Taps
Rest easy, sleep well my brothers.
Know the line was held, your job is done.
Rest easy, sleep well.
Others have taken up where you fell, the line has held.
Peace, peace, and farewell…
The 10 most recent deceased SOA members are shown
at the top of the page.
Non-Members who have passed are listed below these.
Kenneth E. McMullin, SOA #127,
SGM (Ret), passed away on Dec 25, 2011. He was born in 1940 in
California. He enlisted in the California Army National Guard on
February 21, 1960, and went on active duty in the U.S. Army as a Combat
Engineer on December 31, 1962, serving until December 14, 1965. SP5
McMullin served in the U.S. Army Reserve from December 15, 1965, until
returning to active duty on January 31, 1966. His next assignment was as
a Demolition Specialist with Company E, 7th Special Forces Group at Fort
Bragg, North Carolina, from April to December 1966, followed by service
as a Demolition Sergeant with Company B, 5th Special Forces Group in
South Vietnam from December 1966 to October 1967. Sgt McMullin served as
an Operations Sergeant with the 5th Special Forces Group in South
Vietnam from October 1967 to September 1969, and then as an Intelligence
Sergeant with the 46th Special Forces Company in Thailand from September
1968 to October 1969. His next assignment was as an Operations and
Intelligence Sergeant with the 6th Special
Forces Group at Fort Bragg from October 1969 to January 1970, followed
by service with Company C, U.S. Army Special Forces Training Group at
Fort Bragg from January 1970 to March 1971. During this time, SSG
McMullin served on Action Element #2 with the Blueboy Assault Group
during the Son Tay Raid, a clandestine mission to rescue American
Prisoners of War in North Vietnam on November 21, 1970. He served as a
Reconnaissance Team Leader and Airborne Controller with the U.S. Army
Vietnam Training Advisory Group in South Vietnam from March 1971 to
February 1972, and then served as
an Intelligence NCO and Training NCO with the 46th Special Forces
Company and the U.S. Army Special Forces Training Group in Thailand from
February 1972 to March 1973. His next assignment was as the Senior
Special Forces Instructor with the Special Forces Detachment at the U.S.
Army Institute for Military Assistance at Fort Bragg from April 1973 to
March 1975, followed by service as Operations Sergeant and then
Assistant Chief Operations NCO with the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort
Bragg from March 1975 to November 1976. MSG McMullin served as an
Operations Sergeant with Company A, 3rd
Battalion of the 5th Special Forces Group at Fort Bragg from December
1976 to August 1982, and then as Operations and Training NCO with
Headquarters Joint Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg from August
1982 to September 1984. His next assignment was as Detachment Sergeant
Major and then Company Sergeant Major with Company A, 3rd Battalion of
the 7th Special Forces Group at Fort Davis, Panama, from September 1984
to December 1989, followed by service as Company Sergeant Major with
Company B, 1st Battalion of the 7th Special Forces Group at Fort Bragg
from January 1990 to
January 1991. His final assignment was as Battalion Command Sergeant
Major with 2nd Battalion of the 3rd Special Forces Group at Fort Bragg
from January 1991 until his retirement from the Army on November 1,
1992.
Vernon Fredrick "Fred" Winters, SOA #386,
of Port Charlotte, FL passed away Dec. 6, 2011. Born Sept. 3, 1946, in
Akron, Ohio, to Vernon and Harriet Winters. he lived all over the world
as his father spent a lifetime serving in the Army. Winters himself
served 27 years in the U.S. Army Special Forces. He was a decorated
veteran with honors including the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, four
Bronze Stars, including one with valor, and two Purple Hearts. He also
held a master's degree in marketing. Fred spent his last years as a
fishing guide and professional angler in the IFA, FLW and ESPN Redfish
Cup.
Joseph Son Van Le, SOA #2782,
passed away Sept 12, 2011. He was born 1948 in North VN. In 1954 his
family moved to South VN in order to escape the communist regime. He
joined SOG in 1967, was trainined at Long Thanh, Kham Duc VN., and was
transferred to FOB #3 Command & Control South (CCS). He became a Spike
Team member of Spike Team Measure. He ran many reconnaissance missions
and was lightly wounded several times. He ran so many missions, he
was a real hero for C&C Detachment, 5th Special Forces (Airborne) in VN.
In April 1972 Son was honorably discharged from Special Forces and went
back to his home in Dalat. After April 1975 when the NVA took over SVN,
Son and his family's lives were threatened by the communist government;
they were hidden and were anxious for their family because he served in
SOG.
Derald R. Bunnell, SOA #1243,
passed away Thursday, Sept. 8, 2011.
Donald J. "Corky" Shelton, SOA #2237,
MSG (Ret), passed away July 31,
2011 at the age of 65. He served in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army Special
Forces with numerous decorations, medals, and citations. He was a
Vietnam veteran. He is survived by his wife and two sons.
Delbert Taylor Rasmussen,
SOA #2261,
MAJ (USA, Ret), age 69, died on July 20, 2010 following a courageous
battle with Cancer. Major Rasmussen was born in Vernal, Utah on June 18,
1941 to the late Manfred Taylor Rasmussen and Angeline Violet Baldwin.
He served in the United States Army from 1958 to 1980 completing
assignments with several units including two Parachute Infantry
Regiments in the 82nd Airborne Division, 7th Special Forces Group, 5th
Special Forces Group, 24th Infantry Division, and 8th Infantry Division.
While serving in Special Forces, Major Rasmussen completed two and a
half years of combat duty in the Republic of Vietnam working special
projects under the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam Studies and
Observations Group. He received numerous awards and decorations
including the Bronze Star with one Oak Leaf Cluster, but he was most
proud of earning the Ranger Tab by completing the U.S. Army Ranger
Course in March of 1961. He also received a Bachelor of Science in
Business from Pembroke State University during his time in the Army.
After retiring from the Army, Major Rasmussen enjoyed a second career as
a Contracting Officer at Hill Air Force in Roy, Utah. He remained a
resident of Roy until his death. Major Rasmussen is survived by his son
and his wife, John and Erinn, Fort Worth, TX; his son and his wife Eric
and Shannon, Fort Bragg, NC; his daughter Kristen, Charleston, SC; four
grandchildren, Heather and her husband Carlos Luis, Camp Lejeune, NC;
Bailey, Ryan and Karsyn, Fort Bragg, NC; two great-grandchildren,
Ethaniel and Xavior Luis, Camp Lejeune, NC; and numerous brothers and
sisters.
Maurice L. Brakeman, SOA #1408, MSG
(Ret), passed away June 28, 2011 in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
Brake enlisted in the Army in 1961 and was assigned as signalman and
radio operator in the 25th Infantry Division. After spending 5 months in
Thailand, Brake volunteered for a three month ‘shotgun’ assignment to
Vietnam as a door gunner out of Pleiku. He saw extensive combat during
this short tour and earned three air medals. He also became acquainted
with Special Forces operations in II Corps and re-enlisted for Airborne
and Special Forces in 1964. After graduating from the SF weapons course,
Brake spent 18 months with the 10th SF Group in Bad Toelz. In January
1966, Brake reported to the 5th SFGA in Vietnam and volunteered for
Project Delta. Brake was wounded, impaled on a punji stake while
inserting on a recon mission, and evacuated to the States. Upon his
recovery he was sent to language school and on to the 8th SF Group in
Panama. His next assignment was with B Co., 75th Rangers at Fort Carson.
From there it was back to Vietnam in January 1970. Brake again
volunteered for another tour with Project Delta and remained with them
until the Project closed down in June. He had the distinction of running
the last recon mission of the Project’s history with Roy Sprouse out of
FOB Mai Loc. After the Project shut down, Brake went to the 5th Mobile
Strike Force, B-55. He remained there for the balance of his tour. After
stints with the 19th Special Forces Group in Missoula and the JCRC
(Joint Casualty Resolution Center) in Thailand, Brake returned to
Vietnam for the fourth time. It, too, was a JCRC assignment that quickly
turned into a planning mission for the evacuation of the civilians
remaining in country. His last task was the gruesome search and recovery
of remains from the evacuation flight of civilians and children from
Saigon that crashed during an emergency return after takeoff. Brake was
again medically evacuated, suffering chemical burns from hydraulic
fluids leaked during the crash. Brake finished his career with
assignments to a refugee camp in Thailand; another tour with the 10th
Group as team sergeant for ODA 7, the SADM team; and a final assignment
as ROTC instructor in Moscow, ID. Maurice Brakeman requested no formal
service and his cremated remains were scattered on the Moyie River in
northern Idaho, close to his home, on 30 June. MSG Brakeman is survived
by brother Errol Brakeman, and children; Traci Jones, Marion “Erik”
Brakeman (CSM) , Tanya Brakeman, and Matthew Brakeman.
