Our Fallen – Page 4 – USMC TBS 1-68 / Alpha Company

Gibson, Carl Reed (Carl), 2nd Platoon

On October 12, 1969 / 2ndplatoon, Biographies, Our Fallen

31 May 1945 – 30 April 1968
Univ of VA Confederate Cemetery, VA 22903

Carl Reed Gibson was KIA on 30 Apr 1968 in the Battle of Dai Do.

Second Lieutenant Carl Reed Gibson was born on 31 May 1945 in Washington D.C. to Dr. and Mrs. Robert Carl Gibson. Dr. Gibson was Director of Instruction in the Albemarle County School System in the late 50’s and early 60’s and was head of the Department of Education at George Mason College in Fairfax. Carl graduated from Radford High School in 1963 and entered the University of Virginia where he was a member of the soccer team, circulation manager of the Cavalier Daily newspaper, and on the Dean’s List. He was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity, majored in Foreign Affairs, and attended UVa on a Navy ROTC Scholarship. When he graduated in 1967 he was commander of the Navy ROTC Drill Team and the Drum and Bugle Corps, which he was credited with organizing and training according to Major M. E. Morris, the 1967 Marine Officer Instructor at UVa. Gibson was rated the top man in the battalion in ability and performance, and at his commissioning ceremony on 3 June 1967 he was presented a special leadership award – a Marine Officer’s Sword – in “recognition of his demonstrated outstanding leadership abilities and his many contributions which helped foster esprit de corps in the midshipman battalion.”

After graduation 2Lt Gibson was sent to The Basic School at Quantico, VA and later to Artillery Officers School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Carl married Sallie Anne Guerrant of Charlottesville on March 12 1968. She was a second year student at Mary Baldwin College in Staunton.

Carl arrived in Vietnam on 18 April 1968 and was a 0801 artillery Forward Observer with the 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, Third Marine Division, III Marine Amphibious Force. He served in support of BLT (Battalion Landing Team) 2/4. “The Battle of Dai Do was known as Tet II and involved three Regiments/major elements of the 320th NVA Division which was trying to overrun the major supply bases at Dong Ha and Quang Tri. Success would have undermined the entire DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) defenses” according to the Commanding Officer of BLT 2/4, then Lt. Col William Weise. “Second Lieutenant Gibson participated and died in the Battle of Dai Do as an artillery FO providing much needed artillery fire support for the Marine infantrymen.” Carl passed away on 30 April 1968 and is buried in the UVa Confederate Cemetery on the grounds at UVa in Charlottesville.

USMC Resume:
TBS Class 1-68 Alpha Company, 2nd Platoon June-Nov 1967
Artillery Officers School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma
Vietnam 18 April 1968 – 30 April 1968, 0801 artillery Forward Observer
3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, Third Marine Division, III MAF
Awarded the Purple Heart.

Personal Reflections about Carl Gibson:

From Jules Seldon: “The Magnificent Bastards – The Joint Army-Marine Defense of Dong Ha, 1968″, by Keith Nolan, 1994. This is one of the books in my library I have read many times, and it’s still available in paperback. A number of our Classmates were in the battle, and are written about or referenced in the book: Peter Acley (WIA), John Basel (WIA), Michael Cecil, and Carl Gibson (KIA).”

From Sallie Herling: “I first met Carl on a blind date when he was a student at the University of Virginia. Ever since that date, Carl and I were together. We had four years together before his death. Everything he did, he went at with great enthusiasm. His happiness was contagious and we had many great times together. We got married not long before he left for Vietnam and were expecting a baby. Even though he had to leave he looked forward to returning and seeing our child. Tragically, he was killed a few weeks after arriving in Vietnam. Our daughter, Elizabeth, never got to know him. She was raised with lots of love by my second husband, Bill Herling. Bill and I later had a daughter, Bryce. Elizabeth now has her own child, John, who reminds me so much of Carl. Bryce has two daughters so we have three wonderful grandchildren. Elizabeth and I take John back to Virginia to see Carl’s mother and his sister as often as we can. Thank you for tracking me down and inviting me to your reunion. I hope you all have a great time together!”

From Karen Brakken (sister):: “The loss still cuts so deep. I don’t even remember a time when Carl wasn’t my hero. Thanks for your efforts to find us, and for what you are doing.”

Gies, Jack (JFG), 2nd Platoon

On September 25, 1969 / 2ndplatoon, Biographies, Our Fallen

20 March 1943 – 16 May 2024

I joined Platoon Leaders Class program on advice of an acquaintance who was a PLC member with forearms of a weightlifter. He said that it was a tough outfit. Roger that. After visiting the local Marine Reserve Unit in 1962 at age 19, I stepped off a bus later that summer to drill sergeant greetings at Camp Upshur, Quantico, Va. I revisited the Quantico experience at Camp Barrett in 1964, & again in 1967 as member of 2nd Platoon, A company, TBS 1-68.

The MOS was 6701 – air intercept controller. The first duty station was MACS-1, 3rd MAW, Yuma, Az, with training assignments at Naval FATC, San Diego & 29 Palms, CA. During this assignment Janice Horvath Gies became my bride & we witnessed the birth of our first son. We have four children.

My second duty was MACS-4, 1st MAW, Da Nang, RVN. Although flown into the combat zone quickly by commercial aircraft, I returned a year later on a slow naval vessel with tracked vehicles in its hull. I didn’t mind. I disembarked a landing craft for the second time in my career (the first was Little Creek), just south of San Clemente. With possessions on the back & wet to the thigh, my second & last beach assault represented the first wave of Nixon’s pullout. We encountered no resistance. My last duty was MACG-28, 2nd MAW, Cherry Point, NC.

