The Stand Alone Battalion Newsletter

95 Pages·2004·5.09 MB·German

The Stand Alone Battalion
T S A B Newsletter
he tand lone attalion

...a newsletter for the 3rd Battalion (Airborne), 506th Infantry (Currahees)
Vol II, Issue #1 Remembering a time and place as Currahees October 2004
OUR LEGACY
SECTION I
Reaffirming Our Quest
OUR LEGACY
-- Reaffirming Our Quest
-- Future Home for 506th Thousands of men served with the famed 3-506th Battalion, either as members or support
-- A Proud Screaming Eagle/506th members during its tour of duty with the 101st Airborne Division (1 April 1967 through 15 May
Fan Across The Pond
1971). These soldiers served with the battalion at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, as well as various
-- 3-506th Recon Unit--'Shadow Soldiers'
locations in the Republic of Vietnam--Phan Rang, Song Mao, Bao Loc, Phan Thiet, DaLat, Ban Me
SECTION II Thout, An Khe, Phu Bai, and Camp Eagle. Whether or not a soldier wore the Screaming Eagle
patch is not as significant as the fact that we all are Vietnam Veterans and served with the best--the
3-506th!

PREDEPLOYMENT
As stated in the very first issue of this newsletter, the primary purpose of our website and this
-- Those French Legionnaires at Phan
Thiet--Another Legionnaires Unit newsletter is to reach as many former members, support members, and families of our KIAs as
Found...The Tunisians possible and inform them about our unit, its proud history, the Vietnam Odyssey and our current
-- Do You Remember These? Associations. The families and friends of former members and support members of the 3rd
SECTION III Battalion (Airborne), 506th Infantry (Currahees), 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Screaming
Eagles) are also welcome to visit our website and subscribe to our 3-506th Newsletter.
VIETNAM DIARY
-- ..And Then They Were Gone As with the very first issue of the newsletter, this first issue of the second year will be sent out
-- Jerry's Old PIO Files to all members with and without being a paid subscriber. As veterans who served honorably with
---Currahees Get 506 on Birthday
the 3-506th Airborne Battalion and its Support Units, we would like to invite you to join us. You
---Currahees Capture Member of VC
Arrow Team will be helping us carry on a legacy that began in World War II and was carried forward at Fort
-- Psychological Warfare Leaflets of the Campbell from 1967 through the Vietnam years 1965-1971, and continues in South Korea. There
Vietnam War are no membership fees required. It is our desire to bring our former members back together, find
---...Living in the North, Died in the
the families of our KIA, honor our fallen, and bring closure to others.
South
---...(Communist Leaflet) U.S. Troops ..
--Task Force & Other Unit Stories This website and newsletter will provide information about past, present, and upcoming events,
---Captain Qualified on ARVN ---Byrd as well as personal stories, memorabilia items for sale, and much more. Check our website
Task Force Supplied by Sea -- Things We Message Board for announcements and ongoing conversation. On our Story Board, you will be
Carried ---The Screaming Eagle Wallet able to also post and read stories about our time in Vietnam. If you know of a member of the unit, a
---The Screaming Eagle Challenge Coin support unit member, or of a family member of a Currahee or Support Unit member KIA, or have
---The Currahee Lighter SECTION IV any information to share about fellow veterans, please contact me either by snail mail at the address
below, or by email. The information you provide will aid in the completion of two books that I am
POST VIETNAM currently working on and hope to have published in the near future entitled "They Called Us
-- Men of Honor - Where Did They Go? Currahees" and "My Gift To You". Visit our Currahee Gift Shop (PX) on the website to view
-- Clarksville, TN Reunion Photos and/or purchase Currahee & Screaming Eagle related items. Purchases help support our website
---Men's Group Photo ---Women's Group and much, much more. Thanks for all the support that you bring to our "Stand Alone Battalion"
Photo ---Co. B Group Photo goals. Stand Tall, Currahees!-- Jerry Berry
-- Searching For Information ---Sgt.
David Woodard (Co. C 1968/69) -- Believe Our Battalion Newsletter
It...Or Not -- Montana Purple Heart
Memorial -- First Sergeant Theron V. "Bull"
The "Stand Alone Battalion" newsletter is intended to keep our members informed on 3-506th
Gergen (Co. A/HHC 1967/68) -- Why Math
happenings, provide information, and to open windows into our military service with the
is Taught in School -- The Year's Best
battalion--Remembering a time and place as Currahees! Members will have an opportunity to see
[Actual] Headlines of 2003
photos and read articles about their battalion, some never seen before or seen since their tour of
SECTION V duty in Vietnam. For those Currahees that lost all their personal belongings or never had the means
to collect and save these things during their tour, this newsletter will fill the void left by that time in
POST SCRIPT their lives.
-- 2005 - 9th Annual 3-506th Reunion (July
28-30) in Washington DC The second year monthly issuees of 'The Stand Alone Battalion' newsletter (October 04 -
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-- The Currahee PX September 05) will provide readers with a slightly different format. There will continue to be five
-- The Currahee Bookstore
Sections--Section I - Our Legacy--Editorial & Ramblings about our battalion and our 506th
-- Battalion Aid-Station
legacy. Section II - Predeployment--Stories and information related to the days and months
-- Adopt-A-Gravesite
-- Taps leading up to the deployment of the battalion to Vietnam. Section III - Vietnam Diary-- Stories
-- Newsletter Information and information related to battalion combat operations during the Vietnam War. Section IV - Post
-- Subscriptions Vietnam--Stories and information related to Currahees after returning from Vietnam. Section V -
-- Currahee Business Cards
Post Script--Publication & Assistance Information.
-- Professional Graphic Design
-- For Your Information
The newsletter will be published monthly and a subscription fee charged (see Section VI).
-- Senior Against Bush
Members are asked to submit their recollections, photos, and articles for inclusion in the
newsletter. Be sure to click on any thumbnail photo to view it in a larger mode or blue text, which is a link to
another document.
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3-506th Recon Unit--'Shadow Soldiers'
by Bn PIO Jerry Berry
Part III of a three-part article on the 3-506th Recon Unit--'Shadow Soldiers' will appear in the
November or December Issue.

