A VVA STAFF REPORT

Send your Locator and Reunion notices to Locator, The VVA Veteran, 8719 Colesville Road, Suite 100, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Or email veteranlocator@vva.org or mkeating@vva.org. The Locator and Reunion services are provided without charge.

Looking for the family of E.E. Walters, a Vietnam veteran still missing in action. His dog tag was brought to me by a friend who recently visited Vietnam. Contact: John Naismith, 28 Browning Rd., Boronia, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 3155; jnai60@gmail.com

Trying to find anyone who served with or knew my father, Gary Allen Gens, who was a boatswain’s mate. He was also a member of the Vietnam Veterans Motorcycle Club in Jamestown, N.Y.  I would like to know what he was like outside of my family. I regret not enlisting and thank everyone for their service. Contact: James Bloss, #13661924,  777 Stanton Blvd., Ontario, OR 97914.

Trying to find copies of morning reports, after-action reports, ORLL, aerial spraying of Agent Orange, photos, maps, and drawings of base camps, LZs, and FSBs for the following units: A Co, 2^nd Brig., 501^st Sig. Bn., 101^st Airborne located in and around the cities of Bien Hoa, Long Binh, and Saigon between Dec. 8, 1967, and March 1968 and Hue, Phu Bai, and Camp Eagle from March-May 1968; Hq. II FFV Dy/W PHC (CMAC) Advisory Team 100, 581^st M.I. Det. located in and around Saigon and the surrounding provinces from June 18-Aug. 18, 1968; Co. A, 9^th Sig. Bn., 9^th Inf. Div. located in and around Dong Tam from Aug. 18-Dec. 4, 1968. Contact: James Everett III, AS-0363, 1000 Follies Rd., Dallas, PA 18612.

Looking for anyone who was in A Co., 1^st Plt., 4^th Inf. Div. between 1966-68, especially Jim Reeling, Bob Green, Bruce Gooding, Larry Molitor, and Randy Nordstram. Nordstram was A Co., 3/8 Inf., 1966-67. We’re trying to put together a reunion. Contact: Jim Keeling, 903-597-1371 (H), 703-570-9934, 903-526-0908 (Fax).

Looking for Dennis “Puff” Dragon and Lt. Cleanfield of B Co., 1^st Eng. Bn. Also, anyone who served in-country between 1966-68. Contact: Gordon “The Mouse” Hamilton, 413-344-5983.

Trying to find servicemen who were in the 120^th Transportation Co. Orient Express in Can Tho during the summer and fall of 1969. Been wondering about you for forty-six years. Contact: Richard Miner, 973-267-3055.

Trying to find survivors of the Battle of Dia Do in 1968, particularly from the 2^nd Bn., 4^th Marines. Contact: H. Payne, #036113, Tomoka Correctional Institution, 3950 Tiger Bay Rd., Daytona Beach, FL 32124.

Looking for anyone assigned to the 902 Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron at Clark AB from 1967-68. Contact: Jerry Smith, jmdropin@cableone.net

Looking for Bo Bo Johnston, Jeff Lawson, and Robert Otta. We were at  Ft. Bragg together when I hurt my back on a jump. It was only a sick call matter  at the time, but the injury has persisted.  I need statements from witnesses. Contact: Robert E. Rigler, AF-7750, P.O. Box 244, Graterford, PA 19426.

Trying to find Maj. John J. McOscar (pictured above) and McCarthy, a surveyor from Texas, from the 18th Bde., 921st Combat Engineers, 79th Engineer GP, assigned to Bien Hoa from 1966-67. Also looking for Maj. Marvin J. Lebow (Leibowitz). Contact: Barry Borofsky, nybarryb@aol.com

Looking for a serviceman who would like to establish a casual correspondence. Contact: Paul Robert Schaffer, 300 East Church St., Apt. 1108, Orlando, FL 32801.

Looking for anyone who served  with the medics from the 7^th Inf. Div. Headquarters Company Dispensary at Camp Casey, Korea, around the spring of 1967, who has a copy of Stars and Stripes. In particular, I’m looking for a story with a photograph of S.Sgt. Francis E. VandeFifer and two small orphan girls, Poncho and He Yung, sitting on a military jeep or ambulance. This would make a dying man who served very happy. Contact: Ed Morris, #1329438, Duncan Unit A-9, 1502 South First St., Diboll, TX 75941.

