From: Eric Smith [mailto:s8969@comcast.net]
Sent: Monday, March 29, 2010 4:38 PM
To: Alan Green
Cc: ‘Pilch, Bruce’; ‘Rodriguez, Eloy’; ‘Rodriguez, Eloy’; ‘Ventura, Bill’; ‘Cooper, Joseph Lynn’; ‘Marquez, Pedro’; ‘Pedro Marquez’; ‘Marquez, PRM’; ‘Green, Bryan’
Subject: Re: Green and the Gang!
Al
I too, am most proud of what Major Lynch said about the 81s Platoon. – That we were the only ones who could “fire back” at the time!
I think it was a great compliment for our 81s Platoon!
And
I think all of you guys would agree! And to make sure, I will be going over and thru all the citations and stories etc and making sure that everyone knows what we did and hears about it again – and over and over! Argh! Argh Argh! – Hey I aint bashful!
SF
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From: Eric Smith [mailto:s8969@comcast.net]
Sent: Monday, March 29, 2010 4:18 PM
To: Alan Green
Cc: ‘Pilch, Bruce’; ‘Rodriguez, Eloy’; ‘Rodriguez, Eloy’; ‘Ventura, Bill’; ‘Cooper, Joseph Lynn’; ‘Marquez, Pedro’; ‘Pedro Marquez’; ‘Marquez, PRM’; ‘Green, Bryan’
Subject: Re: Green and the Gang!
Dear Don Alphonse Grenagio!
Wait until I write my Book! Serious. I will call it – “From Hickory to Meade River.” Subtitled – A Brief History of 2/26 in Vietnam
Hmm?
Serious.
Then I will really put you up on a pedestal! Argh! argh argh! Yeah. I’ll put your head up so high that you’ll get dizzy just thinking of the prestige etc! Anyway, I got that Silver Star Recommendation material from Mike Worth, — Who probably got it from his father, who got it from your father or something like that. Serious.
So. When we get to the Reunion, you’ll have to tell us about how your father and Mike Worth’s father knew each other back then in Tennessee, and how they must have become close during the time that you guys from Knoxville Tennessee, were in Vietnam and in the same battalion. (Serious. Great Stuff etc Great Story etc)
Actually, Lucille Bisgaglio might have had something to do with it, as you should know that she was one of the best “Civilian Forward Observers” that we had around the time of our first reunions back in 1999 and 2001. I mean she was a great researcher etc. Yeah. Lucille was great, and I really wish we could hear from her.
Anyway I told you earlier (About a year ago) that I was going to surprise you with your SS Citation or at least the Recommendations for your citation.
Hmm?
Now do I have any more surprises?
Hmm?
I guess it all depends on what I have in my files or folders etc
Hmm?
I don’t know but we will see
Ha!
Semper Fidelis
Smitty
From: Alan Green
To: Eric Smith
Cc: <email addresses>
Sent: Monday, March 29, 2010 4:50 PM
Subject: RE:
Smitty, I’m not sure what musty old footlocker these came out of — but it brings back vivid memories of a day none of us will ever forget.
It’s nice to see my name attached to something like this, of course, but my strongest memory of that day (aside from the one about being scared shitless) is the way the 81s platoon responded — guys like Maynard Sinclair pumping out round after round, Rod and Manny Ramos trying frantically to communicate with the gun crews after the landlines had been shredded, Bruce tossing me the megaphone that turned out to be the only thing that could be heard above the explosions, Coop standing there in a hail of incoming with his M60 blasting and Larry Towne feeding him belt after belt, Kelly dumping canteens of water on a pile of smoking ammo which could have easily blown him to pieces.
Read Major Lynch’s statement about the mortar platoon reaching a high volume of fire — we were the only ones on that hill who could fight back against a devastating mortar attack and that’s just what we did.
And then there is the memory of the 25 guys under the ponchos on the LZ. It could have been any of us, but fate chose them that day. There would have been many more of them were it not for the bravery of every man in the 81s platoon.
Semper Fi,
-Alan
From: Eric Smith
Sent: Monday, March 29, 2010 11:44 AM
To: Green, Bryan; Green, Alan
Cc: Pilch, Bruce; Rodriguez, Eloy; Rodriguez, Eloy; Ventura, Bill; Cooper, Joseph Lynn; Marquez, Pedro; ‘Pedro Marquez’; Marquez, PRM
Subject:
Al
“We Marines” are not supposed to “Toot Our Own Horns,”
Apparently, it can be interpreted as being “Self Serving” etc
However, Other Marines can “sing that song” or “blow that horn!”
SF
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Recommendation for Silver Star:
In the case of 1st Lt. Alan B. GREEN 0103514
STATEMENT OF J. C. CREGAN, Major, USMC
On the 16th of September 1968, 1st Lt. GREEN’s 81mm mortar platoon was in general support of BLT 2/26 at LZ Margo, RVN.
Late in the afternoon on that date the battalion came under a heavy enemy mortar attack. Lt. GREEN’s mortar pits were in an area that was receiving a large volume of incoming rounds.
Nevertheless, with complete disregard for his own safety, Lt. GREEN reacted quickly in a most daring fashion. He sprang to the top of a bunker and with the aid of a megaphone rallied his platoon.
Following his courageous example and responding to the encouragement he shouted to them, the entire platoon moved into position, manned their guns, and returned fire on the enemy’s position. Lt GREEN maintained his most hazardous post in the midst of intense enemy fire, shouting fire-command to his inspired Marines until the enemy fire was suppressed. Immediately after the attack his first thoughts were for the many wounded Marines around him.
In a most professional manner he speedily organized an efficient medevac operation. He organized litter bearing parties, gathered accurate information on casualties from several different units in “the battalion. The lieutenant, moving about continuously encouraging and consoling the wounded, remained in the LZ until the evacuation of the last Marine was complete. Lt GREEN proved himself to be an extremely courageous, most professional young officer during this action and gained the highest respect of all who observed him.
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Statement of J. D. LYNCH, Major, USMC
In the Case of 1st Lt Alan B. GREEN.
The initial attack brought numerous 82 mm rounds to bear on battalion positions within the LZ. In time, however, the enemy mortar fire began to mass on the positions of 81mm Platoon. As counter-mortar missions were called, I observed Lt GREEN move from the relative safety of the platoon FDC and go personally to various of his gun pits to exhort his men into action. His courageous action, personal example, and ability to make decisions under fire as he replaced wounded or dead mortar men with others enabled the mortar platoon to quickly reach a high volume of counter-mortar fire, the only supporting fires available to the battalion at the time.
Having reorganized his platoon and having ensured that the enemy fire was answered, Lt GREEN then turned the operation of his platoon to his next in command and exposing himself to both mortar fire and the of attacking enemy infantry, Lt GREEN crossed the LZ and began assisting another officer in the caring for and staging for medevac of the 100 wounded sailors and Marines.
J. D. LYNCH
Major USMC
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