"You don't make progress by standing on the sidelines whimpering and complaining. You make progress by implementing ideas."
-- Shirley Chisholm
Operation Ripper
Commences 7 March 1951
The 1st, 7th, and 11th Marine Regiments advance against enemy forces at Hongcheon, Korea.
3.5 inch rocket launcher
Operation Ripper
The opening phase of Operation Ripper gave promise that the Eighth Army might reach its final ground objectives almost by default. Employing only a delaying action by small forces, the PVA/KPA line units frequently offered stubborn resistance, including local counterattacks, but more frequently opposed approaching Eighth Army forces at long range, then withdrew.

In the I Corps' zone, the 25th Infantry Division made a model crossing of the Han River before daylight on 7 March. Attacking with three regiments abreast following heavy preparatory fires on the northern bank of the river and in company with simulated crossings by other Corps' forces, the division reached the northern shore almost unopposed.

Joined quickly by tanks that forded or were ferried across the river, and helped by good close air support after daybreak, the assault battalions pushed through moderate resistance, much of it in the form of small arms, machine gun, and mortar fire and a profusion of well placed antitank and antipersonnel mines, for first-day gains of 1–2 miles (1.6–3.2 km).

In the main attack, IX Corps advanced four divisions abreast. In a wide zone at the Corps' left the 24th Division attacked through the Yongmun Mountain mass, while in narrower zones in the eastern half of the corps area the US 1st Cavalry , ROK 6th and US 1st Marine Divisions moved toward Hongcheon.

Advancing steadily against light to moderate resistance, all but the ROK 6th Infantry Division, which the cavalrymen and Marines on either side gradually pinched out, were on the Albany Line by dark on 12 March. -- from Wikipedia


Click the button below to read the 471 page report on the Korean War from the USMC History Division, source of the above photos.
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Dear Members,

Hope you are all staying healthy.

We continue planning for our 73rd Annual Reunion this coming August in Washington, D.C. With the sites and monuments of Our Nation's Capitol, and the opening of the 1st Division's Last Man of the Pacific Campaign Bottle, this will be a special gathering to remember.

Please join us at Hilton Dulles Airport hotel. The online registration is at the button in the From the Headquarters section below.

Our April Board and Committee Meetings are set for April 23-26, at the same hotel. The schedule as of now:

23 April - Arrive, check-in
24 April - Doc Lakernick burial at Arlington National Cemetery 3:00PM
25 April - Meetings 7:30AM - 6:00PM, Meal tasting 6:00PM to 9:00PM
26 April - Checkout, depart


Please, officers and directors, make an effort to attend the meetings. We need quorums present to get important Association business done. We are there an extra day this year to recon the area, and to honor Doc. One could cut expenses by just making the meeting day.

Now, wash your hands.

Semper Fi,

Jerry Johs 
FMDA President 

DJC
From Headquarters
Come join us for our 73rd Annual Reunion in Washington, D.C. We meet 14-23 August at the Hilton Dulles Airport Hotel in Herndon, Virginia. Activities are in the planning stage. We are exploring visits to:

-- National Museum of the Marine Corps
-- Vietnam Memorial Wall for our memorial service
-- Iwo Jima Memorial
-- World War II Memorial
-- Korean War Memorial
-- Friday Evening Parade at 8th & I

Please let us know of any other sites you would want considered. We are looking into having a bus available to shuttle from the hotel into downtown D.C.

This year's banquet will see the opening of the 1st Division's Last Man Bottle.

Room rates are $127.68 per night (tax included).
Reservations may be cancelled until 1 August.

Click the button below to reserve your room or to check out the hotel.
Check out the sites of the Capital with the second button.

Developing details of the itinerary will printed in upcoming editions of the Blue Diamond News.

