I concur with Ken Miller’s review of this truly boorish account –

In July 2019, I wrote this article regarding the fight for Mosul and the SEAL team involved –

https://runningironreport.com/culture/the-fight-for-mosul-by-greg-walker/

And the month before this analysis as the trial was taking place –

https://frontierpartisans.com/16150/why-eddie-gallagher-wont-take-the-witness-stand/

Since being pardoned Eddie G has admitted his intent to kill the prisoner all along –

“US Navy SEAL Eddie Gallagher will NOT be prosecuted after he admitted he did mean to kill ISIS detainee despite being acquitted of war crimes in 2017 as he tells Sean Hannity he was ‘demonized’ for doing his job” – https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9738377/Navy-SEAL-Eddie-Gallagher-NOT-prosecuted-admitted-MEANT-kill-ISIS-detainee.html

By his own admission he is indeed a war criminal.

Rip and thanks for taking me back in history. Don’t miss those day in Iraq with the CPA. It is always great reading about the history we were involved in.

Great articles Greag,

My father was with B52 Charles Richard Moore..looking for more info on him..

I’m so glad that Chapter 78 came through again by capturing the photos and telling the story of Jack Singlaub’s funeral. Thank you so much!

What a great article, thank you for writing and sharing. I was in the 1st Ranger Bn in 1986 and attended the SF SERE C Course with a very small class of just SF guys and then me. Our class advisor was none other than Dan Pitzer. He would spend as much time as he could sharing stories with us and the importance of taking the training serious. It wasn’t hard sense the resistance training was not fun and sure felt real at the time. It was sad to hear about Nick and then years later to hear Dan passed. I am glad I kept Dan’s signed copy of Five Years to Freedom. Thanks again
Dave

I have been interested in this article and look forward to the next chapter. I had the honor of commanding SFODA 5 and knew SGT Baez.

Bo was my husband’s
(Bob Blair), Best Friend.
When Bob died in 1984 at FT. Devens,, MA., Bo stood by our family’s side like A Ninja Warrior.
We would live to communicate with Lisa, who we met in California in the late 1990’s. Bo remains our Hero. Forever.

A must read!!!!

The movie “Vestige of Honor” has been posted to SFA Chapter 78’s YouTube channel in the More SF History playlist. You can view it at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dzm6QJahDkc

SFA Chapter 78 has a great newsletter. I now read every issue. How many active members are in Chapter 78? I need to check my Drops. Chapter 78 JROTC/ROTC Awards program?

Greg,
Thanks for this information. Mike & Chuck were High School classmates with me. Chuck in my Class 67 & Mike was year behind us. Both great men & dear friends. I was Navy 68-72. Your writing about these two heroes is very important for anyone who knew them. Thank you for writing & thank you for your service.

The US GOV policy during the war in El Salvador was to present the deaths and wounding of US military personnel in El Salvador as anything other than combat related. Literally every US service member killed during that war was subject to an alternate truth regarding their deaths. In May 1996, Ms. Judy Lujan, while attending the dedication of our memorial at Arlington National Cemetery gave this quote to the Washington Post.

“Judy Lujan, wife of Army Lt. Col. Joseph H. Lujan, was told her husband died in 1987 when the helicopter carrying him crashed into a hillside during stormy weather. But the Army never produced her husband’s personal effects or photographs of his corpse, despite her repeated requests, she said yesterday. “I can’t get on with my life, I can’t do anything, until I know for sure he’s dead,” she stated.”

I have spoken to Ms. Lujan and others recently and our conversations have led to a number of FOIAs being submitted to various US GOV agencies regarding this tragic crash.

There are significant events and questions regarding the US GOV claim of having recovered all those who were killed in the crash…as Ms. Lujan’s 1996 statement reveals.

I am hopeful that as with the case of SFC Greg Fronius (KIA 1987), and LTC David Picket and his crew chief, shot down in 1991. In all three cases the US GOV first claimed there was no combat involved in the deaths. In 1998, after investigations were pursued, it was shown all three had died as the direct result of a military action. Fronius’ family would receive his revised decoration, originally denied, of the Silver Star. Pickett’s family, after a long battle, would receive his posthumous POW medal.

Because of the charade surrounding her husband’s death – Ms. Lujan only this year began receiving her husband’s full survivor benefits pay (55% of his retirement pay). Up until this year she only saw $200 a month remitted – due to the apparently misleading official account of LTC Joseph Lujan’s death.

In SF, and SOF, our credo is “No Fallen Comrade Left Behind”. More to follow as this investigative report unfolds.

