Category: Marine Corps Stories

Hill 200 or 250

I was the the officer in charge of Hill 250 from January 1969 until September 1970. 1st Recon was sent to the hill to provide security for the IOD and my men and I, in that order. We had thermite (sp?) grenades strapped to the IOD. Our job was to destroy it should we get over run. The IOD (Integrated Observation Device) was my responsibility. I remember the dozer being brought to level some high ground adjacent to our hill. read more

Hill 250, 6-70 to 3-71

I was TAD from 1/13, 3rd Howitzers (Danang) to Hill 250. I was a Fire Controlman and secondary Viet Interpretor. But I was an Troop Handler at Camp Pendleton for year, instructing mortars & MG.

Only got a few pics of Hill & others, as lost camera in poker game, but would like to hear from anyone who might remember me (Panther tattoo on right forearm & Jesus/crucifix on left forearm). I also carried a huge Bowie Knife, which I threw alot, during spare time. read more

Post Cards From Khe Sanh

I was a 21-year-old Marine stationed at Khe Sanh with Delta 1/26 when the seige began.  The day before it started, I sent my Dad a post card made out of the lid to a box of 'C' Rations (Ham & Muthers).  I just found the original card and thought it might be of interest to others.  Semper Fi All Hope you enjoy the memories. read more

This is Juan A. Bee

He goes on the road for booths and exhibits. He's a real ladies man. (Fifty Shades of Gray, Bert and Ernie version, in the right pocket.) That rifle has an authentic Star Wars laser sight. We do guns shows, so all weapon chambers are empty, nytied for safety. Bayonet is strapped to the left leg. His DD214 shows Medal of Honor (authentic, real case.) It's backed by not one, but TWO police badges. He does carry a few extras in the helmet bag… "Purple Heart" cap and another, "USN, Black Shoe soldier." Some peanut butter MRE's and a Sheriff's badge too. His 12 USMC sleeve chevrons will go on before his next trip. Air Force Mini Medals topped by a Trident opposite that gorgeous ribbon rack. read more

This is Juan A. Bee

He goes on the road for booths and exhibits. He's a real ladies man. (Fifty Shades of Gray, Bert and Ernie version, in the right pocket.) That rifle has an authentic Star Wars laser sight. We do guns shows, so all weapon chambers are empty, nytied for safety. Bayonet is strapped to the left leg. His DD214 shows Medal of Honor (authentic, real case.) It's backed by not one, but TWO police badges. He does carry a few extras in the helmet bag… "Purple Heart" cap and another, "USN, Black Shoe soldier." Some peanut butter MRE's and a Sheriff's badge too. His 12 USMC sleeve chevrons will go on before his next trip. Air Force Mini Medals topped by a Trident opposite that gorgeous ribbon rack. read more

Well Son Of A Gun

Corporal, 1981. Had received a Navy Achievement Medal for performance as a member of 6th Marines Rifle Squad. Did not have a Good Conduct Medal yet. 1982, Did a lat move to 0231 Intelligence Specialist, got assigned to 1/6. Spent a year busting my b-tt for that Bn under the direction of LtCol Fox. When I got my orders to go to Oki, the S-2 wrote me up for another NAM. Deploy to 1st MAW HQ on Okinawa. Working in the G-2 as the daily briefer for the CG, MGen Peterson. I get called out one day to go receive my award. Well son of a gun if it was for a Navy Commendation Medal. He pinned it on proudly, and I was just as proud that it was him doing it. read more

Orson Swindle: Lessons from the Hanoi Hilton – Vietnam prisoner to Asst. Commerce Secretary

In September of 2013, I had the distinct honor of interviewing Lieutenant Colonel Orson Swindle (U.S.M.C. Retired). After spending six years in a Vietnamese prison known as the “Hanoi Hilton”, Orson Swindle returned to the United States to not only reclaim his life but triumph over his captors by his unbridled success which included becoming Ronald Reagan’s Assistant Secretary of Commerce. read more