Reuniting all eras of Marine Corps' 1st Recon Battalion, including members of the 1st Force Recon Company, Deep Reconnaissance Platoon and the Amphibious Recon Company. Membership into this association of special warriors is free. The association's "Patrol Report" is published twice yearly with reunion information and other Recon news.

Join by clicking on the Application link at the top of this page.

To find someone you served with

Click on the Members link at the top of this page.

This Website is a Work in Progrees

2019

Donations can be sent to the Association Treasurer:

Creg Howland
43761 Churchill Glen Drive
Chantilly, VA 20152

Make donations payable to The 1st Recon Association

Commemorative Bricks

Commemorative Bricks will line the winding pathways in the Semper Fidelis Memorial Park. 1st Reconnaissance Battalion Association members, family and friends are invited to donate a commemorative brick to honor a reconnaissance Marine or Corpsman, living or deceased. 1st Recon Commemorative Bricks will be placed along the pathway in front and around our memorial. The Association is collecting 1st Recon commemorative brick donations and inscriptions and submitting them to the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation. Commemorative bricks may be ordered through the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion Association with a donation of $210.00 for each brick plus $5.00 for related postage with each order of one or more bricks.

 

Brick Engraving Guidelines. Each brick may have no more than three lines; each line may be 20 characters in length (a character includes all letters, punctuations and spaces). Each line must end with a complete word or name (words and names will not be hyphenated and continued on the next line). You may purchase as many bricks as you like. Examples of commemorative brick inscriptions are provided below.

Order your Commemorative Brick(s) and submit your contact information (name, mailing address, phone number(s), and email address) along with a check or money order and your brick inscription to the 1st Recon Battalion Association at the address below. The MC Heritage Foundation will provide a proof copy of each brick inscription before it is engraved. Ensure you send your contact information in case there are questions about your inscription. Thank you for your support of the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion Memorial and Commemorative Bricks. Commemorative Brick check or money order donations should be made out to: 1st Recon Battalion Association. Send your contact information with your $215.00 donation and brick inscription to: 1st Recon Battalion Association, c/o C. Kershaw, 2527 Unicornio Street, Carlsbad, CA 92009. Call or email Charlie Kershaw with brick questions at: 760 402-8638 or  invictus7@earthlink.net

Memorial Day 2023

Semper Fidelis Memorial Park

Quantico, Virginia

The 1st Reconnaissance Battalion Association

We Remember

1st Recon Battalion Association

1st Reconnaissance Battalion Memorial Remembrance

Association Purpose

1st Recon Battalion Association Website is a work in Progrees.

1st Recon Bn Association

photographs

To Louisville, Kentucky 2019 God Willing

1st Recon Battalion

Association

Post it Here Meeting & Events Photgraphs

1st Reconnaissance Battalion

Thank You

2021

Form

Form

Form

Click Here part 1 of 17

Taps 21 parts

 click here

PFC Ralph Henry Johnson

PFC Thomas E Jenning

Operation "Rock"

Lt. Clebe McClary

Click a photo to link to a page on our website. Links are found on nearly all Web pages. Links allow users to click their way from page to page. Our Website Navigator is at the top of each page.

"This website makes me proud I served" Email sent in July 17th, 2019 from Buddy AKA Ryder Haskell Delta Company 66-67. Thanks Ryder 

Dong Den Photos

32

2021, 2022 & 2023

New Members part 1 of 2

Click Here

for the 2018 - 2020

New Members

Floyd Ruggles 

Please keep your contact INFO up to date.

This will allow the Association to send out messages from time to time.

Thank You,

This Website is

69 Months Old

June 28th, 2023

Attack on OP BaNa

August 12, 1969, near Da Nang, Vietnam. This is from USMC Oral History Tape 4496, and was recorded on September 4, 1969. CAUTION: SOME LANGUAGE MAY BE OFFENSIVE!  

Memorial Day 2017 - 2023

1st Recon Battalion Association

Members Photos

Your Webmaster

Message from Grandle Starling  marine1@stardevil.com

Subject: Recon Marine Patrick Sanchez

Message: Another Marine is looking to locate this Brother who served with him in the early 90's. He was also at 3rd Recon for a bit. Probably from the Los Angeles area.

 

Thanks,

Grandle Starling Cpl E-4 1959/1963

Father of SSGT Jeffrey R. Starling

SSgt Jeffrey R. Starling
Died 09 December, 1999.

.

Thanks Grandle for the message!

Camp Reasoner 2016

By JONATHAN "JON" KIRCHNER

              They came this way but once. Yet, they               touched our lives in many ways while they were here. We shall remain eternally grateful for their friendship and for the influence each bestowed upon us.

Click the photo

Ron Overton

Steven Plunkett
1/9/50 - 5/28/18

Steven Michael Mace

Taps

Bill Smith

Terry L Moore

October 17th, 2018

Email from Mike Collins:

Floyd, Here is the website and incident report from HMH 364 Purple Fox regrading the helicopter crash we were involved during resupplying our OP. The crew chief Charlie Bassett posted the report on their website. My son Patrick found it. After reading he referenced that he knew I was Medivaced to Japan but didn't know if I survived. I contacted Charlie to let him know I did survive the crash. He asked me to add my recollection of that day and they added to their website. Maybe you can add this to our website. Thanks, Mike Collins

Floyd Ruggles 

2/6/1969 - 2019

50 Years

Message from the 1st Recon Battalion Association Membership Director

Message from the 1st Recon Battalion Association Membership Director

Flag Raised on Mount Suribachi, Iwo Jima
23 February 1945

I apologize to all our new & existing members for the delay in all updates to this website.

