The VVA Veteran: LOCATOR

January / February 2009

the vva veteran masthead

LOCATOR

Searching for Dale Seithel and any others from the 299th Combat Engrs., LZ North English, 1969-70. I am planning a trip back to Vietnam in March 2009 and would love to hear from you guys. Contact: Brian Wirpsa, 770-910-2842; wirpsa@aol.com

Seeking shipmates from U.S.S. Pictor (AF-54), 1963-66. Homeport: Alameda, Calif. Contact: Paul Liddle, Jr., 137 Kenbrook Dr., Galax, VA 24333; 276-235-0711.

Searching for buddies from 589th Engrs., Bunker 38 Alpha, An Khe, January 1968. Contact: Leslie Overcash, 2208 44th St., Moline, IL 61265.

Want to hear from anyone—doctors, nurses, corpsmen, patients—who was on Ward 4-B, Philadelphia Naval Hospital, May-Dec. 1969, including Mac (corpsman), Vickie Grossman (nurse), and Brisbou (nurse). Contact: John Bird, 17 Georgetown Rd, Columbus, NJ 08022; 609-298-2001.

Looking for anyone who served with me in HQ Co., 2nd Bn., 28th Inf., 1st Inf. Div., Lai Khe, Feb. 1968-69. Contact: Fred Johnson, 19 Collins Rd., Jacksonville, AR 72076; 501-982-1654.

Seeking former shipmates John Foote, Puckett (Kentucky), and Dennis “Squeaky” Mosier (Kansas) for reunion. We served aboard the U.S.S. Elkhorn (AOG-7), Pearl Harbor Fuel Pier #2, 1959-1963. Contact: Earl E. Rivers, P.O. Box 753607, Memphis, TN 38175; 901-487-4582.

Looking for members of 35th Eng. Bn. who witnessed an accident on Highway One involving Patrick Spence. I was thrown from the vehicle. Also seeking anyone who was in LBJ in Feb. 1968. Contact: Patrick Spence, 143 Chestnut St., Ithaca, NY 14850; spence913@yahoo.com

Looking for Marines of 2/1 and 1/1, 1st Mar. Div., Oct. 1966-May 1968. I was Bn. Supply Chief for two consecutive tours. Contact: Robert Gambol, P.O. Box 88, Lakewood, NM 88254; 610-304-6649; bobgambol@yahoo.com

Seeking anyone who served with me under Lt. Abraham in both B Co. and E Co. (Recon.), 4th Bn., 39th Inf., 9th Inf. Div., or with the Navy Mobile Riverine Force aboard the U.S.S Mercer (APB-39), 1968-69. Contact: Ramiro Lopez, 5 Chihuahua Ct., Brownsville, TX 78526; 956-541-9347 or 956-455-2885 (cell).

Want to confirm action and receive long-delayed Bronze Star. Need witness statements from “Andy” Anderson from T-91-9, “Buffalo Head” (Texas), Dean (Texas), any Vietnamese crewmembers, or any PBR crew members involved in ambush on Dec. 29, 1968, outside of Tuyen Nhon. Contact: Eddie Riddle, 2708 C St., Apt. 14, Sacramento, CA 95816; 916-443-5529; Tango91-9@att.net

Looking for Robert Gray, Charlie Cross, David Moore, Michael Greene, Jay Ellington, Stephen Michael, Donald Hicks, Nokes, Bradley, or any others in 1st Plt., Co. C, 720th MP Bn., attached to 1st Inf. Div., Phu Loi, 1967-68. Contact: Bob (“Sgt. Rock”) Eaves, Box 456, New Windsor, MD 21776; 410-635-3489.

Looking for Ron Coffman, Bob Knowles, the corpsman, and anyone else who served at Camp Carroll in mid-1968. I was there with GySgt. Dickerson to upgrade the Comm Center and took a piece of shrapnel in my left leg. Contact: Donald Richard (“Dick”) Cannon, 8106 Roxboro Dr., Hudson, FL 34667.

