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Title graphic by Redeye

"WE HAVE BEEN TO THE LAND OF DRAGONS AND RETURNED, WITH A BENT SWORD,
A SCORCHED SHIELD, AND A BURNING FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS"
 SENT IN BY DOC ELLIS  3RD BATT. 4TH MARINES H&S CO 72-73

"Sleep easy tonight, the Marines are on duty"...Sent in by Jim Bisesi H&S 3/5, graphic by Doug Kidd
Our prayers are always with our troops who continue to protect our freedom, here and abroad.
 

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July 6, 2013 Joe Walters (M Co. 3-5) wrote to tell us his son Joey has published "Strength in Numbers," a book about his dad's life including Joe's combat experience with M Co. 3/5 in Vietnam, 1968, and how Joe went on to have a legendary career in Judo after coming home, despite having lost a leg on Sept. 11, 1968 when his 2nd platoon ran into heavy NVA fire. Pretty cool when a son goes to all this work and research to document and preserve his father's extraordinary life experiences and achievments to share with the world. Joey must be real proud of his Dad! We sure thank him for making this available to us...we posted info about "Strength in Numbers" and how to get it in Picture Gallery 2013...check it out and for all those who do get a copy and read it, we'd love to hear your feedback/review of it...Joe and Joey probably would too!

William Myers, author of "Honor The Warrior," also has a new book out called "Marines, Medals and Vietnam" that includes medals citations and information on many of our 3/5 Marines and Corpsmen...Billy Myers has been a great resource to us over the years, and we look forward to his new release... info on Billy's new book is also posted in Picture Gallery 2013.

June 14, 2013 We had a great time at the 3/5 Reunion in Kentucky last month...we posted several pictures in Picture Gallery 2013...feel free to send in any of your favorite pics of the Reunion and we'll post as time and space allow. Also, check out other newly posted pics sent in by Bobbi Seed Metheny and Tom Lindsay. Thank you all for your contributions.

We also added a picture page for Lief Ericson, 1st Eng. Bn, B Co., 1967...he has lots of great pics and info to share, along with his soulful remembrance of "The Valley." Thank you, Lief, for sharing your Vietnam Combat experience with us.

April 26, 2013 We're a little slower these days, so thank you all for your patience in between updates, and for continuing to submit information of interest to our Marines and website visitors. Check out Picture Gallery 2013 for information on upcoming 3/5 Reunions. Also, we posted info from Mike Alden that "Doc" Dennis McBride passed away in Feb...he served with M Co. 3/5 Aug.-Nov. 1968. Our prayers and condolences to Doc McBride's wife, Cheryl and their family...Semper Fi, Doc...we will never forget.

We also added Memorial pages for PFC James Hoyez and HN Thomas Welker...James Hoyez was with M Co. 3/5 when their 2nd platoon ran into heavy NVA fire...Hoyez was killed trying to save a corpsman, Thomas Welker who was rendering aid to wounded Marines. Thanks to James Hoyez's family for sending James' Silver Star citation that helped us locate the name of the corpsman he tried to save. Special thanks to BJ Jones who transfered with James Hoyez from 27th Marines to M Co. 3/5 at the same time and shared his pictures; also to Mike Alden for his personal communications with James' family...and thanks to James' sister Candy Marold and her family for sharing all their pictures and information with us...we hope this Memorial page for James will give them a measure of comfort knowing that James will always be remembered and honored by his fellow Marines. Semper Fi, James and Thomas...we will never forget.

Paul O'Connell (M Co. 3/5 1968-69) wrote to let us know he has just Epublished a new book called "Between The Lines," a compilation of the many letters he wrote home from Vietnam...more info posted in Picture Gallery 2013...much thanks to Paul and his family for saving, and now sharing, these very personal writings of life and loss in Vietnam.

Sept. 13, 2012 We added several more of Bob Geraldo's pictures to Picture Gallery 2012, if anyone recognizes the M Co. 3/5 Marines and Corpsmen from 1967, please let us know...thank you for sharing, Bob.

Aug. 18, 2012 Today we mourn the loss of another of our M Co. 3/5 Marines...Jerry Lomax passed away, but remains in our hearts and minds forever...he will always be remembered by his family and fellow Marines as a loving husband and father, and a Marine who loved the Corps and passed that legacy on to his son, Jon, who followed his father's footsteps. He uplifted us all with his great sense of humor and love for his brother Marines at each 3/5 Reunion he attended. Visitation and burial information is posted in Picture Gallery 2012...please feel free to email us with any remembrances for Jerry, and where to send condolences. Our prayers are with his wife, Beth and their family...Semper Fi, Brother Marine...we will never forget.

We also posted messages that several of our 3/5 Marines have passed away recently...Pete Black (M Co. 3/5), Nolan Nunnery (I Co. 3/5), Perry Frago "Flower Child" (M Co. 3/5), Darrell Ross (M Co. 3/5). If anyone has any pictures or remembrances they'd like us to post for these Marines, please let us know (see Picture Gallery 2012).

Apr. 29, 2012 We're up and running again after time off to regroup from the sad loss of Brad's Mom, Eunice Doris Spurrier...an incredible Lady who was very special to all who knew her...thanks to all who have continued to send in pictures and information they'd like us to share with our Marines and website visitors, we'll get your info added as quickly as we can...Picture Gallery 2012 is ready and we're proud to share several pictures from Bob Geraldo, 1st plt. M Co. 3/5 1966-67...we still have many more of his pictures to post as time allows, and we hope that many of the unidentified Marines will be recognized so we can put their names to their pictures. Bob and his wife Cindy are looking forward to their first reunion with M Co. 3/5 Marines held in Kentucky this year. I'm sure he'll have plenty of stories and more pics to share afterwards...Thanks so much Bob for sharing these great pics!

We also started a Memorial page for Bob Geraldo's friend and fellow Marine, Cpl. Richard. McStravick, Jr., Killed In Action Feb. 1, 1967. If anyone has any pictures of remembrances they'd like us to add for Cpl. McStravick, please feel free to send. Semper Fi, brother Marine...we will never forget.

Nov. 26, 2011 We just posted several great pictures to Picture Gallery 2011 from Jim Bilyeu, 1st plt. Mike Co. 3/5, Machinegun squad, 1968-69. He wrote the names on his pics of those he can remember and is asking for help in identifying the rest of the Marines. Thank you for sharing, Jim...we'll post any names and info as it comes in.

Nov. 10, 2011 Happy 236th Marine Corps Birthday...check out Picture Gallery 2011 for incoming messages from our Marines, and those who love them...OORAH!

Nov. 6, 2011 Thanks to all who continue sending in pictures and info...we're in the process of updating and posted several pics and items of interest to Picture Gallery 2011...(Sept. 29) Tom Lindsay (M Co. 3/5) for his pics with Blake Aston's Mom; (Oct. 26) Bill Lee (1stMarDiv Combat Engineer) for his pics and info regarding Tom Henry, KIA Mar. 29, 1968; (Oct. 26) Perry Frago and John Ryba, M Co. 3/5 Marines found; (Oct. 27) Mike Alden and BJ Jones for pictures and great story about BJ's flag being raised at Camp Pendleton; (Nov.1) Mike Alden and "Doc" Bob Aloisio for group picture with "Doc" Dempsey and M Co. 3/5 Marines in Dec. '68.

July 9, 2011 We posted several pictures from Mike Alden who attended this year's special Memorial Day gathering of M Co. 3/5 Marines at David Johnston American Legion Post #283 where they were honored to be a part of Dennis Merryman's Bronze Star Award Ceremony...thanks so much for sharing, Mike...see Picture Gallery 2011.

Also, thanks to Ruben Salazar (India 3/5) who sent in a couple pics of his recent reunions with fellow Marines...see Picture Gallery 2011.

June 29, 2011 We added 11 pictures to Picture Gallery 2011 from Danny Freeman whose brother, Joey Freeman (M Co. 3/5 KIA in Mar. 1969), had sent home before he was killed. Danny gave copies to the M Co. 3/5 Marines he met for the first time at this year's Memorial Day reunion at David Johnston American Legion Post #283 in Pickerington, OH...much thanks to Mike Alden for sending them in, and for his info.

June 3, 2011 We thank all who have sent in pictures and information in May...we spent most the month dodging tornados and severe storms here in OK...thank you for your patience, we are posting them as quickly as we can. To all our 3/5 Marines attending reunions in Pickerington, OH and Hickory Knob, SC, we are with you all in spirit...looking forward to lots of great pics!

We received a great message from Danny Freeman whose brother Joey Freeman was KIA 3 Mar. 1969, on Operation Taylor Common...check out his message in Picture Gallery 2011.

FOUND! Alan Cantrell of M Co. 3/5 has been looking for Pete Black..we found him on May 21...also posted in Picture Gallery 2011.

We also received a message from Mike Alden that 2 more Marines he served with have been "found" through the efforts of Jamie Vroman, Oliver Pettit and Snuffy Jackson...our grateful thanks to them for taking time to search for and find these Marines...message from Mike Alden and Jamie Vroman posted to Picture Gallery 2011.

To Picture Gallery 2011, we added a picture from Mike Alden of a group of M Co. 3/5 Marines with untypical footwear in Sept. 1968 (the photo includes Dennis Merryman who KIA 5 Mar. 1969, and was awarded the Bronze Star, posthumously, this Memorial Day in a ceremony in Pickerington, OH at the David Johnston American Legion Post #283...we hope to be adding pics of the award service soonly).

May 30, 2011 MEMORIAL DAY Our grateful thanks to all our servicemen and women and their families who sacrifice so much to insure our freedom. And to all who paid for our freedom with their lives, we will never forget...Semper Fi!

May 9, 2011 We were sorry to hear that our brother Marine, Oral Collyott passed away yesterday...here's the message we received from Curtis Eidson (India 3/5): I just got word that another of our people has passed. Oral Collyott was a great Marine to the very end. He has been in bad health for several years now but always wanted to stay close to what our reunions were like. Even though he could not attend he knew what was happening and was part of all going on. He was part of the original Mike 3/5 group who landed in Vietnam in '66. He was just one great friend and he will be missed badly. I am working with his wife Debi now getting details. I will be sending a wreath from all of us and need your help if you can. Wreaths runs anywhere from $200 to $400 depending of the part of the country. If you can send some to help me pay for these send to: Curtis Eidson, P.O. Box 230, Waco, GA. 30182

We added Cpl. Andrew Mix Giordano's Silver Star citation to his Memorial page along with remembrances from Giordano's friends, Chris Argento and Dan Reddan...Cpl. Giordana was Killed In Action Sept. 4, 1967 during Operation SWIFT. If anyone has any pictures or remembrances they want us to add, please let us know.

We received copies of George Phillips' two Bronze Star Awards (in pdf. format), posted to Picture Gallery 2011, and soon to be added to the Operation SWIFT and Operation ESSEX information pages we are working on. George served with 1st plt. (wpns) M Co. 3/5 and was WIA on both SWIFT and ESSEX...thank you for sharing these, George.

We also posted 63 pictures from Wolfgang Ludge, M Co. 3/5, 1967-68...with thanks to Warren Wilson, combat photographer, who made the pictures from slides, and thanks to JD Murray for sending us the CD. We're trying to identify the Marines in Wolfgang's pictures, so please let us know if you recognize anyone, or have any comments about the pics...see Wolfgang Ludge pictures...thank you for sharing, Wolfgang.

Jan. 19, 2011 We received an email from Steve Jacklin, 3rd plt. M Co. 3/5 70-71 who shared the words to a song he wrote called "Bill of Sale", written after an emotional visit to The Vietnam Veterans Memorial...thank you for sharing, Steve...see Picture Gallery 2011.

We also added a couple of remembrances to LCpl. Everett Daniel Seed's Memorial page from family members, we thank them all for sharing their memories with us.

Jan. 18, 2011 We are blown away, again, by another experience of a family member searching for information about their M Co. 3/5 Marine...Bobbi Metheny's search for information about her Dad, LCpl. Everett Daniel Seed (M Co. 3/5 in 1968-69, deceased 1975) will touch your heart as it has ours...thanks to all the Marines who helped her in her quest, especially George Autobee and Barry Mitchell for their comforting words and great pictures...see Picture Gallery 2011.

Jan. 13, 2011 We added a 1967 news article about FMF Corpsman Michael Ing, M Co. 3/5 and his close call on Operation Union II, 1967...submitted by Lief Ericson, 1st Engineers Bn...thank you, Lief! See Picture Gallery 2011.

Jan. 10, 2011 Happy New Year to All! And thanks to all who continue to send in their combat pictures and info...we will post as quickly as we can...Picture Gallery 2011 is now open for submissions. Our thanks to Martin Windham, M Co. 3/5 1970, for his pictures and information, also to Lief Ericson, 1st Engineer Bn. in support of 3/5 1967-68, for his pictures and information. These Marines would like to hear from other Marines who served with 3/5 the same time.

We also received pictures from Ruben Salazar, India 3/5 67-68...pretty cool, RAZ...check them out in Picture Gallery 2011.

Dec. 23, 2010 We added 4 pictures from Tom Lindsay, taken at the 3/5 Reunion in South Carolina in June...see Picture Gallery 2010. Thank you, Tom!

Dec.20, 2010 We added 3 pictures from Tom Wiseman and Mike Alden, M Co. 3/5, taken Memorial Day weekend in Pickerington, Ohio at the David Allen Johnston American Legion Post #283...see Picture Gallery 2010.

Dec. 19, 2010 We received 3 pictures of Tom Briggs (M Co. 3/5 KIA Feb. 8. 1968) from his friend, C.Porter (thank you!)...see Picture Gallery 2010. Also, Ryan Hooley, M Co. 3/5 wrote us his feelings after reading Otto Lehrack's book, "Road of 10,000 Pains, see Otto's book...thank you for sharing, Ryan.

Dec. 4, 2010 We posted a few 3/5 Reunion 2010 pictures from Fred Permenter, M Co. 3/5, 3rd plt...see Picture Gallery 2010...thank you, Fred!

Dec. 3, 2010 We added 2 pictures from Steve Lovejoy, M Co. 3/5, 2nd plt., taken at the 3/5 Reunion in Hickory State Park, South Carolina in June...thank you, Steve...we'll be adding more 3/5 Reunion pictures from others as time and space allow..see Picture Gallery 2010....thank you for sharing, Steve, and thanks to everyone who sent in pics...sorry it's taken so long to post them.

Dec. 2, 2010 We just received word from Fred Tancke, M Co. 3/5, 2nd plt. that he has been awarded the Bronze Star with Combat V for actions during Operation SWIFT, Sept. 4, 1967...more info in Picture Gallery 2010. Congratulations, Fred!

Nov. 10, 2010 Happy 235th Birthday, Marines! Past and present, we salute you...and pray for our men and women celebrating the Marine Corps Birthday in combat zones...God bless you all, and especially those who are guarding Heaven's Gates...Semper Fi!

Mike Alden sent us a picture that included Joey Freeman (KIA Mar. 3, 1969), recently found at a small gathering of Marines...a very special picture of M Co. 3/5, 1st squad, 1st plt. taken in early 1969...you can check it out in Picture Gallery 2010...thank you for sharing, Mike...let us know if/when you find out whose picture it was.

We received an email from Cpl. Jim Thiel, M Co. 3/5 68-69, with a story written by his 10-year-old grandson, Brayden Thiel about the bravest person he's ever known, his grandpa...see Picture Gallery 2010...thank you Jim and Brayden for sharing this moving story with us!

Rick Upleger sent in a picture of him and fellow M Co. 3/5, together again after 41 yrs! Thanks, Rick...see Picture Gallery 2010.

Nov. 8, 2010 Well, we survived another long, hot summer in OK...we've been away from the computer for a while due to a death in our family, and another computer crash. We lost quite a bit of info and pictures, and ask for patience if we ask some of our visitors to please resend information so we can get it posted quickly. Our thanks to all who continue to contribute information about our Marines. We are hard at it to get caught up here, so check in often as we have much to share with our website visitors.

We are real happy to report that Dennis Merryman( M Co. 3/5), KIA Mar. 5, 1969, was recently awarded the Bronze Star for his courage when trying to retrieve one of his fellow Marines killed on Operation TAYLOR COMMON...thanks so much to Paul Merryman (Dennis' brother) for sharing the citation with us. See Picture Gallery 2010 for more info.