But I only will do a full update every quarter. It takes 2-3 weeks per update.

Check back from time to time for the completed update.

I will update the "Taps" section of this website when notified of a fallen brother or other urgent matters. Please mark your emails accordingly.

Message from the 1st Recon Battalion Association Membership Director

1st Recon Battalion Association is a non-profit organization of former and current members of the 1st Recon Battalion, 1st Marine Division.

Our mission is to help locate former Recon Marines and their families, and to recognize those who paid the ultimate price through the 1st Recon Memorial Fund which has established and will help maintain the permanent memorial at the Marine Corps Historical Museum at Camp Quantico Virginia.

1st RECONNAISSANCE BATTALION ASSOCIATION BY-LAWS

ARTICLE II - MEMBERSHIP

 

 

SECTION 1. CRITERIA. All Marine and Navy personnel who were assigned to or were attached to the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division are eligible for membership in the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion Association.

SECTION 2. ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP. The 1st Reconnaissance Battalion Association may grant Associate Membership to any parent, spouse, child or sibling of anyone, living or deceased, who was assigned or attached to the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division and friends and supporters of the association. Associate Members shall not exceed 20% of the general members of the association. Associate Members may participate in Association events, except the general membership meeting and have no voting rights at Association meetings.

SECTION 3. DECEASED MEMBERS. All who met the aforementioned qualifications for membership and are deceased will be carried on the Association's deceased member rolls as they become known.

SECTION 4. DUES. Association members have no mandatory dues. However, Members and Associate Members are encouraged to make donations, annually, to help defray the Association's operating expenses.

An annual donation of $10.00 is suggested.

For more Info on our By-Laws

New Applications are pending approval by the President and/or the Secretary of the 1st Recon Battalion Association. It may take a week once the member is posted on our website.

Jim Fossos has passed away 

Mike, I apologize for the delay in your updates to this website.

Check out all the new updates.

Jim's Photo Albums

Names on new members for 2018-2023 

Join by clicking on the Application link at the top of this page.

Message from Rihard J Schadl

rechadl10@comcast.net  

August 30th, 2018 4:45pm

Subject: Death Notification

.

Message: It is with great sorrow that I pass on information about the death of Bruce Ware. Bruce served as commander of 3rd platoon, Echo Company, 1st Recon from December 1967 to December 1968. He died August 28th, 2018. Semper Fi, RJ Schadl

Bruce Ware

January 19th, 2019

December 18th, 2018

Message from Emily Martin    emartin@usni.org

Subject: USNI Photo Request

I am the photo researcher for the U.S. Naval Institute, a non-profit located in Annapolis Maryland. For the upcoming issue of Naval History, our bi-monthly periodical, we are featuring an article by a former Navy Hospital Corpsman assigned to Charlies Company, 1st Reconnaissabce Battalion, 1st Marine Division in 1967.

His article covers a patrol he was on in May 1967 out of Da Nang. We're looking for photos from the time period of 1st Recon Battalion with Corpsman on patrol.

Is it possible that any of your members might be able to help?

Please let me know if you have any questions and I look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you,

Emily Martin

Corpsman, Up! 

A Navy corpsman in the Vietnam War pens a gripping firsthand account of the night in 1967 that still haunts him to this day.

Naval History Magazine - April 2019 Volume 33, Number 2

By Ralph DiPietro

Louisville, Kentucky

PHOTOS

SGT John Sleeper

Meet our newest Association member as of July 22nd, 2021

John Sr. & Patricia Peeples

John Peeples Jr., son of SSgt Peeples

John & Patricia

Good Morning, 

My name is John Peeples Jr., son of SSgt Peeples, John of Delta Company 1st Recon Bn. Marines 1967.  I wanted to update your records that my father passed away from agent orange/ cancer throughout his whole body and brain.  He passed in October 2008.  He is remembered by his wife Patricia, Daughter Julie and his son John Peeples Jr.  He has a grandson named after him John Peeples III, who is 18 years old. 

Edward Henry

Bravo Company Team: Chili Pepper

If someone wants to go back to Vietnam they can contact: David Snider "Doc" Phone: 513-607-9184 Email: Docsnidley@aol.com

MEMBERS

If someone wants to go back to Vietnam they can contact: David Snider "Doc" Email at:  Docsnidley@aol.com

MEMBERS

Col. William "Doc" White USMC Ret.

Rodney H Pupuhi

Faces of the dead & their stories coming in 2021.

Mike St Clair

Coming 2021

Charlie Kershaw

Message from the 1st Recon Battalion Association Webmaster

Last update: 12/20/2023  - 9:00 AM

Must See!

Doc Terry Coffin

Alpha Company

Ken Androes

Delta Company

Updates June 30th, 2019

It is with deep sadness that we report the news of the death of Ciro Viento of Alpha Company. He will be greatly missed by his family & friends of 1st Recon. We give thanks for Ciro's life.

Ciro A. Viento

A Brave Marine's Last Words!

