Article by Pete Mecca
CovNews
More than one Leatherneck would agree, it’s befitting that a young man from Montezuma chose to join the United States Marine Corps. The month was November, the year 1965, the man: Eli Fobbs.
“I remember basic at Camp Lejeune,” Fobbs said. “Back then the Corps didn’t play around. They’d insult your momma, sister your wife; shoot, those guys would bust your nose and scare you to death. It didn’t take me long to believe I’d joined the wrong organization.”
Fobbs had what it took to become a Marine. After advanced training at Camp Pendleton, Fobbs arrived at Da Nang, South Vietnam in June, ’66 with arguably the most dangerous job in ‘Injun’ Country’: that of an M-60 machine gunner.
Assigned to the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, dubbed “The Walking Dead”, Fobbs went into combat almost immediately. A hard-hitting breed of Marines, “The Walking Dead” even carried Tabasco Sauce in their packs to kill the taste of WWII era C-rations.
In early April, ’67, Charlie Company approached the village of Phu An, a well-established haven for North Vietnam’s 234 Division. Fobbs stated, “It was near dusk and we were told to dig in, but the sandy soil was so saturated we hit water at 3-to-4 inches. So we kept low to the ground in a prone position.”
At nightfall Charlie Company moved out toward a tree line then all hell broke loose. “The enemy came out of nowhere,” Fobbs said. “We got hit hard and took a lot of casualties.”
A deadly hindrance was the recently introduced M-16 assault rifle. Never properly field tested and hurried into combat, the new M-16 jammed consistently which rendered U.S. soldiers defenseless.
“We had called for reinforcements and were told to ‘cease fire’ on our right flank because Delta Company was coming in to help us,” Fobbs said. “It wasn’t Delta Company, it was the enemy. They swarmed all over us, dropping hand grenades and executing our wounded. I got hit in the arms and legs and was overwhelmed by 4 Viet Cong. They took my K-bar knife, the machine gun, and then drug me into the tree line. I was screaming in pain. The VC jabbed my wounds with sticks trying to make me talk. Shoot, I didn’t even understand Vietnamese.”
Charlie Company had been decimated. Almost every platoon member was either dead or wounded. The company commander was dead; the FO was dead – there was no leadership.
Another Marine, Lance Corporal James Stogner, had been ‘in country’ for months. Before the firefight erupted, illumination, for some weird reason, had been called in to ‘light up the area.’ Stogner was a battle-hardened Marine and recognized the sounds of diverse artillery rounds. Perceiving that the ‘lights would soon be on’; Stogner knelt and waited for the night to turn into day.
As the obscured sky became sunlit, Stogner spotted three enemy soldiers in front of his position. He took out all three with an automatic burst from his M-16. Then his M-16 jammed and the receiver slammed back into his face, breaking his nose and lacerating his skin. The illumination burned out; night returned. With a K-bar knife as his only protection, Stogner, vulnerable and with few options, lay in the dark trying to figure out his next move Stogner heard the moans of wounded and dying Marines, many yelling for help. Then he heard Vietnamese voices, a lot of them, slipping into the perimeter to shoot wounded Marines in the head and strip them of weapons and gear.
Instead of slipping away, instead of saving his own skin, Stogner joined the enemy, so to speak, in the darkness, armed with his K-bar knife. In short order he killed numerous NVA soldiers, thus saving many Marines from a certain death. Still Stogner moved, like a nocturnal hunter, until he found and silenced more NVA soldiers, saving even more Marines.
The NVA in the tree line knew something was amiss. Their men were being silenced which meant one, if not more, member of the Marines were still alive. Chi Com grenades blanketed the Marine position. Stogner survived the barrage, but was now alone in the dark. He decided to crawl away from the killing zone until he heard a Marine shriek in pain from the tree line. The Marine in trouble was Eli Fobbs.
Fobbs recalled, “The VC or NVA, whoever those guys were, kept jabbing my wounds and beating me. One of them heard something and left the torture area. He never came back.” James Stogner had slipped into the area, grabbed the lone NVA in the darkness, and silenced him with the K-bar knife. One of the other NVA soldiers came to investigate. He, too, soon visited his ancestors.