Future Home for 506th
I received the following message from Col. David L. Clark, Commander, 1-506th Inf. Reg. in Iraq:
-----Original Message-----
From: Clark, David L. COL [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Wednesday, September 29, 2004 10:36 AM
Subject: RE: Future Home for 2nd BCT, 2ID
Gentlemen,
Sorry for the delayed response. I have had trouble with this particular e-mail address which is my old one from Korea. The
hotmail account is more reliable.

The rumor is now the truth, we are bound for Fort Carson when our work is done here in Iraq. It is a nice place and most are
happy with that arrangement.

We are very busy and gainfully employed. The Currahees are up to the demanding tasks we perform everyday and are doing
well. The Pacific Stars and Stripes embedded a reporter with us for about a week and he did 4-5 articles on the battalion which
appeared in mid-Sept. You can probably find them on line. His name is Seth Robison.

Hope all of you are well, take care and I talk to you soon.

VR
DAVID L. Clark
COL, IN
CDR, 1-506 IN REGT
"STANDS ALONE"
Here is another source of information pertaining to the future home of the 1-506th. This was sent to me by Alfred May (1-506th
Korea):
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Sat 9/25/2004 11:34 PM
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Subject: Future Home for 2nd BCT, 2ID
http://www.armytimes.com/story.php?f=1-292925-371585.php

Read this............more info [rumors] as to the future home of the Currahees. This was sent to me by my son who is a
1LT stationed in Korea.