Cpl Frank James Montez

Alpha Company

1st Recon Battalion Association members

On July 2, 2019 at 3:58 PM   Doc Lakernick  wrote: Subject: Dave Apgar and Jim Fossos update. Message: For those of you that did not know Dave had a Heart Attack 7 weeks ago and is in rehab and not permitted to travel and as of last Wednesday told me he would not make this years Reunion and wants everyone to have a great time. Jim Fossos doctors have told his family that he is not going to be able to travel for the foreseeable future. So Jim will not be in attendance this year also.

1st Recon Bn  Association members please join FMDA

2018 Colorado Springs Reunion Photos

2018 Colorado Springs Reunion Photos

Dan Mulvihill,

Chuck Bosley, 

Rick Binns

Bernie Kuntz Bravo Company

2018 New Members

1ST RECONNAISSANCE BATTALION LEADERS

Steve "Doc" Lakernick

1948-2019

Doc's Obituary

*Members of the 1st Recon Battalion Association*
Below is a picture of a custom-made belt buckle which will be produced and offered for sale to members of the 1st Recon Battalion Association.

Plans are to take orders on or about June 15 for delivery to members attending the August reunion. Following the reunion, orders will be taken for delivery by mail.


The particulars concerning price and mailing costs are yet to be determined but will be published well before June 15.


We would like to gauge membership interest in order to help us anticipate the number of buckles that will be produced.

Please send me an e-mail, docsnidley@aol.com, if you would be interested in purchasing a buckle.

“YOU ARE NOT PLACING AN ORDER BY DOING THIS”

1st Recon Battalion Association

Belt Buckle

Dave Doc Snider,

Posted these photos on Facebook.
Me and Harry at Reasoner. The last time we were together there was following a nasty patrol into Dodge City. — with Harry Mundorff

Reconners, I just approved the addition of Thanh Trang to this group. Thang, pronounced Tang, is a Vietnamese guide that his guided over 20 1st Recon members around VN for the past 15 years.

He was the guide that led us to Camp Reasoner and the discovery of the main gate in 2011. He also found and led us to Howard's Hill. There were Eight 1st Bn Reconners on this trip. He has led 4 Recon only trips and will guide one more Recon only trip this March. He loosely meets our criteria for membership by providing support to the 1st Recon Bn Association. IF THERE IS OPPOSITION TO TANG’S INCLUSION, I WILL REMOVE HIM IMMEDIATELY. — with Thanh Tran, Harry Hayes and Daniel B Bracken.

Team “Stone Pit” 5th Platoon, 1st Force Reconnaissance Co.  

Send in your team photos.

On 5/2023, Charlie Kershaw <invictus7@earthlink.net> wrote:

Charlie Kershaw

More names on our 2021 & 2022 new members will continue towards the bottom of this page!     

Stay Safe and Healthy Members!

2021, 2022 & 2023 New Members

***************************

Jerry Hairston

1947-2020

1948-2020

Edward Reed Jr

They came this way but once. Yet, they touched our lives in many ways while they were here. We shall remain eternally grateful for their friendship and for the influence each bestowed upon us.

Stay Safe and we'll get through this time together.

New

Post it Here Meeting & Events Photgraphs

Post it Here Messages, Meeting, Events & Photgraphs

My Marine friend, Gunny Joe Roque is trying to find the grid co-ordinates for a 1st Force Recon base that he visited in Sept. 1969. I found reference that may be a location, mentioned in the after action report dated Sept 1969 map 6640-111. "Depart HLZ 469 at 310800H" is listed. Does anyone know the grid co-ordinates for this? Semper fi, Steve Lovejoy USMC 1966-69 Mike 3/5 1st Mar Div Feb 1967 - Mar 1968 Contact Me at: sal0311@gmail.com

June 15th, 2020

New

Capt Thomas H. Ralph

Clifton, TX

Jeffrey Jerauld Hein

Jeffrey Jerauld Hein served in 1st Recon Battalion, Delta Company in Da Nang, Vietnam as a Radioman.

1st Recon Battalion Association

Thanks for stopping by today

Tony Martinez

Alpha Company  1969-1970

1st Reconnaissance Battalion

Camp Reasoner 2020

Remembering Vietnam

1st Recon Battalion Patrol Reorts

Joseph R. Martinez

Looking for Marines 

 who served with my father

Message: Hello and Semper Fi. My father served with 1st Recon in Vietnam. He was at Camp Reasoner in 70 or 71 I believe. I am trying to find his fellow Recon Marines, so I can understand better the contribution my father made for our country. He was hit with RPG near Quang Nam in Feb of 70 or 71 if I am correct. Thank you for your help.

SEMPER FI

HOORAH.

Echo Company 1970

Team: Coffee Time

Add a photograph

1968-1969

Message: Sad to hear that King Dixon former company commander of both Bravo and Force companies in 1966-1967 has passed from cancer on 6th July 2020.

 

Semper Fi

Skipper

Albert King Dixon II

The Old Breed News

Back Issues

THE OLD BREED NEWS

PDF File

1st Marine Division White House

2018-2023

New Messages 17 Parts

New Messages 18 Parts

New & Past Messages 18 Parts

1949-1970

Ernest "Pete" Tompkins 

Navy Medic David Snyder

talks about being part of

small recon teams on patrol.