“The other two guys were still going at me when suddenly this skinny white dude came screaming out of the darkness like a wild man,” Fobbs said. He stabbed one in the chest and quickly grabbed the last guy, wrestled him to the ground, and, well, he was a goner, too.”
Stogner threw Fobbs over his shoulder, grabbed the M-60 machine gun, and struggled back to friendly lines. Amid grenade explosions and small arms fire, Stogner eventually delivered his human cargo to safety until both were airlifted out for medical treatment the next morning.
James Stogner and Eli Fobbs recovered from their wounds and returned to combat. Fobbs earned 3 Purple Hearts in Vietnam while Stogner was awarded at least two Purple Hearts during his tour of duty.
The inexcusable irony is the total lack of acknowledgment for Stogner’s heroics in the best tradition of the United States Marine Corps. Many of the eyewitnesses, especially the officers, were killed in action and any paperwork that may have been processed was lost in never-ending paper-shuffling.
While loading additional casualties onto choppers the next morning, a Corporal named Carl Van Meeteren overheard Gunnery Sergeant Bush comment on Stogner’s courage.
“I saw men in the Korean War get the Medal of Honor for doing things like this,” he said.
The Medal of Honor requires at least two reliable witnesses. Eli Fobbs is one. Fobbs assistant gunner, Bob Carpenter, was the other. In December of ’93, while sitting at the breakfast table with his wife and two sons, for reasons known but to God, Carpenter pulled out a .45 caliber pistol and ended his own life.
“You know, I’ve seen and talked with James, but it took us 41 years to get together,” Eli Fobbs said. “We are dear friends. But I have black friends that don’t believe this story, a story of a skinny white kid saving a black man in combat. I got news for them, the only color in war is red, and we all bled it.”
In war, the few too often pay the price for the many. Perhaps it’s time for the many, especially our congressmen, to pay more investigative attention to the few.
Story submitted by Wayne Armstrong
L/cpl James Stogner was awarded The Navy Cross in Apr 2019. Fifteen years after the battle! Semper Fi James! Harry 1371. PS. Should have been Medal Of Honor.
Most definitely!
Agreed
Basic training was not at Camp Lejeune. It was at Parris Island. It was the AR15 that jam not the M16 I was at Hue in 67 never saw any of this
It was the M-16 that jammed. The M-16A1 was the fix. AR15 is a semi auto, civilian version of the weapon.
Your sentiments were exactly what I was thinking, I was in the field as an o300 grunt from 5/66-5/67 with 1st battalion 3rd marines, company B . This guys story has a lot of holes . Loved that m14. Semper Fi!
It’s been 52 years….some details might have been forgotten. If Stogner received the Navy Cross, then, obviously, he did something….
Fifteen years?????? 1967 to 2019 is FIFTY-TWO years.
Nice catch Dudley, I had already corrected my mistake, but thanks!
Meant 52 years!! What a bonehead. Harry
How in the world did you come up with 15 when it’s so far away from 52?! Proofread! Ha, Ha! Bill. Read about this before,but not sure where this happened.
Where was Phu-An? The only one I found is in the Mekong. I know that 1/9 was in Mekong during “ Operation Deckhouse” does that fit the timeline? Still think Stogner is candidate for MOH! Harry
Sorry Harry, ya that’s the only place I see it, Phu-An (Mekong Delta), and I looked at the reports for 1/9 back to when they got to Vietnam they were at Da Nang. Can’t see any thing that shows them south. I am telling you the guy who wrote this put things in to make it more exciting. Maybe they were in a different outfit then 1/9. Murray 1371
Harry, I found it operation Bighorn Along the “Street Without Joy”. The whole thing is in the records, Apr 5 1967, only not puffed up. Up by Dong Ha not really sure where. Murray 1371
There was a village called Phu An in “Leatherneck Square” southeast of Con Thien. Also 1/9 was operating in this area during this time period. Source: Con Thien: The Hill of Angels by James P. Coan.
