fifteenth infantry regiment · 2018. 8. 30. · october 2012 1 fifteenth infantry regiment “the...
TRANSCRIPT
October 2012
1
Fifteenth Infantry Regiment “The Old China Hands”
www.15thinfregtassoc.org July 2012
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Dear Fellow Old China Hands,
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Tad Davis for organizing our outstanding Regimental dinner in Savannah.
The dinner was a great success due to his efforts. I would also like to thank LTC Smith and CSM Parker of 3-15 Infantry for their
support with the color guard, audio-visual equipment, and the great soldier turn-out for the event. I know our veterans were very
happy to meet and speak with today’s Can Do soldiers.
After that great evening in Savannah, Monika and I continued on to visit COL Lee Mize at his home in Gadsden, Alabama.
It was an honor to spend a full afternoon with COL Mize and his wife Betty, talking about his Korean War and Vietnam War
experiences. I am happy to report that they are both well.
It is clear from both our battalion commander’s reports that our soldiers continue the long tradition of demanding and
realistic combat training we all remember from our service in the Regiment.
Thank you, David Morrissey, for sharing your story and for donating your trophy to the China Room. I can well
understand your frustration at having been cheated out of your well-deserved honor after all that marching! Speaking of donated
mementos, Mr. James Rassler, the son of a 15th
Infantry veteran of the Torch landing in Morocco November 1942, donated to the
association a leather wallet his father had made while in Northern Africa. Thank you, James!
I would like to congratulate Association member David Mills upon his election to serve as President of the Society of the
3rd
Infantry Division! We were honored David assisted with the POW/MIA ceremony during the Regimental dinner in Savannah.
David also has been asked to serve a 3rd
year as President of the Outpost Harry Survivors Association.
I would also like to congratulate CSM, retired, Mark Baker upon his induction to serve as the Honorary Regimental
Sergeant Major of the 15th
Infantry Regiment. I look forward to working with him, the active duty chains of command, and our
Honorary Regimental Colonel to strengthen our Regimental traditions and bonds.
During our recent August trip to Southern France for WWII commemorations of Operation Dragoon, Monika and I had at
the once in a lifetime opportunity of walking the terrain where Audie Murphy fought and for which he received the Distinguished
Service Cross outside of Ramatuelle. The owner of the property gave us a two hour tour in the mid-morning heat of a Southern
France August. His best childhood friend told him all about the action as he had been present when Audie Murphy visited
Ramatuelle after the war. We plan to erect a commemorative tablet at this location next August.
Mr. Stephen J. Ochs of Bethesda, Maryland recently published a biography of Captain Michael J. Daly, A Cause Greater
Than Self, Texas A&M University Press. This is an outstanding book and is the inspirational story of one of the 15th
Infantry
Regiment’s more well-known Medal of Honor recipients from WWII. I highly recommend it. CAN DO Tim
October 2012
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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 espirit de corps among members of the Regiment. ~ To acquire and maintain a repository of regimental historical memorabilia.
To perpetuate and foster the history and traditions of the Regiment.
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 Nelson Kraft 1-15
8747 Marne Road
Ft. Benning, GA 31895
706-544-1633
COMMANDER 3rd
BN
LTC Joel Smith
594 Vanguard Rd.
STE 3071.
Ft. Stewart, GA 31314
912-435-7697
CSM 1st
BN
CSM Angel Ortiz
8747 Marne Road
Ft. Benning, GA 31895
706-544-1228
CSM 3rd
BN
CSM Roger Parker
594 Vangard Road
STE 3071
Ft. Stewart, GA 31314
912-435-2798
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 Nelson Kraft 1-15
8747 Marne Road
Ft. Benning, GA 31905
706-544-1 633
WEBMASTER
Tom Twomey
1923 Wendover Dr
Fayetteville, NC 28304
910-484-8886
DATABASE
ADMINISTRATOR
Tom Heitzer
231 Normandie Drive,
Bonne Terre, MO 63628
573-358-1830
October 2012
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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
ATTENTION ASSOCIATION MEMBERS
Special notice
Please take a moment to look at your mailing label. If the date to the right of your name is 2012 your dues are due. To stay a member in good standing you will need to pay your dues between now and December 31, 2012. Send your check in the amount of $10 for a regular member or $5, if an active duty soldier, to Bart Viruso, 116 Harriett Road, North Babylon, NY 11703. On January 1, 2013 if you’re not current you will be dropped from the rolls and will no longer receive the DRAGON.
