| 2007 Jan-Feb |
MEDEVAC
15th MED\15th FSB
Mike Bodnar
24927 W Red Robin Drive
Wittmann, AZ 85361-8549
(623)388-9150
e-mail: mbodnar27@juno.com
Web site: http://15thmedassociation.org
Forum:
http://communities.msn.com/15thMEDASSOCIATION/_whats new.msnw
Harold LASITER <LLPAVING@AOL.COM> of Oklahoma City, OK,
comments: "I served with the 1st MED Sqd. 1st Cav, Camp
Drake, Tokyo, Japan, '46-'47. Today is 11/30/06."
This from: Jeffery DEIBERT <jtdeibert@verizon.net> "Hello,
Please allow me to first introduce myself. My name is Jeff
DEIBERT. My father was John F. DEIBERT. It is he, about whom
I'm trying to find out information. I was hoping to possibly
find someone whom he had served with, to find out any stories
or information about his time in your historic unit. I do
have his service number: RA16669901; and I know that during
the time frame of 24 Dec 65 to 17 Nov 66, he was assigned to
'B' Company, 15th Medical Battalion. During this time frame,
he was a Staff Sergeant E-6. If there is anyone in your
organization who served with him, please feel free to pass my
contact information on to them. I would be honored to hear
from them and learn about their relationship. One of the
individuals whom my father had talked about often was SSG
TAYLOR. I believe this was Frederick B. TAYLOR Jr. Thank you
for your time and effort in this conquest [sic] of mine."
15th MED Assn. Webmaster\Past President 2003-2006 Murray
GIBBS <gunnermadmur@earthlink.net> wrote, "Hi Mike, I am
sending you this e-mail regarding some news that we
discovered by making some inquires by James MCDONALD. I had
sent James this Statement [below] of 23 Mar 68. He said
it was part of an awards package. He then called Roger
BADERSCHNEIDER, the AC on the MEDEVAC of this mission. These
were the missions that we were getting almost every day
during Tet '68. The day before was worse, when Henry LAND got
his hand shot, on a hoist mission. I was with him. We broke
the rules getting back by putting MEDEVAC 449 past its
designated red line. That day is when the rotor froze upon
landing at Camp Evans."
From '70-'71 MEDEVAC PSG James MCDONALD <csmret@tdn.com>,
"RE: Distinguished Flying Cross, WO1 Rodger BADERSCHNEIDER
Longwood, FL. Per conversation with Rodger: 10/21/06 13:00
HRS; He did fly MEDEVAC as a Warrant Officer and was WIA and
medevac'd to the hospital in Japan. He was later reassigned
to Ft. Walters, TX, as an instructor pilot.
"Due to his education and service, he was offered, and
accepted, a commission as a captain MSC, and was immediately
reassigned back to VN as the commander of the 236th DUST OFF
in Danang, Vietnam; later retired as a major. During his
career he was awarded three Distinguished Flying Crosses
(DFC's)-one of them was for that 1st Cav MEDEVAC action on 23
MARCH 68.
"This was published on 1st Cav Div: DAGO #8012 Dated 12 July
68, signed by Col. Conrad STANSBERRY. He-WO1 Rodger
BADERSCHNEIDER-is the only one on that set of orders.
He said maybe the others are on a different DAGO. He thought
that the Medic on that mission should have gotten the Silver
Star. Without gunship support, aircraft 447 crew members
evacuated two critically wounded-1LT BARRETT-MSC, and
another. Despite enemy fire, the Medic left the aircraft to
assist in the evacuation. MEDIC: SP5 Terrance J. BALDWIN
Lawton, OK."
From MEDEVAC pilot Clarence COOPER, "Murray, I did not get a
DFC for that mission, and I don't think I got anything. My
records are in a footlocker in my garage and I will check
through them when things slow down. We are very short-staffed
in the jail and are getting a lot of mandatory overtime. I
did get a DFC in July or Aug. while flying as AC out of LZ
Sharon when an ARVN firebase was nearly overrun and we flew
all night, evacuating over 60 patients. That was after the
departure of LTC DAVIS. I'm not worried about myself, but
you, Randy, and BALDWIN should definitely get awards for that
mission with Roger. Later, Coop."
