Patrol Report

Albrook 

Wednesday July 3rd, 1968 #467-68

Patrol Report #111-68

Recon team Albrook had just been inserted and came under heavy attack as the helicopter departed. With utter disregard for his own safety Capt Littler turned back into the LZ to extract the team. At about 100 feet above the zone the CH-46A piloted by Capt Littler was taken under intense automatic weapons fire. The helicopter caught fire in the aft transmission area and at the same time the pilot and the copilot were hit in the neck at the same time by small arms fire. Out of control the A/C crashed to the ground on top of the recon team that the crew had so heroically tried to save. All eight members of the recon team were killed as well as the four crewmembers in the aircraft and one recon man in the aircraft. Resulting in 13 USMC KIA, including 4 helicopter crewmen and 1 observer.

LCpl William Charles “Bill” Moon

Age 18 from Joliet, Illinois

Team Albrook

LCPL Paul Joseph Scheckler

Age 19 from Abington,  Pennsylvania

SGT Joseph John Jones

Age 19 from Scotland Neck, North Carolina

Last Known Activity
JJ died in a recon insertion operation in Elephant Valley, Quang Nam Province, when the insertion CH-46A helicopter was shot down. Thirteen Marines died in the crash - the four aircrew and nine men of the 1st Recon Battalion. Their bodies were recovered from the crash site.

US Marine SGT Joseph John Jones, Vietnam Veteran, Native of Scotland Neck, NC.

US Marine Sergeant Joseph John Jones was a casualty of the Vietnam War. As a member of the Marine Corps, SGT Jones served our country until July 3rd, 1968 in Quang Nam, South Vietnam. He was 21 years old and was not married. Joseph died when his helicopter crashed. His body was recovered. Joseph was born on October 13th, 1946 in Scotland Neck, North Carolina. SGT Jones is on panel 53W, line 002 of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. He served our country for 3 years.

Joe, You have touched so many lives. You are in our hearts and thoughts still. May you rest in peace and know you are loved. It has been 36 years since your death. You'll always be in our thoughts and hearts. Love Always. http://ncjonesfamily.homestead.com/
joejones.html;

I served with Sgt Jones in Bravo Company. Dedicated team leader I am proud to have known him. Sgt Jones asked me to go on his last patrol with him. He was going home soon after and told me he wanted to have a corpsman on this patrol with him. On the morning of the patrol I was taken to the dispensary by members of the team and was unable to go on that patrol as I had malaria. I think of those Marines every day and wonder if I could have made a difference. You will never be forgotten Sarge. Mike(Doc)Dimino, 615 S. Johnsburg Rd, Warrensburg, NY 12885.

I was part of Sgt Jones platoon but was seriously injured when I was hit by lightning June of 68. I would have been on that patrol where the entire team was killed had I not been injured. Fate kept me alive and sent the team on the helicopter to their deaths. I think about it every day. David Fendrick.

JJ graduated from Scotland Neck (NC) High School and immediately enlisted in the Marine Corps. After basic training he was assigned to the Marine Honor Guard at the Marine Barracks, 8th&I, Washington, DC. After 13 months at 8th&I he requested assignment to Vietnam. His first tour of duty began on 1 December 1966 with the 2nd Recon Battalion. He returned to the United States on 17 October 1967, and left for his second tour on 15 November 1967, reporting for duty with the 1st Recon Battalion, 1st Marine Division. JJ died in a recon insertion operation in Elephant Valley, Quang Nam Province, when the insertion CH-46A helicopter was shot down. Thirteen Marines died in the crash - the four aircrew and nine men of the 1st Recon Battalion. Their bodies were recovered from the crash site. JJ rests in the Trinity Episcopal Church cemetery, Scotland Neck, North Carolina. During his two tours, JJ was awarded three Purple Hearts, the Combat Action Ribbon, and the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal as well as the Vietnam Service and Vietnam Campaign Medals. He believed in what he was doing and wanted to be where he was. If you knew Joe, please email Rose Mary(Jones)Graveline, 75 Front Street, Burlington, Vermont 05401, rgraveli@zoo.uvm.edu.

