MEDEVAC
15th MED\15th FSB
Mike Bodnar
13010 N Lakeforest Drive
Sun City, AZ 85351-3250
(623)972-4395
e-mail: mbodnar27@juno.com
http://ascca.ecorp.net
http://communities.msn.com/15thMEDASSOCIATION/_whatsnew.msnw
the new site: http://15thmedassociation.org
I had a couple of replies to my mention of the Air Assault
Parity Coalition in the last Saber. Edward C. EMENHISER,
Ft. Wayne, IN, SSG E 2-12 Cav '69-'70, called me and
mentioned that the commanding generals of the 101st and 1st
Cav Divisions had commented on the situation. You can call
the 1st Cav Div Assn. for the most recent contact information
for everyone noted in this column if none is listed.
Barry WILLIAMSON of the 8th Engineers attached to the 7th Cav
who was a long time Saber 7th Cav columnist sent a clipping
from the Army Times. It says that a new combat badge for the
pilots and crews of aeromedical evacuation would be created
under a bill introduced by Rep. Tim HOLDEN, D-PA. The badge,
which would be designed by each service, would be provided to
anyone involved in medevac flights under combat conditions
since June 25, 1950, a date selected so that Vietnam and
Korean veterans would be included.
HOLDEN's bill, HR 2587, was referred to the House Armed
Services Committee for consideration. It was introduced too
late in the session for consideration as part of the 2004
defense authorization bill, which passed the House. So, it
will sit without action until Congress takes up the 2005
version of the bill next year.
There has been a lot of new discussion on the 15th MED Web
site: <HTTP: 15thMEDASSOCIATION
_whatsnew.msnw>-address, as posted above, in each Saber.
This is due to the fact that many, new MEDEVAC\15th MED
veterans have found the associations and MEDEVAC door gunner
Murray GIBBS was elected president of the 15th MED
Association, bringing in a renewed vitality.
One of recent discussions was the awarding of the Combat
Medical Badge, or CMB, to 15th MED personnel, be they MEDEVAC
crewmembers, pilots, or otherwise. This is an Army wide issue
and not just about 15th MED veterans. The above congressman's
bill, if signed into law, would bring some deserving award to
combat aeromedical evacuation crews and pilots.
I had submitted to the online discussion what I knew, and the
following Web addresses for the Army Regulation, each, or
A.R.s, concerning the Combat Infantryman's Badge, Paragraph
2-6, Army Regulation 600-8-22 (Military Awards)25 February
1995 <HTTP: combat_infantryman_badge.htm www.ranger25.com>,
and it's companion, Combat Medical Badge, Paragraph 8-7, Army
Regulation 600-8-22 (Military Awards) 25 February 1995,
<HTTP: www.ranger25.com combat_medical_badge.htm>.
If you read the A.R.s, which I have now, numerous times, you
will see that unless you have an infantryman's 11 M.O.S.,
corresponding officer's, warrant officer's, or special
forces', you are not deserving, qualified, nor elegible to
wear that badge. Special circumstances apply if another
branch commanded an infantry unit or some foreign infantry
troops in Vietnam, for a period of time.
MEDEVAC door gunners cannot be awarded the Combat
Infantryman Badge if they got shot down and spent any period
of time with an infantry unit in battle until they were
rescued. Likewise, a MEDEVAC Medic, or pilot, cannot receive
the Combat Medical Badge if they got shot down and spent any
period of time with the infantry unit in battle; or lost life
or limb.
Reading those Army regulations showed me how extremely
exclusive, and stringent, the requirements are for them. Much
more stringent than I had thought. You have to be an
infantryman, only, as mentioned above, been under intense
fire in combat, or a Medic who was assigned or attached to an
infantry unit, experiencing the same, usually for a period of
time, and no higher than brigade level. The 15th Medical
Battalion was division level medical support.
Seriously read those A.R.s and you will know. There were
orders issued in error for these infantry combat badges and
only a new badge can rectify that for combat aeromedical
evacuation.
I always defend MEDEVAC crews when they are viewed as
cowards, and I know different. I now defend the grunt
Infantryman and Medic. Not the General of the Army nor the
President of the United States can take away the
exclusiveness of those infantry combat badges by misawarding
them for what other awards or medals were intended. Read
those A.R.s and familiarize yourself with the law.
We have had enough frauds and wannabes in the veteran
community, to include the 1st Cav Div Assn. Do not let error
and ignorance add to it.
Of the other new, recent, abundant, online chatter we hear
from: LZSharon68 <AJACOBS@VALKYRIEMGT.COM>"Hello Guys: Just
signed up today. Murray GIBBS and Randy BREWER had tracked me
down this year. Call sign MEDEVAC 21.
"Arrived in An Khe early January '68. Sent to English to fly
with Jake MAST. Then to Camp Evans and LZ Sharon in I Corps
to fly with Ray KINNARD. MAJ GOODMAN made me an AC the end of
March. Just saw Henry LAND (Capt. Hook) at the Vietnam
Helicopter Pilots Association reunion in Orlando this 4th of
July (in fact, when Henry was wounded I was put into the left
seat). Still looking for Paul HUSTON (from Zanesville, Ohio)
who was shot down with me on 24 July...can anyone help?"