From: Roger BADERSCHNEIDER <dustoff606@earthlink.net>
Sent: Monday, October 23, 2006 5:35 PM; "Mac, Thanks for the
roster of pilots you sent. Brought back memories in many
cases and others didn't ring a bell. Haven't really thought
about it until recently. Also got an e-mail from Murray GIBBS
concerning some awards he and other crew members didn't get.
"The only one I know about is the action on March 23, '68,
outside of Camp Evans. This occurred one week from my DEROS
date of April 1st. I didn't make that though since I ended up
in the hospital and was 'evaced to Japan. As a side note, I
missed my wedding date because of that. Anyways, I finally
ended up stationed back at Fort Walters, TX. While there, I
received the DFC for action on March 23rd. The General Order
Number was 8012, dated 12 July 68, from the Department of the
Army Headquarters, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), APO San
Francisco 96490. It was signed by Doyle A. WILSON, CPT, AGC
Assistant Adjutant General, and Conrad L. STANSBERRY,
colonel GS Chief of Staff.
"I really didn't know anyone had written the action up until
I received the award. The write up you referred to, I first
knew of when Murray sent me a copy. I also assumed the rest
of the crew had received awards, which is normally the case
in such situations. I do believe that COOPER also received
the DFC for that action. There definitely should be some
paper work kept in division archives regarding awards. If I
can help in anyway, please contact me.
"It was nice to talk with you the other day. Brought back
memories. You too should be thanked for all you did, not only
in Vietnam, but through your career. I have always been proud
to have been a member of the Army Medical Department. Having
gone through many civilian hospitals in the past few years, I
can honestly say I prefer Army medical care. Take care and
keep in touch. Roger"
"STATEMENT-On 23 March 1968, Company D, 2-7 Cavalry made
contact with a company size NVA unit at YD615325, about six
kilometers east of Camp Evans. After several hours of bitter
fighting, Delta Company had suffered nine WIA's and one KIA.
A call for MEDEVAC was sent and MEDEVAC Aircraft 447 soon
arrived over our position. Because the contact was to the
North and East of our position, the aircraft was advised to
approach from the South. Upon touching down in the LZ, the
aircraft came under intense automatic weapons fire from a
tree line 100 meters to the East. Because of the absence of
cover or concealment, only one patient could be loaded aboard
the helicopter before it departed. A short time later MEDEVAC
447 returned with gunships. While the gunships put
suppressive fire on the enemy positions, 447 was able to get
back into our LZ with only sporadic sniper fire, and took out
six more patients. A short time later one of our officers
received a serious chest wound. MEDEVAC was called and once
again returned to our location. By this time the gunships had
shot up all their ammunition and advised 447 it would take
about 20 minutes for them to return to Camp Evans to rearm.
The MEDEVAC ship was informed that our lieutenant had a
sucking chest wound and might not live another 20 minutes.
Aircraft 447 immediately made an approach into our LZ without
gunship escort. Despite enemy fire the critically wounded
patient and another serious EM were successfully evacuated.
The actions by the crew of MEDEVAC 447 served as a great
morale factor for the men of Delta Company and resulted in
the saving of many lives. The crew members of MEDEVAC 447
were the following: BADERSCHNEIDER, Roger D., WO-1. W3155472;
COOPER, Clarence C., CPT, O5875414; BALDWIN, Terrance J.,
SP5, RA11453673; GIBBS, Murray T., SP4, US56692500; BREWER,
Randall J., SP4, US53842436.- Jack STEVENSON, CAPT, Infantry,
Commanding Officer Co. D, 2d Bn., 7th Cav"
Notification of the death of SFC Charles D. CLINSTSMAN
published in the Saber prompted a telephone call to me by
someone who had served with him, a 15th MED veteran, Clifford
G. ROE. Clifford was in the 1st MED, 1st Cav; and when it
became the 15th MED. He served in the Korean War in the 15th
MED as a operating room tech. He had been a 91B, 91C, MSG,
and FSG in his Army career. Clifford lives in Radcliff, KY,
and said that he may consider attending the upcoming 15th MED
Reunion in OH.
