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

Short Rounds

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In This Issue
Noted From The Editor and Board    Incoming
Memoirs     In Memoriam     Reunion 2002 
A Sprinkling Of Your Poetry

British Vet, Vietnam Vet, WTC Vet (Hero)

    After a lifetime in which he cheated it many times, death caught up with Rick Rescorla halfway up the south tower of the World Trade Center. But like a good soldier, he didn't sell his life cheaply. Death took him only after he had cheated it again, helping to save 2,700 lives by relying on the instincts and the preparation that had served him well in battles on two continents. Rescorla was a retired Army Reserve colonel and the head of security for Morgan Stanley's Individual Investor Group at the World Trade Center. But many readers will be more familiar with him as Lt. Rick "Hard Core" Rescorla, one of the heroes of the 1965 battle of the Ia Drang Valley in Vietnam. "Rick was the best combat leader I ever saw in Vietnam," said Pat Payne, the 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment's reconnaissance platoon leader in Ia Drang.

    Rescorla's role in that battle is recounted in detail in the book "We Were Soldiers Once...And Young," a searing account of the action by retired Lt. Gen. Harold "Hal" Moore and Joe Galloway. In 1965, Moore was a battalion commander in the center of the battle, and Galloway was a UPI reporter who covered the entire engagement. Even those only vaguely familiar with the book have seen Rescorla's image (he is the gaunt soldier on the cover with the 2-day old beard and the bayonet fixed to his M16.)

    When Rescorla showed up for Basic Training at Benning in 1963, he'd already seen more adventure than most soldiers do in a lifetime. Born in Cornwall, England, he joined the British army's Paratroop Regiment as a teenager, then became a military intelligence warrant officer. He served in that position in Cyprus during the violence that racked that island in the 1950s; then, left the British Army for a London police job in Scotland Yard's famous "Flying Squad" of detectives.

    He left England for another military job, this time as a commando in the Rhodesian Colonial security force in Africa. From there he came to seek his fortune in the United States. After breezing through basic training, Rescorla was picked up for Officer Candidate School. Last year, he was inducted into the OCS Hall of Fame. He graduated as a second lieutenant in 1965, just in time to ship out to Vietnam with the 1st Air Cavalry Division. In November of that year, still a British citizen, he would draw on all his youthful experience in the battle of the Ia Drang. Heading the "Hard Corps," Ia Drang was the Army's first major battle in Vietnam, and one of its bloodiest. The battle claimed 305 American lives, soldiers who died in fierce combat with a Nortfx Vietnamese regiment that also took heavy losses. Rescorla commanded 1st Platoon, B Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, and was almost worshipped by his soldiers, who called themselves the "Hard Corps" after his nickname. But his courage and infectious optimism resonated beyond those under his immediate command. Payne remembers Rescorla "leaping off [a] chopper and strutting into our small, very beat-up group of survivors" during the night. After placing his men to fill the gaps in Payne's line and pausing to speak quietly to each soldier, he walked toward Payne. "I was so amazed to see him walking around because we had all been crawling on our stomachs for eight hours," Payne said. Speaking in a low, confident voice, Rescorla complimented Payne on establishing good fields of fire. "Then he looked me in the eye and said, 'When the sun comes up we are going to kick some ass!"'

    I will never forget his words or the look in his eye. He said it in a confident, matter-of-fact way. He was not boasting -- it was resolve. Rescorla earned a Silver Star for his actions at Ia Drang and, in Moore's words, "went on to establish himself as a living legend in the 7th Cav in Vietnam." But behind the swagger and the self-confidence, Rescorla hid a keen intellect, according to Dan Hill, a former captain who met Rescorla at basic and remained his best friend. This fine mind served Rescorla well when he left the Army in the late 1960s and put himself through college and law school, before going on to establish himself as a specialist in security for financial firms. His will to live came to the fore again three years ago, when he was diagnosed with inoperable cancer and given six months to live. Against the odds, he beat the disease into remission. As Morgan Stanley's security chief, Rescorla brought his belief in the "seven Ps" to bear -- proper prior planning and preparation prevents poor performance -- to the immense good fortune of his co-workers. Morgan Stanley was the largest tenant in the south tower, with about 2,700 employees in 20 floors. But incredibly, only six, including Rescorla and two security folks who worked for him, are still missing. Everyone else made it out alive.

    Obsessed with preparation, those survivors owe their lives in no small part to Rescorla's quick thinking at a time of crisis, and his obsession with being prepared for every eventuality. "He'd take every possible contingency that could happen, and he'd come up with a plan for it," Hill said. When the first plane hit the north tower, the Port Authority told workers in the south tower to stay put. But Rescorla disagreed and immediately executed an evacuation plan he had made the employees rehearse twice a year. The plan worked, and when the second plane hit the south tower, almost all Morgan Stanley employees were on their way to safety. So was Rescorla, who made it to the ground floor singing "God Bless America" to calm the nerves of the evacuees. But he insisted on going back upstairs to check for anyone left behind. He was probably still climbing when the building collapsed. His wife Susan and his two children likely will remember Rick Rescorla for his generosity of spirit and his dry English wit. But middle-aged veterans of a hellish battle long ago in the sun and the elephant grass are more likely to remember Rick Rescorla as Bill Lund, another second lieutenant in that battle, does: "This was the bravest man I ever knew."

Source:
Editorial, Army Times

Author:
Sean D. Naylor

*****

Above and Beyond the Call

A Story of Caring

PUBLISHER'S NOTE.'
    When Chaplain Ray Stubbe founded the Khe Sanh Veterans, he had several goals in mind. One of the goals of the organization was reaching out to the loved ones of those who died, so that they may better understand the nature of service and sacrifice at Khe Sanh. The following story told through a series of emails between men of D CO 1/26 exemplifies their caring and personal sacrifice in bringing closure to the family of one of their own, in keeping with the goals of this organization.

