thedrifter
10-18-03, 06:52 AM
Korean War Recon Marines reunite
Submitted by: MCRD San Diego
Story Identification Number: 20031017131936
Story by Sgt. L. F. Langston
MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif.(October 17, 2003) -- Marines of 1st Reconnaissance Company, 1st Marine Division who fought in the trenches of Korea held their annual reunion aboard the Depot Oct. 10 and 11.
Since 1986 the Recon Marines have banned together to share the memorable moments as well as the darker sides of the Korean War.
Jacksonville, N.C. was the site for the first reunion, which only 12 hard-core Recon veterans attended. That group included Glenn Kasdorf, interim chairman, who was a scout sniper during the Korean War. "We now average 65 to 70 Marines at our reunions," said Kasdorf.
During their visit, the Recon Marines and family members visited the command museum and later attended a graduation ceremony for Co. B.
Memories and good times were extended at the Holiday Inn Express where the veterans talked about photos and the whereabouts of their fellow Marines. A memorial service was held, in which a proud but somber moment of silence recognized fallen comrades who fought for a cause and for one another.
"It takes a special kind of Marine to do the jobs that we did," said retired Sgt. Maj. Don Cropper. "We had some (extraordinarily) good officers."
"There was no leaving anyone," said Howard Davenport, Silver Star and Purple Heart recipient. "Rank meant nothing when it came to patrolling. It was about how long you were on the front lines, so as a PFC, I led many patrols."
"We were the first to start a motorized reconnaissance unit with a squad of two jeeps and a trailer with a .30 caliber machine gun on the passenger side," said Cropper.
In September 1951, the Recon company made history as being the first ever combat unit to be deployed with the use of helicopters. Operation Summit involved 228 Marines being airlifted by 12 Sikorsky S-55's to relieve an entire Republic of Korea Division.
"We had been working with the helo units for months and were ready to go," said Doug Marshall, who was a combat intelligence specialist.
The following night, the Recon Marines held a banquet at the Bayview Restaurant here. The guest speaker was Lt. Col. Roy Talkington, commanding officer, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, Camp Pendleton, Calif.
"I'm in awe and humbled as well as honored to be here," said Talkington. The night was highlighted with a presentation of a Korean government appreciation medallion to each veteran who fought in the Korean War. The presentation marks the 50th anniversary of the Korean War.
The medallions were presented by Eugene Chin Yu, representative for all South Korean Veteran Organizations. Before presenting the medallions, Yu spoke to the veterans and expressed the gratitude for their efforts during the war.
"I am Korean by birth, but I am also a strong waving American," said Yu. "Special thanks are always hard to express. We want you to know your sacrifices were not in vain."
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/20031017132124/$file/RECON_lr.jpg
Veterans of 1st Reconnaissance Company, 1st Marine Division proudly wear medallions presented by Eugene Chin Yu on behalf of the South Korean Veterans Organizations. The presentation of the medallions was in accordance with the 50th anniversary of the Korean War.
Photo by: Sgt. L. F. Langston
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/51C08022FA7D909885256DC2005F2DF3?opendocument
Sempers,
Roger
:marine:
Submitted by: MCRD San Diego
Story Identification Number: 20031017131936
Story by Sgt. L. F. Langston
MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif.(October 17, 2003) -- Marines of 1st Reconnaissance Company, 1st Marine Division who fought in the trenches of Korea held their annual reunion aboard the Depot Oct. 10 and 11.
Since 1986 the Recon Marines have banned together to share the memorable moments as well as the darker sides of the Korean War.
Jacksonville, N.C. was the site for the first reunion, which only 12 hard-core Recon veterans attended. That group included Glenn Kasdorf, interim chairman, who was a scout sniper during the Korean War. "We now average 65 to 70 Marines at our reunions," said Kasdorf.
During their visit, the Recon Marines and family members visited the command museum and later attended a graduation ceremony for Co. B.
Memories and good times were extended at the Holiday Inn Express where the veterans talked about photos and the whereabouts of their fellow Marines. A memorial service was held, in which a proud but somber moment of silence recognized fallen comrades who fought for a cause and for one another.
"It takes a special kind of Marine to do the jobs that we did," said retired Sgt. Maj. Don Cropper. "We had some (extraordinarily) good officers."
"There was no leaving anyone," said Howard Davenport, Silver Star and Purple Heart recipient. "Rank meant nothing when it came to patrolling. It was about how long you were on the front lines, so as a PFC, I led many patrols."
"We were the first to start a motorized reconnaissance unit with a squad of two jeeps and a trailer with a .30 caliber machine gun on the passenger side," said Cropper.
In September 1951, the Recon company made history as being the first ever combat unit to be deployed with the use of helicopters. Operation Summit involved 228 Marines being airlifted by 12 Sikorsky S-55's to relieve an entire Republic of Korea Division.
"We had been working with the helo units for months and were ready to go," said Doug Marshall, who was a combat intelligence specialist.
The following night, the Recon Marines held a banquet at the Bayview Restaurant here. The guest speaker was Lt. Col. Roy Talkington, commanding officer, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, Camp Pendleton, Calif.
"I'm in awe and humbled as well as honored to be here," said Talkington. The night was highlighted with a presentation of a Korean government appreciation medallion to each veteran who fought in the Korean War. The presentation marks the 50th anniversary of the Korean War.
The medallions were presented by Eugene Chin Yu, representative for all South Korean Veteran Organizations. Before presenting the medallions, Yu spoke to the veterans and expressed the gratitude for their efforts during the war.
"I am Korean by birth, but I am also a strong waving American," said Yu. "Special thanks are always hard to express. We want you to know your sacrifices were not in vain."
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/20031017132124/$file/RECON_lr.jpg
Veterans of 1st Reconnaissance Company, 1st Marine Division proudly wear medallions presented by Eugene Chin Yu on behalf of the South Korean Veterans Organizations. The presentation of the medallions was in accordance with the 50th anniversary of the Korean War.
Photo by: Sgt. L. F. Langston
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/51C08022FA7D909885256DC2005F2DF3?opendocument
Sempers,
Roger
:marine: