdom of Cambodia, 26February, 1971Entered service at: Boulder, ColoradoBorn: 1 May 1942, San Antonio, TexasCitationCaptain Jon E. Swanson distinguished himselfby acts of bravery on February 26, 1971,while flying an OH-6A aircraft in support ofARVN Task Force 333 in the Kingdom ofCambodia. With two well-equipped enemyregiments known to be in the area, CaptainSwanson was tasked with pinpointing theenemy’s precise positions. Captain Swansonflew at treetop level at a slow airspeed,making his aircraft a vulnerable target. Theadvancing ARVN unit came under heavyautomatic weapons fire from enemy bunkers 100 meters to their front. Exposinghis aircraft to enemy anti-aircraft fire, Captain Swanson immediately engaged theenemy bunkers with concussion grenades and machine gun fire. After destroyingfive bunkers and evading intense ground-to-air fire, he observed a .51 calibermachine gun position. With all his heavy ordnance expended on the bunkers,he did not have sufficient explosives to destroy the position. Consequently, hemarked the position with a smoke grenade and directed a Cobra gun ship attack.After completion of the attack, Captain Swanson found the weapon still intactand an enemy soldier crawling over to man it. He immediately engaged theindividual and killed him. During this time, his aircraft sustained several hitsfrom another .51 caliber machine gun. Captain Swanson engaged the positionwith his aircraft’s weapons, marked the target, and directed a second Cobra gunship attack. He volunteered to continue the mission, despite the fact that hewas now critically low on ammunition and his aircraft was crippled by enemyfire. As Captain Swanson attempted to fly toward another .51 caliber machinegun position, his aircraft exploded in the air and crashed to the ground, causinghis death. Captain Swanson’s courageous actions resulted in at least eightenemy killed and the destruction of three enemy anti-aircraft weapons. CaptainSwanson’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with thehighest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, hisunit, and the United States Army.The Medal of Honor is the highest medal awarded by the UnitedStates.Thirty-eight Troopers of the 1st Cavalry Division have been awardedthe Medal of Honor for gallantry in three different wars whileserving with the 1st Cavalry Division.Twenty-four of the medals were awarded posthumously. Eleven ofthe recipients are still living.Visit our web page at http://www.1cda.org/MOH_Recipients.htm toview all of the citations for the First Team Troopers that have earnedthis great honor.Page 20Solution? Call BJ6 for an airdrop of Bangalore torpedoes. (As an aside, weengineers will recall that as portrayed in the movie “The Longest Day”, it waswe engineers with our Bangalore’s that created the assault gaps for the taking ofUtah beach. What heroics we did then!) Later, as the first issue of chain sawswore out, more were needed. Solution? BJ6 brings in another airdrop. If thatweren’t enough, the Cat4 Dozer threw a track on the side of a hill. Solution?BJ6 brings in the BMO, a warrant officer and a couple of more dozer operatorswith their 60 inch pry bars. These troops plus the 12B’s already at Grunt and alittle determination got the dozer reassembled. Buchanan recalls that afterwardthey draped ponchos over themselves, dropped in the mud and slept.Others of you may ask, who was that masked man? Who was Black Jack 6 thatseemed to drop out of the sky at the most opportune times? The answer will berevealed in the next issue of SABER when an interview with the still living andbutt kicking BJ6 will be printed. (BJ6, be taking notes for a phone call) Alsocoming up, Illingsworth, Bad Base, Bad Result, Instant NCO Academy. But fortoday, how about a military movie review? Remember, you can write me youropinions.Best portrayal and staging of how bullets actually sound: Saving Private Ryan;Normandy Beach scene.Best portrayal of how veterans feel about things: Saving Private Ryan; Finalscene at Normandy cemetery.Best portrayal of how spooky things were: Platoon; night attack scene.Tedious now but dramatic and inspiring for its time: Victory at Sea; all episodes.Best reenacted scene: Gettysburg: Picket’s Charge, 3rd Day of the BattleWorst adaption of a classic book into a movie script: Apocalypse NowBest portrayal of how the goodness of man will ultimately prevail: The KillingFields.Dumb with no purpose but to sell tickets and popcorn: JarheadAlmost pulled it off but tried to fit too many themes into 90 minutes: DeerHunter and Full Metal JacketBest attempt to give equal time to the other side: Tora, Tora, ToraBest Navy or Air Force movie of all time: ?Best motorcycle scene ending in barbed wire: The Great EscapeAs this issue will appear in 2009, let this be the year when you write yourmilitary memories like your wife or husband has asked you to do. Send themto me in whatever form you will. Don’t think that your story is unimportant ortoo obscure. It mattered to you and now it matters to others to document yourefforts and time.THE NEW ARMY SERVICE UNIFORM by C.Todd LopezWASHINGTON (Army News Service, Aug. 25, 2008) -- Out with the old, inwith the blue. The Army has made it official; the green service uniform, whichhas defined the service since the mid-1950s, is on the outs.In place of the green uniform will be a variation of the blue uniform, somethingmany Soldiers already own. Official word on the new “Army ServiceUniform,” or ASU, was released August 20 in a message to all Army activities.The message defines the wear policy and the “bridging” strategy for transitionto the new uniform.