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July 2013
1
Fifteenth Infantry Regiment “The Old China Hands”
www.15thinfregtassoc.org www.15thinfantry.org July 2013
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Dear Fellow Old China Hands,
I hope this edition of the Dragon finds all of you enjoying a wonderful summer. So far mine has been eventful with trips to
Europe in late April-early May and to Korea the entire month of June. Both trips were in connection with commemorations of
significant World War II (V-E Day) and Korean War events (Korean Memorial Day on 6 June and the 63rd Anniversary of the
outbreak of the Korean War on 25 June). John Burke has included a report on the early June trip to Korea but I would like to add
my two cents based on a full month in the country. The South Koreans continue to do a marvelous job in honoring our Korean War
veterans. Their gratitude knows no bounds. For those of our Korean War veterans unable to travel there, let me assure you that
your service there was not in vain, as Korea must now be counted as one of the most modern countries in the world, in many ways
having surpassed the United States in customer service and hospitality (just visit Incheon Airport), in technology (the country is
99% wired), and in its road and rail system.
We are glad to have LTC Mueller and CSM Barretto on board as the new 1st
Battalion Commander CSM, and know they will
continue our Regiment’s outstanding tradition of excellence. We are also proud of the 3rd
Battalion’s superior performance in
Afghanistan so far, and join the battalion in mourning the loss of SPC Ramirez, as well as the wounds suffered by our deployed
China Hands.
From what I have seen in Army restructuring announcements so far it appears the parent Brigade Combat Teams of our
battalions will remain in the active force. This is good news! Now we await specifics on whether our battalions will retain their
current designations. As we experienced with the inactivation of the 3rd
Battalion in 2007, Army Lineage decisions do not always
make sense to those of us in the field.
I hope our Korean War veterans of 1-15 IN will be able to respond to COL John Insani’s request for assistance on behalf of the
family of PFC John L. Sullivan, A/1-15 IN, DOW 1 Dec 1950. The Regiment continues to count 53 MIA Old China Hands from the
Korean War. 27 July will mark the 60th
anniversary of the signing of the Korean War Armistice. There will be significant
ceremonies in Korea and across the United States, especially on the Mall in Washington, D.C.. I ask our members to remember
those MIA, and to thank your Korean War veteran acquaintances for their combat service.
I regret reporting no positive developments on the repair of our Chickamauga Monument. To date only two bids have been
received for the work, and the Park Service requires three. I am still pounding the bushes to find a third reliable contractor. Nor
do I have any further update on the effort to retrieve Captain Heilman’s headstone from the banks of the Delaware River.
I recently reviewed a book for the Center of Military History and I highly recommend it to our members with an interest in the
Civil War. Decision in the Heartland, The Civil War in the West by Steven E. Woodworth is an excellent, succinct, and readable
overview of the Western Theater and its decisive role in the Civil War. Should your dog days of summer become too scorching I
recommend you retreat to a comfortable room and enjoy this book. – Can Do! Tim
July 2013
2
DRAGON and 15th Inf Regiment Association Masthead
The Dragon is the quarterly publication of the 15
th Infantry
Regiment Association. It is published in January, April, July and October.' Neither its editorial nor articles content carry official endorsement of the Association. Input for the Dragon is due the 15th of each month prior to publishing.
****************************************
ASSOCIATION OBJECTIVES
To perpetuate and foster the history and traditions of the Regiment.
To provide opportunities for uniting past and present members of the Regiment into a close and cooperative alliance.
To promote morale and high esprit de corps among members of the Regiment. ~ To acquire and maintain a repository of regimental historical memorabilia.
To acquire and maintain a repository of regimental historical memorabilia.
To assist in the maintenance of monuments dedicated to the units of the 15
th Infantry Regiment.
Send dues and new addresses to:
Bartolo Viruso, 116 Harriett Road, North Babylon, NY 11703
Annual dues $10 for regular members and $5 for active duty members, due October 1 each year.
Life membership: To age 60 = $150; Age 61-69 = $120; Age 70-79 = $100; Age 80 and above = $50.
