The USS Johnson, a Navy Destroyer named after PFC Ralph Henry Johnson who was awarded a MOH for his heroic actions on March 5, 1968. The USS Johnson will be commissioned on March 24 in Charleston, S.C. Charlie Kershaw has contacted the XO of the USS Johnson and we are collecting names and contact information of those who wish to attend the ceremony and represent the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion Association.
“The 1st Recon Bn Assoc. is putting together a list of 1st Recon Battalion Marines and Corpsmen who would like to attend the commissioning of the USS Johnson, DDG 114 in Charleston, South Carolina on March 24, 2018. This group will sit together and officially represent the 1st Recon Bn Assoc. The Arleigh Burke class destroyer was named after PFC Ralph Henry Johnson who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the Vietnam War.
Johnson used his body to shield two fellow Marines from a grenade, absorbing the blast and dying instantly in March, 1968. Details are still being put together. If you are interested, please e-mail: your name; the name of spouse if attending; home address; telephone number to David Snider at docsnidley@aol.com ASAP
July 22th, 2017
2017 Reunion Information
Norfolk, VA July 31-Aug.6 2017
Norfolk is located at the core of the Hampton Roads metropolitan area, named for the large natural harbor of the same name located at the mouth of Chesapeake Bay. It is one of nine cities and seven counties that constitute the Hampton Roads metro area, officially known as the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC MSA. The city is bordered to the west by the Elizabeth River and to the north by the Chesapeake Bay. It also shares land borders with the independent cities of Chesapeake to its south and Virginia Beach to its east. Norfolk is one of the oldest cities in Hampton Roads, and is considered to be the historic, urban, financial, and cultural center of the region.
The city has a long history as a strategic military and transportation point. The largest Navy base in the world, Naval Station Norfolk, is located in Norfolk along with one of NATO's twoStrategic Command headquarters. The city also has the corporate headquarters of Norfolk Southern Railway, one of North America's principal Class I railroads, and Maersk Line, Limited, which manages the world's largest fleet of US-flag vessels. As the city is bordered by multiple bodies of water, Norfolk has many miles of riverfront and bayfront property, including beaches on the Chesapeake Bay. It is linked to its neighbors by an extensive network of Interstate highways, bridges, tunnels, and threebridge-tunnel complexes, which are the only bridge-tunnels in the United States.
Graveside services for Robert Glenn (Bob) Morris, 65, of Temple will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 1 at Hillcrest Memorial Cemetery in Temple.
Mr. Morris died Saturday, March 26, 2016 at a local hospital.
Bob Morris was born April 12, 1950 in Monterey, California to James Franklin Morris and Marilyn Drost Morris. He served in the United States Marine Corps with the 1st Recon Division while in Viet Nam from July 1969 – September 1972, obtaining the rank of Sergeant. He was awarded the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star with Valor, two Navy Commendation Medals with Valor, the Republic of Viet Nam Campaign Medal, the Viet Nam Service Medal, and a Combat Action Ribbon.
Bob, known to many as ''Cayenne 6'', along with his wife Julie were devoted to the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion Association and his Recon teammates. He served as the Membership Coordinator and Web Master from the earliest days of the Association and always gave freely of his time and talent. Bob worked tirelessly to reunite 1st Recon teammates and bring them together in the Association. Cayenne 6 leaves a void that will never be filled. We are blessed to have known Bob and stood with him, side by side, in war and peace.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, James and Marilyn Morris, and a brother, Darrell Morris.
He is survived by his wife, Julie A. Mooney; son, Matthew K. Morris and wife Brittany; daughter, Misti Duggins and husband Johnny; brother, James Morris; sisters Cheryl Danner and husband Kent, Katherine Litwin and husband Joseph, and Patricia McMillan and husband Colin; and four grandchildren.
July 2015
Click Here
Jonse - 1968
May 2015
Happy Memorial Day
Click Here
3 Parts
Snipers emerge from the brush at Camp Penldeton during a operational demonstration. Click the photo for more photos.
The Memory Remains Not All Wounds Are Visible.
"A Brotherhood Forged In Combat"
Recon 50
Next Page
April, 2015
RECON IN VIETNAM
FROM INSERT TO EXTRACT
THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF RECON'S
FINEST HOUR
VIETNAM 1965 to 1971
April 21 - 24 2015 Oceanside Ca.
