The VVA Veteran: Locator

MAY/JUNE 2007

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LOCATOR

Seeking John Danis or possibly John Janis (or a last name that sounds like this). He served in Vietnam from approximately 1965-69, was possibly a sergeant, and was in the city of Nha Trang in 1966. Any information would help. Contact: Fern Hammerman, 314-494-1772, fs148@aol.com

Looking for an ATC instructor’s badge from 1968. I’m rebuilding my military history with badges, insignia, etc. Seeking help from any and all sources. Contact: Tony Martino, holmberg@cfl.rr.com

Seeking William (Bill) Arthur Blake. We served together on the U.S.S. Hornet (CVS-12). Contact: Ples Walker, pdw0647@sbcglobal.net

Searching for Alex S. Tucker, born 1947 in Georgia, an airplane mechanic stationed in Saigon in the early 1970s. Contact: 615-886-9911; sariazi@aol.com

Former air traffic controller (ATC) reassigned to the motor pool at Long Than (North AAF), 1971-72, seeking John Kemp, Jr. (Beaumont, Tex.), Sgt. Moe (Arizona), the tower chief for the 365th ADD, and anybody who went to ATC school at Ft. Rucker. Contact: Robert J. Testani, 12235 Dune St., Norwalk, CA 90650.

Help support HR-972, the Civilian Agent Orange Act of 2007. Federal civilians who served in Vietnam have no benefits when diagnosed with Agent Orange-related illness. Contact your elected representatives and show support. Contact: Donald T. Isaacs, 162 Andover G, West Palm Beach, FL 33417.

Looking for anyone who served on the U.S.S. Independence (CVA-62), U-2 Division (the “Waste Cats”), and for Barney (Meridian, Miss.) from U-3 Division, 1965-68. Contact: Frank Frizzell, 3538 Lee Pike, Soddy Daisy, TN 37379; 423-332-8176.

Seeking friends from 1st Plt., 278th Signal Co., attached to 4th Inf. Div., Tuy Hoa and Pleiku (Camp Enari), 1966-67. Strickland, Greenhill, Trebus, Wolfe, Hatcher, and all the rest of you. Contact: Robert Tacy, Rt. 1, Box 72, Huttonsville, WV 26273; 304-335-2878.

Want to hear from anyone who was in the 506th S&S at Black Horse, Xuan Loc, or Long Binh. Contact: Denver Evans, Rt. 1, Box 438-A, Scarbro, WV 25917; tlcmop@aol.com

Trying to locate members of the 515th Trans. Co. (Road Runners), Dong Ha and Phu Bai, 1967-68. Planning a reunion for Oct. 2007 in Harrisonburg, Ark. Other vets also welcome. Contact: Jim Reeves, 580-336-3210; vietnamjr@aol.com

Searching for anyone who served with me in 88th SS Bn., 561st GS Co., 573rd SS Co., or 243rd Fld. Svc. Co., Apr. 1968-Nov. 1969. Contact: Bill Ricketts, 11916 Seven Pine Dr., Holland, MI 49424; 616-393-6599.

Help needed for a claim. Looking for members of “Charlie Rangers” who served at LZ Betty, Phan Thiet, II CTZ, 1971. I helped save an 11-man recon team inserted south of LZ Betty near Buddha Mountain. I was the NCO medical advisor of Ham Thuan District, Advisory Team #37. Contact: Philip F. Cordova, 125 La Nell Dr., Canutillo, TX 79835; 915-877-2673.

Looking for anyone who served with my father, David A. Holscher, from 484th Armament and Electronic Maintenance Sqdrn., 600th Photo Sqdrn., 380th Strategic Aero Space Wing, 8th Air Force, Strategic Air Command, Tan Son Nhut and Phu Cat, 1967-68. My father passed away in 1973 and any info would be appreciated. Contact: Connie Holscher Przepasniak, 162 Main St., Hamburg, NY 14075; 716-472-3348.