    At the reunion in Chicago in July of this year, George Myrick, Dan McGravey, and Jack Daniels, former members of D CO 1/26 had a conversation regarding the death of Lt. Sam Hannah, also a member of Delta CO 1/26. George Myrick had made a promise 33 years ago that he would visit the family of Sam Hannah and at the reunion, he made the decision to fulfill that promise made long ago. While driving back home from the reunion, he made arrangements to visit with Sam's family.

    George finally met the whole family and thought the meeting went well and felt great about fulfilling his 33-year-old promise. He sent the following email to Dan McGravey regarding his visit:

Dan,
    I made contact with Sam Hannah's family on the 20th of August, and Joann and I visited them. Sam's Father and Mother live in Lincoln, Arkansas. Sam's little sister lives across the road from his parents, and she made a wonderful dinner that evening. The people present were: Mary, Sam's sister, and her husband Bryan, and two grandchildren; Alan, Sam's brother, his wife Lisa, and baby, Sam Hannah; Sam's son and wife and Sam's two grandchildren. They all had lots of questions that night and I tried to answer them the best I could. It was quite a night for them and me, and it only took 33 years to do it. Sam's wife is remarried and lives in Indiana. She still keeps in contact with Sam's family. Sam also has two other sisters, one in Tennessee and one in Georgia.

    Jack Daniels is going to fly into Tulsa, Oklahoma around the 14th of October, and I am going to pick him up and take him to see Sam's family. I think the whole family will be there. It would be nice to also have you along. I could have used your help last time I was there. The family knows nothing except Sam is dead. They think he was killed at Khe Sanh; I had to do a lot of remembering that night. If you want to see thd! Hannah family, I will take you. In fact, anytime you and Sherry want to head west, you have a place to light here as long as you want. Dan, we went through a lot of shit together, and you are one hell of a man.

Semper Fi
George Myrick

*****

Dan McGravey then receives an email from Ed Esslinger, a cousin of Sam Hannah and KSV. He also sought the true circumstances on the death of Sam, since George Myrick, during his visit, had related information which differed from that given the family by the USMC. When George hears that Sam Hannah's family is disturbed by the differing versions, he is upset and sends the following email to Dan McGravey:

Dan,
    I'm sorry to hear that Sam's family is disturbed. I did not go there to upset them. I guess my biggest mistake was, I did not know what they had been told, and they never said anything about me saying anything different than what they knew, and I never asked. His sister Mary Freeman did give me the impression that the family thought Sam was KIA at Khe Sanh. I told them that Sam and I were at Khe Sanh in the beginning and were Sparrow Hawked to Hill 861 where we stayed till the Siege was over. At that time, we left the firebase for Wonder Beach, where we patrolled one hot spot after the other. We were in the area of Hill 55, southwest of Danang, near the village of My Loc. I had 1st platoon, you the 2nd and Sam the 3rd. I started moving into the village and two Army gun ships started making strafing runs at my platoon. They made two runs before they were called off. We moved into the village. Sam was on a ridge to my left flank and you were on Sam's left flank. The NVA started for the village that I was in, and Jack Daniels fired the 60s over my head -- the first round was a short round landing in the center of a squad from B Co. that had come to reinforce my platoon, wounding all of them.

    That evening I was pulled up on the ridge with 2nd & 3rd platoons. That was when I was told that Sam and a Corpsman were killed. I never told them about the gunship or the 60s -- that is to refresh your memory. I was asked several times if I was there when Sam was killed, and I said no, I was down in the village and Sam was gone when I got to the ridge, he had been Med Evaced. Mary asked me two or three times why was only Sam killed. I told her that when Sam was hit, the others got down. She said with all those people there, why was Sam the only one to get killed. I told her that the others were spread out and not in a bunch. The men from 3rd platoon knew that Sam and I were friends. Just as soon as I got to the ridge, they told me Sam was dead and showed me where he was killed. They said he was hit in the head. Sam's Dad said he opened the casket and Sam was hit in the head and kidneys. I told him that the head wound was all I knew about. The men at 3rd platoon also said that Sam died quick. Now that I think about it, while I was standing looking down at the pool of blood, Jack Daniels came up to me and we talked. If I am not mistaken, Jack said Sam died instantly. Dan, I need your help. This is the way I remember that day. Am I wrong? I need to know. Sam's family said the officers who notified them, Jack Daniels' letter, and myself were the only contacts they have had regarding the death of Sam. They made several comments about some books they have, one of which concerns Khe Sanh. Sam's Dad said he still has Jack's letter, but he never offered to let me read it, and I never asked. I wished they had told me that my recollection was different than what they had been told. Yes, Jack Daniels will get into Tulsa, Oklahoma on Oct. 14 at 1800 and was to fly out at 1200 on the 15th. I ask him to try to stay longer. He was going to try to change his departure to 1200 on the 16th. I have not heard if he got it changed or not. Dan, think about that day and let me know back as soon as you can. Am I wrong? Got to know!

George Myrick.

