Hello 409th! I served with the Longknives from June/70 to December/70 in Di An as a tank mechanic. In my first week, I went to Quan Loi for a few days to help move vehicles back to Di An. At that time Jesse Long, Richard Kwiatkowski ("ski"), Tom Hale and Luther Pittman worked in the Motor Pool. Captain Stillwell was the CO, but was soon replaced with Captain Callahan. "Horrible" Hahn was the first shirt. In my hooch was Ron Ziemmer, Sammy (NMI) Torrisi, Richard Lindstrom, Mark Funk and Terry Boney. (Photo of Terry and I playing chess is in the Pix section). What a great job Marvin (and others?) has (have) done on the website. The company roster and photos took me back to those days that I hated at the time but look back on with nostalgia.(See the pix of me in front of the Orderly Room with the Company logo!) I didn't get to meet too many folks in my short time with the unit, but the ones I did meet will be in my memories forever. Larry

Hi Guys, it has been quite some time now since we've put anything on the site. Patty and I were in Melbourne Fl for the 19th Annual Vietnam Veterans and all Veterans Reunion this past weekend and had a blast. We met some interesting guys from all Services , also met two ASA Sergeant career Soldiers who had been with the 509th and the 303rd as well as Europe and Stateside. The ceremony at the Wall was very moving, the motto of this Reunion was " The Wall says it All!!!! Recently, I went to Fort Leonardwood Mo. for my sons
graduation from AIT, it really hits home now. He did very well, and received a "Trailblaser Award and was the Platoon Guide, as you can see I'm very proud of him. He is a Combat Engineer with Echo Company 3rd Bn. 15th Infantry Regt. 3rd Infantry Div. Fort Stewart Ga. As a Parent, I'm really concerned about the War and he will deploy in March. Please say some Prayers for all of our Forces not only in Iraq and Afganistan but all around the World, they need all of the support that we can give them now and when they come Home to the "World". The Reunion this weekend reminded me of how important it is to stay in touch with my time spent in Nam and with the "Longknives" of the 409th. Thanks again to Marvin for keeping the Link open. Together then-Together Again Joseph Harter 409th FWD Unit 68/69

Good to get a surprise note from George "Woody" Woodruff and burn up a few bytes in the exchange. Next time we head south, we'll have to stop in and see him.
And - absolutely GREAT to see Lee Gentry and Vince and Rosemary Simmers at Ft Irwin for the welcome home celebration and barbecue. And thanks to the Chuckwagon Gang for the neat caps and aprons from the serving line. It was great to serve barbecue to our new vets! I suspect some of the new vets really don't have a clue about how nice the welcome home was, but quite a number did seem really appreciative of a "welcome home" from us old buggers.
The whole ceremony was nice, esp. the guidon retirement and wreathlaying - both of which were really moving.
And then Gov. Ahnold Schwartzenneger came and shook hands with a young specialist (we were never THAT young) standing beside us!
We stayed for the Regimental Ball in Las Vegas too. Spent supper with the new Regimental XO discussing their tour in Iraq - Had the best seat in the house!
Looking forward to seeing some of you in KCMO in Sept.
Wayne Mollhoff 68-69

I first posted here on April of 2004 asking if anyone could help find Bill. A person I considered a close friend in Nam.
Jim Womble and his wife went to a lot of work. Thanks you too.
Bill, after we spoke to each other I felt as the Grogan’s heroes are back.
It’s been 38 years.
Thanks Marv for putting together a place that can help bring back some of the good memorys.

Just hear to say hello to Don R. and Jim W. Thanks for finding me guys, I had no idea the web site excit for our unit. That Marvin must be a sharp guy.

Bill

I served with the 409th Jan. thru Dec. 1968. Had a 05g20 MOS and was with tracks #2 and #22 most of the time. Most folks knew me as "Hooter" or Woody. Sure would like to hear from some of you old folks that I served with.

Long time no contact with anyone. I was the Co. clerk from Apr.68 to Jan.69.
Still have some pictures of those days.

Marvin,

We are glad that you survived the hurricane with little damage. We saw that parts of Moss Point, MS got considerable damage and we were worried about you.

