Honor, courage and commitment are the values that guide us--
Semper Fidelis is the motto that bonds us.
To guard our nation is to guard its principles,
becoming not only an elite warrior, but also a noble one.
-- Author Unknown
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FIRST MARINE DIVISION ASSOCIATION
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To the Shores of Tripoli:
Battle of Derna, 27 April 1805
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Attack on Derna painted by Col Charles Waterhouse USMC
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First Lieutenant Presley Neville O'Bannon USMC
With the unsatisfactory result of the bombardments of Tripoli in 1804 the Tripolitan War had languished in a stalemate. In early 1805 the US Navy Agent for the Barbary Regencies, William Eaton, resolved to combine diplomacy with a land campaign to bring stronger pressure on the Bashaw, Yususf Karamanli. An unlikely opportunity arose from the dynastic squabbles that characterized the monarchies of the Barbary States in the form of Bashaw Yusuf's exiled brother, Hamet Karamanli. Eaton approached Hamet with the proposal for an alliance. In return for his assistance in mounting a land expedition against Tripoli, Hamet would compensate the United States for its expenses in the war and further promised to make no more demands for tribute.
As a result of these negotiations, Eaton, assisted by US Navy
Lieutenant John H. Dent (later replaced by Midshipman George Mann), was able to assemble a mixed force of some 400 men, composed of 38 Greek mercenaries, 25 mostly European artillerists, 90 men serving under Hamet Karamanli directly, 190 camels and their drivers, a small force of Arab cavalry, and eight US Marines commanded by First Lieutenant Presley Neville O'Bannon. This force began its march in Egypt on 8 March 1805, and after six weeks of mutiny, hunger, thirst, Arab intransigence and religious tension arrived on 25 April before Derna, the eastern-most fortified town under Tripolitan control. Eaton, despite the fact that the garrison consisted of 945 cavalry and 1,250 infantry, called on Governor Mustapha Bey to surrender, a summons that was contemptuously rejected. Supported by gunfire from the brig
Argus, sloop
Hornet and schooner
Nautilus, Eaton began an assault on the town on 27 April. Despite the heavy odds, a redoubled effort led by First Lieutenant O'Bannon and Midshipman Mann succeeded in taking the town.
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I hope you are all doing well and also hoping to see a lot of you at the upcoming Louisville, KY reunion August 3-12, 2019. Please get registered with the hotel and fill out your registration form for the great tours that have been planned.
My wife and I were just in Kentucky for the April board meetings and the state of Kentucky is a gorgeous state. Lots of fields of green and horse’s as far as the eye can see, that is of course you get out of the city of Louisville. The bus tours will take you to places where you will be able to see some of those nice fields of green. Come one come all.
Semper Fi
Jerry Johs
President
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2019 ELECTION OF OFFICERS
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Via email
THU 4/25/2019 1:15PM
To Whom It May Concern:
I, Cpl. V. Pete Rios understand that I am a candidate for Treasurer. I am informing you that I do not wish to run in the election. Please take my name off the ballot. Thank you. If you have any questions, you may call me at ***-***-****.
Sincerely,
Cpl. V. Pete Rios
*** Phone number redacted for privacy. Please call HQ for contact information.
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72nd Annual Reunion
Louisville, Kentucky
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Our 72nd Annual Reunion is set for August 3 through 12, 2019, in Louisville, Kentucky, at the Crowne Plaza Louisville Airport Hotel.
We'll see old friends, make new friends, and see the sights of the Blue Grass State.
The Registration Form and Program for the week is
now available.
Please start making your plans to join us in a week of tradition, fun, and comradery.
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Hotel Reservation Deadline
Reservations must by booked by June 10 to receive the Group Rate.
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From: Steve "Doc" Lakernick
Let's Go Bowling!
Thursday, August 8
6:30PM - 11:00PM
Louisville, Kentucky
Join us for Association Bowling Fun Night. We'll have a private section of the bowling alley. We'll dine on chili, hot dogs, chips, soda, and beer. Bowling shoes included.
Price $50. Please pay to Association HQ in advance by July 8.
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Hello Ladies! Update!