Seeking anyone who worked on the flight line at Dong Mong Bangkok Air Mail Terminal, Thailand, and may have become ill due to exposure to aircraft chemicals and exhaust. Also anybody who served at Clark AFB (Philippines), 1974. Contact: John T. Alexander, Sr., 424 Bakertown Rd., Antioch, TN 37013; 615-397-5025.

Searching for Craig Lincoln (born March 17, 1949, in Los Angeles). He served in Vietnam as an Army paratrooper. Last-known residence in Kansas. Contact: Brian Lincoln, 9113 E. Rosecrans Ave., Apt. 42, Bellflower, CA 90706; 562-529-2502.

Anyone still around from 94th Maint. Co., Cu Chi? I have movies, photos, and memories to share. Contact: Dennis Kushner, 27893 Moran, Harrison Twp., MI 48045; dkushner.namvet@comcast.net

Searching for Gilbert Lee. Gilbert served in the Qui Nhon and Binh Dinh areas, 1970-73. He met and fell in love with Phu Vo, and their son Hoa was born in Oct. 1971. Gilbert had a tattoo of Phu’s name and a heart on his arm. Contact: Jim Barker, 4941 Dickinson Dr., San Jose, CA 95111; 408-401-7939; erodemango@yahoo.com

Seeking anyone who served aboard the U.S.S. Thresher (SSN-593) prior to its loss on April 10, 1963. I am writing an account of my uncle, Richard W. Jones, who was serving aboard the sub when it went down. Contact: Carl J. Gauthier, J10856 B1139S, Polk Correctional Institution, 10800 Evans Rd., Polk City, FL 33868.

Veteran’s widow seeks anybody who remembers her husband, Robert (“Ski”) Olszewski who served with A Co., 4th Bn., 31st Inf., 196th LIB, Americal Div., Feb. 1970-Jan. 1971. Bob was at LZ West, and was in an ambush at Heip Duc, June 6, 1970. Contact: Karen Olszewski, 562-299-3470; 562-826-5008; OK-KO@juno.com

Looking for Greg Walters (Wisconsin), Mark Mattson, or anyone who served with me in the 80th General Support Grp. Compound, Danang, 1971-72. Contact: Larry Eggert, 2496 Morgan Ln., Green Bay, WI 54311; 920-468-4455.

Need help with VA claim. Seeking any members of USMC Recruit Depot Plt. 2138, San Diego, July 1969. Also searching for a copy of a 20/20 TV broadcast about USMC boot camp abuse of recruits. This program aired in the 1980s. Contact: Mariano (“Eddie”) Espinoza, 316 E. Hervey, Roswell, NM 88203; 575-623-9116.

Looking for anybody who served with me in the 243rd Field Svc. Co. (1st Log), Pleiku, Apr. 1968-69. Does anyone recall my guard tower being struck by lightning and killing William R. Curry on July 6, 1968? Contact: Ricardo Cruz Camacho, P.O. Box 21204 GMF, Barrigada, GU 96921; 671-632-7216.

Need to confirm stressors for a PTSD claim. Seeking anyone who served with me in the 1098th Trans. Co., May 6, 1966-Apr. 30, 1967. Contact: Eugene Hogue, 615 Cohasset Dr., Youngstown, OH 44511; 330-746-4899.

Need help to confirm events for VA claim. Looking for any who served with me in Co. C, 1st Engrs. (AVN), 503rd Inf., June 1964-Aug. 1965. Contact: Phillip Charles Myers, 246 Superior St., Hermitage, PA 16148; 724-347-4198. Must document events for PTSD claim. Seeking any who served with me in H&S Co., 3rd Med. Bn., 3rd Marine Div., 1971. Contact: Eugene Rock, 840 Palmer, Youngstown, OH 22502; 330-770-5060.

Looking for help from anybody who was denied service-connected disability. Also seeking anyone who was on perimeter duty with Force Logistic Support Grp.-Bravo, 3rd Marine Div., when we took incoming and the ammo dump at Dong Ha blew, June or July 1968. Contact: Robert Czyzewski GN-9271, State Correctional Institution, 1000 Follies Rd., Dallas, PA 18612.

