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The following is an account from former lieutenant colonel and Marine Corps Veteran James Volkmar who, with the help of Togetherweserved.com, reconnected with his radio operator 44 years after they were both medevaced from the battlefield in Vietnam. To find and reconnect with your own service buddies, visit the TWS Buddy Finder.
I was leading my company, Hotel 2/26, in March 1969, along the river at Ga Noi Island when we were attacked by NVA in a battle that raged for several hours. We had Spooky (Douglas AC-47D,) often referred to as “Puff the Magic Dragon,” sending down from the sky a wall of solid red tracers blowing the hell out of banana trees. As Spooky finished firing in front of my platoon’s perimeter, Lt. Tom Turner came up on the net requesting that he do the same for his platoon’s perimeter. I remember when the first round in front of Tom’s position hit, I said to my radio operator, Cpl. Arthur Phillips, “that was close.” Just then, Turner came up in highly emotional tones shouting, “Check fire! Check fire!” Seems Spooky had shot right down the line of Tom’s platoon, but the “Gods of War” were watching out for those Marines as there was only one Marine with what amounted to a flesh wound.
A moment later, my radio operator and I were suddenly felled by some explosive device that picked me up and launched me nearly 10 feet in the air. I like to think back that I was able to shield my radio operator with my body as I bore the brunt of damage from the shrapnel. In any case, the left side of my body got a healthy peppering of shrapnel and my face might have escaped, but when the blast went off I turned to see what it was. My nose was almost sliced in two.
I struggled up and limped back to my radio operator, who was standing rather rigidly upright clutching his neck with blood streaming between his fingers. I laid him down before the corpsman arrived and took over the triage before a medevac chopper came to take us out. This was the last time we saw each other. I spent nine months in various military hospitals and was then reassigned to the U.S.S. Hornet in Long Beach, California.
I joined Together We Served in January 2006 and quickly found two Marines who were in the same boot camp platoon as me. Together We Served has a feature to record my service memories in a self-interview they call Service Reflections, and my service story was published in their monthly Reflections Newsletter in February 2013. It was just by sheer coincidence that a certain Arthur Phillips had just joined Together We Served and received a copy of this newsletter. He saw my name and my mention of my radio operator injured in the Ga Noi incident, and realized I was referring to him. He reached out to me by phone and I immediately recognized his voice. We had a great conversation and made a promise to meet as soon as we could.
It turned out ABC News had become aware of our story and arranged for us to travel and meet each other in Washington D.C., which they filmed for a news segment. It was a very special day for both of us and one we will never forget.
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We’ve curated an assortment of events for Veterans and their families. Each week, we post relevant and timely events for the Veteran community.
I’m Walter Bibb, looking for anyone who served in the USAF 36th Civil Engineering Sqd in Bitburg Germany in 1961-1963.
I was in the United States Coast Guard. Looking for those who may remember me on the USGGC Polar Sea (1981-1984).
Also looking to communicate with those who were stationed on the USCG Loran Station Marcus Island, Japan. I was there from (1980-1981).
I was stationed at Fort Bliss Texas from 1967 to 1969. I would be interested to hear from those that were in the 8th battalion 7th artillery.
I would love to be in contact with my friends from Pearl Harbor in 1973-1974. Renee Bodie, Jeanette Pettie, Laura Vancey and all the other that worked up top. I worked in Race Relation Department that was started in 1973. Chief Sumnar, Sr. Chief Braswell, Commander Conn. All people who would like to talk with other Veterans. I am Thelma Darlene (Dee) Stewart USN
I would like to connect with SSgt David Sullivan or SSgt Henry Moore, who were stationed at Spangdahlem Air Force Base in the 49th Tactical Fighter Wing from January 1965 until October 1967.
I would like to reconnect with Ronnie Eugene Richards
We served 1966 t0 1968
Last time I saw him was 1969 in Frederick, Maryland
Heard he had moved to Florida somewhere around Ft Myers
Albert Hall looking for David Owens formally 10th SF Ft Devin’s. We met while assigned to 97th signal Bn Coleman Brks Germany.
