Served on the USS Independence CVA-62 Marine Detachment in the Gulf of Tonkin June through November 1965, 5 months combat service. Off to OCS at Quantico, VA. Commissioned a 2/Lt. and then to The Basic School for 5 months of Leadership and Marine Officer training in the military arts. I selected Infantry MOS and was assigned to Vietnam duty May 22,1968. Upon arrival, I was assigned 1st Platoon Cmdr, Golf Co., 2nd. Bn., 5th Marines, located at the An Hoa combat base, about 25 miles SW of Danang. We conducted base perimeter duty, search and destroy and ambush missions through-out the area. Wealso had aCompany size outpost at the Nong Son coal mine located 8 miles SW of An Hoa. From there we conducted base security and ambush patrols in the immediate area. Left Golf Co. 2/5 after 7 months on Dec 15, 1968 and then served as an Aerial Observer with the 1st. Mar. Div. AO Unit at Marble Mtn. This was also a 7 month tour. We conducted aerial reconnaissance and infantry air support from the O1 and O2 reconnaissance aircraft. I flew with Marine, Army and Air Force pilots in the Danang are and north to Phu Bai, Hue tactical areas. July 1, 1968 I was lucky to be afforded a ride in an F4 Phantom to cover for an ilI RIO. A former O1 pilot, Capt. Larry Nowak gave me the ride of a lifetime!
l left Vietnam on July 13, 1968, after 14 months in country. I wass then assigned to Camp Pendleton as the M Company Commander at the base ITR. We processed 13 companies of new recruits through ITR in 15 months time. The remaining 3 months of my time in the USMC was as the Bn. S-3 Officer. Welcome Home my fellow Marines, and other Vets! God Bless you all! I got my captain bars on Nov. 01, 1969.