Skinner's Reunion 97 Poop Sheet
A/1/7 Korea Reunion San Antonio Oct97
Dear Stable Able,
As I sit here trying to arrange my thots to put on paper I feel very
inadequate on how to express my feelings about the 1997 reunion in San
Antonio. Had thot the 1996 reunion couldn't be surpassed but I came away
from this one knowing it had been the grandest and could only be surpassed
by having a greater number of our shipmates present. The main ingredients
for this one was the better opportunity to spend time together rehashing old
times, checking out the photo albums and having the roster board to see who
was present. My deepest graditude goes to our "Pointman", Larry "Tex"
Pawelka, Herb and Ellie Aldous for guiding and approving Larry's action and
Bill and Martha Howes for their close support to Herb and Ellie. Others that
helped please accept my thanks also. I can only relate my experience so bear
that in mind as I attempt to give a brief on how it went, mainly for the
benefit of those not present.
My son, Frank,USAF, stationed at Ft Meade, MD, had the task to baby sit
me for the reunion, other members of the family not being able to attend.
Sharon drove down from NJ to baby sit Marie and to take her to SC to visit
our son, Jim,Jr.. Dennis, MSgt,USMC (Ret), our son-in-law stayed on his job
in Philly. Somebody in the family had to be earning money. All attended last
year and regretted missing this year.
Frank and I flew into San Antonio on 8Oct97. Larry met us at the airport
and hand carried us thru the process to the motel then led us to his little
"Spread'. Really like his place. Sat on the patio and enjoyed the birds.
The following day Larry, Frank and I had breakfast with George "Tex"
Blair and his beautiful bride, Christina. A real pleasure for us. George and
Christina contributed most of the "Stuff" for the Ditty Bags we all
received. Learned George also Amateur radio operator as Frank and I are.
Christina has some serious medical problems but I could tell she was going
to "Gut out" the reunion. Reminded me of my Marie last year. Frank and I
then toured some the USAF bases where he had received his recruit training
17 years before. Pleasure to see where my son wore out his first combat
boots.
On our return to the motel I had received a Lima-Lima from Colonel Smith,
made contact and learned he and Janet weren't going to be there. What a
dissappointment for us all. Able Six the most! He wanted me to pass the word
that he would sure be with us in spirit tho the physical situation wouldn't
allow it. I knew Major Hampton and Tommie weren't coming due to Tommie's
health so that eliminated two thirds of my set of Skippers.
10 Oct arrived and so did "Old Warriors" of Stable Able One Seven. Much
"Mill around" with handshaking and hugging as old "Fox hole Buddies" were
recognized. The day Frank and I checked in so did a horde of "Squids" from
two WWII destroyers. As "Squids" are prone to do, one tripped over me. He
asked if I was from one of the ships. I was stunned as was Frank, I looked
at Frank and saw the unbelieving look on his face then turned to the "Squid"
and mildly answered "No sir!'. Was mulling over why he would ask such a
thing as I thot "USMC" emanated from me. Then figured all old men look like
all other old men. Soon realized I didn't have my Stable Able cover on.
Reached in my tote bag, got it and placed the cover on my head. I wasn't
stumbled on any more. The reason I mention this is the difference in
behavior of my Marines and the sailors. The sailors, tho unorganized were
checking in fairly calmly. We just had so much more "Gusto!" when we saw
our old comrades of so long ago. It was such a pleasure seeing the fellas
find each other. (Nothing against "Tincan Sailors". Rode a few "Cans" and
luved the ride and was treated great.)
Dick Staples dropped by and left some goodies for the Ditty Bags then had
to rush off to get back to Wisconsin. Hope all turned out OK Dick.
That night the meeting room stayed full. Colonel Bell was aboard, looking
fit. Couple of the fellows asked about talking to him, heck, that's why he
came, to see and talk to his Marines of Stable Able. Think he surprized
some that he did remember them and certain events. He told of his early days
in the Corps when he was with the Asiatic Fleet Seems when he was boxing in
Shanghia during 1937, the sports writer for a Shanghia paper was trying to
convert his name "Bell" to what the Chinese could understand. "Ding Dong" is
what the writer came up with so there you go sports fans. Hey, Joe Vitak,
maybe on next promotion test!! After my 30 years in the Corps, Colonels
Smith and Bell still make me feel like a "Boot"! As I'm older than Major
Hampton he doesn't intimidate me like that. Know he's got a sea bag full of
"Combat Actual" tales of WWII that would put me in awe tho.The albums on
hand were well browsed thru. Noticed the Monthly Personnel Rosters I had for
Oct50, Nov50, Dec50, Feb51 and Jun51 received a lot of interest.
