Remembering Vietnam

I promise

2012-02-14T15:59:00.000-08:00

I have had so many new emails and contacts about this blog recently. I will be back in NY April/May and hope to get more stories and pictures posted and if you have something to offer that you would like posted please send it.
Semper fi

Coop

10 November 1775 Semper fi

2011-11-09T13:42:00.001-08:00

New pictures, Thanks Sgt. Shelhamer

2011-10-24T20:11:00.001-07:00

Shel, sent me these two years ago I misplaced them and finally got them scanned.

Bruce Didier

Getting ready for a little work detail on the "hill", left to right, Rich Bouzek, Chicago, next to him Jack Denahy, Centerville, Mass. and L/cpl. Guiterezz (spelling)
center back to camera no cover Roger Hawes, Tyler, Texas

Show Time, headed to the hill to work.

Remembering 9/11/2001

2011-09-11T09:11:00.001-07:00

Semper fi

This Memorial Day........

2011-05-30T11:49:00.000-07:00

I want to take time to remember those who served, are serving and those who gave all God Bless America.

Bye, bye Osoma, Congratulations to Navy Seal Team 6

2011-05-02T18:36:00.000-07:00

A job well done

Thank you for your service

2010-11-26T08:58:00.000-08:00

A friend sent me this in an email, I had to share it.

Happy Veterans Day to all Vets past and present, Thank you

2010-11-11T09:44:00.000-08:00

This is the day in 2004 when my son Aaron returned from Iraq

Happy 235th Anniversary of the United States Marine Corps

2010-11-10T07:51:00.000-08:00

The Title

It cannot be inherited

Nor can it ever be purchased.

You, and no one alive,

can buy it at any price.

It is impossible to rent

and it cannot be lent.

You alone and others before

have earned it with

your sweat, blood and lives.

You own it forever.

The Title

"United States Marine"

Semper fi brothers

L/Cpl Don Cooper 0331

1st Marine Division Da nang Viet Nam 1969-70

Thanks Joe

2010-10-12T14:05:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Joe Chmiko, 2174386,(5534) served with 1st Marine Division Band from Oct, '66 to June '68, for sharing the above cartoon.

Some new pictures

2010-08-12T12:56:00.000-07:00

I am sorry, someone, possibly Ruben, sent me these awhile back and when we moved they got shuffled, I don't think I posted them before. I also have three more to scan that I found sent to me by Shel.

Cpl. John P. Ziegler (wearing shades) KIA.

Ruben

Happy Veterans Day

2009-11-11T11:49:00.000-08:00

to everyone who served and a special thanks to my dad, love you and miss you dad.
My dad is back row right side.

Also because I so was busy yesterday and had trouble getting on line a belated Happy Birthday to the Marines

And now back to Vietnam

2009-09-02T08:58:00.000-07:00

Marine on left unknown, Willie Freeman from Atlanta, GA on the right.

Also Rich Bouzek matched some names with pictures that I will be adding to the various posts.
Thanks Rich

More shots from the Sgt. Eddie Ryan Poker Run

2009-08-16T09:59:00.000-07:00

A salute to a Vietnam vet

2009-08-12T14:59:00.000-07:00

Eighteen of my 26 years in law enforcement were spent with the Washington County Sheriff's Department. One of my Sergeants during that time was Sgt. Jack Williams. I knew Jack had been in different branches but I never learned what unit he was in during his Marine days if anyone knows let me know.

GRANVILLE -- John Arthur Williams, 74, of Granville passed away on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2009, at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York, N. Y., following a long illness.He was born on March 30, 1935, in South Granville, the son of Floyd "Peanuts" and Jennie (Monroe) Williams.Jack graduated from Granville High School. Later in life, he attended Adirondack Community College, graduating with an associate degree with his daughter as the first father/daughter to graduate at the same time.He was united in marriage to Judith Caruso and recently celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary.
Jack enlisted into the military serving in all four branches of service in the Korean War and Vietnam retiring as master sergeant in the U.S. Air Force.

