Tropical Lightning News information
for 25 INF DIV
D/3/4 CAV 25 INF
E/725 MNT 25 INF

For date 701005


25 INF DIV was a US Army unit
D/3/4 CAV 25 INF was a US Army unit
E/725 MNT 25 INF was a US Army unit
Primary service involved, US Army
South Vietnam
Description: Tropic Lightning News Vol. 5 No. 38 October 5, 1970 Tired of Being Communist Stooge Rallier Leads Wolfhounds to Hospital Complex By PFC DAN LOWRY CU CHI - Members of the 25th Division's 2nd Wolfhounds led by an enthusiastic young rallier, uncovered a Viet Cong field hospital complex and detained two enemy nurses near here recently. The find by Alfa Company, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry was made in a thickly foliaged area 12 miles north of here. "We were in our night holding position when we spotted this Vietnamese kid standing all alone," said Staff Sergeant Steven Vance of Indianapolis. "Our Kit Carson Scout went out to talk to him and, after a while, they came back together." The boy volunteered that he was 14 years old and had been pressed into service by the VC when he was eight. Communist Stooge. He had been sent out from a nearby underground field hospital to buy rice, but had lost the money. Fearful of being punished if he returned empty handed, and tired of being a Communist stooge, he decided to rally to the first US unit he could find. "We gave him a fatigue jacket and a bush hat in place of his raggedy clothes," Vance added. "He was real hungry too, so we stuffed him with C-rations." In return, the rallier offered to lead the company to the hospital where he said there were medical supplies and VC. A short time later, two platoons of Alfa Company, with the youngster walking point, left their night position and headed for the suspected enemy field hospital. Points Out VC. While enroute, the boy pointed out two VC women suppliers out of a group of civilians walking along a nearby road. "The boy wasn't in the least bit hesitant about pointing at the two women and shouting, 'VC suppliers'," said SGT Mike Jenkins of Atlanta. "We asked the two for their identification cards, but they didn't have any. So we detained both and took them along with us. "When we reached the suspected area, one platoon was left behind for security while the other moved in," Jenkins continued. "We maneuvered through thick brush and soon reached the medical complex -two underground bunkers." The Hounds removed over 40 pounds of medicines and drugs back to their security element, then moved forward again and found three more bunkers. "We were in a file formation with the kid leading us to the bunkers," Jenkins added. "Suddenly a VC jumped out of one and stared right at the kid." Unfortunately the boy was in the GIs' firing line, so no attempt was made to kill the fleeing enemy. Scared. "The poor kid was so scared by that guy that he crawled right between my legs trying to get away from him," Jenkins said. After evacuating the enemy supplies from the last three bunkers, the Hounds called in an immediate air strike. Among the goods taken were 125 pounds of polished rice, 25 pounds of salt, 10 pounds of sugar, two AK-47s, a dental kit, four large bottles of plasma and numerous amounts of cooking utensils and food and water containers. Use Trail Once Too Often Regulars Trap NVA Patrol By SP4 KRIS PETERSEN PSB LYNCH - The odds ran out for two NVA recently, as they used a favorite trail once too often. This time, members of the 3rd Battalion, 22nd Infantry happened to be there too. Alfa Company, serving as a blocking force on a mission near a French-owned rubber plantation, was inserted into an area of heavy foliage and thick vegetation. This area had been used as an enemy infiltration route. Daylight bush "After setting up in a day location, six of us went out on a separate daylight ambush alongside a well-defined trail," said SGT Richard Hawkins of West Allis, Wis., the platoon leader. "The trail seemed like a highway, there were so many signs of movement," said SP4 David Hasseltine of Mt. Vernon, Va. "Fresh tracks were clearly visible all up and down the trail," said another Regular, PFC William Rockwell of Buffalo, N.Y. Easiest Method. A small element of NVA were apparently on a patrol of their own, using the trail as the easiest method of travel. "We saw the same group walking up and down the trail about 50 yards away and intuition told me they'd be coming back again," said PFC Michael Karaberis of Manchester, N.H. "And they