Newsletter 2000

The meeting began with welcome and introductions. We were honored to introduce the 18th Infantry Soldier and NCO of the Year: SPC Rollan Wengert - Soldier of the Year and SGT Jeremy Cheney - NCO of the Year.

Next the Honorary Colonel reported on his visit to our active-duty battalion in March for the Vietnam Valorous Unit Award ceremonies. He also gave an update to last year's excellent briefing on the subject of "percentage fill" and readiness. The situation is much improved, and the battalion is operating with about a 95% fill, good morale, and an outstanding re-enlistment rate. SGT Cheney then gave a brief report on the battalion's current activities and confirmed the excellent esprit de corps of the unit.
 

HCOR accepts Battalion Certificate of Appreciation given to the18th Infantry Regiment Association

At this point, SPC Wengert and SGT Cheney presented a beautifully framed Certificate of Appreciation from the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry, to the 18th Infantry Regiment Association for the active support shown our soldiers. Besides the Iron Mike Awards (see below) and bringing soldiers to the reunions, the battalion recognized our contributions to the Holiday Projects, our assistance with plaques and other awards that recognize soldier excellence and achievements, and our overall encouragement and support of

Discussion of Association business followed. Minutes of the August 1999 annual meeting were accepted by acclamation. The Secretary, Larry Van Kuran, gave the membership report - 240 paid veteran members and 183 delinquent veteran members, for a total of 423 veteran members. In addition, as of July 1, there were 254 active-duty soldier members, with approximately 200 more signed up in August (but not processed as of the annual meeting), for a total of over 450 soldier members.

A steady stream of new memberships is coming in from contacts thru our new web page on the internet. Eighty-eight veteran members need to renew by December 31, and we need to encourage our delinquent members to renew also. Our goal remains 500 paid veteran members.

The Treasurer presented our financial report and requested approval of the proposed 99-00 Budget categories. The Budget was approved by acclamation. Our basic budget includes \\$1200 for newsletter printing and postage, $80 for our Web Page fee, and \\$1000 for our Holiday projects. In addition, funds were approved for the Iron Mike awards and other soldier projects. All Association Officers are unpaid volunteers. The Shirt Project is paying for the Iron Mike Awards, and with a stock of about 40 shirts, we need to sell a few more shirts to pay for the Iron Mike Awards in 2001.

Donations for soldier projects have covered the costs. Thank you for your generous support of our soldiers. We retain that goal again this year in order to provide for the following projects -- \\$500 each for the Thanksgiving and Christmas projects, and bringing a soldier to the 2001 reunion in Nashville. Projected expenses for projects will not be made unless the projected revenue is received.

Discussion followed on the HCOR and HSMOR. Phil Pryor and Louis Johnson are about to finish their tour of duty. COL George Tronsrue, USA/Ret, and CSM Naman Carter, USA/Ret, were introduced and gave a brief summary of their service and association with the 18th Infantry. Both were proposed for the position of HCOR and HSMOR respectively, and both were enthusiastically approved by acclamation. Naman Carter then resigned as Association Vice President, and Ed Fedrick was appointed to fill his term of office.

A report was given regarding the new 18th Infantry Web Page. Our web page is <www.18inf.org> Jim Stone is our webmaster. At a slight cost, the web page has been a tremendous benefit to the Association. Plans for expanding the information and capabilities of the site were also discussed. If you have not visited the site recently, check it out and sign in the guestbook on the "Contact Us" page. The need for a committee to help select Distinguished Members of the Regiment was again announced. The meeting adjourned. See you next year in Nashville!

(Comments and suggestions by out members are listened to and improvements are being made. We have unit crests (regular size and lapel pin), 18th Infantry Golf shirts and baseball hats. If interested in purchase of these items, please contact Larry Van Kuran.)
 
 

The reunion format differed somewhat from past years because of the new week-end schedule. Friday was registration and CP set-up, with a welcome reception in the evening. Saturday began with group breakfasts, held according to one's era - WWII, Vietnam, Cold War/Desert Storm. Then there was an emotional Memorial Service that featured General Alexander Haig, who delivered a moving tribute to the sacrifice and courage of our fallen comrades. This was followed by the

Some of the guys - join us next year in Nashville!

 During the annual meeting, Rosemary Wirs announced her retirement, after 25 years of faithful service to the Society. She will be greatly missed. The 18th Infantry Regiment Association wishes her all the best in her retirement years.

Saturday also featured the brief appearance of the Division's Commanding General, who was on his way back to Europe from meetings in Washington DC. He announced that he had been selected for early promotion to Lieutenant General and immediate assignment as Director, J-5, OJCS. His replacement is MG Bantz John Craddock, a former Division ADC. In addition, we had the opportunity to meet the new Command Sergeant Major, CSM Cory McCarty, and a good contingent of our active duty soldiers, both from Germany and Ft Riley.

