Vol 2 No. 3                TROPIC LIGHTNING NEWS                January 20, 1967

  Index

‘Cedar Falls’ Opens Crack in Iron Triangle

U.S. Units Find Big Cong Caches

   Elements of the 25th and 1st Infantry Division, the 173rd Airborne Brigade and the 196th Lt Inf. Bde. continued to move in and around the Iron Triangle as Operation Cedar Falls, the biggest operation of the Vietnam war, entered its second week.
   1n the first week of action, the multi-division force pulled in one of the biggest hauls of communist equipment and supplies in the war as the 25-year Viet Cong stronghold became a stomping ground for U.S. forces.
   Rice caches uncovered the first week in the 60-square mile Iron Triangle raised the total captured to 2100 tons, an average of more than 500 tons a day.  A few days later it topped the record amount of rice captured in Operation “Attleboro.”
          Figures
   By mid-week enemy casualty figures had climbed past the 400 mark, while American casualties remained light.
   Operation Cedar Falls, which began on January 8, was preceded by heavy B-52 bombings in the Filhol Plantation and Iron Triangle.
   For several days, high-flying B-52 Stratofortresses hit VC concentrations in round-the-cock raids, shaking up the nearby 25th Div Cu Chi base camp.  During a one-week period, there were 13 B-52 strikes in support of the operation.
          Units
   Operating in the Binh Duong province, units of the 25th have uncovered five enemy base camps and tons of supplies.
   In the first week 2100 tons of rice had been captured, along with 3150 pounds of peanuts and 7600 VC uniforms.
   Other items were 1000 pounds of salt, 100 rolls of poncho material, 1500 rolls of rolled tin, 55 rolls of sheet metal, two printing presses, three sewing machines and 173 Chinese Communist gas masks.  American troops also captured 800 grenades, several outboard motors, individual weapons and 12 crew-served weapons.
          River
   Units of the 25th have been patrolling the Saigon river.  One element recently killed 13 Viet Cong and sank three enemy sampans along the river on a night operation.
   Conducting a search and destroy along the river’s edge as dusk fell, the unit spotted a sampan sweeping the water with a spotlight.  The craft came to within 300 yards of the infantrymen and began pulling into cover.
   The Tropic Lightning forces were able to get a glimpse of weapons aboard the craft and opened fire.  Fire VC bodies were counted after the sampan sank.
          Sampans
   Three more enemy sampans came down the river minutes later and the third slipped out of danger.  The following morning, the sampan which had escaped was destroyed by a unit further down the river.
   Medical Civic Action Programs (MEDCAPs) and civic action functions have also highlighted the operation.
   “When we first came here,” said one 25th Division battalion commander, “I got six rounds through my chopper.  Now we fly choppers in and out all day without a shot fired.”
  

EVERYWHERE - On the ground and in the air division forces search in Operation “Cedar Falls.”  (Photo by PFC Vern Shibla)

Brig. Gen. Flanagan New Assistant CO

   Brig. Gen. Edward M. Flanagan Jr., formerly secretary to the general staff of United States Army Europe Headquarters, has been assigned as the new assistant division commander for the 25th Infantry “Tropic Lightning” Division.
   Gen. Flanagan, 45, of Saugerties, N. Y., served in his last position for a year at Heidelberg, Germany.
   Gen. Flanagan, who holds the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal and the Army Commendation Medal, is a 1943 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he received a bachelor of science degree.  He was also graduated from Boston University with a master of arts degree in Political Science.
   Gen. Flanagan. has also attended the Artillery Basic Officers’ course at Fort Sill, Okla., the Armed Forces Staff College, the Army War College, the Air Command and Staff School and the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kan.
   The general’s past assignments include serving as commanding officer of the 674th Airborne Field Battalion in Korea and Japan, commanding officer of the 3rd Armored Division Artillery, and intelligence officer for the Central Army Group.
  

Col. Kingston, 1/35 CO, Awarded DSC

   The Distinguished Service Cross, the Army’s second highest award for valor, was presented to Lt. Col. Robert C. Kingston, commanding officer of the 1st Bn,. 35th Inf. “Cacti Green,” 3rd Brigade Task Force.
   The presentation was made by Gen. Harold K. Johnson, Army Chief of Staff, at a brief ceremony during his recent visit to Pleiku.
   Col. Kingston was cited for valorous actions in Vietnam’s central highlands while participating in Operation “Paul Revere IV.”
   On November 22, two of the “Cacti Green” companies made contact with the forward positions of an enemy North Vietnam Army (NVA) battalion.  Col. Kingston immediately landed by helicopter and assumed control of ground operations.
   The lead company was pinned down by intense automatic weapons fire that evening.  Col. Kingston charged a wounded enemy soldier and wrestled a weapon from him.  And while firing the captured weapon he led an assault on the enemy positions with such intensity that it forced them to flee.
   Throughout the fierce, three-day battle, Col. Kingston exposed himself to hostile fire, encouraged his troops and directed air artillery support.
  

Page 2                           TROPIC LIGHTNING NEWS                           January 20, 1967

Pleiku Ceremonies
   SS Awarded to Four

   The Silver Star, the Army’s third highest award for valor, was awarded to four men of the 3rd Brigade Task Force for heroic actions in recent operations against the enemy in the Central Highlands of Vietnam.
   The presentations were made by Gen. W. C. Westmoreland, commander of all U.S. forces in Vietnam, and Maj. Gen. Arthur S. Collins, commander of the 4th Inf., ,during recent ceremonies held in Pleiku.
   The four awards went to 1st Lt. Marcel A. Guidry, 1st Bn, 14th Inf.; SSgt. Gary M. Stickles, 1st Bn., 35th Inf.; PFC William F. Thornton, 2nd Bn., 35th Inf., and PFC William H. Sanderson, 2nd Bn., 35th Inf.
          Lt. Guidry
   Lt. Guidry was cited for heroism and courageous devotion to duty while under intense enemy fire during a search and destroy mission in the central highlands of Vietnam.
   Immediately upon coming under fire, Lt. Guidry aggressively organized his forces to maneuver against the well-entrenched enemy and set up a base of fire.  When the din became too loud to communicate with his squad leaders, he ran from squad to squad through a hail of bullets to give orders.
   Late in the battle, the company commander was seriously wounded.  As soon as he heard of this, the lieutenant took command of the company.  He organized his platoons to withdraw and evacuate all casualties.  When radio communications were lost, he braved oppressive fire to seek out the platoon leaders to give them instructions.
   While leading an evacuation party Lt. Guidry was wounded by grenade fragments but refused to be evacuated.  While wounded he led a maneuver force to destroy an enemy sniper hampering the evacuation and positioned his men to secure an adequate corridor for evacuation of other casualties.
   Late that night after the fighting had ceased, Lt. Guidry organized the company into a defensive perimeter and only then accepted medical treatment.
          Sgt. Stickles
   Sgt. Stickles was cited for his extraordinary heroism against a numerically superior force of Viet Cong while serving as a squad leader during a search and destroy mission near Trang Duc.
   Moving toward their objective, the lead platoon received intense enemy fire.  In attempting to assist the beleaguered platoon, Sgt. Stickles’ unit was engaged with a reinforced Viet Cong company and sustained several casualties.  Aided by two members of his squad Sgt. Stickles, on three separate occasions, moved through the bullet-swept area to rescue a wounded comrade.
   The wounded were then placed in a armored personnel carrier for evacuation and during the course of the action the carrier was hit by a Viet Cong anti-tank weapon and burst into flames.  One man jumped from the vehicle afire with burning gasoline.  Sgt. Stickles ran to his colleague, tackled him and smothered the flames.  He then ran back to the burning vehicle, pulled out another wounded man that was trapped inside and carried him to safety.  Although wounded in the process, Sgt. Stickles continued to lead his squad as they fought their way to a landing zone where the wounded were evacuated.
          PFC Thornton
   PFC Thornton was cited for heroism while serving as a medic with the 1st Bn., 35th Inf., during Operation “Paul Revere” in the Ia Drang River Valley.
   When his unit was hit by intense hostile fire and sustained several casualties, PFC Thornton was called forward to administer first aid to two seriously wounded soldiers.
   With complete disregard for his own safety, PFC Thornton crawled forward while exposed to oppressive enemy fire and successfully administered medical treatment to his stricken comrades.
   On another occasion, PFC Thornton crawled within 15 feet of a fortified North Vietnamese Army position and evacuated a wounded soldier.
   Throughout the fierce battle, his courage saved the lives of many soldiers and inspired his comrades to seize the initiative and rout the NVA force.
          PFC Sanderson
   PFC Sanderson was cited for heroism while serving as a medic with the 2/35th Infantry during Operation “Paul Revere III.”
   While moving toward its objective, PFC Sanderson’s platoon was hit by intense hostile fire from a large fortified North Vietnamese Army force, and immediately the left flank security suffered four casualties.
   With complete disregard for his own safety, PFC Sanderson moved through the bullet-swept area to render first aid fallen comrades.  Finding the first three mortally wounded, he pressed on to the fourth to administer aid.  While treating the wounded man, he was hit twice by sniper fire.  Realizing he could not adequately administer first aid from that position, PFC Sanderson dragged his wounded comrade to a covered position and in the process was hit once again.
   During the entire battle, PFC Sanderson, although in great pain, assisted the wounded.  Through his courageous efforts, he contributed immeasurably to the unit’s success.
  

