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 51 Fall 2001
Incoming
In This Issue
Noted From The Editor and Board Short
Rounds
Memoirs
In Memoriam Reunion
2002
A Sprinkling Of Your Poetry
Old Soldiers
On September 13th, two days after the plane attacks into the World Trade Center and Pentagon, an email appeared on our web site. A young man named Steven asked an age-old question of all of us who served at Khe Sanh... Would we serve again?
PUBLISHERS NOTE: We have no way of knowing if Steven is what he says he is, and is seriously considering military service, or is a college student writing his term paper. The answers he has provoked from our members are from the heart and express the feelings of many of our members. I feel they are worth sharing with our entire membership, and hope Steven is what he says he is and was honest and truthful in his response to their answers.
*****
Hello, name is Steven:
My question I would like to ask to those of you who have served in the military and have engaged in combat is, "Would you do it over again?" Would you go through all that you did, or if you had the chance again if you knew what you were getting into, would you have done something differently in life so that you wouldn't have had to go through hell? I keep thinking about the men who are laying in the VA hospitals every day of their lives, who only hold memories of their past lives. I wonder if they have any regrets of serving. People are Gung-ho, but then reality sets in, life is short.
I know most of you will say that Freedom is always worth it, and it means a lot to those who cherish it but for others, it is something they see as a duty left to others to fulfill. Does it really make a difference? Do you feel of your sacrifices for your country that it made a difference? If there was a war today, right now, this minute, would you give up everything, leave your wife, your family, your home, everything that you have built over the years and place yourself in a war once more and risk losing your life? Would you volunteer for it, or would you only go if there were a draft in place?
I welcome your thoughts and opinions. I am no way trying to offend anyone of your service. Given the events that have transpired in New York, it is just some thoughts that I am having as a young person of whether this country declares war, if I should volunteer for it. People see TV that glorifies war, but I see the reality of the hurt, pain, problems, tears, and fears that remain for years. I need to know if it is worth it. I just need to know how all of you feel. This has been my thought today.
Ed:
Here is an edited version of the original answers to the question asked and
responses.
"War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse."
Ray Prittie
*****
"Simply, we made a decision to volunteer based upon the events, circumstances and my patriotic beliefs back then. We can't turn back time and remake those decisions. We must live with those decisions the rest of our lives with the outcome of those decisions."
Nick Romanetz.
*****
"Yes, after more then 33 years of very deep lost feelings and pain of what we went through, I would still have to go back. Freedom is something we all need to fight for. Even if it's at the gates of hell."
Hank Melanson
*****
"Like all the others, I think that I would go, remember the very essence of America is at stake here. In Vietnam we were helping those of another country, as there was no direct threat to the US. So it was a much different situation. We did not have the support of our own people then."
Gene Weresow
*****
"Steven, To answer your questions more specifically, I'd serve today, not out of duty to my country (we don't have our backs to the wall as we did at the beginning of World War II), but out of respect for my family and friends. Good luck to you in your life. I don't have any idea where this conflict is headed, but it's going to need competent, dedicated Americans -- like you"
Joseph Olszewski
*****
"The people whose very freedoms are being attacked here at home. Yes, I would join today if it meant I could keep the enemy away from my family's front door."
Ray "Big D" Addington
*****
"My son is 21 years old and the thought of him going to war is more than I can bear. While I prepared to sacrifice myself, sending him off is worse than death to me. I think that most of the Marines that read this board will somewhat agree with me that they would gladly give of themselves but not their children."
Don Meyer
*****
"Yes, I would absolutely do it again! So follow your heart and do what you think is best. Semper Fi"
Wayne "Shu" Shumaker
*****
"I was not a draftee. I watched the news. I can think of no greater moment in my life than leading a squad of Marines in battle. The only thing I would want to change is the good men I lost. Not only would I go, if I could, but I would hope my children would go."
Charlie Fox
*****
"I was ready for combat before the WAR...I was a MARINE before birth...YES, I WOULD DO IT AGAIN...Semper Fi!"
Joe Amodeo.
*****
"If they could find boots big enough to fit these ugly feet of mine, I'd be marching on Mecca right now. Why do we always see photos of terrorists shooting up into the air, are they afraid something is overhead? You better believe there is, the Eagle, Anchor and Globe. When the Eagle ####s he really ####s! Hell, forget the boots, I'll wear my shower shoes."