October 2012
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TAPS
HARRY J. HALENDA LM
Philadelphia, PA
SGT, L CO, 3 BN WWII
Jun 41 – Dec 43
DOD June 30, 2012
Reported by his daughter, Eva
WAYNE S. CONLEY LM
Savannah, GA
CPL, HQ, 1 BN CW
Aug 57 – Jun 60
DOD – July 25, 2012
Reported by his wife to Lynn Ball
to Rich Heller
CHARLES F. RANDOLPH LM
Allison Park, PA SFC, K CO, 3 BN KOREA Feb 52 – Mar 53 DOD – August 4, 2012 Reported by George Knight to Rich Heller
JOHN VAN DER WIELE
Lake Worth, FL
SGT, REGT, KOREA
Nov 51 – Nov 53I
DOD – July 13, 2012
Reported by Rich Heller
DONALD W. BOOTH LM
Akron, OH
SGT, E CO, 2 BN KOREA
DOD – September 3, 2012
Reported by Rich Heller
FLOYD FREDRICK
Aurora, CO
PVT, HQ, 1 BN, WWII
Nov 43 – Nov 44
DOD – August 17, 2012
Reported by son Chuck Fredrick to
Rich Heller
ANGELO J. BONCORE LM
Wintrop, MA
SGT, CNCO, REGT, WWII
Apr 43 – Jan 46
DOD – July 12, 2012
Reported by Rich Heller
October 2012
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DRAGON 6 SITREP
Dragon Sends:
Members of the Regiment, greetings from Camp Buehring, Kuwait!
The first 30 days of the deployment have passed and the Can Do Soldiers of 1-15 are starting to get settled into their
new environment here on Camp Buehring, Kuwait. Some people have asked, “how’s the weather out there,” and the
best way I can describe it is to get a hair dryer, turn it to high heat, point it right at you and throw some sand in it.
Despite the high temperatures and occasional sand storms, the Soldiers have been doing great! Some awesome
individual achievements include Brigade Soldier of the Quarter, with PFC McDonough from the Scout Platoon, Brigade
Heros of the Week for SPC Tarvin Morgan, our high speed commo guy who made this BN able to run and communicate
via internet, and SPC Justin Price from Crusader Company who has been stepping up and leading from the front.
To show our hard work is paying off the Baker Boys were featured on the front page of the July 18th edition of the
Bayonet doing air mobile operations. All of the companies have a unique opportunity here to work with UH-60
Blackhawk helicopters. Baker Company got the training kicked off doing air insertions into the desert. As the
Blackhawks lifted off at the break of dawn, with the Baker Boys on board, they flew several miles into the desert to
secure landing zones. The birds landed and kicked up sand as the Soldiers jump off to secure the perimeter. They put
their heads down as they braced for takeoff as the Blackhawks shot sand and pebbles over their bodies as it went to
pick up the next group.
The Marne Express has taken off with the Can Do Soldiers fully on board. We have been conducting some hooah
operations and are preparing for more. The entire BN fired their personal weapons at the small arms range within
weeks of being here. Hardrock and Baker sent about 12 Bradley crews through gunnery, with the help of our
FiSTer/Master Gunner, SSG McKissock. Speaking of Fire Support Teams, our FiSTs have been hard at work calling in fire
from Kuwaiti F-18’s, Marine Cobras and AH-64 Apaches all while preparing for their team certifications, which includes
a 12-mile-ruck march around Camp Buerhing. Crusader Company has also been out there conducting some high speed
physical training while wearing body armor with their battle focused PT sessions. On the other end, the Forward
Support Company has been leading the way with sports PT as they conducted dodge ball ops, and tug-of-war. Of
course we haven’t forgotten our Destroyers who spent the first several weeks handing over authority as CPT Harmon
took command on 7 July.
I understand it is tough being away from home and loved ones, living day in and day out with the same people and
places. This is why our number one priority remains unchanged – Resiliency. The BN Staff with the help of CPT King,
1LT Aird and Chaplain Shirkey have been working hard developing a plan to get every Soldier off the camp is some sort
of recreational manner. We are planning trips with MWR to museums and the mall in Kuwait City. We are also
planning two-day trips to Camp Arifjan, or as we like to call it AJ, to go to the pool or just hang out with a change of
scenary. Recently one of our platoons from Destroyer Company was able to take a couple days there to relax, eat and
swim.