I graduated the University of Detroit & Gannon College with degrees in mathematics which lead to a post-USMC career as an Actuary. I worked in the financial services industry in a variety of settings including Vice President & Actuary with a large insurer, Chief Actuary at a regulatory agency, Senior Consultant with a national accounting firm, & most recently sole proprietor of my own consultancy/advisory firm. I am retired now.

Our four children (John, Ken, Elizabeth & Patrick) are ages 45 to 40 with careers spanning Senior VP Sales/Marketing with a large insurer, an Owner of a Vintage Auto Services firm, a Physician MD, & a Specialized Software Engineer. They have given us ten grandchildren, the oldest of which enters college this year. The youngest is five years old. We are blessed.

A lot happened in RVN. As someone said, it was a bloody place. In April 1969 I had recently arrived when I encountered the business end of an M-14. We anticipated fire from outside the wire, not from within. A marine was attempting to settle a score with an NCO. The perp suffered serious wounds but survived. Several NCO’s were wounded. My bunkmate was killed. A Captain, he had less than 50 days left in country. His name is on the Wall. I recovered from wounds at the Naval Hospital on Guam & returned to duty after two months.

I am very proud of service in the Corps. I don’t talk about it & prefer not to be thanked for it, but I do expect respect for it. Defending the Homeland is every citizen’s responsibility even though some of us are asked to be closer to the rampart than others. I remember the comment of the young staff sergeant at one of our schools. It must have been TBS. While surveying the platoon in a quiet moment between tasks he stated that he wished to go to where the action was & “get a fist-full of metals”. Sometimes things get lost in translation, but in this case I remember no bravado. He simply made a statement. – Perhaps realizing he revealed more than intended, he followed with the rueful note that this probably was something we (Lieutenants) did not understand. We understood. I think that vintage recruiting poster had it right. Tell It To The Marines.

Hagan, John Robert (Bob), 2nd Platoon

On March 12, 1969 / 2ndplatoon, Biographies, Our Fallen

22 August 1945 – 06 May 1969
Arlington National Cemetery, VA 22212

Major John Robert Hagan was born on August 22, 1945. His hometown was Savannah, GA. He attended Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN earning his BS in Civil Engineering in June 1967. While at Vanderbilt, John was in the NROTC program with a Marine Corps option and attended the USMC 6-week Bulldog Platoon Leaders Class (PLC) Program, between his Junior and Senior years, at MCB Quantico, VA.

Bob accepted a regular commission upon graduation from Vanderbilt University and reported to Officers Basic School Class 1-68 Alpha Company 2nd Platoon, in June 1967. Late in the course, Bob received his Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) assignment of 0301, Basic Infantry Officer and orders to report to Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, Western Pacific Ground Forces following graduation. The class graduated on 22 November 1967.

Arriving in DaNang in January 1968 his ultimate assignment was to G Company, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment (G/2/9). Finishing up his first tour in Vietnam, Bob signed up for a six month tour extension as an AO in VMO-6. On the 6 May 1969, Bob’s plane failed to return to base. A search effort was conducted to no avail. Bob was listed as MIA. On 29 March 1996 his remains were recovered and returned to US soil and interred at Arlington Nat’l Cemetery. John was posthumously awarded the Silver Star Medal for his actions in Vietnam.

USMC Resume:
TBS Class 1-68 Alpha Company, 2th Platoon June-Nov 1967
Vietnam: Jan 1968 – May 1969
Company G, 2d Battalion, 9th Marines, 3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, first tour
VMO-6, 2nd tour
Timeline: 06 May 1969 crashed – MIA; 31 March 1978 presumed dead; 29 March 1996 Remains recovered and returned to US soil; 01 Nov 1996 remains identified; remains interred at Arlington Nat’l Cemetery
Silver Star, Purple Heart

John Robert Hagen was awarded a silver star for gallantry in action during the Vietnam War.
“The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to John R. Hagan (257666152), Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 9th Marines, 3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on April 19, 1968. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Second Lieutenant Hagan upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.”

Personal Reflections about John Hagen:

From John Ames, 8 Apr 2015: “Bob [John Robert Hagen] and I ran into each other (literally) outside BOQ 711 in NAS Jacksonville, Florida on 15 July 1963. (Amazing I can remember things such as that and not remember what I did two days ago!) We were NROTC Midshipmen, Bob attending Vanderbilt University, my attending the University of Louisville. We were at NAS Jax for a week of Anti-Submarine Warfare training as part of the NROTC’s 3rd Class Midshipman Cruise to the Med. Friendship at first sight! Plus we were on the same ship DD866, The USS Cone, along with several other of our future TBS classmates, most notably Bob Newlin and Bob Packard.

We spent about two months in the Med, with great ports of call, Valencia, Marseilles, Ajaccio and Naples, before heading back across the Atlantic to Norfolk/Charleston. A fun time, (sometimes) for 18-19 year old college guys. However, the NOT-FUN-TIMES helped convince Bob and me to take the Marine Option.

During the Summer of ’65 we hooked up again in Little Creek, VA for amphib training, followed by NAS Corpus Christi for pre-flight training. Once again, we were in the same companies, and, once again, some fun and some Not-So-Fun Times.

Summer of ’66 had us at OCS Quantico. Fewer fun times, but we got through it together across the squad bay from each other in the 2nd deck of the old white barracks right next to the train tracks by the air station. Cheever bunked above Bob; Mike Evans was above me.

Bob could run forever but the ropes and pull up bars were NOT Bob’s friends. To add to the three times/day ritual of pull ups before/after chow, candidates from 1st platoon would scramble to get out of Hagan’s file, since we all had to hand in the “up” pull up position until all in the file completed the pull “up.” After Bob’s two, any more pull ups were problematical – plus the instructors, to great and often humorous delights, berated his efforts i.e. (“Hagan it looks like you’re having a baby”).