Bruce Lewey
*****
"When it's in your heart, you just go as most of us went -- to fight for Our Country and to stop communism, we went with pride and most of us would go again (especially if we could all be 18 again)."
James "Jimbo" Wodecki
*****
"Steven, you have asked for advice and opinions from the gray-haired veterans of the battle of Khe Sanh. In considering a decision on whether or not to enlist you want to know, would we do it over again? It is a good question and an old one. Listen to the Bard of Avon. "To be or not to be. That is the question. Whether it is nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, or by taking up arms, end them." That was a question asked by Shakespeare in the fifteenth century, and you have enough doubts about your country today to wonder if it knows the right answer. My son, I have doubts too.
The voices that the nation listens to have declared that we are unified in our resolve. I fear that the resolve will be short lived. The country is united by a fever of patriotism but cooler heads will soon prevail. It has become the nature of things in our confused culture to question our national values. Soon we will be asked to look at ourselves and the terrorists as victims of a common evil. That will be the first healing step in the stumbling plod back to the politically correct attitude of self-recrimination. We are conditioned to believe it. We love to be victims. We cry war, but half the nation is waiting for more rational minds to direct us. An eager element of our society is prepared to declare that we brought this upon ourselves. They will remind us that "it takes a village" and in the interests of our world community we must negotiate with understanding and an appreciation for other cultures. Our economy and world peace depend on it.
It doesn't matter that the terrorists have slapped America. Our national conscience, which resides in Berkley, California, will tell us that we have made the world hate us because we unilaterally support oppression of ethnic peoples. If we resist change, we deserve more of the same. That irrational logic is not new. Neville Chamberlain believed he had negotiated peace with Hitler. In our time we have seen a revival of sympathy for the devil. Ho Chi Minh City is named after the most odious terrorist of the last half of this century. Will Kabul be renamed Bin Laden? So what will become of our national resolve? It will be guided by television, the same as it was before. The media will fuel the current fever only until the time when it becomes more lucrative, more newsworthy, to oppose it. This will happen when the military denies correspondents access to mission critical information, ergo no news. As before, the talking heads will have to create attention to keep their ratings up, something with shock value. They will focus their cameras on the fluttering white tags tied to the body bags of Americans. When they think it is profitable, they will fawn on the enemy. Who the enemy is will become blurred and then they will release the politically correct winds and the winds will blow anti-American. They will write books about their unbiased coverage of the war to prove that they were right. Past is prologue.
My son, can you handle the truth?
We were the sons of the greatest generation, and we walked a path that we couldn't follow, and we were handed a torch that we couldn't carry. Our frustrations made us bitter and truculent. I call my generation, Oedipus Americanus. I leave that obscure reference to you to think about on your own time. It is appropriate if you enlist you are an American Fighting Man. No hyphens, nothing comes before American, American comes first, as in American eagle. If you enlist in the Army, Navy, or Air Force you will find that those who would not serve have defiled them. They are now a kinder, gentler military that does not threaten Oedipus Americanus. There is however one dinosaur lurking in the arsenal, with vengeful eyes.
I know those eyes. Those were my eyes when I was a Marine. Those are the eyes of my brothers who still return to help the villagers in Vietnam. We were men who were deployed in twelve-man units to rid our territories of communists and to protect and hold our villages. We stayed there until we were told to leave by the more enlightened. The enlightened that had the courage to stay home. All we dumb grunts knew was the meaning of -- it takes a village. It is a Marine rifle squad. To answer your question, would I go again? Absolutely, I would go now if they would have me. Through the last thirty years I have never forsaken honor, and I have never bowed my head. Never. I say my prayers with my eyes wide open, looking straight at our God. Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, Protestant, Animist, Catholic, Jewish. I am my brother's keeper. Now my son, you have to answer your own questions. You have no choice in who your contemporaries are, but who do you want your peers to be?
Best of Luck,
Lacey Lahren
*****
You got it right Lacey. Just wished you had been in my squad. S/F
Lighthouse Mike
*****
Edited version of Steven's reply to the responses from our Khe Sanh Veterans.
