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The
Battalion Runner Gabe
Coronado P.O. Box 611535, Pt. Huron MI 48060 2nd BATTALION 9TH MARINES ANNUAL REUNION 2008 A reunion of the 2nd Battalion 9th Marines will be held in November this year in Washington, DC. A flyer enclosed in this issue provides tactical information. All 2/9ers should seriously consider making an effort to join with their brothers during this time of 40 year anniversaries of many events. The reunion is both a celebration and a memorial as old friends are found and friendships are renewed, and those not present are honored and remembered. The three day event includes a Marine Corps birthday party on November 10th and offers an opportunity to experience Veteran’s Day at “the Wall.” Other sightseeing opportunities include the Smithsonian Museums, The White House, and many National Monuments. We are also trying to organize a day trip to Quantico to visit the National Museum of the Marine Corps. Attendees are only responsible for their own transportation and room reservations. There are no registration fees, and food and beverages are provided at no charge. FROM THE WEBSITE www.2ndbattalion9thmarines.org A recent message from Jennifer Bloom-Long is just one example of the way our website provides a place for people to connect. She writes: “My very good friend David Strong died in October 2007. I had a copy of his DD214 and decided to look up his medals and awards. Well, from there the journey began. David had received a Presidential Unit Citation. I somehow found the units that received this award were the 26th marines and the 9th marines.
When I opened your web site I began reading. I discovered “Sparrow Hawk” which I remember David mentioning. To make a long story short, I went through the photo gallery of pictures from Vietnam on the website and found a picture with 3 guys in it identified as Cecil (Red) McCleary, Doc Dave, Doc Leighton ’67. David was a corpsman. The guy in the middle is without a doubt my dear friend David. Is there anything you could tell me about the picture? What company? What location? Are the other 2 guys living? David told me that he ‘lost my guys’ and that he could not save them. They all died except for him. This devastated David his entire life. When he died I said, ‘at last he is with his guys’. I took him to a traveling Wall once, and he touched each name that was in his troop and apologized. Any information would help. AND, thank you for what you did for us, and I am sorry the country treated you poorly when you came home.” Contact Jennifer at: jenbloom@ameritech.net. Brian Mayer (F2/9, 08-present) writes, “I’m new to the corps, new to it all. On a whim I did some research into my battalion and found this website. I hope to learn more of what the unit did to earn this good name and help to keep it’s reputation high.” Manuel “Manny” Bedugnis (E2/9, 66-68) Manny’s son writes, “Does anyone have any info or remember him or have any pictures. His all were ruined in a flood over 30 years ago, He would love to hear from you all.” Contact Manny by phone: (617) 666-4083 or email: Beaudouglas1980@aol.com Dennis “Doc” Gabriel (E2/9, 66-67) writes, “Gary Johnson and I replaced Docs Terry Lameroux and Mike Harmon in first platoon. I was in turn replaced by Doc Mike McCarty. Names may not be quite right, have squelched a lot of memories through the years, some of which this website has brought back.” Murray Engebretson (G2/9, 64-66) writes, “I would love to hear from my old buddies. Jessie Ferguson, are you out there? I’ve been looking for years for my fellow Marines. Semper Fi.” Contact him by phone: (406)722-3167 or email: daveandnancy@blackfoot.ent. Dudley “Doc” Hunt (F2/9, 68-69) posted on the website this note he received from a friend. It was written by Chaplain Jim Higgins, LSA Anaconda, at the Ballad Airport in Iraq, north of Bagdad. For those who may not be aware, at a military theater, the National Anthem is played before every movie. “I recently attended a showing of ‘Superman 3,’ here at LSA Anaconda. We have a large auditorium we use for movies, as well as memorial services and other large gatherings. As is the custom back in the States, we stood and snapped to attention when the National Anthem began before the main feature. All was going as planned until about three-quarters of the way through the National Anthem the music stopped. Now, what would happen if this occurred with 1,000 18-22 year-olds back in the States? I imagine there would be hoots, catcalls, laughter, a few rude comments; and everyone would sit down and call for a movie. Of course, that is, if they had stood for the National Anthem in the first place. Here, the 1,000 soldiers continued to stand at attention, eyes faced forward. The music started again. The soldiers continued to quietly stand at attention. And again, at the same point, the music stopped. What would you expect to happen? Even here I would imagine laughter, as everyone finally sat down and expected the movie to start. But you could have heard a pin drop. Every soldier continued to stand at attention. Suddenly there was a lone voice, then a dozen, and quickly the room was filled with the voices of a thousand soldiers, finishing where the recording left off…”and the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave, o’er the land of the free, and the home of the brave.” It was the most inspiring moment I have had here in Iraq. I wanted you to know what kind of soldiers are serving you here. Remember them as they fight for you! Pass this along as a reminder to others to be ever in prayer for all our soldiers serving us here at home and abroad, for many have already paid the ultimate price.” TET 1968 Geoffrey Steiner sent a letter remembering his experiences 40 years ago during the Tet offensive of 1968.
