The Battalion Runner
2011 - No. 1
2nd Battalion 9th Marine Network
“Hell in a Helmet”

Gabe Coronado, 2717 Gratiot Avenue, Port Huron, MI 48060
Tel: 810-334-0377 - Email: member3107@aol.com

Best Wishes to all for a Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous New Year!

REUNION 2010 AFTER ACTION REPORT

We had one of our biggest turnouts ever for the 2010 Reunion in November in Washington, DC. A good time was had by all at the Marine Corps Birthday party on November 10th. Barbara Fogus, wife of Roger Fogus (HQHS, 65-66) made 5 beautifully decorated cakes to donate for the party, chocolate, yellow, red velvet, white and carrot cake. They were most delicious!

The ceremony began by introducing Major General Murphy and Colonel Kent, who joined our celebration after a Brick Dedication Ceremony at the Marine Corps Museum that afternoon. A report on that appears later in the newsletter. Colonel Coti addressed the troops again this year with a very moving story. This was followed by our usual "Hot Damn" salute to our fallen brothers and the singing of the Marine Corps Hymn. The cake cutting was performed by the oldest and youngest Marines, Col. Kent and Jordan Glover.

We were glad to see some of the younger Marines are expanding our ranks. Jordan Glover (Wpns, 91-93) and Chris Moline (H&S, 88-89) came to the Reunion for the first time. Both expressed how much they enjoyed the event and that they expect to be back next year. There was lots of interest in the raffle and silent auction, as some very nice items had been donated. Also, Sandy Butler wife of Darrell Butler made a very nice commemorative wreath. Another wreath was donated by Dick Sasser and both were taken to "The Wall" on Wednesday, the 10th after the Marine Corps Birthday.

NOTES FROM COLONEL COTI ABOUT HIS ADDRESS TO THE TROOPS ON HIS EXPERIENCE IN KOREA

"I would like to explain my loss of composure during my speech at our reunion. I have tried several times to speak about a certain subject but just could not talk about it. The VA Medical Center keeps telling me that I should discuss the subject but it is too difficult for me. I don't want to forget."

"When General Smith told Colonels Litzenberg and Murray to withdraw from Yudam-ni as soon as possible, both colonels agreed that it was imperative that all the most serious wounded be evacuated immediately to Hagaru-ri, where aircraft would Med Evac them to the hospital ship. All trucks not essentially needed for the withdrawal were unloaded and the wounded placed on the floor boards. White crosses were painted on the sides of the trucks. The convoy departed on the 10 mile journey to Hagaru-ri. Several miles down the icy road, the convoy arrived at the first Chinese road block. The Chinese killed all the drivers, then systematically removed the 5 gal gas cans, pouring the gas on the wounded Marines, and burnt them alive. When they got to the lead truck, the gas can was empty, so they bayoneted and smashed the wounded until they were satisfied that they were all dead, and left. They returned to the trucks. I can only assume that when they got back to their unit, their supervisor told them to go back and retrieve all the cold weather clothing from the Marines in the first truck. When they got back to the trucks, they removed all of the clothing from the dead Marines, throwing their bodies out of the truck. Near the end, one of the Marine's bodies was still warm. They beat him to death and threw his body out of the truck and left. After a while, the Marine that they had thought they had beaten to death stirred. He was barely still alive. What happened next can only be described as a miracle. He started crawling slowly back to our lines until a LP saw him, in -30 to -40 degree below zero temperature, with hardly any clothes on. The ordeal cost him his fingers and toes but he survived. He was evacuated to Hagaru and Med Evac to the Hospital Ship."

"He got married had children and grandchildren. About 6 years ago, Charles Durning, the actor, told his story at the Memorial Day ceremony in D.C. The camera scanned his family which was a sight to behold. We would not have known what happened that day if he had not survived. I did not know him, but a lot of the wounded at Yudam-ni came from Camp Lejeune where I served with some of them from 1948-1950, when we all left for Korea. The memory of this incident will be with me forever."

