The Battalion Runner
2009 – No. 3
2nd Battalion 9th Marine Network“Hell in a Helmet”
Gabe Coronado P.O. Box 611535, Pt. Huron MI 48060 Tel: 810-987-4038 Email: member3107@aol.com
www.2ndbattalion9thmarines.org
2009 REUNION A SUCCESS
“Together Then – Together Again”
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E Company 1965-66 “Together Again”
Gabe Coronado, Ed Gorman, Ron Hoyos, Dorie Lear, Doc Salter |
Approximately 138 people attended the 2009 Reunion held in November in Washington, DC, with many new faces joining the familiar ones. The men of E Company, 65-66, were especially pleased to see their old friend Doc Salter again after 40 years. Our gratitude goes out to the ladies auxiliary, who support the men of the 2/9 Network. They staffed the sale table, sold raffle tickets, and made the salads and served the cake for the Birthday Party.
Among the items for raffle was a beautiful handmade quilt donated by Luena Barclay, a custom made Bowie knife donated by Bill Carpenter, and framed artwork titled “Reflections” donated by Dorie Lear. Dick Sasser donated a wreath which a group placed at The Wall the evening of the Marine Corps Birthday.
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| Luena Barclay with 2/9 Quilt |
Those who filled out and returned the white sheets passed out by Bob Driver at past reunions were able to see the results when he brought in copies of his newly released book titled More Than a Few Good Men. The book includes information on Operations Harvest Moon, Rough Rider, Double Eagle II and Kings, as well as photos and stories of his 2/9 experiences in Vietnam. Anyone interested in purchasing a copy of the book can contact Bob Driver (E2/9, 65-66) by phone at (540) 348-5969 or by email at: theburg73@embarqmail.com. The book generated a lot of discussion at the Reunion and prompted a supplement by Col. Coti which is included with this edition of the Runner. Col Coti also gave a salute to the men before cake cutting at the Marine Corp Birthday party. The honor of cutting the cake was given to Col Peeler and Col Coti. The Salute given by Col. Coti before the cake cutting on the Marine Corps Birthday is reprinted below. Afterward, we all toasted our fallen brothers with a cup of Hot Damn. You’ll have to attend a reunion to find out what that is.
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| 2/9 Memorial Wreath |
REUNION
2ND Bn, 9th Marines, 3rd Marine Div, Fleet Marine Force, Vietnam
From all across the land we come, with just one thought in mind;
To share again the memories of the days we left behind.
‘Tis forty years ago or more we stood on foreign soil,
And said goodbye to friends we’d known, in blood and sweat and toil.
We are brothers of many different kinds:
But just for now we’re veterans of another war and time.
Our friendship forged in danger and tempered under fire.
The bond will last forever; explanation not required.
We bow our heads in tribute to our brothers not here today;
Those men who once we knew as friends, who fell along the way.
Our ranks are growing thinner now, the passing years will tell;
We’re brothers and we’re veterans, who served our Corps and country well.
And so we meet again, embrace and talk, and remember days of yore;
For there is just a deep desire to see our brothers once more.
This may be our last reunion, for some the last goodbye,
‘Til we meet again in Heaven, at the reunion in the sky.
MORE THAN A FEW GOOD MEN by Lt. Colonel Robert J. Driver, Jr., USMC (Ret.) Page 206: Additional notes by Colonel Coti. (C.O. E 2/9)
As Gen Thi told Gen Walt on 3 Dec 1965 not to discuss the upcoming operation with any Vietnamese, including his staff, as the Viet Cong has infiltrated all echelons of the Vietnamese Army. Since ARVN units were attached to the Task Force, it was not difficult to relay the intelligence to the VCINY A. All operational orders were transmitted by VC members of the ARVN to the Viet Cong INV A, including the B-52 strike at Phoac Ha Valley.
We landed at the wrong LZ at 1400H, 9 Dec and did not arrive at 3/3 objective area until 1600H which did not give much time before the end of daylight. G Co (2/9) and one Platoon from E Co (2/9) stayed behind to protect the LZ. As we approached the objective area, LtCol Dorsey (3/3 Alpha) called all company commanders for a briefing at a clearing near a rice paddy. Across the flooded rice paddy was the jungle, about 100 yards away. I took Gunny Fergeson with me. We were still in approach march formation: L Co (3/3), 3/3 HQ, E 2/9 (-). The march from the LZ was along a dirt road. The jungle was so dense at times that flank security could not be put out. What we did not know was that the Viet Cong INV A had already occupied positions to the front, left flank and behind the battalion at the objective area, including Hill 43 (L Co.) and the Hamlet (E 2/9). God only knows what would have happened if we had landed in the original LZ, which I assume the V AINV A had also set-up defensive positions, including an NY A anti-aircraft unit. L Co would move forward and turn right to make its assault on Hill 43. E Co would move through the jungle until a clearing was reached; a tree line beyond the far end of the clearing was our objective from which we would provide flanking fire for L Co. We did not know at the time that from our objective we could not have provided supporting flanking fire to L Co, due to dense vegetation, darkness, and steepness of terrain from our objective to the flank of L Co; also, our objective was heavily defended by the VCINY A
Since the sun sets around 1700H, I asked LtCol Dorsey if I had time to find my objective, in case I had to lead my company there after dark - he said O.K. I told the Gunny to alert the company to move out on my orders, and I went to check the objective. I came to a large, horse-shape clearing surrounded by trees. In the middle of the clearing, about 30 yards away, was a very large newly built house on stilts - probably the NY A Commander's or Phoac Ha Valley Commissar's house. I climbed about 10 steps to the deck. The tree line was about 25 yards behind the house - I could not see Hill 43. I walked slowly to the door and stopped. There was an eerie silence and I felt uneasy since I only had my .45. I returned to the C.P. and was standing next to 3/3 S-2. I just started briefing LtCol Dorsey about what I was able to observe from the VC house and the heavy vegetation from my objective to L Co's objective, when the VCINY A launched a vicious, ongoing mortar, heavy weapons and small arms fire from all directions. The initial burst of heavy weapons fire from across the rice paddy hit the C.P. killing the S-2. LtCol Dorsey and his command group moved quickly into the jungle on their side. The Gunny and I dove and took cover behind the rice paddy bank.
When the VC/NVA raking fire at our position shifted, I told the Gunny to go back and bring the company forward and I would be a short way up the road, where we would go into the jungle to get to our objective. Lt Zelm was my lead platoon followed by SSGT Kasparian (3rd Platoon Commander). During the heavy ongoing enemy fire, SSGT Kasparian moved out of the killing zone and ran into L Co's flank; he moved parallel to L Co in the attack on Hill 43. Lt Zelm launched his attack and received overwhelming heavy enemy fire from the tree line and the house in the middle of the clearing. It was dark at this time and LtZelm, pulled back his lead elements and launched grenades against the house and tree line, setting the house on fire which providing enough light to direct effective fire against enemy positions. I wanted to take a closer look and as I started moving forward Lt Zelm grabbed my arm and said; don't go any further skipper, this 'is' the front line. Lt Zelm continued the attack and drove the remaining enemy from the area. We secured our objective about the same time that L Co secured their objective.
The reason why Colonel Donahue was "so pissed" was not only because I called him stressing that the 3 men may be alive and needed medical attention, but because in Boot Camp at Parris Island (1948) and on the troop ship sailing to Korea in August 1950, the NCOs and Officers, W.W. II veterans, told us over and over again that we never leave wounded on the battlefield and do everything in our power to save them, even if it costs lives. I was getting frustrated and could not comprehend why I was being ordered to leave the 3 Army Rangers in my TAOR all night until morning. I called 2/9 Alpha again and said that I was not waiting and was taking my reaction squad to the ambush site to see if they were still alive. The S-3 relayed my call again to Colonel Donahue. A few minutes later, Colonel Donahue himself called back and said: did you not understand what I told you; that I was to wait until morning before going to the ambush site. I was so aggravated, I told him that Marines don't leave wounded on the battlefield to die alone and that I have to go the ambush site to see if any of the Rangers are still alive. That was when Colonel Donahue "ordered" me to stay where I was, but that the Ranger Unit could go to the ambush site. I told Colonel Donahue that I had ambushes set-up throughout the area and that it would be safer if my reaction squad led the Ranger Unit to the VC ambush site. He again told me that only the Ranger Unit could go and that I and my reaction squad are to remain where we were.
The next morning Major Finne, X.O. picked me up and asked me what I said to Colonel Donahue because he had never seen Colonel Donahue so pissed - I didn't reply. Maj. Finne told me Capt Driver and I were switching places. A few days later, Colonel Donahue called me to this "hut". He told me that said that I was to have full command over the security of 2/9 Command Post. He never mentioned the ambush incident. I also never mentioned the ambush again until I went to my first 2/9 reunion 35 years later. Xavier Rodriguez told me that the Ranger Captain, carrying a briefcase with Top Secret documents, ran into his ambush position that night; and that the U.S. Army Warrant Officer Ranger ran into another of our ambush positions. The Australian Warrant Officer's body was found at the ambush site near the vehicle - he died of wounds. I told Rodriguez that all these years I thought the 3 rangers died and that I didn't do enough to save them.
NOTES FROM THE MAILBOX
Gabe Coronado (E2/9, 65-66) wishes to thank all the members of the 2/9 Network who sent condolences on the recent passing of his mother. It is comforting to have the support of the brotherhood.
