Leatherneck - Eternal Fraternity: Marines Share A Sacred Bond With their "Docs" - Marine Corps Association
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Leatherneck
MAGAZINE OF THE MARINES
JUNE 2021
www.mca-marines.org/leatherneck
★ SALUTE TO NAVY CORPSMEN★
Eternal Fraternity:
Marines Share
A Sacred Bond
With their “Docs”
e a r n it e ver y d ay . The Marine that will be successful at MARSOC is maturity, initiative, and determination that qualify a self-starter, initiative-driven; always seeking to them to perform special operations. MARSOC improve himself, find his weaknesses and make training is designed to take those baseline them his strengths; someone who learns from attributes and develop Marine Raiders who are everyone and seeks others’ knowledge to make tactically proficient across the full spectrum of it his own and make him a better warrior. special operations, and who understand the Marines selected for MARSOC have demonstrated strategic importance of their tactical actions. attributes such as effective intelligence, adaptability, See how you qualify at marsoc.com.
Contents
LEATHERNECK—MAGAZINE OF THE MARINES
J U N E 2021
VO L . 10 4, N o. 6
Features
16 Liberated Artillery: The Long and Winding 36 “Eternal Fraternity”: Throughout History, Marines,
Journey of an M1 Pack Howitzer By Jonathan Bernstein “Docs” Share Unique, Indescribable Bond
One of the responsibilities of the National Museum of the By Sara W. Bock For one Navy corpsman embedded with
Marine Corps is recording and maintaining the history 2/9 in Vietnam, a reunion decades later with the Marines he
associated with artifacts. Such is the case with an M1 pack served alongside—including the first patient he treated on the
howitzer in the museum’s collection. battlefield—affirmed the bond that has defined the Marine-
corpsman relationship since the inception of the U.S. Navy
22 General Charles C. Krulak: A Marine Corps Hospital Corps in 1898. As today’s corpsmen train for the
Great—the Rest of the Story future fight, they also strive to uphold the legacy of those who
By SgtMaj Daniel N. Heider, USMC This first-place winning came before.
article in the 2021 Leatherneck Writing Contest tells how
Gen Krulak’s contribution to the advancement of the Marine 46 Navy Corpsmen: The Unsung Heroes of the Marine
Corps warfighting adeptness made an impact on the Marine Corps Compiled by Patricia Everett The bond between Fleet
Corps. Gen Krulak established an innovative spirit that Marine Force corpsmen and Marines has only strengthened
fundamentally changed the institution and cemented a legacy over the years as “Docs” are often the difference between life
of excellence. and death on the battlefield. In honor of the 122nd birthday of
the U.S. Navy Hospital Corps on June 17, we are featuring per-
28 History of the 3rd Marine Division sonal accounts of those who answered the call “Corpsman Up!”
By Joel D. Thacker This is the third in a series from the
Leatherneck archives about the Corps’ Divisions during 58 Hey, Dude, Semper Fi!: Camp Pendleton’s Surfing
World War II. Prepared by what was then known as the History Told in Newly Released Book
Historical Division of the Marine Corps, this article traces the By David Matuszak Anyone stationed at MCB Camp
3rd Marine Division’s activities in the Pacific. Pendleton is familiar with the prominence of surfing along its
famous beach, San Onofre. A new book chronicles the history
and cultural context of those who have been riding the waves
off Camp Pendleton since the 1960s.
16 Departments
2 Sound Off
10 In Every Clime and Place
26 Leatherneck Laffs
54 We—the Marines
57 Crazy Caption
64 Passing the Word
66 In Memoriam
70 Reader Assistance
72 Saved Round
COVER: Top left: With the aid of candlelight, a Navy corpsman starts an IV on a wounded leatherneck in Vietnam, 1968. USMC
photo. Top right: Cpl Brandon Rumbaugh pins the Silver Star on HM3 Class Todd Angell, a corpsman with 1st Bn, 8th Marines,
2ndMarDiv on April 27, 2012. Photo by SSgt Neil A. Sevelius, USMC. Bottom: HM3 Kevin Pollock, a corpsman with “Delta” Co,
3rd LAR Bn, 1stMarDiv (forward) hands a bag of hygiene supplies to an Afghan boy on Jan. 19, 2011. Photo by Cpl Ned Johnson,
USMC. Copies of the cover may be obtained by sending $2 (for mailing costs) to Leatherneck Magazine, P.O. Box 1775, Quantico,
VA 22134-0775.
LEATHERNECK AND MCA MEMBERSHIP PRICES: 1 year $42; 2 years $79; 3 years $119
Toll-free (866) 622-1775 • Email mca@mca-marines.org
Sound Off Compiled by Patricia Everett
Letter of the Month times of my service and unfortunately Corps. We kept in touch by phone, and as
(Leatherneck will pay $25 for a “Sound everyone came to the same conclusion, the his dementia started to progress in earnest,
Off Letter of the Month” submitted by Marine Corps is embarrassed. I don’t get I started calling him monthly. His wife,
an MCA member or provide a one-year it. I contacted a sergeant major at MCRD Florence, told me that he was admitted to
courtesy subscription to a non-member San Diego who said that he certainly a home for care, and unfortunately, I lost
whose letter is selected.) wasn’t embarrassed by us and that they contact with her.
don’t, but should, make mention of us to On behalf of the battalion, I ordered
I enjoy reading the letters sent into recruits. We all know that Vietnam was a brick for John from the Marine Corps
the Sound Off section of Leatherneck a cluster. I have read elsewhere that the Heritage Foundation in May 2020. Re-
magazine. They cover a multitude of history of the Vietnam War is not being cently I received a letter that his engraved
various topics and I would like to touch taught anywhere in the Marine Corps. brick, number 36535, has been placed in
on one; that being the pride of being a Does anyone really know why not? Semper Fi Memorial Park.
Marine. When I’m telling someone about I sent a letter to the Commandant, I would like to give Mary Vargo the
my life, that’s not too often, but I tell General David H. Berger on July 25, brick information plus photos of her uncle
them that the proudest moment of my 2020. I didn’t expect a reply and didn’t if you can put me in touch with her.
entire life was when I became a United get one either. I doubt that I will read this Col Malcolm E. “Doc” Smith Jr.
