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Fort Lewis barracks: History in the un-making

11/21/2012

In his 1968 U.S. Army training at Fort Lewis, Washington, Grady was housed in World War II-era barracks like these still standing at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. There were once 5,000 of these buildings. Now there are 2,000, and those are slated to be demolished in the next two years. Nearby are huge, modern, multi-story dormitories, like those on a giant college campus. Photo by Julie Titone

The barracks are an important setting in the training chapters of "Boocoo Dinky Dow: My short, crazy Vietnam War." In this drawing, Grady depicts himself and a fellow trainee peering down at other men who are carrying footlockers as part of discipline meted out by the drill sergeant.

179 Comments

go to this site link

7/14/2013 09:28:46 pm

This is good information about fort Lewis. It is indeed a historic place. It is sad to know that these barracks are now being demolished. This was the exact same place where our brave soldiers spend their time after fight fearlessly for our country. But that said, what is needed to be done has to be done.

Randy Helmer

2/12/2017 08:55:28 am

I received basic training starting February 14th 1968 at North fort lewis. A-3-3. Drill sergeant Thomas was my drill instructor. Corperal Lowery was also an instructor. Brings back many memories.

Julie Titone

3/3/2017 07:01:50 pm

Thanks for sharing your memory!

david Sayers

12/18/2017 07:08:45 pm

Hi
I was in D 3 3 Dec 67- Feb 68

Len Thomas

5/25/2019 04:19:26 pm

My dad was a DS in Fort Lewis at that time. Lucius Thomas

Gary Ludwig

3/9/2017 08:46:11 am

Basic training June '68 - Aug. '68. D-5-2. Sgt Hungerford E-5 was DI. Any one out there?

George Magliocca

9/6/2018 04:11:42 pm

I was there exact same time.. trying to find photos or yearbook, if you know of any?

george a magliocca link

9/24/2018 04:51:37 pm

I was D-5-2 also Gary Ludwig June 1968-- grad. In august...I'm looking for photos or yearbook???

Gary Behymer link

2/6/2019 01:49:05 pm

I showed up right after you...Aug 1968...D-5-2. Sergeant Hungerford was D.I while Sergeant Blood was PT man...We probably had some of your leftovers?

Gary Behymer

2/24/2020 07:20:48 am

I was in the next group after you. D52 all the way. Sergeant Blood was PT. Bungee cord was DI.

Dave Young

4/8/2018 12:24:36 am

drafted jan 20 1968 basic training ft lewis washington have know idea

Keith Shreve

7/18/2018 04:02:03 pm

C-1-1 Feb-April 1967 Drill Sgt. Shields

justin miller

11/7/2019 06:27:56 pm

C-2-3 same time in 67 AIT

Ellis Snydal link

1/29/2020 12:42:52 pm

Sgt. Shields
I was in C-1-1 in Sept. 1966 (boot) and I think our DI was Sgt chicowski not sure of the spelling. We had a Sgt (a Black man)
That taught bayonet training and was he good. His saying was "What is the spirit of the bayonet" answer "to KILL". Sgt Shields, do you remember what shots they gave us with the "guns" and when we did gas mask training did they use real mustard gas?
Thank
Spec 5 Snydal (final rank)

Dave Bennett

10/21/2019 01:29:06 pm

D-2-7. Jan-Feb 1968. We stayed in these barracks for two weeks during "Induction". We were there longer because of the IG inspection. Had to scrub the place top to bottom. As soon as we transferred to the newer, 3-story buildings for BT, the IG inspection came there and it was cleaning time again. That guy followed me to Vietnam and then to Germany!

Drill Sgt. Moore was everyone's hero. He was an Airborne Ranger, black belt in Karate, and looked like a black Arnold Schwarzenegger. I made him laugh once when I asked him how to stop my socks from falling down and bunching up at the toe. His assistant DS was a short guy who always looked like he was about to tell a joke. He reminded me of Sammy Davis Jr.

I hated Ft. Lewis because every morning it was either raining or freezing. We all got sick on the plane to Ft. Lewis and stayed sick the whole two months of basic. Had to sleep with the windows open. Woke up with snow on our heads. When we ran around in the tear gas shack singing Happy Birthday, it was the first time our sinuses had cleared. Felt so good, we begged the sergeant to go back in.

I was always starving, too, but I gained ten pounds in the 2 months I was there.

I don't have any photos from the army. I wish I had a photo of Sgt. Moore for my book.

dagnabbit@outlook.com

Larry Wasfaret

1/17/2015 02:07:04 pm

I was there at north fort from 1/15/68 to 3/18/68. Well do I remember basic training and Drill Sgt McDoniel.

Doug Manley

9/4/2015 09:03:01 pm

Yeah, these are the "temporary" barracks we were housed in when I was in BCT at E-4-2 in early 1969. Clapboard, no insulation, no heating. We had a lot of upper respiratory infections. Hate to see them go, though; they were symbolic of a no-frills draft-era army where creature comforts for the troops were not a consideration.

Alfonso Hernandez

1/10/2017 05:15:25 pm

I was drafted August 28,1968 houses in Ere Drill Sgt Leheigh It was miserable it rained almost everyday. It was cold suckasses were made platoon and squad leaders

Maria Gonzalez

5/11/2016 11:51:26 am

Wendy Crawford

5/26/2016 10:03:08 am

Does anyone remember my father Arthur Swanson? He was a Drill Sgt. around 1967 - 1969 at Ft. Lewis.

I remember seeing those barracks when we lived on post. Sad to hear they will be demolished.

Glenn Davis

11/29/2016 03:09:36 pm

I was in 3rd platoon B-5-1 13th basic cycle the name Swanson does sound familiar I have a picture of the platoon with our DI I'll have to check it out and see if I can read the name on his field jacket.

jimmy mishoe link

7/6/2018 11:57:51 am

i was a cook there me and shelby davidson were friens he was a di

jimmy mishoe link

2/12/2019 09:52:44 am

can you show the pictures of your platoon in b-5-1

Ron Adams link

2/15/2020 10:23:04 pm

Glenn Davis, were u ever married to one of the Schroeder girls' here in Nor-Cal If you were you were my brother in law old pal I was in the old Barracks from Feb 69' to June 69' for Basic and AIT

jim

1/21/2018 04:45:11 pm

i was with B-4-2 nov 20 til feb 4 1967 to 1968

Jim Short

3/31/2019 10:14:08 am

I remember Drill Sargent Tanksly April-May 1968. B-5-2

Dennis Garcia

10/28/2019 07:31:50 pm

Was there nov 67/ mar 68. Didn't know him but was looking for sgt paradiscio and cpl prterson c 4 2

William Galloway

8/18/2016 04:48:58 pm

I took BCT on North Fort Lewis 1971 (Oct to Dec) A-3-2 1st Platoon Drill Sgt. Wilber (Wilber's Willing Warriors). WWII era temp. building. Last time I checked Google Maps the Company area was still standing.