Seeking anyone from 125th Signal Bn. who was on guard duty when Cu Chi came under attack, Feb. 1969. Also anyone who was on the summit of Nui Ba Den during the sapper attack on June 16-17, 1969. Contact: James E. Murphy, 72 Overlook Dr., Clinton, NJ 08809; 908-713-1765.

Anyone out there serve with 2nd Plt., 566th Trans. Co., Quang Tri Province, 1968? Contact: Gary W. Warren, 13255 5C Rd., Plymouth, IN 46563; 574-936-6029; 574-952-7576.

Seeking Arizona vets for new Amvet Post #3. Call or send for application, only $25 a year. Help us grow. Contact: Gil F. Devine, P.O. Box 1655, Dolan Springs, AZ 86441; 928-767-3167.

Need help researching events and dates. I was with Construction Bn. 8 (Navy “SeaBees”) at Gai Le and later Danang. Our unit came under attack during Tet, and shortly thereafter a chopper rotor hit an ammo dump at Phu Bai. Also, an artillery unit lost eight men when a round exploded. Anybody serve in these places at these times and recall details? Contact: Hosia Blankenship, 770 Page Rd., Winchester, OR 97495; 541-673-0599; hozer1956@yahoo.com

Looking for other members of the 4th Bn. (“Geronimo Bn.”), 1965-66. Contact: John A. Mendez, P.O. Box 10810, Daytona Beach, FL 32120; 386-252-7316; jjam7702@aol.com

Trying to find Tommy Thompson (Pa.), Harry Rush (Calif.), Robert Jacobson, Jerry Day, William Cassidy, or anyone else who served aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise (CVA-65), 1965-68. Need help with a PTSD claim. Contact: Thomas Peller, 419 W. Euclid, Ishpeming, MI 49849; 906-485-1321.

Seeking guys I served with at Phu Loi and Song Be, 1967-68. Ed Hume, John Feltz, Pete Rustad, Joe Reith, Frank Motifica, Larry Dye, and “Nuncio.” Also comrades from Ft. Hood: Jack McGovern, Mike Williamson, John Shaller, Steve Williams, Paul Nalazek, and “Dickerson.” Contact: Craig McCollim, 111 Painted Pony Dr., Belgrade, MT 59714.

Need information on Benjamin “Butch” Portnov. Butch was originally from New Haven, Conn., and served with H Co., 2nd Bn., 9th Marines, 3rd Marine Div., 1967-68. Contact: John Suddarth, 3 Mendon View Dr., Mendon, VT 05701; 802-775-6259; jhsuddarth@yahoo.com

Searching for David K. Miller from Ft. Leonard Wood and Ft. Eustis, 1965. Last known in Edgerton, Kansas, area. Contact: Sherm Merritt, P.O. Box 41, Jackson, NE 68743.

Looking for all who served with Delta Co. and HHC 4/31, 196th Light Inf. Bde., Vietnam. We have over 500 names and addresses, but want to find everyone. Reunion planned. Contact: Vance van Wieren, 269-543-3661; delta431basecamp@i2k.com

Anybody serve with me in 101st Trans. Co. (Provisional), 101st Airborne Div.? We formed up at Bien Hoa and flew to Phu Bai, March 1968. Remember Hai Van Pass on Highway 1? Contact: Dwayne Knox, HC 62 Box 692, Deer, AR 72628; xonk@yahoo.com

E.P. Lessman needs to locate anybody who witnessed him injure his back at MCAS Beaufort in late 1968. The incident occurred in a warehouse behind MAC5-9. Contact: Eugene Paul Lessman, Jr., 30251 S.W. 158th Ave., Homestead, FL 33033; 305-245-3150.

John M. Blekicki seeks anyone who served with him and his twin brother, Tom, aboard the U.S.S. Stark County (LST-1134), 1964-65, and/or the U.S.S. Bellatrix (AF-62), 1966. Need information for a VA claim. Contact: John M. Blekicki, 2396 Ainsworth Ave., Deltona, FL 32738; 386-532-7407.