Message from the President
1st Reconnaissance Battalion Association Marines and Corpsmen,

 

 The 1st Reconnaissance Battalion Association’s 2023 reunion will be held in concert with the 1st Marine Division Association’s 76th Annual Reunion at the Orleans Hotel and Casino Las Vegas, Nevada. 

Essential Elements of Information for the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion Association Reunion follow. 

Location and Date.   Orleans Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada.  1st Marine Division Association 13-20 August 2023; 1st Recon reunion events are 16-19 August.  

Hotel Reservations.  Reservations may be made online at the Orleans website:  orleanscasino.com or by telephone at:  800 675-3267.  The Reunion Group Reservation Number is:  FMDH23C.  The reunion room rate is in effect until 14 July or when the block is sold out. 

Transportation.   Airport to hotel shuttle service is available for guests at the airport Arrivals level.  In addition, Division Association has contracted with a shuttle service to transport reunion guests from the Las Vegas airport to the Orleans Hotel and return for $20.00 per family.  Shuttle reservations should be made on the reunion registration form.   

Reunion Registration.  Reunion guests should complete and mail the attached Division Association Registration form (attached) as soon as possible but not later than 25 July.  

Reunion Activities.  Division Association reunion activities are listed on the attached registration form

Recon Association activities.

· The Leatherneck Club.  Thursday, 17 August, 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm.  Swap sea stories and enjoy a BBQ  buffet lunch ($30.00 per person) which includes pulled pork, chicken, baked beans, coleslaw and fresh rolls.  

· American Shooters Range (adjacent to Leatherneck Club).  American Shooters (Americanshooters.com).  Weapons firing and a pistol marksmanship competition, open to Association members and adult family members.

· Shuttle transportation to/from 17 August activities will be provided by 1st Recon Association.

· General Membership Meeting.  Orleans Hotel,

   Friday 18 August 10:00 am -12:00 pm.  

   For more Information Click Here   

Semper fidelis, 

Charlie  <Invictus7@earthlink.net>  

Deceased Members List

Deceased Members List

New Members List 2018-2023

Deceased Members List

New Members List 2018-2023

Thurman Mullins & Charlie Daniels

Steve Grandusky

Bravo Company 68-69

We have new up-to-date information on Steve check the directory.

Photo Gallery

CPL. MICHAEL GEORGE MURDOCK

Corporal Murdock entered the U.S. Marine Corps from Washington and was a member of Company B, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division. On February 1, 1968, he was a member of a reconnaissance team aboard a CH-46A Sea Knight being inserted into central Vietnam when the helicopter was hit by enemy fire and crashed west of Da Nang, killing Cpl Murdock. All other crew members and passengers aboard the aircraft survived the crash; however, they were not able to recover Cpl Murdock's remains from the downed aircraft when they left the crash site. In 1974, the North Vietnamese government returned as set of remains to U.S. custody, and analysts were able to identify them as those of Cpl Murdock.

***************************

The Jim Southall Story

Some Give It All

Over 200 1st Recon Battalion Marines involved in this story. The story is a work in progress over the next 2 years.

Over 100 Patrol Reports.

About Us

Stay Safe and Healthy Members!

Happy 245th Marine Corps

Lt Riley is now in a VA Home in Vermont. His wife Sara Riley is one of my Facebook friends and she will keeps me updated on his condition. We should all pray for his full recovery.

Lieutenant Brian Riley

Lee Larsen's detailed account of the events of this Patrol 294-69 on April 13th, 1969.

THE DAY THE CRAP WENT UP IN FLAMES
By Gary Graves, HM3

The Jim Southall Story
Some Give It All

Cpl Southall's 33rd Patrol 336 hours with sightings of a total of 342 VC/NVA Team ran two patrols off Hill 200. One patrol came in contact with an enemy booby trap resulting in 3 USMC (WIA) 

The Jim Southall Story
Some Give It All

Over 100 Patrol Reports. Over 200 1st Recon Battalion Marines and Corpsman from all companies. Will be involved in this story. The story is a work in progress over the next several months now thuning into years. Contact me if you want to be involved in the project. Click Here

Hill 425

2020

Marine Corps

1968 Thanksgiving on Hill 425

posted by Dave Doc Snider

Happy Thanksgiving from Camp Reasoner, 1st Recon Bn., Republic of Vietnam 1969
(I'm second from the left on the back row facing forward.).

posted by Thurman Mullins

Posted by: Michael Willis

1st Recon Battalion Association

Sergeant James F. "Jim" Southall

Family photo gallery

2022

2021,2022 & 2023

Count

Douglas Beverly, Bravo, H&S Companies 7/74-7/77

Membership application approved January 19th, 2021

2019 New Members

2020 New Members

Have a great Year Members

2017 Norfolk, Virginia

Message from the 1st Recon Battalion Association Webmaster

Sorry for the inconvenience but we just surpassed 1075 web pages on the Association website and using the F5 key will make it load faster and give you a better experience.

To keep this website under 1500 pages, I'm going to start enlarging web pages with more contents. That will require you to use your F5 key one or two times per visit. F5 will completely refresh the web page and clear the cache.

Sometimes, a website does not behave as expected or seems stuck showing outdated information. To fix this, it’s easy to force your browser to completely reload its local copy of the page (cache) using a simple keyboard shortcut using your F5 key from time to time.

              They came this way but once. Yet, they               touched our lives in many ways while they were here. We shall remain eternally grateful for their friendship and for the influence each bestowed upon us.

