2nd Battalion, 9th Marines Network

Information and Current Affairs Page

This page has been created to provide information and current items of interest.  This has been done to provide our members with the most recent news occurring during the intervals between issuance of new Battalion Runner Newsletters.  Entries here will be listed by date, with the most recent items being listed first.  Older items will be removed upon issuance of the next Battalion Runner.  I hope this new page will serve to improve the service the Network provides to our members.  As always, anyone can email me at twoninencoic@aol.com with questions, concerns, information, etc. at any time.

Semper Fi

Danny Schuster - Network Administrator

 

01 September 2025:  I recieved the following request from Sean Miller, inquiring about his Dad, Larry Eugene Miller who served with 2/9 in 1985.

 

My name is Sean Miller. I’m trying to find photos of my dad, Larry Eugene Miller, who served with 2/9 (“Hell in a Helmet”) after enlisting in 1985. He deployed to the Philippines and Okinawa. He passed away four years ago today, and my family and I would love to see any photos of him or his unit from that time.

 

If you served with him, or if you have cruise book scans, squad pictures, or deployment photos, I would be so grateful if you could share them.

 
Sean Miller 
smiller_96@yahoo.com
 
01 September 2025:  I recieved the following from Cindy Mikelonis, inquiring about a Purple Heart for her deceased husband, Charles Mikelonis, who served with 2/9 during the Battle of Hill 126 in March 1969
 
 Hello,
 
I am the wife of Charles Mikelonis, who is now sadly deceased since 2016 after years of bad health. We were happily married 35 years.
 
Charlie was with Fox Co. 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines (Hell in a Helmut) and was wounded in combat but the government failed to document the incident. However, I have a letter from his friend who also served with him documenting what he witnessed. He is George Swiers but I am not sure if he is still alive. Charlie was provided with an article on the webpage for Fox Co. back in 2012 that indicated his name when describing the specific battle that he was involved in with his 2nd Platoon that was listed under the topic of Hill 126. Article was written by Lt. Waltwood. 
 
In the letter from George Swiers, he indicated that Charlie was the radio man leading his squad, when the radio was shot off his back and scrapnel hit his backside causing blood to cover his pants. Several of his guys injured were airlifted by helicopter, but Charlie was so dedicated that he refused to leave the few other guys behind yet should have be taken for medical help. This was most likely the reason he was not documented for being wounded since he did not go with the other wounded guys. There were several guys that witnessed his injuries, but are no longer alive.
 
Charlie began to try and obtain his Purple Heart Medal in 2012 after his friend George Swiers heard he never received it and then wrote a letter to Governor Andy Harris at that time. I have all the paperwork still. After months of having him submit documents and waiting for response, once again the government dropped the ball. Charlie was so hopeful but then gave up. He was having many health issues during that time and could no longer pursue the issue.
 
As his devoted wife, I am desperately trying to get information that may possibly help me to get his medal. Charlie and I both have a son who is now an adult and I feel he should be entitled to receive it in honor of his memory.
 
Please let me know if you know of any information about Charlie or this incident,  or any websites or people that may have records or other ways to help me find the article about the battle of Hill 126, I believe it was 4 days there around March 1969. 
 
Thank you in advance and thank you for your service. Semper Fi
Sincerely,
Cindy Mikelonis 
cindylouwho1957@hotmail.com