Vietnam veteran researching Agent Orange disabilities. If you have been diagnosed with an AO condition, get in touch. Will need specific physical conditions, diagnosis, service dates, and current condition. Contact: Markku Kanervikkoabo, 8212 Quinault Rd., Blaine, WA 98230; markku_k@comcast.net

Seeking all who served aboard the U.S.S. Oriskany Fuels Dept. V-4, Nov. 1970-Dec. 1971, particularly Murphey, Tanner, Skarron, Pettis, Whorton, Johnson, Case, Skinner, Lowe Brothers. Also seeking those who served with Fuels NAF at Cam Ranh Bay, 1971-73, including Lopez, Lacewell, Shaffer, Sparks, Gardner, Garcia, Cooley, Hall. Want to hear from you! Contact: Paul J. (“P.J.”) Pond, P.O. Box 941, La Veta, CO 81055; 719-742-3310; PL-Pond@yahoo.com

Are there any former or current enlisted men out there who served with VT-5 on the flight line at Saufley Field, Pensacola, FL, 1974-75? Seeking info on behalf of a brother. Contact: T. Juliano, 490967 Ellis, Huntsville, TX 77343; 214-718-8955; Juliano@wans.net

Searching for members of 75th Advisory Team at the Seminary at My Tho, 1964, including Dr. McDonald, Lt. Elliot, Sp5 Cooley, and Sgt. Nalls. Who remembers the names of the captain and lieutenant who were captured and beheaded at Mo Cay? Also seeking Sgts. Cristiana and Davidson (Bien Hoa) and Sam McCool (Saigon). Contact: Chris Green, 6359 Clara Lee Ave., San Diego, CA 92120; 619-920-1472; cjngsd@gmail.com

Need incident verification. Gunboat and/or aerial attack on U.S.S. Biddle (DLG-34) off Haiphong during spring/summer, 1972. Anyone there, especially on deck? Contact: Wayne Chetley, P.O. Box 215, Levant, ME 04456; 207-884-4195.

Seeking anyone who flew, worked on or with, or simply admires the A-37 fighter aircraft. Reunions every two years. Send your e-mail address for newsletter. Contact: Ollie Maier, 306 Village West Dr., San Marcos, TX 78666; 512-353-7432; GM08@TxState.edu

Need to confirm stressors for PTSD claim. Searching for anyone who served with HQ Co. and/or Co. A, 27th Maint. Bn., 1st Cav. Div., Phouc Vinh, 1969-70. Contact: Robert J. Irizarry, 2120 Virgil Pl., Bronx, NY 10473; 718-892-7281.

Looking for soldiers who served with me in Svc. & Evac. Plt. and Retrograde Yard, HQ Co. and Co. A, 704th Maint. Bn., 4th Inf. Div., 1968-69. I’m in touch with Maj. Gen. Charles P. Stone, Div. Cmdr. at that time who is now 91 years old. Contact: Richard W. Sharke, 1712 Orinda Ct., Petaluma, CA 94954; 707-762-7702.

Searching for anyone who remembers or has records or documentation of the Vietnamese crematorium adjacent to the Qui Nhon airfield immediately after Tet 1968. Contact: Jim Glessner, 3418 Windmill Ct. S.E., Caledonia, MI 49316; jrg@razorbackroad.com

Want to hear from fellow Marines from Bravo Co., 1st Bn., 9th Marines, 1969. Jim Morgan, Randy Miller, O’Brien, Sam Auey, Shaver, Al Richardson, J.C. Garland, Bubha Rushing, Sugar Wolf, Steve Windsor, Lt. Rogers, or anyone else. Contact: Joe W. Bailey, 108 Capri St., Falls Mills, VA 24613; 276-322-2776.

Looking for anyone from 9th MEB, 12th Marine Regiment, Naval Gunfire (FO), near Danang, March-Sept.1965. We were on Hill 327 and Hill 312 in support of operations around Le My. Hixenbaugh, Test, Billings, Lenox, Schmidt, Sgt. Sellards, are you out there? Contact: Craig Jorgensen, 4900 S.W. Loma Linda Dr., Redmond, OR 97756; 541-280-0988.