Taps

They came this way but once. Yet, they touched our lives in many ways while they were here. We shall remain eternally grateful for their friendship and for the influence each bestowed upon us.

2020

Deceased Members List

Richard B Leathers, Bravo Company, 3rd Platoon 04/86 - 08/89

Membership application approved January 19th, 2021

James A Howard, Charlie Company 78-79

Membership application approved January 19th, 2021

Thanks, it’s nice to see some of my fellow Recon Marines’ names I served with as members of the association. Hopefully I can attend a future reunion. Doug Beverly

John,

Thanks for your interest in 1st Recon. I'll post your message on our message board today.

I'll send a copy of your email to our president and secretary. They may be able to help you.
I'll start a web page today on this subject. This will be the link to the page: https://1streconbn.org/1959-trek.html

Keep me posted I'll update the web page from time to time. Good luck with your article, I'll look forward to reading it.

Semper Fi

1st Recon Battalion Association

Message Board

February 2021

Message from: John A Brady
Email: brady@johnbradyconsultants.com
Phone number: 805.748.9000
Subject: 1st Recon Btn 1959 trek from Death Valley to Mt. Whitney
Message: I am researching the July 1959 trek of the 1st Recon Btn, 1st Marine Div, Camp Pendleton, from Death Valley, California to Mt. Whitney (Lone Pine, CA).

I would appreciate any information or references I can use to write an article that will do justice to this trek.

Any pictures, articles, or first-person accounts would be most helpful.

We'll see you all at the 2023 reunion

Las Vegas, Nevada

God willing

Dane P Kucera, Alpha Company 1989-1991

Membership application approved June 12th, 2021

Message: To 1st Recon Battalion Association: It was an honor to serve with 1st Recon BN and it has been wonderful to get back in touch with several of the Marines I served with. I have also enjoyed meeting other fellow 1st Recon guys for the first time.

Brian’s 75th birthday June 22nd, 2021 — You can send him a card,

Brian Riley, c/o VT Veterans Home, 335 North St., Bennington, VT 05201

Memories last only if you share them!

Kyle Randall Bell

Alpha Company

September 14, 1947 - May 22, 2021

Click Here

Inurnment
JUN 25. 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM (EST)

Jacksonville National Cemetery

4083 Lannie Rd.

Jacksonville, FL 32218

Alpha Company

I'm looking for photos

David Oestman

Alpha Company 

AUGUST 66 - SEPT. 67

TEAM: APRIL DATE

On June 10, 2021 2:26 PM David Snider <docsnidley@aol.com> wrote:

Another Alpha Duece Marine has gone on to Heaven. Dave passed away Wednesday June 10th, 2021 @ 5pm. He had been admitted to a care facility with dementia creating many problems. He had fallen a week or so ago and broke his hip which aggravated his condition. Dave served with A-2 1st Recon Bn. I sure will miss him as he has touched my life as I know several of you too, who ran many patrols with him. He had received a bronze star for carrying Wounded Harold Griffin out through the trees under fire on a harness to the chopper.

Eddie A Le Fleur, Charlie Company 81-83 & 85-87

Membership application approved June 10th, 2021

Dennis R Slack, Charlie Company 10/67-11/68

Membership application approved June 10th, 2021

Message to 1st Recon Battalion Association: I was a radio operator in Charlie Company originally in Danang with Musk Ox at Camp Reasoner then we went to Phu Bai in December 67 to replace 3rd Recon who went to Khe Sanh. 1st Recon Bn was attached to 1st Force Recon in Phu Bai. It took us over 10 hours to travel 51 miles from Danang to Phu Bai due to ambushes in late December. Merry Xmas!

Robert C White, Bravo Company 2011 - 2014

Membership application approved June 10th, 2021

 Dennis Th Atchison, Bravo Company 1969

Membership application approved January 30th, 2021

Jim B Dekorte, Bravo Company 1/1969-1/1970

Membership application approved May 30th, 2021

New Members part 2 of 2

Johnny Rogers, H&S Company 1978-1981

Membership application approved June 14th, 2021

Apply today for membership in the 1st Recon Battalion Association

Click this link to apply and help us to grow as a organization.

Association of the Natural Warrior

MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 1. CRITERIA. All Marine and Navy personnel who were assigned to or were attached to the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division are eligible for membership in the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion Association.

SECTION 2. ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP. The 1st Reconnaissance Battalion Association may grant Associate Membership to any parent, spouse, child or sibling of anyone, living or deceased, who was assigned or attached to the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division and friends and supporters of the association. Associate Members shall not exceed 20% of the general members of the association. Associate Members may participate in Association events, except the general membership meeting and have no voting rights at Association meetings.

SECTION 3. DECEASED MEMBERS. All who met the aforementioned qualifications for membership and are deceased will be carried on the Association’s deceased member rolls as they become known.

SECTION 4. DUES. Association members have no mandatory dues. However, Members and Associate Members are encouraged to make donations, annually, to help defray the Association’s operating expenses. An annual donation of $10.00 is suggested.

1st Recon Battalion Association

Over 1500 members and holding and still growing as a organization.

 Apply for membership today. If your application is approved your membership fees will be free.