Alfred [Fred] May
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A Proud Screaming Eagle/506th Fan Across The Pond
A few days back, I received an E-mail message from Joop Aartsen in the Netherlands. He contacted me concerning
a purchase from our Currahee Gift Shop and wished to know if I would ship to him in the Netherlands. I would like
to share with all of you what transpired from Joop's initial contact. In a later note to Joop, I asked him if he would
tell us a little about himself and how he came to be associated with our 506th and 101st Airborne Division. We
have corresponded several more times. I hope you will enjoy . -- Jerry in Montana
[First Contact]

To: [email protected]
Subject: Request to order items from the 506 PIR shop
To: 506 PIR Currahee PX

From my US friend, veteran of the 506 PIR, 2nd Bat/F Co, William Merit II
True, (sgt), who lives in 182 Sea Spray Way, Port Hueneme CA 93041, I got
some years ago two 506 PIR Currahee label pins and the jacket Patch. [Photo
on right is Bill and Jane True, Donna and Jerry Berry at 2002 6th Annual
3-506th Reunion in Reno, NV.

To day, a US veteran from the 506, being in the Reunion torch parade at Eindhoven /Netherlands on
behalf of the 60th liberation by the 101st Abn Div (AA) 1942-1945, lost his cap and so his pins and
patch. I gave him mine which I received from my friend Bill True. I dit it with proud. No worry about
that.

My question to you as certified member of the Screaming Eagle Team with para- and abn wing (us
cert):
Is it possible to buy by my (Dutch) Visa Card the next items:
a) two 506th Infantry (Airborne) Currahee label pin ($5,00 each)
b) one 506th Infantry (Airborne) Currahee Patch for my jacket $10,00
c) Send costs...???

My address: Mr. Joop Aartsen, Creuselaan 30, 5627 VC Eindhoven/ Netherlands.
Email: [email protected]

Thank you in advance for your answer.
Friendliest regards,

Joop Aartsen.
To Jerry Berry Currahee Organization Thread: Selection for PX Shop Reference: your email from 19th sept 04
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03:00 hrs.
Thank you for your message. I hove followed your instructions just before sending you this email. I used the PX
shop link in your website. I hope I did all good. Please will you check it for me en gave me message if my shopping
was ok.
Next month October the 506 PIR E Co will organize a reunion. An airborne friend of me, Antonio Garcia , 3215
Fleetwood Dr, San Bruno CA 92106 was not at the reunion in Eindhoven/Netherlands during the 60th anniversary
of the liberation of Eindhoven. It is said he and his wife were not in good condition. If he is at the reunion from the
E Co please will be so friendly to send him the best wishes from me and my wife and Gott may bless him and wife
and even all his friends.
Airborne All the Way,
Joop Aartsen.
To: Jerry Berry, Currahee Organization.
Dear Airborne Jerry,
During the reunion in 1984 on behalf of the 40th Anniversary of the liberation of Eindhoven I organized as
chairman from the parachutists commission for the Dutch Airborne friends a Commemorate Jump for a group of
veterans, jumping on the historical drop zone at Son. Among the vets who jumped was Bill True, Antonia Garcia,
Oscar Mendoza and others. On the way to Bastogne with Bill True we visited the US Cemetery at Margraten in the
southern part of my country.
Bill True and his friend led flowers on the grave from a friend of Bill True. See the details from this parachutist.
Details: PFC Armand R. Beauchamp 101st US Abn Div (AA)/506PIR/ 2nd Bat/F Co/ 3rd Pln New Mexico. Killed
7th October 1944. Killed in action on the Isle between the villages Heteren and Opheusden. An area between the
rivers Nederrijn and Waal, west from the Hell's Highway Nijmegen- Arnhem (now is called A50) This parachutist
was a closed friend of my airborne friend Bill True from the first beginning of training in Toccoa (See the book
from Bill True : The Cow spook French, page 109, right column). Several times during US Memorial Day we
visited his grave within the frame of the ceremonies at Margraten cemetery .So last month of May.
On this way we try to replace the tribute from Bill to his friend. But we do not anything from this soldier only that
he come from New Mexico. Who was he? What would show his picture to us? And so on. Does his family still alife
and were the already on tour in my country? Question:
Is it possible that you are able to collect some information and a picture from this parachutist? It would be great!
Thank you in advance.
Friendliest regards, Airborne All the way, Joop Aartsen WOI Ret. (Tank) Regiment Husars van Sytzama.