We made it to getting “released” at 0330 on 3 September ‘66. Free at last, until next June when we converged to Class 1-68, TBS!

As we all remember, Vietnam was going full blast, and we had crammed more training hours into less training days so the lieutenants could assume their duties as quickly as possible.

Bob, Al Greishaber and I were roommates, until 2 September 67 when, after Hagan’s constant badgering me to get married, I did. Bob and Bob Waller came to Louisville to be in the wedding and part of the sword arch – Bob was our best man.

He charmed every member of my wife’s South Carolinian-rooted family.

Bob was concerned that Vietnam would end before he got there, so when we graduated that Wednesday before Thanksgiving ’67, he took minimal leave before heading to Westpac.

True to form he got to 3rd Mardiv around TET ‘68 and was given a platoon in G/2/9, mainly along Highway 9, Ca Lu etc., not surprising anyone getting a Silver Star in April ‘68, and, equally not surprisingly, two Purple Hearts along the way.

For the latter he was taken out of the field and brought to Dong Ha for an administrative job, I think, at Division. He hated it and he made everyone’s life miserable until ultimately the powers that be approved his request to be an AO in a teeny O1G Bird Dog with VMO-6.

Bob enjoyed this job – I still have no idea how he fit his 6’5” body in the back of that, in essence, Piper Cub.

One special moment, 30 January 69, I was going to meet my lovely bride in Hawaii on R&R. Waiting in those long lines at Danang Airport to board the Continental jet to Honolulu, I noticed a huge red haired guy in an adjacent long line waiting to board a Pan Am jet. Sure enough, Bob Hagan, going home for his mandatory 30 day leave – he had extended his tour of duty for six months. He was not happy about this and tried not to go back to the USA, his choice of leave location. But go back he did, and in doing so met a young lady and fell in love on his way to his home in Savannah.

We hooked up in late March ’68 after his extension leave, whereupon he confided that for his first thirteen month tour, he just did his job – pretty loosely – not having a wife or girlfriend waiting on him, without familial or personal relationship pressures.

Now, in his words “Ski I ain’t gonna make it back partner – I have something I care about and want to live for.” It was one of, if not the last time I saw him (though we would chat from time to time when both of us were near comm.).

Prophetically, on 6 May 68 his observation plane was lost. I was rotating home right after that and called VMO-6 to say goodbye to Bob. The Duty officer said “There is no Lt. Hagan at this squadron,” whereupon I talked to the C.O. who confirmed Bob’s aircraft was lost and they had an intensive search underway.

Fast forward to May 2007, the lobby of the 5 Star Furama Resort in My Anh Beach, Danang, Vietnam. I had been invited to speak to Vietnamese Government & Business leaders on U.S. Chapter 11 reorganizations (my legal specialty). Seems U.S. companies were taking chapter 11 bankruptcies in the U.S. leaving Vietnamese companies holding the bag for millions of dollars. I lectured in Hanoi and Saigon, two cities I had never visited in ’68-’69.

The third lecture site was Danang. I had “visited,” Danang, it was where by unit, 5th Comm BN HQ was located between MAG-16 and China Beach. Lo and behold a 5 star resort hotel was built directly over the 5th Comm BN site. The resort’s infinity pools were where the Ops bunker was.

I noticed four Americans at breakfast and heard “Gunnery Sergeant” mentioned. Later I ran into them in the lobby, and I found they worked for JPAC trying to locate the remains of our service members lost in the war. As we chatted, I asked “Dumb question, but can you give me any word on my best man, Bob Hagan. He was reported MIA 6 May ’69.

Looking at his computer, he was shocked to see that the guy who worked in the DIG for the pilot and Bob’s remains in ’94 was one, Bob Maves, who was just coming in the lobby – Mr. Maves amazingly remembered the find – it was the first dig he commanded.

What could be the chances of running into this JPAC team, in this luxury hotel built over my 5th Comm BN HQ, and having the very gentlemen responsible for bringing Bob’s remains home ….. A miracle? I’d say so.

Bob’s remains were identified in 1996 and his internment then took place in Arlington National Cemetery, Section 37 Site 37.

So ends a “brief” synopsis of my personal reflections of my best friend, as well as best man, John Robert Hagan. Rest in peace, my friend.”

Hansen, Robert William (Bob), 3rd Platoon

On December 12, 1968 / 3rdplatoon, Biographies, Our Fallen

26 January 1944 – 4 January 2009
Arlington National Cemetery, VA 22212

Bob Hansen passed away 4 Jan 2009 at his home of a sudden heart attack.

ROBERT W. HANSEN COLONEL, USMC (Ret.) Robert W. Hansen, husband of Nancy (Eastham) Hansen; father of sons, Robert “Swede” Hansen and Alan “Alwood” Hansen, father-in-law of Kris (Barry) Hansen and Ashley (Garman) Hansen, died at home on January 4, 2009 of a sudden heart attack. Bob was a consummate family man who loved his wife, his sons, his daughters-in-law, his grandchildren, and his friends with unrelenting passion and care. Bob’s huge smile would light up the room when he was with friends and family, and nothing made him happier than spending time with and hugging his four grandchildren: Madeline, Evan, Julia, and Travis. Bob had a tender heart and inspired those around him with his encouraging words and gratitude to God for all good things. While friends and family of Bob mourn his passing, his death is anything but sad for the trout of Northern Maryland and pesky squirrels impertinent enough to attempt to pilfer Nancy’s bird seed. Bob was born in Northville, Michigan in 1944. He earned his BA degree from the University of New Mexico in 1967 and his MBA from Syracuse University in 1975. He retired as a Colonel from the U.S. Marine Corps in 1996. He served in the Marine Corps for 30 years and proudly represented his country in the Vietnam War in ’68 and the Gulf War in ’91. His numerous awards include: the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star with combat ‘V’; Defense Meritorious Service Medal and Combat Action Ribbon. His military career took him to the exotic locales of Quantico, VA; Hawaii; Okinawa; Syracuse, NY; Albany, GA; Camp Lejeune, NC; Bowie, MD; and Camp Pendleton, CA. After retiring from the Marine Corps, he worked for SAIC in the Washington, DC area and New Orleans, which he learned to love. At every stop along the way, he met incredible people and developed lifelong friendships. In his spare time Bob enjoyed riding his Harley, fishing with his kids and grandkids, watching sports, tracking the stock market, working on house projects when he got a “round tuit,” and spending quality time with family. You always knew he was nearby when you heard his characteristic exclamations: “Yeah-Buddy!”, “Good-on-ya!”, “Life is Good!”, “Oorah!”, and “Semper Fi!” Inurnment will take place at Arlington National Cemetery on Tuesday, February 10, 2009