Mark E Berrier, Alpha,Charlie and H&S Companies 1988-1995

Membership application approved June 14th, 2021

Message: To 1st Recon Battalion Association: Hello, Can you tell me if I am a member already pls? I thought I was a life member but maybe not..

Larry D Williams, Alpha Company 1979-1981

Membership application approved June 14th, 2021

Message: To 1st Recon Battalion Association: I was a former member, but as time went on, I didn't stay in touch. Would like to re-join and located my former Marine Recon Team Members. Larry

Click here for the 1st Marine Division Leaders

1st Reconnaisance Battalion Association

2018 - 2023

New Messages

John Holly, Bravo Company 1969

Membership application approved June 20th, 2021

Notice to the members of the 1st Recon Battalion Association

We need your help.

Taps

Honors

Taps 21 parts & Horor Wall 4 parts

Andrew W Hasco, Alpha Company Jan 71 - May 71
Membership application approved June 20th, 2021

Message: Lance Corporal A. W. Hasco, Primary Radio Operator, Alpha Company,Team Wage Earner Jan 71 to May 71  1st Mar Div pulled out and went stateside May 71

Ronald L Bub, H&S Company 1970-71

Membership application approved July 6th, 2021

Sgt. Maj. Otis Barker

He retired from the U.S. Marine Corps after 30 years and as a correctional officer with South Central Regional Jail, Charleston. In the U.S. Marine Corps, he served in World War II, Korea, Lebanon and Vietnam. He received the Silver Star, Bronze Star and five Purple Hearts (Cross of Gallantry.) SgtMaj Otis "Top" Barker

Meet one of our members of our association.

Paul B Goodwin, USMC Colonel retired

1st Lieutenant Stephen A. "Steve" Zrenda Jr.

Bravo Company June 1970 - February 1971

Passed Away January 16, 2021

Robert T Randazzo, H&S Company 1984-88

Membership application approved July 20th, 2021  Click Here

James Moe Armstrong, Bravo Company 6/1963-2/1965

Membership application approved July 22nd, 2021  Click Here

Message to 1st Recon Battalion Association: Thank you. I just sent an email with some information about me. I would like to be reunited. Thank you

James "Moe" Armstrong, Bravo Company June 1963 - February 1965 was a Corpsman. I am pleased to have the opportunity to welcome Moe aboard.

I hope that he find membership in the association rewarding and that it fulfills his expectations.

I hope that he make contact with members that knew him.

Part 17 a work in progress.

New Update July 31, 2021

Click Here

2021 reunion photos 

2021 reunion photos 

2021 reunion photos 

2021 reunion photos 

2021 reunion photos 

2021 Reunion Camp Pendleton

Part 1 of 9

Part 1 of 9

& Happy Holiday 2023 

Marine's

Association of the Natural Warrior

Gil & Lucille Perez 

It is with deep sadness that we report the news of the death of Gil Perez.

He died peacefully last night 1/23/2022 with his devoted wife, Lucille, at his side. He will be greatly missed by his family & friends. We give thanks for Gil's life. He came this way but once, yet he touched our lives in many ways while he was here. We shall remain eternally grateful for his friendship and for the influence he bestowed upon us. I will keep everyone informed as I get updates about the funeral.

More Names Coming Soon!

New Members for 2023

Reagan Anderson, 1st Recon BN  7/2004-2006

Membership application approved December 28, 2021  

Message to 1st Recon Battalion Association: Was the BN Surgeon during this time. 

Mack O Cuttitta, Alpha Company 1988-1992

Membership application approved December 28th, 2021  

Message to 1st Recon Battalion Association: I was in the Marines for 12 years. I was in Aco 1st Recon during Desert Storm. I was also with Det Force Recon on Okinawa 93-95 and 2nd Force Recon 95-96. I would like tto join the association and info about future reunions.

Richard Fox, H&S Company 12/1986-1/1987

Membership application approved December 28th, 2021  

Message to 1st Recon Battalion Association: No MESSAGE AT THIS TIME.

John W Glasser, Alpha & Bravo Companies 6/1963-2/1965

Membership application approved December 28, 2021  

Message to 1st Recon Battalion Association: I was a platoon commander/patrol leader (and simultaneously XO) in Company A for 8 months and CO and XO in Company B for the remainder of my tour in Viet Nam. 

Jose L Pereda, Recon Company 4th Platoon 1993-1998 1st Recon 2001-2003

Membership application approved December 28, 2021  

Message to 1st Recon Battalion Association: Recon Ranger all the way.

Frank T Shelton, 1st Amphibious Reconnaissance Company

HQBN 9/1993-9/1995

Membership application approved December 28, 2021  

Message to 1st Recon Battalion Association: Gentlemen,

I was with 1st Recon Bn 1993 to 1995. I attached right after completing ranger school.

I have been meaning to join the association, but as with most things life got in the way.

My Father, Col Roy H Shelton Jr USMC (Ret) passed away earlier this year. Unfortunately, he committed suicide. His passing made me reflect on those people and organizations that had the largest impact on my personal and professional life.

This battalion did that.

In addition, I have been working as a contractor in overseas from Africa, Middle East and Eastern Europe. I'd like to join the association so I can pay things forward by identifying opportunities for members of this community. 

Best regards,

Frank Shelton

May your friends always bring you joy.

