1st Recon Battalion Association

1st Recon Battalion Association

Thanks for your service.

Part 34

2025

February 2nd Half

1st Reconnaissance Battalion
Missions / Patrol Reports

Are you looking for your Old Patrol Reports? Check out this page on my website:

http://www.weststpaulantiques.com/reconmissions.html

Too close to whisper...
...one click for "yes", two for "no"...
"Brothers of the Bush"

----------------------------
Recon...their name is
their honor...and nothing more
need be said...Recon

Floyd Ruggles

Check Out New Messages/Newsletter

...

All Companies

Photo Gallery

The Memory Remains Not All Wounds Are Visible.

"A Brotherhood Forged In Combat"

1st Reconnaissance Battalion Index

Message Board Links

Part 1 - 2018-2019 

Part 2 - 2019-2020 

Part 3 - 2020 

Part 4 - 2020 

Part 5  - 2020

Past Message Board

Past Newsletters 

Part 1 - 2017-2018 

Part 2 - 2018 

Part 3 - 2018 

Part 4 - 2018-2019 

Past Reunions 

Past Stories 

Send in your photos

Part 6  - 2020

Past Photos Galleries 

Part 7  - 2020

Part 8  - 2020

Bobby Bare

 

 

Photo Gallery

Part 10  - 2021

Click a photo to link to a page on our  website or Facebook. Links are found on nearly all Web pages. Links allow users to click their way from page to page. You will find thousands of links on the 1st recon battalion association website.

In Remembrance of our brother Reconnaissance Marines & Corpsmen killed in action or otherwise while on duty.

Look at it as your Time Capsule. This website won't stand long after we are all gone.

 

Daniel M Turpin

1st Recon Battalion Association

Part 11  - 2021

1st Reconnaissance Battalion
Missions / Patrol Reports

Too close to whisper...
...one click for "yes", two for "no"...
"Brothers of the Bush"

----------------------------
Recon...their name is
their honor...and nothing more
need be said...Recon
------------------------

YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN

Bravo Company 1968-1969

Part 12  - 2021

Meet some of our members of our association.

To all Association Members,

Please reply and update or confirm your Information.
Your 1st Recon Battalion Association Website Information
can be found at: 1streconbn.org/members.html

Hope to hear from you soon.
Thanks for all your help.

My email address is floyd@weststpaulantiques.com.
Please keep your information up to date.

This will allow the Association to send messages out from time to time by email or by mail.

Semper Fi,
Floyd Ruggles
Membership Director & Webmaster

1st Recon Battalion Association

New Members to the Association of the Natural Warrior

2023

Part 13  - 2021-2022

Part 14  - 2022

Part 15  - 2022

Part 16  - 2023

Get involved send in your messages, photos, stories share what you think about our website. I will post them on this page.

Get involved send in your messages, photos, stories share what you think about our website. I will post them on this page.

Get involved send in your messages, photos, stories share what you think about our website. I will post them on this page.

Get involved send in your messages, photos, stories share what you think about our website. I will post them on this page.

Get involved send in your messages, photos, stories share what you think about our website. I will post them on this page.

Get involved send in your messages, photos, stories share what you think about our website. I will post them on this page.

Get involved send in your messages, photos, stories share what you think about our website. I will post them on this page.

Get involved send in your messages, photos, stories share what you think about our website. I will post them on this page.

Get involved send in your messages, photos, stories share what you think about our website. I will post them on this page.

Get involved send in your messages, photos, stories share what you think about our website. I will post them on this page.

1st Recon Battalion Association

Message Board will be our newsletter going forward. 

It's ongoing and you can be a part of it, each month through out the year.

1st Recon Battalion Association

Message Board will be our newsletter going forward. 

It's ongoing and you can be a part of it, each month through out the year.

1st Recon Battalion Association

Message Board will be our newsletter going forward. 

It's ongoing and you can be a part of it, each month through out the year.

Click a photo to link to a page on our website. Links are found on nearly all Web pages.
Links allow users to click their way from page to page.

Navigator is at the top of each page.

**WELCOME to FIRST RECON'S WEBSITE** 2009-2023 

Don't be fooled by the warning signs it's a safe website, it's just an old platfrom. Just hit advance, you will enjoy this website, it's my personal website.

1st Recon Battalion Association

Message Board will be our newsletter going forward. 

It's ongoing and you can be a part of it, each month through out the year.