The Mail From Home

RECEIVING - One of the more pleasant events to men in the field is mail call.  Members of the 4.2-inch mortar platoon, 2nd Bn, 35th Inf, gather atop a bunker to receive news from home.  (Photo by Sgt. Michael N. Horowitz)

Lt. Col. Clinton Granger Assumes Command of 2/35th at Pleiku

   Lt. Col. Clinton E. Granger Jr., of Champaign, Ill., assumed command of the 2nd Bn, 35th Inf., “Cacti Blue”, at a recent change of command ceremony.
   He replaces Lt. Col. Philip R. Feir, who commanded the “Cacti Blue” for the last eight months.  Col. Feir departed to assume duties at the Office of Personnel Operations in Washington, D. C..
   Col. Granger was previously the brigade deputy commander.
   In January of 1996 he first arrived in Vietnam and was assigned to II Field Force, Vietnam, on the Secretary General’s Staff.  In August, he became the liaison officer and then went on to become the special assistant to the chief of staff.
   During the Korean War, Col. Granger served with the 279th Inf. as a platoon leader and later became a company commander.  He took part in the Korean Summer-Fall 1952, the 3rd Korean Winter and the Korean Summer-Fall 1953 campaigns.
   From Sept. 1953 through June 1956, Col. Granger was assigned to Fort Hood, Texas, with a variety of duties.  These ranged from being a company commander with the 702nd Airborne Infantry Brigade to being assigned as liaison officer with the chief of staff for the 1st Armored Division.
   Col. Granger is a graduate of the U.S. Army Military Academy at West Point, he has completed the basic and career courses at the Infantry School, Fort Benning, Ga., and he graduated from the Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kan., in 1962.
   His decorations include the Combat Infantryman Badge with one star and Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster.
   In his farewell speech, Col. Feir made the following comments:
   “Today it’s my sad duty to relinquish command of such a great fighting maneuver battalion.”
   “To say that I do so with a great deal of reluctance would be the understatement of the New Year.”
   Following Col. Feir was the new Cacti Blue commander, who spoke briefly to the assembled battalion.
  

Gen. Wier Visits Plei Sor Ngoi

   When Lt. Kenneth Barton, 1st Bn, 35th Inf., civil affairs officer (S-5) made a regular visit to Plei Sor Ngol, the battalion’s adopted Montagnard village, he was surprised by Brig. Gen. James A. Wier,, U.S. Army, Vietnam, Surgeon General, who arrived shortly after him.
   Gen. Wier, who had been visiting the 18th Surgical Hospital, wanted to visit the village to learn some of the customs of the Montagnard people.  Lt. Barton, who was there to give the villagers clothes and lard donated by the S-5, explained to the general and his party some of the people’s customs and habits.
   After a tour of the village the group was invited to participate in a ceremony which made them blood brothers to the Montagnards.  The event was followed with a feast of chicken and rice wine.
   The group was impressed with the way they were treated and attributed it to the fact that the battalion has been working so closely with the village over the past two months, bettering the living conditions of the villagers.
   Accompanying Gen. Wier were members of the 44th Med Bde., headed by Col. Ray L. Miller, brigade commander, and members from the 18th Surgical Hospital headed by Lt. Col. Mark T. Genac, hospital commander.
  

Treatment for Montagnards

Page 3                           TROPIC LIGHTNING NEWS                           January 20, 1967

Quick ARVN Saves 5 ‘Manchu’
By PFC Andy Jensen

   Five American soldiers owe their lives to an Army of Vietnam (ARVN) interpreter working with the division’s 4th Bn, 9th Inf “Manchu”.
   Sgt. Duong Minh Phuoc killed a Viet Cong captive who tried to ignite a grenade in an escape attempt.
   The captive had taken an element of the battalion to a place where he knew there were several mines, hoping his captors would set off a mine thereby giving him the chance to escape.  The unit hadn’t been in the area long when one of the men triggered a mine wounding himself and several others.
   The VC overpowered an ARVN soldier assigned to guard him, taking a grenade from the ARVN’s belt.  The VC was killed as he prepared to throw it at a group standing nearby.  His intended target was the battalion’s operations officer (S-3), the company commander, three other American soldiers and Sgt. Phuoc.
   As the captive raised his arm to throw the grenade, the ARVN sergeant fired, hitting the enemy in the head.  He then leaped forward and disarmed the grenade.  It happened so fast that it took everyone, including the interpreter, several moments to realize what had happened.
   After the encounter, Sgt. Phuoc was visibly shaken.  With tears in his eyes he looked at the man he had killed and quietly walked away.
   When he returned to the “Manchu” base camp the interpreter was besieged with the thanks of a grateful battalion for saving the lives of their comrades.
   But the soft-spoken sergeant in his early twenties, remained silent, tears in his eyes.  To all questions and comments he replied, “I became an interpreter so I wouldn’t have to kill but now I have.”
   For his quick action, Sgt. Phuoc has been recommended for an American award - of valor.
  

Perritt Is New Cmdr At 1/27th

   Maj. Harvey H. Perritt Jr. recently assumed command of the 1st Bn, 27th Inf., “Wolfhounds” at Cu Chi.
   Maj. Perritt, 38, of Alexandria Va., replaced Maj. Guy S. Meloy, who returned to the United States for reassignment.
   Maj. Perritt was graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1952 with a bachelor of science degree.
   A veteran of more than 20 years service the major entered the Army in 1916 after being graduated from John Marshall High School in Richmond.  He was an enlisted man for two years before entering the academy.
   Maj. Perritt holds the Bronze Star Medal with first oak cluster, the Air Medal and the Army Commendation Medal with first oak leaf cluster.
  

