| 2010 Jan-Feb |
MEDEVAC
15th MED\15th FSB
Mike Bodnar
13010 N Lakeforest Drive
Sun City, AZ 85351-3250
(623)972-4395
e-mail: mbodnar27@juno.com
Web site: http://15thmedassociation.com
Ron STRUB of Bullhead City, AZ, <ronstrub@hotmail.com>
e-mailed, "Hi Mike, Is someone compiling a roster of the 15th
MED that shipped over in 1965? I have my original 'Permanent
Change of Station' orders for Co. C dated 29 July 1965 moving
us from Ft. Benning to Vietnam. I was a PFC Medic and flew
over on the advance party on Aug 16th with SSG Ned FIELDING,
SP5 Dan ADDAIR, and PFC Tommy COLE. Would love to hear from
anyone of that time period. Feel free to share my information
with anyone. Happy New Year. Ron"
Murray GIBBS, Webmaster\Past President 2003-2006 15th MED
Association, MEDEVAC '67-'68 <gunnermadmur@neo.rr.com>
notifies that Clifford R. DAVIS of North Charleston, SC, died
peacefully at home surrounded by family on Friday, December
11, 2009. He was born on July 5, 1947 in Elmira NY.
Cliff was a decorated military man who faced his illness of
pancreatic cancer with "grit and grace." He was a recipient
of four Purple Hearts, and a paralyzed veteran. He dedicated
his time to others through volunteerism, including The
Military Order of the Purple Heart, and countless hours at
the VA Hospital. He served his country in the United States
Air Force and retired as a Medical Service Supervisor.
The 15th MED roster shows he attainted the rank of MSG, and
was in B Co. 15th MED in '66.
MEDEVAC gunner Dave PARKS <shootdown@yahoo.com> forwarded a
forward from gunner Mike SMITH of a vet run online T-shirt
company: <www.wolvesandmore.com>. The shirts are designed
exclusively in the store. Many of the shirts can be
personalized with your military history; i.e. your medal
ribbons. The shirt for the 1st Cav Airmobile is particularly
interesting. Also available: cavalry regiments; CIB; CMB;
door gunner; old wars; recent wars; everything military
veteran imaginable. The selection grew since I first looked.
Requests may be possible. Other info: Wolves And More, 673
Main Street, Deadwood, SD 57732; 1-888-806-6126.
Ed JONES <ecjones19@aol.com> e-mailed, "Hi Mike, John RAMSDEN
is attempting to put together a Vietnam history for the 27th
Maint. Bn. We have been able to obtain the unit history from
the Army History Museum at Carlisle Barracks, but they do not
have the years 1968 and 1971. I was assigned to the S-2/3
shop and actually wrote the history in '68 and '69. One of
the things I remember about the history of '68 was one of the
27th's NCO's or EM 're-invented' and\or made a major
improvement in the jungle penetrator that aided in a quicker
extraction of the wounded in the terrain we were dealing
with.
"Was wondering if you have any recollection of this or if you
could throw it out to some of your members. I'm thinking it
had something to do with the size\shape and perhaps
incorporation of a mesh or cover that better secured the
wounded. Thanks for your help."
'70-'71 MEDEVAC PSG James MACDONALD <csmret@iinet.com>
writes, "I gladly let you peer into the soul of the MEDEVAC
platoon. As I viewed that year, I was blessed to be among the
most wonderful band of young men that gave so much and asked
for so little. All volunteers, individuals melded into a
group, that believed in the words 'Strive to Save Lives.'
Regardless of their position or rank they belonged to a
calling that was committed to helping their fellow soldiers.
Each group of words are a story in itself that tugs on a
memory and are part of the past. It attests to what they did
and went through. I think of them often with awe and pride.