Hang in there.

Don Dauphin

I just became able to use the computer this am. Everything is ok here just lost a few shingles but dont know about Hoyt Hill or Chedotol. I ran off to Appalachacola FL for the storm and am not ashamed to admit it :)

has anyone heard from marvin hall since katrina hit over there? he e-mailed me a few days before when it was getting ready to hit us here in fla. hope he and his a re safe and sound. that whole area is gone. we need to pray for them all. what a horrible thing. please acknow, if marvin has been heard from. i thank you all. patti lee and joe harter

P. S. Gene O'mera, Danny Bosch, Steve Arpan, Ed Sato, are some more sent.
God bless all the Soldiers of the 409th

Just finished scanning over 250 photo's of the 409th, with a few sent to marvin. I am going to send the rest by disc so he can pick and choose. Of the ones I just sent to him are one of Tex, and Al Luthy.

Hey guys, it's been some time since I put anything in here, still think about everyone though. Patti keeps in touch for me, I guess that I've just been lazy or something. Talked with Butch Shields not long ago, he's doing well and we recalled some exciting and funny times as well as some scary moments. Thanks again to Marvin for keeping this sight alive, hope that you faired well with Hurricane Dennis, and Cindy. Sorry that I haven't gotten a hold of you yet Jay! Andy said that he had a good visit with you, by the way, did you see the picture of Andy and his "Trick" Dog? Amazing!!! Well, time to hit the sack, will be thinking of all of you guys and especially our Kids Overseas tonight,God Bless them and keep them safe. God Bless America!!!! See Ya , Joe 68\69

Fort Jackson SC Jan 1960
Fort Devens MA Apr 1960
9th USASA FLD STA Sep 1960
NSA Mar 1963
409th ASA (RR) Det 11th ACR MD & VN Mar 66
337th RR CO 1st INF DIV VN Jan 67
Vint Hills Farms VA Mar 68
337th RR CO (TDY) VN May 68
Vint Hills Farms VA Nov 68
Arlington Hall Sta VA (TDY) Dec 68
Vint Hills Farms VA May 69
Civilian Life IN Jan 70

Greetings all....I was in touch with Tex Cavender up until the last few weeks before he passed. Still haven't been able to take his name out of my address book. We got together a few times....always great. Steve Roth, you spent some time with the CIA. Any idea how I can get in touch with Ric Jacobson? He was my best man when I got married 30 years ago. Sure would like to run him down. ALLONS.......Prince

SERVED FROM FEB67-AUG67 AS 98C. THEN WENT TO 175TH RRC. THEN SAW THE LIGHT GOT OUT AND WENT INTO THE AIRFORCE. SPENT TWO TOUR WITH THEM AT DA NANG,AND QUAN-TRI.I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM THE MAN WHO AFTER WE RETURNED TO BASE CAMP FROM TAY NINH WHO WOULD NOT TURN HIS RADIO DOWN AFTER I ASK HIM TO SO I COULD GET SOME SLEEP,HE SAID SOMETHING LIKE NO,AND I HAD TO PUT AN M-16 BUTT INTO THE RADIO TO TURN IT OFF. I THINK HE HAD JUST GOT INTO THE UNIT. I WOULD LIKE TO PAY FOR THE RADIO.

Ft. Dix 1966
Ft. Devens 1966 - 05H20
8th RRFS 1966-67
409th RRU 1967
VHFS 1967-1970
CIA 1970-1999
Retired

Good to see Oleske's note - hey Andy, just went through Merriman a coupla weeks ago- looking good, they're getting rain in the Panhandle. Your note of the pictures from O'Conner brought back memories. I'm planning to go to C.Springs in Aug for the reunion, will bring my album, and maybe a coupla maps I "borrowed" - hope to see some friends there. Jim Beard got in contact with me a coupla months ago.
Wayne

Just got home from Rhode Island from a week long visit with Jay O'connor, He hasn't changed in 34 years.. I brought back loads of photo's from the 409th, including some of Al Luthy, and Tex Cavender. Long lost ones of Arpan, Bosch, Hall Sato, Kuhn, Ryan's face & Ass LOL, and many many more, Including ones of the #13 & 22 Stuck in the creek, along with the Big Dozer from From the Engineers, and Probably the most precious is that Of SSgt Gene O'Meara.

