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hope this works–testing
larry–i tried to comment and web site said an error on my email address–any idea why ? s.r.
Bill, this sounds like a serious affliction, must mean you didn’t need to know what you were looking up. Could this disease you have be related to the syndrome I have called fishinitis?
I am suffering from a new and serious condition called “Googleheimer’s”…..It happens when I need to look something up on the computer……and then I forget what it was I was going to look up!
LOL
It was happening to me just as I opened this page.
I have little notes all over my computer table with topics needing searches.
Still trying to hear from Short Round. He must be on radio silence.
Hey Mr, Connell,
Chicago just made it through the coldest Feb on record and the 3rd Snowiest on record. Supposed to see 50’s at the end of next week!
LT……Albany averaged a couple of degrees colder than Chicago…..not that that is something to brag about……Hey if any of you guys have Netflix……there is a movie they have called “Platoon Leader” about a West Point LT and 173 Airborne…..Not for those with PTSD…..Movie is not great, but not too bad either.
The book was a lot better.
Albany NY had the second coldest February in recorded history averaging 12.6 degrees with many nights below zero……Snow is still on the ground but the temps are supposed to hit the high thirties in the next few days…..Spring is almost here…..It will be nice to turn down the heat which is costing an arm and a leg.
It snowed again here in northern New Jersey. The piles of snow in front of and back of my car have reached 8 feet. Tooch
No complaints here near Seattle where we’ve had no rain (really!) for a week and heating up to the high 50’s. Think I’ll stay here.
Larry….. Weather here in Arizona is mid 70’s and sunny. Who in their right mind would not want to be here. Good luck with that Artic weather……
Chuck Arizona sounds real nice now but wait a couple months
when it hits triple digits.
Wally
That’s why God made bikinis…….. Don’t get nervous…..
I wear a Monokini…….
I can’t believe I move from Florida to Pennsylvania 3 1/2 years ago after I retired to be close to my grand kids. Must have been too many blows to the head and too much heat during my tour!
Bill
Grandkids will make you do some crazy things.
It’s a little nippley here in Colorado. We are not supposed to get above freezing and we are supposed to get some snow today. It would be a good time to be down in warm Arizona. The last I knew, Doc Capone up in Providence, RI had snow up to his chin and snow was still falling.
Larry,
That’s what happens with “Global warming”
Hello admin, your site is fantastic i know very useful tool for every site owner (for
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Stoonkel’s Rewriter
Now there’s a grunt for you, take two salt tablets and drive on!
On a happier note, love the new website Larry! I’ve been out of action. Broke my neck, and crushed my foot wrecking my motor scooter down in Arkansas. I am back to walking and talking again :). Even got a new bike.
Lost Robert Lee Daughtery KIA 43 years ago today. Ambushed on Platoon size patrol (2nd platoon), 3 WIA. RIP
What an odd occurrence on the 26th is in my life. He was the last Charlie Company brother killed in action and he was killed on my birthday on February 26th. I was also drafted on my birthday, yes, February 26, 1969. I left the field from Charlie Company on the 26th of July, 1970. The last guy I knew that was killed in action, Dwight O’Brien was killed on my father’s birthday, August 26, 1970. My son Brandon was born on the 26th of November. I graduated from the University of Northern Colorado on May 26th. My brother Wayne died last month on January 26th. Wow!
Rest in peace, my brother.
That’s 7 things which happened on the 26th, only 2 of which could be described as good. That’s a 71% chance that something bad is going to happen around you on the 26th.
I love you Brother, but if we ever have a reunion on the 26th and you’re there, I’m not coming. It wouldn’t be worth the risk. LOL
Wow! Uncanny, I’ll remember your birthday every year now.
LT, scroll down to the bottom of web site
Does anyone have recent contact information for Vic Rubio?
If you do could contact me at waltersearight@yahoo.com thanks.
The memorial service for Donald Hooper will be held at the Jacksonville, FL National Cemetery on Friday, Feb. 27 at 0900. His body has been cremated, so it won’t be a full funeral. Some of you had expressed an interest in going, so here it is.
His mother says he died of respiratory problems related to sepsis from a recent surgery. He was not responding to antibiotics they were giving him for the infection and one doctor told her he was over-medicated.
Alright guys,
I am going to admit my ignorance! How the hell do you log on if not replying to someone? By the way Lucy, I’m home as of today!
If you want to make a new post, it’s way, way down at the bottom of the page.
Speaking of commanders, here’s a shout out to Cpt. Bob Morris. He and I butted heads but he was DEFINITELY the “Sgt. Rock” of C.O.s. Courageous and tenacious. If you’re in a firefight, you want him there.
it has been awhile since last posted/this site has been a GOD SEND and should be treated with respect to something put up for our benefit—I was there during CPT. GARNDER’S reign he was a young buck apparently with no field experience–till I got there I didn’t either.. he is a NAM VET by the GRACE OF GOD we made it back–I think all who made it back have scars that won’t heal–health problems as well.