Steiner has made 4 return trips to Viet Nam and is planning to go again soon. An excerpt from The POW/MIA Update of Sept. 2000 details his work to locate MIAs.
On a trip in October 2003, Steiner found MIA remains in Khe Sanh that were confirmed American in July 2006. You can contact Geoff by email at: livemem@brainerd.net. MORE ON THE “HELL IN A HELMET” MOTTO Bill Mesce (HQHS 2/9, 1966) writes, “Summer of 1966…I was with Sgt. Hubbard the day he came up with our motto “Hell in a Helmet.” To understand it better look at Revelations 6:8 in the Bible. ‘And I looked, and behold a pale horse; and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and hunger, and with death.’ We were the hell that followed with him…not very pretty, but you must remember…2/9 is a strike force. NOTES FROM THE MAILBOX William Myers (E2/9, 68-69) writes:” I am compiling a list of Marines who earned medals in Vietnam. Cpl. James L. Johnson, Jr. was with E2/9 when he earned the Navy Cross on 2/17/69. I need to know the name of his hometown so that I can complete his entry. If anyone knows it, please contact me. If anyone can put me in touch with him I would deeply appreciate it.” Contact Bill at: redoubt@cox.net. Doug Goodin (E2/9, 66-68) writes: “I recently wrote the Marine Corps requesting copies of three unit citations that were awarded to 2/9 during my tour of duty 9 Dec 66 to 8 Jan 68, one PUC and two MUCs. The PUC was awarded to the 3rd Marine Division: 8 Mar 65 – 15 Sept 67. The first MUC was awarded 2nd BN 9th Marines: 19 - 28 Sept 67. The second MUC was awarded to the 9th Marine Regiment: 29 Nov 67 – 12 Jan 68. They sent me two very poor copies of what appear to be copies of a copy. They did not have the second MUC. Does anyone have an original, or a copy of an original unit citation that would include the date issued or signed? I do know that the Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Chapman, signed the two MUCs sometime in 1968. If anyone has copies of any citations showing the letterhead and date of issue, could you please send a copy to me?” Doug Goodin, 175 Apollo Court, Novato, CA 94947-2878 Don “Snoopy” Truesdale (HQHS 2/9, 67-68) writes, “I would like to thank all of my brothers that either sent cards or called me due to Red’s comments in the Battalion Runner. It’s wonderful to know that my brothers haven’t forgotten me. Your cards and calls helped me so much. It’s hard to admit that I need help at this time in my life. I tried to use what I learned in the Corps about being self-sufficient to get me thru these trying times but I found out that I needed help and you came thru for me. That’s true BROTHERHOOD. We are a true Band of Brothers and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.” Roger Brown (G2/9, 67-68) writes, “I was with first platoon, hit a couple of times, finally medivaced out in June of ’68. Looking for anyone I served with. I came in country with another Marine, I can’t recall his name. He was assigned to second platoon and came from the state of Mass. He gave me a prayer I wrote down on the back of my Pfc promotion, still got it, if he remembers let me know. Semper Fi.” Contact Roger by phone: (802) 695-2503 or email: randmbrown@kingcon.com David Yorck (H2/9, 67) writes, “Did anyone know Lcpl Bob Wilkins from St. Charles, MO, killed Dec 18, 1965? Contact David by phone: (619) 992-7051 or email: fyorck@san.rr.com Joshua “Doc” Martin (HQHS, present), writes, “I am HM1 Martin currently serving with the newly activated 2/9. I would like to know what the call sign for the BAS was during Vietnam. Thank you.” Contact him by phone: (910) 581-2935 or email: jdmartin_76@hotmail.com. Bob Mumper (HQHS, 1966-67) sent me a copy of his book Rear Echelon Military Forces which he describes as “the best bathroom reading material to come out of Vietnam.” Vantage Press says it is not a book for kids, as it takes the reader on a high speed sprint from Mumper’s Marine Corps experience in Vietnam through his teaching career. It is a “warmhearted, entertaining look at one Marine’s strength and courage, and at his uncanny knack for achieving his goals and