Chuck Cummings, M Co. 3/5 3rd plt. sent in a synopsis of William Moy's Silver Star citation, along with a picture of Moy and Kevin Kelly...we posted it in Picture Gallery 2010 and added it to the Operation SWIFT page we are working on...thank you, Chuck.

June 15, 2010 We posted a message and picture in Picture Gallery 2010 from Tom Klopmeyer, whose brother James, M Co. 3/5, was Killed In Action Dec. 19, 1967 along with John Riegel and Dean Vidler...thank you, Tom for writing and sharing the only picture you have of your brother, Jim...we also added it to the Memorial page we are putting together for those 3 Marines, see In Memory ofPfc. James Martin Klopmeyer, Pfc. John Franklin Riegel, Pfc. Murray Dean Vidler. Thank you, Tom...your brother will always be remembered by his brother Marines.

June 14 , 2010 A lot of brothers and friends are waiting to hear from us about the 2010 3/5 Reunion in S.C. this year. It was our first in a few years as we were busy relocating to OK. and getting our s--- together. Hopefully most of you know what that's all about. It was GREAT to see old faces (Ha-Ha) as well as the new ones we 've been in touch with for months, if not years, and never seen, and some we've never talked to. One "new" brother was James Johnston (J.J.) Had not talked to or met anyone with 3/5 in over 40 years. J.J. served with Mike Co. 68/69. He got there around May 68, lasted till June 69. J.J. came to the Reunion with all the information that said he is a true brother, along with his Op's page he brought his Navy Commenditon citation for Sept. 3,1968. Seeing his look of belief turn to smiles of joy and happiness that he finally made it home, well, that's what the reniouns are all about, whether they're small or large, it's about reaching out. What heals us HEALS OTHERS! To learn more about L/Cpl. James E. Johnston, please check out Picture Gallery 2010.

We also met Kenny McKinney, M Co. 3/5 68-69 for the first time...we were both on Hill 1192 and other ops, first time I've seen him in over 40 yrs. We posted a couple of Kenny's pics in Picture Gallery 2010 maybe someone will recognize the unidentified Marine in one of his pics. Good visiting with Jerry Lomax, Ron Thayer and Joe Smith for the first time in 5 yrs...we all missed Curtis Batten who passed away recently, but was with us in spirit.

We got to meet Dennis Tylinski, 3rd plt. M Co. 3/5, 1967 for the first time after years of emailing...was good to see him and Kevin Kelly, Fred Permenter (first reunion for him), Chuck Cummings, all 3rd plt. M Co. 3/5, getting together after all these years.

Was great to see M Co. 3/5 Marines Steve Cottrell, Kevin Kelly, Frank Jurney, Frank Ambrose, Fred Riddle, Skippers JR McElroy, JD Murray, and Randy Pelt, Howard Manfra, Carlos Septien, Roger Nicholson, Bill Vandegriff, Chuck Cummings, Fred Permenter, Bob Matteson, Craig Sullivan, Ed Combs, John Bowers, Don Goulet, Ron Thayer, Jerry Lomax, Kenny McKinney, Joe Smith, JJ Johnston, Jim Blankenheim, Steve Lovejoy, John Lobur, Fred Tancke, Bert Watkins, Carlton Clark, Tom Lindsay, Gary O'Neill, Gary Wieczorek, Wolfgang Ludge, Ishmael Guardarama, Tom Wityak, Ron Uebel, Tony Goodrich, Tim Summers, and many more...we'll be posting pics as they come in.

We had good visits with our India 3/5 brothers, Ed Groves, Larry Jones, Art Green, Dan Fields, Curtis Eidson, Jerry Bain, Craig Tschetter and others. Good to see Ed McCurry, H&S 3/5 and Mike 3/5 site webmaster; also Jim Bisesi, still hard at it working the raffle. And Joe Dodson blessed the reunion again with his bagpipes at the Sat. service.

Great to see some of our FMF Corpsmen, "Doc" Goss, "Doc" Dave Magnenat (just out of the hospital), and "Doc" Glasgow.

Col. Rexroad, along with Gen. Snowden and Sgt. Major Danford in their dress blues, honored the family of James Salisbury, India 3/5 KIA.

Several family members of our 3/5 KIAs attended, including Ronny Tucker, Mrs. Aston (Blake Aston's mother), and Jim Poindexter ("Doc" Phelps brother)...what a blessing to have them with us.

It was also good to see Marines and Corpsman who served in the 1967 battles in the Que Son Valley sign copies of Otto Lehrack's book...thank you, Otto!

Too many memories and experiences to recount here, all good...thanks to all the Marines and Corpsmen and their families and friends who came and made us feel so welcome.~Semper Fi, Brad Reynolds M/3/5 67-68 & Debbe Reynolds "Webbedebbe"

May 16, 2010 We added 2 Memorial pages: for Pfc. Ronny Smith and for Pfc. Herbert Burgess Murphy, both KIA on May 10, 1969...thanks to Hal Creel for his inquiry about his friend Ronny Smith, and to Paul O'Connell, 1st plt. M Co. 3/5 who emailed us about what happened to these Marines.

We also added pictures from Hal Creel, First Force Recon 68-69...see Picture Gallery 2010. Thank you, Hal.

May 13, 2010 We posted a couple messages in Picture Gallery 2010: one from Hal Creel, Force Recon, looking for info on Pfc. Ronny Smith, M Co. 3/5, KIA May 10, 1969...if anyone has any information regarding this, please let us know. Also, a message from Gilbert Hernandez, M Co. 3/5, WIA Dec. 1966, looking to contact other BLT 3/5 Marines.

Apr. 30, 2010 We received sad news yesterday that Curtis Batten, our brother and fellow M Co. 3/5 Marine, passed away...we're posting emails and remembrances from his family and friends as they come in, see "Remembering Curtis Batten" in Picture Gallery 2010 ...rest easy brother Marine, we will never forget.

Apr. 27, 2010 We added 2 more comments to Otto Lehrack's book review page, one from Frank Jurney (M Co. 3/5) and one from Debbe Reynolds (USMC Combat Wife)...email us with your input, and we will continue to post as time and space allow.

Apr. 26, 2010 We added a message from Ray Backstrom - MSgt USMC (Retired) about his website that offers free, easy access to Command Chronologies, Operations Files, and other records for all USMC units in Vietnam...posted in Picture Gallery 2010.

Apr. 20, 2010 We posted a message from Curtis Eidson (India 3/5) regarding the upcoming 3/5 Reunion at Hickory Knob State Park in South Carolina...see Picture Gallery 2010.

Apr. 19, 2010 We added 2 more comments to Otto Lehrack's book review page, one from Steve Lovejoy (M Co. 3/5, 2nd plt.) and one from JD Murray (M Co. 3/5, CO) . Thank you both for taking time to give us your input. We will continue to post comments from readers as time and space allow.

Apr. 13, 2010 We posted 3 pictures in Picture Gallery 2010 taken at the 2010 DAV Winter Sports Clinic sent in by Frank Pacello, M Co. 3/5...The 24th National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic is the world leader in promoting rehabilitation by instructing Veterans with disabilities in adaptive Alpine and Nordic skiing, and introducing them to a number of other adaptive recreational activities and sports. The Winter Sports Clinic gives Veterans with disabilities the opportunity and access to test their new-found abilities and develop new lifestyle skills. When utilizing the Clinic’s extreme outdoor adventures, Veterans will surpass any perceived limitations and learn to live life to the fullest. At the Clinic, all participants develop winter sports skills and take part in a variety of workshops and educational sessions that will positively impact their rehabilitative journey and readjustment in their communities. For more info, visit http://www1.va.gov/vetevent/wsc/2010/default.cfm.

Apr. 7, 2010 We added comments about Otto Lehrack's book, Road of 10,000 Pains from Fred Permenter, who served with M Co. 3/5, 3rd Platoon from May-Oct. 1967 and fought in the battles in the Que Son Valley...thank you for your feedback, Fred.

Apr. 3, 2010 American Legion Post 283 in honor of David Johnston, M Co. 3/5 (KIA Mar. 3, 1969) has invited all M/3/5 Marines and Corpsmen to their Memorial Day weekend celebration and remembrance May 29-31 in Pickering, Ohio...for more info, see Picture Gallery 2010.

Mar. 23, 2010 We posted two messages in Picture Gallery 2010 from family members who found the Memorial pages we put together for their loved ones killed in Vietnam...one from Kandice Biddlecome, whose uncle Dennis Merryman (M Co. 3/5) was Killed In Action Mar. 5, 1969 on Operation Taylor Common; and one from LeAnn Pearson Capener, whose uncle LCpl. Bruce Fuller Pearson (Lima Co. 3/5) was Killed In Action June 9, 1969. We pray their families will find a measure of comfort knowing these Marines will never be forgotten.

Mar. 19, 2010 We added a page for readers to send in Reviews for Otto Lehrack's new book, "Road of 10,000 Pains, The Destruction of the 2nd NVA Div. by the US Marines, 1967"...the page has Otto's contact information and intro to the book, along with a section for "Reviews" where we posted Brad Reynolds' comments after he read it. Feel free to send us your comments and we will post as time and space allow. The page is also listed in the Table of Contents under "Special Interest."

Mar. 16, 2010 We posted a message in Picture Gallery 2010 from Ron Barry who went to OCS and TBS with 2Lt. Dennie Peterson, India Co. 3/5. Dennie was Killed In Action Sept. 6, 1967 on Operation SWIFT and was awarded the Navy Cross, posthumously.

Mar. 13, 2010 We posted a message from Raul Vicente, Jr. who was serving with India Co. 3/5 in Dec.1967 when Pfc. Charles Townsend was Wounded In Action on Operation AUBURN...he didn't realize Townsend had died from his wounds until finding Townsend's Memorial page on our site...see Picture Gallery 2010 for more info.

Mar. 12, 2010 We posted a copy of James R. McElroy, Jr.'s second Silver Star citation in Picture Gallery 2010..."Skipper Mac" was also awarded the Silver Star while commanding M Co. 3/5 during Operation UNION, May 13, 1967.

Mar. 11, 2010 We posted a message from Dylan Lee Bailey, Mar. 11, 2010 in Picture Gallery 2010...See "My Uncle, Craig Nelson Ward, M Co. 3/5
Killed In Action Nov. 28, 1970"...thank you for writing, Dylan...God bless you and your family...so very sorry for the loss of your uncle.

Mar. 7, 2010 We posted a message about FMF Corpsmen from Steve "Doc" Brodsky, Lima/Mike 3/1 67-68, see Picture Gallery 2010...Semper Fi, Doc!

Feb. 26, 2010 We added a Memorial page for Pfc. Tony John Ayala, M Co. 3/5, Killed In Action Aug. 11, 1968, with thanks to George Autobee for his picture and info...if anyone remembers Pfc. Ayala and would like us to add a remembrance, please let us know.

Feb. 24, 2010 Added "MY ENEMY" to the Stories, Poems, Memoirs section, written by LCpl. Bradley Reynolds, USMC Ret., M Co. 3/5 '67-68...thank you for sharing, Brad!

Feb. 22, 2010 Clifford Henry wrote us looking to contact Marines who served with his brother, Gary Lee Heeman, M Co. 3/5, Killed In Action on Jan. 15, 1969. His message is posted in Picture Gallery 2010. Thank you for contacting us, Cliff...we hope you and your family will receive a measure of comfort knowing Gary will always be remembered and honored by his fellow Marines (See also Pfc. Gary Lee Heeman Memorial page).

Feb. 20, 2010 We added a Memorial page for Pvt. Ronnie Page, M Co. 3/5, Killed In Action Sept. 6, 1969. Much thanks to Glenn Kittleson for sharing his information. If anyone remembers Pvt. Page and would like to add a remembrance to his Memorial page, please let us know.

Feb. 19, 2010 We added pictures and information from Glenn Kittleson, 1st plt. M Co. 3/5 1968-69 to Picture Gallery 2010...if anyone recognizes the unidentified Marines in his pictures, please let us know..than you Glenn.

Feb. 17, 2010 We posted a couple of pictures from George Autobee, M Co. 3/5 mortar plt. 68-69 to Picture Gallery 2010, along with excerpts from his 2008 Wasington Post article "Remembrances"...the full article is available for download in PDF form...thank you for sharing, George.

Feb. 15, 2010 Otto Lehrack's new book, Road of 10,000 Pains: The Destruction of the 2nd NVA Division by the Marines, 1967 will be available in April. It covers the operations in the Que Son Valley from April to November 1967 and operations Union I, Union II, Cochise, Adair, Swift and Essex. For more info, see Picture Gallery 2010.

Feb. 1, 2010 Don Houser sent in a few pictures and remembrances of his time with 2nd plt., M Co. 3/5 in 1970, posted in Picture Gallery 2010. Thanks for sharing, Don.

Jan. 15, 2010 Picture Gallery 2010 is up and running...thanks to all the past year who have sent in pictures and info to share with our website visitors...we've recently recovered from a total hard drive crash, had to get a new computer and still updating and fixing broken links...if you see any missing info, please let us know so we can fix...we did lose some pics and info, so if you don't see your submissions, please feel free to resend and we'll post soon as possible...thank you to John Lobur, Bill Raley and George Filyaw for their recent submission,( see Picture Gallery 2010).

Nov. 11, 2009 Happy Veterans Day to all the men and women who have put themselves in harms' way so we can sleep in peace at night...we thank you for your sacrifices.

Nov. 10, 2009 To all our Marines and FMF Corpsmen, our thoughts are with you on this 234th Marine Corps Birthday...for us it is a day of celebration of our nation's finest fighting men and women, and a time to remember those who sacrificed their all for the freedom we cherish. We're posting USMC Birthday messages to Picture Gallery 2009 as they come in...Happy Birthday Marines...Semper Fidelis.

Nov. 4, 2009 We posted a few pictures from Mike Alden's recent trip with Tom Wiseman to visit fellow Marines in Oklahoma and Texas, see Picture Gallery 2009. Also, Mike is looking for any information to help him contact Jimmy Rutledge, M Co. 3/5 (see picture in Picture Gallery 2009).

Sept. 24, 2009 We posted several pictures from Fred Permenter, M Co. 3/5, 3rd plt. to Picture Gallery 2009...Fred served with M/3/5 from May 67-Oct. 67...is anyone recognizes the unidentified Marines in his pictures, please let us know. Thank you for sharing, Fred...Welcome Home!

We also added 2 Memorial pages, with much thanks to Alan Cantrell (M Co. 3/5 Dec. 1967--Jan. 1969) for his information: Pfc. Ramon Pena Cancel, M Co. 3/5, Killed In Action June 18, 1968; LCpl. Roger Tilton Nelson, M Co. 3/5, Killed In Action March 15, 1968. If anyone has information they want to share about our fallen Marines, please let us know. Semper Fi, Brother Marines...we will never forget.

Sept. 11, 2009 We received a 9-11 remembrance from Don Houser, USMC Ret., posted to Picture Gallery 2009. Don served with 2/9 and M Co 3/5 in Vietnam...we'll be posting more pictures and "war stories" from Don soonly...thank you, Don!

We also added Memorial pages for M Co. 3/5 Marines Pfc. John Brancato, Jr. KIA Feb. 7, 1968, and Pfc. Jimmy Karon Robertson, KIA Feb. 3, 1968...both Marines were killed during the TET Offensive when M Co. 3/5 was ambushed in a ville near the DMZ. Semper Fi, Brother Marines, we will never forget!

Sept. 10, 2009 "BJ" Jones emailed us his thoughts about 11 Sept. 1968, posted to Picture Gallery 2009...our hearts are with you, BJ, and the Marines of M Co. 3/5 on the 41st anniversary of this battle.

We also posted 9 pictures to Picture Gallery 2009 from Bill Nicholson, M Co 3/5 1967, if anyone recognizes the Marines in his pictures, please let us know...thank you for sharing Bill!

