Called ö:Dodge Cityö: by the troops because of its shoot-em-up characteristics, the area 10 miles south of Da Nang was familiar ground for the Marines. It was about five miles wide and three miles long. ö:It was low ground,ö: says the official Marine Corps history, ö:criss-crossed with rivers and streams, honeycombed with caves and tunnels; each hamlet, with its bamboo and thorn hedges and its drainage ditches indistinguishable from fighting trenches, was a potential fortified position.ö:
Dodge City had been the site of enemy engagements since the Ky Lam campaign of 1966. Many battles of the Tet, mini-Tet and Third (summer) offensives of 1968 took place in the area. The northern boundary was the La Tho River; the southern was the Ky Lam. The eastern boundary was Highway 1; the western boundary was one mile west of an old bombed-out railroad. Hill 55 was in the northwest corner; the Dien Ban district headquarters bordered its southeast corner. Route 4, also called Route 14, bisected the area from east to west.
The major battles of Operation Meade River would take place in the two-square-mile center of Dodge City. The operation was a ö:County Fairö: mission, utilizing a cordon technique developed by the 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, and 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment. When the Marines mission shifted from defensive to offensive, it became necessary for platoons, companies or battalions to completely and simultaneously cordon off an area and search and clear inward, literally foot by foot, because the Viet Cong (VC) had infested hamlets west and south of the vital Da Nang airstrip. The technique was refined and used often by the 9th Marine Regiment, which operated off Hill 55 in early 1966. Operation Meade River would be the largest mission using the County Fair technique during the Vietnam War.
Intelligence had determined that remaining elements of the decimated VC Doc Lap Battalion, which had operated in the area against the Marines for more than three years, along with other understrength VC units and several hundred NVA (North Vietnamese Army) troops, were again massing in the area. Going northward through Dodge City were two major enemy infiltration routes used by the NVA to supply and assist the VC in the rocket belt, whose main objective had been, and continued to be, the destruction of the Da Nang airstrip. Intelligence also had information that an all-out attack against strategically located Hill 55, the 1st Marine Division headquarters on Hill 327, or the airstrip itself was imminent with this many enemy soldiers staging rapidly in the area.
On November 20, 1968, at 4 a.m., Operation Meade River commenced. The monsoons for this part of Vietnam had started in October. Temperatures were dropping, and the Marines often found the nights cold. The conditions were miserable, and the rains, averaging one inch daily, added to the misery.
The entire helicopter assets of the 1st Marine Air Wing were required to support the operation. Colonel Robert G. Lauffer, commanding officer of the 1st Marines, was designated Meade River commander. He personally supervised elements of seven Marine battalionsthe 1st Battalion, 1st Marines (1/1), the 2nd and 3rd battalions, 5th Marines (2/5 and 3/5), the 3rd Battalion, 26th Marines (3/26), and battalion landing teams (BLTs) from the 2nd Battalion, 26th Marines (2/26), and 1st and 2nd battalions, 7th Marines (1/7 and 2/7). The Marines surrounded an area 24,000 meters in circumference, with fire teams no more than 15 meters apart. This initial movement of 5,000 infantrymen into a tightly established cordon would be the key to the successful completion of Meade River. Twenty-eight hundred of the 5,000 troops were helilifted; approximately 2,200 more were moved by truck and on foot from Hill 55 and other company and battalion areas from along the north bank of the La Tho River, Liberty Road (Ambush Row), Highway 1 and Route 4. With the troops in place by 8:25 a.m., the cordon snapped shut.
Just prior to landing within the cordons boundary, a Boeing-Vertol CH-46 Sea Knight carrying one of the last elements arriving, a unit from the 3/5, was hit by enemy fire; it crashed and burned, resulting in six killed and nine wounded. In addition, as a truck convoy was moving toward the cordon, a command-detonated mine exploded halfway down the line of vehicles, destroying a 5-ton truck and wounding 19 men. Immediately, prepositioned dump trucks unloaded gravel and matting. The large hole was filled, the damaged truck removed, and the remainder of the convoy continued on into the area with little delay.
At 4:30 p.m. on the 20th, a recon team was inserted 1,000 meters south of the La Tho from the base on Hill 55 and immediately west of the cordon near Liberty Road to look for fleeing bands of the enemy. The team soon encountered enemy troops and opened fire, killing eight NVA and capturing an 82mm mortar from the enemy soldiers trying to escape the cordon. The recon team, with one wounded, was extracted back to Hill 55.
Later, it was learned from captured VC that news of the impending cordon and search operation had been received the previous day, November 19. The VC who reported this information were apprehended when villagers throughout the cordon were screened and sent to the refugee relocation center at the base of Hill 55. Fortunately, few enemy knew in advance of the cordon because of a breakdown in communication between the VC political arm and the Communist military unitsa mistake that cost the enemy many lives.
The Marines were fortunate to have trapped many more of the enemy than anticipated. Found in the objective area was a sizable, well-organized and well-trained enemy force that chose to fight, utilizing solid fortifications throughout the area of operations.
Numerous small elements of larger NVA and VC units located in the cordon, however, tried to slip away. As they found in several unsuccessful attempts, trying to escape was a deadly option, due to the tight, well-coordinated cordon. Throughout the operation, the enemy soldiers tried to conceal themselves underground until sweeping forces had passed. This tactic, however, was seldom successful, since the Marines would probe foot by foot. Throughout the area of the cordon, dozens of freshly dug enemy ö:spider holesö: were found. To help find these holes, the Marines used several thousand metal probes manufactured by the Force Logistics Command (FLC). They were issued to all battalions, and usually one man in the fire team had a probe. The probes were one-half-inch round and 36 to 48 inches long, with a T-shaped handle and forged points. These probes facilitated in the discovery of numerous holes and caches.
Many NVA and VC would try to break the cordon along the northern boundary of the operation area and slip into the La Tho River, which ran along the base of Hill 55. The sniper platoon based at Hill 55 and expert riflemen from numerous combat and support unitsfield artillery, anti-aircraft artillery, supply and engineersmaintained firing positions day and night. These marksmen operated mostly from various sites that reached down to the river. Besides using Starlight scopes, the FLC sent two searchlight teams to the hill, which aided the American snipers. The searchlights would scan the river and the riverbanks, leaving little escape area for panicky enemy forces. The snipers kept a number of the enemy from escaping.
The first major contact of Operation Meade River was made on November 20 by the 2/7. While the troops were moving eastward and attempting to close in on the railroad berm, they encountered a sizable enemy force in well-deployed and fortified positions in the bend of a small river in an area known as ö:the Horseshoe.ö: A large-scale VC and NVA force had been caught in the cordon.
On November 22, Echo Company, 2/7, tried to maneuver its way across the river into the Horseshoe, but the volume of enemy fire was too heavy, and the 2/7 resumed its previous position. The 11th Marine Artillery carried out precision destruction missions against the enemy positions during the remainder of the 22nd. On November 23, the objective area was secured. The Horseshoe contained a multibunkered complex of fighting holes and trench lines that had apparently been a battalion defensive position. Many of the bunkers had been constructed by civilians and enemy soldiers using railroad ties removed from under the remaining tracks of the Vietnam Northù:South Railroad.
After the Horseshoe was secured by the 2/7, Delta Company, 1/1, was attached to the 2/7 to provide security for the engineers who were lifted in to blow the numerous bunkers and level the fortified positions. Many bodies were found in the bunkers in addition to a great deal of equipment and field gear and thousands of rounds of ammunition. Also uncovered were many sacks of lime and lime sprayers used by the enemy to sanitize and hasten the decomposition of dead bodies.
On November 23, the Marines had a second and brief encounter in the hamlets of La Hoa 1 and 2, where the enemy also had well-fortified positions. La Hoa village (a village consisted of several hamlets designated by numbers) appeared to be a site where the enemy consolidated its forces and equipment before moving on to better defensive positions. It was amazing that such well-fortified positions were present in and about La Hoa, since that area had been heavily patrolled by the 7th Marines from Hill 55 on a regular basis. It showed again how well the NVA and VC could conceal a position.
The 11th Marines did an outstanding job of saturating the cordoned area with artillery fire. Of the dozen artillery sites designated for this operation, five fired from Hill 55. Some 1,286 fire missions expended 27,513 howitzer rounds in support of Meade River. Eight-inch howitzers fired precision destruction missionssome called in as close as 200 meters from friendly forcesthroughout the cordon.
Delta Company, 1/1, was ordered to stay in the Horseshoe for the next two weeks to provide security for the engineers, but the 2/7 left the area on November 24, continuing its delayed movement toward the railroad berm. Troops of the 2/7 continued to meet heavy resistance all the way from the Horseshoe to the berm. As they advanced to within 200 meters of the berm, an enemy force commenced firing along their right flank from well-covered positions. This area near the berm became known as ö:the Triangle.ö: The 25th was spent reducing this position by artillery and ground attacks. On the 26th, the 2/7 secured the railroad berm, finding once again that heavy enemy bunkers had been constructed from railroad ties and cement. From the empty bags it was evident that the cement was part of the civic action supplies issued to area hamlets by U.S. military forces for building and self-improvement projects.