"Flashbacks and Reflections: Seems like it was just a few
months ago. But everything seems hazy. The Days and nights
thru Dec 70--Dec 71 were a blur of flights, change of
personnel and the roommate that drank beer in the shower. The
loss of aircraft, the exchange of friendship, the respect for
the first up crews, the wounded, anger at the 'unseen' enemy,
the unclaimed Hero's and the frightened, nervous laughter,
loss of Sam the Soda-Man, mortars at the movie,
Cannibalization to keep the craft flyable, and loneliness of
the pitiful raped Hanger Queen. Downed birds rescued, sting
of the call-Troopers hit, Triple Canopy Extractions, radio
chatter, hot refuels, Mountainyard and rotor chain bracelets,
nightly doses of Agent Orange, insecticide cocktail, blended
with a morning quinine pill. Booze to forget, beer for a
dime, script was monopoly money, revetments to spring from,
Boots on the bar at the 9th Cav, wide-eyed newbeeies, a
screaming monkey, short timers counting. First up call,
racing to it out of trim, identifying smoke, snakes overhead,
going in the hole, muttered prayers, rotors slashing bamboo,
bean cans for the Patient Protector's rounds to ride on,
green tracers, bulletproof cushions and chicken vests, safety
straps, reaching out, pulling in the ride, the silent nod of
thank you, Hop the wire to Bn. Aid, Hot Refuels, skid slide
takeoffs, hidden pride, wings that were earned, separation of
close friends, medals that were and were not earned, JP4 in a
coke can, cleaning machine guns, smells that got used to,
More Hot Missions, over the berm, dog rides to POL, blood on
the ships floors, C-Missions logged, dailies pulled, supplies
restocked, scout dog in a rigid litter and a defective jungle
penetrator, laughing and crying. Just wanting out, cold night
sweats, bad dreams, fear of the last mission. P38 on a dog
tag chain, Red Devil and C-rats, Posted centerfold pin up.
Trapped in a Mosquito Net, sleeping with boots on. False
sense of security, Unauthorized weapons under the pillows.
Believing in God, Buddha, or any damm good luck memorabilia,
Blue Max, and your crew.
"15th MED Bn. Goes Home: MED Co. 215th CS Bn., 3rd BDE
(Separate). Retire the colors; re-name the same, change the
spot to spring from, MEDEVAC is still MEDEVAC- Fire Support
Bases to visit, Jungle House-calls, borrowing aircraft,
bartering for people and part replacements. Hotel Three,
hundred mile an hour tape to bandage the craft, sand in
almost everything, Spine chilling Down Bird Call, CMB's and
CIB's, unlucky POW missions, a Y cord to share the knowledge,
Hooch by the flight line, Blue smoke frag, Flight Ops
chatter, Red Carpet and Fat Albert, MEDEVAC 11 and other call
signs, strength in unity. Rebellion at the EM Club, Proud
Mary songs, IG Inspections, Bien Hoa Air Force Killer
omelets, unauthorized non-nomax ride to the states, beautiful
South China Sea, time to leave and forget somebody else's
war. Unloading the stress of Vietnam after being suspended
over it wearing a bull's-eye. Class A's that were baggy and
short. A tan that you forgot you had. Out-processing was a
blur. Proud of the job, friends that forgot to remember.
Some said it was a mission, some said it was live training
tested, some just dismissed it as a Bad Dream, most said
nothing. Proud of the MEDEVAC LOGO POCKET PATCH. Everyone
paid the price, some more than others. Some, more than not,
if not with their life, than with their youth. Well at least
justification in saying...Although, during the tour, the
reasoning proves,,,.Right or wrong, it was "our 15 Minutes of
Fame in the Sun" and by God, Did We FLY...The Old Flight
Platoon Sergeant"
An update to the last column about the mispronunciation of
"cavalry," no word from the White House after my message to
them got through. I haven't since heard anyone from there
use or mispronounce the word "cavalry," e.g. The Commander in
Chief; i.e. President OBAMA-yet.
CBS did not reply to me, but news anchor Katie COURIC did
finally get it correct when they did a follow up to the Ft.
Hood tragedy with good news about 1st Cav troops returning
home from deployment. I could tell when she emphasized
"CAVALRY" that she got the message, and wanted to stand
corrected. During the same broadcast their field reporter at
Ft. Hood also pronounced "cavalry" correctly which was good
to hear. When that happens with me, bells ring, and the bells
were ringing that night.
Brian WILLIAMS of NBC twice reported on the 2nd BCT returning
to Ft. Hood and both times announced "Good news for the 1st
Cav!" He usually knows what he's saying when it comes to
veterans. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the
Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation.
I had mentioned the book: The Anonymous Battle, by Captain
John POINDEXTER (RET.) which documents the incident in March
1970 when C 2-8 Cav became overwhelmed by heavy contact with
the NVA in War Zone C. Alpha Troop 11th ACR was working in
task force with 2-8 Cav and decided to go to the aid of C 2-8
instead of just listening to them on the radio being
decimated. What ensued was a horrendous firefight between
armor firepower and a determined enemy's resistance. Anyone
interested in that subject would want to read this book. I am
still in the middle of it. This, again, prompted the award of
the Presidential Unit Citation given to A 1-11 Cav at the
White House, and my discovery of President OBAMA's
mispronunciation of "CAVALRY" as "CALVARY," available on You
Tube.