Trying to find Jerome Edwards from East Chicago, Indiana, who served with me in Chu Lai in 1967 with the 196^th Lt. Inf. Bde., A Co., 8^th Support Bn. Also looking for anyone who served in the Tay Ninh Province in Dec. 1966, and from June-Dec. 1967 in Chu Lai, who was connected with the same unit. Contact: Jimmy Russell, 629 Baptist St., Staunton, VA 24401.

Looking for anyone who served with Stanley E. Ice on the U.S.S. Kearsarge (CV-33) during the mid-1960s. He was an Aviation BM. I’m trying to find a copy of the ship’s book. Contact: Thomas E. Ice, #5867915, 777 Stanton Blvd., Ontario, OR 97914.

Looking for Robert Johnson, John Martin, and Bruce Adams, who I served with in Mine Squadron 11. Contact: Dennis Nemmers, 605-321-7781, denemmers@hotmail.com

Trying to locate anyone who served with Air Force veteran Frank Viola. His son, my wife’s nephew, would like to know more about his father’s time in  the military. Contact: Pete Killian, harry.killian@gmail.com

Looking for Phillip Hoffman from Michigan who served in Platoon 69. Contact: Jean Brunckhorst, iknow316brunc@yahoo.com

Looking for Bobbie Johnson, who was in the 220^th Aviation Co. “Catkillers” 1966-67. He heard my mayday and picked me up after my Birddog plane crashed on December 25, 1966, north of Dong Ha.  I would like to thank him again for saving my life. Contact: Ernest Serna, birddog29 @outlook.com

Looking for the family of Randall Ortiz, USMC, who died on Aug. 20, 1969, in Vietnam. He was a Navajo, my squad leader and teacher. I was unable to save him from an ambush, but I carried him out of the jungle. I believe he was from Denver. Contact: Jeff Hillier, 707-882-1942.

Trying to find the first name of a Lt. Eisenhower, who served with the 2/47 Inf. (Mech.), 9^th Inf. Div. in April 1967 at Tay Ninh Province. Contact: Rlwise02 @gmail.com

Looking for “Shalako” Hartman from Wyoming. He served in the Army and was assigned to either Fort Gordon or Fort Devens in 1972. Contact: Syd Leach, vincentlockedragon@gmail.com

Looking for anyone who was in-country in 1969 with the 196^th LIB in Chu Lai.
All the records for my in-country service were lost. I need help from anyone whose paperwork may be able to verify my service so that I can apply for medical benefits. Contact: George Agovino, 631-871-5688; finance7@optonline.net

Looking for John Dutton (Ala.), Robert Medina (Texas), Doug Graham (Ga.), Paul “Ski” Magejewski, and John Bettecoffer. Dutton and Medina were with me at Tay Ninh in Dec. 1970 during a ground attack. Medina, Bettecoffer, and I were on the wrecker in a convoy when we had three rear tires shot out. Graham was with me outside Xuan Loc while I was repairing an M-548 in the rain and we took small arms fire. Bettecoffer and I were at Quan Loi during a ground attack at the airfield. I need to speak with you guys  to verify these incidents. Contact: Bob Bielsky, 973-600-1434; rjbielsky@ yahoo.com

Looking for “Brownie” from LZ Cindy. We were best friends and both served in the ammo section of a 3/18 Field Artillery, Americal Div., in 1970. I was injured in March 1971 and lost touch with him. Contact: Anthony Colicchio, 302-541-5862; dadclic@verizon.net

Trying to find Ronald MacLaughlin, who was a helicopter pilot on R&R in Sydney in 1968. Contact: Jennifer (Jenny) Coasby, jcoasby@bigpond.com

Looking for a Nail FAC who was working a target of three trucks south of Mu Gia Pass on Oct. 31, 1971. I was on scene, making several runs despite heavy anti-aircraft fire, although four other aircraft, two Air Force and two Navy, refused to make any bombing runs because of the heavy flak. Contact: Rick Maixner, rwmaixner2009@hotmail.com