On the 25th, the 3/26 was spread out south of the cordon to screen and keep the enemy within. That day they killed a 15-man NVA unit that was making a desperate attempt to flee the cordon. Two companies of the 1/7 were assigned the same mission along the north bank of the La Tho, keeping small enemy bands within the cordon.
On November 27, elements of the 2/5 and 2/26 started a simultaneous coordinated move westward from Highway 1, probing and searching every foot of the way. Numerous fresh enemy graves were uncovered as well as a considerable amount of supplies, and the 2/26 found one cache of 180 anti-personnel ö:Bouncing Bettyö: mines ready to be emplaced within the area. Other finds included field gear, miscellaneous documents, tons of rice buried in the ground in urns and much more equipment. Meanwhile, Delta, 1/1, which was providing security in the Horseshoe for the engineers, continued to find scores of freshly dug graves and more equipment in that area. In addition, scuba teams searching throughout the cordon found weapons, equipment, ammunition and 122mm rockets submerged in various riverbank caves and in several 20-foot-deep bomb craters that had been collecting water since the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress bombings during the Tet Offensive.
The cordon diminished considerably in size as the troops inched inward. The north and south boundaries of the cordon continued to be covered by various units, which accounted for many of the kills. From 6 to 7 a.m. on the 28th, the enemy was offered an opportunity to surrender, the offer broadcast clearly and repeatedly for one hour throughout the cordon. The offer was ignored. The enemy chose to fight. An extremely heavy artillery and air bombardment commenced. In addition to the numerous heavy artillery barrages, fixed-wing gunships (AC-47s and/or AC-130s) were on station 72 hours during Meade River, firing 609,000 rounds of ammunition into enemy positions. Bell Huey helicopter gunships flew 884 firing sorties during the 20-day operation. More than 2,100 helicopter sorties moved personnel, cargo, casualties and equipment. The battleship USS New Jersey (BB-62) fired 153 of its monstrous 16-inch, 1,900-pound high-capacity and 2,700-pound armor-piercing rounds against enemy bunkers throughout the cordon. The accuracy of the firepower is demonstrated by the fact that, despite the many friendly troops in the area, there were no reported friendly fire casualties.
During the operation, a platoon of deuce-and-a-half trucks, staged on Hill 55, continuously helped supply the troops via trails, roads and paths throughout the cordon. The platoon would set up ö:wagon trainsö: at different areas bordering the cordon. Many of the vehicles came under fire from small, frantic enemy units trying to break the perimeter. Often, drivers were instrumental in stopping bands of enemy soldiers who were trying to escape. Heavily armed deuce-and-a-half trucks were used to patrol Ambush Row and Route 4 day and night. In addition, 10 all-terrain vehicle ö:ottersö: from Hill 55, which was designated an LSA (logistical support area), were used to supply the troops deep within the cordon with food and ammunition.
On December 1, the hardest fighting of the operation thus far commenced as the 3/5 encountered a large enemy bunker complex along its right flank, in what would become known as ö:the Hook,ö: and received devastating fire from small arms, automatic weapons, grenades and 60mm mortars within the bunker. There were many casualties. The enemy fire came from well-entrenched, reinforced bunkers, and the 3/5's advance was temporarily halted. On December 3, even after the 11th Marine Artillery had spent most of the previous day and night conducting heavy, precision destruction missions into the Hook, the 3/5 continued taking casualties from well-entrenched enemy fire. On December 3, most of the troops of the 3/26 were moved from their screening positions along Route 4 in order to help the 3/5 in the attack against the NVA entrenched in the Hook. After repeated airstrikes with 750-pound bombs and napalm canisters, the Marines of the 3/26 fought their way into the southern portion of the Hook. By nightfall on the 4th, they had worked around to its rear area. There, the 3/26 and 3/5 called in additional air and artillery strikes very close to their own positions.
On December 5, the enemy was once again given an opportunity to surrender. This time, the ARVN (Army of the Republic of Vietnam) commanders broadcast surrender-or-die messages to the enemy in the Hook. As before, the hard-core Communists chose to continue to battle. Later that day, when a final assault secured the Hook, more than 100 enemy dead were counted. Fifteen POWs were pulled out of their partially destroyed bunkers and tunnels and numerous weapons were uncovered.
Also on December 5, the 3/5 separated from the 3/26 and started a turning movement north, then commenced a sweep from west to east across the top of Dodge City. On the 6th, because of other commitments and after much heavy fighting, the 3/5 ceased to participate in Operation Meade River. However, Bravo, 1/5, which had been with the 3/5, remained at the northern boundary of Dodge City to keep what was left of the enemy confined and to search the area.
On December 6, the 3/26, having thoroughly mopped up the Hook, also moved on to positions at Dodge Citys northern boundary. The cordon remained intact, but the final, most furious battle had yet to be fought. Elements of the 2/26 and 2/5, in their careful and deliberate search of the cordons northern boundary from Highway 1, ran into a heavy concentration of enemy troops at 2:45 p.m. Those units regrouped and remained in close proximity to the last objectivethe northern bunker complexthroughout the rest of the day and on through the night, forming a blocking position to ensure that the enemy remained trapped within the cordon.
In the meantime, the 3/26 was joined by additional forces. Colonel Lauffer had attached three additional companies to the 3/26Alpha, 1/7, Hotel, 2/5 and Delta, 1/1giving them the mission of completely destroying the remaining bunkers in the Hook and then continuing a full attack into the northern bunker complex. Company E of the 2/26 was relieved of its blocking position at first light on the 7th and crossed the La Tho to join the 1/1, assigned for this assault. The 3/26 was joined by an ARVN cavalry unit, whose APCs (armored personnel carriers) were light and provided mobility for the 3/26 in the final attack. A tight line was drawn surrounding the northern bunker complex. Throughout the day the 3/26, reinforced by attached units, cautiously moved forward, literally inch by inch, maneuvering the APCs toward bunker after bunker and directing small-arms fire against the enemy. At one point, late in the day on December 8, Company I of the 3/26 moved to within 20 meters of what was thought to be the last in the series of in-depth bunker positions. But from those final hidden positions, deep within the northern bunker complexan area that had been heavily carpet-bombedcame unexpectedly accurate and deadly heavy automatic-weapons fire. Despite suffering heavy casualties, Company I silenced those machine-gun positions. The final assault was executed the next day, and a brutal fight ensued that included hand-to-hand combat against a tenacious enemy that refused to surrender. More than 300 enemy bodies were found, and this time the enemy was unable to bury its dead.
On December 9 at 6 p.m. Operation Meade River was terminated. Units were returned to their parent organizations after 20 days of vicious, intense fighting. The 1/1 took over and mopped up the northern bunker complex for two more days. During this post-Meade River period, the 1/1 found additional bodies and killed some 50 NVA who had remained in the bunkers, refusing to surrender. It also recovered numerous enemy individual and crew-served weapons. Although preliminary reports of enemy casualties varied from 1,000 to 1,500, the final count was 1,325 confirmed enemy casualties. More than 360 well-dug entrenched log, railroad-tie and cement bunkers were destroyed, and many more must have been caved in by the bombings. Of the 1,325 confirmed casualties, 1,025 were killed and 300 wounded. Only six enemy troops chose to surrender. It is estimated that 200ù:300 more bodies went undiscovered, and many more were probably obliterated by the accurate, heavy bombardment from artillery, battleship and fixed-wing aircraft, all of this in an area measuring only three miles by five miles. But this successful operation was not without cost to the U.S. military. One hundred and eight Marines were killed and 513 were wounded.
Despite all the death and destruction wrought against the NVA and VC force in the Dodge City area, it was only a matter of weeks before squad, platoon and company firefights against NVA forces that had re-infiltrated the vital area started once again. Fierce sporadic engagements in Dodge City would continue through 1969 and 1970. The last combat patrol of the war (in August 1972, by the Army's 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry; see the February 1991 Vietnam) would include Dodge City.
George A. Hill served in Vietnam as a Marine NCO. This article is an excerpt from his book
Heart of the Third Sector.
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I was in Operation Meade River. I notice that enemy casualties are rather precisely listed, but none of our casualties. I'd be interested in those numbers. I knew some of them.
Did you remember Joe Stewart ?? My father was there?
I might. Was your father a machine gunner in C 1/7, and was he wounded on a truck mining?
Did you know Les Johnson? He was my best friend's father and just died last week from cancer. At the memorial yesterday I noticed a newspaper clipping about him participating in this operation so I had to look it up.
I was in Kilo 3/26 and I was transfered out before the Meade River operation. I was transfered in from B Co. 1/7 glade you made it home because so many of us did not.
One of the casualties was my 3rd cousin and my babysitter before he was drafted…PVT 1st Class Jimmie Williams killed in action Dec. 8 1968
My Grandpa Phillip Vanceltte was a MSGT during that battle in fact he gave the orders to the attiltery batteries that was a part of the Operation Meade River. he said there was somthing like 2,000 enemy kills, and no friendlies. He would of recived a bronze star but got a nam because he was not directly involed.
Our struggle has just become purposefully forgotten footnote in time. I was one of the casualties of Meade River on the 'Berm' near the river. Golf 2/7,9 Amphibious Landing Team. Thanks for the brief but informative history lesson. 40 years later I have now found out what happened out there. My memories still haunt me, less I ever forget those brave and wonderfull Marines and Sailors.