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
SO THAT OTHERS MAY LIVE
15th MED\15th FSB
Mike Bodnar
13010 N Lakeforest Drive
Sun City, AZ 85351-3250
(623)972-4395
e-mail: mbodnar27@juno.com
Web site: http://15thmedassociation.com
Ron STRUB of Bullhead City, AZ, <ronstrub@hotmail.com>
e-mailed, "Hi Mike, Is someone compiling a roster of the 15th
MED that shipped over in 1965? I have my original 'Permanent
Change of Station' orders for Co. C dated 29 July 1965 moving
us from Ft. Benning to Vietnam. I was a PFC Medic and flew
over on the advance party on Aug 16th with SSG Ned FIELDING,
SP5 Dan ADDAIR, and PFC Tommy COLE. Would love to hear from
anyone of that time period. Feel free to share my information
with anyone. Happy New Year. Ron"
Murray GIBBS, Webmaster\Past President 2003-2006 15th MED
Association, MEDEVAC '67-'68 <gunnermadmur@neo.rr.com>
notifies that Clifford R. DAVIS of North Charleston, SC, died
peacefully at home surrounded by family on Friday, December
11, 2009. He was born on July 5, 1947 in Elmira NY.
Cliff was a decorated military man who faced his illness of
pancreatic cancer with "grit and grace." He was a recipient
of four Purple Hearts, and a paralyzed veteran. He dedicated
his time to others through volunteerism, including The
Military Order of the Purple Heart, and countless hours at
the VA Hospital. He served his country in the United States
Air Force and retired as a Medical Service Supervisor.
The 15th MED roster shows he attainted the rank of MSG, and
was in B Co. 15th MED in '66.
MEDEVAC gunner Dave PARKS <shootdown@yahoo.com> forwarded a
forward from gunner Mike SMITH of a vet run online T-shirt
company: <www.wolvesandmore.com>. The shirts are designed
exclusively in the store. Many of the shirts can be
personalized with your military history; i.e. your medal
ribbons. The shirt for the 1st Cav Airmobile is particularly
interesting. Also available: cavalry regiments; CIB; CMB;
door gunner; old wars; recent wars; everything military
veteran imaginable. The selection grew since I first looked.
Requests may be possible. Other info: Wolves And More, 673
Main Street, Deadwood, SD 57732; 1-888-806-6126.
Ed JONES <ecjones19@aol.com> e-mailed, "Hi Mike, John RAMSDEN
is attempting to put together a Vietnam history for the 27th
Maint. Bn. We have been able to obtain the unit history from
the Army History Museum at Carlisle Barracks, but they do not
have the years 1968 and 1971. I was assigned to the S-2/3
shop and actually wrote the history in '68 and '69. One of
the things I remember about the history of '68 was one of the
27th's NCO's or EM 're-invented' and\or made a major
improvement in the jungle penetrator that aided in a quicker
extraction of the wounded in the terrain we were dealing
with.
"Was wondering if you have any recollection of this or if you
could throw it out to some of your members. I'm thinking it
had something to do with the size\shape and perhaps
incorporation of a mesh or cover that better secured the
wounded. Thanks for your help."
'70-'71 MEDEVAC PSG James MACDONALD <csmret@iinet.com>
writes, "I gladly let you peer into the soul of the MEDEVAC
platoon. As I viewed that year, I was blessed to be among the
most wonderful band of young men that gave so much and asked
for so little. All volunteers, individuals melded into a
group, that believed in the words 'Strive to Save Lives.'
Regardless of their position or rank they belonged to a
calling that was committed to helping their fellow soldiers.
Each group of words are a story in itself that tugs on a
memory and are part of the past. It attests to what they did
and went through. I think of them often with awe and pride.