did." One Regular spotted them and warned the others to get ready. Immediately M-16s and M-79s opened up, scattering the enemy into the woods and leaving two dead on the trail. "We searched for the enemy after the contact," said SGT Bruce Graham of Aurora, Ill. Captured after the brief battle were two AK-47s, some assorted ammunition and personal gear. "We'd always been told that using a trail like a public sidewalk could be hazardous to your health," said SGT Bobby Pickens of Waynesboro. Miss. "Those two NVA found that out the hard way." Photo caption: STUDY IN BARBED WIRE - Choppers wait for a change of weather to pick up men of the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry. (Photo by SGT Mark Rockney) DECORATIONS: SILVER STAR 1LT Charles R. Thomas, F Co, 75th Inf SGT Joseph F.Doucette, Co A, 4th Bn, 23d Inf SGT Kenneth Krajenke, Co A, 4th Bn, 23d Inf SGT Stephen J. Rapata, Co A, 4th Bn, 23d Inf SP4 Danny R. Erickson, Co A, 4th Bn, 23d Inf DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS 1Lt Rudy Parris, D Trp, 3d Sqdn, 4th Cav CW2 James F. Carnathan, D Trp, 3d Sqdn, 4th Cav WOI J. L. Walters, D Trp, 3d Sqdn, 4th Cav BRONZE STAR CPT Jack D. Dempsey, Co A, 1st Bn, 5th Inf 1LT Reginald Smith, Co A 4th Bn, 23d Inf SFC Donald G. Robinson, HHC, 4th 23d Inf SGT Robert H. Baker, Co A, 2d Bn 22d Inf SGT John McCubbin, CD B, 4th Bn 23d Inf SGT Alan E. Mohr, Co A, 2d Bn, 14th Inf SGT Charles Wartchow, Co C, 1st Bn, 5th Inf SP5 David G. Atkinson, D Trp, 3d Sqdn, 4th Cav SP4 Harold D. Bowen Co C, 2d Bn 14th Inf SP4 Paul A. Campbell Co C, 2d Bn 14th Inf SP4 Robert W. Clement, Co A, 1st Bn, 5th Inf SP4 Thomas W. Gaul, Co C, 1st Bn, 5th Inf SP4 Larry T. Harper, Co A, 4th Bn, 23d Inf SP4 Terry W. Huber, Co A, 4th Bn, 23d Inf SP4 James S. Kruse, Co A, 4th Bn, 23d Inf SP4 Marvin J. Nelson, Co A, 4th Bn, 23d Inf SP4 Morgan W. Pate, Co A, 4th Bn, 23d Inf SP4 Monte B. Schuman, Co C, 1st Bn 5th Inf SP4 Johnny O. Scott, Co B, 2d Bn 14th Inf SP4 Paul W. Smith, Co A 4th Bn, 23d Inf SP4 Albert Wiley, Co C, 1st Bn, 5th Inf PFC Lawrence Baker, Co B, 1st Bn, 5th Inf PFC Craig K. Barton, Co C, 2d Bn, 14th Inf PFC John Berry, Co A, 1st Bn, 5th Inf PFC Robert T. Carr, Co B, 2d Bn, 14th Inf PFC Daniel J. Cathcart, Co B, 1st Bn, 5th Inf PFC Rocky W. Haynie, Co C, 2d Bn, 14th Inf PFC Herbert Jackson, Co B, 1st Bn, 5th Inf PFC Walter Johnson, Co B, 1st Bn, 5th Inf PFC Thomas H. Mardis, Co A, 4th Bn, 23d Inf PFC Donald R. Reetz, Co B, 1st Bn, 5th Inf PFC Floyd A. Schwalm, Co C, 1st Bn, 5th Inf PFC Robert L. Zehringer, Co B, 2d Bn, 14th Inf The TROPIC LIGHTNING NEWS is an authorized publication of the 25th Infantry Division. It is published weekly for all division units in the Republic of Vietnam by the Information Office, 25th Infantry Division, APO San Francisco 96225. American Forces Press Service and Army News Feature materials are used. Views and opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Department of the Army. Printed in Tokyo, Japan, by Pacific Stars and Stripes. MG Edward Bautz, Jr . Commanding General MAJ Robert E. Kelso Information Officer 1LT Martin E. Webb Officer-in-Charge SP4 William M. Lane Editor SP4 Scott Watson Assistant Editor SP4 Joseph V. Kocian Production Supervisor BATTALION CORRESPONDENTS SGT Mike Keyster 4/23 SP4 Tom Benn 7/11 SP4 Frank Salerno 2/22 PFC Dan Lowry 2/27 SP4 Greg Duncan 2/27 SP4 Rich Erickson 2/14 SP4 Ed Toulouse 2/12 SGT Mark Rockney 2/12 SGT Mike Conroy 3/4 Cav SGT William Zarrett 4/9 SGT Danial House 4/9 SP5 Tom Watson 725th SP4 William McGown Divarty PFC James Stoup 65th Eng SGT Derr Steadman DISCOM SP5 Doug Sainsbury 2/77 SP4 James Duran 3/13 SGT Jack Strickland 1/27 SP4 Kris Petersen 3/22 SP4 Frank Morris 2/34 SGT Bob Lodi 1/5 SGT Dan Davis 1/27 SP4 Phillip Maslin 2/27 PFC Doc Polls 296th At Resupply Rendezvous Bobcats Hurry Up and Wait BY SGT BOB LODI XUAN LOC - "Hurry up and wait." It seems one is always waiting in the Army. At basic training it was waiting for inspections or chow. In AIT, it was waiting in pay line and for orders to your next assignment. Even at the Oakland Army Terminal there were eagerfaced PFCs waiting for their flight numbers to be called. Here is Vietnam one waits too, and one of the most common places an infantrymen finds himself waiting is at the resupply rendezvous point. The Bobcats of 1st Battalion (Mech) 5th Infantry, like most soldiers have found ways to while away these idle hours. "If I'm not on guard, I like to