Presidential Unit Citation Streamer with One Silver and Four Bronze Stars
Navy Unit Commendation Streamer with One Silver and One Bronze Star
National Defense Service Streamer with One Bronze Star
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamer
Vietnam Service Streamer with Two Silver Stars and Two Bronze Stars
Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Streamer
Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation Civil Actions Streamer
Company
July 1968 - July 1969
Click Here for the Recon Photo Gallery
1ST Marine Division 1967-1969
I'm just a simple old warrior who served in the uniform of this country's military in War who loves to discuss all aspects of life. It is my firm conviction that if one understands what caused the war, how the war was conducted, and the Reconstruction Years that followed, one will know what this country is about. You can email 24/7 at: floydruggles@1streconbn.comThanks for stopping by.
Norfolk is located at the core of the Hampton Roads metropolitan area, named for the large natural harbor of the same name located at the mouth of Chesapeake Bay. It is one of nine cities and seven counties that constitute the Hampton Roads metro area, officially known as the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC MSA. The city is bordered to the west by the Elizabeth River and to the north by the Chesapeake Bay. It also shares land borders with the independent cities of Chesapeake to its south and Virginia Beach to its east. Norfolk is one of the oldest cities in Hampton Roads, and is considered to be the historic, urban, financial, and cultural center of the region.
The city has a long history as a strategic military and transportation point. The largest Navy base in the world, Naval Station Norfolk, is located in Norfolk along with one of NATO's twoStrategic Command headquarters. The city also has the corporate headquarters of Norfolk Southern Railway, one of North America's principal Class I railroads, and Maersk Line, Limited, which manages the world's largest fleet of US-flag vessels. As the city is bordered by multiple bodies of water, Norfolk has many miles of riverfront and bayfront property, including beaches on the Chesapeake Bay. It is linked to its neighbors by an extensive network of Interstate highways, bridges, tunnels, and threebridge-tunnel complexes, which are the only bridge-tunnels in the United States.
Norfolk was established in August 1682 after a 1680 British Act ordered the establishment of a port town of 50 acres in each Virginia county. The “Towne of Lower Norfolk County” was bounded on the east, west and south by the Elizabeth River; and on the north by what is now City Hall Avenue. Norfolk was granted Borough status in 1736. It grew steadily and had a population of 6,000 by the eve of the American Revolution (1775).
On January 1, 1776, British forces bombarded Norfolk from ships anchored off shore. Patriot factions completed the destruction so the British could not house their army here. Only the walls of the Borough Church – today’s St. Paul’s Episcopal – remained standing. But citizens returned and began to rebuild. By 1800, Norfolk’s population numbered 7,000 and Norfolk was the eighth largest town in America.
The 1807 attack on the USS frigate Chesapeake by the HMS Leopard offshore was a contributing factor in President Thomas Jefferson’s decision to ask Congress to declare war on Great Britain, the War of 1812. The ensuing British Navigation Acts and Jefferson’s Embargo Act closed the port and all but crippled the local economy. There was a gradual return to prosperity, leading to Norfolk’s incorporation as a city in 1845.
In 1855, one-third of Norfolk’s resident population died during a yellow fever epidemic. Just seven years later, one of the most famous naval battles in history was played out within view of the city by the first two ironclad battleships – the USS Monitor and CSS Virginia (formerly the USS Merrimac). Two months later, in May 1862, Norfolk was surrendered to Union forces and was under Federal occupation for the remainder of the Civil War.
The world came to Norfolk in 1907 when the Jamestown Exposition, commemorating the 300th anniversary of the first permanent English settlement in America, was held at Sewell’s Point. In 1917 the Exposition grounds became home to the US Naval Operating Base, today’s Naval Station Norfolk. Two World Wars more than doubled the city’s population and a series of annexations ending in 1959 brought Norfolk to her current size. In recent years revitalization programs have led to changes throughout the city. Our vibrant downtown commercial hub mixes with a menu of cultural offerings, educational opportunities, diverse neighborhoods and a comfortable blend of the old and new. From a tiny town of 50 acres, Norfolk has grown to 61.86 square miles and a population of more than 247,000.