Murray also says, "I was given a camcorder tape of the 2006
Reunion taken before and during the Association Meeting by
Richard 'Tiny' MELLON. He asked me to make a DVD movie from
it. Well, I now have made a DVD movie of it with a picture
slide show at the end. It is one hour, 52 minutes in length.
I recommend getting a copy to see how the meeting went for
those who didn't attend, and those who attended. The donation
cost is $10.00 including shipping and handing. I will have
modified the Registration Form to include this DVD movie of
the 2006 Reunion.
"I have a request from Linda RIGSBEE regarding WO Jonathan
Ross VARS. She would like to hear from anyone who might have
known him. Her e-mail is: <linda.CTR.rigsbee@faa.gov>."
Murray has been Web posting the Saber columns of the 15th
MED\15th FSB. There is a link called "SABER" on the 15th MED
Assn. MSN Groups Website. You click on it and you can select
the year you want. Many positive comments have been written
by reviewers since he did this, especially those who weren't
getting the Saber, and missed being able to read them when
first published.
Bob TERRELL <bobterrell@optonline.net> e-mailed, "Hi Mike,
I was on a pony team, reconnaissance mission, when we got
hit. That morning a grenade came in and exploded and set off
some M-79 rounds on a web gear as we were saddling up to move
out. We all got wounded during that day. My unit was the 4th
Squad, 3rd Platoon, D Company, of the 2-8th Cav, 1st Cavalry
Division. We were working in the Bong Son Plains of the Bin
Din Province. We all got MEDEVAC choppered out, all seven of
us; 1-KIA and 6-WIA. Everybody got their Purple Hearts except
me. So, I am wondering if you know how to get the logs of the
15th MEDEVAC pick ups for that day and the 15th Field
Hospital receiving reports also. I hope you and the 15th MED
men, can please help me out?? I need to prove that I was
there, got wounded, got MEDEVACed out by the 15th MEDEVAC
choppers and that I was at the 15th MED Field Hospital with
my men. Thanks a lot, Bob."
As I replied to Bob, you can get MEDEVAC Daily Journals-like
all units-from the National Archives. Give them a call and
tell them for which unit you want, and dates. MEDEVAC was the
call sign for the Air Ambulance Platoon, HSC 15th Medical
Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). I had done this
once myself for MEDEVAC, and numerous times for 2-7 Cav,
thanks to '69-'70 D 2-7 Cav SSG Peter COLE.
Coincidentally, Murray GIBBS has sent out the following
information and link to obtain the Roster/Morning Reports:
"<http://www.vhfcn.org/FCC%20Resources.htm#_Toc82645592> U.S.
Army Personnel Rosters and Morning Reports are available from
the National Personnel Records Center, 9700 Page Blvd., St.
Louis, MO. 63132, 314-538-4261. The request must be made in
writing. State that the request is a Freedom of Information
Act Request and give complete unit information (as specific
as possible including company and platoon), and month and
year of the roster/reports that you are requesting. Because
the quality of the records can be poor, it is advisable to
ask for rosters a few months before and after the actual
month you are looking for. There are usually no fees charged
for 'Freedom of Information Act Requests.' Turnaround time
can be very slow. Plan on several months.
"Operations Reports/Lessons Learned (ORLL) and other primary
source material about Army units in Vietnam such as radio
logs, unit journals, and after action reports, are stored at
the Textual Reference Branch, National Archives II, 8601
Adelphi Road, College Park, MD 20740-6001, 301-837-3510, fax
301-713-7482. Call and ask to speak with an Archivist
specializing in the Vietnam War before going to the Archives.
They can assist in determining whether materials you are
interested in are available and explain how to obtain a
researcher's card to examine the documents. A specific name
and number at the National Archives at College Park is
Clifford L. SNYDER on 301-837-3010. This was from a contact
in the late 1990's. Similar reference assistance may also be
obtained from the U.S. Army Military History Institute, Bldg.