"Happy Hour" went real well, so well in fact that all the funds for the
planned "Happy Hours" were expended that night. We did miss a lotta beer
rations in Korea so had some catching up to do..
11 Oct, Saturday, we took a bus tour of San Antonio, thru Ft Sam Houston
and of course the Alamo. Tho it wasn't known by all of us the Alamo had a
sword on display that Larry Pawelka had donated to the Willes(?) Museum and
it was loaned to the Alamo for our benefit. Larry procured the sword about
1954. He later found it had belonged to a General Neil of Texas who
commanded the Alamo before the seige and had been relieved due to sickness.
Lucky he!! The rain did curtail our "Heel and Toe" time, I'm sure not
because of the old Stable Able Marines as we been there, done that marching
in the rain stuff but we did have ladies aboard. Well, can you think of a
better excuse? We drove by the Nam and Korea War Memorials. Didn't stop due
to the rain so didn't get to see Larry's two bricks with his name for Korea.
They think highly of Larry in San Antone! Stopped at a shopping mall, I felt
like I was in a foreign port! During the tour our guide had her spiel down
pat and was rattling it off. Ding Dong poked me and told me to tell her to
take a breath. I had to mull that over as I didn't want to bellow it out.
Had my chance when she talked to the driver a short time later. Advised her
the Colonel was wearing hearing aids and if she could slow down a skosh
maybe he could digest what she was saying. She said she'd be glad to and she
did for about 15 seconds. On our return to the motel and we had our
luncheon.
The business meeting was held after the luncheon. Guess Herb will discuss
that in more detail but will tell you Pensacola, FL will be the spot to
muster next October. Duane St John will be the "Pointman" for it.. After the
meeting and for the rest of the day we had time to spend with our old
shipmates.
Larry's very attractive daughter, Karyn, hosted a crafts show for the
ladies as we held the business meeting. Understand she came down from
Aurora, CO to bear a hand for her Dad. That's FAMILY!! Speaking of Larry's
family, his son Scott has been named Employee of the Year at Colorado School
of Mining, Denver. He got to eat chow with the governor of Colorado. Larry,
you have a family to be proud of and I know you are.
The banquet Sunday night was one of the most enjoyable functions I've
ever attended. By this time LtCol. Aubrey Doggett , USMCR, (Ret), 3rd
Plt/MGs, and his pretty lady had joined us. Remembered how proud the 3rd Plt
was that their 2nd Lt PltLdr lasted so long with out getting hit. Ray "Tex"
Bauer, also of the 3rd Plt joined us, having left a sick wife to do so. I'm
aware of another Marine who also left the bedside of a sick wife to join us
for the banquet, "General" Oscar "Tex" Noriego.
The guest speaker was MajGen T. Wilkerson, USMC, who is the Marine Corps
Reserve Commander. An excellent speaker with a message for us to continue to
support our Corps with the expertise we have learned as Marines. I was a
little leary when I learned a MajGen Wilkerson was to be the speaker as the
only time I had occassion to be spoken to by a Gen Wilkerson was in 1971
when the Asst Base Commander, BrigGen Wilkerson, chewed me out for my 2nd
Marines stopping rush hour traffic on Camp Lejeune when returning from a
march. Relieved that our speaker was the son of the Asst Base Commander and
his Dad didn't pass the word to get on me again. Didn't get any sympathy tho
from the MajGen when I infoed him his Dad chewed me out. He said one time
was nothing as his Dad has been chewing him out all his life!
A Mariachis Band kicked off the banquet, they entered playing the "Marine
Hymn" which we all appreciated. And played it again on leaving. Sure enjoyed
their music. The chow was great and beat the Charlie-rations by far. I'm not
sure of the proper order but know Jack Nichols read a message from CMC and
one from Governor Bush of Texas that John "Tex" Ontiverous had arranged for.
Must back track and compliment the "Color Guard" from the 4th Recon Bn who
preceded the General on his entrance. Sharp lads! After the messages an
award ceremony was held by the Marines of Stable Able, presenting the
"Silver Star" to Sgt Gene Merrall for his bravery on 8Mar51. He received his
medal thru the mail after his discharge and wanted a ceremony. After 46
years he got his ceremony in front of his fellow Marines of Stable Able
with his former platoon leader, Jack Nichols, doing the honors of pinning on
the medal. Could it have been any better? Not to me it couldn't! It dawned
on Gene as the citation was being read that what he did could have been
hazardous to his health and it kinda shook him.. "Tex" Pawelka conducted
"The Empty Chair Ceremony". It came from his heart and caused the names and
faces of the fine men that I could remember who that chair symbolized to
pass thru my mind..Well done Larry! Some gifts were then awarded to some
folks for their part in arranging the reunion. Can't remember for sure who
got what so won't elaborate. General Wikerson gave his speech and delighted
when he mentioned Colonel Bell and his families had once been neighbors.