Joe is buried in the Trinity Episcopal Cemetery in Scotland Neck, NC. It is on Hwy. 258 North, just a mile North of Scotland Neck. Joe is buried near the north-east entrance, just a short distance from the entrance, on your right, next to the road. There are 4 of the Jones family buried next to each other: Cyrus Manley Jones 1919-1982 (Dad-Army), Joseph John Jones, 1946-1968(Marines), Manley Clark Jones 1954-1974 (Brother-Navy) and Rachel Lyons Jones(Mother)1921-2007.

He was the son of the late Mr and Mrs Cyrus M Jones, Scotland Neck, NC.

He served with Bravo Company, 1st Reconissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, 3rd Marine Amphibious Forces.

He was awarded The Combat Action Ribbon(CAR), The Silver Star Medal for Gallantry In Action, Three Purple Heart Medal(s) for his combat related wounds, The Marine Combat action Ribbon, The Vietnam Service Medal, The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Service Medal, The National Defense Service Medal and The Good Conduct Medal.

Silver Star

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Joseph John Jones (MCSN: 2147920), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company B, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 23 June 1968, Sergeant Jones was patrol leader of a sixteen-man patrol assigned to conduct reconnaissance and surveillance operations from an observation post on Hill 344 in

Quang Nam Province. During the night and early morning hours of 24 and 26 June, his unit's defensive perimeter came under repeated attacks by numerically superior enemy forces. Throughout each attack, Sergeant Jones skillfully deployed his men, directed their fire and effectively employed claymore mines, artillery and air strikes to repulse the attackers. When the observation posts came under attack by over 190 hostile soldiers on the night of 28 June, Sergeant Jones completely disregarded his own safety and boldly stood up in the center of the perimeter utilizing a strobe light and a radio to direct the fire of supporting armed helicopters. As the enemy breached the protective wire with satchel charges and thermite grenades, he quickly rallied his men and directed supporting fire to within ten meters of his position. Continuing his determined efforts, he effectively utilized illumination flares and machine gun fire of additional supporting aircraft around his position and requested artillery fire on avenues of approach and areas from which the patrol was receiving fire. Throughout, he repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire as he moved to each Marine's position to encourage them, redistribute ammunition and assess the tactical situation. By his courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty in the face of extreme peril, Sergeant Jones inspired all who observed him. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

Action Date: June 23 - 28, 1968

CPL Gary Dean Tisdall

Age 21 from Modesto, California

CPL Sherman Dale Vance

Age 19 from Bentley,Illinois

Age 20 from Middlesboro, Kentucky

CPL William Dillard Johnson Jr.

Silver Star

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal William D. Johnson, Jr., United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company B, First Reconnaissance Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam.

On 23 June 1968, Corporal Johnson was the Assistant Patrol Leader of a sixteen-man patrol assigned to conduct reconnaissance and surveillance operations from an observation post on Hill 344 in Quang Nam Province. During the night and early morning hours of 24 and 26 June, his unit's defensive perimeter came under repeated attacks by numerically superior enemy forces. Throughout the ensuing fire fights, he fearlessly moved about the fire-swept terrain directing the fire of his men as they successfully repulsed the attackers.

On the evening of 28 June, when over 100 hostile soldiers attacked his sector of the perimeter, Corporal Johnson effectively utilized the illumination from flare ships to deliver a heavy volume of fire against the advancing force. Ignoring the intense automatic weapons fire and hand grenades, he boldly stood up to observe the hostile soldiers preparing for a massive assault. Quickly assessing the situation, he requested helicopter gunships to assist in repulsing the attack and, although the enemy breached the perimeter wire, he calmly directed the fire of his men and assisted the patrol leader in adjusting supporting fire to within ten meters of his position, forcing the enemy to flee in panic and confusion.

