Khe Sanh Veterans Association Inc.
Red Clay
Newsletter of the Veterans who
served at Khe Sanh Combat Base,
Hill 950, Hill 881, Hill 861, Hill 861-A, Hill 558
Lang-Vei and Surrounding Area
Issue 47 Fall 2000
Home
In This Issue
Notes from Editor & Board
Incoming Health
Matters Short Rounds
Memoirs In
Memoriam A Sprinkling of Your Poems
Messages to the Khe Sanh Vets home page
I am Mike Castle, 2/4 Gulf Company May 68 to June 69. From Dia Do to Khe Sanh Hills. To all of you I wish you well. I will never forget where we dug it! I carried a Hog and a Few Wraps (M-60) up and up and down the hills most of my tour. I am in touch with the 2/4 site and a member. Wounded a few times still kicking. I hold Vietnam close to my heart the rest in my mind. This site is awesome; it is about time I found it. I have many of our brothers to send it too. I hope we are welcome.
Semper Fi,
Your Bloody Brother
Mike Castle
*****
Had a can of c-rat ham slices and someone had a can of c-rat grape juice and shared it. Just like home--ham and a glass of make believe wine. But it was Easter Sunday, and it was special.
Don Lacy
*****
There is not a date or a place that has as much meaning in my memory as that of tomorrow when the first Battle of the Hills began at Khe Sanh in 1967. The epic struggle over 881N/S and 861 rank among the most significant in all of Vietnam's actions, but for me, it was a personal and deadly struggle just to do my duty and stay alive. It was nearly a disaster for those manning the base then, and a prelude to the more notable siege in 1968. But for those of us who fought that first battle, it was time never to be forgotten. May God bless all who served and stood their ground during this desperate time--and bring them peace in all things. Kimo Andrews
*****
Five long years ago today this nation watched in horror at the tragedy in Oklahoma City when the federal building was bombed killing so many innocent people, including a couple of Good Marines. But my eyes were fixed elsewhere that day farther west. While most folks were glued to the TV sets watching one tragedy unfold, I was on and off the phone throughout the day with my dear and precious friend Quiles Ray Jacobs and his beautiful wife Naomi. Those of you who had the privilege of knowing him he was simply "Jake the Snake." Jake was a Warrior in the truest sense of the word. First as a young Marine, who led our squad through much tragedy and triumph throughout his tour of duty, he earned two Purple Hearts, one Navy Commendation, one Bronze Star, and one Silver Star for his valor on the field of battle. Jake was a good Christian man and for sure one of the finest human beings I ever had the honor of knowing. He cared a great deal about his family and his friends and this organization as well. Jake had quietly been battling Agent Orange related cancer for over three years and had very nearly concealed it from me up until his last year. It was a Thursday, I believe, 19 April 1995 when I had my last conversation with him. True to form he just laughed at death as he had done so many times in the past, assured me he knew exactly where he was going to be when the sun went down and promised he'd prepare the way and wait for us all at a time somewhere in the future. Yes it was true. The mighty man I loved so much for so many years had fallen at last. I just know the ground rumbled and roared that afternoon in Southern California. Jake was a giant of a man and he had to make the earth shake. I thank you my good friend for all that you gave me. I still miss you dearly, as if you were my own flesh and blood. Each year when I see the magnolia blooms I think of the good times we had. They were so beautiful here in Indiana when we last spoke. I guess that was God's way of telling me you were OK now. 19 April 1995.
Godspeed and Semper Fi Jake.
Love ya Bro
*****
The sniper and his 50 cal. kept me and the other trench troops hopping throughout our 77 days and nights (we owned the nights since the clouds settled below our 3,000 ft elevation). We would egg the poor bastard on by waving MAGGIE's Drawers whenever he missed one of us running through the shallow in the trench line. That sniper did get more than a few of my HST buddies and, of course, your choppers. He also caused us to look at that big damn box you guys dropped on top of Hill 881S. By the time night fell and we could check it out we found the ice cream! Damn, I medivaced 95% of our troops on the Hill, lost 60 pounds as we were down to one c-rat meal per day between 3 of us and you deliver ice cream that baked in the sun until nightfall when it was safe to retrieve.
YES! We loved the melted goo and we all had the shits for days and days, not having had dairy products since January 21, 1968. We had a great time despite the SHITS and we thank you for improving the morale, even though you upset our stomachs. We will always remember the ice cream in the big box on top of the Hill.