Manuel Teran, Bravo Company 1954 -1958

Membership application approved December 29, 2021  

Message to 1st Recon Battalion Association: Recon 1957 1958 Camp Pendelton cold weather training Pickle Meadows CA Have some pictures pf training. 

Anthony Skrapits, CWO4/USN (Ret.) H&S Company 7/1966 -8/1967

Membership application approved December 31, 2021  This is our 25th newest member for 2021. "Doc Skrapits thanks for helping us grow as an organization."

Message to 1st Recon Battalion Association: It's been a long time. I was a utility "doc" so I ran with many different patrols. Apparently patrol leaders trusted me because I ran on a few missions. I feel extremely proud to have been accepted as a "doc" with the finest Marines I've ever known. God bless you all!  Click Here

Check out our 25th newest member for 2021.

"Doc Skrapits thanks for helping us grow as an organization."

1/19/2022

6 Parts & 2 Websites

Jim Fossos 1/19/2022

  Gil Perez   1/23/2022

Floyd, Thank you for getting back to me. I greatly appreciate you posting my video and song on your website. You can see hear more of my songs on Youtube JACK'S GUITAR LOUNGE.
Jack Murphy

On January 10, 2022 at 11:46 AM JACK MURPHY wrote:  Subject: VETERANS
Message: When people say get over it please share with all Veterans.
Jack Murphy 199th Light Infantry Brigade 69-70

Patrick Collins, Mike's son was recommended for Associate Membership in the the Association.

Membership application approved January 1st, 2022  This is our 1st newest member for 2022. "Patrick, Thanks for helping us grow as an organization."

Sandy Kucera, Dane Kucera's wife was recommended for Associate Membership in the the Association.

Membership application approved January 1st, 2022  This is our 2nd newest member for 2022 and 27th overall for 2021 and 2022. "Sandy, Thanks for helping us grow as an organization."

PFC John Marvin Stenberg

Panama Hat

Point on Point 5/26/1969

 

Sgt Garry Kline, Alpha Company

  Doug Wolfe   3/31/2022

2022 Reunion Photos

Sheraton Pentagon City

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA

Floyd Sr. RIP Dad

MEMORIAL DAY REMEMBRANCE 2023

MEMORIAL PARK

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE MARINE CORPS

 

The 1st Recon Battalion Association will honor our absent reconnaissance team-mates with a memorial service and a wreath at the 1st Recon Battalion memorial, National Museum of the Marine Corps Memorial Park at 1200, 27 May 2023.

A luncheon reception will follow at 1300 at the Globe and Laurel Restaurant, 3987 Jefferson Davis Highway, Stafford, VA 22554.

Marines, Corpsmen, family and friends of 1st Recon Battalion are cordially invited to attend.  

Semper fidelis,

Charlie Kershaw

USS ESSEX

Ralph DiPietro

Message: I was a corpsman in 1966 - 1967 in 1st platoon, Charlie Company. This is the first I’ve heard of a website. I just happened to google it. So glad to see that everyone gets together. I’ve been incarcerated (you can’t tell me that PTSD doesn’t make you do some very dumb things!) and now I am trying to catch up with what I’ve missed. I would like to throw my name out there hoping that some guys that were in 1st platoon would remember me.
Please get back to me. I would definitely want to receive any future correspondence of what you guys do. I look forward to hearing from you or some of the other fellas.

Membership application approved June 15th, 2022   

"Doc, Thanks for helping us grow as an organization."

You can access the 9 parts/pages by Clicking the photograph.

Get Involved in this project this will eventually be our time capsule left behind by 1st Recon members from Vietnam.

A Several-Year Project

Sheraton Pentagon City

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA

See you all at the Reunion 2023

in Las Vegas, God Willing

Jim Kuiken, Bravo Company, 3rd Platoon - Mongoose 1975-1976

Message: Applied for membership in the 1st Recon Bn Association on June 30th 2022 will be coming to this years reunion in Washington DC

Membership application approved August 1st, 2022   

"Jim, Thanks for helping us grow as an organization."  Welcome aboard Jim...

My name is Brian and I work for the advocacy organization, Mesothelioma Hope. I came across 1st Recon Bn Association and noticed your organization does a terrific job in providing information for veterans.


At Mesothelioma Hope, we offer free resources that are reviewed by certified oncologists and provide detailed information about mesothelioma and its impact on veterans. 1 out of 3 mesothelioma patients are veterans so our mission is to raise awareness about this cancer and other asbestos-related diseases.

Coming Soon

2015-2023

Important Message

This Website Terms and Condition of Use Agreement
also known as a 'terms of service agreement'

Will be at the bottom of this web page
Please read it before using this website.

Thank You

This website contains, in various sections, portions of copyrighted material not specifically authorized by the copyright owner. This material is used for educational purposes only and presented to provide understanding or give information for issues concerning the public as a whole. In accordance with U.S. Copyright Law Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit. More Information

Information presented based on medical, news, government, and/or other web based articles or documents does not represent any medical recommendation or legal advice from myself or 1st Reconnaissance Battalion Association For specific information and advice on any condition or issue, you must consult a professional health care provider or legal advisor for direction.

I and 1st Reconnaissance Battalion Association can not be responsible for information others may post on an external website linked here ~ or for websites which link to 1st Reconnaissance Battalion Association. I would ask, however, that should you see something which you question or which seems incorrect or inappropriate, that you notify me immediately at floyd@weststpaulantiques.com Also, I would very much appreciate being notified if you find links which do not work or other problems with the website itself. Thank You!