Seeking Eloise Brannon, nickname “Sam,” stationed with me at 610 MASS in Japan. She was from Canton-Zanesville, Ohio, area. Need to find her for upcoming reunion. Contact: Jean Swan Quinn, 4305 Wickham Ct., Fredericksburg, VA 22408; swaneriver@aol.com

Want to find anyone who served with me in B. Co., 169th 159 Grp., 20th Engr. Bgde., III-IV Corps, 1968-69. Need verification for Agent Orange exposure and groin injury. Seeking in particular Robinson (red head, from California) or Kimble (Ohio). Contact: Joseph F. Carini, 3621 W. Argyle, Chicago, IL 60675; 312-504-7741.

Looking for old comrades from Mobile Advisory Team (MAT) 49/87 who served with me in Cam Tan near Xuan Loc in Long Khanh Province, 1968-69. George (“Doc”) Stuart, Steve Rogers, Floyd Evans. Contact: Richard Webster, 1019 W. Lafayette Ave., Jacksonville, IL 62650; 217-243-3029; covanmi@mchsi.com

Seeking anyone who served with me in the 14th Aviation Bn., June 1966-67 at An Son Valley, Qui Nhon. Contact: Michael J. Zarembski, P.O. Box 2265, Orland Park, IL 60462; 708-305-5751; mjz20@sbcglobal.net

Searching for Tony Harmon who served aboard the U.S.S. Buck (DD-761), 1967-69. Want to reconnect and talk. Contact: Jim Ostinowsky, 814-749-0406; dadostinowsky@comcast.net

Want to find anyone who served with A Btry., 1st Bn., 12th Marines, 3rd Mar. Div., FMF, 1967-68. I was a corpsman (“doc”). Contact: Phillip A. Rice, 433 Biddle St., Gordon, PA 17936; 570-875-3552.

Trying to locate anybody who served with me at the Navy communication site on Marble Mountain, 1966-68. My best friend was James Edgar (Los Angeles). Other buddies were “Boxie,” from Ithaca, N.Y., and a pal from Utica, N.Y. Contact: LeRoy Thomas Powers, 30 Van Patten St., Auburn, NY 13021; 315-224-6349.

Looking for anybody out there from B Co., 3/1, 11th Brigade, 23rd Inf. Div., March 1971 until Division standdown. I was the medic with 3rd Plt. Contact: Stephen D. Lutz, lutz_sd@hotmail.com

Need help verifying stressors. Seeking anyone stationed with 228th S&S Co. at Binh Thuy, Nov. 1970-Dec. 1971, who remembers me or the incidents there in that time frame. We got hit in Dec. 1970 or Jan. 1971; two men died from 550th Trans. Co or 93rd Engineers. Contact: Jeffrey Weise, N9125 Sheik Ln., Criuitz, WI 54114; 715-923-5685.

Looking for incident verification to support medical record. Seeking anyone who served with HQ Co., 504th Military Police Bn., at Phu Bai on Feb. 21, 1972. I was wounded that day in a rocket attack at Phu Bai. Anybody who was there and remembers, get in touch. Contact: Alan A. Babich, 1712 N.W. Oak, Lawton, OK 73505; 580-248-6972.

Seeking confirmation of my tour of duty with C Co., 1st Cav., at Camp Evans, Pleiku, II Corps, 1971. I remember Sgt. “Duck” Redder, an American Indian nicknamed “Chief,” “Slick” Jones, a Samoan nicknamed “Pineapple,” and a KIA soldier nicknamed “Tripper.” I was nicknamed “Shooter.” Contact: Earl W. Buck,
630 Layfayette St., Glasgow, MO 65254; 660-336-2853 yoteman@sbcglobal.net