Association Purpose

Our mission is to help locate former Recon Marines and their families, and to recognize those who paid the ultimate price through the 1st Recon Memorial Fund which has established and will help maintain the permanent memorial at the Marine Corps Historical Museum at Camp Quantico Virginia.

Message from webmaster!

February 2025 - 2nd Half Newsletter

Part 17  - 2023

Part 18  - 2023

Part 19  - 2023

Part 20  - 2023

Part 21  - 2023

Part 22  - 2024

Member of 1st Recon Battalion Association

1st Recon Bn KIA Vietnam War

..

War Story

.....

Rest in Peace

The Jim Southall Story, Over 200 1st Recon Battalion Marines involved in this story. The story is a work in progress over the next year. Over 100 Patrol Reports.

Some Give It All

Vietnam 1968-1969

Thoughts of that Day

Doug Wolfe's Story

Patrol Report #349-68

98 hours on Charlie Ridge

Index by dates & names

Sergeant Jim Southall - Hill 200 1969

Are Message Board is now our new newsletter.

1968

1969

Membership Director & Webmaster

2016-2025

Floyd

Last night I awoke to the sounds of thunder. I was recalling a small part of a day a long time ago. As if it was yesterday...

Today is a particularly dreary, rainy day. Lookout Mountain is socked in good. It is not unusual for it to be socked in. Hell they fought the Battle Above the Clouds there during the Civil War.

However, today it put me in mind of another dreary, socked in ridge I was on for around 2 hours on 3 June, 1968. Known only to me as Hill 200, it was a desolate, indefensible place that somebody in the 1st Mardiv G3 shop picked off the map to insert my platoon on as an observation post & radio relay.

Stories from Members

Some Give It All

THE DAY THE CRAP WENT UP IN FLAMES
By Gary Graves, HM3

5 Minutes ‘Til Forever

Part 35

Applicants

1st RECONNAISSANCE BATTALION ASSOCIATION

CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS

ARTICLE II – MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 4. DUES. Association members have no mandatory dues. However, Members and Associate Members are encouraged to make donations, annually, to help defray the Association’s operating expenses. An annual donation of $10.00 is suggested.

Semper Fi, Floyd Ruggles

Membership Director & Webmaster

1st Recon Battalion Association

Welcome to our New Members Page

1st Recon Battalion Association

Next Page

Previous Page

Some of the 1st Marines into Afghanistan in the aftermath of 9/11

For Membership in 1st Recon Battalion Association

All Units
March 1966 - May 1971

This link is to my old website It's a safe website on a old plarform follow instructions to the webpage. 

Part 24  - 2024

Part 25  - 2024

Part 9  - 2020

1st Recon Battalion

Association of the Natural Warrior

February 2025 - 2nd Half Newsletter

Part 26  - 2024

Part 27  - 2024

Part 29  - 2024

Click a photo to link to a page on our website. Links are found on nearly all Web pages.Links allow users to click their way from page to page. You will find thousands of links on this website.

1st Recon Battalion Association is a non-profit organization of former and current members of the 1st Recon Battalion, 1st Marine Division

Thanks for taking the time to stop by our website today.

Your Webmaster

Floyd Ruggles

Thanks for stopping by today

Part 28  - 2024

Part 30  - 2024

Part 31  - 2025

Floyd,

The Force Recon Association (FRA) invites our members to join the FRA. !st Recon members are also invited to attend the FRA reunion, 24 - 27 Apri 2025.l
Please post their announcement.

Thanks,
Charlie

CKershaw <invictus7@earthlink.net> 12/17/2024 4:01 PM FRA Recon 2025 - FRA Annual Reunion

Email from:

From: FRA Vice President and Executive Director, Dave Jarvis
To: All FRA Members
Subj: 2025 FRA Annual Reunion
 
Attn: Alan Sniadecki    FRA#: 2064   Dues Paid Through: LIFEMBR    Member Status: A
 
2025 FRA Annual Reunion
 
Mark your calendars, as our reunion dates are set for 24-27 April, in San Diego, California!  Attached to this email is our schedule of events and registration form should you want to pay with check or money order by mail.  You can also register and find out all the details through our website at: www.forcerecon.com
 
The hotel block of rooms is on a first come first serve basis so don’t wait to make reservations!  I’ll be sending out a 90 and 45 day email reminder along with any adjustments to the schedule of events. 
 