Send or Email and news items to:
EDITOR, THE DRAGON
MSG Ed Holt 17200 Park Circle Eden Prairie, MN 55346 952-9378116 [email protected]
PRESIDENT
LTC Timothy Stoy
6531 Milva Lane
Springfield, VA 22150
703-912-4218
VICE PRESIDENT
Addison D. (Tad) Davis V
78 Spring Pond Lane
Spring Lake, NC 28390
(h) 910-814-1208
(w) 910-570-8027
SECRETARY
Robert Faulkender
813 Dalrymple Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30328
(770) 913-0400
TREASURER
Bart Viruso
116 Harriett Road
North Babylon, NY 11703
631-587-0587
MEMBERSHIP
Michael Friend
6018 Old Dominion Road
Columbus, GA 31909
706-568-6436
COMMANDER 1st
BN
LTC Scotty Mueller
8747 Marne Road
Ft. Benning, GA 31905
706-544-1633
COMMANDER 3rd
BN
LTC Joel Smith
HHC, 3-15 IN, TF China
APO, AE 09364 USA
CSM 1st
BN
CSM Phil K. Barretto
8747 Marne Road
Ft. Benning, GA 31905
706-544-1228
CSM 3rd
BN
CSM Roger Parker
HHc, 3-15 IN, TF China
APO, AE 09264 USA
CHAPLAIN
Charles C. Trout
10191 Birchwood Drive
Huntington Beach, CA
92646-5432 714-836-4981
HSGMOR
Mark T. Baker
5415 Roaring Branch Rd.
Columbus, GA 31904
706-566-5165
mark.t.baker@baesystem
s.com
HCOR
Jerry Bates
3017 Margaret Jones Ln.
Williamsburg, VA 23185
757-645-4765
HISTORIAN
LTC Timothy Stoy
6531 Milva Lane
Springfield, VA 22150
703-912-4218
TRUSTEES
Richard N. McKiddy
12105 East Court
Kansas City, MO 64133
816-509-7633
Charles R. Crain
312 Don Drive
Greenville, SC 29607
864-288-6313
Lloyd D. Whitmer
120 Ryan Ridge NE
Navarre, OH 44662
330-879-2477
Charles C. Trout
10191 Birchwood Drive
Huntington Beach, CA
92646-5432
714-836-4981
CHINA ROOM
CUSTODIAN
LTC Scotty Mueller
8747 Marne Road
Ft. Benning, GA 31905
706-544-1 633
WEBMASTER
Michael J. Horn
1833 Walker Ridge Dr
Marietta, GA 30064
678-581-0392
DATABASE
ADMINISTRATOR
Tom Heitzer
231 Normandie Drive,
Bonne Terre, MO 63628
573-358-1830
July 2013
3
15th INF Regiment Association Founders
22 Founding Members
Jesse Anderson* Donald Chase Ramon Clark Charles Crain Jerry Cunningham
Edward Dojutrek* George Doyle* Tom Godfrey* Andrew Gunderson* Michael Halik
Jack Jordan Maurice Kendall Leonard Lassor Norman MacIntyre* George Mohr*
Whitney Mullen Lindsey Nelms* James O’Dell Sr.* Howard Palm* Howard Quick*
Raymond Taylor Frank Yokum*
*Asterisk denotes deceased member
A Farewell Note of Gratitude
15th Regimental Association, Just wanted to drop a quick note to let all of you know how much Kathy, CSM Barretto and I, and the entire CAN DO Battalion appreciated your support, love and friendship over the past 29 months. Our relationship with ya'll is one of my top highlights of Battalion Command. What you all do for Soldiers (both past and present) is outright amazing and deeply appreciated -- on behalf of every Soldier you've touched...THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS! CAN DO! Dragon 6 LTC Nelson G. Kraft BN CDR, 1-15 IN
July 2013
4
TAPS
ERIC D. VANDROUX
Associate Member
Vesoul, France
DOD – Apr 6, 2013
Reported by Rich Heller
FRANK J. EATON - CH
Indian Harbor Beach, FL
PFC, F CO, 2 BN, CH
1933-1935
DOD –Aug 13, 2012
Reported by Ed Holt from John
LoZito, M.D.
RICHARD C. WOOLSON MA
York, PA SGT, HQ, 3 BN, WWII Jul 1942 – Fed 1946 DOD – Mar 20, 2013 Reported by Rich Heller
WILLIAM C. LEIPOLD - LM CM
Louisville, CO 1LT, C,D,HHC,K CO 2 BN, WWII Feb 1943 – Oct 1945 DOD – Mar 14, 2013 Reported by Rich Heller
RAPHAEL A. LEVIN
Raleigh, NC
CPT, MED CO, 2 BN
WWII
DOD – Apr 11, 2012
Reported by Rich Heller
BURKE A. SWAIN
North Creek, NY
SSGT, L CO, 3 BN, KW
Apr 1953 – May 1954
DOD – May 6, 2013
Reported by Rich Heller
SAMUEL W. SMITHERS
Arlington, VA
COL, A CO, 1 BN, KW
Aug 1950 – Feb 1951
DOD – Jan 2, 2006
Reported by wife Matilda
Smithers
THOMAS E. LAWSON
Grand Junction, CO
CPL, C CO, 1BN, WWII
DOD – Mar 27, 2011
Reported by Rich Heller
ANTHONY BRANCA
Belleville, NJ
PFC, B CO, 2 BN, WWII
1943 - 1945
DOD- Feb 26, 2013
Reported by Rich Heller
July 2013
5
CHINA 6 SITREP I am extremely proud of the Soldiers and leaders currently serving in the 3rd Battalion. They are performing
exceptionally well both here in Afghanistan and back at Fort Stewart in the Home Detachment.
