doublejj
Well-Known Member
a sad commentary about combat is that the strongest and bravest die first. I saw many good men fall....sad days
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Veterans...Get the hell in here now!
- Thread starter 6ohMax
- Start date
doublejj
Well-Known Member
more History of the Black Lions Battalion....
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=vietnam+war+&&view=detail&mid=CB8F24F62E1FDE151B6DCB8F24F62E1FDE151B6D&&FORM=VDRVRV
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and the rest live in pieces
wascaptain
Well-Known Member
on a lighter note.....
Attachments
BarnBuster
Virtually Unknown Member
Shawn Snow
Marine Times
5/21/2018
"A recipient of the Navy Cross and Marine behind one of the most iconic photographs from the Iraq War retired from the Corps after 34 years of service.
Sgt. Maj. Bradley Kasal handed over the reigns as sergeant major of I Marine Expeditionary Force to Sgt. Maj. James Porterfield at a ceremony held at Camp Pendleton, California, on May 18.
“I want every Marine and sailor to understand they enlisted for a reason and a purpose,” said Kasal in a command release. “That purpose was to do something better, to swear to support and defend the constitution, and to be a part of something greater. I ask the Marines and sailors to always be proud of that.”
Kasal was awarded the Navy Cross in 2006 for his heroic actions during one of the Corps’ most hallowed battles in Fallujah, Iraq, Operation Phantom Fury on Nov. 13, 2004."
The Wounded Warrior Battalion-West held a ceremony Nov. 12, 2014 to unveil a monument honoring service members wounded during combat. The sculpture is based on the Operation Phantom Fury photograph 'Hell House' of then 1st Sgt. Bradley Kasal being carried out of a house by two lance corporals after a firefight where Kasal sustained injuries. (Cpl. Shaltiel Dominguez/Marine Corps)
https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/your-marine-corps/2018/05/21/sgt-maj-bradley-kasal-navy-cross-recipient-and-marine-behind-iconic-fallujah-photo-retires/
http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-marine-sculpture-20141116-story.html
Marine Times
5/21/2018
"A recipient of the Navy Cross and Marine behind one of the most iconic photographs from the Iraq War retired from the Corps after 34 years of service.
Sgt. Maj. Bradley Kasal handed over the reigns as sergeant major of I Marine Expeditionary Force to Sgt. Maj. James Porterfield at a ceremony held at Camp Pendleton, California, on May 18.
“I want every Marine and sailor to understand they enlisted for a reason and a purpose,” said Kasal in a command release. “That purpose was to do something better, to swear to support and defend the constitution, and to be a part of something greater. I ask the Marines and sailors to always be proud of that.”
Kasal was awarded the Navy Cross in 2006 for his heroic actions during one of the Corps’ most hallowed battles in Fallujah, Iraq, Operation Phantom Fury on Nov. 13, 2004."
https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/your-marine-corps/2018/05/21/sgt-maj-bradley-kasal-navy-cross-recipient-and-marine-behind-iconic-fallujah-photo-retires/
http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-marine-sculpture-20141116-story.html
Citation:
For extraordinary heroism while serving as First Sergeant, Weapons Company, 3d Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Central Command in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 13 November 2004. First Sergeant Kasal was assisting 1st Section, Combined Anti-Armor Platoon as they provided a traveling over watch for 3d Platoon when he heard a large volume of fire erupt to his immediate front, shortly followed by Marines rapidly exiting a structure. When First Sergeant Kasal learned that Marines were pinned down inside the house by an unknown number of enemy personnel, he joined a squad making entry to clear the structure and rescue the Marines inside. He made entry into the first room, immediately encountering and eliminating an enemy insurgent, as he spotted a wounded Marine in the next room. While moving towards the wounded Marine, First Sergeant Kasal and another Marine came under heavy rifle fire from an elevated enemy firing position and were both severely wounded in the legs, immobilizing them. When insurgents threw grenades in an attempt to eliminate the wounded Marines, he rolled on top of his fellow Marine and absorbed the shrapnel with his own body. When First Sergeant Kasal was offered medical attention and extraction, he refused until the other Marines were given medical attention. Although severely wounded himself, he shouted encouragement to his fellow Marines as they continued to clear the structure. By his bold leadership, wise judgment, and complete dedication to duty, First Sergeant Kasal reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