States Marine. It’s all about Marine pride in Leatherneck magazine, but I got it off USMC (Ret)
starting with my graduating from boot my chest. Daniel Island, S.C.
camp back in 1966. It’s about earning Thomas J. Burke
the right to so proudly wear that coveted Florissant, Mo. • Thank you, Colonel, for honoring your
eagle, globe and anchor. Then off to our “adj” in such a meaningful way. We’ve
war—the Vietnam War. • As someone who has done a few tours passed your contact information along
My father was a World War II Marine in various schools in the Training and to Ms. Vargo and we’re happy to report
with 6th Marine Division who spent time Education Command, I know that the to our readers that you two have been in
on Okinawa. He was all the inspiration I number of required subjects is consider- touch.—Editor
needed to try to follow his lead and become able and there is often the expectation
a Marine. I served as an 0311/0351 with that Marines will learn more about our “Full Metal Jacket” Comments
“Echo” Co, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines battles when assigned to their units and Revisited
from August 1966 through September in follow-on schools. I attended several This is in response to the Sound Off
1967 in Vietnam. We operated in and schools during my time on active duty letters, “Parris Island, 1968,” by Sergeant
around Khe Sanh and Con Thien, the area including the Marine Corps War College Daniel C. Hodge and Cpl Carl R. Withey, in
known as “The Trace” or “Leatherneck and Command and Staff College and the the April issue. First of all, I have watched
Square.” I was proud of my service in Vietnam War was a common topic through- the classic movie, “Full Metal Jacket,”
the Corps just as most Marines that I out both academic years. There are perhaps 40 times. That is, I watch the first
know are. It’s a pretty common question electives on the war at various schools half with admiration and joy. That first
asked when one Marine happens to meet throughout the Training and Education half of the classic movie is exactly how
another, “When were you in? Who were Command including the courses at the my boot camp experience was in the fall
you with?” staff academy. The Marine Corps Associa- of 1966 with the exception of the murder
A while back a young man came to tion provides opportunities for additional of the drill instructor. My Senior DI (name
our home for a repair of some sort. The education on the Vietnam War and the withheld to protect the guilty) was the
front of our home is adorned with the rest of our history through our battle USMC bantamweight boxing champion
American flag and the Marine Corps flag. studies, archives, podcasts and, of course, and he used his fists to very effectively
The young man gave me an “oorah” and I in the pages of Gazette and Leatherneck. get his recruits’ undivided attention and
replied with “Semper Fi.” Through usual Marines are briefed on the support we to correct our slovenly ways. Our other
conversation of when and where, he said provide early in their enlistments.—Editor two DIs were not quite as physical, but
that his time was spent at Camp Pendleton they did not “spare the rod.”
and in Norway. He said that he had never “My Adj” I have polled an estimated 250 U.S.
heard of the places that I have mentioned In reading Mary Vargo’s letter, “Marine Marine veterans from the Vietnam War-
above. Steps Up in Time of Need,” in the era, and they agree that their own boot
I asked a relative who had recently February Sound Off, I was surprised to camp experience was so similar to the
graduated from boot camp at MCRD San see she was writing about her deceased movie that they could have been filmed
Diego if while in your training and being uncle, Major John C. Hoogerwerff, USMC with R. Lee Ermey—may he rest in peace.
taught the history of the Marine Corps, (Ret). John was my Adjutant in 2nd Bn, Perhaps that is the difference between
did they make any mention of Vietnam. 4th Marines and Battalion Landing Team the real U.S. Marine recruit training at
He said no. They talked about WW II and 2/4 in Okinawa in 1980 to 1981. John and MCRD San Diego and where Sgt Hodge
Korea, about Chesty Puller and the Cold I became both professional and personal attended his basic training in Parris Island.
War but never made mention of Vietnam. friends. Over the years, Marines argue nonstop
I wonder why not? After I retired, John and I attended the about which boot camp is harder. I have
I discussed this with several other 4th Marines reunions in 2009 and in 2014 to repeat that from what I can gather, and
Marines that were with me at different at the National Museum of the Marine from what Sgt Hodge and Cpl Withey
2 LEATHERNECK / JUNE 2021 www.mca-marines.org/leatherneck
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Leatherneck indicate in their letters that they had it a or collectively, we were rewarded with a
MAGAZINE OF THE MARINES lot easier in Parris Island. smile from our DIs (the other being Sgt
President/CEO,
Just to let the readers know and under- Charles Herringer) which was better than
Marine Corps Association stand, in addition to having a similar a Christmas present.
LtGen W. Mark Faulkner, USMC (Ret) experience in boot camp to the boot camp Yes, they were stern, tough and de-
Vice President/COO, depicted in “Full Metal Jacket,” I was manding but I wouldn’t have had it any
Marine Corps Association
Col Daniel P. O’Brien, USMC (Ret)
inside of a U.S. Marine tank embroiled other way. My brother went through boot
in the fighting in Hue City during the camp in 1951 and experienced similar
Publisher: Col Christopher Woodbridge, USMC (Ret)
Tet Offensive. I can truthfully say with treatment. I’m not sure that Cpl Withey
Editor: Col Mary H. Reinwald, USMC (Ret)
a rather extensive amount of fi rsthand knows the meaning of the word sadistic.
Senior Editor: Nancy S. Lichtman
knowledge that the second half of the Being a DI is tough duty and mine were
Copy Editor: Jessica B. Brown movie is horrible and does not portray dedicated to turning out the best Marines
Staff Writer: Sara W. Bock anything like the real battle that we fought. possible. Sadistic? Hardly. They epito-
Editorial/Production Coordinator Sgt John Wear mized what a Marine should be, and I will
Patricia Everett
USMC, 1966-1969 always hold them in the highest esteem.
Art Director: Jason Monroe Elbert, Co. Their example and my experiences in boot
ADVERTISING QUERIES: camp made me into a better man, and I
Defense Related Industries/Business:
Contact: LeeAnn Mitchell • While I appreciate you taking the time don’t regret one minute of it.
advertising@mca-marines.org 703-640-0169 to provide your comparison of your boot Cpl R.E. Westlake
All Other Advertising Contact: camp experience to that depicted in the USMC, 1958-1962
James G. Elliott Co. Inc.