I'm hoping to see a lot of you at the upcoming Louisville, KY reunion luncheon. I will not be doing BINGO this year as last year didn't have a very good turnout. I am hoping to have someone their for entertainment, and I will be donating a really nice item to be a door prize. Attendees will receive one ticket upon entering the place where the luncheon will take place. You must be registered for the luncheon to be part of the door prize giveaway.
There will be a Silent Auction during the week of the Reunion, instead of the Chinese Raffle that was previously mentioned.
I am reaching out to everyone for donations of new items you may have laying around that you would like to donate for this silent auction. It doesn't have to be Marine Corps related. I am going to have women and men items up for this. If you have something you would like to donate, please contact me through Jerry Johs email at
Geronamo0122@gmail.com or you can mail your items to the office. Please include a note that it for the silent auction.
Thank you,
Cheryl Johs
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Executive Committee/Board of Directors Meeting
The Executive Committee and Board of Directors met April 2 in Louisville, Kentucky. Details will be published in the next edition.
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1ST MARINE DIVISION ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP FUND, INC.
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Date: Sun, Apr 21, 2019, 9:05 AM
Subject: Thank you
Good day Mr. Johs,
My name is April Chinea, daughter of Camilo "Kimoe" Chinea,
100% Disabled Marine.
I wanted to express my sincere gratitude for the
opportunity that has been given to me through the 1st MarDiv
Scholarship that I will be using to help pay for my books and college
supplies.
Again, thank you for your generosity your organization affords dependents!
Semper Fi,
April Chinea
FSU 2023
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Sent:
Wednesday, April 17, 2019 8:37 AM
Subject:
Chapter Scuttlebutt for the Blue Diamond News & OBN
On Friday, 12 April 2019, the Dallas Chapter, First Marine Division Association presented the 10
th
Annual Joe Walker Memorial Award to Cadet Major Alyssa Lopez. She was recognized as the programs’ Top Cadet.
Cadet Major Alyssa Lopez is a member of the MCJROTC at W. T. White High School in Dallas, Texas. Jim Fairbairn presented the award to Cadet Major Lopez during their annual awards ceremony. Also in attendance was members of the Joe Walker family, Widow Nora, Daughter Mary & Son Joe Walker, Jr.
Walter C. Schmick, Jr.
Contracts Administrator
Kiewit Infrastructure South Co.
13119 Old Denton Road
Fort Worth, TX 76177
Office: 817-337-7004
Cell: 817-932-0821
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PVT Paul Wojahn, above, right, is asking for our assistance. Does anyone recognize the two corporals sitting at the bar next to Paul?
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Attention On-Deck:
All Marines, Veterans, community groups & supporters
Last week on March 29, the first event known of its kind east of the Rockies was held in the US Midwest region, a program to remember in a “Post Everlasting” for US Marines and Navy Corpsmen who had assaulted the beachhead, along with the Japanese Imperial Army who were defenders of IwoTo Island (aka Iwo Jima), each combat warrior protecting their countries cause at the time. The solemn event was held at the FDR Post 923 of the American Legion in Chicago with its members, their Auxiliary and with the SONs of the 2nd District and Marines in attendance. AmLgn 2nd District Commander Clement Rodriguez led the group in the reflection with the playing of the National Anthem of both countries nations, followed by the torch lighting of remembrance and playing of Taps.
Towards the end of the program, a request was made to also recognize and remember all Vietnam veterans for their service, this date on National Vietnam War Veterans Day. Commander Rodriguez (aka Sarg) served both in the US Marine Corps and US Army Reserves and is a Vietnam veteran with dual membership in both the Marine Corps League and the American Legion. Light refreshments sponsored by the American Legion were served at the events conclusion.
In one of the attached photos is of the
72nd Reunion of Honor
held last March 2017, during the annual ceremony on Iwo-To Island (aka Iwo Jima) co-hosted by the Iwo Jima Association of America (IJAA) and the Iwo-To Association of Japan (ITAJ). Representing the US Marines was led by US Marine Lt. Gen. David Berger, (foreground) then Commander MARFORPAC prior to relinquishing his command last year. To his left, with Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Norman Smith, ret. (background), as they presented a wreath before the war memorial for all battle-hardened warriors who had boots on the ground in the Battle for Iwo Jima.
