1st Recon Battalion Association

1st Recon Battalion Association

Thanks for your service.

Part 42

2025

June 2nd Half

1st Reconnaissance Battalion
Missions / Patrol Reports

Are you looking for your Old Patrol Reports? Check out this page on my website:

http://www.weststpaulantiques.com/reconmissions.html

Too close to whisper...
...one click for "yes", two for "no"...
"Brothers of the Bush"

----------------------------
Recon...their name is
their honor...and nothing more
need be said...Recon

Floyd Ruggles

Check Out New Messages/Newsletter

...

All Companies

Photo Gallery

The Memory Remains Not All Wounds Are Visible.

"A Brotherhood Forged In Combat"

1st Reconnaissance Battalion Index

Message Board Links

Part 1 - 2018-2019 

Part 2 - 2019-2020 

Part 3 - 2020 

Part 4 - 2020 

Part 5  - 2020

Past Message Board

Past Newsletters 

Part 1 - 2017-2018 

Part 2 - 2018 

Part 3 - 2018 

Part 4 - 2018-2019 

Past Reunions 

Past Stories 

Send in your photos

Part 6  - 2020

Past Photos Galleries 

Part 7  - 2020

Part 8  - 2020

Bobby Bare

 

 

Photo Gallery

Part 10  - 2021

Click a photo to link to a page on our  website or Facebook. Links are found on nearly all Web pages. Links allow users to click their way from page to page. You will find thousands of links on the 1st recon battalion association website.

In Remembrance of our brother Reconnaissance Marines & Corpsmen killed in action or otherwise while on duty.

Look at it as your Time Capsule. This website won't stand long after we are all gone.

 

Daniel M Turpin

1st Recon Battalion Association

Part 11  - 2021

1st Reconnaissance Battalion
Missions / Patrol Reports

Too close to whisper...
...one click for "yes", two for "no"...
"Brothers of the Bush"

----------------------------
Recon...their name is
their honor...and nothing more
need be said...Recon
------------------------

YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN

Bravo Company 1968-1969

Part 12  - 2021

Meet some of our members of our association.

To all Association Members,

Please reply and update or confirm your Information.
Your 1st Recon Battalion Association Website Information
can be found at: 1streconbn.org/members.html

Hope to hear from you soon.
Thanks for all your help.

My email address is floyd@weststpaulantiques.com.
Please keep your information up to date.

This will allow the Association to send messages out from time to time by email or by mail.

Semper Fi,
Floyd Ruggles
Membership Director & Webmaster

1st Recon Battalion Association

New Members to the Association of the Natural Warrior

2023

Part 13  - 2021-2022

Part 14  - 2022

Part 15  - 2022

Part 16  - 2023

Get involved send in your messages, photos, stories share what you think about our website. I will post them on this page.

Get involved send in your messages, photos, stories share what you think about our website. I will post them on this page.

Get involved send in your messages, photos, stories share what you think about our website. I will post them on this page.

Get involved send in your messages, photos, stories share what you think about our website. I will post them on this page.

Get involved send in your messages, photos, stories share what you think about our website. I will post them on this page.

Get involved send in your messages, photos, stories share what you think about our website. I will post them on this page.

Get involved send in your messages, photos, stories share what you think about our website. I will post them on this page.

Get involved send in your messages, photos, stories share what you think about our website. I will post them on this page.

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.

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.

Navigator is at the top of each page.

**WELCOME to FIRST RECON'S WEBSITE** 2009-2023 

Don't be fooled by the warning signs it's a safe website, it's just an old platfrom. Just hit advance, you will enjoy this website, it's my personal website.

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.

Association Purpose

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.

Message from webmaster!

June 2025 - 2nd Half

Newsletter

Part 17  - 2023

Part 18  - 2023

Part 19  - 2023

Part 20  - 2023

Part 21  - 2023

Part 22  - 2024

Member of 1st Recon Battalion Association

1st Recon Bn KIA Vietnam War

..

War Story

.....

Rest in Peace

The Jim Southall Story, Over 200 1st Recon Battalion Marines involved in this story. The story is a work in progress over the next year. Over 100 Patrol Reports.

Some Give It All

Vietnam 1968-1969

Thoughts of that Day

Doug Wolfe's Story

Patrol Report #349-68

98 hours on Charlie Ridge

Index by dates & names

Sergeant Jim Southall - Hill 200 1969

Are Message Board is now our new newsletter.