After returning to Granville, Jack was employed by the Washington County Sheriff’s Department as a deputy and retiring as a sergeant.

Photo and write-up from Glens Falls Post Star.

The Adirondack Leathernecks Sgt. Eddie Ryan Poker Run

2009-07-25T09:46:00.000-07:00

The guest of honor Marine Sniper Sgt. Eddie Ryan arriving with his parents, father Chris and mother Angie.
I was so honored to meet and shake the hand of this hero, I had to fight back tears as I told Eddie how much I appreciated his service for his country, and he said to me in a commanding voice, "And I would do it again!".

I salute you Eddie and Semper Fi!

Check the Help Eddie Ryan website here;

http://www.helpeddieryan.com/index.shtml

Getting ready to rock and roll

One hundred and eight bikes getting ready to roll out from Memorial Detachment #2 Marine Corps League on Rte 4 in the Adirondack-Lake George Chapter Leathernecks MC Poker Run to benefit wounded Sgt. Eddie Ryan.

Marine from the Greatest Generation passes on

2009-07-22T13:06:00.000-07:00

I worked with Bruce when I first started my law enforcement career as a part-time police officer in Hudson Falls.

HUDSON FALLS - Retired Deputy Chief of Police Alan Bruce Manell, 87, of LaCrosse Street, passed away on Tuesday, July 7, 2009, at the Glens Falls Hospital.Born on Feb. 26, 1922, in Whitehall, N.Y., he was the son of Joseph Eugene and Mary Louise (Robetor) Manell.

He proudly volunteered to serve with the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II, from October 1942 until November 1945. He was a combat photographer with Marine Corps Intelligence who survived two invasions in the Pacific, the Marshall Islands and Okinawa where he sustained two head wounds in the line of duty and was awarded the Purple Heart. Other awards included: Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, NYS Conspicuous Service Cross, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign with 2 Stars, Combat Ribbon, and the Victory Medal. He was a past commandant of Memorial Detachment No. 2, Glens Falls Marine Corps League. His World War II experiences were presented on the History Channel for one-half hour, in 2002, 2003 and 2004.

Note: Information and photo from Glens Falls Post Star

40 years ago.........

2009-07-15T11:57:00.000-07:00

I read about Woodstock in a Time or Newsweek magazine.

Help a brother Marine

2009-06-19T08:14:00.000-07:00

USMC Sgt. Eddie Ryan needs your help.

Eddie suffered a severe brain injury when he was shot in the head twice while serving in Iraq.

Eddie is slowly recovering and needs your help.

Check the website here;

http://www.helpeddieryan.com/index.shtml

Donate here;

http://www.helpeddieryan.com/donate.shtml

On July 25 the Adirondack Leathernecks, a Marine motorcycle club, will be holding a Poker Rally to benefit Eddie and his family starting from the Memorial Det 2 Marine Corps League building on Rte 4 Hudson Falls, NY.

For more info;
http://www.leathernecksmcadklgc.com/

*Above photo from the Times Herald Record

Heard from another Jarhead today

2009-06-13T09:09:00.000-07:00

Received an email from Dan Gyllenskog served with 1st Mar Div Band 68-69 I only have one photo of him and his back it to the camera so send me another Dan.

Drop him a line at;

Dan Gyllenskog
275SOUTH300
EASTSMITHFIELD,UTAH8
or email him;
http://us.mc01g.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=dansdutchovens@yahoo.com

Also the address for Shel is;
Richard Shelhamer
945 US #1
CAMERON NC 28326
or email at;
tillwamc59@yahoo.com

If anyone knows the whereabouts of any of the grunts attached to the band like Rutherford, Chrismon,Bahnsen,Garlock,Golden,Garcia, and others that my mind can't remember now, please let me know. I am also looking for more pictures from you guys if you wish to share, email them to me. I will be scanning more asap.
Thanks Coop

Please checkout this blog

2009-06-08T11:19:00.000-07:00

It is about MASS-3 - Marine Air Support Squadron-3 Vietnam - Hill 327 mass 3
http://mass-3.blogspot.com/

I need some help. I was on A-Line and next to us I believe were Seabees, and then high up on the hill overlooking us was MASS is this correct?