From the webmaster on behalf of SFA member Fred Otero:

To members with interest in in knowing more about Catherine Leroy, read ” YOU DON’T BELONG HERE” by Elizabeth Becker.

Good evening… My father was 1SG Stanley Dahl. He participated in White Star and Project Delta Leaping Lena B-52. How can I find more information on him. I am trying to find out if he was part of MACV-SOG. Thank you.

Graduated the “Special Forces Advanced Medical Training School, Class 67-9 in 29 June, 1967. Complete “phase two 26 August, 1967 as a 91B4S. Off to Vietnam in October, Cai Cai, A431. Out in Mar of 69. went back to college and graduated in 1971 BA in biology. Challenged RN exam in Calif and passed so I became a Registered Nurse. California recognized the quality of SF medic training and if we had “independent duty” as a medic, one was able to challenge the state board exam.

A true hero, I’ve served 25 years and did 2 tours in Iraq in the Montana Air National Guard. This man along with my grand fathers and Uncles are the true Heros. My grandfather McGaugh was a medic on Normandy, my grandfather Cloud served in Iwo Jima , my uncles served in the Battle of the Bulge. They never spoke of there service or wanted recognition! My grandfather Cloud passed in 2008 while I was in Balad Iraq. He always asked my mom how I was doing. I never knew until my grandmother gave me his medals and citations from his service. How I wish I could talk to him now. I always thought he was just a SP at Malmstrom Air Force Base. I’m glad you took the time to ask you grandpa. Good stuff to read!

I was at Ha Thanh with the I Corps Mike Force in Feb 1967 and fought several engagements at OP69 a few miles north east of the camp. I’ll send that story to James if he’d like like it. Lt Heaukalani was XO in the camp then.

Looking forward to part-two. Are you thinking of expanding this into a book on this time in Special Forces history?
Steve

Nick, I was always proud of being an airborne soldier, even though it was only as part of the linguist company. I became a “leg” again when I was assigned to USMTM Saudi Arabia, but I enjoyed being in the company of guys like you, John R. and Pino F., and I am grateful to have had your friendship during those couple of years at Ft. Bragg.
I hope you enjoy a great 4th of July with Brenda and the rest of your family.

Great issue! I especially enjoyed Tilt Meyers article on Don Shue. Though enjoyed does not seem the right word. I should say I was moved by Tilt’s article.