*****

Dan McGravey, knowing how badly he feels, sends him the following email:

George,
    First thing is in no way what you did or say was wrong. The fact that you cared enough and completed a promise made years ago was an act of love and caring bestowed upon Sam's family. Of course, the family cannot put this to rest because of their suspicions. They are confused because of what the Marine Corps told them at the time. I cannot understand, if Jack Daniels wrote Sam's father a letter (which he told me he did) and Sam's father remembers the letter, why would they believe Sam was KIA in Khe Sanh? Also, a letter as life changing as that should be in Hannah's Family possessions, right? Their suspicion and confusion is justified because everything I have read about death, people want to know, "How did they die?" If it doesn't coincide with that "official information" from the government, flags go up! As for my part in this, I am going to search my brain as well as letters I wrote home to my family for information, I spent a lot of time writing, so I kind of have a semi-journal, but it's in New England with my parents. I'll get them sent. Secondly, I think I can get on the internet with Fish because he has unbelievable information that may help. If we could ever find and contact Sam's radio operator or Squad leader, it would open up the sequence of events as they unfolded.

    Looks like we now have a mission to unburden this grieving family from any confusion. My recollections are limited, but I do remember all the events you relayed to me and they are accurate. I even remember the position we took that evening, and moving out the next AM, and making new contact after only a few hundred meters. Things were happening so rapidly and the events of that day kind of melted into weeks and months of just total blur and haze. You know a day doesn't go by without my thoughts going back to my other warrior life, and I know you are in the same boat. We need to live in the moment and be comfortable with ourselves that what you did for his family was good, right and an act of kindness, after all you told me you lived with not making contact with the Hannah's for over 30 years. ..That speaks loudly to your character and human qualities.

    The Hannahs have a difficult situation, and quite honestly I don't know if even an eyewitness to the tragedy can change what they perceive really happened! I'm not yet in a position to see whether I can make it out in Oct. or if I'm really needed, I will have to think on it. Thanks for the update on the story. I will contact Sam's sister this week.

Semper Fi
Dan McGravey

*****

Mary Freeman, Sam Hannah's sister, then emails the first of two letters to Dan McGravey:

Mr. McGravey,
    I am Sam Hannah's sister. Edward forwarded your response to his letter to my parents, Sam and Nell Hannah. Yes, George Myrick contacted our family and took time to come and visit with us. It was a very considerate thing to do. We were all very surprised and a little confused. It was very disturbing to us to hear that his account of Sam's death was not the same as we had been led to believe. I was wondering what your remembrance might be. I know it is not a pleasant subject, but it might be of benefit to my parents, especially my dad. He is retired Air Force, and it disturbs him that the stories are apparently very different. He's 80 this year and to be honest we do not talk about these things much. It may be some parent's way of dealing with grief but not theirs. So, if they want to talk about it now -- well, it better get talked out because there isn't that much time left.

Thank You.
Mary Hannah Freeman

*****

Dan Then replies to Mary Freeman with the following email:

    Received your email today. This issue surrounding Sam's passing bothers me too -- absolutely Sam was not killed at Khe Sanh. I was with Sam for a long period of time after Khe Sanh fighting down south (Da-nang Area). After 33 years or so, the details get fuzzy but not a day goes by that I do not think of my time in Vietnam. I received a note from George Myrick concerning his recollection of the events that transpired that day. I told George I would start searching my sources to get more detail that I can share with your family. I kept somewhat of a journal (letters sent home to my family.) I have called my mom to have them sent to me. From those, I may be able to refresh my memory. Those days in that area were pretty hellish. I do know my 2nd platoon was to the left of Sam about 400 meters away. All of us were under heavy fire. As you can imagine, chaos prevailed.

    We have a tremendous amount of information that men from Delta Co have maintained and preserved -- now we need to find out the details. Today I sent emails to key people that will join me in the search. Sam was one of us and if you and your family are not at peace, then we all need to help you get there.

    We hear so much about "closure" with regards to death but let me tell you, I have no closure with any of the Marines lost with me in my time there. I can still see Sam's face as I type this email to you. I put Vietnam behind me for 20 plus years until I was contacted via internet by the Khe Sanh Veterans group. They have helped in my healing, and now I hope we can give you the details that your father and mother especially need. I will try my best to help. Talk to you soon. Is it possible for you to share with us the exact correspondence (Marine Corps or Dept. of Defense) sent your family? Also if Sam's dad has any names of Marines that Sam may have written home about, we can see who was with Sam that day. Marine records are probably unavailable. Thanks.

Semper Fi
Dan MGravey

*****

Mary Freeman's response:

    I have spoken to Dad about the description of how Sammy died. He doesn't know exactly where he got some of his information. (This has been buried for 33 years.) However, he thought 8 men were killed at the same time as Sam. But George said Sam was the only one killed besides the medic. I know this isn't much of a discrepancy, but it bothered Dad. He also didn't really understand why Sam would have gotten the Silver Star from the description of the circumstances surrounding the way Sam died. He, being a military man, would understand that better than I. So, it isn't really a huge difference because a lot of what George told us, we just hadn't heard at all. It's old wounds opened after 33 years and with that comes questions. Thank you for your time and efforts. I apologize for not answering you right away. I have to approach Mom and Dad gently, and I really just got the nerve up to tell them that I had contacted you. They are old and very active for their age, but fragile in many ways. I sometimes think there is a reason for this to be opened up after all these years, but I also just want to protect them from the pain. I will keep in contact with you and let you know when I receive your information. Sam's widow, Ruby, will be in from Indiana this week. I will ask her if she can tell us what she remembers about the incidents around Sam's death. Also, Major Daniels (ret) and George will be here on the 15th. Again, I thank you and appreciate your time and effort in helping us with this.

Always,
Mary Hannah Freeman

*****

    Dan McGravey then seeks the help of Jack Daniels, the former Commanding Officer of D CO 1/26, and sends the following email to bring him up to speed on their quest for the true story of the death of Sam Hannah.