Dave"DOC" Steinberg
*****
reply:
Hi Doc Gary here.
Don't remember much of the ice cream, but I do remember the sniper. I remember wondering what to worry about more, the sniper or the incoming rounds that always followed the choppers in. I believe we had only about two minutes to get things done before they came in. Now the sniper never had to wait, he just did his thing and you couldn't figure out if it was the dirt and rocks flying around you while under the birds or the snipers rounds. I do remember one of the 26th guys getting his finger blown off while waiting to get on a 46. I believe you picked up the finger and put in a wet rag and put him and the finger on the bird. Now could that sniper have been that good?
I also remember spending many an hour on the side of the hill putting a lot of fire power on his position. We even called in "Scarface" (gunship) to work over the site. Be good doc. See you this summer...
Gary (Shore Party Gary Parker)
*****
I was with 2/94th arty. We made a night convoy to your humble abodes and as usual were greeted with fireworks. From all the guys that made that trip I want to thank you for keeping us, our trucks and ammo safe until we left. You guys did one hellava job up there with very little thanks.
So on behalf of the 2/94 at JJ Carroll and Dong Ha thanks and Welcome Home.
Duffy 2/94 67-68
*****
At 1:30 P.M. on Saturday, 3 June 2000, a park atop a hill in Closter, New Jersey, will be re-dedicated. Schauble Park was named to honor the memory and the sacrifice of one of our own, Corporal Kenneth W. Schauble. Ken was a Squad Leader with the 2nd Platoon, "Echo" Company, 2nd Battalion, 26th Marines. He served at Khe Sanh on Hill 861-A during the 1968 Tet Offensive, and he was later Killed in Action on 6 June, 1968 during an intense battle in "Leatherneck Square" near Con Thien. The date of the ceremony closely coincides with the 32nd anniversary of the day he and 13 other Marines died On the day of his death, the 2nd Platoon of "Echo" Company was on a security patrol when they engaged a large North Vietnamese Army force concealed in a bunker complex. After a pitched battle which lasted several hours and resulted in numerous casualties on both sides, the 2nd Platoon was cut off nearly out of ammunition, and had only sporadic communication with one remaining radio. Realizing the only hope was to break out, Ken gave the order to "fix bayonets" and he led 2nd squad "over the top," on line, into the enemy bunker complex. While Ken was killed instantly when struck by a machine gun bullet, the 2nd squad pressed the attack suffering near total casualties while pressing the attack into the enemy bunker complex, killing numerous NVA. Jim Kaylor, the only survivor from 2nd Squad, said "Ken was one of the many brave hearts who died that day; 14 Marines were killed and 11 wounded. He was always one of my heroes because he was a bright and very brave man. Ken Schauble was a strong leader, tough as hell and he loved the Marine Corps!"
The Closter, New Jersey Parks Service Director, Jig Oettinger, and his staff are committed to assuring that the proper respect be made in Ken Schauble's memory, and have gone to great efforts to make sure the citizens of Closter are aware of Ken's sacrifice. Mr. Oettinger and his staff are determined that Ken, and the heroism he displayed, will not be forgotten.
All of Ken Schauble's surviving family is expected to attend the rededication. We are hoping that many Khe Sanh Veterans and Ken's other combat brothers will attend as well. He's not just a home town hero .. he is a true American hero.
The details are as follows:
Schauble Park Dedication Saturday, 3 June 2000, 1:30 PM Closter, New Jersey Point of Contact: Jim Oettinger, Park Service Director Phone: 1- 800/7953663 ex 325
Email: [email protected]
*****
I came across your site last week while I was searching for resources with which to teach my 11th graders the Vietnam War. Since then, and especially as today approached, you have been on my mind. I want to take this opportunity to tell you who made it home, and those who did not, "Thank You!" Thank you for myself, and thank you for my children. We will reserve a special place for you in our hearts and prayers
We Love You
D. Benthall & Sons
*****
To all, Thanks to Dean Caton, formerly of Golf/2/3 Marines, I am finally able to put a name on the Marine casualty in the famous picture taken by Catherine LeRoy of Corpsman Vernon Wike on Hill 881, taken on April 30, 1967. The Marine was LCPL William Junior Roldan, of Philadelphia, PA. Dean related that he knew LCPL Roldan when they were stationed in Okinawa with the bulk of the 3rd Marines, prior to deploying to Khe Sanh. Roldan was killed by machine-gunfire directly in front of the Platoon Commander 1LT Peter Hesser during the assault on Hill 881. His name is found at Panel 1BE 128 on the Wall.