To: Jerry Berry, Currahee Organization 506PIR
Dear Airborne friend,
Last Saturday the 18th September 04 it was 60 years ago that parachutists from the US 101st Airborne Division
(AA) /506 PIR/2nd Bat my city of Eindhoven has liberated. There were about sixty veterans to be in the party on
tour. The Dutch Abn Friends, the US 101st Abn Div Assn and the community of Eindhoven has led a wreath within
a ceremony. There were also a great group of inhabitants of Eindhoven. Flowers were served. The monument was
filled up with a plaque on which are mentioned the parachutists which were killed in action in Eindhoven to
liberate the city. I think it is a good Idea to send you:
a) the Mayor's speech at the unveiling of the plaque at the Abn monument
b) a picture from the Abn monument
c) a picture from the plaque
Perhaps you have the possibility to publish
this. This proves that the inhabitants of
Eindhoven does not forget our veterans. I
hope I do you a pleasure with this message.
Airborne All the Way,
Remember to click on the thumbnails to
enlarge! Joop Aartsen Member of the Screaming Eagle Team AA. US Parachutist Padge US Abn Padge Dutch
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Parachutist Padge
Mayor Sakker’s speech at the unveiling of the plaque at the Airborne-monument
Saturday Afternoon 18 September 2004
Achtergrond-informatie: Aanwezig zijn ca. 40 oud-strijders van toen, nu samen met hun
vrouwen , kinderen en kleinkinderen. Ook leden van vereniging waarin de veteranen
verenigd zijn. Hun president Johnny Velasquez en oud-presidenten Richard Schönberger
en Kenneth Roach. Reisleider en organisator is Willis Rohr.
Friends of Eindhoven,
It is with great pleasure that I am able to address you, our liberators and your families.
Today is an auspicious day. Exactly 60 years ago today, you and your colleagues of the
101 (spreek uit : one-o-one) Airborne Division, liberated Eindhoven from German
occupation. This brought an end to the terrible four and a half years of war. A time of much
loss and sorrow, which came to an end on the 18th of September. Our people were full of
joy and gratitude. And we are still deeply grateful for your effort and courage
We will never forget what you have done for the freedom of Eindhoven. Every year we
celebrate our freedom anew and remember the victims of the war. We also bring to mind
the victims of current wars, among them your colleagues of the current 101 Airborne
division, now in action in Iraq.
Today, from this very spot at the Airborne monument, we commemorate the 23 American
liberators who died here. They gave their lives for our freedom. We want to always
remember them with thanks and respect and that is why today we are unveiling a plaque
inscribed with their names.
(Eventueel/optional):
I now invite you to join me in one minute of silence to remember those who died here 60
years ago.
Freedom and peace must be treasured. And the same goes for our friendship. I would like
to express the wish that our friendship continue for a long, long time.
Thank you.