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MWR and the USO have lots to offer and do here on Camp Buehring both indoors and out. There is a theater, game
rooms plus plenty of organized activities for the Soldiers. At least once a week MWR/USO organizes some sort of
activity around Camp Buehring. We have had a 4th of July BBQ, as well as live entertainment with last year’s American
Idol contestants and Eve 6 putting on a show. There are plenty of sports, in fact a group of from Hardrock won a base-
wide dodge ball competition continuing to show that 1-15 IN Soldiers Can Do!
Combat deployments are tough – but with the great support of our Rear-Detachment, Family Readiness Groups, our
families and friends, and you – the members of the Regiment – we are easily able to keep things in a positive
perspective. As always, thank you for your encouragement. 1-15 IN stands ready for any mission, anytime, anywhere,
under any condition.
Patton’s Own, Rock of the Marne, Sledgehammer…CAN DO!
Dragon 6 & 7
Can Do Soldiers of the 1 – 15
th Infantry set up defensive positions protecting a helicopter
October 2012
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A mock casualty is transported during training in Kuwait
A 3rd
ID Soldier watches a convoy from an observation tower
October 2012
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One Soldier’s Story
A summary of my time with the 15th Infantry Regiment
(A continuation from the January, April and July DRAGON by Whitney Mullen)
Part 4: Crossing the Rhine
We crossed the Rhine at a small village which has now been moved about two miles eastward. When I returned from
four days at Rest Camp, there were several houses sitting within about 100 feet of the river banks. I spent one day on
the third story of a house getting reacquainted with my buddies catching up with what happened at the Siegfried Line.
My Company walked through the fortifications without resistance, while to the east, Company B met with heavy
resistance. As my buddies continued on the road northward, they hadn’t gone more than a few miles when a spotter
plane appeared about 100 feet overhead throttling back its engine – a voice bellowed out, “No Boche ahead for five
miles men, keep going!” It was Iron Mike O’Daniel, our Division Commander. (In 1997 the Society Reunion was held in
Ft. Worth TX where Dutch Shultz attended our I Company Luncheon with Harry Durbin (now deceased) and I asked
him if he was flying the General that day. Grinning from ear to ear he answered, “Yes!”)
My buddies filled me in on what was to happen the next day, March 28, 1945.
An artillery bombardment was scheduled for some time between 0100 and 0200hrs. I was scheduled to man a guard
post between midnight and 2a.m. - it was quite a show!
A quick sleep and a short time before 0430 I was knee deep in the Rhine in my assigned place second from the front
on the left side. My Platoon Leader barked out an order, “Mullen, go with those guys.” Those guys were two engineers
in a small motorboat; I followed my orders and moved into the small boat – I was about to begin a wild adventure.
Staying about even with the assault boat we moved directly across to the approximate center of the river – there we
turned sharp left and continued downstream (The Rhine flows northward). We continued for about 15minutes, turned
sharp right and shortly beached on the rock lined eastern shore of the river. Disembarking, I asked companions what I
should do, they answered, “Go find your Company. “
It was still dark; I was climbing up the rocks lining the riverbank carrying my Bazooka and six rounds of ammo. Several
yards ahead lay the edge of woods. I entered the woods walking straight ahead for about 50 yards and turned directly
south. I walked very slowly inasmuch as I could barely see.
About 20 minutes passed when I suddenly saw a human form directly in front of me. Stopping, I studied the outline
ahead; it did not appear to be moving so I reached out and touched it, I was in the middle of a German Infiltration
course. The silhouette was of a WWI British soldier – I would pass several of these before I simply ignored them.
I had probably reached the west bank about 1430hrs; evidence of early dawn was making itself apparent. I walked
until about 0930hrs when I came to the southern edge of the woods –it was bright sunlight. As I looked directly south,
I saw what was obviously GI’s several hundred yards ahead. Afraid they might think I was the enemy, I laid my Bazooka
October 2012
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down stood up and waved my arms up and down. Finally, they noticed me and motioned for me to come on in – I had
walked into my own squad!