Steve D
*****
It was 32 years ago today that pilot, Captain Luke Sharp and copilot, 1st Lt. Mike Helmstetler (HMM 161) lifted off of LZ Robin with a load of Marines and a Corpsman from Kilo 3/9/3 for a troop delivery to Khe Sanh. Not more than 20 minutes later they would be dead and the lives of the passengers and crew would be forever changed. They will not be forgotten.
Ray (Doc) Felle
*****
On the morning of June 7, 1967 Hill 950 was attacked and overrun at the same time the KSCB was under rocket attack. As memory serves there were 18 to 22 Marines on the hill. Of that number 5-8 were KIA and 6 were WIA. The next morning those Marines who managed to evade the NVA retook the hill. Reinforcements arrived from the base by chopper under a huge fog. I was the Pinefold radio operator who called for an arty strike on top of the hill. Thanks God it wasn't done.
I want to say to the Marines who were on the hill that night it's been 33 years since that encounter I haven't forgotten you! We have lost a few since then for different reasons but all of you are always in my prayers.
S/F David Buffalo
*****
I was with 1st BTN 13th MAR. "A" BTRY. I arrived early March until we convoyed out.
Sometime in April. I would like to here from anyone from this BTRY. or from anyone in the time frame above.
Raymond Weaver
*****
Thank you to the 'Nam vets who have come forward with information regarding mass or individual burials of NVA soldiers. I promise that this information will be utilized towards a full-accounting for all our POW/MIA's. All reports will remain confidential as promised (except for vitals such as incident date, location, etc.) and I will share any progress made on this message center. I will be leaving for my second trip to Vietnam on July 5th. For those of you who don't know me, I search for my brother, Army SSGT Jerry W Elliott. Details to be published in the next issue of Red Clay. Thank you, my other brothers!
Donna E Elliott
*****
I was with I company 3BN 26th Marines in 66 &67 got to Nam in Spring of 67 just in time for monsoon, serve with a lot of brave guys. Wish I could talk to all of them again, and personally thank every one of them for a job well done, and thank the ones that paid the big price to help keep us free. Was up at Khe Sanh for the hill battles and saw a lot of buddies fall to enemy fire and some of our own from short rounds. Would like to hear from anyone that was there.
James H. Fritz (Baby Huey)
*****
"A" Co. 1/26 finally! I have found the Mother-Of All-Sites!! (Opinion of a MARINE who happened to be at KHE SANH---Before, DURING, and After the "SIEGE"). Although I know we have tried to convey to others: Marines and civilians alike, what the experience of Khe Sanh was all about ONLY those of USMC who was there can re-live its terrifying, surreal, adrenaline pumping, heart-racing, sweat-flowing, finger-shaking, eye-popin, income-hating, arclight loving, NVA spotting, NVA removing, red clay hugging non-bathing, cussing, preteen, living in a hole Leatherneck-Experience and More. I believe that this site and the "Khe Sanh Veterans Org." that exists, is paying tribute to ALL of us who are part of Marine Corps history via the experiences of the Khe Sanh combat base saga. I joined "Alpha" 1/26 in November, 1967 (Company HQ). Stayed with A 1/26 for the duration, until rotating back to "The World" in December of 1968. Chances are, if you reported for duty with "A" either at Danang, Phu Bai, Quanq Tri (White Beach) or at the place (Khe Sanh). I signed you on and escorted you (all) to your platoon commander. So if you are all reading this, you are OK. SEMPER FI!
Thomas Edghill
*****
To all of you guys that fought along side of me at Khe Sanh I think of you ever day and I hope your life is good. I wish I could find you guys and talk to all the parents, wives and other relatives of the ones who died at Khe Sanh I wish you peace and love. And to the ones that died on April 24,1967 on hill 861 our blood is on that hill we own it god I wish I had you guys back. I miss you all so very much I love you.