Open to all Reconnaissance units and helicopter veterans who served in Vietnam Click on the link below for information
If you can not print out the form write your information on paper and mail it to the address listed. You can also send an email then mail your fee to Charles Kershaw at Recon 50 P.O. BOX 130753 Carlsbad, CA 92013
Or click here for my web page with photos of the form!
Special Announcements!
"Upcoming Events"
1st Marine Division Association
2015 - 68th Reunion
Will be held in San Diego, California
2015 REUNION
First Marine Division Association (18-August-2015 to 22-August-2015)
The 1st Reconnaissance Battalion Association’s annual reunion, held in concert with the 1st Marine Division Association reunion, will be in Charleston, South Carolina, 13-16 August 2014. Lt Gen Chip Gregson, USMC (Ret), a 1st Reconnaissance Battalion Marine, will be our Reunion Guest of Honor. Essential Elements of Reunion Information are included in the Patrol Report. Come to Charleston! Make this Reunion one to remember! It has been my honor and privilege to serve as President of the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion Association. At this reunion, I complete my term of office as President; I will not seek re-election. Thank you for your support and for giving me the opportunity to serve as your President. Going forward, the Association is healthy and financially sound. This is the time to pass the torch to another leader. Plan to attend the General Membership Meeting and participate in the election of our new Association officers. As we celebrate our reunion, know that the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, our worthy successors, are trained and ready to respond to their nation’s call. Keep these Marines and Corpsmen in your thoughts and prayers. God bless America! God bless the United States Marine Corps! God bless 1st Reconnaissance Battalion!
Semper fidelis,
1st MARINE DIVISION ASSOCIATION REUNION CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA 12-17 August 2014
Reunion Registration: The 1st Marine Division Association (FDMA) Reunion will be 12-17 August 2014 at the Embassy Suites Airport and Convention Center located at 505 International Boulevard, North Charleston, SC 29418. 1st Recon Battalion Association members should register on line with the FMDA http://afr-reg.com/fmda2014/ or print and mail FMDA Reunion registration form to Armed Forces Reunions, Inc. FDMA Registration closes 14 July 2014!
Lodging: The Embassy Suites Airport and Convention Center is the official reunion site for 1st Marine Division Association and 1st Recon Bn Association. Reunion accommodations are available at a rate of $129.00 + tax (currently 13.5% and $1.09 Destination Fee) per night. To reserve your room call the Embassy Suites at (843) 747-1882 or (800) 368-8113 and ask for the 1st Marine Division Association Reunion rate.
Transportation and Parking. Complimentary airport shuttle is available to Embassy Suites guests. On arrival, call (843) 747-1882 and wait for pick-up at the taxi/shuttle stand outside of baggage claim. Ample parking is available for reunion guests and is complimentary. The FMDA provides bus transportation for all reunion tours.
1st Mar Div Association Events. Carl Wenhold and the Charleston Reunion Committee have done a superb job planning and organizing reunion events and tours. Tours include the Boone Hall Plantation, USS Yorktown, Parris Island, Charleston City and a harbor cruise. The FMDA Reunion Banquet is open to all reunion guests. FMDA Reunion Activity Registration Forms, with all reunion event information, is available on line at: http://afr-reg.com/fmda2014/
1st Recon Bn Assn CP/Harbor Site: The 1st Recon Battalion Association Reunion CP and hospitality suite at the Embassy Suites will be open to reunion attendees from 13-16 August. Recon Battalion Association members and guests are requested to sign in at the 1st Recon hospitality suite following their arrival at the Embassy Suites.
Volunteers and Donations. As always, we need volunteers to help with reunion events such as registration, the auction and manning/maintaining the hospitality suite. In addition, we need auction items such as Marine Corps/Recon clothing, equipment and memorabilia, sporting goods, books, art and gift cards. Help make this reunion a financial success - donate some of your time and treasure to 1st Recon Battalion Association.
Fund Raising. The reunion is your Association’s primary source of income. The auction and hospitality suite refreshment donations keep the Association operating through the year. Bid generously at the auction.