Robert R. Brown, SOA #2157, age 78, of Jackson died
Sunday, May 15 at Leisure Chateau Care Center in Lakewood. Born in
Brooklyn,NY, he spent time there and Brockton, MA as a child. When he
joined the service he traveled to Germany, England, Korea,Vietnam and
all over the United States. Bob lived in Lakewood for 24 years before
moving to Jackson 2 years ago. Bob served in the US Army for from
1951-1974 serving in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He was a scout
dog handler with the 39th Infantry Platoon in Bien Hoa, Vietnam with his
dog, Budda and received many military medals including a Bronze Star.
Bob was a very talented Pen & Ink artist, and was a guest artist for
Marvel Comics, drawing Conan the Barbarian and The Submariner. Most
recently, he worked as a Housekeeping Supervisor for Deborah Heart &
Lung Center in Browns Mills for 12 years. Bob was a member of the
Vietnam Dog Handler Association and a Life Member of the Special
Operations Association. He was a great husband and lived a full and
colorful life. Bob was predeceased by his parents, Walter and Margaret
(nee Coughlin) Brown. He is survived by his wife, Alexa Michel; a
sister, Barbara Sheridan and several nieces and nephews.
John R. Perchard, Jr, SOA #341,
LTC (Ret), passed away on May 09, 2011 at his home in Marston Mills, MA.
George W. Petrie, Jr., SOA #818, MAJ (Ret), passed away on April
15, 2011. He was born on June 21, 1939, in Lenoir, North Carolina. He
enlisted in the U.S. Army on June 23, 1958, and attended basic training
at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. After completing Jump School he was
assigned to the 319th Field Artillery Battalion of the 82nd Airborne
Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. From 1959 to 1960, Petrie was
assigned to the 20th Field Artillery Battalion of the 1st Cavalry
Division, and he then served with the 503rd Airborne Infantry Battalion
of the 82nd Airborne until 1961. Sgt Petrie next served as a radio
operator and light weapons specialist with the 5th Special Forces Group
from 1961 to 1963, and he was deployed to the Republic of Vietnam in
1963. He then served with the 8th Special Forces Group in Panama,
deploying to the Dominican Republic in 1965, followed by another tour in
South Vietnam with the 5th Special Forces Group from 1967 to 1968.
Petrie then served with the 3rd and the 6th Special Forces Groups,
receiving a direct commission to 1st Lt on January 23, 1970. Lt Petrie
participated in the Son Tay Raid on November 21, 1970, and was the first
person on the ground after the controlled crash landing of his HH-3E. He
again served in Vietnam in 1971 where he participated in various Bright
Light missions to recover POWs. Capt Petrie was assigned to the 5th
Special Forces Group from 1971 to 1973, and served in Southeast Asia
with the Joint Casualty Resolution Center from 1974 to 1975. During this
time, he helped plan the evacuation of Saigon and was on one of the last
helicopters out of the American Embassy. His next assignment was as
Operations Officer for the 35th Infantry Battalion of the 25th Infantry
Division at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, from 1975 to 1976, followed by
service back at the Joint Casualty Resolution Center at Barbers Point,
Hawaii, from 1976 until his retirement from the Army on June 1, 1980.
After retiring from the Army, George worked for Electronic Data Systems
with Ross Perot in Dallas, Texas, and also for various Law Enforcement
agencies in Texas. During this time, he also owned a Private
Investigation and Security Company and was the President of Chapter 31
of the Special Forces Association for 19 years. In 2007, George was
awarded the Gold Order of Saint Philip Neri, the U.S. Army Special
Forces' highest award for his accomplishments in the Special Forces. He
was buried at the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery in Dallas, Texas,
on April 27, 2011. His awards include Two Silver Stars, the Legion of
Merit, Two Bronze Stars one with V, Two Purple Hearts.
It is with deep regrets, that the SOA Board of Officers announces to the membership this continued list of Members who have passed away:
John Throckmorton, Jr, SOA #2762,
68, of Port Charlotte,
Florida died of a massive heart attack on February 17, 2011. He was in
his home in Port Charlotte when he passed. His remains were cremated by
the Southeastern Crematory on 17 March 2011. Jack was born in
Marshfield, Oregon on 24 Dec 1943. His father was John Throckmorton, Sr.
of Richmond, Va. and his mother was Ruth Aid of New Cumberland,
Pennsylvania, both now deceased. Jack is survived by his ex-wife - Jane
Miller of West Palm Beach Florida whom he married in 1983. He is also
survived by his two twins: daughter Amanda, son Ross - both 28 and older
son Miles 34. They all currently reside in the Palm Beach area of
Florida. Jack graduated from Davidson College in North Carolina in 1965.
He joined the Army as a private in 1964. He completed Officer Candidate
School in 1966 and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant. He then was
promoted in rapid succession to 1st Lieutenant, Captain and Major - all
in the U.S. Army Ordnance Corps. While in the military, Jack's main
focus was on nuclear Weapons Storage and Planning. Later, Jack served a
tour in Vietnam during 1966-67 and developed a close association with
U.S. Army Special Forces Camps in the III Corps Tactical War Zone. He
directly supported the III Corps Mike Force (Detachment A302, - 3rd Nung
Battalion, Abn.) by participating in their patrols deep in VC and North
Vietnamese Army strongholds. While in several of these firelights, he
assisted in the extraction of a number of Special Forces personnel from
extremely deadly situations. He personally suffered wounds while
assisting the extraction of specified patrol elements - and he saved
lives. His broader mission while in Vietnam was to develop and test
experimental munitions for infantry units. These included enhancements
to the existing "Claymore Mine" and various alternatives for achieving
mass enemy casualties. Finally- at the end of his military career, he
was one of only six commanding officers-Army wide-to command field
nuclear weapons (Supply Ammunition) companies in the U.S. Army. Jack
left the Service in 1971 when he resigned to become more involved in
maritime operations and more importantly - seamanship. In the years
1970's through 2011, Jack crewed on custom sport fishing boats from
Ocean City, Maryland to Key West, Florida and the Bahamas. He obtained a
U.S. Coast Guard Captain's license, and captained for researchers in the
first Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute effort to tag and study the
migration of juvenile Atlantic Blue-fin tuna. He captained sport fishing
boats and motor yachts for various yacht brokers, Fortune 500
corporations and private individuals, both U.S. and foreign. Jack most
often - operated in the waters off Canada, the Atlantic seaboard, the
Gulf of Mexico, the Quintana Roo, Mexico, the entire Bahamas, the Turks
and the Caicos, Cuba, Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, East
Coast of Nicaragua and the Sea of Cortez. He made numerous long range
U.S. and foreign cargo deliveries through Atlantic and Gulf Intracoastal
Waterway trips. Jack provided services in the areas of crew management,
safety, logistical planning, communications and negotiation with foreign
officials, and other duties
consistent with the prudent and seamanlike operations of sea-going
vessels. He loved the sea and all duties associated with being on the
water! Jack's professional maritime awards were well earned and
publicized. He was recognized by the State of Florida and the National
Maritime Association for Jack also earned kudos for his service in the
Vietnam War. His military awards an decorations include; the National
Defense Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Vietnam Service Medal,
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 dev the Army Commendation
Medal and the Good Conduct Medal (two awards). More recently, he became
an amateur military historian who reconstructed numerous combat events
of unique Special Forces Units, This research provide Army Decorations
Boards with the evidence to identify various Army heroes for eventual
recognition in dispatches. Jack's ashes were spread on the waters off
Port Charlotte on 15 April 2011 where he often sailed while the Captain
of commercial vessels. The remainder of his ashes were spread in the
desert near Las Vegas, Nevada in September 2011.
Dallas Longstreath, SOA #1207,
passed away Tuesday February 8, 2011 at Audie Murphy V.A. Hospital in
San Antonio, Texas. He was a long time member of the Special Operations
Association. I was unaware of the heroic actions of Dallas Longstreath
III since he never spoke of his deeds in Vietnam. It was quite evident
by the number of telephone calls and emails that he had been
instrumental in saving many lives of SOG personnel while acting at
"Covey" for many recon insertions. Dallas was an unpretentious, selfless
and a true "quite Professional". It was a pleasure knowing him for many
years and we will cherish his memory forever. It was my distinct honor
to render the eulogy at his memorial service. I was asked by John S.