By his courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty in the face of extreme peril, Corporal Johnson inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

LCPL Fay Clyde Simmons III

PFC Alton “Money” House

Age 19 from Williston,South Carolina

Age 19 from Walstonburg, North Carolina

He was my school bus driver... Debbie Fields.

Sister-in-law. You Are Not Forgotten. Even though I was only 9 years old at that time, it has always left an impact on my life. Through all the other wars to follow, this war will always be sketched in mind. Alton (Money) will never be forgotten. I Love You Alton, Your little girlfriend, Jo Ann Westbrook, 4906 Tick Bite Rd, Grifton, NC 28530.

Funeral services for for PFC Alton House, 19, who was killed in Action in Vietnam on July 3rd, will be conducted at 3pm, Tuesday from the Edwards Funeral Home by the Reverend H.H.Cash. Burial will be in the Snow Hill Cemetery. Surviving are his wife, Carolyn Oak House, Route 1, Hookersville; his parents, Mr and Mrs Larry House, Route 1, Walstonburg, a sister, Mrs Robert Carico of Route 1, Farmville; four brothers, Larry House Jr, of Hampton, Virginia; Wayne of LaGrange, James D of Tarboro, and Roger House of the home; his maternal grandmother; Mrs Walter Goff of Goldsboro.

He is the Son of Mr Larry House and Mrs Pauline G House, Mount Olive, North Carolina. Husband to Mrs Carolyn Oak House, Route 1, Hookersville, Greene County.

He served with Bravo Company, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, 3rd MAF.

He was awarded The Combat Action Ribbon(CAR), The Purple Heart Medal for his combat related wounds, The Vietnam Service Medal, The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Service Medal, The National Defense Service Medal.

Age 27 from Montgomery, Alabama

Captain John Dudley Dalhouse

Silver Star
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Vietnam War
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: First Lieutenant
Battalion: 1st Battalion
Division: 3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMF
GENERAL ORDERS:
CITATION:

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant John Dudley Dalhouse (MCSN: 0-89075), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company D, First Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. While returning from friendly lines on 14 February 1966, a Marine amphibian tractor struck and detonated a large insurgent communist (Viet Cong) mine, immediately bursting into flames. Atop a hill three hundred meters away, First Lieutenant Dalhouse saw the blazing, crippled tractor and immediately dashed down the hill to render aid to any survivors. Seeing a group of Marines trapped inside, First Lieutenant Dalhouse, with complete disregard for his own safety, fought his way through the flames to gain entrance to the vehicle. Undaunted by a secondary explosion and the danger of exploding small arms ammunition and grenades, First Lieutenant Dalhouse entered the tractor and found one of the men still alive, though unconscious. Unhesitatingly, he carried the Marine out of the inferno to safety and began administering first aid as another explosion rocked the amphibian tractor, making a second entrance impossible. Ignoring his own suffering from burns, First Lieutenant Dalhouse continued to help prepare the Marine for evacuation by helicopter. By his courageous actions, bold initiative and uncommon concern for the welfare of others at great risk to his own safety, First Lieutenant Dalhouse upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

CH-46A Helicopter

Crew Members

MAG-16 Command Chronology - July 1968:
A reconnaissance team, which had just been inserted at ZC 064864, came under heavy attack as the helicopter departed. With complete disregard for his own safety Captain LITTLER (pilot) turned back into the zone to extract the recon team. At about 100 feet above the zone, the CH-46A (YT-13) piloted by Captain LITTLER was taken under intensive automatic weapons and possibly RPG fire. The helicopter caught fire in the aft transmission area and at the same time the pilot and the copilot were hit in the neck by small arms fire. Out of control, the aircraft crashed to the ground on top of the eight man recon team that the crew had so heroically tried to save. All 8 members of the recon team were killed as well as the four crewmembers in the aircraft and one recon man in the aircraft. The dead crewmembers were Captain Littler, 1stLt Daley, SSgt Bilenski and Cpl Little.