Looking for a basic training yearbook for Co. A, 3rd Bn., 1st Trng. Bde., Ft. Polk, Jan. 1974. Contact: Mark S. Pritt #156-453, P.O. Box 8107, Mansfield, OH 44901.

When my father came back from Vietnam, his trunk with all of his personal items was lost. My sisters and I have been trying to find a way to learn if this trunk or its contents might still exist. The trunk contained all his uniforms, photos, dog tags, keepsakes, etc. Can anyone help? Contact: Elizabeth Cox (also known as Elizabeth Bundy), 719-391-0445; malachi00130@yahoo.com

Looking for a Vietnam-era military-issue red ink pen with unit designation including “Bravo Battery, 2nd Battalion.” A similar pen was recovered with remains possibly associated with Kevin O’Brien who served with HHB 2nd Bn., 94th Arty., 108th Arty. Grp. O’Brien went MIA on Jan. 9, 1969. A match on the pen could help resolve this case and bring Kevin O’Brien home. Contact: Danny “Greasy” Belcher, tfogreasy@alltel.net

Trying to locate Joseph McArthur Bowman and Hurley Reed, both recalled from Danang, 1970-71. Bowman was originally from Washington, D.C., and served with the 363rd Trans. Co. in Vietnam. He later served in Korea. Contact. Lawrence Wilber, 162 West Euclid Ave., Jackson, MI 49203; 517-782-9635.

I want to surprise my husband with a picture. He tells a story of landing in Vietnam in June 1967 aboard the U.S.S. Barrett (AP-196) with the 3rd Howitzer Bn., 316th Arty. He recalls a picture taken with three companies standing in formation on the dock. Does anybody have a copy or know where I could find a copy? Contact: Rebecca S. (“Becca”) Williamson, Executive Secretary, Office of the President, Samford University, 800 Lakeshore Dr., Birmingham, AL 35229; 205-726-2710; 205-726-2061 (fax); rswillia@samford.edu

Seeking Paul Hoh (St. Louis) and other Seabee mates from Vietnam or Exmouth, Australia. Contact: Douglas Dockter, djwldockter@yahoo.com.au

Looking for “Frenchy” LeDuc or anyone else who served with me at the Puuloa Rifle Range, Hawaii, Jan. 1967-69. Also want to hear from John Picard of Lewiston, Maine, who I served with in Vietnam and Okinawa. Contact: Tom Rottsheit, 1615 South Grand Ave., Waukesha, WI, 53189; 262-524-0883; TRottscheit@waukeshacounty.gov

Looking for anyone who was at Cam Ranh Bay in the 32nd Transit from July 1969-Sept.1970. Contact: Dennis Henderson, 2898 VZCR 4907, Ben Wheeler, TX 75754; 903-852-5203; dennish1943@yahoo.com

Looking for anyone who served with me in C Btry., 8th Bn., 6th Arty., 1st Inf. Div., Phu Lai, 1965-66. Contact: Ralph Goodwin, 18 Hart St., Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776; 631-473-8264; gqqdy22@yahoo.com

Seeking friends of Billy Anspach. I recently came into possession of his photo album. He was a friend who served in Vietnam in the late 1960s. I am searching for people he served with who might want the pictures. Billy died in August 1979. Contact: James Weigel, jaweigel@yahoo.com

Need a copy of boot camp graduation yearbook for Platoon 1149, 1st Recruit Training Bn., USMC Recruit Depot, San Diego (March 5, 1969). The DIs were SSgt Elrod and SSgt Segrift. Contact: Anthony Hudson, Sr., 1790 Palomino Ct., Oceanside, CA 92057; anthony.hudson@usmc.mil

Trying to locate John Trebey, formerly an Army captain, and Charles Brittain, formerly an Air Force major. Both men served with my recently deceased husband, Len Glen, in 1969-70. Contact: Deb Duus, 52 Eden St. West, Walkers Point, Queensland, Australia, 4650.

