More FMD band from Vietnam

FMD Band led by GSgt. Sunderland.

Up front on clarinet LCpl. Victor A. Rabel KIA

FMD Band playing for civilians. Cpl. John P. Ziegler (wearing shades) KIA.

Thanks for the photos Ruben.

Ruben remembers......

Ruben B. Botello, USMC, 1965-69 (MOS 5543, 5547)

Ruben in the center with other band members enroute to a gig for the villagers.

Ruben getting some help loading a 50 cal on the truck on Hill 327.

Ruben wrote me this email;

"Brings it all back to memory once again. Yup I was there when our Band was overrun but thank God in the right place at the right time. My bunker was overrun that night Ziegler, Mitchell and Rabel were killed. I rotated with Ziegler on the one bunker he got killed at; every other night for each of us. It was his night...damn, it still hurts. Mitchell drove around from bunker to bunker and foxholes; his vehicle was rocketed. Rabel just popped up out of his foxhole to look around; I owed him $10 and feel bad about that too. They were wonderful guys, great Marines and excellent musicians too."

Ruben thank you for your service to your Country and welcome home Marine, and thank you for sharing your memories.

Semper fi

March 1969

When I arrived in Vietnam it was about 3 weeks after Hill 327 was hit and 3 members of the 1st Marine Division Band gave all.

My first day on the "hill" I took these pictures of the only tower at that time at post 5. In the background to the right you will see the tent which is shown below.
I would like to know more information about the tent if anyone can shed more light on it. It was soon removed.

My Freedom Bird Feb 1970

This is the ride that brought me back to the real world and reality.

I have found some slides to scan so I will be back posting more sorry for the delay.

and more shots from Da Nang airbase

Thanks for reading

Sorry I haven't posted lately.

I hope to post more here shortly. I have been working on a photobook of Vietnam through Shutterfly.

Thanks again
Don