Looking to connect with guys that took Basic Training at Fort Knox D-17-4 April & June 1964 when we were the marching troops shown in the Movie Goldfinger.
My name is Sgt Marv Wilson and I am Looking For anyone in the 167th Signal Co. Stationed at Dak-To in 1967-1968. –OR – Anyone that knows my
brother:
USMC PFC Delvin Kieth Wilson who served in 1969 with C co, 1st bn, 7th Marines, Vietnam. In the Quang Nam Province. He was killed by Friendly Fire on 9/14/2017. Looking for anyone who may be able to clear up how he was killed. Or just hear from a friend of his!
Thanks GOD Bless you all!
Would like to connect with two men I served with in Vietnam. 53rd Signal Battalion Corp II field force.
Mike Harley
Rich Czarnecki
We were together from April 1968 to May 1969
I would like to reconnect with LT. Roberts. I was his Radio Operator when we sent to Dia Loc Pass to make the final assault on French bunkers that the VA overran on the morning of February 6, 1969. We were part of the reactionary company for Comm Co. Hq Bn. 1st Mar Div.
I’m looking for a friend that was in the Army 1991 . John Carlisle I think that’s how to spell his name. He was in 29th infantry division in Wiesbaden Germany. He was a cook 94 B. My name is Steve Fraley I was in HHC 3d Coscom at that time . I would like to hear from him. He is probably about 59- 60 yrs old.
524 TFS Cannon AFB New Mexico 1968-1972
I would like to find Daniel Hamilton from A Battery 3rd battalion 79th field artillery from ’75 to ’76. I would like to thank him.
Any Kirtland AFB people out there? 1984-1989
looking for anyone that was with Company D/26 platoon in 1969,1st. Air Cav.
Looking for Charles (Chuck) __ Witte from our days in the 86th Engr. Btn., 1967-1968, at Bearcat Base, Vietnam.
I’m still alive
Anyone out there in 459th SIG DET Between April 67 and April 68.
Never had a chance to say goodbye to my brothers in the 25th infantry 1/8 arty.was dusted off (wounded) on feb.13th 1968 while serving the 4/23rd Alpa co. As F.O. Like to hook up with my R.T.O. Paul Gullen.
My name is Billy D Richardson, SGT USMC. I was in Vietnam (Quang Tri Province) with 3/9/3 in 1966-1967. I have been looking for anyone from that group with no luck. If anyone knows anything about Johnny Walker from Redlands, California or Dwight Meilke from Wisconsin, please let them know I’m looking for them. If you know anything about either of these men please let me know.
317th Engineer Battalion 63’ 64
The buddy finder does not ever pick up 12th Combat engineer unit. Why
Sorry in my previous message the year was suppose to read 1969
Looking for anyone from 2/3 Golf Company. Years 68 .to 69. I joined right after Tet but in Time for Khesan
I reconnected with friends from Vietnam after 56 years, served with them in Vietnam in 19768. Semper Fi
I am looking for the marine I saved from drowning in 1969. Location was in the South China Sea near Hong Ha and Quang Tri. The wind was blowing from the shore and pushing him and his inter tube further out to sea. I grabbed a tire inter tube and swam out to him. I encouraged him to kick with his legs with me to get to shore. We were both so exhausted and I forgot to get his name.
Greetings, would like to locate Sgt. Boyd a great friend and guitar player and fellow company members.
We were stationed in Idar Oberstein, Germany from 1971 to 1972 supporting our troops in Vietnam and around the world with much needed supplies. We were assigned to the 85th Quartermaster Company .
Would love to locate my buddy Richard L. Vaughn. Stationed at CCK AB Taiwan June67-July68. TDY to Tuy Hoa RVN, Udorn RTAFB, and Da Nang!