Sept. 9, 2009 We posted a personal "salute" in Picture Gallery 2009 from Mike McFerrin to Joe Walters and Elvin "BJ" Jones, M Co. 3/5, survivors of the 11 Sept. 1968 action that killed 8 of their fellow Marines during Operation MAMELUKE THRUST. Semper Fi, Brother Marines...41 years later, we will never forget.

Sept. 4, 2009 To all the Marines and FMF Corpsmen who survived Operation SWIFT, Sept. 4-15, 1967, and to those who gave their lives in that battle, we salute you, and remember your sacrifices 42 years ago. Semper Fi, Brother Marines, we will never forget.

Sept. 1, 2009 We posted an email from J. Graham who served with Golf Co. 2/5, 1st plt. on Operation ESSEX, Nov. 1967 to Picture Gallery 2009. Thanks to his remembrance, we added 3 Marines' names to the 2ndBn 5th Marines KIAs on our Operation ESSEX information page: PFC. JAMES LUCKY JENKINS; PVT. DALE EARL SHUMBARGER, Golf Co. 2/5; CPL. CLARENCE WALTER SCOTT, Golf Co. 2/5.

Apr. 26, 2009 Rick Upleger (M Co. 3/5) sent in a couple pics from his reunion with Ron Thayer after 40 yrs. posted to Picture Gallery 2009...thank you, Rick!

Feb. 5, 2009 We added several pictures from Leo Sanders, Forward Observer with M Co. 3/5 in 1968-69...thank you for sharing, Leo!

We also added a Memorial page for Pfc. Paul Hyland, M Co. 3/5, Killed In Action Sept. 3, 1968...if anyone has any information they would like us to add to his Memorial page please let us know...Semper Fi, Brother Marine.

Feb. 2, 2009 We added a Memorial page for LCpl. Steven Marcombe, Killed In Action June 2, 1967 during Operation UNION II...LCpl. Marcombe was awarded the Silver Star, posthumously...if anyone has any pictures of remembrances they would like us to add to his Memorial page, please let us know...Semper Fi, Brother Marine...we will never forget.

Feb. 1, 2009 We added a Memorial page for Cpl. Gary Lee Hisle (M Co. 3/5), Killed In Action Mar. 23, 1969...pictures are courtesy of Doug Miller and Ron Thayer, with remembrances from Mike Alden and Tom Mahlum...if anyone has any pictures or information they'd like us to add, please let us know. Rest in Peace Brother Marine, we will never forget.

We received an email from 5th Marines Commander Col. Stan Davis' son-in-law that Col. Davis was killed in a car accident in 1999...for more information see Col. Stan Davis.

We also added "Corpsman"...a poem written by Doug Maier, 3rd plt. M Co. 3/5...his heartfelt tribute to the Docs he knew in Vietnam...thank you, Doug!

Jan. 16, 2009 3/5 Reunion 2009 at Hickory Knob State Park in South Carolina-June 4 - June 7, 2009 Our 3/5 Reunion will be held at Hickory Knob State Park, S. Carolina this year. To support this event, I have made 17"x12" laminated maps of 3/5's coordinates during Operations HASTINGS, UNION I and UNION II, and SWIFT. The maps are $40 each, $30 to support the Reunion ($10 my cost). The maps are courtesy of Rich Hodory, Frank Jurney and Col. Esslinger with information I compiled from HQMC After Action Reports, CD#49 (I will also have AAR CDs available for $5).

Also, Col Esslinger, CO, 3/5 Dec66-Jun67 gave me an NVA Flag found during UNION I and given to him by a 3/5er just before Col. Esslinger was wounded on UNION II. I will frame it with appropriate verbage identifying the importance of it and draw the winner at this year's Reunion. Col. Esslinger will sign an appropriate card to be included with the flag. It will be $5 per raffle ticket, 100% of monies to go into a fund to support those 3/5ers who need help in attending our Reunion. Send money to me--I will assign raffle ticket numbers and pass thru email or send to buyers. Tickets will go into basket--winning ticket to be drawn in June09 at the Reunion. Winner does not have to be at the Reunion. I will send framed Flag and the framed picture of the 5th Marines PUC Presentation for UNION I and UNION II to them after the Reunion. This is a world class treasure, a one-of-a-kind from Col Esslinger!!!~JD Murray (See Picture Gallery 2009 for more info).

Jan. 13, 2009 Picture Gallery 2009 is now open for submissions, pictures and info we weren't able to get to in 2008 are being posted first...feel free to email us any combat-related information you want to share with our website visitors, and we will post as time and space allow.

We added pictures from Cpl. Richard Upleger, 2nd platoon M Co. 3/5, May 1968-February 1969, if anyone recognizes the Marines and/or Corpsmen in these pictures, please let us know...thank you Rick for sharing!

We also added a Memorial page for Pfc. Kenneth Ward Harris, KIA Nov. 9, 1967 on Operation ESSEX with pictures and information courtesy of his brother, Gary...Gary is hoping anyone who remembers his brother will contact us...Semper Fi, Brother Marine...we will never forget.

Joe Smith sent in a couple pictures of M Co. 3/5 Marines taken Mar-Apr. 1968...if anyone recognizes these Marines please let us know.

Oct. 9, 2008 On Sept. 19, Frank Ambrose, M Co. 3/5, was awarded the Silver Star for his actions on 7 Feb. 1968. The recommendation was made 40 yrs. ago, but never acted on. With the support and efforts of former 3/5 Battalion CO Col. W.K. Rockey, former M Co. 3/5 Capt. Jim Mitchell, and several fellow M/3/5 Marines who were eyewitnesses on 7 Feb., Frank finally received his medal. See Picture Gallery 2008 for more information, also Frank Ambrose, USMC. Semper Fi, Frank!

Oct. 8, 2008 We just received the BLT 3/5 Newsletter about their Reunion 2008, read about it, and plans for Reunion 2009 in Picture Gallery 2008.

June 10, 2009 Frank Jurney sent us copies of the Leatherneck Magazine articles on Operations in the Que Valley, including Operation UNION, UNION II, Operation SWIFT, and Operation ESSEX (Antenna Valley) by LtCol. Otto Lehrack...starting with Operation ESSEX, we will be posting them (with permission of Leatherneck Magazine and Otto Lehrack) in Picture Gallery 2008...our thanks to Frank, Otto and Leatherneck Magazine that we can share these with our website visitors.

June 9, 2008 We posted more pictures from Steve Lovejoy to Picture Gallery 2008...if anyone recognizes the Marines in the pictures, please let us know...thank you for sharing, Steve!

June 1, 2008 LtCol Otto Lehrack sent in several copies of Sea Tiger (Sept-Oct. 1967) articles on Operation SWIFT...look for them in Picture Gallery 2008...thank you for sharing, Otto!

May 8, 2008 We posted Dick Culver's "Saga of the M16"...Part 1 and Part 2 sent in by JD Murray in Picture Gallery 2008...in the email we received, Culver shares his thoughts on why he did all this research on the M16 used in Vietnam, and provides us with links to the articles which are in PDF format...you will need Acrobat Reader to open the files, then you can read or print them out...thank you Dick and JD for sharing this very interesting information.

April 21, 2008 With a heavy heart we report that Kayla Vandegriff passed away from cancer yesterday...Kayla will always be an inspiration to anyone who knew her...our hearts and prayers are with her husband Bill and their family...for more information, see "Remembering Kayla Vandegriff."

April 19, 2008 We posted 3 pictures to Picture Gallery 2008 from Tom Lindsay of he and Tony Goodrich at this year's Bataan Death March in New Mexico...Tom goes to the March each year to honor 2 of his uncles who were captured on Bataan...our Uncle Ernie Tartar was also on that horrendous Death March...Semper Fi, Brother Marines...we will never forget. We also added a picture from Tom Lindsay of Blake Aston, M Co. 3/5 Killed In Action Sept. 28, 1970...thank you, Tom...if anyone has any pictures or remembrances they'd like us to add to Blake's Memorial page, please let us know...we hope these Memorial pages to our fallen Marines will bring a measure of comfort to their families and fellow Marines.

Mar. 9, 2008 We posted several pictures to Picture Gallery 2008 of 2nd plt. M Co. 3/5 that Steve Lovejoy sent in...we're trying to identify the Marines in the pictures...if anyone has any information, please let us know...Much thanks to John Lobur for helping with names and captions.

We also added a remembrance for Blake Aston, M Co. 3/5 Killed In Action Sept. 28, 1970 from his still best friend, Bill Horton of Rockwell, TX...thank you for sharing, Bill...we will never forget.

LIMA 3/5's 2008 Reunion will be held July 7-14 in Washington, DC...Home Base is the Holiday Inn in Crystal City, VA...things to do and events scheduled are: Evening Parade, Vietnam Memorial, Marine Corps Heritage Museum...make reservations now (1-800-972-3159)...information courtesy of Lima 3/5.

Mar. 8, 2008 We added a Memorial page for Pfc. Timothy David McHugh, M Co. 3/5...Tim was Killed In Action on Feb. 7, 1968 when M/3/5 ran into an ambush near Thann Quit village in Quang Nam...no one realized at the time that it was part of the coordinated attacks launched by the NVA and VC, later known as the 1968 TET Offensive...if anyone has any pictures or remembrances they'd like us to add to his Memorial page, please let us know.

Mar. 4, 2008 We added a couple of pictures to Picture Gallery 2008 of Steve Lovejoy and John Lobur who served together with M Co. 3/5, 2nd plt. in 1967 and recently met up together after 40 yrs. at Camp Pendleton for a very special reunion...thank you for sharing, Steve!

Feb. 19, 2008 Joey Freeman of M Co. 3/5 was Killed In Action on March 3, 1969 during Operation TAYLOR COMMON, along with David Johnston and Ron Christianson...39 years later, Joey Freeman's family gave a picture of 1st plt., 1st squad M/3/5 that Joey had sent home from Vietnam to fellow Marine Richard Reed who submitted the picture to us (via Mike Alden)...we posted the picture to Picture Gallery 2008. We will also add it to the Memorial pages of Joey Freeman, Ron Christianson, David Johnston and Leslie Thompson...we are very grateful to the Freeman family, and to Richard Reed and Mike Alden for sharing this priceless picture with us.

Feb. 15, 2008 We added a picture and information from Jim Spreine, M Co. 3/5 1966-67 to the Picture Gallery 2008 section...Jim trained with BLT 3/5 and is looking to contact Marines he served with...thanks for the info, Jim...Semper Fi!

Feb. 12, 2008 Arrangements for BLT 3/5 2008 OPERATION HASTINGS-1966 REUNION have been made for September 19, 20 & 21, 2008 at QUANTICO, VA...for more information, check out the BLT 3/5 Reunion website.

Feb. 2, 2008 We added a few pictures from "Doc" Phil Stern, FMF corpsman with 2nd plt. M Co. 3/5 to Picture Gallery 2008...Doc Stern was wounded Feb. 6, 1968 during the TET Offensive, he was also awarded the Silver Star...thank you for sharing your pics, Doc.

Feb. 1, 2008 We added Cpl. William Buckles' Silver Star citation, awarded posthumously, to his Memorial page...Cpl. Buckles, 2nd plt. M Co. 3/5, was Killed In Action Feb. 6, 1968 during what came to be known as the "TET Offensive of 1968"...we also added a picture from Tony Martinez of Buckles with 2nd plt. M/3/5 Marines, and a remembrance and pictures from "Doc" Phil Stern who was with Buckles when he was killed...thank you for sharing these Tony and Doc Stern...Semper Fi, Cpl. Buckles...we will never forget.

Jan. 31, 2008 We added a Memorial page for Cpl. Leonard Earl Giles, M Co. 3/5, Killed In Action June 2, 1967 during Operation UNION II. If anyone has a picture or remembrance they would like us to add to Cpl. Giles' Memorial page, email us your info and we'll add when we next update. Semper Fi, Cpl. Giles...we will never forget.

We also added a link on our Home page for the 3/5 Reunion website...the 2008 3/5 Reunion will be held May 15 - May 18, 2008 at the Highland Marina, West Point Lake, LaGrange, GA.

Picture Gallery 2008 is open for incoming pictures and information from our website visitors...if you'd like something posted, give us a holler.

Jan. 16, 2008 We added a couple pictures and information about Richard "Dick" Fischer's Funeral services in Madison, Wisconsin...several M Co. 3/5 Marines who served with Fischer were there to be with his family as his remains were finally laid to rest after 40 years...for more information see Ken Field's write-up for Richard Fischer in Picture Gallery 2007.

We also added TET 1968, M Co. 3/5 to the Combat Histories section with information and pictures from historians and Marines and Corpsmen who were caught in the ambush near Thann Quit village, Quang Nam Province. This is a start-up page where will be posting more recovered information as it comes in.

We also added "Operation ALAMO"...also known as NO NAME 98...At the start of the TET Offensive, Jan. 30, 1968, India 3/5 lost many of their brother Marines...we will never forget.

The entire 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines was awarded the Meritorious Unit Citation for their actions for Jan. 30-Feb. 15 1968 during the TET Offensive.

A dear friend to us and all Marines passed away Dec. 17..."Doc" John Colucco served with 1st Battalion, 5th Marines in 1966...he was a true friend to all who knew him...for more information see Christine Cooley's message in Picture Gallery 2007...Semper Fi, Doc...we will never forget.

Update on Randy Pelt: Randy is getting to go home this Saturday. Randy is walking OK by himself. His wounds are healing well, he still needs wound care daily, but Cherry said that she can do the wound care at home. She did not mention where his rehab will be done from home or how often he will go for therapy. Thanks for the prayers and support for Randy, Semper Fi, Tom.

Dec. 1, 2007 We added several pictures to Picture Gallery 2007 from "Doc" Brad Shetrone, Sr. Corpsman with M Co. 3/5 1968-69. If anyone recognizes the unidentified Marines, please let us know...thanks Doc!

Update on Randy Pelt from Tom Lindsay: Best news we have had in a long time. Randy does not need another graft operation as we thought he would, he is off the ventilator and the trach tube has been removed and the opening in his throat will heal well without complications. He is sitting up in a chair regularly and is able to start eating normal meals. The doctors have rcommended that he goes on to a rehab facility, hopefully that will be in Roanoke.

Also, John Young had his knee replacement surgery yesterday, Sharon called this morning and said that John is doing good, the doctors were pleased with the outcome and said that he needed the new knee bad. He will be in the hospital until next tuesday.

Remember our brothers in your prayers, Semper Fi, Tom

Nov. 12, 2007 We added pictures to Picture Gallery 2007 from Tony Martinez, Larry Nunez, and Ron Pizano who served together in 1967 with M Co. 3/5, 2nd plt.

Nov. 11, 2007 Our grateful thanks this Veterans Day to the men and women who have served and protected our nation in all conflicts, at home and abroad...to them we owe our most precious gift of all, our freedom. Thank you for your service, and Welcome Home!

Nov. 10, 2007 Happy Birthday Marines...232 years! We will raise a glass today to all our brothers-in-arms, former and active duty who are in harm's way...wherever our Marines are, we are with you in spirit...God bless and Semper Fidelis.

Update on our brother Randy Pelt from Tony Goodrich: "Randy has been off the ventilator for 48 hours—wow!--and has been talking to everyone, even talking to Tom Wityak on the phone. They are getting him out of his bed and having him sit up in a special chair each day. They have also having him do some swallow tests to see if and when he can start eating soft food and drinking liquids. He will still be using the feeding tube so he can get his vitamins and minerals. His next—and hopefully his final--operation will be sometime next week. Cherry said he’s still having memory problems—i.e., he’s unsure of the date and why he’s in the hospital—but he has been cracking a few jokes and smiling a bit. She also told me that when she mentioned my name he said I was “a real nice guy” so that definitely tells me that his memory isn’t quite where it should be, hehehe. He says he can’t see real well out of his right eye so they’ll be doing some tests on it. They are hoping that he can move out of ICU soon but that will be decided after he’s finished his last operation next week. Overall, Randy is doing very well and his healing and improvements are quite remarkable and moving right along. Cherry wanted me to pass along her thanks and gratitude for everyone’s prayers and kind thoughts. Please keep those coming as Randy still has along way to go in his recovery. Our brother, Tom Wityak, will be visiting Randy this weekend along with Ronny Tucker. This is a good time for that visit because Cherry said the docs want people to talk to Randy and what better person than Tom to do that, eh? One of our other 3/5 brothers, Ed Browder, is going to be bringing Randy some USMC birthday cake on Saturday to celebrate the Corps 232nd, and he’s also bringing a couple of active duty Marines to meet Randy, too. Gosh, with Ed, Tom and Ronny and those other Marines there it should be one heckuva birthday bash, don’cha think? Semper Fi," Tony

Oct. 14, 2007 Jim Blankenheim and Michael Wears wrote to let us know that the remains of M Co. 3/5 Richard Fischer (Missing In Action Jan. 8, 1968) are finally being returned home to be buried in Madison, Wisconsin on November 19, 2007. It would be a great comfort to Fischer's sister, Anne and her daughter, for any M Co. 3/5 Marines who served with her brother "Dick" to attend the funeral services. The Memorial/Funeral service is scheduled for November 19 at 11:00 a.m. with "visitation" or greetings at 10:00 a.m. at Christ Presbyterian Church, 944 E. Gorham Street, Madison, Wisconsin 53703. Anne has requested anyone able to attend do a map quest for directions. For more information, see Welcome Home, Richard Fischer in Picture Gallery 2007.

