A/1/7 Newsletter - July Page 1

Moody Gardens Hotel from Guy/Joan Taylor and it is:

Coming out Interstate 45 when you cross into Galveston, you will take the 61st Street Exit.

Turn right on 61st Street.

Go approximately one mile (you will pass a Jack-in-the Box) and you will come up on Stewart Road (Red Light).

Turn right on Stewart and stay in the right lane.

Stewart will veer off to the left at the second red light. You want to stay to the right, going straight.

The road will now be Jones Road, as the entrance to Moody Gardens is on Jones Road

When you turn onto Stewart off of 61st, it is approximately one mile to the Moody Gardens Entrance.

VERY EASY-------RIGHT ON 61st STREET AND RIGHT ON STEWART (STAYING TO THE RIGHT) Semper Fi!
Guy/Joan Taylor.

We are looking forward to our 13th annual reunion here in Galveston and we know that each and everyone who attends will have a great reunion. Galveston has lots to offer and to see. So why not register and muster with us during the dates of 26 - 29 October 2008.

Those who have registered thus far are:
Jim/Ginger Dearing
Gene/June Jordan
Arty/Carol King
Warren/Maxine McVey

Bill/Jackie Landers
Shifty/Darlene Shifflette
Guy/Joan Taylor
Gebo/Helene Ventrudo

MORE ABOUT GALVESTON
Galveston offers 32 miles of relaxing beaches, superb restaurants, top resort hotels, marvelous downtown shopping, numerous antique stores, incredible art galleries, fabulous entertain-ment and one of the largest and well-preserved concentrations of Victorian architecture in the country.

Galveston is a small romantic island tucked deep within the heart of south Texas possessing all the charm of a small southern town and just 40 minutes south of the fourth largest city in the United States. At 32 miles long and two and a half miles wide, most residents can't remember the last time they visited the mainland and, if circumstances permitted, they would never leave.

CHECK IT OUT!

• Pg 1: 13th Annual Reunion Info, More About Galveston
• Pg 2: Proud To Be An American, When Veterans Retire
• Pg 3: From My Desk
• Pg 4: Wondering?
• Pg 5: Navy Verses Marine!, Two Glasses of Wine
• Pg 6: Thinking About Woody, Corrections to Our Roster, Taps
• Pg 7: A/1/7 Registration Form
• Pg 8: 13Th Annual Registration Form

A/1/7 Newsletter - July Page 2

PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN
By
COLONEL DONALD J. MYERS USMC (Ret)
I find it rather difficult to under-stand how people who live in this great country can fail to be proud of it. We are the most generous country in history, and are usually the first to respond to natural disasters in other countries. We have sacrificed hundreds of thousands of our people to bring freedom to countries that lost their freedom to despots. Although we are the strongest country in history and could rule the world if we chose, we have not done that. As former Secretary of State Colin Powell said, "We only asked for enough land to bury our dead."

As a career Marine, I had the opportunity to see many countries in this world. We have no true concept of what it is to be poor as an individual or a country. Those that we designate as poor in this country generally live better than the middle class in most other countries.

I recall being a young lad during WW II when everything was rationed and in short supply. The movies always had the "News-reels" during the typical movie showing the various theaters of operation in the war; however, they were totally controlled for content. We had bond drives that featured movie stars and military heroes in order to raise money for the war effort. We complain about our debt now, but by the end of WW II our debt was over 100% of our GDP.

When the war ended, many people were concerned about the millions of men who would be returning from the war and possibly

not be able to adjust to a peacetime environment. What really happened is that a huge percentage went to college while others turned to building new homes, cars, and other commercial products.

Prosperity boomed and the growth of the nation was astronomical. We not only took care of this country, but the world. We rebuilt Europe and Japan along with many other countries affected by the war. No other country in history has ever been as magnanimous. As we did this, we faced the "Cold War" against Russia.

I suspect that too few of our current students know very much about any of this. In the Marines, we spend quite a bit of time with our new enlisted and officers relating what makes Marines so special. We talk about our history and the feats of individuals and units. I recall during my own early education much of the same was taught about our history. Why do we not do the same today?

When I was teaching a course on the Vietnam War, the first course was at Anne Arundel County in Maryland and the class was held in a high school in the evening. As it turned out, the current history book was in that particular classroom. I had time before the students arrived so I scanned the book to see what it had to say about the Vietnam War. This was the longest and most divisive war in our history and there were four paragraphs about it, and one would think that President Nixon started it. WOW!! I am almost afraid to read our current history books.