The Top 10 Things to Do in Norfolk 2017
Unbelievable Virginia Sunsets Will Leave You In Awe!
Virginia Sunsets
Sometimes they are fiery red, other times soft pastels. Sometimes the sun hovers and floats on the horizon, other times it drops faster than you can follow. Sometimes, if you’re lucky, you have the chance to sit down and watch the sunset like the sky is your own personal movie screen, but other times, it catches you off guard and you can’t look away. No matter how you see it, the sunset is a moment where you can step outside of reality for just a moment and take in the beauty of nature. And there’s nowhere better to do that than Virginia.
Norfolk, VA - Sunset
See You All in Norfolk, VA (God Willing)
Marine Corps Birthday Ball
celebrating the 241st Birthday of the United States Marine Corps
The 1st Marine Division Association (FMDA) Reunion will be held in Houston, Texas, 1-7 August 2016.
The FMDA will hold its general business meeting Thursday, August 4, the Executive Meeting and Board of Directors Meeting Friday, August 5, the General Membership Meeting and banquet, Saturday August 6. The reunion schedule of events, with tour information, and registration forms are yet to be completed.
The reunion hotel is the JW Marriott Houston, 5150 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 7056. Reunion room rates are $109.00 + Tax. The rates are effective July 30 until August 7th. The JW Marriott Houston does not provide shuttle service. It looks like Hobby Airport is 15 miles away and Bush International is 27 miles away; airport to hotel transportation options are being determined.
Book your room for First Marine Division Association Reunion. $109.00 Rate available 07/30/16 to 08/08/16 - Book by 07/08/16 for map or Info. Click the photo!
Check-in and Check-out Check in: 4:00 PM Check out: 12:00 PM Parking Valet parking, fee: 34.64 USD daily On-site parking, fee: 4.33 USD hourly, 25.98 USD daily Off-site parking, fee: 4.33 USD hourly, 25.98 USD daily Daytime valet parking for non-overnight guests is USD 20.00 Airport William P Hobby Airport - HOU Hotel direction: 16 miles NW This hotel does not provide shuttle service. George Bush Intercontinental Airport - IAH Hotel direction: 27 miles SW This hotel does not provide shuttle service. High-Speed Internet Guest rooms Wired * , Wireless Public areas: Wireless Meeting rooms: Wired , Wireless. Hotels Website Click Photo...
The Climate of Houston is classified as humid subtropical. August normally ranks as the warmest month at 84.6 °F (29.2 °C) and January the coldest month at 53.1 °F (11.7 °C). The normal annual precipitation measures 49.77 inches (1,264 mm). Occasional severe weather of Houston mostly takes the form of flooding. Average Weather In August For Houston, Texas. The month of August is characterized by essentially constant daily high temperatures, with daily highs around 94°F throughout the month, exceeding 99°F or dropping below 89°F only one day in ten.
Click to enlarge photos...
Image:
Houston is a sprawling metropolis in Texas, extending to Galveston Bay. It’s closely linked with the Space Center Houston, the coastal visitor center at NASA’s astronaut training and flight control complex. The city’s relatively compact Downtown includes the Theater District, home to the renowned Houston Grand Opera, and the Historic District, which pairs 19th-century architecture with trendy restaurants. Alive with energy and rich in diversity, Houston is a dynamic mix of imagination, talent and first-class attractions that makes it a world-class city. Home to a vibrant economy, beautiful surroundings and a population full of optimism and spirit, it's no wonder that Houston is a popular international destination. You can enjoy Houston's outstanding performing and visual arts venues. Try one of the countless restaurants available, offering cuisine in everything from Tex Mex and South American to Middle Eastern and Vietnamese. For sports fans we have local teams representing all major sports. Houston offers something to fit every budget. Click the photo for a map of Houston, Texas.
Houston Astros Website "Blue Jays & Rangers in town"
Houston Texas Fred Hartman Bridge
The Fred Hartman Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge in the U.S. state ofTexas, spanning the Houston Ship Channel. The bridge carries 2.6 miles (4 km) of State Highway 146, between the cities of Baytown, Texasand La Porte, Texas (east of Houston). It is expected to carry State Highway 99, the Grand Parkway when it is completed around Houston.