New York: (212) 588-9200 movie “Full Metal Jacket,” I’m pretty Spokane Valley, Wash.
Chicago: (312) 236-4900 sure that our Parris Island Marines will
Los Angeles: (213) 624-0900
take issue with your assumption that I enlisted in the Marine Corps back
EDITORIAL OFFICES recruit training on the East Coast was in 1964 fresh out of high school, in an
Box 1775, Quantico, VA 22134
Phone: (703) 640-6161, Ext. 115 easier—but then, the debate of which effort to escape my brutally hostile and
Toll-Free: (800) 336-0291 coast provides better recruit training has dangerous Bronx, N.Y., neighborhood.
Fax: (703) 630-9147
Email: leatherneck@mca-marines.org
been going on for years!—Editor From the moment I got off the bus at Parris
Web page: www.mca-marines.org/leatherneck Island, I was shocked and immediately
TELEPHONE EXTENSIONS Having just finished reading two letters discovered that my life was about to
Editorial Offices: 115 • Business Office: 121 about R. Lee Ermey and his depiction of change dramatically. I had senior Marines
MEMBER SERVICES Gunnery Sergeant Hartman in “Full Metal barking at me relentlessly while being
Phone: toll-free (866) 622-1775 Jacket,” I felt the need to respond. I went provided with gear. I was regretting that
Email: mca@mca-marines.org
through boot camp in 1958 at San Diego I had enlisted.
LEATHERNECK AND MCA MEMBERSHIP PRICES
1 year $42; 2 years $79; 3 years $119 and my experiences differed sharply from Once I arrived at the barracks and
Leatherneck also is available in digital format at www
those of the letter writers. Gunny Ermey assigned a rack, I got to meet my three
.mca-marines.org/leatherneck. was, in fact, a real Marine drill instructor drill instructors. One was a staff sergeant,
All overseas and foreign addresses add $16 postage for (DI) and he played the part absolutely the other a sergeant, and the youngest of
each year’s membership except APO and FPO military realistically. I failed to see any of the the three was a corporal. Little did I know
addresses. Periodicals postage paid at Quantico, Va.,
USPS #308-080, and additional mailing offices.
sadist in Ermey’s portrayal as described that the sergeant was going to torment us
by Corporal Carl R. Withey in his letter. and physically abuse us during our entire
CHANGE OF ADDRESS
Please send your new address six weeks before the date My Senior DI was Staff Sergeant Guy training period.
of issue with which it is to take effect, if possible. Include old DeWolf (who was seriously wounded at While reading Sound Off in the April
address with new, enclosing your address label if conven-
ient. Send to: Leatherneck Magazine, Box 1775, Quantico, VA
the Frozen Chosin) and he was at least as issue, one veteran Marine wrote, “I do not
22134 or email to: mca@mca-marines.org. tough on us as was Sgt Hartman. Dur- recall a single time any of my DIs ever laid
POSTMASTER ing a footlocker inspection I made the a hand on any of us during the time I spent
Send address changes to: Leatherneck Magazine, cardinal mistake of leaving my sewing at Parris Island.” Interestingly, I am sure
Box 1775, Quantico, VA 22134.
kit untied. I was backhanded clear across most Marines feel the same way and can
the squad bay and my sewing kit flung in attest to what this one Marine wrote but a
all directions. To this day, I have never few of us did suffer gross abuse like me.
left a sewing kit untied. When I get up in the morning to shave
Leatherneck (ISSN 0023-981X) is published monthly by
the Marine Corps Association, Bldg. #715, MCB, Quantico, We had seven non-qualifiers in our and I look in the mirror, I can’t help but
VA 22134. Copyright 2021 by MCA. platoon on the rifle range and following notice a 1-inch scar between my eyes that
All rights reserved. Stories, features, pictures and other our return from Camp Mathews (where I’ve had since going through boot camp. It
material from Leatherneck may be reproduced if they are we qualified), each one of those recruits happened when my abusive DI (sergeant)
not restricted by law or military regulations, provided
proper credit is given and specific prior permission has was taken into the DI hut and was asked to see my M14 during an inspection.
been granted for each item to be reproduced. shown the error of his ways manually. After he inspected the weapon, he threw
Opinions of authors whose articles appear in Leather-
neck do not necessarily express the attitude of the
Another unfortunate recruit failed to it at me and struck me in the face causing
Navy Department or Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps. shave properly one morning and needed me to bleed profusely. He immediately
“Marines” and the Eagle, Globe and Anchor are trade- to correct this problem by dry shaving stated, “Remember, you tripped and fell
marks of the U.S. Marine Corps, used with permission.
When mailed, manuscripts, art or photographs should with a bucket over his head while running over your footlocker and hurt yourself.”
be accompanied by self-addressed envelopes and return in place. I could go on and on, but I think I immediately yelled out, “Yes, Sir!”
postage. Query first on all submissions. The publisher you get the point. Nobody in our platoon and was taken to sickbay to get patched
assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited man-
uscripts, drawings or photographs. ever once complained of his treatment but up. After that one incident the sergeant
Publication of advertisements does not constitute en- considered it part of becoming a Marine stopped abusing me. He discovered I had
dorsement by MCA except for such products or services
clearly offered under MCA’s name. The publisher reserves
and learning to endure hardship without the brand of cigarettes he smoked in my
the right to accept or reject any advertising order at his complaint. When we did well individually footlocker and asked me to provide him
absolute discretion.
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with one to two packs of cigarettes per on the 5th floor. Just six months prior to Rations” email is to provide our readers
day right through graduation day. the bombing Paul had run the Marine with even more great stories from the
The other two DIs were less abusive but Corps Marathon. Leatherneck archives. We posted a special
did punch us real hard in our guts every That was a sad day in our history. Let’s video of the impact of the bombing on the
so often for “eyeballing” them as they hope that an attack like that by a domestic Marine Corps Association social media
walked past us. I guess it was their way American terrorist never happens again. accounts on April 19. It can be found on
of teaching us discipline and toughening Mike Allen the Marine Corps Association’s channel
us to become real Marines. Long Beach, Wash. on YouTube.