Looking for information concerning an incident that occurred on Oct. 18, 1968, close to the Cambodian border at the Plain of Reeds. It involves a medic from the 2^nd Plt., A Co., 5/60^th Inf., 1^st or 9^th Inf. Div. Do you know who the commanding officer was? Contact: Barbara Harper, Barbara.harper@mail.house.gov

Looking for anyone who served with my husband, Dean Miles, from Lewiston, Idaho. He was in B Co., 2^nd Bn., 4^th Bde. between 1966-67. Dean was diagnosed with terminal multiple myeloma related to Agent Orange exposure. We need help verifying his service. The VA stated that they can accept another member’s deployment orders who served with him, a photo that proves my husband was in Vietnam, or a letter that was received from him. Contact: Doris Miles, dorismaemiles@gmail.com

Trying to find anyone who served with my husband, Hoyt King, in Vung Tau between 1967-69. He was in the 30^th Transportation Co., 85^th Bn. Contact: Linda King, lindapking@yahoo.com

Looking for anyone who served on the U.S.S. Ranger who can recall being in Da Nang Harbor on November 27, 1968. My claim for Agent Orange exposure was denied because I was told our ship was never there. However, both of our destroyer escorts, U.S.S. Bausell and U.S.S. Worden, were listed as being exposed to AO on that date. If anyone who served on these ships can tell me how your ships got proof, I would appreciate it. Contact: James Borsellino, gatunjim1@twc.com

Looking for veterans who are willing to share their stories from the war. This is just a private project. But if I have enough responses, I would like to publish them eventually. Contact: Andy Shaw, andy.shaw1981@hotmail.co.uk

Trying to find anyone who served with me in the 25^th S&T Co. at Cu Chi from 1966-68 and in the 957^th Supply Co. at Fort Lee from 1968-69. Contact: Bill Dunn, 18 Anthony Wayne Terr., Baden, PA 15005; willidu8@aol.com

Looking for Sgt. Bill Kelly, RTO, B Batt., 2/4^th Arty., 9^th Inf. Div., Bien Phuoc, 1967. Also, Lt. Joe Cole, 9^th Inf. Div., Ft. Riley, 1966-67. Lastly, Maj./Lt. Col. Karanikas, 9^th Inf. Div., Ft. Riley, 1966-67. Contact: Robert Carlson, 781-239-3500, rcarlson@robertcarlsonlaw.com

Looking for veterans who remained in Vietnam until the airlift in 1975. Contact: Mai Dewees, maidewees@mac.com

Trying to find Bob Morgan and Richard Yancy, who served in the 86^th Transportation Sq. at Ramstein Air Base from 1975-77. Contact: Richard Hensley, rickmon2003@yahoo.com

Looking for “Smitty,” a radioman who served under Johnny Oost, platoon sergeant, in A Co., 1^st Bn., 50^th Inf., 2^nd Armored Div. Contact: Kevin Oost, 266 Greenacres Rd., Lampe, MO 65681; 417-779-7779.

Trying to find Stanislaw Mendychowski (“Stan Mendy”). Contact: Andrzej Kucharczyk, a.kucharczyk@konto.pl

Looking for pictures of my brother, Jackie Ray Poling, in his military uniform. He served in B Co., 2^nd Bn., 506^th  Inf., 101^st Airborne and was KIA in July 1968 in Hau Nghia Province. He was also stationed at Ft. Benning in early 1968 for an NCO Candidate Course. He was an 11-B with the 101^st. Contact: Jimmie Poling, 419-980-9522; Diane Mayer, 419-438-6773.

Trying to find anyone who knew my brother, Michael C. Roell, who served in C Co., 3^rd Bn., 8^th Inf., 4^th Div. in 1967. Roell was KIA fifty miles outside of Pleiku while rescuing several men from machine gun fire. A letter sent home, along with a dozen anthuriums purchased from Rusty’s Florist in Hawaii, was signed by the men he saved, but it has since been lost. Contact: Edward J. Roell, 1121 Broadway, Hillsdale, NJ 07642; e082458@aol.com

Looking for Danny Janney, whom I was stationed with at Fort Jackson in 1970. I borrowed his Honda 50 and had an accident. I need a buddy statement to prove that the accident happened so I can be eligible to receive health benefits. Contact: Lawrence Hartman, larry-hartman@att.net

Looking for Raymond Veitmeier, YN3, U.S.S. Isle Royale (AD-29), from the St. Peters, Missouri, vicinity. I have some questions that only he can answer in regard to my military service. Contact: Bill Lussier, boatbuilderbill@comcast.net

Trying to find my father, Eddie Smith, who served in the Marines from 1969-74. He was last known to be in L.A., where he missed a court date in March. Contact: Melanie Marshall, 808-931-0644; Willie Mae Leake, 901-362-0686; Benjamin Hoff, 808-861-6398.

