Best Friends James Franklin, John Mcleod, Steve Margetts, David Burbage, Butch Cummins, and Pete Hydiniak
Best Moment In 1969 I was ordered to SEAL Team One Cadre training. At this time SEALS were picked from UDT personnel who had distinguished themselves. Lt Jg Robert Kerry, now a seasoned Senator, was in my class. As far as I know I am the only Navy Beach Jumper to have completed this training. We were given a crash course in small unit tactics, 25 different weapon systems, patrolling, and other related combat skills. We participated in day and night live fire exercises near Niland, California in the Chocolate Mountain bombing area. We conducted various mock missions in preparation for the real thing. I used this training to instruct BJU?s who were sent to Viet Nam. When called on, we were to assist SEAL combat ops. Afterwards Seal Team One Commanding Officer gave me a letter of commendation for my participation, and encouraged me to go thru BUD's training. Since my CO had made it possible for me to receive this combat training I thought it only right that I in turn use what I had learned to train other Beach Jumpers.
Worst Moment While a Beach Jumper I served a total of twenty eight months in Viet Nam combat operations. I usually carried the Ar-15 (first version of the M-16) rifle, and a 9mm Browning pistol. On one occasion as I was confronted by Air Force security guards at the main gate of Ton Sanutt AFB near Saigon. They were going to take my pistol from me claiming it was not on my orders. When I told them ?only over my dead body,? they backed down and let me thru. I had enough accumulated air time in helicopters to have earned the Air Medal, but who kept track we weren?t supposed to be there.
Other Memories An event that stands out in my mind as the most worthwhile contribution we made was when we were on a search and destroy mission with a company of 3rd Marines. Earlier that morning they had taken some casualties during a recon of a Viet Namese village suspected of harboring Viet Cong. The Marines were so angry over their losses that their Company Commander ordered an air strike to annihilate the village at high noon. We learned about it and asked if we could set up our powerful PA system and have our interpreter coax the people out of the village to safety. There were four of us along with the Viet Nemeses interpreter who moved up and began to beg the women and children to leave. Just before noon when our aircraft descended on the village to pour out retribution, about seven hundred people left for safety. I was so glad. That afternoon we found ourselves in an ambush out in the open in a rice patty. Seventeen VC had engaged us with a fifty caliber machine gun and assault rifles in an ?L? shaped ambush. As soon as the incoming fire reached us everyone did as they were trained. We stood and walked toward the enemy while returning fire. We had pushed them back to the sea and they tried to make their last stand. We had light casualties compared to them. For that and other engagements they gave me a Combat Action ribbon. Most all other combatants were awarded Bronze Stars, but not BJU?s. But then ?we? were not ?really? there?