As the former 3rd Military Zone SFO&I Advisor in San Miguel during the tragic events related to Tim Hodge’s shooting in CEMFA which led to the fateful helicopter crash in Ilopango, I would like to present an additional point of view in hopes of adding clarity to aid to the accuracy of the report.
I fully endorse Col Higgin’s input, and most particularly the opening sentence that vividly reflects the aura surrounding all tragic events described in Greg’s article. There was honor then, and there is honor today in the fact that Col Picket is buried at the Arlington National Cemetery. There is honor in the fact that, despite the real need to have national policies designed to attain plausible denial-ability, or to work within legal frames, thanks to the relentless and valiant campaign by Col McMullen, Greg and others; a great number of ES veterans received due recognition for their services and sacrifice; and were awarded CIBs, CMBs, Expeditionary Medals, purple hearts, and the posthumous Silver Star for SSG Fronius.
Articles and books have been written on the above related subjects; however, special credits must be given to Greg for his research, investigation, and reporting. While these reports always bring memories of our fallen brothers; many, like me, sat on the sidelines during his team’s selfless pursuit for honor. Greg and those allies built their cases for their noble cause of recognition using much of that information. While I never expected anything in return for the time I spent there, thanks to their relentless hunt for righteousness, I was awarded a CIB (first award), the Defense Meritorious Service Medal (DMSM) and even retrospectively following retirement, I was awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM) without the usual removal of the DMSM.
Regarding Tim Hodges MEDEVAC mission from CEMFA, and the Ilopango Huey crash, as the eternal SFO&I Seargent seeking truth and accuracy in the reporting, to dispel ambiguities or innuendos related to a potential CIA involvement in San Miguel and Ilopango; and while applying that what Gen Boykin always says, “never believe the first report”, I offer additional sources of information and point to some facts for consideration.
As the SFO&I Advisor to the 3rd Military Zone on site that tragic night, like Col Higgins and Dan Wheeles, I verify it was a 3RD BDE chopper that went to CEMFA and took Hodges to the Military Hospital.
Regarding the helicopter crash at Ilopango, and while I greatly respected the audacity of the victims for trying to get to San Miguel at night during bad weather, from the moment I became aware that the Huey had crashed into the mountain, I said to myself that the decision taken to lift-off was hasty and was tragic. Unfortunately, it led to the loss of six brave lives. Had they waited just a few hours until the morning, taking into consideration Dr Romero’s advice, we wouldn’t be writing these notes today. The fallen brethren were rightly following their hearts to not to leave another brother behind.
The caption in one report’s photo indicates that the “Huey’s engine was operating at maximum power” and implies ‘possible’ involvement of another aircraft stating: “This indicates a possible evasive effort to avoid a now known second UH-1H, possibly being flown by CIA contractors, departing the air base under extreme weather conditions.”
Working as the RIC Advisor in San Miguel at the time, we consumed all sources of information available from ESAF, MILGROUP and Embassy Station associates; and this is the first time I heard a rumor of the possible involvement of two CIA helicopters; one during the MEDAVC from CEMFA and another near a mid-air collision in Ilopango. All of the evidence pointed directly to weather conditions.
Prior to me going SF, I had extensive knowledge in helicopter flying from 1968 to 1974; both in civilian and military life. I was then a Crew Chief/Mechanic with a Primary MOS 67N (Bell UH-1H Iroquois – Bell 204) and a Secondary MOS 67V (Bell OH-58 Kiowa – Bell 206 Jet Ranger). By 1969 I had learned to fly and flew choppers many times as a co-pilot during test flights. During my time as a flyer, I assisted in the investigation of two Huey crashes due to inclement weather conditions in the Peruvian jungles, the crash of one Jet Ranger due to a turbine factory defect, and one crash due to pilot error while attempting to auto-rotate landing. In addition, in 1975, while attending Jungle Training in Panama as member of the 82nd Abn Division, black storm clouds engulfed the Huey we were in and “pushed’ our flight course for almost 20 miles, ultimately forcing us into a hazardous landing in a very small patch that appeared in the middle of the jungle. That day I took my infantryman’s gear off and assisted the young E-4 crewmember to inspect the bird for damage, flight worthiness and operability. With that background, I submit for consideration the additional factors that could most likely have contributed to the Ilopango crash. These may also aid to explain the engine’s maximum power final operating conditions:
• Flying near mountain ranges, or near a mountain slope is particularly dangerous due to the potential for down-slope winds that can generate up to 40 MPH wind gusts and/or vortex and/or moderate to severe turbulence close to the ridge top level. As well, there is the likelihood of very strong updrafts and downdrafts.
• Flying at night in bad weather, with seven passengers, carries a greater risk than flying during daylight hours and in good weather.
• Night flight over unlit terrain without a visible horizon and with incompatible weather conditions for a night visual flight rules (VFR) is one of the classic helicopter crash scenarios.
• 1980’s NVG – Night Vision Goggles when used, altered a pilot’s depth perception, requiring extensive training and certification, and generally was not recommended during stormy weather conditions.
• The horizon is hard to discern during night flight due to the darkness of the terrain, ground lights patterns, or lack of them thereof. Visual flight rules (VFR) flights require maintaining visual references with the surface. Instrument flying was not available. When there is lack of instrument flying or referential beacons, orientation at night is normally maintained by celestial (moon) or artificial lighting (lights on the ground). None were available.
• With an overcast sky or no moon, and without sufficient lighting, the horizon becomes invisible, and it impossible to visually maintain level control of the helicopter.
• Flying at night in bad weather with near zero visibility will lead to a loss of sense of horizon due to the darkness of night, storm clouds and blinding rain; and quickly evolve into an extremely dangerous flight condition.
Some of the factors listed above combined that day. One of the most dangerous flight conditions is the lack of visibility with a loss of horizon. This clearly was present as Col Higgins points out that CSM Grace had said that “the last thing I remembered was entering the clouds. We couldn’t see our hand in front of our face.” The combination of those conditions makes it plausible that the pilot had to apply full throttle to get more RPMs while trying to increase collective (pitch); either to gain lift and more altitude, or to increase maneuverability. However, when one applies maximum power, it also increases torque. Pitch and torque coupled to the darkness of night and storm cloudy conditions, and flying next to a mountain slope, very likely without horizon visibility, it rapidly evolve into the most extreme dangerous flight condition. That could only have led to the pilot’s total disorientation while he was trying to determine where he was heading; up, down, left, right, away or into the mountain.
Similar conditions appeared to have happened to Kobe Bryant’s helicopter pilot, even as he was flying during daylight hours. A press report on the findings of the accident indicated that “the pilot made a series of poor decisions that led him to fly blindly into a wall of clouds where he became so disoriented, he thought he was climbing when the craft was plunging toward a Southern California hillside, federal safety officials said.”
Regarding the downing of the Huey by the guerrillas in San Miguel in 1991, the specific crash location was at Loma El Recodo, Canton de San Francisco, Municipaly of Lolotique, San Miguel Department; approximately 15 km northwest of San Miguel.
Witnesses declaring before a Judge in Chinameca during the trial of two former G’s accused of murder, ping the precise locations and timeline of the events. Witnesses declared that some local peasants approached the downed aircraft first and tried to save the survivors. They stated that two of the crewmen were injured but alive, and that in broken language they asked for water and to be moved carefully due to suffering pain from their injuries. Witnesses also declared that when the guerrilla unit arrived to the crash site they cleared the area, and that the flyers were executed before water was delivered to them.
I have a word document with copies of local newspaper articles that include pictures and the trial deposition transcripts if you are interested.
Regarding the fact that some of the victims’ relatives did not get see the bodies of their deceased, I submit that those relatives will never understand the extent to which a corpse gets destroyed with a grenade, mortar fire or a helicopter crash into a mountain. Mangled corpses become pulp mass quickly and have a much faster decay rate than non-accidental deaths. I’ve seen my share of mangled bodies; and for that reason, I will never understand why someone may want to see a badly mangled body that he or she may not be able to recognize.