Sunday was a repeat of the available Philadelphia tours, followed by the Reunion Banquet and Dance that evening. Regimental Unit meetings were held Monday morning, with the rest of the day for good-bye and farewells. No Mission too Difficult, No Sacrifice too Great, Duty First!

A good time was had by all. Next year the reunion is scheduled for August 17-21 at the Renaissance Hotel, Nashville, TN. Plan now to attend!  For information on the reunion, contact the Society Office: 1933 Morris Rd, Blue Bell, PA 19422. Ph: 1-888-324-4733 or E-mail: socl ID@aol.com 
 
 

The first major combat engagement of the 18th Infantry was the Battle of Stone River, near Murfreesboro, TN. We are planning a staff ride to the battlefield during the 2001 BRO reunion, with re-enactors present, and a memorial service at the Regular Brigade monument. Call George Gentry for information on either of these events, 562-596-8097 or email: Ggentry@aol.com
 
 

After the creation of the 18th US Infantry on May 3, 1861 nearly 20 months would pass before the regiment lost its first man killed in action. During this time the 18th US Infantry actively campaigned through Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi and Alabama. Yet, the Regiment seemed predestined to be kept out of the fighting. At both Mill Springs (January 1861) and Shiloh (April 1862) the 18th US Infantry arrived shortly after the battle had ended. Then during the Siege of Corinth (May 1862), the regiment took part in an infantry assault that found the Confederate positions empty - the rebels had withdrawn during the night. The following pursuit of the Confederate army resulted in a series of brutal marches that ended with the Battle of Perryville in Kentucky. Here the 18th US Infantry occupied a position which afforded it an excellent view of the fighting. For two hours the regiment watched as the left wing of the Federal army fought unsupported. The 18th US Infantry and other potential re-enforcements remained inexplicably idle, as spectators, when the command structure of General Don Carlos Buell's Army of the Ohio failed to act decisively and allowed the rebel army to escape destruction.

Private Robert Kennedy, C/2/18, described the action as "..one of the grandest sights I ever saw. Fireworks such as few can describe filled the air as the musketry, firing along both lines, with shells flying in the air and bursting, scattered fire in all directions. The sight was magnificent but very dangerous." During this battle, Corporal Bernard Connelly, B/3/18, was struck severely in the leg by a stray cannonball. Corporal Connelly died in hospital several days later; the first battle related death of the regiment. However, in accordance with the army's methods of record keeping during the Civil War, Corporal Connelly was classified as having died of wounds (DOW). Only men who actually died on the field of battle were classified as being killed in action (KIA). Outside of his immediate friends, Corporal Connelly's solitary death probably made little impact on the regiment. Deaths due to disease and accidents were fairly common, and the news of his fate had to catch up with the regiment. The army was once again on the move.

On the morning of December 31, 1862 the 18th US infantry, now part of the Regular Brigade, moved forward along the Nashville pike towards the ominous sounds of a major battle. In his post-war memoir, Private Kennedy tells of a disturbing incident that occurred on that cold and violent day:
 

The night before the battle, Corporal Thomas Long, my messmate, dreamed that he was the first man killed in the regiment, and that he would never fire his gun. On seeing the sunrise he said, "Bob, this is the last time I shall see the sunrise." As we fell into battle line, I informed Captain Denton of [the] Corporal's strange presentment. The Captain went back to him and said, "Long, do you think you will be shot today?" He answered, "Yes, Captain, I'll never fire my gun." The Captain said, "Long, if you think that, fall out and go to the hospital." He said, "No, Captain, I'll die like a man, right with the company." We marched down the pike about a quarter mile and formed our lines of battle. There we lay on the ground. We had not lain there more than five minutes until a ball went through Corporal Bartlett's right arm and struck Corporal Long above his left eye. He rolled over and never spoke.

Corporal Long was the first of many 18th Infantrymen who would make the ultimate sacrifice in the Battle of Stone River, and in the many battles that were to follow. He was recognized by his fellow soldiers as the first battle casualty of the regiment "killed in action", as indicated in Kennedy's memoirs. He would not be the last.

Robert Kennedy went on to make Corporal and fought at Chickamauga in two days of almost continuous combat. Before he was captured on September 20, 1863 near Kelly Field, he had fired over 200 rounds of muzzle loaded cartridges, changing rifles several times as they became fouled. He was sent to Danville, Virginia, where he escaped and was recaptured, before being sent to Andersonville. He survived Andersonville and returned to his home in Ohio. Corporal Robert Kennedy, C/2/18, lived to the age of 92 and his memoir is arguably the best civil war account of any enlisted man in the 18th U.S. Infantry.