USMC Resume:
The Basic School Class 1-68 Alpha Company, 3rd Platoon, Jun-Nov 1967
Legion of Merit; Bronze Star with combat ‘V’; Defense Meritorious Service Medal and Combat Action Ribbon.

Personal Reflections about Bob Hansen:

Hauntz, Dave (DMH), 3rd Platoon

On October 24, 1968 / 3rdplatoon, Biographies, Our Fallen

10 Oct 1944 – 04 Sep 2020
Tacoma, WA / Tahoma National Cemetery, WA

OBITUARY: David Marion Hauntz, 75, passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 4 with his wife Margaret Arlene Hauntz, and his daughters Julia Catherine Hauntz-Brown and Anne Elizabeth Hauntz by his side. David was born in 1944 in Olympia, Washington. When his father returned from service in WWII, the family moved to Oregon, living in Pendleton, Ontario and Salem before settling in Grants Pass. In 1962, David graduated from Grants Pass High School. There he was an elite athlete, playing football, baseball and led the basketball team to win the State Championship. He attended Washington State University and graduated from Carroll College in Helena, Montana with a degree in Mathematics. David served in the US Marine Corps as a Captain, earning several honors including a National Defense Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, and a Bronze Combat Medal for his service in Vietnam. He was incredibly brave and strong. He went on in civilian life to work as an auditor for the State of Washington; earning his Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license from Eastern Washington University along the way. He was a woodworking enthusiast and was passionate about turning scrap wood into gorgeous furniture. He was a member of St. Madeline Sophie Parish in Bellevue, Washington. David is survived by his wife; his 2 daughters; his 5 grandchildren Wyatt, Brianna, Nicholas, Anthony, and Ariana; his former wife and Mother of his children, “Libby” Ida Elizabeth Hauntz-Brouwer; and his 2 sisters Christine Hauntz-Kondo and Claire Hauntz-Mohr. He is preceded in death by his brother Phillip George Hauntz and parents Marion Henry Hauntz and Ruth Ann Hartsuck-Hauntz. His love of sports, travel (especially the American Southwest), the Marines and his family (both human and feline) were well known. David truly broke the mold and will be missed and loved by all who knew him. Body will be laid to rest at Tahoma National Cemetery in a private ceremony. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project in honor of David Hauntz.

BIOGRAPHY: In August, 1965, I was working in a Weyerhauser cardboard box factory and taking a class at St. Martin’s College in Olympia, Washington, when the news of action in the Gulf of Tonkin broke. The next morning I went in to the Marine Corps recruiting office and was, of course, warmly welcomed. I inquired about officer training and it didn’t take the recruiter long to sign me up for the Platoon Leaders Class. I went through OCS the summer of 1966 – my platoon started with 88; 10 weeks later 44 graduated. I graduated from Carroll College in June, 1967, and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the Marine Corps Reserve.

History
• July’67 – Nov’67 – The Basic School;
• Nov’67 – Mar’68 – Field Artillery Officer Basic Class, Ft. Sill, Oklahoma;
• Vietnam April’68 assigned to G Btry, 3rd Bn, 12th Marines and was immediately attached to B Co, 1st Bn, 4th Marines as their artillery forward observer at Con Tien;
• May 22, ’68 B Co was ambushed SE of Con Tien. Angel Fire Memorial was built by Dr. David Westphall in memory of his son, 1st Lt. Vic Westphall, and the 15 other Marines killed that day. I was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” for my actions May 22 and May 23, 1968.
• After Vietnam I was sent to The Basic School
– Platoon Commander, Warrant Officer Basic Class
– Platoon Commander, TBS Class 2-70
– Instructor, infantry Mortars
• June, 1971: Marine Corps Supply Officer School, Camp Lejeune.
• Aug, ’71 thru June, ’73 – Supply Officer, 8th Engineer Bn.
• July, ’73 thru May, ’74 – Field Artillery Officer Advanced Course, Ft. Sill, Oklahoma.
• June ’74 thru Oct, ’74 – CO, Headquarters Btry, 3rd Bn, 12th Marines, Okinawa
• Oct, ’74 thru May, ’75 – CO, H Btry, 3rd Bn, 12th Marines. Deployed with BLT 2nd Bn, 4th Marines in Jan, ’75 aboard USS Vancouver (LPD-2) as CO of Troops.
o Mid-April, ’75 evacuated civilians from Phnom Phen, Cambodia;
o April 29, 1975 evacuated personnel from the American Embassy, Saigon. The Marines that went to the Embassy to assist the evacuation were G Co, 2nd Bn, 4th Marines from the USS Vancouver.
• July, ’75 thru Dec, ’78 – I&I, A Btry, 1st Bn, 14th Marines, Spokane, Washington.