Julie Titone

1/3/2017 11:39:45 am

Belated thanks for sharing your memory, William. I hope you get a chance to read "Boocoo Dinky Dow" ... Grady's experiences at Fort Lewis are a big part of the story.

Richard Strid

7/1/2019 04:11:05 pm

I took basic same time Oct-Dec 71 C-3-2 3rd Platoon. Most of those barracks were built for WW II and are still standing today.

SGT D W DUNN link

10/21/2019 11:56:24 am

YOU WAS POSS NEXT MY BCT COMPANY E 3 2 1ST PLATOON DS KODI BROWN HARDY G W HARPER SORRY AEND OF 1ST COOK WAS SP4 JENKINS REAL A END SEWAGE WASTE MET
DS HARPER 17 YRS LATER WERE I WAS EMPLOYED SURPRISED

Jamie Lacher

3/17/2020 08:04:44 pm

SGT Dunn,
My dad, James (Jim) Benson has a picture with a man he describes as George Dunn in April 1970 in Vietnam. Just wondering if this might have been you? We have questions to ask about my dad and am searching for people who he may have been close to him in his time in Vietnam. Thanks in advance, Jamie 385-222-6588.

Joe Kline

12/4/2019 07:21:43 pm

I was also in A-3-2 late July to Oct. 3, 1969. 4th Platoon, Drill Sgt. Shepard, tough but fair. Never knew his first name, would love to track him down and but him a beer or three if he is still around.

Bobby McDonald

8/22/2016 09:53:03 pm

I was in B-52 at Fort Lewis Washington in August of 1968. Drill Sergeant Tanksley and a bunch of guys from Omaha. Anybody there?

Gary Behymer link

2/6/2019 01:51:49 pm

D.5.2...August 1968 to October 1968...Salute...Drill Sergeant Hungerford and PT Sergeant Blood.

Jim

3/31/2019 10:17:40 am

B-5-2 April-May 1968. Ssgt Tanksley. How could a 19 year old forget.

Evan Wilson

9/14/2016 10:07:06 pm

I was sent to Fort Lewis Washington for Basic Training in early 1968, and it was miserable. I was in B-5-1 (if I remember correctly) and we were in 2 story barracks with double bunk arrangement, with a shower and bathroom on the first floor.

The weather was cold and rainy with no let up. We had to get up and go stand in formation before dawn forever it seemed, and then PT and running took up the rest of the day. Punishment by group was the order of the day, if anyone screwed up, we all got punished.

The inspection of our bunks was so rigid that most of us made up our bunks to specification, and then slept on top of that in our full gear so we would not mess it up when we got up in the morning.

We were pushed to extremes of physical tolerance and had to carry our weaker "trainees" on forced marches for many miles in cold and rain. One latter training march, we went about 20 miles and then set up guard perimeters and lay down in fighting positions we dug in the mud, which slowly filled with water, while vainly trying to keep warm. Suddenly, in the dark, we were attacked by elements of the trainers who charged our positions. Unfortunately for the attackers, one of our defenders butt-stroked his rifle into the head of one of our Officers who was charging us, and knocked him out.

(I have to go now).

Julie Titone

1/3/2017 11:38:42 am

Belated thanks for sharing your memory, Evan. I hope you get a chance to read "Boocoo Dinky Dow" ... Grady's experiences at Fort Lewis are a big part of the story.

Lon Reed

4/17/2018 07:53:29 am

Evan, you are so spot on about how our days were spent . I was in C-5-2 Late 68 next door. Very tough time in basic if you weren't in shape coming in. We has a few guys very out of shape who had a Drill Sargent at the table as they ate yelling in their face they didn't deserve to eat. Never had enough to eat only when we in the field. Hamburgers brought out in metall warmers. Tasted like heaven and you could have 2. Would sleep on top of bunk in the WW -2 -Korea heavy wool pants and shirt.

Robert Bolton

11/10/2016 01:54:31 pm

B-3-2, 1968

Travis Hollingsworth 69

12/25/2016 05:34:10 pm

I'm tracking down information on my grandpa in the service Sep 30 69 when left out fort lewis sfc t g hollandsworth

john culy

4/19/2017 06:49:34 pm

in nov 69 ...i don't remember squat except it was rough ,wet , cold ...i lived in a barracks like those mentioned when i was in basic training ,'i ended up a medical corpsman by choice and went to "i" corps viet nam
basic training helped me survive

William Bill RISELING

1/2/2017 08:49:39 am

E-1-1 1968 before the Nam!

Steve Short

3/4/2017 07:07:00 am

I was D-1-1 in 1968. June to September. Had a friend in E-1-1. First name was Jerry and we were both from Lincoln Nebraska. He was sent to E-1-1 while I was sent to D-1-1. Any chance you knew him?

Lon Reed link

3/4/2017 10:38:42 am

My time in old fort 10/30/68 to sometime in late February 1969 was spent as i'm sure yours was only training , no fun stuff. I knew no one except my company and platoon mostly. Lot of URI and if you went on sick call for 2 or more days you got re-cycled to start over or if you couldn't do PT you went to a PT platoon until you could do the Army drills and complete basic. We did go home over Christmas..

Steven H. Short

3/6/2017 09:56:51 am

Lon Reed. I was in the hospital for a week but never got re-cycled.

Lon Reed link

3/6/2017 10:33:25 am

Steve, the only thing I can say that makes sense from your time to mine was the losses during Tet early 1968, they needed you and you were one of the best they had so they made an exception. The company I was in made no exceptions that I saw. When you saw a bunk mattress rolled up they did not come back.

Steven H. Short

3/6/2017 11:13:07 am

You are so right Lon. Either they were recycled or washed out totally. Welcome home and thanks for serving.

don link

11/3/2017 04:17:36 pm

my brother from Hastings was there.3PLT C CO.1 BN2 BDE 11. Oct.1968

William RISELING

12/19/2017 10:12:31 am

Steve Short - I knew a "Jerry". Was he a squad leader? Does he remember the DI's name. I have forgotten! Tall Black guy, E-5, buck sergeant.

William Riseling

2/28/2018 10:14:22 am

Steve, yes I knew a Jerry, I believe he was squad Leader?

bob brennan

7/22/2019 07:56:15 pm

was in d11 nov 68 to feb69 sgt lamb.

