1st Recon Battalion Association

1st Recon Battalion Association

Thanks for your service.

Part 22

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

2014

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.

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.

David Sledge

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!

August 2024 - Second Half Newsletter

Part 17  - 2023

Frank Montez posing for the camera

Part 18  - 2023

Part 19  - 2023

Part 20  - 2023

Part 21  - 2023

Part 23  - 2024

Gene Allen Beck
December 17, 1946 — July 29, 2024

Gene Allen Beck, a proud Marine, dedicated community member, and devoted cat lover, passed away, surrounded by Marines and loved ones on July 29, 2024. He was 77 years old. Born on December 17, 1946, Gene dedicated 21 years of his life to serving in the United States Marine Corps, achieving the rank of First Sergeant.

His service included roles in Marine Corps Recon, Combined Action Platoon, Mountain Warfare Instructor, and Marine Corps Drill Instructor. Notably, Gene's time in Vietnam as an advisor with the Marine Corps Combined Action Program was a source of immense pride. His leadership and resourcefulness were instrumental in protecting and empowering local communities while leading Marines in battle. Following his military career, Gene continued to serve his community in Pryor, Oklahoma. He generously shared his tactical knowledge and survival skills with the Pryor Police Department, mentoring officers and contributing to their training and equipment. Gene's passion for cycling was well-known, and he could often be seen riding his bike throughout northeast Oklahoma. He also had a deep love for cats, providing them with exceptional care and companionship. Gene placed his cats above himself and to those who knew Gene, would agree.Gene was preceded in death by his mother, Ruth A. Pool Beck, father, Samuel Beck, and sister Sammie. He is remembered by his many friends, fellow Marines, and the Pryor community he touched with his dedication and generosity. Gene's legacy is one of service, resilience, and unwavering loyalty. His commitment to his country, community, and those he cared for will be deeply missed.

Operation Swift September 1967

57 Years ago

Hello Floyd.  I’ve had my second knee replacement and the recovery process isn’t going as well as I’d hoped so I won’t be able to attend this year’s reunion.  Looking at the Recon site, I saw a photo page and would like to submit a couple (attached).  Feel free to use them or not as you see fit.

The first one was taken not long after I arrived.  It’s recon team Dutch Oven, led by Lt John Dunn, early April 67.  Standing L-R are Ray “Gator Theilen, me, David “Stick” Nelson, Doc Wayne Highum, and David “Gertie” Gugich.  Kneeling are Mike Bell and Cleofus “Roddy” Rodriguez.

The second one is Me on the left, Ron Kitzke in the middle and Bobby Earp on the right.  Ski was KIA 27 Dec 67 and Bobby died in 2019.

 

The third one is actually a composite of two pictures taken by Bobby Earp.  They are of me with my M-60 on Operation Swift. 

The last one is of 2nd Plt Bravo at a mini-reunion in Wrightsville Beach in 2010.  Standing L-R are Buddy Bowers, Eddy Bolin, me, Roger Hausauer, and Ray Taylor.  Front row L-T are Bobby Earp, Steve Thomas. Lt/Capt John Dunn, Doc Bruce Rock, and Dennis Fair.

Semper fi; Bill Woodier

Recon Team Dutch Oven/GrimReaper

A man who is good enough to shed his

blood for his country is good enough

to be given a square deal afterwards.

More than that no man is entitled, and

less than that no man shall have."
            Theodore Roosevelt

ZZ Me    -    Ski    -    Earp

Bravo Company Team: Dutch Oven April 1967

Standing L-R are Ray “Gator Theilen, me, David “Stick” Nelson, Doc Wayne Highum, and David “Gertie” Gugich. Kneeling are Mike Bell and Cleofus “Roddy” Rodriguez

Ronald Frederick Kitzke " Ski"

On December 27, 1967 Lance Corporal Kitzke was declared a casualty of the Vietnam War. ★ He served with honor in the United States Marine Corps. ★ He is remembered by the people of Wisconsin. ★ May his positive example inspire us. Working together towards peace, mutual respect, and equality for all.

This photo is of 2nd Plt Bravo Company at a mini-reunion in Wrightsville Beach in 2010. Standing L-R are Buddy Bowers, Eddy Bolin, Bill Woodier, Roger Hausauer, and Ray Taylor. Front row L-R are Bobby Earp, Steve Thomas. Lt/Capt John Dunn, Doc Bruce Rock, and Dennis Fair.