Seeking all former camera repairmen 402X0 or sensor systems techs 301X0A/B. I was with Det. 1, 33rd CAMRON, 1963-64; 460TRW, A&E, 1966-69. Contact: Harry Biller, 1152 Hostler Rd., Harpers Ferry, WV 25425; 304-725-8560; 304-676-0858; Boyhwb@gmail.com

Looking for Larry Randall (Wisconsin). We served together in the 2129th Communications Sqdrn., CCK AFB, Taiwan, 1972. Contact: Jerry Borchert, 1558 Stanford Ln., Denton, TX 76210; jborchert@ldisd.net

Looking for former Lt. Christianson of the 6th/84th Artillery. Forgot his first name and am unsure about spelling of his last. Believe he was from California. I was the RTO for his Forward Observer team in 1968 until we were split up the same year. Contact: Bill Whetstone, 9708 Ridge Heights Rd., Fairview Heights, IL 62208; 618-397-6216; DRYROCK3@aol.com

Looking for anyone who served with Don Burkhardt (Newton, Iowa), an M-60 machine gunner with Co. A, 2/1, 196th LIB, Americal Div., 1970. Don died in a car wreck and his family would like to talk to other members of his platoon. Contact: Bev Burkhardt Davis, bevcoffee2go@aol.com

Help needed for PTSD claim. Want to hear from anyone who served with me in 102nd Engr. Bn. during the Tet Offensive, 1967-68. Specifically searching for anyone who was with us at Pleiku in the quarry when we got hit late in April 1968. Also looking for the guard from the 4th Div. who I helped the night we were attacked by a band of young Vietcong. Contact: Leonard L. Jenkins, 407 E. Webster, Apt. 6, Coleman, MI 48618; 989-465-1263; vickjudy@charter.net

Need help with a VA hearing loss claim. Did anybody work on the T-37 “Tweety Bird” or serve at Reese AFB, Texas? Seeking anybody who served at Reese or other training bases as pilots, air traffic controllers, flight line personnel—anyone exposed to high and continuous headset communications. Contact: Robert E. Greene, 1208 Allendale Rd., Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; 717-691-0248; keygold@verizon.net

Looking for William McPhail (Detroit) who was at Ft. Knox with 3rd Armored Div., 2nd Trng. Bde., Advanced Infantry Training, fall 1967. Contact: James DeVone, Sr., P.O. Box 51216, Durham, NC 27717; 919-430-1508; james_devone@yahoo.com

I was a combat surgeon with the 3rd Med. Bn., 3rd Marine Div., Phu Bai, Dong Ha, and Quang Tri, 1967-68. During my tour, we had three tiger attacks, two fatal. I’m interested in contacting any troops or air crew who were involved or recall them. Contact: John Munna, M.D., jmunna@bellsouth.net

Seeking Central Highlands video (Pleiku, An Khe, Dak To, Highway 19) for vet unable to revisit Vietnam. I have much in-country audio and video to exchange if interested. Contact: Jim Claeys, ankhe70@yahoo.com

Looking for a guy nicknamed “Crazy John” who served with 3rd Plt., Charlie Co., 4th/31st, 196th LIB, Americal Div. John arrived in-country in June or July 1970. Contact: Greg O’Neil, goneil90804@yahoo.com

Searching for anyone who served aboard the U.S.S. Hickman County (LST-825), Mobile Riverine Force, 1966-1967. Contact: Robert “Rock” Mikula, rockallen@jackpine.net

Interested in speaking with anyone who played a role in creating maps for the Army Corps of Engineers/Army Map Service during the Vietnam War era. Contact: Xande Anderer, xande@citizenxdesign.com

Want to hear from Kelsey (former Sgt.), Wilson (former Maj.), or any other former fellow soldiers from Advisory Team #73, Chuong Thien Province, IV Corps, 1970.

Seeking info on an operation we went on from MAT Team in Long My. Contact: Joseph Leavens, 500 Mermaid Ave., Beachwood, NJ 08722; 732-341-3072; 732-323-5008.