Just recent, it was announced Lt. Gen. Berger had been nominated by President Trump to be the next and 38th Commandant of the Marine Corps, along with acquiring his fourth star and promotion to General when confirmation by the US Senate is complete.
(photo credit of LtGen. Berger by: L/Cpl. Brooke Deiters, USMC)
The “
Once & Always
” continuing to march the veterans agenda forward for those who proudly served. charlie-mike out.
v/R,
S/F
Chicago MARINES
George Mulvaney
773. 704. 2150
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Our latest PX item. 6% of sales support your Association.
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Marine Corps Recruit Depot Museum San Diego
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Where The Past Touches The Future
Dedicated to all who have and will commit themselves to the most honorable service. The MCRD Museum opened its doors in 1987 due to the hard work of Marine veterans, their families, and friends of the Marine Corps. Since its opening, the Museum has served the Recruit Depot/Western Recruiting Region through its misson to train recruits and provide for the continuing education of Marines, support the recruiting effort, and serve as a bridge to the civilian community.
The Museum is open to the public Monday - Saturday 8:30AM to 4PM, and admission is always free. The museum is closed on all Federal Holidays. Stop by today to learn the history of the United State Marine Corps.
Platoon Photos
- We have photos and yearbooks for MCRD San Diego graduates only.
- You must know your boot camp platoon number and the year you graduated when placing your order.
- We have platoon photos dating back to 1937(with limited quantities from 1975-1986).
- If your platoon photo isn't listed, it's because we have a limited inventory and do not have it.
- We do not have individual dress blue photos.
- All orders take between 3-5 weeks to process and ship.
- You will not be able to see your photo before it is ordered.
Graduation Books
- We have yearbooks for MCRD San Diego graduates only, from 1986 on.
- You must know your boot camp platoon number and the year you graduated when placing your order.
- If your platoon and/or year isn't listed, it's because we have a limited inventory and do not have it.
- All orders take between 3-5 weeks to process and ship.
Telephone: (619)524-4426
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An Old Marine With a New Idea
At age 87, Chester Allen, a Marine veteran of Korea, is creating a new wave of enthusiasm for golf among seniors. Allen has made the game fun again for seniors who no longer drive the ball 250 yards and who want to spend less than five hours on the course. In speeding up the game by slightly amending the traditional rules of golf, Allen has convinced golf courses to give members discounted green fees for tee times that match the time schedule of retirees. Allen calls this new movement,
Geezers Golf
.
Starting in Southern California, the fledgling company has already secured fourteen Member Courses in San Diego and Riverside County. Additional courses are being added each month. The long-range plan is to take Geezers Golf national, and perhaps international.
Currently, Geezers Golf has organized a Spring Scrambles Series, playing twice each week and alternating play among the Member Courses. Gentlemen and ladies are always welcome at these scrambles events, whether Geezers Golf members or not. As a member benefit, Geezers pay discounted green fees.
Allen knows that Marines love a challenge, so Geezers Golf has joined with the First Marine Division Association in creating an incentive for FMDA members to join Geezers Golf. Allen has authorized the FMDA members to join Geezers Golf for $50 for their first year membership, a savings of $45. In addition, for each new member, from the $50 membership fee, Geezers Golf will donate $20 to the Association. Here is the challenge. If a total of 50, or more, members of FMDA join Geezers Golf in the next ninety days, the $20 donation to the Association will be increased to $25 per new member, with no limit on the number of new members.
Your are invited to review information on Geezers Golf, special golf events, and the Rules of Geezers Golf on the company’s website:
www.geezergolf.com.
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The Semper Fi Fund is caring for veterans from all U.S. military service branches. See below for details of services provided.
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David Resnick Veterans Grant
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From:
Landon Biehl <l.biehl1@gmail.com>
Sent:
Thursday, April 11, 2019 6:32 AM
Subject:
Scholarship Competition For Veterans
Good Afternoon,
I'm reaching out in regards to the 3rd Annual David Resnick Veterans grant competition. Applications can be submitted now, until July 1, 2019. To nominate a veteran, the entrant must compose an essay that outlines the reasons why the veteran deserves a cash grant. A total of $4,000 in prizes will be awarded to veterans who are selected as the winners.