Jim Short

7/27/2019 08:57:28 pm

B-5-2 Drill Sgt Tanksley April May 1968

Bill RISELING

5/18/2017 08:15:49 am

I was E-1-1 1968 before the Nam! Sept - Dec 1968. Does anybody remember the DI's name? I forgot over the years.

clif ellis link

11/7/2019 09:19:23 pm

William I arrived at E1-1 Sept 5th to the greetings of drill Sgt Ruth. Learned what a front leaning rest was right away.

David Estep

1/10/2017 07:15:29 am

E-5-2, SSGT RICHARD E. BURTON, AUG 1969 ... BEST OF THE BEST

Henry Faulkner

7/31/2017 12:00:10 am

Drill SSG Burton was something else..! Him and Horn..! What a team..!

David Montee

7/24/2018 06:02:33 pm

E-5-2 August 69 Drill Sgt Horn was the best.

FRANK

3/14/2018 05:33:44 am

I was E-5-2 march29 1971-June 4 1971

Lon Reed link

3/1/2017 08:12:47 pm

Second platoon C-5-2 October 30th 1968 old fort, barracks looked just as shown here, it was so wet and so cold we would put dimes in the dryer to get a little heat after a long day. Snack bar and PX accross the street but was off limits . We wore a white "magot tag" that showed we were trainees. First meal was a bowl of beans at about 2am when I got there.

Ben Martinez

4/5/2017 05:52:00 am

Right behind you. E-2-1 Nov 68 to Feb 69.

Carl Holman

3/14/2019 06:19:13 am

Ben do you have any info on E,2,1 I was there in Feb to April 1970 for basic. Trying to find platoon photos. Thanks

Rod Meyer

5/26/2019 07:16:28 pm

I was in E-1-1 from Dec of 69 to April of 70, was lucky enough to get pneumonia and was held back.

Julie Titone

3/3/2017 06:57:44 pm

Thanks for sharing your story, Lon. You were there at the same time as Grady Myers. Where were you from?

Lon Reed link

3/3/2017 10:12:14 pm

I was from the bay area when I went in the Army, the city was Vallejo, Ca.
I now live in Laguna in south Orange county also California.
Fort Lewis was a very tough place at that time. We graduated basic in a snow storm in fatigues.

Lon Reed

4/16/2018 09:38:18 am

new e-mail thanks.

Steve Short

3/4/2017 07:17:38 am

Remember Ft. Lewis very well. Was in D-1-1 from June '68 to Sept. '68. Sgt. Pinto was our DI. A short skinny black E-6. He was a bad ass, but he sure could sing. During our runs he would sing the cadence that would put a spell on you. We could run forever and not feel the pain. I had to spend a week in the hospital because I caught pneumonia. The whole platoon was made up of draftee's from Arizona except for 3 of us. I was the only Nebraskan. Remember some names: Tom Nash, Bob Morris (the old man), and Tom Wiley. Can't believe I made it through all that.

Randy Palmer

7/5/2018 07:23:38 pm

I was in D 1 1 at that time. I believe it was Drill Sgt Pino. He was a veteran of the battle of Pork Chop Hill in Korea. Rough 8 weeks there. I went on to Fort Lee VA right after basic. Home on leave for 30 days and off to The 7th Inf Div in Korea where I spent the rest of my hitch. Lots of memories.

Steve Short

11/29/2018 09:20:26 am

Randy, hope you get this. Were you up our down stairs? I was up. Forgot about Pinto being at Porkchop Hill. Really had a lot of respect for that guy. I went to Ft. Ord for AIT then to Germany Dec 68 to May 70. Came down on levey to Nam and was thee until July ‘71.

Frank Hernandez

4/22/2017 11:29:01 am

I was drafted in May of 1968 from Omaha, NE. Fort Lewis, WA Patoon D-1-2. (We can do!) Basic training. Got in trouble had to do kp through most of training even on graduation day! All because i defended a fellow soldier from a bully officer.

James Roberson

4/28/2017 09:31:00 pm

Remember the winter of 69,was supposed to do BCT at ft. BLISS TX. Last minute they sent to ft.Lewis in December.Very cold ...was in A-3-1 alpha gator north fort.
Could never really get warm.rain and snow most of the time.sad to see the old barracks torndown ...I guess it's progress.
Good luck to all the a-3 -1 alpha gators!

john

5/13/2017 09:24:45 am

nov 69 north fort , was ...cold...for this california boy ..119 pound go get'er ...i sometimes wonder what ever happened to all the guys ...my memory blends all-into-one with the various duty stations and experiences.
i have rarely looked back on it as sometimes it bothered me ..

Robert Schlimmer link

5/7/2017 03:23:24 pm

B-1-1 1967 Drill Seargant Potter (good cop) and Saling (bad cop).. 17 years old...Vietnam 1968-69...Tet Offensive as we landed at Bien Hoa.

Lyle Willock

5/12/2017 10:12:44 am

B-2-2 Drill Sgt. Jim Long, Senior Drill Sgt. Hernandez, other DS was Fagan. June/69-Aug/69.

Dan Primeaux

5/29/2017 09:53:27 am

I was in the First All Volunteer RA Basic Training Company AT Fort Lewis, WA (10 Sept 1971). Unit was E-2-1. WE were 'pitted' against National Guard BTC across the Street. 109 of us were processed through Houston AFFEES, flown to Seattle-Tac then on to Ft Lewis. ABOUT 90 additional RA Enlistees from the Mid West States joined us in E-2-1 ON 11 Sept '71. Our Senior Drill Sergeant was SFC Jones. Since our BTC was the first ALL Volunteer group to cycle through Ft Lewis, the Cadre did not meds with us at all day or night. SFC Jones and his Platoon SGTS were Positively Motivated and determined to help each trainee to maximize everything taught, learned and applied for immediate and future application/use. Not a Bad Training Cycle.

Sandy Freedman

8/31/2019 02:45:17 pm

Please add me to your E-Mail/Comments list. Thank You.

Sanford Freedman

7/2/2017 11:39:52 am

At Ft. Lewis with a bunch of guys from Butte, NT. from May thru Sept. 1969. Mostly reservists. Black Panthers at that time would raise some hell occasionally on the base,

Sanford Freedman

11/1/2017 03:05:13 pm

That was Butte, MT.

Frederick Meyer

6/8/2019 07:02:57 pm

Was at N. Fort Lewis from April 17 to July in D -1-1 all from California. Californian Mod Squad.

Russell Roush

8/9/2018 05:27:11 am

Was in May 69 to Sept 69 in A-3-2 Drill Sgt. Graves and Drill Sgt. Forcade. Was in a bunch from Ohio,I remember Bruce Schmidt from Butte, Mt.