“It’s a culmination of transformation efforts that started in 2004,” said SergeantMajor of the Army Kenneth O. Preston of the new ASU. “We had three ‘Class A’style uniforms, all the same style jacket, with just a different color -- the policieson how we wore accoutrements on them were different. We asked the question-- if we wear one only, which would it be? And the blue uniform was the mostpopular of the three.”The new ASU coat, similar to the existing blue coat, will be made of a wrinkleresistantmaterial and will have a more “athletic” cut.Other changes to the uniform include authorization of a combat service identificationbadge to recognize combat service, overseas service bars authorizedon the jacket sleeve for both enlisted Soldiers and officers, the wear of distinctiveunit insignia on the shoulder loops of the blue coat for enlisted Soldiers,authorizing paratroopers to wear the black jump boots with the blue ASU, andthe decision to transition to a new short sleeve and long sleeve white shirt withshoulder loops.It is also permissible for enlisted Soldiers to wear both overseas service barsand service stripes on the new blue ASU coat. Officers and Soldiers in the gradeof corporal and above will additionally wear a gold braid on their slacks to indicateleadership roles.“That is kind of a right of passage as you transition from being a (junior) enlistedsoldier to a noncommissioned officer,” Preston said of the gold braid.New items for the ASU will be available in military clothing sales after July2009.Soldiers will be expected to possess the entire uniform by July 2014. The twokey components of the uniform, the coat and slacks, are expected to cost around$140, with modifications bringing the total cost to $200. Enlisted Soldiers willreceive an increase in their annual uniform allowance to help offset the cost ofthe uniform. Visit for more info and color photos.The new Army Service Uniform is based on the Army’s current dress blueuniform and will replace the white, blue and green service uniforms. Nounit patches are sewn to the sleeves of the Army Service Uniform.Photo by SGM Phil Prater“Change is inevitable. Change is constant.” Benjamin Disraeli

Page 21 JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 2009545th MP COMPANYSam Reinert626 ½ South 9th St.Richmond, IN 47374(765) 962-4627 ph and FAXsamreinert1@545thmpcoassn.orghttp://www.545thmpassn.org/Greetings Fellow 545th MPs! Happy New Year to all! Now that the holidaysare behind us, we will get back to the activities and history of the 545th MPCompany, First Team’s Finest.On a sad note, on November 26, 2008, LTC Louis S. Mehl who commandedthe 545th MP Company at Camp Drake, Japan and also during the KoreanWar passed away quietly in his sleep athis home in Melbourne, Florida. Hisashes will be interned at the NationalCemetery, Arlington, Virginia onMonday, the 9th of March, 2009 at 1300hrs to full military honors to include arider less horse ceremony.LTC Mehl was thelast real Cavalry MPOfficer as he hadgraduated from thelast Basic OfficersCavalry Course atFort Riley, Kansasbefore his assignmentto the MilitaryPolice Corps. HeSketch of CPTMehl drawn bya 545th MP atCamp Drake,Japan 1949.spent the war yearsof WW II in the 545th MP Motorcycles at CampEuropean Theater Drake 1949.and upon cessationof hostilities was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry,1st Cavalry Division at Camp Drake, Japan. He caught theattention of MG Chase, the Division commander, right awaysince he was extremely tall and had an imposing militarybearing and in the words of MG Chase “just the man tocommand our division Military Police” and so was assignedthe command of the 545th MP Company late November orDecember, 1948.LTC Mehl had two loves – the Army and horses (in thatorder). In those days most officers, especially cavalryofficers owned their own horses and played polo. Young CPT Mehl was anexceptionally good polo player and was given the captaincy of the division poloteam. He also formed up a polo team for the 545th MP Company as there wereseveral good horsemen in the unit at the time and they played against other unitsfrom 1948 until the division was sent off to the Korean War.Young CPT Mehl could be seen almost every morning riding his horse aroundpost and often rode with MG Chase who also rode his horse each day. One ofthe members of the 545thwas quite an artist and drewa sketch of CPT Mehl in his“Pinks”Early in 1950, LTCMehl took the 545th MPCompany to Korea for theKorean War and once againthe 545th MP Companyattained several firsts.Young CPT Mehl was inthe lead jeep of the flyingcolumn that captured thecapitol of North Korea andhe established a procedurethat has been maintainedever since in the 1st CavalryDivision. In those days the545th was not authorized atruck and very few jeeps, soCPT Mehl hitched trailersto every jeep the unit hadCPT Mehl (photo left) with his friendsfrom the 7th Cav at Camp Drake1948CPT Mehl (photo far right) in the 545th Dayroom with the Div CG, PM, Army Chief of Staffand 1SG Brown 1949.and filled them with 545th MPs. Atevery intersection along the way hedropped of one MP and told themthey were to man this TCP untilrelieved personally by him or 1SGBrown or until killed and to keep all1st Cavalry Division units movingnorth towards the capitol of NorthKorea. History tells us that the 1CDdid in fact take the capitol and werethe first unit to enter that city.The 545th MP Company also hada POW Collection team that wasalso devised and implemented byCPT Mehl. In those days there wasnot much guidance from DA on howto handle this problem and it was abig one for the 1st Cavalry Divisiononce the Chinese Communists gotinvolved and sent hordes of soldiersin human wave attacks. Thanks tothe planning of LTC Mehl this washandled successfully and without anystrain on the