To: Mr Jerry Berry
Currahee Organization USA
Eindhoven, 25th September 2004
Dear Mr. Jerry Berry
Subject : Who has contacting you on the internet site currahee.org and by email
Reference : Your e-mal from 23rd Sept 04
In your email you ask me to tell a little about myself, which age I have, when I have joined the army in WWII ,how i
decided to get into the airborne and in what operations/combat I participated?
First of all I think you went on the wrong path in your mind who of hell is that guy who is emailing me.
It is not on my way to present me on a table to unknown people but I will write you therefore a letter as attachment
to an email. in which I will
introduce myself and to answer your questions too. So let's go.......
In the middle of 1942 I was born in the town of Heerlen in de South of the Netherlands. A town which was two and
a half year later marshalling area for the Us Old Hickory Division (Hell on Wheels) who were preparing to enter
into the Ruhr area of Germany on the way to Cologne and the river Rhein. On later age as the US militaire
cemetery at Margraten yust was opened we visited with our school the graves of the US soldiers. This was very
impressed for me. So many white crosses and so many graves. Hardly to understand!
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On the age 19 I had to replay for my military duty service and I was called to the the Dutch seaplane carrier HMS
Doorman who has to go on action to New Guinea on behalf of the coming up occupation by Indonesia.
My mathematic teacher - an old Korea (sniper) fighter advised me to go to the Dutch Army as a volunteer to fore
come my service on that carrier!
On the 1st of September 1961 I joined in the Dutch Army, started at the NCO school to follow the training for the
tank platoon commander.
We were trained very had by Sgt Majors who had fought in WWII, Indonesia and Korea. I can tell you that I have
damned that fellows.
That training was a kind training like Toccoa camp! At the day that Kennedy was killed - I cannot forget this - I
became my sgt insignia and certificate. I followed several trainings and courses during my career. Very special for
me was my successful parachute training in June 1989 I got the Dutch parachute padge. Later in this letter more
about this aspect!
My last job was in the HQ Multinational Division Central Airmobile in Mönchengladbach/ Germany.
After 36 years of service in a diverse of functions and places I was retired in the rank of WOI.(010697)
During my career, I have several times packed my equipment to go on active combat action but every time - I did
never volunteering - I was not elected at the end and not send out. Luck for my family!
How became I in contact with the Screaming Eagles and how came it to do parachutist jumps
In 1980 the CO of that time was the chairman of the historical group Keep them Rolling. A group of men who has
hobby on US jeeps, trucks, halftracks, etc (re-enactment) and who has connections with the Dutch Airborne friends
and the US 101st Abn Div Assn.
In Sept 1980, my CO invited me, as chairman from Keep them Rolling , to a party (on behalf of an reunion of the
101st Abn Div Assn). During this party I met some US veterans from the US 101st Abn Div. In 1982 I got a big
letter from some of these veterans with a request to help them to organize a commemorate parachutist jump in the
Netherlands during the 40th anniversary of the liberation of Eindhoven. (in principle it has the intention to do so in
the Normandy but the plans failed). I made a plan de campagne, went on organizing, meetings were keep, etc. etc.
Two years of working in my free time after doing my job were the result. But.... on the 18th of Sept 1984 a great
group of veterans of the US 101st Abn Div (AA) 1944 were dropped above the historical DZ at Son followed by a
wreath laying in present of the color guard, the US Army chief of Staff, the Div CG and much other US and Dutch
authorities. During this activities I met the US veterans William True, Oscar Medozza, Richard Mandich, Troy
Decker, Kelly Stumpus, Cliff Reigle, Tomas Morrison, Antonio Garcia, William Galbraight, William Priest and
some others with which I have still contact now.
Plans were made to organize a commemorate jump again in 1989. On behalf of this plans I followed I parachute
course, got the Dutch parachutist padge and made also some military jumps. For the second time I was elected as
chairman of the parachutist commission to prepare the commemorate jump at Son in Sept 1989. This event took
place with great success.. During the prop blast diner followed after the jump the Chief.of Staff US Army **** Gen
J.A. Wickham awarded me with the US parachutist Padge. The CG of the 101st Abn Div , MGen J.H.Binford Peay
III awarded me with the abn Padge for my activities done for his division and their veterans. I was proud on that
Padge you may believe!
The third and last commemorate jump on DZ Son I organized in September 1994. On recommendation of the
veterans of the California chapter and its chairman Ant Garcia the CG of the 101st Abn Div, MGen J.M Keane
awarded me with the red beret and appointed me to Member of the Screaming Eagle team. From him personal I
got the division coin with my engraved name in it.
Now you know why I am a friend of some Screaming Eagle veterans who consider me as their Dutch Airborne
friend. That all makes that above mentioned airborne have a special place in my hart.
What decision took my interests to the 506 PIR?
First of all this regiment liberated the city of Eindhoven in which I live.
Second I got the book Band of Brothers from Ant. Garcia signet by him as member of the E Co. He re-jumped twice
above his DZ at Son!
Third I bought the CD from film band of brothers. In book and fil my town and area is combat area for the E and F
Co 506PIR.
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Forth I have special contact with William True and his family since 1984.
Fifth I bought William True, s book, signet by him, The cow spoke French.
Have I tell you more about my ................for the Currahees.....?
To complete this overview. I married in 1965 the daughter of a butcher My father in law was WWII veteran and
has fought against the Germans. His family was evacuated because their village became in the frontline and was
bombed.
I have two sons and three grandchildren.
My hobby: Sports cars, film/pictures, dachshunds, caravanning, Screaming Eagles (see above)
I will send you a picture, the last made in cavalry uniform just before my retirement. Even a picture in my jumpsuit
just before I lost my jump status (medical attest).
Please, do me a pleasure don't write this history in your monthly newsletter because I am a simple guy who only
wants to help my Airborne friends as far as I can do. If you wants to know how my airborne friends are thinking
about me......simple.... ask them!
Thank you for your picture and the "rainbow" .Seems to be a peaceful place!
Now I think it is your turn for a short story!
Friendliest regards and.........hear from you and.................if you still write a short story.......send me a copy!
Joop Aartsen in his Cavalry uniform

