CMOH

[sambone]

Fellow Boat guys,
Has there been more scuttlebutt about the guy that was to receive the MOH from Vietnam. Last I heard he was to get it this summer. Haven't seen or heard anything about it. It sure would be nice to see him get it even if it is over 30 years late.

Boat guy26, when were you in Panama?
9533 When was the last time you were down here in Mississippi, things sure have changed here alot in the last couple of years.

Remember "Never get off the Boat"

[9533]

Sambone,
Talked to his daughter this morning. Things are real quiet right now. I have heard that it is moving through the Congress, and word is it is being well recieved. Many national leaders in DAV, VFW, American Legion and NAVSPECWAR are hearing from congressmen that they feel like they are righting a wrong. That our teammate should have been rewarded for his heroism years ago. He is the most amazing guy...if I were in his place I couldn't sleep at night..he is remodeling his mothers house and just bought a Harley and all he talks about is how much fun we are going to have at the reunion!
I will keep you posted to any updates that I can share.

Sambone..the last time I was down your way was early 1980s for predeployment training on the Pearl river with our unit and SEAL4.
Good Day to you!
9533

PS. I was told by another Boat Guy who was in Vietnam at the same time that not only did our guy save his crew that night but the MOH report credits him with 30+ kills on a VC ambush position that was set for a SEAL platoon suppose to extract in the area. The report credits our 2 teammates firefight with saving those brothers aswell.

[Boatguy26]

Sambone,
I was in Panama from 89-95, was on the PBR's with ya, well was on Harpels boat.

[sambone]

9533,
Thanks for good info on the MOH. I sure hope that He gets it. It amazes me how many deserving awards have been misplaced, forgotten, or never awarded to the men that bled, and paid the ultimate sacrifice to our country. These men are the true hero's that we should pay our respects to.
On a lighter note, what unit were you with in the 80's. Just wondering cause the nec 9533 goes way back. I earned that nec in 89 and its nice to see guys that respect it. We had the Game Warden guys down here last summer for their reunion. Wow what a wonderful time we had. I hope that they come back here again.

Boat guy26, That was a name from the past, Harpel you know he made chief awhile back. Thats going to make me dig up alot of old pictures and drink a few brews to remember the good old days. If you ever get a chance give me a holler down here in Mississippi.

remember this "Never Lose Your Spoon"

[Boatguy26]

Sambone,
Rob is a Senior Chief now, atleast i think he is. He is now a 0000 working with the MKV program at 12, he got out of the units before the close loop and for some reason couldnt get it back. I see him from time to time, i'll tell him to give you a shout. Also Dutch is out here on a ship, dont see him much.

[9533]

Sambone,
I was in SBU-24...A state trooper for 11 years, now I am a professor at a state university...miss the boat teams though..

I will be in Miss. in late June...how far are y'all from Pascagoula??

Good Day.
9533

[Boatguy26]

9533,
When were you at 24?

[Frog]

Originally posted by 9533
I will be in Miss. in late June...how far are y'all from Pascagoula??

Good Day.
9533


Now here's a thought - How about if I call Elaine for the go-ahead and then call Kenny, the CMC of 22 and get the command invited to the christening of the USS James E. Williams in Pascagoula? How 'bout it boat guys? Wanna go? Gotta wear your whites though.

[Boatguy26]

When is the christening?

[Frog]

weekend of the 27th June - have the invite at work - 9533, got it handy?


Citation:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. PO1c. Williams was serving as Boat Captain and Patrol Officer aboard River Patrol Boat (PBR) 105 accompanied by another patrol boat when the patrol was suddenly taken under fire by 2 enemy sampans. PO1c. Williams immediately ordered the fire returned, killing the crew of 1 enemy boat and causing the other sampan to take refuge in a nearby river inlet. Pursuing the fleeing sampan, the U.S. patrol encountered a heavy volume of small-arms fire from enemy forces, at close range, occupying well-concealed positions along the river bank. Maneuvering through this fire, the patrol confronted a numerically superior enemy force aboard 2 enemy junks and 8 sampans augmented by heavy automatic weapons fire from ashore. In the savage battle that ensued, PO1c. Williams, with utter disregard for his safety exposed himself to the withering hail of enemy fire to direct counter-fire and inspire the actions of his patrol. Recognizing the overwhelming strength of the enemy force, PO1c. Williams deployed his patrol to await the arrival of armed helicopters. In the course of his movement his discovered an even larger concentration of enemy boats. Not waiting for the arrival of the armed helicopters, he displayed great initiative and boldly led the patrol through the intense enemy fire and damaged or destroyed 50 enemy sampans and 7 junks. This phase of the action completed, and with the arrival of the armed helicopters, PO1c. Williams directed the attack on the remaining enemy force. Now virtually dark, and although PO1c. Williams was aware that his boats would become even better targets, he ordered the patrol boats' search lights turned on to better illuminate the area and moved the patrol perilously close to shore to press the attack. Despite a waning supply of ammunition the patrol successfully engaged the enemy ashore and completed the rout of the enemy force. Under the leadership of PO 1 c. Williams, who demonstrated unusual professional skill and indomitable courage throughout the 3 hour battle, the patrol accounted for the destruction or loss of 65 enemy boats and inflicted numerous casualties on the enemy personnel. His extraordinary heroism and exemplary fighting spirit in the face of grave risks inspired the efforts of his men to defeat a larger enemy force, and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

[ussfpa]

Aswome citation, thanks for posting it...
wow...

Primum non Nocere

[Boatguy26]

Ya he was and still is the man, got to meet him acouple years ago when he was a guest speaker at a SWCC graduation

[9533]

Frog,
It is June 28 @ 10:00am at Northrup Gruman Ship Systems, Pascagoula MS.
Sounds like a wonderful thing you are doing, if Mrs. Williams is agreeable.


Boatguy26
@ 24 from 82-85.
PB, Seafox, Mini's, and maintained & skippered the Pre-PBL whalers.

9533
Good Day to You.

[Boatguy26]

Ya George is awsome, he was my Senior chief when i was in training cell at 26. He retired in mid 90's and lives in Bolivia now.

[pbrdog]

Porno
George was my OIC in Bolivia and prior workups. I have the utmost respect for that man. Not many like him around anymore.

[9533]

Dear Dillon County Darling!,

What's the word good Capt? Did Mrs. Elaine respond?

Sambone, or any other SBT22 deliquents, would any of you guys be up for a beer with an old worn out teammate?

Good Day to You all!

9533

[sambone]

9533,
Its great to hear that more people know about this. I have been out of town for a few days and just happened to read it from my hotel room. I hope that (CMC SBT-22) can get it worked out. I think it would be a great thing to have fellow teammates at the christening. It would show our respects to him and his family. I am sure that if our command can work it out , there will be more then a few guys that will get all dolled up in their whites and dog bowls and be there. If you get the chance swing down to Stennis and visit SBT-22. You will be impressed.

pbrdog,
Were you ever at SBT-26. I was there from 88-92, chief engineer of PBR-21, and then POIC PBR-21. PBR's were awesome boats. Its a shame that theyall went away.

"Boats of glass, Balls of brass"

[pbrdog]

Sambone,
I was there from 91-94. PBL Det Alpha with Boatuy26. Was on PBR's at SBU 11 88-91.

[sambone]

pbrdog,
if your still on pm me