You can keep current on the Association events at our website:
Chapters
Desert Cities / Mitchell Paige MOH Chapter
shares their March Newsletter
From the Oregon / Columbia River Chapter,
the newsletter of the
Oregon State University
NROTC Alumni Group
Marines and friends –
 
These newsletters are always a nice way to keep abreast of some the ‘life of our OSU NROTC’, but this issue is a subject of poignant interest, as it contains news about the unit’s forthcoming transfer, after this school year, from its 68-year residency of the beloved Quonset hut to another, not-new-but-more-modern and being renovated Cascade Hall building, about 700 yards east from the Quonset hut, across from Washington Way & 17 th St. The Beaver Battalion’s time in the Quonset hut (Naval ROTC Armory) will end after completion of the 2019-2020 school year. Reason: “removal of the Quonset hut is necessary for the expansion of SW Washington Way”.

Last spring, funding was approved for the Cascade Hall renovation project. That work is currently ongoing, with a target for completion in June, this year.
Obviously, Cascade Hall is more modern,...

..but, like any building, it needs to be made to take on its very necessary NROTC ‘personality’. Please refer to the attached newsletter for an overview of what’s in store. Bottom line: Funding for whatever that takes, beyond manual transfer of items both ‘germane to operation of the unit’, doesn’t exist. Consequently, it’s going to be necessary to raise whatever funds are necessary to get it to aesthetically take on the personality of Beaver Battalion operation. To that end, please read on page 11 of the attachment, “ Help Us Add Navy and Marine Corps Tradition to the New Beaver Battalion Home”,  by Stan Smith—Alumni Group Coordinator—OSU NROTC Class of ‘72, USMC. I assume the troops and Alumni Group are currently in the process of putting a plan together, including cost estimates to make that happen and make the ‘move’ as smooth as possible. Although leaving the Quonset hut may be nostalgic for some, particularly ‘old salts’, this move is an opportunity for smart minds, fresh ideas and good planning to create an amazing new facility!

--Gary Brannan
Morning Colors
Received from the Division last week:

Good Afternoon Lady and Gentlemen, et al
         You are cordially invited to attend the CG, 1STMARDIV Morning Colors ceremony on Thursday, 5 March 2020 at 0800 in front of the Division Command Post, building 1133. This ceremony will recognize deserving Marines and Sailors that have demonstrated superior and exemplary performance of their duties while serving in 1STMARDIV. The uniform will be utilities - Woodland (MARPAT) sleeves-down. Lady and Gentlemen, et al I ask that everyone make a concerted effort to be present for this prestigious occasion. I look forward to seeing everyone at the ceremony.

Respectfully Submitted,
T. C. Whitcomb
Sergeant Major, USMC
1st Marine Division   
Commanding General of 1st Division, MGen Robert F. Castellvi presented Achievement Awards to Corpsmen Owusu, Alvarado, and Seymour.

HM2 Norbert Osuwu, left, was named Sailor of the Quarter. He accompanied our members on the bus tours of Camp Pendleton during this past January's 79th Anniversary Commemoration.
Scholarship
Scholarship Date Announced

Attention Scholarship applicants and awardees:

Applications for school year 2021 scholarships will be accepted on or after 1 March 2020 .

Current awardees are reminded to submit proof of attendance for fall semester 2020.
Health
Portland VA Medical Center Update
EMERGENCY NOTIFICATIONS
 
02/29/2020 08:05 PM EST
 
All VA Portland Health Care System clinics and operations are operating normally*.

VA outpatient facilities are closed during Federal Holidays.
For latest Novel Coronavirus update, please see details below**. 
*Due to increased influenza activity at VAPORHCS and in the greater Portland area, visitor restrictions are in effect until further notice at VAPORHCS facilities.
These include:
  • Stay home at the first sign of illness.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, throw the tissue in the trash and do hand hygiene.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
  • Avoid unnecessary contact with people who have symptoms of respiratory illness.

  • We will update this information as we learn more about the situation.

**Flu symptoms may include:
- fever or feeling feverish/chills.
- cough.
- sore throat.
- runny or stuffy nose.
- muscle or body aches.
- headaches.
- fatigue (tiredness)
- some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults
**Novel Coronavirus Update - as of February 29, 2020

VA Portland Health Care System is closely following and responding to the outbreak of COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus). 

We are aware of a presumed positive case in the Portland metro area. 