division line units.Once the Chinese troops started to push the allied forces back south, the 545thonce again set up their TCPs and assisted not only the 1st Cavalry Divisiontroops but other Army units as well as Marine units to pull back south. It was acase of no other division MP units anywhere to be seen on any of the roads, butCPT Mehl and his MPs were everywhere and worked tirelessly to insure steadyand orderly troop movement on the roads headed south.The 545th MP Company also had a company of Greek MPs attached to itat this time and they were of great assistance as the AO of the 1CD was quiteCPT Mehl giving instruction to Japanese policelarge and even coveredareas where other unitshad bugged out. Forits heroic activity atthis time the 545th MPCompany was awardedthe Greek Gold BraveryMedal by the King ofGreece.Once hostilitiescalmed down a bit, theGreek Army challengedthe 1st Cavalry Divisionto a Polo match. Sincethe 1CD had left alltheir horses back atCamp Drake, the Greeksoffered the Cav PoloTeam the use of some oftheirs. CPT Mehl drewofficers at Camp Drake 1949.a horse “with a mean eye” and it threw him during the Polo Match and he brokehis back and was evacuated to Walter Reed where he spent many months intraction and therapy. The 1st Cav won the match with LTC Mehl making thelast and winning point before being thrown from his horse.LTC Mehl was the first fieldgrade officer to join the 545thMP Company Association andwas very instrumental in helpingus with the collection of ourunit history. He was also ourfirst Association Commandant.He will be remembered bymany who served with him aswell as a large number of ourassociation members who knewhim as our commandant. Ourcondolences and prayers go outto his wife and daughter fromall of the veterans of the 545thMP Company.On a lighter note, ourChristmas Care Packageprogram was a great successand I would personally like toCPT Mehl on horse.thank all of the 545th MP Company veterans who have contributed to this effort.The association has received many letters, e-mails and cards from our deployedbrothers and sisters who have thanked us for remembering them during theholidays.The newly reactivated 545th MP Company in Alaska with the Arctic MPBattalion is almost up to strength now and has drawn weapons and vehiclesand has already conducted their first FTX as well as weapons, CBR, firstaid and map training. Their new commander MAJ Brian Sullivan and 1SGLavander Wilkerson are putting them through their paces in preparation for theirdeployment in June of 2009.This legendary Cavalry MP Company lives on and will continue to makehistory as in days gone by. Although no longer with the 1st Cavalry Divisionit is still the First Teams Finest and will carry on the traditions of the CavalryMilitary Police.I hope you enjoyed this column as much as I did writing it and I hope to seeyou all again in the next issue of the Saber.Kenneth White3834 Inverness Rd.Fairfax, VA 22033-4602(703) 966-8079Fellow LRRP/Rangers:You may remember from the September/October, 2008 edition of SABER, thestory of the two helicopter pilots from A Troop 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry whowere shot down and killed west of Khe Sanh on the South Vietnam - Laotianborder on May 3, 1968.The pilots, CWO Bobby L. McKain of Garden City, Kansas, and WO ArthurF. Chaney of Vienna, Virginia, were MIA until recently when their remains wereidentified by Defense Department anthropologists through forensic investigationsand returned to their families.The Pentagon’s account of this incident said that they were providing an escortfor a reconnaissance team when they were hit by enemy anti-aircraft fire. As itturns out, it was an aerial reconnaissance team from the 1st/9th Cav consistingof two observation helicopters and not a long range reconnaissance team thatthey were escorting. Members of the 1-9th Cavalry plan to provide details ofthis incident in a future edition of SABER.You may also remember from the September/October edition, the story of thenine-man U.S. Special Forces reconnaissance team, known as Recon Team (RT)Alabama, that was inserted on the afternoon of May 3, 1968 into extreme easternLaos some 20 miles directly south of where the 1-9th Cav story was unfolding.The RT was on a mission to collect intelligence on an area thought to be concealingthe headquarters of the NVA forces that fled the A Shau Valley to avoid the 1stCavalry Division that was sweeping the valley to rid it of NVA base camps andstaging areas. It was operating under orders from the Military Assistance Command,Vietnam - Studies and Observations Group (MACV-SOG). It consistedof three Americans and six Nung tribesmen. The Nungs were Vietnamese-bornChinese mercenaries who were recruited by the Special Forces from Cholon, theChinese section of Saigon.Eight of the nine members of this team were killed on this mission. The team’smedic and RTO, PFC Paul C King Jr., is from my hometown of Waltham, Massachusetts.His body, along with those of five of the Nung tribesman, was neverrecovered. King, who had just turned 19 years old when he was killed, is amongnearly 600 Americans who are unaccounted for in Laos.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 2009SPC Battisto, C Trp., 4-9 CAV, steadieshis aim while zeroing his M-14 rifle at arifle range near Camp Buehring, KuwaitJan. 