I am the only member of my family that has not served my country. There is huge guilt on my behalf -- a guilt that I haven't earned the right to live here, despite the sacrifices given before. The way I see it is that my previous family members earned their right to this country, but I haven't. My father earned his right by serving as a Marine in Vietnam. I also sought his experience and thoughts as I asked for yours as well.
When I told my father of what I wanted to do, I was discouraged in all aspects. He said to me, "You will get yourself killed." He told me he was lucky to have not got killed. In his voice, I could tell he was upset with me. He spent his time discouraging me during my entire conversation. He said for me to go down to the VA hospital and talk to the guys with their legs and arms blown off, that can't get out of bed, who missed their children growing up, and growing old together with their wife. He told me to look at his life, the years of alcoholism trying to forget, and his condition of being contaminated with Agent Orange. I told him that I have something to prove and to do. He said, "What is that? To prove to me you know how to get killed? That you can have a flag over your casket and be buried six feet under?" That left me with a lot to think about. I then told my girlfriend who I plan to marry next year of what I wanted to do, and she also said, "You will get killed," and left her crying for a week. She saw all of her dreams with me gone. I was torn. That is why I asked many of you if you were willing to give up your life, to give your wife, your children, everything, to go serve your country, and all of your dreams. I asked, "Is it worth it?"
The weekend passed, and I called and talked to my father again. He is my best friend in all ways, and we needed to talk. I approached him again about it. He said he wanted to talk as well, and we did. He said, "I discouraged you that day, because I wanted you to think." He has always wanted me to think before doing something, rather than acting on impulse. He then answered my question that I asked of so many of you. Would he do it again? He said yes, he would go back. But like one person posted, he would go back as well but brings tears and pain to think of sending his children. He said to me that he would go back before I would ever go. Although I know the government wouldn't allow that, it is in his mind that he will. I can understand where he is coming from as a father. Ever since I was young, he always told me he would go and die for me, so that I wouldn't have to experience what he went through. It was something he never wanted me to know. It is only natural for him as a parent and loving father to feel this way, and for that, he has my admiration and respect.
So at this time, I will continue with life, but I told them both, if I was needed, if I was called, if the Country asks one day, then I was to go, as it is my duty. I will answer as previous members of my family did. The responses that all provided confirmed that at least if I am needed, then I need to answer that, as you have done. Again, thank you for so much input and thought. I hope that none of you think less of me of this decision but at this time, it is the best one till another one must be made.
Thank you,
Steven
*****
I was M/T Chief for H&S CO, 2nd BN 26th Marines, from January 1968 to January1969. I was wounded at Khe Sanh, Feb 23rd, 1968. I have "Good and Bad memories" of Khe Sanh. However, there will never be a "Better group of Marines" in my life than those Corpsman, Chaplains, and Marines that stood "Side by Side" at Khe Sanh in 1968.
Semper Fi
John R. Cowan, Sr.
USMC-Retired
*****
Welcome Home Brothers, great Website. I was with C Company, 1/11 Inf. 5th. Inf. Div. out of Quang-Tri. Pick a spot in I Corps and we were there. I have just started making contact with my Brothers in the last year, and it feels great. Thank you for all you have done. I am the National Sgt. At Arms for Combat Veterans International. You can check out our web site at: combatveterans.com.
Take care, My Brothers...
Brian "Bent" Bentley.
*****
I would like you to add some of our KIA to your list. Lost a few good ones from the 1st Platoon of C CO, 1/11 at XD696394, north of QL-9, at the Laotian border on 8 Feb 71: SSGT Gerald J. Tworek, SGT Donald R. Coleman, and PFC Michael B. First. We were OPCON to Sheldon Burnett's 1/1 Cav at the time. Lost Jerry L. Danay from 3rd Platoon of Charlie Company 1/11 on 12 Mar 71, at XD750489, near FSB Alpine, N/W of Khe Sanh. I see you already have Burnett and Randy Ard as MIA's in Laos. We left Khe Sanh for the Laotian border in early February with several reporters. If I remember correctly, Burrows, Huet, Potter and Shimamato were with us. Last I saw of them then was on QL-9 west of Lang Vei. I remember when they went down in Laos a little more than a week later. I would like to hear from the grunts in Charlie Company
Keith Short
*****
I served as senior corpsman for I Co 3/4, 1968-69. We were in and out of Khe Sanh and many of the surrounding hill battles -- 689, 552, 600, Phoui Noui, and Fox-Trot Ridge -- right after the Siege in 1968. A Shau Valley, Con Thien, C-2, Cam Lo, Gio Lin, and Alfa 3. I sure would like to hear from some of the old unit. Some of the names that I do remember, Capt. Sexton, Gysgt. Basham, Cpl. Hopkins, Cpl. Bryson, Cpl. Golden, Doc Lea, Doc Fair, Sgt. Jarworski, SSgt. Holley, preacher, and Dirty Frank. Welcome home to all of you. I served with the best of the best.