22, Upton Hall, Carlisle Barracks, Carlisle, PA 17013-5008,
717-245-3611, fax 717-245-3711."
From my experience, I found that much of what actually
transpired in the field situation did not always-if at
all-get accurately entered in the Daily Journals by whoever
did that; e.g. RTO, OD. Don't expect too much; i.e. easy
answers. Look over every available document; and put it all
together. I did find that unit personnel line numbers can be
accurate, if entered for WIA and KIA, so a unit roster
associating names and numbers could be useful. The Army is
good with numbers like that, and map coordinates, if given
correctly. Specifics can be different from one troop to the
next.
I received a telephone call from a '68-'69 veteran of B & C
Cos. 15th MED-91C Ivey GRANTHAM of Clayton, NC, who just
joined the 1st Cav Assn., wants to join the 15th MED Assn.,
and attend the Reunions.
I also received snail mail from '69 B 1-7 Cav 11B Bill
KIMREY of Archdale, NC. His letter was mauled by the U.S.P.S
and came to me late in a special Post Office envelope, which
is why I didn't mention it in the last Saber.
I spoke to Bill on the telephone and he said that B 1-7 had
set up on the Green Line in Quan Loi after humping the bush,
in June of '69. Thinking that they were in the safe rear,
they relaxed. Bill said that he was sleeping behind a berm
when the sierra hit the fan. A lone sapper opened a hole for
waiting "Chucks," and they in turn took out two bunkers
inflicting casualties on B 1-7 Cav.
Bill said that the enemy, then headed straight for the center
of Quan Loi, probably to try to take out command points, etc.
Somehow, the overrunners were quelled. Bill said that the
next day someone in his unit killed a couple of "Charlies"
trying to sneak out the way that they had entered.
Gunner Dave PARKS <shootdown@yahoo.com> wrote, "Dave
'shootdown' here. Taken a while but, I'm BACK!!! Mike been
reading some of the Saber articles [online]. Pretty good
stuff!
"Ran across the comments from Mr. SALENGER's family members a
day late, but, would like to add this if I may. I flew for
MEDEVAC from Sept. 1, '69 to Jan 5, '70, or shortly after.
In my short flying career I had the distinct pleasure to be
on the same ship with the likes of Bill SALENGER,
LEONARD, ZEPP, SCHMIDT, 'Strack Jack,' READ, MODICA, TANNER,
TUEL, and many others. Oh, and can't forget 'Shcodaddy'!!!
Wish I could remember everyone's name. Feel bad about that!
"I have the honor of having flown with these people, and all
the other crew members. A braver, courageous, and selfless
group I've never known!!!! These guys did some amazing stuff-
and, I helped. In my eyes, these are the real super heroes ,
and Bill SALENGER was among the top!!!"
Dave received the Silver Star during his "short" flying
career, and from what I've researched, should have at least
one more. He was shot down enough times to make his, and our,
heads spin.
Gary WILKINSON <runningbear@lisco.com>, writing from Iowa,
signed the Guestbook as: "15th MED 1969-1972." He followed up
with, "I was the radio operator; took the mission and call
air op; been to all companies but was at Phouc Vinh mostly."
PSG James MCDONALD tells me that Gary also had a brother,
Robert, working with him at the time in the 15th MED Commo
Shack. James gives Sigourney, IA, for Gary, and Garland, TX,
for Robert.
Charles NORDAN <cnordan55@nc.rr.com> of Hillsborough, NC,
signed, "I was a Medic with A Company, 1-5th in '66-'67. I
had buddies in the 15th MED. I only remember one name,
MALANOWSKI. Your site brought back many memories. Welcome
home to all my brother Medics and veterans. Charles 'Doc'
NORDAN."
Always remembering our 1st Cav troops on duty around the
world; over and out.
FIRST TEAM!