(tilt) to read a letter that he wrote about his long time friend; he
wrote, At last year's SOG reunion, I proudly introduced Dallas to my
wife as the man who had saved my life on my last recon mission that I
ran with CCN in April 1970. On that mission, we had a four-man team
inserted into the A Shau Valley. Within a few hours after insertion, we
began to receive fire from a large enemy force that had pinpointed our
location. After we sustained equipment failure, I requested and
extraction for our team. The base commander, flying over the AO at a
"high altitude", refused our request. I then heard Dallas urging him to
pull us out. After refueling, Dallas returned and told us that he had
ordered "slicks" to get us out immediately. In his unique Southern
drawl, I heard Dallas say that he would answer any questions from that
"asshole" concerning his actions on our extraction! All of the aircraft
that worked the target sustained enemy fire as did our team as the
slicks pulled us out on ropes! Dallas epitomized all that is right and
brave about Special Forces men. Dallas put his live on the line many
times saving many recon buddies. May God rest his soul and forever bless
his family. Attending the memorial were George Hunt from Oklahoma and
Jim Graves and his wife from Victoria, Texas. George also eulogized
Dallas and stated that the reason that he was alive was because Dallas
had also saved him on an insertion. I received other similar messages
from his SOG companions praising him for his actions and bravery. I wish
to thanks all the members of our chapter for their outstanding support,
compassion and dignity in providing their assistance to the family. We
will never forget you brother. Your work here on earth is done, go and
rest forever in God's mansion. "you were a good guy, you". Mando (Red
Bird) Canales, President, Green Beret Chapter XV
Eulis A. Presley, SOA #830, SFC
(Ret), passed away Dec 9, 2010. SFC Presley served in the Army from July
1958 to June 1981 and in the Regiment from 1965 to 1981. He served in a
wide variety of positions and made tremendous contributions with the
1st, 5th, and 6th Special Forces Groups, MACVSOG, the Special Warfare
Center, and with 1st SFOD-D. SFC Presley entered Special Forces in 1965
and was assigned to the 6th Special Forces Group (Airborne) upon
completing the Special Forces Qualification Coruse. In 1967 he was
assigned to the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) where, as a Staff
Sergeant, he was the Company Commander of Second Company, A-503 Nha
Trang Mike Force. In 1968 he became the Company Commander of 6th
Company, B-55 Nha Trang Mike Force and led his company on numerous
missions supporting beleaguered A Detachments and other Special Forces
units in heavy contact with the enemy in the I, II, and III Corps
Tactical Zones. In 1968 he was reassigned to the 1st Special Forces
Group (Airborne) on Okinawa and was sent in March 1969 on temporary duty
to the MACV SOG Command and Control South in Vietnam as a member of a
Snakebite Team. He was the One Zero of Recon Team Vise and led his team
on a successful operation to capture a North Vietnamese prisoner of war
in Cambodia west of the Fishhook area of Vietnam. He was then
transferred to the MACV SOG Command and Control North (CCN) in May 1969
and was written about in John Plaster’s book SOG. Presley was the One
Zero of RT Kansas when marauding MiGs caused him to abort a North
Vietnam Bright Light mission attempting to reach the Red River Valley.
Every time they entered North Vietnam airspace they had to turn back
because MiG-21s came up to intercept. In June 1969 One Zero Presley’s RT
Kansas was tasked to locate and interdict an NVA POL Pipeline in CCN’s
Target area Oscar Eight. He inserted his team west of Ashau Valley to
hunt along Highway 922. Presley returned to the 1st Special Forces Group
(Airborne) on Okinawa and in January 1970 he volunteered for another PCS
tour of duty in RVN and was assigned to MACVSOG Command and Control
Central (CCC), 5th SFGA. In April 1970 SFC Presley became the One Zero
of RT Washington at CCC. SSG Presley left the Army in 1971 but returned
a year later where he was assigned as an Army Recruiter in the Chicago,
IL, area and encouraged enlistees to become Special Forces Soldiers.
From 1973 to 1977, Presley was assigned as to the Special Forces School
as an Advisor and Instructor to officer and enlisted students in Phase I
and Phase III of the Special Forces Qualification Course. From 1977 to
1979 he was assigned as an Evaluator and Advisor to the Eskimo Scout
program in Alaska where he was of great assistance in providing that
program with reconnaissance and unconventional warfare skills that they
had not previously possessed. In 1979 and until his retirement in 1981,
he was assigned to the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta.
In that organization, he created innovative intelligence and briefing
techniques that pioneered efforts for what has become the Global War on
Terror. He helped to design the Evasion and Escape kits used on the
fateful attempt to rescue 53 American hostages in Tehran, Iran, in 1980.
Fred Wayne Lawley, SOA #1772, COL
(Ret), passed away Nov. 25, 2010 11 AM at home. I was told that he died
peacefully in his sleep. We have lost another great Special Forces
soldier. As I recall, Wayne served in 5th SFG(A), was the recipient of
the DSC, and was the President of the Special Forces Association for
four (4) years. I remember when he organized, and we supported him, the
“COL Aaron Bank Walk” a few years back. Services will be
at Red Oak Baptist Church 2791 Hwy 290 at 1 PM on Tuesday. The VFW will
host a luncheon after the services.
George M. Yosich, SOA #619,
CSM (Ret), of Lehigh Acres, FL. passed away October 23, 2010 at Gulf
Coast Medical Center. He was born October 3, 1928 in Newark, New Jersey.
Leaving his loving Wife Fior Yosich; five children, Jo Means (Don),
Donna Jean Presley (Will), Tina Price, Michael George Yosich and Liz
Holland (Leo); also two Grandchildren, Travis Holland (Keely) and Ashley
Price; Sister Julie Zubak (Steve); Nephew, Rick Zubak (Lorelie), Sherry
Bean (Robert), Robert Yosich (Renee); cousin, JR Yovannvich (June); two
Grand-nephews and two Grand-nieces. George retired as a Command Sergeant
Mayor of the US Army in Special Forces Green Berets, Airborne for 28
years. He was an "original" member of Special Forces having joined the
10th SFG at Fort Bragg. He also served with the 8240th AU (UNPFK) in
Korea, and was subsequently assigned to the 2d Partisan Infantry
Regiment, Kan Wa Do Island, South Korea. His medals included the Purple
Heart. George was a kind- hearted, easy going, adorable Husband, Father
and friend. He has friends all over the world and continued making more
even to the end. Anyone who got to meet him loved him. He always had a
smile and a hand shake to offer. He was always available to anyone who
needed him. His quote, “there aren’t any strangers, it’s just haven’t
met them yet.” He will forever be in our hearts; family and friends
both, he will continue to in us all, and he has left a mark in all of us
that he has touched. Honorable service will be held at Florida National
Cemetery in Bushnell, FL.
Charlie "Cowboy" Bishop, SOA #2570,
passed away Friday, October 8, 2010. Charlie had fought a long battle
with cancer and in the past ten months had been in and out of the
hospital. Mary advised Charlie will be buried at a local Veterans
Cemetery in Muskogee, Oklahoma. No information was available on date and
time of funeral. Mary expressed Charlie's love of Special Forces and his
life time support of our military.
Harold S. Freeman, SOA #1144, Master Chief Petty Officer,
85, a resident of Glen Burnie since 1975, died September 17 due to
cancer. He was born in Great Falls, Mont., at tending Montana State
College where he studied electrical engineering, and also had 18 post
graduate credits from Yale University in Far Eastern Languages. He
served 32 years in the U.S. Navy, taking part in three wars. After his
retirement from the Navy, he became Vice President of E.G. Jones
Associates and managed their firm in Rockville until his retirement in
1986. Master Chief Freeman was highly decorated with over thirty medals
and many citations from the Silver Star, for service during World War II
to Navy Combat Actions to Vietnam's Armed Forces Meritorious with
Crossed Palms for Gallantry. He was authorized the Navy Seal Special
Warfare Breast Insignia along with Naval Parachutist and Naval Air
crewman. His service included over 2000 hours of mission flying in
addition to many jumps and years of extremely hazardous duty in
peacetime and in wartime, starting with UDT teams in World War II. He
served above five submarines performing hazardous missions, as well as a
destroyer and an aircraft carrier. He flew in almost all of the Navy's
aircraft during his 32 years, ranging from ancient PBY's to jet A3
attack bombers to numerous Naval Security Group communication
assignments. He was the Navy's senior enlisted linguist upon retirement
and fluent in Chinese Mandarin, conversational in Cantonese, Russian,
German and other languages. He was considered an expert in Far Eastern
reconnaissance with surface, subsurface and air missions against
worldwide targets. His background living among his Blackfoot Indian
friends in Montana in addition to his training in multiple service
survival schools made him a recognized expert on survival techniques in
the mountains, jungle, arctic, desert, at high altitude and at sea. His
interests after retirement were reading history, computers and weaponry.