Just dropped by to see what was new. Like Marvin stated back in January we are still searching for the rest of our guys. I am using an new sight 'zabasearch.com' which seems to be working quite well. If you want to join the search committee let us know or start with the trooper list and use the above search engine.
This years reunion is coming up. Right now will not make it due to other committments. Will see everybody in KC next year.
My condolences to Ron on the passing of his wife. I know we just met her in Daytona Beach but that still makes us all family and we are sorry for his loss.
Let's try to close the gap and find the remaining guys.

Your last company clerk, still working for you.
Jim Werner

Just read in the "Thunder Run" ( the 11th Cav Nam Newsletter) that two alumni of the 409th passed on:

Lyndell (Tex) Cavender 67-68
DoD Sept 2004
Harry Hahn 69-70
DoD July 2002

I can still remember Tex playing his guitar and singing "Plastic Jesus".

Maintain an even strain.

I was in V.N. from May '68 to Oct '69. The first 8 months I was with the big Red One, than I went to the 409th/11th ACR. There I came to know Harry Colon. It's all a big blurr to me now. I got out, went to college, went to Navy flight school, got kicked out of there (bad attitude, can you imagine that), and made a carrier in Fed. Law Enforcement. Retired to the mountains of Bama. I wished I could remeber names to go with the faces in my memory, they were a good bunch of guys.

just wanted to check in and let you know our thoughts and prayers are with all who served from the beginning of time till now and hope one day this world will be free of war,sorrow and pain. keep praying. God bless us all and America. we need to keep our country and it's traditions as they were. allons.

It is with sadness that I pass along that Susan Barton, Ron Barton's wife,
pass away this morning after a long hard fought bout with cancer. The
family will receive friend Sunday night at Vogler & Sons Funeral home in
Winston Salem, NC and the service will be Monday at the same location. The
telephone # there is 336-732-6106 and Ron's # is 336-924-3758. Susan has
been to many of the reunions so some of us have met her and have grown to
admire her in her challenge. I know it is not possible for most to attend
but Ron would love to hear from anyone of his 409th buddies. His
association means a lot to him. He is a good one.

Thanks Ted

Hello to everyone! Great sight! Good to see alot of names and faces.

Gentlemen - I was an 05H TDY from Camp Humphreys in Korea who came to the 409th for the Cambodian incursion. I looked through all of the photos and recognized some faces and Shag the dog. I recognized places too like Di An and Quan Loi. I'd spent 18 months with the 335th (9th Inf. Div.) so I wasn't new to Vietnam and I had a great time with the 409th. Thanks for the memories!
Kim

Hey Guys, just wanted to say that in looking back into the Photo page, I really got a nostalgic feeling and I suppose that that time of our lives will always be a place that we can never forget, although we can't recall this one or that ones name the faces and attitudes remain. To the guys that I was out there with, just know that I think about us and our situations most every day, afterall, we were some special guys, weren't we? I pray that we all find some kind of Peace in the end, and think about our Kids fighting the Fight overseas today- God Bless Them All!!! Thanks for Jay O'Conners address Andy, I will surely give him a call. Joe Harter 68/69 Alons!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was going through the files and noticed that Jay O'connor was listed as deceased.. I just talked to Patty, and got an E-mail from Jay soI hope there is only a slight error. In fact Patty says its ok to post their address.. John W. (Jay) O'connor 138 Lake ave. Wakefield, R.I. 02879.
His mos was 05H.
One other member I noticed with no Mos is Steve Arpan. He was a apc driver, from Eagle Butte, S.D.
Hope you all had a wonderful Holiday season..

Seasons greetings, and Best wishes to all,esp Boster, Kent,Harter,Ryan O'connor,Lt.Wayne (God Bless You for your service.) Don't forget to pray for our troops, and for thos so devistated by natural disasters.