MABS-16 Command Chronology - July 1968:
CASUALTIES

Captain J L M LITTLER III, 092399/7562 HMM-164, Pilot
1stLt R C DALEY, 092855/7562 HMM-164, CoPilot
SSgt J C BILENSKI, 1551261/6212 HMM-164, Gunner
Cpl R B LITTLE, 2202178/6311 HMM-164, Crew Chief

HOSTILE 3 July 1968. 8 miles south of Danang, Quang Nam, RVN. CH-46 aircraft atempting to make a recon extract when aircraft received automatic weapons fire and crashed. The aircraft was consumed by fire. All four crewmembers killed in crash.


Personal Narrative:
I have commented on this incident before and here is what really happened. Jim was a great pilot and a great guy. For some reason we ended up flying the same missions quite often.

Briefed at the recon pad [for recon team insertion] and flew into Elephant Valley (not the real name but what everybody called it). Valley is steep and runs east to west with a stream in the middle. Bottom of valley is narrow and the only approach is east or west. Jim went in east to west and landed near the stream. Hueys covered both sides of the H-46. He was only in the zone for seconds when he yelled he was taking fire.

We sprayed the side of the rideline where he called the fire from. At the end of the gun run only 2 of my 8 M-60's were firing but he made it out and was heading west with me at the same altitude - I was behind him. He had made it, but then called me on the radio and said something I couldn't make out. At the same time he made a hard 180 turn to go back into the zone.

He was belly up to the ridgeline about 100-200 feet when he took fire, lost control and crashed almost where he initially landed. Aircraft exploded upon impact.

I did not see the entire recon team exit the aircraft upon initial landing, but think that 1 or 2 had gotten off. When the crew chief told him this during the initial departure, Jim decided to go back in to get them. He crashed right on anyone who was in the zone. No one could have survived that crash.
Submitted by Duke Lind, Huey pilot covering the flight


Personal Narrative:
Jim Littler was a great guy from Hawaii and was killed in Elephant Valley extracting a recon team. He was hit by an RPG. All of the crew got out but were executed by the NVA. We didn't lose many pilots in Vietnam but Jim was one of the few. I was the S-4 officer in the squadron and packed up his personal effects. He was a good friend and it really hurt.
Submitted by Rick Wilson, HMM-164, Squadron S-4


Personal Narrative:
Thank you Rick!

I'm the son of Capt. Littler and want to express my sincere appreciation to all of Dad's military buddies. Your kind comments about him have followed me throughout my 36 years of life. Periodically, and from out of the blue, my family will receive phone calls, visits, letters, or little reminders like this one from Rick that keep our Dad alive in our hearts. Even though I never knew my Father, I know that he must have been a great man to have attracted the caliber of men that you are. Your friendship is valued. Thanks to you all.

James L.M. Littler IV
Submitted by Jim Littler IV, Son of Captain James Littler III


Personal Narrative:
I was a crewman aboard a HMM-164 CH-46 helicopter that crashed into the side of a hill at the Khe Sanh combat base in June 1968 while Capt. Littler was piloting. While lifting from the base one of the engines failed and the plane crashed and tumbled down the side of the hill, bursting into flame.

I was struck in the jaw by the butt of the .50 caliber machine gun that I manned and was knocked unconscious briefly. A few seconds later I awoke in the midst of flame and smoke to Capt. Littler's unharried voice suggesting that we vacate the plane. The copilot and other gunner had already exited, but he, being the gallant man that he was, refused to leave until I was able to accompany him out the door (which was facing the sky since the plane was laying on its side). We quickly climbed from the craft and ran from the flames just in time as the plane exploded and was completely destroyed.

I was evacuated to the naval hospital in Danang and while recuperating with a broken jaw and some missing teeth I was visited by an officer who informed me about Capt. Littler's death while again helping out some other Marines in distress who were facing an overwhelming number of enemy troops.