Holiday Inn Bayside Hotel Information:
 
The Holiday Inn San Diego Bayside is located in Point Loma across from the San Diego Bay and only 1.5 miles from the San Diego International Airport at: 4875 N. Harbor Drive San Diego, CA.
 
Our overnight accommodations are scheduled from 04/23/2025-04/27/2025.  The group discount code is T0P, and rates are valid for booking through 03/24/2025.
 
Click here Force Recon Association Reunion to proceed directly to your reservation desk.
 
The group rate is available for three days pre and post event based on room availability via the provided link or contact hotel reservations directly at Holiday Inn San Diego Bayside.  Call toll free (800) 662-8899 to book by phone.  If you need to speak to someone at the hotel directly for special assistance, please call 619-221-3052 from Mon – Fri 9am – 5pm PST.

• Complimentary Airport Shuttle Service
•  Parking Fee = WAIVED (value = $23 per day, per vehicle)
• Complimentary Wi-Fi in all guest rooms and meeting rooms
• Hotel will allow our group to bring in their own Snacks & Beverages, including alcohol, into their designated Hospitality Room at no additional charge.
• Complimentary Fitness Center
• On-site Restaurant serving daily breakfast, lunch & dinner, plus a wide variety of great restaurant options within close walking distance, including several waterfront restaurants across the street.
• Weekday Happy Hour Specials from 4:00pm – 7:00pm
• 10% Discount in Point Loma Café for Senior Discount
 
Should you have any questions at all please feel free to reach out to me at any time.
 
I look forward to seeing many of you at our next reunion!
 
 
Semper Fidelis
Dave Jarvis
Jarvisda77@gmail.com
C: (760) 716-3713
Vice President and Executive Director

2025 Reunion

Rest In Peace, Marines!

from: Bruce Fogarty
I remember that day. I met Colonel Leftwich’s son in Washington Naval Yard for a Recon Reunion. I remember that day as if it was yesterday

Part 32  - 2025

Work in Progress

Get involved send in your messages, photos, stories share what you think about our website. I will post them on this page.

Part 33  - 2025

February 2025 - 2nd Half Newsletter

From the: WEEKLY GRASSROOTS NEWSLETTER



MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

February 22-26, 2025 – The American Legion’s 65th Annual Washington Conference will
be held at the Washington Hilton Hotel. This conference provides an opportunity for
Legionnaires to meet with their respective lawmakers and hear from members of
Congress and VA leadership. The National Commander will also address attendees on
legislative priorities during the National Commander’s Rally. More details, such as
agendas and schedules, will be updated here

The 1st Recon Battalion Command Chronology for September 1969 contains the orders for and post-patrol report from A Company's "PARALLEL BARS" team. The patrol was to be inserted on 19 September and extracted three days later on the 22nd. The schedule slipped a day and PARALLEL BARS, consisting of eight men, was inserted at noon on 20 Sep 1969.

At 1630 the patrol smelled cooking and heard voices and the sounds of domestic fowl from a knoll. The team leader, Corporal Frank Montez, and three men moved toward the noise while the other members began to encircle the knoll.

Montez' group was fired upon by a single NVA/VC and returned fire, killing the enemy soldier. Two other NVA/VC then recovered the dead soldier and withdrew. The other group saw several enemy soldiers approaching from the south and took them under fire. Noticing other enemy troops to the east, PARALLEL BARS regrouped and started moving out. However, they took fire from the intended direction of movement and on the advice of an aerial observer reversed direction.

By this time it was apparent they were surrounded and the team went into a 360-degree defense while calling for extraction.

The aerial observer took the enemy under fire with rockets, but shrapnel also hit two team members. The extraction helo added to the close-in fighting with its machine guns before successfully extracting the team at 2030H.

Corporal Montez had been killed in the action and three others wounded - Hospital Corpsman Viento twice (once by enemy and once by friendly fire), Pfc Head and Pfc Goldmeyer once each.

HM3 Viento and Pfc Head recovered from their injuries, but Pfc Charles Goldmeyer died five days later.

Vietnam War 1st Recon Battalion 1965-1971

What I was doing 55 years ago to date.