Bill Wilke "Doc"
*****
Looking for anybody from M CO 3/9, 1966-1967. Welcome home to all my Brothers and Sisters, who served our country. Keep looking up; someone up there does care for us. God Bless everyone one of you.
Ray P. Holden:
[email protected]
*****
I served in Vietnam with Kilo Company 3rd Battalion 26th Marine Regiment as an 0311 infantryman, from January 1967 to January 1968. While in Vietnam I served at several places, such as Khe Sanh on Hill 861 and Con Thien. We stayed a while at Dong Ha and visited Hill 56, Phu Bai, Da Nang and the hills close to Laos. I would like to hear from anyone that might have been there during this time.
Juan E Rivera
*****
Gentlemen, I just recently received word from a Khe Sanh veteran of D CO 1/26 that my cousin, 2Lt. Samuel J. Hannah served at Khe Sanh. Lt. Hannah was KIA June 7, 1968 at My Loc (2). I am very pleased to see such a fine website dedicated to the veterans of the terrible Siege at Khe Sanh. May we never forget? Thank you for your service to our country.
Ed Enslinger:
[email protected]
*****
I had the privilege and honor of serving with the best, B Co 1/26, wounded Mar 30 1968.
D.J. Pawkett E-5
*****
I was in Bravo Company, 1/26 during the siege of Khe Sanh in 68. I would like to here from others.
Dennis R. Crosby:
[email protected]
*****
I served with D Co 1/26 3rd Platoon and was in country from 11/67 to 12/68. I was at Khe Sanh during the Siege. Not many made it without being wounded. I was luckier than most. God bless America.
Semper Fi
Mike Beauregard (BEAU)
[email protected]
*****
I served with 3rd BN, 26th Marines in Vietnam Sept. 66 to Sept. 67. I was at Khe Sanh from June 1967 until wounded in September of 1967.
Thomas D. Warren:
[email protected]
*****
I served at Khe Sanh in 1968, with Golf Btry 3/12. My friend Sandy Shull was with 1/9 and was killed there. Just wondered if anyone might remember Sandy. He was a radio operator for an 81-mortar FO team. Sandy was from Nashville, TN.
Larry Deason:
[email protected]
*****
To Ray Stubbe,
My dad served in Khe Sanh with you. His name was Richard "Dick" Grenat. If you have any stories about him in this period in his life I would greatly appreciate them. Thanks.
Richard Grenat
[email protected]
*****
I am looking for Clyde Phillips and Oliver Owens from A Company, 3rd Engineers, 67-68, during the siege. If anybody knows where they are, please let me know.
Semper Fi
"Big John"John Pessoni:
[email protected]
*****
What Other People Say
On August 31, 2001, a large granite memorial with bronze emblem was placed at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis-St. Paul, to commemorate the 5th Marine Division .and honor all the Marines and Navy Corpsmen that stood in its ranks. This stone was the final in a series honoring all 6 Marine Divisions. Many attended this dedication including former Marines from numerous veterans' groups, the local Marine I&I staff, a nearby reunion of Marine tankers and the VFW cemetery honor guard. A Marine officer read aloud the battle history of the 5th Marine Division from the famous assault and flag raising on Iwo Jima to the deployment and actions of the 13th, 26th and 27th Marines throughout I Corps, Vietnam. He described at length the 26th Marines' successful defense of Khe Sanh and it was good to see many in the crowd, veterans of other wars, other campaigns, nod in approval. All in all, a fine ceremony. Several sections away, in a far corner of Ft. Snelling rests my good friend Jim Theis, also a veteran of the 26th Marines. I do believe that his spirit and others unnamed stood tall that day as honors were rendered to the 5th Marine Division.
Dan Fisher
Delta 1/26
*****