1st Recon Battalion Association Dinner will be Friday 15 August, from 7:00 pm -11:00 pm, at The Charleston Club, Charleston AFB, SC 29404. A buffet dinner, with beef and chicken entrees, vegetables, salad, bread & rolls, dessert and tea and coffee will be served. Soft drinks and alcohol will be at the individual’s expense. Guests with special dietary requirements should contact Charlie Kershaw as soon as possible. The luncheon will cost $30.00 per person. RSVP no later than 10 August 2014, and send your check or money order to: 1st Recon Battalion Association, c/o C. Kershaw, 2527 Unicornio Street, Carlsbad, CA 92009. Bus transport will be provided to the Charleston Club. If you have questions, call or email Charlie Kershaw at: 760 402-8638 or c2k2@earthlink.net
1st Recon Bn Association General Membership Meeting and Election of Officers will be Saturday 16 August at 10:00 am in our Hospitality Suite. Members will elect the following Association Officers: President , Secretary, Historian, Sergeant-at-Arms, and an Associate Director. Good leadership is critical for the Association’s success. The Association needs members willing and able to serve on the Board of Directors. Attend the General Membership meeting and vote!
Pfc Ralph H. Johnson, Medal of Honor. Pfc Ralph Johnson, a member of Texas Pete, a 15 man reconnaissance team ,was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions on Hill 146, Quan Duc, Vietnam. Pfc Johnson is buried in the Beaufort National Cemetery, South Carolina. Join recon team-mates placing a wreath at Pfc Johnson’s grave, 12:00, Friday, 14 August.
Association members
1st Reconnaissance Battalion
Association members gathered at the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion Memorial on Saturday 24 May to place a wreath in rememberance of our lost team mates.
(L-R) Chip Gregson, Doc Snider, Bob Fawcett, Howdy Howdyshell, Larry Feldman, Charlie Kershaw, Rod Downie, Kent Dickson, Arnold Gaspar, Creg Howland, Lenny Bivens, Marv Floom and Gump May attended the Memoial Weekend event.
March 12th Birthdays
3 parts
Corporal Robert Salmon Bagnall
August 2014
Las Vegas Reunion
USMC Birthday and Reunion
Click Here for photos...
238th Marine Corps birthday message: The Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen James F. Amos, and the SgtMaj of the Marine Corps, SgtMaj Micheal P. Barrett, speak to Marines and Sailors about the timeless Marine qualities of courage and perseverance by looking back on the landing on Tarawa in WWII, the Battle of Hue City during Vietnam, and crossing the berm into Iraq during the War on Terror. Marine determination, grit and valor make the Corps the ready force America relies on in times of crisis.
I receive a great many emails per week and many are worth sharing.
This was sent to me by my friend “Jonse” we still keep in touch nearly 45 years later.
We all lost friends in Southeast Asia.
January 9th, 2013 (2:51pm)
The Wall
A little history most people will never know.
There are 58,267 names now listed on that polished black wall, including those added in 2010.
Interesting Veterans Statistics off the Vietnam Memorial Wall
The names are arranged in the order in which they were taken from us by date and within each date the names are alphabetized. It is hard to believe it is 36 years since the last casualties.
The first known casualty was Richard B. Fitzgibbon, of North Weymouth Mass. Listed by the U.S. Department of Defense as having been killed on June 8, 1956. His name is listed on the Wall with that of his son, Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Richard B. Fitzgibbon III, who was killed on Sept. 7, 1965.
There are three sets of fathers and sons on the Wall.
39,996 on the Wall were just 22 or younger.
8,283 were just 19 years old.
The largest age group, 33,103 were 18 years old. 12 soldiers on the Wall were 17 years old.
5 soldiers on the Wall were 16 years old.
One soldier, PFC Dan Bullock was 15 years old.
997 soldiers were killed on their first day in Vietnam ..
1,448 soldiers were killed on their last day in Vietnam ..
31 sets of brothers are on the Wall.
Thirty one sets of parents lost two of their sons.
54 soldiers attended Thomas Edison High School in Philadelphia . I wonder why so many from one school.
8 Women are on the Wall. Nursing the wounded.
244 soldiers were awarded the Medal of Honor during the Vietnam War; 153 of them are on the Wall.
Beallsville, Ohio with a population of 475 lost 6 of her sons.
West Virginia had the highest casualty rate per capita in the nation. There are 711 West Virginians on the Wall.
The Marines of Morenci - They led some of the scrappiest high school football and basketball teams that the little Arizona copper town of Morenci (pop. 5,058) had ever known and cheered. They enjoyed roaring beer busts. In quieter moments, they rode horses along the Coronado Trail, stalked deer in the Apache National Forest. And in the patriotic camaraderie typical of Morenci's mining families, the nine graduates of Morenci High enlisted as a group in the Marine Corps. Their service began on Independence Day, 1966. Only 3 returned home.
