Skinner's Poop Sheet October 1998
Poopsheet for A/1/7 October 1998
Yo!
Reunion '98 is now history. I've heard from more than several sources what a
grand time it was. Know more info will be included in A/1/7 newsletter. Very
pleased to hear that many Marines who had not attended a reunion before made
it and were not disappointed.
Sure regret not being present but planning to be at Rhode Island in '99.
Thomas Stevenson, on 30Jun98, sent me an Email inre his father, Robert
Stevenson, Robert served in Able from forming at Camp Pendleton to Dec50.
Robert wanted info on any upcoming reunions so sent info back to Thomas via
Email as Robert doesn't have an Email address. Haven't heard anymore so hope
Robert did make contact with the A/1/7 Assn and made the reunion. Thomas'
Email address is: tstevenson@csom.umn.edu in case you want to make contact.
Colonel Nat Smith has called more than several times. Happy to report that
he sure sounds great during his last call. The last knee operation seems to
have gone real well.
He hasn't been working on site at the MCRD Museum but hoping to put in a few
hours there soon. He does consult via LL so not out of the "Loop". He was a
guest at the 5th Marines anniversary of it's forming in 1917. He was honored
to attach the "Battle Streamers" to the Regimental Color for battles from
1917 to WW II. LtGeneral Ray Murray attached all the rest up to the present
that the 5th had earned. Both had been members of the 5th. He also was a
guest aboard "Lewis B Puller" (FFG-23) for the commissioning anniversary
where he received the piece of cake as the "Oldest Marine" aboard. Believe I
detected a little feeling of dismay when he told me that HiHi.. The "Chesty"
is being transferred to the Egyptian navy. He is looking for door chimes
that play the "Marine Hymn". Any of you have that info? Would like to have
a set myself.
He and Colonel Bell are staying in touch.
Randy Miller, who wrote an article that included our Bud Fitch, has
researched and sent me another article concerning Sergeant Charles Garrigus,
US Army, who was a member of "Task Force Faith". Sergeant Garrigus was
awarded the "Distinguished Service Cross" posthumously for his action east
of Chosen. If you want a copy please advise.
Ken Stelzel called for John Ontiveros' fone number. Ken undergoing therapy
for his operation and hanging in there.
Called Larry Pawelka. He'd been visited by Bruce Robbins and his lady.
Harry Knight called for info on reunion. Hope he made it.
Received the following letter from "Bunky" Prandstatter and will copy most
of it for your reading. This is not verbatim:
Mon-Aug-3rd 98
Hi Skinner,
This is Walter "Bunky" Prandstatter. Back again with some more "Skinney" for
"Skinners Poop Sheet". Thanks to you Skinner your editorial about me in last
months "Poop Sheet" was seen by another comrade in A-1-7. His name is
Bernard Seeley from Spring Field Fla. He is also going to the A-1-7 reunion
in Sept.
We reminisced about our 3rd sq 3rd plt comrades. (He called me and we
chewed the fat for ½ hr.) Which we were identified as "O'Hagen's Rain Drop
Kids"
Sgt J. J O'Hagen pinned that name on us because of the constant rain
fall day in and day out. "The Rain Drop Kids" were notorious on the front
lines. Every time the Army or "ROC's" lost ground or were pushed back. J. J.
O'Hagen & Paul Kelly who both had two tours of duty in Korea, was asked to
help bring order and stability back.
O'Hagen's "Rain Drop Kids" went on patrol with the Army and "ROC's" many
times. While "Able Co" was back in the rear. They didn't know our names but
they knew our "Handle" "The Rain Drop Kids"
After awhile just O'Hagen, Kelly and myself ("Bunky") took patrols out
with the Army. We spent "Mucho" time on front lines.
Please! Please!
Print the names of O'Hagen's "Rain Drop Kids", 3rd Sqd, 3rd Plt, A/1/7
They are Sgt J.J. O'Hagen, Sgt Charles Eagan, Cpl Paul Kelly, Cpl Walter
"Bunky" Prandsatter, Bernard Seeley, Charles Pusey, Mama Petyak, Bob
Sweeney, Abele, Scoggins, Loftus and James Tobin of New York killed in
action in my and O'Hagen's arms.
Hope you print these names. I think these Gyrenes (as many others) deserve
the editorial.
Thanks Skinner. I'll see you at A/1/7 reunion in Sept.
Remember Skinner, "Windage and elevation".
Cpl Walter "Bunky" Prandsatter, 3rd Sqd, 3rd Plt. A/1/7
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
There you go Bunky!!
Received an item from John Ontiveros that he got from the "Korea War
Veteran". It's copy of the citation that went along with 1st Lt. Frank
Mitchell's "Medal of Honor". Yep John, he indeed one of ours. Sgt James I.
Poynter and Cpl David Champagne are our other two MOH's during the Korean
War. All posthumous sad to say.
Recently received a nice letter from our artillery forward observer, Gene
"Lummie" James. He gives excellent report on "Billie", she is coming a long
in fine fashion. They have a fine new grand daughter, Katlyn Jean. Congrats
to all involved there Gene!! He included a photo of the 11th Marines area of
about May51. He and "Rosie" are in the shot but hard to ID them. "Rosie"
lost a foot on 673. As Gene lives in Myrtle Beach, SC, he and I share same
concerns when storms head toward the coast, each wondering who's gonna get
the brunt this time. Think this area is winner for hardest hit for last 3.
Also received nice letter from Bill and Martha Howes before the reunion.
They sent a photo of Marie and me taken at the 96 reunion. Thanks folks!
Marie looks great!
The old BARman, Frank LiCausie, AKA,"The Killing Machine", called after
the last hurricane to check on our status and he called again after the
reunion to info me.
Have had Email contacts with Bob Licker, Shifty, Herb, Ellie and John
Fryer since the reunion. Email is great way to comm. If you not using it yet
have no fear of it. After all if I can cope so can you.
Well Stable Able, that's the poop I have. Keep in mind that without your
input there isn't any poop. Stay warm and dry and don't pitch you hotch in
dry river beds.
May God look kindly on our Fallen Warriors and their loved ones and too on
you and yours...
Semper Fi!
Jim
Semper Fi !! Jim