catch a quick hour of sleep or write a letter home," said SGT Norm Shirley of Jamestown, N.D., a squad leader with Charlie Company. Waiting in the hot sun :for several hours can become very tedious duty. Fortunately, many of the resupply points are near villages or main highways. "When we're close to a village it's a pleasant change from the field. The guys look forward to getting a sandwich or cold soda from the soda girls," said PFC Ted Pullara of Miami, a rifleman with Charlie Company. "I swear I've seen the same soda girls in Tay Ninh that are around here," said SGT Virgil Bagley of Greenwich, Utah, a squad leader with Charlie Company. For the more adventurous soldiers, a resupply point can provide a shave, haircut, and massage from a friendly Vietnamese barber. "I figured, what the heck, nobody will see me for a couple months," said SGT Larry Wagner of Brooklawn, New Jersey. "The haircut was surprisingly good, but the dry shave was a little uncomfortable. "Wherever GI's congregate there is almost always a crowd of big-eyed curious children. And most Gl's have a soft spot for kids. These kids will beg, borrow and sometimes steal things from you, but they're so darn cute," said PFC Gary Vinson of Paducah, Kentucky, a member of Charlie Company. "I guess I'm just a soft touch." Always though, sooner or later the rations vehicles arrive. The waiting and time-wasting are over, and it's back to the jungle and rice paddies. Bewildered Crewmen Capture Flighty Trio By 1LT DANNY J. HARTWELL DAU TIENG - A few intrepid members of the 65th Engineer's Alfa Company added another glorious chapter to the battalion history with the greatest enemy capture since the Keystone Cops nabbed three kids on their way to a candy store. Alfa Company's CEV (combat engineer vehicle) crew, manned by Tank Commander SSG Charles King of Ocala, Fla., PFC Randall Grady of Somerville, Ala., and PFC Charley Birdwhistle of Edwardsville, Kan., was conducting a security mission for one of the engineer's convoys when the bizarre happening took place. At the Junction of TL 239 and TL 19 near here, King observed four individuals fluttering in the tree line parallel to the road. Before the convoy reached the point of detection the crew observed the group winging across the highway dressed in bright white clothing. King then watched them dart across the road again. Still under observation, the individuals bolted into the tree line and started stripping their clothing and donning completely different attire. King decided that enough was enough. He commanded his crew to disembark the CEV and foil this obvious NVA plot to "blow the minds" of the tankers. After assaulting on line, the combat veterans from Alfa Company over powered the flighty creatures and detained them until the "Minnie Pearls" (MPs) arrived on the scene to contain the four dubious fledglings. Brigade intelligence immediately set out to determine the importance of this noted capture. Careful inquiry and meditation revealed the following: "At 1130 hours this morning, Alfa Company, 65th Engineer Battalion apprehended four bird hunters on TL 19." It seems our white-winged warriors were crossing the road to evade the dust particles stirred by the convoy. The culprits soared into the wood line to change from their hunting costumes into more appropriate attire. But why the white clothing? It seems that these Vietnamese bird hunters were using the ancient custom of all Vietnamese bird hunters-which is the belief that if one wears white clothing the birds will be unable to see you thus resulting in "number one chop-chop" for mama-san. A TRIBUTE TO STEVE...A few days ago, SSG Tom Sims stopped by and handed us a piece of paper full of his thoughts. He said he'd like to share those thoughts with the soldiers of the 25th Division. The paper was a letter. Not to anybody in particular but about someone in particular. This is what Sims wanted to share: "I saw Steve today. He's doing fine. Him and I are friends you might say. In fact I love him like a brother. He was a platoon leader when he got hit, a shake-and-bake NCO, a damn young one too. His company was on patrol when they walked into an NVA battalion base camp. I was in the TOC listening, many miles away. I was told, and I could hear over the radio, that it was one hell of a fight. It hurt to see Steve like he was. Just a few days before, we had been talking to each other. The doctors told me that Steve may never walk again. When