"Stable Able"/1/7 - U.S. Marine Corps Newsletter -

SERGEANT MAJOR JAMES R. SKINNER USMC (RET) CO 1ST SGT 4/51-4/52 AND BILL HOWES 2nd PLT 1/52-2/53

Sgt Major Skinner received an award at the sixth annual reunion in Myrtle Beach for his untiring efforts writing the "Poopsheet" for our quarterly newsletter. Also, for the outstanding job researching and publishing "The Roll of Honor" on his Web Site listing all warriors that were Killed in Action in Korea that served with ACo 1stBn 7thMarines during the period of June 1950 - July 1953.

POOPSHEET APRIL 2002

Yo Stable Able,

Sad to note we have lost more Marines since the last newsletter and learned of one who passed away in 1981. Bill Blasko and John Nichols were members of the A/1/7 Assn. George Gainous passed away very shortly after Arty King located him and unfortun- ately we weren't able to share comradeship with him. Jack Walker located Fred Judd's son and learned Judd passed away in 1981.

Learned Luke Laird is undergoing treatment for cancer again. My prayers are with you and Mary.

Saw a message on the 1/7 Bulletin Board dated 20Dec01 from Dorothy, wife of Tony Bocchino, that he was also having problems with cancer. He had retired the month before. She feels he may like to hear from his friends and sends his address as: Tony Bocchino, A-Co, 417 S. Community Dr, Brick, NJ 08723-6255. You are in my prayers too Tony.

Last heard from Colonel "Able Six" Smith on 21Dec01. He was on the mend and hopes to be back on duty at the MCRD Museum shortly after the first of the year. He sounded strong and ready to hump the hills again. His advice to me is "Stay off the skyline!"

Letter from Colonel "Ding-Dong" Bell. He mentions that now he's 83 he can't believe he got to be that old due to the wear and tear the years and wars have put on him. He's going to enjoy what's left of life to the fullest. He still hears from a few of his boot camp buddies (1936), the old 4th Marines of Shanghia, China (! 936- 1939), WWII (1941-45), China (1946-49), Korea (1951), and Vietnam (1966-1967). The old buddies get fewer and fewer each year. Now his family takes up most of his time. His Marine brother passed away last year in Havelock, NC. He ends the letter with "Give all our old warriors my respects and best regards for the New Year.

Semper Fi! Always,
Van and Hilda

Message from Major "Bud" Hampton, on his 57th anniversary of his landing on Iwo Jima. His Tommie had some serious problems with several hospitaliz-ations since we last saw them. As of now she's trying to build up her strength for an operation. Her condition will be the deciding factor whether she and the Skipper can join Shifty and I at the commemorative event, "Korea, 1951/52" at Camp Lejeune on 11Apr02.

Great telcon with Lt Colonel Kent on 27Dec01. He's staying in touch with "Moose" Conde and hot-to-trot for the reunion in St Louis.

JJ O'Hagan is active with the Marine Corps League and will be his chapters next Commandant. He has some ideas for raising funds for veteran organizations and will be happy to share them if you contact him at; 825 East Main St, Morris, IL 60450 or fone: (815) 942-3864 or Email: jmatjjm@uti.com
I'm proud we have another Marine take the leap into the Hi-speed /Lo-drag mode of communication.

Heard from Joe Vitak. He didn't complain about his and Marianne's health so I assume they are doing OK. A few years ago Joe was having a lot of physical problems.

Jack Walker has done a fine job of gathering info about Doc Wagner's NAVY CROSS. Interesting to note that Doc's recommendation had been kicked up to the MEDAL of HONOR but then kicked back to the NAVY CROSS. Jack feels Lundberg and Sgt Armstrong rate awards for their part in the ambush