Reunion in California 1/20/2002
Chuck
Goebel, Jack Swan, and Rob Whitlow
Jack Swan, M/3/5
I just returned from
a reunion with Rob Whitlow and Chuck Goebel. Rob was our bird dog
on Sept. 4th, Operation SWIFT. He and his pilot hung over us that
afternoon and and into the night directing air strikes on the NVA that
literally blew away their attempt to wipe out our company. Many Marines
performed honorable actions on the ground in that battle, but if not for
Rob Whitlow, in my opinion, all of the men from Mike Co. that day would
have their names carved on The Wall in Washington. When we met, he showed
me his log book he kept, and what he had written. Rob flew 530 missions
during his time in Vietnam. Like our Corpsmen, bird dogs were unsung
heroes.
Chuck Goebel was the forward air control (FAC) with Mike Co. When he got incountry, they informed him that he was gonna be a FAC which was not his M.O.S. He replied, what the *&#@ is a FAC? He was taught well by the man he was replacing, and on Sept. 4th was the ground radio contact with Rob Whitlow during that day. Into the O-dark thirty the NVA mortars started pounding us again and Rob could see the tube flashes from the air, but wasn't sure of Mike's location. He asked Chuck if he had a strobe light to mark Mike's position. Knowing well it would also give it to the NVA, he found it at the bottom of his pack, got out of the bomb crater they were in and set it off. This allowed Rob to direct a payload of bombs on the mortars which were silenced into oblivion.
Chuck brought the strobe light back with him and when he and Rob met yesterday in LA, Rob signed his name on it. When I met them later Chuck brought it out, and placed it on the table in front of me. I put it in my hands and kissed it like it was the holy grail. What a blast from the past!
It was so good seeing how they survived the last 35 years, and still have a sense of humor.
Semper Fi and stay great. Jack Swan
Chuck Goebel, M/3/5
Rob
Whitlow and Chuck Goebel
Well, Rob Whitlow, my Christy and I had a wonderful meeting and dinner Friday night. Rob even stopped by to meet my Mom and brother. He is great!
Rob,
Eleanor, Chuck
Chuck's Mom, Eleanor, 89 years old, gave a copy of his Naval Commendation printed on parchment paper to Rob Whitlow with the wording on the bottom from the Marines in M 3/5 thanking him for his dedication to them on Operation SWIFT.
Rob at Mom's house with Chuck's brother, John
Rob,
Christy, Chuck
Saturday, we both went to San Marino and had a great chat and lunch with Ed Blecksmith. Still has that great smile and sense of humor.
Rob,
Ed and Chuck at Ed's house
Rob
and Ed reviewing the aerial maps of the Que Son engagements
When we left, we went straight to Camarillo and met with Jack Swan. Another great reunion, great chat and a great dinner to follow.
Besides being remarkable warriors, these guys today and the consummate gentlemen. What a thrill to be able to be with them again. My Mom and brother were likewise thrilled.
We all can't wait until May (3/5 Reunion)...Chuck
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