Capt Morris, what a man. He was my last CO before I went home to the world. As a Spec 4 I did not know him personally but knew his background from the grapevine. He instilled confidence and leadership. Fortunately for me and my last few months we were not in any major conflicts together but I knew he was a hard charger.
Larry: Thanks for the laugh!
It is too bad that this group has not attracted more Charlie Grunts from other time periods. It would be interesting to find out how the opinions of other company commanders would compare to that of Captain Gardner.
Were there more that should have been relieved of their commands or was competency common?
I tend to think that the majority of soldiers that served in Vietnam were shortchanged by the abilities and attitudes of the leadership from company level on up.
I do not know what the problem is. I know a lot of guys see the discussions everyday but never post. I ask these guys to please post every once in awhile that there are other guys that would be very happy to hear from them. I have reached out to all the brothers of C 2/1 from the first ones clear to the ones that went home with the colors. I just cannot get them post. I exchange several emails with guys that I wished they would post to the web site what they are communicating with me. Darn ole grunts like to keep to themselves not talk much. If you figure them out, clue me in!
Lots of varying opinions on this one, Jim. I was no better than most and no worse than most but I also had my issues. Commanders are charged with fulfilling the mission and sometimes the mission is costly. A prudent man tries to minimize mistakes but all can’t be avoided. In the end, hopefully, you realize the mission must be accomplished but the men must be protected as best as possible. Just my opinion. Of course, I could be wrong.
Time to lighten the load. A brother of ours, Tim Hill sent me this and I really enjoyed it:
ALWAYS ASK, NEVER ASSUME
His request approved, the CNN News photographer quickly used a cell phone to call the local airport to charter a flight. He was told a twin-engine plane would be waiting for him at the airport.
Arriving at the airfield, he spotted a plane warming up outside a hanger. He jumped in with his bag, slammed the door shut, and shouted, ‘Let’s go’. The pilot taxied out, swung the plane into the wind and took off.
Once in the air, the photographer instructed the pilot, ‘Fly over the valley and make low passes so I can take pictures of the fires on the hillsides.’ ‘Why?’ asked the pilot.
‘Because I’m a photographer for CNN’ , he responded, ‘and I need to get some close up shots.’
The pilot was strangely silent for a moment, finally he stammered, ‘So, what you’re telling me, is . . . You’re NOT my flight instructor?’
“Life is short. Drink the good beer first”
In order to protect against lawsuits I suggest that Ty get sworn depositions from the guys who witnessed Gardner’s poor judgment…..From what I understand he caused unnecessary casualties on several occasions including March 16, 1970 . I was under his command for only a couple of weeks so I don’t know too much about him…….My own personal feelings are to let sleeping dogs lie…..But if Ty wants to write a book it is his right to do it.
To ease any concerns here, I have shelved the book idea. There is no reason to expose Larry, the website or anyone else here to litigation. Thanks for the input, everyone.
Yes…If Ty Harper wants to write a book he should do so,the man knows what he wants to do and I’m sure he has no intention of defaming anyone just writing an accurate account of the facts and results of Gardners irresponsible decisions.I for one am thankful that Ty was there to take command of the company from a Captain who was relieved of his command…must of had a real solid reason for that action to take place.Ty Harper was a fine officer who took over and made good decisions and cared about the men…after Gardner we really needed a strong leader,so between Ty and Top Silverman the company got back on track.I Was There when Gardner was Co and so I know the anger he feels inside,,,If he wishes to write his book I wish him well.Oh and by the way most publishers will caution writers if they feel there is liability concerns
That’s roger wilson …not ailson
Roger, thank you for the kind and humbling words. Truth is, you and the rest of the men of Charlie Company along with Top Silverman held the company together. I was fortunate enough to understand that. Although I have anger towards Gardner it is more for what he subjected all of you too and how it was covered up rather than a personal vendetta on my part. Regardless, it is not worth the tensions this concept has created. I can always leave a “book” about this for use after we are all gone. Thanks again, Roger, and everyone who weighed in.
amen Roger
I think there is a saying something like “It doesn’t matter what happened or if they win, someone can still sue you.”
In 1985 or so, in my town (Medford, NY) just about the time my kids were about to start little league, a 15-year-old little leaguer (senior league) was struck and killed by lightning in a game. Over the next year or two, the parents sued both managers, all coaches (both teams), the league, the school district and the umpires. As far as i know, nothing came of it but a lot of people suffered a lot of grief because of it. Hard to be mad at parents who lose a child but that doesn’t make what they did right.
