Criteria The Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal is awarded by the Secretary of Defense or, with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy, the Secretary of Transpor... The Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal is awarded by the Secretary of Defense or, with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy, the Secretary of Transportation, to members of the Armed Forces (including Reserve Components) who perform outstanding volunteer service to the civilian community of a sustained, direct, and consequential nature. MoreHide
Comments
For my service to the Southbridge, VA Homeowners Assn as member, then Chairman, of the Covenants committee.
Criteria The Meritorious Service Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by outstanding noncombat achievement or by meritorious service to the United States, but not of a... The Meritorious Service Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by outstanding noncombat achievement or by meritorious service to the United States, but not of a degree that would warrant the award of the Legion of Merit. MoreHide
Comments
Recalled to active duty in 1998 to support Navy Theater Ballistic Missile Defense.
Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
Description I need to look this up. I was awarded for being in the military during some other military action around the world. One doesn't have to be involved in the action just be in the military during that ... I need to look this up. I was awarded for being in the military during some other military action around the world. One doesn't have to be involved in the action just be in the military during that time. We nickname it the "geedunk" or candy medal. Almost everyone gets one. MoreHide
Criteria The Armed Forces Reserve Medal is awarded to United States Armed Forces Reserve component members (or former members) who complete (or have completed) a total of ten years service. This service need n... The Armed Forces Reserve Medal is awarded to United States Armed Forces Reserve component members (or former members) who complete (or have completed) a total of ten years service. This service need not be consecutive, if it was performed within a period of twelve consecutive years. For the purpose of this award service as a member of a Reserve component MoreHide
Comments
I never wore the "M". To the best of my knowledge it wasn't available. If I ever need to wear my ribbons/medals again it will be on.
Criteria The Meritorious Service Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by outstanding noncombat achievement or by meritorious service to the United States, but not of a... The Meritorious Service Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by outstanding noncombat achievement or by meritorious service to the United States, but not of a degree that would warrant the award of the Legion of Merit. MoreHide
Comments
Recalled to active duty to serve as N86 PAO (Surface Warfare Public Affairs Officer)
Criteria The Joint Service Commendation Medal is awarded in the name of the Secretary of Defense to members of the Armed Forces who, while assigned to a joint activity, distinguish themselves by outstanding ac... The Joint Service Commendation Medal is awarded in the name of the Secretary of Defense to members of the Armed Forces who, while assigned to a joint activity, distinguish themselves by outstanding achievement or meritorious service, but not to an extent that would justify award of the Defense Meritorious Service Medal. MoreHide
Comments While serving with LANTCOM I wrote the PSYOP plan used in Haiti. It went all the way to President Bush for approval. I also studied Haitian and worked with a Haitian national to learn Haitian customs... While serving with LANTCOM I wrote the PSYOP plan used in Haiti. It went all the way to President Bush for approval. I also studied Haitian and worked with a Haitian national to learn Haitian customs. In the week preceding the invasion of Haiti (that never came to be because a peaceful entry was negotiated) I worked with the military advisor to the CIA PSYOP unit to get special info. MoreHide
Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
Description
Awarded for being in the military during the Gulf War.
Description The U.S. and allied warships in CJTF 120 boarded over 600 ships during the operations’ first five months, and the big ships’ effectiveness soon drove embargo-busting smugglers to use vessels to carry The U.S. and allied warships in CJTF 120 boarded over 600 ships during the operations’ first five months, and the big ships’ effectiveness soon drove embargo-busting smugglers to use vessels to carry contraband along shallow coastal routes beyond the larger ships’ reach.
CJTF 120 selected the US Special Operations Command Cyclone-class patrol craft (PC) as the best response to the smugglers’ new tactic. The PCs were new to USSOCOM’s inventory, and needed sea duty certification before assignment to Haiti. After being certified for participating in exercise Agile Provider, the USS Cyclone and the USS Tempest departed for Guantanano, Cuba, on 24 May to participate in Support Democracy.
On 30 May, CJTF 120 directed the PCs to begin operations with the warships off the north Haitian coast. The plan to integrate the PCs gradually into the interdiction operation ended when the ships, on their very first voyage, encountered a Bahamian sailing vessel trying to skirt the embargo. As the smugglers’ vessel headed for Port-au-Prince, the Cyclone ordered it to stand clear of the Haitian coast, but the vessels did not heave to until Cyclone fired warning flares and launched a rigid hull inflated boat (RIB) with SEALs aboard. The vessel attempted to play a waiting game that night, but at first light a combined party from the Cyclone and the HMCS Terra Nova – six Canadians and three SEALs – conducted a boarding and search operation. They found embargoed goods, and the Cyclone towed this vessel to Guatanamo.
