A salute to a Vietnam vet

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.

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.

True Story

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.

Da Nang (the name I knew NOT Danang) Harbor

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

Yes Virginia, there really is a China Beach

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.

Patrol coming back in
Another high rent district

Band on the road

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.

1st Marine Division Band

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