Discharged and returned to school – Eastern Washington University, Cheney, Washington.

I graduated with an MBA in Dec, 1980. I went to work for the Washington State Auditor’s Office as an Auditor in Richland, WA. I worked for the Washington State Auditor’s Office in Richland until June, 1986, when I transferred to the SAO in Tacoma, WA. During this period I passed the CPA exam and performed audits of public entities, including the following:
• Washington Public Power Supply System
• Franklin County Public Utility District
• South Columbia Basin Irrigation District
• Benton County Public Utility District
• City of Richland
• Tacoma School District
• Clover Park School District
• Tacoma-Pierce County Employment Training Consortium
• Pierce County Library System
• Pierce County Health Department
• Pierce County

Aug ’95 – Aug ’98 – Washington Superintendent of Public Instruction’s Office, Olympia, WA
Aug ’98 – Aug, 2001 – Riverview School District, Carnation, WA
Sept ’01 – Apr, 02 – University Place School District, University Place, WA
May ’02 – Jul, ’06 – Washington State Auditor’s Office, Kent, WA. Audits included:
• Federal Way School District
• Covington Water District
• King County Library System
• King County Housing Authority
• Pac Med Public Development Authority
• City of Auburn
• City of Tukwila

Aug, ’06 – Aug, ’08 – Accountant for the City of Tukwila, WA.

Hudock, John (JMH Jr), 3rd Platoon

On May 24, 1968 / 3rdplatoon, Biographies, Our Fallen

John Mitchell Hudock, Jr.
23 Jan 1946 – 15 Dec 2019

OBITUARY:
John Mitchell Hudock, Jr. passed away on Sunday, December 15, 2019 at the age of 73.

Born in Greenwich, Connecticut on January 23, 1946, John was the son of the late John and Elizabeth Hudock. Known in his high school years for his talent as a violinist and his leadership ability, John graduated from Greenwich High School in 1963. A member of the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Unit, he graduated from the University of California Berkley in 1967 where he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps.

John served in the Marine Corps for the next twenty years in a variety of assignments including service in Vietnam where he was awarded the Bronze Star with Combat V and an assignment as Assistant Naval Attaché in Athens, Greece. Upon retirement from the Marine Corps as a Lieutenant Colonel, he earned his law degree from the University of Connecticut School of Law in 1991. He practiced law in Connecticut until moving to Palm City, Florida in 2003. There John returned to playing his violin and was honored to be Concert Master of the Treasure Coast Symphony Orchestra for a number of years. Known for sharing his lifelong love of history and music, John will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

John is survived by his wife of 49 years Jeanné, daughter and son-in-law Joanna and Dale Chlumsky, daughter and son-in-law Julie and Vinny Cosenza, grandchildren Daniel and Katherine Chlumsky, grandchildren Julianna and Mitchell Cosenza, brother and sister-in-law Bruce and Terry Hudock, and nephew and wife Sean and Kaitlin Hudock.

A Funeral Service will be held at All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Jensen Beach, Florida on Saturday, December 28, 2019 at 10:00 AM. Following the liturgy, all are invited to attend a reception in Houg Hall. His burial in Arlington National Cemetery will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Treasure Coast Youth Symphony, the Treasure Coast Symphony, or the Atlantic Classical Orchestra.

Published by TC Palm from Dec. 26 to Dec. 27, 2019.

Johnson, Ronald Paul (Ron), 3rd Platoon

On December 12, 1967 / 3rdplatoon, Biographies, Our Fallen

1 December 1941 – 2 October 2010
Quantico National Cemetery, VA 22172

Ron Johnson passed away on 2 Oct 2010, at the age of 68, after a 16-month battle with cancer.

Ronald Paul Johnson was born in Valley City, North Dakota, on December 1, 1941. He had two sisters, Jean and Eileen, and four brothers, Dennis Stan, Doug and Alan. He was a graduate of the University of Texas, the Naval Postgraduate School, and the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary. Major Johnson proudly served in the United States Marine Corps for 21 years, including a tour of duty in Vietnam. He attained the rank of Major. After retirement he had many opportunities to use his gifts and intellect, serving as a university professor, an administrator for several churches, and a computer analyst at Warner Robins AFB. Mr. Johnson loved to teach the Scripture and was passionate about imprinting the Word of God into the hearts and minds of youth. He was a mentor to many people, freely giving of his time and wisdom.

Ron Johnson was married to Earline K. Johnson for 42 years. They had three children: Dr. Kirsten Johnson, Marcae Robertson, and Dr. Paul Johnson. He and his wife had seven grandchildren. Ron passed away on Saturday, 2 October 2010 at the age of 68, after a 16-month battle with cancer. A man of strong faith, he claimed the promise of Philippians 1:21, “To me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

Ron was interred at Quantico National Cemetery with full military honors.

USMC Resume:
TBS Class 1-68 Alpha Company, 3rd Platoon June-Nov 1967
Hawk Missile School – US Army Ft Bliss TX.
Vietnam: April 1969 to May 1970; Adjutant duties.
Post-Vietnam:
Retired <date> with the rank of Major.

Personal Reflections about Ron Johnson:

From Earline Johnson: “I regret that I will not be able to attend the reunion. Had Ron been living I know that he would have enjoyed this occasion as he was so proud to be a Marine. The first time we visited the Wall he touched names that he recognized with tears in his eyes. When he toured the USMC museum in Quantico he was so moved. Our oldest daughter was with us and she was awed. After his burial at the Quantico National Cemetery (I had the burial of his ashes there as that is where we had met). All of us toured the museum and the grandchildren were in awe seeing all the displays. Each bought a memento because Grandpa was a MARINE and they each have a casing from the gun salute.