14. (Photo by SSG Jason Douglas,2nd BCT PAO)Division DoingsContinued from pg. 3.go back home you show a lot more love to your own kids.”The 1st Cavalry Division, which encompasses approximately 19,000 troops,expects to have most of its brigades’ Soldiers in Iraq by mid-February with theexception of Soldiers in the division’s 1st Air Cavalry Brigade who will haveboots on the ground by early summer 2009.4-9 Cav Marksmen ‘Aim’ to Improve Skills by SSG Jason Douglas, 2nd BCT,1st Cav. Div. Public AffairsCAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait—To most regular movie fans, theword “sniper” brings to mind a veryspecific image: a Soldier dressed ina ghillie suit, face covered in warpaint, with weapon in tow -- lowcrawlingacross the jungle floorstalking his prey under cover ofdarkness.However, one of the overlookedweapon experts are Squad DesignatedMarksman -- not quite a sniperbut not just an average infantrymanor scout.A Soldier is selected as a SDMbased on his marksmanship skills;he must qualify as an expert on hisassigned weapon as well as haveextensive weapons knowledge. Soldiers can be selected or volunteer for thisposition.The SDM fulfills the duties of their primary military occupational specialty aswell as provide mid-range shots to achieve the squad’s objectives.While regular Army snipers receive formal training at Fort Benning, Georgia,SDMs attend a two day class at their respective installations which consist of oneday of classroom instruction and weapons zeroing, and the second day designatedfor weapons qualification.One such marksman is Chicago native SPC Stephen BATTISTO, a cavalry scoutfor over three years assigned to Troop C, 4th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment,2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division.According to Battisto, he never picked up a rifle prior to joining the Army andeven had difficulties qualifying at the range while attending basic training.“The drill sergeant took me to the side after failing to qualify several timesand told me to take a break and relax,” Battisto said. “After that, I hit 39 out of40 targets.”There was no holding back for Battisto when he arrived to 4-9th Cav. Hebecame a SDM and was assigned the M-14 carbine rifle.According to Battisto, although SDMs and snipers seem to have very similarfunctions, the two are separated by small differences.“[SDMs] don’t look for high value targets like snipers, we operate within asquad and can carry up to two weapons,” Battisto said.Even after cataract surgery, Battisto is still able to fire well and takes great pridein being blessed with a special talent.Battisto said it’s an honor to apply his skills to benefit his unit, his country andhelp his fellow brothers.Another SDM is SSG Michael LASHUA a cavalry scout from Troop B, 4-9thCav. Lashua of Walker, Louisiana, a 12-year veteran and a former Marine, grewup as an avid hunter and marksman who relished the idea of being an Armymarksman.“I like the precision that’s required and doing something and doing it well,”Lashua said.Continued on pg. Lashua doesn’t mind working the extra hours to qualify onthe extra weapon.“You have to be willing to give an extra effort and do extra training,” Lashuasaid.Lashua, who is even considering applying to the U.S. Army sniper school,believes that SDMs are a huge asset on the battlefield.IT’S THE LAWby Richard Cohen, Esq.Attorney at LawP.O. Box 771Morgantown, WV 26507-0771(304) 413-0838 or Fax (304) 423-0849vetlaw@wvajustice.comhttp://www.wvajustice.comMEDICAL OPINIONSIn a groundbreaking case the Veterans Court put a stop to the VA’s practiceof rejecting private exams for based on the failure of the private doctor to havereviewed the entire claims file.In the appeal of Nieves-Rodriguez v. Peake dockret 06-0312, decided December1, 2008, the Veterans Court was faced with a typical situation where the VA rejectedthe opinions of a treating physician and of an examining physician both of whomconcluded that he developed depression as a result of his Guillain-Barre syndromewhich was treated in service. The reason given for rejecting those opinions wasthat neither private psychiatrist performed an in depth claims file review.In rejecting the VA’s reasoning the Court noted that the VA sought to set upa situation where the absence of the claims file would operate as an automaticpenalty against an opinion offered by a private physician. The Court specificallydecided that when the Board uses facts obtained from review of the claims fileas a basis for crediting one expert opinion over another, it is incumbent upon theBoard to point out those facts and explain why they were necessary or importantin forming the appropriate medical judgments. Additionally, claims file review,as it pertains to obtaining an overview of the claimant’s medical history, is nota requirement for private medical opinions. The Court concluded that a privatemedical exam may not be discounted solely because the opining physician didnot review the claims file. And, the Board may not prefer a VA medical opinionover a private medical opinion solely because the VA examiner reviewed theclaims file1st CAVALRY DIVISION MUSEUM NOTESW. Terry Maddox522 County Road 3371Kempner, TX 76538Executive Trustee, 1st Cavalry DivisionAssociation Museum FoundationTerryandKelly@embarqmail.comPage 22In my last article I mentioned submitting a grant request to purchase a 6 passengergolf cart to carry disabled individuals around the outside displays at themuseum. We are in the process of submitting the grant paperwork to the ArmyHistorical Foundation. We will not get feedback until after March. We are stilllooking for other organizations to support this grant request.The museum has received a new weapon to add to its collection. Amber providedthe information that follows.The 1st Cavalry Division Museum has welcomed numerous new artifacts toits collection recently. Amongst those new items is a Type 94 Japanese pistol.This pistol is in great shape and belonged to MSG (Ret) Loyd C. Belcher. Loydwas assigned to the 1st Medical Battalion during World War II