After graduation I was shipped to the
Far East and experienced the best four Having worked for months on the Recognition for Heroic Actions
years of my life as a Marine. It was a Oklahoma City bombing as an FBI I am married to a humble Marine who
positive learning experience that I will counter-terrorism agent, Sara Bock’s has not been recognized for his heroic
never forget. As a matter of fact, my descriptive account brought back so many actions when participating in three
dress greens are hanging on the wall in memories, all bad, of this very sad day horrible battles during World War II, the
my home office. So, please don’t let this in our nation’s history. Even Timothy Korean War and Vietnam War. Thomas
letter fool you into thinking bad about McVeigh’s execution was incapable of Kalus has received several medals for his
the Marine Corps. My experience as a bringing closure to survivors and those bravery and action under fire. However,
Marine was all good and I am proud to who had to sift through the rubble. Once he earned three combat medals that were
say, Semper Fi. again, my thanks to Sara Bock for sharing never received.
Sgt Joe Garcia Parisi her exceptional talent with all of us. In 1944, Tom Kalus participated in the
USMC, 1964-1968 Another great article by Sara Bock. invasion of Iwo Jima. I do not know what
Pelham, N.Y. Ed Armento he endured after landing on Red Beach. At
USMC, 1965-1968 the time we were told not to ask questions
Beirut Bombing Prospect, Ky. and the real heroes never talked about
Thanks for the article, “Terrorism in their experiences. Years later he told me
Oklahoma City: 20 Years Later Marine • Editor’s note: The Oklahoma City that under fi re with heavy casualties,
Survivor Shares His Story,” about Captain bombing article was originally run in the he led his team of 22 men to a strategic
Norfleet. Another Marine who died that April 2015 issue of Leatherneck on the position on the beach and consequently
day in the Murrah Building was Paul 20th anniversary of that horrible day. The this was the only team that all members
Douglas Ice. Paul was a former Marine article was recently included in “Extra survived and were able to make their way
captain who became a senior special agent Rations” an email sent to our members off the beach. Tom turned 18 years old on
and investigator in the U.S. Customs office in early April. Our goal with the “Extra that God-forsaken rock.
6 LEATHERNECK / JUNE 2021 www.mca-marines.org/leatherneck
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Listen a little or listen a lot—you make the call. today!In 1950, Tom received orders to Korea. Thrash and was a valuable resource to published on the Awards Branch a few
After helping to liberate Seoul and being the general. Tom told me that because of years ago that might help you understand
trapped at Chosin Reservoir, he returned his service Gen Thrash had slated him the complexity of trying to get medals
home. Twenty years later I noticed a scar for colonel and the promotion would issued decades after service. https://mca-
on his leg while caring for him after a happen when they got home but somehow marines.org/wp-content/uploads/Awards-
cancer operation resulting from radiation it didn’t happen. Tom retired in 1970 a Branch.pdf
exposure when he was part of the occupy- lieutenant colonel. As far as Gen Thrash slating your
ing forces on Hiroshima and Agent Orange Today LtCol Kalus is bedridden but husband for promotion to colonel, I’m
in Vietnam. When I questioned him, it still mentally sharp. This is written with afraid the general may have misspoke.
was only then that he told me after being the hope that my husband will be Generals do not have the authority in the
trapped on the Chosin Reservoir he recognized and receive what was promised Marine Corps to promote officers—the
sustained an injury from a grenade on his him for his bravery, courage and sacrifice authority resides with the Secretary of the
right leg just above his boot top. Putting in WW II, Korea and Vietnam. Navy who convenes a board each year to
on a tourniquet he trudged up the 2-mile Dr. Janet M. Kalus select officers for promotion.
hill with a full pack on his back and com- Aiea, Hawaii Please thank your husband for his
munications gear on his shoulder to the service on our behalf and thank you for
top where he overheard Colonel Murray • Editor’s note: Your husband sounds the sacrifices you made throughout his
say, “That’s a Purple Heart and a Silver like an outstanding Marine and like many career.—Editor
Star for Kalus.” Tom refused to go to the others, his exceptional performance was
aid station because the Red Cross would not always recognized. Puzzling Question
have informed me of his injuries. At the From what I learned in your letter I am writing in regard to a letter from
time we had four young children, the and based on my experience, I think it Staff Sergeant Robert D. Minton in the
youngest a baby in arms, and he was sure will be challenging for your husband to April issue of Leatherneck. He seems to
I would have a breakdown with the news. receive additional medals primarily for have a question concerning the Personnel
Consequently, no medical reference exists. two reasons: it appears that no award Protective Security Unit (PPSU). I believe
Those who could speak of this occurrence recommendations were submitted at the that it still exists. I have observed that
have passed on. I believe it’s never too time and as importantly, there is no one when a general officer attends an event,
late to recognize the bravery, courage and who can verify his valor. Sad to say, this either as a guest or a feature speaker, his
sacrifice made on the battlefield. does happen. I recommend you contact driver is usually a young man in civilian
In 1969, he served in Vietnam with the the experts at the Awards Branch at Head- clothes, normally a dark suit, white shirt
1st Marine Air Wing on General Thrash’s quarters Marine Corps to see if they can and nice tie. The giveaway is the haircut
staff. He flew many missions with Gen assist you. Here’s a link to an article we [continued on page 68]
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8 LEATHERNECK / JUNE 2021 www.mca-marines.org/leatherneckIn Every Clime and Place
Compiled by Sara W. Bock
OKINAWA, JAPAN AND GUAM from 3rd Landing Support Battalion, load procedures and ensures the Marines
CLR-3 Marines Put “Fight Now” 3rd Transportation Support Battalion, have the training and the proficiency
Concept to the Test Combat Logistics Battalion 4 and Combat needed should we have an operation where
During Exercise Hagatna Fury 21, Ma Logistics Battalion 3, to include Marine Maritime Prepositioning Force assets will
rines and Sailors with Combat Logistics airground task force enablers across be required to execute their mission,” said
Regiment 3 honed expeditionary advanced Hawaii, Guam and Okinawa. Captain John Bub, USN, Maritime Pre
base operations (EABO) and distributed The operation began with the deploy positioning Ships Squadron 3 commodore.