That must have been from Art JACOBS because the reply that I
saw was: "Hi Art. Thanks for joining the Web site. Yes, Randy
and I can be persistent. Saw Randy at the 2003 reunion.
Haven't seen him in 35 years. I flew a lot with him, KINNARD,
and many of the other pilots. If you ever get a chance, ask
KINNARD about the radio knob shot out between his fingers. He
never asked what I was shooting at after that happened. Saw
Henry LAND after the Reunion. We had a long conversation. I
was at most of all the places you were, Art. Just didn't stay
long at each. We will do what we can to find Paul
HUSTON.....President Murray (GunnerGIBBS)"
Some of the very newest arrivals to the 15th MED Web site
asked about the background of the unit. James MCDONALD,
screename "FLTPLTSGT1" <CSMRET@TDN.COM>contributed: "A Bit
Of History"
"In 1965, the 15th Medical Battalion accompanied the Division
Support Command when it was deployed to Vietnam, arriving on
12 September. As Cavalrymen underwent their baptism of fire,
the advantages of an aeromedical evacuation became more and
more evident. The organization participated in all major
campaigns and distinguished itself in battle, writing new
chapters in its history.
"The 15th Medical Battalion saw action at Happy Valley, Binh
Dinh, Ia Drang Valley, Pleiku, Kontum, Bong Son, An Loc
Valley, Plei Mei, Yut Hoa, A Shau Valley, Hue, Khe Sanh,
Quang Tri, Tay Ninh, Quan Loi, Song Be, Binh Hoa, Loc Ninh
and Phouc Vinh. In every area of operation, the dedication of
the assigned personnel remained focused on their foremost
task of rescue, giving aid in the field, evacuation, and
providing appropriate medical services in the field and base
hospitals.
"The move south to III Corps in 1968 brought many changes in
methods of operation for many sky troopers, but not for the
medical battalion personnel. Their job remained the same;
help those in need and help they did. The Headquarters
Service Company located in Phouc Vinh, conducted MEDEVAC
support, daily sick call, ran a dental clinic and
administered to local nationals. Companies of the battalion
were co-located at the three brigade headquarters of the
division so that forward area personnel could get routine
medical aid.
"26 March 1971, officially marked the end of duties in
Vietnam for the majority of the 1st Cavalry Division. On 29
April, the Support Command along with the 15th Medical
Battalion departed Vietnam for Fort Hood, Texas.
"President NIXON's program of 'Vietnamization' required the
continued presence of a strong U.S. fighting force. The 215th
Support Battalion, (215th Medical Co) constituted in the
Regular Army, activated and assigned to the 1st Cavalry
Division, remained in Vietnam with the 2nd Battalion of the
5th Regiment, 1st Battalion of the 7th Regiment, 2nd
Battalion of the 8th Regiment and 1st Battalion of the 12th
Regiment along with specialized units as "F" Troop, 9th
Cavalry and Delta Company, 229th Assault Helicopter
Battalion.
"These units were reorganized under the 3rd Brigade
(Separate) at Binh Hoa and were commanded by Brigadier
General Jonathan R. BURTON. The Bde. was assigned a primary
mission to interdict enemy infiltration and supply routes in
War Zone D.
"Thus MEDEVAC (Six Air Ambulances with Guns) stayed when the
division took the colors home. They continued to fly (HQ Flt
Plt) as part of the 215th Medical Co 3rd Bde. (Separate)
"By 31 March 1972, only 96,000 U.S. troops were involved in
the Vietnam combat operations. In mid June 1972, the
stand down ceremony for the 3rd Brigade was held in Binh Hoa
and the colors were returned to the United States. The 215th
Support Battalion returned to the States in 1972 and was
inactivated on 30 June at Oakland, California.
"Note: The last trooper left from Tan Son Nhut on 21 June,
completing the division recall that had started on 05 May
1971. With the 3rd Brigade completing their withdraw, the 1st
Cavalry had been the first army division to go to Vietnam and
the last to leave.
The Old Plt Sgt of The MEDEVAC Plt. 1SG (E-7) HSC, 15th MED
Bn. 1st Cav Div. MEDEVAC PSG (E-7) HSC, 15th MED Bn. 1st Cav
Div MEDEVAC PSG (E-7) HQ Med CO 215th CS Bn. 3rd Bde."
George R. RUSSELL <GEORGE_RUSSELL55939@YAHOO.COM>
Harmony, MN 55939, in reply to my question if he flew on
MEDEVAC wrote: "Mike, No I was in charge of the ward at Phouc
Vinh, Hq Co 15th MED Bn. See, I went over there a Sp/5 in Dec
'67, made E6 After 3 months, got busted after 3 months, and
transferred to C Co. 15th MED, Quan Loi. Worked on ward
there. Was there when C Co. first sgt. got hurt with our own
incoming. I left there with out a scratch."