Doc Adams HM3 USN on July 21, 2008
I was there. Bill Gee was a lot of help.
Semper Fidelis
Nasty Nick
Did you serve in Cuba in early 1968 with Fox 2/8? If so, I served with you there. The last time I saw you was at Liberty Hill in Danang in Feb., 1969.If you are the "Nick" that I knew, it's good to hear from you, I hope that all is well. I was On Meade River as well, Dec.7,8, and 9 were three very long days!I was with Hotel 2/5.
Dennis, What did WE do Dec. 7,8, and 9 ? I don't remember those 3 days by date. Bill Jackson, Hotel 2/5
bjackson98@sc.rr.com
Yes I was in Cuba with 2/8 early 1968.Help me remember you.
719-351-9506
03-20-2013
I was the Battalion radio operator for the Company CO of Fox 2/8. At Camp Buckley, You, Scully, Bacon, some of the corpsmen and myself were in the same small barracks. We all used to go the "Red Dog Saloon" and drink. I saw you last at Liberty Hill in Danang in March,1969. You had dysentery and I had malaria. We talked about some of the guys we had known in Cuba. Bacon had already gotten wounded really bad and a couple others had been killed. It's good to hear from you! Take care and be well!
check out my E-mail address nicfam@elpasotel.net
Nasty Nick,still alive and doing it.
OH,Yah,been married 33years to the same gal,aint drank since Jan.25 1977.
semper fidelis,
Nick
I was also there. "C" Co. 1st. Bn. 7th Marines. 2nd Plt. 1st. Squad I was wounded for my second time during this operation. Went to Japan hospital for three months. God Bless my brothers in arms and SEMPER FI…
Do you remember Joe Stewart? He was my father?
I was in "B" Co.1st. Bn 7th Marines 60 M.M I was transfered to Kilo Co. 26th marines when they came down from Khe Sanh. I was involved in one operation up at choo lie with the Americal Divison we lost some people when we got back to the ships I was trransfer again. God Bless my brothers in arms amd SEMPER FI
i was in meade reaver with golf 2/7. i was wia in dodge city.who ever wrote the meade river operation report for this campane d forgot to mention golf2/7.
There also with 3/26 transfered in from c 1/7 , 81 motars
Do you remember Joe Stewart?
I was on this operation along with the rest of Bravo 1/5 We had many casualties
Tom that was my unit and I'm writing a book.
Please contact me at Stevemortgage@comcast.net
We will have to talk some time
My name is Kevin Simms, My father is Raymond D. Simms he was a machine gunner ( 0331 ) with 3rd Bn 26 Marines M Co. Weapons Plt. He served in Vietnam in 1968 – 1969 and also in this Meade River. Is this the Marine your looking for if not he would probably know. Also do you know or remember my Dad. I would like to have him reunite with some of his brothers. In any case please call me. My home phone is 910 – 325 – 8259 and my cell is 910 – 467 – 3524. You can also E – mail me. Thank you all of you for your service you are loved and appreciated more than you know. Semper Fi
Kevin P. Simms
Sgt. USMC Gulf War
Steve,
I was there with Hotel Co. 2/26 Marines. I'm now an author and a publisher, contact me if you are still seeking a publisher for your book. I tried your email address and it bounced back to me.
Steve,
My email address is BadgleyPubCo@aol. Please contact me about your book.
Hi, do you know anyone in 3/26 M Co. weapons plt. My Dad is Ray Simms a Machine Gunner he spent alot of time in 3rd plt. He was in Vietnam in 1968-69. please contact me 910-325-8259 or kevin.simms22@yahoo.com
Thanks Kevin Simms
Semper Fi
i was with golf 2/26 on meaDRE RIVER ..WE WERE BLOCKING FORCE AS I RECALL …1969 ALSO ON LYNN RIVER ..BEST FRIEND WAS KEVIN SHERIDAN HE WAS WITH HOTEL COMPANY TOO ..TAKE CARE BROTHER ..
CHUCK CORSI ..GOLF 2/26TH ..9TH MAB ..3RD PLATOON M-79 MAN FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME ..CO O WAS CAPT SEAL
I was Platoon Sgt for A 1/7. My platoon took very heavy
casualties during Meade River. The tighter the cordon the
tougher the resistance. On Dec. 7 we took our heaviest losses due
to a machine gun nest in a tree line on the other side of a rice
patty with a large number of NVA riflemen. When we finally
made it across and into the tree line there were four NVA bodies
but no machine gun.
Ray,
What was your platoon? Do you remember the other platoon sgt. in Alpha Co.? My church friend is Jim Seaton. Do you know him?
Thanks,
Tony
Tony,
I was Platoon Sgt for the 3rd platoon. I think I remember a Seaton and I may have a picture of him and I holding a red silk flag with a gold hammer and sickle on it on hill 55.
Thanks Ray,
If you can, could you please email the picture? My email is antonio.perez@cox.net. I'd like to show Jim the picture. He couldn't recall your name when I mentioned you. The picture would help jog his memory. His doesn't mind me asking about his Vietnam expeienses, but his memory has become cloudy. During the operation, he recalls directing machine gun fire from a rice paddy dike when a NVA sniper took out his gunner and a-gunner with two shots. He regrets not recalling their names. Jim says he later partipated in Operation Taylor Common with M/3/26. Any information is greatly appriciated.
It's of great interest to me reading about Marine Corp history, although I never served in the military myself. Jim recounts several times when he escaped death and didn't know why. He now gives thanks to God and credits his wife for praying daily for him during his tour. A couple of years ago his beloved wife passed away and soon afterwards he accepted Jesus Christ as his savior. Thank you for your service and sacrifice for our beloved country.
Tony
Also there, SLF-A command group bringing in and out fresh
radio batteries by chopper. Last op before stateside.
1/5 is never mentioned as being part of Meade river but I was
wounded on Thanksgiving morning.
I was a little disturbed at what little was written about 1/5 as well we had a whole platton decimated as I recall
Echo 2/7, Golf 2/7 lost at least 5 men across the river on the 20th, We (Echo) walked into am ambush in pretty much the same place on the 22nd. Lost most of first platoon and weapons in 10 minutes, bad day. I was wounded on the 25th, now I'm a one-eyed Jack. Praise to all who werved and continue to serve, Semper Fi
I was in Echo 2/7 also and received my second purple heart from this operation Meade River. I was 18 at the time and cannot remember many names but do remember Nasty Nick's if he is the same guy that took a 50 caliber through both legs! I would like to contact anyone that was in Echo company 2/7 or there in general. My email is waprichard@cox.net.
William Prichard
My late husband Lt. Phil Menagh was there – would be interested in talking to anyone that remembers his actions that day.
Welcome home to all you.
Thank you.
Nancy Menagh
503-635-8187
I was on operation Meade River in 1968 as Battalion Chaplain, 2/5. The weather was terrible but the Marines as always were superb and fearless in their mission. Many days and nights were were spent by all under constant fire and battle, esp the night I was with Hotel and the NVA attempted a southern breakout through us. Hotel and battalion support decimated the enemy by
fighting throughout the night. I had multiple worship services at the platoon level and to this day I feel blessed by given the privilege of serving with the best military unit in America. Semper Fi !!
i was the s-2 scout that tied 2/26 to the cordon. i met a navy chapllin lt. p j o'rourke at cp and i still carry his card. did you know him?
Sir , I spent the night in your tent at battallion headquarters , you gave me more clean dry socks than i could ever imagine , to this day i remember and thank you . yes , sir that was one terrible place ..Joe
I was with Lima Co. 3/26 Lost some Brave men that day.I was hit four months later in March sent to Great Lakes for 15 months.
Linesetter@charter.net
I was a machine-gunner with Lima 3/26 during mead river . I was also wounded in march. Medavact to Anguia then to Da-Nang then to Guam. sent home after a long stay in Hospital .Simper-Fi to all my brave brothers , and may God Bliss all
I was a Rifleman in India Co.3rd Bn.26TH Marines,3rd Plt.Meade River was a frigging meat grinder.Went 2 Hell @ came out the other side.Uncommon Valor Was A Common Virtue.Semper~Fidelis
Hi Gruenwald, I was also with I 3/26 3rd.plt I was WIA on Dec.4th the same day R.R. Ross and Pvt.Long was KIA. Do you remember these
guys? cpl Ross was a sqd.leader.
Do you ever talk to any of the guys that was in our plt?
S/F
Ken
durell44@yahoo.com
As far as I can tell you guys (India, 3/26) took the brunt of the action in early December 1968. We (Charlie, 1/1) were just a few hundred feet from where you guys fought on December 6-8, 1968. We were desperate to try to help you guys, but the NVA wouldn't let us get across that canal. My nightmare is listening to your company's radio traffic and not being able to help. I hope more is written about Meade River and your company gets the recognition for its heroic action at the Northern Bunker Complex. Ooo Rah! and Semper Fi, India, 3/26
i was with echo battery 2/11 on hill 55 fired lots of firemission from there semperfi
Mike,
I was with Echo Battery 2/11 also. I was with Hotel 2/5 during Meade River as the radio man for the Arty FOTeam. I spent most of my time in Nam with Hotel, in fact. Hotel 2/5 took part in the final battle at the Northern Bunker Complex. On the morning of Dec. 10th Hotel got on the choppers and flew into Hill 55. We got off the choppers at the bottom of Hill 55 and began walking up the hill. The hooches of the artillerymen were on both sides of the road/lane that we walked up. Every one of the artillerymen on both sides of the lane, stood up as we walked past.That was a moment I'll never forget!We didn't expect it, we were all bone tired, mentally and physically. It was a very high honor for our fellow marines to show that kind of respect!