Oct. 13, 2007 M Co. Marine Randy Pelt is in the hospital in critical condition resulting from crashing his personal gyro plane. Tom Lindsay is keeping us posted on Randy's condition. For more information and address to send Randy and his family a card, see Prayers for Randy in Picture Gallery 2007.

Oct. 12, 2007 On Sept. 4, 2007, Marines from M Co. 3/5 gathered at Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, CA to to honor their brothers-in-arms who were killed on Operation SWIFT 40 years ago. The battle began Sept. 4, 1967 and ended Sept. 15, 1967 leaving 20 from M Co 3/5 killed, 17 of them on the first day. We've been receiving a lot of pictures from the Marines who gathered and we will post them as quickly as we can. See Operation SWIFT REUNION and Memorial.

We updated and added Memorial pages for each of the M/3/5 Marines and the Navy Corpsmen and Chaplin killed on Operation SWIFT. If anyone has any pictures or remembrances they'd like to add, feel free to contact us.
LCpl. Jack Albert Berry, Lt. Vincent Capodanno-MOH, LCpl. Stephen Cornell, Pfc. Dennis Fisher, LCpl. Thomas Fisher-Navy Cross, Pfc. Tony Gabaldon, LCpl. Andrew Giordano, LCpl. Richard Guerrero, Pfc. Raymond Hengels, HN "Doc" Armando Leal-Navy Cross, Pfc. James Calvin McKenzie, Pfc. Charles Frederick Martin, Pfc. Gene Mortensen, Sgt. Lawrence David Peters-MOH, Cpl. William Young, LCpl. Albert Willard Santos, Pfc. Steven James Wright, HN David Clayton Phelps, Pfc. William Franklin Miller, Pfc. Talmadge Carnell.

June 27, 2007 We are grieved to hear that Craig Sullivan's beloved wife, Barri, passed away Sun. June 24 at her home. This beautiful lady fought for her life with ovarian cancer for 3 years. Barri will be remembered always by our 3/5 family...Memorial services will be held 5:00 PM Saturday at the First Presbyterian Church that Barri was a member of...for more information, see "My Loving Wife, Barri" sent in by Craig Sullivan...God bless you and your family, Sully...Semper Fi.

Mike Alden and several M Co. 3/5 Marines (and Corpsman) reunited in Pickering, Ohio on Memorial Day Weekend to pay their final respects to fellow Marine, David Johnston, Killed In Action 38 years ago on 3 March 1969 on Operation TAYLOR COMMON. The Memorial and graveside services were a tribute by the David A. Johnston American Legion Post #283 who were honored to meet the Marines David Johnston served with. See DAVID A. JOHNSTON MEMORIAL, MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND 2007.

July 9, 2006 We're proud to add a picture page for Howard Haney, M Co. 3/5...Howard was badly wounded 4 Sept. 67 on the first day of Operation SWIFT and hadn't been in contact with anyone he served with till Jan. '06...thank you, Howard, for sharing your pictures and your remembrance of Operation SWIFT...if anyone recognizes the unidentified Marines in Howard's pictures, please let us know.

We also added 2 poems: "From a Corpsman's Point of View" by Doc Hutch (1/5) sent in by Curtis Batten: and "Monsters and the Weak" by Michael Marks sent in by Grady Rainbow. Good stuff!

We were deeply saddened to hear of the death of Mike Wilson (H&S 3/5) on May 11, 2006...Mike aka "Whisky 1" was one of the first 3/5 Marines we "found" via the internet in '98...he was a great friend and Marine and is dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

We also received word from Charlie Frewell that his father, LtCol. John B. Fretwell, affectionately known as “Jack”, passed away on 12 June, 2006. Jack Fretwell served in Vietnam from May of 1967 to May 1968 with Mike Company, 3/5. Semper Fi, Brother Marine.

We added Memorial pages for the following Marines: LCpl. George Spak, Jr. of India Co. 3/5, KIA 6 Sept. '67 on Operation SWIFT; Pfc. Michael Donvian Wilson of Mike Co. 3/5, KIA 11 Sept. '68; Pfc. Richard Daniels of Mike Co. 3/5, KIA 11 Sept. '68; LCpl. Jerry Don Copeland of Mike Co. 3/5, KIA 11 Sept. '68; Pfc. Gary Lee Heeman of Mike Co. 3/5, KIA 15 Jan. '69; Cpl. Bruce Arden Christensen of India Co. 3/5, KIA 9 Feb. '71. If anyone has any pictures of these Marines, or remembrances you would like to add, please email us. Semper Fi, Brother Marines...we will never forget.

Feb. 8, 2006 The Memorial service for Randy Cernick at Arlington National Cemetery is confirmed for Friday, Feb 24th at 9am. EVERYONE needs to be there at 8:30 am at the Administration building. Everyone needs their own car to get to the admin. building and then the gravesite. Randy's daughter, Aimee, is planning a brunch/lunch afterwards so if you are planning to attend, she needs to know ASAP so she can let the restaurant know. Please email Joe Smith at Tunnelrat68@aol.com for more info and to confirm your attendance.

Jan. 30, 2006 We're sad to report that our 3/5 Family has lost another of our Marines...Randy Cernick of M Co. 3/5 passed away this morning from cancer...No services will be held for him in Ft. Lauderdale where he lived as arrangements are being made for him at Arlington National Cemetery...we will make details available when we receive them...our hearts and prayers are with Randy's family...if you'd like to send the Cernick family a card, please email us and we'll send you their address...Semper Fi, Randy...we will never forget.

July 28, 2005 We added a picture of "Doc" David Phelps (M Co. 3/5) and a cartoon drawing he made before going to Vietnam to his Memorial page, sent in by his younger brother Tommy...Doc Phelps was KIA on 5 Sept. 1967 during Operation SWIFT...if anyone remembers what happened to Doc Phelps, please contact us as his family is looking for any information you can share.

We also added Memorial pages for 3 more M Co. 3/5 Marines KIA on 4 Sept. 1967 during Operation SWIFT...if anyone has any pictures or remembrances of these Marines, please feel free to send: Pfc. James McKenzie, LCpl. Steven Cornell, and Pfc. Gene Mortensen...rest in peace, Marines.

July 23, 2005 Thanks to all who continue to send in pics for the Picture Gallery...we added several pics from Jim Cravey (M Co. 3/5 66-67), including a picture of John Wayne Love (KIA 13 May 1967 on Operation UNION, see also Pfc. John Wayne Love Memorial page)...also a few 3/5 Reunion 2005 pics from Mike Alden...we will continue to add more pictures as they come in.

We also added the following Memorial pages: Pfc. Antonion Hernandez (India 3/5, KIA 3 Sept. 1968), with much thanks to Banyon and Karen Ford for their pictures and remembrance...Pfc. Charles Lee (India 3/5, KIA 11 June 1968), thanks again to Banyon and Karen Ford for their remembrance...if anyone has any pictures or remembrances of these Marines they would like us to add, please feel free to send.

June 19, 2005 We are very sad to report that we have lost 2 of our India 3/5 Marines on 17 June...John Crowe and Tom McCracken...these Marines will be dearly missed, our hearts and prayers are with their families...if you want to send cards or messages to the families, let us know and we will let you know where to send...Semper Fi, Marines...we will never forget.

We added a picture page for "Doc" Bob Aloisio, M Co. 3/5 FMF Corpsman in 1968-69...Doc Bob received the Navy Achievment Medal for actions during Operation MAUI PEAK in Oct. '68...if anyone recognizes the other corpsmen in his pics, please let us know.

We added several new pics to Picture Gallery '05 and have many more we'll be uploading real soon!

We added a Memorial page for SSgt. JimBob Bickle, India Co. 3/5, KIA 21 May 1968 during Operation ALLENBROOK...his son JimBob, Jr. would like to hear from anyone who served with him...much thanks to him for sending in pictures and his Dad's Navy Achievment Citation...also thanks to John "Gunny" Gundersen for his remembrance.

We also added pictures and remembrances from Dennis Rudnicki and TP Johnson to Cpl. Leonard St. Clair's Memorial page...grateful thanks to these Marines!

We posted a remembrance from Jack Swan about his friend, Pete Schrader, to Pete's Memorial page...Pete Schrader was 1st plt. radioman for M/3/5, KIA during Operation ESSEX. Thank you, Swanie.

We also added a Memorial page for 2Lt. Albert Nelson, Jr. of India 3/5, KIA on 21 May 1969...if anyone wants to add a remembrace or pics, please let us know.

We also added Memorial pages for Pfc. Phillip Slaughter and Pfc. Owen White of M Co. 3/5...both Marines were KIA on 11 Sept. 1968...Pfc. White received the Silver Star, posthumously, for his actions of that day...if anyone wants to add a remembrance or has pictures of these Marines, please let us know.

Feb. 19, 2005 Well, this computer has been down more than up since we moved last May...but we are finally settled into a little place in Oklahoma...we have a very slowwwwwwwww internet connection, but at least we are up and webbing again! Thanks to All who continue send in pictures and info to post, we are hard at it to get them added to share with our website visitors.

We were sad to hear that our India 3/5 brother Rick Spaniol passed away Jan. 24...our prayers are with his family...Brenda Eidson posted a Memorial to him on her 3/5 Reunion site...Rest easy Marine.

We added a group remembrance from Joe Walters, Dan Hignight, Eugene "Doc" Whitbeck and Jim Quinn to Cpl. Ricky Almanza's Memorial page...Ricky served with M/3/5 and received the Silver Star for his actions on 3 Sept. 1968...Joe Walters also sent in a remembrance for his former radioman, Pfc. Thomas Steele, KIA on 11 Sept. 1968...
we thank these Marines for their tribute to their fallen comrades.

We added a poem called A Bear in the Woods, written by our friend Sarge Lintecum...he wrote this poem for a friend of ours we called "Bear"...an Army Corpsman who was haunted day and night by nightmares of the young men he fought so hard to save in Vietnam...he passed away in 1993, a few days after visiting his fallen friends at the "Travelling Wall"...Thank you Sarge, for this tribute to Bear.

This last August, JD Murray and several Marines he served with in 66-67 returned to Vietnam to find the battleground sites they fought on...JD was on a special mission when he split from the group to find a creekbed in the DMZ where Denny LaNore and several other M/3/5 Marines were wounded and killed during Operation HASTINGS...JD brought a Memorial to Denny LaNore and several gold crosses made by Kevin Kelly to lay at the place where their friends were slain...did he find the creekbed after all these years and fulfill the promise he made to the LaNore family? Check out JD's DMZ Visit, it was a tough journey, physically and emotionally...thank you JD for sharing this incredible adventure!

We added remembrances from the family of "Doc" David Phelps, KIA 5 Sept. 1967 on Operation SWIFT, they are interested in hearing from anyone who remembers Doc Phelps...please let us know if you have any info or pics to share and we will forward to the family.

Sept. 26, 2004 Our thanks to former USMC Capt. John Tucke of Golf Co. 2/5 for his remembrance of Operation ESSEX (posted with the 2/5 information right after the 3/5 KIAs), we encourage anyone from 2/5 and 3/5 who served on ESSEX to feel free to send in their remembrances ...not many survivors left to tell about this bloody battle in Antenna Valley, Nov. 8-13 1967.

We received an email from one of our 2/5 brothers, Steve Ruggiero (H&S), with his remembrance of Hill 1192, being sent in to aid M Co. 3/5 who had run into an NVA Base Camp on Havian Pass May 8, 1968 and were pinned down for more than a week...the losses were heavy for M/3/5...and for 1st plt. India 3/5 who was first to get to M/3/5...our hearts go out to the many Marines and FMF Corpsmen who died in that action...and to the 3/5 and 2/5 Marines who came in to aid the pinned down Marines.

We added several more Memorial pages: for Pfc. Darrell Pruett (M/3/5), KIA 8 Nov. 1967 on Operation ESSEX...for Pfc. John Fiffe (M/3/5) and Pfc. Richard Seng (M/3/5), both KIA on 8 May 1968 on Hill 1192; also for Cpl. Roger Inscore (M/3/5) and LCpl. Robert Goddard (M/3/5), both KIA on 26 May 1967 on Operation UNION II...with much thanks to Billy Meyers for recovering Roger Inscore's posthumous Silver Star citation; for LCpl. Jack Sanders (M/3/5), killed in an accidental explosion, his sister Erica would like to hear from anyone who remembers him: we also added a picture to the top of the Memorial page for Pfc. Forrest Bartram (M/3/5), killed 16 May 1968 while cleaning Brad's 3.5 rocket launcher..much thanks to his sister Brenda Carrington for sending it; and for LCpl. Robert Reker (M/3/5), KIA 13 June 1969...if anyone remembers LCpl. Reker please email us as his nephew would like to hear from anyone who served with his uncle.

We also added a page for WEBRINGS, links to other USMC and military websites for your browsing pleasure...enjoy!

August 23, 2004 We added 4 more Memorial pages for M/3/5 Marines KIA 3-11 Sept. 1968, a week of heavy battle during Operation MAMELUKE THRUST IV: Cpl. Ricky Almanza, KIA on 3 Sept. '68, received the Silver Star, posthumously...thanks to Billy Meyers for recovering a copy of Ricky's citation; Pfc. James Hoyez, Pfc. Armando Lopez and Pfc. Thomas Steele (Lt. Joe Walter's radioman, and friend)...all KIA on 11 Sept. '68. If anyone remembers these Marines and would like to add a remembrance, or picture, please email us.

We added a song written by Hank Oliver (I/3/5) called "NOBODY TOLD US WELCOME HOME"...we can't share the music, but have posted the words...thank you for sharing, Hank! Also added a few more poems...SWEET ELLA, a beautiful poem written by Rock Giambrocco for Curtis and Ella Batten when Ella was so sick this last year...it won the 2003 Publishers' Award from the International Society of poetry, and has been an inspiration to us. We also added The Living Wall, by DR (Debbe Reynolds).

August 9, 2004 On July 29, 2004 a bridge in his home town in Pennsylvania was dedicated to 3/5 FMF Corpsman Charles "Charlie" Mariskanish, KIA 9 May '68 when M Co. 3/5 ran into an NVA Base Camp on Haivan Pass. Doc Mariskanish was awarded the Silver Star, posthumously, for his bravery tending to wounded Marines. Pictures of the Bridge Dedication are posted on Doc Mariskanish's Memorial page...thanks to his sister, Catherine Planisky who finally got to meet the Marines, and Doc Wood, who were with Charlie when he was killed.

We added a Memorial page for LCpl. Joseph Lloyd Freeman, Jr., KIA on Operation TAYLOR COMMON, with thanks to Michael Alden for his tribute...we also added Michael's remembrance to Sgt. Leslie Thompson's Memorial page...also KIA on TAYLOR COMMON...thank you for sharing your remembrances, Mike.

We added a poem by Fate Warren (M/3/5 68-69), "NEED MORE BE SAID"...written for all those who turned their back on our troops in Vietnam...thank you for sharing, Fate...we also added a poem called Please Protect My Son, Lord by Adrain (Dee) Desaire...beautiful, Adrian...thank you!