MSG (Ret) Juan Calderon

SSG (ret) Tim Hodge, wounded and left paralyzed in 1987 while serving in El Salvador, has been sent the comments by Kevin Higgins and Juan Calderon. He is most thankful for them as they fill in what have to date been blanks in what happened after he was loaded on the ESAF MEDEVAC in La Union and moved to San Miguel. His next memories were of waking up at an Air Force hospital in Texas . Thanks to Morgan Gandy, the SF medic who saved Tim’s life that night, and Major General (ret) Kenneth Bowra, we have assembled and prepared an awards packet on Tim’s behalf. This to see him awarded the Purple Heart he is so long overdue, and the CIB and AFEM (El Salvador) he’d been recommended for in the Joint Staff/J3 staff paper for combat awards and decorations (El Salvador) submitted to GEN Bowra now years ago by Colonel John McMullen. Most of all Tim offers he no longer feels “swept under the rug and forgotten” – and he now has answers to the questions he’s had for years – DOL!

I worked with Bob while he was a civilian working at the drug and alcohol treatment clinic in Korea. He kicked my butt in tennis so many times I lost count! I learned of what a great SF soldier he was after I went back to the states. what a great man.

This story is fantastic! One guy, on a mission to assist those in need after tragic 9/11…. years of dedication, progressing into helping ‘Our’ wounded Veterans!!! Even current events are happening this year with Alive Day and Softball…. a true Public Servant!

Great article Greg but the couch pillow dog photo must go.

SSG (ret) Tim Hodge was paralyzed for life as a direct result of his wound. He spent a year in Texas at an Air Force hospital, then another 4 years in the spinal injury ward at a VA hospital in Ohio. He was hidden away by the Army / DoD given the political considerations at the time. Although Purple Hearts had been awarded to SF soldiers wounded in El Salvador (Jay Stanley / George Reyes, the latter wounded in the leg by his team leader who was showing off his “fast draw” with his .45)…SSG Hodge never received a recommendation for a PH. This past week he sent the Army’s Human Resources Command a military records correction packet with cover letter recommending approval from Major General (ret) Ken Bowra (Special Forces / DELTA/MACV-SOG). Tim was one of the original CIB recommendations made by the Council of Colonels, J-5 Staff, chaired by Colonel (ret) John McMullen. Tim’s packet includes that documentation along with a corrective request for award of the CIB and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for El Salvador.

SGM (retired) Anselmo Martinez reached out with this additional first person account of the night of the crashes and wounding of Tim Hodge – my sincere appreciation is extended to the SGM and his message was first shared with Ms. Lujan, Tim Hodge, and Morgan Gandy prior to being presented here. Sadly, not all the personal effects of the deceased were recovered per Ms. Lujan regarding her husband’s wedding ring and watch.

“Thank you for the prompt response. The night of the accident I was at the Medical Team house with another team member (SSG Alberto Garcia ) and of course monitoring our Motorola radios. Garcia told me and I quote, ” We just lost a bird”, since he was paying close attention to the communications going back and forth. We immediately left the house enroute to the Military Hospital since it was our place of duty. We spent the night waiting for news and the recovery efforts. It took all night for the bodies to be brought back to the morgue. it was at that time that I recognized LTC Lujan, he had been to Fort Bragg (JFK antiterrorism training) with me prior to departing to El Salvador.
There was another Laboratory Technician with me as part of our team (SSG Juan Garcia) and it became our responsibility to body bagged all six bodies in preparation for sending them to Panama for further investigation (autopsies?). With the exception of one of the pilots who had a compound fracture on a leg, everyone else suffered the expected trauma due to the impact. Everything they had in their possession was left inside the individual body bags. Once the bodies were picked up from the morgue SSG Garcia and I had no other communication with the Mil Group Chain of Command or anybody else.”