Colonel Bell rose and spoke. He complimented Herb and his aides for
arranging one of the best reunions he has attended and that's been quite a
few. Harry Alfeo spoke that he and a group were involved with the "Young
Marine" program and find it full-filling to work with the youngsters.
Colonel Stan Rauh promoted Ellie Aldous to "Honorary Gunnery Sergeant".
CONGRATULATIONS GUNNY!! She's the cutest Gunny I've known, what am I saying?
How can a Gunny ever be considered cute? Well, what ever! But been thinking
about that as before I would hop to when she spoke to me concerning the
"Poopsheet" but with her being a Gunny now, I'm not prone to hopping when a
Gunny speaks. Guess when Colonel Rauh reads this he'll say "I'll fix that,
I'll just promote Ellie the next reunion." Well, Colonel, remember SgtsMajor
work for at least LtCols. HiHi! Figure I'd throw in a laugh there! Closing
the banquet, "General" Noriego sang "Because of you" for us. I know he sang
it for his wife who is very ill but it really touched me and made me feel
closer to my Marie who wasn't with me on this trip. He has a great voice.
Thanks Marine!
I'm not sure how much of my "Stuff" that Gunny Ellie can find room for in
the newsletter but would like to mention some of you that I spoke to there.
My old buddy Mickey and her husband, The Ice Cream Kid, were great to see
again. The "Kid", Bob Licker got Ding Dong to go along with him that we did
get ice cream, Ding Dong, like Shiffty, did say it was pretty soupy. I don't
know, maybe what I thot was green pea soup was the ice cream. And too Bob,
kinda tacky that you gloated about the big dish of ice cream you had just
had. Bill and Martha Howes, always impressed by your support of Herb an
Ellie. Burt Aschenbeck, sure glad you made the scene. Doc "Tex" O'Dell, was
sure good to meet you. Always feel better to have an FMF Corpsman aboard.
Always capitalize Corpsman same as I do Marine out of respect. Rip Collins,
hope you received the MPR OK. Frank LiCausie, get a hair cut Buddy. Al
Johnson, guess we did pretty good as didn't see you getting chewed out this
trip. "Tex" Nelson, pleasure to meet you and your bride. Hope you join us
hi-speed lo-drag type on the internet soon. Jim Custer, sure good to see you
and your bride. Hope the rest of your trip went well. Bob Hanley you did
fine job with the "Music". Bill Powers, fine job on working for naming the
post office for Champagne.Joe Ott, Jack O'Hagen called and wanted to know if
you made it. Told him "Yep" and last time I saw you I was showing you how to
get out of the motel after you mistakenly went thru the door to the "Cement
Pond". Jack had a death in the family so couldn't join us. Louis Eaves,
proud to see you there. You and Herb are heroes to me. Louis and Herb both
lost legs on 28May52. "Muley" Mulhausen, except for the hair now being
white, I don't see any change in you. Jack Poff, forgot to pull your liberty
card but I'll remember in Pensy. "Moose" Conde, did you really tote the 105
recoiless instead of the M-1 rifle? Herb Harvill, Roland Ocon it was a
pleasure chatting with you fellows.Know there is more I had great chats with
but can't recall now. I think we had Marines from all phases of the war and
do hope all found an old "Foxhole Buddy". Appreciate the pretty ladies being
there to add class, beauty and serenity to the proceedings. If they noticed
I didn't do any flirting it's because Gunny Ellie had infoed Marie she would
keep an eyeball on me, besides my son, Frank, was there.
My count is 41 Marines and one Corpsman were present. Last year I
believe the count was 40 Marines and one Corpsman. Will list those I checked
off on my roster. Any errors please advise:
Herb Aldous, Harry "Tex" Alfeo, Bert Aschenbeck, Jesse "Tex" Balleza, Ray
"Tex" Bauer, Van D Bell, George "Tex" Blair, Henry Bressman, Jim Collins,
James Conde, James Custer, "AJ" "Tex" Davidson, Aubrey Doggett, Paul Eaves,
Bob Hanely, Doyle Harvill, Bill Howes, Robert Huff, Allen Johnson, Frank
LaCausie, Bob Licker, Gene Merrall, Muley Mulhausen, Edwin "Tex" Nelson,
Jack Nichols, Oscar "General" "Tex" Noriego, Roland Ocon, Bobby "Doc" "Tex"
O'Dell, John "Tex" Ontiverous, Joe Ott, Al "Tex" Padilla, Larry "Tex"
Pawelka, Edwin Pearman, Jack Poff, Bill Powers, Stan Rauh, George Schutz,
Shiffty Shifflette, Jim Skinner, Duane St John and Dick Staples. (Hope I got
all the Texans!)