And, of course, anything on the internet can be found by someone some day. So, Ty, I never met the Cpt. that we’re talking about but for your own sake, i would keep the words to only questions with no intent or hint of anything. I’ve no real experience in anything like this, just the paranoia (sometimes useful) that comes with being a business man/owner for the last 30+ years.
Well guys, I hear you concerns and I don’t have a dog in this race either but didn’t we and others before and after us swear to up hold the Constitution and fight and die for the freedom of speech.
Anyone can be sued for anything. Ty is an intelligent individual and smart enough to lead you in combat. I trust him to do the right thing and go about it the right way.
Send him what he asks to his own private e-mail account so he can get on with work. You do not have to post on here.
LT syas I agree with all the concerns> Let the sleeping dog lie and go on secure transmission.
Look…let me clear about something. I’m not upset about what y’all are doing because I really don’t have a dog in this hunt. It doesn’t bother me except in the larger sense that I care about what happens to all you. It’s just that I’d hate to see Brother Larry caught up in something he didn’t bargain for when he created this site for us. He’s done more than anybody to bring us together as a group across the years and he’s spent his time and money doing it. It just doesn’t seem right to put him at risk of being drawn into some kind of legal action.
I suppose maybe I should have approached Larry personally with my concerns, but it’s too late for that now and, in any case, I’d hate to see any of us hauled into court over things which happened nearly half a century ago.
I seem to make folks nervous on here and this website is too important for many, many people. So, I will cease mentioning things on here that are interpreted as controversial.
It’s really none of my business because I didn’t know CPT Gardner, but I really think y’all should reconsider what you’re doing, especially here. Not only could you find yourself sued for libel, the website itself and Larry could be sued too.
Well, don’t know how you arrived at that conclusion, Gary. Anything I write will be acknowledged as my work and Larry or the website won’t be mentioned or involved. What legal concept are you talking about here?
A website or publication can be held liable for what they allow to be printed. It’s not defamation unless whatever is said is false, but proving it true can be expensive, time consuming and difficult to do. Colorado defamation laws even allow the filing of criminal charges.
In the end, I suppose it’s up to Larry how much he wants to expose himself to risk. It just seems prudent to me not to discuss the mans alleged shortcomings and failures publicly on the internet using a site y’all don’t own.
http://www.cohenlawdenver.com/civil-litigation/defamation/
Test
Couldn’t get my post to go through. Finally figured out it was my stupidity and not the site.
OK! You have peaked my interest in Capt Gardner. Since he came after my tour here are some questions:
1) His first name.
2) Where did he come from in the states?
3) Did he get his training at West Point, ROTC, or OCS?
4) Was his training in infantry or another area?
5) Dates he was your Capt.
6) Age?
7) Any other interesting facts…………………………………….
Bill,
Jim Gardner graduated 3rd in his class at West Point in 1966. He came out to the field as an infantry captain without any combat experience. I’m guessing he was around 26 at the time. He was C.O. from early March 70 to May 4 70 although he ‘stayed on the books’ as C.O. until May 17th to get his ticket punched.
Thanks Ty and LT. What is an OER?
Bill,
It is an Officer Efficiency Report
His name is James R. Gardner, West Pointer, Rhodes Scholar.
I can probably come up with his SSn as he wrote me a not very good OER and it has it on it. I have it on microfiche and some day will open it.
answer
Wow! I was looking at some stuff on Charlie Company. It came to my focus that Top Silverman joined the army on February 15, 1952, some 63 years ago! I didn’t realize he had been in the Army for 17 years before I met him in 1969. I was just barely potty trained when he joined the army.
Yeah…Top Silverman was a Great soldier and a really nice man,whenever I think of him I have to smile.On one of our stand downs Top and I were sitting and talking and he pulled out a bottle of Dramboui and told me to try it and of course being 19 I did….taisted great and proceeded to get toataly wasted on his bottle,I learned a big lesson that afternoon…Thanks Top
Hate to burst your bubble, Sgt. Fury, but word is you may NOT be potty trained yet! Just kiddin’…. don’t frag me, brother.
Hey Ty,
My memory tells me that Cpt Gardner as being the NO 1 graduate at West Point in his class and that he was a Rhodes Scholar after West Point and that he went IOBC as a Captain and was in the same class as Mitch Kotula at Fort Benning School for Boys
Could be, Ken. Info I got off the internet shows him graduating from West Point in 1966 and at #3 in his class. Of course, I could obviously be wrong. After all, it wouldn’t be the first time I was, brother.
Hey Ty.
Do you think he might have lied to us and said he was NO1?
Humh?
Jim Gardner… LIE to us? Naw…surely NOT! LOL
Sidney R. Silverman is the greatest professional soldier I ever met. He was also one of the greatest human beings I was fortunate enough to know. 1SGT Silverman held the company together. He will ALWAYS be TOP!
Can anyone provide me with the names of the wounded on May 4th, 1970? Thanks.