Richard “Richi” Pedro (H2/9, 67-69) is looking for other members of 3rd platoon including: Crownover, Doc Holiday, and Ralph Early. Contact Richi at: (413) 596-2129
Bill Kent (Bn, 67-68) writes, “As I remember, I mentioned to you in a note earlier this year that a brick was to be placed along the pathway between the museum at Quantico and the new chapel that recognizes the KIA’s that we took on the operations to the Ben Hai River and back during late July ’67. The chapel has been completed and our brick has been placed on the approach to the chapel. If any of the guys plan to visit the museum, they might want to know about the brick. It is number 13316. The directories at the museum will give them a map location if they enter that number. The engraving on the brick reads, ‘2/9 BENHAI AND BACK – RVN 28-29 JULY 1967 – IN MEMORY OF OUR KIA.’ Gen Murphy, Maj. Southard and I are working on some kind of dedication ceremony at the location for the future.”
Nelson Chasteen, (Bn Chaplain May-July, 1967) writes, “I was reading the recent Battalion Runner this morning and I found the note from Col William Kent, who was CO that infamous day, 7/29/1967. Yes, we need a Memorial!! Then, I came across the letter from Otis "Buzzard" Ford, also dealing with 7/29/67. So, there are still some of us alive and kicking who managed to survive that "Bad Day on the Ben Hai River."
I was the Battalion Chaplain up to that day. The whole day was terrible, beginning with our first escape route being shut off, bombardment all day by mortar and small arms fire, and shut off from the road south by tank destroying lED's. By the afternoon, many of our guys were under heavy fire and several Med-Evac Choppers were shot down to our southwest.
Dr. Geron Brown, Battalion Surgeon, my assistant, Ron Atwood, and I tried to get to the wounded by going south along the road, but were cut off by mortars which landed only feet from us. I was 'creamed' by one landing just ahead of me. Fortunately, Dr. Brown and Ron Atwood were a bit behind me and were not injured at that time. Others, like me, were blown into the ditch on the west side of the road. Dr. Brown was everywhere at once and was joined by his Corpsmen in trying to keep us all alive.
At almost sundown, one of the tanks finally made it to our position. Dr. Brown, who was about half my size, physically threw me up onto the tank, and climbed up to tie me onto the turret. A mortar round landed behind him, blowing him off the tank and putting shrapnel into his back. However, he was able to get up and finish the job of loading a few others there. He says he spent a horrible night, desperately trying to keep guys alive until somehow help could come.
Since things were not improving, the tank commander with his load of injured, headed south as fast as the tank would go along that rough dirt road. As we broke through the force surrounding the Battalion, I was hit in the foot and leg by rifle fire. The tank commander radioed ahead and had Choppers waiting at the Contien Arty Battery. It was full dark by that time. Those of us lucky enough to be tied, or were hanging onto the tank, were Choppered to the BAS at Dong Ha where our clothes were cut off and emergency measures were taken to hold us until we could be Choppered to the USS Sanctuary, the Hospital Ship off the Coast. I was there for about two weeks, during which I was visited by General Hockmooth, who pinned on a Purple Heart, and by Dr. Brown, who brought my personal gear out to the Ship.
I was transported to Japan, then to Alaska, and on to Andrews AFB, before ending up at the Great Lakes Naval Hospital on August 20, 1967. After 5 months of reconstructive surgery and rehabilitation, I was able to be assigned back to Camp Pendleton for duty with the 5th Marine FSR. I was released from active duty at the end of 1969 and went on with life. I am still a 'survivor.' As they say, "Once a Marine, Always a Marine!!!" Once you are in that Marine Uniform, something changes in your life, never to be forgotten. Semper Fi!!!
To all those who did not survive, we salute them. To those who were almost killed, but were lucky enough to have Docs like Geron Brown and his Corpsmen, live with deep respect for them and for the guys who fought with all their strength to make it possible for us to survive. And to all you who were able to walk out of that horror, exhausted, dirty, terrified, but with continuing courage, I say a deeply respectful "Thank You!!!"
NELSON D. CHASTEEN, Battalion Chaplain, May-July, 1967. Long live 7/29/1967 memories!!
LAST PATROL
Jeffrey Barnes
Gary Evans
Thomas E. Weinhold |
NEW MEMBERS
The following is a list of new members that have joined since the last Runner. Due to the large number of registrations, and for privacy protection, contact information for new members is not being published in the Runner but is available on the website Roster, or by phone at (810) 987-4038, or email at member3107@aol.com.