William H Woodier - Ron Kitzke "Ski" - Bobby Howell Earp died in 2019

Ronald the son of Ralph J. Kitzke and June H. Kitzke, dear brother of Rochelle N., Randall A., and Richard E. Kitzke of Wauwatosa Wisconsin enlisted in the US Marine Corps on September 13 1966 in Milwaukee WI. He arrived in Vietnam on March 28 1967 where he was assigned to and served with Company B, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st MARDIV (Rein) FMF.


During the month of December the Battalion continued normal patrolling and related activities in general support of the 1st Marine Division thoughout its area of operations.


On December 27, an eleven man Reconnaissance patrol code named GRIM REAPER was inserted 3 kilometers south east of the Hai Qui Mountain Range in western Duc Duc District near Hill 199 with a mission to observe and attempt to capture a prisoner. After a successful landing and deployment the Marines were attacked by the VC requiring the men to call close air support and to maneuver to a suitable position for an extraction by a CH 46D. During the fire fight with the enemy LCpl Ronald Kitzke was killed by hostile rifle fire and two Marines were wounded.

LCpl Ronald Frederick Kitzke

POSTED ON 5.27.2001 POSTED BY:

June Kitzke
to my son
Ronnie, love you and miss you on this Memorial Day and every day of my life..we will never forget you....MOM

This is actually a composite of two pictures taken by Bobby Earp. They are of Bill Woodier with my M-60 on Operation Swift.

Operation Swift 

Was a military operation in the Vietnam War, launched by units of the U.S. 1st Marine Division to rescue two Marine companies which had been ambushed by the People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN). The operation took place in the Quế Sơn Valley, beginning on 4 September 1967. In the ensuing battles, 127 Marines and an estimated 600 PAVN were killed.

My father's

Memorial 

United States & The World during the World War 2

When most people think of women's contributions to World War II, the Rosie the Riveter poster is probably the first thing that comes to mind. But many of the women crucial to the war effort do not have that kind of household name recognition. About 350,000 American women served in uniform—roughly the size of the active duty Navy today. They did everything from fixing planes and tanks to drawing maps to help horses get through the woods of Normandy.

Staff Sergeant

Trevor P. Blaylock

Mr. Robert Thornton passed away on Tuesday, May 24, 2016 at McLaren Hospital in Lansing

"Thunder" - Charlie Company

July 1965 - October 1966

Obituary for Robert (Lansing) Thornton
Mr. Robert Thornton passed away on Tuesday, May 24, 2016 at McLaren Hospital in Lansing, Michigan at the age of 70 years. Robert was born on May 21, 1946 in Demopolis, Alabama to the late Jacques Smith and Martha Thornton-Washington.
Robert spent the first eight years of his life being raised by his late grandmother, Tilly Thornton, living on the familys sharecropping farm in Coffeeville, Alabama before reuniting with his mother and moving to Detroit, Michigan. Life was not easy for Robert as a child; he often shared his stories of living, sleeping, and eating on the streets of Detroit. Two Detroit Police officers found him and arranged temporary shelter for him at St. Dominics Catholic Church and ultimately, the Wayne County Youth Home. No matter how chaotic life was for him, Robert continued with his education and enjoyed success at Northwestern High School as a track and field star.
At the age of seventeen, Robert joined the Marine Corps and his life from that point changed forever. Soon after Basic Training, Robert, an assigned Infantry rifleman, qualified and became a member of the 1st Force Reconnaissance Battalion Company. While serving multiple tours of duty in Vietnam he was awarded two Purple Hearts, the Bronze Star Medal with Combat at V, the Vietnam, Cross of Gallantry with Palm, a Vietnam Service Medal with three Battle Stars, a Vietnamese Campaign Medal, a Combat Action Medal, A Presidential Unit Citation, A Navy Unit Citation, and A Good Conduct Medal. Upon his honorable discharge from active duty his loyalty to the United States Marine Corps did not end. Robert signed on and continued his military career with the Marine Corps Active Reserves in Detroit, Michigan ultimately being assigned as the Rifle Platoon Leader and obtaining the rank of Staff Sergeant.
Once his military career ended Robert Thunder joined his brothers in blue and served forty plus years with the Michigan State Police where he earned two Bravery Awards, a Meritorious Service Award, the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police Distinguished Service Medal, a Son of the American Revolution Medal for Heroism, an Honorable Mention Award and a Unit Citation. All of those blessed to know him knew he was an avid storyteller, had a love for hitting the open road and driving trucks riddled with Marine stickers. He was a committed and staunch military veteran, and more importantly, a loving father and grandfather.
Robert leaves to cherish his memory two daughters, Nicole Thornton Williams and Dawn Thornton; one son, Tony Thornton, Sr.; thirteen grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; a multitude of sons, daughters, and grandchildren he called his own.
Robert was preceded in death by his son, DeAndre Carlos Thornton, his mother and step-father, Martha and Leon Washington, and the woman he called mom, Louise Barnes.
Robert Thunder was a proud member of the Michigan State Police, and an even prouder member of the United States Marine Corps (USMC). It was his wish to be buried alongside his military brothers at Arlington National Cemetery. For those who would like to help make his final wishes come true, you may consider making a contribution at gofundme.com and search for The Thunder Thornton Memorial, or in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Disabled Veterans Foundation, http://www.dvnf.org./