July 27, 2004 We added a picture of Richard Giebe (M/3/5) to his Memorial page, thanks to Tom Hoying who was his best bud...Richard was KIA 9 Nov. '67 on Operation ESSEX. We also added a picture of Donald Kretsinger (M/3/5, also KIA on Operation ESSEX) to the top of his Memorial page, thanks to Donald's nephew, David Zellers. We posted Michael Alden's remembrance of David Johnston (M/3/5 KIA 3 Mar. '69 on Operation TAYLOR COMMON) to David's Memorial page... ..thank you, Mike!

July 22, 2004 We're honored to add picture pages for Hank Oliver and for Michael Alden...Hank served with India 3/5 in 1967, was WIA on Operation UNION from the same explosion that wounded 3/5 Commander, Dean Esslinger...Hank retired from the USMC in '82 just after duty in Lebanon...thanks for the great pics, Hank! Michael served with Mike 3/5 68-69, got to M/3/5 in late May, a couple weeks before Brad stepped on the mine...Mike was WIA on Operation TAYLOR COMMON...great pics, Mike!

We added 2 more Memorial pages: LCpl. Ronald F. Christianson (M/3/), KIA 3 Mar. '69...much thanks to Mike Alden for the picture and his remembrances; Pfc. Talmadge F. Carnell (M/3/5), KIA 12 Sept. '67 during Operation SWIFT...thanks to Elliott Rubenfeld for his remembrance of what happened that day.

We also added Vernon Ford's account of what happened to 1st platoon M/3/5 on 12 Dec. '66 on Hill 71 when they were attacked by superior numbers of VC...a tribute to the Marines who were NOT overrun, but stood their ground fighting to the last...thank you, Vernon!

April 30, 2004 We are proud to add a picture page for Michael "Turk" Wears, M/3/5 67-68...we also thank him for helping recovering pictures of Cpl. Vernon "Randy" Randolph (M/3/5 KIA 7 Feb. '68) from Randy's family for his Memorial page.

Grateful thanks also to Joe Smith, M/3/5, for helping recover a picture Pfc. Terry Lee Parsons (M/3/5 KIA 20 June '68) from his nephew, Steve Parsons...Semper Fi, Brother Marines...we will never forget.

Jan. 26, 2004 We added a Memorial page for our friend, Hans Haupt, he would have been 71 years young today. Please feel free to email pics and remembrances and we will add as soon as possible. Semper Fi, Hans...we will never forget.

We also added JD Murray's maps/graphics and in-depth recollection of the VC Attack on 1st Plt. M Co. 3/5 on Hill 71, on 14 Dec. 1966. He includes background maps and info leading up to the attack, M/3/5 had just come off of Operation CORTEZ. JD has asked that anyone who remembers this action feel free to send in any pics/info they would like added. Many Marines were killed on Hill 71, we will not let them be forgotten.

Mike McFerrin and Elvin "BJ" Jones sent in their remembrances of 3-11 Sept. 1968, a week of heavy battle during Operation MAMELUKE THRUST IV, with high casualties for M Co. 3/5. This is an ongoing effort to recover pictures and info regarding that action.

We are proud to add Picture Pages for the following Marines: Nolan Nunnery (served 2 tours, first with D/15 and B/1/7, second with I/3/5); Ron Carson (India 3/5 1967-68); Dennis Heon (Mike 3/5 1967-68); Dan Praytor (Mike 3/5 1966-67); Richard Moya (Mike 3/5 1967); Ed Combs (Mike 3/5 1967); Terry Workman (Mike 3/5 1967-68). There are many pictures on these pages of unidentified Marines, please let us know if anyone recognizes them.

Jan. 21, 2004 We have been offline the last couple months tending to family and health concerns. We are headed to Napa, CA to attend funeral services tomorrow, 22 Jan., for our dear friend and fellow Marine, Hans Haupt (H&S 3/5 CO 1966) who passed away suddenly and peacefully 7 Jan. Thanks to All who have sent in pictures and info, we have much to post when we return.

Nov. 10, 2003 HAPPY 228th USMC Birthday! We are with you in spirit as we celebrate our USMC pride with brother Marines and FMF Corpsmen throughout the country, and with our troops protecting and defending our freedom all over the world... at 5pm (West Coast Time) we will raise a special glass to our Fallen Brothers...God Bless and Semper Fi, we will never forget.

We added a Memorial page for Pfc. James William Blake and Cpl. Lawrence Allen Hayes (M/3/5), Killed In Action 3 August 1969 during Operation DURHAM PEAK. Much thanks to Chris Hamner for the Sea Tiger article, and to Barbara for the picture James Blake sent her from Vietnam. Also, to James' family for their remembrances. James Blake's sister Susan wrote:

"Thank you for the words of comfort and sharing with our family that so many of the fine young men Jimmy served with hold him in remembrance. What a fine job you all have done in putting together such a wonderful memorial. I have many photos of Jimmy and would love to share them with all who knew him. I'll work on getting them together and will be in touch with you soon. Sincerely, Susan."

We also added a beautiful poem/tribute called "Standing at The Wall" to Cpl. Donald Kretsinger's Memorial page (M/3/5, KIA on Opertaion ESSEX Nov. 9, 1967) written by his niece Michelle...grateful thanks to Michelle for sharing her feelings. Thanks also to Kretsinger family member David Lee Zellers for his remembrances and pictures...means much to Brad and I and the Marines who served with "Krets."

Sept. 24, 2003 Kudos to Randy Pelt, M Co. 3/5, for relentlessly pursuing two long overdue awards for M/3/5 FMF Corpsmen Joe Boydell (Bronze Star) and Michael Kempel (Silver Star, posthumously). There will be an Award Dinner/Ceremony with the Kempel Family in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio Saturday, October 25, 2003 through Sunday, October 26, 2003, details are posted on the Message Board. Info on Award Presentation for Joe Boydell coming soonly.

Also, the family of Denny LaNore (KIA 22 July 1966 on Operation HASTINGS) is planning a Celebration of Denny LaNore's Life JULY 10TH (SATURDAY) 2004 in Muskegon Heights, Michigan...more information inposted on the Message Board...please contact Denny LaNore's sisters Judy Schalk & Debbie Null as soon as possible if you are planning to attend.

We added a Memorial page for Gen. Ray Davis at the request of Frank Pacello, please feel free to email any pictures or remembrances you'd like to share about this truly legendary Marine.

We also added a Memorial page for Pfc. James Martin Klopmeyer, Pfc. Murray Dean Vidler, Pfc. John Franklin Riegel Killed In Action 19 DECEMBER 1967 while serving with M Co. 3/5. We thank Bill Duran and Michael "Turk" Wears for their remembrances of these young Marines.

Sept. 7, 2003 We were saddened to hear that Medal of Honor recipient Gen. Ray Davis passed away 3 Sept. of a heart attack...he was 88. Ed McCurry posted a recap of Gen. Davis' brilliant USMC history on the 3/5 Message Board. A full Marine Corps Military funeral, with honors, will be held for General Ray Davis at the First United Methodist Church at 921 Main St., Conyers, GA. 30013 at 1400 Monday 8 September 2003. Burial will follow at Forrest Lawn Memorial Gardens, College Park, GA. (Map to the cemetery will be provided at the church. We were honored to have Gen. Davis as our honored guest at our 3/5 Reunion 2002. Semper Fi, Brother Marine.

We are honored to add a picture page for Gordy Seablom, M Co. 3/5. Gordy was in most the major battles of '67, receiving the Bronze Star for Operation UNION and Navy Commendation for Operation UNION II. Thank you for sharing your pics and USMC history with us, Gordy!

Thanks to All who continue to send in their great USMC pics and info, we will continue to post as soon as possible.

July 14, 2003 We added a Memorial page for LCpl. Dennis Merryman, M Co. 3/5, Killed In Action 5 March 1969 during Operation TAYLOR COMMON...with grateful thanks to his brother, Paul for the pictures...and to the Marines who served with him for their remembrances. If anyone remembers the Marine with Dennis Merryman in the second picture, please let us know. And feel free to send in any remembrances you'd like added.

We also added a Memorial page for Cpl. Roger Inscore, M Co. 3/5, Killed In Action on 26 May 1967 on Operation UNION II...with picture courtesy of his high school friend and fellow Marine, Danny Hogue. Please feel free to email in any remembrances.

July 9, 2003 Warren Wilson, 1stMarDiv Combat Photographer in Vietnam, sent us Dept. of Defense photos with captions of 3/5 Marines...we are trying to ID the Marines in the pics, if anyone has any info, please let us know...thank you, Warren!

We also added an article called "India Company and a hill called 362" by Chet Diestel, Lodi News-Sentinel’s city editor, about the Operation HASTINGS Reunion last month in Las Vegas...Chet attended the Reunion to meet the Marines who served with his high school friend, Tom Presby, KIA on HASTINGS...what he saw and heard, he will never forget...thank you for sharing your feelings about this historic reunion, Chet!

July 8, 2003 We thank you for the many pictures and remembrances sent in for Denny Dinota, we have put together a Memorial page for Denny where they are now posted...we will continue to add them as they come in. Ed McCurry also posted his remembrance of Denny's funeral services on his H&S and Mike 3/5 website...thank you, Ed!

June 16, 2003 Denny Dinota, M Co. 3/5, passed in his sleep last night about 2300, services will be in Jacksonville on Wed. viewing service and than to the grave site. He is greatly missed, already. Semper Fi, Brother Marine.

June 8, 2003 We're sad to report that Denny Dinota (M/3/5) is fighting the battle of his life with cancer...please feel free to drop him a card and let him know he's not alone...he is currently at Onslo Memorial Hospital Room #323, 317 W. Blvd., Jacksonville, NC 28546-6338. The family has requested that there be no phone calls, please. Our best to you Denny, we are with you all ways! UPDATE: Denny has been moved to another facility, we will post an address where to send cards soon as available.

May 2, 2003 It's an honor to add a picture page for Col. Dean Esslinger, former 3rd Bn, 5th Marines Commander (pictures and info courtesy of JD Murray). Also for 1st MarDiv Combat Photographer Warren Wilson, great pics, and his remembrance of Operation SWIFT with M/3/5.

We also added a Memorial page for Cpl. John Francis, Fox 2/5, Killed In Action on Operation UNION II along with 27 of his fellow Marines. Also, John Gundersen's remembrance to 2Lt. Gray Ross' (I/3/5) Memorial page. Semper Fi, Brother Marines...we will never forget.

Mar. 18, 2003 It's an honor to add the poem, "Fallen Sparrows" by Clancey Fields, Pearl Harbor and Iwo Jima survivor and father of Ken Fields, M Co. 3/5. Powerful words here from a combat Marine who knows firsthand about our young people being sent into battle and the horrors they face then, and for the rest of their lives. We thank you, Clancey, for sharing this with us...and to Ken for sending it in. Please keep your prayers coming for our young troops who are now putting their lives on the line for all freedom lovers.

We added a picture page for Betty Bowen, former girlfriend of 2Lt. William Gray Ross, India 3/5 (KIA 15 June '68)...although he did not return to her, Betty's love for her Marine is eternal, and she has recently been in touch with his fellow Marines and his family who have helped her recover precious pictures and information about him in Vietnam. Thank you, Betty, for sharing this very special part of your life with us.

We also added a Memorial page for LCpl. Albert Peterson, India 3/5...KIA 21 May '68 on Operation ALLEN BROOK...Albert Peterson was 2Lt. Ross's radioman. If anyone has a remembrance they would like us to add, please feel free to email us.

Our India 3/5 Brothers have been hard at it "finding" their people...keeping webmaster Ed McCurry busy adding them to the I/3/5 website roster...keep your eyes on India 3/5's What's New page for more additions.

We also added to the Picture Gallery a picture from Terry Welcher, I/3/5, of "Beer Call"...India 3/5 men just off of Operation SWIFT which we will also be adding to the Operation SWIFT page...and a picture from Robert Fulford, I/3/5...he and the Marine in the picture, Michael Ishop, hadn't heard from each other since this pic was taken after both were wounded in Summer '68...both have been "found" are are back in touch again!!

The current CO of India 3/5 has sent our I/3/5 brothers a list of names of the Marines who are oversees ready for battle...all you Marines remember what it was like to get letters from home...if anyone would like to write these young Marines, please email us and we will fix you "write" up with names and where to send!

Mar. 4, 2003 We are honored to add a picture page for Tom Lindsay, M Co. 3/5 70-71...Tom has many great pics and we will add more soonly...if anyone recognizes the Marines in the pics, please let us know...thank you, Tom...see you in Georgia!!

We're counting down to 3/5 Reunion in Georgia 15-18 May...for more info visit Brenda Eidson's 3/5 Reunion site at: http://www.usmcvietvet.org/Index.htmlWe will also be posting incoming Reunion info here: 3/5 Reunion 2003.

Feb. 24, 2004 We are honored to add a picture page for Carlos Delgado...Carlos served with M Co. 3/5 in 1970...thank you, Carlos, for sharing your great pics...looking forward to seeing you and your family again at our Reunion in May!

Feb. 23, 2003 It was 34 years ago today my friend Tommy Price was KIA in Vietnam...I never knew what happened to Tommy or who he served with till 3 years ago India 3/7 Marines Tom Smith and Jimmy Smith found my internet posts and wrote to tell me they served with Tommy...they also told me what happened to him, and through fellow Marines Jimmy La Chappelle and Vic Vilionis, sent me pictures of Tommy in Vietnam. I will always be grateful to these Marines for contacting me...and I will always remember 23-24 Feb. 1969 when Tommy and several of his fellow I/3/7 Marines made the ultimate sacrifice. God bless you, Brother Marines, we will never forget.

Feb. 22, 2003 We added a Memorial page for LCpl. Craig Ward, M/3/5, KIA 28 Nov. 1970. We thank Carlos Delgado and Tom Lindsay for sharing their pictures and remembrance. Semper Fi, Brother Marine...we will never forget.

We also added Memorial pages for LCpl. Blake Aston, M/3/5, KIA 28 Sept. 1970...and for Pfc. Peter McCoy, M/3/5, KIA 23 May 1970. If anyone has any pictures of these Marines, or a remembrance they would like to add, email us and we'll add as soon as possible.

Jan. 30. 2003 Three years ago today, we published the very first pages of this site...it's been an exciting 3 years meeting so many Marines and their families and friends. We never dreamed we'd recover all the pictures and info that have come in...and we thank you All who have contributed!

Each 30 Jan., we honor Billy Bolton and Robert Peterson and their fellow India 3/5 Marines Killed In Action during Operation "Alamo" at the start of the '68 TET Offensive. We also remember 1Lt. John Manning, brother of our friend, Karen Manning Armstrong. Semper Fi, Marines...we will never forget.

We are proud to add a picture page for Terry Otell...Terry served as M Co. 3/5 radioman on some of the same operations as Brad...looking forward to many more reunions, Terry!

We added Fred Riddle's Combat History pages to his picture page, and a brief remembrance he wrote honoring Father Vincent Capodanno, KIA on Operation SWIFT.

We added a Memorial page for HM3 Charles Mariskanish. "Doc" Mariskanish served with India Co. 3/5, he was Killed In Action 9 May '68 during Operation HOUSTON II while assisting wounded Marines of M Co. 3/5 when they ran into an NVA Base Camp on Haivan Pass. He received the Silver Star, posthumously, for saving 2 wounded Marines. "Doc" Harry Bowman was killed in the same action, also receiving the Silver Star for his heroic actions trying to save the wounded Marines. If you served with "Doc" Mariskanish, please feel free to send in a brief remembrance and we will add to his Memorial page. Semper Fi, Doc...we will never forget.

3/5 Reunion 2003 in La Grange, Georgia will be held 15-18 May....if you served with 3/5, you won't want to miss it! Till later...

Oct. 31, 2002 We are honored to add a picture page for Ed Browder, Force Recon and M/3/5. Ed recently had a mini reunion with M/3/5 Marines Joe Coyne, Danny Hovanesian, Randy Pelt, Ted Lewis, Paul O'Connell, Jim Treadwell, and Tom Mahlum...thanks for sharing the great pics, Ed!!