and died in 1984.His family recentlymade the donation tothe museum in honorof Loyd.The Type 94 pistolis an 8mm weaponwith a 6-round detachablebox magazine.This is thefirst of its kind to beadded to the museumcollection. The finaldesign of the Type94 was approvedand adopted by theImperial JapaneseArmy in 1934 andreceived its namefrom the Japanese calendar year, 2594. This pistol was fashioned after the Type14, which came out in 1927, and is more familiarly known as the “Nambu” pistol.The Type 94 differs from the Type 14 in that it is a locked-breech design with aninternal hammer. Despite the fact that the initial acceptance of the pistol was verypoor, the Japanese military decided to continue the usage of the Type 94 due tothe increased involvement they faced on the world stage. Further supporting themilitary use of the Type 94 pistol was the fact that the Type 96 machine gun farexceeded performance expectations and the military rewarded the Kijiro Nambumanufacturing company with special orders for the Type 94 pistol. This wasdone to stabilize and ensure that the Nambu company maintained its commercialsuccess and for continuity of military supply production.World War II saw the use of many Type 94 pistols. This particular model ofthe Type 94 was manufactured in the Showa 20.3 period, which dates the pistolto 1945. What differentiate’s this pistol from its earlier models is the smoothwood grips and the hot salt bluing process utilized on the finish.Near the end of its production span, the Type 94 was being produced at a rateof 900 pieces per month and over 70,000 pieces were made by the Nambu-Seisakushoin the period 1937-45. Because of its unique design, sales outside of themilitary had been poor. Therefore, the Japanese military was able to purchasethe pistols in high volume at a low cost.The Type 94 pistol is a greatly welcomed addition to the 1st Cavalry DivisionMuseum’s weapons collection, as it holds much significance and insight into thetechnological advances of Asia, and the world as a whole during the mid-20thcentury.First Team!RULE OF PREJUDICIAL ERROROnce again the VA has evaded its responsibility to provide notice to a veteranby hiding behind the prejudicial error rule.In Gallegos v. Peake docket 05-2920, decided December 31, 2008, the VeteransCourt agreed with the veteran that the VA failed to provide the notice requiredby 38 C.F.R. § 3.304(f) concerning the alternate forms of supporting evidencewhich might be submitted to support a claim for benefits based on PTSD resultingfrom in-service personal assault. Notwithstanding the VA’s failure to followits own regulations the Court did not send the case back for new notices. Rather,the Court decided that the error did not prejudice the veteran because his submissionof some alternate types of evidence showed and because his representativereferred to the regulation at a hearing, that he knew what was required withoutreceiving notice from the VA.SYMPATHETIC READING OF PLEADINGSThere is some good news and some bad news in Acciola v. Peake docket 06-0542, decided December 5, 2008 regarding claims alleging clear and unmistakableerror.The good news is that veterans will not be penalized for being representedbecause the Court accepted the VA’s concession that all pleadings are to be readsympathetically regardless of the type of representation. However, the bad newsis that the Court ruled that the VA need not fill in the gaps to infer a theory oferror which is not clear in the pleadings. So if the pleading could encompassnumerous theories the Court concluded the VA must dismiss the pleading withoutprejudice to reallege a specific theory.Applying that law, the Court decided that the veteran had not asserted as errorthat the VA failed to decide his claim on a direct service connection basis.Rather, the Court found that the veteran’s argument was directed to presumptiveservice connection and entitlement to direct service connection was mentionedby “paraphrasing of the basis entitlement statute”. Accordingly the veteran’s“CUE claim” was dismissed without prejudice to reassert the claim.

Page 23SANTO TOMAS RAID by Peter R. Wygle*One of the most awe-inspiring yet historically little remembered missions ofWorld War II in the Pacific were the four rapid-fire prisoner of war liberation raidsin the Philippines. These four raids, Bilibid, Cabanatuan, Santo Tomas, and LosBanos, all took place in a one-month period between late January and the end ofFebruary, 1945, and the men who planned them faced many of the elements ofpotential failure; the raids, with the exception of the Bilibid liberation in Manila,were independently planned in very restrictive time-frames by at least three differentheadquarters; they involved every branch of the American military, withenormously important help from, and sacrifice by, the Filipino people and theirguerrilla Army; and they employed practically every method of attack and meansof transportation known to man. In spite of all this potential for confusion andfailure, each of the rescues was pulled off without a hitch. These prisoner raidsAerial view of Santo Tomas– collectively – killed, wounded, or scattered about a thousand enemy troopsand resulted in freedom for almost eight times that many allied prisoners of war,including the largest number of American civilian internees ever taken prisonerby an armed enemy in the history of our nation. All of this while sustaining relativelylight – though certainly not insignificant – causalities among the Americanforces and their supporting Filipino guerrillas.Legend has it that General MacArthur was so impressed by the Cabanatuanraid by elements the 6th Ranger Battalion – which was still in progress at the time– that he