Want to hear from anyone from 5th Trans. Co., Qui Nhon. Anybody out there with pictures, particularly from the Tet Offensive? I was a jeep machine gunner. Gene Beavers and Bill Metcalf are still friends. We lost Ed Smith to suicide in 2004. Contact: Frank Smith, 11880 N.E., 1137 PVT Rd., Deepwater, MO 64740; 417-644-2029; smithatbend@hotmail.com

Want to locate Charles (Charlie) Kegley from either Washington or Oregon, stationed near Bell Gardens, 1969-70. Charlie shared an apartment with three other army vets and worked with provisions if I recall. I have his father’s wedding ring and would like to return it. Contact: Kim Gunter Abercrombie, kabercrombie@cox.net

Looking for a Vietnam veteran named John Hodge or possibly Hodges, based in Paris in 1965. Contact: Verokosta@aol.com

Looking for an Australian Vietnam veteran named John Alexander Matheson from the 3rd Royal Australian Regiment, (Australian Army), in-country in 1968. Last known to be living in Texas. Contact: Geoffrey Miles, geoffreymiles@hotmail.com
Trying to find any sailor who served aboard the U.S.S. Cleveland (LPD-7) who recalls docking in Danang in late April 1970. We were there a day or two loading Marines to take back to Okinawa and on to CONUS. Contact: Pete Flannery, 600 Robert St., Fort Atkinson, WI 53538; fortflan@yahoo.com

Looking for anyone who served with Ben Worsley in 504 MP, Hue Platoon-MACV Command, 1968-69. Need to find Mike Castellano (New Jersey) and Harrison Brown (South Carolina) for statements on incidents that occurred in and around Hue. Contact: Ben Worsley, 614 Newton Ave., Tarboro, NC 27886; 252-823-1866; vworsley14@peoplepc.com

Seeking those assigned to B-11-4, 2nd Plt., Fort Knox (Basic Training), May-July 1969. Vorick, Whitney, Moreford, Puckett, Thames, Silva, Parker, Ledanyi, Martin, Misiasz, Poteet, Jones, Brennan. Also Ernie Rose and James Porter from 3rd Plt. Most were draftees from Michigan. Contact Gerry Wright, 248-874-7589; 800-632-2370; hexmate70@aol.com

Seeking Marty Sather who was stationed near Danang, Aug.-Nov. 1970 with 1st Reconnaissance Bn. We would like to send a couple of pictures back to him or his family. Contact: Nila Howard, mhowardzz@comcast.net

Want to hear from guys who served with D Co., 1st Bn., 9th Marines, 1965-66. Willy White, Larry Moecair, Richard Korisky, Howey George, are you out there? Contact: Joe Langer, 126 Curry Rd. W., Wappingers Falls, NY 12590; 845-297-0102.

Looking for guys from Co. L (Rangers), 101st Airborne, 1970, including Kris Christiansen (“Sockratese”), Bugs Moran, Carlos Quinonese, Doc Tallon, and the guy from Hawaii nicknamed “Pineapple.” Contact: Eric R. Nielsen, 68277 Mary St., Richmond, MI 48062; 248-259-3081; RANGERERNielsen@comcast.net

Anybody from Gun Plt., 129th Assault Helicopter Co., 1st AU Bde., 1969-70, it would be great to hear from you and share memories. Contact: George Bessette, 9 Butternut Rd., Somerset, MA 02726; 508-678-0057.

Incident verification: On either Thanksgiving or Christmas 1969, a medic in the hootch next to the Psychiatric Unit, 8th Field Hospital, Nha Trang, opened fire on his hoochmates. Need to hear from anyone who was there, remembers, or has information about this incident. Contact: John B. Clarke, 1025 S. Capitol Ave., Apt. No. 125, Boise, ID 83706; 208-345-3140.

Seeking crewmembers from the 1965 WESPAC cruise of the U.S.S. Bayfield (APA-33). Looking for E Division guys, including Howie, Lucky, Thatch, Winfrey, Bird Ramsey, Cookie, Kaoni, Carlson, Beeman, Krebs, and any others. It’s reunion time. Contact: Bill Hager, 105 S. 1st St., Ishpeming, MI 49849; 906-485-4447.