maritime operations capabilities across ment of a composite task force of 3rd While CLR-3 executed offload oper-
U.S. Indo-Pacific Command with ele- MLG, 3rdMarDiv and 1st MAW logistics ations and command and control from
ments of 3rd Marine Division and 1st enablers, led by CLR3, to Naval Base Guam, simultaneous operations occurred
Marine Aircraft Wing, Feb. 18March 1. Guam for a Maritime Prepositioning Force across various remote island locations
The overall operation was designed to offload of the Bob Hopeclass vehicle around Okinawa. Marines from 3rd Bat
test CLR3’s ability to conduct distributed cargo ship USNS Pililaau (TAKR304) talion, 8th Marine Regiment and 3rd
command and control of forces providing alongside Sailors with Navy Cargo Hand Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment executed
EABO sustainment across INDOPACOM ling Battalion One and Navy Beach Group aerial assaults on Ukibaru Island and Ie
via a robust communications network, One. This offload demonstrated the ability Shima via MV22 Ospreys and CH53E
while executing various mission profiles to project combat power ashore to push Super Stallions in order to seize key
in support of III Marine Expeditionary forward to key maritime terrain across maritime terrain. In doing so, they dem
Force “Fight Now” concepts. During the the Indo-Pacific. onstrated the capability to seize and de
exercise, CLR3 simultaneously con “[This training] allows Marines to fend remote island terrain and existing
ducted command and control of forces execute a full mission rehearsal and off airfields in support of follow-on operations.
LCPL MOISES RODRIGUEZ, USMC
Marines with CLR-3, 3rd MLG backload USNS Pililaau during Hagatna Fury 21 at Naval Base Guam, Feb. 24. Based in Okinawa,
Japan, 3rd MLG is a forward-deployed unit that serves as III MEF’s comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone
for operations across the Indo-Pacific.
10 LEATHERNECK / JUNE 2021 www.mca-marines.org/leatherneckDuring Hagatna Fury 21, Marines with
CLR-3, 3rd MLG conduct an advanced
motor vehicle operations course on
Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 19.
erate and maintain expeditionary advance
bases in support of naval forces by inte
grating all elements of the MAGTF,” said
Major Sean Day, operations officer for
CLR3. “Training to these types of dis
tributed operations with multifunctional
logistics detachments enables us to ex
periment with and improve our ‘Fight
Now’ force while also determining how
to best sustain forces from rear areas to
CPL SARAH MARSHALL, USMC
forward areas.”
Throughout the execution of the exer
cise, elements of CLR3, 3rdMarDiv and
1st MAW also executed a variety of ad
ditional realworld operations and training
events, to include integration with Naval
Beach Detachment Sailors to conduct
vertical replenishment operations in sup
port of USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN
71). Live-fire ranges, helicopter support
team lifts of bulk fuel and heavy equip
ment, aerial delivery of sustainment and
personnel jumps, and motor transportation
skills courses in training areas on Oki
nawa were also conducted, ensuring that
proficiency and lethality as a combat
logistics unit was maintained.
With command and control split between
CLR3’s headquarters on Camp Foster and
their forward combat operations center in
Guam, the regiment’s leaders used the
exercise as an opportunity to practice
what realworld dispersed operations
would look like in the dynamic area of
operations that is the Indo-Pacific.
“Hagatna Fury enabled us to continue to
build on the MAGTF and joint integration
and training we started in previous home
grown exercises. This type of training,
allowing us to experiment with truly
CPL SARAH MARSHALL, USMC
distributed operations, is key to ensuring
that we build and continuously test the
‘Fight Now’ force in III MEF,” said Col
onel Travis Gaines, the commanding
officer of CLR-3. “I am proud of what
these Marines and Sailors accomplished
because it demonstrates our ability to
Marines with 3rd Landing Support Bn, CLR-3 work with Marines from HMH-465 to
support the buildup of key capability
conduct a helicopter support team aerial lift of a U.S. Navy skid steer from Naval
sets in the rear logistics support area
Mobile Construction Battalion 4 during Hagatna Fury 21 at Kin Blue, Okinawa, Japan,
while simultaneously establishing and
Feb. 24.
sustaining expeditionary advance bases in
support of 7th Fleet sea denial operations.”
With the seizure of Ie Shima and the feasibility of bringing landing forces 3rd MLG, based on Camp Kinser,
Ukibaru complete, Marines with 3rd LSB, ashore for future operations. On Ie Shima, Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D.
3rd TSB, Marine Air Control Squadron 4 the combat logistics detachment and Butler, Okinawa, Japan, is a forward
and Marine Wing Support Squadron 172 support squadron additionally conducted deployed combat unit that serves as
quickly established forward arming and aerial delivery operations to establish a III MEF’s comprehensive logistics and
refueling points to support 1st MAW flight second FARP and sustained the force with combat service support backbone for
operations for attack and assault support their water purification capability. operations throughout the Indo-Pacific
aircraft. On Ukibaru, Marines also exe “Our actions on Ukibaru and Ie Shima area of responsibility.
cuted a beach landing site survey to assess demonstrate our ability to establish, op 1stLt Jonathan Coronel, USMC
www.mca-marines.org/leatherneck JUNE 2021 / LEATHERNECK 11Below: U.S. Marine Cpl Louis Newton
familiarizes a Dutch Marine with the
M40A6 sniper rifle on Range G-21, MCB
Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 8. Newton
and his fellow 2nd Recon Bn Marines
used the range to conduct sniper train-
ing alongside Dutch Marines with 32nd
Raiding Squadron during Exercise Carib-
bean Urban Warrior. (Photo by LCpl
Jacqueline Parsons, USMC)
“The 32nd RAQN has different task-
A Dutch Marine with 32nd Raiding Squadron, left, and SSgt Brady Parks, a main- ings than full-kinetic squadrons back
tenance chief with 2nd Recon Bn, right, discuss a scheme of maneuver during in the Netherlands,” said Dutch Marine
Exercise Caribbean Urban Warrior at MCB Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 23. (Photo by Captain Mark Brouwer, a foreign ex-
LCpl Jacqueline Parsons, USMC) change officer with 2nd Recon. “We sup
port humanitarian efforts in the Dutch
CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. Terrain (MOUT) facilities, squad to com- Kingdom every year during hurricane
Caribbean Urban Warrior: pany sized teams rehearsed clearing and season. At the drop of a hat, we must be
U.S., Dutch Marines Continue securing areas, taking notional enemy ready to face looters and criminals.”