He was a life member of the prestigious Special Operations Association,
Fraternal Order of UDT/SEAL Fleet Reserve Annapolis Branch, Disabled
American Veterans Post 13, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 160, China Post
#1 of American Legion, E9 Association of Fort Meade, U.S. Marine Corps
Force Recon Association, and the U.S. Army Special Forces Association.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Audrey Ellen Freeman; three
children, Charlein Petro, Janice Brinson and Harold Ross Freeman; and
two grandchildren, Ross and Marcy Brinson.
Donald Devere, SOA #018, passed at
3:00 AM August 28, 2010. Don was an original member of
Special Forces and was one of the early members of our Association.
Those of us who have served with Don are aware of his professionalism as
a Special Forces Soldier. He was the consummate “Quiet Professional”. In
1966 and 1967 Don served in MACVSOG. Don as the Recon Team Leader or
“One-Zero” of Team Oregon, trained his team to perfection and then led
it into numerous target areas in Laos. Don and Special Forces Soldiers
like him are the legend in the “Legendary” of MACV Studies and
Observations Group operations. Don was not a stranger to the other elite
units in the 5th SFGA. As the First Sergeant of the Project Delta
Reconnaissance Company, Don led by example and kept his finger in the
operational mix. On one operation, his team made contact and required
extraction under duress. When Don’s son, assigned as a gunship pilot in
the 281st Assault Helicopter Company heard that his dad was in trouble,
he flew his gunship out and participated in the extraction of the team.
Don had a panel marker inside his hat and when his son identified it,
Don told his son to shoot everything around the orange dot. Don was a
true “Warrior”. A quiet man, cool under fire and accomplished in all
aspects of the Warrior ethos. His professional demeanor and competence
inspired those around him. He was exactly what you would expect a twenty
year Special Forces “Quiet Professional” and a “Warrior”, to be.
Don’s wife, Mary Ann, sons and daughter were at his side when he passed
to that special place where Warriors gather on the other side.
William O. Hill, Jr., SOA #1206, 86, of Harbor Creek,
Pa., was honorably discharged into the next life on Monday, August 2,
2010, at the VA Hospital in Erie. He was born on November 12, 1923 in
Erie, Pa. to the late William O. Hill, Sr. and Lucy (Owens) Hill. Bill
was a graduate of East High School and volunteered for the U.S. Army
upon the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He was initially trained as a combat
engineer at Ft. Belvoir, Va., and also successfully completed engineer
officer training. Bill was then deployed to North Africa where he and
his men successfully fought the famous German "Afrika Korps." Following
combat against Germany, Bill volunteered for a secret mission (code name
Galahad) and unknowingly became a "Merrill's Marauder" in the 5307th
Composite Unit (Provisional), 2nd BN, I & Plt., BCT under Brigadier
General Frank D. Merrill. This special unit was the first U.S. Infantry
unit to fight the Japanese in the China-Burma-India Theatre and Bill
repeatedly distinguished himself in combat. The Merrill's Marauders were
the predecessors to all modern day U.S. Army Rangers and Special
Warfare. Following WW II, Bill returned to the U.S. where he taught
Guerilla Warfare and worked counter-intelligence throughout the U.S. and
Europe during the "denazification" of Germany and start of the Cold War.
As the Korean War broke out, Bill again entered combat as a platoon
leader with the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment (Airborne). During
WW II and the Korean War, Bill was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star
(with cluster), three Purple Hearts, two Army Commendation Medals,
American Defense Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle
Eastern Campaign Medal (4 Battle Stars), Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
(4 Battle Stars), WW II Medal, Army of the Occupation of Germany Medal,
Korean Service Medal (2 Battle Stars), Army Good Conduct Medal, and
Chinese Freedom Medal. Bill was also awarded Master Parachute Wings and
a Combat Infantrymen's Badge (Three Awards), as well as several
Presidential Unit Citations. Following the Korean War, Bill returned to
the U.S. and eventually pursued a successful political career in Erie
County Government. Bill was a progressive leader as a County
Commissioner, serving from 1963-1978. During his tenure, he was
instrumental in the establishment of many county programs, including
GECAC, Erie County MH/MR, Rape Crisis, and the Public Defender's Office.
Bill fought vigorously to stop pollution in Lake Erie and was also the
PA State Fish Commissioner for Region I. He was the President of the
Erie County Prison Board and worked with the World Health Organization
throughout his career. He was a member of the first Erie County Council
and finished his career serving as the Director of Veteran's Affairs.
Bill was adopted by the Seneca Nation of Indians in 1964, and maintained
life memberships in the Burma Star Assn., Combat Infantrymen's Assn.,
U.S. Army Ranger Assn., Special Operations Assn. (SOA), Special Forces
Assn., Military Order of the Purple Heart, American Legion Carl Neff
Post #571, VFW Post 4789, Chapel of the Four Chaplains, U.S. Army
Counter Intelligence Corps Veterans, Disabled American Veterans, and was
a 32nd Degree Mason. Bill was preceded in death by his wife of over 60
years, Lorraine E. (Alm) Hill; son, Joseph A. Hill; grandson, SSgt.
William J. Hill, U.S. Army; grandson, Joseph A. Hill, Jr.; and
granddaughter, Toni Lynn Hill. Survivors include son, William W. Hill,
and wife, Diane, of Kane, Pa.; daughter, Sue A. Vrenna, and husband,
Jack, of Lawrence Park, Pa.; son, Robert W. Hill, and wife, Ruth, of
Corry, Pa.; son, Roger L. Hill, and wife, Georgia, of Harbor Creek, Pa.;
son, Michael T. Hill, and wife, Debbie, of Harbor Creek, Pa.; 13
grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; as
well as extended family.
Terry Swafford, SOA #2481, Command Sergeant Major Terry
Swafford, 69, passed away July 31, 2010. He was born Nov. 26, 1940 in
Steele, Mo., and was a nine year resident of Nevada. Terry served 27
years in the US Army with 20 years as an Army Special Forces member. His
assignments included tours in Vietnam, Fort Bragg, Fort Benning and Fort
Bliss and as the CSM of Detachment A, in Berlin, Germany. After his
retirement, Terry worked for the Fayetteville, NC Police Department and
the US Embassy in Germany. He was a life member of the Special Forces
Association Chapter 51 and the DAV of Las vegas. His awards included the
Bronze Star with two oak Leaf Clusters, the Legion of Merit, Meritorious
Service Metal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Combat Infantry Badge, Master
Parachute Badge and the Special Forces Tab. Terry is survived by his
wife of 48 years, Hanneiore; brother, Jerry B.; sisters. Pat Spicer and
Joyce Qualis; and numerous nieces and nephews. Donations can be made to:
Disabled American Veterans Sunrise Mountain #13.
FOREST EARL TODD, SOA #124GL,
Passed away June 18, 2010. Earl had suffered a stroke in Nov.
2005 and had been hospitalized since. He was hospitalized at the VA
hospital in Salisbury, NC. Recently he had suffered several heart
attacks and was diagnosed with incurable leukemia. Earl was a member of
the SFA and the SOA #124 GL. Earl served 2 years/7months in Vietnam as a
member of SF. He was a SOG recon team leader and 1st/Sgt of FOB 2. He
received many decorations for his service including: Silver Star; Purple
Heart w/2 OLC; Bronze Star; Air Medal w/OLC; ArCom. w/V; ArCom. w/2OLC;
UN Service Medal; Korean Service Medal; Soldiers Medal; GCM w/ 3 knots:
CIB; EIB; Master Parachutist Badge and several other awards. Earl left
the service on 4 June 1971 with 17 years and 8 months served.
RENE D. CARDENAS, SOA #967, CSM (Ret),
a member of Chapter 1-18, passed away on June 16,
2010. A 'wake' will be held at Rogers & Breece Funeral Home, 500 Ramsey
St., Fayetteville, NC between 7 - 9 p.m.(Thursday)tomorrow night (June
17). A Mass will be held at 12:30 p.m. Friday (June 18) at St. Ann's
Catholic Church, 365 N. Cool Spring St., Fayetteville, NC (910)
483-3216]. This service will be followed with a Committal Service at
Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery, Spring Lake, NC at 2:00 p.m. with
full military honors. Father Thomas Malloy will conduct the Mass and
Chaplain Roy F. Hill will conduct the Committal Service. Cards/Letters
may be sent to Rene's family at: Mrs. Irma G. Cardenas, 2422 Cleveland
Ave., Fayetteville, NC 28312-9247. Tele: (10) 321-6050. Another fine
Green Beret has relocated to the ultimate SFOB.