It is no secret that I am very proud to be a Marine wife. Our daughter Kirsten was born when Ron was in Vietnam. He met her the first time on R&R in Hawaii. After his funeral she said it very well. “I don’t understand why Dad had to die so soon but I am so thankful that I had him for 43 years. He came home to us from Viet Nam – many fathers did not.””

Jones, Stuart Carlisle Jr. (Stu), 3rd Platoon

On August 12, 1967 / 3rdplatoon, Biographies, Our Fallen

16 December 1945 – 20 August 1977
Ashes scattered at base of Lizard Head Peak, near Telluride, CO 81435

Stuart Carlisle Jones, Jr. was born 16 Dec 1945 in Boston, MA to Navy Captain Stuart Carlisle Jones Sr. and Doris Gates. Stuart’s father, a USNA graduate and a 28 year career Naval Officer, served in WWII on the Battleship USS New Mexico, during the Korean Conflict, and Vietnam, from 1941 to 1968. Stuart, the oldest of three boys, was followed by Thomas H. and Michael R., both of whom were born in the San Francisco Bay area.

Living the typical Navy junior life, the Jones family was constantly on the move. Stuart went to several elementary and junior high schools (Arlington, VA). Punahou Academy in Honolulu, Hawaii was his high school— a member of the graduating class of 1963. Arriving as a sophomore, he was active in ROTC marching Band (drummer) and the student newspaper; Vice President of the Forum and Debate Team; a Carnival Booth Chairman; and on the Chapel Committee.

Stuart attended Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN on a NROTC scholarship from 1963 to 1967 earning a BA in History. While at Vanderbilt, Stuart was in the NROTC with a Marine Corps option and attended the 6-week Bulldog Program, between his Junior and Senior years, at MCB Quantico, VA. Stuart was also on the yearbook staff, played intramural sports – football, wrestling. He was a member and officer of the ATO fraternity.

Stuart accepted a regular commission in the USMC upon graduation from Vanderbilt and reported to Officers Basic School Class 1-68 Alpha Company 3rd Platoon, in June 1967. Upon graduation in Nov 1967 he got his orders to Vietnam arriving in Jan 1968. His first assignment was with Alpha Company 1st MP Battalion in DaNang. At some point he requested and was sent to the Philippines for Recon training. Returning to Vietnam he was assigned to the 3rd Recon Battalion 26th Regiment in Quang Tri. He returned to the States in May 1969. Achievements of note: Stuart achieved the “Master of Fitness” award.

Post-Vietnam, Stuart was assigned to a Camp Lejeune Recon Unit. Highlights were participation in NATO exercises in Europe. This was followed by a tour of duty at the Naval Weapons Station Earle, NJ. Stuart was released from the USMC in 1972.

Post USMC, Stuart was an avid outdoor adventurist. He crewed aboard a sailboat from New England to Puerto Rico and stayed on for a while in San Juan as a scuba instructor at the Caribe Hilton in San Juan.

In 1973, Stuart entered Georgetown University Dental School on a Navy scholarship, where he served as class president 3 of 4 years (including senior year). During this time, he took up the guitar and banjo and learned to play well enough to perform at local coffee houses and bars. He also pursued his love of hiking and mountain climbing – Appalachian Trail, ice-climbing school on Mt. Rainier, the summits of Nevado Chopicalqui (21,000 feet) and Nevado Huascharán (22,205 feet) in Peru In 1977, Stuart got permission to miss his graduation to be one of two Americans to join the British Nanda Devi Expedition to climb the second highest mountain in the Indian Himalayas. After reaching the summit, a companion developed severe altitude sickness and Stuart largely carried him back to base camp. In the process, he injured a knee. That same year, Stuart accepted a commission in the Navy and was assigned to Camp Pendleton as a dentist. Traveling cross country to take up his new post, Stuart stopped in Colorado to hike and climb with friends on Lizard Head Peak. Perhaps because of the earlier injury, Stuart fell and passed away from his injuries on 20 August 1977, at the age of 31. His family scattered his ashes at the base of the peak, and placed a plaque there in his memory.

Best of friends: Stu Jones and Bob Hagan – Vanderbilt NROTC, ATO Fraternity brothers, TBS.

USMC Resume:
Officers Basic School Class 1-68 Alpha Company, 3rd Platoon
Alpha Company 1st MP Battalion in DaNang
Philippines for and Recon training
3rd Recon Battalion 26th Regiment Quang Tri
Camp Lejeune Recon Unit
Naval Weapons Station (NWS) Earle, NJ.
Released from active duty 1972

Personal Reflections about Stuart Carlisle Jones Jr:

From Mike Jones, 18 April 2015: “Stu Jones brother Mike, TBS 4-73; would love to hear from anyone who knew Stuart. Mike Jones, thejones5@cox.net , Mission Viejo, CA.”

Cherie Mailer, 4 April 2015: “Stuart and I had the wonderful experience of attending Punahou Academy in Honolulu, Hawaii—as members of the graduating class of 1963. He was a Navy brat who arrived at the school as a sophomore and I arrived a year later. A large percentage of our classmates had been in school together for years (many since Kindergarten), so it wasn’t surprising that latecomers found comfort in each other’s company. Stu and I had classes together both years and sat next to each other in our senior English class. Even though I was “going” with another boy, it wasn’t hard to develop a crush on Stuart. He was gentle, kind, intelligent and very handsome! We shared many spirited moments talking together. The quotation next to his senior photo is “Words may show a man’s wit, but actions his meaning.” How very fitting for the life to which Stuart fully committed himself!”