SIGN WAR - A soldier displays a sign found nailed to a tree by the VC.  The sign was found during Operation “Cedar Falls.”  (Photo by PFC Vern Shibla)

Said The Monkey to The Chimp
Aba-Daba-Daba-Daba-Daba-Daba-Daba

   The mascot of the 25th Inf. Div.’s 4th Bn., 9th Inf. “Manchu” ammunition dump is having a romance that is causing the battalion to lose shotgun shells.
   The mascot of the section responsible for all the trouble is a baboon named Fred.  In October Fred assumed his place with the ammo men and took it upon himself to become their protector.  He sat on the sand bag wall surrounding the ammo dump and allowed no stranger to pass.  Even a first sergeant was once halted by the watchful baboon.
   But now Fred is not quite so watchful for he is in love.  It was of little interest until their supply of shotgun ammunition started to shrink.
   A female monkey from a nearby cage had escaped and started a romance with him.  The problem began when Fred’s girlfriend started bringing him gifts of love from the ammo pile.
   By the light of the moon two lovers meet and chew up shotgun shells that she brings to the nightly feast.  The “Manchu” have tried to break up this little romance but have had almost no success.
   Love conquers all or at least it has for the moment for Fred and his lover are still dining each evening on shotgun shells from the “Manchu” ammo dump.
  

Southern Hospitality
   Blakely, Ga., Helps Bac Ha, VN
By Sp4 Dan Desmond

   The small town of Blakely, Ga., recently helped the 25th’s Revolutionary Development Program by donating over $200 and 11 large boxes of clothing to the village of Bac Ha, located just outside the Cu Chi base camp.
   Bac Ha was founded in the early 1950’s when almost 13,000 refugees from the Hanoi area drifted south and settled in Hau Nghia Province.  Their main source of income was the production of fire works but in 1960 the Vietnamese government outlawed the explosives.  With no way to provide for their families, most of the village men decided to move into the metropolitan areas and soon Bac Ha’s population was cut in half.  Viet Cong terrorist activities in recent years again dropped the hamlet’s population to 700 people.
   When the division arrived in Vietnam last January, it set up its base camp just a few hundred yards from the village.  The close distance between the village and base camp also brought close relations between the two and soon the division’s Support Command began aiding Bac Ha and its Catholic parish.
   A few months ago, Capt. Herbert R. Maddox, the intelligence officer (S-2) of Support Command, wrote his wife Evon, telling her of the conditions in the village.  Feeling compassion for the people, Mrs. Maddox asked Mayor Hugh Redding of Blakely to conduct a drive in order to help a family living in Bac Ha.
   Through Mayor Redding’s efforts, the local radio station and newspaper publicized the drive and the whole town opened their hearts.  Mrs. Maddox personally made house calls to keep donations at a maximum.  When the month-long drive ended Mayor Redding turned the collected items over to Mrs. Maddox.  She packed them up in boxes and sent them to her husband at Cu Chi.  A separate envelope contained the money which was exchanged for 23,600 piasters.  When Capt. Maddox received the items he decided to distribute them among three families.  “I thought that such a large sum of money and clothing was too much for one family and would cause jealousy in the village,” he said. “So I selected the three neediest families and distributed the items among them.  All were families who lost their husbands and fathers in the war, two of them through Viet Cong terrorist actions.”
   Now Capt. Maddox has made three families happy and brought the division a little closer to its Revolutionary Development goal.
  

Scout dogs and division troops search in “Cedar Falls.”  (Photo by PFC Vern Shibla)

Page 4                           TROPIC LIGHTNING NEWS                           January 20, 1967

Decorated

Roots of Vietnamese Buddhism Trace Back to India – 500 B.C.

   (Editor’s Note: This is the second in a series of articles describing the major religions of Vietnam and their relative influence upon its people and their history.)
   The early concepts and doctrines of the religion known as Buddhism were written in the sixth century B.C. by a man called Gautama, also known as the Gautama Buddha.  He was to Buddhism what Christ was to Christianity.  He taught his people about the futility of all earthly endeavors and showed that the only way of achieving a state of “nirvana “ (the Buddhists conception of heaven), or a perfect union with the Mystical One that presides, is that each person must suffer the miseries of life through a series of incarnations.
   Buddhism over the centuries became one of the major religions of Asia.  The two branches of Buddhism are MAHAYANA, the Greater Vehicle, and HINAYANA, the Lesser Vehicle.  MAHAYANA Buddhism, the form which was popular in China, has also achieved popularity in V. N.  The HINAYANA Buddhism of neighboring Cambodia and Laos has some following in Vietnam and has influenced some of the new lesser sects.
   The distinction between the two types of Buddhism rests on their respective view of the Gautama Buddha.  The Hinayanists regard him as the one Budha and a great teacher, although not endowed with divine powers.  The Mahayanists, on the other hand, teach that although he was divine he was not the only ruling being in the universe.
   Theoretically any person may become a Buddhist, but those who actually attain Buddhahood (Buddhism’s equivalent of sainthood), are very rare.  Saints, or persons who earnestly try to attain the perfection of Buddha are known as “bodhisattvas,” an array of superhuman beings.  Buddhas and bodhisattvas are thus recognized and venerated in Mahayana temples.
   Few Vietnamese are acquainted with or care much about Buddhism’s elaborate structure and the values it teaches.  What appeals to them is Mahayana ritual and colorful imagery, although these play a limited role in Vietnamese religious life.
   The Mahayana Buddhist temples are loosely related in regional and national associations.  The priests who maintain them, although they recite the appropriate prayers, are rarely learned in the sacred literature of Buddhism.  On the occasion of a funeral or the celebration of a wedding, birth or anniversary, the Buddhist priest may be called in to offer prayers.  His services may also be enrolled on special occasions as a spirit mediator between those living and those who have passed away.  The Buddhist priest is also in demand to lead the community in solemn ceremonies, commemorative feasts and in tines of trouble.  The Chinese in Vietnam have their own Buddhist and priests and Mahayana temples.
  

Next Week: Confucianism.
  

Editorial
   The Code We Follow

   Although a formalized Code of Conduct dates from 1955, the ideas it expresses have guided American fighting men all through our country’s history.  The Code simply puts these old and honored ideas into specific form.
   While standing at the gallows to die after being captured by the British in 1776, 21-year-old Capt. Nathan Hale of the Continental Army said: “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.”
   While leading his company in France during World War I, 1st Lt. Samuel Woodfill rushed ahead of his line three times in the face of fire to kill and capture the enemy with his pistol, a pick and his bare hands.
   In a heroic deed that involved no war, 20 volunteers joined Maj. Walter Reed and three other medical officers in risking their lives by exposing themselves to tropical mosquitoes which carried malaria.  Fifteen of the men contracted yellow fever and two of them died in the mission which resulted in Maj. Reed’s discovery of the carriers of malaria.
   These are but three of the many examples of heroism described in the history of the American fighting man.
   Not every member of the Army is assigned to a combat unit.  Not every member of a combat unit has the primary duty of closing with the enemy.  Nevertheless, every soldier, whatever his unit or his primary duty, can truthfully say, “l am an American Fighting Man.”
  