Man in England wants to correspond with Vietnam veterans. I am 47 years old, have read a great deal about the Vietnam War and watched many documentaries, and believe that this generation of American vets not only fought bravely and with distinction, but withstood a terrible homecoming. My one wish before I die is to visit The Wall. Contact: Olwen Gilham, 13 Queens Crescent, Gorleston, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, England.

Need help with VA Claim. Searching for anybody who served with Peter Perry, 4th Engr. Bn., Dec. 1969-Dec. 1970. Contact: Gary R. Baker, Veterans Affairs Officer, 605 W. Main St., Ste. 101, Lexington, SC 29072; 803-785-8401.

Looking for Raul De La Fuente from HHC, 1st of the 12th, 1st Cav., 1968-69. Contact: Damian Zoida, 7334 W. Carter Rd., Laveen, AZ 85339; 602-237-0008; d_zoida@yahoo.com

Seeking anybody who knew or served with my brother, Gordon Peterson, an Australian with A Co., 1st Bn., Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR) in conjunction with the 173rd Airborne Div., Bien Hoa and Nui Dat, 1965-66. Particularly interested in 173rd vets who served with 1RAR on recon patrols. Gordon completed a second combat tour, 1968-69. Contact: Frank C. Peterson, 312 Spencer Rd., Devon, PA 19333.

Need help with VA claim. Looking for anyone from Co. C, 1st Bn., 503rd Inf., 173rd Airborne Bde., July-Nov. 1969. Who remembers the KIA who was hit in the head in an ambush in either Aug. or Sept. 1969? Who was with me when Martin Dyer was killed and Pop Deel wounded? Contact: William H. Hinds, Jr., 8090 Runion Rd., San Angelo, TX 76905; 325-763-4778.

Gary Bell and Dennis Koehler want to produce a book with photos describing our experiences with 25th Inf. Div. Counterintelligence Section, Cu Chi, 1968-69. Seeking stories from Cheatham, Bonjiorno, Cavaiani, Tebo, or any others who served with us. Contact: Dennis Koehler, 561-684-2844; koehlerlaw@bellsouth.net

Seeking Brunet, Cook, Dink, Heek, Hernandez, Butterfield, Yakes, or any other former Marines who served with me in the 3rd Marine Div. Civil Action Program (CAP) 2-3-8, 1970. Contact: Donald Martinez, P. O. Box 215, Cebolla, NM 87518; 505-684-0034.

Looking for crew members of U.S.S. Reaper (MSO-467), especially Thomas “Duke” Ortman, John Price, or Dennis Swabb. Contact: Ray Rogers, C-54337/3112, P. O. Box 8101, San Luis Obispo, CA 93409-8101

Searching for Shackleford, Stoney, Fishbaugh, Agnew, Sharp, Steven Shaffer, Wallace Turner, Bagdonas, and the man whose name I cannot recall who walked point for me with C/2/3, 199th Light Inf. Bde., near An Loc. We worked “The Pineapple,” July-Nov. 1968. Contact: David L. Carte, 903 Washington Ave., Nitro, WV 25143; 304-767-8645.

Trying to verify Agent Orange exposure. Want to locate any cooks from 388th Combat Support Grp., 388th Service Sqdrn., who went TDY from Korat Royal Thai AFB to Tan Son Nhut in 1967, particularly Amweg, Martin, or McDonald. Contact: Jim R. Riesenberg, Veterans Service Officer, Courthouse-Room B-4, 615 N. 6th St., Sheboygan, WI 53081; 920-459-3054; 920-459-3055 (fax); riesejrr@co.sheboygan.wi.us

Looking for 572nd MI DET personal memoirs, photos, prior key leaders, unit citations, bios, or any other relevant 572 history. This unit’s lineage was not properly preserved, and I am trying to collect photos and memorabilia to adorn our walls. I am the current 1SG for 572nd MICO, 8/1 Cav., 5/2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team. Contact: Jeffrey S. Clyons, 253-495-2096; jeffrey.clyons@us.army.mil

Buffalo Bill Bailey is seeking anyone, especially James Simpson, from either Co. E, 43rd Signal Bn., 556th Signal Bn. or Co. E, 73rd Signal Bn., Oct. 5, 1968-April 9, 1970. Buffalo was a cook stationed at Lang Bian Mountain near Dalat. Contact: Bill Bailey, 931-648-0496.