Regards,
Landon Biehl
David Resnick Veterans Grant Outreach
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To The Sound Of The Guns
by Grady Birdsong
Vietnam 1968, the Year of the Monkey... This is the little-known history of the men of 1/27, a 5th Marine Division battalion of Iwo Jima World War II fame--their seven-month story of sacrifice, camaraderie, and bravery. Compiled and authored by one of them, To The Sound Of The Guns is the journey of 1st Battalion, 27th Marines--an undermanned maneuver Battalion--in Vietnam during the Tet Offensive of 1968, their participation in the Hue City area and in Operation Allen Brook. One hundred and twelve of these men gave up all their tomorrows, their memories forever etched in Marine Corps history.
As a result of countless combat engagements, the Marines of 1/27 were awarded almost 700 Purple Hearts, rallying to their battle cry, "To the Sound of the Guns."
Grady T. Birdsong enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1966, serving two combat tours in Vietnam in 1968-1969. He is the author of
A Fortunate Passage: Two Families' Journey into the Heartland, and co-author of
The Miracle Workers of South Boulder Road: Healing the Signature Wounds of War with Colonel Bob Fischer, USMC (Ret).
"Grady Birdsong's book is a combination of well-researched operational history and a moving and deeply personal account of the author's own combat experiences in Vietnam. It is both history and story. The places, the events, and most especially, the Marines and Sailors of whom the author writes, become vividly real, transporting the reader to that distant place and time. A highly recommended addition to the record of the U.S. Marines in the Vietnam War." - Colonel Len Blasiol, USMC
BirdQuill LLC released three award winning editions available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
1. Hardcover (Case Laminate) ISBN: 97809976006836 MSRP $44.99
2. Paperback (Perfect-bound in color) ISBN: 97809976006829 MSRP $36.99
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Autopsy of an Unwinnable War: Vietnam
Casemate Publishers has just released an analytic history of the Vietnam War,
Autopsy of an Unwinnable War: Vietnam.
Autopsy
provides perspective on why neither the French, nor the United States, nor the South Vietnamese prevailed in the war. The Vietnamese struggled for independence across 2,000 years. Modern Vietnamese children thrilled to the stories of the Trung sisters of 40 AD who led a revolt against the hated Chinese, and to the tales of later men and women heroes who sometimes succeeded in ousting the foreigners. This folklore became imbedded in Vietnamese character. They would struggle and suffer any hardships for as long as it took to gain independence.
The author, Colonel (Ret) William Haponski, was commissioned in Armor. During the Vietnam War he commanded a task force varying from 800 to 2,000 men. At its core was armored cavalry. Depending on mission it also would include air cavalry, armor, infantry, mech infantry, engineers and signal units, and ARVN infantry. It was engaged in a wide range of U.S. operations--pacification, Vietnamization, anti-guerrilla and small unit engagements, air assault, and fierce day and night combat against enemy battalions and a regiment. The task force was supported by artillery and U.S. and Vietnamese air.
I am also a retired colonel, commissioned in Infantry, and I am privileged to be a contributing author. As a lieutenant colonel I commanded an airmobile infantry battalion in Vietnam.
Regards,
JERRY BURCHAM
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1st Battalion 3rd Marines
Reunion in Branson, Missouri, September 17-22, 2019. All eras welcome.
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26th Marines Association
26th Marines Association Annual Reunion. August 23, 24 and 25th, 2019 in New Orleans, La. 26’ers of all times, Iwo to current (Regiment, MEU, and supporting units) are welcome. See
www.26thMarines.com
for details. Or call Sonny at 512-825-4730 or email
sonnyusmc@gmail.com
.
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Marine Corps Recruiting Service
Reunion, September 11 - 14, 2019, Bluffton SC. This event is for any Marine who served in a Recruiting Command either Officer or Enlisted, please visit our website for more information:
Our guest speaker for our Banquet is retired General, former Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps Walter Boomer.