went immediately to MG Mudge’s 1st Cavalry Division headquartersin Guimba. There he ordered the formation of a ‘Flying Column’ to accomplishthe same thing with the 3,700 civilians interned at the University of Santo Tomasin Manila. Nobody knew about the 1,300 or so military and civilian prisoners atthe old Bilibid prison which was only a few blocks from Santo Tomas.The oratory attributed to the general during this conference was typically MacArthur:“Go to Manila! Go over the Japs, go around the Japs, bounce off the Japs,but go to Manila! Free the prisoners at Santo Tomas and capture MalacanangPalace and the legislative buildings.”Two-thirds of this grandiose mission was practicable from where the 1st CavalryDivision sat. Santo Tomas and Malacanang Palace were in the north end ofManila, the same side that the 1st Cav was on, but the legislative buildings wereon the south side of the Pasig River. This large river runs east-to-west throughthe middle of Manila and there were only three or four bridges across it. Thechances of the Japanese destroying the bridges and turning the river into a majorobstacle were pretty good. If the Japanese managed to do this, it would makethe legislature buildings relatively hard to reach.When MacArthur decreed the formation of the ‘Flying Column’ the 1st Cavtroops, to whom he had decreed it, had come ashore at Lingayen Gulf on 27January. 1945 after 72 days of continuous combat in the mountains of Leyte,and the division had just completed its move 35 miles south from Lingayen toGuimba, arriving there on the 30th. As fierce as the combat on Leyte had been,the memory that usually gets shared by the 1st Cav troopers that were there isthe fact that during 40 of those 72 days, 35 inches of rain fell. The troopers hadearned some rest, but there was to be none. They received “MacArthur’s FlyingColumn” decree on the day after they arrived at Guimba. MG Mudge spent therest of the 31st gathering the troops he thought it would take to accomplish hisnew mission. These troops included, in addition to parts of the 5th Cavalry and8th Cavalry Regiments and some miscellaneous support people, the 44th TankBattalion, a bunch of air cover from Marine Group 24 and 32 and – luckily - aNavy demolitions expert, Lieutenant (JG) James Patrick Sutton. MG Mudgedivided the Column into three serials, assigning missions to each, and, at oneminute past midnight on the morning of 1 February, 1945, led them out of Guimba.The race to Manila was on!The Column, carrying only four days’ rations and the absolute minimum inarms, ammunition and fuel, had to tread carefully for the first few miles becausethe Cabanatuan prisoners were still being evacuated across its path. Once in theclear, however, it fought its way at top speed down Highway 5, slowing for a dayof heavy firefights at Cabanatuan and Gapan. An ambush at a road intersectionduring the fight at Gapan cost the life of LTC Tom Ross, commander of the thirdserial. This was the serial with most of the 44th Tank Battalion assigned to it.After this fierce early fighting the Column sped south, depending totally uponthe Marine flyers for flank security. The 1st Cav moved toward Manila, pausingJANUARY/FEBRUARY, 2009only to bypass blown bridges and to engage the Japanese in hit-and-run fighting.It hit a snag however, at the Novaliches Bridge just south of a road junctionthat became known as “the Hot Corner”. They were still about ten miles shortof Manila.Mines had been set, the fuse was lit, and the Japanese were laying down heavysniper fire on the bridge to discourage all efforts to prevent its destruction. Bypassingthis particular bridge was not an option because the gorge was deep andthe river was swift. It was here that having Pat Sutton along turned out to be astroke of good fortune. He, apparently protected by some sort of a providentialStar Trek force field that seemed to repel sniper bullets, ran out on the bridge andcut the demolition fuse, enabling the Column to cross the river with dry feet.LT Sutton also helped in clearing a path through a minefield further south onthe approach to Manila. His next running – with his brand new DistinguishedService Cross – was for Congress where he won a Tennessee seat in the Houseof Representatives.After the Column crossed the river at Novaliches it moved down Quezon Boulevardstraight toward Santo Tomas Internment Camp and Malacanang Palace.Inside the prison camp, 3,700 apprehensive civilian men, women and childrenwere watching the approach of the tracer-bullet fireworks in the evening sky witha strange mixture of excitement and dread. After three years in the “protectivecustody” of the Japanese Army, they were excited that SOMETHING was happening– even if they didn’t know what it was – but mixed in with this excitementwas dread of the possibility that the pyrotechnic display was, in truth, being causedby the bad guys headed their way with malice in their souls. Rumors had beenrampant for some time that the Japanese intended to kill all of their prisoners.Late on 3 February, 1945, after a couple of wrong turns and some heavy fightingin the mixed-up outskirts of Manila, the Santo Tomas column picked up CPTManuel Colayco, a Filipino newspaperman and clandestine intelligence officer,who guided them to the main gate of the prison camp. At about nine in the evening,after a brief flurry of resistance by the Japanese guards during which CPTColayco was fatally wounded by a grenade explosion, the 44th Tank Battalion’sM-4 Sherman “Battlin Basic”, closely by the “Georgia Peach” knocked downthe gate and the war was nearly over for the internees.The Flying Column was 66 hours into its mission. With time out for the fightsat Cabanatuan and Gapan, and delays in