1968

1969

Membership Director & Webmaster

2016-2025

Floyd

Last night I awoke to the sounds of thunder. I was recalling a small part of a day a long time ago. As if it was yesterday...

Today is a particularly dreary, rainy day. Lookout Mountain is socked in good. It is not unusual for it to be socked in. Hell they fought the Battle Above the Clouds there during the Civil War.

However, today it put me in mind of another dreary, socked in ridge I was on for around 2 hours on 3 June, 1968. Known only to me as Hill 200, it was a desolate, indefensible place that somebody in the 1st Mardiv G3 shop picked off the map to insert my platoon on as an observation post & radio relay.

Stories from Members

Some Give It All

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

5 Minutes ‘Til Forever

Part 43

Applicants

1st RECONNAISSANCE BATTALION ASSOCIATION

CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS

ARTICLE II – MEMBERSHIP

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.

Semper Fi, Floyd Ruggles

Membership Director & Webmaster

1st Recon Battalion Association

Welcome to our New Members Page

1st Recon Battalion Association

Next Page

Previous Page

Some of the 1st Marines into Afghanistan in the aftermath of 9/11

For Membership in 1st Recon Battalion Association

All Units
March 1966 - May 1971

This link is to my old website It's a safe website on a old plarform follow instructions to the webpage. 

Part 24  - 2024

Part 25  - 2024

Part 9  - 2020

1st Recon Battalion

Association of the Natural Warrior

June 2025 - 2nd Half Newsletter

Part 26  - 2024

Part 27  - 2024

Part 29  - 2024

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. You will find thousands of links on this website.

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

Thanks for taking the time to stop by our website today.

Your Webmaster

Floyd Ruggles

Thanks for stopping by today

Part 28  - 2024

Part 30  - 2024

Part 31  - 2025

Rest In Peace, Marines!

from: Bruce Fogarty
I remember that day. I met Colonel Leftwich’s son in Washington Naval Yard for a Recon Reunion. I remember that day as if it was yesterday

Part 32  - 2025

Part 33  - 2025

Vietnam War 1st Recon Battalion 1965-1971

Part 34  - 2025

SAVE the DATE :1st Recon Battalion Association 2025 Reunion

Book signing , 11-17 August Washington , D.C./ Quantico

Marines and Corpsmen,

 

I hope to see all of you at the 2025 Reunion in Washington DC in August! Please pass the word. This is a combo Reunion First Marine Division Association and 1st Recon Bn. Association.

 

I plan on attending the 1st Recon Reunion in August in Washington/Quantico. I will be signing my just released NEW BOOK; Hill 119, Defending a Reconnaissance Marines' OP, Vietnam, 1969-1970.

 

This book covers Delta Companies OP Hill 119 but also covers other Recon teams’ actions like Echo Company’s, Team Bad Actor lead by 1st Lt Earl Hailston. If you lived at Camp Reasoner or were part of Team Mission Impossible, its all in this 500+ page history book with over 50 pictures. The Forward is by legendary Marine and author, Bing West.

 

For many of you, this is your history with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion. Buy a book, bring it with you to the 1st Recon Battalion Association Reunion , 11-17 August, Washington DC / Quantico. I will sign it for you at the Reunion.

 

Register thru FMDA website for further details https://1stmda.org/  Our 78th Annual Reunion 10-17 August 2025 in Arlington, Virginia ,Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel.

 

Book:  Hill 119, Defending a Reconnaissance Marines' OP, Vietnam, 1969-1970 is now available for pre-order.

 

Websites to pre-order: www.pog-llc.com   https://www.pog-llc.com/

 

Casemate Publisher: https://www.casematepublishers.com/9781636245928/hill-119/

 

Amazon https://a.co/d/4GRUwYs

 

Hope to see you at the reunion !

Semper Fi

Mike

Marine

Delta-1

1st Recon Bn., 1970

3/26, 1969

1/1, 1990/91

https://www.pog-llc.com/

Coming Summer 2025

Defending a Reconnaissance Marines’ OP, Vietnam, 1969-1970
by Michael Fallon, Colonel,
U.S. Marine Corps, Retired

.

.