Undaunted by the danger, he flew into the firefight and attempted a rescue that cost him his life. He was a very courageous man, the best of the corps. He saved my life. I was priviledged to continue with life. I graduated from college, was married, had children and presently teach school in North Carolina, while he was denied a full life. I hope his kinfolk read this brief testimony about a true hero.
Submitted by George Speth, HMM-164 Crew

1LT Raymond Coyle Daley

Age 24 from West Hartford, Connecticut

Raymond the husband of Nancy S. Daley, loving father of Cheryl A. Daley of West Hartford CT, dear step-son of John W. Geoghegan of Shrewsbury MA, pre deceased by his parents Rosemary Geoghegan and Raymond C. Daley was commissioned a 2d Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps on June 8 1966 in Annapolis Maryland. He arrived in Vietnam on June 22 1968 where he was assigned to and served with HMM-164, MAG-16, 1st Marine Air Wing, FMFPac.

On July 3, 1968, a U.S. Marine Corps helicopter CH-46A (tail number 151911) from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 164 (HMM-164) was shot down with the loss of four crewmen and nine passengers. The aircraft was attempting an insertion in an area known as Elephant Valley. The valley is steep and runs east to west with a stream in the middle of it. The bottom of valley is narrow and the only approach is east or west. Aircraft commander CAPT James L. Littler III went in east to west and landed near the stream. Hueys (UH-1 helicopter gunships) covered both sides of the CH-46 during the insertion. CAPT Littler was only in the zone for seconds when he yelled he was taking fire. The gunships sprayed the side of the ridgeline where he called the fire from. CAPT Littler pulled out of the landing zone and was heading west when he made an inaudible radio transmission to one of the gunship commanders. At the same time he made a hard 180 degree turn to go back into the zone. He was belly up to the ridgeline about 100-200 feet when he took fire, lost control and crashed almost where he initially landed. The aircraft exploded upon impact. One of the gunship pilots later stated that he did not see the entire recon team exit the aircraft upon initial landing, but thinks that only one or two had gotten off. When the crew chief informed CAPT Littler of this during the initial departure, it is believed he decided to go back in to get them. He crashed right on anyone who was in the zone. The lost crew members included CAPT Littler, pilot 1LT Raymond C. Daley, and crewmen CPL Randell B. Little and SSGT John C. Bilenski. The nine passengers were CAPT John D. Dalhouse, SGT Joseph J. Jones, LCPL William C. Moon, LCPL Paul Scheckler, LCPL Fay C. Simmons III, CPL William D. Johnson Jr., CPL Gary D. Tisdall, CPL Sherman D. Vance, and PFC Alton House.

A product of West Hartford, Connecticut, Ray brought with him many sterling qualities which will make him a leader wherever he goes. He entered the Naval Academy after studying chemistry for a year at Providence College. An avid collector of stamps, Ray was also a member of the Academy SCUBA club. Athletically, he proved to be an invaluable member of the company cross-country and lightweight football teams. Not one to take his academics lightly, Ray spent many hours hitting the books. Sleep cannot be neglected, of course, and Ray took great pains to neglect his as little as possible. After spending part of second class summer at Fort Benning, Georgia, he received his jump wings. A marine at heart, Ray hopes to become a marine aviator. He will surely be a credit to the corps. He was also a member of the 5th Battalion staff (fall and spring).

RAYMOND C. DALEY

Obituary

From the November 1968 issue of Shipmate:

1st Lt. Raymond C. Daley, USMC, was killed in action 3 July when the helicopter, of which he was co-pilot, was hit by hostile fire and crashed in Quang Nam Province, Vietnam. A memorial service was held in the chapel at Marble Mountain Air Facility, the base from where his squadron was operating; later, a concelebrated mass was held in St. Timothy's Church, West Hartford, Conn. Interment was in Soldiers Field, Fairview Cemetery, with full military honors.

Lt. Daley was born in Providence, R.I., and graduated from William Hall High School where he was captain of the cross-country team. He attended Providence College a year before entering the Naval Academy. He was on the Fifth Battalion Staff throughout each set, and was active in cross-country and the Scuba Club; he was an avid stamp collector. During second class summer he received his jump wings at Ft. Benning, Ga.