I saw Steve, he couldn't talk. There was something in his throat to help him breathe. The nurse gave me a pad so that he could write what he wanted to say. It was then that I learned of the infinite courage of Steve and the soldiers like him." His first question was, "How is everybody?" Then he thanked me for coming to see him and said to send his regards to everyone. He asked if his parents knew he had been hit. More questions like this. Not one complaint, not one frown, only concern for his buddies and family, and always smiling. I had to leave Steve then, I couldn't stand the screaming within my soul. I went outside and I cried, cried for his courage, his spirit, his concern for others. How petty a person I am to complain of my small woes. Later I came back and talked to Steve some more. He asked questions about his company and the men of his platoon. As we talked, we held hands in the clasp of a handshake, I could feel Steve's affection pouring into me a transfusion of his bountiful spirit, trying to comfort me, as if I was the one who was wounded. I knew then that no matter what ever happened, Steve would make the best of it. No stumbling block in life would ever make him lose his way or his courage or his unfaltering will. And I knew that if any man hit like Steve could ever walk again, it was Steve. To Steve, I now owe a debt of gratitude, and somehow, someday, I shall repay him. His courage and his spirit shall always light my heart with hope, hope for life, hope for love, hope for all of mankind. For as long as there are men of his courage and strength there will always be a chance for a better world. To me, Steve is the symbol of the eternal dreams of mankind and boundless courage of all the soldiers before and of all to come. Thank God for men like Steve. Thank you Steve. Thank you ever so much." Photo caption: LUNCH - This Cobra dipped out of the sky for a little fuel at Cu Chi before flying off to do battle with Charlie. (Photo by SP5 Jay Hall) Balances Props, Patches Holes Echo Company Keeps Choppers High in the Sky By SP5 TOM WATSON CU CHI - If a helicopter in the 25th Division needs a prop balanced, bullet holes patched or an engine repaired, Echo Company, 725th Maintenance Battalion is the "Service to The Line" element that is called upon. The maintenance section of Echo Company is divided into various segments to include production control, quality control and the allied hops. Production control is under the leadership of CPT Robert L. Adams of Columbus, Ohio. "Our job," said Adams, "is to repair or replace any equipment that is unserviceable." Very Intricate. The prop and rotor shop is engaged in "very intricate and exacting work," said Senior Repairman SP5 Donald R. Hullet of Oklahoma City, Okla. "We do have a tolerance factor, but it's almost to the point of being non-existent, since it's only one ten-thousandth of an inch," added Hullet. "In fact, we even have to use a draft-free room in which to balance the props and rotors." The many feet of hydraulic lines in a helicopter can fray, crack or receive battle damage according to SP5 Patrick J. Helay of Yankton, S.D., a senior repairman in the hydraulics shop. This is when the hydraulics shop crew goes to work and manufactures a facsimile of the damaged line. "We try to make a replacement as close to the original as humanly possible," added Healy. "Ninety per cent of the ships that come in here need sheet metal work," SSG W. Close of Akron, Ohio, the sheet metal repairs section chief said. Peel Skin. "When a ship comes in with battle damage we peel back the skin (the sheet metal covering the outside of the helicopter) and trace the path of the bullet," added Close. "Wherever the bullet enters, it makes a hole about as big as a pencil but whether it stops or goes all the way through, it affects an area over one foot in diameter at its last point within the ship." "This means we have to inspect a cone-shaped area about a foot in diameter at one end and a hole about the diameter of a pencil at the other end," Close pointed out. Worst Problem. "The engine crew handles what the ship's crew chief can't repair," said PFC Thomas W. Finigan of Belmont, Calif. "Our worst problem is FOD (foreign object damage). It could be a loose nut or bolt that moves around within the engine and gouges out parts of it. "Our second biggest problem is 'hot starts' (the engine overheats when starting) and EGT (exhaust gas temperatures) which will