BEN HAI OPERATION JULY 1967

On November 9th a large group of 2/9er’s attended a dedication ceremony at the Marine Corps Museum, where a Memorial Brick was placed in Semper Fidelis Park to commemorate the twenty-three Marines who lost their lives on this operation. Major General Dennis Murphy reports that it is located at a beautiful site near the entrance to the chapel. Many of those who attended are survivors, family, and friends of men who participated in that operation. The ceremony opened with a prayer by Chaplain Chasteen:

"Our heavenly Father, we, who have followed our many pathways to this place, come together to give honor to those who will be forever young in our minds and hearts, those who gave their lives that day and night, leaving us to tell the story. We have faith that by Dedicating this Memorial and reading their names, they shall not be lost to memory."

"After 43 years, the noise of Battle still rings in our ears. Every one of us who were there, and those who were our families and friends back home, have been forever changed. We pray that this Service of Dedication may give us comfort and lead us to peace within ourselves and with each other as we share the story. Bless the Dedication of this Memorial. Amen"

Following the invocation, Colonel Kent gave opening remarks and the names of the KIA were read by Jim Hahn. A bugler from Quantico played "Taps" and Chaplain Chasteen ended the ceremony with a benediction prayer.

NOTES FROM THE MAILBOX

Don Houser (HQHS, 67) writes, "I was in 2/9 for about 6 months, May to October 1967, in the Leatherneck Square. Myself, I had about 9 years of time in the Marine Corps. I had no artillery experience in my years of training. Right away I was given some OJT with Echo 2/12. I believe that Capt. Hart was our battery commander. That was my first exposure to being a ‘Cannon Cocker’…Then I was sent to join "Hell in a Helmet" 2/9 at Dong Ha. It was May 1967. The battalion was in the midst of a battle with the NVA in the Leatherneck Square. I stayed for about 4 days there in the 2/9 rear at Dong Ha. When I went to supply to draw 782 gear the person in charge couldn’t be found. The 782 gear I needed I picked out of a pile of gear that had been dumped from a jeep trailer. This 782 gear was from some recently wounded or killed troopers. One of the helmets I picked up had some trooper’s brains still in the webbing. In the pile of 782 gear was an M-16 with bullet holes shot through it. It was no longer serviceable. I put together the 782 I needed and I kept that gear for the several months I was with 2/9..."

"A couple of days later it came time for me to go to the field. There were a few of us that flew out with a resupply CH-46 chopper to 2/9 in the field. Our CH-46 landed in a cloud of dust and the aroma of freshly blown apart banana trees was strong in the air. From there I joined up with an Echo 2/12 artillery radio operator and my time with "Hell in a Helmet" in the field began. There weren’t any fire missions happening and I took up my position as a forward observer in the command headquarters of 2/9. I don’t know who the previous FO was that I replaced. Apparently he flew out on the chopper I came in on. My radio operator got me snapped in on what was happening. I do recall that the Air Observer was a busy man during that time. The Air Observer was in direct contact with the spotter plane flying above our position. The pilot was directing some 2/9 rifle platoons position toward some NVA position which was on the other side of a hedge row. The pilot could see it all. Now that was really close air support! The Battalion Commander when I arrived was Lt. Col. JJ Peeler. He was a hard nose Commander and had the respect of every combat Marine in our 2/9 Battalion. OOH-RAH"

Don provided a lengthy report on his participation in the Ben Hai Operation of July 1967. Anyone who would like to have a copy, please contact me by phone: (810) 334-0377 or email: member3107@aol.com.

Rodney McGuire (HQHS, 75-79) writes, "I was a cook in 2/9 at Schwab 1/77 1/78. BLT 2/9 went to Japan and Korea. In December of 77, "I was part of an advance party for the Battalion. We were headed for Subic Bay via a worn out dirt road from Clark AFB to Subic Bay. On or about 12 December 77, there was an ambush of 30 US Sailors (See Bee’s). They were killed outside of Subic in a gray Navy bus. I was with the advance party of Marines who went thru that village 2 days after the killings. Our immediate CO at the time was Lt. Ivy S-4. If anyone knows of this incident please contact me."