Chris Lindahl (HQHS Co. 76-77), Stephan Purdy (G Co. 69), Hughey Gresham (F Co. 67-68), Loverso Walker (HQHS Co. 71-72), John Murphy (H Co. 67), Greg Melton (HQHS Co. 72-73), James T. Bragg (E Co. 67-68), Mark Nickerson (G Co. 69), Robert French (HQHS Co. 69), Art Hines (WPNS Co. 77-78), Roger Wells ( G Co. 66-67), Charles Richmond (HQHS Co. 08-09), Anthony Perino (H Co. 67-68), Michael L. Drummond (HQHS Co. 66-71), Henry D. Bates (F Co. 68-70), David L. Murphy (F Co. 65-66), Filomeno Morales (F Co. 67-68), Gregory D. Hynes (F Co. 66-67), Mark H. Nielsen (H Co. 68-69), Matthew Bacon (HQHS Co. 92-94), Bruce Manuel (Fox Co. 66-67), Curtis D. Myrick (E Co. 74-75), Clyde Rilea (H Co. 67-68), Ron Sherrer (HQHS Co. 83-86), Michael D. Keever (Wpns Co. 79-81), Douglas Brimley (G Co. 66), William Henderson (G Co. 66-67), Wayne Garofolo (H Co. 67-68), Tom Poole (G Co. 77-79), Greg Hetu (G Co. 78-81), Anthony Daidone (H Co. 66-67), John H.L. Martinez (H Co. 69), Walter Nichols (HQHS Cop. 66-67), David E. Picciandra (F Co. 68-70), Dan Bliznik (F Co. 68), Gerald A. Curtis II (E Co. 67), Michael Ryan (G Co. 66-67), Wilson Aguayo (F Co. 66), Jerry Napolillo (H Co. 67-68), Richard W. Moore (G Co. 74-94), Antonio Garza (HQHS 76-79), Gerald Siebens (HQHS Co. 72), Hughey Gresham (F Co. 67-68), Andrew Lucero (F Co. 82-83), Dan Taylor (E Co. 68-69), Raymond Wiser (HQHS Co. 69-70), Phillip Lille (F Co. 57-58), Larry Sztary (F Co. 67-68), Steve Bishop (G Co. 68-69), Edy C. Banks (Wpns Co. 72-73), Robert O’Donnell (E Co. 66-67), Gilbert Sanchez (Wpns Co. 79-83), Timothy Prest (HQHS Co. 07-09), Oliver Rowland (HQHS Co. 86-87), Moises Rodriguez (E Co. 89-90), Larry Sova (E Co. 69), Pete Romero (G Co. 68-69), William T. Helton (F Co. 83-87), Richard Pedro (H Co. 67-69), Bill Gruntler (E Co. 81-84), Harry Taylor( G Co. 08-Pres.), Cail McElheny (HQHS Co. 09-Pres.), Terry Henson (H Co. 69), John E. Anaya (HQHS Co. 72-78), J.C. Morris (Wpns Co. 79-83), Charles E. Manning (F Co. 68-69), Jason Weickum (G Co. 91-94), Eugene Dishon (G Co. 90-94), George Sachtleben (H Co. 69-70), Charles Daniels (G Co. 92-94), Alvin L. Baldree (HQHS Co. 68), Baxter Staton (HQHS Co. 70).
DONATIONS
A big OOH-RAH for those who have donated to help with reunion costs, and to keep the Network running, including: Ted Licitra, Gary L. Brown, Capt. P. Pearce, Ralph Martinez, Col. Ronald M. Losee, Col. John J. Peeler, David E. Wray, Joseph T. Guggino, Robert L. Mumper Jr., Hoyt Luce, James P. Riorden, John R. Towell, Pete Padilla, Anthony Newman, Ramon Nieto, A. Jay Langford, Billy Conyers, Ruben J. Gomez, Tom Bragg, William McDowell, Dennis Murphy, Larry Noon, Michael Schramm, Jim Murphy, Col William Coti, Gary Brown, Brian Youens, Glen D. Siegler.
The Network is organized and run by unpaid volunteer members. There are no charges of any kind to 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. Everything is paid for strictly through donations. If you feel moved to donate any amount, please make your check out to Gabe Coronado and mail to: The 2/9 Network – Gabe Coronado, PO Box 611535, Port Huron, MI 48061-1535.
REUNIONS
35th Anniversary Reunion MAYAGUEZ Recovery and Battle of Koh Tang Island May 1975. Seeking Marines from Golf, H7S, and Echo 2/9 and Delta 1/4 and any others attached or associated. Reunion 13-16 May 2010, Branson, MO. For more information contact Dan Hoffman by email at: dhoffman@sc.rr.com or by phone at (803) 422-6842.
Golf 2/9 Reunion to be held May 2-8 2010 at Residence Inn St. Petersburg, Treasure Island, Florida. For more information and details contact Ronald Bowen by email at: norbbo@comcast.net.
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