Sanford

9/5/2018 02:25:24 pm

YES, I was in your company. Graves and Forcade were the D.I.'s.

Joe Kline

12/4/2019 07:26:09 pm

I was also in A-3-2, from late July to Oct. 3, 69. I remember Sgt. Graves, in fact I have a photo of him. Our Drill Sgt. was Sgt. Shepard, he was really good. Would love to buy him a beer or three. Never knew his first name or where he was from.

Bruce Kneebone

7/17/2017 04:15:33 pm

I was there July 9th 1969. They landed on the moon during basic training. I was in E-3-1. D.I. Sgt. Smith or Johnson, fuzzy on the name. He is a black man. He was hard but fair. Are platoon got
honor platoon every week expect one. I remember the 20 mile force March, they don't work trainees as they did then. I miss the team work we had going on then.

David Phillips

8/3/2017 03:42:35 am

I was in basic training at Ft. Lewis from Feb 11, 1970 to April 1970. I was in A-2-1 and the drill sergeant was John (Johnny)
Baugh. Most of the guys went 11-B infantry to Vietnam and I was fortunate to go to Germany after training at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma. Jonny Baugh was a combat veteran, Silver Star in Vietnam. I had occasion to rn into him at a conference in Southern Utah in the 90's. He was a rep for the Veterans of Foreign War. He took a commission in the army after his drill sergeant stint and as an officer, went on to work in Finance and retire from the army. We remembered each other from basic training and had a good time reminiscing about some of the things that went on. Little did I ever think I would see that man again after basic training. Everybody hated the guy, he drove us like cattle, but in looking back, all he was doing was preparing us to go to Vietnam and survive. He won an award the training cycle before mine, outstanding drill instructor at Ft. Lewis, and he was going for two in a row when we arrived. WE could never walk on the platoon center floor, bunks were arranged around the perimeter, and he would sometimes come in at night after we'd showered, and pour dirt out of a gunny sack on the floor, empty the butt-can water on it, and make us crawl through it making oink sounds like a pig, then on to the upstairs and same thing, with the upstairs guys low crawling downstairs, passing each other on the stairs! But you know, he was really a decent guy (20 years later!)

John Leeper

8/19/2017 08:46:36 pm

1969 Basic B-1-1 and then AIT on the other side of the parade field. I drove through there about a decade ago. Most of the old North Fort barracks were gone but I found the ones I was in. Many were gone. Troops were using them for city warefare training.

Vince Gerling

3/7/2019 03:31:48 pm

Surprised to see someone I remember. You were in the reserves, from Albert Lea MN. Began BCT June 1969 in B-1-1 starring DI Robert P Fagan (RIP, Texas) I was at Ft Ord, Ft Sam Houston, and CINCPAC HI Still have pictures, a handful of the gray stones covering the base and an ashtray I stole from the back of the messhall. Old memories, good now in retrospect.

Mike Romaine

10/5/2017 08:09:47 pm

August 1968 A42 D I Gray

Chris Longwith

10/8/2017 07:03:22 pm

Basic and AIT at Ft Lewis March 1970 to late July. My company was C 3 2. I was a NG from Tennessee. There were 12 of us from different areas of TN. The drill sgt called us Ridge Runners and asked if people in Tn wore shoes. I remember that at each meal they would yell NG's to the front of the line. That always bothered me but we had to sign a different roster because our state was charged with our meals. Came home and served 6 years and discharged Jan 1976. We were activated a few times for riots and Weather extremes.

Joe Connelly

11/1/2017 12:58:33 pm

Basic training for Louis October to December 60 9AIT training January to March 1970 drill instructor Sergeant chaser cannot remember if Sartain Chauser was basic or a IT, I believe basic I remember private Zimmerman private Bob well anybody else

Sanford Freedman

11/4/2017 01:55:11 pm

Want to make sure I didn't unsubscribe by mistake. I want to contine to receive E-Mails regarding Ft Lewis. Thank you.

Tom Rounsley

11/8/2017 08:50:48 am

A42 1970 at Fort Lewis

Bill Norton

4/7/2019 11:22:17 pm

Me too Tom. I was in A42 for 9 weeks starting Aug 25 1970. For some reason our actual training didn't start until a week later so for the first week we had KP and other crappy stuff most days.....ugh. Our DI was Sgt Johnson.

Tom Brady

3/9/2020 07:27:36 pm

I had DI Johnson for BCT (D-5-1) October, November, Dec. 1970. Probably the same short, thin, white, young, recent Vn returnee.

Davaid Phillips

11/8/2017 09:19:34 am

Basic training at Ft. Lewis, Feb-April 1970. A-2-1, Johnny Baugh drill instructor. Anyone else?

Chuck Peckham

12/8/2017 06:24:25 am

Company B-3-2 1967

David Sayers

12/18/2017 07:21:45 pm

Entered Army Dec 67 BCT with D 3 3 thru Feb 68. Came down with pneumonia 2 weeks before graduation. Almost got held back but was allowed to graduate with class as an E-2 .Quite an experience Sorry to see the old buildings go.

Brian Smith

4/29/2018 12:00:47 pm

I was was drafted April 1968 sent to theLew for basic A-5-2 and also had pneumonia and graduated June . I visited theLew 20 years later for fun and wow all the memories.

Chuck Peckham

12/23/2017 06:31:11 am

Fort Lewis 1967 B-3-2 Drill Sgts. we had two Sgt. Atkins and Sgt. Tindel.
Sgt. Lanaman was also in the Co. I saw him in Vietnam filling sand bags.

Robert Mooney

12/28/2018 08:40:21 am

My dad was drafted from California and went to basic June or July 1967 B co trying to find someone who might remember him.

Phil Hannum

12/29/2017 12:27:15 pm

did basic at Ft Lewis arrived Mar 28.1968 the entire platoon was from Arizona 1 PLT A Co 5BN 1 BDE..graduated May 1968..curious to know if the old barricks are still there..have no way of finding out or what barracks I was even in

Chuck

1/7/2018 06:59:46 pm

I thank there wear 5K to start now there 2 hundred left.

Chuck

Troy

1/12/2018 11:09:13 am

Drafted Jan 1971. D41. Delta Devils. We eat VC for breakfast painted on side of barracks. I remember the low crawl pit, standing in the rain and snow at 5 am...a 20 mile night march with 85 lb packs...the silence on the bus on our way....the long flight to the Nam on a stretch 8....and finally an exit from the madness....to face the impossible task of putting your life back together...I am not home yet.

