THE FOLLOWING IS A TRUE COPY OF THE ADDRESS
MADE TO THE GOLDEN DRAGONS BY COL. G. PROCTER JR. BATTALION COMMANDER:

GOLDEN DRAGON, MEN
 

We find ourselves on the high seas our third day out of Oahu, on a straight course to Viet Nam.  As we close that chapter of the 14th Infantry GOLDEN DRAGONS history which brought the Regiment to Schofield Barracks, the 4th of January 1966 becomes a significant date. It will reflect in the preparation of future histories as the date the 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry departed Schofield Barracks, Oahu, Hawaii on a permanent change of station for a combat zone in South Viet Nam.

We have 9 days left aboard the Walker before we close into our next port. Platoon and Squad Leaders have an excellent opportunity to get in some small group orientations and instruction. The ship does not lend itself to company size group assembling for class work, but at least once a day Platoon leaders should assemble their troops for briefings, instruction, or merely to keep their people informed.

I would like to emphasize the importance of all personnel complying with published instructions while we are at sea. There is a big job to be done in maintaining a clean, well policed ship. Feeding over 2,000 troops 3 meals a day requires almost constant food preparation and mess lines. Certain equipment, weapons, supplies, and areas require 24 hour guard. Those are but a few of the requirements that must be met. So follow the instructions published and the job will be done faster and more efficiently.

RIGHT OF THE LINE

G. Procter Jr. (Signature)

6 Jan 1966