Hill 200
February 27 - March 11, 1969
Click Here

Elephant Valley
March 15-19, 1969

The Thuong Duc TAOR
(Tactical Area of Operational Responsibility)

Hill 422 - Blocking Force
March 25-29, 1969

On 01/30/2025 12:24 PM EST  wrote:

Name: Dale PPp Lantzer II
Email: removed from the email
Phone number: removed from the email
Subject: Fathers passing
Message: Just wanted to let you know my father Dale P Lantzer who served in 1st recon in 1970-71 in Vietnam passed away on Tuesday January 28. 2025

Email from Dale Lantzer II

Dale P Lantzer: Alpha Company 3rd platoon, March 1970 - Oct. 1970

from: Louisville, OH

Part 35  - 2025

SAVE the DATE :1st Recon Battalion Association 2025 Reunion

Book signing , 11-17 August Washington , D.C./ Quantico

Marines and Corpsmen,

 

I hope to see all of you at the 2025 Reunion in Washington DC in August! Please pass the word. This is a combo Reunion First Marine Division Association and 1st Recon Bn. Association.

 

I plan on attending the 1st Recon Reunion in August in Washington/Quantico. I will be signing my just released NEW BOOK; Hill 119, Defending a Reconnaissance Marines' OP, Vietnam, 1969-1970.

 

This book covers Delta Companies OP Hill 119 but also covers other Recon teams’ actions like Echo Company’s, Team Bad Actor lead by 1st Lt Earl Hailston. If you lived at Camp Reasoner or were part of Team Mission Impossible, its all in this 500+ page history book with over 50 pictures. The Forward is by legendary Marine and author, Bing West.

 

For many of you, this is your history with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion. Buy a book, bring it with you to the 1st Recon Battalion Association Reunion , 11-17 August, Washington DC / Quantico. I will sign it for you at the Reunion.

 

Register thru FMDA website for further details https://1stmda.org/  Our 78th Annual Reunion 10-17 August 2025 in Arlington, Virginia ,Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel.

 

Book:  Hill 119, Defending a Reconnaissance Marines' OP, Vietnam, 1969-1970 is now available for pre-order.

 

Websites to pre-order: www.pog-llc.com   https://www.pog-llc.com/

 

Casemate Publisher: https://www.casematepublishers.com/9781636245928/hill-119/

 

Amazon https://a.co/d/4GRUwYs

 

Hope to see you at the reunion !

Semper Fi

Mike

Marine

Delta-1

1st Recon Bn., 1970

3/26, 1969

1/1, 1990/91

https://www.pog-llc.com/

Coming Summer 2025

Defending a Reconnaissance Marines’ OP, Vietnam, 1969-1970
by Michael Fallon, Colonel,
U.S. Marine Corps, Retired

.

.

A narrative account of Reconnaissance Marines in Vietnam. Small Teams launching daring deep Stingray patrols in the bush. On the Observation Post, Hill 119 defending for 600 relentless days and nights. Surrounded by the NVA with the constant challenge of determining friendly Vietnamese civilians from hard corps Viet Cong and North Vietnamese regulars. Their lifeline were the Marine helicopters that flew out bringing water, ammo, food, and their replacement platoon. In 1969 and 1970, Delta Company, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division manned the OP and ran patrols in Phu Loc Valley and Go Noi Island. This firsthand account of the Marines and Corpsmen who patrolled deep and occupied the OP describes their struggle to survive. Based on participant interviews and the detailed declassified debriefing reports compiled after each patrol returned to their rear base, at Camp Reasoner, Da Nang in the Republic of South Vietnam. This is their history!

Learn More & Pre-Order

Duane Torvend

Coming Summer 2025

Learn More & Pre-Order

mike fallon <mfallon4@outlook.com>

Email from

Marines and Corpsmen, 

I’m still trying to ID names of Marines and Corpsmen on this photo of S3 Training Section summer 1970, Call Sign: Mission impossible. Missing 3 names . If you recall their name, please send it over to me.   Semper Fi, Mike

 .

.

Addressee, please forward to other Marines who might know these stellar Marines. 

Floyd could you please post this query to the Battalion Web site. Thank You 

Current lineup: Back Row L-R: Unk; SSgt Beardslee; GySgt Terry Moore; Unk; SSgt Muchett

 Front Row L-R: LCpl Dan Nelson; LCpl Sparks; Sgt Papua; Unk; Cpl Randle Manella; Doc Hunt; MSgt Rene Regalot

Dale Lantzer II

& Dale Lantzer III and family

September 1972
Walking Away an Undeclared War
By William E. Stafford Click Here

December 1975, Going to War, By Vern Rutsala

2025 Reunion Informaion

Message from Charlie regarding Team Rush Act and our 2025 reunion. We will be having a memorial ceremony.
Rest in peace.