I was a Squad Leader for M-60’s with “D”Co 1/4 3rd Mar Div. The 4th Marines relieved the 9th Marines at Con Thien in the fall of 1967. As far as I understand they were always operating in the DMZ/Dong Ha area. Semper Fi Brothers??
Deckhouse V was January 67. 1/9 was designated SLF-1/9 and was onboard the IWO JIMA at the time and did a 10 day op in the Mekong along with 2 battalions of Vietnamese Marines. There were 7 Marine KIA during the op. Bill 0331
Too many Jack Dans I guess Ha!
Harry, James Stogner probably should get the MOH, but the guy who wrote the story (Pete Mecca) didn’t do his home work. April of 1967 1/9 was up north. I was with them in June 1967. There seems be to a lot of the hip that takes away from the real heroic’s. Every bodies job was the most dangerous. The trouble is then Wayne Armstrong reads this and thinks it is all true then submits it to Sgt. Gritt not realizing that the people who read these stories are real Marines. Murray 1371 PS I guess what I am trying to say it seems to me they are using James Stogner to fill their need.
Where was Phu-An? The only one I found is in the Mekong. I know that 1/9 was in Mekong during “ Operation Deckhouse” does that fit the timeline? Still think Stogner is candidate for MOH! Harry
I was in C 1/9 and we were in Northern Quang Tri in March 67.
Looked up Pete Mecca,and found that he wrote a book . Veterans: Stories from the Best. I don’t think that he really research’s just repeats what he’s told during the interview. He served in Vietnam in Air Force intelligence.That explains a lot! Harry 1371
I agree you think Sgt Grit would proof read these stories? Pretty sure guy who started this company is a nam vet. I was 81 mortars with 1/2-3/2 and EAS with 2/4, Semper Fi
GOD bless us all and keep us safe. I pray for all of us. Thanks to all who have served.
How come nobody picked up on…….. “basic at camp Lejeune” What?
I did and thought someone who knows nothing, is trying to say something, that knows nothing…..Sgt O.
I read no further than the first paragraph. Right: Marines go to boot camp, not basic training; Camp Lejeune isn’t a recruit depot. I suspect there’s SOME truth in this story, about real Marines, real places, and But I smell stolen valor. Steeped in a whole lot of deep kimchee.
J. Schilling
USMC ‘78–‘98
Lejeune was a recruit training facility during WWII, for women Marines and for black Marines at Montfort Point. But not in 1965.
I agree 100%. This guy has a problem with the truth. Not only did he say “BASIC TRAINING” was at LeJeune, but he referred to Marines as “SOLDIERS!” There were several other places I found myself saying, “He made this up.”
I agree. stolen valor. My dad was a Marine , I was a Marine and my son was a Marine, All went to Paris Island.
that was the first thing I saw….I stopped reading there…there’s enough bullshit in the world to pay attention to an obvious lie
I caught it, my dad was at PI for his basic 1941!! I was there in ’67.
Luke, there is a lot more then that wrong in this story. Murray 1371
I guess you could say….The story was full of holes from the get go! 🙂
I saw that and wondered what year that was and advanced at Camp Pendelton? Should be Paris Island and Camp Geiger.
I heard others refer to “ Pre deployment training “ as “ Advanced” or even “ Jungle Training” when all it really was, was an extension of ITR. Could say more , but since this story is based on an actual event I will cease fire. Nick 0311
Nick 0311
There was additional train that took place in Okinawa Jungle war fare school for BLT / SLF GROUPS (Battalion landing team / Special Landing Forces) Charlie 1/3 operated at this time From TG 76.4
(USS Okinawa-LPH-3 with a Squadron of Helicopters from HMM-236, USS Bayfield-APA-33, USS Point Defiance-LSD-31, and USS Seminole-AKA-104) The training took place in Okinawa and the Philippines. The Army Special forces also trained out of this camp. at the time.