You can contact Rodney by phone: (541) 826-4769 or email: mcquiree_rc@yahoo.com.

Bonnie Mott wife of Larry R Mott (2/9, 1969) writes, "I just found your 2/9 website and was amazed to see on my wall at the same time a plaque with a banner across the top reading "Hell In A Helmet" that was my late husbands. Like you, we went to "The Wall" and Larry found some of the men he had served with. It was a very moving experience. He served in 1969, during the TET Offensive. He was a radio man and spoke often of the patrols. He passed away January 12, 2006 of a heart attack. He was 56. I just learned that the VA has added some heart attacks as being caused by Agent Orange. A group in New York that specializes in aiding veterans in getting benefits helped me with a claim."

"Before he passed away he was interviewed by our oldest granddaughter about his time in Viet Nam for a school project. He told her that because of the way rations were delivered that it was a treat to get peaches and shortcake at the same time. So he would save whichever one he had in order to wait for the other one. He was hit by shrapnel and felt something warm and sticky on his back. He thought he had been wounded, but found out it was his peaches that were hit. He was disappointed that he lost them, even though they can be credited with saving his life. I think he would have enjoyed attending a reunion."

You can contact Bonnie by email: bhmott@yahoo.com.

Helene Williams writes regarding Sgt John G Mattie Jr (H 2/9, 1966). Her daughter-in-law is Michele Mattie, John’s only child. She never met her Dad, as he died when his wife was 6 months pregnant with Michele. Veteran's Day evokes many memories for these two women as Helene’s fiancé, David Rozelle, also a Marine, was killed in Nam on 21 January 1968. Anyone with information to share about these brothers can contact Helene by email at: cmctrauma@aol.com.

Malon Shelton (G 2/9, 67-68) writes regarding 30 November 1967. "Operation Kentucky V started at Camp Carroll. We were loaded onto trucks and transported to the junction of Cam Lo and then further north. We unloaded there and walked into the DMZ area. I was always told that Fox Co was the lead company and Golf was the last one that day. It was late in the afternoon when we got hit by enemy fire. Air support was called in. By the time the battle was over, it was almost dark. We carried our WIA and KIA to a perimeter for the night. Illumination rounds were shot off from a distance so that we could see to get there. No one was excavated until the next morning. It was the worst night I spent in Viet Nam. We left there by foot and went to the Gio Linh area where we stayed until December 24th. We came back to Camp Carroll for Christmas."

Earl Luce (F2/9, 66-67) writes, "I'm sending a donation in memory of my wife, Cathy, who passed away September 6th. I had her for 38 ½ years and she was a good one to hump the hills with, a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. I will miss her."

Tom Crites (E2/9, 67) sent a thank you card from members of Hotel Company 2nd Bn 26th Marines. It reads, "On behalf of Hotel Company we want to express our sincere thanks for your hospitality last week in DC. We had a great time while at the Virginian and enjoyed meeting members of 2/9. Thanks again for allowing us to "share" in your reunion. Semper Fi!"

NEWS FROM THE FRONT

This is a new section to the Runner to report on active duty 2/9er’s, whether at home or deployed. We hope to receive some comments, stories, or any other information you are willing to share with the old-timers. If you are an active duty 2/9 Marine we want to hear from you. We want to hear about the new Corps, your experiences, impressions, and your Marine friends who have gone on their last patrol.

Give us your information by phone: (810) 334-0377 or email: member3107@aol.com or write to:

Gabe Coronado, 2717 Gratiot Avenue, Port Huron, MI 48060

NEW MEMBERS

The following is a list of new members that have joined since the last Runner. Contact information for new members is available on the website Roster or from me by phone at: (810)334-0376 or email at: member3107@aol.com.