Join your 1st Recon brothers at a Rush Act memorial service in Quantico at the Marine Corps Memorial Park August 2025

(Recon Reunion details to follow next spring)
Semper Fidelis,


Charlie Charles Kershaw


Here are the details about the reunion from Ralph M. Witkin

Dale P Lantzer

Alpha Company - 3rd Platoon

March 1970 - Oct. 1970

Passed away January 28th, 2025

Joe is a loved and respected teammate who will never be forgotten.

SSgt Fanning and Lt Mike “M2” McCusker of B Co, 1st Platoon 2nd Recon Battalion conducting surface swimmer operations in 1984.

1st Recon Battalion Association Facebook Page

Marine's and Corpsmen who have served with 1st Marine Reconnaissance Battalion from it's inception 1 March 1937 at Quantico, Virginia as the 1st Tank Company and assigned to the 1st Marine Brigade until today's current force. Only members can see who's in the group and what they post.

Sulie P. Bourque, was born March 28, 1948, in Abbeville and was a long-time resident of Acadiana. Sulie spent his childhood days in Kaplan, LA and attended Kaplan High School. After high school, he volunteered to join the Marines and served in the Vietnam War. Sulie was a proud veteran and served as a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps. During his service, he was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. He actively supported the MIA, CVMA, and local veterans’ organizations.

After his time in the service, during the 80’s, he attended USL, known today as the University at Lafayette, in the School of Business. Sulie worked in the oil field, as well as a football referee and retired with the Lafayette City Police Department. 

He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed traveling with his wife, Kathy, to see anything and everything about our country’s military service. 

Family meant everything to Sulie, and he leaves a legacy of love and will be deeply missed.

Sulie is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Mary Kathryn Rogers Bourque, of Duson and numerous dear nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Maurice Bourque, Sr.; his mother, Eva Adams Bourque Roam; one brother, Maurice Bourque, Jr., and one sister, Alice Bourque.

The family wishes to thank family and friends for all of the love and support given to Sulie and his family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Sulie’s name to Arlington National Cemetery online at www.arlingtoncemetery.mil .

Passed away on February 8, 2022

3 years ago

Gene Chavez from Broomfield, Colorado, wrote on Apr. 28, 2022
Met Sullie when we were stationed at Kenitra, Morocco. He and Kathy came to colorado for a veterans convention and my wife and I picked them up and took them up the mountains to Mount Evans. At 11.000 feet and snowing Sullie was having a rough time breathing as he came from Sea level, but he got to pet and play with some mountain goats. Had a great time. Rest in Peace Marine, Semper Fi

Lillian J Gathers from Parma, OH, wrote on Apr. 15, 2022
I just learned of Sulie's passing. He and my late husband Ron spent time together in CAP (Combined Action Program) in Viet Nam in 1967-1970 and became good friends. When they lost touch, I would always wonder about Sulie, and when, thanks to the internet, I "found" him, he and my husband reconnected. Sulie and Kathy visited us here in Parma (Cleveland) and they attended my husband's funeral. My best friend Cindy and I visited Sulie and Kathy six years ago in Duson for a week. What a memorable and fun time! I just talked to them in January when I called to say Happy New Year. I loved how he always called me "Darlin'". Please know that you, Kathy, and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope Sulie and my husband Ron are in heaven talking about everything they shared. I love you, Sulie. Such a good person! You will be missed!

Paul Olenski from Arizona, wrote on Mar. 5, 2022
Frenchy was a very dear friend. He was a fearless combat Marine as an NCO on numerous long range recon patrols into enemy territory. Long after his service in Vietnam, Frenchy undertook a very dangerous assignment. Alone and with only his own devices to depend on, he succeeded beyond expectations. Patriotism, courage and cunning were Frenchy's innate traits. He will always be remembered. Heroes like Frenchy never die.

Larry Duhon from Kaplan, wrote on Feb. 13, 2022
Sulie and I were classmates, best of friends, spent two tours in Vietnam at the same times, were able to meet twice in Vietnam and also schedule an R&R to Australia. Sulie was one of a kind, kept a lot inside, and good as gold. A great Marine and dedicated to his country. He will be missed. Prayers to you Kathy and his family.

