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Battalion Runner Gabe
Coronado P.O. Box 611535, Pt. Huron MI 48060 REPORT ON REUNION 2005
On November 10th we attended the ceremonies for the Marine Corps birthday at the Iwo Jima Memorial. It was nice to see the tradition is continuing with a group of Young Marines who stood at parade rest throughout the entire program. After the program, Marine Corps commandant, General Hagee, joined us for a group photo.
There were some problems with the hotel this year that caused us to consider changing the reunion site for 2006. Stephen Clemons & Ed Gorman did some recon while we there, and followed up with a contract for November 2006 at The Virginia Suites Hotel, which is just across the street. Details on reserving for the 2006 Reunion are also provided in this newsletter. MAILBOX NOTES Helen Castonquay writes, “Please be advised that William “Doc” Castonquay, HM-1 passed away on July 30, 2005 at his home. He had fought emphysema for 10 years and just couldn’t fight any longer. His service with HQ of 2/9 in Vietnam was among his proudest time in the service. We laid him to rest in Tahoma National Cemetery, Kent Washington.” Becky Hebert writes, “My uncle William F. Seveney was in your company and was killed in July 1967 in Quang Tri. He died before I was born. Does anyone have any information regarding him and could you see if you could contact anyone who was with him when he died. I would love to know more about what happened. If possible I would love to talk to anyone that knew him or was with him.” You can email Becky at: bhebert@ware.k12.ma.us Kathy Upchurch writes, “I wanted to wish each of you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2006. I do think of all of you and the importance you have been in my life these past several years. The true meaning of “never forgotten” is so true for each of you and the 2nd Platoon. God Bless, Semper Fi, and Love you all. From the website message board Julie writes: It is my great regret to let you know my father, Larry Brinkman (Platoon Sergeant for 3rd Platoon, Hotel Company) passed away last Wednesday, December 21st, 2005. He really loved this community; he had a wonderful time at the reunion a couple of years ago. His burial will be held at Arlington National Cemetery on his birthday, April 24th, 2006 at 3pm with full honors. You are all invited to attend. Please feel free to leave a message for me on the website posting or email me at juliebean@gmail.com Thank you everyone for your service, thank you for this site, thank you for everything.
Barbara Harker writes, ”I am writing this e-mail message with great sorrow. Ed wanted me to notify you when he died. On Wednesday, November 9, 2005, at 7:00 pm he died at home. As I am sure most of you are aware, he was sick for a long time. He fought a long battle, but was ready at the end. Ed never complained and if you asked how he felt, he would tell you “great, couldn’t be better.” Ed will be missed by all and enjoyed your calls and e-mail messages. Thanks for being such great friends to him because I know he valued your friendship.” Charles Conley writes, “I would appreciate if you could put in your next newsletter my name & phone number, as I don’t have a computer but would enjoy hearing from anyone who served in Echo Co. 2/9 during April ’66 to May ’67. I was a grunt in the 2nd Platoon.” You can phone Charles Conley at: (309) 452-6678 Red Hill writes, “The Gunny (Ed Harker) wanted to go back to Parris Island. Unfortunately we never got to make that trip. … The Gunny was a good man and you can see a photo of him and his son both in Quang Tri in 1968 located in the photo gallery of the 2/9 website. The Gunny died at 1900 hours on November 9th. But it was November 10th in Australia!!!!!” Dominik Nargele writes, “The book From Immigrant to U.S. Marine is my autobiography and includes my service with 2/9 in Vietnam in 1965-1966. I was proud to serve with 2/9.” From Immigrant to U.S. Marine. By LtCol Dominik George Nargele, USMC (Ret.) Xlibris Corp. Philadelphia, 2004, ISBN 1413490182, 237 pp.
2/9 REUNION NOVEMBER 2006 The dates for the 2006 Reunion are November 9th – 11th and a group rate has been secured at The Virginian Suites in Arlington. This hotel is just across the street from the hotel we have traditionally used. It is a cleaner, more comfortable hotel with more amenities. For a sneak peek go to www.virginiansuites.com. The room rates include parking and breakfast daily. All rooms include a full kitchen and a pullout sofa bed in addition to the regular bed(s). High-speed Internet access and daily newspaper are complimentary. There is an on-site coin laundry, saunas & fitness center. Free shuttle service to the Metro station and local grocery store are also available. It is a good idea to reserve early, as there are a limited number of rooms at the group rate.
To make reservations: MAKE SURE YOU GET A CONFIRMATION NUMBER. IF YOU RESERVE EARLY, CHECK WITH THE HOTEL PERIODICALLY TO MAKE SURE YOUR RESERVATION IS STILL IN THE SYSTEM. EXCERPTS FROM AFTER ACTION REPORT FROM COLONEL COTI “As a result of the defeat of the Vietnamese forces at Hiep Duc, the 1st Viet Cong Regiment was in an excellent position to enter the Que Son Valley and threaten the South Vietnamese outposts at Que Son and Viet An. To contact this threat, General Westmorland ordered General Walt to hold two battalions on a 12-hour alert so that they could be deployed rapidly. General Walt, concerned about the enemy’s growing control in the Que Son Valley, met with General Thi (Warlord of the northern portion of South Vietnam) on 4 December 1965 to discuss the mounting threat. Both commanders concurred in the need to launch a sizable attack against the Viet Cong before the enemy was able to establish a firm base of operations. The result was Operation Harvest Moon/Lien Ket 18." 5 December 1965: Task Force Delta was activated TASK FORCE DELTA
9 December 1965: E Co departed 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines C.P. by truck for 3rd Battalion 3rd Marines.