We also added a great pic of JR McElroy (M/3/5) aka "The Judge," courtesy of JD Murray (M/3/5)...mighty fine looking Marine!!

We added a Memorial page for Cpl. John Rogers, M/3/5...Cpl. Rogers was KIA on Operaton UNION II. He is remembered by his fellow Marines, including his friend and Gunny, Denny Dinota. Semper fi, Brother Marine, we will never forget.

Oct. 24, 2002 We added a Memorial page for Pfc. Everett Currence (M/3/5), he died of malaria during Operation HASTINGS. Thanks to Carlos Septien for his remembrance and picture of this young Marine.

JD Murray (M/3/5) sent in a series of Operational maps of Operation HASTINGS...he plotted the day-by-day troop movement of BLT 3/5 using the Combat After Action Report for HASTINGS, his own recollections, and info from other 3/5 commanders. This is a great addition to the Operation HASTINGS page...thank you, JD!

We also added the 7th Marines Combat After Action Report to the Operation ALLENBROOK page. ALLENBROOK began as a 7th Marines Search and Destroy operation...it took a terrible toll on 7th Marines...and 27th Marines. 3/5 lost many also...this page is a tribute to those who fought, and for those who died, on ALLENBROOK during "Bloody May" 1968. It is just a start-up page, please feel free to send in any related pics/info to add.

Oct. 7, 2002 We are proud to add a picture page for Greg Francesco, India 3/5 and 1st Recon Bn, B Co. We also added a Memorial page for his friend, and fellow 1st Recon Marine, Bill Crawford. Thank you, Greg, for sharing your pictures and remembrances!

We also added the 3/5 Combat After Action Report for Operation HOUSTON II (May '68), thanks to John Gundersen (I/3/5). Also, we added Memorial pages for Randolph Sterns (M/3/5) and Michael Micunek (M/3/5) KIA on HOUSTON II. Please feel free to email us if you want to add any remembrances for these Marines.

JD Murray has sent us a series of maps of M/3/5's day-by-day troop movement during Operation HASTINGS using info from the Combat After Action Report and his own remembrances of HASTINGS. Excellent work here, JD!

We also added a Memorial page for Cpl. Richard Currier (I/3/5), KIA on Operation HASTINGS...Semper fi, Brother Marine.

Sept. 27, 2002 We have added several more Memorial pages for Marines KIA on Operation HASTINGS: SSgt. Johnnie Smith (I/3/5) and Pvt. Frederick Youmans (I/3/5)...with much thanks to Tom Gainor for his remembrances. Also for: Cpl. Robert Johnson (I/3/5) and Pfc. Thomas Presby (I/3/5)...with thanks to Dick Weber (I/3/5) for his pictures. Also for: Pfc John Perich (I/3/5)...thanks to Greg Francesco (I/3/5) for his picture and remembrance.

We added a Memorial page for LCpl. Richard Crawford (I/3/5), KIA on Operation SWIFT, with tributes from fellow Marines, John Costello and Joe Klinger. Also, a Memorial page for Pfc. Charles Townsend (I/3/5), KIA on Operation AUBURN, with thanks to Ric Lee for the picture and his remembrance.

An amazing thing happened this past week: because of John Gundersen's (I/3/5) efforts to recover a copy of his friend LCpl. Jeffrey Goss's (M/3/5, KIA) Silver Star citation, the machine gunner Jef saved that day and Jef's family are now iin touch...Gundersen stayed in touch with Jef's family over the years, and said many times they had asked if he knew who the machine gunner was and wondered if he might still be alive. He is...and has written his account of 7 Feb. '68 when a brave, young Marine named Jef Goss saved him and a fellow Marine...you can read it and his Tribute to LCpl. Jeffrey Goss on Frank Ambrose's picture page...thank you Gunny for bringing about this incredible reunion!

We are very grateful to JD Murray for his contributions to the Operation ESSEX page...for recovering the 2/5 After Action Report and putting together a day-to-day set of maps plotting M Co. 3/5's troop movement from 6-16 Nov. '67. These maps, along with the AARs and JD's personal observations are greatly apreciated by those who have been trying to recover information about ESSEX...we've also "found" many of the Marines listed on the Nov. '67 MPR (82 now...including, sadly, a few who are deceased)...with grateful thanks to Hans Haupt (H&S 3/5) and Jack Swan (M/3/5) for hours and hours (and more hours) of searching, and endless phone calls...an incredible team effort! If you were on ESSEX and have information you'd like to submit, please feel free to email us.

Sept. 16, 2002 We added a Memorial page for Pfc. Stephen Kittle (I/3/5), KIA on Operation HASTINGS...much thanks to Dick Weber for use of his pictures, and to Marko Whitely for his poem "Sgt. Andy" in honor of his friend and fellow Marine.

We also added remembrance and picture from Vernon Ford to LCpl. James Derek Reynolds' (M/3/5 KIA on Operation UNION), Memorial page...Vernon was James' former squad leader...thank you Vernon, maybe one day James' family will get to read your remembrance and know that he is honored and remembered, still.

Connie "Markel" Strong sent in pictures of her brother, Ron Markel (M/3/5) to add to his Memorial page...Ron was in rockets with Brad...he was KIA during Operation HOUSTON II when M/3/5 ran into an NVA base camp up on Haivan Pass. Ron had sent pictures home, maybe someone can identify these Marines? Thank you for sharing these great pictures, Connie!

We also added a picture and remembrance to LCpl. Jeffrey Goss's (M/3/5) Memorial page from his niece, Angi...and his Silver Star citation for actions 7 Feb. 68 (TET), courtesy of the Goss family, with thanks to John Gundersen for sending a copy.

Aug. 28, 2002 We are honored to add a picture page for Elliot "Recon" Rubenfeld, 2nd platoon M/3/5...Elliot was on several operatons including Operation SWIFT and ESSEX with M/3/5, sent back to Force Recon after being wounded on ESSEX. Thanks for the pics, Recon!

We added a page for Operation ALLEN BROOK to the Combat Histories section...it's just a start with 27th Marines Combat After Action Report and brief remembrances from Marines who were on ALEN BROOK...please feel free to email us with pics/info you'd like to add.

Also added a Memorial page for SSgt. Howard Rogers (M/3/5) KIA on Operation ESSEX and for Cpl. Al Santos (M/3/5) KIA on Operation SWIFT.

Aug. 18, 2002 We are honored to add a picture page for our friend, Fred Riddle, H&S 3/5. Fred served on most the major battles of 67-68. He's got some great pics, and remembrance of UNION II, 26 May '67. Thank you for sharing, Fred...see you at 3/5 Reunion 2003!

Aug. 16, 2002 We are proud to add a picture page for Vernon Ford, Mike 3/5. Vernon served on M Co.'s earliest operations including DECKHOUSE I and II, NATHAN HALE and HASTINGS. He has many pictures of "Ford's Horde," and of friends lost in battle. Still trying to remember many names that we will add when known. Thank you, Vernon, for sharing your great pics and remembrances!

Aug. 13, 2002 Brad and I are proud to add a picture page for Ric Lee, India 3/5. Ric was on several of the same operations as Brad, including SHELBYVILLE (Sept. 67), ESSEX (Nov. 67) and AUBURN (Dec. 67-Jan. 68). Thanks for the great pics, Ric!

We also added 2 more Memorial pages for our 3/5 Marines KIA on HASTINGS: LCpl. Walter Brown (I/3/5) and Pfc. Randy Brosnan (M/3/5). Rest peacefully, Brother Marines...we will never forget.

Aug. 11, 2002 We added Memorial pages for these India 3/5 Marines KIA on Operation SWIFT, if anyone remembers them and would like to write a brief remembrance to add, just let us know and it will be done: Pfc. Lewis Proudfoot III; Pfc. Gary Hibbard; HN "Doc" James Cazares; and Pfc. James Pepper. Semper fi, Brother Marines...we will never forget.

Aug. 5, 2002 We added some great Operations Maps of DECKHOUSE II/HASTINGS, COLORADO and MUSTANG to the M Co. Operations page from JD Murray (M/3/5)...and the SWIFT Operations Map that Fred Riddle (H&S 3/5) carried...great additions...feel free to download any of them...thank you Skipper and Fred!

We also added a Memorial page for LCpl. Gary Bartlow (M/3/5), Pfc. Michael Rex Smith (M/3/5), LCpl. Robin Arnold (I/3/5), Killed In Action on Operation HASTINGS. Also, a Memorial page for LCpl. Leonard Saint Clair (M/3/5) KIA 26, Feb. '67...with pictures and remembrance from Vernon Ford (M/3/5). Semper fi, Brother Marines, we will never forget.

It's great to report that Hans Haupt (H&S 3/5) and Jack Swan (M/3/5) have "found" 41 M/3/5 Marines from JD Murray's unit rosters...that's just this month and many more to go...thank you Marines, you've done a real good thing here...keep 'em coming!

July 21, 2002 We are proud to add a picture page for Jim Cravey who served with M/3/5 in '66...then transfered to CAP Kilo-4. Thank you for sharing your pics and info, Jimmer!

We added a Memorial page for Denny LaNore (M/3/5) who was KIA on Operation HASTINGS. Vernon Ford wrote his remembrance of Denny...the other tributes are from Denny's family and friend, Bev Bouchard. If you knew Denny and would like to add your remembrance, feel free to email us.

July 15, 2002 We are honored to add a picture page for Art Green, India 3/5...glad you "found" us, Art!

We also added 2 Memorial pages: Sgt. Howard Swann...served with H&S 3/5/81s on HASTINGS, transfered to CAP Kilo-4...much thanks to Jim Cravey and Stan Watson for their pictures and remembrances... Pfc. Tommy Haley (M/3/5) KIA on Operation UNION. Semper fi, Brother Marines...we will never forget.

July 11, 2002 We added a Memorial page for Pfc. Roy Jackson (I/3/5), KIA 1/30/68 on "Operation "ALAMO" at the start of the 1968 TET Offensive... much thanks to John Gundersen for sending in pictures of Roy.

July 9, 2002 We're pleased to announce that Brenda Eidson has opened a 3/5 Vietnam Veterans Reunion website...new info on the 3/5 Reunion 2003 will be posted there when available (and info on previous reunions) ...you can find their link in our LINKS section.

We added Memorial pages for 3 Marines KIA on Operation HASTINGS...Pfc. Oscar Bell (M/3/5) and Pfc. Russell Pesewonit (M/3/5), with much thanks to Carlos Septien for pictures of these Marines...also a Memorial page for Pfc. Lawrence Daniels (I/3/5) with remembrance from his nephew, Ray. Semper fi, Brother Marines.

We also added a poem written in Vietnam by 2Lt. William Gray Ross (I/3/5) to his Memorial page...with grateful thanks to Betty Bowen for sending.

July 4, 2002 HAPPIEST INDEPENDENCE DAY TO ALL! We rejoice in our celebration of the precious freedom our servicemen and women have bought for us, and we will never forget the high price they paid. Our grateful thanks to All who have served, and continue to serve throughout the world.

On Jan. 30-31, 1968, at the start of what's now known as the TET OFFENSIVE, Marines of India 3/5 lost 7 of their men in the battle they call "Operation ALAMO." We added a page to honor these Marines, along with individual Memorial pages for all 7 KIAs. If anyone has pics/remembrances they'd like added to these Memorials, email us and we will add as soon as possible.

We also added pictures to 3 Memorial pages: "Doc" Harry Bowman (M/3/5), James "Spanky" Norris (I/3/5) and Donny Tucker (M/3/5)...with much thanks to Brenda Eidson for sending the pics.

June 22, 2002 Added several pictures to the Operation HASTINGS page, courtesy of Carlos Septien, M/3/5. Much thanks to Carlos for these great pictures of "early" M Co. 3/5.

June 21, 2002 We added a Memorial page for Larry Searight, M/3/5. Larry was on his way from California to Georgia to attend his first 3/5 Reunion...on 10 May, he had a massive heart attack at his daughter's house in Texas. We put up a special Memorial wreath for him at our 3/5 Wall of Honor at the Reunion...Bill Vandegriff and Jim Blankenheim presented the wreath to Larry's family at his Memorial in Michigan 24 May. Semper fi, Brother Marines, we will never forget.

We also added several pictures to 2Lt. William Gray Ross (I/3/5) Memorial page, courtesy of his family... and former girlfriend, Betty Bowen. At our recent 3/5 Reunion Betty and Gray Ross's sister Datha met the I/3/5 Marines Gray served with for the first time.

Also added a picture of Sgt. Leslie Thompson (M/3/5, Silver Star recipient) to his Memorial page, courtesy of his nephew, Leslie Thompson.

June 14, 2002 Brad and I are proud to add a picture page for Brad's first Skipper, JD Murray, former XO and CO of M/3/5. JD's great pics are of M Co. ('66-'67) incuding operations HASTINGS, DESOTA, and SWIFT. Much thanks to Gary Bolen (M/3/5) for enhancing and putting the pictures on a CD for us.

June 9, 2002 We're finally home from our latest cross-country adventure...had a blast! Our 3/5 Reunion in Georgia was way bigger than last year, and if folks want to do it again next year, it will be bigger still. We're putting up the pics sent in while we were gone, there are many more coming in this week and we will post them and your comments soon as we can. There's still some names we haven't added yet, so please don't be offended if we got it wrong...but let us know so we can fix ASAP. Enjoy!!

May 3, 2002 Today we leave for our 3rd 3/5 Reunion in La Grange, GA...this will be our last update till we get back sometime in June. Our grateful thanks to Curtis and Brenda Eidson and their planning group who have made it possible for us to gather together once more with the Marines and Docs we have "found" these last few years via the internet. It's gonna be too awesome for words...we look forward to sharing it all with our visitors when we return.

Brad and I are honored to add a picture page for Steve Cottrell, M/3/5 radio operator 66-67. Steve was on some of the operations Brad was on, including ESSEX for which he was awarded the Navy Commendation. Thank you so much for sharing your pictures and remembrances, Steve...Semper fi and Welcome Home Brother Marine!

We added several Sea Tiger articles to Frank Jurney's picture page, articles on UNION, UNION II, and SWIFT...and we also added a beautifully written letter from Frank to Michael Callahan's sister, Dierdre, to Michael Callahan's Memorial page. Thank you for sharing, Frank.

We also added a start up page for Operation HASTINGS...any info/pics/remembrances is greatly appreciated, and will be posted soonly after we return from our Reunion.

April 26, 2002 We added a Memorial page for Cpl. David Lee Jones, M/3/5, KIA 8 November 67on Operation ESSEX...grateful thanks to his friend, Steve Dengler for the picture of David, and to Craig Sullivan and Nick Nicholson, and Jack Swan for their kind words to David's niece, Amber. Semper fi, Brother Marine, we will never forget.

We also added several pictures and news article from the Philadelphia Inquirer to Michael Callahan's Memorial page...Michael was also KIA on Operation ESSEX and M/3/5 Marines Steve Cottrell, Frank Jurney, Kevin Kelly, Jack Swan and Chuck Goebel are now in touch with Michael's sisters, Dierdre and Sheila...a very special Memorial is being planned for Michael this November, please check out the news article for more info.

We are proud to add a picture page for Frank Jurney, M/3/5...with much thanks to good buddy Steve Cottrell for helping getting the pictures iin web format.

April 11, 2002 We added a Memorial page for 1Lt. Ronald D. Layton, he was flying an A-4E out of Chu Lai with VMA 211. He and his wingman were "hotpad" launched (emergency) in the early afternoon to provide close air support for ground forces 17 miles SW of Danang. His sister, Barbara Scheibel, is looking for information about his death on 4/4/69 from the troops he was flying close air support for. Please email info to Scheibel711@aol.com.

Also added a great tribute to M/3/5 Gunnery Sgt. Denny Dinota from his former Skipper, J.R. McElroy, to the Operation UNION page...you got a great way with words, Skipper! M/3/5 was very fortunate to have Denny...can't wait to see you all together again next month at our 3/5 Reunion in Georgia...1st plt. M/3/5 will be proudly represented, for sure!