    Hi Jack, It was great to see you in Chicago for our reunion. I know you mentioned that you were planning a visit to Sam's parents and family some time soon. This email has to do with that visit. Some background first, I received an unsolicited email from Sam's cousin Ed Essingler about two weeks ago. He had heard that I had served with Sam up until the time of his passing. He probably got my name from George Myrick during his visit last month with Sam's Father, Mother and other family members. He wanted to know more about the men who served with Sam and the circumstances surrounding his passing. I emailed him back and said I would be happy to help. I sent him to the appropriate web sites (Khe Sanh Vets, Delta Company etc.) and said I would do whatever I could to give any information I had. Approximately a week later I receive a new email from a Mary Freeman that identified herself as Sam's sister. I will forward her letter on to you for more background. She clearly is suspicious and confused because of conflicting information received from probably the Marine Corps, maybe a letter that you may have sent, and George Myricks visit.

    Sam's father and mother are obviously pushing for the truth. I never thought that we were dealing with anything but truth. Something has gotten into their heads about his passing that has raised concerns. I want to also send you Myrick's letter to me and my response to him. George has, from his letter to me, expressed a real hurt. He feels badly and feels he has done something wrong. I wrote back to him and tried to affirm what he did was correct. All this background stuff is meant to prepare you for what you may run into at your visit. I told Mary Freeman I would get onto the internet to see if we can find more eyewitness accounts of what happened that day over 30 years ago. Obviously, the driving force behind this is Sam's mom and dad wanting to hear what happened. Please let me know what your assessment of the situation is. I would consider joining you if my business plans and your scheduled visit can come together; that is, of course, if you feel I could be of any comfort and support for the family. I hope we are not overreacting to this issue but in reading her correspondence, she clearly has doubts. I have no doubts of what happened in this tragic day over 30 years ago, but I am not in the Hannah family shoes. Please give me you feelings and comments.

Semper Fi
Dan McGravey

*****

Jack Daniels responds to Dan McGravey.'

    Dan, thanks for all the information. I will try to clear this all up, so that we can all have the same information to share. You are certainly welcome to travel with George and I, if you can. We will help their family come to grips with the absolute truth and clear up any mysteries that may have been incorrectly communicated many years ago.

    Sam was killed southwest of Hill 55 on a ridgeline that we had moved down a few days earlier without any contact. We were on search and destroy missions, searching for elements of two NVA divisions who had come out of the triple canopy and planned to hit the Danang Airfield. 1/26 minus Bravo Company, was sweeping terrain between Hill 55 and An Hoa. This was a few days after Clarence Toltino had been hit, and George Myrick had 1st Platoon. We stopped the night before and received helo resupply and I ordered the same formations to move over the same ground that we had been across a few days earlier. Therefore 3d Platoon was on the point of a wedge formation moving up a ridge, with second platoon on the left and first platoon on the right. The company Command Post was behind 3d Platoon, and all units were physically tied together. We were moving up the ridgeline about a mile from our overnight position, when the point came under heavy fire. Sam's lead squad had gotten inside an enemy position before the enemy realized they were there. Sam and his radio operator were right behind the lead squad and when the NVA began firing from their holes, Sam and his radio operator were the first casualties, both KIA by a full automatic weapon. I put our weapons into action but when our 60 mortars fired a short round, I pulled them out of the fight and we suffered no friendly fire casualties.

    We soon had artillery and air support on target. I requested that Alpha Company move through Charlie Company to seal off the NVA who were fleeing the position. Jeff Stack got hit and Alpha had no officers in the field for a short period that day, as Ray Snyder was on R&R. We had Charlie Co on our immediate right, Alpha on their right on the high ground, and the enemy trapped between us. 2nd Platoon assaulted through the tree line and relieved the pressure on 3d Platbon. The rest of the day we called in artillery and air strikes. We had suffered several casualties, I remember specifically. Other than Sam, Cpl. Harold Deschaine, and HN Rockefeller were KIA. Another radio operator, L/Cpl Scott was hit and Med Evaced. Later, after I became the S-3, Dan took over Delta Co, and Freddie Mac and I were heloed to Hill 55, where the 7th Marines had more than 30 weapons, including .50 cal machine guns and RPG captured by Delta and Alpha companies on that day.

    Sam received a Silver Star posthumously, and Dan, I recommended you for a Silver Star that I believe was awarded as a Bronze Star, for your actions in relieving the pressure on 3d Platoon that day. If you didn't receive it, let me know, and I will reinitiate the paper work, because you did a very gutsy thing in assaulting through the area where 3d platoon was in deep distress with a number of casualties down. You called me on the radio, and asked permission to make the assault, and while I was talking to battalion on the other net, you decided that there wasn't time to wait for coordination and you moved out on your own. I had to shut down an 81ram mortar mission to the left of 3rd Platoon, as you moved right through that area to get into position in front of 3rd Platoon so that we could get to our casualties. You saw the need for action, and you took it. What guts, I am still proud of you and remember the moment 33 years later! I remember writing sitreps and thinking that Delta had inflicted great harm against the enemy, but what a terrible price we paid in the loss of our brother Marines and Corpsmen. Sam's family should know that the NVA unit he attacked was totally defeated in their efforts to move heavy weapons into the flight path of Danarig and that his bravery saved many lives by not allowing the enemy to reach a place where they could wreak havoc on other US units. He did not die in vain. Just as the firemen and police of New York City who died recently, he gave his life for the good of others, when none of us can know why some must die and others in the same situation are spared. I hope this info will help us to allow Sam's family to gain closure. Both of you guys, Dan and George, are caring and compassionate people who still care for a guy who made us better for having known him and served with him in a place that was hell on earth. I believe this to be truth~ful and if I have any details out of sync don't hesitate to let me know. I remember these events very well, because you guys were willing to give your lives, and we were a team that worked together and I remember, because you did as I asked of you.