Vital Partnership contact and treating and evacuating As the exercise came to a close, plans
In a continuation of their longstanding notional “casualties.” for 2nd Recon to travel to Aruba in the
partnership, the United States and the In the final stage of the exercise, the coming months were being finalized. In
Netherlands have maintained relations Marines of 2nd Recon conducted high- Aruba, the units planned to work together
through thick and thin, including during altitude, low-opening parachute inserts again in open water and dive training for
the COVID-19 pandemic. Both countries with CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters Exercise Coastal Caribbean Warrior.
have been quick to adapt their military to infiltrate objectives for reconnaissance “Both exercises serve as a way to
training procedures to uphold health and surveillance operations. With the exchange knowledge, TTPs [tactics,
guidelines while maintaining a high level information from 2nd Recon, the Dutch techniques and procedures], and increase
of mission readiness and combat effective- were able to maneuver efficiently through cooperation between both units,” said
ness. In March, 2nd Reconnaissance Bat- the woods and swamps of Camp Lejeune Brouwer.
talion, 2nd Marine Division hosted the to conduct raids and deliberate attacks on Both Exercise Caribbean Urban War-
Aruba-based 32nd Raiding Squadron the objective. rior and Coastal Caribbean Warrior in-
(RSQN), Netherlands Marine Corps for “This all simulates the environments tegrate the participating units to increase
Exercise Caribbean Urban Warrior at our unit has to work in,” said Netherlands interoperability and lethality in diverse
Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C. Marine Corps Corporal Marvin Sahetapy, environments. The training fulfills their
To prepare for operations on urban ter- a deputy section commander with the shared goals of safety, mission readiness,
rain and increase interoperability between 32nd RSQN. “From the foot patrols to increased proficiency in several categories,
the Dutch Marines and 2nd Recon Bn dominating the information environment and a heightened ability to switch from
Marines, the exercise utilized Camp and urban warfare operations. Enablers, non-kinetic to kinetic operations.
Lejeune’s expansive training areas, ad- like close air support, are not available “We train, shoulder to shoulder, with
vanced facilities and available assets, for us in Aruba.” several assets under the II Marine Ex-
allowing the units to refine a myriad of From the Netherlands Marine Corps peditionary Force, bringing us closer and
skills. On a sniper range, teams tested base in Savaneta, Aruba, the 32nd RSQN stronger every iteration,” said Brouwer.
their skills with long-range weapons at protects the Dutch Antilles, conducts Working together, both units enhanced
known- and unknown-distance targets. counter-illicit trafficking operations, the skillsets needed to deploy across the
In the Infantry Immersion Trainer and supports local authorities and provides globe to defeat tomorrow’s enemies.
numerous Military Operations on Urban humanitarian aid when needed. LCpl Jacqueline Parsons, USMC
12 LEATHERNECK / JUNE 2021 www.mca-marines.org/leatherneckSETERMOEN, NORWAY
Marines Take to the Arctic,
Develop Expeditionary Advance
Basing Concepts
Marines and Sailors with Marine Ro
tational ForceEurope 21.1 (MRFE)
enhanced their warfighting ability above
the Arctic Circle during Exercise Arctic
Littoral Strike in Northern Norway,
March 1131.
“This exercise demonstrated the battal
ion’s capability to operate inside actively
contested maritime spaces, in this case
arctic littoral spaces, and to provide
CPL PATRICK KING, USMC
support to joint fleet operations,” said
Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Gordinier,
the MRFE battalion commander. “The
Marine Corps has demonstrated an in
terest in developing expeditionary ad
vance basing capabilities in the Pacific,
A Marine with MRF-E communicates with Marines downrange during a company live-
and we took advantage of the opportunity
fire attack as part of Exercise Arctic Littoral Strike in Blatind, Norway, March 30. The
to exercise those concepts in the Arctic.”
exercise improved MRF-E’s ability to confront the challenges of anti-access area denial
Exercise Arctic Littoral Strike enabled
capabilities posted by a notional peer adversary in a contested littoral environment.
elements from MRFE 21.1 to experiment
with emerging defense concepts and to tions in arctic littoral terrain. complex operations and strengthen the
confront the challenges of antiaccess, “I’m satisfied that our allies have collective defense of NATO.”
areadenial capabilities posed by a no achieved success on their training while Joint naval integration was the first
tional peer adversary. The Camp Lejeune in Norway,” said Major General Lars focus of the fourstage exercise. Exercise
based Marines and Sailors of 3rd Bat Lervik, chief of the Norwegian Army. “A Arctic Littoral Strike enhanced seadenial
talion, 6th Marine Regiment conducted complex exercise like this, including other capabilities by pairing mobile MRFE
experimentation of the future force by Norwegian branches as well, will always elements with Norwegian naval forces
supporting simulated seadenial opera increase the alliance’s ability to implement in the Arctic fjords.
www.mca-marines.org/leatherneck JUNE 2021 / LEATHERNECK 13Marines with LAR Co, MRF-E conduct a submarine
overwatch as part of Exercise Arctic Littoral Strike
near Lavangsfjorden, Norway, March 11.
CPL JESSE CARTER-POWELL, USMC
Right: During a company live-fire attack,
Marines with MRF-E buddy rush down-
range in Blatind, Norway, March 28.
Exercise Littoral Strike allowed MRF-E to
demonstrate the ability to support joint
fleet operations by providing overwatch
to a Norwegian submarine and destroy-
ing a notional adversary’s integrated air
defense system.
MRF-E’s Light-Armored Reconnais-
sance (LAR) Company received a training
mission that required the unit to “secure
the bridge” by observing along routes that
could be used by an adversary and then
reporting their observations to allow a
Norwegian submarine the ability to move
without being impeded by notional enemy
CPL PATRICK KING, USMC
forces. The company conducted integrated
training with the Norwegian Submarine
Command Course that enhanced their
interoperability with combined naval
forces.