April 8, 2002 We added Memorial pages for the following Marines: Pfc. Phillip Pierce, Jr. (I/3/5) KIA on Operation HASTINGS, remembered by Tom Gainer who recently presented the Pierce family with Phillip's dog tags and medals. Sgt. Leslie Thompson (M/3/5) KIA during Operation TAYLOR COMMON with remembrances from his nephew Leslie Thompson and from fellow Marines Paul O'Connell, Mike McFerrin and Ed Browder. 2Lt. William Gray Ross (I/3/5) KIA on Operation MAMELUKE THRUST with picture and remembrance from Betty Bowen and India 3/5 Marine Jerry Bain. 1Lt. Amos Craige, SSgt. Theodore Rowley and HN3 Michael Borg (K/3/5) KIA 12 Oct. 70. Semper Fi, Brother Marines, we will never forget.

Feb. 9, 2002 We added a remembrance from Steve Lovejoy to Pfc. John Wayne Love's Memorial page. Steve and John went through boot camp and both ended up in M/3/5, 2nd plt. Thank you, Steve! Also, we added a copy of The Wall name rubbing for Pfc. Michael Callahan, M/3/5, to his Memorial page...thanks to Chuck Goebel and his sister, Mary K. Johnson.

Feb. 8, 2002 We added two more Memorial pages for India 3/5 Marines Killed In Action on 13 August 1969: Pfc James W. Davis and Cpl. James W. Castor. Their names stand proudly next to Sgt. John Ben Valdez and LCpl. James "Spanky" Norris who were also killed that day as India Co. battled the 90th NVA Regiment. We pray the Marines who survived that terrible day, and the families of these fallen Marines will take some comfort knowing their loved ones are honored and remembered still.

Feb. 6, 2002 Brad and I are very honored to add to more picture pages: for Steve Howsmon (M/3/5) and for Steve Lovejoy (M/3/5). Steve Howsmon was in rockets with Brad, best buddies...we've been looking for him a long time!! He has pictures/info that he will be sending in soonly to add to his page. Steve Lovejoy also has a bunch of great slides he's getting scanned to send, and we will share them soon as we can. Thank you so much for sharing your pics and remembrances, Brother Marines...and Welcome Home!!

We also added two more Memorial pages, friends and fellow Marines of Steve Howsmon: for LCpl. Ron Markel (M/3/5) and Pfc. Forrest Bartram (M/3/5). If anyone has any pictures or remembrances you'd like us to add, please feel free to email us and we will add as soon as possible. Semper fi, Brother Marines. We will never forget.

Jan. 30, 2002 This is a special day for this webmistress, it was two years ago today I first launched USMC Combat Wife website. I never dreamed we would receive so much info in such a short time...and I thank EVERYONE who contributed info/pics/memoirs, and thanks for your patience through my many trials and errors. I set Jan. 30, 2000 as my deadline to launch my website in honor of two very special Marines killed on this day during the 1968 TET Offensive. The first two Memorial pages were put together for: Cpl. Billy Bolton (I/3/5) for his friend, Curtis Eidson; and for 1Lt. John Manning (1st Bn. MP) for his sister, Karen Armstrong. Since then, we have added many Memorial pages for our combat Marines and FMF Corpsmen in hopes that family members and friends will receive a measure of comfort knowing their loved one is honored and remembered still.

Today we added a Memorial page for Pfc. William Pangle (M/3/5) KIA during Operation HOUSTON in April '68, with much thanks to Theo Perry for his remembrance. We also added Cpl. Jack Swan's remembrance to his friend Cpl. Donald Kretsinger (M/3/5, KIA during Operation ESSEX. Maybe one day his family may come across it and know he is honored still by his Marines.

Jan. 22, 2002  We added a Memorial page for Timothy Shanower (M/3/5) KIA during Operation MAMELUKE THRUST, Sept. 3, '68. Tim was a close friend of Larry Walters who was there when Tim was killed. Much thanks to Lonie Addis who was in Tim's Boot Camp Platoon for sending in Tim's Boot Camp picture.

We are also proud to share a very special tribute from one of our favorite Seabees, Art Roe..to "his" Marines and Corpsmen. You speak so well for many of us, Art...thank you for sharing!

Jan. 14, 2002 We added a Memorial page for another of our Brother Marines...Cpl. Thomas Fisher (M/3/5), KIA on Operation SWIFT, awarded the Navy Cross, posthumously. If you remember Cpl. Fisher and would like to add your remembrance, email us and we'll get it posted soon as possible.

To the Combat Histories section, we started a page for Operation MAMELUKE THRUST, one of the longest running operations of '68...starting in June and terminated late October. There will be many pages added here, our thanks to John Gunderson (I/3/) for sending in the 3/5 After Action Reports...they will all be posted soonly. If you were on MAMELUKE THRIST and would like to submit your pics/remembrances, feel free to email them to us and we'll get them posted soon as we can. This is definitely an ongoing project here and will be updated often.

Jan. 11, 2002 We posted several more pictures to MSgt. Craig Sullivan's picture page...excellent job on the scanning, Sarge! Sully was M/3/5 platoon sergeant when Brad first got to Vietnam. 

Much thanks to Chuck Goebel (M/3/5) for "finding" J. D. Murray, Brad's first Skipper. Ed McCurry has added him to the M/3/5 roster...we're looking forward to seeing pictures soonly. Welcome Aboard, Skipper! And we thank Larry Walters II for "finding" us, his Dad Larry was with M/3/5 68-69. His name has also been added to the M/3/5 roster.

We added Memorial pages for two Marines and one FMF Corpsman KIA on Operation SWIFT: 2Lt. Dennie Peterson (2/11 attached to I/3/5)...Dennie received the Navy Cross for extraordinary bravery under fire, posthumously; Pfc. Charles Frederick Martin (M/3/5), with remembrances from his family; HN David Phelps (3/5)...with thanks to Craig Sullivan for sending in the picture of this young Doc. 

And a Memorial page for another of our Docs, HN Edward "Dan" Drohosky (I/3/5) KIA on Operation UNION II...with grateful thanks to his brother, Michael, for sending in pictures of Doc Drohosky in Vietnam. If anyone would like to add a remembrance to these Memorial pages, feel free to email us and we'll post it for you.

We also added "Hill 310," poem by Doug Maier, M/3/5...his perspective on that hellacious battle...thank you for sharing, Doug! And Doc John Colucco, 1/5, sent in a poem of his thoughts on this New Year...powerful words here, Doc...thank you for sharing!

Dec. 31, 2001 HAPPIEST NEW YEAR TO ALL! It's been an incredible year for Brad and I..."finding" our 3/5 people, and their families and friends. It's just awesome to know you ALL. As we reflect on the good friends we have, we will also be remembering so many who cannot be here with us. We will never forget our fallen brothers, or are troops who are now defending our precious freedom.

We added more of Curtis Eidson's (I/3/5) pics and Jerry Bain's (I/3/5), including some of Jerry's visit to The Wall on the 226th USMC Birthday...thank you both for sharing!

We also added Memorial pages for Cpl. Donald Kretsinger (M/3/5 1st plt.) and Cpl. Richard Giebe (M/3/5 2nd plt.) both KIA on Operation ESSEX. Also for Cpl. Roger Gaughan (M/3/5 3rd plt.) KIA during Operation UNION, with thanks to Dennis Tylinski for the pictures and remembrance. And for LCpl. Thomas Tamilio, Pvt. Joseph Casserly, Pfc. Kenneth Titsworth, and Pfc. Stephen Borczyk (M/3/5) KIA during Operation DESOTO.

Dec. 4, 2001 We added two more Memorial pages: for Pfc. Michael Callahan, 3rd plt. M/3/5, radioman, KIA on Operation ESSEX. Thanks to Kevin Kelly for remembering. Also for LCpl. James Navarro, 2nd plt. M/3/5, also KIA on Operation ESSEX...much thanks to his brothers David and Neal for their picture and remembrances.

Nov. 16, 2001 We are proud to add two more picture pages: for Kevin Kelly, 3rd platoon M/3/5, 66-67 and for Dennis Tylinski, 3rd platoon M/3/5, 66-67. Thanks for the great pics, Brother Marines!

Nov. 13, 2001 We are honored to add a Memorial page for HM2 Michael Kempel (M/3/5). Doc Kempel was KIA trying to save his Marines and fellow Docs. Thanks to Randy Pelt, Doc Jim Bachelder, Doc Joe Boydell and Curtis Eidson for their remembrances/pictures. Semper fi, Doc...we will never forget.

Nov. 9, 2001 Tomorrow we celebrate the 226th USMC Birthday, we will be thinking of all our Marines and Docs and their families. Finding so many of our combat family the last few years means more than I can say...thank you ALL for your service and sacrifices...and for helping us recover priceless pictures and info of our fallen brothers. We will never forget. 

We added a Veterans Day Tribute from our friend, Bev Bouchard...Bev is a friend to ALL veterans...and a combat wife I am very proud to know. Thank you so much for sharing this message with us! 

Also added a picture of Kevin Kelly (M/3/5), and his Bronze Star citation to the Operation DESOTO page. Thank you so much for sharing, Kevin.

Added a Memorial page for M/3/5 Marines Killed In Action 14 December '66, with much thanks to Nick Nicholson (M/3/5) for his remembrances of what happened that day. Any further info would be greatly appreciated.

Oct. 30, 2001 We added 2 more Memorial pages for our India 3/5 brothers: Sgt. John Ben Valdez, KIA Aug. 13, '69, with much thanks to Jimmie Christy and Willy Williams for their remembrances of their platoon sergeant. Also, for "Doc" James O'Reilly, I/3/5, KIA on the first day of Operation SWIFT, with grateful thanks to Sgt. "Hap" Hazzard for remembering, and to longtime friend, Patrick Trainor for his poems in memory of his friend, "Jimmy."

We also added 2 Memorial pages for our Mike 3/5 Marines: Cpl. Richard Duncan, KIA Nov. 8, '67 on Operation ESSEX, Navy Cross recipient. My grateful thanks to this hero as his courageous actions that day helped save my Marine, and many others of 1st plt. M/3/5. Grateful thanks to former schoolmate, Velda Solomon, for her remembrances and pictures. Also, for Cpl. Dan Dennis, KIA May 13, '67 on Operation UNION, with much thanks to former friends Rudy and Jean Kantu, and Cheryl Greenwalt.

Oct. 25, 2001 We are proud to add picture pages for 2 more of our "Grunt" Docs: Doc Jim Clarke (1stMarDiv) and his childhood friend, Doc Dan Link (M/3/5, Silver Star recipient). Thank you both for sharing your pics and info with us. Once a Doc...Always a Doc!!

Oct. 19, 2001 Added a Memorial page for "Doc" James O'Reilly, FMF Corpsman with I/3/5, KIA on the first day of Operation SWIFT 9/4/67. If anyone remembers Doc O'Reilly and would like to add a remembrance please feel free to do so.

We added a Memorial page for Cpl. Peter Boets, Jr. (I/3/5) KIA during Operation UNION with remembrances from friends, and fellow Marines, Jerry Bain (I/3/5) and Wayne Gregory (K/3/7). Also, a Memorial page for LCpl. John Tooke (G/2/5), KIA during Operation ESSEX. Much thanks to Brad Harbuck for his remembrance of John.

Sept. 30, 2001 We added UNITED WE STAND, an inspirational poem written by Brenda Eidson, USMC Combat Wife...written shortly after she heard about the attacks on America 11 September...it says so much for so many of us. Thank you for sharing with us, Brenda.

Sept. 27, 2001 Added Operation AUBURN, 26 December 1967--3 January 1968, to the Combat Histories section...with thanks to Earl Gerheim, USMC Correspondent, 67-68, for his remembrance, and to John "Gunny" Gundersen (I/3/5) for the 3/5 After Action Report (still have more to add). Please feel free to send in info/pics about Operation AUBURN, and we will post as time and space allow.

Sept. 22, 2001 We added a picture of Doc Jim Clarke to the Operation DESOTO page, it was taken the same day Doc Dan Link received his Silver Star. Thank you, Doc Clarke...nice to finally SEE you...mighty fine looking, too!

We are proud to add a picture page for Earl Gerheim, USMC Correspondent, 67-68. Earl was with 3/5, 2/5 and other USMC units during much of the same time when Brad (M/3/5) was there, and sent in some of his writings that were published in the Stars & Stripes at the time, along with postcards of Vietnam re-visited last year. Thank you for sharing with us, Earl. 

It's an honor to add a picture page for Joe Klinger, India 3/5. Joe's intro to Vietnam was Operation SWIFT...he stayed with I/3/5 till WIA June 8, '68 during Operation MAMELUKE THRUST. Today, Joe is the Training Officer for Fleet Hospital Great Lakes. He is responsible for all the training for approx. 700 Navy personnel in 5 states. Fleet Hospital Great Lakes is a fully capable 500-bed hospital that can be erected almost anywhere in the world and in approx. 10 days they can begin receiving patients. "We proudly and enthusiastically wait for a call for mobilization to support our country in time of need for either combat or humanitarian operations. We hope we get called to proudly serve our country in response to the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001."~Semper Fi, Joe Klinger, Sgt USMC, CDR, USNR.

Sept. 11, 2001 We are stunned, and saddened, and angry about the terrorist atrocities committed against our people and our country. Our hearts and prayers are with the families of those killed, and with the rescue workers, and with our troops who stand ready to bring terrorism DOWN. We won't be making any updates till next week, as our nation mourns this terrible loss.

Sept. 9, 2001 We added a Memorial page for Cpl. Thomas Shanks, I/3/5, KIA Sept. 12, '67 from wounds received during Operation SWIFT. Cpl. Shanks was Joe Klinger's fire team leader when he first got to Vietnam. Thank you for sharing your remembrance, Joe.

Sept. 4, 2001 Today is the 34th year since Operation SWIFT began, a battle that cost the 3rd Bn, 5th Marines many Marines and Docs, and their chaplain, Lt. Vincent Capodanno. For those who were there, and those who didn't make it back, we honor you ALL.

We added a few more pics from Rob Whitlow, USMC AO, including an aerial map of the beginning of Operation SWIFT, 4 September 1967...and pics of the Que Son Valley, May 2000.

Also added more info to the Operation ESSEX page...an aerial map from Rob Whitlow of Antenna Valley, and color pics from Curtis Eidson, I/3/5. Also a news article from Steve Walker/Haygood about Nov. 7, 67, the day he got hit. Thank you all for sharing your info, there's not much written anywhere that I've been able to find about this little known, but terribly costly operation.

Aug. 23, 2001 We've had boo koo company here...not much puter time...to all who have sent in pics/info they'd like to share, we will get to them soon as possible...Salmon season is almost over!

We added a Memorial page for LCpl. Bruce F. Pearson (L/3/5), with a picture tribute from his friend and fellow Boot Camp and ITR Marine, Larry Searight (M/3/5). Hank Henry (L/3/5) was also with them. Very nice tribute, Larry, thank you for sharing it with us.

Aug. 14, 2001 We added 4 great pics from Rick Golbeck (M/3/5), a couple of the 1st Prize winning bunker he shared with Romball, Danner and Barlow on Hill 49. Great pics, Rick!

Also added a great remembrance of Operation SWIFT by Rob Whitlow, USMC AO, from his perspective in the sky over the battlefield. He had already flown 300 missions, but none were anything like what he saw on SWIFT. Thank you so much for sharing this with us, Rob!

Bill Vandegriff (M/3/5) sent in a great remembrance of his Skipper, Capt. McElroy, during Operation UNION/UNION II...Bet the Skipper gets a grin here...you got a great way with words, Bill!

Aug. 12, 2001 Having a great summer here in the Redwoods...hope you're keeping cool in your neck of the woods. We posted a lot of pics/info/after action reports regarding OPERATION SWIFT, one of the bloodiest battles in Vietnam, 4-15 September 1967. Much thanks to Craig Sullivan for his remembrance of 4 Sept., the first day of the battle when his 1st platoon, M/3/5 was nearly wiped out. The true horror of the situation, and the bravery of the men who fought and died, has never really been told. We will continue to add to this ongoing project as more remembrances come in. Much thanks also to Bill Rockey (H&S 3/5), Byron Hill (M/3/5), John Costello (I/3/5), Bob Marnell (H&S 3/5), Steve Walker/Haygood (M/3/5), Dave Wajda (H&S 3/5/ 81s), Mike Hayes (F and Whiskey 2/11), and Domenic Carota (brother John KIA 9/6/67) for their pics and info. Also to Rob Whitlow, USMC AO who flew Bird Dog missions during SWIFT, for the 1/5 After Action Report.