Following graduation from the Naval Academy in 1966, Lt. Daley completed Basic School at Quantico, and attended Flight School in Pensacola, Fla. He received his wings in February of this year. His helicopter training was completed at Santa Ana Air Facility, Calif. He had been serving with HMM-164, Marine Air Group 16, 1st Marine Air Wing, Fleet Marine Force Pacific.

Surviving are his widow, the former Nancy Elaine Sousa of West Hartford, Conn.; a son Brian Christopher, who was born on 17 Sept., and a daughter, Cheryl Anne, of 19 East Normandy Drive, West Hartford, Ct. 06107; a stepfather. Dr. John W . Geohegan, and two half-brothers, Terence and Kevin Geoghegan, of Shrewsbury. Mass. He was the son of the late Raymond Coyle Daley and the late Mrs. Rosemary Daley Geoghegan.

Remembrances

"Every inch a king"

Ray, you have been in my head a long time. Never had a chance to say goodby or console your family. Your fellow co-capain at Hall High -- Bob Dunne, peace and my prayers are with you & your familyROBERT E. DUNNE, CAROLAD@GATEWAY.NET, 6/2/99
Ray, As I become an ancient mariner, you will always be the picture of youth and vigor. These days, my memories of you as a fellow midshipman are sweet and lingering. I pray for your soul as I pray for my own - a good man who did his duty and deserves God's mercy and blessings.MANUEL LOPEZ, NAVAL ACADEMY ROOMMATE, 12/8/01
Ray was my best friend. He is one day older than I am. We laughed and cried together as we went through The Basic School and flight training. We were separated by two weeks of training which he wanted to get to prepare himself as a forward air controller. I last saw him at the end of June 1968, just a day or two after he arrived in the Da Nang area flying for HMM-164. He was just starting his moustache. He looked great! Just a few days later he was shot down while flying as copilot in a CH-46. He was able to return fire though strapped in upside down in the cockpit of the wreckage ... he died like a Marine!

T. M. "Skip" Curtis
Colonel USMC (Retired)T. M. "SKIP" CURTIS SCARFACE, six@aol.com, 11/14/99
His dad knew my dad in Hartford Ct. For those of you who know the story of his family that is important. He stopped by our house every Christmas. Thanks to Ray, the Daley family, and the Geoghan family for their sacrifice.

Memorial Day 2014ROBERT L HANNAN MD, 5/26/14

Memorial

Ray and I were in the same platoon at the Basic School and attended flight school together. We got to RVN at the same time and joined HMM-164. We were hootch mates up until the day he was killed. Now 50 years later our Basic School Class is doing a Memorial Service including the planting of a tree with a bronze plaque to honor Ray's service. This service will take place in Memorial Hall at the Academy on 15 Dec 2018 at 1400.

Colonel John "Ace" Astle, USMC (ret), December 9, 2018

Staff Sergeant John Charles Bilenski

Age 28 from Orange County, California

Captain James Leslie Moore Littler III

Corporal Randell Blake Little

Age 21 from River Rouge, Michigan

SSgt Bilenski, a veteran with over ten years of service, had re-enlisted in the U.S Marine Corps on December 20 1963 in Cherry Point North Carolina. He arrived in Vietnam on February 8 1968 where he was assigned for duty with HMM-164, MAG-16, 1st Marine Air Wing FMFPac.

John was the son of Edith D and John V Bilenski of Paterson, New Jersey.
Married Gloria O'Dell on 28 Nov 1964 in Orange County, California.

Randell, the son of Virgil A. Little and Gladys Little of River Rouge Michigan enlisted in the US Marine Corps on November 30, 1965 in Detroit. In Vietnam he was assigned to and served with HMM-164, MAG-16, 1st Marine Air Wing, FMFPac.

Age 26 from Honolulu, Hawaii

Served with HMM-164,MAG-16,1st Marine Air Wing.James died during a helicopter crash. Survived by his wife;Sherry Ione Littler,a son and a daughter all of Bartlesville,OK and his parents;James L M & Mary Jane Littler II of Honolulu,HI.