MK. Boot camp. PI . Basic infantry. Lejuene. Advanced Infantry Pendaltine. Pardon the spelling
I did. Also, we have never ever called our initial training “basic”. We Marines went to “boot camp, never basic. Boot camp is either Parris Island or San Diego. Advanced training at Camp Lejuene or Camp Pendleton, but not “basic”.
Semper Fi Marines!
Sgt. Husbaldo DeLeon.
Bless the Marines who were KIA in this battle and the many others who displayed courage under fire. Semper Fi.
Wow! With his bayonet! Never underestimate the fighting spirit of a Marine! Right!! Well done! Semper Fi!
Below is a link to the real story:
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2019/04/16/marine-vietnam-vet-awarded-navy-cross-52-years-after-battlefield-heroism.html
C.B. Clement
USMC RET.
H&S 1/9 66-67
I was in 2/9 and we were in the same general area as 1/9 at this time. I sill have my muddy maps on my wall. Phu An was an abandoned vil about 3 clicks SE of Con Thien.
I was with 3/9 and remember getting Gas masks the smell of death..
Start had a error, P.I. was Boot training then either Camp Gieger or Pendleton for advance and Pickle Meadows for cold weather.
Without our 13 Weeks of Hell we would be just Army or Air Force, it made us tough and not subject to pressure. It changed my life and prepared me not only to be a Marine but also for life after. I am grateful for it.
“K-bar knife”? I doubt that the person who wrote this was a Marine. Too many inaccuracies.
M. Blair Sgt. RUN 67-68
Ok – now is not the time well after the fact that SE Asia was a shithole – but – that being said so was every climb and place the Corps ever went into battle – to reflect is good – if only to give thanks to God and our training – My Dad was there in 64 & 67 w/the Army 1/7 Calvary – My older Brother got drafted in 67 – & was in theater during TET – Both issued Purple Hearts for battle – and Dad was awarded the Bronze Star for his tour at the Yalou River in Korea in 51 – It was all I could do after 7 years outta H.S. to follow them and give back to Our Great Nation – Instead of responding in doubt and/or uncertainty – Let’s all remember the phrase Adm. Nimitz made about Our Brotherhood – “UNCOMMON VALOR – IS A COMMON VIRTURE” I don’t know of any Marine who would not do the same for his Brother in battle – regardless of race – creed – color – etc… WE ARE ALL MARINES!!! I’m just the FNG in this comment – But – I was in Iraq – OIF-1 – CJTF-7 – 2002 – 2003 – BAGHDAD – it was ALL DEATH AND DESTRUCTION – The pucker Factor for me was up around 110% – but – I just stayed focused on my training leading up to my Combat tour at the 17 yr pt. in my career – STAY CALM UNDER FIRE – WATCH FOR THREATS AND PROTECT YOUR BROTHER – During my time in the Corps – we had an ETHOS – HONOR – COURAGE- COMMITMENT – Thank you My Brothers for greasing the skids for me to have the opportunity to serve in Our Beloved Corps – I wuld still be there today id I wasn’t old and broke – God Bless All of You Guys and God Bless America!
Jeff A. Lowrance
SSGT USMC RET
1987 – 2010
Semper Fidelis!
And God Bless America!
“IN GOD WE TRUST”
My dad was a Korean War Marine 1951-1953. He told me they ate WW2 C-rats (or K-rats) at boot camp PI, SC.
I did boot camp at PI, SC., 1976. We ate C-rats (no K-rats) , but NOT from WW2.
Tony Woconish
SSGT . 1976-1982
Semper Fi to all Marines no matter what era, mos, unit we served with we all possessed Courage, Poise, Self-Confidence n respect for one another “The Brotherhood of Men” will never be broken!
In’ 69, Camp Geiger training was called ITR…Infantry training regiment…
Looking for Marines that served in Camp Smith, Hawaii. I am L/Cpl Ken Kemper. Was in the Legal department, lived off base with my wife Marilyn. I can be reached thru greatamerithon @msn.com 6725 W Colter or 602 881 1400 and 623 846 5296
As soon as he said basic training was at Lejeune I just knew he was a wannabe. The story which is a story should never have been printed. I was with Lima co. 3/9 in 1967. Proud of it.