I served at Fort Hood from 1993-1995 2nd Armored Division, 502nd FSB, Alpha and Bravo company. Love to hear from ya!
Was stationed at Fort Clayton in the Canal Zone in 1965-66. 74th Quartermaster Detachment. Co was Lt. Clifford.
I am looking for a young Air Force A1C in those days, now Sgt, stationed at Kirknewton Scotland from 1959 to 1963. His name was O. Glen McCowan(McGowan) and he was from TN. Loved them Vols!, Married a Scottish lass named, appropriately, Lorna.
I’m a 20 year Navy vet but there is no one I wish to reconnect with. Sad I guess but true. Have a good day.
Looking for Michael Moore USN. My roommate from the Language Institute in Monterey. 1969&70.
Looking for friends with
C co 311 MI bn 101st ABN DIV .
1988 to 1993
LT Ella deployed in Bosnia Herzegovina as MI.
I was in vietnam from august 69 to august 70 i was with 1/10 cav 4th inf div tank commander i was in pleku and an-khe
Looking for sailors assigned to the USS Piedmont during 19680-1971
Stationed at ,6917th SCTY. GP. San Vito Dei Normanni byJune 1969 -Dec.1971.
I think someone can’t subtract. The war has been over for more than 49 years. If they just found each other it’s more than 50 years ago they were in Vietnam.
I served as a Radioman aboard the USS Blue Ridge LCC-19 from 1973-75. Looking for any other shipmates that I might have served with. A lot of my buddies have passed away. In memory of Pat McHale, Kevin O’Reilly, Danny Potestio, and Randy “Kelly” Kelahar. RIP. ?
blueridge 75/78 Boiler Tech lot of memorys
He was a US Marine, not Army.
Who is it you’re referring to?
I was in Viet Nam from Nov. 2nd, 1969 to Oct. 21, 1970. I was with 2nd and 17th field artillery. We ended up in Bamnethuot. I was in Service battery that hauled ammo to two of our firing batteries. I would love to meet up with anyone from that unit at that time.
Looking for my old friend Jim Heck
there is a jim heck in grass valley ca
Great story., thank you
Awsome story of incredible leadership and courage by all under fire. Semper Fi
This is so AWESOME. I want to sincerely thank you both for your SERVICE!
Thanks for standing up men. God bless your families.
Beautiful story.
kagnew station asmara ethiopia 1966-1967
I have two buddies I would like to connect with if you can help. The first is Michael Black who was my Ranger buddy at Ft. Benning in 1969. We were in the Ranger 5 class of October and November. The other vet is Donald Goff of the same class.
Us army 1966-1968. 291tc company 519 Battalion
I didn’t know at the time that would look back on my service years with such joy and pride.
buddy finder doesn’t work.
USS America, around the world cruise 1971-1972
Looking for Jim Graham from Waylon Mi., Served in 381 SMW, WICHITA Ks ’75-’76.
USAF K-9, Kunsan Korea, Soesterberg Ab Holland, Kwang Ju Korea, Torrejon A B Spain, Davis Monthan AFB Tucson Az, Dyess AFB Abilene Tex.
looking for any buddies
I’m sorry but I can’t help you with your question. But maybe you can help with mine. 1974 the first female dog handler started school at Lackland AFB . Shelia Dugan (Married during training)!She was in the class ahead of us. The second female was in our class Rickie Tompson . The names are right but the spelling may be wrong. Any one know for sure what happened to either one? Please I’ve only heard rumors and neither one was a good outcome. I saw Rickie while walking through the terminal at Anderson in 75. Neither one of us could believe it. Just a chance meeting for sure. I was stationed there and she was “passing through”.
Out of the many years I’ve been on TWS, I’ve never found any guys on it from ‘back in the day’. I sure wish the Army had a way of getting in touch instead of a private sector ‘subscription’ ?
U>S> Army-1960-1963. 16 Mo. in Korea All above Seoul. Ten Mo. on DMZ.