Garryowen,
Mike Bodnar C 2\7 Cav 1969
MEDEVAC 1-7\1970
15th MED\15th FSB
Mike Bodnar
24927 W Red Robin Drive
Wittmann, AZ 85361-8549
(623)388-9150
e-mail: mbodnar27@juno.com
Web site: http://15thmedassociation.org
Forum:
http://communities.msn.com/15thMEDASSOCIATION/_whats new.msnw
Harold LASITER <LLPAVING@AOL.COM> of Oklahoma City, OK,
comments: "I served with the 1st MED Sqd. 1st Cav, Camp
Drake, Tokyo, Japan, '46-'47. Today is 11/30/06."
This from: Jeffery DEIBERT <jtdeibert@verizon.net> "Hello,
Please allow me to first introduce myself. My name is Jeff
DEIBERT. My father was John F. DEIBERT. It is he, about whom
I'm trying to find out information. I was hoping to possibly
find someone whom he had served with, to find out any stories
or information about his time in your historic unit. I do
have his service number: RA16669901; and I know that during
the time frame of 24 Dec 65 to 17 Nov 66, he was assigned to
'B' Company, 15th Medical Battalion. During this time frame,
he was a Staff Sergeant E-6. If there is anyone in your
organization who served with him, please feel free to pass my
contact information on to them. I would be honored to hear
from them and learn about their relationship. One of the
individuals whom my father had talked about often was SSG
TAYLOR. I believe this was Frederick B. TAYLOR Jr. Thank you
for your time and effort in this conquest [sic] of mine."
15th MED Assn. Webmaster\Past President 2003-2006 Murray
GIBBS <gunnermadmur@earthlink.net> wrote, "Hi Mike, I am
sending you this e-mail regarding some news that we
discovered by making some inquires by James MCDONALD. I had
sent James this Statement [below] of 23 Mar 68. He said
it was part of an awards package. He then called Roger
BADERSCHNEIDER, the AC on the MEDEVAC of this mission. These
were the missions that we were getting almost every day
during Tet '68. The day before was worse, when Henry LAND got
his hand shot, on a hoist mission. I was with him. We broke
the rules getting back by putting MEDEVAC 449 past its
designated red line. That day is when the rotor froze upon
landing at Camp Evans."
From '70-'71 MEDEVAC PSG James MCDONALD <csmret@tdn.com>,
"RE: Distinguished Flying Cross, WO1 Rodger BADERSCHNEIDER
Longwood, FL. Per conversation with Rodger: 10/21/06 13:00
HRS; He did fly MEDEVAC as a Warrant Officer and was WIA and
medevac'd to the hospital in Japan. He was later reassigned
to Ft. Walters, TX, as an instructor pilot.
"Due to his education and service, he was offered, and
accepted, a commission as a captain MSC, and was immediately
reassigned back to VN as the commander of the 236th DUST OFF
in Danang, Vietnam; later retired as a major. During his
career he was awarded three Distinguished Flying Crosses
(DFC's)-one of them was for that 1st Cav MEDEVAC action on 23
MARCH 68.
"This was published on 1st Cav Div: DAGO #8012 Dated 12 July
68, signed by Col. Conrad STANSBERRY. He-WO1 Rodger
BADERSCHNEIDER-is the only one on that set of orders.
He said maybe the others are on a different DAGO. He thought
that the Medic on that mission should have gotten the Silver
Star. Without gunship support, aircraft 447 crew members
evacuated two critically wounded-1LT BARRETT-MSC, and
another. Despite enemy fire, the Medic left the aircraft to
assist in the evacuation. MEDIC: SP5 Terrance J. BALDWIN
Lawton, OK."
From MEDEVAC pilot Clarence COOPER, "Murray, I did not get a
DFC for that mission, and I don't think I got anything. My
records are in a footlocker in my garage and I will check
through them when things slow down. We are very short-staffed
in the jail and are getting a lot of mandatory overtime. I
did get a DFC in July or Aug. while flying as AC out of LZ
Sharon when an ARVN firebase was nearly overrun and we flew
all night, evacuating over 60 patients. That was after the
departure of LTC DAVIS. I'm not worried about myself, but
you, Randy, and BALDWIN should definitely get awards for that
mission with Roger. Later, Coop."