Mike Jones (Stuart’s younger brother): “Stuart was my oldest brother (my parents had 3 sons) and my hero. Heck, I followed him into the Marines and Dentistry and very thankful that I did (especially the former)!When he was in Vietnam, I protested the hippie protesters at my college in Ohio. An anti-Vietnam “Peace” tree they planted outside my dorm didn’t last too long. A Vietnam protest, with speakers, outside of my dorm was met with a barrage of water balloons that were launched through an opened window with surgical tubing (sling shot style)! He loved the Corps but when he started spending too much time at a desk instead of in the field, he decided it was time to make a change (initially, he was going to go to Law School-I believe he was accepted to The University of Louisville?- but eventually decided on Dental School). Shortly before I got out of the Marines in California (about April of 1975), I went to Boston to run the Boston Marathon and then on the way back to Ca, I flew to Washington, D.C. to spend a day with Stuart who was at Georgetown Dental School. It was probably the only time I can remember that our roles were reversed, I impressed him instead of the other way around. We had a good visit-he took me to see one of his favorite bluegrass bands (The Seldom Scene) that night. In December of that year, Stuart came home to California for Christmas vacation (the last time I saw him). As usual, Stuart couldn’t just sit around for more than a day or two without an adventure, so he planned a trip for us to hike up the trail to the top of Mount Whitney (in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, 3-4 hour drive east of Los Angeles, and the highest summit in the contiguous United States at 14,505feet). Unfortunately, in the dark the night before we were to hike, we drove over a big rock and sustained some damage underneath our car. We slept in the car and in the morning, instead of starting our hike, we had to go to a local gas station for some repairs. We started our hike a couple hours later and had a great time and saw some great scenery but didn’t have time to reach the summit (2 summers ago, in memory of Stuart and my Dad who had passed away the previous summer-also in August- I hiked the trail to the summit of Mount Whitney-probably the hardest thing, for this old man, I have done since OCS at Quantico)! Almost 38 years since his fall, and death, have eased the pain some but I still think about Stuart all of the time. I would love to hear from any of his friends at (949)294-0596 or email at: thejones5@cox.net. I hope you have a great reunion! Semper Fi, Mike Jones”

Mike Jones: “(Just a short P.S. on Stuart) My parents used to recall this conversation between Stuart and my Dad (eventually a 28 year career Naval Officer) to show how impressed Stuart was, with the Marines, at a very early age. When Stuart was about 6 years old, my Dad was trying to teach him the different ranks in the Navy. He started with Apprentice E-1 and went all the way up through the enlisted ranks and then the officer ranks and finally “Admiral” at which point Stuart said: “And then (after Admiral) do you get to be a Marine?” A gung-ho Marine from very early on!”

Jones, William Alan (Bill / Jonesy), 3rd Platoon

On July 12, 1967 / 3rdplatoon, Biographies, Our Fallen

20 April 1945 – 14 September 2002
Quincy, MA – Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275

[Photos: 1) Jonesy at Princeton, 2) SSgt Felix Salmeron and Lt Bill Jones: ARVN Compound July 1968.]

William Alan Jones was born 20 April 1945 in Quincy, Massachusetts to Frank and Dorothy Jones. Bill’s father worked for the Boston Herald and his mother was a homemaker. Bill was the middle of five children: older brother Donald, sister Susan, and younger brothers Phillip and Tom. Bill attended North Quincy High where he was active as a Student Council member sophomore and junior years, President senior year, National Honor Society, Valedictorian, Editor-in-Chief of the yearbook, Harvard Book Award, Soccer sophomore and junior years, and hockey junior year.

Bill attended Princeton University on an NROTC scholarship with a Marine Corps Option. As such, he would have attended the Platoon Leaders Course (6-week Bulldog PLC) during the summer of 1966, at Quantico, VA. While at Princeton, Bill was: president and member of the Dial Lodge, Senior Manager of the Souvenir Agency, Member – Inter Club Council, Semper Fidelis Society, Orange Key Receptor, Freshman & JV Crew, and IAA Hockey. He graduated with a BA in History in June 1967.

Upon graduation, he accepted a regular commission in the USMC and served in Vietnam as a Platoon Commander with A/1/27. Following a year in Vietnam, Bill returned back to the United States and eventually ended up at Camp Pendleton. In 1970 he met his wife to be, Linda Munro in Mission Bay – San Diego, CA. Following his time in the service Bill attended one year of grad school at Claremont Graduate School before deciding to attend law school. He received a JD from George Washington University in 1976. He practiced real estate and transactional law in downtown Los Angeles for nearly 25 years. In his free time Bill enjoyed running, photography and reading. He was very active in sports with his two young children, Drew and Mandy, and also supported numerous youth sports organizations.

Bill passed away on September 14, 2002 of throat cancer. He is survived by his wife, Linda, his son, Andrew (like father like son – Princeton and a practicing attorney) and his daughter, Amanda, all living in the greater Los Angeles area.

USMC Resume:
TBS Class 1-68 Alpha Company, 3rd Platoon June- 22 Nov 1967
HILT – six week Vietnamese Language Course, Quantico, 23 Nov 1967
Vietnam: Platoon Commander A/1/27
Post-Vietnam: Camp Pendleton

Personal Reflections About Bill Jones:

From Bill Black, 13 Apr 2015: “I was shot in the early morning of 5 May 68, the beginning of the enemy offensive of “Mini Tet”. After sunrise, I hobbled with two other wounded Marines, escorted by a patrol from our platoon. We rendezvoused with a Jeep that drove us to the La Son School House serving as the CP of “A” Co. and 1st Bn, 27th Marines. The battalion surgeon checked us, and we were carried on stretchers with other wounded to the roadway LZ, just outside the school yard, to wait for a medivac helicopter.

2nd Lt. Bill Jones, a fellow alumnus of Vietnamese Language School, TBS 1-68 “A” Co., and Princeton Class of ’67, accompanied me to the LZ. He stood beside my stretcher and bent over me. Using my college nickname (derived from my hometown, Paducah, KY), Lt. Jones said, “Paduke, I might have known you’d have done it on House Parties Weekend!” Lt. Jones took over my platoon a month later and led the platoon in Operation Allen Brook.”