I have more pictures to post and also will post any you have so send them to me via email.

Thanks Don

I'm back and with good news!

2009-05-29T10:55:00.000-07:00

In an earlier blog I had written about finding a lighter belonging to R.K. Shelhamer, a Sgt. I served with in the 1st Div. I found the lighter while re-building a bunker after Shel went home. Well he contacted me and told me he retired after 21 years and saw my story. I plan to send his lighter out asap. Here is the lighter and a picture of Shel.

It's been 40 years!!!

Semper Fi Shel

Dedication

2009-02-15T13:52:00.000-08:00

In a change of pace from Vietnam, I have dedicated this post to one from the Greatest Generation, my father-in-law Army St.Sgt. Robert M. LeFebvre age 86, who passed away on Feb. 11, 2009 in Hudson Falls N.Y. He was born in Tupper Lake N.Y. and was a member of Merrills Marauders in Burma during WWII.

Click on to blow up the below newspaper article for better reading.

Reactionary duty and the water buffalo

2009-02-06T07:55:00.000-08:00

I received an email from Hank Duncan who said I should have been there when they had reactionary duty. Well Hank they still had it in 1969.

I don't know how many times a month we fell out for reactionary but I do remember one time during the monsoon season myself and another jarhead trying to sleep with rigged ponchos under a water buffalo, no Ma, not a REAL water buffalo but a water tank. In the morning we were soaked and covered in mud.

Reactionary, I remember it well.

More FMD band from Vietnam

2009-01-31T09:45:00.000-08:00

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......

2009-01-23T08:49:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-20T09:08:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-19T13:49:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-16T09:49:00.000-08:00

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

True Story

2008-12-20T09:08:00.000-08:00

I posted this story on the Internet years ago and it is still out there.

Santa Claus in a helicopter

Christmas, December 1969

Not everyone gets to go to the Bob Hope show, like me, so I had to do guard duty on the hill.

As I sat there, I heard a helicopter coming from around the side of this big hill, next to us was where, I believe, the Seabees were stationed. The chopper was bright red, it really startled me! I thought the gooks finally had their own air force.

As the chopper got near, I could see Santa Claus hanging out the side, and as he flew down the line he threw candy out to all of us on duty.

I'll tell you it was quite a sight to see grown men--okay, boys--jumping up and down the line and waving at Santa.

I heard it was an Army unit who did this. I don't know who deserves the credit, but it really made our holiday.

This is probably one of the few times I either did not have a camera with me or I was to dumb struck to take a picture.

More from the Camp Pendleton booklet

2008-12-19T09:48:00.000-08:00

....on the way to Vietnam

Da Nang (the name I knew NOT Danang) Harbor

2008-12-16T09:31:00.000-08:00

I found your blog this date via the Post Star and found it extremely interesting. I was wondering if you had any photos of any Navy ships providing NGFS during your tour. Best Regards , Steve Raymond ( ex SM2 USN 68-72"

Steve this is the best I can do right now, maybe you can tell us the name of 808.

Thanks for reading

Don

Corrections to the Post Star Article

2008-12-16T04:56:00.000-08:00

I noticed two sentences in the Post Star article http://www.poststar.com/articles/2008/12/16/news/local/14134320.txtfrom todays date that I must correct.

The three Marines killed were not part of a "battalion" they were assigned to the 1st Marine Division Band.

Second mistake we were not there to "guard the band" we were there to help them provide security.

And I did not "retire" after two years, they botched that up also. Thanks to Anonymous for pointing that out.