By 23 June 1994, the CTJF 120 fleet had boarded over 1,100 ships, but embargoed goods flowed steadily into Haiti from neighboring Dominican Republic. General John M. Shalikashvili, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, gave approval for the PCs to conduct patrols with Dominican Republic ships. On 11 July 1994, SEALs from the Cyclone boarded and cleared the Vinland Saga, a Danish vessel carrying a cargo of wheal flour. CJTF 120 directed Cyclone and Tempest to patrol the inner areas of the coast. These operations provided an opportunity to check sea traffic and collect information. The USS Hurricane and USS Monsoon patrol craft replaced the Cyclone and Tempest in September.
Because of the continuing political repression in Haiti, the Clinton Administration sought UN Security Council approval for an invasion and occupation of Haiti if the sanctions failed to restore Aristide to the presidency. The Council granted its approval on 31 July 1994. The invasion plan had two phases: first, a 15,000 multinational force would invade, restore public order, and reinstate Aristide; subsequently 6,000 UN forces would train a new Haitian police force to maintain order. Accordingly, US Army, Air Force, and Navy SOF supported the XVII Airborne Corps in planning for a full scale invasion of Haiti. The special operations portion of the plan envisioned the takedown of key governmental sites followed by a link-up with conventional forces, similar to what SOF had done for the invasion of Panama in 1989. After the main takedown, Special Forces teams were to secure the countryside. To serve as the SOF mobility and launching platform, an aircraft carrier, USS America, was added to the force package in spring 1994. ... More
Memories I was with the US Alantic Command, Psychological Operations Cell within the Special Operations Unit.I was with the US Alantic Command, Psychological Operations Cell within the Special Operations Unit. Prior to the actual operation I developed a PSYOP plan that was approved by then President Bush and implimented prior to the inauguration of Pres Clinton. The Hatians felt he would let them migrate to the US. We were afraid that many boat people would die attempting to make the trip to the US. This PSYOP plan was used to help the Haitians understand the hazzards of attempting the voyage.
On the date the actual invasion was to occur I was off the California coast on a cruiser for three days. One of the Army PSYOP officers that I'd worked with at LANTCOM with now with the CIA. I had been helping him by working with a Haitian that I knew. I won't go any further here on that. Long story short I assumed they would use me for the invasion inasmuch as I had been studing Haitian and had a good overall understanding of the situation. Well...peace broke out and the big invasion was called off. ... More
Criteria This ribbon is awarded to officers and enlisted personnel of the Navy, Naval Reserve, Marine Corps, and Marine Corps Reserve for 12 months consecutive or accumulated duty at overseas shore-based duty ... This ribbon is awarded to officers and enlisted personnel of the Navy, Naval Reserve, Marine Corps, and Marine Corps Reserve for 12 months consecutive or accumulated duty at overseas shore-based duty stations. Each Service has distinct criteria that delineates eligibility; Navy personnel assigned to Marine Corps units follow Marine Corps policy, and vice-versa. MoreHide
Description For accumulated time overseas since becoming an officer. One doesn't have to be an officer to get this it just worked out that I had enough overseas time as an officer that I only used that time to q... For accumulated time overseas since becoming an officer. One doesn't have to be an officer to get this it just worked out that I had enough overseas time as an officer that I only used that time to qualify. Partially explains why I was gone so much. MoreHide
Criteria The U.S. Navy has issued two marksmanship ribbons: the Navy Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon and Navy Rifle Marksmanship Ribbon, since 1920. The pistol ribbon is currently awarded for qualification on the B... The U.S. Navy has issued two marksmanship ribbons: the Navy Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon and Navy Rifle Marksmanship Ribbon, since 1920. The pistol ribbon is currently awarded for qualification on the Beretta 9mm pistol, while the rifle ribbon is currently awarded for qualification on the M14 and M16 assault rifle variants. The Navy issues the marksmanship ribbon in three levels, that of Marksman, Sharpshooter, and Expert. The basic ribbon is awarded for the Marksman level while the specific Marksmanship Device is awarded for qualification as a Sharpshooter or Expert. Those receiving an Expert qualification receive the Marksmanship Medal, in addition to the Marksmanship Ribbon. MoreHide
Comments Qualified as Sharpshooter my first time. In fact I outshot my instructor. They wouldn't let me do it again. I was pretty sure I could have qualified as Expert.
In my entire 36 years I never once shot... Qualified as Sharpshooter my first time. In fact I outshot my instructor. They wouldn't let me do it again. I was pretty sure I could have qualified as Expert.
In my entire 36 years I never once shot a rifle. Horrible!! I grew up shooting an air rifle and a shotgun (20 gage). I would have loved to qualify with an M-4 or M-16. I guess Jill is our only military rifle qualified family member. MoreHide
Best Moment
Given the call sign CAPTAIN VIDEO and accepted into the Squadron
Other Memories
I was assigned to fly with them for several weeks to document their activities and countries visited on video tape. They were based out of NORVA but we flew to Rota and used that as our European base of operations.