crack the turbine's blades during flight," remarked Finigan. While repairs are being made, the supervisors and quality control personnel watch every repair for accuracy. "Quality control's job is to insure air-worthiness of all aircraft before they leave the ground, explained SP6 Terry Tyler of Baird, Tex. "There is a constant check and double-check system going all of the time to insure that no one makes even the slightest mistake." Adams, who is also one of the test pilots, said, "Even if a screw or nut and bolt were put in backwards it could spell disaster." Quality Control. "Quality control is autonomous within the maintenance section because it is controlled by the company commander; their job is to inspect the ship and be sure it's safe to fly," added Adams. The reason for this thorough safety check was summed up by Adams. "When you're up there, you can't pull off to the side and make a repair." Americans Felled By Vietnamitis By SP4 ED TOULOUSE DAU TIENG - "It's a hardship tour." This catch-aD expression seems to voice every Gl's sentiments towards a similar predicament - 12 months in Vietnam. Grunts, clerks, cooks, and mechanics all suffer from "Vietnamitis" in much the same way. The new guy in country with his stateside innocence and embarrassingly-new jungle fatigues, receives a prompt introduction to his problems with the initial assault of heat dust and mosquitoes - but this is only a token of Vietnam's offerings. Showering is the source of a variety of complaints. To the GI hot water merely describes the contents of his canteen after a day in the field. However, cold water isn't so bad for showering - providing there's enough of it. Ever have the misfortune of trying to walk through the mud wearing shower clogs? - It seems to defy some inherent law of nature. Getting into the PX night after payday is like trying to break through Gardol's "Invisible Shield! "Certain diseases seem pre-destined for the GI! What better proof for having served here than a case of ringworm? Ever receive cookies from home -- or rather cookie crumbs? How about the tan that took eight months to get - the one that so mysteriously disappears after the first hot shower on R & R. Keeping your boots shined for fifteen minutes- impossible! A major crisis arises - no soda. Except for Fresca (yech). A year in 'Nam is sure a "hardship tour." Photo caption: You NEVER KNOW WHAT YOU'LL FIND IN THE BUSHES - Sometimes it's booby traps. Sometimes it's Charlie. Sometimes it's a blonde with blue eyes and all the rest. All of them are dangerous. Beware the bushes. Division Units Team, Uncover Large Cache By SP4 DENNIS LEBLANC CU CHI - Two 25th Division armored units teamed up near here recently to uncover a large underground tunnel filled with a vast cache of enemy supplies. Armored personnel carriers of Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion (Mech), 22nd Infantry, providing security for tanks of the 2nd Battalion, 34th Armor, found the goods in a heavily booby-trapped area 10 miles north of here. "We knew the area was thickly booby-trapped, so the tanks pulling a heavy chain, moved ahead of us to clear the terrain and detonate any mines or booby-traps the enemy might have planted," said Triple Deuce SP4 Ray Pickett of Sterling, Miss. It was early afternoon when the tanks uncovered what appeared to be a tunnel entrance. "We got off the tracks to take a closer look and saw we had a pretty good sized tunnel," said SP4 Terry Hollinger of Downey, Calif. Examination of the tunnel revealed ammunition supplies including AK-47 magazines, one claymore bag and detonator, fuze assemblies and five pounds of explosives. Also 10 feet of rope, two pounds of documents, digging tools, pots and pans, medical supplies and 5,000 rubber bands were found. Photo caption: SCURRY - Men of the 1st Battalion (Mech), 5th Infantry greet their good friend Huey who'll get them out of Charlie country. (Photo by SP4 Rich Fitzpatrick)
Comments: 1LT Parris, Rudy; D/3/4 Cav; award; CW2 Carnathan, James F.; D/3/4 Cav; award; WO1 Walters, J.L.; D/3/4 Cav; award; SP5 Atkinson, David G.; D/3/4 Cav; award; CPT Adams, Robert L.; E/725 MNT; ; SP5 Hullet, Donald R.; E/725 MNT; ; SP5 Helay, Patrick J.; E/725 MNT; ; SSG Close, W.; E/725 MNT; ; PFC Finigan, Thomas W.; E/725 MNT; ; SP6 Tyler, Terry; E/725 MNT; ;

The source for this information was Vol 5 No 38

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Date posted on this site: 05/13/2023