I know that as a nation we have not always

been perfect - we did not treat Native Americans well, we interned Japanese-Americans during WW II, we had slavery, but we fought a war and lost hundreds of thousands to end it, and we continue to support other countries that want freedom. Overall, I would compare our record to any other country in history. I am proud to be an American.

WHEN VETERANS RETIRE
Non-veterans may not understand this, but it will give them insight.

When a good Veteran leaves the 'job' and retires to a "better life," many are jealous, some are pleased and yet others, who may have already retired, wonder.

We wonder if he knows what they are leaving behind, because we already know. We know, for example, that after a lifetime of camaraderie that few experience, it will remain as a longing for those past times. We know in the Military life there is a fellowship, which lasts long after the uniforms are hung up in the back of the closet. We know even if he throws them away, they will be on him with every step and breath that remains in his life. We also know how the very bearing of the man speaks of what he was and in his heart still is.

These are the burdens of the job. You will still look at people suspiciously, still see what others do not see or choose to ignore and always will look at the rest of the military world with a respect for what they do; only grown in a lifetime of knowing. Never think for one moment you are escaping from that life. You are only escaping the 'job' and

A/1/7 Newsletter - July Page 3

merely being allowed to leave 'active' duty.

So what I wish for you is that whenever one eases into retirement, in their heart they never forget for one moment that 'Blessed are the Peacemakers for they shall be called children of God,' and you are still a member of the greatest fraternity the world has ever known.

Civilian Friends vs. Veteran Friends

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Get upset if you're too busy to talk to them for a week.
VETERAN FRIENDS: Are glad to see you after years, and will happily carry on the same conversation you were having the last time you met.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Have never seen you cry.
VETERAN FRIENDS: Have cried with you.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Borrow your stuff for a few days then give it back.
VETERAN FRIENDS: Keep your stuff so long they forget it's yours.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Know a few things about you.
VETERAN FRIENDS: Could write a book with direct quotes from you.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will leave you behind if that's what the crowd is doing.
VETERAN FRIENDS: Will kick the crowds' ass that left you behind.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Are for a while.

VETERAN FRIENDS: Are for life.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Have shared a few experiences.
VETERAN FRIENDS: Have shared a lifetime of experiences
no citizen could ever dream of...

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will take your drink away when they think you've had enough.
VETERAN FRIENDS: Will look at you stumbling all over the place and say, 'You better drink the rest of that before you spill it!!'
Then carry you home safely and put you to bed...

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will talk crap to the person who talks crap about you.
VETERAN FRIENDS: Will knock the hell out OF THEM. for using your name in vain.


So there you are!

FROM MY DESK:
I received this email from SgtMajor Jim Skinner USMC (Ret)
"From: Randy Farmer
To: jrskin@gibralter.net
Sent: 3/4/2008 10:33:34 PM Subject: Donald R. Raymond KIA~10/28/52
Sgt Maj: Sir, I am the Commander of American Legion Post 322 in St. Regis Falls, NY. I am writing to inquire about any information you can provide on PFC Don Raymond. We maintain a wall at our post for all those that gave their lives in combat. Other than his name and photo, I do not have much info on him. I know his svc #1183181, Date Died: 10/28/52 due to Multiple Fragmentation Wounds. Through an Internet search I have found he served with the 1/7th.

I would like to document his service in order to honor him.
I would appreciate any info you may provide. I am also trying to collect a unit patch if you could assist me in that matter.

Respectfully,
Randy Farmer, Commander, Post 322 MSgt, USAF (Ret)" five_farmers@hotmail.com

Sgt Major Skinner's email to Harry Alfeo 1stPlt 12/51 - 12/52
"Harry, Hope all going well with you and yours.
Forwarding Commander Farmer's Email to you with the slim chance you may have any recall on PFC Raymond.

I'll look into the unit patch thing but I don't recall 1/7 having any in those days. Please Cc me if you can help the American Legion.
Take care Marines!
SEMPER FI! JIM"

Harry's email to MSgt Farmer
"Commander Farmer:
I applaud your and your Post's efforts to honor members of our armed serves who have paid the supreme sacrifice to defend and protect the United States of America.

I did not personally know Pfc Raymond even though we were both apart of Able company 1st Battalion, Seventh Marines. This was not unusual because we Marines were spread so thin on the MLR at the time Marine Raymond died we sometimes did not get together until we may have been fortunate to go into reserve for a few days rest and interface more

A/1/7 Newsletter - July Page 4

with our fellow Marines at the company level.