Page 5                           TROPIC LIGHTNING NEWS                           January 20, 1967

No Comprende?
Sp4 Raul Vega Translates at Division Finance

   Members of the finance section, 25th Admin Co, at Cu Chi, are glad to have Sp4 Raul Vega around.  Several times a week the Long Island, N. Y., soldier is called upon to act as a translator for his fellow workers.
   Often, replacements who speak little or no English report to the section for processing.  In most cases, the only language spoken is Spanish.  That’s where Specialist Vega comes in.  Born in Puerto Rico, the 21-year-old soldier speaks fluent English as well as his native Spanish.
   The processing section handles all personnel joining or leaving the division.
   When a man arrives at Cu Chi, after taking a leave between his last duty station and reporting to the 25th, he must fill out a travel voucher, a job handled by Sp4 Robert Dunworth, 22, of Sayerville, N. J.
   Specialist Dunworth relates that on one occasion, a man came in for processing and was asked if he took leave before coming to Vietnam.
   The reply, “Yea!”
   “Did you receive travel pay before leaving your last assignment?”
   “Yea!”
   “How many days leave did you take?”
   “Yea,” was the reply for the third time.
   “By now I realized he didn’t speak or understand English so I called Specialist Vega,” explained Specialist Dunworth.  “He straightened things out in about five minutes.  As it turned out, the soldier didn’t receive travel pay after all.  Things like this happen two or three times a week and when we’re busy, like we have been for the past few months, we must work as fast as possible.  We’d never make it without Specialist Raul,” he ended.
   When asked how he likes his double-duty, Specialist Vega said he enjoys the change of pace and sometimes finds it amusing.  “Once,” he said, “I talked to a fellow and after filling out his travel voucher he said to me, ‘Man it’s good thing you’re around or I’d spend my whole day trying to process’.”
  

OKAY, INVITING - Pretty Bonnie Landrum invites one and all to come for a ride with her along Florida’s shoreline.  Scene is Florida’s gulf coast, and the water looks inviting.

3/21 ‘Gimlet’ Medics Find A Promise in MEDCAPs

   When the “Gimlet” medics of the 3rd Bn, 21st Inf., 196th Lt Inf. Bde., were on their 30-day voyage to Vietnam, they had all sorts of visions of what they would be doing for a year in the combat zone.
   Their dreams, or perhaps nightmares, were filled with visions of men being rushed into the battalion aid station with gaping wounds.  For the line medic who spends his days in the field on operations, these nightmares have been all too true.  For the medic assigned to the aid station, the situation is different.
   The aid station medic has found a different type of activity, with new maladies to care for.  The activity is the MEDCAP (Medical Civic Action Program), and the maladies are the ills that plague the local Vietnamese populace.
   About three times a week, the “Gimlet” medics, under the supervision of the battalion surgeon, Capt. Richard J. Rose, grab their medical supplies, hop in the jeep, and take off for a hamlet.  There is no doubt in the villager’s minds why the jeep with the big red cross on its side is there.
   There is much joy and satisfaction to be gained from this type of work.  The medic knows that he is doing a humanitarian thing.
   There are heartbreaks too, however.  More than once there has been the cute little girl stricken with polio as a baby who is now paralyzed from the waist down.  In the United States there would be hope.  The child would get braces or physical therapy.  Unfortunately in Vietnam little can be done.
   The “Gimlet” medic has leaned to face this reality and perhaps has found a new dream.
  

WHOOPS!

DANCE, EVERYONE, DANCE - School children dance in honor of the 25th soldiers who have just given a party for the 611 children of Tan Hoa, located 20 miles west of Saigon.  The party included cake, punch and presents for each child.  It was sponsored by the 7th Bn, 11th Arty.  (Photo by Sp5 Todd Darch)

Page 6-7                           TROPIC LIGHTNING NEWS                           January 20, 1967

CHANGE OF THE GUARD – 175s GET NEW TUBES

30 Men, 3 Cranes, 3 Hours Required

   Because of the tremendous internal pressure needed to send 175mm shells over long distances, the life span of the tube on a 175mm self-propelled gun is relatively short.  The short life span necessitates changing the tubes whenever they wear out.
   The changing of the $18,000, six-ton tubes takes 30 men, three heavy cranes and three hours of work.  The tubes are sent to research labs at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Md., where they are tested with a view toward lengthening the life span of the tube.
   When the tests are completed, they are sent to the manufacturer who melts the old tube and casts a new one.
   To ressupply the big guns of the 2nd Bn, 32nd Arty, at Cu Chi, the division’s 725th Maint. Bn. takes its trucks to Long Binh, some 20 miles away.  Two tubes can be carried on each of the battalion’s “low boy” trucks.
   The removal and replacement of a new tube requires incredible coordination between the gun driver and the operators of the two cranes holding the tube.  The tube must be held at the pre-set angle determined by the grooves on the frame of the gun itself.  As the tube moves forward in these grooves, the entire tube must be raised, because the angle is slightly above the horizontal.  Both cranes, independently operated, must raise the same amount at the same time to keep the tube at the same angle.
  

	Tracked vehicle from 725th hoists old gun tube away
725th strains to thread on the new tube
	Maintenance men grease the threads for the breech ring
Backing up to meet the new tube

Men of 2/32nd and 725th work as the big tube slowly slips into position.

	New tube almost in position
Finished product, ready to get Charlie

Page 8                           TROPIC LIGHTNING NEWS                           January 20, 1967

Watching Gun, Helping Hand

OMNIPRESENT - Whether in the field or in a hamlet, the 3rd Spdn, 4th Cav, is always on the alert and ready to lend a watchful weapon or helping hand.  Left, a crew of an M-48A1 tank keeps a constant watch on Highway 1 as part of road security.  In the “new life hamlet” of Tan Thoi workers paint shutters of their new school, a direct result of self-improvement program initiated and supplied by the Cav.  Right, a mother in Tan Thoi buttons a new sweater for her small child during a 25th division MEDCAP.  The clothes were also supplied by the Cav.  (Photos by Sp5 Todd Darch)

Superstition: 25th Div Pulls Ace on Viet Cong

   To those who believe in them, taboos, omens and superstitions are just as real as the wind and rain.  Looking closely at some of the more popular Vietnamese customs, traits and superstitions offers an interesting insight into the life of the people.
   With the 25th Infantry Division, one thing that has been uncovered and used successfully against the Viet Cong is the ace of spades.  Positioning of one of these cards along a route is supposed to mean bad luck and the place is avoided by the VC.
   In eating, one unusual facet of the Vietnamese host is the offering of choice portions of the main dish to a guest.  With an American as a guest this usually works fine except if the main dish is chicken.  To honor the guest, the choicest part of the bird is brought forth and served - the head.
   In Vietnam, mirrors are often placed on front doors so that if a dragon tries to get in the house, he will see his reflection and thinking the house already has dragon and will go away.
   Few U.S. personnel realize that it isn’t considered polite to touch anyone on the head.  Many Vietnamese believe the spirit resides there.  Also never touch anyone on the shoulder for many  believe a genie rests there.
   Vietnamese people have a habit of not looking a person in the eyes because of shyness: rank is greatly observed in the home as well as the office, and a baby is considered to be a year old at birth.
   The Vietnamese believe that a person should die at home and in bed.  It is considered bad fortune to die away from home and bad luck to be carried home dead.
   A great many Vietnamese people sleep with a lamp lit next to the bed to keep evil spirits from getting their soul while asleep.
   Most Vietnamese’ names are backwards to Americans.  They consist of a family name, middle name and a personal or given name, which would make Al K. Haul called Mr. Al in Vietnamese, instead of Mr. Haul.
   All these facts are not commonly known but could be important in everyday dealings with the Vietnamese.  Reading more about the country in which you are now fighting will prove both interesting and enlightening.
  