William Adams link

8/16/2018 01:38:06 pm

Welcome home Brother. I did basic and 11B ft lewis. Starting 1-20-71. B 5 2. Good, hard training. Saved my life

Dan Perez

1/1/2019 12:29:28 pm

Also drafted Jan 20,1971 basic at fort Lewis also B 5 2 1st platoon.. A.I.T at fort Rucker Ala. MOS 51M20 firefighter.

Rocky

1/15/2018 10:22:24 am

I was there February 1971 B11. We did the entire basic in wet gear. Force marches in rubber boots. One of my favorite things( not really) was marching down the tank trails and getting a simulated attack and diving into the muck. I was drafted, at the time I thought the world was against me.but now I see it as the best thing that could of happened

Troy

1/15/2018 11:09:29 am

Our DI was dubbed Double Time Philips...we stacked rocks on all of our breaks during training....we left 10 ft piles of rocks all over a north Fort. The next group through spread them out...I know...I was a holdover as my orders did not come through. I went to Nam with the 1st Cav...I got a letter from my bunk-mate Gary Baker from SimiValley CA who went in with the 82nd Airborne at Cam Ranh Bay.... never heard from him again.

Rocky

1/15/2018 12:02:27 pm

I was sent back to ft Lewis for some permanent party. My cousin whom came in to basic as I was leaving basic got sent to nam. We got to hang out but had to be there for muster calls on the loud speakers. Ft Lewis was kind of a dreary place anyway, but standing there listening to names being called was kind of weird.

RL flowers

2/19/2020 10:46:08 am

RL Flowers b11 1972..looking for photos

Troy

1/15/2018 12:22:41 pm

I was drafted. Did my duty. I made some good friends at Long Thanh North....and several lifelong Thai friends as Bearcat was close by....just down Panther Road......lived with by back to the wall ever since...

Frank Dibbell

1/16/2018 11:00:46 am

Drafted 7 Dec 1967, started Basic Jan 68. Training Company E-3-1. Drill Sgt Connor was my DI. Graduated Mar 68 then went right to Madigan Gen Hospital - with the measles... LOL

Dennis Gleason

2/27/2018 09:49:39 pm

I did basic there in April 1971 (D-4-1) They had a G.I holding a severed head of a VC on the outer tool locker. It had been filmed by a CBS news crew and the Army was catching some heat, so Drill Instructor Duane Phillips ordered me to paint over it while the rest of the company went on a ten mile jog. When they got back, Sgt. Phillips noticed what I had done. The outside portion was 13 red and white stripes, and when you swung both doors open, there was a field of blue, with 50 stars. He said it was the most beautiful sight he had ever seen at Fort Lewis.

Troy

2/28/2018 08:16:14 am

Gleason! I'm McGowan! I bunked with Baker and Halawappo upstairs! Boggs was our Platoon leader! I was with Linstead when we came back and saw your work....I was a holdover....finally assigned to the Army Security Agency trained at Fort Ord and eventually they sent me to NAM as everyone was coming home. It was an Air war by then we had the ROKs and the Thais and ARVNS doing the dirty work....got my jeep shot up twice but came home unscathed!!!!! But I've been lucky all my life! All those guys I became so close to have faded into my memory.....I hope they all did well and someday far off we will meet again to stand in Formation and pay respect to all who have fallen before us.

Troy

2/28/2018 10:58:07 am

D-4-1 the fog is lifting. March April and May for me....I remember we were the 4th platoon and I remember the painting of the decapitated VC on the outdoor broom closet with the caption..."we eat VC for breakfast" and I remember Hecker and Steele and Hansen and Bryant and Beaudwin, and Liedtke and Pugh and Linstead and Halowapo and Burke the Indian. Did you know Burke went on to become a Chief of the Umatilla Tribe of Oregon.....and you Gleason....a face in the mist....

Dale Strobridge

3/28/2018 09:28:27 pm

I did basic at Lewis from Nov 70 to Jan 71, Alpha One One, Drill Sergeant Delano. Shortest DI in the Army I think, perhaps 5’4” tall. Tough SOB. Most of my basic buddies were scattered and didn’t get sent to Nam due to the desclation of troops. If any guys from Alpha One One Jan 71 see this send me an email at slorazorsedge@aol.com. Mokie Ruiz give me a shout, Dale S.

Diane Damone

4/14/2019 11:48:46 am

Hi, my dad graduated from basic at Ft. Lewis June of ‘71. In his graduation photo, it says D Co 2nd platoon. He is PFC Robert (Bob) Dodge. I’m looking for anyone who knew him at basic before Vietnam.

Dave Barnett link

4/17/2018 06:40:02 am

I stayed in these barracks in 2004 for a detainee ops training prior to shipping off to Guantanamo. There were 36 of us housed in these barracks and i can say openly that there had been no form of renovation since the 60's. There was one shower that worked and the 2 working toilets. We stayed on both floors as there were dual metal bunks. It is nostalgic thinking back to the wet climate and knowing that we stated in the same place, unchanged that so many American heroes once did.

Phil Hannum

4/17/2018 08:07:06 am

I was there for Basic Mar 28, 1968 thru May..I notice alot of guys mentioning what barracks they were in..is there a way of finding out where I was..I am visiting in Jun this summer and would love to see my old barracks

Dale Strobridge

4/17/2018 08:23:33 am

I tried to access the rear gate to Ft Lewis summer of 2012. The MP wouldn’t/couldn’t grant me access even when I explained my purpose and displayed my active Sheriff’s ID. You need a sponsor to get thru the gate.

Phil Hannum

4/17/2018 08:40:18 am

thanks for the info Dale..I guess the days of a visitors pass is out also

Troy

4/17/2018 09:52:44 am

Recently, four months ago I was traveling south from a Seattle with my 15 year old grandson and decided to pull off at Steilicomb exit and give him a tour of old North Fort Lewis. It was in November of 2017. It was the second time I had visited. I took my two sons who were 10 and 13 in 1987. In 1987 the North Fort was just the same as in 1971...you could almost hear the cadence of marching troops ghostly down the streets. The old obstacle course was still intact. I let my boys climb on the old ropes. I found my barracks which they had converted into an EM club. Nobody stopped me when ai drove in then....but I did not stop for the guard. This time, just 6months ago...as we approached the checkpoint I noticed both guards were armed with M-16's......checking the ID of the driver in front of me....as he pulled out and the guards approached my car I just stepped on it and followed the car in front of me without stopping for the guards. I told my grandson...."don't look back....they won't chase us" and they did not. I suppose that my Vietnam Nam yellow and green service sticker on the back bumper of my 96 Lincoln sufficed as my pass. We spent nearly 2 hours on the base. Al

Troy

4/17/2018 01:02:53 pm

The barracks are gone...only the streets remain....all the little white churches....all the high rung ladders....all the low crawl pits...the picnic tables....all the DI's with their Smokey Bears....ghosts...like my friends on the Wall...gone...only our collective memory persists....I swear I could hear "and in her hair she wore a yellow ribbon" but it was just the wind...