Dennis please send me your email address or anyone else that has info or stories.
My name is Steve and I'm writing a book on Vietnam.
Stevemortage@comcast.net
Thanks
Was that Hill 55 or An Hoa?
I was an FO. (0846) From "Egg" btry 2/11 in An Hoa. Do you recall a 500lb hang bomb that hit our grunt CP (I don't remember the CO.) in the early stages of Mead River?
I am looking for anyone who remembers a 500 lb hang bomb that hit a CP,
In the early stages of operation Mead River. I was an FO. (0846) From Egg Btry (Echo Btry) from An Hoa.
I was getting a canteen of mud in the bottom of a 1,000lb bomb crater when it hit 75 meters away,
It rattled my gourd and took some hearing-all at first, 2 Marines were sitting on its brim, one was unresponsive
With no visible injuries staring out across the landscape, the other Marine took a fragment through his flak jacket
& in to his chest But not a Sucking chest wound. I removed his jacket & immobilized the protruding fragment.
I find it hard & unable to recall a lot of my passed The Nam, Childhood things like that.
If anyone remembers this please contact me!
fbflb@yahoo.com (360) 931 5170
Chuck Wagon Ken
Ken (Combat)
yes, it was Hill 55. We left the Meade River battlefield on the morning of Dec. 10th, taking sniper fire I might add, as we boarded the choppers. Earlier that morning the body choppers had come in, we loaded dead marines, stacking their bodies almost like firewood. There was row after row of dead marines!
We flew a short distance to Hill 55. We got off the choppers at the bottom of the hill, then we walked up a narrow path to the top. That is where all the artillerymen stood up as we walked past. When we got to the top of the hill, we hopped another chopper and flew back to An Hoa.
"Combat", it just hit me who you are! You and I served together on Meade River and Taylor Common! Brintnall was our first FO, you were the scout sergeant and I was the radio man. We were with Hotel 2/5 both times. " Scotty" was our second FO, he got wounded the first day of Taylor Common. After a few days you left Hotel and went back to the rear or somewhere else. We may have served on Muscogee Meadows as well. It's good to know you are well, I've thought of you many times over the years. As I recall, you were 18 when you were in Nam , I was 19. I remembered your first name was Ken. We talked about Michelob beer one time. That was going to be the first thing you ordered when you got back to the states! It's good to hear from you, take care and stay well! I'm very thankful that you made it through all the death and destruction! Semper Fi!
I was on this operation along with the rest of Bravo 1/5 We had many casualties
By Tom Mueller on Oct 18, 2008 at 10:30 am
Tom,
I think my Dad (Bobby "Hood" Richard) was in your squad Bravo Co, 1stSPBn, 1stMarDiv(Rein). Anyone who fought bravely with him @ Dodge City like to share > email me at: abbybates1212@yahoo.com
I was with Hotel 2/7 . Was wounded on the 20 th of Novemeber .I will never forget the med evac chopper 1 st one crashed .Taken to NSA DA Nang, Japan then Bethesda MD.I can't believe it's been forty years
Russ Artuso, SEMPER FI!!! I have been looking for you for a long time! This is Vic Brunelle, formerly Cpl. Brunelle BLT 2/7 It was me that said follow me 2 seconds before you were hit. That began the worst night of my,and I am sure your life.I remember the first chopper going down. Then they said no bird until morning. I sat with you all night, you were one hurting unit!! PS you smoked all my cigs! The last I saw you we had to literally throw you into the chopper! The look on your face is burned into my brain! I allways figured you died. About 20 years ago I got a book of all the names on the wall and was overjoyed !!! YOU WERNT IN IT!!! Ihave been in the sticks of northern VT for some 38 years. I would like to hear from you. Again SEMPER FI!! vicbru12@yahoo.com
Wow blast from the past .Get hold of me brother..I owe you some cigarettes..when that chopper went down.I thought it was over.God bless that chopper pilot..Sempre Fi my bro
Russ:
My name is Jerry Moorehead I was doing a search on the internet when I came across your post about Operation Meade River. Your incident sounds a lot like a what happened to a man in my squad on Meade River Nov 20,1968. I was the squad leader of Hotel 2/7, 2nd platoon, 2nd squad. We were doing a flanking movement, fire team rushes, trying to help Golf Co who was pinned down. Our squad was the first squad to arrive at Golf Co position, We had been taking heavy fire all along the advance. The person from Golf Co. I made contact with was a dog handler. we were setting up defensive positions when My platoon leader arrived at our position, I was going to him to let him know the situation when I heard some shout they were hit. When I turned around I saw a Marine laying in the rice patty, I started after him and was joined by another of my men Ron Frye, When we got to the wounded man we helped him up and we took off for cover, a mound that was over to our right, we were separated from the rest of the platoon and Ron and I started working on the Wounded Marine. If it was you, I remember you were shot right above the pubic hairs and the round exited your rectum, I was thinking you were also shot thru your ankle. While we were working on you (if it was you) Ron was shot thru his arm. Shortly after we got a corpsman over to where we were not sure but I think it was Doc Klumper (we called him doc flipper). when he was ready to move you a green pop flair went up behind where the enemy was firing at us from. The fire fight stopped for a short time Doc Flipper and Ron took you across the opening and I was the last to come across the opening to the rest of the platoon with the weapons and gear. About half way across the opening all hell broke loose again and I was wounded. As I remember it the first Medevac didn't come in until just before dusk, they were taking fire and I thought they had been shot down but the after action report said that the chopper blades hit some bamboo when it came in and took it down. A short time later a second Chopper came in and picked up all us that had been wounded. When they lifted off the door gunner opened up again, I am not sure if they were taking fire or he was just keeping the enemy heads down until we were gone. Any way it scared the hell out of me I thought we were going down again!
If you are the same guy I would really like hear from you or to meet with you again Hotel Co. is having another reunion in San Antonio Texas in june of 2013.
Semper-fi
Jerry
Jerry yes I'm the guy ..please get hold of me @……. rrartuso@ aol..com
I have to respond to the very first comment: I am the writer- I clearly mentioned the number of casualties in the article and in my book, 'Heart of the Third sector'– apparently the reader must have just scanned the section I wrote on Meade river.
That is the second complaint I have ever recieved regarding the one and only correct book on Hill 55 and op. Meade river section (long version is in my book, short version edited was in Nam magazine years back.) My other complaint was from a wannabe; he stated that no Marines were issued and used the M-14 in 1971 before the withdrawal- absolute BS! I have proof. I included the good, bad, and ugly in my book.
I am the author of the Meade River Op. above.
I could not list all and every unit, and their actions; I am sorry for the eliminations- I honnor all my fellow Marines. GAH
Gidday George
My name is Bernie McGurgan ex Australian Army and in 1970 I was Senior Advisor to the 1/51st ARVN Bn whose Regt HQ was on Hill 55 (Nickle Nickle in our parlance then)!
My email address is hill55@vtown.com.au
I have just read your book "heart of the Third Sector' and would like very much to talk to you reference Hill 55 my home of seven months, when not on operations during 1970.
Your email address in the book is apparently incorrect?
Persevere
Bernie McGurgan
195 Redland Bay Rd
CAPALABA QLD AUSTRALIA 4157
I remember reading in Vietnam Magazine,a few years ago, this account of Meade River. I was very glad to see something about it! I was starting to think it was just a figment of my nightmarish imagination. In your article back then, did you say that there were about 10,000 war deaths in Quang Nam province, alone? I've read several places that said Quang Tri province had the most battle deaths, however, in one book, "Where We Were" by Michel P. Kelley, he listed Quang Nam province as having the most battle deaths, at 8,084 and QuangTri povince at 7,532. Your number of 10,000, I believe, icluded both hostile and non-hostile deaths. Do you have any additional information about these numbers?
I appreciate very much you telling the story of Operation Meade River.Your account of it is very interesting and means a lot to those of us who there! Thanks again!
I double checked this article, AGAIN- Bill Gee (first comment) was probably a good Marine, but he scanned, not read the entire article. Part #5 has the US death and wounded numbers as clear as they can be written. Semper Fi- George Hill , author of Heart of The Third Sector/Hill 55 — 352.222.1976
My brother, Scott Lynn Smith, served at Meade River as a sniper. Our family knows nothing about his service because he refused to talk about anything when he returned home. He took his own life in 1975. Does anyone remember him?