Semper Fi,
Jack Daniels

*****

    Dan McGrave's final letter to Ernie Spencer regarding the visit with the family of Sam Hannah by Jack Daniels and George Myrick.

    This family meeting was held this past Monday in Lincoln, Arkansas with George driving in from Oklahoma and Jack flying in from his home in Williamsburg, Virginia. This expression of caring is "above and beyond the call" in my opinion. I talked to George last night to see how it went and thanks be to God, it was great. I've asked George to write the Khe Sanh Veterans about those present and the discussion, so you can get a sense of how healing this meeting must have been. I think you may also want to contact Jack Daniels for other details. These two guys are Marine Class in my opinion. The emails that I'm sending along to you can be shared at your discretion...both George and I have no restrictions.

Semper Fi
Dan McGravey

*****

    In a final email to the Khe Sanh Veterans concerning the visit of Jack Daniels and George Myrick to the Hannah family, Jack Daniels writes:

Dan,
    thanks for the note. George and I had a day that was important to the two of us as well as the family for a number of reasons. First, we met a family that was just outstanding. No wonder Sam Hannah was a good Marine -- he came from a great background. Secondly, they received a lot of information that helped them understand what happened and what we were trying to accomplish. Thirdly, they were warm and receptive to George and me. I learned that based upon official communications, information received by the family is often sketchy and they naturally conjure up different scenarios that may be far from the truth. George had a 1:250,000 map, and we were able to trace the locations of the battalion during the 7 months that Sam was in country. We also told them of the search and destroy mission we had, and the weapons and commanders notebook that we captured that indicated the NVA we met on 7 June were headed to the Danang Airfield. So we were able to explain to them that Sam's platoon was inside the NVA position and that he was heroic in leading his platoon in close hand-to-hand fighting.

    The day was important to us, because we could pay tribute to a fallen comrade these many years later. My wife met a young woman at a meeting while George and I were at the Hannah's, whose father in 1st MAR DIV had been killed about the same time, and she remarked how little information her family had, so that underscored the importance of our being able to share with the Hannah family. No problem sharing this with Ernie Spencer. Hope to see you in Dallas next summer, thanks for your help and communication on the Hannah visit.

Semper Fi,
Jack Daniels

*****

    As we commemorate the 226th anniversary of the founding of our Corps, Marines everywhere can take pride in their contributions to our great nation. We are a Corps born of an act of Congress, consecrated in sacrifice, steeped in tradition, and tested in battle. Our earned legacy is filled with the names of many great Marines -- Lejeune, Vandegrift, Puller...Butler, Bestwick, Daly -- who fill the annals of our lineage with their inspired acts of vision and gallantry. Heroic actions on the battlefield are a hallmark of our legacy. Equally compelling are the countless heroic deeds of many other Marines who exemplify the virtue of placing the needs of others above their own. Whether it be a Marine saving an Okinawan child from drowning, or pulling people from a burning wreck, or a family extending itself to provide a safe, nurturing home for disadvantaged children, our lives are indeed full of heroism. Today, we celebrate these deeds, not as exploits, but as contributions to the greater good -- circumstances where Marines take care of not just their own, but reach out to care for others.

    A lone Marine standing vigil on a dark night in Kosovo; a Marine Reservist serving as a firefighter or police officer who responds to an emergency in his community; a civilian Marine working alongside his counterparts in uniform who shares the perils and realities of a terrorist attack; and a committed spouse who finds the time to serve as an advocate for family programs in addition to making a home and supporting the family -- all are among the heroes of all generations. We are indebted to them for their example of strength and their presence of character. They embrace our core values and live them to the fullest. They inspire us to do the same. We admire and appreciate their example as we celebrate the birth of our Corps and our rich heritage. As our motto enjoins us, let us always be faithful, to our God, our country, our Corps and to our families. Let us also resolve to be always faithful to those Marines who have bestowed upon us our proud legacy of sacrifice, courage, and victory against any foe. To all Marines, past and present, who uph?ld the finest traditions of our Eagle, Globe, and Anchor, Happy Birthday and... Semper Fidelis,

J. L. JONES
General, U.S. Marine Corps

*****

    On the afternoon of 16 September 1968 the carnage known as LZ Margo began. While several fine United States Marines gave their lives in the service of their country during Operation Lancaster II Trousdale North prior to 16 September, that day is the anniversary of the real toll in terms of lives and dreams, lost or forever shattered. More than a few of those who gave their lives that day were Khe Sanh veterans. The toll on Echo Company was particularly heavy -- L/Cpl Gary R. Daffin, L/Cpl Joseph E. Roble, L/Cpl Clifton Spiller, and PFC James C. "Bull" Durham Jr., were all veterans of the epic battle for Hill 861-Alpha that occurred on the morning of 5 February 1968. In addition, SSgt Juan O. Sanchez and Sgt Billy G. Strickland, also veterans of that battle, would lose their lives on 17 September 1968. L/Cpl Stanley R. Pettit, yet another such veteran, gave his life the day before the bloodbath began, and another fifty to one hundred of us were wounded.

    Many other companies of the 2nd Battalion, 26th Marine Regiment also lost veterans who had served at Khe Sanh. It is only within the last few years -after nearly three decades of intense soul searching -- that I have finally come to realize that our leaders betrayed us. I have been researching the record of what I considered a disastrous event long forgotten by many, except by those who experienced the horror. I am nearing the end of that journey, a journey one of our former "leaders" referred to as "just opening old wounds." Little does he realize that many of the wounds his Marines sustained have not and probably never will heal. Mistakes happen in war, hiding those mistakes is evading responsibility. We who believed, trusted and willingly obeyed, only to be taken advantage of by those who evaded responsibility for their actions (or lack thereof) is an insult to those who survived LZ Margo. When my research is complete, I will make it available to all those who seek the truth of the Debacle at LZ Margo.