“Because of the terrain, the tactical
scenario placed the Norwegian submarine will ultimately enable us to integrate di- system. Both day and night, the Marine
in a position of vulnerability,” said Captain rectly with naval assets as we have done contingent exercised a combined-arms
Joe Tortorici, USMC, LAR company in this exercise with the Norwegian approach, integrating Javelin antitank
commander. “Our efforts to conduct ef- submarine and support larger naval missiles, tube-launched optically tracked
fective overwatch were critical to the campaigns.” wire-guided missiles, artillery, explosive
survival of not only our Marines, but also The exercise culminated with a second ordnance and heavy machine guns with
to the joint force’s ability to operate within focus: company reinforced live-fire attacks maneuver elements.
the adversary’s weapons engagement simulating the isolation and destruction of “Lima” Company commander, Capt
zones. Our ability to do that in the future a notional adversary integrated air defense John McNamara, explained how this
14 LEATHERNECK / JUNE 2021 www.mca-marines.org/leatherneckexercise demonstrated the battalion’s They are truly among the best in the world deployed Reaper, which supported daily
commitment to training in “any clime in arctic cold weather training. This op- combat operations for Task Force South-
or place.” portunity to continue to build relation- west in Afghanistan before its end of
“A combat-credible force is a company ships with our allies has been exceptional.” mission, and later 5th Fleet in the Arabian
that can conduct a company-reinforced, MRF-E focuses on regional engage- Gulf.
non-illuminated live-fire attack anywhere ments throughout Europe by conducting The Marine Corps acquired the MQ-9A
they are deployed,” said McNamara. various exercises, arctic cold weather and in September 2018.
The battalion’s strategic location in mountain warfare training, and military- “The Reaper has proven operationally
the U.S. European Command area of re- to-military engagements, which enhance effective in the Central Command region.
sponsibility, especially along Northern overall interoperability of the U.S. Marine Not only does that further CENTCOM
Norway’s arctic coastline, offers unique Corps with allies and partners. objectives, it also clears a key pathway to
opportunities for the Marine contingent 2ndLt Kayla Olsen, USMC achieving the Commandant’s vision for
to apply concepts from the Commandant the Marine Corps in the Indo-Pacific,”
of the Marine Corps’ Force Design, which UNDISCLOSED LOCATION said First Lieutenant Kyle Daugherty, an
2nd Marine Division’s training objectives Unmanned Aerial System intelligence officer and MQ-9 lead for
support. Hits Milestone, Remains Key to Marine Corps Forces, Central Command
“Our ability to conduct this training Force Modernization (MARCENT).
has shown not just 2nd Marine Division, On March 31, the Marine Corps’ first MARCENT has utilized the Marine
but the Marine Corps writ large, that we MQ-9A Unmanned Aerial System achieved Corps’ first MQ-9 assets to evolve the
can fight and win in any clime and place,” 10,000 total flight hours in the Central service as a force, capable of further
McNamara added. Command area of responsibility, a major integration of operations in naval, ground,
Exercise Arctic Littoral Strike followed milestone for the modernization of the air and cyber domains. As the Marine
a sequence of arctic cold weather training force. Corps transitions to government-owned,
events led by Norwegian instructors. The The MQ-9A Reaper is a Remote Split government-operated employment of
Marine contingent spent weeks leading Operations (RSO) product from General the MQ-9, this force design presents
up to the exercise honing their ability to Atomics Aeronautical Systems Incor- opportunities for similar implementation
live, thrive and fight in the Arctic. porated. The RSO capability revolution- in the Indo-Pacific region.
“We appreciate the graciousness of the izes military operations by allowing the The Commandant of the Marine Corps’
Kingdom of Norway in allowing us access system operator to be thousands of miles Force Design 2030 articulates his pri-
to the training facilities,” said Gordinier. away from both the launching site and orities and desired state for the services
“The battalion benefited greatly from the airspace covered by the aircraft. Marine as it seeks to modernize and align all
instruction of our Norwegian Armed Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron efforts to the National Defense Strategy.
Forces instructors and this exercise would (VMU) 1, based at Marine Corps Air 1stLt John Coppola, USMC
not have been a success without them. Station Yuma, Ariz., pilots the forward-
1STLT JOHN COPPOLA, USMC
An MQ-9A Reaper sits on the flight line at an undisclosed location in the Central Command area of responsibility, March 31. The
unmanned aerial system reached a milestone 10,000 flight hours in support of Marine Corps Forces, Central Command operations.
www.mca-marines.org/leatherneck JUNE 2021 / LEATHERNECK 15Liberated Artillery:
The Long and Winding
Journey of an
M1 Pack Howitzer
By Jonathan Bernstein bottom of a convergence of valleys. As
O
the Vietnamese fought to push out French
ne of the great responsibilities colonial rule, the base was surrounded and
of the National Museum of the put under siege for nearly three months,
Marine Corps is recording and from March through May of 1954. The
maintaining the history associated with Vietminh, under General Vo Nguyen Giap,
our artifacts. An artifact on exhibit hauled 75 mm and 105 mm howitzers and
without its associated story becomes a number of antiaircraft guns to the tops
just another “thing,” instead of bringing of the reverse slopes surrounding the base
to life the vibrant experiences of the and dug them through the mountain tops,
people associated with that object. Those enabling them to fire from concealed
associated histories often come with a positions on the other side. This made
mix of emotions—excitement, elation or them nearly impervious to counterbattery
sorrow, to name a few. Through those fire but able to effectively place rounds
personal stories, we are better able to anywhere within the compound or its
convey the individual Marine experience, adjacent airfield.
and the presence of the artifact is tangible A significant amount of the Vietminh
evidence of that experience. In the case artillery used at Dien Bien Phu was former
of the museum’s M1 pack howitzer, it lend-lease equipment given to China
profoundly affected many Marines at during WW II and passed on to the
Camp Carroll in 1968 and had wider- Vietminh in their efforts to push France
ranging impacts as a result. out of the country. Additionally, some
The M1 pack howitzer was designed in pieces were captured from French stocks,
the early 1920s as a lightweight artillery the majority of which were U.S.-provided
piece that could be broken down into weapons. It is unclear if any of the 68
seven loads and transported via pack pack howitzers supplied to France were
mule. The gun fired high explosive rounds used in Vietnam. Those guns supplied to
over 9,600 yards and significantly in the French were mounted on M8 carriages
creased the U.S. Army’s mobile artillery with pneumatic tires, unlike those sup-
capabilities. The howitzer went into full plied to the Chinese, which had the earlier
production in the late 1930s. The museum’s wooden wheels.