[Editor's note: Next issue brings Kennedy's story of Sergeant Amos Flegal at the Battle of Stone River.]
 
 

The current members of the Battalion do what they can to take care of their own, but they appreciate the participation of veteran members of the Regiment. There is a system in place to identify individuals at the Company level and discreetly provide assistance. Mrs. Jane Murray, leader of the Family Readiness Group (FRG), has agreed to coordinate the project in Germany, along with the Chaplain and the Command Sergeant Major. We appreciate their efforts on our behalf, and especially on behalf of our soldier families who would otherwise not have such a nice holiday season.

Again this year, we need your help to cover the expenditure, and we ask you to please contribute generously toward our Thanksgiving/Christmas project. You may send your donation directly to our Treasurer: Jim Stone, 258 Pells Rd, Rhinebeck, NY 12572. Please make your check out to "l8th Inf Regt Assoc" and mark the memo line on your check: XMAS PROJECT. Thank you.
 
 

My wife and I were greeted at the airport by the two soldiers who had been selected to receive the Iron Mike Awards, SPC Rollan Wengert and SGT Jeremy Cheney. They drove us to Schweinfurt and assisted us with checking in at the Bradley Inn (the Army guest house on post). At the Bradley Inn, we were greeted by SFC Mark Sandberg, Battalion Liaison with the Association. Next I was taken to the battalion area, introduced to the Command Sergeant Major, CSM James Forest, and welcomed to the battalion by LTC Murray, just returned from Kosovo. We briefly discussed my schedule and arrangements for the soldiers to attend the reunion. Then I returned to my quarters for some rest. That evening, my wife and I were treated to a wonderful dinner at a local German Sports Club by SFC Sandberg and his wife. The Weinerschnitzel and local German beer were great.
 

New soldiers learn the care and cleaning of the M16 rifle

The next morning, SPC Wengert and SGT Cheney conducted me on a tour of the battalion area. First we went to the Company A barracks. I was introduced to 1SG Mansfield, and graciously allowed to tour the soldier's living quarters - not much more space than we had in 1965, but much more freedom in room decor. Behind the barracks, some new soldiers were receiving basic instructions in the care and cleaning of their rifles. Not much has changed in that respect. I was impressed.

Next we crossed over to the battalion motor pool. This was a work day, so there was plenty of activity. Soldiers working on the engines of their Bradley Fighting Vehicle, another group changing the pads on theirs. Then we came upon a Platoon of Company B soldiers laying out the contents of their Bradleys for inspection - a careful inspection was scheduled for a transfer of command to a new Platoon Leader, who had to sign for the equipment. SSGT Klaus was in this Platoon, and asked to send greeting to the veterans he met at Louisville. Then we observed a section from HHC training new soldiers to set up a Command M113 for field operation.

Next we visited the Battalion Dining Facility (Mess Hall) and had a very good lunch with the soldiers. In my opinion, the Dining Facility is comparable to most good American chain restaurants in the quality and variety of food available. Following lunch we went to the local Bradley training area, where Company A was in the midst of Bradley Tables training. On the local range, the Bradley is equipped with a computer simulation that mimics the sight and sound of bullets going down range. At Graf, the course is run using live rounds. The Bradley crew is graded on how fast they identify and kill targets, whether they used the correct weapon and ammunition, and their general conduct as they proceed through the course. I listened in on the crew communications net during one run, and on the crew debriefing that followed. I'm glad I was not on the crew being tested. This is a rigorous and difficult test of the crew's skill and ability, and the debriefing is tough, designed to allow the crew to identify areas where they can work better together and improve their warfighting skills. Excellent training!
 

After observing Bradley crew training, we returned to battalion headquarters, where I addressed some of the Officers and Senior NCOs about the history of the Regiment, some personal combat experiences, and the purpose of the Association. This gathering was held in the Bobby Brown Room, among Regimental Memorabilia, including the new "Best Squad" trophy and the new plaques the Association donated to recognize soldier excellence in training. I enjoyed this exchange very much. The 18th Infantry has some of the finest

SFC Mark Sandberg and George Gentry

That evening, my wife and I were again treated to dinner at a local German restaurant. LTC Murray and his wife, Jane; MAJ Jones (1-18 XO); CSM Forest; SFC Sandberg and Tina; SGT Cheney; and SPC Wengert all enjoyed an excellent meal in celebration of Organization Day, and 139 consecutive years of service for the 18th Infantry.
 

18th Infantry families enjoying Organization Day

Thursday was Organization Day. Soldiers and their families gathered at the Conn Barracks Recreational Area for a picnic and Company competition in Softball, Volleyball, Soccer, Horseshoes, and Tug-of-War. The Dining Facility prepared and set out a wonderful variety of Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, BBQ and other foods in mess tents for a picnic lunch. A Bradley Fighting Vehicles was on display. Games and activities were held for the  children (there were a lot of children).

In the late Afternoon, everyone assembled on the baseball field for awards and a few words from the Commander. After the sports awards for the Company competition, the Iron Mike Awards were presented, with the tickets to Philadelphia. LTC Murray and CSM Forest had decided that the soldiers would themselves choose the recipients of the Iron Mike Awards this year, so the winners were selected for this honor by their peers, and they

Commander's briefing on the Baseball field

The next morning, battalion soldiers transported us to the airport, along with the two Iron Mike award winners. We arrived in Philadelphia for the reunion in the late afternoon on Friday. Duty First!
 
 

Once the order was issued, soldiers from 1-18 INF were on the ground in Macedonia, and on the road to Kosovo, in less than 48 hours. The detachment consisted mostly of soldiers from C-1-18, the 1-18 Scout Platoon, and the 1st MP Company from Wuerzburg. In keeping with our motto, "In Omnia Paratus!" (In all things prepared!), this force deployed combat ready and fully capable of protecting itself, a valuable asset to the American contingent of the Multi-National Brigade (East).

Upon arriving in Kosovo, they first reported to the Ramjane Range for a live fire exercise. Once the live fire exercise was completed, they were assigned real world missions at the discretion of the Task Force Falcon commander. For example, one platoon was assigned to provide security for a prominent Serb clergyman and the religious compound where he resides, and the Scout Platoon was deployed against poachers in the Kosovo National Forest. Fortunately, the 1-18 INF mission was temporary and the soldiers returned to home base in less than 30 days. In this instance, the separation from friends and family was brief.

The Army developed the IRF to meet specific needs in Europe. Before, troops were trained to roll out of their posts to meet a Soviet Bloc threat. Now, the Army must meet Peacekeeping and other threats to security in Europe with a rapid reaction force. 1-18 INF has shown how this new concept works. 1-18 INF has again set a standard for other units to meet.
 
 

Guidelines for selection have been proposed. They include such things as: honorable period of service with the 18th Infantry; some outstanding accomplishment during or since that tour of duty; demonstrated interest in promoting the history and traditions of the 18th Infantry; and be of a general personal character that reflects credit on the 18th Infantry. An unstated criteria would be, of course, to willingly accept the responsibilities of a DMOR.

A DMOR of the 18th Infantry is expected to be an example, both for our active duty soldiers and for our veterans. Therefore, DMORs will be asked to participate in activities that perpetuate the history and traditions of the Regiment, to contribute funding for annual awards and/or recognition of outstanding 18th Infantry active duty soldiers, and to support the goals of the 18th Infantry Regiment Association. Nominations should be submitted in writing to either Phil Pryor or George Gentry.

DMOR selections have not been made for over two years. We need someone (preferably with on-line capabilities, but not required) to take charge of the DMOR program, form a working committee, and do the work to prepare the recommendations.
  

"With many Happy Memories of Xmas 1943 and some sad ones of Xmas 1944. We still remember you all, here in Weymouth and all over Dorset County. We'll never forget! We love you!'

The greeting came from Mrs. Dawn Gould, 102 Newstead Rd., Weymouth, Dorset DT4 0AR. Tel: 01305 782301. Liaison Officer for 700 Weymouth Veterans.
 
 

     The battalion has been asked to select a soldier, an NCO, and an officer to receive this award, based on their personal achievements and leadership in the battalion. The awards will consist of a replica of the Ft Benning Infantry School "Follow Me" (Iron Mike) statue for the individual and a plaque for display in the Battalion headquarters area. In addition, each individual receives a \$100 cash award.

     Proceeds from the sale of 18th Infantry Golf Shirts fund these awards, and we expect to make this an annual tradition of the 18th Infantry Regiment.

     Anyone wishing to attend and participate in the presentation of the Iron Mike Awards, please contact George Gentry, 562-596-8097 or Ggentry@aol.com Veterans are always welcome, and I can guarantee that it will be a worthwhile and rewarding experience.
 