As of this past week it is my understanding the other UH-1H involved in the crash of Chief Raybon’s MEDEVAC bird was CIA “owned and operated”. The Agency’s war in El Salvador increased year by year beginning in 1980. By 1987, the Agency had its air assets, crews, and paramilitary operators fully engaged in El Sal. They’d lost an increasing number of aircraft, fixed wing and helo, and personnel by the time the Illopango crashes took place. At the same time, DELTA and Task Force 160, their air asset, were likewise heavily involved in El Salvador conducting reconnaissance and direct action missions against FMLN guerrilla forces. Chief Raybon, for example, was a DELTA/160 pilot. What is clear is this. Illopango that night was under guerrilla attack and “a major operation” was taking place elsewhere in the country. Weather was likewise poor in and around Illopango that evening. The control tower was overwhelmed in trying to keep track of what they had in the air and communications had been lost with Raybon. No one knew where he was on his return to base. As likely as not the Agency helo was either departing or returning to Illopango and a near collision took place between it and Chief Raybon’s AC. Wreckage from the CIA helo was found on the shoreline of the lake as seen in the picture of this wreckage sent me in 1993 by an Army helo pilot who had flown in ES. Were the bodies of those killed recovered? If so, or if not, that information is under strict lock and key. Just as Part II was published I received a reply from U.S. State Department regarding this incident. “No records found”. Why? – “ Admit nothing….” “Inconceivable no record of cables. Very likely all were destroyed IAW directives.” – No Fallen Comrade Left Behind rule is in effect.

Dear Marc,
Thank you for taking the time and care to write this review. The impact of those events has remained with us even after so many years have passed. Nonetheless, we have much to be grateful for. Despite the elaborate lies our captors spun in an attempt to ensure everyone believed us to be guilty of something, our government never gave up on us. This was largely due to the efforts of our family, our ambassador, and people who saw beyond the smoke and mirrors, and especially those in our Special Forces family who refused to let those evil doers take our freedom forever, lest we become lost in time like thousands of others who endure, even today, enforced disappearance. Sadly, the Laos Government still maintains hundreds of secret prisons across the country and refuses to allow UN or Red Cross inspectors access to these prisons so that people might be accorded the right to be treated with dignity, among other rights described by the UN Declaration of Human Rights, to which Laos is a signatory. Your voice is powerful, and I hope that it will inspire further change in Laos, and in other countries like it that continue to pay lip service to democracy, in order to gain access to the wealth of financial aid that comes with being a signatory to international treaties. I am proud to be a member of the Special Forces community, something I will always value. I am stronger in my own mental health for being a part of that community, and the connection I have with those who teach me every day how to be my most resilient self. Again, I thank you for sharing this part of our story. I hope that it inspires others who may feel challenged by life’s ups and downs.

Doc Keen, others, and me were attached to a SOTA team in the summer of 1984 running real operations out of Palmerola to the ES-Hondo border as a sideshow of Ahuas Tara 2/ JTF Bravo. Chief Raybon was one of our Huey pilots. I have the utmost respect for them.

Thank you very much for your kind words, Mel!
V/r,
Marc

Thank you for posting it Debra!

In addition to exposing a “break in the chain” of intelligence related to the Easter Offensive, Bob Baker’s book is a warning that the causes of “intelligence ignored” are not solely applicable to the context of the Vietnam War. They are implicit to human nature and the all-too-human potential for those in authority to construct their own preferred (and willfully enforced) versions of reality. A biblical proverb states there is wisdom in many counsellors; similarly there is wisdom in respecting diverse forms of intelligence gathering and a consequential folly in marginalizing one at the expense of the other. This applies particularly to HUMINT gathered by heroes whose names will never make it into a commemorative Hall of Fame. Bob’s book suggests very pointedly that those in command should learn how to listen and that intelligence analysts must do all within their power to make them hear.