More from the hill

2008-12-05T08:57:00.000-08:00

Happy Valley
Ammo bunker on the backside of the hill

Remember this?

2008-11-28T09:53:00.000-08:00

Belated Happy Birthday Marines

2008-11-12T17:42:00.000-08:00

and a salute to Veterans Day, I had trouble getting on line on the road, so welcome home vets, thank you for your service to your Country and Semper Fi.

Probably why I remained an E-3

2008-10-21T09:44:00.000-07:00

That is me in the middle with the M60 machine gun. As you can see my hat was flat and not starched and shaped like the others nor were my pants bloused, I had them pegged to make them tighter. But I still was proud to apart of Uncle Sams Misguided Children, aka USMC.
Semper Fi.

Jolly Green Giant CH-53

2008-10-20T08:50:00.000-07:00

Dog and the young woman

2008-10-13T10:19:00.000-07:00

Chief found this dog and took care of him until he left country.
I was in Danang one day and saw this woman and asked if I could take her picture, I think we all know what business she was in but it beat looking at those ugly things squatting on the side of the road chewing betel nut.

Yes Virginia, there really is a China Beach

2008-10-07T09:31:00.000-07:00

We got to have in-country R&R at China Beach, also our TOP, the tall guy in the camo pants with his hands on his hips, made a deal to get us to the beach. He also came up with some good steaks, beans and beer. Sorry I can't remember TOPs name, but he was a great guy.

Tower #1

2008-10-03T08:24:00.000-07:00

No it isn't Holmes and Watson it is Tom Bahnsen and myself getting stupid for the camera in Tower #1. The light and binoculars were obtained by some slick trading with the Navy thanks to Sgt. Massey.

Tower #1
Gear we used PRC-25 radio, phone, small binoculars, a can of rations heating up, flare and a M79 grenade launcher. In the distance background you can see the other tower.
Looking out back towards Danang and 1st Div.

Nighttime on A-Line Hill 327

2008-10-02T07:42:00.000-07:00

Navy flares over Happy Valley
Lights on A-Line

2008-09-29T13:49:00.000-07:00

FMD Band loading up for a ride to the bush for the gig below in the Sept 25th post.
Cpl. Bruce Didier checking out the trip flares for the night.
Practice landings China Beach
Danang Air Base

2008-09-26T09:23:00.000-07:00

Patrol coming back in
Another high rent district

Band on the road

2008-09-25T10:08:00.000-07:00

Well I can finally scan slides so I hope to add more pictures.

1st Marine Div. Band playing on the road for a change of command, far right front Cpl . John Denahy, Boston MA.
The chopper gunnner on our ride out.

2008-09-08T12:29:00.000-07:00

2008-09-08T12:22:00.000-07:00

ROK's Korean marines

Inside Marble Mountain

2008-09-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

CWO Olasack

Cpl. Rich Bouzek-Chicago
L/Cpl. Freemans Birthday
Cpl. Ken Miller-Cocoa Beach Fla.

2008-08-30T06:41:00.000-07:00

Club Time

2008-08-29T07:53:00.000-07:00

Dan Gyllenskog (back to camera scratching his chin), facing camera left to right, Rich Shelhamer, Guiterrez, Tom Bahnsen

2008-08-28T08:06:00.000-07:00

Another from Da Nang (the old spelling)
On the far left Sgt. Santiago, center with Mustache Cpl. Evans
Happy Valley, where the deer and the antelope played
Sgt.?

Coke, Cards and a little bourbon

2008-08-27T08:43:00.000-07:00

Left to right Butch Rutherford, unknown, Daryl Chrismon, Tom Bahnsen
Cpl. J.B.Evans-Chatanooga, Tenn. Sgt. Darwin Ogden
Standing "Chief", sitting facing camera, Bruce Didier, back to camera unknown (Notice Rebel Flag, nothing was ever said about it)

2008-08-26T06:22:00.000-07:00

Marble Mountain
In the city of Danang

2008-08-25T08:16:00.000-07:00

OV-10 Bronco, I was told he was dropping off surveillance film
The handler told me that due to regulations the dog would not be returning to the states.
The band heading out for a night on "the hill"
On the left, Cpl. Ted Copella, North Hollywood FLA, looking forward to the night ahead.