A narrative account of Reconnaissance Marines in Vietnam. Small Teams launching daring deep Stingray patrols in the bush. On the Observation Post, Hill 119 defending for 600 relentless days and nights. Surrounded by the NVA with the constant challenge of determining friendly Vietnamese civilians from hard corps Viet Cong and North Vietnamese regulars. Their lifeline were the Marine helicopters that flew out bringing water, ammo, food, and their replacement platoon. In 1969 and 1970, Delta Company, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division manned the OP and ran patrols in Phu Loc Valley and Go Noi Island. This firsthand account of the Marines and Corpsmen who patrolled deep and occupied the OP describes their struggle to survive. Based on participant interviews and the detailed declassified debriefing reports compiled after each patrol returned to their rear base, at Camp Reasoner, Da Nang in the Republic of South Vietnam. This is their history!

Learn More & Pre-Order

Coming Summer 2025

Learn More & Pre-Order

2025 Reunion Informaion

Message from Charlie regarding Team Rush Act and our 2025 reunion. We will be having a memorial ceremony.
Rest in peace.

Join your 1st Recon brothers at a Rush Act memorial service in Quantico at the Marine Corps Memorial Park August 2025

(Recon Reunion details to follow next spring)
Semper Fidelis,


Charlie Charles Kershaw


Here are the details about the reunion from Ralph M. Witkin

1st Recon Battalion Association Facebook Page

Marine's and Corpsmen who have served with 1st Marine Reconnaissance Battalion from it's inception 1 March 1937 at Quantico, Virginia as the 1st Tank Company and assigned to the 1st Marine Brigade until today's current force. Only members can see who's in the group and what they post.

Passed away on February 8, 2022

3 years ago

1969 - 55 Years Ago Camp Reasoner - Da Nang Vietnam

Vietnam
July 1968 - July 1969

I can recall that day I arrived in Nam as a green know it all rookie marine with an attitude. I was going to win the war by myself. What a dumb kid I must have been then. Only moments after arriving that day, reality set in and I learn quickly that I was in hell or some where close.

The Memory Remains,

Not All Wounds Are Visible.

Part 36  - 2025

Part 35  - 2025

Part 37  - 2025

Remember you are not forgotten while I am still on patrol.

Part 38  - 2025

Bravo Company Photo Gallery 1968 & 1969

Bravo Company Photo Gallery 1968 & 1969

Bravo Company Photo Gallery 1968 & 1969

Bravo Company Photo Gallery 1968 & 1969

Bruce Ware

Echo Company

Message Board

Part 39  - 2025

Part 40  - 2025

June 2025 - 2nd Half Newsletter

CHARLES BAUER

"pappy"

May 2025 - 2nd Half Newsletter

Part 41  - 2025

Part 43  - 2025

Bravo Company Photo Gallery 1968 & 1969

Bravo Company Photo Gallery 1968 & 1969

Michael Willis, Photo Albums

Armo Richard "Rich" Bonini, Jr.

1930's Russian Sovicle Vehicle

In an alternate history where the legendary inventor Nikola Tesla pursued the development of electric vehicles in the early 20th century, the year 1930 stands as a significant milestone. This imaginative journey explores what might have happened if Tesla's pioneering spirit had extended to revolutionizing the automotive industry nearly a century ahead of its time.

Albert King Dixon II

COMPANY COMMANDER 1966-1967

Passed Away 7/6/2020

Bravo & 1st Force Companies

Stephen John McInerny

Alpha 1968 - 1969

Paul "Medic" Roshong

Navy corpsman

Sergeant Major Charles L Constance

June 2025 - 2nd Half Newsletter

Work in Progress

Armo Richard "Rich" Bonini, Jr. Delta Company September 1969- September 1970

Armo Richard, Jr., "Rich", 71, of Revloc, went to be with the Lord on Oct. 4, 2020. Born May 8, 1949 in Colver, son of the late Armo and Susan Bonini. Preceded in death by infant son, Dominic; and infant brother, Dennis. Survived by wife of 49 years, the former Judith Morgan; sons, Michael (Elizabeth) Bonini; and David (Kellie) Bonini. Grandchildren, Dominic, Dante and Emma. Also survived by sister, Donna (Ron) Fulmer, brother, James (Stacey) Bonini; and several nieces and nephews. Member of Holy Name Catholic Church, Ebensburg. US Marine Corps. Veteran, having served in the Vietnam War. Former baseball coach, which he loved, for many years, including Bishop Carroll High School, Ebensburg. Rich was an avid fisherman, enjoyed gardening and spending time outdoors. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements in care of the Askew-Houser Funeral Homes, Inc., Ebensburg.