Shephard "Sonny" Hamner Patton, Sr., SOA #1877,
age 70, passed away on Monday, June 14, 2010, at
his home surrounded by loved ones. Mr. Patton born in Meridian on April
18, 1940, was the son of the late Florence Dale Hamner Patton and Luther
Raleigh Patton. He graduated from Gulfport High School and was a
Methodist attending Burton, Lyman and Nugent United Methodist Churches.
Mr. Patton retired as a Sergeant Major after serving for over
twenty-four years in the Army and was Master Parachutist, Ranger and
Special Forces qualified. During his career, Sergeant Major Patton ran
numerous Top Secret missions into Laos and Cambodia as a One-Zero team
leader in MACSOG during the Vietnam conflict. Although he was never
wounded during his time there, his death can be directly attributed to
the illnesses that he like so many veterans suffered with after serving
his country. He is survived by a large, loving family consisting of his
wife of thirty-one years, Cynthia (Cindy) Keefer Patton; sons, Shane
Tyler Patton and his wife Crystal of Hattiesburg, Shephard Hamner
Patton, Jr. and his wife Melinda of Vaiden, and Andy R. Patton and his
wife Sandy of Hill City, KS; daughter, Susan Patton Shannon and her
husband Jeff of Mesa, AZ; grandchildren, Joyce Nicole Patton Simmons of
Saucier, Shephard Hamner Patton, III and his wife Jamie of Houston, Andy
Ray Patton, II of Lizana, and Nickolaus Lee Shannon and Matthew Scott
Shannon of Mesa. He also leaves his brothers, Luther R. "Ronnie" Patton,
II and his wife Janet and Hunter Lowery Patton and his wife Jan, all of
Gulfport; five great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, and
cousins. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the
Shephard H. and Cynthia K. Patton ROTC Scholarship Endowment at the
University of Southern Mississippi, 118 College Dr, PO Box 10026,
Hattiesburg, MS 39406.
Donald M. Palmer, SOA #963, One of
our Australian buddies, passed away on 24 May 2010. Donny served some 25
years in the Australian Army, all with Infantry Battalions. WO1 Palmer
served in Korea at the age of 18. After Korea he served in Malay and
later in Vietnam. Donny served with the 5th SFGA, A-107.Later with
Mobile Advisory Training Team 4 RF Coy and again later with Matt 4 Long
Dien, AN Ngai and Phuoc Tuy. Donny was highly decorated for his time in
Vietnam. Donny retired from the Army as a well respected RSM (Regimental
Sgt. Major) of 5th Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment, Infantry.
Don is survived by his wife Daph, three children Douglas,David and
Michel and grandchildren. Donny will be missed by all.
HARRY "HEINIE" ADERHOLT, SOA #900, BG (Ret), passed away
away on Thursday morning, 20 May 2010 in his home
surrounded by family, loyal friends and his
devoted caregiver, Jamie Newman. He was born on Jan. 6, 1920, in
Birmingham, Ala., to Forest Aderholt and Katie Banholzer and was
preceded in death by his loving wife of 56 years, Jessie; brothers, Roy
Aderholt and Robert Aderholt; and sister, Cornelia Akin. He is survived
by his wife, Anne; daughter, Janet Lynn Elliott and husband Chaplin Col.
(Ret.) Richard G. Elliott Jr. of Panama City, Fla.; son, George Aderholt
and wife Pat of Navarre, Fla.; one sister, Katherine McDaniel of
Trussville, Ala.; two brothers, Warren Aderholt and his wife Bunny of
Marietta, Ga., and Louis Aderholt of Huntsville, Ala.; grandchildren,
Kevin Richard Elliott and wife Kathy Anderson Elliott, Stacie Lynn
Elliott, Kellie Marie Elliott and Mark Randall Elliott;
great-granddaughter, Annie Lynn Elliott; and several nieces and nephews.
Heinie was one of seven children raised by his widowed mother (his
father died, as a result of an accident, when Heinie was just a boy of
nine), and he learned very early in life many lessons that would shape
his future. Undoubtedly, his mother's influence from her strength,
courage, love and strict discipline, provided him with the solid
foundation that helped him to grow and develop into the remarkable man
he became. Heinie's love of people was obvious and his sincerity and
straight forward, up-front approach encouraged the development of many
life-long friendships. None more enduring than the bond of love, loyalty
and mutual respect that he shared with Maj. Gen. Richard Secord. We wish
to thank his faithful friend, Joseph Caruth, who enabled him to continue
his early morning ritual of working out at Aderholt Fitness Center.
Until his final days he remained close to his brothers and sister and
their families. As recently as late January, he made a trip to
Birmingham, on to Huntsville, then to Atlanta, assuring all he would be
back soon. Gen. Aderholt's 30-plus year military career is legendary.
His status as a leader, his many accomplishments, awards and citations
will be recorded in the annals of military history. His innumerable
friends will remember him as a man of integrity with a loving heart who
inspired and touched so many lives.
Thomas W. Kyle, SOA #2141,
passed away on May 18, 2010.
DANIEL P. KELLY JR., SOA #2687,
SFC (Ret), was found dead in his home on the evening of May
13, 2010 from an apparent heart attack. Daniel is survived by his 4
kids; Daniel, Clayton, Sandra , Melissa and his ex-wife Edith. Daniel
Kelly was born in Oswego, NY on April 21, 1939 and was living In
Lawrence, KS when he passed away. I’m not sure of the exact years my
father served in Vietnam, but I do know that in 1967 he received 3
Bronze Stars. He was associated with MACVSOG CCS and Project Omega. He
was stationed at the following posts: Ft Bragg, NC, Ft Richardson, AK,
Ft Gulick, Panama Canal Zone, Ft Devens, MA, Ft Carson, CO and his final
duty assignment was as an ROTC Instructor at Kansas University in
Lawrence, KS where he retired.
WIL
CHARETTE, SOA #1410, Wilfred J.A. Charette born 14
November 1936, passed away 9 May 2010 at his home in Tampa, FL. Wil
Charette, a native of Rhode Island served 11 years of military service
followed by service with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) from 1964
until his retirement on 29 November 1996. His first CIA assignment was
as a paramilitary Staff Officer at CIA Headquarters and its domestic
training facilities. He then served in Laos and Thailand as a
Paramilitary Case Officer, Chief of Operations, and Chief of a Laotian
irregular paramilitary unit for 8 years. Mr. Charette was then assigned
to Ethiopia and Ghana from 1974-1979. In late 1979 Mr. Charette was
posted to Swaziland, as Chief of Station (COS) until 1982 when he was
assigned to Kampala, Uganda, as COS. Following a two-year tour in
Uganda, Mr. Charette attended the US Naval War College in Newport, RI,
where he received a Master’s Degree in National Security and Strategic
Studies. In 1985, he was appointed Chief, CIA Counter Terrorist Center,
Foreign Liaison Training and Terrorist Incident Response Team (IRT).
From 1992-1994, Mr. Charette served as the Agency’s Deputy Chief, Office
of Field Deployment. His last U.S. Government assignment was that of DCI
Representative at U.S. Special Operations Command, MacDill AFB, Tampa,
Florida. Mr. Charette, in post retirement, continued to serve the
intelligence community as a senior advisor to SOCCENT at MacDill AFB.
Mr. Charette served on the board of directors and co-founded the Special
Operation Memorial Foundation, MacDill AFB. Mr. Charette had extensive
military experience, having served domestically and overseas with the
508th Airborne Regimental Combat Team (ARCT), the 101st Airborne
Division, the 1st Calvary Division, and Special Forces. Mr. Charette is
a Charter Member of the US Army Parachute Team (Golden Knights). He was
the first Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC) of the Special
Forces Training Group High Altitude Low Opening (HALO) Committee, which
included Fulton Recovery Systems (SKYHOOK) Operations. In 1961, he was
selected to train the 22nd Special Air Service Regiment’s military free
fall cadre at Hereford, England. Mr. Charette was a member of the Joint
Army/USAF HALO Test Team in the early 1960’s that established much of
the HALO training and operations doctrine still in use today. He also
participated in the record breaking 43,500 foot jump to establish a
world record “FAI Class G-II-C, group of nine with delayed fall”. He
received the Distinguished Flying Cross for his participation in the
HALO Test Program and his subsequent use of HALO insertion techniques.