 

    The "Insurrectos" were poorly organized, poorly armed, poorly trained, and poorly led. Being no match for US Army regulars, they resorted to typical guerilla tactics and terrorization of the native population, although there was some sympathy for their cause among the Filipinos. The Insurrectos knew the jungle well, and they could, and did, inflict casualties in ambushes and surprise attacks. It was difficult and dangerous duty. During this time, Captain William H. Gordon was given a unique assignment. He was ordered to form and command a detachment of mounted infantry. He selected men from all companies for their individual abilities and ingenuity, and particularly for their skill with the smaller sized Philippine horse. The number of his command varied with the number of horses available. Gordon's Scouts, as they were known, ranged freely in pursuit of the lnsurrectos, using the horses to move quickly on intelligence information to locate guerilla bands and camps, then dismounting to find and engage the enemy with typical infantry intrepidity. A brief entry in the Mounted Detachment's December 1900 Return says it all: "Dec 23 - Troop dismounted except camp guard of 10 men, took trail 6:30am toward Mt Singat. Discovered Insurgents strongly entrenched on Mountain to north. Troops advanced to attack and were strongly resisted. In action lasting 6 hours, Noble and Van Kirk severely wounded. Returned to camp 5:30pm." Gordon's Scouts were quite effective. They eventually hounded the local leader of the Insurrectos, Quentin Sales, into surrender in the Spring of 1901. During this tour of duty, 18th Infantry soldiers had to endure the physical hardships of jungle fighting, while tropical illness and disease took an even greater toll than did battle casualties.

    In March 1900, James M. J. Sanno was promoted Colonel of the 18th Infantry. However, COL Sanno was on assignment in the United States when he was promoted, and he remained on detached service until the Regiment returned from the Philippines in September 1901. Tropical illness, retirement and detached service caused frequent changes in command of the 18th Infantry in the field during his absence. LTC Van Horne became ill, returned to the US on sick leave, and retired. MAJ Paul, 1st Battalion, retired. MAJ Adams moved from 2nd Battalion to command 1st Battalion, and was soon on his way to San Francisco. MAJ Walker, 2nd Battalion, assumed command, but he too was taken ill and returned to the US on sick leave. MAJ Wheeler, 3rd Battalion, is shown in Regimental Returns as detached on recruiting service in New York and did not serve with the Regiment in Panay. By the end of 1900, the 18th Infantry (minus) had eight companies, with 16 officers and 1001 enlisted men present for duty in the Philippines, and the Regiment in the Philippines was commanded by Captain Thomas Griffin, Company K.

    The 1st Battalion history diverged from the rest of the 18th Infantry during this period. In March, the Department of the Pacific and Eighth Army Corps instituted the concept of a home battalion, presumably to establish a home depot for the training and forwarding overseas of constantly needed replacements for regular Army regiments operating in the Philippines. In May, the 1st Battalion was designated as the 18th Infantry home battalion. On June 19, under command of MAJ Henry H. Adams, the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry, embarked from the Philippines en route to the United States, taking station at the Presidio of San Francisco. There the 1st Battalion remained until the Regiment returned from it's first tour of duty in the Philippine Islands.  In Omnia Paratus!
 
 
 

     31 March -- a very special day indeed for the Vanguard Battalion. We received a Valorous Unit Citation for the Battle of Tan Hiep (4 May 68) and were honored by the presence of several returning veterans: COL (R) George Tronsrue Jr., COL (R) Dick Shaw, and SGT (R) Gary Gansereit were all able to make it to Germany and participate in the Ceremony. Turned out to be a fantastic ceremony for both them and the battalion. That night COL Tronsrue was kind enough to be our guest speaker at an All-Ranks Ball and the young soldiers truly enjoyed getting the opportunity to hear him speak and then, at the end of the night, speak with him and the other heroes of the battle. As I have said before, with the history that you all have built for this battalion it makes it very easy for me to instill a sense of respect and duty in our soldiers. These three gentlemen were an inspiration to all and brought to life the legacy of the 18th Infantry.

     12 April -- the Battalion deployed to Grafenwoehr for gunnery. Highlights include mounted gunnery through Bradley Table VIII, a squad live fire exercise / competition, and a platoon live fire qualification (BT XII). You would have been proud to see your soldiers in action. All 44 Bradley crews qualified, with only 3 having to make a second run. I have been told that this is the best results of any battalion in the Division for quite some time. Additionally, 60% of the crews qualified as either Distinguished or Superior! Top Gun went to the crew of C26 with a perfect score. Every squad underwent an extremely tough competition, so that we could identify and reward our best squad. Competition started off with a two day squad external evaluation followed by a 4 mile road march (carrying a 200 lb. liter) straight into an externally evaluated day/night squad live fire attack. All squads performed admirably, but the best squad came from C Company. SGT Clarks and his squad each received an ARCOM from the Brigade Commander for their outstanding performance. Following that we brought the Mounted Crews and the Squads back together for Bradley Table XII. Once again, tough day/night exercise that forced each platoon to conduct a live fire mounted / dismounted attack to enter and clear a trench line and then defeat a counterattack.  Each platoon got the opportunity to integrate live bangalore breaches, hand grenades, live Dragon and AT-4 antitank missiles, and live 120mm mortar fires into their scheme of maneuver. I personally evaluated each platoon and walked off the range confident in their abilities and proud of their enthusiasm and motivation.