We are four months into our nine month deployment in Wardak, Afghanistan. Our challenges are great, but our
Soldiers are proving equal to the task. They continue to display exemplary professionalism, spirit, and courage against
a determined enemy in one of the most volatile regions of Afghanistan. Regretfully, I must acknowledge the specific
sacrifice of Bravo Company’s SPC Ray Ramirez from Sacramento, California, who was killed in action on June 1st. He
will be remembered as a friend, patriot, and hero. He continues to serve as an example for us all to persevere in the
face of adversity.
In my last report, I expressed confidence that our Soldiers would live up to the reputation that past generations of
“Old China Hands” have established. They are certainly doing so. To date, ten Soldiers have been awarded the Purple
Heart, two Soldiers have earned Army Commendation Medals for Valor, and several hundred Soldiers have qualified
for Combat Infantryman, Combat Action, or Combat Medical Badges. Unfortunately, three Soldiers have been
required to be returned to the United States as a result of wounds received in battle: SFC Joseph Wertz, SPC Brett
Claycamp, and SGT Justin Burdette. The spirit of today’s CAN DO Soldiers are exemplified in the extremely positive
attitude that SGT Burdette is currently displaying, despite the amputation of both of his legs. He is currently
undergoing treatment and rehabilitation at Walter Reed Medical Center. Please keep all of our Soldiers and their
families in your thoughts and prayers.
Our main focus and daily efforts remain centered on the performance and development of the Afghan Security Forces
throughout Wardak Province. This includes the Afghan National Army, the Afghan Uniformed Police, and the Afghan
Civil Order Police. The Afghan Security Forces are performing admirably and continue to make great strides in
capability and responsibility. Please check out this link to a recent LA Times article about the current mission of the 3rd
Battalion in Afghanistan.
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-afghanistan-overwatch-20130531,0,6990569.story
I would like to conclude by expressing my thanks for the continued support of all members of the 15th Regiment
Association, especially for the recent gift of CAN DO barber’s brushes for our Soldiers. They will put them to good use
keeping the Afghan dust off of their weapons.
CAN DO!
LTC Joel Smith
July 2013
6
FOB Airborne, Wardak, Afghanistan
On patrol: China Soldier on patrol Gustov C CO: Charlie Company gets the
Carl Gustov into action
Memorial for SPC Ray Ramirez
July 2013
7
DRAGON 6 SITREP
Distinguished Members of the Regiment,
I am honored and privileged to be writing this first of many SITREPS as the latest in a long line of distinguished 1-15 IN
commanders, and I am humbled to command this historic battalion. LTC Nelson Kraft gave me a fantastic transition
into the battalion, and he had nothing but the highest praise and admiration for the 15th Infantry Regiment
Association. That being said, the Can Do Soldiers of 1-15 IN have been busy the past month.
The Dragons have been spending a good amount of time in the motor pool conducting maintenance and services on
our vehicles that sat idle during our time in Kuwait. They also are working hard to bring all of their ancillary equipment
up to standard. As DRAGON 7 and I walk through the motor pool, arms rooms, and common areas we see Can Do
Soldiers giving their equipment the necessary love and attention that will make them successful as we begin to ramp
up training. Even the platoon leaders are in their maintenance coveralls getting dirty and learning maintenance under
the watchful eyes of their NCOs.
In between resetting our equipment and regular maintenance, the NCOs are also focused on sharpening those
individual Soldier skills within their teams/sections, squads, and platoons that provide the foundation to successful
training and maneuver at the platoon, company, and battalion levels. Walking the woods on Kelley Hill you will find 1-
15 IN Soldiers working on individual movement techniques, dismounted patrolling, map reading, reconnaissance
operations, etc. The list goes on, but this training is done with the goal of getting us ready to enter the training phase
of our cycle in August.
July is a time for 1-15 IN Soldiers to take some well deserved leave and continue re-integration with our families. They
have also taken advantage of marriage retreats, single Soldier outings, and plenty of three and four-day weekends.
We continue to build strong, resilient Dragon Families who are proud of their Soldiers and proud to be associated with
this great unit.
In closing, I cannot express enough how happy CSM Barretto and I are to be leading the Dragons of 1-15 IN. We are
amazed at the high standards of discipline of the professionalism of our Soldiers, NCOs, and Officers. We are serious
about continuing 1-15 IN’s legacy as a battalion that produces leaders for the Army and the nation. CSM Barretto and
I look forward to continuing the great relationship between the association and this battalion and we look forward to
making that relationship even stronger.