10 December 1965:
11 December 1965: 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines commenced patrolling the area north of Hill 407 searching for the enemy.
12 December 1965: 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines heli-lifted to coordinate 14285.
13 December 1965: Pre dawn USAF B-52 strikes hit Phouc Ha Valley. After the 2nd strike, the battalion moved out.
For a copy of the complete 17 page report including an 11X17 color map of the battle send your request, along with a donation of $5.00 or more to cover the cost of copying and first class postage to: Gabe Coronado, 2/9 Network, PO Box 611535, Port Huron, MI 48060 MAYAGUEZ RECOVERY REUNION There will be a reunion for 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines and all attached or associated with recovery operation. The reunion will be held in Arlington, VA on May 12 – 14, 2006. For more info call Dan Hoffman at (803) 647-9034 or email dhoffman@sc.rr.com. DONATIONS 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, and incidental costs 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: 2/9 Network – Gabe Coronado, PO Box 611535, Port Huron, MI 48061-1535 A big OOH-RAH for all the people who have helped to keep the network going since the last newsletter: Ed Gorman, Stephen Clemons, Richard “Red” Hill, Robert J. Slattery, Gerald Hornick, Joseph Mannino, Pete Padilla, Milo Cornelius, Frank LeMay, G. Kerr, Charles Conley, Henry Ortaszewski James Piotrowski, Robbie Wright. CHANGE OF ADDRESS If you have moved, or plan to in the near future, please think of the 2/9 Network and a change of address. If you have a computer just send an e-mail to me by clicking on “Contact the Battalion Scribe” on the 2/9 website, or call me at the phone number in the heading. FAQS - HOW CAN I GET A COPY OF MY DD 214? The Department of Veterans Affairs does not maintain records of veteran’s military service, except as is necessary for providing benefits. For information about obtaining your military record, please visit the Military Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, which is part of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). The Internet address for NARA is: http://www.archives.gov. The Internet address for the Military Personnel Records Center in St. Louis is: http://www.archives.gov/facilities/mo/st_louis/military_personnel_records.htm Veterans or next-of-kin of deceased veterans can use the online order form at www.vetrecs.archives.gov, or use the Standard Form 180 (SF-180), Request Pertaining to Military Records. There are several ways to obtain an SF-180. You can download and print a copy of the SF-180 in PDF format on the web at http://www.archives.gov/st-louis/military-personnel/standard-form-180.html the form is a total of 3 pages. This is also a fillable version of the SF-180. It will allow you to type the needed information into the form using your keyboard. You will still need to print, sign and mail the form. COMMAND CHRONOLOGIES
If you want Command Chronologies and After Action Reports for 2/9 write to: Department of the Navy, Headquarters United States Marine Corps, Historical Center, 1254 Charles Morris Street, SE, Washington Navy Yard, DC 20374-5040 They will send you a CD with all the unit records and actions. REPLACING LOST MEDALS
You can replace lost service medals by filling out a standard Form 180 (request Pertaining to Military Records). Request a copy of the form by visiting their web site at http://www.nara.gov/regional/mpr.html. If you are using the mail send to: Navy Liaison Office, National Personnel Records Center, Room 3475/ N-314, 9700 Page Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63132-5100. Whether using the Internet or by mail you need to send proof that you received these medals. Providing a copy of your DD 214 will satisfy that requirement. Also include your full name, DOB, Service Number, Social Security Number, approximate dates of service and your return address. PERSONNEL ROSTERS
If you are looking for the names of the men that you served with you can request that info by writing the DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY, Headquarters USMC, Personnel Management Support Branch, 2008 Elliot Rd., Quantico, VA 22134-5030. Just write that you are looking for men that you served with and give them the time frame and unit you served with. You might also be able to request copies of the Unit Diaries at this place. CIRCUMSTANCES OF DEATH
If you are looking for information on how a “Brother” or loved one died, include the service number if you know it, or at least all of the info surrounding the event, and send a request for circumstances of death to: National Personnel Records Center, Military Personnel Records, 9700 Page Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63132-5100. |
The November 2005 Reunion was a big success, with 68 Marines signing the logbook. Many brought their families. Some families came looking for someone who might remember Marine brothers who have passed. The children of Lt. Bob Hanover came to the Thursday night pizza party and would like to connect with anyone who has memories of their dad to share. 
Colonel William Coti, Company Cmdr 2/9 in Vietnam, gave me a copy of the after action report he wrote for Operation Harvest Moon. I also received requests from some of the men for an updated complete roster. Some excerpts from the action report, and an updated roster are included in this newsletter. A big OOH-RAH goes out to those of you who made some very generous donations to help with the expenses. You are the ones who make it happen, and keep it happening. Also, special thanks to Garrett Peck for bringing 2/9 T-shirts, decals and a lobby display board.
Chris Edwards (son of Michael “Mick” Edwards, E Co. 67-68) writes, “I would like to send out another big THANKS to all of you Marines and Corpsmen that have been there for support, donation, cards and mainly just to let my family know there are still quite a few good people in the world, in a families time of need. You all came together then and now! You all proved that the Marines are a band of brothers.” Services for Edwards will be held at Arlington National Cemetery on June 13, 2006. All are welcome to attend. Michael “Mick” Edwards is pictured at right.