We are in close contact with our Public Health partners, who are working to identify and contact all persons exposed to this case. 

Public health is currently NOT recommending COVID-19 testing for people without symptoms.

Seeking medical care:
If you would not otherwise seek medical care for a respiratory illness (cold), this is not a reason to seek care now. Please take care of mild symptoms at home to avoid exposing others.
If you have more severe symptoms like difficulty breathing or inability to stay hydrated, call your medical provider to discuss symptoms and any possible exposure to a known COVID-19 case. If you do need to be seen, a plan can be made to avoid exposing others and limit spread in the community. 
Please use MyHealtheVet or call 503-220-8262, option 2 to relay a message to your Primary or Specialty Care team or to make change or cancel an appointment. 

Remember to practice these routine actions that help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including COVID-19. These include:
  • Stay home at the first sign of illness.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, throw the tissue in the trash and do hand hygiene.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
  • Avoid unnecessary contact with people who have symptoms of respiratory illness.
We will update this information as we learn more about the situation.

For more information about COVID-19 / Novel Coronavirus,
If you have any questions about your appointment,
please contact your provider; 503-220-8262, option 2 to make change or cancel an appointment or relay a message to your Primary or Specialty Care team.

The VAPORHCS Alert Line provides up-to-date information on the operating status of the VAPORHCS' 12 sites of care.
Call 24/7 for a recorded message at (503) 721-1458 or (503) 220-8262 ext. 51458, Outside Portland Area (800) 949-1004 ext. 51458.
You can also get updates on Facebook www.facebook.com/vaportland or on Twitter www.twitter.com/vaportland .
If you would like to receive automated updates via email, please sign up with your email address on the main VAPORHCS web page under "CONNECT WITH VA PORTLAND HEALTH CARE SYSTEM."
Iwo Jima Association of America
Reunions & Symposium


Iwo Jima Association of America
Reunion of Honor
March 23 - 29
Iwo Jima and Guam
From Iwo Jima Association of America website.
OUR MISSION

The Iwo Jima Association of America (IJAA) is dedicated to preserving and perpetuating the history of the Battle of Iwo Jima for future generations. Annually IJAA sponsors two educational and historical symposiums, in the Washington, DC locale and on the island of Guam. The symposium on Guam includes the “Reunion of Honor” memorial service on Iwo Jima, jointly held with the Iwo Jima Association of Japan (IJAJ). The primary purpose of these symposia is to honor those veterans on both sides who sacrificed so much, to and educate the younger generations on the history of the battle in particular, and World War II in general.

We hope you can join us for the 75th Anniversary of the Battle for Iwo Jima Commemoration in February and March 2020. More info and registration here.

We also hope you can join us as a member. Sign up here
Read more about the IJAA and our association in our Black Sands newsletters.
KA-BAR/EK
The Association receives 6% of each sale of the KA-BAR/EK
SEMPER FI FUND

The Semper Fi Fund is caring for veterans from all U.S. military service branches. See below for details of services provided.
MILITARY SERVICE RECORDS
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.

 
GENERAL FUND DONATIONS
USAA
New Members
MAJ CHARLES A. FLEMING
Taps
We are again updating the database from Social Security records.
Recent reports are boldface.