From: Roger BADERSCHNEIDER <dustoff606@earthlink.net>
Sent: Monday, October 23, 2006 5:35 PM; "Mac, Thanks for the
roster of pilots you sent. Brought back memories in many
cases and others didn't ring a bell. Haven't really thought
about it until recently. Also got an e-mail from Murray GIBBS
concerning some awards he and other crew members didn't get.
"The only one I know about is the action on March 23, '68,
outside of Camp Evans. This occurred one week from my DEROS
date of April 1st. I didn't make that though since I ended up
in the hospital and was 'evaced to Japan. As a side note, I
missed my wedding date because of that. Anyways, I finally
ended up stationed back at Fort Walters, TX. While there, I
received the DFC for action on March 23rd. The General Order
Number was 8012, dated 12 July 68, from the Department of the
Army Headquarters, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), APO San
Francisco 96490. It was signed by Doyle A. WILSON, CPT, AGC
Assistant Adjutant General, and Conrad L. STANSBERRY,
colonel GS Chief of Staff.
"I really didn't know anyone had written the action up until
I received the award. The write up you referred to, I first
knew of when Murray sent me a copy. I also assumed the rest
of the crew had received awards, which is normally the case
in such situations. I do believe that COOPER also received
the DFC for that action. There definitely should be some
paper work kept in division archives regarding awards. If I
can help in anyway, please contact me.
"It was nice to talk with you the other day. Brought back
memories. You too should be thanked for all you did, not only
in Vietnam, but through your career. I have always been proud
to have been a member of the Army Medical Department. Having
gone through many civilian hospitals in the past few years, I
can honestly say I prefer Army medical care. Take care and
keep in touch. Roger"
"STATEMENT-On 23 March 1968, Company D, 2-7 Cavalry made
contact with a company size NVA unit at YD615325, about six
kilometers east of Camp Evans. After several hours of bitter
fighting, Delta Company had suffered nine WIA's and one KIA.
A call for MEDEVAC was sent and MEDEVAC Aircraft 447 soon
arrived over our position. Because the contact was to the
North and East of our position, the aircraft was advised to
approach from the South. Upon touching down in the LZ, the
aircraft came under intense automatic weapons fire from a
tree line 100 meters to the East. Because of the absence of
cover or concealment, only one patient could be loaded aboard
the helicopter before it departed. A short time later MEDEVAC
447 returned with gunships. While the gunships put
suppressive fire on the enemy positions, 447 was able to get
back into our LZ with only sporadic sniper fire, and took out
six more patients. A short time later one of our officers
received a serious chest wound. MEDEVAC was called and once
again returned to our location. By this time the gunships had
shot up all their ammunition and advised 447 it would take
about 20 minutes for them to return to Camp Evans to rearm.
The MEDEVAC ship was informed that our lieutenant had a
sucking chest wound and might not live another 20 minutes.
Aircraft 447 immediately made an approach into our LZ without
gunship escort. Despite enemy fire the critically wounded
patient and another serious EM were successfully evacuated.
The actions by the crew of MEDEVAC 447 served as a great
morale factor for the men of Delta Company and resulted in
the saving of many lives. The crew members of MEDEVAC 447
were the following: BADERSCHNEIDER, Roger D., WO-1. W3155472;
COOPER, Clarence C., CPT, O5875414; BALDWIN, Terrance J.,
SP5, RA11453673; GIBBS, Murray T., SP4, US56692500; BREWER,
Randall J., SP4, US53842436.- Jack STEVENSON, CAPT, Infantry,
Commanding Officer Co. D, 2d Bn., 7th Cav"
Notification of the death of SFC Charles D. CLINSTSMAN
published in the Saber prompted a telephone call to me by
someone who had served with him, a 15th MED veteran, Clifford
G. ROE. Clifford was in the 1st MED, 1st Cav; and when it
became the 15th MED. He served in the Korean War in the 15th
MED as a operating room tech. He had been a 91B, 91C, MSG,
and FSG in his Army career. Clifford lives in Radcliff, KY,
and said that he may consider attending the upcoming 15th MED
Reunion in OH.