The Party is at the Cove with Prime Rib an Steak & Lob. Karoke to follow.. Watch for Jay O'connor at the Pats game this Sunday. Patty says she will have a sign that reads R.I.P. near 40 yd line 18 rows up.. :cool: wonder if Jay still looks like that

Hi Guys, Just wanted to say Happy Holidays and a safe and happy New Year.... Thanks for the E=Mail Marvin. Joe Harter 68=69 Alons.....

Im just a lurker ,up until now. I came by way of an Uncle who is a member here.

I want to say Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays (alittle late) and I hope you all have a Happy and Healty New Year.

To my uncle: Im not surprised to see you here boosting support for our troops overseas, even with your health and family issues, you still take the time to remember how it feels to be at war, esp. during the Holidays...Know that I keep you in my prayers and I love you.

Daily living seems to get in the way of so many things we should do, we may not chat often but I stay informed...love ya
Jo

I was with the 409th from Dec. 69 to Dec. 70. I've forgotten most of the names of the wonderful guys I served with, but if you remember me, please contact me. Vince Simmers is the only name I remember, and I'm trying to contact him. I remember playing poker for 42 straight nights, so if you were in those games, send me an email.

Look forward to hearing from some of you. Let me know if you're going to the reunion. If so, I might go.

Cary

Hey everyone, hope all had a good thanksgiving and are in the Christmas spirit already. Think about all of our Brothers and Sisters overseas this Season, we were in their place at one time= Remember?? You can send a care package to our boys at War at "Any Soldier.com". All of the information about what, who and how to send are on this site, look in to it O.K.?? Everyone have a safe and Happy Holiday..... Joe Harter 68/69 Alons!!!!!!!

What a wonderful site. I am sure that many Questions have been answered for all of us. Thank you so very much for the efforts of those responsible.

Big O

Just found the site today - sort of by accident. I'm back on active duty as OIC of the Blood Donor Center here at Ft Bliss. tore me up to see some of the names & faces. Will update later with a death or two I know of.
Later
Wayne

One more note. Thanks to boster,oprin, and the other guys of the "Stone Pony" for watching my dad's '6'. And thanks to the rest of the squadron.

My dad was with you guys 68-69 part of the crew of the "Stone Pony" ACAV. ...On my second tour in Iraq. Wish I had one of those tracks of yours. anyway you guys could hook a grunt up? Take care guys

WOW,
I thought someone would have beat me to this.

Happy Veteran's day guys.

I noticed that there weren't many new entries on the Guestbook lately so where are you guys? Talked with Andy Oleski lately and John Shaper just before Hurricane Jeanne came rumbling through. Remember to Vote Tuesday!!!! God Bless our Troops and keep them safe and bring them home soon. We all remember how it was to be there! And never forget our Nam Brothers. Joe Harter 68/69

Just found the website today. I saw a few names I remember. If you recognize mine, let me hear from you. I was at Dion from july 70 to may of 71. From there I went to Udorn Thailand with the 13th rrd and from there to Ubon, Thailand.

Andy White

I attended My first Reunion this past weekend and I have to say that it was quite an experience meeting the "Boat People" and the others that came. John Shaper, Dean Hewitt, Don Dauphin, Alan Sikes, Vince Simmers Jim Werner and their Lovely wives. Thanks for the Cohiba Dean! John Shaper and I served together over there and had fun and tears recalling People, Places and Events and that's what it is all about. A very special Heart felt thanks to all of the guys for making me feel at ease and at Home, and of course the most Thanks to "My Girl" Patti Lee for not only finding the 409th site, but all of her support and endless hours of putting up with my Nam talk. Again, Huge thanks to you Marvin for all of your tireless work in keepng the site up and running. I encourage all 409th Troopers to Participate with E-Mails, Pictures, Phone calls, whatever to bring all of our Troopers Home. Thanks again everyone for agreat time at the Reunion. Joseph D. Harter 409th RRD\ 11th ACR 68-69

To the Men of the 409th RR Det.
Next week is OUR reunion in Daytona Beach. Marvin and several others have worked this last year trying to gather the troops. The 11th ACR has posted those that attending and there appears to be a small group considering that we now know the names of over 300 that served in our unit. If you can't be there this year please forward acknowledgement and messages so that we can make this a very successful event. See you at the REUNION. (I am the last person to serve in the 409th on the last morning report it said "1". Now it's time to rally the troops once again and make that number grow. Keep in touch.)