For extraordinary heroism while serving as First Sergeant, Weapons Company, 3d Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Central Command in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 13 November 2004. First Sergeant Kasal was assisting 1st Section, Combined Anti-Armor Platoon as they provided a traveling over watch for 3d Platoon when he heard a large volume of fire erupt to his immediate front, shortly followed by Marines rapidly exiting a structure. When First Sergeant Kasal learned that Marines were pinned down inside the house by an unknown number of enemy personnel, he joined a squad making entry to clear the structure and rescue the Marines inside. He made entry into the first room, immediately encountering and eliminating an enemy insurgent, as he spotted a wounded Marine in the next room. While moving towards the wounded Marine, First Sergeant Kasal and another Marine came under heavy rifle fire from an elevated enemy firing position and were both severely wounded in the legs, immobilizing them. When insurgents threw grenades in an attempt to eliminate the wounded Marines, he rolled on top of his fellow Marine and absorbed the shrapnel with his own body. When First Sergeant Kasal was offered medical attention and extraction, he refused until the other Marines were given medical attention. Although severely wounded himself, he shouted encouragement to his fellow Marines as they continued to clear the structure. By his bold leadership, wise judgment, and complete dedication to duty, First Sergeant Kasal reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
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BarnBuster
Virtually Unknown Member
U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Scott Zobrist, 9th Air Force commander, returns a salute from retired Capt. Johnny Blye at The Wall That Heals in Camden, S.C., May 5, 2018. Blye received the Distinguished Flying Cross for his participation in Operation Linebacker II during the Vietnam War. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Benjamin Ingold)
Air Force News 23 May 2018 By Benjamin Ingold
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- The sunshine reflecting off the black marble of The Wall That Heals in Camden, South Carolina, served as a backdrop for the Air Force ending a 45 year wait for retired Capt. Johnny Blye. Blye received the Distinguished Flying Cross May 5, for his participation in Operation Linebacker II during the bombardment of Hanoi.
"I flew 150 combat missions in B-52s," said Blye. "I flew in North Vietnam, South Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. At the end of the war I flew in the 'big one' into Hanoi, the most heavily defended city in the world at that time."
Linebacker II was the final major operation the U.S. Air Force launched during the Vietnam War. The joint airborne operation consisted of approximately 200 B-52 Stratofortresses and approximately 2,000 supporting tactical aircraft including: F-4 Phantom II fighter escorts, EA-6A Prowler and EB-66 Destroyer radar-jamming aircraft, F-105 Thunderchief Wild Weasel surface-to-air missile suppression aircraft and KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft.
"I am very grateful that I was one of the fortunate ones that made it back," said Blye. "A lot of my B-52 friends got shot down. We had 15 B-52s shot down in 11 days. I was fortunate to have been one of the survivors, but I appreciate the sacrifice of all of those people that weren't."
Upon returning home from Vietnam, veterans did not always receive a warm welcome from a nation divided on the validity and purpose of the Vietnam War.
"I would like to thank the Vietnam vets, their family members and all the Americans who have helped turn it around to show the right way to welcome home service members and their families who have made sacrifices," said Maj. Gen. Scott J. Zobrist, 9th Air Force commander. "Whenever I find a young Airman, I tell them to seek out Vietnam veterans and say 'thank you' to them. Military members today get treated amazingly well, and it's a great time to serve now. A lot of Vietnam veterans did not have that"
The 13-year Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War and the nationwide tour of The Wall That Heals are ways America is honoring, remembering and paying back service members who sacrificed for their nation and are still dealing with the effects of the war.
Blye's Distinguished Flying Cross is an honor being rendered late, but with full honors.
Blye said, it's been 45 years since he should have gotten the decoration, but waiting made it that much sweeter.
Dad was a Structural Mec aboard the BUFF in Vietnam.
He never spoke of it - only after us kids found his journal (after he passed) did we somewhat understand what he went through.
He particularly disliked Rocket city (Da Nang) where he spent most of his time in country and he didn't record missions - I think he was trying to save Mom from the stress.
He never spoke of it - only after us kids found his journal (after he passed) did we somewhat understand what he went through.
He particularly disliked Rocket city (Da Nang) where he spent most of his time in country and he didn't record missions - I think he was trying to save Mom from the stress.
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doublejj
Well-Known Member
I had to quit after 2 or 3 letters home. It was too upsetting to my family. And I just couldn't describe what we were going though every day. It was actually best for me not to relive it in a letter, or worse, think about what we were going to do tomorrow. So i would just send postcards with little written on them, I'm alive & the date. You could write on anything and they would mail it home.