MAYFLY TRIBUTE

Delta Company - June 21st, 1969

Marine helicopter squadron HMM-165 (CH-46D aircraft) was tasked with a recon insert mission approximately 22 miles WNW of DaNang. The landing zone was prepped heavily prior to commencement of a spiral approach. The helicopter (CH-46D BuNo 154811) was brought into a brief hover. Heavy small arms fire was received prior to anyone exiting the aircraft and the insertion was aborted. During climb out a loud explosion occurred aft of the cockpit area. The aircraft pitched extreme nose up and rolled slowly right to a somewhat inverted position with no control input response. It crashed and burned.Eight men died in the crash:

1stLt W L Peters, Jr., pilot (HMM-165) (Navy Cross, Silver Star)
LCpl P E Petroline, crew chief (HMM-165)

Member of 1st Recon Battalion Association since October 29, 2013

Ancel Hersman

Staff Sergeant Trevor P. Blaylock

March 10, 2015
2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion – Camp Lejeune, North Carolina

Born in Lake Orion, MI and a 2004 graduate of Lake Orion High School, Staff Sergeant Blaylock enlisted in the Marine Corps through the Delayed Entry Program and completed Basic Training in February 2006. SSgt. Blaylock was a member of his high school’s Varsity Swim team during his four years at Lake Orion High School.

SSgt. Blaylock attended Marine Combat Training at Camp Geiger, followed by Basic Light Armored Vehicle Repairman’s School at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, MD, where he was the Honor Graduate. His first duty station was with 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Camp Pendleton, where he served as a mechanic. SSgt. Blaylock underwent advanced training and was re-assigned as Charlie Company Ramp Chief, later receiving orders to Light Armored Vehicle Training Company, School of Infantry-West, where he was assigned as Red Team Platoon Sergeant.

SSgt. Blaylock joined MARSOC in August 2010, attended ITC, and upon graduation in May 2012 was given orders to 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion, Camp Lejeune, NC. SSgt. Blaylock deployed in support of both Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

On March 10, 2015, during a training exercise, SSgt. Blaylock died in a Blackhawk Helicopter crash near Navarre Beach, FL. 

SSgt. Blaylock’s personal decorations include Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal with combat V, Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal and Combat Action ribbon.

1st Recon Bn KIA Vietnam War

..