Please know that there is no copyright infringement intended with any part of this website ~ should you find something that belongs to you and proper credit has not been given (or if you simply wish for me to remove it), just let me know and I will do so right away.

Website Terms and Condition of Use Agreement
also known as a 'terms of service agreement'

By using this website, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion Association, you are agreeing to use the site according to and in agreement with the above and following terms of use without limitation or qualification. If you do not agree, then you must refain from using the site.

The 'Terms of Use' govern your access to and use of this website and facebook pages associated with it. If you do not agree to all of the Terms of Use, do not access or use the website, or the facebook sites. By accessing or using any of them, you and any entity you are authorized to represent signify your agreement to be bound by the Terms of Use.

Said Terms of Use may be revised and/or updated at any time by posting of the changes on this page of the website. Your continued usage of the website, or the facebook site(s) after any changes to the Terms of Use will mean that you have accepted the changes. Also, any these sites themselves may be changed, supplemented, deleted, and/or updated at my sole discretion without notice; this establishes intellectual property rights by owner (myself).

It saddens me to include a Terms of Use for 1st Reconnaissance Battalion Association, but we all realize it is something that is necessary and must be done these days. By using the website, or facebook for 1st Reconnaissance Battalion Association, you represent that you are of legal age and that you agree to be bound by the Terms of Use and any subsequent modifications. Your use of the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion Association sites signify your electronic acceptance of the Terms of Use and constitute your signature to same as if you had actually signed an agreement embodying the terms.

1st Recon Reunion 2025

Important Message

This Website Terms and Condition of Use Agreement
also known as a 'terms of service agreement'

Will be at the bottom of this web page
Please read it before using this website.

Thank You

Important Message

This Website Terms and Condition of Use Agreement
also known as a 'terms of service agreement'

Will be at the bottom of this web page
Please read it before using this website.

Thank You

Important Message

This Website Terms and Condition

of Use Agreement
also known as a 'terms of service agreement'

Will be at the bottom of this web page
Please read it before using this website.

Thank You

Important Message

This Website Terms and Condition of Use Agreement
also known as a 'terms of service agreement'

Will be at the bottom of this web page
Please read it before using this website.

Thank You

These terms apply to all pages on this website.

Click here for the Commandant of the Marine Corps

Lieutenant Colonel D. J. Davis
Commanding Officer, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion

Sergeant Major George Hernandez
Sergeant Major, 1st Reconaissance Battalion

2021- 2023

New Members

This is a story about the entire battalion during the Vietnam War.

for me

Get Involved

The project well be on display in Washington DC at our 2025 Reunion.

4 Years of work on this project so far, what an estimate of a little over 2 years to go.

Semper FI

I've been asked over & over again "why Sergeant Southall". My answer will always be, it could have been any of us in 1st Recon. You will see that if you follow along with the story. It's a work in progress.

Click here

Save the dates we will be back at this hotel in 2025.

More Info coming in 2025

1st Recon Battalion Association

Message Board will be our newsletter going forward. 

It's ongoing and you can be a part of it. Each month through out the year.

1st Recon Battalion Association

Message Board will be our newsletter going forward. 

It's ongoing and you can be a part of it. Each month through out the year.

1st Recon Battalion Association

Message Board will be our newsletter going forward. 

It's ongoing and you can be a part of it. Each month through out the year.

May & June 2023 Newsletter

Joseph H Smith, Alpha, H&S Companies, 1969-1971 Click Here

Message: Applied for membership in the 1st Recon Bn Association on March 28th 2023 I have photos that I would like to send to the association also would like to make contact with my old team and friends.

Membership application approved May 28th, 2023   

"Joseph, Thanks for helping us grow as an organization."  Welcome aboard Joseph...

Stephen H Luebbert "Steve", 1st Force, 1st Recon Battalion & 3rd Recon Battalion

June 22nd, 1976 through June 23rd, 1980  Steve is 1st Force Association's Webmaster.

Message: Applied for membership in the 1st Recon Bn Association years ago but some mix-up caused him not to become a member. I apologize for that Steve hopefully we can figure out what went wrong and fix it.  I would like to send you an invitation to our reunion in Las Vegas, Nevada this year hopefully we'll see you this year.  Membership application approved immediately on June 7th, 2023   

"Steve, Thanks for helping us grow as an organization."  Welcome aboard Steve...

Our mission is to help locate former Recon Marines and their families, and to recognize those who paid the ultimate price through the 1st Recon Memorial Fund which has established and will help maintain the permanent memorial at the Marine Corps Historical Museum at Camp Quantico Virginia.

1st Recon Battalion Association is a non-profit organization of former and current members of the 1st Recon Battalion, 1st Marine Division.

Welcome to our Index Page #1 

July & August 2023

Newsletter

Marly Bryant, Bravo DRP Charlie Company 1979-1983

Message: Applied for membership in the 1st Recon Bn Association on June 20th. 2023

I would like to send you an invitation to our reunion in Las Vegas, Nevada this year hopefully we'll see you this year.  Membership application was approved on July 8th, 2023   Click Here

"Marly, Thanks for helping us grow as an organization."  Welcome aboard Marly...

July 11th, 2023 Message

Looking to become a member of 1st Recon Battalion Association.