I’m 83, I really don’t know if any of the men are still alive! Its 64 years ago, most of the Guys had nick-
names so I sure remember Faces not to many names.
William Kokell
Steve steel seabe
In Can Tho MACV in 70 with a driver, a Native American, and a Corporal drafted from college Both wonderful comrades. I was removed from Delta with no advance notice. I did not get to say goodbye to anyone.
I guess the VA doesn’t realize a Marine vet is not an Army vet.
Typical isn’t it? But inexcusable! Just like the VA said they had no record of me when i was still wearing my Army dog tags at the time!!
You describe Col Volmar as: James Volkmar – Army Veteran. He is a MARINE – you have a picture of him in his dress blues! What is the matter with you?
Give ’em hell, DevilDog! Ooh-Rah!
Have been trying for over 50 years to reconnect with soldiers I served with in Vietnam with the 571st Engineer Co. (CBT) 3rd Brigade 9th Infantry Division, from February 8, 1970, to September 1970, when we were deactivated and sent to different units. If anyone who served in that unit when I was assigned there, I would sincerely appreciate hearing from you.
Sp 5 Joseph Smart
282 nd Black cats, 1967
183rd bird dog , 1970
Diamond head 25th 1967
Wanting to connect with Army Personnel who served in Cam Rahn Bay, Vietnam with 588th TC Depot Company from 1966 to 1967.
Seeking Sammy Waxman mortarman with Charlie Company, 1st Bn, 11th Infantry, 1st Bde, 5th Infantry Division, Viet Nam ’68-’69, I Corps. I was his Lieutenant and he claims I saved his life. Lost contact with him 3 years ago I want to reconnect.
I’d love to vreconnect with some old buddies. Especially Bill Smith from Ohio My name is
Randy Grifford called (Shorty). 7th infantry division co. A Fort Ord California Please contact me, Bill I have a lot to say God bless
I love to reconnect with my old buddies, especially Bill Smith from Ohio
Why did news.va.gov refer to their news subject as someone from the Army? How could you miss that he was a Marine Officer? Look at his Uniform, literally look at the jpg attached to the headline.
“Read how Army Veteran James Volkmar reconnected with his radio operator 44 years after they were both medevaced from the battlefield in Vietnam.” is the headline-
LOOK AT HIS UNIFORM. This needs to be corrected, blood was shed that day.
It’s amazing how the most important person in our lives can disappear one day after leaving Viet Nam.
Hey, Robert Anderson, formerly of Rocky Mount, NC, and Radioman on USS Summit County in 1958.
We’re old vets, and I’d like to talk to you!
Paul Campbell
Ii would like to get in touch with Roberta Fedderof – Federoff is the name which I knew her in 1976-1979. We were stationed in Karlsruhe Germany. We were BEST friends, and I’ve lost contact with her over the yeas.
Thank you for your help!
Ann Ingram
SEMPER FIDDELIS?????????
Outstanding reflection and rejoining of a team.
Looking for Joe Barrera and Robert Hernandez
Army 1971 to 1973 in Germany A battery 2/3 Artillery
IT’S GREAT BEEN ABLE TO RE-CONNECT, AND THAT MOST OF US MADE IT BACK, THANK GOD.
Looking for mcb7 Seabees 1965 thru 1968
I myself just connected with a buddy of mine.At the forty four years we were m sixty machine gunners with the hunter first airborne division first battalion 327 infantry
Looking for anyone who served in Alpha Company 13th Signal Battalion when 1st Sergent Grisset was in charge.
I was in Aco, 37th sig Bn, From 5 September 1968 to 27 April 1972, of course, it was 14th Sig Co at the end. I was mostly in the Hoi An East and West. But had all Generators in the back 40 the last 6 months.
So where can veterans go to try to find men they were stationed with, to try to locate them?
TWS (link above ☝?) has a “Buddy Finder”, but speaking from experience, it hasn’t helped me find any with just a ‘free’ level ‘membership’. I sincerely hope you have better luck finding long lost buds ?️