I remember Mead River very well. We landed on road and swepted in and we heard that one of the other companies got hit so we pulled back to the road and stayed all night. Me and Muhr shared a 2 man hole all night. Next day we moved out got to the bend in the river and set up that night in what I think was a vill. The next morning we tried to corss the river. While waiting as 2nd plt I was sitting on a paddy dike and this new guy set next to me and I told him to get the hell away from and set about 10 yards away. When 1st plt was caught in the ambush this FNG was hit in the arm bad. Never seen him again. We immidatly went into the trinch line and started firing back. We must have put out a heavy volume of fire as the firing slacked off. We lost all but 6 men of the 1st plt and most of the Co Hq Plt. I was asked to go across the river with 3 other Marines and help pull back a dead a Marine, radio and an M60. We smoked the area and the first thing I ran into was the gun, I grabed it and ran like hell back to the river. The Marine and the radio was picked up by the other 3 Marines. I remember seeing a Maring shot through the throat. He could talk but very low. I have always thought about him. We were shot to hell that day. The rest of the operation was no picnic either. Most of use was medivaced for emerison foot. I saw one Mrine from 1/7 crying because his feet were so bad. I felt sorry for him. Mine wasn't that bad but they hurt. You couldn't take your boots off to dry your feet. I tried once but all hell broke out and that was the last time until I got on ship to sickbay by then I could hardly walk.
I remember seeing before I was medivaced seeing piles of bloody duce gear and weapons. That day stood out for me more than Aug 18th did.
I was with Bravo 1/5 which was attached to 3/5 at Operation Meade River. I was WIA on December 2, 1968.
Bravo Company took severe casualties that day. When I got back to my platoon after taking small arms fire ( waiting for Medivac)
I only saw 7 of my brothers from my platoon in the trench.
My Medivac consisted of 3 wounded marines and 6 of my brothers in body bags. I always wonder about December 2, 1968 because that day i took a bullet in the neck and survived but a lot of my buddies didn't..
I participated in operation Meade River with Delta Co 1/1. We were given the name Dying Delta because of the casualties we sufered. I remember moving at night, pitch dark, couldn't see the man in front, I fell in a B52 bomb crater and lost contact with my unit but later caught up with them the next morning. That was the most scariest time of the war for me. It seemed the NVA was all around us, and we had to fight our way out. I remember some of my squad members: John Henry Richardson, AKA Turtle, Duke, Tuffy (Samoan), Sysock, and the corpsman, Doc Adams. Can't remember the others, most of them were WIA's and KIA's. Note: I tried to carry an M14 for sniper and for regular combat but it was too heavy and required too much ammo, so I went back to the M16. I do hope all the Marines I served with are doing well and that one day we will all be together again.
i to was ther as Plt Sgt my XO was Sam Vanness from Tx.City some of my brother where Bony,Rudy Wepons Plt Sgt Goodwin Daniel Davis from California a kit from El Paso Tx and many more that did not make it back.
Hope someone out there remembers us we where there.
cell 956-693-0138
Hime I was in Australia on r/r .When I got back to Danang I ran into someone and the first thing I ask was did Hime get They said you made it. Idrank a beer and felt so good you made but was sad that the other bros got it.I remember when we would be in some heavy shit, you would start speaking Spanish.on the radio.I would say Hime,Hime, speak english.You told me the artillary man in the rear was from Texas,he also spoke spanish.You said Sgt Goody, think about it the gooks arnt from Texas.They dont know what we are saying. I have told that story around a lot of barbeques and beer drinking parties. You were one brave bro Hime,you never broke no matter how bad the caca was hitting the fan.God bless BRO.
Always wondered what happened to Perkinson , Franklin TN he got hit on the chopper going in. Goody saw you in Houston at the reunion 1st Mar Div. Of course all of our other guys also would like to here from.
I had been with BLT 2/7 for 2 weeks before Meade River was launched. Barely 18 and a half, I ended up at the heart of things because I had studied Vietnamese at the Defense Language Institute before being deployed to Vietnam. Consequently, although an 0311, I was made the 3.5 A gunner so I would be close to our Company commander (Fox Co., 2/7). To this day, almost 41 years later, I can still remember the incredible stillness and quiet before all hell broke loose. I also remember being posted on watch in a foxhole on top of the railway berm, watching white tracers arc toward my position, and thinking of the three crates of 3.5 rockets, each containing three rockets, located by the foxhole. I was so concerned they would be hit and explode. Finally, I remember the bodybags, and helping load them on helicopters to be flown back to the USS Tripoli (LPH-10), where they were placed in the meat locker for storage. I also remember Armed Forces Radio talking about "light casualties" in Vietnam that week.
My compliments to George Hill for writing this superb article. I just ordered his book. And my deepest and warmest regards to all who served there; especially those who did not return.
Private First Class during Meade River
I was also on Operation Meade River with BLT Golf Co. 2/7. I remember this paticular Operation (not that i don't remember all the others) but i only had about a month before i was to go back to the States. My tour was about over. I got shot in the neck afew months earlier on Operaion Allen Brook, so i was a little nervous. i remember, how much the enemy wanted to get through our lines as we had them cordoned off. it was a visiouse few days. I remember when the F4 Phantom came right over my position to make a bombing run. It scared the hell out of me, because you didn't even know it was comming until it was right over you with it's glowing engine. All i can say, that i was with a great bunch of guys, and i still think of all the guys that never came back. They will never be forgotten. SEMPER FI
I to was there as Plt Sgt with Bravo 1/5 my XO was Sam Vanness from Tx.City some of my brother where Bony,Rudy Wepons Plt Sgt Goodwin Daniel Davis from California a kit from El Paso Tx and many more that did not make it back.
Hope someone out there remembers us we where there.
Danang PhuLoc Phu Bia Cag>units north of Da Nang to Hue City
Hoi An Ben Qua Liberty Bridge and someother forsaken places the train tunnel
cell 956-693-0138
Hime remember when we were way up in the canope and it was wet and cool.My sister had sent me some rum in a clorox bottle, I opened it and took a swig and handed it to you add you looked at me like I had just stole your ham and mothers, she didn,t wash it out good and it had some clorox tast.We drank it anyway. The next day we ask Doc Dave Dodson if the clorox would hurt us and he said no it would kill the worms. Then he ask for a swig. It wasnt that funny then, but I have told that story many times and every time I tell it my biker bros they laugh their buts off. I think of Jose Sanches every time I go for a ride. He wanted to buy a Bike when we got back and we were going to go to sterges together. Did you ever find Guelarmo Cantu from Mission Texas,we called him Mamo, he had a tatoo on his arm Mamo and meme his girlfriend. Also Pete Gonzalez from Waco somewhere,he was out machinegunner. Over and Out Bro.
I was with BLT 226/1st Marines/Whiskey Battery
I worked resupply and transport out of Camp Booker and maintained Base Camp Security.
I was blew in to a roll of RAZOR WIRE AND CREASED BY SMALL ARMS FIRE ONE NIGHT IN NOVEMBER 1968. WOULD NOT LET DOC GRASSI MAKE A REPORT AND I TURNED DOWN PURPER HEART. MAYBE I SHOULD NOT HAVE…..
SEMPER FI,
Does anyone of you Marines remember being on the USS Daluth(sp) and going south in a Monsoon?
Cpl Mike McLeod
Motor T chief
Blt/226
Whiskey Battery
Mike, I was on that ship that went through the typhoon. I thought it was the USS Dubuque although we were on the Duluth also so I may be wrong. I was with Hotel 2/26. I had a terrible infection in my ankle and fortunately did not make the beginning of the op into the DMZ. I rejoined my platoon just after the mortar attack at Margo. I ended up riding that sucker to the Philippines and we were struck by a typhoon. What a ride! I never want to go through that again! Everybody on that ship was so seasick. I had to tie myself into the rack. If you tried to stand, the rolling of the ship would throw you down or you would slip and fall in the puke all over the deck. Doc Badgley (Goofy Grape)
Thanks to all you who served in the Marines and especially those involved in the Meade River Operation.
I lost a very special first cousin, Cpl Connard Darrell Mallory. He was with I Co, 3rd Bn, 26th Marines and was killed on December 8th along with 15 other brave Marines as part of this operation.
I would like to talk with J.E. and any others who might have known Darrell during that time.
Thanks again and welcome home. I was Army in "Little America" Cam Rahn Bay 71-72 24th Trans.
Jerry I knew your Cousin,He was 1 Helluva good Marine;since this is a Business computer I can't go into 2 many details
Hi Gruenwald, We where in the same plt. together India co 3/26 3rd.plt.
just wanted to say hello ,and welcome home marine.
J. E . hopefully you can tell me anything about a friend of mine who also was killed on 8 Dec 68 Nick Gonzales was his name and I never knew that Nick was even in the Corps . until I got called into my staging unit COs office and he said he had been killed . I escorted his body home from Dover to our hometown in Pontiac ,Mi. Myself , I served w/Hq battery 4/11 in DaNang 8 months and then another 8 at An Hoa w/ Mike battery 4/11 . Semper Fi all you brothers !
I was a grunt in Delta 1-1-1. Dodge city was our area. I remember the "Truss", a favorate location for gook snipers. Many times Artillary had to be used to rid ourselves of these snipers. If it weren't snipers, it was bobby traps. I lost 2 friends on the same day less than 3 min. apart. Both stepped on bobby trapped 105 artillary shells. Both lived….if you want to call it that. They lost there legs as well as other body parts . If I remember correctly the black guy was named Williams, the white guy was named Leech or lynch.