thanks to Pat Hardin for letting me know that there was a 409th site- I transferred to the 409th. from the 372nd and spent 1969 with the 409th. till I ets late in November- I read the page for Harry Colon, we were at Quan Loi, it came over the teletype, I had to break the news of his death to James Blaylock, there were going on R&R together- I really hated to tell him - Harry was a great guy - he has always bee missed - whatever happened to Lt. Born ???? I was an o5d20 --

Sorry to here of the death of General George S. Patton, he was the Commander of the 11th ACR during my tour with the 409th. I ran into Gen. Patton in Germany during a Reforger Mission, he was quite an outstanding Officer.

Sorry to here of the death of General George S. Patton III, he was the commander of the 11TH ACR during my tour with the 409th. All of our deepest sympathy to the Family of Gen. Patton. and may he rest in Peace in Fiddlers Green. AllONS GEN. Joe Harter 409th 11thACR 68-69

Just wondering if anyone remembers who took over my Track "Soulful Strut" after I left Nam? I only remember bring her back to the Blackhorse Basecamp at Xuan Loc from Qaun Loi and then leaving two days later, as I never went back to Xuan Loc after being deployed to the Fwd Unit I don't remember too many guys from Basecamp. Just curious.... Joe Harter 68/69

I was in Viet Nam from 1969-1970. I hope to hear from some old friends. Thank you for this opportunity to reconnect.

In Nam from Jan 69 to Jan 70. Was at the 303rd until the 31J at Blackhorse got hurt falling into some wire around the comm hut. Went down to Blackhorse in March or April 69 and stayed until DEROS in 70. Got to visit beautiful AnLoc and DiAn as the Cav was attached to the 1st or 25th Div's. Retired from Verizon after 35 years, enjoying the Grandkids and screwing off.

Just received your short note - Thank YOU. It was great to share the web site with my wife and children. It brought back a flood of memories. I look forward to the future use of the site and to reconnecing with others. I was with the unit when we went into "Cambodia" I was with the 409th 1970-1971. Again thanks for the web site. - Richard Lindstrom

Just recieved Marvin's note yesterday, it's been a long time guys! Was really glad to get the address and to visit this site. I was there July '68 to July '69; It would be great to hear from any of you! will get back here later, thanks!

Hi, from New orelans. I was in vietnam 68-69.

Just in the process of moving out of my place and well going through some old pictures I found a bunch of my father Joe Dirrigle in nam and it got me to wondering who some of the guys where in the group photos. Looking at the photos page here on the website I saw John Schaper had a couple of with my dad in them. Do any of you other guys remember him? Not sure if he kept in contact with anyone.

Hello Troopers of the 409th, first of all, I hope that all are well and in good Health. I'm sad to say that Friday I learned that one of my classmates from High School passed away from Multiple Cancers from Agent Orange poisening. He was in the 101st Airborne 68/69, and is one of the many to die in this way. As some of us traveled with the Cav. throughout 3 Corps, we were also exposed and now need to stay on top of our health issues. I hope that all have had a good Memorial Day, and remember all who have given the Ultimate Sacrifice then and even now this much later in life. Alons! Joe Harter 409th Fwd Unit 68/69

I don't know what occurred to me to look up 409th but surprised to see it represented. I was from a slightly later time frame and place (Augsburg 1980-1984) and wondering if anyone from my timeframe ever comes up. Aloha!

to Marvin Hall, My deepest appreciation for all of your good work and time spent in keeping the 409th RRD 11thACR site updated and especially the recent DVD of photos from some of the guys. I would encourage anyone who has photos that havenot sent them in to you to do so, as these are the History of our Unit. Thanks again Marvin, and everyone else who contribute to this site and also Vern's ASA site, and an especially a Heart felt thanks to My Girl, Patti Lee, who without I never would have found this site or my Best friend from Nam, Butch Shields. Thanks again..... Allons!!!!! Joe Harter 68/69