Excerpt from “40 Years of ’67 in PAW” May 2007 as written by David Reiser – by permission David Reiser: “William A. Jones

We all have “best friends”. Some “best friends” survive for many years or even a lifetime. Frequently, though, distance and circumstances curtail these relationships. These past “best friends” remain in a cryogenic state. There you find yourselves together again, nothing would have changed. This is a test of best friend status.

Jonesy and I met at Princeton where we joined the same eating club (fraternity). Bill had come from a wonderful “salt of the earth” family in Quincy, Massachusetts. I came from the Bronx. Jonesy rowed crew, I played golf. We were close friends. We stayed up to listen to WBZ play “Alice’s Restaurant” and “Light My Fire”. We fantasized about starting a school in a land free of snakes and bugs. In 1966 we ran against each other for club president. I voted for Jonesy. He won by a single vote.

On graduation in 1967 there was one thing on our minds; Vietnam. Jonesy was concerned with getting drafted out of law school. As with all things he treated the problem head-on and enlisted in the Marines. I kept a low profile in Harvard’s hallowed halls.

During his entire tour of duty we wrote each other. These letters are among my most treasured possessions. I gave him my very lucky t-shirt to help him return home safely.

July 4, 1968

Dear Dave [Reiser],

Things have been hectic for me the last week and a half. In June, I was personally [shot at], those bullets were actually aimed at me, shot at for the first time (but not the last). It was a particularly unpleasant sensation. The next day the same thing happened (maybe I should stay away from the radio operator).

And we made a two platoon, in line, John Wayne type assault, movie style. I had my 45 in one hand, and a grenade in the other, and I was leading the platoon in a movie-like charge. You should have seen it. It’s exciting when you don’t stop to think about how you could be killed or your men could be killed or maimed. For the moment, for the charge, there was nothing but adrenaline and excitement. I still enjoy being in the field, but the odds are starting to catch up. On the last operation, seven platoon commanders and two company commanders got hit. That’s out of a total of sixteen officers. Anytime I’m offered an office job, I’ll take it.

Of the five Princeton Marines to come straight to Vietnam, I’m the last one left. Davis caught malaria and is in Cam Ranh Bay. Bill Black, Bill Dankin, and John Tritsch have all been wounded.

Some f—ing Independence Day. My troops want to set off all the fireworks we have; flares, star clusters illumination, smoke grenades. I’ll keep you posted. Meanwhile, keep looking for the snakeless, insectless island. /s/Jonesy

What a wonderful reunion on his return! The t-shirt looked like the shroud of Turin. Pandy and I were married with Jonesy in the wedding. We didn’t have a honeymoon, so that we could be at Jonesy and Linda’s nuptials a week later. They went to California. We went to Ohio, with promises to reunite.

Bill Jones died of cancer [14 Sep 2002]. Our reunion will have to wait.”

Kozobarich, Larry (Larry), 3rd Platoon

On October 12, 1966 / 3rdplatoon, Biographies, Our Fallen

KOZOBARICH: Kozobarich Flight Training

KOZOBARICH: Vatra Ziva

Kozobarich, Larry (Larry), 3rd Platoon
22 April 1945 – 13 June 2007
Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, Delaware, OH

Larry Kozobarich was born in Columbus Ohio on 22 April 1945 to a father who immigrated from Serbia and a mother who grew up in south Chicago speaking only Serbian. He attended Whetstone High School in Columbus where he became the city pole vault champion. He attended The Ohio State University, majoring in broadcast journalism, and married his high school sweetheart, Jeri.

Larry’s patriotism led him to join the Marine Corps. He was commissioned with his graduation from Ohio State and joined TBS 1-68 in June of 1967. Upon graduation from Basic School he was sent to flight training at Pensacola, Florida. He made the decision to fly helicopters and flew both CH-46’s and CH-53’s. He was a squadron pilot at New River, North Carolina, both before and after his RVN deployment (HMM-162, MAG-26, MCAS). He went to Viet Nam in the fall of 1969 and was stationed at Da Nang (squadron pilot, HMM-263, MAG-16, 1^st MAW). He served with the 34^th Marine Amphibian Unit in the Mediterranean 17 September 1971 to 15 March 1972. With the rank of Captain, he was discharged from active duty on September 15, 1972.

Larry and his wife had two children: a son, Steven, was born in 1975 and a daughter, Christine, was born in 1978. Larry worked at a number of jobs over the years, in public broadcasting, insurance and construction. But throughout his life Larry was primarily a musician. He was the founder of Vatra Ziva Tamburitza Orchestra, playing the lead mandolin and singing. He worked to maintain the folk heritage of his Serbian ancestors, preserving old music and bringing joy to Serbian immigrants throughout the US and Canada. He followed his father and grandfather who were both professional musicians. Larry died 13 June 2007. A Marine guard was at the cemetery, as was a Serbian Orchestra, playing him to his final rest. He is buried in a Christian Orthodox cemetery in Columbus Ohio.

USMC Resume:
The Basic School Class 1-68 Alpha Company, 3rd Platoon, Jun-Nov 1967
NAS Pensacola, FL – helicopter pipeline.
MCAS New River, NC: HMM-162, MAG-26.
Marble Mountain, RVN: HMM-263, MAG-16, 1^st MAW; Fall of 1969.
MCAS New River, NC: HMM-162, MAG-26.
Mediterranean: 34^th Marine Amphibian Unit 17 Sep 1971 – 15March 1972.
Discharged 15 Sep 1972

Personal Reflections about Larry Kozobarich:

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