Other Memories
Was assigned to NATO Public Affairs for an exercise. It was exciting for me since I lived in Belgium back in the 60's when I was a Mormon Missionary. My French was still pretty good which helped with my assignment and enjoying the area.
Other Memories
Was on board as part of a public affairs DET covering Exercise Northern Wedding. Because of a problem with the ship's company PAO I was pressed into service to replace him for the three weeks that I was on board. On day two I handled an international press conference. Unfortunately two days before two helos had colided killing 8 persons(?).
Description
The whole damned Atlantic Fleet sortied toward the GI / UK gap in order to provoke "Ivan" into a maritime showdown.
Memories We headed over for what we thought would be a fun couple of weeks. During our layover in Oslo we taWe headed over for what we thought would be a fun couple of weeks. During our layover in Oslo we talked to us troops heading home. They told of a horrible accident. Two helos collided with many deaths and injuries. As soon as we landed on board our OIC (Officer In Charge) was sent over to the command ship USS Mount Whitney (mount wonderful is what we called her) leaving me as the OIC. We had an international press conference scheduled in three days with the obvious distraction of the accident and memorial service. We handled that (on three hours of sleep a night. We then started Operation Northern Wedding. Did lots of flying and shooting pix. Spent some time on the ground shooting pix of the Marines landing. Left three weeks later exhausted but very happy to have been part of a great operation.... More
Worst Moment
Herding 13 Cargo Handling Sailors on a plane in Pittsburg and getting them safely to Dam Neck, NJ. Sound easy?! They were all coal miners and stealworkers. They were all over that airport; getting drunk, chasing women...just messing around. I thought, "I'm a Mustang. This is a no-brainer." WRONG!! By the time we got home I was exhausted.
Chain of Command
I don't remember my chain of command. I'll have to pull my orders. We were NR NAVWEPSTA Dam Neck and part of the Naval Reserve Center, Moundsville, WV.
My CO was an idiot. He pretty much flunked me on my eval because he didn't know how to do it.
Best Moment
When a "bright" young Public Affairs Ensign, with no prior military experience, told the Gunny who was pushing our group (and hating it) that she didn't need to learn close order drill because "PAOs don't march. We just write stories." Those of us who were priors (as well as PAOs) pulled her aside and gave her a very quick education.
Worst Moment
Spilling catsup and mustard all over my SDWs before graduation.
Criteria
The Naval Reserve Meritorious Service Medal is intended to provide Naval Reservists an award which is the equivalent to the Navy Good Conduct Medal.
Comments This is for 4 consecutive years of enlisted service. I'm very proud of this medal. I don't have a star on it for the second four years because I had a "bad" year. In other words my points earned fo... This is for 4 consecutive years of enlisted service. I'm very proud of this medal. I don't have a star on it for the second four years because I had a "bad" year. In other words my points earned for drills attended and active duty were loaded so that for one year I came up short but had way more than needed in an adjacent year.
This is the Reserve equivalent of the Navy Good Conduct Medal (or also called the "I didn't get caught" medal ;) MoreHide
Criteria The Meritorious Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself under combat or noncombat conditions by either valorous ... The Meritorious Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself under combat or noncombat conditions by either valorous or meritorious achievement which renders that unit outstanding compared to other units performing similar service, but not sufficient to justify the award of the Navy Unit Commendation. MoreHide
Description
Awarded to the crew of USS Ranger for service in Vietnam.
Criteria The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspa... The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspace; or, for any period of service during the same time period in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia or the air spaces thereover and in direct support of operations in Vietnam. MoreHide
Description
Served aboard USS Ranger (CVA-61) in Tonkin Gulf 1969-1971
Criteria The Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Colors) was authorized to be worn by units individually cited for service in military operations in support of the government of Sout... The Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Colors) was authorized to be worn by units individually cited for service in military operations in support of the government of South Vietnam. The actions cited are for the same services that would have resulted in the award of a Valorous Unit Citation by the Army or a Navy Unit Citation MoreHide
Description
Served aboard USS Ranger (CVA-61) in Tonkin Gulf 1969-1971
Criteria The Meritorious Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself under combat or noncombat conditions by either valorous ... The Meritorious Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself under combat or noncombat conditions by either valorous or meritorious achievement which renders that unit outstanding compared to other units performing similar service, but not sufficient to justify the award of the Navy Unit Commendation. MoreHide
Description
Awarded to the crew of USS Ranger for service in Vietnam.
Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
Description
Awarded for being in the military during the Vietnam war.