Seeking pen pal from Vietnam era, J.D. Ayres. I have old letters and would like to re-connect. Ayres was with H&S Co., Comm. Plt., 3rd Bn., 5th Marines, 3rd Marine Div. He was medevaced to the Naval Hospital at Da Nang, and one letter was written from there. I was then Karen Olsen. Contact: Karen Raynor, karvike@comcast.net

Searching for a veteran named Terry Harr (Orlando, Fla.) who served with Cliff Naylor in Vietnam. Contact: Jeffrey Puleski, Homeskillet962@aol.com

Searching for Robert Johnson, from Syracuse, N.Y. He graduated from West Genesee High School in Camillus, N.Y. He returned from Vietnam a changed man and we lost touch. I was formerly Heather Baker. Contact: Heather Hofmeister, heather.hofmeister@ntlworld.com

Looking for any Marine who was with me on April 7, 1967, with CAP Charlie 4/CAP 2-2-4 near Tam Hoa and Hill 65 when Michael Flynn was killed along the Song Vu Gia River. I was CAP corpsman at the time. Contact: Glenn Smith, 60272 Dalia Rd., Olathe, CO 81425; 970-208-3052; javajunky@montrose.net

Seeking anyone who served at a Ranger training center, Trung Lap/Trung Hoa, near Cu Chi, 1961-62. Contact: Linton C. Beasley, 1122 Boone Hill Dr., Lynchburg, VA 24503; 434-384-7269; lbeasley6@comcast.net

Seeking anyone who served with me in A Co., 1st TC Bn. (AMD) (SBN) aboard U.S.N.S. Corpus Christ Bay (T-ARVH-1) off Vung Tau, 1971. We built and tested engines for Hueys, Cobras, and Chinooks. Contact: John M. Kroschinsky, Sr., 607 Franklin Mills Rd., Warfordsburg, PA 17267; 717-294-6411; 301-988-6412; 240-420-1515; JKroschinsky@dpscs.state.md.us

Looking for friends who served with me in HQ&A Co., 707th Maint. Bn., Camp Casey, Korea, 1969-70. Also seeking radar shop buddies who worked with me at Camp Alamo on the DMZ. Contact: R. Ward, 920-773-2224; turkeyfeather@tds.net

Need help with VA claim. Looking for those who served with 355th Field Maint. Sqdrn., Base Flight (C-47), Takhli Royal Thai AFB, 1967-68. Contact: Thomas Bartolick, tbartolick@yahoo.com

Anyone know the whereabouts of Robert (Bob) Walp who served aboard the U.S.S. Blackfin (SS-322)? Contact: Rick Roberts, 931-637-2854; mcvrroberts@bellsouth.net

I am a 100 percent disabled Vietnam veteran interested and willing to correspond with any brother veteran in prison, hospital, nursing home, etc. Contact: William F. Smith, P.O. Box 113, Hodgen, OK 74939; smids37@windstream.net

Trying to locate Lynn Parschell and Terry Wallace from 3rd Sqd., 4th Cav., 25th Inf. Div., Cu Chi, 1968-1969. Contact: Bill (“Tiny”) Shoemaker, 740-773-0570; tiny_1@roadrunner.com

Looking for information on defects in boots issued for training in 1964-65. Several veterans, including myself, have developed heel and ankle problems asociated with these boots, but it’s hard to prove without corroboration and help. Contact: G.B., busbzla@verizon.net

French man, 35 years old, interested in corresponding with Vietnam veterans. Want to learn more about the war in Vietnam. Contact: Christophe, mercou@agmail.com