Murray also says, "I was given a camcorder tape of the 2006
Reunion taken before and during the Association Meeting by
Richard 'Tiny' MELLON. He asked me to make a DVD movie from
it. Well, I now have made a DVD movie of it with a picture
slide show at the end. It is one hour, 52 minutes in length.
I recommend getting a copy to see how the meeting went for
those who didn't attend, and those who attended. The donation
cost is $10.00 including shipping and handing. I will have
modified the Registration Form to include this DVD movie of
the 2006 Reunion.
"I have a request from Linda RIGSBEE regarding WO Jonathan
Ross VARS. She would like to hear from anyone who might have
known him. Her e-mail is: <linda.CTR.rigsbee@faa.gov>."
Murray has been Web posting the Saber columns of the 15th
MED\15th FSB. There is a link called "SABER" on the 15th MED
Assn. MSN Groups Website. You click on it and you can select
the year you want. Many positive comments have been written
by reviewers since he did this, especially those who weren't
getting the Saber, and missed being able to read them when
first published.
Bob TERRELL <bobterrell@optonline.net> e-mailed, "Hi Mike,
I was on a pony team, reconnaissance mission, when we got
hit. That morning a grenade came in and exploded and set off
some M-79 rounds on a web gear as we were saddling up to move
out. We all got wounded during that day. My unit was the 4th
Squad, 3rd Platoon, D Company, of the 2-8th Cav, 1st Cavalry
Division. We were working in the Bong Son Plains of the Bin
Din Province. We all got MEDEVAC choppered out, all seven of
us; 1-KIA and 6-WIA. Everybody got their Purple Hearts except
me. So, I am wondering if you know how to get the logs of the
15th MEDEVAC pick ups for that day and the 15th Field
Hospital receiving reports also. I hope you and the 15th MED
men, can please help me out?? I need to prove that I was
there, got wounded, got MEDEVACed out by the 15th MEDEVAC
choppers and that I was at the 15th MED Field Hospital with
my men. Thanks a lot, Bob."
As I replied to Bob, you can get MEDEVAC Daily Journals-like
all units-from the National Archives. Give them a call and
tell them for which unit you want, and dates. MEDEVAC was the
call sign for the Air Ambulance Platoon, HSC 15th Medical
Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). I had done this
once myself for MEDEVAC, and numerous times for 2-7 Cav,
thanks to '69-'70 D 2-7 Cav SSG Peter COLE.
Coincidentally, Murray GIBBS has sent out the following
information and link to obtain the Roster/Morning Reports:
"<http://www.vhfcn.org/FCC%20Resources.htm#_Toc82645592> U.S.
Army Personnel Rosters and Morning Reports are available from
the National Personnel Records Center, 9700 Page Blvd., St.
Louis, MO. 63132, 314-538-4261. The request must be made in
writing. State that the request is a Freedom of Information
Act Request and give complete unit information (as specific
as possible including company and platoon), and month and
year of the roster/reports that you are requesting. Because
the quality of the records can be poor, it is advisable to
ask for rosters a few months before and after the actual
month you are looking for. There are usually no fees charged
for 'Freedom of Information Act Requests.' Turnaround time
can be very slow. Plan on several months.
"Operations Reports/Lessons Learned (ORLL) and other primary
source material about Army units in Vietnam such as radio
logs, unit journals, and after action reports, are stored at
the Textual Reference Branch, National Archives II, 8601
Adelphi Road, College Park, MD 20740-6001, 301-837-3510, fax
301-713-7482. Call and ask to speak with an Archivist
specializing in the Vietnam War before going to the Archives.
They can assist in determining whether materials you are
interested in are available and explain how to obtain a
researcher's card to examine the documents. A specific name
and number at the National Archives at College Park is
Clifford L. SNYDER on 301-837-3010. This was from a contact
in the late 1990's. Similar reference assistance may also be
obtained from the U.S. Army Military History Institute, Bldg.