They told me that they thought I was surely dead as they had heard small arms fire to their north. I did not see my
Platoon Leader for about half an hour. When I did, I asked him what in the hell was he thinking when he put me in that
boat with those guys – all he did was give me a SEG and shrugged his shoulders. It took me years to find out; I
remembered back to when we were training back in France at the small lake. He was standing on the shore yelling
commands it was obvious – he had forgotten to save a place for himself.
Over the next five days, we had minor skirmishes with the krauts firing a few shots at us and then running away. The
only items having priority to get across the river was ammunition and support personnel. Prior to crossing, we were
each issued one of those large hard chocolate bars which one ate by gnawing on them like a rat. We soon ran out of
water.
Finally we came to a depression in woods where there was a collection of rainwater covered by leaves, I suggested
that we put Halazone tablets in a canteen and as I pushed the leafy matter down someone would lower the canteen
so that the water running in only had finely divided leafy matter – for about two days we would each take a small sip
to wet our mouths - finding potable water was one of our major problems throughout the rest of the war.
We had two fair sized encounters over the next few days. In one, we entered a small village where the main road very
shortly made a 90 degree turn to the left. When our first elements made the turn, a German Flakwagan opened up on
us. Our CO had us quickly withdraw and called for a Jeep with a .50cal machine gun. As we waited, we went into the
houses on either side of the road and found that the Krauts had beat a hasty retreat leaving eggs frying on the stove.
During the time-out we enjoyed one of the first home cooked breakfasts since our river crossing.
The other situation took place on 02/03 April.
We had started out following a woods road and reached a spot where a church stood at the hilltop. Our CO told me to
take two men and search the church as the Germans often put artillery observers in the steeple. The three of us were
delayed about 15 minutes falling behind the Company. From early morning, I had been walking shoulder to shoulder
with Sgt. Chester Woda; I hardly knew him and the walk too care of that.
Sgt. Woda had been in the Company since Anzio. As we caught up with the company there was small arms fire and a
few artillery shells. I came to my Platoon Leader and he asked me if I had heard about Sgt. Woda, I told him that I had
heard he had been wounded and he informed me that he had been killed by the artillery fire. All I could think of was
our morning walk and, but for the Grace of God, I might have been with him.
The first eight days after crossing the Rhine had been stressful mostly because of the pace we moved. We had minimal
contact with the enemy. Many small villages were taken without resistance.
All of this was about to change, this will be covered in the next issue of the Dragon.
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My son Dick and I (Whitney Mullen) stand at the spot where we crossed – the landing can be seen on the other side. The river appears to be
about 600ft wide. Photo taken 2010. At the time we crossed, the landing was just sand. There are numerous such landings along the river.
Sgt. Chester Woda’s grave marker at St. Avold National Cemetery in France
October 2012
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93rd Annual Society of the 3rd ID Reunion held in Savannah, Georgia
Members of the 15th Infantry Association Gather During 3rd ID Reunion
Photos and story by Tom Heitzer
There was a gathering of 15th Infantry Association Members at the 93rd Annual Society of the 3rd Infantry Division
Reunion held in Savannah, Georgia from September 6th to September 9th, 2012.
Those in attendance had a wonderful time visiting with their fellow comrades in the hospitality room and various
dinners at this event. The reunion started off with a President’s Reception Dinner on Thursday evening. The featured
speaker was Hugh Golson, who gave a very informative talk on Military History of Savannah. We were also entertained
by the Blu Jayz a three woman vocal group.
Friday was the tour of Fort Stewart in which we got a briefing on the 3rd Infantry Division activities and then visited the
Marne Museum. We took a stroll at Warrior Walk where there are 443 trees planted for every fallen Soldier of the 3rd
infantry Division who served in Operation’s Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Then it was off to a dining facility to
have lunch with the troops.
The food there was much better than what I remember from my days in the Army. After lunch, we were provided two
displays of the modern equipment and arms used by today’s Soldiers in their conflict on terrorism. The Soldiers were
very eager to answer our questions and provide hands on inspection or the many firearms and vehicles on display.