BarnBuster
Virtually Unknown Member
At a White House ceremony Thursday, President Donald Trump will present the Medal of Honor to a retired Navy SEAL who led a daring mission to rescue a teammate from a mountain top in Afghanistan during Operation Anaconda in 2002.
The ceremony is set to take place at 2:30 p.m. at the White House. It will be the third Medal of Honor ceremony presided over by Trump, and the first Medal of Honor he has awarded for valor in Afghanistan.
Retired Master Chief Special Warfare Operator Britt K. Slabinski will be the second living SEAL to receive the nation's highest honor for valor in combat in Afghanistan. Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator Edward Byers received the award in February 2016 for his actions during a mission to rescue an American doctor who had been captured by the Taliban.
Slabinski led a team back to rescue a fellow SEAL, Petty Officer 1st Class Neil Roberts, who was ejected from an MH-47 Chinook when it was crippled by enemy rocket-propelled grenade fire on March 4, 2002, in eastern Afghanistan, according to a White House release.
The team had originally begun a mission the day before to set up an outpost on the top of Takur Ghar mountain in Afghanistan's Shah-i-Kot Valley as part of Operation Anaconda.
The rescue mission turned into a violent battle. At one point, Slabinski led his six-man joint team up a snow-covered hill in a frontal assault against two bunkers. Withering enemy fire came in from three directions, according to the release.
Slabinski "repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire" as he attacked al-Qaida forces in the rescue attempt, it states.
Soon they were in a desperate fight, and "after several teammates became casualties, the situation became untenable," the release said.
Slabinski moved his team to a safer position and directed airstrikes through the night. In the early morning hours, he then led an exhausting trek though waist-deep snow -- all the while under enemy fire.
Slabinski treated casualties and continued to call in strikes on enemy forces for another 14 hours until the team had to be extracted.
The engagement would ultimately be known as "The Battle of Roberts Ridge" in honor of Roberts.
Reporting on the battle has since painted a complex picture of the decisions made in the fog of war.
Slabinski's actions during the mission were highlighted in a 2016 New York Times story that emphasized the role of Air Force Tech. Sgt. John Chapman, who was attached to the SEAL team and ultimately died on the mountain. Chapman killed two enemy fighters during a gun battle with multiple fighters all around his position.
It was believed that Chapman died on the mountainside. Drone footage later revealed he lived at least another hour, according to reports.
Slabinski previously received the Navy Cross for leading the attempted rescue.
Slabinski will be the 12th living service member overall to receive the Medal of Honor for actions in Afghanistan.
He enlisted in the Navy in 1988 and graduated Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training in 1990. He completed nine overseas deploymentsand 15 combat deployments during his career, according to a biography provided by the White House.
Slabinski retired as director of the Naval Special Warfare Safety Assurance and Analysis Program after more than 25 years of service, according to a release.
In addition to the Navy Cross, his previous awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Medal, five Bronze Stars with combat "V" device, and two Combat Action Ribbons.
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/28/world/asia/seal-team-6-afghanistan-man-left-for-dead.html
http://www.newsweek.com/2018/05/18/navy-seals-seal-team-6-left-behind-die-operation-anaconda-slabinski-chapman-912343.html
His MOH citation is expected to be very similar to his Navy Cross one, below:
For extraordinary heroism as Sniper Element Leader for a joint special operations unit conducting combat operations against enemy forces during Operation Anaconda, Sahi-Kot Valley, Afghanistan on 3 and 4 March 2002, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. On the evening of 3 March, Senior Chief Petty Officer Britt Slabinski led his seven-man reconnaissance team onto the snow-covered, 10,000 foot mountaintop known as Takur Ghar, to establish a combat overwatch position in support of U.S. Army forces advancing against the enemy on the valley floor. As their helicopter hovered over the mountain it was met by unrelenting rocket propelled grenade (RPG) and small arms fire by entrenched enemy forces. As a result of several RPG hits, a member of Senior Chief Petty Officer Slabinski ‘s team was ejected from the helicopter into the midst of the fortified enemy positions. The badly damaged helicopter conducted a controlled crash, at which time Senior Chief Petty Officer Slabinski immediately took charge and established security on the crash location until the crew and his team were recovered to a support base. At this point, Senior Chief Slabinski fully aware of the overwhelming, fixed, enemy forces over the mountain, but also knowing the desperate situation of his missing teammate, now reportedly fighting for his life, without hesitation made the selfless decision to lead his team on an immediate, bold rescue mission. He heroically led the remainder of his SEAL element back onto the snow-covered, remote, mountaintop into the midst of the numerically superior enemy