1st Sergeant Likes 25th ‘Second Time Around’

   The song says “love is better, the second time around.”  For 1st Sgt. Thomas C. Merideth, Co B, 25th Avn Bn, the song lyrics seem to also apply to war.
   Sgt. Merideth served with the 25th Inf. Div. during the Korean War and is currently in Vietnam with the same Division.  Sgt Merideth is authorized to wear the patch of the “Tropic Lightning” Division on both shoulders.
   Born in Philadelphia, Miss., Sgt. Merideth began his military career with a year tour in the Air Force.  In 1949 he decided to try Army life and was assigned to Co A, 35th Regt, 25th Inf Div at Ousu, Japan.  He remained with this unit for three years during the Korean Conflict, was promoted to sergeant first class and made platoon leader of the 4th platoon of his company.
   Early in 1952 Sgt. Merideth recognized the potential of Army Aviation and began a career in this field.  In August of that year, he moved with the Aviation School from Fort Sill, Okla., to Fort Rucker, Ala.  He has watched Army Aviation grow and mature from the days of the L17/s and H-25s to the Mohawks and Huey helicopters of today’s modern Army.
   After ten years with the Army Aviation School and various aviation units, Sgt. Merideth was transferred back to the outfit with which he started his Army career, the 25th Inf Div at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.  Since May 1963 Sgt. Merideth has served with the 25th Avn. Bn and is currently the first sergeant of Co B which provides general air support for the “Tropic Lightning” Division.
   To date Sgt. Merideth’s decorations include the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Bronze Star, Air Medal with cluster, Purple Heart and Senior Crew Members Wings.
  

1st Sgt. Thomas Merideth Korea and Vietnam

MEDCAP by 3/21st Inf

   Marking their 30th MEDCAP in three months, Dr. (Capt.) Richard J. Rose and five medical aid men of the 3rd Bn, 21st Inf. recently treated 98 persons of the Cao Xa village in Tay Ninh Province.
   Six children with eye problems were brought to Dr. Dose’s attention.  The children will be sent to an ophthalmologist at the 3rd Field Hospital in Saigon.
   The MEDCAP was made in conjunction with an immunization program started in the village three weeks ago.  The program is a four-part process aimed at curing typhoid and para-typhoid fever.  The first immunization shots were administered to 385 persons.
  

175mm Cannons:  Still Shake Up 196th Camp

   When Btry C, 2nd Bn, 32nd Arty, moved into the base camp of the 196th on September 19, few people were immediately aware of the big 175mm guns.  But when the first of those 147-pound high explosive projectiles blasted off into the night people took notice.
   Formerly comprised of four 175mm self-propelled guns, Btry C now boasts two 175’s and two 8-inch self-propelled howitzers, which have the largest bore diameter of any of the Army’s conventional cannons.
   Commanded by Capt. Bernd Pasler of Toledo, Ohio, Btry C provides general heavy artillery support and reinforcement for the 196th brigade’s infantry units anywhere within more than 20 miles of the base camp.  Since arriving in Vietnam in October 1965, more than 15,000 rounds have been fired by the battery.
   Not the least of Btry C’s jobs is the training of replacements for departing members of the 13-man gun crews.  Section chiefs, who are staff sergeants, all have considerable experience on the big guns.
   Frequently the newer members of the crews have never before worked with anything larger than a 105mm howitzer.  The new personnel learn rapidly under the pressure of combat fire missions, however, and the crew’s efficiency does not suffer.
  

Lt. Col. Walworth F. Williams receives the battalion colors of the 4th Bn (Mech), 23rd Inf., from Maj. Gene A. Mitchell, acting battalion commander, during a recent change of command ceremony, at Cu Chi.  (Photo by Sp4 Rich Calvo)

Page 9                           TROPIC LIGHTNING NEWS                           January 20, 1967

TROPIC FLASHES

196th Lt Inf Bde
Brig. Gen. R. Knowles, CO
Capt. M. Randall, IO
“Chargers”

   After having completed 25 missions over hostile territory, two artillery lieutenants of the 196th Lt Bde have been awarded the Air Crewman Wings.
   Receiving the awards were 1st Lt. Richard H. Jackson of Newport, Me., and 2nd Lt. Michael Moseley of Moorestown, N.J.  Both officers are the first members of the 3rd Bn, 82nd Arty.
   The lieutenants flew as forward artillery observers for the “Flying Red Horsemen,” completing most of their missions during Operation Attleboro.
   2nd Lt. Adrian J. Sipple became the first man in the 196th to receive a direct commission while serving in Vietnam.  196th commander, Brig. Gen. Richard T. Knowles, recently pinned the gold bars on the former WO helicopter pilot.
   Capt. Michael T. Raune of Jersey City, N.J., assumed command of Co C, 4th Bn, 31st Inf, from outgoing Capt. Alfonso Izzi in a recent ceremony at company headquarters.  Before assuming command of the “Polar Bear” company Capt. Raune served as S-3 (Air) with HHC, 3rd Bn, 21st Inf.
   Capt. Raune’s first official business as new company commander was to swear in four enlisted men who reenlisted for a combined total of 17 years.
   Capt. Izzi has assumed duties as assistant brigade S-4.
   Co A, 3rd Bn, 21st Inf, opened the doors of its new’ enlisted men’s club recently.  Capt. Emil Gregg of Hazelton, Pa., Co A’s commanding officer, officially cut the ribbon.
   A four-speaker stereo system provided the sounds as the men forgot the war for a while around the tables or relaxed on the sofas and lounge chairs in the TV room.
   Meanwhile, Troop F, 17th Cav, opened the doors of its elaborate new NCO club recently.  The grand opening featured free steaks and beer, with music provided by a six-piece band from the Philippine Civic Action Group.
   The new club features a 26 foot mahogany bar, while a red brick veneer adds a touch of class to the outside.  Troop F cavalrymen especially enjoy the club’s patio with its swaying palms.
   How well is the new club doing?  SSgt. Elmer Quist of Colorado Springs, Colo., says, “I wish I had a business like this back in the States.”
   


125th Sig Bn
Lt. Col. T.J. Ferguson, CO
Capt. Dan Demchuk, IO

   Joining the ranks of the 125th Sig Bn early this month was Maj. Harold E. Hutchinson who came to the “Tropic Lightning” division after graduating from the Command and General Staff College.  Maj. Hutchinson is no novice in the field of tactical communications having served as division Radio officer and assistant Division Signal officer with the 8th Inf. Div. in Germany.  From July 1964 until August 1966 he served as a Project Officer in the Communication Electronic Agency of the Combat Development Command, Fort Hauchuca, Ariz., where he was principally concerned with tactical communication studies.  Maj. Hutchinson has been awarded the Army Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters.
   His new assignment with the 25th Division is that of Assistant Division Signal Officer.
  

12th Evac Hosp
Lt. Col. Joseph L. Hannon, CO
Maj. Joe Gipson, IO

   Promotions were given recently to 2nd Lt. Head to 1st Lt., PFC’s Mackey C. Horning, Nortunen R. Meuller, Toy A. Mackey and E. Rose to Sp4, and PVT’s Reed and Tucker to PFC.  Pictures were taken and congratulations given.
   Capt. David Gaw, a member of the medical staff, and Mrs. Gaw are the proud parents of a new baby girl.  Their daughter was born on Jan 5th, weighing 8 pounds, 6 1/2 ounces.  The message received said that both mother and child are doing fine.
   Sp4 Michael W. Hoyt was named “Soldier of the Month” for January.  Answering questions in a superior fashion and looking his best was the winning combination.  He earns the right to compete in the Soldier of the Month board at the 68th Medical Group in the future.
   A USARV message recently directed that hospitals commence awarding Purple Hearts to patients wounded as a result of hostile action.  It will be the repsonsibility of the 12th to present Purple Hearts to all persons who remain over 24 hours with the hospital.  Persons leaving the hospital in less than 24 hours will be presented the award at the next hospital, while the survivors of those killed in action will receive the medal from Department of the Army.
  