Also added the 1/5 After Action Report for UNION II, courtesy of Rob Whitlow.

Added a picture of Denny Dinota (M/3/5) receiving the Bronze Star for OPERATION UNION, thanks to his daughter Katherine for scanning and sending. Also, 3 pics of "Doc" Dan Link (M/3/5) receiving the Silver Star for OPERATION DESOTO (taken by his friend "Doc" Jim Clark). Doc Link's picture page coming soonly!

We also added two great combat poems, THE LONGEST NIGHT by Dennis Tenety (I/3/5) about his first night in Vietnam in 1969. Also, THE GRUNT by Doug Maier (M/3/5). Very powerful writing here, Brother Marines...thank you so much for sharing them with us.

July 29, 2001 Doug Maier (M/3/50 has been writing some awesome combat poems...check out FIREBASE MAXWELL and It Don't Mean Nothin, It Doesn't Mean a Thing, powerful stuff here. Keep 'em comin' Doug...let 'em rock and let 'em roll!

July 27, 2001 We added a page for info/pics of Operation DESOTO Jan. '67-April '67 to the Combat Histories section. Much thanks to M/3/5 Marines, "Skipper" J. R. McElroy, Jr., Denny Dinota, and Bill Vandegriff for their pics/remembrances. Looking forward to adding many more from others who participated on DESOTO. 

Also added more pics and info to the Operation HOUSTON II pages (May 1968).

We also added a Memorial page for Sgt. John Thomas Carota (K/3/5), WIA May 13, '67 on Operation UNION,  KIA during Operation SWIFT on Sept. 6, '67, with remembrances from his brother, Domenic Carota. We hope this Memorial page will bring some comfort to the family and friends knowing their loved one is honored and remembered by his fellow Marines.

July 19, 2001 We added a Memorial page for James "Spanky" Norris, India 3/5, KIA Aug. 13, '69. Spanky Norris received the Navy Cross (Posthumously) for his heroism trying to save his brother Marines. Much thanks to Jimmie Christy and Dennis Tenety who will never forget their friend and fellow Marine. 

July 15, 2001 Brad and I are proud to add a picture page for MSgt. Craig Sullivan (H&S and M/3/5, 67-68). "Sully" was Brad's 1st platoon sergeant in Mike Co. from Sept. '67-Mar. '68. After more than 30 years, Brad and Sully, and a few other 1st platooners met up at the 3/5 Reunion 2001 in Georgia last May. None of them had heard from each other until the last year or so via the internet. And just since May, we have "found" a few more. Watch out Georgia, 1st platoon, Mike 3/5 is coming in force to 3/5 Reunion 2002!! Thank you so much for sharing these great pics, Sully! Looking forward to many more.

July 13, 2001 It's an honor to add a picture page for Denny Dinota, M/3/5 GySgt, '67. Thank you so much for the pics, Denny. Looking forward to seeing you again at the 3/5 Reunion 2002 in Georgia!

July 12, 2001 We are proud to add a picture page in My Marines for Steve Walker/Haygood, aka "Bigfoot," 1st platoon, Mike Co., '67. Steve was Craig Sullivan's radioman till he was wounded on Operation Essex. Thanks so much for the pics, Steve! 

Also added a picture page for FMF Corpsman Paul "Doc"Buzz" Baviello who served with Delta 1/5. Great pics, Docs...good Marines there!

On July 4th morning, Doug Maier (M/3/5) wrote a poem called Shell Shock Vet, a powerful poem about the 4th of July from a combat Marine's perspective. Good stuff here, Doug!

We are sad to report that Shirley Golbeck passed away early on July 4, we put up a Memorial page for this very special Lady, she is greatly missed. Thank you all who sent in your messages of love and support to Rick and their sons, Ricky and Aaron.

June 30, 2001 Happy Almost 4th of July!! Our deepest gratitude and respect to those who have fought, and died, protecting our precious Freedom...we will never forget your sacrifices. It's also Brad and Deb's 18th Wedding Anniversary...great day to lose your independence...giggle! Hope your 4th is fun and safe!

Also added a "Love and Admiration," a poem from Leo Aguilar for his big brother, Vicente (G/2/4, Silver Star recipient) who was killed in a car crash Nov. 16, '93. Thank you so much Leo, for sharing this beautiful tribute, I hope you and your family receive a measure of comfort knowing Vicente is honored and remembered by many.

June 23, 2001 We added several more pictures to the Operation UNION and II page from James McElroy, M Co. "Skipper," Byron Hill, M Co. Lt., Craig Sullivan, M Co. and Frank Clark, M Co. Also added Memorial pages for Arnold Wilkening III, (L/3/5) who was KIA May 13, '67; and for Robert "Woody" Watrous (H&S 3/5, 106s) who was WIA May 13, '67 and KIA Aug. 16, '67. Our thanks to remembrances from Jim Wilkening (Sgt. USMC, Helicopters) for his brother Arnold, and to Larry and Kathy Chapman for pictures of their "Uncle Bob" Watrous.

Also added a great picture of HM2 Gale "Stormy" Felver (KIA July 29, '66) from his former high school friend, Bob Mavoy. Bob "found" Doc Fred Gardner (Stormy's friend in Naval Hospital Corps school) via the internet. Thanks to them both for sharing their remembrances with us.

April 26, 2001 We added a Memorial page for Pfc. John Wayne Love (M/3/5), KIA May 13, '67 on Operation UNION from Jim Cravey. Thank you so much for sharing these remembrances with us, maybe one day a family member will come across them and know their loved one is honored and missed, still.

Also added a remembrance to Doc Gale "Stormy" Felver's Memorial page from friend and fellow Doc, HMC Paul Morrison. Doc Morrison and Stormy served with H/2/9, thank you so much Doc for sharing your memories with us.

April 24, 2001 Brad and I are honored to add a picture page for Doc John Colucco, FMF Corpsman with 1/5 in '66. Doc Colucco and Doc Fred Gardner were fellow classmates of Doc Larry Yoder (3/5, KIA 5/2/67) at Great Lakes Hospital Naval Hospital Corps School. Makes our hearts glad every time we hear of former friends reuniting. Thanks so much for the pics, Doc Colucco!

April 20, 2001 We added a Memorial page for Doc Ron Parlee (I/3/5) with all the wonderful messages/pics folks have sent in for Terry Parlee, and the Parlee Family. We pray all will receive some comfort knowing Doc is resting in honor here along with "his" Marines and fellow Docs. The funeral or internment will be on May 4, 2001 at 2:00 PM at the Eagle Point National Veterans Cemetery: 2763 Riley Road, Eagle Point, Oregon. A minister from the American Legion will officiate and the honor guard will present a 21-gun salute. 

April 18, 2001 We added a Memorial page for Arthur "Sgt. Dac" Desclos, H/2/5, who passed away Feb. 15, 1999 from Agent Orange...VA confirmed. His soulmate, wife Shirley, sent in some great pics of her Marine, along with a tribute from J.J. Kirschke, (H/2/5 and H&S 3/5) who was Arthur's platoon commander in Vietnam. We are so sorry for the loss of your very special Marine, Shirley, and hope you, and your family and friends, take comfort in knowing he is honored and remembered by his fellow Marines.

April 13, 2001 Semper Fi, Doc Dear Friends, we woke up to some devastating news this morn, our beloved Doc Ron Parlee passed away last night. Our hearts and prayers are with Doc's wife, Terry. We were all to meet up for our 2nd 3/5 Reunion in Georgia next month, he will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. Doc Parlee once told me that "Sitting on the Dock of the Bay" was one of his favorite songs, so here you go, Doc, this one's for you. Semper fi!~DR

April 12, 2001 We are honored to add a picture page for Curtis Batten, M/3/5, who served with Brad almost from the time he got there till Brad stepped on the mine. Finding Curt after all these years has been just awesome!! He's got a lot of great pics, and a great way of writing. Curt was with Brad, Jerry Lomax and Rock Giambrocco up on Hill 1192 (Haivan Pass) May 8-13, '68 when Mike Co. ran into an NVA Base Camp. He also wrote a tribute to his friend, Doc Harry Bowman, who was killed trying to save the wounded Marines up on The Pass, it is posted to Doc Bowman's Memorial page. Semper fi, Brother, we will never forget.

April 8, 2001 We are proud to add a picture page for Bob Montgomery, M/3/5. Bob was in 1st plt/wpns with Brad. After 33 years, they just had a 2-hr. phone call, Brad said he remembered Bob's voice like it was yesterday. Thanks so much for the pics, Bob! Guess you know that now we found you we aren't ever gonna let you get away. Say HI to Nancy and Shane!

April 5, 2001 We added "A Real Combat Story" by Curtis Batten (M/3/5) to the Stories section. Curt was there with Brad, same time, same ops. Good stuff here about his first day in Vietnam...looking forward to hearing more, Brother!

Mar. 29, 2001 Brad and I are proud to add a picture page for Roger McCann, India 3/5. Roger's got some great pics of fellow Marines we'll be adding, hoping to locate some of these guys. Also posted Roger's Silver Star Citation. Thank you so much for sharing with us Roger. Welcome Home, Brother Marine!!

Mar. 26, 2001 We added several more pictures to Doc Fred Gardner's picture page, including pics of his former shipmate, Doc Colucco who he has recently "found" via the internet. Thank you for sharing these, Doc!

Also added a Memorial page for 7 Mike 3/5 Marines, killed 1 May 1967 when the chopper they were on crashed. If anyone has any further info about this incident, and would like to send in their remembrance, email us and we'll add it. Rest easy, Brother Marines.

Mar. 15, 2001 Brad and I are honored to add a picture page for Joe Smith, Mike 3/5. Joe was in Vietnam same time as Brad, he also received 3 Purple Hearts. Thank you for the pics, Joe. "Welcome Home, Brother!"

Added a picture of Doc Harry Bowman to his Memorial page from Jerry Lomax (M/3/5) . Doc was KIA when the Marines of Mike 3/5 ran into an NVA base camp up on Haivan Pass in May '68. He will always be remembered as a "true hero." Thank you for sharing this, Jerry.

Mar. 4, 2001  We added a Memorial page for 3 FMF Corpsmen who served with the 2nd Bn. 7th Marines, HM3 Lawrence Johnson, HM3 Daniel Birch and HA Samuel Orlando, KIA 35 years ago today on Operation Utah. They are remembered by their friend, and fellow Doc, Dan "LittleMac" McCarthy (G/2/7), and honored by a beautiful Memorial graphic by Vic Vilionis (HQ 7th Marines). Samuel Orlando was awarded the Navy Cross, posthumously. Semper fi, Docs, we will never forget.

Feb. 26. 2001 Brad and I are proud to add a picture page for James "Sgt. Willie" Williams, India 3/5. Sgt. Willie got to Vietnam June '68 during Operation Mameluke Thrust about the same time Brad was being medevaced out. Thank you so much for sharing your USMC remembrances, Sgt. Willie!

Also added Dave Engler's WW II service ribbons to his picture page, including the Combat Action Ribbon (USMC & Navy equivalent of Army's Combat Infantryman's Badge - Just recently (within the last year) authorized for W.W. II actions. You have much to be proud of here, Brother Marine! Thank you for sharing with us.

Feb. 19, 2001 Brad and I are proud to add picture pages in My Marines for Bob Filice, (HQ 5th Marines), and for Tom Mullen, (HQ 5th Marines, H&S 3/5 and E/2/11). Bob served in 67-68 on most of the same operations as Brad, and sent in his remembrance of Tet '68 in Hue City and Khe Sahn. Tom received his 2nd Bronze Star last Nov. (2000), his first was with 5th Marines in '69. Thank you so much Bob and Tom for sharing your pics and memories!

Also added a picture page in the Combat Wives section for Mitzi Boydell, USN Combat Wife. Thank you so much for the great pics, my dear friend. You are an inspiration to me!

Added a Memorial page for HM2 Gale "Stormy" Felver, FMF Corpsman with 1st and 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines. Stormy is remembered in tribute by his friend and fellow Corpsman, Fred Gardner. Semper fi, Docs! We will never forget.

Feb. 9, 2001  Added a Memorial page for Cpl. Pete Schrader (M/3/5) KIA 11/8/67 on Operation Essex. Brad and Steve Walker/Haygood wrote their remembrances of Schrader, and Nick Nicholson sent in a picture. Thank you Brother Marines for sharing these.

Also added a Memorial page for PFC. TERRY SMITH, LCPL.THOMAS HENRY, and PFC. NATHANIEL WILLINGHAM, Mike 3/5 Marines who were killed at the same time on March 29, 1968. Brad and Jerry Lomax were there when it happened, Jerry sent in a picture of where it happened, and his remembrance. Bill Lee, Combat Engineer with 5th Marines was also there, and sent in a remembrance of his friend,  Tom Henry. Thank you so much, Jerry and Bill. 

Added individual pages for operations UNION and II, SWIFT, and ESSEX, to the Combat Histories section, if you served on any of these ops, please feel free to email us your recollection/pictures. This is our effort to recover as much info as we can about these battles that were so costly to the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines. The few remembrances that have come in so far have already helped us ID a few more of our Marines who lost their lives.

Feb. 3, 2001 Brad and I are proud to add picture page for Frank Ambrose (Mike 3/5). Frank Ambrose served with Mike 3/5 same time as Brad, even shared the same tent. Frank's got an interesting remembrance about the night sniper rounds were fired into the tent. Brad remembers it as "the night the treeline disappeared." Thank you so much for the pics and memories, Frank. 

Also added a Memorial page for Cpl. Bill Little III, KIA Nov. 8, '67 during Operation Essex, with remembrances and pictures from friends, Nick Nicholson and Steve Walker. Maybe one day his family will come across it, and know that Bill is remembered, and missed, still. Thank you for sharing your memories Nick and Steve.

Jan. 27, 2001 Hans Haupt (H&S 3/5) celebrated another Birthday (yesterday), some people just keep getting younger!  And Ken Miller (M/3/9) celebrated the first anniversary of his 9th Marines website. Seems like just yesterday, Brother. And look how many we've found!

We are honored to share another picture page in My Marines, this one for Randy Pelt, Mike 3/5. Great pics here, and more to come soonly! Thank you so much for sharing these, Randy.

Also added a Memorial page for Bill Reeves (Mike 3/1), with pictures, and a poem from his childhood friend, Cynthia Mackenzie. Thank you so much for sharing these remembrances, Cyndi!

Jan. 23, 2001 Brad and I are proud to add a picture page for Dan "LittleMac" McCarthy, FMF Corpsman with H&S and G/2/7. Great pics, LittleMac! Thank you so much for sharing them.

Added "The Hole," another episode from Cpl. Crusty, aka Tom Smith (I/3/7) to the Stories section. You got a great way with words, Smitty. Keep 'em comin'!

Also added a Memorial page for the Marines and Corpsmen of India 3/7. I only knew one of these Marines personally, but they are each very special to me.

Added a couple pics from Confey Maldonado (H&S 3/5), aka Vipermaster, of he and son CJ from their recent visit to The Wall in DC. Great pics, Vipermaster! Give that little dude a hug for me, okay?

Jan. 15, 2001 Added a picture page in My Marines for Roger Kromko, Combat Engineer with 3/5, pictures courtesy of friend and fellow Combat Engineer, Dick Sneltzer. Thank you so much, Dick and Roger.

Also added a picture page for Jim Quinn, M/3/5. Jim was in Vietnam during much of the same time as Brad, they humped the same ground many times. Thank you so much for sharing these, Jim!

Added a picture page in the FMF Corpsman section for our friend, Doc Fred Gardner. Great pics, Doc!

In the last six months, Brad and I have heard from two guys who were high school friends of Tom Briggs, Brad's close friend who was killed during TET '68. Both sent in remembrances which are now posted on Tom Briggs' Memorial page. We thank them both so much for sharing these special memories.

Also added a very nice tribute to Terry Householter's (M/3/5) Memorial page from his friend and fellow Marine, Ken Campbell. Means a lot to us, Ken. Thank you!

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