God I hated Dodge city. The night I got wounded was the most horrible day of my life. I just wanted to die. At least 3 times we were pinned down in rice patties by snipers. Everytime someone got hit,we had to carry their gear. my shoulers were bleeding from the weight. Water was everywhere from the weeks of rain. impossible to find anything dry.
We were told to dig in. I was one of the few who did. My hole filled with water while I dug. I had passed out in the mud outside my hole. The gooks had thought my position was the C P due to it,s slight elevation and a careless light cigerette and proceeded to walk mortors in on me and my squad. The last one fired was the one that got me in the shoulder as I lay on the prone position to scared to run. The ARVN solder who I had been paired up with was not so lucky. He tried to run as the last one hit. He died before our medivac chopper reached the Da Nang hospital. I will never, ever, forget Dodge City.
George,
Thanks a million for this professionally written article. I am sure when I read your book , I’ll be equally impressed with your work.
Though I would never wish “dodge city” on anyone, I must say, it has been a real treat to read this article and the comments from others who were there and can relate and understand. It makes me feel less alone to know others experienced similar things in this sorry little piece of real estate called, “dodge city”. I lost a piece of my innocence, a piece of my soul, in that ugly little god forsaken place, and after reading the posted comments, I can see I am not the only one. Semper Fi, ,bless you for being there, and welcome home.
For those who didn’t make it home goes my deepest respect and a sorrow that goes all the way to the bone. There is an old saying that goes like this, “If it doesn’t kill you, you learn from it, it makes you a better person”. I have found this to be a lie. I have seen courage, valor, nobility, and honor, from those I served with I have seen these saintly qualities among those I have known. I see these qualities against a backdrop of a country called Vietnam , a country undeserving of the sacrifice of those with saintly qualities. In my tour of Vietnam I could not find a single instance (and I tried) anywhere of anything in that country worth a single American life. I cannot reconcile in my mind the quality of life given to a more worthless, and undeserving, cause as was Vietnam. What a foolish waste of resources.
So, here I am, Vietnam didn’t kill me. So, I got to ask you, what have I learned that is supposed to make me a better person?
NOTHING, that’s what!
To James "Woody" Watwood,
I to struggled with Vietnam and was it worth it. I do believe if were allowed to go north and settle it, 2 million south vietnamese would not have been murdered by the north. I know our b-52's had the north closed down several times and we could walked in and took over. It would have been hard but we could have ended it.Vietnam was a stepping stone to bring down the communist countries and free people. To little to late but we did not fight for nothing brother, don't ever forget we fought hard and the cowards back home made it impossible to win. Be safe Woody and forever hold your head up.
Cpl Mike McLeod
USMC
Blt 2-26, 1st marines, 12th Div.
Whiskey Battery
I-corps
I was platoon radio man with 3/5 Lima company. I remember Operation Meade River because on 1 December I was hit by a sniper. My god friend Clarence Love was killed on that Operation. I remember it weel because I picked him up and he hd been hit by RPG in the head. I went after another wounded Marine when I got hit. I had to crawl about 250 meters under fire to get to him but he was not there and that was when I was hit. Lt. Carl Schultz my platoon commander was hit with RPG that day as well adn we both medvac to Da. Nang. I lost contact with him. He was fine soldier and a great leader. We lost a good Marines on this OPeration but we inflicted a sever blow to the enemy. As I set in my office today, I think we all did superb job in Vietnam. To all my fellow brothers in arms I say job well done. As for me I will never forget the sacrificies made by all at Meade River.
Semper Fi,
Lawrence L. Hogue
I have read all the comments by the gentlemen that served in this particular mission called Meade River, and although my father did not talk about the specifics of what he did, it was enough to torture him mentally after he came home until his death a few years ago. I admired him for enlisting instead of being drafted. I discovered that he was in Operation Meade River, and I was trying to get a feel for what he went through by reading this article, I know I will never be able to truly know, because I wasn't there. When I told him I was going to join the Army he conveyed to me his worry about my going to war in Desert Storm, and although I finished my term of enlistment without being deployed, all the time I spent in Fort Carson was training for that very purpose, and I would like to say "Thank you to all the Veterans that made it back, and of course I remember the fallen vets that didn't make it back." My father and I share the same name he was senior, and I was Junior. If anyone remembers serving with him, I would appreciate any corrospondence via my email. – randmeister@hotmail.com thanks, RMJ.
[...] [...]
I am one of the marines,that ran Bull-dozer for this oper.there was 3 marnies and 3 army guys,we just went out an dropped every thing that grow,we wast a assinged to ARvnig unit,one nite got the s*** kicked out of us. THANK God i am still hear to tell about ,I had to dig hole and burie those deep vet-cong
Nick from 2nd plt. E2/7 Looking for Fisher, good Marine. How about the 2 shitbirds Green and Clark, Hiding in a hole somewhere I am sure.
I was also with Delta 1/1. Operation Meade River was my first operation in Vietnam. It is hard to believe that it was 41 years ago. Words cannot discribe what happpened those 2 plus weeks in Dodge City. If you weren't there you could never understand what we all went through. Semper Fi to all of us that were there.
Merry Christmas to all the Marines who survived Mead River and thier tour in the NAM.
Semper Fidelis,
Nick
ok, so i was on the meade river operation. i don't know if i was lucky; i was shot on 22Nov68… I was the Blt. radio operator with Lt. Obrien D 1/1.
i got shot in the daytime and i got out late at night. they kept shooting a the choppers.
OB got hit later as well as D1/1 company radio man "nicky"
i recently read a book about meade river…..12 radio operators were killed within hours of the operation…i was lucky, i was only shoot through the face and shoulder.
i'll never forget Walter L. Burke a "very very young" black marine who was trying to save me and he was shot through the forehead trying to pull me out of harms way. never never forget him. killed 22Nov68…he had just got over there a month before…..just a BNG…so sorry.
[...] on the strategically meaningless village of Marjah, which is itself a perfect re-enactment of Operation Meade River in 1968. But the callous cynicism of this war, which we described here in early December, and the [...]
[...] on the strategically meaningless village of Marjah, which is itself a perfect re-enactment of Operation Meade River in 1968. But the callous cynicism of this war, which we described here in early December, and the [...]
I got in country on Oct 5, 1968. Then we went on Operation Meade River. I was with Delta Co. 1/1 1st Plt , 1st Sqd. The second time Delta Co went across the river to sweep the area 2nd Plt was point the 1st Plt and 3rd was tail end charlie. This is the best I can recall, you know time takes its toll on the memory, anyway, I remember we walked into an ambush and 2nd Plt got hit hard. We set up a 360 for 2nd to pull back to. I just happened onto this site and saw Ed Behnke's name. I wondered all these years if he made it out. I recall we were pinned down most of the day and all that night of Nov. 22. The coprman stayed with "Benky" most of the time the best I can recall and had him on his hands and knees so the blood from his neck wound would not strangle him. I recall Doc would tell him to caugh then breathe, that went on all night. Me and another marine was to try and get who I thought was the 2nd Plt radioman on a medivac chopper later that night, we didn't make it. To Hot LZ. Now I see you made it Binky. Semper Fi
I was with Blt 2/26 4 duce battery whiskey. We came down from Dong Ha and went in on Operation Meade River – Dodge City! I was mostly in Quang Tri Province where about 8 to 10,000 lives were lost.
Was with Charlie 1/1 along the canal that ran perpendicular to the railroad burm. We sat along that canal for about 30 days waiting for the sweeping forces (5th Marines and 26th Marines). We couldn't see beyond the bamboo and vines on the other side of the canal, but we could hear the NVA talking and digging that Northern Bunker Complex. When the Marines from 3/26 reached the bunker complex the shit hit the fan right across the canal from us. To help those Marines we tried to swim the canal but came under fire. So about 15 guys from our platoon ran down the canal until they got to a place where they could ford the canal. They came up on the other side opposite us and came under heavy fire (including 51mm machine guns). Word went out to pull back with dead and wounded for an air strike. Well the fly boys worked out until dark then artillery and mortars worked out all night. The next day we were sent over to get a body count. Some previous Marine unit had started two piles of body parts, but ultimately gave up. I personally saw the remains of nearly 200 NVA soldiers. Me and two other guys were assigned to go through the bushes directly opposite the our positions before the battle and we found about five NVA soldiers who had tried to escape ground zero. They were shredded by shrapnel. We also recoverd some Marine bodies that had been buried by a fallen brick wall.
The trench and bunker complex was in the bushes around an open field. When we got there the water in the field was red from blood and filled with helmets, flack jackets, cartridge belts, packs, etc.
Few histories of the Vietnam war mention this operation. I just don't understand why. When you look at the number of KIAs and WIAs on both sides and the amount of ordnance expended, it should be up there with the other MAJOR opeations of the war.
Wayne Montgomery, Charlie 1/1
I was at meade river with echo company 2/26. Is there a book or a video about operation meade river. If so please let me know. You would think there would be considering it was the largest helicopter assualt in Marine Corps History. Thank You.