2nd Brigade
Col. Marvin Fuller, CO
Lt. Albert Karel, IO
HHC

   Headquarters welcomes new brigade chaplain, Maj. Thomas J. McInnes and HHC 1st Sgt. Vicente Remediz.  Sgt. Remediz arrived in Vietnam from Ft. Bliss, Tex., after serving with a recruit training unit.
  


1st Bn, 27th Inf
”Wolfhounds”

   A new “ultra-modern” fire direction center is under construction in the 1/27 area under the direction of 4.2 platoon leader Lt. Carter Ashcraft.
   Capt. Roger L. Taylor takes the place of Capt. Jerry Turner as battalion commo officer.  Capt. Turner has rotated back to the states.
  


2nd Bn, 27th Inf
”Wolfhounds”
  
   Lt. Calvin Neptune joins the 2/27 from Ft. Sam Houston, Tex.  He will serve as a medical platoon leader.
  


1st Bn (Mech), 5th Inf
“Bobcats”

   The officers and men of the Bobcats said goodbye to Lt. Col. Victor Diaz and welcomed new “Bobcat 6” Lt. Col. Richard C. Rogers.
  


2nd Bn, 14th Inf
Lt. Col. Charles Gillis, CO
Capt. D. Moore, IO
“Battle Dragons”

   Promotions were making news at the 2/14th, too.  Gary G. Friend, the battalion liaison officer, was promoted to captain.  Others gaining the rank of captain were John P. Otjen, Co A commander, Richard L. Gray, formerly executive officer of HHC, and Gary A. Cecchine, assistant S-3.
   Twelve men were promoted to sergeant.  They are Melvin J. Brown, Michael A. Clifford, Steven F. Pittle, Michael Fredrickson, John W. Mullins, Arthur F. Rasmus, James B. Steel, Thomas D. Danowski, all of HHC; and Johnnie Wylie, Larry Gainey, Lee Scott and Darrel Colwell of Co A.  Making Sp5 were James Parlor, James I. Crabtree, Donald R. Absher and Shaversh Keulian, all of HHC.
   Capt. Daniel J. Deliz, former battalion S-2, was reassigned as Co C commander.  1st Lt. Charles E. DeWese has been reassigned to Co C as executive officer.
  

Bunker Has 8 – And More

   Medics of the 2nd Bn, 14th Inf., under the supervision of SSgt. Robert Brown, completed a solid eight-man bunker in one day recently at Rach Kien.
   It was supposed to be for eight men.  That night, only hours after its completion, Viet Cong mortars hit the base camp and when Sgt. Brown made a count of his medics he found the bunker could hold a few more than eight.
  

Cu Chi Charlie . . . By PFC John Fekete

Page 10                           TROPIC LIGHTNING NEWS                           January 20, 1967

Inter-Platoon Rivalry Ends as 17th Cav Unit Rescues Mates

   Inter-platoon rivalry is an old Army tradition often stimulating better morale and increased efficiency.  Recently Troop F, 17th Cavalry, 196th Brigade, was involved in an action in which rivalry was all but forgotten.
   Troop F’s third platoon was on patrol not far from the 196th Lt Inf. Bde. base camp at Tay Ninh.  Dusk was setting in as the eleven-man patrol separated with five men going to the right and six going left looking for hidden Viet Cong supplies.
   Suddenly VC fire poured in from three sides pinning down both elements of the patrol.
   PFC Anthony Sperlazza of Howard Beach, N.Y., remembers firing his M-79 grenade launcher, hitting a VC in a tree and watching him plummet to the ground.
   At the Troop F command post an urgent message was received from the pinned down patrol.  Sgt. David M. Morris was monitoring the radio.
   “I ran to the second platoon area and told them that the patrol from the third platoon was pinned down under heavy fire,” he said.
   Sp4 James R. McCardell of Warwick, R.I., remembers: “We were playing cards in the tent when word came that part of the third platoon was pinned down.  We grabbed weapons and web gear and headed for our jeeps.  Men were putting on shirts and lacing boots as we went out the gate.”
   “When we heard our men were pinned down it was the fastest we ever moved out of the area,” recalls Sp4 Joseph Rodriguez of Manhattan, N.Y.
   In less than four minutes the second platoon relief force was on the scene under the direction of Troop F commander Capt. Clyde W. Roan of Daytona Beach, Florida.
   One element of the pinned down third platoon patrol was then able to link up with the second platoon which was now laying down a heavy base of fire.
   The second platoon’s firepower enabled the rest of the patrol to move to safety.  By this time it was completely dark, and the Viet Cong slipped away into the thick jungle.
   The men of the third platoon patrol only speak in superlatives of their rescuers, the second platoon, as all feelings of platoon rivalry were set aside.
   “Thank heavens for the second platoon,” beamed PFC Sperlazza.
  

CLEAR THE ROAD - Men of Troop F, 17th Cav, observe a suspected VC site in a rubber plantation south of Tay Ninh.  The Cav is on a road clearing mission.  (Photo by PFC Chris Perales)

Oh Where, Oh Where, Have the Viet Cong Gone

   Co A, and Bn, 21st Inf, 196th, will go a long way to find VC who are willing to fight, but some days you just can’t raise a thing.
   “Action Alpha” had set up a command post just off the road over a mile from the base of Nui Ba Den mountain.  The company commanded by Capt. Emil Gregg of Hazelton, Pa., moved out later to sweep and clear the area parallel to the road opposite Nui Ba Den.
   After progressing a mile through alternating areas of plowed fields, dry rice paddies and jungle, the company crossed the road at its far end and faced the small hump of the mountain, known as Nui Cao.
   At this point the artillery forward observer, Lt. Michael Moseley of Moorestown, N.J, called a recon-by-fire mission on Nui Cao, but the exploding rounds drew no response.  Capt. Gregg then moved the company into a relatively clear patch of elephant grass about 200 yards from the base of the mountain, where the lead squad put a two-minute burst of M-16, machinegun and grenade launcher fire into the side of Nui Cao.  Still no response.
   The company, in a vain effort to draw even a little sniper fire, began the long trek back to their CP, walking within 50-100 yards of the base of the mountain.  But Charlie was not to be drawn out of wherever he was hiding, and the eight-mile sweep was completed early in the afternoon with no contact having been made.
  

DAWN PATROL - Infantrymen of the 196th Lt Inf Bde, slog through an ankle-deep stream in search of the VC south of the bde’s base camp at Tay Ninh.  (Photo by PFC Chris Perales)

2nd Bn, Ist Inf, Captain Weins Silver Star

   The nation’s third highest award for gallantry in action, the Silver Slar, has been awarded to Capt. James P. Thompson, Co C commander, 2nd Bn, 1st Inf, 196th Lt Inf Bde.
   While on Operation Attleboro, Co C of the “Guardians” battalion was placed under the operational control of the 1st Bn, 27th Inf.
   Late in the afternoon Co C of the 2nd Bn, 27th Inf, was cut off by enemy forces as it attempted to link-up with elements of the 1/27th.
   Darkness had fallen and the company had sustained light casualties.  Water and ammunition were short.
   Capt. Thompson was ordered to move his company to the relief of the beleaguered unit and effect a linkup.
   Capt. Thompson immediately assembled his company and moved forward through dense jungle toward the cutoff unit in complete darkness.
   About 40 yards beyond the forward friendly lines, heavy automatic weapons fire hit the troops from the flanks and front.
   Capt. Thompson moved forward in the darkness and while under intense automatic fire attempted to maneuver another platoon around to the flank in an attempt to neutralize the enemy automatic fire.
   This flanking movement met a murderous volume of fire.  The unit became pinned down.  Half of the company was engaged in battle.  Movement was difficult in the darkness.  Throughout the action Capt. Thompson moved about the battlefield exposing himself to enemy fire and giving words of encouragement to his subordinate leaders.
  