Trying to locate a veteran who served with B Batt., 2^nd/17^th Arty., in FDIC. He was injured by incoming fire at Fire Support Base Colgan at Delta in November 1970. I believe he was from Erie, Pa. I was transferred to B Batt. from C Batt. to take his place. Contact: Jack Buckler, 724-256-5271.

Trying to find my brother, Robert “Bimbo” Horwath, born on Dec. 8, 1941. Robert was adopted and brought as a child to the U.S. while our father fought in World War II. He was an electronic engineer and photographer in Vietnam. His last-known residence was in Los Angeles. Contact: Alejandra Cristina Barancewicz, barancewicza@yahoo.com

Looking for John Dixon, who served in India Batt., 3^rd Bn., 11^th Marines, 1^st Div. between 1968-69. I believe he was from Queens, Texas. He was also a state Thai boxing champion in Texas before enlisting. He saved my butt many times when we were out in the bush, and  I would like to thank him again. Contact: Frank, frankayackorn@yahoo.com

Trying to find men who served in HAL-3, HAL-5, and HCS-5, particularly those who served as reservists, for a reunion next summer. Contact: Dennis Russell, tomcat1dennis@aol.com

Looking for anyone who served with A Co., 2/3, 199^th Light Infantry Brigade, especially the following members of the first platoon: Eddie Fisher, Tom Guance, Thomas Dennis, Gordon Buddin, Chuck Randall, and Striker. Contact: Dennis Stapleton, stape48@aol.com

Trying to find Richard Prince, any of his relatives, or anyone who knows him. Prince served three tours in Vietnam and was in the Army for about twelve years before serving in the 101^st Airborne in 1971. Contact: Sylvan Gerritsma, 905-935-6875; toolman@vaxxine.com

Looking for interviewees for a book I’m writing on the Vietnam War, particularly veterans who fought in: Ap Bac, Dong Xoai, Ia Drang, Khe Sahn, Tet Offensive, Hamburger Hill, Easter Offensive, Xuan Loc, and the Fall of Saigon. Also want to interview men who were involved with the recovery of stolen U.S. military equipment from black marketers in a shanty town across from Da Nang, 1968-70, and who served on and were in firefights on patrol boats in South Vietnam. Contact: Norman Black, npblack2003@yahoo.com

Trying to find a MacDean or McDean who served at Da Nang Air Base around July 1967. I inherited a recording he made to a woman who may have lived in England. The only other identifying information on the tape is that he had a friend named Roger Hayes or Haines. I would like to return this recording to the veteran or his family. Contact: George Edmond, gedmond16@googlemail.com

Looking for anyone who was with the 553^rd Heavy Equipment Supply Co. at Long Binh during January, 1968, who might have information on the head injury suffered by Spec.4 Gary Sierer. Contact: 309-781-9376; tsierer16@gmail.com

Trying to find Casey Chism of California. Contact: Christopher Casey Chism, #88220, 49030 State Highway 71 South, Limon, CO 80826.

Looking for information on a deceased Vietnam veteran, Darrell Meidinger. He was a Spec.5, MOS 91E, who volunteered to support medical evacuations from Saigon while stationed at Ft. Benning from 1970-71. The flight doctor on one  of his trips was Lt. Col. Cheetum. His commanding officer was Col. Strong. Meidinger was attached to the 147^th Inf., 3^rd Army Div. Contact: Dan Thorstad, 701-241-5746; ThorstadD@ casscountynd.gov

Trying to find the men in this photo, whom I served with in C Batt., 2nd Bn., 11th Arty. between 1967-68. Any information would be appreciated. I’m the fifth guy from the left. Contact: Wayne Cannon, 1240 Citrus Ln., Morristown, TN 37814; 423-736-2627.