Friday night it was the 15th infantry’s turn to host a dinner. This included a welcome from President Timothy Stoy and
Vice President Tad Davis. A POW/MIA Ceremony by Tim Stoy and Ex-Korean POW David Mills which was a very moving
tribute. LTC Joel Smith, Commander of the 3-15th Infantry gave a very good update of activities of the Battalion. We
also heard a taped message from Major General Robert B. Abrams, Commanding General of the 3rd Infantry Division
from Afghanistan.
Many of the Korean War Veteran’s received The Ambassador for Peace Medal and the 60th Anniversary of the Korean
War Medal awarded by the Korean government for their service while in Korea. Honorary Command Sergeant Major
Mark Baker was inducted to this position at the dinner by Commander 3-15th Infantry LTC Joel Baker, Command
Sergeant Major 3-15th Infantry Roger Baker and Association President Tim Stoy. Baker replaced Tom Twomey after
many years of service to the Association.
Saturday there was the business meeting for the Society of the 3rd Infantry Division. Afterwards the 15th Infantry
Association members also met to discuss some issues of importance. In the afternoon, there was a bus tour of the city
of Savannah and in the evening the 3rd Infantry division had their annual awards banquet.
Many of the current members of the 3rd Infantry Division were on hand to mingle with the veterans. Colonel John H.
Hort, Deputy Division Commanding General-Rear was the Keynote Speaker.
Sunday morning ended the reunion with a Memorial breakfast in which there was a solemn tribute to those who had
passed away since the last gathering in New Orleans. Some of those from the 15th Infantry Association who attended
the reunion are as follows: Mark Baker, John Burke, Leonard Collins, Charles Crain, Jerry Daddato, Addison Davis,
Corbin Davis, Jane Dojotrek, Doris Duckworth, Philip Fiumara, Debbie Halik, Michael Halik, Tom Heitzer, Rich Heller,
October 2012
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Joseph Herron, Donald Hotz, Homer Hungerford, Maurice Kendall, George Knight, Leonard Lassor, Priscilla Lassor, Ed
MacDonald, Richard McKiddy, Joseph McRoberts, David Mills, Whitney Mullen, Warren Sessler, John Shirley, Joel
Smith, John Stavola, Robert Steel, Timothy Stoy, Nile Stuart, Mahlon Taylor, Joseph Todisco, and Bart Viruso.
Next year the Society of the 3rd Infantry Division is planning a reunion in the Chicago Area in September 2013.
Induction Ceremony for Honorary Sergeant Major of the 15th Infantry Association
Bart Viruso, Treasurer of 15th Infantry Association Reunion attendees on Ft. Stewart tour inspect some Joseph Todisco, Korean Veteran LM 15th Infantry Association of the equipment on display
October 2012
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Front Row kneeling Left to right: Tim Stoy, Tad Davis, LTC Joel Smith, CSM Roger Parker, HSGMOR Mark Baker
Back Row left to right: Joe Todisco, Unknown, David Mills, Larry Driscoll, Warren Sessler, Richard Mckiddy, Monica Stoy, Homer Hungerford, Horace Burnett, Gerald Devlin, Donald Hotz, John Burke, John Fisher, Ray Anderson, Corbin Davis & Nile Stuart
Korean War POW David Mills during POW/MIA ceremony at the 15th
Infantry Regimental Dinner
October 2012
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A Trophy’s Story and how it came to the China Room
By David A. Morrissey My name is David A Morrissey. I entered the Army in 1960, took basic training at Fort Dix N.J. then advanced training at Fort Benning, GA. I was assigned to Echo Company 1st Battle Group 15th Infantry 3rd Division in Bamberg Germany from Jan. 1961 until July of 1963. During that time I was named "Soldier of the Year" and then attended 7th Army NCO Academy in Bad Tolz Germany. I also marched 92 miles from Hohenfels, Germany to Bamberg, Germany. That is where the trophy comes into play. The Battle Group had been in Hohenfels for a 12 day ATT. During that time we did live fire exercises and qualified weapons. We accomplished "combat ready" status from squad level to Battle Group. As the Battle Group returned to Bamberg by rail and motor march 21 men, 3 from each company, volunteered to walk back in a foot race. I was one of them along with Sp4 Thomas and Sp4 Decina. The rules of the race required us to carry only what we had (canteen & poncho). We could pick our own route as long as we made it through certain checkpoints. I think there were about ten or 11 of them. Here we could get water resupply and an update on our progress. As we progressed along the route, we were told that no one had checked in ahead of us. At the last checkpoint we were told that no one was even close to us. We were really excited that we were going to win. As we approached the gates of the base we could hear the band playing and people cheering for us. Then all of a sudden a car pulled up and out jumped the Alpha Co. team and went through the gate ahead of us & WON. We protested the fact that they didn't even pass through several of the checkpoints and couldn't have passed us if not for the ride, but to no avail. That is how Alpha Co won and Echo Co came in second. As I was now a Sergeant and a short timer, I was charge of quarters for the company quite often. One night I talked to my company commander, Captain Ray Proffit, and told him the trophy should be mine because I had made the walk. He more of less said "Do what you have to do". So I took the trophy and shipped it home with my other personal stuff. Fifty years later I was on the Phone with Tom Heitzer inquiring about photos and articles about my being "Soldier of the Year". I mentioned the fact that I had the trophy and that I would like to donate it. Tom made arrangements for me to send it to John Burke and he would get it to where it should be - the China Room. It made it - 50 years late. Attached is a photo of myself from 1962, which is the photo from the Army NCO academy. Also attached is a present photo of me at age 70 and my wife. If you need any more info please contact me at 1-802-775-2084 or e-mail [email protected].