CAN DO!
DRAGON 6 & 7
LTC Mueller/CSM Barretto
July 2013
8
Order of St. George – Several outstanding leaders from the "CAN DO" Battalion were recently recognized for their
outstanding contributions to the Battalion and the Armored community thereby being awarded the Order of St.
George.
LTC Kraft CoC BDE – On the 17th of May 2013, the “CAN DO” Battalion, led by LTC Kraft, participates in the 3rd
Brigade Change of Command Ceremony at the National Infantry Museum.
July 2013
9
D6 CoC – On 10 June 2013 in the mud, rain and wind, LTC Scott Mueller leads the “CAN DO” Battalion for the first
time during his Change of Command Ceremony.
(Above Left) CoC BN 10JUN13 – LTC Nelson Kraft passes the colors to the incoming commander LTC Scott Mueller at
the Change of Command Ceremony on 10 June 2013.
(Above Right) “CAN DO” Soldiers stand in formation as the Campaign Participation Streamers were awarded to the
1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, earned with honors for the participation in the Iraqi Sovereignty Campaign
from 01 October 2009 to 31 August 2010 and for participation in the New Dawn Campaign from 01 September to 22
September 2010. CAN DO!
July 2013
10
LTC Kraft and CSM Barretto attach the campaign streamers to the battalion colors.
(Above Left from left to right) Commander LTC Scotty Mueller, Mark Baker and CSM Phil K Barretto.
(Upper Right from left to right) CSM Ortiz, LTC Kraft and incoming CSM Barretto render honors during the “CAN DO”
Battalion’s Change of Responsibility Ceremony 30 April 2013.
July 2013
11
15TH INFANTRY REGIMENT ASSOCIATION
ANNUAL RAFFLE
TO ALL CAN DO MEMBERS
The 15th Infantry Regiment Association is having its annual raffle. The net proceeds from the raffle will be used toward
the administrative expenses of the Assoication and the quarterly mailing of the Association newsletter, “The
DRAGON”. All members are urged to give their full support.
The prizes are 1 - $300, 1 - $200 and 3 - $100 amounts.
The drawing will be held Friday, September 13, 2013 at the Regimental Dinner held in conjuction with the 94th Annual
Reunion of the Society of the 3rd Infantry Division in Lombard, Illinois, 15 miles from the center of Chicago. Registration
form for attending this dinner is on page 9.
Members do not have to be present to win.
In an attempt to cut cost for a special mailing of the raffle tickets to our members, the raffle tickets are printed in this
issue of the DRAGON. A donation of $1 per ticket would be appreciated. This is an excellent way you can support the
objectives of the Association. Winners of the raffle will be published in the October edition of The DRAGON.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR RAFFLE & REGIMENTAL DINNER
1. Remove page 7 – 10 from the DRAGON.
2. Fill out as many raffle tickets as you want to purchase. You can use mailing labels for this.
3. Do not cut the raffle tickets from these pages, leave as is.
4. If you plan to attend the Regimental Dinner, fill out the registration form on page 9.
5. Write a check for the full amount and with a small piece of tape, adhere the check to page 9 by the
registration form. Do not use a staple.
6.. Close the page so the check is inside and then fold in half so that Bartolo Viruso’s mailing address is visible
on one side and with tape seal all sides so it stays folded. Do not use staples.
7. Put your return address in the top left hand side above Bart’s address.
8. Put a $.46 stamp in the space provided on the top right hand side above Bart’s address.
9. Drop in the mail.
When Bart received this, he will clip your raffle tickets and place in basket for drawing. Thank you and good luck.