     Immediately following Graf, we moved to Hohenfels for a high-intensity CMTC rotation. We started off with three days of Company Level STX training with each company conducting an In-Stride Breach and Deliberate Attack, MOUT Attack, Movement to Contact, and Hasty Defense. On 22 May we began our 14 day rotation with a night tactical road march. Over the next 14 days we conducted a Battalion/Task Force level Deliberate Attack, Deliberate Defense, Deliberate Defense (night), Movement to Contact, and Deliberate Attack (night) -- with 0% illumination the night missions were very interesting!!  Based upon the positive comments we received, and my own personal assessment, I can tell you that the battalion did EXTREMELY well!  Hard to judge wins and losses, but I would put our record at 4-1. Most importantly we met the three objectives I set for us:

• Everyone completed the training safely and are now back in Schweinfurt
• We got better every day at every level
• The soldiers feel good about themselves and their unit - the 18th Infantry!
• We are now in the process of recovery - making sure our equipment is ready to go when needed. (This will take us through the end of June and then the soldiers will go on a well deserved 2 week block leave period.)

DUTY FIRST - FIRST TO BATTLE - VANGUARDS!

LTC Mike Murray
(Editor's Note: "Iron Mike", if there ever was one!)
 
 
 

        1 JAN - came and went with no problems .. Y2K or otherwise. We only had about 200 soldiers around for the Christmas and New Years Holidays - rest were out on Block Leave. Good news is that we are starting to get a few new soldiers in. Received about 15 during December and about 8 so far in January.

        10 JAN - Soldiers returned from Block Leave. We continued our After Operations Recovery (AOR), which was concluded on Thursday, 13 JAN, with an inspection by CSM Forest and me.

        28 JAN - CPT Nick Vamvakias gave up command of A CO to CPT Chad Arcand. Also conducted Awards Ceremony to recognize the accomplishments from our December 99 Gunnery Density. Of note was:

• A CO recognized as the "Top Gun Company". In recognition they were presented with the Clark Trophy (Cdr - CPT Nick Vamvakias, Master Gunner - SSG Travis)

• C CO recognized with the Schaffer Trophy for having the "Outstanding Rifle Squad" (1SG - 1SG Higgs, Squad Leader - SSG Serrano)
• 1LT Travis McCrakine, SGT Silva, and SPC Eller recognized as "TOP GUN" in the Battalion for firing a perfect score on Bradley Table VIII.

        1 - 4 FEB - Completed our first Command Inspection (CIP) of the last three years. Major event (similar to the old IG Inspection, but a little more "friendly"). Basically, it's where you get more help than you want in order to get your systems and administrative areas squared away. The soldiers and leaders put a lot of time and effort into this inspection and the results were phenomenal! 63% of the areas received a "commendable" rating and only about 3 areas required additional work. A great testament to our outstanding soldiers, NCO's and Officers.

        14 FEB - 1 MAR - Began preparations for the upcoming gunnery and CMTC rotations. Each line company conducted a series of four missions: 1) Night Air Assault and Attack of an Urban Area; 2) Mounted/Dismounted Deliberate Attack of an enemy force defending a trench line; 3) Dismounted infiltration, area reconnaissance and hasty attack; 4) Platoon Defense conducted on the PGT (Precision Gunnery Trainer). All training went extremely well and -across the board- I was extremely pleased and proud of the effort and motivation of our soldiers. It does my heart good, and you all should be proud, to see the professionalism of our young soldiers. As an example .. the urban fight was conducted at night using Night Observation Devices, in the rain/sleet/
snow/mud, against a very determined enemy and our soldiers performed magnificently.
 

        14 FEB - 1 MAR - Scout and Mortar Platoon participated (as the Opposing Force) in 1-4 CAV "Troop Challenge". Both got the opportunity to conduct their Mission Essential Tasks against a very good .. and uncooperative .. enemy. Because of the line company training I did not get out to see them as often as I would have liked but .. according to the 1-4 CAV Commander .. they performed magnificently!  I am very confident in the fact that we have extremely well trained, professional Scout and Mortar Platoons.
        During the same period we got the Tactical operations Center and Administrative/Logistical Operations Center out to the field to shake off the cobwebs and start their preparation for CMTC rotation. Great events that will pay huge dividends in May/June.
        My bottom line assessment from observing the line companies, scouts, mortars, snipers, and command posts during these three weeks is .. no matter what you read in the papers .. we have the finest soldiers in the world and a great many of them are right here in 1-18 IN!