We only had two Skippers present, Ding Dong and Earl Thompson, hope
Colonel Smith, Major Hampton and Carl Ullrich can make it next year. The
Marines enjoy talking to the Skippers and getting the straight scoop on what
the heck went on.
Colonel Bell infoed me that Staff Sergeant Carmon Sammy Bass, 2nd Plt,
passed away some years ago in Waco, TX. Sam was the epitome of a US Marine.
13 Oct Able Company again "Went to the Winds". Hated to part from my
shipmates and then parted from my son in Atlanta. The trip home went well.
Was greeted by my glowing bride Marie and our daughter Sharon. It was
Marie's birthday and the flowers I had arranged to be delivered to her made
many points for me..HiHi!
It's taking me sometime to wind down. Larry too I think, he called two
days in a row. Jack O'Hagen also called two days in a row. He couldn't make
it due to death of a kinsman. Stuff happens Jack and no UA charges pending,
just be there next year. Received Email from Merrall, Shiffty, Licker, Herb
and Ellie. Snail mail from Ding Dong and Jack Nichols. All very pleased with
the reunion.
Ding Dong has sent info on John Fryer, 2nd Plt, John was Sam Bass'
runner. He lost part of a leg near the Punch Bowl in Aug51. He sang the
"Marine Hymn" while being carried to the rear. He is now Doctor John Fryer,
Pernot Distinguished Proffessor of Microbiology and Department Chair at
Oregon University. Outstanding title to add to your title of "Marine" John.
Proud you are one of us.
Paul Garst, thanks for the map of Korea and the cover of "The Saturday
Evening Post" that has your photo peering thru binoculars looking at Ch'ohon
in April 1951. Paul was in 1st sqd of Machine Guns and
WIA on 29May51. "Shiffty" delivered them at the reunion.
"Igor" Yeasted called after the Bn reunion in Florida. He and his bride
were healthy enough to make the trip in their motor home this year. Last
year they both were on the "Sick, lame and lazy" list.
Joe Vitak, Larry Pawelka says he has talked to you and and you are
hanging in there pretty good. Why don't you start climbing those mountains
in Colorado and get in shape to be at Pensacola? Just a thot..Say, got
another saying for you that Eddie Arechiga sent via Email. "Shoot low,
they might be crawling." Keep your interval Joe!
Harold "Muley" Mulhausen sent me a book he wrote titled " Korea, Memories
of a U S Marine". He wrote it for his amazement and amusement only. "Mulely"
was in the 3.5 rockets and was in the 1st Replacement Draft. I had to read
it immediately and couldn't put it down until I finished. Enjoyed it "Muley"
and thanks!
Along the creative line, I have received a poem written by "Shiffty". He
wishes to honor the Marines of his Stable Able with it:
TO ALL MARINES WHO SERVED UNDER COLONEL VAN D BELL, JR. USMC (RET) -KOREA
1951-52
Listen to me all you Marines I have a story to tell,
It's about some warriors and their CO called "Ding Dong" Bell.
The place was known as Korea a long, long time ago,
Many of them came back from there, but some didn't you know.
We had a job to do, you see that's what Marines are for,
Our company would be assigned a mission; one hill, two or more.
The skipper would lead his men realizing the going would be rough,
But for us Marines we never shirk because we had to be tough.
1stSgt Skinner would say let's show them just what we can do,
So off we would go just doing what Marines always do.
Bursting shells and flying bullets zinging through the air,
Kicking up the dirt and dust giving the men quite a scare.
Most missed the warriors on the hill, others finding their mark,
"Keep going, lads" the skipper yelled; We must take this hill by dark!"
Then out of no where a weary, frighten lad began moving forward,
Making a way for others so they could follow.
With this heroic deed and the objective was now secure,
As the skipper came upon him he said "well done" I'm sure.
To all those who didn't come down that hill,
And reported on that heavenly scene,
I'm from A/1/7 sir, a United States Marine.
A company known as "Stable Able" had done their job so well,
The skipper and the 1stSgt were very proud as hell.
LEONARD R. "SHIFFTY" SHIFFLETTE
Captain, U. S. Marine Corps Retired
1 November 1997
"Shiffty", I know that came from the heart..Semper Fi Marine!
Alan Terrill recently came across a poem that he sent home in Jan51
while the company was near Pusan waiting for replacements after Chosin.
TO THE LEATERNECKS
"From the Halls of Montezuma
To the crimson-stained
Hamhung
Through the frozen, snowpacked
mountains"
That is the new way it is
sung;
Now a new and greater glory
Rises o'er an epic scene
As the heart leaps to the
statement,
"Look that youngster's a
Marine!"
The Golgotha of a stark
winter.......
Death along an icy
way..............
Thorns and cross at every
turning
Through the bitter night
and day;
Agony beyond all knowing
Marked by the one word
aglow;
"COURAGE" boldly, bravely
written
In red letters on the
snow.
Of no brief and gallant hour
This word on white
blanket speaks,
But of guts and faith and
fiber
Through two freezing,
howling weeks
In sub-zero and in
blizzards,
And from torture
never free.......
Hark! I hear the hoarse,
"We made it!"
As they stumbled
to the sea!
This the everlasting
promise
Kept along each
bloody yard:
"No one leaves behind
the wounded,
Cuz there ain't
no fight that hard!"
What a vivid gallant
epic
Down each
bleak Korean gorge
In the spirit and
the measure
Long
enshrined at Valley Forge!
Take your hat off,
Mister Homefront!
Stand in
silence with bowed head!
For you'll never
know the valor
Of these heroes
and their dead;
Say a prayer for
consecration
Of your spirit
through and through
Should this test the
kids met gamely
Come in some
degree to you!
by H.I. Phillips
Thanks Marine!
Heard from Gene Merrall recently. He and his bride celebrated their
fifty year wedding anniversary. Well done to you both! Been there done that
so know it's no small chore! Hope you folks have many more.
Duane St John has been busy reconning a site for our 1998 reunion. He
sure hopped on the mission. Appreciate you taking the point Duane.
Larry Paweka writes that he sent a letter of thanks to TV station KENS
Channel 5 in San Antone for their coverage of Gene Merrals "Silver Star"
ceremony. They sent him a return letter thanking him for his letter and send
particular congratulations to Gene for his award. Larry also heard from
James and Hilda Custer. They finally back home in Roanoke, VA after a trip
to AZ. Sounded like they had a great time in SA and planning for Pensacola.
Randy Mills, a college professor in Indiana, has sent a tenative copy of
an article that he has written concerning several Marines from Oakland City,
IN. who were members of Company C, 16th Infantry Bn. USMCR of
Evansville,IN. He tells the stories of some of these young Marines
concerning the Korean war. One of these Marines was our Robert "Bud" Fitch
who was killed in action on 22Apr51. I am very impressed by the article. It
causes me to remember that each of our Marines and Corpsmen were real live
young men with families that loved them and deeply mourned them if they
became causalties. The article is 20 plus pages. I'll send copies to those
who request it.
Received a nice letter from John Fryer on 22Nov97. He gives his word that
he'll muster at Pensacola in 1998. That's great to hear. He list the Marines
that carried him down the mountain in the dark and rain across the rain
swollen Soyang-gang to reach Bn Aid when he lost part of his leg. They are
Jim Dearing, John Payer, Dave Hatch, Frederick Haygood and Jim Bolger. He
doesn't know the name of the Doc (HM3)
who accompanied them. He has a handle on Dearing and Payer but not the
others. If you can help please contact John or me.
Will close now. Honored to have served with you men of Stable Able and
thank the Good Lord for letting me muster with you once again and to have my
son present to meet all you heroes.
Feel our meeting serves to honor our comrades who will be forever young.
May God bless them, their loved ones, you and yours.
Semper Fi !!
Jim
"TO BE A MARINE"
It cannot be inherited nor can it even be purchased
It is impossible to rent and it cannot be lent
You alone and our own have earned it with your Sweat
Blood, and Lives
You own it Forever
The title, "UNITED STATES MARINE"
(Rosie Dispatch)
LAST MUSTER
It is with regret that Bob Licker reports: " Ken HARTY of 3885 Okerstrom
Road, Hermantown, MN 55811-4306 passed away 16Nov97. Ken was most recently
with us at the 1/7 Battalion reunion in Fort Myers, FL with his lovely wife
Marilyn. Semper Fi to a Marine Brother who will meet others gone before him.
He will surely be missed. " Marilyn, our deepest sympathy to you and yours.
Semper Fi !! Jim