bypassing some of the blown bridges,it had covered 100 miles. The 1st Cav had toeholds – tenuous as they mightactually have been – at Santo Tomas and at the Malacanang Place.For the Santo Tomas internees, their liberation was followed by a night of delirioushappiness, a standoff and hostage crisis in one of the campus buildings,and two or three days of murderous artillery dueling.The artillery battle resulted when the few hundred men of the 1st Cav, nothaving all that much Manila real estate under their control, had to set up theirartillery inside the Santo Tomas complex and begin making enough noise todiscourage thoughts of counterattack in the minds of Admiral Iwabuchi and histwenty thousand marines defending Manila. The good news was that no counterattackmaterialized; the bad news was that the presence of American artilleryin the front yard invited counterfire from the Japanese, and the internees werein the middle. This several day artillery duel caused the only prisoner causalitiesof the Santo Tomas liberation – with the possible exception of a couple ofinternees who reportedly ate themselves to death in the first day or so. Seventeeninternees and several 1st Cav troopers were killed in this exchange of fire andmany more were injured.Brigadier General Chase and men of his headquarters repelling Japaneseforces in Manila on the evening of February 3, 1945. Photoflash picturetaken by Tom Shafer of Acme News-pictures who accompanied thetroops.After the shooting died down, only a couple of months of stomach achesfrom the unaccustomed good food and headaches from the seemingly endlessinterminable processing stood between the ex-prisoners and, for many of them,repatriation.*This was an excerpt from a paper by Peter R. Wygle entitled “Jeb Stuart WouldHave Loved It!” that covers the four mentioned POW camps. Pete Wygle was acivilian internee at the Santo Tomas Internment Camp, a boy of about ten or 11years old at the time. He also authored the book, “Surviving a Japanese POWCamp”, served on active duty in Korea and later in the Army National Guard retiringas a Colonel. He was also very active in the American Ex-Prisoners of WarAssociation. Pete died of cancer in September 2003. Pete’s window, Nancy, hasgraciously provided a copy of this paper for inclusion in the 1st Cavalry DivisionMuseum archives. Edited by R. W. Tagge, Member of the Board of Governors,1st Cavalry Division Association.Make a tax-deductible donation to the of the 1st Cavalry DivisionAssociation Museum Foundation to preserve the history of theFirst Team or donate to the Foundation of the 1st Cavalry DivisionAssociation to support the children of our fallen Troopers.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 2009Page 24UP TO $25SSG ALDI, Michael S.Mr. and Mrs. Bob ANDERSENIn Memory of Norm OSTERBY.SP-5 BRAUN, JamesMR. CADENHEAD, KennethMr. and Mrs. Ron ENLOWCW3 ETHERIDGE, Parry W.MG (RET) FALTER, Vincent E.E-4 FAULKNER, James E.CSM FRANKLIN, Jr., Joseph H.CDR FREDAS, J.MR. GALES, JamesSP-5 GALLAGHER, KennethSGT GRIGGS, Melvin DaleCPT HALL, Sanci M.MAJ (RET) HASKELL, John W.In Memory of LTC Lou MEHL, Company Commander,545th MP, Japan and Korea 1948 – 50.MSG INDERDAHL, Howard K.CPT IRBY, II, Thomas L.SGT JOHNSON, Richard M.SGT JONES, Edward D.LTC (RET) KLEIN, Dale E.PVT KRESAN, EdwardSGT KROHLOW, Kenton M.E-4 MARCUS, Sidney O.1LT MARKUSEN, Bruce R.SGT MIXSOOKE, Reuben MosesSGT NICKELL, Robert A.CWO NONNWEILER, Edward P.E-4 PEREZ, Sr., LouieSGT PERRY, Thomas O.CPL RAMOS, AdrianE-4 RAUCH, Joseph A.MS. REECE, Joan N.MR. REGAN, Thomas PatrickCSM (RET) ROMINGER, James R.CW4 (RET) SCHILLEREFF, John M.E-4 SCHMITT, William T.SP-4 STONE, Kenneth ElmerE-4 SZATKOWSKI, Sr., Joseph J.COL (RET) TEAGUE, Glenn E.E-4 WOODYARD, John S.COL (RET) ZOOK, William E.HONOR ROLLAcknowledgement of generousdonations from the following troopers:$26 - $50E-5 BONN, Henry LawrenceSGT BROWN, RaymondIn Memory of Tommy “Chief” HERNANDEZ, B Co.2nd–7th Cav, Amber Outlaws 1967– 68.SGT COMBS, Terry D.SGM (RET) COUSART, Alexander E.SGT CRAVELLO, RobertMRS. HAGEN, MarjorieSGT HENRY, Alfred C.SP-5 HUDACHEK, William J.SP-5 MAGEE, Clayton F.In Honor of C Company, 15th TC, 1966 – 67.SGT RINGER, Michael L.In Honor of C Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry,RVN 1972.LT SNYDER, Gary W.$51 - $100CPT BERGERSON, Frederic A.CPT FERGUSON, Michael B., USN, (RET)T-4 GILMORE, Jack V.COL (RET) GOMEZ, Jr., VivianoMR. GUSTAVSON, DonSGT HENRY, Alfred C.SGT HOWARTH, Dean M.In Memory of Ralph BARCELONA.COL (RET) JOHNSTON, Myron T.In Memory of BG Jack W. HEMINGWAY.COL (RET) JOHNSTON, Myron T.In Memory of COL (RET) Joe L. WOODWARD.MR. KALT, HowardMS. McCLURG, Joanne M.COL (RET) PITT, Jr., Ernest M.DR. RICHARDSON, Jr., F. H.Mr. and Mrs. Frank SAALCPT SEYMOUR, James D.CSM (RET) and Mrs. Dennis E. WEBSTERIn Memory of BG (Ret) Jack W. HEMINGWAY.The First Team Family Cares!Your Donations to the Foundation and theMuseum Foundation are Tax-DeductibleLetters to the EditorContinued from pg. 14.city, and state as it was 50 years ago in hopes of coming up with a contact number.If that didn’t work, I would try entering just the name and state or even justUSA. Sometimes I would try to call information for the city and state listed inthe roster. Many times, there was no listing found.Names like Smith, Anderson, James and Olson had many listings. Often I wouldmake as many as 60 phone calls before I would find someone who knew of thesoldier I was searching for. Sometimes I would speak with the wife, daughter,son, sister, nephew, niece, uncle of friend of the man in my division.My persistence paid off - over a period of nearly 2 years, I was able to locate60 men that served with me. Of those 60 guys, 29 are still living and 31 