July 2013
12
15th INFANTRY REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION 15th INFANTRY REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION
RAFFLE TICKET RAFFLE TICKET
CASH PRIZES 1-$300 1-$200 AND 3-$100 CASH PRIZES 1-$300 1-$200 AND 3-$100
DRAWING AT THE REGIMENTAL DINNER DRAWING AT THE REGIMENTAL DINNER
AT LOMBARD, IL SEPTEMBER 13, 2013 AT LOMBARD, IL SEPTEMBER 13, 2013
DONATION $1.00 DONATION $1.00
DO NOT HAVE TO BE PRESENT TO WIN DO NOT HAVE TO BE PRESENT TO WIN
NAME: ___________________________ NAME: ____________________________
CITY: _________________STATE: ______ CITY: _________________STATE: _______
ZIP CODE: ________TEL: _____________ ZIP CODE: _______TEL: ______________
RETURN ADDRESS LABELS ACCEPTABLE RETURN ADDRESS LABELS ACCEPTABLE
15th INFANTRY REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION 15th INFANTRY REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION
RAFFLE TICKET RAFFLE TICKET
CASH PRIZES 1-$300 1-$200 AND 3-$100 CASH PRIZES 1-$300 1-$200 AND 3-$100
DRAWING AT THE REGIMENTAL DINNER DRAWING AT THE REGIMENTAL DINNER
AT LOMBARD, IL SEPTEMBER 13, 2013 AT LOMBARD, IL SEPTEMBER 13, 2013
DONATION $1.00 DONATION $1.00
DO NOT HAVE TO BE PRESENT TO WIN DO NOT HAVE TO BE PRESENT TO WIN
NAME: ______________________________ NAME: ______________________________
CITY: __________________STATE: ________ CITY: ___________________STATE: _______
ZIP CODE: _______TEL: _________________ ZIP CODE: _______TEL: _________________
RETURN ADDRESS LABELS ACCEPTABLE RETURN ADDRESS LABELS ACCEPTABLE
15th INFANTRY REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION 15th INFANTRY REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION
RAFFLE TICKET RAFFLE TICKET
CASH PRIZES 1-$300 1-$200 AND 3-$100 CASH PRIZES 1-$300 1-$200 AND 3-$100
DRAWING AT THE REGIMENTAL DINNER DRAWING AT THE REGIMENTAL DINNER
AT LOMBARD, IL SEPTEMBER 13, 2013 AT LOMBARD, IL SEPTEMBER 13, 2013
DONATION $1.00 DONATION $1.00
DO NOT HAVE TO BE PRESENT TO WIN DO NOT HAVE TO BE PRESENT TO WIN
NAME: ______________________________ NAME: _____________________________
CITY: __________________STATE:________ CITY: ___________________STATE: ______
ZIP CODE: _______TEL: _________________ ZIP CODE: _______TEL: ________________
RETURN ADDRESS LABELS ACCEPTABLE RETURN ADDRESS LABELS ACCEPTABLE
July 2013
13
15th INFANTRY REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION 15th INFANTRY REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION
RAFFLE TICKET RAFFLE TICKET
CASH PRIZES 1-$300 1-$200 AND 3-$100 CASH PRIZES 1-$300 1-$200 AND 3-$100
DRAWING AT THE REGIMENTAL DINNER DRAWING AT THE REGIMENTAL DINNER
AT LOMBARD, IL SEPTEMBER 13, 2013 AT LOMBARD, IL SEPTEMBER 13, 2013
DONATION $1.00 DONATION $1.00
DO NOT HAVE TO BE PRESENT TO WIN DO NOT HAVE TO BE PRESENT TO WIN
NAME: ___________________________ NAME: ____________________________
CITY: _________________STATE: ______ CITY: _________________STATE: _______
ZIP CODE: ________TEL: _____________ ZIP CODE: _______TEL: ______________
RETURN ADDRESS LABELS ACCEPTABLE RETURN ADDRESS LABELS ACCEPTABLE
15th INFANTRY REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION 15th INFANTRY REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION
RAFFLE TICKET RAFFLE TICKET
CASH PRIZES 1-$300 1-$200 AND 3-$100 CASH PRIZES 1-$300 1-$200 AND 3-$100
DRAWING AT THE REGIMENTAL DINNER DRAWING AT THE REGIMENTAL DINNER
AT LOMBARD, IL SEPTEMBER 13, 2013 AT LOMBARD, IL SEPTEMBER 13, 2013
DONATION $1.00 DONATION $1.00
DO NOT HAVE TO BE PRESENT TO WIN DO NOT HAVE TO BE PRESENT TO WIN
NAME: ______________________________ NAME: ______________________________
CITY: __________________STATE: ________ CITY: ___________________STATE: _______
ZIP CODE: _______TEL: _________________ ZIP CODE: _______TEL: _________________
RETURN ADDRESS LABELS ACCEPTABLE RETURN ADDRESS LABELS ACCEPTABLE
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(PLEASE TAPE YOUR CHECK HERE-NO STAPLES)
REGISTRATION FOR ATTENDING THE 15TH
INFANTRY REGIMENTAL DINNER
The 15th Infantry Regimental Association will once again host their annual Regimental Dinner on September 13, 2013 in conjunction
with the Society of the Third Infantry Division at the Westin Lombard Hotel in Lombard (Chicago) Il. The dinner is open to anyone
wishing to attend. We will have an interesting program following the meal. This is an excellent opportunity to visit your old friends and
buddies and to make new acquaintances. Dinner will consist of a plentiful Italian Buffet extravaganza. Cost: $42 per person (includes
tax/gratuity) Cocktails: 6:00pm - 6:45pm Dinner: 6:45pm - 8:45pm. Please fill out the reservation form below:
Name:______________________ Phone number:_____________________ Email:-_________________________
Guest:______________________ Guest:___________________________ Guest:_________________________
Number attending ___________ @ $42.00 per person Total $______________
Reservation and payment must be received by August 28, 2013. Make check out to 15th
Infantry Association or Bart Viruso
July 2013
14
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
(Return Address)
BARTOLO VIRUSO
116 HARRIETT ROAD
NORTH BABYLON, NY 11703
PUT
STAMP
HERE
July 2013
15
A summary of my time with the 15th Infantry Regiment
By Whitney Mullen (continued from April DRAGON)
By the afternoon of 07 April it was safe to go anywhere in the village of OberweissenBrunn. Several of us ventured
downtown where a building of three stories caught our eye. Venturing inside it was obvious that the first two floors
had been used for storage of Civil Defense items. Moving to the third floor, a wonderful sight greeted us; the
townspeople had moved a large amount bakery goods there, perhaps hoping we wouldn’t discover the bounty. One
item caught my eye, a large beautiful cheesecake, the likes of which had not been seen for years. I don’t remember all
of the details but do recall that the topping was plums laid out meticulously. We had a feast fit for a King!