As for Colonel Pham Van Dinh’s defection at Camp Carroll, the language of his broadcast is suggestive of a typically crude attempt by Hanoi to induce a disastrous betrayal of South Vietnam. How dare they! From 1972 onward, that was more properly the job of “antiwar” Democrats in the US Congress, and they were much more effective at it than the North Vietnamese. (Former US Army intelligence analyst Louis A Fanning makes this painfully clear in his book, ‘Betrayal in Vietnam’.) Dramatic reductions and rapid withdrawals of US troops despite blatant North Vietnamese aggression (Bob Baker’s intelligence unit being among the last to leave in1973) were paralleled by a catastrophic decrease in logistical and political support for South Vietnam. As Bob Baker opines, the betrayal of South Vietnam in 1975 was a national disgrace. If there had been no ‘break in the chain’ in 1972 could that disgrace have been averted? Perhaps not, but it is clear from Bob’s book that wishful thinking and the arrogance of power is a leading cause of intelligence ignored, one which leads inevitably to tragic loss of life, and makes a signal contribution to the defeat of an ally.

Bismarck tells us that fools learn from experience, but surely even that is better than not learning anything at all, particularly with regard to our own inherent flaws. As another oft-quoted strategist observes, to safeguard ourselves (and our dependent allies) from peril, we must know ourselves as well as the enemy. Maybe then we will be less inclined to ignore sound advice with regard to that enemy’s intentions.

Vince Leone, thank you sir for your kind words and your outstanding service to our Nation in Special Forces.

My sister, Martha Kell hosted USO Showtime for a couple of years in the late ’60s. I have some photos of a field trip my 4th grade class took to the radio & tv station.

A truly fantastic story of the Randall Knife thru the eyes of some of the U.S. Army’s foremost commanders by a SF Cmmo man who also carried a Randall in combat.

Army Awards and Decorations is presently reviewing a second award packet for SSG (ret) Timothy Hodge (Dishonor Part 2). Hodge was severely wounded in 1987 at CEMFA in La Union, ES, and left paralyzed for life. Due to the politics at the time and the number of American casualties that occurred that night in lieu of Tim’s being shot, he was spirited out of ES to Honduras and then to the U.S. where he spent four years in hospital. His packet’s cover letter is from Major General (ret) Ken Bowra, and the wealth of documentation to include the Sentinel series should see Hodge awarded a Purple Heart, CIB, and AFEM for ES. The last from Army HRC is that the SECDEF is reviewing at this time.

P.S. – I called my Uncle Arturo my mom’s youngest brother. I meant to say, ‘younger.’ My mom was second to Tio Adolfo, the oldest. Tio Eduardo was the baby.

When i was reassigned to ODA-762 in Jan ’83, a MSG NOE was team sgt. He was retiring and moving to Hawaii.

Thanks for your very thoughtful and interesting article about the complex history connecting Special Forces and Ranger units. As a graduate of Special Forces Training Group and MACV Recondo School, and a veteran of both the 8th SF Group and Co F, 75th Rangers (LRRP), I have more than a passing interest in the topic. Thanks Kenn.

Thanks! Official lineage or not, SFA Chap 91 (Iraq)-101 (Afghanistan) takes its number from and honors OSS Det-101 in Burma–oldest and closest to the Afghan theater of war.

Roger and I were in the same Special Forces company in the 7th SFG. We trained together and traveled together to VN. He showed his abilities during his time in VN and beyond. I salute him and God Bless.
Corry Mordeaux…Team 750 7th SFG (abn).

Love this story! It’s funny how the miscellaneous stuff that somehow embeds itself in our memory when we are young happens to come in very handy.

Chapter 78 publishes the most interesting and informative SF newsletter in memory. Please convey my heartfelt thanks to all who are involved in its research, development and publication.

I kept telling my wife about a constant recurring dream of a battle that I was in but couldn’t remember details. Many years later at a reunion of the 196th Light Infantry Brigade I ran into one of my old squad buddies and he said to me, Terry, don’t you remember Kham Duc! It was the biggest battle we were in during our tour! It all came flooding back.

I thoroughly enjoyed your article! It was all very familiar. Glad you made it back, and prospered.

What a wonderful cause! Founder Mike Telleda has truly put his heart and soul into this mission to reestablish hope for our veterans. His story is truly inspiring, especially considering how his father was a warrior for freedom in his country. Now, 20 years later, Mike continues this legacy, passionately advocating for freedom and dedicating himself to helping veterans. “Saving one soldier at a time” by providing them with the resources they need to live a more joyful life after experiencing the horrors of war is a mission we can all support.
The letter from the widow touched my heart deeply, and it inspired me to join this mission. As a country, we should all think about how we can support the Wounded Heroes of America. Our soldiers and their families have sacrificed so much, and as they return with visible injuries or deep, unseen scars, we must be equipped and willing to do whatever it takes to care for them.
Thank you, Mr. Talleda, for your unwavering commitment to our soldiers and their families.