Deceased Members

1st Force Company 11/67 - 01/69

Paul B. Roshong, age 73, of Toledo, passed away peacefully Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Perrysburg.

He was born on September 3, 1947 to Joseph and Hazel (Houser) Roshong in Toledo, OH. After graduating from Scott High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, following in his father and older brother, Carl's footsteps. Paul proudly completed two tours of duty as a medic in Vietnam and received a Purple Heart, Gold Star and a Bronze Star. Paul was affectionately nicknamed 'Doc' while in the Navy and upon returning to Toledo, he answered to the name 'Medic'. Paul could often be seen doing what he loved, cruising around town on his motorcycle or in his car.

Highlighting Deceased Members

BRAVO CO FEB 1969 - NOV 1969

Mr. Bauer was born in New York, NY. There will be a viewing on Thursday, February 1, 2018 at Funeraria Del Angel Kammon Funeral Home from 7:00 pm until 9:00 pm. Funeral Services will be at 11:00 am Friday, February 2, 2018 at Funeraria Del Angel Kammon Funeral Home and burial will be at Desert Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery.

GYSGT Charles Fredrick Bauer


Go in peace and remember you are not forgotten while I am still on patrol. EULOGY FOR A VETERAN Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there I do not sleep, I am the thousand winds that Blow, I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sunlight on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain, When you waken in the mornings hush, I am the swift uplifting rush, Of quiet birds in circled flight, I am the soft stars that shine at night, Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there, I did not die. Author Unknown

Sergeant Robert "Bob" Morris

Robert (Lansing) Thornton

John W. Peeples, Sr.

Captain John C Clary III

John served 3 years of active duty with USMC (Vietnam) 1967-1969, and 28 years active duty with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Commissioned Officer Corps, including two sea assignments as Commanding Officer (CO) of NOAA Ships Chapman and Miller Freeman, and a final shore assignment as CO of the Pacific Marine Center. He retired from NOAA Corps in 2006

FELIPE HERRERA

TO LISTEN

FELIPE HERRERA

Date of Casualty: 9/20/1968

Larry A. Johnson

Date of Casualty: 9/20/1968

Sergeant Larry A. Johnson

Date of Birth: 2/27/1947
Date of Casualty: 9/20/1968
Home of Record: VARNA, IL

Silver Star

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Larry Allen Johnson (MCSN: 2232731), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company A, First Reconnaissance Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the afternoon of 20 September 1968, Sergeant Johnson was the Assistant Patrol Leader of a reconnaissance team operating near Thoung Duc in Quang Nam Province when the Marines came under a heavy volume of automatic weapons fire from a large enemy force and sustained several casualties. Reacting instantly, Sergeant Johnson boldly ran across fifteen meters of fire-swept terrain to 

the side of a wounded radioman where he took the radio and simultaneously administered first aid while he accurately directed air strikes upon the hostile soldiers, which disorganized their attack. 

Felipe Herrera

Lance Corporal Felipe Herrera

He was a natural leader, and his squad had a mission to achieve. As a gunner for Company A, First Reconnaissance Battalion of the First Marine Division in Vietnam, his job was to scout ahead, and prepare the best approach for his squad to advance on the enemy. This day, as he neared a view post at the top of a hilly area, something wasn’t right. Following his instincts, he soon caught a glimpse of a large division of the enemy rapidly maneuvering towards them on the other side of the hill.

Reacting instantly, he alerted his comrades, and sent them back to a position of safety. It was a time for decisive leadership. He boldly moved from his position, and fearlessly assaulted the enemy soldiers to within 10 meters of their location, killing six of the attackers and halting their advance. 

Bruce was a man of many hats but did nothing but the best at every single position he held, husband, father, grandad, brother, uncle, friend, business man, US Marine, Councilman and Mayor. Bruce's favorite activity was fishing A lot of people that passed by Moore's would also catch a glimpse of a man fly fishing for cow patties. That was Bruce.