Unfortunately there were no utensils so we used our hands stuff the goodies in our mouths. It reminded me of the
cooking of my best friend’s German Grandmother. She was quite elderly and spoke little English, but man she made
the best baked goodies!
The following morning, we were back to business. Part of my squad departed to the east where we met some tankers
from the 14th Armored Division. The photos below show one of the vehicles they were using. We described the main
gun as a, “Pea Shooter.” The other photo is of the members of our small group; we were to meet up with rest of our
platoon later in the day.
(Photo Above Left) 14th
armored tank with our platoon medic and a member of the 3rd
squad.
(Photo Above Right) Part of the 3rd
squad taken shortly after we had departed OberweissenBrunn. )
We left about 10am headed for Schweinfurt. Making the trip involved crossing the Main River at least four times by
fording it where the depth allowed. This was always dangerous; the depth was about to our waists necessitating
holding our weapons overhead to keep them dry. Not a good position should there be enemy lurking on the other
side. By the next evening we had reached an intersection several miles to the east of Schweinfurt where we headed in
an easterly direction. Dusk was approaching and the city was in flames from the days bombing of the Ball Bearing
factories. We had picked up about six straggling German soldiers who had happily discarded their arms. My CO said,
“Mullen take another man and guard them; turn them over to the MP’s and join us on this road afterwards.
July 2013
16
We herded our prisoners into a funnel shaped wall with a large door at the apex – a fairly large hill was behind the
door. As the evening wore on a number of troops passed and dumped their prisoner off to us. When the number
reached about 30, a civilian approached us and said in perfect English, “it looks as if you could use some help.”
He left and returned shortly with a key to the padlock on the door. I accompanied him inside where he switched on a
light. Built into the mountain was a long tunnel with a huge number of cells on each side. By the time we were
relieved, over 300 prisoners had entered the cells. It was about 11pm when the MP’s took over.
We walked almost the rest of the night before catching up with the Company. That morning, we started departing on
tanks. The tank I was on turned off the main road rounding a hillside on a road which obviously hadn’t been used in a
long time. As we rounded a curve, the roadway began to give way under the weight of the tank, the Tank commander
yelled for us to bail out which we quickly did. The driver gunned the engine pulling forward before the roadway gave
way cutting the tank off from that approach.
We returned to the road where there was a great deal of commotion. One of our newest members had dismounted
and in the process fell on a grenade and in the process was killed. Our Company continued in an Easterly direction.
Shortly, our column came to a halt. Up ahead the leaders had a surprise visitor; from the bank to the left. A small tank
known as a Goliath had rolled into the middle of the road.
Fortunately the operators failed to set off the charge – the result could have killed several of our Company. Someone
quickly noticed the where the control wire had been buried in the dirt surface. The enemy, hidden in the woods to our
right had probably run for it when the explosion failed to materialize our guardian angel was with us for sure.
Much later that day, we crossed the Main River just a few miles North of Bamberg . We were moving on the westerly
side of the river in a rather tight column. Approaching on the east bank was a column of German infantry. We could
see their faces flashing as they looked apprehensively at us; we were doing the same. It was obvious that they weren’t
our objective, nor they ours. A really strange sight!
By the following day we had boarded tanks continuing southward. About ten in the morning we stopped in a large
field bordered with a wooded area to our left. We were taking a break, our mail Jeep had arrived so we had a pleasant
time as many of us received much needed letters from home. Allowed to get some rest we engaged in some frivolity.