The bridge, named for Fred Hartman (1908–1991), the editor and publisher of the Baytown Sun from 1950 to 1974, is the longest cable-stayed bridge in Texas, and one of only four such bridges in the state, the others being Veterans Memorial Bridge in Orange County, Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge in Dallas and Bluff Dale Suspension Bridge in Erath County. It is the seventy-seventh largest bridge in the world. The construction cost of the bridge was $91.25 million.
Fred Hartman Bridge
The bridge replaced theBaytown Tunnel (of depth clearance 40 feet or 12.2 m). The tunnel had to be removed when the Houston Ship Channelwas deepened to 45 feet (13.7 m), with a minimum 530 feet (161.5 m) bottom width, to accommodate larger ships. The last section of the Baytown Tunnel was removed from the Houston Ship Channel on September 14, 1999, with removal of the tunnel being the responsibility of the Texas Department of Transportation.
See You All in Houston, Texas (God Willing)
June 28th, 2016
Click the photo for more Info.
1ST RECON BN. ASSOCIATION
Association of the Natural Warrior
May 19th, 2016
Cayenne 6 Final Extraction
It is with profound sadness that I inform you of Sgt Bob Morris' passing on March 26th, 2016.
Bob Morris was born April 12, 1950 in Monterey, California to James Franklin Morris and Marilyn Drost Morris. He served in the United States Marine Corps from July 1969 until September 1972 including the year that he spent as team leader with the 1st Recon Division while in Viet Nam, obtaining the rank of Sergeant. He was awarded the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star with Valor, two Navy Commendation Medals with Valor, the Republic of Viet Nam Campaign Medal, the Viet Nam Service Medal, and a Combat Action Ribbon.
Bob, known to many as “Cayenne 6”, along with his wife Julie, was devoted to the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion Association and his Recon teammates. He served as the Membership Coordinator and Web Master from the earliest days of the Association and always gave freely of his time and talent. Bob worked tirelessly to reunite 1st Recon teammates and bring them together in the Association. Cayenne 6 leaves a void that will never be filled. We are blessed to have known Bob and stood with him, side by side, in war and peace.
A graveside service was held in Temple, Tx earlier this month where the Colors were presented to Julie by the Color Guard. A small group of family and friends were present and were grateful for the attendance of the Patriot Guard.
"I believe God put me through the first cancer to turn me around and get me ready for this time. He put me in a spiritual position to accept and welcome a new life. Julie and I have had a great relationship...God gave us 22 years and that I am so thankful for...My concern is not seeing the streets of gold or mansions. I want to see My Savior and live in a body without pain."
Bob Morris 11/3/15
March 28th, 2016
Robert Glenn Morris
Graveside services for Robert Glenn (Bob) Morris, 65, of Temple will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 1 at Hillcrest Memorial Cemetery in Temple.
Mr. Morris died Saturday, March 26, 2016 at a local hospital.
Bob Morris was born April 12, 1950 in Monterey, California to James Franklin Morris and Marilyn Drost Morris. He served in the United States Marine Corps with the 1st Recon Division while in Viet Nam from July 1969 – September 1972, obtaining the rank of Sergeant. He was awarded the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star with Valor, two Navy Commendation Medals with Valor, the Republic of Viet Nam Campaign Medal, the Viet Nam Service Medal, and a Combat Action Ribbon.
Bob, known to many as ''Cayenne 6'', along with his wife Julie were devoted to the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion Association and his Recon teammates. He served as the Membership Coordinator and Web Master from the earliest days of the Association and always gave freely of his time and talent. Bob worked tirelessly to reunite 1st Recon teammates and bring them together in the Association. Cayenne 6 leaves a void that will never be filled. We are blessed to have known Bob and stood with him, side by side, in war and peace.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, James and Marilyn Morris, and a brother, Darrell Morris.
He is survived by his wife, Julie A. Mooney; son, Matthew K. Morris and wife Brittany; daughter, Misti Duggins and husband Johnny; brother, James Morris; sisters Cheryl Danner and husband Kent, Katherine Litwin and husband Joseph, and Patricia McMillan and husband Colin; and four grandchildren.