Troy

4/17/2018 09:54:47 am

The barracks are gone but all of the o

Dale Strobridge

4/17/2018 08:55:35 am

Phil, the MP advised everything changed after 911. I didn’t pre plan the visit, perhaps I guy could do that and get a advance background check. I just wanted to walk the company parade grounds and my barracks, visit the spirit of the closest friendships I’ve ever had and the ghosts of my lost brothers...

Phil Hannum

4/17/2018 09:19:06 am

Dale, ran across this.. JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD, Wash. --

A standard Washington State Driver License or ID Card can no longer be used to get a visitor’s pass for access to Joint Base Lewis-McChord or the Yakima Training Center starting April 1, because neither complies with Real ID Act of 2005 requirements.

Washington is one of five states (along with Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri and New Mexico) that do not comply with this law. Although the law went into effect in 2005, implementing its requirements for JBLM access have been delayed until now.

This change affects companies with employees who need unescorted access to JBLM or YTC. It also impacts people who need visitor passes for unescorted base access to visit friends, family, the museums, hospital or other locations on either JBLM or YTC.

Washington State Enhanced Driver’s Licenses and IDs are Real ID Act compliant, so either can be used to prove identity. Visitors with this ID must still go to the Visitor Center to get a base pass.

People without a Washington State Enhanced Driver’s License or ID must provide one of the following forms of ID to get a base pass:

U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card

Permanent resident card or Alien Registration Receipt Card (INS Form I-551)

Foreign passport with a temporary I-551 stamp or temporary I-551 with printed notation on a machine readable immigrant visa

Foreign passport with a current arrival-departure record or foreign passport with INS Form I-94/I- 94A bearing the same names as the passport and containing an endorsement of the alien’s nonimmigrant status, if that status authorizes the alien to work for an employer

Employment authorization document that contains a photograph (INS Form I-776)

Driver license or identification card issued by a State or outlying U.S. possession that is Real ID compliant. For Washington and Minnesota this is the Enhanced Driver License or Enhanced ID

JBLM-issued Rapid Gate Identification

U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Card or Transportation Worker ID Card issued by DHS

Native American tribal document

U.S. Government issued, authenticated Federal PIV credentials

Troy

4/17/2018 10:00:12 am

I recently took a tour with my grandson. I drove through the checkpoint without stopping....and they didn't chase us......just like in the Nam and just like when I was in the Army in 71

Dale Strobridge

4/17/2018 10:26:37 am

Thanks Phil, that’s good intel. I’m from California which now complied with the Real ID Act. Next time I vacation up there I’ll preplan and also bring my passport. Just something nagging me to walk those grounds again...

Phil Hannum

4/17/2018 10:27:39 am

I would not even know where to start looking for the old area of Basic training from back in the 60s..is there a certain part of the post that was for Basic and can it be googled..I do not know my building but I do know the group I was with back in Mar 68

Troy

4/17/2018 01:07:51 pm

Gone all gone..replaced by new brick 3 story dorms...only thing left are the paved roads....only memories now...after all we were told they were condemned in 1936. Doesn't surprise me...we were eating Beanie Wienies in C-rations we got in Nam that they quit making in 1949.

Phil Hannum

4/17/2018 04:18:07 pm

If I were googling the area of the old barracks for basic training or the streets where would I look..I remember towards the end of our Basic Mar 68 we all marched down to the theater and got to see the move The Sand Pebbles

Phil Hannum

4/18/2018 11:58:32 am

looks like I found my old barracks..6A 6036-01..found this # on my old army records, am I reading it right I would have been in A Block building 6036..A Co 5th BN 1st BDE May 1968

Fran Ortiz (Williams)

5/6/2018 09:00:53 pm

I lived on Ft Lewis as a kid in 1966 and 1967. My Dad was 1Sgt Boyd Willams. He was in Viet Nam in 1964-65. As a kid I have really memories of our time there. It would be nicevto hear from anyone that remembered my Dad.

Donald Criswell

6/26/2018 10:56:08 am

Basic: B-1-1 11/9/66 - 2/67.
AIT & Duty: Military Police 2/67-10/67
66th MP/93 Btn, Phu Tai/Binh Dinh 10/67-9/68

Phil Hannum

6/26/2018 11:03:14 am

really dis-appointed..went to Ft Lewis wanting to get on post and visit the old north fort..website said valid ID and a passport would get you on..not the case after waiting for 1 1/2 hours got to the window and was asked if I had a sponsor..the only way you can get on post as a visitor

Troy

6/26/2018 12:05:05 pm

Phil I wish you had put together my previous comments and saved yourself a trip....not ONE barracks left....close your eyes and listen..."I wanna be an airborne ranger"...... it's as close as you will get.

Bob

12/28/2018 09:02:15 am

Thanks for the heads up. Like you I planned a visit to North Fort.
Most beautiful sunrise I have seen was there. Rainer was awesome.

Phil Hannum

6/26/2018 12:20:46 pm

Troy I was aware of your previous comments..I was up north and just coming thru the area and thought I would check the place out..as I stated with my Passport & ID as the website stated but no luck..did you take pictures back in 1987 when you toured the area..sure would love to see them if you did..phandph14@gmail.com is my email address if you would care to share..I was there for basic training Mar 28, 1968 thru part of Jun

Jim E.

9/24/2018 04:40:26 pm

E-2-1 1969

James Padilla

9/25/2018 11:33:30 pm

I graduated basic training from Ft. Lewis Washington on December 1967. Was in D12, Sargent Mooney was our DI. After AIT is did a tour in Vietnam Nam. I would love to talk with someone from that era.

Harry Oxford

10/17/2018 05:13:16 pm

I got to Lewis on Oct. 10th '66 made it until three days before graduation and ended up with double pneumonia and the first made me go to sick call both cheeks got a shot of pen and I was really worried I would get 'sent back. I did not and on to Fort Ord then to Sill and OCS. Take care all. PS How in the hell do you remember the class number laugh I have snap shots from then and a bit of recall but to many things inbetween. Not on either of my 214s

Vic Gilardin

10/21/2018 07:57:58 pm

BCT, 23 Sept 1968 A-3-1. Drill Instructor SSG White.

Robert W Thieman

11/23/2018 11:29:48 am

A-4-2. Patriots Prepared every man a Tiger.
Oct 66 to Jan 67.
Cold wet and frozen.