The photos below show several members of Co. I enjoying themselves. Little did we realize that in a few days we
would be engaged in the assault of Nuremberg.
3rd
Squad Leader George Dittoe (High Hat)
July 2013
17
July 2013
18
Notice of Society of the 3rd Infantry Division Reunion reprinted by permission from Watch On The Rhine
July 2013
19
NOMINATIONS FOR OFFICE
A CALL FOR NOMINATIONS WAS MADE BY TIM STOY, PRESIDENT OF THE ASSOCIATION IN THE JANUARY DRAGON. HERE ARE THE NOMINATIONS FOR EACH OFFICE. PRESIDENT: NO NOMINATION VICE PRESIDENT: NO NOMINATION SECRETARY: JOSEPH HERRON TREASURER: BART VIRUSO TRUSTEES: LEONARD LESSOR RICHARD MCKIDDY WARREN SESSLER TIM STOY (Immediate Past President)
Assistance requested from Members of the Association
SEEKING INFO: Seeking info and/or comrades of PFC John L. Sullivan, Co A 15th Infantry, who died of wounds on Dec 1, 1950. Wounded near Wonsan or Majon-ni North Korea then medically evacuated to an offshore Navy ship where he did not recover from his wounds. His remains where reportedly transferred back to the Hungnam shore where he may have buried in the US cemetery that remained after the evacuation of the 3rd Div on Dec 25,1950. His remains have never been identified, recovered or returned to the USA. His wife, Barbara, now deceased was one of the youngest widows of the Korean War. His surviving daughter, Sandra Sullivan Stewart and her husband David Stewart would appreciate any info comrades may have about John L Sullivan's service, wounds, evacuation and burial. Sandra and David Stewart can be contacted at 4624 Kiefer Rd, Louisville KY 40216, PH: 502-448-8146. E Mail :[email protected] "
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MEMBERSHIP REPORT July 2013
Eligibility:
Regular: Persons eligible for regular membership are those with present or prior honorable
service with the Regiment or units attached or supporting the Regiment.
Associate: Spouse, parents, children or siblings of any person eligible for regular
membership and any person with a special interest or affinity for the 15th Infantry Regiment.
New Members
PHIL K. BARRETTO ANTHONY D. KING JACK B. COFFEY RONALD L. ALSOBROOK Columbus, GA Ft. Benning, GA Claremont, NC Upgraded to LM CSM, HHC, 1BN, RF SP/4 B CO, 1 BN,RF SSGT,G & H CO, 2 BN, KW Las Vegas, NV Jul 2012 - May 2012 - Jun 1953 – 1955 PFC, HHC, 1 BN, CW Dec 1960 – Jun 1963
SAMUEL T. AARONS ROBERT D. BOERGER Columbus, GA Re-instated -
SGM, HHC, 1 BN RF Columbus, OH Aug 2012 - SGT, HHC, 1 BN, CW
1983 - 1986
Number of Members 747
By Periods CH 1 WWII 65 KW 183 CW 72 OIF 47 Current Forces 360 ASSOC 19
Current Membership By Type
Regular Life 267 Regular Annual 461 Assoc Life 10 Assoc Annual 9
Total 747
Members with 1-15th
Infantry 244
Members with 3-15th
Infantry 95
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KOREA REVISITED By John Burke
From 1-11 June Elizabeth and I had the great privilege of traveling to South Korea on a Korea Revisit Program. The program was organized by Monika Stoy, ably assisted by her husband Tim. It was the first such program for a revisit by American Korean War Veterans to be hosted by the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. We were a group of 12 including Tim and Monika. The veterans represented various units. Two of the veterans had served with the 8240th Army Unit, the outfit that trained the unit that Monika’s father’s Korean unit which as partisans infiltrated the north for intelligence and espionage. Two of us, Nile Stuart and I served in the same platoon in1951-52. Nile and his wife Marianne and Elizabeth and I represented G Company, 15th Infantry, 3rd Infantry Division. After a 14 ½ flight on Korean Airlines we arrived at Inchon International Airport. When I arrived in Korea in 1951 it was through Inchon Harbor for movement to the 3rd Infantry Division area of operations. My recollection is that most of the buildings were damaged or destroyed from previous battles. The airport today is as modern as they come. Our group came from several different cities in the US. After rendezvousing there at Inchon we boarded a short flight to Busan, South Korea’s 2nd largest city, with a population of over two million and high-rises as far as eye can see. After clearing Customs we were surprised and honored by a welcome ceremony by our main host for the trip Venerable Shim San Su Nim and numerous members of Hong Beop Sa Buddhist Temple. Each veteran and spouse/guest was provided with a beautiful bouquet of flowers and several group pictures taken. (Shim San Su Nim served in the Korean Air Force as a Buddhist chaplain and is still serving as Buddhist auxiliary chief of chaplains for the Korean Armed Forces.) We then settled down for the evening at a first class hotel. Busan Stay The next four days were fast moving and filled with interesting and informative activities. We started at the United Nations Memorial Cemetery. The group, along with troops from the 53rd Division of the Korean Army participated in an impressive wreath laying ceremony. Following was a tour of the cemetery, Memorial Hall and Unknown Soldiers Pathway. A visit to the Republic of Korea Fleet was most enjoyable. We were greeted by the Commander, Vice Admiral Jung, Ho-Sub, and the Fleet Band. During the welcome the band dished out the US Army song. We were treated to a cruise of the harbor and lunch on the Presidential Yacht. We were told that this was the first group ever other than the President and staff to occupy the yacht. Next was a visit to Dongmyong University. After a video and brief by the University President we were welcomed by the ROTC, including a Taekwondo demonstration, question and answer period and lunch with the troops. We then visited Hong Beop Sa Buddhist Temple where Shim San Su Nim, our main host is the chief monk. The grounds of the temple were decorated beautifully with flowers and a huge “Welcome Korean War Veterans” sighs in balloons and lights. After the greeting, and a delicious meal we visited the temple where prayers had just ended. The temple was completely filled with followers. Each veteran was asked to address the assembly with their background, last visit to Korea and their impression of the country now. There was a warm reception from all the followers. A visit to an elementary school was most enjoyable. The group provided several books that we had brought from the States. We observed children in their studies, including the English language, and singing. Nile Stuart read a short children’s book to them. Monika translated. From there we traveled to a traditional village, had a traditional Korean lunch and toured the tombs of kings.
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On one day we travelled to Ulsan and toured the Hyundai Automobile Manufacturing Facility and saw the operation from bumper to bumper. Then we had lunch on the beach before visiting the Hyundai Ship Building Facility, the largest in the world. Back in Busan, we had dinner with ROTC troops from Dongmyong University. On the last day in Busan, 6 June, we attended Korean Memorial Day activities at Hong Beop Sa Temple. The activities extended through most of the day. There was an official welcome and memorial addresses from various dignitaries and included a great demonstration by the Drill Team from Korean Fleet. All levels of students commemorated the day by drawing pictures, writing essays, singing songs and honoring veterans. Awards were presented for these student’s efforts. The day was completed with a visit to a mountain temple where we observed a traditional drum/bell ceremony as well as another big spread of food. Seoul Stay We travelled from Busan to Seoul via a “bullet train” which reached speeds of near 200 mph, yet the ride was smooth as could be. Along the way we saw numerous rice paddies, other grain fields and hot houses where vegetables are grown year around. Seoul is a clean and very modern city with some eleven million people. Prior to settling in Seoul we made a visit to the 26th Mechanized Brigade of the Tiger Division in GaPyong. After a greeting by the Commander, COL Ki Eob Shin, we had chow in the Mess Hall then attended a Review of Troops and Pass In Review. Following was a very informative briefing on the history and current status of the unit. This was followed by very realistic training exercise complete with tanks and dismounted infantry. We then went on a tour of the unit’s barracks, day room and Company Headquarters. We were then treated to a Jam Band which included in its repertoire “You ain’t nothing but a hound dog.” The next day was filled with Memorial Activities, museums, and Korean Culture and Spirit Exhibits. There were several interesting presentations of history and tradition. After that we visited Gyeongbokgung Palace, initially built in 1395 and reconstructed in 1865; Cheongwadae Museum/Visitors Center near Presidential Blue House. On our last day on site we visited the National War Memorial Cemetery where we participated in a solemn ceremony replete with Honor Guard and Band honoring the 165,000 ROK soldiers who died in the Korean War and are buried there. The names of those missing in action are also posted. We then visited Samsung Industries where we were given a briefing and tour of the Samsung History Hall. That evening we were treated to a banquet and sadly said our “So Longs’ to our gracious hosts. The next morning we all headed for home, another 141/2 hour flight. Throughout the country, wherever we went, the Korean people are so polite and courteous. Everyone that we met, when they learned we were American Korean War Veterans, young and old alike, they expressed their gratitude for service rendered in keeping them free. They are most industrious, resourceful, and determined.
John, Elizabeth and Monika in traditional dress
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Presentation of a 48 Star flag to 26th Mech Bde
COL Shin, 26th Mech Bde greetring Nile Stuart Review of Troops
Veterans Group at the Korean National Cemetery
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15th Infantry Regiment Association
Tom Heitzer, Database Administrator
231 Normandie
Bonne Terre, MO 63628
Address Service Requested
Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage Paid
Permit # 111 Bonne Terre, MO
