Camouflaged Memories

A native of Ohio the author joined the U.S. Marine Corps in May of1965 and completed his boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot ParrisIsland. Following boot camp and specialty training he joined Marine FighterAttack Squadron 542, the Flying Tigers, in Chu Lai Republic of Vietnam forhis fi rst tour of duty. Completing a successful tour with the Flying Tigers hewas selected to participate in the Enlisted Commissioning Program ultimatelycommissioned a Second Lieutenant in early 1968. He was assigned to the 3rdBattalion, 1st Marine regiment of the 1st Marine Division in the Republic ofVietnam at the completion of officer training.

During his duty with the 3rd Battalion he was awarded the Silver Star,two Bronze Stars, a Navy Commendation Medal and the Purple Heart forservice during 1968-1970. He completed tours of duty on staffs and unitcommand followed in the years of 1970 until retirement in June of 1988.He matriculated from Park College in 1976 as part of a service programto ensure that officers commissioned from the ranks had an opportunityto complete their college degrees. Graduation in 1976 with a GPA of 3.96satisfi ed that requirement and he moved on to other duties seeing duty in theFar East and around the nation.

During his duty with the 3rd Battalion he was awarded the Silver Star,two Bronze Stars, a Navy Commendation Medal and the Purple Heart forservice during 1968-1970. He completed tours of duty on staffs and unitcommand followed in the years of 1970 until retirement in June of 1988.He matriculated from Park College in 1976 as part of a service programto ensure that offi cers commissioned from the ranks had an opportunityto complete their college degrees. Graduation in 1976 with a GPA of 3.96satisfi ed that requirement and he moved on to other duties seeing duty in theFar East and around the nation.