<
Joop in his jump suit
Remember to click on the thumbnails to enlarge! Airborne All
the Way, Joop Aartsen. Mr J.A.P.Aartsen, Creuselaan 30, 5627
VC Eindhoven. The Netherlands Tfn :0031-40-2619684 E-mail: [email protected]
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END OF SECTION I
S II
ECTION

PREDEPLOYMENT & PRE VIETNAM
ISSUE #1 ...Remembering a time and place as Currahees October 2004
“Those French Legionnaires at Phan Thiet”Another

Legionnaire Unit Found...The Tunisians
The following is a
continuing series of articles on military units that occupied LZ Betty or that operated at Phan Thiet
and Binh Thuan Province, South Vietnam prior to the U.S. Military involvement in Vietnam. What
military units occupied LZ Betty? Who built the concrete bunkers and buildings at LZ Betty? Who
constructed the airstrip there? These are a few of the questions that I am seeking answers to. Thanks
to Lt. Terry Weaver (Plt. Ldr. Co. B 1968), we are getting answers. Additional information on this
subject can be found in previous issues of the Newsletter. The following article was copied from the
website: http://members.lycos.co.uk/Indochine/index.html#top
The Tunisians
http://members.lycos.co.uk/Indochine/
The French holdings in North Africa provided one of the main sources of manpower for the CEFEO.
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In July 1953, there were 30,000 North Africans serving in Indochina, as static garrisons, parts of the
Groupes Mobile (GMs) or other mobile duties. The Tirailleurs (Riflemen), Goumiers (Moroccan
Irregular Infantry) and Spahis (Cavalry) from Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia, served throughout the
war in many roles. The other North African units (i.e. the Colonial infantry and artillery) are not
included here, but will be covered elsewhere.
Tirailleurs (Riflemen)
Equipped and organized similarly to their Algerian and Moroccan compatriots (although the red
chéchia was worn on parade), there were three March Battalions of Tirailleurs Tunisiens (Tunisian
Rifles) sent to fight in the Indochina War. All were from the 4e RTT (4th Tunisian Rifle Regiment).
Interestingly, the 3rd Battalion arrived before the 2nd!
Notes
After several weeks in
Unit Dates of Service Cochinchina, sent to
Annam to occupy Binh
BM/4e RIT 01/05/47 - 11/08/49
Thuan province, near to
Phan Thiet, to guard RC1
(the "Mandarin Road").