17th Cav Trooper Kills 2 Charlies With One Shell

   Nui Ba Den, “the Black Virgin” Mountain, thrusts its jungle-covered head 3200 feet above the flat terrain of Tay Ninh.  Although the U.S. Army Special Forces maintain a fortified camp on the mountain summit, the slopes are Viet Cong dominated.
   Elements of the 196th Lt Inf Bde again challenged the VC’s hold on the “Black Virgin.”  Recoilless rifles of Troop 17th Cav brought fire on suspected VC cave positions on the mountainside.  Sp4 Brian C. Barker of Tacoma; Wash., a gunner on a 106mm recoilless rifle, put his first shot into the mouth of a cave.  “I didn’t think anybody was in there,” he recalled.
   Later that day, Civilian Irregular Defense Group (CIDG) forces began searching the caves.  As it turned out Specialist Barker’s shot had entered a cave, killing two VC hiding in it, destroying their weapons.
   In commemoration of his “lucky shot”, Specialist Barker painted two small Viet Cong silhouettes on the tube of his recoilless rifle.  Considering the size of the weapon there is room for quite a few more.
  

4/31st Infantry Claymore, Bullets Slice Up 5-Man Viet Cong Patrol

   With the perimeter finally established around elements of the 4th Bn, 31st Inf, 196th Bde, five brigadesmen concealed themselves among the bushes near a rubber plantation.
   The night’s long hours of alertness at the listening post thus began for team leader Sp4 Glennis McGown of Romales, Mich., and PFC Hector Perales of Brooklyn, N.Y., PFC Edwin Martin of Ephrata Penn., PFC Ralph Knight of Boaz, Ala., and PFC Henry Barns of Coward, S.C.
   Seemingly, years elapsed before movement was observed to the front of PFC Perales position.  The other four “Polar Bears” of Co A spotted the movement too, and by now it was clear that there were five VC coming across an open field.
   “PFC Perales had the detonating switch in his hand, s I told him to set off the claymore mine,” said Specialist McGown.  By now the VC had advanced to within three feet of the mine.
   The claymore explosion shattered the night’s stillness and “We all opened up on them,” recalled PFC Martin, a radio telephone operator (RTO).
   Inspecting the area, the “Polar Bears” found four bodies and a trail of blood from the fifth Viet Cong, who had slipped away but had left behind his web gear.
   Also found were blood, stained trousers and a shirt along with three Mal rifles and a carbine.
  

Red Cross Girls Visit 196th

   Troops of HHC, 196th, were recently treated to a 50-minute program of fun and games by two visiting Red Cross girls from the 25th.
   Chris Campbell of Claremont, Calif., the program director, and Mina Carver of El Paso, Tex., a recreation aide, split the attentive troops into two groups and presented a quiz show with questions about TV shows and comic strip characters.
  

Page 11                           TROPIC LIGHTNING NEWS                           January 20, 1967

Know Your Div. – Part 8
   Class II-IV Supply

   Don’t mention peanuts or rice paddies to the members of the Class II- IV section, 25th Infantry Division Supply and Transportation (S&T) Battalion, or they’re apt to pitch a loose boot at you.
   For one year these “Tropic Lightning” providers have been trying to turn a soggy paddy, peanut infested lowland swamp into a modern supply storage and distribution point.
   The battle, according to 1st Lt. Clifford D. Harris, the Class II-IV section leader, is not quite won but the paddy land has lost its grip on the sector.  Lt. Harris, a Salem, Ore., officer said most of the credit for whipping the supply yard into shape goes to his key noncommissioned officers, SSgt. John K. Moa from Pearl City, Hawaii, and SSgt. Leroy J. Nieman of St. Louis, Mo.
   The sergeants saw the yard as it was when the fight started.  Sgt. Moa has since rotated black to the U.S.
          Story
   The real story of the Class II-IV yard goes way back to Hawaii when the 25th Division started preparations for its move to Vietnam.  As Sgt. Nieman, the 2-4 yard supervisor put it, “We started packing in late 1965 and kept at it until the last box was filled in May 1966.”  He added that more than 3000 “C” boxes (the largest used by the Army for shipping) were filled and sent to Cu Chi for use in the republic.
   The packing and shipping of these boxes continued even after the division was in-country.
   Sgt. Nieman explained that the first few months of duty at Cu Chi were difficult ones for the people at S&T.  There was so much to do that two shifts worked day and night.  Every day 40 trailer loads of boxes arrived.  The day crew issued out items to units and straightened out materials.  They unpacked boxes and shifted the items to central locations.
          Shift
   The night shift rushed back and forth within the yard unloading boxes from the trucks that arrived during the day.
   Even the best of work sometimes is for nothing.  When April rolled around the sky above Cu Chi opened to practically drown the existing supply yard.  Between April and June the yard was flooded with one to two feet of muddy water.
   Then with the able assistance of the 65th Engr Bn a neighboring peanut patch was leveled.  Using enormous amounts of laterite, the new yard rose above the quagmire and a gigantic transportation project within a transportation unit began.  In addition to unloading and unpacking incoming materials, the S&T personnel had to shift all their products out of the old swamp to the new yard.
   At the present time, all the Hawaii-packed “C” boxes have arrived.
          Function
   The Class II-IV yard is separated into several sections by function.  The largest is the storage area under the control of Sgt. Neiman.  Here all field gear, boots, clothing and such miscellaneous items as helicopter pilot helmets are kept, pending issue.
   The staff in this sector works day and night to get its equipment boxed in CONEXs.  Those containers originally were lined up in a single long row which became two separated rows.  Now there are CONEXs on top of CONEXs in one row and the other is following suit.
   Just around the corner is the smallest portion of the yard but the one that handles the most valuable and important items issued at Cu Chi.  This is the ordnance support section headed by PFC Gerald J. Givens from Linden, N.J.  PFC Givens handles the issue and turn in of weapons and other small ordnance items.  The largest item stocked is a 4.2 inch mortar, the smallest a combat wristwatch.
          Salvage
   Down from ordnance is the salvage and signal point covered by Sp4 Homer J. Amery.  This Beckley, W.Va. lad accepts all excess serviceable and salvage items of the 25th at Cu Chi.  All direct exchange materials including communications equipment are brought to Specialist Amery’s hut where he separates the materials into categories.  The salvageable pieces that are still of some use are boxed and sent to the depot in Saigon for repair and reissue.  Excess serviceable supplies are either moved over to storage or kept at the salvage section as in the case of all types of communication gear.
   Completely across the yard Sp5 Jessie A. Cranfer of New Grenta, N.J., handles the receiving and shipment department.  All incoming material is brought to this location where it is unloaded, inspected and classified as to need and serviceability.  Some items go to storage and some are salvaged because of in-transit damage.  In a few cases, items are received that do not belong to the division.  These go back to Saigon.  Every once in a while supplies are brought in that not only do not belong to the division but shouldn’t be in Vietnam, such as winter sleeping bags.  These get a quick ride to Saigon.
          Everything
   Almost everything imaginable goes through this area from tent pegs to bottled gas, rifle patches to tents and boots to five-gallon cans.
   Tucked away in a corner is a section of the yard that all clerical personnel on post can’t do without; the self service supply point.  Here Sp5 Billy W. Thornton of Smithfield N.C., issues and stocks paper, pens, steel wool and oven lubrication oil.
   Whatever the section, the Class II-IV yard is pushing forward with vigor.  It must be because it serves the men whose lives depend on supplies when they need them.
  