March 2016
My Time To Rotate Out
Bob Morris Membership Director/Webmaster
After 3 years of being a director and 13 as the Membership Director/Webmaster I have decided to retire from my duties in the 1st Recon Assn. effective at this years reunion in Houston. It has been a great run. One that would have been several degrees harder had it not been for my ever so faithful sidekick/wife Julie. We retired Jan. 25, 2015 and are doing more traveling than staying at home. After I went down with cancer in 2010 my priorities started changing from the assn. being #1 to putting Julie at the top spot. Add to that the learning curve on how the site renders in each new browser is something I do not want to contend with. My work machine quit and had to be replaced with one with Windows 10 and the site doesn't render the same as in XP with Windows 6. My reverting back to member only status will put the assn. in a bind. I painted myself in a corner maintaining membership director and webmaster. The chances of someone taking over both jobs are slim. They will more than likely have to be broken up into 2 different positions even though one goes hand in hand with the other. All software and expenses will be furnished by the assn. Both are volunteer positions. Listed below are the duties.
Membership Director
Be elected Process applications to the 1st Recon Ass. Mail Membership cards and Assn. window decals to new members Send a welcome email to new members Keep track of members who change their email or mailing information or extract out Pass on all the information to the webmaster Email the twice yearly newsletter out to all members on the net Work closely with the webmaster to make sure everything stays correct. Attend reunions as much as possible
Webmaster
Should be someone who served after Nam to add longevity Must have a basic knowledge of how to maintain a site Upload all the new member information to the server Upload the twice yearly newsletter to the server Work closely with the membership director to make sure everything stays correct.
My earnest hope is there is someone in the assn. who can take my feeble attempt at a site and turn it into something everyone in the assn. can be proud of.
Anyone interested please contact Charlie Kershaw at: Click Here
Semper Fidelis
Bob Morris Membership Director/Webmaster
May 19th, 2016
Association Openings
In Houston, Texas, at this year's reunion!
Membership Director
Be elected Process applications to the 1st Recon Ass. Mail Membership cards and Assn. window decals to new members Send a welcome email to new members Keep track of members who change their email or mailing information or extract out Pass on all the information to the webmaster Email the twice yearly newsletter out to all members on the net Work closely with the webmaster to make sure everything stays correct. Attend reunions as much as possible
Webmaster
Should be someone who served after Vietnam to add longevity Must have a basic knowledge of how to maintain a site Upload all the new member information to the server Upload the twice yearly newsletter to the server Work closely with the membership director to make sure everything stays correct.
My earnest hope is there is someone in the assn. who can take my feeble attempt at a site and turn it into something everyone in the assn. can be proud of.
Corp. Jimmie Lynn, my 1st Patrol Ldr. issuing an Op Order in early 68. Jim was on a 6 month extension. He had already did a year with 1st Force Recon. He passed away in 97 from Agent Orange related Diabetes. I am alive today because of him.
Jim Parker:Love the Combat Converse All Star Tennis shoes.
Floyd RugglesThanks for the post. That's me in the white t-shirt and the cool tennis shoes on my 1st patrol.
I was just a few days in country. Sorry to hear about Jimmy. I didn't know that he had passed.
If you know their name click on the appropriate letters under Member, Alphabetical. If you can's remember names click on the appropriate Company under Members, By Company. If you find someone whose email address is bad or not listed cross reference their name in the Alphabetical member listings.
Vietnam 1970 Delta Co 1st Recon Bn 1st Marine division.
Happy 240th Birthday - United States Marines
Published on Nov 3, 2015
Madison Rising, America's most patriotic rock band, and The Young Marines national youth organization salute the United States Marine Corps on their 240th birthday. Special thanks to R. Lee Ermey, the producers of The Hornet's Nest and the Dept. of Defense. Semper Fi!
"Upcoming Events"
1st Marine Division Association
2016 Coming Soon
Click a photo to link to a page on our website. Links are found on nearly all Web pages. Links allow users to click their way from page to page. You will find thousands of links on this website.
1ST RECONNAISSANCE BATTALION ASSOCIATION
REUNION EVENTS
for 2016
Coming Soon
See you at the Reunion!