Robert Shackelford

12/26/2018 09:53:14 pm

D-5-2 April - June, 1971
Drill Sergeant Kihiki
Was committed to training us well.
AIT Fort Sam Houston, Combat Medic.
Returned to USAR, 305th Field Hospital, Gulfport, MS.

Diane Damone

4/14/2019 11:54:03 am

Hi, It looks like you graduated with my dad at Fort Lewis. He graduated June of ‘71. His name is Robert(Bob) Dodge. Do you remember him? He went to Vietnam in August of ‘71 and came home March of ‘72.

Robert Shackelford

4/14/2019 08:04:25 pm

Hello Diane,

I seem to recall his name, but after 50 years I'm not much sure of anything. My email address is bobshackelford@gmail.com. If you, or your Dad, want to contact me, I'll send a few photos so we can be sure, one way or the other. Thanks.

Randy

12/31/2018 08:42:53 am

54 Echo stationed at Ft Lewis 1982. Some dreery days in the motorpool.

Randy B

12/31/2018 08:45:15 am

That was 73rd Chemical Detachment

Rodney Gray

1/2/2019 02:56:46 pm

I was in 2nd plt. D company 4th BN 1st BDE (10 cycle)
July 1968

Gary Behymer link

2/6/2019 02:01:50 pm

Salute out to D.5.2 (Aug 1968 to Oct 1968)

Sergeant Hungerford was the DI while Sergeant Blood was the PT Sgt.

Lon Reed

2/6/2019 07:37:25 pm

I came in October 30th 1968 right after you C-5-2, didn't really see or know anyone but my company due to meningitis not allowed out of company area. I m sure we all had the same experience with cold and rain and not much food. Went to AIT FT. Bliss Texas it was as hot as Lewis was cold.

Frank Kortuem

2/23/2019 05:11:25 pm

I was stationed at Ft. Lewis in the 14th MP company. I was there from June 1968 until Dec 1969. In Sept of 68 I was transfered to the 296 guard company. We were assingned to guard duty at the stockade. Does anybody recall the address of those baracks? The 14th and the 296th were right next to each other. Our guard commander at the Stockade was Sgt. Hughes. Does anybody have anymore info for me? Some of the guys I worked with were Phil Knapp, John Krietgens, Jim Conney, Mark Nolan,

Alex

3/8/2019 05:13:11 pm

Did Lewis basic have a mock-up Vietnamese village in ‘68 like Fort Jackson did?

John McQueen

3/28/2019 06:17:11 pm

1968 C-1-1 Sargent Potter, E-5 and Sargent Davis E-6. And corporal Redman train for DI school.

Scott Warren

4/22/2019 02:17:10 pm

My father, SSG Robert Warren, was a drill instructor from 1966-1969 D co. 4/2 at North Fort.

I was stationed at Ft. Lewis from 5/1994-7/1995, D co. 1/33 Armor.

Rod Meyer

5/3/2019 07:39:13 am

I was in basic from Dec of 69 - May of 70.
E-1-1 was in the hospital for about 3 weeks with pneumonia.
Looking of Kenny Williams who was in the bunk above me and did a tatoo on my shoulder with indian ink and a pin.
He was going to be a tunnel rat.
Haven't been able to find him since.

Bernard Loeffler

5/5/2019 05:35:16 pm

I was also in C-5-2 June to August. Cpl Bluitt was our Platoon DI. Went to Ft Sill for AIT and finally to Vietnam Nov 1969.

Vincent Gerling

5/6/2019 11:40:05 pm

Ah Bernard: The weather was perfect that year; little rain, cool in the morning but never hot and no bugs. Basic training perfect? Not so much. There were about 5 songs playing everywhere: Three were: Cheri Amour (Stevie Wonder), Sugar Sugar (Archies) and Wait a Million years (Grassroots). I can still feel that time when I hear them (and only then). I mentioned above that I pinched an ashtray from the messhall. It sits on my entertainment center. Sgt Spoon and the junior spoons thought that it was great fun to harass the trainees on KP. 22 YO then and I just turned 72. Sandy Denny wrote a song: Who Knows Where the Time Goes. Retirement and Weltschmerz. God bless.

Frederick Meyer (Rick)

6/8/2019 07:23:11 pm

Was drafted April 17 1969, basic training at fort Lewis D 1 1, California Mod Squad. Caught the chicken pox and was in hospital got recycled to a B ,can't remember . Had a good friend Carl Robert's, after basic went to 543 supply co, and then to 63rd ord co until Jan 22 1971.

Bob Cook

7/7/2019 05:35:51 am

Basic training Jan 1970 Jan thru March. C-4-2 Chargin Charlie. Drill instuctors were Colvin and Carter. Names I remember.. Garland,Might,Hammond,Weisman,Baker,Rogge,lock, Tastead, We’re some crazy times that I will never forget.

J Allen "Al"Trujillo

11/19/2019 11:33:48 am

Hi Bob Cook, I was also @ Ft. Lewis Jan 2, 1970 thru March 1970 with C-3-2, we were neighbors. Only DI I recall was Malone! (Colorado)

Frederick Meyer

7/22/2019 08:24:13 pm

Sgt Lamb was our DI April to July 1969. D11, California Mod squad

Jimmie Cueva

8/15/2019 08:25:10 pm

Arrived at Fort Lewis on March 1970, graduated from basic training on or about June 1970. Echo Company, First Batallion, First Brigade. Best drill sergeant in the universe, he trained us with no heart, though as nails, but made me a survivor and a disciplined person.

Robert "Red" Jochum

8/16/2019 04:58:29 pm

B-3-1 1969

Chuck lewis

8/26/2019 04:34:52 pm

E-3-3 March April 1968. North Ft.

Dennis Newell

8/31/2019 02:37:25 pm

Feb 69 d-3-i Drill Sgt Shay Sgt Dory

George Downs

9/6/2019 07:36:38 pm

August 1971 - December 1971
Basic D-5-1
AIT D-3-3 Infantry

Bob Patton

10/1/2019 09:01:00 pm

I took basic at Fort Lewis: October, November of 1970 w/ A41. CO was Capt Cook, XO: Casey, SDI: Robinson. Other DIs include: Lines, Chapman, Johnson, Broyles, Cummins, Miller, Farabee. If anyone remembers or was in Alpha Gators at that time, would appreciate a comment. I can’t help but wonder what ever happened to these individuals. Thanks —

Ron L. Adams link

10/25/2019 09:49:44 pm

I was flown to
Lewis on 2-18-1969' out of Oakland for Basic Training A-3-1 2nd Plt
Drill SGT BEAN bunch of us from Sacramento and San Francisco. Graduation April 1969' and a whole bunch of us marched directly across the parade field to AIT all 11B's would like to find these guys I have photo's of basic and a few of AIT drop me a line