"Flashbacks and Reflections: Seems like it was just a few
months ago. But everything seems hazy. The Days and nights
thru Dec 70--Dec 71 were a blur of flights, change of
personnel and the roommate that drank beer in the shower. The
loss of aircraft, the exchange of friendship, the respect for
the first up crews, the wounded, anger at the 'unseen' enemy,
the unclaimed Hero's and the frightened, nervous laughter,
loss of Sam the Soda-Man, mortars at the movie,
Cannibalization to keep the craft flyable, and loneliness of
the pitiful raped Hanger Queen. Downed birds rescued, sting
of the call-Troopers hit, Triple Canopy Extractions, radio
chatter, hot refuels, Mountainyard and rotor chain bracelets,
nightly doses of Agent Orange, insecticide cocktail, blended
with a morning quinine pill. Booze to forget, beer for a
dime, script was monopoly money, revetments to spring from,
Boots on the bar at the 9th Cav, wide-eyed newbeeies, a
screaming monkey, short timers counting. First up call,
racing to it out of trim, identifying smoke, snakes overhead,
going in the hole, muttered prayers, rotors slashing bamboo,
bean cans for the Patient Protector's rounds to ride on,
green tracers, bulletproof cushions and chicken vests, safety
straps, reaching out, pulling in the ride, the silent nod of
thank you, Hop the wire to Bn. Aid, Hot Refuels, skid slide
takeoffs, hidden pride, wings that were earned, separation of
close friends, medals that were and were not earned, JP4 in a
coke can, cleaning machine guns, smells that got used to,
More Hot Missions, over the berm, dog rides to POL, blood on
the ships floors, C-Missions logged, dailies pulled, supplies
restocked, scout dog in a rigid litter and a defective jungle
penetrator, laughing and crying. Just wanting out, cold night
sweats, bad dreams, fear of the last mission. P38 on a dog
tag chain, Red Devil and C-rats, Posted centerfold pin up.
Trapped in a Mosquito Net, sleeping with boots on. False
sense of security, Unauthorized weapons under the pillows.
Believing in God, Buddha, or any damm good luck memorabilia,
Blue Max, and your crew.
"15th MED Bn. Goes Home: MED Co. 215th CS Bn., 3rd BDE
(Separate). Retire the colors; re-name the same, change the
spot to spring from, MEDEVAC is still MEDEVAC- Fire Support
Bases to visit, Jungle House-calls, borrowing aircraft,
bartering for people and part replacements. Hotel Three,
hundred mile an hour tape to bandage the craft, sand in
almost everything, Spine chilling Down Bird Call, CMB's and
CIB's, unlucky POW missions, a Y cord to share the knowledge,
Hooch by the flight line, Blue smoke frag, Flight Ops
chatter, Red Carpet and Fat Albert, MEDEVAC 11 and other call
signs, strength in unity. Rebellion at the EM Club, Proud
Mary songs, IG Inspections, Bien Hoa Air Force Killer
omelets, unauthorized non-nomax ride to the states, beautiful
South China Sea, time to leave and forget somebody else's
war. Unloading the stress of Vietnam after being suspended
over it wearing a bull's-eye. Class A's that were baggy and
short. A tan that you forgot you had. Out-processing was a
blur. Proud of the job, friends that forgot to remember.
Some said it was a mission, some said it was live training
tested, some just dismissed it as a Bad Dream, most said
nothing. Proud of the MEDEVAC LOGO POCKET PATCH. Everyone
paid the price, some more than others. Some, more than not,
if not with their life, than with their youth. Well at least
justification in saying...Although, during the tour, the
reasoning proves,,,.Right or wrong, it was "our 15 Minutes of
Fame in the Sun" and by God, Did We FLY...The Old Flight
Platoon Sergeant"
An update to the last column about the mispronunciation of
"cavalry," no word from the White House after my message to
them got through. I haven't since heard anyone from there
use or mispronounce the word "cavalry," e.g. The Commander in
Chief; i.e. President OBAMA-yet.
CBS did not reply to me, but news anchor Katie COURIC did
finally get it correct when they did a follow up to the Ft.
Hood tragedy with good news about 1st Cav troops returning
home from deployment. I could tell when she emphasized
"CAVALRY" that she got the message, and wanted to stand
corrected. During the same broadcast their field reporter at
Ft. Hood also pronounced "cavalry" correctly which was good
to hear. When that happens with me, bells ring, and the bells
were ringing that night.
Brian WILLIAMS of NBC twice reported on the 2nd BCT returning
to Ft. Hood and both times announced "Good news for the 1st
Cav!" He usually knows what he's saying when it comes to
veterans. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the
Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation.
I had mentioned the book: The Anonymous Battle, by Captain
John POINDEXTER (RET.) which documents the incident in March
1970 when C 2-8 Cav became overwhelmed by heavy contact with
the NVA in War Zone C. Alpha Troop 11th ACR was working in
task force with 2-8 Cav and decided to go to the aid of C 2-8
instead of just listening to them on the radio being
decimated. What ensued was a horrendous firefight between
armor firepower and a determined enemy's resistance. Anyone
interested in that subject would want to read this book. I am
still in the middle of it. This, again, prompted the award of
the Presidential Unit Citation given to A 1-11 Cav at the
White House, and my discovery of President OBAMA's
mispronunciation of "CAVALRY" as "CALVARY," available on You
Tube.
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
SO THAT OTHERS MAY LIVE