The Buddies of Midvale - LeRoy Tafoya, Jimmy Martinez, Tom Gonzales were all boyhood friends and lived on three consecutive streets in Midvale, Utah on Fifth, Sixth and Seventh avenues. They lived only a few yards apart. They played ball at the adjacent sandlot ball field. And they all went to Vietnam. In a span of 16 dark days in late 1967, all three would be killed. LeRoy was killed on Wednesday, Nov. 22, the fourth anniversary of John F. Kennedy's assassination. Jimmy died less than 24 hours later on Thanksgiving Day. Tom was shot dead assaulting the enemy on Dec. 7, Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.
The most casualty deaths for a single day was on January 31, 1968 ~ 245 deaths.
The most casualty deaths for a single month was May 1968 - 2,415 casualties were incurred.
For most Americans who read this they will only see the numbers that the Vietnam War created. To those of us who survived the war, and to the families of those who did not, we see the faces, we feel the pain that these numbers created. We are, until we too pass away, haunted with these numbers, because they were our friends, fathers, husbands, wives, sons and daughters. There are no noble wars, just noble warriors.
Please pass this on to those who served during this time.
Thanks Jonse (see you soon)
Click Here
1st Reconnaissance Battalion
Missions / Patrol Reports
All Units March 1966 - May 1971
Vietnam Recon photographs - Click Here
Camp Reasoner
Here are a few photos of Camp Reasoner in Da Nang as it looks today.
Take a ride past Freedom Hill to Camp Reasoner. The old camp stone sign is still there as well as an EGA over the guard shack door. The camp is in the hands of the army making it dangerous to go through it for a full tour of the area. It is believed the rock quarrying operation is an Army business. The Army runs a number of business including a cell phone network, hotels and other public works services.
Take a ride up Highway 1 through Da Nang, Vietnam (2009)
Camp Reasoner, Da Nang - March 26th, 2011
WE NEVER PROMISED YOU A ROSE GARDEN...
First Lieutenant Frank S. Reasoner, the first Marine to be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor during the tragic years of conflict in Vietnam.
1st Lt Frank Reasoner
The President of the United States, in the name of The Congress takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to:
FIRST LIEUTENANT FRANK S. REASONER
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
for service as set forth in the following
CITATION:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as CommandingOfficer, Company A, 3d Reconnaissance Battalion, 3d Marine Division in action against hostile Viet Cong forces near Danang, Vietnam on 12 July 1965. The reconnaissance patrol led by First Lieutenant Reasoner had deeply penetrated heavily controlled enemy territory when it came under extremely heavy fire from an estimated 50 to 100 Viet Cong insurgents. Accompanying the advance party and the point that consisted of five men, he immediately deployed his men for an assault after the Viet Cong had opened fire from numerous concealed positions. Boldly shouting encouragement, and virtually isolated from the main body, he organized a base of fire for an assault on the enemy positions. The slashing fury of the Viet Cong machine gun and automatic weapons fire made it impossible for the main body to move forward. Repeatedly exposing himself to the devastating attack he skillfully provided covering fire, killing at least two Viet Cong and effectively silencing an automatic weapons position in a valiant attempt to effect evacuation of a wounded man. As casualties began to mount his radio operator was wounded and First Lieutenant Reasoner immediately moved to his side and tended his wounds. When the radio operator was hit a second time while attempting to reach a covered position, First Lieutenant Reasoner courageously running to his aid through the grazing machine gun fire fell mortally wounded. His indomitable fighting spirit, valiant leadership and unflinching devotion to duty provided the inspiration that was to enable the patrol to complete its mission without further casualties. In the face of almost certain death, he gallantly gave his life in the service of his country. His actions upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
Thanks for stopping by today...
Ackman, Dean, ???? USMC. Bravo Company, in teams "RUDDER" and "LIL ABNER". 1970-71.Picture of Team RUDDER taken at Camp Reasoner by B Company office in 1971. Dean is front row middle.
Mortar valley, south west of Danang.
Team Crabtree - April of 1967
Greg Francesco, B Co. 1st Recon Bn
Recon Team Dutch Oven - Front row L-R radioman, Mike Bell and "Roddy" Rodriguez, the machine-gunner. Back row L-R is "Gator" Thielen, ???, Stick Nelson, Doc Highum, Ray Triana, and "Gerty" Gugich.
