by | Feb 24, 2009 | Uncategorized
What a story! I will be back later after I talk to Bill Mitchelll and Larry McCartney. They both knew Julius and I will see what they have to say, and add the info to this story. By the way, a lot of people who contribute to this web site are not registered members, but they are members none the less. This includes people who were Nomads and other Marines and other Vets, and a lot of family members too. I have been talking to some of these guys for almost twelve years, either in person, or else here on the web, and many people have helped me gather information whether visual, audio or text files with just the words to a story. Anyway, I hope to keep talking to these guys for the duration. SF
by | Feb 10, 2009 | Uncategorized
Eric,
Nice Board. Once I feel comfortable with it I’ll either send or attach some G 2/26 pics
that you do not have on this site.
Joessifer
by | Jan 25, 2009 | Uncategorized
As I’ve told Eric…my nephew (Gunny Fab’s grandson) has been reactivated by the Marine Corps & is heading back to the middle east. However, he will be enjoying the luxourious accomodations available at Camp LeJeune, NC for a short time first. He doesn’t seem to want to discuss the PTSD he’s being treated for, and I don’t want to push him about it. He has always come to me to mull things in his life over. So, I know he knows I am available.
My nephew’s name is Bryan. Gentlemen, please keep him in your thoughts & prayers.
SF,
Linda
P.S. My nickname is Sam. One of Dad’s Marine Corps buddies named me that when I was three days old & it stuck. Family & friends call me Sam. Everyone else calls me Linda. You all call me Sam. :o)
SF,
Sam
by admlogin | Jan 21, 2009 | Uncategorized
“Corporal Walter J. Philbin, Jr. … quickly mastered the skills of a 60mm mortar gunner, an 81mm mortar gunner, a forward observer, and a radio operator…”
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by | Jan 6, 2009 | Uncategorized
All:
Below is the citation for the Navy Cross Medal for PFC Alvin R. Gale, United States Marine Corps as is published on pages 122 – 123 of “For Extraordinary Heroism” The Navy Cross – Vietnam: Citations of Awards to Men of The United States Navy and The United States Marine Corps (1964 – 1973).
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“For extraordinary heroism while serving as a Radio Operator with Company G, Second Battalion, 26th Marines, Ninth Marine Amphibious Brigade in the Republic of Vietnam on 28 January 1969. During Operation LINN RIVER, the Second Platoon of Company G was patrolling near a stream in Quang Nam Province when the Marines came under a heavy volume of fire from hostile soldiers occupying well-concealed emplacements and, after sustaining several casualties, deployed to the marginal shelter of a bomb crater.
Observing that the Platoon Leader was among the casualties, Private First Class Gale volunteered to accompany his Platoon Commander and a Fire Team and fearlessly went to the aid of the beleaguered unit. Nothing that the casualties were laying in an unprotected area near the hostile emplacements and would have to be evacuated prior to the utilization of supporting artillery fire, he unhesitatingly accompanied his companions across the fire-swept terrain and effected the rescue of three of the injured men. As he, with his Platoon Commander, again boldly entered the enemy kill zone and approached to within five meters of the hostile soldiers to evacuate the remaining helpless Marine, the two came under intense fire which fatally wounded the Platoon Commander.
Determined to save his injured comrade and, if possible, retrieve the officer, Private First Class Gale immediately delivered suppressive fire on the North Vietnamese position and was attempting to gain fire superiority, when he was mortally wounded. By his courage, selfless concern for his fellow men and unwavering devotion to duty, Private First Class Gale upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.”
SEMPER FIDELIS!!!
There is more to this page but I need to get some photos posted in order to get the right effect etc. So If anyone has a photo of Alvin Gale I would appreciate seeing it. As of now all I have is a picture of his tombstone out in Gethsemanie Cemetery – West Roxbury, Mass …. Alvin Gale (2./26) and Paul Reid (2/5) is buried on a ridgeline overlooking my mother and father,
Insert some photos
by admlogin | Dec 30, 2008 | Uncategorized
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by | Dec 28, 2008 | Uncategorized
We re-fitted at Quang Tri and then went afloat! After we got settled on the ships we then did some training in amphibious landings and vertical envelopments. This was mostly in the Cua Viet area. Once we flew all the way into Mai Loc and didnt see the ships again for two months
by | Dec 28, 2008 | Uncategorized
The Hill Fights happened in the spring of 1967. It was big news in California as I recall. I was in San Diego at the time and I heard of the battle of Hill 881. I think I heard of 861 too, but 881 is what I remember. A year later I ended up on one of the same hills that the marines had fought for a year earlier.
by | Dec 1, 2008 | Uncategorized
Hi Eric!
I was goofing around online & typed FABYUNKEY into google & come across my dad’s pictures on your site. How are you doing?
I don’t remember if I told you or not, but my nephew, Bryan, went into the Marine Corps. He served three tours in Iraq. I kind of feel bad for the (I want to say boy because I took care of him when he was little, but he’s a grown up man now) guy. He called me up one evening all distressed because he is suffering from PTSD & he’s being treated for it at the VA where he lives. He thinks, and I can’t convinve him otherwise, that Dad (his granddad) would be disappointed in him for not being able to get a handle on himself without help from others. I know my dad was a rough character & I know that he was relatively unbendable at times, but I also know that my dad would want his grandson to be at peace and not be tormented by the demons of war like he was. Bryan served the Corps proudly and might have to go back…he actually seems pleased that they might want him active again. The called him up for an evaluation to see if he was fit for duty & he should be hearing about that soon.
I know I haven’t been in touch in a very long time. However, I just want to tell you all how appreciative & greatful I am for you. Without the Marines that served with my dad I would not have been raised by him. I would not have had someone to color with me every night at 8 p.m. (Dad would get after me for the next part…) I wouldn’t have had someone to help me study Shakespeare’s Macbeth at home during high school. I would not have had anyone to teach me how to punch or kick. I would not have had anyone to teach me the saying that has gotten me through every tough moment in my life, “Chin up, chest out, & march through the day like you own it daughter.” I would not have known the joy of listening to Eddie Arnold & standing on top of my dad’s feet while he danced me around the living room. I would not have known my dad. So, really…thank you, thank you, thank you.
Love & hugs,
Linda
Here’s is a photo of Gunny Fabyunkey. I used to call him Yosemetieitie Sam because he had that huge mustache.
by | Nov 21, 2008 | Uncategorized
Bob Ridgway is top center with the big smile. (Click pic for better view)
Also from the other people I know that are in the picture I think this is the 81s “First Section” that Sgt “Baby Face” Wolford was in charge of. Also if this is a photo of the first section then they would have been attached to Echo Company. Since Echo is the first letter company of the 2nd Battalion that is how things were set up. Not always, but usually when a section (two guns) went out with a line company.
Anyway once I get more organized, I will post this “Big Sky and Gang” photo in our Gallery where you will be able to see it a little better and other photos too. Still at this time, I have so many pictures from my own collectiuon and so many flix from other 81s people, that it really takes a lot of planning in order to get the photos sorted correctly, thus ready for proper viewing etc. Also I recommend the Slide Show with Full Screen as I think it is the best way to view these pictures… but later on that stuff. SF
PS. I have already edited this message at least five times – including adding the above picute, so that is just another reason why this “WordPress/Nomad81s.com” program is so useful.
Sure it takes some time to get used to this program, but me and AL are here to help you guys understand things. Of course if you just want to view the page then all you have to do is probe around until you figure out the categories etc. Of course if you want to write posts and comments then you have to register. That is no big deal either, as it is a simple process. Hmm? Perhaps a little confusing at first but then what else is new with these computers?
Semper Fidleis
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