This will be our third annual reunion and would love to see many West Coast Marines join us.
Larry B. Risvold
Sergeant Major, USMC Retired
Organizer
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Samuel Ortiz Verdeja
Delta Company
‘69/’70
A HISTORICAL REMEMBRANCE
The 1/1 Reunion Committee has been planning a great schedule for the
October 23rd -26th
1st Battalion, 1st Marines Reunion to be held in
San Diego
. One of the highlights during the Reunion is the “Day at MCRD” where a special section for the Recruit Graduation and Parade Ceremony has been designated for the 1/1 group.
The Commanding General of Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD), Brigadier General Ryan P. Heritage has been invited to help welcome the 1/1 Vietnam Veterans, their families and invited guest, and to speak about the history and significance of MCRD as a military depot. Gunnery Sergeant John L. Canley, the 1st Battalion, 1st Marines Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient will be acknowledged and recognized for his heroic actions in Hue City during the Vietnam War. Immediately after the ceremony we will be transported to the Bayview Café for a luncheon. After the luncheon there will be plenty of FREE TIME to wander and explore MCRD Museum and other sites. The day will end with a spectacular sunset view from Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial.
We are getting a positive response and are beginning to receive registrations for the Reunion. As Board Chairman, along with the Reunion Committee Board of Directors we invite you to register ASAP, and also ask that you contact other 1/1-Marines and encourage them to register and attend the Reunion. Please visit the
1stbn1stmarinesvietnamreunion.com
website for registration form and all details regarding the 2019 Reunion.
This Reunion promises to be a Historical Remembrance for many reasons. However, I continue to be reminded that this may be the last time that some of us may go back to our beginnings as young Marine recruits. That in itself is worth attending!
Finally, an update will be posted first week of every month on the web site until reunion time. Meanwhile if you have any questions or thoughts, please let us know via the website:
1stbn1stmarinesvietnamreunion.com
Questions?
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Subject:
Pelelui Island
We revisit Pelelui on the 75th Anniversary where the Japanese were defeated by the 1st Marine Division and the 81st Army Infantry Division in September, 1944. It took over 70 days for the Japanese to be finally conquered. Even so, it wasn't until 1947 that a small contingent of Japanese soldiers would surrender when a Japanese naval officer convinced that the war was over. we will go around the island visiting such place as the Invasion Beaches, Blood Nose Ridge, and Walt Ridge. Following our tour of Pelelui, join us for a post-tour of beautiful, scenic Honolulu, Hawaii.
Semper Fidelis,
Ron Campbell, USMC (Ret)
13198 Centerpointe Way, Ste. 202
Woodbridge, VA 22193-5258
1 (703) 590-1295
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MILITARY SERVICE RECORDS, AWARDS, AND UNIT HISTORIES
(See the attached pdf file, or go to the URL at bottom here)
A New Congressional Research Service Publication on U.S. Military Service Records, Awards, and Unit Histories
The Congressional Research Service has just published a short reference document that might be of interest to many:
The guide provides information on locating military unit histories and individual service records of discharged, retired, and deceased military personnel. It also provides information on locating and replacing military awards and medals. Included is contact information for military history centers, websites for additional sources of research, and a bibliography of other publications, including related CRS reports.
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Another long Taps Report as we continue
to update the database from Social Security records.
GYSGT GLENN ARTIS USMC (Ret), 28 Apr 2011
CPL WILLIAM G BALLARD, Sep 2014
GYSGT ANDY B BASICH USMC (Ret), 15 Jun 2011
CPL LOUIS BELICZKY, 05 Jan 2011
CPL HERMAN E BLANCHARD, 10 Sep 2014
LCPL CURTIS R BROWN, 10 Aug 2011
CPL JAMES E CAHILL, 08 Feb 2011
CPL EUGENE M CLARK, 17 Apr 2014
NITA DARIANO, 22 Jan 2011
SGT MICHAEL J DENIGAN, 02 Mar 2013
MRS. MARY PATRICIA DOLAN, 07 Jan 2011
SGT DONALD R DOWNEY, 07 Dec 2011
BARBARA DULONG, Nov 2010
SGT CLYDE R EBERT, 24 Aug 2018
MRS MARY LOU FRATZKE, 06 Aug 2011
SGT MICHAEL S GAGLIANO, 25 Feb 2011
PFC LEO G GEVAN, 07 Dec 2011
CPL CLARENCE GLANDER, 02 Dec 2011
RM2 WAYNE H GOLDER, 21 Sep 2011
SGT FRANK G GRUCA, 27 Mar 2013
SGT JOHN D GUMPERT SR, 21 Mar 2013
JACK D GUNTHER, 07 Feb 2012
GYSGT NICHOLAS HARRIS, 24 Dec 2011
CPL DEAN S HAYES, 24 Apr 2012
SGT KARL H HEINEMEYER, 05 Dec 2010
LCPL JOHN H HOCKENBURY, 08 Apr 2018
SSGT CECIL H HYDE, 11 May 2015
SGT LEROY E IDE, Nov 2012
SGT CHARLES F JOHNSON, Apr 2011
CPL RICHARD D KIMPSTON, 23 Mar 2011
MRS FAYE KLINGLER, 04 May 2015
SGT DONALD K KRIEG, 27 Sep 2015
PFC RICHARD J KRUPPIAK, 24 Mar 2012
SGT MICHAEL J LAMARCH, Nov 2011
MRS NANCY LEWIS, 26 May 2015
PHM3/C JOHN M LONG JR, Mar 2013
CPL JEAN P LUSHIN, 14 Jan 2017
CPL CLAUDE C LYNCH, 08 Aug 2012
MAJ PETER G MANOS, Jan 2012
DOROTHY M MCCORMACK, Jan 2011
CPL ROBERT J MCSWEENEY, 06 Feb 2012
SGT RICHARD H MICKELSEN, 19 Oct 2010
SGT RONALD D NORRIS, 20 Jul 2012
SSGT JAMES E O'BRIEN, 04 Aug 2011
SM3 BERNARD M OGDEN, 26 Apr 2013
CPL LESLIE G OLSON, 12 Mar 2010
SGT SALVATORE J PATE, 20 Mar 2011
CPL WILLIAM F PENDERGAST, 21 Aug 2013
MRS KENNETH A PETERSON, 22 Nov 2011
SGT ELMER F PFLUG, 08 Jun 2015
1STSGT MICHAEL J PUGLIA USMC (Ret), 15 Apr 2019
CPL EDWARD C RODRIGUEZ, 07 Dec 2012
CPL JULIUS A SABO, 17 Jun 2013
CDR JOHN MALCOLM SEARLES USNR (Ret), 09 Apr 2013
PFC HAROLD A SHAW JR, 10 Oct 2011
LYNNEL SMITH, 29 Nov 2010
SSGT GENE T SNYDER, 01 Aug 2014
PFC FRANK A STRAPLE, Aug 2011
COL WILLIAM A TATE USMC (Ret), 14 Apr 2019
PFC WALTER J TRIMBACH, 15 Jan 2012
CPL MIKE D VARTANIAN, 02 Apr 2013
SSGT ARTHUR J WEISBERGER, 04 Apr 2019
SGT JAMES H WESTMORELAND, 10 May 2006
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71st Annual Reunion Challenge Coins Available
From: Steve "Doc" Lakernick
These Challenge Coins commemorating the 50th anniversary of Tet 1968 are available to members. The price is $10 per coin, plus shipping and handling.
Pictured here are front and back of the coin.
1 coin: total $7.00
2 - 5 coins: $5.00 per coin + $7.00
7 - 12 coins $5.00 per coin + $15.00
More than 12 coins ship via UPS Ground. Please call the office or write for a quote. Mailing address and phone at bottom of this page.
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Headquarters Office (760) 763-3268
President Jerry Johs Email:
geronamo0122@gmail.com
First Marine Division Association
P.O. Box 9000, Box # 902
Oceanside CA 92051
(760) 763-3268
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Thank you for reading the Blue Diamond News. Please contact us with corrections, suggestions, and content you would like to see.
Semper Fidelis
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