Having said that I can also tell you that I was involved in the action in which Marine Raymond died. The entire action lasted, by my recollection almost six weeks. This was an effort by the Chinese and North Koreas to break through a section of the MLR known as The Hook, which, had they been successful, would have given them an almost direct route to capture Seoul, the capital of south Korea. This would have given them a very valuable bargaining chip at the truce negations taking place at Panmunjom, Korea. And perhaps would have emboldened them to pursue the war with a view to complete victory over the Americans. They failed.

We were outgunned and out manned many times over by the Chinese and North Koreans, but the one thing we had that they did not were Marines like Pfc. Raymond who fought with a tenacity that equaled all the battles Marines have fought since 1775. Outposts were overrun with our Marines fighting to the last man. Marines like Pfc Raymond never took a step backwards, but fought until their ammunition ran out then turned to bayonets and fists. Through it all enemy mortar and artillery rounds rained down upon these brave men unmercifully. One report indicated that 36,000 rounds were expended on Marines both on the outposts and on the MLR itself in a brief period of time. I suspect Pfc. Raymond was the recipient of the relentless barrage when you describe that he died of "multiple fragmentation wounds".

At one time or another every company in the 1st Battalion was involved in the battle for

The Hook. When you have a minute please call up the following web site to understand how many brave Marines of the 1st Battalion, Seventh Marines died during the Korean War:
http://www.1-7marineskorea.com
/roll_of_honor.htm.
Pfc Raymond is in the company of heroes. We miss him and our brothers in arms more than words can say. On a daily basis they serve as an inspiration to those of us who were fortunate to survive the horrors of combat.

I hope this helps define the man you are going to honor on your wall of honor.

Semper Fidelis
Harry Alfeo, USMC
Korea 12/51 - 12/52"


If anyone remembers PFC Raymond and can share any information please contact MSgt Farmer at his email address or at:
Randy Farmer
87 Niles Road
St Regis Falls, NY 12980

Constitution sailed from Boston with a full complement of 475 officers and men, 48,600 gallons of fresh water, 7,400 cannon shot, 11,600 pounds of black powder and 79,400 gallons of rum."

Her mission: "To destroy and harass English shipping."

Making Jamaica on 6 October, she took on 826 pounds of flour and 68,300 gallons of rum. Then she headed for the Azores, arriving there 12 November. She provisioned with 550 pounds of beef and 64,300 gallons of Portuguese wine.

On 18 November, she set sail for England. In the ensuing days she defeated five British men-of-war and captured and scuttled 12 English merchant ships, salvaging only the rum aboard each.

By 26 January, her powder and shot were exhausted. Nevertheless, although unarmed she made a night raid up the Firth of Clyde in Scotland. Her landing party captured a whisky distillery and transferred 40,000 gallons of single malt Scotch aboard by dawn. Then she headed home.

The U.S.S. Constitution arrived in Boston on 20 February 1799, with no cannon shot, no food, no powder, no rum, no wine, no whisky, and 38,600 gallons of water. WAY TO GO NAVY!!!"

A/1/7 Newsletter - July Page 5

meaning what was being said and told about the war during the operation of Guadalcanal. Guess I should have ask one who was there?

Further, Sgt Major Jim Skinner will more than likely use this phrase when he is given me an update on their situation!

Outside a billet (tent) on Kwajalein Atoll there hung this sign:
Hotel Atoll
No Beer Atoll
No Women Atoll
Nuthin' Atoll

I believe this says it all Marines!

NAVY VERSES MARINE!
An old Navy CPO and an old Marine Gunny Sgt were sitting at the VFW arguing about who'd had the tougher career. "I did 30 years in the Corps," the Marine declared proudly, "and fought in three of my country's wars. Fresh out of boot camp I hit the beach at Okinawa, clawed my way up the blood-soaked sand, and eventually took out an entire enemy machine gun nest with a single grenade.

"As a sergeant, I fought in Korea alongside General MacArthur. We pushed back the enemy inch by bloody inch all the way up to the Chinese border, always under a barrage of artillery and small arms fire.

"Finally, as a gunny sergeant, I did three consecutive combat tours in Vietnam. We humped through the mud and razor grass for 14 hours a day, plagued by rain and mosquitoes, ducking under sniper fire all day and mortar fire all night. In a firefight, we'd

fire until our arms ached and our guns were empty, then we'd charge the enemy with bayonets!"

"Ah," said the Old Chief with a dismissive wave of his hand. "All shore duty, huh?"