He is the author of the United States Parachute Association (USPA)
Publication, “Jumping in the Troposphere”, and is the recipient of the
USPA Golden Wings representing 1,000 free fall parachute jumps. Mr.
Charette’s last military assignment was with the 5th Special Forces
Group. During his stellar and distinguished career, Mr. Charette
received the following awards and commendations: (CIA) Donovan Award for
Excellence
Career Intelligence Medal for Exceptional Achievement Two Director Of
Central Intelligence awards for exceptional service under conditions of
hazard and hardship Promoted into the Senior Intelligence Service
(SIS-1989) (DOD) Distinguished Flying Cross Secretary of Defense Medal
for Meritorious Civilian Service Wil Charette will be remembered for his
commitment to service, to his country and to his family. He will always
be remembered as a patriot and the epitome of what it means to be a true
American hero. In the words of his brothers and sisters in the
clandestine service “he was a legendary warrior…A legend in own time.
The things he survived, his mentoring, his leadership, and his
unwavering patriotism is and will forever be a flame that goes on
burning, we will never forget him. He was our commander… our General.”
CHARLES A. "CHUCK' RILEY, SOA #1107GL,
LTC USAF (Ret.), age 83 of 23 Hamburg Mtn. Road died Friday, April 30,
2010. Charles was born August 8, 1926 in Sullivan County, Tenn. and was
a career military officer before retiring to Weaverville in the 1970's.
He officer was the son of the late Charles Andrew Riley and Marian Lee
Null Riley. Col. Charles A. Riley, USAF Retired, served with the Navy
Amphibious Forces in the pacific Theater during World War II, (Iwo
Jima), the Army's 82nd Airborne Division after the war. He then
transferred to the US Air Force in 1949 to attend Pilot School. He flew
aerial combat in Korea with the Air Rescue Service, then two tours in
Vietnam in Air Commando Squadrons. He was a Master Parachutist and a
Command pilot. After retiring from the military he worked with
photography and was an alcohol and drug abuse counselor. Surviving are
his wife of 6l years, Vera "Kit" Young Riley; daughters, Sallye Riley
Fox and husband Martin of Fairview and Kathryn Crawford and husband Chip
of Sarasota, Fla.; son, William D. 'Bill" Riley and wife Pat of
Bradenton, Fla.; sister, Ruth Ann Latham of Knoxville, Tenn.;
grandchildren, Sloan Brigman, Kelly Waldrop, and Bridget Riley and great
granddaughter, Haley Brigman.
ROY LEE JOHNSON, SOA #1458,
Died 7
April 2010 at his home in Tampa FL after a courageous battle with
cancer, Roy was in the care of LifePath Hospice and surrounded by
members of his loving family. Mr Johnson was born on January 17, 1932 in
Penn Laird, VA to Melvin and Ruby Good Johnson. Roy was married to
Takeko "Kay" Kasai who preceded Roy's death in August 2008. He is
survived by his two children, John E. Johnson and Jo Ann Babcock, of
Tampa, FL. four sisters and a brother, as well as seven grandchildren
and five great grandchildren. Roy was preceded in death by two brothers
and two sisters. Roy joined the U.S. Army in 1950, and 25 years of
distinguished service retired in 1975. During his military career, Roy
served 22 years in elite airborne units, including 14 years in the U.S.
Army Special Forces. He was a decorated veteran of the Korean and
Vietnam wars, and served in the Dominican Republic as a military advisor
during the Cuban crisis. He was awarded several medals as a result of
his combat tours, including the Purple Heart, Bronze Star with V, Air
Medal, Korean Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon,
Vietnam Service Medal, and the United Nations Service Medal. After Roy's
military retirement he moved to Broadway, VA where he and his wife owned
and operated the Broadway Restaurant and Cleaners for over 16 years.
Memorial services will be held in Broadway, VA. on 17 April 2010.
GERALD “JERRY” WAREING, SOA # 907-GL, Captain, US Army, (Ret),
passed away on February 16, 2010 at his home in Thailand. Jerry was born
on July 19th, 1934 in Yonkers, New York. Jerry entered the Army in 1952
and his first major assignment was with the 77th Special Forces Group.
He participated on “White Star/Hot Foot” while assigned to 7th Special
Forces Group. Jerry brought a “Snake Bite” Team from 1st Special Forces
to MACV-SOG. In 1966 Jerry was the “10” of RT Iowa, FOB-2, MACV-SOG. He
also served in the 10th, 3rd, 5th, 8th Special Forces Groups and 46th
Special Forces Company. He also served with 11th Airborne Division in
Germany. Jerry received a direct commission from General Westmoreland
along with Dick Meadows and Bill Walsh while assigned to MACV-SOG. His
many awards and decorations include the Soldiers Medal, Bronze Star w/V
Device, PUC, MUC, CIB, Medical Badge and Commendation Badge. Upon his
retirement in California, he assisted in training members of the 12th
Special Forces Group in SCUBA. He is survived by his wife, Tasanee of
Thailand.
ROBERT L. (BOB) KORCHEK, SOA #246-DD & SFA #D-560L,
LTC (Ret.), a member of Chapter XXXIII, Special Forces Association,
suffered a debilitating stroke in late January and passed away in
Hospice in Spartanburg, SC on Tuesday, February 2, 2010. He was 81 years
old. A veteran of the Korean and Vietnam Wars, Bob started his military
career by following in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps and
enlisting in the US Marine Corps at the end of WWII. Demobilized in
1946, he applied for entrance to the United States Military Academy at
West Point, entering the academy in 1947 as a member of the Class of
1951 where he later achieved the distinction of being the class “Goat.”
He initially served in the 511th AIR of the 11th Abn Div, but, along
with most of the Class of ’51, he was immediately shipped to the war in
Korea, serving with the 7th Inf Regt, 3rd Inf Div for 15 months as a
Platoon Leader and Company Commander. Returning to the States, Bob
attended the regular Army schools and then served in the 505th AIR, 82nd
Abn Div for three years as a Bn S-1 and Company Commander. In 1958 Bob
joined Special Forces, serving in the 77th (later the 7th) SFG(A) as an
A Team Leader. While assigned to the 77th, he served his first of two
tours with the WHITE STAR MTT in Laos. He next served in the 1st SFG(A)
for four years as an A Team Leader and on the Group S-3 staff, where he
once again deployed to the WHITE STAR MTT in Laos. Later SF assignments
included one year on the USMACV(SOG) staff; service as an Instructor in
the Officer’s Special Forces Qualification Course; and a year as the S-3
of the 46th SF Co (A) in Thailand. Returning from Thailand, Bob
immediately deployed overseas again: this time to Panama where he served
three years as the Commander of A Company and as the Group Deputy
Commander. While commanding Company A, he earned the nickname “The Rock”
because he was fondly known as a hard, demanding, firm but fair
commander. He carried this nickname with him until he retired from the
Army. His last assignment was to the Special Warfare Center where he
served as the Course Director for the Enlisted Special Forces
Qualification Course. LTC Korchek was the recipient of numerous awards
and decorations for both valor and service. He is survived by his
beloved wife, Annemarie; a daughter, Lori; and four step children: SSG
Thomas P. Cronin, Tina, John and Rheinhart.
PAUL FREDRICK POOLE, SOA
#2550, MSG (Ret.) age 67, of Cabot went to be with his
heavenly father Tuesday, February 2, 2010. He was born May 25, 1942 in
Horatio, Arkansas to Helen Bailey Poole of Cabot and the late Paul
Emerson Poole. Mr. Poole enjoyed training and riding horses. In addition
to his father, he was preceded in death by two sons, Paul and Edward
Poole. Mr. Poole is survived by his wife, Nona Poole of the home, his
mother Helen Bailey Poole of Cabot, a sister Rosalie Petersen (Dr. Rex)
of Neosho, Missouri, one brother David Poole (Carolyn) of Sheridan and
several nieces and nephews.
It is with deep regrets, that the SOA Board of Officers announces to the membership this list of Non-Members who have passed away:
Ralph Reno, MSG,
1-1, RT Nevada, lost July 3 1966, services will be Thursday September 8,
2011 at graveside 11 AM at Arlington National Cemetery.
Donald Monroe Shue,
(Non-Member), SFC, age 20, died in battle during the
Vietnam Conflict on November 3, 1969.