I need names if anyone can help.

1st Marine Division Band

2008-08-24T07:26:00.000-07:00

As I have said before I was a grunt, a ground pounder, an 0331 machine gunner but when I arrived in Nam they assigned me to the band. When I told my family they couldn't believe it so I had to send them a picture and of course my dads reaction was, "You can't play the radio let alone an instrument."

But myself and the other 15 to 20 grunts were not there to play but to work security on Hill 327 Alpha line. About three weeks before I arrived on Feb 23 1969 the band was doing their duty on the hill when they were attacked wounding many and killing three Cpl. Paul J. Mitchell, L/Cpl Victor A. Rabel, and Cpl. John P. Ziegler.

I have decided to dedicate this site to those three who gave all and will work on a sidebar to this blog in their honor.

Me about 40 years and 150 pounds ago.
FMD Band
TOP getting his Purple Heart

Just some notes.....

2008-08-22T07:47:00.000-07:00

Many of the religous pictures were taken in and around Marble Mountain and when I say in, the Monastery was inside the mountain.

As far as film and processing, I used what I could get at the time, later on I switched to slide film and of course got better processing, I think some of the processing over there B&W and color was done in the Phillipines in an outhouse.

The camera I used a Yashica TL Super was great, never a problem. The only lens I had was the 50mm 1.7 that came with it.

2008-08-22T07:42:00.000-07:00

Barmaid

Laundry girl

2008-08-22T07:27:00.000-07:00

Bokes

Latrineman
Gonzalez (note the little reel to reel) this is how we corresponded to home
West (correct name)?

2008-08-21T13:34:00.000-07:00

Mama-san

Deep thought
Sgt. Richard K. Shelhamer USMC Viet Nam 68-69
I found his lighter after he left country buried in the dirt of a bunker, I would love to get it back to him, he was from New Jersey.

2008-08-21T11:12:00.000-07:00

2008-08-21T10:49:00.000-07:00

Girls working at the orphanage

Pfc. Crooks
Larry
Yeah I know I cut the top of his head off but I wanted to catch him at the moment

Hill 327

2008-08-21T07:48:00.000-07:00

2008-08-21T06:55:00.000-07:00

Sunrise on Hill 327

Nightfall over Danang

2008-08-20T10:09:00.000-07:00

This was my one of my hoochmates, "Gook" Gutierezz, we had a fist fight in September 1969 and he broke my nose, the next month I was on my way to Hawaii for R&R and as I am walking through the Danang airport, here comes Gook running holding something in the air, it was my wallet. He found it on my bunk and hitched rides all the way to the airport from the 1st Marine Division to get it to me.
Thats the way the brotherhood worked in Nam.

Yes, there are rainbows in hell

2008-08-20T07:38:00.000-07:00

Good Morning Vietnam!!

2008-08-18T07:33:00.000-07:00

Yours truly

2008-08-16T07:18:00.000-07:00

Yes thats me on the left and my Sarge at the time, for a short time, he was going home and was assigned briefly to us. So brief I forgot his name although I do know he was from Australia and became a US Marine.
Behind us was our M40A1 106mm Recoilless Rifle over looking Happy Valley.

2008-08-15T07:11:00.000-07:00

Garlock, Garcia and ?

2008-08-14T07:55:00.000-07:00

2008-08-13T10:34:00.000-07:00

2008-08-12T15:24:00.000-07:00

I will be adding more photos as time goes on, these pictures are 40 years old and have been in an album so I am scanning the best I can. Most of them are stuck in the album and I can't remove them so I have to scan a whole page and crop. I also have 100's of slides that I have to sort through.