War Story

Comments on Incident: 21 June 1969 at 1130 Hours. 22 1/2 miles northwest of Danang, Quang Nam Province, RVN. Crew flying on CH-46D on recon extraction. A/C received small arms fire causing A/C to crash and burn. LCPL W.T. GIBSON, gunner, received contusion to right arm and laceration to right knee, CPL J.E. GAUVIN, gunner, received fractured right "manoible" and dislocation of right shoulder. 1stLT S.W. JORGENSEN, copilot, received laceration to nose. Submitted by John Lane. Source: http://www.popasmoke.com/kia/690621/notforgotten.html Comments on Incident: This is the report I wrote to my company about the shooting down on 21 June, 1969 of the airplane of HMM-165, flown by 1st Lt. William "Lee" Peters, who was killed. The Gunner [crew chief] LCpl Paul Petroline was also killed. At approximately 1045 on 21June 1969, BuNo 154811 was attempting to insert a recon team at position ZC033864. The attempt was abandoned because of enemy opposition, and the aircraft was moving away when the gunner heard a loud explosion from the controls closet area. The co-pilot thinks that they lost boost presure. (the co-pilot is still in a state of shock from the accident and does not clearly remember what happened. It is suspected that the aircraft as hit in the controls closet area by a Rocket Propelled Grenade [RPG]. The aircraft then went out of control and crashed." "The pilot, crew chief, and six (6) members of the recon team were killed, and the co-pilot, the two (2) gunners, and the remaining two(2) members of the recon team were injured. The aircraft burned and is considered a strike." "The aircraft is in very unfriendly territory and examination of the wreckage has not been possible. It is unlikely the the risk of sending a team in to examine the wreckage will be taken so that definite confirmation of the suspected happenings is also unlikely. Submitted by John Dullighan, Boeing Tech Rep, CH-46D, HMM-165. NAVY CROSS CITATION - W.L. Peters - from a previous mission: For extraordinary heroism while serving as a Pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 165 in the Republic of Vietnam on 12 April 1969. First Lieutenant Peters launched as Wingman in a section of two CH-46 transport helicopters assigned to helilift a reconnaissance team into hostile territory. After arriving over the designated location, the lead aircraft inserted the Marines without incident but, while lifting off, the aircraft came under a heavy volume of small arms and automatic weapons fire and sustained extensive damage. Observing that the reconnaissance team was pinned down where it had disembarked and that the Marines were surrounded by a numerically superior hostile force, First Lieutenant Peters circled the area while helicopter gunships and fixed wing aircraft bombed and strafed the enemy soldiers who clung tenaciously to their positions only 20 feet from the beleaguered unit. When the supporting aircraft had expended its ordnance, First Lieutenant Peters, fully aware of the possible consequences of his actions but concerned only with the welfare of the men on the ground, fearlessly elected to attempt the extraction and, as he approached the landing zone, became the target for intense automatic weapons fire. Although numerous rounds penetrated his helicopter, he landed in the fire-swept area and, with calm presence of mind, resolutely maintained his dangerously exposed position, despite a fanatical assault by two North Vietnamese Army soldiers who were killed by the reconnaissance team. Assuring that the ground unit was safely aboard, he then quickly lifted from the zone under an increasingly intense volume of fire from the frustrated enemy which damaged a vital control section of his helicopter. In a brilliant display of superb airmanship and unwavering devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Peters saved his fellow Marines from serious injury or possible death and thereby upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

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

Patrol Report #359-68

This patrol covered a period of 119 hours with contact with an estimated 40 or more VC/NVA that resulted in 8 USMC KIA, 7 USMC WIA on Hill 200 June 3rd, 1968.

Sergeant Jim Southall - Hill 200 1969

Are Message Board is now our new newsletter.

1968

1969

Membership Director & Webmaster

2016-2025

Here's our girl. She was stationed off Danang late 1968 into 1969. Our teams always had call for fire priority and the old girl delivered. Rounds went over our heads at Camp Reasoner. Remember the target butts and rounds 'cracking ' over your head? Now think 2,200 lb HE round passing over. Thunder clap. I thought of Thor throwing his hammer. A 3 round salvo was defined as 'grid destruct '. A square kilometer and all that was left were three holes. Bring it bitch. SF

Ronald Overton

Admin of 1st Recon Battalion Association Facebook page since December 10, 2018

from the Bronx, Bronx County, New York, USA

Birth - 25 Aug 1973

Death - 11 Sep 2001 (aged 28)

Thanks Ron,

Hospital Corpsman Third Class
EARL ROGER LERCH

04/25/1946 - 06/04/1968

Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Earl Roger Lerch from San Francisco, California lost his life 54 at the age of 22 on June 04, 1968.

Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Earl Roger Lerch was born on April 25, 1946 and had 4 years of service arriving in Vietnam on January 08, 1968 assigned to 2nd Platoon, Bravo Company, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, 3rd Marine Amphibious Force.