forces in a daring and valiant attempt to rescue one of their own. After a treacherous helicopter insertion onto the mountaintop, Senior Chief Petty Officer Slabinski led his close quarter firefight. He skillfully maneuvered his team and bravely engaged multiple enemy positions, personally clearing one bunker and killing several enemy within. His unit became caught in a withering crossfire from other bunkers and the closing enemy forces. Despite mounting casualties, Senior Chief Petty Officer Slabinski maintained his composure and continued to engage the enemy until his position became untenable. Faced with no choice but a tactical withdrawal, he coolly directed fire from airborne assets to cover his team. He then led an arduous movement through the mountainous terrain, constantly under fire, covering over one kilometer in waist-deep snow, while carrying a seriously wounded teammate. Arriving at a defensible position, he organized his team’s security posture and stabilized his casualties. For over fourteen hours, Senior Chief Petty Officer Slabinski directed the defense of his position through countless engagements, personally engaging the enemy and directing close air support onto the enemy positions until the enemy was ultimately defeated. During this entire sustained engagement, Senior Chief Petty Officer Slabinski exhibited classic grace under fire in steadfastly leading the intrepid rescue operation, saving the lives of his wounded men and setting the conditions for the ultimate vanquishing of the enemy and the seizing of Takur Ghar. By his heroic display of decisive and tenacious leadership, unyielding courage in the face of constant enemy fire, and utmost devotion to duty, Senior Chief Petty Officer Slabinski reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
For extraordinary heroism as Sniper Element Leader for a joint special operations unit conducting combat operations against enemy forces during Operation Anaconda, Sahi-Kot Valley, Afghanistan on 3 and 4 March 2002, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. On the evening of 3 March, Senior Chief Petty Officer Britt Slabinski led his seven-man reconnaissance team onto the snow-covered, 10,000 foot mountaintop known as Takur Ghar, to establish a combat overwatch position in support of U.S. Army forces advancing against the enemy on the valley floor. As their helicopter hovered over the mountain it was met by unrelenting rocket propelled grenade (RPG) and small arms fire by entrenched enemy forces. As a result of several RPG hits, a member of Senior Chief Petty Officer Slabinski ‘s team was ejected from the helicopter into the midst of the fortified enemy positions. The badly damaged helicopter conducted a controlled crash, at which time Senior Chief Petty Officer Slabinski immediately took charge and established security on the crash location until the crew and his team were recovered to a support base. At this point, Senior Chief Slabinski fully aware of the overwhelming, fixed, enemy forces over the mountain, but also knowing the desperate situation of his missing teammate, now reportedly fighting for his life, without hesitation made the selfless decision to lead his team on an immediate, bold rescue mission. He heroically led the remainder of his SEAL element back onto the snow-covered, remote, mountaintop into the midst of the numerically superior enemy forces in a daring and valiant attempt to rescue one of their own. After a treacherous helicopter insertion onto the mountaintop, Senior Chief Petty Officer Slabinski led his close quarter firefight. He skillfully maneuvered his team and bravely engaged multiple enemy positions, personally clearing one bunker and killing several enemy within. His unit became caught in a withering crossfire from other bunkers and the closing enemy forces. Despite mounting casualties, Senior Chief Petty Officer Slabinski maintained his composure and continued to engage the enemy until his position became untenable. Faced with no choice but a tactical withdrawal, he coolly directed fire from airborne assets to cover his team. He then led an arduous movement through the mountainous terrain, constantly under fire, covering over one kilometer in waist-deep snow, while carrying a seriously wounded teammate. Arriving at a defensible position, he organized his team’s security posture and stabilized his casualties. For over fourteen hours, Senior Chief Petty Officer Slabinski directed the defense of his position through countless engagements, personally engaging the enemy and directing close air support onto the enemy positions until the enemy was ultimately defeated. During this entire sustained engagement, Senior Chief Petty Officer Slabinski exhibited classic grace under fire in steadfastly leading the intrepid rescue operation, saving the lives of his wounded men and setting the conditions for the ultimate vanquishing of the enemy and the seizing of Takur Ghar. By his heroic display of decisive and tenacious leadership, unyielding courage in the face of constant enemy fire, and utmost devotion to duty, Senior Chief Petty Officer Slabinski reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
doublejj
Well-Known Member
One grizzly task I performed as a medic in Vietnam was to search each dead GI for money before zipping up the body bag. This way we could send it home to his mother before the rear support troops discovered it. For an infantryman the indignities of combat don't end with death.