are deceased.I was unable to located 19 guys with the methods described for reasonssuch as unlisted phone numbers, phone numbers no longer in service, and insome cases no numbers could be found.For every man that I was able to find - living or deceased, I wrote a short summaryof the conversation I had with them or their loved ones including their age,occupation after discharge, address, phone number, e-mail address, employment/retirement status. If deceased, I would include the age and date of their death.Once these summaries were completed, I made a copy and sent the informationto all the men still living.I experienced both joy and sadness during my attempt to locate my Army buddies.I had a great sense of accomplishment from the calls I received back fromthese men or their families. It makes me happy to know that I was able to helpmen reconnect with their buddies after nearly 50 years of no contact. I know ofat least 10 men that contact each other regularly - some weekly, some monthly.This year at Christmas, I sent out 16 Christmas cards and received 12 in return.Unfortunately, of the 12 I received, 4 informed me of the passing of anothermember of the 16th Reconnaissance Company.If you ever wonder where your buddies are or what they are doing, try to findthem now! If you wait, it could be too late!Sincerely,Leo HAUBENSCHILD, 2712 Century Ct. NE, Rochester, MN 55906, (507)282-5641, leocarolh@aol.com.The Association records only the last four of your Social Securitynumber and your date of birth. We realize that membersdo not wish to give out their SSN and we have deleted themfrom the Association’s database to protect you.We are always updating the database with unit, date of assignments,address and phone number changes. Please giveus the last four number of your SSN and date of birth.We, the Association, appreciate your cooperation.CSM (RET) and Mrs. Dennis E. WEBSTERIn Memory of LTG Harry W.O. KINNARD, CommandingGeneral of the First Team 1965 – 66 andPresident of the 1st Cavalry Division Asssociation1976 – 78.CSM (RET) and Mrs. Dennis E. WEBSTERIn Memory of PFC Norm OSTERBY, President of the1st Cavalry Division Association 1990 – 92.SGT WOLAVER, RobIn Memory of Keith V. HUFFSTUTLER, KIA Republicof South Vietnam, 1967.$101 - $500Anonymous DonationJim and Linda BOULDENIn Honor of John and Chandra BOULDEN.Jim and Linda BOULDENIn Honor of Rebecca and Paul JOYCE.MRS. COLE, DorothyIn Memory of SGT Jason COLE, 1978 -2002.SP-4 FLAVIN, GeorgeMR. GOOZĖE, StevanIn Honor of Wes BRUMBACKSGT HENDRICKSON, David L.In Honor of all D Co. 1st–12th Cav “Death Wing”Troopers who served in Vietnam.1LT LUTGEN, David A.SP-5 NORTON, JerryIn Honor of B Battery, 1st–77th FA, 1969.MRS. OSTERBY, PegIn Memory of my husband, PFC Norman R. OS-TERBY.PFC STEPHENS, William M.MAJ (RET) SWIFT, John B.LTC (RET) TAGGE, Robert W.In Memory of LTG (RET) HARRY W. O. KINNARD$501 - $1,000MR. CULP, MichaelIn Honor of Barry FROST.Charles T. BRUMBACK and Mary HOWE BRUM-BACK Charitable TrustOFFICIAL NOTICEELECTION OF OFFICERS – REUNION 2009The By Laws of the Association provide that the officers and members of theBoard of Governors shall be elected by the General Membership at the GeneralMembership meeting conducted during the Annual Reunion. Further, that thePresident may appoint a Nominating Committee to nominate candidates foroffice and that other nominations may be made by Life members from the floorat the General Membership meeting. The Resolutions of the Trust Agreementof the Foundation of the 1st Cavalry Division Association and the By-Lawsof the Museum Foundation require the election to the Board of Trustees forpositions coming vacant each year shall occur during the Annual Reunion.Candidates for all offices must be Life members of the Association.The President has appointed a nominating committee to recommend Lifemembers of the Association for election or re-election to fill the terms of officefor the following positions that become vacant as of 6 June, 2009:President Elect/1st Vice President,2nd Vice President3rd Vice PresidentTen Places on the Board of GovernorsTwo Trustees of the FoundationTwo Trustees of the Museum FoundationAny Life member of the Association, including an incumbent, who wishesto be considered by the nominating committee for one of these positionsshould forward a letter to the Chairman, 2009 Nominating Committee, 302N. Main St., Copperas Cove, TX 76522-1703, requesting consideration fornomination to the specific office. The Nominating Committee must receiveall requests no later than 1 May, 2009 to assure sufficient time for processingand full consideration. Requests must be accompanied by appropriatedocumentation that includes proof of service with the 1st Cavalry Division(e.g., a DD214 or equivalent) and a biographical sketch. The biographicalsketch needs to outline the applicant’s full name and provide ranks, dates ofservice and units assigned to in the 1st Cavalry Division. Additionally, itneeds to provide the dates and positions for any offices held at National orChapter level in the Association and similar information for any other veteran’sorganization the applicant belongs to. Any instances of special support forAssociation programs should also be included if applicable.The election will be held during the 62nd Annual Reunion at the GeneralMembership meeting that will be conducted on Saturday, 6 June, 2009 at0900 hours. Nominations from the floor will be accepted. Any Life membermaking a nomination from the floor will be required to provide the informationoutlined above on the nominee and additionally provide assurance that thenominee is either present at the General Membership meeting or has agreedto accept nomination to the specified office.