Gerald Clemmer (Fox Co. 65-66), Mark Kerrick, (HQHS Co, 81-84), David Wehlemann (F Co. 07-09), James H. Sanford (F Co.67), Levi E. Bennett (G Co. 9-91), Dante Still (G Co.86-87), Lance Erikson (E Co. 89), Raymond Henderson (F Co. 67-68), Kim Alvis (H Co. 69),Gabe Young (E Co. 57-58), Guy Mullen (HQHS Co. 57-58), Ron Hagadorn (H Co. 69-70), Mark Naughton (HQHS Co. 81-85), William J. Marshall (Wpns Co. 07-10), William Baum (G Co. 67-68), Mike Quinn (H Co. 68-69), Raymond Wiser (HQHS Co. 69), Steven Atwood (H Co. 69), Ryan Giese (E Co. 08), John Baird ( HQHS Co. 84-88), David Tyr-Connail (G Co. 66-67), Charles T. Smith (HQHS Co. 68-69), Michael Mattia (HQHS Co. 69-70), Jeffrey Burke (F Co. 82-86), Rickie Burris (G Co. 69-70), Terry Campbell (HQHS Co. 75-76), Benjamin Towne IV (Wpns. 07-Present), David A. Sowder (HQHS Co. 64-67), John Vanden Berghe (HQHS Co. 84-85), Antonio A. Asa (E Co. 71-78), Shaun Walker (HQHS Co. 86-90), Charlie Jenkins (G Co. 68-69), Bernard Paquette HQHS Co. 76-77), Daniel J. Nilsson (G Co. 10-Present), Kim Lewis (E Co. 73-75), Donald Grob (E Co. 66-67), Russ DeVerniero (G Co. 67-68), Ed Rawls (F Co. 81-84), David Brown (E Co. 86-88), Duane Nelson (G Co. 91-92), Kirk Sherwood (HQHS Co. 91-93), Mechel J. Washington (G Co. 84-85), Louis Deshane (G Co. 74-77), Danny M. O’Leary (G Co. 69-70), Courtney Ellis (E Co. 90-92), Marvin Horsley (H Co. 67-68), Larry Benard Mayer (HQHS Co. 66-67), Dan Mayer (E Co. 67-68), Charles Stroud (E Co. 61-65), Jerry W. Smart (HQHS Co. 81-85), John Fillbrand (F Co. 68-69), Robert Dickson (HQHS Co. 86-87), Tony Alicea (Wpns Co. 94), Noe Ramirez Wpns Co. 74-78), Wes Borror (G Co. 83-87), Dave Brown (E Co. 65-66), Lorenzo W. Silvestre (F Co. 67-68), Carmel White HQHS Co. 71-73), William Taylor (F Co), Germante Dillon (HQHS Co. 09-Present), Frank Paone (F Co. 68-69), Rodney McGuire (HQHS Co. 75-79), Pat Owens (E Co. 77-81), Anthony Townsend (F Co. 90-93), Hubert Wheeler (HQHS Co. 74-75), Ronald S. McMinn (H Co. 65),Tony Fernando (E Co. 87-91), John T. Janses II (E Co. 91-93).

DONATIONS

I regret to report that the members who have donated to the cause will not be listed in this Runner, due to the fact that I am writing this in Florida and my donation information is in Michigan. But be it known, the donations from our members have been many and generous and are greatly appreciated. The complete list will be published in the next Runner issue.

The Network is organized and run by unpaid volunteer members, but there are some costs involved in keeping it going. Money is needed to pay the web host, printing charges and postage for the newsletter, along with costs incurred for the reunion. There are no charges of any kind to members. Everything is paid for strictly through donations.

If you feel moved to donate any amount, make your check out to Gabe Coronado and mail to:

Gabe Coronado - The 2/9 Network,  2717 Gratiot Avenue,   Port Huron, MI 48060