Semper Fi Marines.
Sgt. Herb 67-71.
Herb, I have to ask…..Were you ever in 2nd tank bn. in 71?
No Luke. I got out on 71 . Was stationed at Quantico at H S Batallion as an M P .
Thanks Herb!
My remembrance from 50 years ago (seems like yesterday – lol) is there was no basic training in the Corps in the 60’s & 70’s – – it was called “Boot Camp”! Upon graduation we received $200 in back pay & 10 days leave. Next stop was ITR either at Pendleton or LeJune for a month (remember Mount MF’r @ Pendleton in the January rain & mud?). Grunts continued on to BITS for those @ Pendleton, while everyone else went to their MOS schools or duty station. Then it was on to your assigned unit @ Pendleton, LeJune, Oki or Nam.
“Most people wonder if they made a difference with their lives. MARINES never have that problem.” – – Reagan. Semper Fi!!
I graduated 9 March 1966 from MCRDPI, Platoon 215. I don’t recall getting back pay. We might have, and probably did, but I don’t remember how much. No 10 day leave…straight to Camp Geiger for ITR. After ITR, We went straight to Camp Lejeune for Schools Company. After Schools Company I and 12 other Marines got orders for 2nd Shore Party Bn, 2nd Marine Division at Camp Lejeune. When we checked in, on a Friday, the First Sgt gave us weekend liberty and told us to come back Monday to get our orders, which had been changed. I don’t recall what the others orders were but mine were to the newly being reactivated 5th Shore Party Bn, 26the Marines at Camp Delmar, CA after about a 3 week leave.
Bob 1381 Vietnam 1966/1967
I would say that if you’re going to write a second or third hand account of a story to at least research it a little. So much wrong with this story! Stogner is a true Marine hero in my eyes and deserves a story that is more accurate. Semper Fi Paul
Paul, That is what I have been trying to say. Thanks Murray 1371
Roger That.
Looking for Marines who was in platoon 309 PI feb 1959.
Respond to john09751@verizon.net Thank you Semper Fi.
Thanks for telling it like it is (or was) … an unvarnished, non-politically correct ordeal experienced by those who were there. It’s unfortunate that we have to rely on Sgt Grit to give us the real version of a veteran’s combat experience. I always laugh at the Marine Corps’ “Leatherneck” magazine articles which are politically correct and watered down so much they try to leave the illusion that 155 howitzer rounds were tipped with marshmallows. During my tour in ’67 – ’68 I was issued an M14 with a selector switch instead of that worthless M16 which had never undergone adequate testing before it was sold to the US military. I was so thankful for that M14. Same way with the Colt M1911 .45. cal. pistol some folks seem to swear by. I never saw a firing range scenario where that thing didn’t malfunction at least twice during qualification, therefore I have NEVER been a fan of any firearm made by Colt. The Beretta is a much better pistol.
Diffently should received the Medal of Honor!!
I also served in Vietnam at time.
I wonder if he is still alive now.
He is living in Montana. I am getting in late on this and I have read another version where it states that his rifle was disabled by an enemy rifle or machine gun round, not jamming as was stated in this version. Harv
Wow everyone’s taking these stories literally! It’s just stories. Not facts! But I do appreciate the gist of the story,which brings to light the fighting spirit and bravery of the UNITED STATES MARINES! SEMPER FI!
You’re right Kapena it is a story ,but if you are going to write a story on an actual event, get the facts! At least add some sort of disclaimer that the story may not be accurate, or something was added for dramatic effect. Sure would make some of these stories more tolerable. Bill 0331
Roger that! I approach these stories as just entertainment reading material! And not facts! Sgt. Grit is just a retail web-site! SEMPER FI!
This site is actually pretty mild compared to some that I’ve been on, try some of the Stolen Valor sites where you get all branches doing a back and forth. Wow! Bill 0331