Capt Roy Frusha USMCR wrote on Feb. 11, 2022
I met Sgt. Bourque when he was a clerk at Supply Schools Company at Camp Lejeune in 1971. He worked directly for the commanding officer and supervised all administrative activity for the 7000 Marines who trained there. He had completed two tours in Vietnam, and was the recipient of many awards, including the Purple Heart. During his second tour he was attached to the South Vietnamese Army and during an intense firefight saved the life of a senior officer, for which he received the South Vietnamese Medal of Honor. Sulie was an outstanding Marine. Semper Fi Sgt. Bourque

Tina Delcambre Desormeaux from lafayette, wrote on Feb. 10, 2022
Mrs. Kathy was my 4th grade teacher at Judice Middle. We then meet again while in high school playing softball and Mr. Sulie was our coach for charter supply. Enjoyed every minute spent with them. Mrs. Kathy my prayers are with you always.

Daniel Bracken

October 2, 1947 — February 8, 2023

Gunny Pu

I have a picture Gunny Pu gave to me 15-20 years of him and his PRU company. He told me that they worked out of a building in Danang they called the White House. I was interviewing Reconners for their personal history. I had arranged a mini-reunion in LV, about 20 people including spouses showed. It was past 0200 and well into our cups listening to Gunny weave his stories, mostly emphasized with grunts and sneers. I had recently completed a visit to VN and I asked Gunny to return with me. I promised him we would find the White House.  david snider <docsnidley@aol.com>

Original Photo, Doc David Snider 

Floyd could you please post this query to the Battalion Web site. Thank You

 

Current lineup: Back Row L-R: Unk; SSgt Beardslee; GySgt Terry Moore; Unk; SSgt Muchett

 Front Row L-R: LCpl Dan Nelson; LCpl Sparks; Sgt Papua; Unk; Cpl Randle Manella; Doc Hunt; MSgt Rene Regalot

The Day the Music Died

February 3rd on this day in 1959, rock stars Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, J.P. Richardson were killed in a plane crash along with 21-year-old pilot Roger Peterson., This incident became known as


Your world is about to be ROCKED recruit !!!
YOU will remember this the rest of your days!!!

Alex Marlowe

Being a warrior isn't just about fighting. True warriors take care of those around them regardless of anything. They help out whenever. They give of themselves so that others in need can be helped. It's a whole lot deeper than just fighting. But then I'm just me what do I know in my 56 years on mother earth.

Bravo Company 11/1968-11/1969

Que Son Mountains
Vietnam

Day In History
What happened this day in history

September 22nd, 1965

Gary Paul Bland
Lance Corporal
1ST RECON BN, 1ST MARDIV
United States Marine Corps
18 August 1945 - 22 September 1965
Peoria, IL
Panel 02E Line 092

Gary Paul Bland
Lance Corporal
United States Marine Corps
PERSONAL DATA
Home: Peoria, Illinois
DOB: Saturday, 08/18/1945
Sex: Male
Race: Caucasian
Married? No
Religion: Protestant

MILITARY DATA
Service: United States Marine Corps
Comp: Regular
Grade: E3
Rank: Lance Corporal
ID No: 2051389
MOS: 2531 - FIELD RADIO OPERATOR
LenSvc: Between 2 and 3 years
Unit: 1ST RECON BN, 1ST MARDIV

CASUALTY DATA
Start Tour: Not recorded
Cas Date: Wednesday, 09/22/1965
Age at Loss: 20
Remains: Body Recovered
Location: Quang Tin, South Vietnam
Type: Hostile, Died
Reason: Gun, Small Arms Fire - Ground Casualty
Last Update: September 1966

ON THE WALL
Panel 02E Line 092

1969 - 55 Years Ago Camp Reasoner - Da Nang Vietnam

Vietnam
July 1968 - July 1969

I can recall that day I arrived in Nam as a green know it all rookie marine with an attitude. I was going to win the war by myself. What a dumb kid I must have been then. Only moments after arriving that day, reality set in and I learn quickly that I was in hell or some where close.

The Memory Remains,

Not All Wounds Are Visible.

Quan Duc Duc Valley
deep in enemy controlled territory

PRIVATE FIRST CLASS

RALPH H. JOHNSON

The President of the United States
in the name of the Congress of the United States
takes pride in presenting the
MEDAL OF HONOR
posthumously to
RALPH HENRY JOHNSON
Private First Class

Iraqi Freedom

Operational Maps

"A Call To Duty"

Life-size Figurative Bronze War Memorial Sculpture by Edd Hayes

March ~ 2025

February 27th - April 2nd, 2025

Will be totally disconnected from the Internet!
My brain needs a Rest...

March and April's Newsletters will be released early if possible.