Gunnery Sergeant Jimmie E. Howard

JONES, JAMES F. 70, of Warwick, died September 7, 2016 at Kent Hospital. He was the beloved husband of the late Eileen J. (Casey) Jones. Born in Providence, James was a son of Ina Mae (Chase) Jones and the late Leslie F. Jones. He was employed as a foreman at National Grid. Jim was a gentle man, a gentleman and above all a US Marine. An expert rifleman, James served in Vietnam and was the recipient of several service awards. Besides his mother, James is also survived by a daughter: Stephanie E. Wescott; a step-daughter: Carole Johanson; four step-sons: Joseph LeClair, Christopher LeClair, Raymond Cekala and James Kimball; two brothers: William R. Jones and Jeffrey J. Jones (Diane); a sister: Leslie J. Herman; four grandchildren; and his dog and companion: Buddy. He was the brother of the late Michael A. Jones. His funeral will be held on Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at 11 AM in THE URQUHART-MURPHY FUNERAL HOME, 800 Greenwich Ave., Warwick. Visiting hours Tuesday from 10 AM - 11 AM. Interment with military honors to follow in the RI Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Exeter

Sergeant Ernie Wayne Wallace

Bravo Company ‘69

Silver Star Citation
POSTED ON 4/23/17 - BY A US MARINE, VIETNAM
Thomas D. Worrel
Date of death: Killed in Action
Home of record: Roanoke Indiana
Status: KIA

AWARDS AND CITATIONS

Silver Star

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal Thomas D. Worrel (MCSN: 2528075), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as an Assistant Team Leader with Company A, First Reconnaissance Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. 

On the morning of 23 April 1970, Lance Corporal Worrel was providing rear security for his eight-man long-range reconnaissance team during a patrol in the Que Son Mountains in Quang Nam Province when the point element surprised and killed five North Vietnamese Army soldiers. Moving forward, Lance Corporal Worrel provided cover while the hostile soldiers were searched for items of intelligence value. Shortly thereafter, the Marines resumed their mission and had advanced as far as a tree line when they came under intense enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire from three sides. Reacting instantly, the patrol deployed to form a defensive perimeter and commenced returning fire at the hostile force. Upon being informed by an aerial observer on station that another North Vietnamese Army force was moving from the north toward the Marines, Lance Corporal Worrel completely disregarded his own safety as he boldly moved across the fire-swept terrain to a position outside the northern sector of his perimeter, and fearlessly remained in his precarious position to deliver such accurate fire that he killed five of the enemy as they charged the Marines' position. On two successive assaults by the determined enemy, he delivered fire with such devastating effectiveness that the attacks were repulsed. When the increased intensity of hostile fire rendered his position untenable and he commenced to maneuver back to his perimeter, he was mortally wounded by a burst of enemy automatic weapons fire. His valiant actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in preventing his patrol from being overrun by a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force. By his dauntless courage, bold initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty, Lance Corporal Worrel upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Action Date: April 23, 1970

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Lance Corporal

Company: Company A

Battalion: 1st Reconnaissance Battalion

Division: 1st Marine Division (Rein.), FMF

Michael Lee Hazelton

Michael was a member of Marine Recruit Platoon 145 - The Arizona Platoon - that went through boot camp at MCRD San Diego in 1965. Served with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion in Viet Nam. Discharged at the rank of Sergeant on June 30, 1968.

Honoring the Arizona Platoon
APRIL 14TH, 2016

Sedona Heritage Museum is in possession of many amazing photographs, yet it’s a new platoon photograph that shows what courage Northern Arizona brought to the Vietnam War.

On the night spanning June 15 and 16, 1966, a small U.S. Marine Corps reconnaissance platoon engaged People’s Army of Vietnam and Viet Cong fighters, inflicting large casualties over the course of 12 hours before withdrawing with only a few dead. 

This became known as the Battle of Hill 488 in the Hiệp Đức District of South Vietnam. It continues to draw comparisons to the Battle of the Alamo and the D-Day invasion.

Among the decorated Marines that took part in the battle was Bill Norman, one of three Sedona men to have enlisted as part of the Arizona Platoon in June 1965. Norman, Mike Shott and Paul Lemieux graduated from Flagstaff High School in the same year and went through boot camp together in San Diego before being assigned to their various posts. 


STORIES OF SERVICE 

Guest Book

from:  Name: Rnthony Paton
Your Address: 132 Hilltop Dr. Newport TN 37821
Your Email: anthopat56@gmail.com
Your Phone number: 865-297-2905

Guest Book Message: Hay T you are missed. Rest in peace. Till we meet again. Gave Tony Martinez eulogy when he passed. Great people. Semper Fidelis Marine.