Team Albrook Tribute

My tour in Bravo Company 


   I arrived in country in April or May and went out on a few dicey patrols. We heard that a big patrol was coming in which the best men of each company would be picked because it was extremely dangerous involving a well built up NVA sight near what I believe was called Yellow Brick road. Anyway it was around the Laotian/Cambodian border. What eventually transpired is that the powers that be decided to send Team Albrook out because they had a lot of experience and unfortunately many of the men were short timers. On that note I really pressed them to take me. I was turned down because I didn't have enough experience. I remember that everyone left their wedding bands or valuables behind and wrote letters to their significant others as they did not expect to return. Sadly they did not return.

   I remember well that when I first came over a few rough things happened and I was in fistfights with some of the crusty old veterans who did not take to me too well. The men solved issues out back with fists. The really touching thing is that one of the men came up to me the night before going out on that fateful mission and pretty much shared his heart with me and how he wanted to come out of this war a better person. He had a desire to be caring and kind with people. He said he saw this in me. It really shook me up and I felt very humble in his presence. He was really a damn good Recon Marine and somebody that I respected. Sometimes when we are being ourselves and people seem to dislike us.it could be different than we imagine. One thing that I got clear about as a Marine and a Recon Marine is to be who you are and be authentic. I wasn't trying to be like everyone else. Some of the leaders or a "few Good Men" encouraged me to stay on my path and not change. Some of those men had mentored me- telling me things that I needed to hear..How to cross open country like Charley Ridge, how to work with my M-60, how to stay grounded and not react in the wrong way in firefights. Sometimes when as a new guy facing exhaustion they had very tough and physical things that they did to teach me. It was okay as it was always a lesson well learned.

   Those men of Team Albrook went out the next day and they were shot down by an RPG rocket. I know they gave their all and I am alive today because they cared. So since I have arrived home in the states in 69.there has not been a day that i do not remember them. Sometimes I go to a quiet VA graveyard and just sit quietly expressing my gratitude for them.sometimes i ask them for advice if i am having a challenge with depression or PTSD. I feel them telling me to enjoy each moment, each breath, and I hear them telling me that they are in a very good place and that they have peace and love in their lives. I have felt a lot of tears down my cheeks over the days, weeks, months and years. I fully understand how much I have to be grateful for and what it means to be a warrior and cover someone’s back. I feel that I did well on my tour it was the coming home where my war started...a lost marriage to the woman that I loved, nightmares, flashbacks, lost jobs. It’s not to be regretted at all. It all builds character and makes us who we are. We will never stop being Marines. or men who care and fight for ones we love and what we love.

   Today I relate to the men on Team Albrook as an example to give what I can to the new generation..The men coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan..Albrook and my Recon brothers have inspired me to be a giver not a taker. We are building a unique slide guitar for a Vietnam vet who has no use of his hands. He lost almost everything physically when he got in a firefight trying to get POWs out with the 101st Screamin Eagles in Cambodia/Laos. He shared his story with us, one that he has kept secret all of these years..It was heart wrenching but what a brave and selfless man he is. 'This man has shared with us his vision that any quadriplegic should be able to play a guitar if it is designed correctly. So we learn from a few good warriors to pass it on.

   My dad landed on Normandy Beach on D-Day as a 101st Screamin Eagle. He never talked about the war to me. I could see his courage in his character. As a boy, I saw how he treated all people, fairly and with respect. I once saw another man in a rage yelling at my father and my dad calmed the man down by not talking it personally and graciously responding to the man.

   Marines are about doing. Need I say more.

Semper Fi

Dan Vanbuskirk Bravo 68/69

Obituary

Age 25 from Provo, Utah

1LT Michael George Brown

The Jim Southall Story, Over 100 Patrol Reports.

Click the link at the bottom of this page for the next patrol report.

The Jim Southall Story, Over 100 Patrol Reports.

Click the link at the bottom of this page for the next patrol report.