Great newsletter. Stories and book reviews

This is hard to hear that 35 people kill themselves everyday in the military. We need to have better care for them. My heart hurts for your brother. Just because he heard so many lies and believed them…Intrusive thoughts are overwhelming. your brother survived gunshot wounds, and he had purpose and meaning on this earth… We gotta do better in this world for our military. Thank you for educating us. You’re writing is Inspirational

I am looking for someone who may have served with SPC5 Little Jay Jackson.

I’d like to help.

Cover picture is of a Blackhawk, not a Huey! RT Mamba and SOG were Vietnam era unless they’ve recycled names!

Mr. Greg Walker,

My name is Yongsuk Kim, and I am a board member of the World Hwa Rang Do Association, holding a 7th-degree black belt in Hwa Rang Do. I am a student of Supreme Grandmaster Joo Bang Lee and Joo Sang Lee.

In a book I am currently publishing, titled Hwa Rang Do Self-Defense Techniques for Seniors, I have included a tribute to the Hwarang hero, Michael Echanis. It is due in December 2024.

I would like to request your permission to use the photo of you standing by Michael Echanis’ tombstone with the following caption:

The photo below shows Greg Walker visiting Michael Echanis’ grave. Greg is a retired Green Beret, an honorable martial artist who has practiced martial arts throughout his life, and a close friend of the Echanis family. For more detailed information about Michael Echanis, please refer to his writings here.
(https://www.specialforces78.com/wounded-warrior-part-two/)

Thank you for remembering our hero, M. Echanis.

Sincerely,
Yongsuk Kim

Chapter 78,

Edmunds and Stonesifer were in my Platoon 19 Oct, 2001. I was on the USS Kittyhawk in October 2001 during the invasion with Company (-) B 3/75 (1st Platoon).

I was manifested on that Chalk on Bird 1 (UH-60 Blackhawk). I was scratched as an attachment from 1st Squad, as was one of my SAW Gunners in Bird 3.

3rd Squad and Weapons Attachments were tasked with two USAF Combat Controllers that took my place and my SAW Gunners. I was to be to the right side of the Left Door next to the Mini Gunner.

The CCT that took my place was injured as was SSG James Parke’s men in the crash. Jonn and Kris died instantly. We were on comms from the Carrier. We heard it real time. After, we continued missions until our mission changed at the end of October into November.

Anyway, Thank you for the email and magazine.

Jimmy Pera
18Z5U (ret)
Company Operations SGT
A 5/19 and C 1/19

Wow, what a story! True hero! God Bless !

Greg good morning. I am retired SGM Sanchez. I never had the honor of meeting you. I met a few others during the Civil War in El Salvador. I was one of those serving under ?. I trained and developed civilians and military on Psyops in country, I also served alone under two agencies out of the DNI umbrella made of U.S. and Salvadoran intelligence. Well just saying hello and remembering good and bad and risky moments in Country. Merry Christmas.

SGM Sanchez

John was my company mate at West Point as well as my room mate at IOBC. Many days were spent in the back of his MGB going to and from. . I went to his wedding to Joann . In very direct John fashion I recall one night we went to Burger King with John demanding a Big Mac and was not going to leave till he got it. It took a while to talk him down.

I was fortunate to see him shortly before his passing. He was a fortunate man who took immense pride in what the men around him accomplished and passionate about his tasking.

His passing was way too soon for a man who was what the essence of what the Army should be all about. The world is a lesser place with his passing.

I appreciate the article you wrote about John’s experiences. It is a testimonial to what needed to be said of his good work in an area of the world beneath the radar screen.

Would be interested in finding out if there is a lung cancer relationship in SF VN veterans.

My late husband, Roger Donlon, lost a 12 year battle with AO related Parkinson’s Disease and died of complications from PD last January 2024. I hope your study will help other SF Veterans to understand this situation as Roger was misdiagnosed for 2 years as having “Essential Tremor” by an incompetent Neurologist! He had an ultra sound brain surgery that was successful in stopping the left side tremor but the FDA did not approve the “right side” procedure so it was never done. Anyone wishing to contact me for information may do so at Normadonlon5@gmail.com.

Hi Chester,
The people at SOCNET would love to here from you.
Here is a thread where I mentioned you and posted the pics from your site. Nice reading all the comments.https://www.socnet.com/showthread.php?t=132425

I used it in 1968 with the 6th SFG

My Dad’s

“A Bivouac of the Dead” is a classic.