dreams. $10.95 to order call toll free 1-800-882-3273. Dominik Nargele (Bn.Command, 1965-66) writes to tell us that his book Terror Survivors and Freedom Fighters has been selected for the President’s recommended reading list at the Marine Corps University. To order a copy go to www.authorhouse.com or call toll free 1-888-280-7715. Kevin Milazzo (Army) writes, “Looking for info on Tony Leach (known as Tony Warner) who served with G Co. In 1967 I was in Quang Tri with Army 1st Special Forces Group, when Tony, who was my best friend, was killed by small arms fire July 29, 1967 at Thon Cam Son. I want to know if anyone knew Tony and can tell me a little more about the events of that day.” Contact Kevin by phone: 281-654-2863 or email: kmilazzo@comcast.net
Murdoch served 3 tours in Vietnam, two of which were extended. After his discharge, he married and became a Missouri Highway Patrolman. His wife Donna had a 9 year old son when they married and the Highway Patrol kept transferring George and after several moves, he decided that the changes were not good for the boy. He went back to school and became a high school guidance counselor. George really liked working with younger kids, so he went back to school again for a degree in elementary school administration. George was a Principal when he died in 1990 at age 50. His school career was all in Wichita, KS. George stayed in the USMC Reserve and retired after 23 years as a Lt. Col. His wife Donna says he talked more about Echo Company than all his other outfits. 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. Stephen T. Focht (G Co. 91-95), Robert A. Howe (Wpns. 07-Pres), Anthony B. Belt (HQHS, 83-86), Murray D. Engebreston (G Co. 64-66), Larry Marshall ( E Co. 65-69), Ron Swaney (HQHS 65-66), Gary C. Capton (HQHS, 71-72), Jeffery M. Fee (G Co. 68-69), North Lutz (F Co. 84-88), Joshua Martin (HQHS, 07-Pres), Travis L. Lord (Wpns, 07-Pres), Rodney J. Keller (E Co. 68-69), Ronald Friend (F Co. 67), P. Thomas Henrie (G Co. 67-68), Harry Bernard (HQHS 74-77), David Yorck H Co. 67), Dennis A. Gabriel (E Co. 66-67), Roger Brown (G Co. 67-68), Gary L. Brown (F Co. 66-67), Dennis P. Carroll (E Co. 66-67), Lewis Robinson (F Co. 66-67), Glen Musgrave (Wpns. 42-45), Charles Atchley (HQHS, 65-66), Chris Lubinski (HQHS, 87-89), Michael R. Robertson (G Co. 88-92), Robert Bagby (G Co. 89-91), David Waters H Co. 72-73), Bob Sawyer HQHS 70-71), John Stapp ( G Co. 67), Ray Spoltman (E CO. 66-67), James M. McCrea (F Co. 66-67), Kenneth Conners (F CO. 76-77), Vincent W. Gomosky Jr. (H Co. 68-69), Ron Miller (HQHS, 85-89), Ronald S. Shelton (G Co. 89-91), Daniel Boone (HQHS, 83-85), Everette Carson (G Co. 68-69), Manuel C. Bedugnis (E Co. 66-68), D.B. Waters (H Co. 73), Thomas Kelly (F Co. 86-89), Harry Bernard (HQHS 74-77), Jerry Echols (H Co. 65-66), Brian Mayer ( F Co. 08- Pres.), Robert E. Barcroft (G Co. 71-72), James Farmer ( E Co. 68), Jackie E. Shelton (H Co. 68-70), James Brewster (H Co. 67), Neil Smith (E Co. 67-69), Jim Moller (E Co. 86-88), Daniel P. Cote (Wpns. 84-86), William Fracassi (HQHS 66-67), James J. McNesby (HQHS 63-67), Craig A. Slaughter (F Co. 66), Mike Rohde (E Co. 87-89), Rob Gee (Wpns. 91-93), Richard A. Findley (G Co. 66-67), Juan J. Huerta (G Co. 69), James A. Fultz (H Co. 66-67), Joseph Garcia (G Co. 87-89), John Richardson (HQHS Co. 61-63), David G. Bigler (H Co. 68-69), Jorge Betancourt (E Co.67-68), Howard Anderson (H Co. 65-66), Bryan Hayes (Wpns Co 07-Present), Ruben J. Garcia (G Co. ‘72), Steve Bishop (G Co. 68-69), James Radley (Wpns Co. 83-89), James McNamee (G. Co. 68-69). Donations A big OOH-RAH goes out to Keith Fay, who made a most generous contribution to the network & the Reunion last year. Other contributors that have helped keep the network running are: Ed Gorman, Salvatore Licitra, Glenn Elvey, Edward Scott, Ralph Martinez, Cecil Buxton, William Jones, Joseph Gugino, Vaden Cobb, Peter Padilla, William Gay, Larry Beehan, Anthony Newsom, Dominik Nargele, Bob Mumper. 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: The 2/9 Network – Gabe Coronado, PO Box 611535, Port Huron, MI 48061-1535. |