On June 04, 1968 HM3 Earl Lerch was killed in action by an explosive device and died from multiple fragmentation wounds while providing medical aid to a wounded Marine in Quang Nam Province, South Vietnam.

Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Earl Roger Lerch is honored on the Vietnam Memorial at Panel 60W, Line 10.

Last Known Activity


RECON TEAM "CAYENNE", Hill 200 - 27 miles SW of Da Nang, 9 KM W-NW OF HIEP DUC VILLAGE

1st Recon Bn. Command Chronology:
032245H at 833276 patrol was attacked by an estimated 40 VC. Black PJ's, rifles, ctg belts, grenades and suspected satchel charges. The attack was very sudden and opened with large explosions of an unknown origin. As the patrol returned fire, VC swept through their position in the few minutes immediately following the explosions. The action resulted in 8 USMC KIA, 7 USMC WIA, 1VC KIA conf., and 6VC KIA prob. 3 USMC WIA (1 later DOW) were med-evaced. Due to darkness, weather, and negative comm, the rest of the patrol remained in position until a reaction force aided in their extraction at 040700H. The VC attacked in 2 groups from the North and "SE". Spooky supported the patrol the remainder of the night with unknown results. There was negative enemy activity after the initial assult.

Recon Team: Cayenne
SSgt Phil Hampton (Patrol Leader) WIA

HM3 Earl Lerch KIA (Died of Wounds on June 4)
Cpl Briggs WIA

L/Cpl Terrece Eugene Edgar KIA
LCpl Gonzales WIA
LCpl Michael James Beck KIA
LCpl Jasper WIA
PFC Charles Frank Huff KIA
PFC Darrell Edward Campanello KIA
PFC Gerold Jerome Mc Adams KIA
PFC Peter Joseph Weidemier KIA
PFC Jeffery Scott Patterson KIA
PFC Whiting WIA
PFC Kraskiewiez WIA
PFC Macedo WIA

23 Years Ago

Hello, my 2nd cousin Jeffrey Jerauld Hein served in Delta Company in Da Nang, Vietnam. He was a Radioman. He passed away in 1970 and I'd like to find a patch od Delta Company or a photo of one as I'd like to make a plaque in commemoration of him and all my relatives who served. I've had trouble finding any information about Delta Company or it's patch online. Thanks Brody Hein brodycharleshein@gmail.com

Email:

Jeffrey Jerauld Hein

Austin,  Minnesota

1949 - 1970

Jeffrey Jerauld Hein was born on September 6, 1949. He died on February 20, 1970 at 20 years old. We know that Jeffrey Jerauld Hein had been residing in Austin, Mower County, Minnesota 55912.

Thank you Marine for your service


THE WALL

 

Standing here in front of the Wall
silently reading your name
Solemnly I thank you one and all
Each of you different, yet the same

The list seems forever endless
but I remember your faces
You made the supreme sacrifice, I confess
as I walk slowly with measured paces

Each one of you answered the call
Willingly or not, you gave your lives
Rest easy, my Brothers - heroes all
The Nation still survives

"War drew us from our homeland

In the sunlit springtime of our youth.

Those who did not come back alive remain

** in perpetual springtime -- forever young --**

And a part of them is with us always."

--- Author Unknown ---

God Bless you Marine

This was take for GarryKline after the division patrol report listed him dead. I am sending it to him to frame.

Hoover Dam  & Lake Mead

Sales, J.J. Bell, and Frank, 1968

McInerny and Frank, 1969 from Aldridge

Frank Montez at Camp Reasoner 1969

Wagner, Frazier, me, Potts and Martinez at China Beach May 1969.

Alpha Company 68/69

Snake A Recon Marine

Name: Gregory AA Francesco
Address: 11 Old Smalleytown Road Warren NJ 07059
Email: ggfrance@optonline.net
Home Phone number: 9085611554
Cell Phone Number: 9084639977
Date of Birth (MMDDYY): 120443
Letter Company
(or other Unit Attached): B Co
Dates with Unit: 4/66 10/66
Spouse Name: Gail Francesco
Date of Application: 08/01/2024
Can we show your Home/Cell Number on the website. (Yes or No): Yes
Can we show your Home Address on the website. (Yes or No): Yes
Message to 1st Recon Battalion Association: Was with 3rd plt B Co attached to 3rd Bn 5th Marines, and then worked out of Chu Lai. Gunny Stowe plt leader. It is sad to find out that members of the platoon have passed on.