He was born August 29, 1949 in Cabarrus County, NC, the son of the late
Wesley Monroe Shue and Nellie Mae Lefler Shue. He attended A.L. Brown
High School in Kannapolis, NC. Donald entered the U.S. Army in 1967
where he served one tour of duty until his untimely death. His family
fondly remembers his friendly ways, always loving to smile, and the vast
number of friends he easily made throughout his short life. In addition
to his parents he is preceded in death by a sister, Helen B. Blackwelder
and a brother, Billy James Shue who died of diphtheria at age 10. His
sister, Peggy S. Hinson reflected on the following comments about him.
“Donnie would always come to us for money always smiling with his hand
out – Now who come ever turn that down?? If I could only do that again.
The first thing I thought about when they told us they found Donnie’s
remains was: The ‘Lord’ told us that ‘He’ would bring him home – not our
time, but in ‘His’ time. God didn’t say he would be alive or dead ---
But this ‘word of knowledge’ was true and did come to pass after 41
years. Praise the Lord for ‘His’ word never fails!!! And with Donnie’s
Daddy, Mama, Billy, and Helen looking down at all of us at this memorial
in honor of their son and brother. Also in honor of ‘the Green Beret’s,
the MAC V SOG, and all our veterans that paid a huge price for our
freedom.”
David Chamizo, (Non-Member),
MSG (Ret), passed away March 09, 2011 at the hospital in Tingo
Maria, Peru. He was doing what he loved most since his retirement
working against the narcotraffic and drug production, as an Advisor for
the Eradication of Coca in Peru.
Henryk (Frenchy) Szarek, (Non-Member),
83 years old, of Leominster, formerly of Arlington, died Sunday,
February 27, 2011 in Health Alliance-Leominster. He is survived by his
wife of 55 years Jeannette C. (Levesque) Szarek, his sons Raymond H.
Szarek and his wife Nanita of Newark, NY and Robert J. Szarek of
Leominster, his daughter Christine M. Gamez and her husband Robert of
Burlington, his sisters Christine Mokzan of France and Daniella Jawien
of Poland, 9 grandchildren, Rebecca, Daniel, Timothy, Samantha, Nicole,
Conor, Kelsey, Deborah and Anna, and 6 great grandchildren.
Mr. Szarek was born in Poland on July 22, 1927, son of Mieczyslaw and
Jozefa (Ostrowska) Szarek and had lived in Arlington for 45 years before
moving to Leominster 2 years ago. He had been an Electronic Technician,
working in Research and Development for many years. He was a U.S. Army
Veteran, serving in the Special Forces during the Korean War. Frenchy
was a member of St. Cecilia's Church in Leominster, the American Legion
in Arlington, the V.F.W. in Cambridge and was a life member of the
Special Forces Association Local 54. Many members may remember the 1951
Lodge Act 1 which granted citizenship to foreign nationals who joined
the U.S. Army for a period of 5 years. Frenchy is such a soldier. In
World War II while serving with the Polish-Russian Army he was wearing
the four cornered Polish hat with the Polish Eagle, the emblem of
Poland: acting as a motorcycle messenger Knowing Puhsh-Freneh-German and
Russian he was also used as a linguist. Frenchy was active in the
anti-communist underground, forced to flee through Russian lines to the
French allies. There he joined the French Foreign Legion at the age of
19 and volunteered for the elite paratrooper unit "The I-B-E-P. Frenchy
fought for several years with the legion in indo-China and Vietnam.
After his tour with the Legion he joined the U.S. Army under the Lodge
Act and was assigned to the 10th SFGA. He got his citizenship in 1958. Frenchy could speak five languages and served on
many Black Operations. He appeared in the movie Beau Geste with Telly
Savalas, Guy Stockwell, Doug McClure, and Leslie Nielsen.
Lowell Wesley Stevens
Sr.,(Non-Member), 69, of Fayetteville, passed away on
Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011. Lowell arrived on this earth as the first
child of a coal mining family on July 8, 1941, in Putney, W.Va. The coal
mining camp of Putney was located at the head of a 16-mile hollow and no
longer exists. He was the son of the late Elmer and Opal Young Stevens.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother,
Larry; and his sister, Jean. He was named after both of his
grandfathers, Lowell H. Stevens and John Wesley Young. Lowell was the
first one in his family to graduate from high school, but had only two
options after doing so; go to work in the coal mines, which had killed
his dad, or join the U.S. military. His father had served as a machine
gunner in Europe during the last stages of World War II with the 376th
Infantry Regiment of the 94th Infantry Division and was immensely proud
of his Combat Infantryman Badge. On July 29, 1959, Lowell entered the
U.S. Army, having enlisted for Airborne unassigned. He graduated from
Jump School in February 1960, and six years later he was a master
parachutist. Later on, he added HALO and HALO Master Wings to his chest.
From December 1959 to May 1963, he was a proud member of the 101st
Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Ky. In May 1963, he volunteered for
Special Forces training and completed the course with MOS 112 (Heavy
Weapons Infantryman) in November of that year. In November 1963, Lowell
was assigned to the 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) located on
Okinawa and performed the duties of the Heavy Weapons man on
A-Detachments. He served on Detachment A-312 from Company C on a six
month TDY mission to South Vietnam from June to December 1964. From May
to July 1965, he was a squad leader in the Recon Platoon of the 1st
Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment. In October 1965, Lowell
was assigned to the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) in South
Vietnam. Between this date and August 1972, Lowell completed a total of
71 months with the 5th Group in Vietnam. His duties included serving on
A-Camps, MACV SOG, Mike Force company commander, and instructor at MACV
Recondo School. He served for a total of six years and five months in
Vietnam. After Vietnam, he was assigned once again to the 1st Special
Forces Group (Airborne) on Okinawa for 18 months. In April, he was
assigned to the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Fort Bragg.
During the last eight years of his military service, he preformed the
duties of the team sergeant on Operational Detachments. In his opinion,
nothing in the Army was greater or more important than the team sergeant
on an ODA. After retiring from the Army on March 1, 1980, he was an
owner and operator of a new Peterbilt truck, leased to trucking
companies that specialized in hauling steel and machinery until July
1983. During these 3 1/2years, he traveled the continental United Sates
and visited with his rig all but two of our states. He enjoyed seeing
our country from the vantage point afforded him by the cab of his truck.
In July 1983, he started work on Camp Mackall as the range control
representative. He took an intense interest in the history of Mackall
and for more than 27 years, he endeavored all but daily to learn the
rich history of the "home of the Airborne during World War II." He said
many times that his service in Vietnam and his time at Camp Mackall
defined his life and provided a degree of contentment that few men ever
realized. On Sept. 1, 2010, Lowell retired from civil service on Fort
Bragg with more than 47 years of enjoyable service with the federal
government. Although he did not like to enumerate the awards he received
while in the Army, it is customary to do so, so here it goes: Silver
Star Medal (three awards), Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal (six
awards), Purple Heart (two awards), Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert
Infantryman Badge and a handful of "I was there" awards. He was most
proud of his Vietnam Campaign Medal, which indicated that he was awarded
16 campaigns out of a total of 17 awarded for the entire Vietnam War. He
is survived by his sister, Frances Stevens James and husband Cecil, of
Thomson, Ga.; his wife of more than 35 years, Emiko; son, Lowell Jr. and
wife Lauri; daughters, Natalie Stevens and husband Bart Palmer and
Cheryl Stevens Mericle; two grandsons, Chance Palmer and Brandon
Stevens; and two granddaughters, Brooke Stevens and Chasity Palmer, all
of Fayetteville. Memorial services will be held at Rogers and Breece
Funeral Home chapel in Fayetteville on Monday, Jan. 31, 2011, at 12:30
p.m. Interment will follow at Sandhillls Veterans Cemetery in Spring
Lakes with full military honors. Services entrusted to Rogers and Breece
Funeral Home of Fayetteville.
John W. “Jack” Green,
III, (Non-Member), born 5 Nov 1938, died 11 Dec 2010 in
his native Baton Rouge, Lousianna. Jack is survived by his wife Linda
and a host of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A
Memorial was held at Broadmoor United Methodist Church on 18 Dec 2010. A
private inurnment at Roselawn Memorial Park for family was conducted.