        17 FEB - CPT Keith Brace gave up command of HHC to CPT Nick Vamvakias. Keith has been a Vanguard for the last four years and spent almost two years of that time in command of first B CO and then HHC. He is currently attending school at FT Leavenworth. He returns in April to clear and then move on to his next assignment. ft is always hard to say goodbye. Keith and his wife Amy have done tremendous things for our soldiers and their families. and we owe them a great deal of thanks
 

March (Projected)

• Unit Leaders Training Program at Hoensfeld
• Weapons Qualification at Wildflicken
• Staff Ride to Battle of the Bulge sites
• Scout and Mortar Platoon External Evaluations
• Preliminary Bradley Gunnery
• 31 March VUA Presentation

April (Projected)

• Preliminary Bradley Gunnery
• Spring Clean-Up
• Spring Block Leave (7-12 April)
• Deploy to Grafenwoehr (14-15 April)

May (Projected)

• Finish Gunnery and deploy to Hoensfeld (CMTC) 
• Five days of Company Training and a 14 days high intensity rotation at CMTC.

June (Projected)

• Complete CMTC Rotation and re-deploy to Schweinfurt 
• After Operations Recovery 
• Begin preparation for EIB and EFMB Testing
• Brigade Change of Command 30 JUN (COL Steve Hicks gives up a very successful command to COL Pete Palmer).

July (Projected)

• Two weeks of Block Leave (WELL DESERVED)

        As you can see .. our Association is represented by the finest soldiers in the greatest Army in the world. I know you are proud of your Regiment and the young men representing you. Please share that pride. We all have a role in making sure that our soldiers' accomplishments (past, present, and future) are recognized and rewarded.

DUTY FIRST - FIRST TO BATTLE!  LTC Mike Murray (VANGUARD 6)
 
 

     Bravo Company assembled and moved out as soon as it became apparent that a serious firefight was in progress. Upon reaching the area, Bravo Company swept west to east, then hooked north to engage the enemy force. Heavy fighting continued all afternoon. Temperatures ranged from 90 to l00 degrees with high humidity, taking a toll on the troops. Bravo Company was receiving fire from machine guns and large numbers of hand grenades were being thrown from ditches that crossed the area. Helicopter Light Fire Teams (LFT) were called in and expended their loads on the VC positions that were concealed in the areas streamlines, jungle, ditches and dikes. The LFTs received heavy caliber machine gun fire and automatic small arms fire from the wood lines as they made their gun runs. Troop A, 1/4 Cav, moved to Bravo Company's left flank and continued to poor deadly fire upon the battlefield. During the battle, Bravo Company captured the company commander and executive officer of a VC Company, and Alpha Company captured an NVA Captain. The POWs supplied important and timely intelligence information. The enemy was identified as the Dong Nai VC Regiment, with NVA advisors. This unit had been badly mauled during the Tet Offensive, but now had been re-trained and fitted with new small arms, RPG7s, 82mm mortars, rockets and gas mask. As of 1930 hours the enemy body count was over one hundred killed and five POWs. As darkness fell, contact was broken and our battle weary units maneuvered back through the North Gate at Di-An, closing at about 2230 hours.

     On the morning of May 5, Bravo Company, with the Recon Platoon attached, was transported by truck to the battle site and conducted a RIF in search of remaining enemy forces. A sweep of the area was performed by a company size skirmish line with a platoon on each flank. They found nine additional VC bodies and a large cache of weapons and supplies. A brief firefight broke out and three more VC were killed. One more sweep of the area was conducted on May 6. Several short fire fights erupted, with Alpha Company losing one man KIA and Bravo Company having one KIA and one WIA. Four more VC were killed. Additional VC bodies and equipment were found throughout the battlefield area. All units closed into Di-an by 1645 hours, thus ending the Battle of Tan Hiep. This engagement cost the Dong Nai Regiment over 200 dead, five POWs, and an undetermined number of wounded, leaving it ineffectual as a fighting force for months to come. The 1/18th lost eight men killed in action and 24 wounded.

     On the morning after initial contact, the VC officially launched their Offensive by raining mortars and rockets down on Saigon. It is clear that the Dong Nai Regiment planned an assault on Di-An during the night of May 4th or the early morning hours of May 5th. Had it not been for the heroic actions of the 1/18th combined arms task force, Di-An would likely have suffered major losses. NO MISSION TOO DIFFICULT, NO SACRIFICE TOO GREAT, DUTY FIRST!
 
 

    The point men for D Company's lst Platoon were puzzled to find Tan Hiep deserted as they approached. When the Division began to search more thoroughly, rather than move on, a nearby treeline suddenly erupted with rifle, automatic weapon and RPG fire. Captain Hugh Shaw, Delta 6, and his command group caught much of this fire, but he was able to move his other two platoons to seal off the southern edge of the battle area. He then called for help with what was clearly a large enemy force, concentrated in a surprisingly small area. All of D Company was in heavy contact.