Operations DECKHOUSE II and HASTINGS July 1966 - Click Here
Alpha Co. 1960
Portland, Oregon
Portland
Oregon
Portland, Oregon
1st MARINE DIVISION ASSOCIATION REUNION 13-19 August 2012
Reunion Registration: The 1st Marine Division Association (FDMA) Reunion will be 13-19 August 2012 at the Marriott Waterfront Hotel located at 1401 SW Naito Parkway, Portland, Oregon 97201. 1st Recon Battalion Association members should register on line with the FMDA at: www.afr-reg.com/1stMarine2012/ or use the mail in FDMA Reunion registration form included in the Patrol Report. FDMA Registration closes 15 July 2012!
Lodging: The Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront Hotel is the official reunion site for 1st Marine Division Association and 1st Recon Bn Association. Reunion accommodations are available at a rate of $113.00 + tax per night. The Marriott will offer attendees a daily parking rate of $15.00 per day. Reserve your rooms early; call the Marriott at (503) 226-7600 or (877) 901-6632 and ask for the 1st Marine Division Association Reunion rate.
Transportation. The Marriott does not provide complimentary shuttle service to/from Portland Airport. Blue Star Airport Shuttle offers airport-hotel service; for information and reservations call (503) 248-1837 or visit: http://www.bluestarbus.com. The Marriott does not have RV parking; however, the Portland Fairview RV Park, located at 21401 NE Sandy Blvd, Fairview, OR 97024, provides full hook-up services and is approximately 20 minutes from the hotel. Call (877) 777-1047 for RV information, reservations and directions. The FDMA will provide bus transportation for all reunion tours. Downtown Portland has an excellent bus and light rail system.
1st Mar Div Association Events. FDMA’s Portland Reunion Committee has done a superb job planning and organizing reunion events and tours. Visit Portland area wineries, museums, and gardens, the Columbia Gorge, take a river cruise and enjoy the Reunion Banquet. Although the FDMA Reunion registration form, event information and hotel reservation forms are included in the Patrol Report, go on line to http://www.afr-reg.com/1stMarine2012 for FMDA Reunion Registration and Event forms and detailed Reunion information and a schedule of events.
1st MarDiv Registration Form
Hotel Information
1ST RECONNAISSANCE BATTALION ASSOCIATION REUNION
1st Recon Bn Assn CP/Harbor Site: The 1st Recon Battalion Association Reunion CP and hospitality suite at the Portland Marriott Downtown will be open to reunion attendees from 15-19 August. Recon Battalion Association members and guests are requested to sign in at our hospitality suite following their arrival at the Marriott.
Volunteers. As Always, we need volunteers to help with reunion registration, raffle ticket sales, raffle and silent auction item donations, and manning/maintaining the hospitality suite. Help us make this reunion succeed- donate some of your time to 1st Recon Battalion Association.
Fund Raising. The reunion is your Association’s primary source of income. The raffle, silent auction and Hospitality Suite refreshment donations keep the Association operating through the year. Help our Association. Donate raffle and auction items, buy raffle tickets and bid generously at the silent auction.
1ST RECONNAISSANCE BATTALION ASSOCIATION REUNION LUNCHEON AND MEMBERSHIP MEETING
1st Recon Battalion Association Luncheon will be Friday 17 August, from 1:00 pm -4:00 pm, at the Old Spaghetti Factory, 0715 SW Bancroft St. Portland, OR 97239. The luncheon will be buffet style and includes salad bread & roll, entrees and coffee, tea .. Any soft drinks and alcohol will be at the individual’s expense. Guests with special dietary requirements should contact Charlie Kershaw as soon as possible. The luncheon will cost $16.00 per person. Make your luncheon reservations early. RSVP to Charlie Kershaw and send your check or money order to: 1st Recon Battalion Association, c/o C. Kershaw, 2527 Unicornio Street, Carlsbad, CA 92009. Email or call with questions at: 760 402-8638 or c2k2@earthlink.net RSVP for the luncheon not later than 13 August 2012.
1st Recon Bn Association General Membership Meeting and Election of Officers is Saturday 18 August at 10:00 am in our Hospitality Suite. Members will be briefed and vote on revised, updated. Association By Laws, Association support for charitable organizations assisting Marines and elect our Membership Coordinator, Chaplain, an Associate Director and the 1st MarDiv Unit Director.
The 1st Reconnaissance Battalion
We Remember
Memorial Day 2012 ~ Memorial Park ~ Quantico, Virginia
On a recent trip back to Nam Doc Snider took flicks of the still standing sign and guard shack on what are the only things left of Camp Reasoner. Why the Vietnamese left them standing is unknown.