Criteria The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, after July 1, 1958, participate in specified United States operations or those in direct support of the United Natio... The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, after July 1, 1958, participate in specified United States operations or those in direct support of the United Nations or friendly foreign nations MoreHide
Description On-board USS Ranger when we went off the coast of North Korea during the USS Pueblo incident. By then the crew had been returned. I guess since the NK still help our ship we were there to remind the... On-board USS Ranger when we went off the coast of North Korea during the USS Pueblo incident. By then the crew had been returned. I guess since the NK still help our ship we were there to remind them of our "interest". MoreHide
Criteria The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspa... The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspace; or, for any period of service during the same time period in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia or the air spaces thereover and in direct support of operations in Vietnam. MoreHide
Description
Served aboard USS Ranger (CVA-61) in Tonkin Gulf 1969-1971
Criteria The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspa... The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspace; or, for any period of service during the same time period in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia or the air spaces thereover and in direct support of operations in Vietnam. MoreHide
Description
Served aboard USS Ranger (CVA-61) in Tonkin Gulf 1969-1971
Criteria This medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who: 1. Served for 6 months in South Vietnam during the period 1 Mar 61 and 28 Mar 73; or 2. Served outside the geographical l... This medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who: 1. Served for 6 months in South Vietnam during the period 1 Mar 61 and 28 Mar 73; or 2. Served outside the geographical limits of South Vietnam and contributed direct combat support to the RVN Armed Forces for an aggregate of six months. Only members of the Armed Forces of the United States who meet the criteria established for the AFEM (Vietnam) or Vietnam Service Medal during the period of service required are considered to have contributed direct combat support to the RVN Armed Forces; or 3. Did not complete the length of service required in item (1) or (2) above, but who, during wartime, were: a. Wounded by the enemy (in a military action); b. Captured by the enemy during action or in the line of duty, but later rescued or released; or c. Killed in action or in the line of duty; or 4. Were assigned in Vietnam on 28 Jan 73, and who served a minimum of 60 calendar days in Vietnam during the period 29 Jan 73 to 28 Mar 73. MoreHide
Description
Served aboard USS Ranger (CVA-61) in Tonkin Gulf 1969-1971
Criteria The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspa... The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspace; or, for any period of service during the same time period in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia or the air spaces thereover and in direct support of operations in Vietnam. MoreHide
Description Served aboard USS Ranger (CVA-61) in Tonkin Gulf 1969-1971.
I have a license plate with this medal on it. I'm proud to be an Vietnam vet.
Steve Stone, Charleston, WV Ward, saw horrible ground combat ... Served aboard USS Ranger (CVA-61) in Tonkin Gulf 1969-1971.
I have a license plate with this medal on it. I'm proud to be an Vietnam vet.
Steve Stone, Charleston, WV Ward, saw horrible ground combat about the same time that I was over there. He still suffers from PTSD althought he works hard to not let it show. I told him I felt bad that I wasn't in country with him. I felt that I didn't really do all that I could by being on a ship. He replied that many times we answered their prayers by sending our planes over to provide cover for them when they were pinned down. He said had it not been for me and the other sailors he never would have survived. He later gave me a silly, little leather lanyard with beads that represent the colors of the two Vietnam ribbons that we both wear. It's not silly to me, however. I treasure that more than all of my medals and ribbons. It was presented to me by my Vietnam War brother and a hero. MoreHide
Description UNITAS exercises are sponsored by U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command with the objective to foster cooperation and increase interoperability among the navies of the Americas. Held continuously since 19UNITAS exercises are sponsored by U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command with the objective to foster cooperation and increase interoperability among the navies of the Americas. Held continuously since 1959, UNITAS has become the premier multinational naval exercise in the Southern Command area of operations.
During the two-week exercise, participating units have the opportunity to train as unified force in all aspects of naval operations, from maritime interdiction to anti-submarine and electronic warfare. U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command sponsors UNITAS exercises with the objective to foster cooperation and develop interoperability among the navies of the region.
UNITAS supports U.S. Southern Command objectives for enhanced maritime security in its area of responsibility. It is intended to train participating forces in a variety of maritime scenarios to test command and control of forces at sea, while operating as a multinational force to provide the maximum opportunity to improve interoperability.... More
Memories
On board USS Ranger. First of two tours supporting the Vietnam War.
Instructors
I don't remember my Company Commander's name but he was a BT1. We were his last company to push before graduation. He was drunk a good deal of the time but was actually a good CC.
Other Memories
We were in a special Reserve company. There were two platoons. The computer automatically set my start date as Mar 68 but we arrived mid-Sept 1968. We all came from Reserve units that had special Boot Camp training companies. Although we were only in San Diego for two weeks we were in the Boot Camp training units for a full year. After the two weeks in San Diego we were shipped up to USS Taladega in Long Beach for two more weeks of basic shipboard training beginning the first of Oct 1968.
This was my final USNR assignment. I was in a USEUCOM Reserve Unit as PAO.