    Fortunately, some good did come from LZ Margo. The unrecognized heroism of TRUE LEADERS, such as L/Cpl Gary Daffin and L/Cpl Cliff Spiller who gave their lives rescuing fellow Marines, is forever etched in my mind. The lessons I learned and the bravery I witnessed, I have passed on to others. These men and women have gone on to accomplish much, passing on the lessons of LZ Margo, so the story lives on. As we stand on the edge of yet another struggle for the survival of the American way of life, let us not forget the true heroes and the legacy they left us, who blazed the trail that we follow. May God bless and keep you always my brothers.

REST-IN-PEACE

Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 26th Marines

PFC Edward Cunningham (9/16)
L/CpI Gary Robert Daftin (9/16): KSV
PFC John Martin Donohue (9/16)
PFC James Claude "Bull" Durham, Jr. (9/16): KSV
PFC Delon Hunter (9/16)
Cpl Stanley R. Pettit (9/1S): KSV
L/CpI Harry E. Rivers (09/16/68)
L/CpI Joseph E. Roble (9/16): KSV
SSgt Juan 0. Sanchez (9/17): KSV
L/Cpl Clifton Spiller (WIA 9/16: DOW 9/28):
KSV Sgt Billy G. Strickland (09/17/68): KSV

Foxtrot Company, 2nd Battalion, 26th Marines

Cpl R. Bradford (09/16/69)
L./CpI D. B. Freed (09/19/68)
L/Cpl J. D. Rinehart (09/19/68)

Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 26th Marines

PFC G. A. Cabano, Jr. (10/03/68)
Cpl R. L. Knisely, Jr. (10/01/68)
PFC G. L. Kunshier (10/04/68)
Cpl. D. Moore, Jr. (10/03/68)
Cpl. V. Perez, Jr. (10/01/68)
L./CpI M. D. Personette (09/23/68)
Cpl T. M. Phillips (09/13/68)
PFC M. R. Ross, 11 (10/03/68)

Hotel Company, 2nd Battalion,26th Marines

PFC D. L. Adams (09/16/68)
LCp1 G. A. Bond (10/08/68)
PFC M. H, Deschenes (09/16/68)
PFC D. G. Impson (09/1S/68)
PFC L. E. Kizzie ((09/17/68)
PFC J.L. Marcum (09/17/68)
PFC D. L. McDonald (09/16/68)
PFC R. J. Pointer (09/17/68)
PFC S. J. Reichardt (09/17/68)
CpI W. E. Wyrosdic (10/08/68)

H&S Company, 2nd Battalion, 26th Marines

HN W. M. Brees, Jr. (10/08/68)
L/Cpl L. Brown-bey (10/01/68)
L/Cpl L. G. Bryan (09/16/68)
PFC P. E DeFazio (09/11/68)
HN D.L. Eisenbraugh (09/17/68)
PFC M. Henderson, Jr. (10/01/68)
Cpl W. J. Moori~ (09/16/68)
L/Cpl W.J. Oskilenick (09/16/68)
CPL W.T. Parker (09/17/68)
L/Cpl D. Pollastro (09/17/68)
PFC C. E. Peden (09/26/68)
PFC E A. Skocich (09/17/68)
HN D.L. Songe (09/17/68)

Mortar Battery, 1st Battalion, 12th Marines

HM 3 C. W. Carothers (09/11/68)
2/Lt W. C. Herndon (09/11/68)

PFC Lawrence E McCartney
2nd Plt, Echo Co., 2nd Bn., 26Th Marine Regiment,
Master Gunnery Sergeant (Retired): 1967-1997

*****

.A Special Flag

    Sharing (with permission) this beautiful little well written and meaningful story, which was sent by one of our own. Former Marine Billy Roble is the youngest brother of Marine Khe Sanh Vet Joseph E. Roble, E 2-/26. In 1998 at the Khe Sanh Veterans' Reunion, Joe was awarded the Bronze Star Medal W/V Device posthumously for heroic action on 15 September 1968. Joe was KIA 16 September 1968 at LZ Margo.

    I'm not sure if you know that I am living at my old place again and the family that I rent a room from is of Spanish decent. In some regards they are like my own family. With the whole country being so patriotic, their father, now a proud citizen, rushed out to buy a flag for the house. All he could manage to find were some little flags and one slightly larger, plastic flag.

    Before he did that, I thought of hanging a flag that my mother gave to me. It was one of the two flags she received at Arlington in July 1998. I had read somewhere that once a flag is folded for a fallen soldier, it should remain that way, but when he couldfind no suitable flags to show his patriotism, I felt obligated to help. To me, he is a true symbol of what this country stands for -- life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. He came from a poor background and was not even able to go to high school. Earlier this week, we admired his last son's diploma, and I could almost see tears in his eyes.

    I immediately called my mother and asked if it would be appropriate and she said that the flag represents the sacrifice of many and the symbol of freedom worldwide. That being said, I carefully unfolded the flag and marveled at its beauty. The colors contrasted so beautifully with one another and just holding it in my hands gave me such a sheer feeling of joy that was indescribable.

    I've seen many flags, but under the present circumstances, this particular flag seemed to emanate power. I walked into the house and the whole family was surprised that I managed to find a flag. I quickly told them where and why I received it and they understood the meaning by which this flag would now be flown.