CAPT JEREMY A. BARKANN, 7 Jul 2008
MRS ELSIE BENALLY, 11 Sep 2011
SGT ROSALIO CASARES JR, 3 May 2013
CPL AUGUSTUS P. CASASSA, 20 Feb 2004
SGT SAM E. CASE, 12 Jun 2015
SHARON CASE, 10 Dec 2018
JOHN J. CASEY, 10 Aug 2018
CPL JOSEPH RICHARD CASH, 23 Mar 2010
CPL J. T. CASLER, 7 Feb 2003
SGT DAN W. CASS, 10 Dec 2011
SGTMAJ ELBERT L. CASSELL, 15 Jul 2006
HM3 MICHAEL K. CASSIDY, 17 Jan 2015
SSGT AL CASTILLO, 7 Sep 2019
SGT ANTONIO P. CASTILLO JR, 2 Feb 2000
PHM2 JACK C. CASTROGIOVANNI MD, JD, FCLM, 23 Jul 2018
PVT PATRICK PETER CASTRONOVO, 8 May 2006
ARCHIE CATAVOLOS, 31 Mar 2011
CHARLES STUART CATRON, 2 Oct 2019
PFC RICHARD A. CAULLEY, 2 May 2019
CPL MILES A. CAUSEY, 30 Jan 2017
JOHN F. CAWLEY, 24 Feb 1998
PFC CARMELO T. CEDRONE, 12 Jun 2008
CPL MICHAEL J. CERASE, 12 Dec 2013
SGT JAMES D. CHALLENGER, 13 Aug 2008
SGT RICHARD L. CHAMPAGNE, 26 Dec 2019
CAPT E. E. CHAMPION, 17 Feb 1980
PHM2 JAMES L. CHANEY, 14 May 2010
CPL FRANK A. CHAPIEWSKI, 13 Feb 2013
LTCOL CHARLES T. CHAPMAN, 9 Feb 2011
CPL KENNETH C. CHAPMAN, 26 Apr 2015
ROBERT J. CHAPMAN, 4 May 2008
SGT FRANK CHAPPELL JR, 26 Jan 2013
SGT JOHN T. CHASE, 9 Dec 2014
CPL LARRY W. CHATHAM, 3 May 2008
PFC ELISEO CHAVEZ, 31 May 2010
LCPL STEVE S. CHAVEZ, 20 Apr 2008
CPL HARVEY E. CHERNIK, 8 Feb 2013
CPL WILLIAM J. CHESSLER, 8 Sep 2007
PFC ROBERT W. CHESTER SR, 27 Oct 2018
SGT EUGENE J. CHRISTENSON, 12 Nov 2002
SGT HILTON P. CHRISTIE, 17 Feb 2005
PLTSGT HARGUS P. CHURCH, 10 Jan 2014
CPL RUSSELL W. CHURCH, 20 Sep 2008
CPL ROBERT G. CHURN, 19 Mar 2009
PFC PETER M. CINQUEGRANI, 29 Jul 2015
JOANNE CIOFFI, 14 Dec 2009
SGT RICHARD D. CLABO, 9 Oct 2014
MRS VERA CLAIR, 12 Feb 2017
CPL BILLY W. CLARK, 12 Dec 2004
CPL JAMES H. DOWNS, 13 Aug 1999
SSGT THOMAS P. GILLESPIE, 16 Mar 2015
CPL ORVAL J. HILL, 11 Apr 2017
CPL GEORGE KRAUSS, 7 Nov 2017
PVT W. D. LAFLEUR, 19 Feb 2015
SGT WILLIAM J. LESKO, 13 Mar 2008
CPL ELUTERO C. LOPEZ JR, 14 Sep 2017
SGT JASON D. LOPEZ, 27 Aug 2008
1STSGT JOSEMARIA I. LOPEZ, 28 Mar 2019
SGT VERN A. PAULSON, 11 Jun 2009
NELLIE RICHARDSON, 27 Feb 2019
SSGT EVAN W. RICHMOND, 6 Jan 2017
CPL RICHARD A. RICHTER, 16 Jun 2013
COL ROBERT W. SCHONING (USMC RET), 14 Feb 2020
CPL DONALD SCHYBERG, 17 Sep 2017
SGT DAVID A. SNYDER, 21 May 2017
CPL GAIL E. TAM JR, 10 May 2019
MRS LEATHA A. WHITERIVER, 26 Jan 2017
LEO N. ZINKOSKI, 21 Jun 2014

Challenge Coin
Association's Challenge Coins Available
Contact HQ at (760)763-3268

These Challenge Coins commemorating the 50th anniversary of Tet 1968 are available to members. The price is $5 per coin, plus shipping.
 
Headquarters Office (760) 763-3268
President Jerry Johs Email: geronamo0122@gmail.com
Please visit our website: www.firstmardivassoc.com

First Marine Division Association
P.O. Box 9000, Box # 902
Oceanside CA 92051

(760) 763-3268