22, Upton Hall, Carlisle Barracks, Carlisle, PA 17013-5008,
717-245-3611, fax 717-245-3711."
From my experience, I found that much of what actually
transpired in the field situation did not always-if at
all-get accurately entered in the Daily Journals by whoever
did that; e.g. RTO, OD. Don't expect too much; i.e. easy
answers. Look over every available document; and put it all
together. I did find that unit personnel line numbers can be
accurate, if entered for WIA and KIA, so a unit roster
associating names and numbers could be useful. The Army is
good with numbers like that, and map coordinates, if given
correctly. Specifics can be different from one troop to the
next.
I received a telephone call from a '68-'69 veteran of B & C
Cos. 15th MED-91C Ivey GRANTHAM of Clayton, NC, who just
joined the 1st Cav Assn., wants to join the 15th MED Assn.,
and attend the Reunions.
I also received snail mail from '69 B 1-7 Cav 11B Bill
KIMREY of Archdale, NC. His letter was mauled by the U.S.P.S
and came to me late in a special Post Office envelope, which
is why I didn't mention it in the last Saber.
I spoke to Bill on the telephone and he said that B 1-7 had
set up on the Green Line in Quan Loi after humping the bush,
in June of '69. Thinking that they were in the safe rear,
they relaxed. Bill said that he was sleeping behind a berm
when the sierra hit the fan. A lone sapper opened a hole for
waiting "Chucks," and they in turn took out two bunkers
inflicting casualties on B 1-7 Cav.
Bill said that the enemy, then headed straight for the center
of Quan Loi, probably to try to take out command points, etc.
Somehow, the overrunners were quelled. Bill said that the
next day someone in his unit killed a couple of "Charlies"
trying to sneak out the way that they had entered.
Gunner Dave PARKS <shootdown@yahoo.com> wrote, "Dave
'shootdown' here. Taken a while but, I'm BACK!!! Mike been
reading some of the Saber articles [online]. Pretty good
stuff!
"Ran across the comments from Mr. SALENGER's family members a
day late, but, would like to add this if I may. I flew for
MEDEVAC from Sept. 1, '69 to Jan 5, '70, or shortly after.
In my short flying career I had the distinct pleasure to be
on the same ship with the likes of Bill SALENGER,
LEONARD, ZEPP, SCHMIDT, 'Strack Jack,' READ, MODICA, TANNER,
TUEL, and many others. Oh, and can't forget 'Shcodaddy'!!!
Wish I could remember everyone's name. Feel bad about that!
"I have the honor of having flown with these people, and all
the other crew members. A braver, courageous, and selfless
group I've never known!!!! These guys did some amazing stuff-
and, I helped. In my eyes, these are the real super heroes ,
and Bill SALENGER was among the top!!!"
Dave received the Silver Star during his "short" flying
career, and from what I've researched, should have at least
one more. He was shot down enough times to make his, and our,
heads spin.
Gary WILKINSON <runningbear@lisco.com>, writing from Iowa,
signed the Guestbook as: "15th MED 1969-1972." He followed up
with, "I was the radio operator; took the mission and call
air op; been to all companies but was at Phouc Vinh mostly."
PSG James MCDONALD tells me that Gary also had a brother,
Robert, working with him at the time in the 15th MED Commo
Shack. James gives Sigourney, IA, for Gary, and Garland, TX,
for Robert.
Charles NORDAN <cnordan55@nc.rr.com> of Hillsborough, NC,
signed, "I was a Medic with A Company, 1-5th in '66-'67. I
had buddies in the 15th MED. I only remember one name,
MALANOWSKI. Your site brought back many memories. Welcome
home to all my brother Medics and veterans. Charles 'Doc'
NORDAN."
Always remembering our 1st Cav troops on duty around the
world; over and out.
FIRST TEAM!
Garryowen,
Mike Bodnar C 2\7 Cav 1969
MEDEVAC 1-7\1970