Bobby Breed

11/29/2019 01:25:33 pm

E 3 2. 1971 DI Fulmer

Frank Yanez

12/2/2019 07:22:32 pm

BCT, Ft Lewis North Fort, March ‘67, D-5-1, Sgts Vickers and Brown, then to Germany 3rd Inf. Vietnam 68-69, 18th Brigade

Carroll smith

2/5/2020 03:23:54 pm

I took my basics in June 1967

Lee

2/10/2020 09:51:28 pm

I was there in BCT C42 Chargin’ Charlie Rah!! DI’s Brochette and Collins

Lee Davis

2/15/2020 07:54:08 pm

Should have expanded a little, Aug 1970-Oct 1970, C-4-2, Chargin’ Charlie, DI’s SSG Collins, a good man, and SGT Brochette. I think the 1SG was a SGT E-8 Jenkins, a good solid man. Arizona guys, some Nebraskans, and a few from Chicago and Gary IN, good training, Mt Rainier was a pretty remarkable sight. Went back and backpacked through the Cascades a few years ago

Dale Strobridge

2/15/2020 08:34:52 pm

Subscribed . Nov 1970 - Jan 1971, A-1-1, DI SSGT Delano. Short tough man was a tanker in Nam during TET. Got us ready...

Alonzo Calvillo

2/23/2020 06:57:10 pm

I was there from Nov.1968 to April 1969.I was in training company D-2-1.One of the D.I.s that I remember was Sgt.Dalhover.If anyone remembers that winter, it was on of the worst ones in 50 years or so we were told.Some training was cancelled on account of the snow.That and the rain made our training miserable.What made it bearable was the camaraderie as we were mostly from the Bay Area and like the saying goes misery loves company.

Fred Althoff

3/4/2020 05:38:33 pm

C-3-1 Feb-Apr 1970. 2nd Platoon. Totally corrupt and physically abuse DI Rod Walters. Smoked pot with his girlfriend in his room in the barracks, then would send squad leaders out to get money for a hotel room for her. Told us we would need plastic name tags for graduation the the Army didn’t provide but he could get them for us. Kept asking him about them and they would always “be here soon” never got them. Told company commander about it after graduation. He listened, then said “Didn’t they tell on the first day never to give money to anyone?” Canned answer; he’d been there before. Many other episodes made it hard to respect the military, but relieved to know after basic that C-3-1 was an exception.

Dave Bennett

3/4/2020 06:44:27 pm

Our DI was awesome, but when he was gone for a few days, the DI from a neighboring platoon substituted for him. We normally weren't allowed to buy anything but essentials at the PX, but this DI was so friendly. First thing, he took us to the PX and said we could buy anything we wanted. Everyone loaded up with candy bars and stuff. He marched us back and had us stand in formation in front of the barracks. He ordered us to file into the building and deposit any contraband into a duffel bag. When we complained, he said with a grin he never said we could keep it. Even though my name started with "B", my place in the platoon was last row on the left. I watched as maybe 15 or 20 dudes dropped their stuff into the bag. Then someone wrenched the bag from the sergeant and ran up the stairs and into the building while others provided interference. The sergeant and his cohort ran after the culprits, but the duffel bag was tossed out the back window into waiting arms and spirited away. People were running everywhere. I sauntered in and hid my loot on top of the ventilation ducting over the toilets. A good time was had by all. But then the DI got his revenge by having us do onerous calisthenics in the rain in middle of the night.

Samuel (Sam) C. Robertson

3/25/2020 11:02:04 am

Had BCT at Ft. Benning, E-11-3, Harmony Church, Drill Sgt. Brown (1-11-1967 -0 wk. BCT 1-14-67 to 3-10-67; Ft. Lewis, WA, LPC 24-64-;3-12-67 to 3-24-67; AIT, C-3-2; 3rd Plt, 2nd Sqd. ldr-Capt. Vail & SSG Weston, (Baxter, Williamson, Maddox, there went on to OCS with me).3-25-67 to 5-20-67; OC 69-67, 62nd Co., 3rd Plt., 2nd Sqd., Ft. Benning, GA, 6-7-1967-did not start till 6-26-67.Grad 2nd Lt, Dec. 12-1967. Germany 1-1-68 to 3-68, A co., 1/13th Inf, Mech, Plt ldr, Co. XO; Jungle School, Panama CZ March-Apl, 1969; HHCo, 9th Div. Dong Tam, May 1969 to MACV Tm 75, 7th ARVN Div Recon Co., flew home Thanksgiving Day 1969.

Mitchell Rogers

3/27/2020 05:29:03 am

My grandfather was drafted into the Army from Nashville, TN sometime in 1967. He told me stories of beautiful Washington and how different it was from Nashville. I am assuming he trained here? He brought my grandmother to live near or on base not sure. He passed away in 2009 and did not speak of the war much, I was also told not to ask by my father. But this left me with so many questions, I wish I could have been a bit older to speak to him about it. I know he told me he was behind “the big gun with big shells” so I am assuming some form of Howitzer. What was Howitzer gunners life like in the war? If he did training in 1967 I am thinking he was in Vietnam in late 1967 or beginning of 1968. I recall my grandmother telling me my grandfather was complaining of hearing loss and pain so she inspected it and dug mug and gun powder from deep in his ear months after him returning. He later died in 2009 from emphysema, from god knows what. His grave states we was an SP4, not sure what that is. His name was Sanford Rogers. I want to thank him and every vet out there for sacrificing everything

David Bennett

3/27/2020 06:55:08 am

Mitchell Rogers - "SP4" is Specialist 4". It means his rank was E4. The Army splits the rank into either corporal / sergeant or specialist. The difference between the two grades is that sergeant is considered a non-commissioned officer (NCO) while the specialist is not. The corporal will go to the NCO training school while the specialist might not. I was a cook, so I had the Spec 4 patch instead of the stripes. I had authority over kitchen staff. If I had been a sergeant, I could tell people outside of my kitchen what to do.

Your grandfather was probably stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington. I did my Basic Training there. When I was in Vietnam, we were on a hill for a few months. We had howitzers lined up around the base of the hill. Every time they shot one off, it was like the loudest bang in the world. I never got used to it. I never talked to a gunner, but I'm sure it was either lazy day or really hard work. Howitzers are used for shooting far away targets. They get calls from someone engaged in a fire fight. They are given coordinates. The howitzer team rains hell down on the enemy from a distance. Your grandfather was most likely engaged in saving a lot of American lives at the expense of the bad guys.

Fort Lewis barracks: History in the un-making

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Fort Lewis barracks: History in the un-making

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