I found the review very good but must comment that the Coppola comparison of Col Rheault to Col Kurtz.
Obviously, Coppola had no idea what he was talking about. Col. Rheault was the opposite of Col Kurtz, Rheault was a straight arrow, professional, Special Forces commander.
I served with him and the fact that he was caught up in the CIA double agent killing, (which he had no knowledge of). He took responsibility, as he was the commander of the attached troops who did the killing. The mark of a good officer! It was unfortunate, but it was the only blemish on an otherwise outstanding career. General Abrams had it out for Special Forces and Col Rheault suffered the fallout.

Simple control measures such as not allowing check writer to also sign checks, requiring two signatures/approvals on each disbursement, periodic bank statement reviews by randomly chosen board members, etc. can often prevent these kinds of fraud. Most trustworthy people in financial positions of trust welcome these kinds of controls/oversight.

I knew Spider when were in Taegu Korea late 1990’s. I coached the over 30 softball team and he was the best player on our team. In his mid 60’s he was nearly 30 years older than other team members and he played left field. He was an extraordinary athlete and even a better person. I was in the Air Force in Vietnam as a bomber and fighter aircraft crew chief and retired as an officer. New to the Army civilian world I sought his counsel and advice and he always treated me with respect and kindness and appreciated my military service. As a softball coach he also respected my judgment and was helpful in developing younger players. I had (have) the deepest respect for his military service and more respect for him as a man helping soldiers in the drug and alcohol program. Truly an amazing man who is deeply missed – happy I had time to be in his presence and call him friend

I believe Roland Marquis was part of b 52 delta , he is still alive knocking on 91 in messa az . I know he was at fob 2 ccc kontum also

I was in Vietnam and had Liposarcoma about 9 years ago. Also had a triple bypass attributed to AO.

Fantastic article. Marc Yablonka captured the essence of Ernie Pyle and gave me even more insight into a hero of mine.

I have to thank them. There were no frequent flyer miles, but they were my airline of choice. I was an SF guy whose wife and kid were in Udorn. I could see them sometimes when the Captain granted me a couple of days. They had their business and I had mine. There were never any questions asked and for me, never anything to tell. I send my sincere gratitude, thanks for all you did.

This past week a jury in El Salvador found all three defendants guilty of war crimes. The judge ordered the President of El Salvador to make a public apology to the families and his countrymen for the delay of justice in this matter. Nothing like this has ever happened in El Salvador – the cloak of Impunity is now over. The verdict made international news – to include –

“This decision is extremely important, not just for the relatives but for El Salvador,” NOS Central America correspondent Boris van der Spek said.

“It is the first time a case from the civil war investigated by the UN has resulted in a conviction. Other relatives of victims of the civil war are now hoping this will create a precedent and that there will be more convictions after decades of impunity,” he said.

“The convictions are final and cannot be appealed.”

https://www.dutchnews.nl/2025/06/killers-of-dutch-journalists-in-el-salvador-convicted-at-last/

And the NY Times / WAPO, among many other outlets.

Kudos and Respect to the incredible Salvadoran journalists who covered this story as I have for now many years. They were attacked, threatened, and some had to leave their country to continue reporting. And to the judge involved as well as the prosecutor – and their teams – Courage in the face of Evil.

This is a story with an ending Special Forces can be proud of. Our mission included training Human Rights, identifying possible war crimes on both sides of the conflict, and identifying suspected or proven war criminals on both sides. We were on the hard Right’s death list and same for the Left. When the Peace Accord was signed the FMLN (guerrillas) requested the Green Berets remain with their host units as a deterrent to revenge motivated attacks and violations of the Agreement.

That’s when you know you did your job well – DOL!

Thank you for honoring a man who should have his story told in all American schools. His ability to serve something greater than self, think unconventionally and conviction to being a present leader sets an example matched by few in history.

Thank you Greg Walker for telling us about Mike Day. You as well are all servants of the Lord and are all precious souls. I offer this prayer to all, especially military & law enforcement:
You expired, Jesus, but the source of life gushed forth for all souls, and the ocean of mercy opened up for the whole world. O Fountain of Life, Unfathomable Divine Mercy, envelop the whole world and empty Yourself out upon us.
Eternal Father, in whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion is inexhaustible, look kindly upon us and increase your mercy in us, that in difficult moments we might not despair nor become despondent, but with great confidence, submit ourselves to Your Holy Will, which is Love and Mercy itself. Amen
With love, Rosemary

Damn good stuff!… Without doubt your no nonsense brass tacks training criteria saved countless American and friendly indig lives while sending a steady flow of the enemy to their maker.

Captain Hoàng Kim Bao . Camp Commander