Several times I've had the pleasure of going through guys personal property to "sanitize" it before it got sent to their parents. Dumping any porn/sexy girlfriend letters photo's etc...
And you have to look at everything to make sure you don't miss anything.
Another time as an E6 I was called by the Master Chief of the CG (I was acting officer in charge of a unit att). I was instructed to go home, dress in my Class A's & make a house visit to a couple I knew very well to inform them that their (active duty) Son had passed away.
That was one of the toughest.
wascaptain
Well-Known Member
i dont miss any aspect of dealing with death or trauma
whats screwed for me is, i live is close to where i worked and when i go to and around the city..i still remember.
fcuking car wrecks, buckle up and slow down boys
and put a goddamm smoke detector in your homes
whats screwed for me is, i live is close to where i worked and when i go to and around the city..i still remember.
fcuking car wrecks, buckle up and slow down boys
and put a goddamm smoke detector in your homes
doublejj
Well-Known Member
A few years ago I was driving down the Cali coast from SF and made a stop at Ft Ord, my old basic training company. It's closed & a ghost town now, but I found a hole in the fence and went back to the barracks that I was in. I swear that when I closed my eyes I could smell boot polish and gun powder. It was like time travel, i went right back there instantly. Like the most deja vu experience, and i instantly got a knot in my stomach at the thought of going to Nam. I din't realize it was already getting to me in bootcamp. but there it was...
This is the reason I never want to go back to vietnam.....
This is the reason I never want to go back to vietnam.....
BarnBuster
Virtually Unknown Member
It came here once & it's a very somber memorial.
doublejj
Well-Known Member
"If you are able, save for them a place inside of you and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go.
Be not ashamed to say you loved them, though you may or may not have always. Take what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own.
And in that time when men decide and feel safe to call the war insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind.".........
Major Michael Davis O'Donnell
1 January 1970
Dak To, Vietnam
Listed as KIA February 7, 1978
Be not ashamed to say you loved them, though you may or may not have always. Take what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own.
And in that time when men decide and feel safe to call the war insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind.".........
Major Michael Davis O'Donnell
1 January 1970
Dak To, Vietnam
Listed as KIA February 7, 1978
BarnBuster
Virtually Unknown Member
I hope they fast track the repairs and it doesn't get hung up with red tape
By The Associated Press
May 26, 2018
HONOLULU — Damage to the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor in Honolulu was worse than expected and it will remain closed indefinitely, officials said. Boat transportation to the attraction was suspended May 6 after one of the vessel operators noticed a crack on the outside of the memorial, Hawaii News Now reported .
Tourists were allowed to disembark at the memorial after crews completed interim repairs. But the cracks reappeared hours later, indicating a more serious issue.
"There is a brow or an edge where the visitor ramp meets the memorial, and at that point, there's been some fissures located on the exterior," said Jay Blount, a spokesman for the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument. "After further investigation on the interior, it was determined that the structure is not supporting the loading ramp the way that we need."
Engineers are working to figure out possible long-term solutions.
"The amount of time needed to implement the repairs is unknown, but the (National Park Service) will continue to provide information to the public as our team of specialists works together to restore access as soon as possible," memorial staff said Friday in a news release.
Other areas of the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center remain open.
USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor Closed Indefinitely
By The Associated Press
May 26, 2018
HONOLULU — Damage to the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor in Honolulu was worse than expected and it will remain closed indefinitely, officials said. Boat transportation to the attraction was suspended May 6 after one of the vessel operators noticed a crack on the outside of the memorial, Hawaii News Now reported .
Tourists were allowed to disembark at the memorial after crews completed interim repairs. But the cracks reappeared hours later, indicating a more serious issue.
"There is a brow or an edge where the visitor ramp meets the memorial, and at that point, there's been some fissures located on the exterior," said Jay Blount, a spokesman for the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument. "After further investigation on the interior, it was determined that the structure is not supporting the loading ramp the way that we need."
Engineers are working to figure out possible long-term solutions.
"The amount of time needed to implement the repairs is unknown, but the (National Park Service) will continue to provide information to the public as our team of specialists works together to restore access as soon as possible," memorial staff said Friday in a news release.
Other areas of the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center remain open.