    Their eldest son, my friend of 14 years, helped me place the flag in front of their garage. As many times as his family have and myself have probably seen the American flag, on this occasion, we all stood back admiring it. It has conveyed a feeling to the world in these recent days and knowing today is the anniversary of my brother's death in Vietnam, I'm sure he would be proud to see that flag fly.

Semper Fidelis
Billy Roble

*****

    Recently, I was asked to look at the recent events through the lens of military history. I have joined the cast of thousands who have written an "open letter to Americans."

Dear friends and fellow Americans,
    Like everyone else in this great country, I am reeling from last week's attack on our sovereignty. But unlike some, I am not reeling from surprise. As a career soldier and a student and teacher of military history, I have a different perspective and I think you should hear it. This war will be won or lost by the American citizens, not diplomats, politicians or soldiers. Let me briefly explain. In spite of what the media, and even our own government are telling us, this act was not committed by a group of mentally deranged fanatics. To dismiss them as such would be among the gravest of mistakes. A ferocious, intelligent and dedicated adversary committed this attack. Don't take this the wrong way. I don't admire these men and I deplore their tactics, but I respect their capabilities. The many parallels that have been made with the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor are apropos. Not only was it a brilliant sneak attack against a complacent America, we may well be pulling our new adversaries out of caves 30 years after we think this war is over, just like my father's generation had to do with the formidable Japanese in the years following WWII.

    These men hate the United States with all of their being, and we must not underestimate the power of their moral commitment. Napoleon, perhaps the world's greatest combination of soldier and statesman, stated, "the moral is to the physical as three is to one." Patton thought the Frenchman underestimated its importance and said moral conviction was five times more important in battle than physical strength. Our enemies are willing -- better said, anxious -- to give their lives for their cause. How committed are we, America? And for how long? In addition to demonstrating great moral conviction, the recent attack demonstrated a mastery of some of the basic fundamentals of warfare taught to most military officers worldwide; namely, simplicity, security and surprise. When I first heard rumors that some of these men may have been trained at our own Air War College, it made perfect sense to me. This was not a random act of violence, and we can expect the same sort of military competence to be displayed in the battle to come.

    This war will escalate, with a good portion of it happening right here in the good o1' USA. These men will not go easily into the night. They do not fear us. We must not fear them. In spite of our overwhelming conventional strength as the world's only "superpower" (a truly silly term), we are the underdog in this fight. As you listen to the carefully scripted rhetoric designed to prepare us for the march for war, please realize that America is not equipped or seriously trained for the battle ahead. To be certain, our soldiers are much better than the enemy, and we have some excellent "counter-terrorist" organizations, but they are mostly trained for hostage rescues, airfield seizures, or the occasional "body snatch," (which may come in handy). We will be fighting a war of annihilation, because if their early efforts are any indication, our enemy is ready and willing to die to the last man. Eradicating the enemy will be costly and time consuming. They have already deployed their forces in as many as 20 countries, and are likely living the lives of everyday citizens. Simply put, our soldiers will be tasked with a search and destroy mission on multiple foreign landscapes, and the public must be patient and supportive until the strategy and tactics can be worked out. For the most part, our military is still in the process of redefining itself and is presided over by men and women who grew up with and were promoted because they excelled in Cold War doctrine, strategy and tactics.

    This will not be linear warfare; there will be no clear "centers of gravity" to strike with high technology weapons. Our vast technological edge will certainly be helpful, but it will not be decisive. Perhaps the perfect metaphor for the coming battle was introduced by the terrorists themselves aboard the hijacked aircraft -- this will be a knife fight, and it will be won or lost by the ingenuity and will of citizens and soldiers, not by software or smart bombs.

    We must also be patient with our military leaders. Unlike Americans who are eager to put this messy time behind us, our adversaries have time on their side, and they will use it. They plan to fight a battle of attrition, hoping to drag the battle out until the American public loses its will to fight. This might be difficult to believe in this euphoric time of flag waving and patriotism, but it is generally acknowledged that America lacks the stomach for a long fight. We need only look as far back as Vietnam, when North Vietnamese General Vo Nguyen Giap (also a military history teacher) defeated the United States of America without ever winning a major tactical battle.

    American soldiers who marched to war cheered on by flag waving Americans in 1965 were reviled and spat upon less than three years later when they returned. Although we hope that Osama Bin Laden is no Giap, he is certain to understand and employ the concept. We can expect not only large doses of pain like the recent attacks but also less audacious "sand in the gears" tactics, ranging from livestock infestations to attacks at water supplies and power distribution facilities. These attacks are designed to hit us in our "comfort zone," forcing the average American to "pay more and play less," eventually eroding our resolve. But it can only work if we let it.

    It is clear to me that the will of the American citizenry -- you and i -- is the center of gravity the enemy has targeted. It will be the fulcrum upon which victory or defeat will turn. He believes us to be soft, impatient, and self-centered. He may be right, but if so, we must change. The Prussian general Carl von Clausewitz, the most often quoted and least read military theorist in history, says that there is a "remarkable trinity of war" that is composed of (1) the will of the people, (2) the political leadership of the government, and (3) the chance and probability that plays out on the field of battle, in that order.

    Every American citizen was in the crosshairs of last Tuesday's attack, not just those that were unfortunate enough to be in the World Trade Center or Pentagon. The will of the American people will decide this war. If we are to win, it will be because we have what it takes to persevere through a few more hits, learn from our mistakes, improvise, and adapt. If we can do that, we will eventually prevail. Everyone I've talked to in the past few days has shared a common frustration, saying in one form or another, "I just wish I could do something!" You are already doing it. Just keep faith in America, and continue to support your President and military, and the outcome is certain. If we fail to do so, the outcome is equally certain.

