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Posted: 12/31/1969 Name: Joe Mattison Message: My apologies with regards to Ranger Stafford. I guess I've been out of the Ranger "net" too long this past year, and I didn't know that he had passed away. My condolences to all who knew him and served with him. I can recognize the time that Ranger Rice refers to with regard to Black Soldiers at Camp Merrill. There was an "unofficial" policy not to assign black, married soldiers to Camp Merrill because of a lack of Government Quarters. On/about 1996 or so, the Government Quarters opened up for Camp Merrill families but before that, it was each to their own, and whereever you could or wanted to live. I'm with Ross Hall Mr Rice....if you can recollect some of the FTX problems....31, 32 and 33 FTXs....where do you remember walking patrols at in your days? Winding Stair Gap area, as an example is a place where I've heard that FTXs were ran, but had stopped by the time I got there. I believe Camp Merrill became dedicated as Camp Merrill back in the early 70s, but Doug Perry would have to confirm that information. What type of helicopters flew you and your Ranger Patrols out from Camp in those days? Do you use many fixed wing aircraft such as the Beaver or Otter from Camp Merrill? What stories can you tell of the "officer swimming pool" at Camp....I think all generations have their own stories about that one. Were you there when the cinder block section was added to the NCO club and where did the blocks come from? Were you there when Camp was built using Cinder Blocks and transitioned from tents? Any and all would be appreciated. I figure that your about a 3rd generation Ranger Instructor and I'm about a 6th generation Ranger Instructor which I estimate as two generations per decade starting with the early 50s. At anyrate...thanks Mr Rice for any and all stories. Thanks very, very much! |
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Posted: 12/31/1969 Name: Ross Hall Message: My list of CSM, CFM does not show a Richardson. |
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Posted: 12/31/1969 Name: Joe Mattison Message: 1LT Nett, Commander, E Co, 305th Inf Regiment, 77th Inf Division, near Cagnon, Leyte, Phillipine Islands, 14 December 1944, led an attack against reenforced Japanese Troops who were defending from prepared positions around a concrete building. 1Lt Nett personally killed over 7 Japanese defenders with his rifle and bayonet while leading, and encouraging his men to fight forward. 1LT Nett was wounded 3 separate times during this attack, and afterwards, turned his Company over to another Officer. He walked back (on his own, and unaided), to seek medical assistance, for his wounds. |
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Posted: 12/31/1969 Name: Joe Mattison Message: Steve, Bob and Ross: I can vouch for the fact that USARA has a Board of Directors that do make decisions that require immediate attention, and are usually in the areas of normal day to day operations which requires the expenditure of funds. The system is open and honest, and the accounts are available to anyone who wants to be informed. It's the major items such as the annual Ranger Muster that is voted on....as an example. We know from year to year which "Region" it is that is responsible for setting up and making all of the arrangements for the "Muster", but it's the General Membership Vote that actually decides where it's going to be. Example....USARA is having the 2009 Muster in Las Vegas, and that was decided upon, by the General Membership. The Western Region is responsible for putting it together. The smaller items such as how much to spend for a photo, tribute, etc, etc, is made either at the Board of Directors annual meeting or is at times, decided by the members of the Board over the internet (because Board Members live in different States). At any rate, the online Voting that Bob is putting together really is the ticket for this organization and it now empowers all members of the Association to be active, and participating members in the major, decisions. El Presidente for Life is a pretty good title for you Steve. I'd say that you earned it for all the hard work that you and others have put into USMRA. Bob, and what he's done has been incredible, and to say that this ability to post such as I'm doing now, truly is an envy and very difficult to replicate. In closing...great job to all, and my thanks. Joe |
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Posted: 12/31/1969 Name: Joe Mattison Message: Thanks Steve. By the way, still checking my mail box. Have you sent yet? |