My father participated in this operation as well, although he has never specifically mentioned it. In recently discussing some information I found about him online, my father simply said "yes," he was in Meade River. He was a Dog Handler from the 3d MP Battalion and attached to Charley Co., 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division. My father's name is Jerry R. Wigg. His dog's name was "Spade" and he was wounded on December 17 or 18, 1968 (after the conclusion of Meade River). He was awarded the silver star and is mentioned in the online history of Charley Co. and in the Charley Co. list of individual awards on the Suicide Charlie website. If any of you knew my father and/or served with him in Vietnam (on hill 55?) I would very much like to hear from you. Thank you.
My Brother Richard Medina Served with Lima 3/26 Marine. I would be interested in talking with anyone that knew him. He was very damaged at Meade river. He say only he and one other walked out from his entire squad. I have researched all his battles and Meade river seems to be the source of his trama.
Mike
Mdstaxman@yahoo.com
TO THE PERSON ASKING ABOUT SOUTH IN A TYPHOON. YES, I WAS ON A LST FROM DA NANG TO THE PHILLIPINES. ALSO I WAS WITH 2/26 AS PART OF THE BLOCKING FORCE .MY FOX HOLE WAS IN THE SIDE OF A CEMETERY MOUND IN THE ANKLE DEEP PADDIES. REMEMBERING MY MOUND HAS HAUNTED ME FOR YEARS.IF ANYONE OUT THERE HAS A PICTURE OR PICTURES I WOULD BE VERY GRATE FULL IF YOU COU E-MAIL ME COPIES. TOM WARNER
I am the historian for Fox 2/7 USMC and would like to talk to anyone from Fox who was on Operation Meade River. 1-505-235-4282 or email F27huns@aol.com
my name is vic brunelle.i recieved my second purple heart on nov 24 while on mead river. i would very much like to contact russ artuso. im the guy who said follow me 3 seconds before he was wounded. it was the worst night of my life and im sure his too i sat with him all night waiting for his medivac the first chopper crashed and it was a long night waitting for another last time i saw russ we literaly threw him in the chopper and he did not look at all well if someone can tell him i would like to talk i would be very grateful thanks and semper fi vic brunelle
I was a lance corporal fire team leader with Echo 2/5 during Operation Meade River. I had been in country for 3 months and 1 week when we took our positions as a blocking force. When the Recon guys were inserted we were not told, and all of a sudden my fire team was looking across a creek at them. Thankfully, no one paniced and the Recon folks slipped into the brush.
It was a long and hairy operation. There was an air strike one day that included napalm; the pilots came in from behind us and dropped the cannisters 'danger close'. I watched as they tumbled overhead from behind our lines and into the enemy perhaps a hundred meters to our front.
I matured a lot on Meade River which made the rest of my tour better in a way; experience is the best teacher, and this OP paved the way for many more to come. I served my entire tour with but one Purple Heart!
Keep the faith you guys, and be glad that you're upright after all these years. Semper Fi
Sgt. PLisi
I was 0331 machine gunner with charley 1/7. It was a turkey shoot. I have relived meade river a thousand times.
Hey brother! I'm sorry I lost contact with you. I have tried looking. I don't know what I kin post here, but I live in Gaithersburg,Md. I don't think you are still in Louisa. If you can't find me, post where yer' at. I want to talk to ya, sumba gun.
Hey, brother. Go to marzone.com, it is the 7th Marines site. Go to Ist Bn. – Go to Mail Call, Look me up, Clarence, "Sonny" Butt. C'mon, you little mf'er, I loved you the most. You were one of my "mentors", I strived to be "as good as you" on the machine-gun. I think I did too! hahaha But that's fine, you taught me alot. You were also the most fun to be around. You taught me to love Country Music. You should see me now, hahaha
You need to go to marzone.com anyway, and any other 7th Marines that sees this post. We are your true peers, hahaha And I love you, Baby-san, Young-un, George, or whatever you yer' stuck wif'.
DoesJoe Stewart ring a bell He was my father believed to be 1/7
Does Joe Stewart ring a bell? My dad?
Golf 2/7 was one of the first units to make contact in Meade River. On the first day we helo'ed in along the road south of Hill 55 ??? (7th Marines Regimental HQ) and by the end of the first day we had some where around 8 men killed, most were in 3rd Platoon and were trying to cross a creek /pond and climb a berm when we got hit. There were some very brave actions but we were not able to get our dead casualties out that day. Over the next several days the other side of the creek (about 50 yds away) was bombed and took 8 inch from Da Nang. I remembered watching the 250 lbs bombs coming of the racks of one F-4 with the retards poping out several hundred yards behind us as he flew over head. It was like we could reach up and touch them as the glided only a few feet above our heads. Those were some very good pilots. Several other rifle companies tried to take the postion over the next few days from different directions. All were unsuccessful and suffered heavy casualties. Finally it became Golf's turn again. We attacked expecting the worst and found they had taken off and pulled out during the previous night. I believe the spot we were at was called the Hook because of the shape of the creek and pond, maybe not. The rest of the Op was relatively quiet for us other than getting shot at by ARVN artillery a couple of times. We could hear some pretty heavy fighting on the other side of the cordon.
I was in mead river with 1/5.Largest helicopter assallt in marine corps history.I was the blooper man at the time.My nick name was cowboy.Shit hit the fan nonstop for two weeks.I lasted until Jan.21,69 on another operation further west.A miss guided artillary round wiped out most of Kilo Co.I was only wounded.Safely medivaced out,dischared 6 mo. later due to disabilitys.10 were kias and 8 wia.I wrote a song called Over There.It will be playing on ECMA radio stations starting in March2011.Its dedicated to all the guys who fought in Viet Nam.semper fi
I was at Meade River Golf Co.2/26th Marines 1st Plt. As far as none of our men being killed by friendly fire, I personally know of 2 and not sure if the third one lived. They were on an LP ( Listening Post ) when @ about 1am a short round hit within a few feet from them. A 5inch piece riped into the 1st two killing them instantly and came to rest in the back of the 3rd man. The squid did what he could, but even he knew, we all knew, those of us who tried to help them that he didn't stand a snowball chance in hell of making it. I can't remember their names, hell I can't remember who my 1st Lt. was but you get him and me together and I can prove my claim.
Cpl. Ralph: First, let me introduce myself. I am a Braintree, Massachusetts Police Officer with 33 years of service.
One of my first partners on the job in 1978 was Richard Sanderson. Sandy graduated in 1968 from Braintree High School and served in the Marine Corps from 1967 to 1969. Sandy had served with Golf Company,Second Battalion of the Twenty Sixth Marine Regiment for nearly his entire enlistment. He subsequently was appointed a police officer in May of 1969. In 1991, Sandy was promoted to Sergeant and he retired in 2003. Sadly, Sandy passed away on Friday, March 4th, 2011, from complications of pneumonia. I spent many nights on patrol with Sandy and have always considered him a gentleman and friend. I always felt secure knowing Sandy was with me and that he would always do the right thing, regardless of the situation. He was very proud of his service with the Marines but was never boastfull. We talked many times on the midnight shift and he would mention Vietnam. He related many stories and I can recall him referencing Meade River. I don't know if you remember him, but I was hoping you could contact me. Sandy was 18 when he enlisted, about 5-9 with blonde hair and blue eyes. We are preparing a eulogy which will be delivered tomorrow, March 8th, 2011. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and most importantly for your service to our country. Rich
Hi, My uncle was DJ Bland, i dont know what rank he was at that point but if anyone knows anything about him he was F 2/26. Or if anyone knows my Father Virgil Dale Bland would have been around Sgt.
I was there on Meade River as well. I was an 0351 with 3/26. I remember being pinned down on Thanksgiving Day near a railroad berm We had walked into a huge clearing and took lots of sniper fire from a treeline to our left. We had a RR berm on our right and the river ahead of us. That took a while and We got some great chopper help to cut down our casualties. I remember a CH 46 starting down to bring us a hot Turkey Day Dinner. The pilot refused to land. LZ was too hot. I remember shivering in the mud,hugging a RR berm and watching dinner fly away. It was a bummer. Semper-Fi!!
I was with Hotel 2/5 out of An Hoa and we were choppered into Loc Binh just south -west of Hill 55 where the 7th Marines were. We were used as a Blocking Force for 1/7 and the ROC Marines pushing through the area and destroying everything in sight. We got some also, catching many NVA trying to evade the Marines pushing through Quan Dai Loc and Quan Diem-Ban areas. I was Medivac'd to Danang with jungle rot and spent 30 days at Freedom Hill. Semper Fi
Rich, I remember you I think. Didn't you carry a gun , and didn't you also serve with emptyhead (Mixon) before Nam? I was in 2/5 also on this op.
I was a friend of William C. Wirick, India Co of the 3/26. Billy was KIA at Meade River on Dec. 8, 1968. He received the Navy Cross posthumously for his action on that day. I've read everything I can find about this battle, and I continue to search for additional details, especially about Billy. Information and leads are appreciated.
Here is a contact for William C. "BO BAD" Wirick:
call 310-699-3463, or look up (La tho river vietnam) on the internet and click on Meade River 1968 [Archive) for comments about this individual. Good luck!!
Hello Bev. I was the last person to talk to Bill before he died. The last thing Bill did on this earth was to save my life.