    Within minutes, the Recon Platoon of Dogface Battalion, plus one platoon from A Company were moving to reinforce D Company. Soon after, the rest of A Company and a part of the 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry, followed, heading toward the south of D Company. By this time, overhead in a light helicopter, the battalion commander, LTC George Tronsrue, started to pass orders to the rest of the battalion, but was interrupted by Captain John Graham, the B Company commander, who said, "Sir, we've been on the way since we heard the first shots. Where do you want us?" And by continuing the quick move, B Company came up on Delta's left flank, thereby pinning the enemy battalion into a killing zone: an unfordable river to their left or east, D Company to their front or south, and B Company to their right or west. The enemy commander's most obvious option was to pull back to his rear or north, but that was relatively open rice paddy country crossed by only a few treelines along shallow canals. The Battle of Tan Hiep was now on. Dogface Battalion (B and D Companies, and the Battalion's Recon Platoon), with Troop A, Quarterhorse attached, fought the day-long action. A Company of Dogface, released to the operational control of the rest of the Quarterhorse Squadron, swept the area south of the fight, but made only light contact during the rest of the day.

    The enemy troops were now pinned in a deadly pocket, hammered by supporting fire from the 1st Battalion, 7th Artillery and the 2nd Battalion, 13th Artillery. They were under direct fire, also, from Troop A, 1/4 CAV, commanded by Captain Fred Shirley, now on B Company's left, side by side, thus extending the western wall of the pocket. Overhead and outside the pocket to the north and east, helicopter gunships from the 7th Squadron, 1st Cavalry flew continuing fire missions to screen the open, rice paddy country to the north of the pocket. Farther to the north and east, but still in the same rice paddy country, the Aero-Rifle Platoon of that squadron established two blocking positions.

    For all that combat power hitting them, the enemy fought back hard. But, the men of Dogface Bravo, Dogface Delta and the Recon Platoon, and Alpha Troop fought harder, and during the next six hours, swept the southern part of the pocket clean. D Company and the Recon Platoon fought their way through several large groups of enemy, canal by canal, to the eastern edge of the pocket. Both units were then returned to Di An. B Company, with Troop A's support, continued to fight through many smaller groups of enemy soldiers in a relentless foot-by-foot wrap-up of the rest of the battle area. Dogface Bravo finally the far northern edges of the pocket nearly 12 hours after the first shot was fired. The Dogface Battalion headquarters, throughout that intense 12 hours, had not missed a beat in carrying out operational control of all maneuver units on the field of battle. Medical support and ammunition resupply were efficient, and the troops knew it.

    The troops also knew, from what they literally saw around them, that they had won a tough, face-to-face infantry battle against a disciplined, well-trained and equipped enemy force determined to fight to the last man. And, except for 6 enemy captured and evacuated for interrogation, that is exactly what the VC Battalion did (it was later determined to have been part of the well known Dong Nai VC Regiment). According to Dogface combat logs and AARs, at least 126 enemy dead were counted on the battlefield among their individual weapons and many crew-served weapons. Other reports placed the total at between 236 and 245. The price paid by Dogface Battalion was 6 killed and 23 wounded.
 

Name: Alice Cooper   amc1930@aol.com

Comments: I would like to hear from any one who remembers my son, Robert W. Cooper. He was a medic with D-1-18, KIA August 8, 1969. I have heard from one Buddy of his, but have not got much information. I'm trying to hear a little more of his short time in Vietnam. Please, can anyone help me?  His Mother.
  

The 18th Infantry Regiment Association Annual Meeting is scheduled for 9 am on Monday, September 4, 2000. Mark your calendars and plan now to attend. It will be in conjunction with the Big Red One reunion. There will be the usual CP activities and the Division reunion schedule. In addition, we hope to have some specific 18th Infantry activities arranged. If you have ideas for special 18th Infantry activities in Philadelphia, call me:
Ph: 562-596-8097, or E-mail: Ggentry@aol.com.

The 81st Annual Dinner of the Officers of the First Division will be held on Saturday, May 6, 2000 at the Crystal City Hyatt Regency Hotel in Arlington, VA. Join us Friday night and Saturday for refreshments and relaxed conversation at the 18th Infantry CP in room 1811. A good time for all. For information contact Phil Pryor at 757-564-1616, or E-mail at: Ppryor58@aol.com
 
 
 
 
 

This year the Big Red One Reunion is scheduled for the Labor Day week-end, September 1-5, 2000. it will be held at the Adams Mark Hotel in Philadelphia, PA. Make reservations through the Society. For information, please check out the Society web site at: www.rrmtf.org/firstdivision/society or contact Rosemary Wirs at the Society Office: 1933 Morris Rd, Blue Bell, PA 19422. Ph: 1-888-324-4733 (Toll free), or Email: soc1ID@aol.com