Dr. Tony Kern,
Lt Col, USAF (Ret)

*****

    On 11 September 2001, I sat in horror and watched the Attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. It was beyond belief! When the entire nation learned the responsible parties were from the Middle East, I like many others wanted immediate retaliation. I have been a police officer for 33 years and work in an area where many of the businesses are owned by Arab Americans. I wanted to forget the oath I had taken when I became a police officer and seek revenge in any non-violent way I could.

    However, as I did in Vietnam, I forgot my personal feelings and protected all those I had taken an oath to protect, regardless of personal feelings. I could not get it out of my mind that over almost 400 hundred of my fellow Police Officers and Firemen were still buried in that burning wreckage that used to be the WTC. I and hundreds of other police officers wanted to go there and help dig them out. I could not leave the TV -- as they broadcast the rescue efforts, we relayed information over our police radios when a police officer or firemen was rescued. Unfortunately, this good news was short lived.

    I had to go there. To be close to them. To help in any way we could. So with 20 other Police Officers, we packed up and drove to New York. Upon arrival at the volunteer center, NY Police and Firemen, and civilian volunteers greeted us with open arms. Although we were not needed at the sight of the WTC Disaster (known as Ground Zero), there were plenty of other things we could do to give the overworked NY Police Department Members a little break. Most of them had worked without days off, since the day of the bombing. At first, it was strange walking a beat in Greenwich Village and Times Square in the uniform of a Chicago Police Officer. After a few days, it became commonplace to see Police officers in the uniforms of dozens of Law Enforcement Departments, patrolling along with us.

    The citizens of New York, who some say are not the friendliest people in the world, would stop you on the street, shake your hand and say, "Thanks for coming." Just the thought that hundreds of Police and Fire Agencies had volunteered to come to New York to help, buoyed the morale of the NY Police Officers.

    Then it was off to "Ground Zero." As everyone who has been there has said, you have to see it in person to actually understand the total devastation. Just imagine 110-story buildings being reduced to a pile of ruble 85 feet high. We spent the time at the WTC escorting victims' families around the site, and escorting people who had been displaced from their homes and offices while they retrieved a few personal items from places many will never return to.

    I would personally describe the site as looking at a city after a nuclear explosion struck it. They have over a mile square area cordoned off, and all the buildings were deserted. There were over 6,000 abandoned vehicles parked on the street and in garages. Every street, building, office, and apartment we saw was covered by that gray, filthy, acrid matter created from paper, building walls, plaster, etc. when the buildings collapsed. Although I sought closure from my visit, it still haunts me. Even though I know there is nothing else I could do, I want to go back.

Tom Eichler

*****
Looking Back Forty Years

    I attended my high school 40th reunion this past October in Manhattan Beach, California. My school at the time was inland from there; fifteen minutes by freeway. Mount Carmel opened in 1934 and closed in 1976. Demographics did it in. A casual friend from those high school days, took me there in a new, black Jaguar. He had done well for himself. After graduating from USC with a degree in accounting, he moved right up the business ladder. He did not serve in the armed forces. He retired a couple of years ago. Avis bought out the franchise that he owned a part of. Also in the car were another classmate and his wife. He went to Annapolis and got into nuclear subs, did his five, got out and went to Stanford. Got a Ph.D. and is now a big boy with GE.

    We walked our old school grounds. The buildings and the gym are gone. The one city block that was once Mount Carmel is now a playground and youth center. Black and Hispanic kids were playing soccer when we arrived. Some of the concrete and asphalt that was our commons remains. Several other carloads of classmates met us there. We stood out now. The kids and their parents ignored us for the most part. Half of our class of 129 made it to the banquet that night. Fifty-two filled out bios that I read later after I got home. I felt nothing at that reunion. It was nothing compared to what I feel at a Khe Sanh reunion. I did three years at that school and hated it. I was reluctantly dragged from my home in Hawaii in 1958 and went there so my older sister and brother could go to universities on the mainland.

    Mount Carmel was a Catholic boy's school with only 600 students. It was famous for its football team. Several grads went on to play pro ball. I was on the swimming team but was remembered more as a fighter. That's what many of those in attendance remembered me as -- a quiet guy who could box. We were a mixed middle-class school. Mostly white, but all races. Our fathers were WW2 guys with skilled trade jobs, or merchants and small businessmen. It was an Italian guy with a Fonzi hairdo who made me famous. He played up his rep as a mob guy's kid and was a bully. He played with the wrong guy one day during lunch out on the commons.

    I did get to meet the three guys I hung out with. One's a rich dentist in Bel Air. Another, an Irish immigrant, jokester, is a Private Investigator. The third; the genius of our class, a real math whiz, is still a fat guy but bald now. He lives in the same house with his mom. Carmel was a school of small cliques. Tom the Dentist always wanted to be a dentist. Jim the guy who still lives at home had access to beer his dad brewed which Mike the PI and I drank. Tom missed getting drafted. Jim the fat guy got 4F because of his fat. Mike got drafted and served with the Americal Division as an RTO. Tom looks real good and prosperous. Jim is fat, bald and still lethargic. Mike has hard lines on his face like some of the arroyos at Pendelton.

    I drove from that dull event down to Fallbrook to hang out for a couple of days with my Khe Sanh bro. I always feel at home with him and Sharon. How different, I thought. I come from seeing guys I spent three years with and couldn't wait to get away from. I went to that school to get an education. But the real education I got was in Vietnam. I noticed when I read the 52 bios that 15 served stateside. Eight went to Vietnam. Only three were combat guys. I wonder if that has anything to do with my feelings?

Ernie Spencer

*****

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