I met Bo in college and we became close friends. I would be very grateful if you would get in touch, share whatever you're able to tell me. I have a two year old son and someday I want him to know as much as possible about Bo, the man he's named after.
I served with him though we had no friends in 'nam. we had good times and bad. I have photos and was there with him at the time of his death. India co.3-26 weapons platoon. I was the mortar man,squad leader,and so was he.
I met Bo in college and became close friends. We ran a little wild, he got in some trouble and wound up in Viet Nam. I would be very grateful if you would get in touch, share the photos and whatever you're able to tell me.
I have a two year old son and someday I want him to know as much as possible about Bo, the man he's named after.
I was with fox 2/7 and we started the op walking from hill 55 to our objective, the nation r/r track, it was to take about 2 hours but we were stopp at a creek and it took over a week before we got to the old rail road track. Our mission was to be a blocking force. while on the old nation r/r a loud spearker was heard and the voice was a american coming from the NVA side. The voice was that of PFC GARWOOD A POW. HE WAS STATING SIDING WIHT THE NVA.
To all of you that survived during taht devestating and horrible time in the mix of the Vietnam War, God truly blessed you with the breath of life, after being sourrounded with so much death and destruction. Each and every one of you are heros in the eyes of us who served but did not make the trip to (HELL). I am a former Marine who served with the 1/8 and 3/8 1969-1972. I am honored and humbled by the events you all haved endured and have had the opportunity to convey to those of us that are in awe of your greatful service. Never forget those that were left behind and those that sacraficed their lives for the cause.
God bless you all, (SEMPER FI).
(mitchell.r.holmes@us.army.mil)
2/5 Derek Moye from Canada fired a blooker round one night.We heard what sounded like water running. It was dinks running through our lines trying to sneak out. That blooker round hit one right squarely in the back. Beautiful sight at the time. Moye's nickname was HAWK.
I was the first casualty of Meade river and I was with Golf Company 2/26 marines. We were along route 1 as a blocking force and the Gooks tried to bread out of the cordon at night and I was hit in the knee. I would like to contact other Marines (Combat Engineers) that were with the BLT 26th Marines. Lt Ashcroft was the C.O. of our company. After reading what every one went through during that operation I was almost glad that I got it early and missed the heavy stuff!
Neil
Did 5 tours. was Navy E-5. Would travel to Dodge City south of Danang in 69 to visit friend Doc Epperson. Use to have a bunch of pics of the big Dodge City sign. Got caught in a couple of bad fire fights down there. and was there one night when the compound got hit hard. My heart really went out to all those good Marines and their heroic eforts. I left to serve in a place called the U-Min forrest . In late 71 went on evac convoys for Cauviet/DongHa. Camp Eagle was abandoned and looked like a Goast town.
If you were stationed at the Rock Pile between May of 1968 and November 1968 let me know. Our Motor T Unit with Blt 2/26 Whiskey Battery ran convoys for re-supply during that time.
I was on Meade River, 2 Bravo,2nd Plt. Saw Jackson comment, tried the e-mail, came back no such. Every body from Hotel Company, contact me ASAP.
Semper FI to all Marines
My name is christopher Hill, I was transfered into kelo.3/26 when they came down from khe Sanh from bravo.1/7. I was with them when when they went on aflot and went up to choo-lie for the operation with the americal division. I was transfered again when we came back to the ships. I was in another unit around hill 55 when meade river jump off. I heard that kelo. 3/26 lost half there people on that operation. I would lijke to hear from any body from that unit or any body eles who was in that operation.
email hillchristopher19@yahoo.com
My name is Kevin Simms, I am a Retired Disabled Veteran. I am a Marine (0352) who served in combat in The Gulf War. My father is Raymond D. Simms, He is a Marine Vietnam Vet. A( 0331) machine gunner with 3rd Bn 26th Mar. M Co. Weapons Plt. I am looking for anyone who served with him. I am very proud of my Father and all of you,Vietnam Vet's. My Dad is a very Good man who really never talked about the War much except to me when I came home from Desert Storm. I would like to reunite him with his fellow brother's also a Marine with the last name of Washington who probably saved my Dad's life dragging him to safety when he was wounded by a female VC with an RPG. Please e-mail me at kevin.simms22@yahoo.com or call me 910-325-8259 Thank all of you Vietnam Vet's for serving but also you made sure me and my fellow Vet's of The Gulf War came home with the reseption that our Country gave us. Our Country will alway's owe a Dept of kindness and gratitude for all of you Vienam Vet's you guy's are the exception and the standerd by wich all American's especilly service men and woman should live by. Thank You and God Bless.
Could not have said it any better! TY for YOUR service too Marine.
I served as a hospital corpsman with Lima 3/5 at Meade River. I
wounded morning of 1 Dec. I remember all those brave young
men that day one, of them dragged me to the LZ. for med evac
. Not a day goes by that I'm not thinking of that time and all that it
was to so many of us there.
My father served with 3-26 Kilo. He was WIA on Nov 27,1968 during Meade River. His name is David Ruell, I was wondering if anyone remembers him? And thank you all so much for your sacrifices and dedication! I admire you all so very much. Thank you!
I was with H&S Company 1/7. I was a radio operator for the Battalion CO. I remember on Thanksgiven day, we were getting ready to move to the southwest corner of the pushing wall when choppers came in with the turkey dinners and we were just grabbing anything we could grab of the tables. It is sure great to here about the op.
Larry, were you on Hill 10? Email me or call. 760-550-8083 "micbrewerusmc@aol.com" Thanks, Mike
I was a Corpsman with 3rd platoon Delta Company 1/1. I remember Operation Meade River well because you couldn't take a step anywhere it seemed without hitting a booby trap. I treated several Marines who had stepped on them…… tying of bleeders and trying to keep them from going into shock. Like most of you over the years I have paid a high personal price for my time in country. However I would do it all over again. It was the definning moment in my life as I'm sure it was in yours. To all my Brothers I say "Semper Fi".
To Russ Lefebvre, and all of my brothers I say SEMPER FI. Much too long since I've heard from you. Crazy days and long nights. I was really surprised to hear your name, I am suffering from that condition I call CRS ,can't remember shit , but I do remember you. We were buds then , and I'm sure we still are. Hope this gets to you sorry to say I am still a novice.Take care, I saw your name and comment about Meade River, and you were so right on. Bye for now…Bob
I was with 1/7 Marines on Hill 10. 81 Mortarman on Meade River. Will never in all my living days forget humping that friggin 81 Tube! Became an instant radioman on Meade too when the Lt's radio man was shot. Where are all the mortar guys here? So few of us. I go to Bravo and Delta Company 1/7 Reunions. Also 4 of the Battalion gatherings. I am astounded that we are still filling in the blanks. Does anyone know who the H&S Gunny was on Hill 10 Nov 68- March 69?
Good to hear from all these old Marines. I was with 3/26 H&S Co.
9th MAB Out of DaNang 1969 line Company's were at Hi von Pass,
hill 190, esso plant, Namo Bridge, Seems like a long time ago until
reading this and all the Comments and you start to remember like it was yesterday Anyway wanted to say Hi to all my bros from the Nam the Best people you could ever met Good luck and Health Semper Fi
Nobody ever asked what good I did just how many Gooks I killed? Just got Married in 2001 to a Beautiful Lady I went to High School with.If not 4 Her I would have Self Destructed! On this day many moons ago on Meade River I/3/26 I put what was left of Two members of My Squad in a Poncho.In the evening of My Memories I always go back! Semper Fidelis and too All the Brave Marines that gave it All,It will be a Grand Reunion someday India 3 Charles out~~~
HERBERT RALPH IN THE SQ.WE USE TO CALL YOU RALPH MY NAME IS JIM SHOTSBERGER I WAS YOUR SQ. LEADER YOU CAN GET ME AT jshots21@yahoo.com
Wow yes I was that guy ! I was trying to get a laaw to some guys…the 50 gunner opened up because we were taking incoming rounds I got to Da Nang with second degree burns all over me. I remember a sgt pushing me up a hil..Please keep in touch you can help me piece what happened
Thank buddy and
Semper Fi
4/14/2013 at 5:52 am
Wow yes I was that guy ! I was trying to get a laaw to some guys…the 50 gunner opened up because we were taking incoming rounds I got to Da Nang with second degree burns all over me. I remember a sgt pushing me up a hil..Please keep in touch you can help me piece what happened
Thank buddy and
Semper Fi
I was with Hotel 2/26 at Meade River. I just published a great book by Dick Jackson who was with the 7th Marines. The title of this book is Dark Days for White Knights. Dick was badly wounded at Meade River and came home minus an eye. This is an awesome book and I strongly recommend it to anyone who was involved with Operation Meade River. You can preview it at this link:
http://badgleypublishingcompany.com/DarkDaysforWhiteKnights.html
Copy the link and paste it in your browser.
Hey Vic …yep I made it thanks to you and my other brothers.. I owe you guys my life it's been a long tough haul but reading from you and other Marines about that friggin operation..the fact that they sent in the second chopper after the first one crashed makes me proud I' m a Marine. I can't really put into words how it really was …..like some nightmare…thanks again Vic and all the other guys for saving my life…Semper Fi