gun, serial number 358, was built in 1941 After the French surrender, the Geneva
and sent overseas as part of the lend-lease Accords of 1954 partitioned Vietnam
program supporting American Allies. along the 17th parallel, establishing the
While original M1 guns were being sup- People’s Republic of Vietnam in the North
plied overseas, the M1A1 variant with an under Ho Chi Minh, and the Republic of Vietnamese attempts to unify the two
upgraded carriage and pneumatic tires Vietnam in the South under Emperor Bao countries under communist rule. The num-
entered service with U.S. Army Airborne Dai. Those artillery pieces remained in ber of U.S. servicemen on the ground in
forces and Marine artillery. The type what became North Vietnam and would country filling combat support roles
would see combat in every theater of war be used as the North began its war on steadily increased until President Johnson
during World War II and was used widely South Vietnam. committed combat troops after the Gulf
in the postwar years as well. Although the American involvement in of Tonkin Resolution in 1964. The first
The 1954 French defeat at Dien Bien Vietnam began with support to the French known American reference to North Viet-
Phu was due in no small part to the artil- and covert CIA involvement in the early namese/Viet Cong use of the M1 pack
lery arrayed around the besieged base. 1950s, the first military advisors deployed howitzer came in a 1964 CIA intelligence
Located nearly 300 miles west of the to assist the Army of the Republic of Viet- summary of NVA/VC activity in South
North Vietnamese capital of Hanoi, the nam in 1959. The Army of the Republic Vietnam. The U.S. knew that the North
remote French outpost was situated at the of Vietnam (ARVN) resisted the North had pack howitzers, but until the South
16 LEATHERNECK / JUNE 2021 www.mca-marines.org/leatherneckThe museum’s gun, serial number 358, was built in 1941 and sent overseas
as part of the lend-lease program supporting American Allies.
Vietnamese Navy intercepted a sampan Combat Operations LtCol Joseph Como, right, was the com
near Can Tho carrying 100 rounds of 75 The U.S. formally entered the war on manding officer of 3rd Battalion, 12th
mm pack howitzer ammunition, there had March 8, 1965, when U.S. Marines came Marines at Camp Carroll during 1968.
been no evidence that any had been moved ashore at Da Nang. The next several years The battalion provided supporting fires
south across the demilitarized zone sep would see a significant increase in U.S. to Co I, 3/3 during the recovery of the
arating the two nations. The ammunition combat power on the ground and in the air pack howitzers. (Photo courtesy of
discovered was all in its original 1942 over South Vietnam. The Marines were National Museum of the Marine Corps)
packing crates with U.S. ordnance codes. situated in the northernmost portion of
In addition to the U.S. markings, there South Vietnam, in what came to be known Camp James J. Carroll was established
were also Chinese stencils. It was clear as the I Corps Tactical Zone (CTZ). From on the Marine Corps birthday in 1966,
that if the North was operating pack 1965 through 1975, more than 450,000 west of Dong Ha just south of Route 9,
howitzers, they most likely came from Marines served in South Vietnam, the which paralleled the Cua Viet River from
former Chinese lendlease stocks. overwhelming majority in the I CTZ. the western portion of the DMZ to the
www.mca-marines.org/leatherneck JUNE 2021 / LEATHERNECK 17Using those lessons learned from Dien Bien Phu, a pair of former Chinese lend-lease
M1 pack howitzers were brought up the mountain at Dong Ha and dug into carefully
hidden firing emplacements that allowed for a clear field of fire at Camp Carroll.
Gun 2 location
LZ Buzzard
Bunker with
Gun 1 barrel and
26 rounds of 75 mm
Gun 1 location
ROUTE
9
ROUTE
9
COURTESY OF USMC HISTORY DIVISION
Camp James J. Carroll
Gulf of Tonkin. Route 9 was the northern- DMZ and eliminate North Vietnamese Using those lessons learned from Dien
most east-west route in South Vietnam, artillery positions that had previously Bien Phu, a pair of former Chinese lend-
and it was a crucial logistical artery needed been untouchable. lease M1 pack howitzers were brought
to support the U.S. military installations The Marine experience in Vietnam up the mountain at Dong Ha and dug into
that had been built along the DMZ. Camp varied widely by year and region, but it carefully hidden firing emplacements that
Carroll was named for Marine Captain can be argued that 1968 was the most allowed for both a clear field of fi re at
James J. Carroll, commander of “Kilo” pivotal year of the war. The Tet Offensive, Camp Carroll in the valley below and
Company, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Reg- launched to coincide with the 1968 Viet- enough space to carefully conceal them
iment, who had posthumously been namese lunar New Year, was a massive when not firing.
awarded the Navy Cross for actions during country-wide operation involving almost The guns were ready to fi re on the
Operation Prairie earlier in the year. Camp all of the available North Vietnamese and morning of Jan. 20.
Carroll’s location was ideal for providing Viet Cong forces. General Giap, com- Beginning at 4:20 a.m., 35 rounds of
artillery support and security for almost mander of Vietminh forces at Dien Bien 122 mm rockets and 75 mm artillery
the entirety of Route 9, as well as the Phu, was the commander of the People’s slammed into Camp Carroll within the
DMZ, and was able to engage any enemy Army of Vietnam (PAVN), the North 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment’s
artillery on the other side. Strategically, Viet namese Army. Building on his pre- area. While Carroll had been subject to
Camp Carroll was the keystone for vious successes, Giap was able to infiltrate harassment fire previously, this marked
defending the I CTZ from a potential artillery into and across the DMZ in prep- a significant increase in enemy fires
invasion by the North. 155 mm and 8-inch aration for his well-planned and executed directed at the installation. According
howitzers were the main Marine heavy nationwide assault on South Vietnam. to the battalion’s command chronology
guns at Camp Carroll. By 1968, they were Artillery was brought south along the Ho compiled at the end of the month, “The
additionally supported by a battery of Chi Minh trail in Laos and Cambodia and artillery was identified as 75 mm and
Army self-propelled M107 175mm long- infiltrated into South Vietnam in support represents the first evidence of such
range guns that could reach across the of the offensive. caliber being employed against Camp
18 LEATHERNECK / JUNE 2021 www.mca-marines.org/leatherneckYou can also read