July 10th, 2015
To All:
1st Recon Battalion Association newsletter, The Patrol Report, is forwarded.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of 1st Recon Battalion deployed to Vietnam. I hope you will join us at the Association Reunion in San Diego.
Semper fidelis,
Charlie Kershaw
Click Here
Commendation from the Commandant The commendation was given to 1st and 3rd Recon Battalions and 1st and 3rd Force compainies at the Recon 50 reunion held in Oceanside April 21 - 24.
If you can not print out the form write your information on paper and mail it to the address listed. You can also send an email then mail your fee to Charles Kershaw at Recon 50 P.O. BOX 130753 Carlsbad, CA 92013
Or click here for my web page with photos of the form!
Camp Reasoner
WE NEVER PROMISED YOU A ROSE GARDEN...
Here are a few photos of Camp Reasoner in Da Nang as it looks today.
Take a ride past Freedom Hill to Camp Reasoner. The old camp stone sign is still there as well as an EGA over the guard shack door. The camp is in the hands of the army making it dangerous to go through it for a full tour of the area. It is believed the rock quarrying operation is an Army business. The Army runs a number of business including a cell phone network, hotels and other public works services.
Take a ride up Highway 1 through Da Nang, Vietnam (2009)
Camp Reasoner, Da Nang - March 26th, 2011
The Twins Platoon
An Epic Story of Young Marines at War in Vietnam
Hard Cover, 288 pages - Published March 20th, 2006 by Zenith Press
On July 22, 2006 there was a book signing at Barnes & Noble book store in Blaine, MN. Seven members of the Twins Platoon were on hand and signed books.
1967 Minnesota Twins
1967 Minnesota Twins Official Logo
Wednesday, June 28, 1967, Metropolitan Stadium
Attendance: 11,940, Time of Game: 2:25
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E - - - - - - - - - - - - Red Sox 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 2 4 2 Twins0 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 X 3 4 0
Veteran Of The Month: Chris Sauro
A native of St Paul, Minn., Christy “Chris” W. Sauro, Jr. enlisted in the United States Marines at the age of 17, under the 120 day delayed entry program. Shortly thereafter he received a letter from the Marine Corps informing him that the Minnesota Twins baseball team was sponsoring his unit and they would be sworn in on TV at a pre-game ceremony on June 28, 1967. Dubbed the “Twins Platoon”, the new recruits were hustled off the field before the game ended and were on their way to MCRD for Marine Boot Camp. By the end of the year he was in Phu Bai, Vietnam assigned to helicopter squadron HMM362, as the embarkation NCO. He served his 13 month Tour of Duty from December 1967 to January`1969. Some of the toughest combat of the war occurred during his tour of duty: TET 1968, the siege of Khe Sanh, the battle for Hue City and Dai Do.
Chris was honorably discharged as a Sergeant (E-5) in November 1970. He was awarded with: the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (5 star), Vietnam Campaign Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Combat Action Ribbon, Meritorious Unit Commendation, RVN Cross of Gallantry and a Good Conduct Medal.
He graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1973 and became an Insurance Agent for Mutual Service Insurance “MSI” which later became Country Insurance and Financial Services. His successful insurance career spans over 41 years.
Chris married to JoAnn Schwab. They have three children: Chris III, Angie & Sharon and 2 grandchildren: Tucker Hentges & Jackson Leslie.
In 2006, after 15 years of research and writing, the nonfiction book he had been working on, “The Twins Platoon”, was published by Zenith Press. In 2011 “The Twins Platoon” was a national winner in the prestigious Stars & Flags Book Awards competition. In 2007, a television special “Spotlight – The Twins Platoon” aired. It went on to win a regional Emmy for “Outstanding Documentary” and the Hatch Award for “Outstanding Marine Corps Documentary.” The military stories in the documentary are taken from the book by Sauro. In 2011 “The Twins Platoon” received the National Winner in the prestigious Stars and Flags Book Awards competition.
When asked for any thoughts he’d like to share about the war or what he learned or about life? Chris replied, “War should be the last resort to resolving conflicts. My military service gave me a tremendous appreciation for life. I rarely, if ever have a bad day, because on those rare occasions I do feel like I am having a bad day, I think of all my fallen comrades.