Thank you and "Can do" David A. Morrissey
October 2012
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Mr. and Mrs. David A. Morrissey David A, Morrissey in 1962
MEMBERSHIP REPORT October 2012
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
MATTHEW R. DEISTER LOUIS J. WESSEL JONATHON A. ERICKSON BRIAN L. DALTON Phenix City AL Columbus, GA Columbus, GA Madison Heights, VA E-4, C CO, 1 BN, RF E-4, C CO, 1 BN, RF E-4 C CO, 1 BN, RF E-2, 1 BN, RF
October 2012
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New members (cont’d)
VLADISLAV V. SAVELJEUS DAKOTA L. MONTGOMERY BRADLEY S. VANDMARK BRANDEN K. SYVERSON Columbus, GA Fort Benning, GA Fort Benning, GA Phenix City, AL 1LT, A CO, 1 BN, RF E-4, A CO, 1 BN, RF SPC, C CO, 1 BN, RF 1SG, C CO, 1 BN, RF 2011 - - WILLIAM J. MORAN JAMES F. KELLY JASON C. BUDA JOHN L. CONTOMPASIS Cincinnati, OH Joliet, IL Ludowici, GA Hinseville, GA SFC, 1 CO, 3 BN, KOREA E-4, A CO, 1 BN, CW 1 SGT, B CO, 3 BN, RF PV2, 3 BN, RF 1952 Mar 1968 – Aug 1969
ROBERT E. LlOYD JR. Cody J. Deshenes Erwin, NC Fort Benning, GA SFC, 1 & 2 BN, CW PFC, A CO, 1 BN, RF 1961 - 1964
Number of Members 478
By Periods CH 2 WWII 76 KW 197 CW 73 OIF 75 Current Forces 188 ASSOC 21
By Type
Regular Life 270 Regular Annual 341 Assoc Life 10 Assoc Annual 11
Total 632
Members with 1-15th
Infantry 177
Members with 3-15th
Infantry 10
Would you like to sponsor a membership for Active Duty soldiers? For each $10.00 contribution an Active
Duty soldier can be brought on the rolls for two years. If interested, make contributions to the Association
Treasurer, address shown on page 2
October 2012
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The 15th US Infantry in the Atlanta Campaign
Contributed by Tim Stoy
1st and 2nd Battalions and Companies A and B, 3rd Battalion broke encampment on 3 May 1864 and joined in the forward movement of the Army of the Cumberland, forming part of the Second Brigade; First Division; Fourteenth Corps against Atlanta. The brigade included the Nineteenth Illinois; Eleventh Michigan; Sixty-ninth Ohio; First and Second Battalions and Companies A and B, Third Battalion, Fifteenth Infantry; First and Second Battalions Sixteenth Infantry; First and Second Battalions Eighteenth Infantry, and First Battalion Nineteenth Infantry. The companies of the 3rd Battalion served with the 1st.
During May both battalions took part in actions at Buzzards' Roost (near Dalton), Resaca, and New Hope Church with one officer, Lieutenant Forbes, and ten men killed, and twenty-seven men wounded. Following the retrograde movements of the enemy the regiment participated almost constantly in skirmishing with the rear guard of the Confederate army, and during the latter part of the month of June, in preparing approaches to the enemy's position on Kennesaw Mountain.
The losses of the regiment in the June skirmishes were one officer, Captain Harker, and five men killed, and fourteen men wounded. At the time of his death Captain Harker was in command of the Third Brigade, Second Division, Fourth Army Corps, with the rank of colonel of volunteers.
Companies C and D, Second Battalion, reached the command the end of June and were attached to the First Battalion.
On July 3rd the regiment joined in the pursuit of the enemy, participating in skirmishes with the Confederate rear guard at Marietta and Neil Dow Station, finally taking position in front of Atlanta on the 20th. The losses during July were five men killed and one officer, Lieutenant Jackson, and twenty-five men wounded.
The regiment participated in the siege of Atlanta, and on 7 August joined in assaulting the enemy's entrenched position. On the 28th and 29th the regiment was employed in destroying the "Montgomery and Atlanta" and the
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"Atlanta and West Point" railroads. The casualties during August were eighteen men killed, and one officer, Captain Curtis, and one hundred and three men wounded.
On 1 September the regiment marched to Jonesborough and joined in a charge upon the enemy's works at that place on the afternoon of the same day. On the 7th it returned to its former position in front of Atlanta and late in the day entered the city, then in possession of the Federal troops, and bivouacked at White Hall in the suburbs.
The campaign had been extremely laborious, and the regiment had suffered severely from numerous privations and the incessant labor attending the ceaseless operations of the Federal forces. During a considerable portion of the time rain fell with unusual frequency and its dispiriting effects upon both men and animals was often quite noticeable. The wagon-roads over which supplies were obtained soon became almost impassable and sufficient food for the army was with difficulty procured.
On the 28 September 1864 the regiment was directed to return to Chattanooga, where it arrived by rail on the 29th. The following day it established its camp near the summit of Lookout Mountain, where it remained until the close of the war. The above narrative is excerpted from THE FIFTEENTH REGIMENT OF INFANTRY by CAPTAIN H. R. BRINKERHOFF, 15TH U. S. INFANTRY published in 1892.
Historian’s note: Fifty-six 15th US Infantrymen are buried in Marietta National Cemetery in Marietta, Georgia, 45 of those men killed in the fighting around at Atlanta and the remainder dying of disease.
CHINA 6 SITREP
Let me begin by saying what a pleasure it was to join the members of the Association at the recent Regimental Dinner
in Savannah. It was a distinct privilege for the currently serving Soldiers and Leaders of the 3rd Battalion to share the
evening with distinguished veterans of the 15th Infantry Regiment from many generations. We are proud to be
members of this famous Regiment, and the evening undoubtedly served as a vivid demonstration to the Soldiers in
attendance of the significance of the CAN DO Regiment’s history.
As I reported at the Dinner, the Battalion went to the field for an intensive three-week field training exercise the
Monday immediately following the Association’s Dinner, and we are still here in the field in the midst of the final week
of September training.
I am currently writing this SITREP from the Battalion Tactical Operations Center in Fort Stewart’s Training Area Echo-
11.
The first two weeks of Exercise CHINA FOCUS consisted of a variety of Platoon Live Fire Exercises (LFX) including a Rifle
Platoon Attack LFX for the nine Rifle Platoons, the Scout Platoon, and the Mortar Platoon; and Convoy LFX for the four
Heavy Weapons Platoons and the Distribution Platoon from the Battalion’s Forward Support Company. This last week
of training has seen a transition from live fire training to a Battalion Field Training Exercise (FTX) with a force-on-force
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construct set in a simulated Afghan scenario with platoons conducting mounted and dismounted combat missions
against a free-play Opposing Force (OPFOR). The Battalion has improved its combat readiness and mission essential
task proficiency and has established a solid foundation to excel at our upcoming training deployment to the Joint
Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, Louisiana in November.
As always seems to be the case, we have a seen a significant transition of key leaders in the Battalion over the last few
months. The Battalion Headquarters has recently welcomed Major Jason Deel as the Executive Officer and Sergeant
Major Rick Meiers as the Operations Sergeant Major.
All three of our Rifle Companies conducted changes of command in August. The Apache 6 callsign in Alpha Company
passed from Captain Curt Brooker to Captain Bill Hanley. Curt was promoted to Major and moved on to an
assignment in the Acquisition Corps. The Bandit 6 callsign in Bravo Company passed from Captain Clarke Noble to
Captain Colin Hamel. Clarke moves on to an assignment at Fort Hood, Texas as an advisor to a National Guard Infantry
Battalion. The Rock 6 callsign in Charlie Company passed from Captain Dan Evans to Captain Mike Muskus. We are
lucky to have Dan Evans remaining with the Battalion.
I would like to close this article with sincere thanks to the veterans of the 15th Regiment and the members of the
Association for your service to the Nation and for the reputation you have built over the years. The example you have
set throughout the Regiment’s history serves as a combat multiplier and a source of inspiration for the current Soldiers
and Leaders of the 3rd Battalion.
CAN DO!
LTC Joel Smith
CHINA FOCUS: 'CHINA FOCUS Platoon LFX Concept Overview"
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B CO FTX: "Soldiers of Bravo Company defend a building during a force-on-force mission"
LFX Medevac: "Soldiers conduct simulated casualty evacuation during Platoon Live Fire Exercise"
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Picture from Fare-les-Oliviers, France, August 1944
Association President Tim Stoy scanned the picture below during his recent trip to Southern France this past August.
The bumper marking on the jeep strongly suggests that the men pictured are likely members of the 15th Infantry.
We are putting the picture in the DRAGON to see if anyone recognizes the Soldiers pictured. Fare-les-Olivers is just
outside of Salon de Provence and the date of the picture was about 21/22 August 1944. The location was a school
building.
If you do recognize anyone or anything about this picture, send an email to: [email protected]. If we get a
response, we will publish the response in the next issue of the DRAGON.
Recognize anyone in the photo? Taken about 21/22 August 1944 Fare-les-Oliviers outside Salon de Provence, France
The location is just outside a school building
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RAFFLE WINNERS ANNOUNCED
Raffle winners are announced for this year’s raffle drawings. They are listed below:
$300 George Oregan
$200 Mike Friend
$100 Samuel Puliafico
$100 Dream of Hopes Ranch (Anonymous winner charity donation)
$100 Dream of Hopes Ranch (Anonymous winner charity donation)
On behalf of the Association, thanks to all who bought tickets to support the 15th Infantry Regiment Association.
A Request for Assistance Meets with Success
Every now and then an inquiry comes asking for assistance in locating a member of our Association. While we will not
provide direct contact information, we are happy as an Association to serve as an intermediate between those
requesting to contact a member and the person(s) making the request. The following email is a recent example of a
request our Association received:
“I’m researching my father’s Army career and came across a 101st Airborne Div., G Company, 516th Inf. graduation photo taken at Camp Breckinridge, KY on June 8, 1951. My dad, a private at the time, is in the photo. (Our Association member was the Company Commander) I saw your Association member’s name on your site.
A group of the men are meeting next month for lunch to catch up on old times. I'd be thrilled to give them a report of their former Commanding Officer.”
In this instance, we were able through email and letter to connect the inquiring party with our Association member.
He and his family were very willing to talk directly with the person who made the inquiry. While our Association
member went on to become a Colonel and served with distinction with the 1/15th Infantry, his family did not have the
photo from the graduation. That photo was shared with our Association member and the person who made the
inquiry had opportunity to get an update and collect information to augment her research.
Just sharing this as an example of the behind the scenes things that happen in our Association and one of which we
should all know about.
DRAGON Editor
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Seventh visit for President Stoy
Association President visits Southern France
Association President Tim Stoy and his wife, Monica, participated in 22 ceremonies in France over a three-week period
this past summer.
The ceremonies marked celebrations commemorating the liberation of communities by the 3rd Infantry Division during
Operation Dragoon in August, 1944. This was the seventh year Tim and his wife have participated in these events.
Monica Stoy (center) and Association President Tim Stoy (far right) at an honors ceremony at the Paul Harris grave, Lorraine American
Cemetery
CPT Paul Harris was B CO Commander and was killed going through the Siegfried Line
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15th Infantry Regiment Association
Tom Heitzer, Database Administrator
231 Normandie
Bonne Terre, MO 63628
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