Jack Green was a graduate of ORWAC Class 64-1. CPT Jack Green was a
member of the 145th Airlift Platoon in Vietnam. The 145th was the legacy
unit for the 281st Assault Helicopter Company which arrived in theater
at Nha Trang, RVN in early 1966. Jack, a senior Aircraft Commander and
Operations Officer with the 145th was instrumental in the train-up of
the 281st and its development into the first US Army, Special Operations
Helicopter unit. He worked with members of 5th SFG, B-52, Project Delta
in the implementation of the McGuire Rig for the extraction of Recon
Teams. Jack Green flew the first emergency extraction utilizing the
McGuire Rig in a UH-1B for Project Delta. Among his awards and
decorations are two awards of the Distinguished Flying Cross. Upon
release from Active Duty, Jack became a member of the Army National
Guard and served for a few years until business interest caused him to
leave the military. He was a successful contractor in Baton Rouge for
many years and was enjoying his retirement at the time of his death. He
was a member of Broadmoor United Methodist Church, Mid City Model Rail
Roader and a friend of Bill W. He also served on the board of BRAADC.
Jack was a Founding Life Member and Past President of the 281st AHC
Association, a Life Member of VHPA and the Special Operations
Association. His last mission for the 281st AHC Association was a trip
to Ft Drum, New York where he and other members met with members of G
Co, 2/10 Avn who were about to deploy to Afghanistan. G Company honored
the 281st by reviving the "Intruder" call sign of the 281st to use
during their deployment.
FRED BRADLEY
SCHOOMAKER (“BRAD”), (Non-Member), 88, died peacefully
on June 21, 2010 with family members at his side at the McGraw Center
for Caring (Community Hospice of Northeast Florida), in Jacksonville,
Florida. Following his death, a private family service was held, with
plans for inurnment and a service with full military honors at Arlington
National Cemetery. A native of Three Rivers, MI, Brad Schoomaker
attended Western Michigan and Michigan State College (now MSU) where he
met his future wife, Frances E. Vargha of Detroit, MI. He enlisted in
the U.S. Army in 1942 and completed Officer Candidate School (OCS) two
years later. Commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Field Artillery
on June 16, 1944, he began a long and storied military career. His
wartime service to our country took him to Europe in World War II, to
the landing at Inchon and service on the Korean Peninsula during the
Korean War, as well as Saigon during the early stages of the Vietnam
War. Brad and Frances were married in 1943 in Detroit, MI prior to his
deployment for WW II. Even the challenges of repeated wartime service
during WWII , Korea, and Vietnam didn’t prevent them from successfully
raising a family of four boys. In addition to his foreign travels during
wartime service, Brad’s military service took him to: Ft. Sill, OK; the
Canal Zone in Panama; the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College at
Ft. Leavenworth, KS; the Army War College in Carlisle, PA; the Pentagon;
and Stuttgart, Germany. Brad completed his 32-year Army career when he
retired in 1974 as a Colonel in the Field Artillery. This was followed
by a second career working for Braddock, Dunn & McDonald (BDM
International) in Fairfax, VA as a nuclear operations analyst, before he
and Fran fully retired in 1986 Following retirement, the couple moved
from Annandale, VA and lived briefly in Advance, NC before finally
settling in Cypress Village in Jacksonville, FL in 1993. Brad’s greatest
joys in recent years were being a volunteer at Mayo Clinic assisting
with the transport of patients, involvement with friends and neighbors
in the community, and traveling to Canada visiting friends and family
along the way. Brad is survived by Frances, his wife of 67 years, his
four sons and their wives, eleven grandchildren and spouses, and five
great grandchildren including: Pete & Cindy Schoomaker [Wendy, Lara (&
MJ Winchester) and Andrew]; Eric & Audrey Schoomaker [Heidi, Kayla &
Evan]; Mark & Jane Schoomaker [Matthew & Peter]; and Paul & Lee
Schoomaker [James (& Julie with Isabel & Brad), Carrie (& John Dolton
with Sophia, Amelia & Ethan) and Sara (& Sean Kelly). Full military
honors and inurnment are planned for Brad at Arlington National
Cemetery, Arlington, VA on Friday, October 29, 2010, at 11:00. In lieu
of any flowers or other gifts, Brad requested that he be memorialized
with donations to: Special Operations Warrior Foundation
(http://www.specialops.org/), or your local hospice organization.
PETE ANDRE, (Non-Member),
COL, SF, USA (Ret.), died 27 June. The specific cause of death is not
known to this writer but Pete had suffered for many years with ever more
debilitating multiple sclerosis (MS). For the last few months he had
been in a number of hospitals, care centers, etc. Pete was of a rare
breed. He discovered Special Forces while it was still new and he was a
lieutenant. He became what he characterized as a "True Believer." Ever
after he self-identified as a Special Forces soldier and officer. His
career spanned the era when a Special Forces assignment was deeply
frowned upon by an officer's parent branch---particularly Pete's branch,
Infantry---and pursuit of a second such assignment was equated to career
suicide. Pete was one of the 'dedicated defiant'; telling branch
managers with well chosen words what he thought, what he wanted and what
they should do. He served in a rich variety of assignments from being an
instructor in early SF officer training to being a member of a small SF
team in that trained the Cuban brigade that invaded Cuba at the ill
starred Bay of Pigs. He served in Laos in the White Star program and in
Vietnam both with Studies and Observation Group (SOG) and as an advisor
to the Korean division. Many older special operations veterans will
remember him from Special Forces' bleak years following Vietnam when
from his Unconventional Warfare position at Readiness Command (REDCOM)
he initiated and executed an effort to identify equipment and techniques
to support Special Forces and SEAL operational missions. Because of the
paucity of assigned assets, the successes of this program were largely
dependent on his abilities to describe, convince, wheedle, and cajole.
His forte was managing to add experimental equipment tests to approved
joint exercises, thereby acquiring needed support. During his twentieth
year of service he discovered he had MS. He determined that he was not
going to let it control his life. By pacing himself and care he managed
to serve an additional nine years before he felt that for the good of
the Army and himself, he should retire. During retirement Pete and
another similarly afflicted officer built an information support net for
military personnel who discovered that they had MS. Typically of Pete,
he would listen to no complaints or 'why me?' but was ready to provide
the best available information, flavored by his experiences. Special
Forces was fortunate in the days before the protection of personnel
specialties, a combat arms branch, and recognition of its value to have
such officers as Pete Andre.
JERRY HOWLAND, (Non-Member), first 1-0 of RT
Hawaii in 1966-67, passed away this morning at 1:45am. Upon retiring he
became the Fayetteville, NC city engineer. The surviving family members
are working on his funeral arrangements. There will be services at
Reeves Funeral Home 3308 N. Main St. Hope Mills, NC 28348 910-424-3700.
RALPH W. "PAPPY" SHELTON, (Non-Member), MAJ. Prior to
OCS Pappy had 10 years enlisted service, making him one of the “old” men
of the group. Pappy came to OCS as an MSG, having served in Germany
(8ID), several stateside posts, Japan (1CAV) and Korea. Pap was in G Co
19th Inf Regt 24th ID during the Korean War’s early fighting. Pap’s
military schools include Inf Car Crs, Special Forces Off Crs,
Unconventional Warfare, Jumpmaster, and Language School (Spanish).
Awards include SS, JSCM, two ACMs w/V and CIB w/Star. Assignments
include Plt Ldr, Co XO and CO and SF Det Cmdr and Operations Officer.
Pappy say the most significant event of his career was heading the
Mobile Training Team—MTT Shelton—from Panama to Bolivia in 1967. He
trained the Ranger Bn that fought Che Cuevara’s guerrilla band, defeated
the band and captured Che on 8 October 1967. Another significant
assignment was with the White Star MTT in Laos, January-July 1962,
another secret action at the time. Pappy retired from the Army in August
1968. He earned his bachelor’s degree at Memphis State in 1977 and his
master’s degree there in 1980. His major employment since retiring from
the military in 1968 has been as JROTC instructor for Memphis city
schools and as training officer for the U.S. Office of Personnel Mgmt.
Pap and his first wife, Margaret, had one son and four daughters. He and
Susan, a lawyer, were married in August 1974. He retired the second time
2 May 1994.
RICHARD E. JENKINS, (Non-Member), SSG, Former SOG Recon
member, passed away March 13, 2010. Richard “Big Jenks” was a member of
RT Iowa, Jerry Wareing 10, in 1966 in FOB 2, Kontum. Later, toward the
end of his tour, he moved to Kham Duc with Jerry Howland and Snuffy
Conroy to establish a training program for Nungs recruited for the
Hatchet Forces. He left the Army to return to civilian life and was not
a member of the SOA. Jenkins last rank held was SSG E-6. Originally from
Maine, Big Jenks lived in Vancouver, WA at the time of his passing. He
is survived by a daughter, Deborah Brooks.