I owe it to them to enjoy every day of my freedom
in this great County – the United States of America.
Minnesota Twins Baseball Pre-Game Ceremony
On July 2, 2006 the Minnesota Twins organization honored the Twins Platoon during a pre-game ceremony for their Armed Services Appreciation day. The day held many special moments (including a standing ovalition from some 47,000 fans) for each member of the Twins Platoon as well as their families, friends and communities. This was the largest gathering of the Twins Platoon members since their original ceremony June 28, 1967. We would like to thank the Minnesota Twins Baseball Organization for their continued support of our Armed Services.
RECON IN VIETNAM
FROM INSERT TO EXTRACT
THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF RECON'S
FINEST HOUR
VIETNAM 1965 to 1971
April 21 - 24 2015 Oceanside Ca.
Open to all Reconnaissance units and helicopter veterans who served in Vietnam Click on the link below for information
If you can not print out the form write your information on paper and mail it to the address listed. You can also send an email then mail your fee to Charles Kershaw at Recon 50 P.O. BOX 130753 Carlsbad, CA 92013
Or click here for my web page with photos of the form!
Special Announcements!
"Upcoming Events"
1st Marine Division Association
2015 - 68th Reunion
Will be held in San Diego, California
Dates coming soon.
2014 - 1st MARINE DIVISION
ASSOCIATION REUNION PHOTOS from
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
Coming Soon
Click a photo to link to a page on our website. Links are found on nearly all Web pages. Links allow users to click their way from page to page. You will find thousands of links on this website.
Click Here
March 12th Birthdays
3 parts
Corporal Robert Salmon Bagnall
1st Reconnaissance Battalion
Missions / Patrol Reports
Too close to whisper... ...one click for "yes", two for "no"... "Brothers of the Bush"
---------------------------- Recon...their name is their honor...and nothing more need be said...Recon ------------------------
By James "Kimo" Andrews
Swift, Silent and Deadly
Recon
All Units March 1966 - May 1971
Elephant Valley
I'm thinking back to a time in 1969 when I was on a mission in Elephant Valley. A day that time stopped for me. It seems like yesterday for this proud Marine.
A company sized unit of North Vietnamese moved around me, four or five feet to my right and ten to twenty feet to my left on a winding trail. One by one they moved past me , one by one. As a twig snapped and one of the North Vietnamese turns and looks at me. Time stopped. His eyes seem to be searching for me. This moment was an eternity for me. Then, the enemy moved past me with packs on their backs, their weapons shouldered, carrying heavy arms and equipment. I could almost make out the serial numbers on their RPGs. Fifty or sixty NVA passed me and my team by that day and moved off into the bush. Not a shot was fired, not one shot was fired that day.
To all my brothers with painted faces. What a somber place it seems to be looking back at that river in Elephant Valley on that summer day. The enemy passed our team by that day. All of us recon Marines walked on through the elephant grass,crossed the river and moved to higher ground. Not a man was lost. Lt Riley and our radio operator, Pfc Tom Harkens called for artillery. The artillery rained down on the other side of the river. My mind wandered back to that place and that winding trail.
As I’m thinking back today to that day and time when not a shot was fired in Elephant Valley I do thank you my brother’s with painted faces from Company B. All my children and grandchildren also thank you.
This story is dedicated to a gung ho bunch of Marines from 1ST RECON. Thanks for the good times, my brothers.
Still taking photos
August 1968 (Vietnam)
August 2010 (San Antonio - Reunion)
Camp Reasoner
Take a ride past Freedom Hill to Camp Reasoner (August of 2009). The old camp stone sign is still there as well as an EGA over the guard shack door. The camp is in the hands of the army making it dangerous to go through it for a full tour of the area. It is believed the rock quarrying operation is an Army business. The Army runs a number of business including a cell phone network, hotels and other public works services. Click Here
Index page - Click Here
The Marine's Hymn
1st Recon Bn.com Photo Gallery
Index Categories within 1st Recon Bn Click the index for the Index page.
1st Recon Bn.com Photo Gallery
The Memory Remains Not All Wounds Are Visible.
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