TWO GLASSES OF WINE
When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 glasses of wine...

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls.

He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous 'yes.'

The professor then produced two glasses of wine from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

'Now,' said the professor, as the laughter subsided, 'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things; your family, your children, your health, your friends, and your favorite passions; things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.'

The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house, and your car. The sand is everything else; the small stuff.

'If you put the sand into the jar first,' he continued, 'There is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you.'

'Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner. Play another 18. Do one more run down the ski slope. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first; the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.'

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the wine represented.

The professor smiled. 'I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of glasses of wine with a friend.'

A/1/7 Newsletter - July Page 6

I received this email from a Marine saying how he feels about reunions!
From: Mudcat
Mudcat mailto:mudcat03@cox.net
Marines- A Word that is not given, but earned. Got to get something off my chest. I attend my reunion, each year, which consist mostly of my Platoon. Guys who know each other, inside and out. You would think a bunch of Combat Marines, would drink heavily, start fights and talk of their Heroics in Battle? Not so!! What we do is take our wives and kids to dinner or shopping, see the sights etc. At night, we sit around and have some beers, amongst ourselves and talk of the stupid things we done in Nam. Most people think Marines are egotistical and full of bravado!! Combat is a great cure for that. My friends are Marines, as I don't trust civilians too much. Civilians seem too interested in money, while Marines just want to be comfort-able. As we sit around for a small ceremony at the end of the Re-union, I look around. I don't see older guys. I see lyre olds, who fought like Junk-Yard Dogs. But trembled at night standing watch, thinking that I could have been killed today. As we all seen our friends killed or wounded. C/1/4 was lucky, to have fine Officers and NCOs, or a lot of us, would not be sitting in that room. So, I sit in that room in awe, wondering if I should be in their company. This not in Honor of our Fallen Marines, for we live that. But to Honor each Marine, who lives with the Memories and Nightmares.

Also to their wives, who suffer more. Semper Fi. MC

I received this article from George DeSha 1st Plt 2nd Sqd 9/51 - 9/52

THINKING ABOUT WOODY
Back in 1952 in Able Company we had a2nd Lt named Charles Woodward. During the time of the assault of hill 104 he had a mortar Platoon) and his platoon was really hit hard by the Chinese. He had some losses and his mortars were knocked out, so Lt. Woodward decided to come up and help us on hill 104. We had many casualties on that hill, including the 3rd Platoon Leaders. Sgt Bryant was KIA, and Lts Donahue, Gerding, and Seal were all wounded. Lt Woodward came up and was a big boost to our morale and really encouraged us. Two weeks later on the same hill again Lt Woodward took four Marines at night with him up on the hill a second time to get a prisoner, informants, and afflict casualties to the enemy. With him were MSgt Brown, Cpl Alward and Barnes, and myself.

We almost captured a prisoner but at the last second the Chinese recognized us and threw a grenade at Lt Woodward and me. We managed to get through that okay, but then the Chinese opened up on us from two sides, Lt Woodward had his helmet shot off his head, and I got a round in the arm. We decided we were outnumbered and fought our way back off the hill and everyone got back to our line okay!

Lt "Woody" as we called him really showed his leadership and courage throughout this action. He wrote me a letter while I was on the hospital ship Haven and said how much he appreciated what we Marines did on that patrol. He said not many junior officers get many chances to go through that with a great bunch of guys and without anyone getting

killed.

Many officers I have read about on different occasions were praised for their leadership, but not much was given to Lt "Woody" not even a "job well done."

The reason I felt like Lt "Woody" deserved more praise for his leadership on that patrol was because we had just taken hill 104 two weeks earlier. Hill l04 was covered with mines and many obstacles; also it was 0130 at night when we went up on the hill, crawling at times to avoid being seen. We were in places that could have had land mines…but we came through in that patrol in one piece. We would go with Lt "Woody" through anything if we were asked to! This man is what being a Marine is all about. Lt "Woody" lives in Tyler, Texas I still call and talk with him occasionally.

By: Sgt George DeSha 1st Plt 2nd Sqd"

CORRECTIONS TO OUR ROSTER:
Harry Alefo's email address:
halfeo@clearwire.net
Steve Miranda's email address:
smmmcm@email.msn.com
Roland O'Conn's email address: rgocon@hctc.net

TAPS
Clayton H. Collins 60mm Mortars 4/52 - 5/53 reported to his final duty station on 18 February 2008. It is sad that he never was presented the Silver Star Medal that he was to be awarded!