LOOKING OVER - Sp4 Homer J. Amery of Beckley, W. Va., gives a recoilless rifle a thorough going over before it is issued out to a unit of the 25th at the division’s Class II-IV supply yard.  Specialist Amery is in charge of the ordinance and signal section of the yard.  In this capacity he receives old items which are exchanged for new ones.

Page 12                           TROPIC LIGHTNING NEWS                           January 20, 1967

A Good Storey:
   Capt. Goes Down With His Ship
By Sgt. Bill Becker

   Operation “Cedar Falls,” the largest ground action of the war, has caused at least one dispute between units of the 25th Div and local Viet Cong for right of way on the Saigon River and its tributaries.
   Positioned along the river on the bank opposite the Iron Triangle the division is finding the waterways as useful for supply and mobility as the VC have found it in the past.  But the enemy is reluctant to give up the river.
   In one recent example, a 25th unit was taking advantage of a tributary and cover of darkness to re-supply its elements.  The 25th company was using a convoy of three sampans to take munitions from its third platoon on one bank to its 1st and 2nd platoons on the other.
   “My first platoon leader and I were leading two sampans full of supplies in a rickety old boat that could barely hold us,” said Capt. Charles C. Storey, Jr., company commander.  “Suddenly we spotted another sampan coming our direction.  There were three VC aboard.”
   Capt. Storey waited until the enemy sampan was about 50 feet away and opened up with his 12 gauge shot gun.  While the captain poured shells at the VC the platoon leader, 1st Lt. Charles E. Glasscock tried to steer.  The action was too much for the old boat - it came apart and began sinking.
   The lieutenant swam to one bank where the two supply ships picked him up.  They went down the tributary; unloaded and started back to find Capt. Storey.
   “We found him near the other bank,” said Lt. Glasscock.  “When he heard our motor, he switched his flashlight on under the water so we could spot him.”
   When the tide went down the next morning, the two went back up the tributary to find evidence of the encounter.  The VC boat was still there, stained with blood, and containing web gear, two hats and three pairs of shoes.
   On the bank, they found two more sets of web bear, a carbine and a Russian rifle.
   “The whole thing is almost funny when I look back on it,” Capt. Storey said, “but at the time it was one hairy situation.”
  

Kids Aided – 4/31 Now New Orleans Citizens

   When the men of Co A, 4th Bn, 31st Inf, 196th Lt Inf Bde, received letters from the Jamieson children of New Orleans, they were delighted.
   The children had written several letters to the company thanking them for the job they are doing in Vietnam and telling them that America is behind them.
   To show their appreciation the “Go-Go Men” sent the Jamieson kids a money order for $100 to help decorate their Christmas tree.
   The Christmas gift couldn’t have come at a better time.
   The Jamiesons, a family of 10, had just moved to a larger home when two of the eight children were hospitalized with pneumonia.  Expenses from the move and the hospital bills made a Merry Christmas seem pretty unlikely.  When the “Go-Go Gift” arrived ti was just like Santa making his visit early.
   Mrs. Jamieson wrote, “Thanks to you, our Christmas will be a merry one.  Our tree was purchased with part of the money and on top our angel holds a card saying from a “Go-Go Company”, for you see we think of you as our angels.”
   The turkey and gifts were also purchased with the “Go Go gift,” and to make the season ever merrier, the two hospitalized children returned home for Christmas.
   Mrs. Jamieson ended, “Our babies are home and well again so you know that God has surely blessed all of us, first by giving us health but also by giving us so very many dear friends like you men who think of us at this time.”
   Mayor Victor A. Shiro of New Orleans, after learning of the gift, sent a Certificate of Honorary Citizenship and the “Key to the City” to the men of the company.  A Certificate of Merit was also received from the Jamieson’s parish Jefferson (County) for “outstanding service.”
  

45th Hospital Road Dedicated

   Maj. Gary P. Wratten, commanding officer of the 45th Surgical Hospital, arrived at the Tay Ninh base camp of the 196th Lt Inf Bde on Nov. 2nd eagerly anticipating the opening of the hospital and the wealth of services it will provide for the sick and wounded.  Two days later the base camp was mortared, and Maj. Wratten was fatally wounded.
   In tribute to his enthusiasm and efforts, Maj. Charles M. Lyon, commander of the Army’s first MUST (Mobile Unit Self-Contained Transportable) equipped hospital has named the 45th Surgical’s new service road, the Gary P. Wratten Road.
   Brig. Gen. Richard T. Knowles, commanding general of the 196th, remarked at the dedication ceremony, “This is a fitting tribute to Maj. Wratten and will stand as a monument, an inspiration to all who work for freedom.”
   General Knowles and Capt. (Chaplain) Robert Covington of San Antonio, Tex,, unveiled the new street sign.  As Maj Lyon officially dedicated the assembled corpsmen, doctors and nurses stood at attention and a 13-piece band from the 1st Philippine Civic Action Group played the “Star Spangled Banner.”
   Maj. Wratten was graduated from the University of Buffalo Medical School in 1950.  He  was commissioned a first lieutenant in the Army Medical Corps the same year he attended Brook General Hospital, Ft. Sam Houston, Tex.
   He was promoted to captain while a resident in general surgery at Walter Reed Hospital from 1959 to 1963.
   Later, at Walter Reed he headed the Clinical Section, general service, and then became chief of head and neck services.  During this time he also taught at Johns Hopkins University.  Certified by the American Board of Surgeons in 1964, he was appointed commander of the 45th Surgical Hosp. in June of 1966.
   Maj. Wratten is survived by his wife, Shirley, and their four sons, Christopher, Timothy, Leigh and Thomas and a daughter, Linda, of Silver Springs, Md.
   The dream Maj. Wratten envisioned has in itself become a shrine to his dedicated services.  Since becoming operational less than two months ago, the MUST hospital has treated more than 300 patients.
  

196th Helps Delta Flood Victims

   The 196th Lt Inf Bde contributed more than 3 1/2 tons of beans captured on Operation Attleboro to the Tay Ninh Regional USAID (United States Aid to International Development).  The beans were given by the brigade to help the recent victims of the Mekong River floods.
   The hard green bean which the Vietnamese cook with sugar and make into a soup, was sent to delta villagers, for reseeding purposes.
   USAID representative Dale Pfeiffer, acted as a liaison for the Army in transporting the beans from the “Charger” brigade.
   Together with the beans, 103 metric tons of peanuts were also flown to the villages hit by the flood.
  

ATTLEBORO - The first 105mm howitzer of the 196th Lt Inf Bde, belonging to the 3rd Bn, 82nd Arty, gets a thorough check-out by its crew.  The howitzer, called “Attleboro,” was named following Operation Attleboro.  (Photo by 1st Lt. Ambrosio Sarmiento)

Thanks to:
Jim Reynolds, 125th Signal Battalion, for sharing this issue,
Kirk Ramsey, 2nd Bn., 14th Inf. for creating this page.

This page last modified 01-16-2008

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