Dennis F. Blodgett
*****
I was with B co 1-26 Nov 67-Dec 68 when I got in country I was on Hill 881S OR N. I can't remember. I remember the ammo dump being hit early that morning this is the first time I have even tried to contact other Khe Sanh vets
Lloyd Scudder
*****
Served at Khe Sanh in the Dental Clinic Nov. 67 Looking for Docs Janowski, Birtcill and the Irish Chaplin from Boston.
Dan Donahue, DT3/USN
*****
Looking for anyone who served with Bravo Battery 1st Battalion 13th Marines. I was wounded on Mar 11, 68 while unloading my truck full of ammo. Those that I have talked to said it was reported that I was dead. I am very much alive and living in Pennsylvania. Would like to hear from anyone who served with B-l-13 from June 67 until Mar 68 in Khe Sanh. Would especially like to hear from Cpl. Dave Cook from California. He was wounded just before I was. I have a lot of pictures from Phu Bai to Khe Sanh. I plan on coming to the reunion and I will bring them with me. I have some good pictures of some incoming. I am trying to get them all put on a CD so I will be able to e-mail them.
Clifford Treese Jr.
*****
Would like to hear from anyone who knew Richard E. Williams, who was killed on April 5 (4?), 1968 on one of the Khe Sanh hills 861, I believe. Mortar round I think. Rich and I were homies, boot camp buddies, and as close as brothers. I went to Golf 2/4 the Magnificent Bastards (Dai Do); choppered to Khe Sanh on June 1, 1968, and then to 861. Thank you, and Semper Fi.
Tom Couillard
*****
My name is Ricky West I am the son of Gary M West LCpl C&D company 1/26 Marines 1966-67 he was wounded April 19 1967 by sniper he never talked a lot of his time their and I would like to know from anyone who might have known him we are from north Carolina and my morn and sisters would be very grateful for any information I lost my dad a Cpl. Years ago he made it home after being wounded but he never totally came home I miss my dad desperately he was my best friend and if anyone knows his platoon or squad he was with my email address is [email protected] any info would be deeply appreciated.
*****
My brother, Thomas J. Sweeney was killed in Feb.1968. I was born in Dec. of that same year. Tom was in Unit C 1/26, 5th Marine division. I do not know much about him, only what I have seen in photographs and what friends may had said about him. Twice a year the Boys and Girls club in McKeesport. PA. have a memorial for the fallen members. My brother is one of those. I go there for all the ceremonies on behalf of my family. The services that are held there are very touching, and it is there that I get to meet some of my brothers friends and discuss the kinds of things that Tom liked. I am looking for anybody that may have served with him or new of him while in the marines. I would love to hear his courageous story. I would also like to share this information with the veterans that attend the ceremonies each year at the Boys and Girls Club.
Thank you, your help is greatly appreciated
Tim Merlin
*****
Would like to hear from anyone who was stuck with D company 1/9 at op-1 in Khe Sanh. We were the lucky ones that got to do all of the retrieving of goods dropped by parachute after the airstrip was blown up. I was there for the entire Tet offense and managed to get wounded two times by incoming. I've got a ton of slides from there and a whole lot of shots of buddies that never made it back. This is the first time I've tried to make any kind of contact in over 33 years and am still a little skeptical about talking about it.
Ron Garner from Gary, IN
*****
Looking for anyone that served with me in Golf Co, 2nd Bn. 26th Marines, 3rd platoon on hill 558 in Khe Sanh in March of 1968. Especially anyone who participated in the last battle on one of the ridges that led to hill 861 south on April 6th & 7th. It's been a long time and a hard shell to crack but this site has helped allot. I believe 2nd Lt. Combs was out platoon Comdr. at the time. I remember LCPL. Ray Burrell, LPL. Pete Yovine, Cpl. Ski, Cpl. Wormy. It's funny, the faces are so fresh but a lot of the names are so distant!!
Joe Mannone
*****
My name is Teo. I'm looking for the U.S. Marine Corp 1st Bn. 9th Marines, 3rd Marine division. My first husband was one of them. He passed away Jan.ll,1984 at the young age of 34. We had 3 small children at the time. He was 80% disabled. Not until my youngest child was entering college, and we tried to apply for some help through the VA did we discover that his death was indeed service connected. I'm now 49 yr. old, remarried and my children are grown.
*****
Did anyone serve with Jim Tucker in 1968 in Khe Sanh??? He is my dad he was hit on 881 North. also with him was Dr. Adams navy corpsman. Also a man named Zulu?