Gregory

8/1/2024

Floyd

9/11   23 Years Ago

L-R Top Mary Edwards Walker, Marcella Ann Ng (then 2d Lt. Hayes), Ruby Bradlet: POW Nurse

L-R Bottom Army Nurse Mildred Manning: An 'Angel' POW,  Martha Raye & Nancy Jean Lee

8/1/24 Wecome aboard, I'll update your information today. 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.

The link below is a reprint of a letter to Joe Kuchta, brother of Empire State team member John Kuchta. John was killed in February of 1969 and Joe was trying to gain information on a Walther P-38 that was returned to him with John's personal effects.

Patrol members were Lt. Mann, Cpl. O'Campo, Cpl. Mundorf, Lcpl. Kuchta, Lcpl. Contraras, Lcpl. Cuenca, Lcpl. Martinez, "Doc" Snider, and Lcpl. Molina.

Patrol insert Jan. 7 69

Stories from Members

Some Give It All

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

The year was 1968 and as a nineteen-year-old Marine in Vietnam, I encountered many things that are still fresh in my mind. It was as if they happened yesterday. The first trip firm Da Nang to Phu Bai, then the fight in Hue City, and the many first-hand accounts of bravery by other Marines.

5 Minutes ‘Til Forever

Reflections on a glorious birthday

Paul Young, Alpha 67/68

Under the scorching summer sun,

Lake Mead is doing well. How?

Overview of Lake Mead

2024 Guide to Hoover Dam: Explore the Engineering Marvel

Hoover Dam Changed America

Part 23

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.

Larry Feldman

Echo Company 1/70 - 1/71
Also H&S during this 
time span

Lives in Dover, Delaware

Ho Chi Min trail 1970. I'm thinking about the wet tiger paw print we just saw on a rock sitting in the sun. Heard him roar later that night and pulled the covers over my head.

Larry Feldman

Elephant Valley

ELEPHANT VALLEY....now that was a real "skate patrol " area. Been there many times....never any problems. Once had an acdental discharge with a stripped down M-79 with flechet round. Sounded like a shotgun going off in the quite of the bush, still no activity. That was GOOD. SF Steve Plunkett

Our Teammates may be gone, but they will never be forgotten!

Lance Corporal John Vincent Kuchta

Lance Corporal John Vincent Kuchta

PERSONAL DATA Home of Record: Warrior Run, PA

Date of birth: 12/21/1948

United States Marine Corps

 

Unit: D CO, 1ST RECON BN, 1ST MARDIV

DATA Start Tour: 04/05/1968

02/06/1969 Age at Loss: 20

Location: Quang Nam Province, South Vietnam

 

ON THE WALL Panel 33W Line 072

When John arrived in Vietnam 5 April 1968, he was assigned to Delta Company, 1st Recon Battalion, 1st Marine Division. He passed away on the 2nd of June in 1969 at the aged of 20 in
Quảng Nam, Vietnam

Battle of Hamburger Hill
May 13, 1969 – May 20, 1969

“Mission Impossible”
in Vietnam 

How Many Recon Marines
Does It Take to Put an
NVA Regiment to Flight?

Team: Chili Pepper

To the Gates of Hell

LCpl James Howard Jones

A Navy Corpsman will go to the gates of hell to help a wounded Marine.

Sgt.Glen Hicks, 20

PFC Scott Gary Smith

PFC THEODORE JAY WHITLOCK

Semper Fi, Floyd Ruggles

Membership Director & Webmaster

Echo Company Photo Gallery
By Michael Bernstrin & Robert Tracy

Echo Company

Flaky Snow  July 1968

Patrol Report 564-68

I heard it through the grapevine

Sgt Gerald L Poppa

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

Alpha Company

Parallel Bars September 1969

Patrol Report 837-69

Patrol Report

#564-68

Patrol Report

#837-69

Part 9  - 2020

August 2024 - 1st Half Newsletter

September 2024 - 1st Half 

Click a photo to link to a web page on our website, a memorial tribute.