Relieved the 10e BTM
(Moroccan) and operated
initially in Cochinchina
(05-12/50), then Tonkin
(01-05/51) before being
2e BM/4e RTT 30/04/50 - 15/03/55
transferred to Annam,
where they served in Hué,
Quang Tri, Tourane (Da
Nang), Nha Trang, and
Phan Thiet.
Much of the above information comes from various excellent articles in Militaria Magazine, by
Jacques Sicard.
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DO YOU REMEMBER THESE?

Do you remember seeing How about this particular
this particular calling card calling card used in
in Vietnam? Vietnam?

Here's another version of
the 'Spade' calling card
used in Vietnam. Anyone interested in purchasing one of these cards
can do so soon from the Currahee PX/Gift Shop.
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END OF SECTION II
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S III
ECTION
VIETNAM DIARY
ISSUE #1 ...Remembering a time and place as Currahees October 2004
Remember to click any thumbnail or blue text
..And Then They Were Gone
.
Beginning with the May 04 issue, a new category--"And Then They Were Gone"--appeared in Section III of the 3-506th Newsletter. As most
of you know, I am currently working on a book about each Currahee from the 3-506th who died in Vietnam. The title of the book is "My Gift
To You". I selected this particular title to demonstrate that the ultimate sacrifice each of our fallen Currahees made was a gift to all of us
Americans, and for the basic principle of our country--Freedom. Their sacrifice was an unselfish gift to us.
As the former battalion combat photographer and present unit historian, I have photographs of many of our KIAs. Some will appear in the
KIA book, and I will publish some of these here and in future newsletters. I invite subscribers to submit their recollections of our fallen
Currahees. If you have a photo of any Currahee who died in Vietnam, please send a copy to me for our unit archives.

SP4 Donald Fisher Marshall II (Co. A), 120, a native of Honolulu, Hawaii. SP4 Marshall was killed in action on
February 19, 1968, during the infamous Communist Tet Offensive in the Battle at Ca Ty River, Phan Thiet in Binh
Thuan Province, II Corps.

Sgt. Lawrence Neil De Boer (Co. B), 25, a native of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Sgt. De Boer,
along with seven other Currahees, was killed in action in Cambodia during Operation Binh
Tay I. Twenty-eight others were wounded in the same battle.

Corporal William John Flint, (D Btry, 2-320th Arty), 19, a native of
Lynn, Mass. Cpl. Flint was killed in action on September 1, 1968
during an enemy mortar attack on FSB Bartlett, Binh Thuan Province,
II Corps, South Vietnam.