Jim BRODIE <RA9895A@AOL.COM>from Oregon comments: "Air
Ambulance Plt. 15th MED '65-'66, A 227th '68-'69."
David FLOYD <SADSACK6970@YAHOO.COM>Warren, MN wrote in the
15th MED Assn. Guestbook: "Several troopers from A 2/7
Cavalry are seeking a Medic (a dear friend) that served with
the unit in 1969. The last name is believed to be QUAMME, the
first name used was David, which may have been a middle name.
One of the Troopers seeking David is in real bad health and
won't last long. I would love to see them get together one
last time. Thanks guys."
William S. GREENE <FANCYROOSTER@BEAUFORTCO.COM>of
Washington, NC signs in SNORE's Guestbook: "Was MEDEVAC pilot
June '67-Jan '68. Flt Class 67-6."
Rick MEDELOCK <LOCKRICCON@CS.COM>Dawsonville, GA writes, "I
was MEDEVAC Hotel & Scapel Switch Commo at Phouc Vinh HHC
15th MED Dec. 70 to Mar. 71."
I had received a telephone call from Ben TAINATONGO who was
with C 15th MED '68, asking about any upcoming 15th MED Assn.
Reunion. The 1st Cav Assn. office tells me that Ben is listed
as Vincent, is a retired SGM in Huntsville, AL, and was with
1-12 Cav in '65.
Gary HAUSER of Tacoma, WA, A 2-5 Cav 12-'68 also called me to
inform me of an e-mail address for Clifford DAVIS which is
<CLIFFDAVIS@COMCST.NET>. Gary mentions that Clifford said
something about flying on MEDEVAC out of LZ Oasis. I may have
been contacted by Clifford years ago but the information the
1st Cav Assn. has is different so check with them.
More from MEDEVAC PSG James MCDONALD '70-'71
<CSMRET@TDN.COM>
"The Army found they had too many pilots and decided to offer
an early retirement bonus. They promised any pilot who
volunteered for retirement a bonus of $1000 for every inch
measured in a straight line between any two points in his
body. The pilot got to choose what those two points would be.
"The first pilot who accepted, asked that he be measured from
the top of his head to the tip of his toes. He was measured
at six feet and walked out with a bonus of $72,000.
"The second pilot who accepted was a little smarter and asked
to be measured from the tip of his outstretched hands to his
toes. He walked out with $96,000."
"The third one was a grizzly old MEDEVAC pilot who, when
asked where he would like to be measured, replied 'from the
tip of my penis to my testicles.' It was suggested by the
pension man that he may want to reconsider, explaining about
the nice checks the previous two pilots had received.
"But the old MEDEVAC flyer insisted and they decided to go
along with him providing the measurement was taken by a
medical officer. The medical officer arrived and instructed
the pilot to 'drop 'em', which he did. The medical officer
placed the tape measure on the tip of the pilot's penis and
began to work back.
"'My God!' he suddenly exclaimed, 'Where are your testicles?'
The MEDEVAC pilot calmly replied, 'Vietnam.'"
And now a word from your 15th MED Assn. president:
"Hey Guys, The 2004 Reunion has been set for the week after
Mother's Day. The Reunion will be at the Hilton Double Tree
Hotel in Portland, Oregon. Dates will be from Wednesday, May
12, 2004, to Monday, May 17, 2004. One great feature is the
free shuttle bus from the airport to the hotel and back; in
fact free shuttle to the major attractions in the Portland
area. Full detail information will be e-mailed out at the end
of next week. The Reunion info will also be posted on our
Web site.
"I thank Corky WALSH, our reunion coordinator, for his time
in putting together next year's Reunion. Corky has also put
together a pleasure dinner on a river boat for Friday night
May 14. The meeting will be held on Saturday around 10:00 AM.
The Reunion dinner will be later in the evening.
"I would like as many as possible to come to this Reunion. At
present 40 rooms have been reserved. That number can and will
be changed if we can get an accurate count on who is coming.
Those who decide at the last minute to come will still get
the Reunion rate even though we go above our estimated room
reservation.
"I still recommend that all 15th MED Bn. members join our
Web site. It is free and it is very informational.
<HTTP: 15thmedassociation
"
target=_blank>http://communities.msn.com/15thMEDASSOCIATION/_whats
new.msnw>
"Read all the past messages and see what the members are
writing about. Create your own discussion and even reply to
the ones that are posted. If you have any poems, we have a
discussion started for that.
"Guys, this is a great way to participate and get to know
others before you go to the Reunion. You can even post some
of your pictures. They may even be used by our Saber paper
writer Mike BODNAR who writes articles for the Saber paper.
Mike is very respectful and will ask you if he can use your
pictures. Last issue had a half page article about the 15th
MED Bn. Please e-mail me or Corky at <MEDEVAC454@AOL.COM>.
President Murray"
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
