In conjunction with this year's Marine Corps Engineers Association reunion –
We look forward to the reunion this year with the members the return 11th Engineer Marine team of Jan 89'.
In the return photo:
LtoR are: Marine Frankie Noe of Mass, Sgt. Billy Johnson of Conn, Gene Spanos of Ill [ Team Leader ] Mike "Doc" Wallace of Kansas and Nate Genna of Mass.
In the Nov 68' photo:
Gene Spanos on top of the truck w/rifle at the ready. Marine Frankie Noe with the blooper or M-79 grenade launcher.
This photo was taken right at the Ben Hia river where the old North Vietnam divided with the former South Vietnam.
Located Just south was the area where a very large battle took place in Apr 68' the "Battle for Dong Ha Combat base".
This involved the great 2nd Bn 4th Marines commanded by then Col. Wild Bill Weise. He will be one of our guest speakers this year at the Washington, D.C. reunion as well.
Then there's what was left of the former Dong Ha Bridge that was taken out by Col. John Ripley, USMC who recently passed away. Col. Ripley was a good friend of the 11th Engineers and remember us well.
Col. Ripley is buried at the Naval Academy's cemetery and we also plan to visit his grave site to pay our respects to one tough Marine.
Just a couple of years past we held a mini reunion here in the Chicago area. Over 15 couples flew in and we had a great time. Sadly, we must report the loss of one of our Marines – Sgt.Frank Dybes from Mass since then.
Additionally, some Marine Engineers splintered off to form up their own association. This year – we look forward to finally meeting these Marines in coming together as well.
Rest in peace to all of our brothers who didn't return and for those who have since been called up by our supreme Commandant.
Semper Fi Marines
Gene T. Spanos
Sgt. 66-71 U.S. Marines
Charlie Co. 2/68-2/69
11th Engr Bn
West Pack Ground Forces