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Our Combat Wounded...Their Road To Recovery
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It is unknown at this time just how many members of the 3-506th were wounded during the battalion
tour of duty in Vietnam. It is speculated that it may have been as high as 70-75 percent. As more and
more former members are located, the closer we get to answering this question. Beginning in this issue
of the Newsletter, I will include this section--The Purple Heart--depicting one or more of our former
Currahees who were wounded and the story behind their road to recovery. In other words, what
happened to them when they were wounded, where, and their journey to recovery after leaving our
battalion. There are many stories to be told by those who paid a great price for their service to our
country. If you have wondered what happened to a buddy or former member of the battalion after they
were wounded, I hope you will find some answers here. - Jerry in Montana
SP4 Dan Malcolm Linn, 24-year-old rifleman, Company C, a native of Dallas, Texas. SP4 Dan Linn arrived
at the 90th Replacement Company at Long Binh near Saigon on November 11, 1969. After completing P-training, he
received orders for the 101st Airborne Division and was sent north to Phan Thiet to join the 3-506. Photo: SP4 Linn
on top of bunker at FSB Chu Kuk in early December 1969.
Upon his arrival at LZ Betty, Dan was assigned to Company C on November 25,1969. As November 1969 began, TF
3-506 was wrapping up its search and destroy operations in the Southern Free Strike Zone in preparation for a move to
Ban Me Thuot in Darlac Province. On November 5, the “Bastard Battalion” moved operations north to Fire Support
Base Chu Kuk near Ban Me Thuot. Task Force 3-506 became OPCON to the 23rd ARVN Division to begin Phase I of Operation ROAD
RUNNER to secure the valuable supply link, Highway QL-21 east of Ban Me Thuot. A Battalion Forward Liaison was maintained at Ban Me
Thuot, and the Battalion Forward CP was located at Fire Support Base CHU KUK.
After joining Company C and collecting his field gear, he was airlifted with other replacements to the Battalion Forward Base Camp at FSB
Chu KUK. Here, he joined TF 3-506, still involved in Operation ROAD RUNNER, but now OPCON to the 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division
and conducting Phase II of the road clearing and security operations along Highway QL-21.
On December 23, 1969, TF 3-506 became OPCON to the 173rd Airborne Brigade and began a new mission conducting combat operations in
support of Operation WASHINGTON GREEN, which was a pacification operation in the An Lao Valley of Binh Dinh Province in northern II
Corps. Dan and his platoon spent time at and around FSB Chu Kuk, LZ Uplift, LZ English, and FSB Abby as Operation WASHINGTON
GREEN moved from December into January 1970.
The New Year marked the beginning of the “Bastard Battalion’s” third year in South Vietnam and its twenty-seventh month of active combat.
On January 11, 1970, Dan’s platoon made a combat assault early in the day near FSB Challenge in Binh Dinh Province. Their LZ was west of
the Crow’s Foot Area and the 506 Valley in the Vinh Thanh Mountains. According to Dan, the unit was moving through triple canopy jungle
as darkness began to fall. His squad suddenly found themselves in an area full of punji stakes. SP4 Linn walked into one of the deadly enemy
weapons, and its sharp point entered one side of his leg and exited the other side. Linn’s squad leader was the first one to get to him and
immediately began administering first-aid to the wounded Currahee. A dust-off was requested for SP4 Linn, but since the unit was nowhere
near an adequate LZ, they couldn’t get a medevac in until the next morning.
By 9:00 a.m. the following morning, the Currahees had blown down trees with C4 explosives and managed to clear a small LZ to
accommodate the medevac chopper. SP4 Linn was medevaced to the Aid Station at LZ Uplift and from there went to the 67th Evacuation
Hospital at Qui Nhon. After five days at the 67th Evac, he was flown to Cam Ranh Bay Evac Hospital. He spent three days there before being
taken to the 106th General Hospital in Yokohama, Japan. From Japan, Linn was flown to Darnall Army Hospital, Fort Hood, Texas, where he
remained until April 20, 1970.
Upon his discharge from U.S. Army Darnall Hospital, SP4 Linn acquired a 71B MOS (Clerk) assignment with the 4th U>S> Army,
Headquarters III Corps, Medical Company. He was promoted to the rank of E5 in September, 1970 and left the military service on May 7,
1971. As a civilian, Linn was employed as a State Tax Auditor for the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts in Dallas, Texas. He later
served as an Assistant State Comptroller in Austin, Texas and as the Regional Audit Director for the Dallas region.
Dan retired in 2002 after thirty years of service for the State of Texas, but he continues to work for the State Comptroller as a management
consultant. “My work is pretty much my hobby,” says Dan, “and requires a great deal of travel which I like, but I do spend a lot of time with
my grandchildren and with activities involving my high school alumni.” Dan and his wife, Mary Jane, have two grown sons—ages 37 and
34—and two grandchildren—ages 7 and 4. You can contact Linn at: [email protected].
Dan Linn’s reflections on his Vietnam experience. . . . .
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