This is our Provisional Rifle Company roster. I request that only the Marines and Corpsman that served with Provisional Rifle Company sign in here. I'm proud of my service with Provisional Rifle Company and I'm proud of you men.
Semper Fi, and welcome home. Billy Joe Churchwell.
Dear Members of Provisional Rifle Company: I just got this e-mail from Joe Crimi brother of Vince Crimi. Hello pop sorry but not good news. We lost my brother vince last night. He fought only as a marine would to the final breath .but his body said enough is enough and god was ready for him. You are my only contact other than billy and he is hard to get if you could forward this I and he would appreciate it. I will give you the arrangements when I know them if you would want to send an online prayer. Thank you for being helpful to him with the v.a. and watching his back when you were together…. thanks and god bless you and yours joe crimi and this is from vince to all of you SEMPER FI!!!! Vince and I reconneted last year. We talked about 4 times. Each time appreciating the times we spent on Clutch and encouraging one another as well. Joe his brother was our initial contact as well as Billy. Vince was just about to start his claims process for the things that he was suffering in his body. Joe asked me to post a prayer which I will honor right now. Father in Heaven, our company has lost another friend and Marine. We thank you so much from our hearts as to have met and shared in the life of Vince Crimi. What a joy he was to us, his fellow Marines, and to his family. He has left a permanent mark on our lives which can never be removed. We are brothers bound by a code of honor to each other now and forever. Vince has now been relieved of duty here on this planet called earth. Mission accomplished! He has heard the trumpet voice of his Commander in Chief to a higher order of service of which he has now transitioned and reported for duty. May he bless you with his presence as he did us here on earth and may he continue to serve you faithfully as a MARINE! Semper Fidelis - Always Faithful To God and Country, Amen. Vince will be greatly missed! Emil (Pop) Cedeno
I served two tours in Viet Nam. Part of 1st tour was with 1MP Batallion & saw action in Cam Le Bridge & sorrounding villages. Later transfered to FLC where I volunteered for CLUTCH. I do not remem ber platoon nor squad, but served so proudly with Randall, Carey, Kauffman, Colato, & many others whom I remember in my heart.
Hello Billie Joe, and all former Clutch Marines, It was a real treat to find this site, and see what a fine job you have done with it. I was at FLC, Radio Platoon from 12/69 through 11/70. Prov Rifle from 2/70 through 5/70. I have been going through my old photos and trying to pull together names, faces, places, events, etc. I will try to share photos, in some manner, in the next month or so. Following is a roster of names I have been able to remember. These guys were all from 2nd platoon, which was primarily from H&S Battalion. Maybe you’ll see a few familiar names, and help me out with more. Roger “Mel” Ansell (M60), Rollie Armbruster, Paxton (point), Stinnet, Backhaus, "Duck" Linton, Bowles, Bollinger, Pat Brannon, Cordona, Fitzpatrick(M60a), Farmer, O’Connor, McPhee(M79), Mike Zagyva, Rex & Marlow (K9), Scott Kallum (M60a), Steve Berar (M60), Bob Green, Hodge, Sgt. Dave Kerr, Sgt. Spielman, Sgt. Yarborough, Weppelman, Hope to hear from some of these turds real soon.
i went to proud rifles on verbal orders from 1st sgt. left when they disbanded. again verbal orders. there is nothing in my record to show i was there. except fitness report as 0311 infantry. i just want people to know i was there and did my part. i am proud of what we did. simper fi!
I arrived at FLC in approximately July 1968. While there, I soon ran across Michael J. Clark (Virginia Beach, VA)who I had known at Camp Lejeune. Mike Clark was a CLUTCH member, and was instrumental in my joining CLUTCH. Mike was subsequently wounded and evacuated to the States while on a CLUTCH Patrol. Another very good friend, Gary Hoerauf (Pathfinder) was a squad leader on CLUTCH at the same time that I was a member. Gary and I had served on Okinawa before our Vietnam tour, and we remain in contact with each other to this day. On my very first CLUTCH patrol, which was a night ambush, we took rifle fire. By coincidence, one of my Boot Camp members (Parris Island Platoon 197 - 1966), Alan B. Pearson, was on that patrol with us. I was armed with an auto-equipped M-14, and was among those who returned fire. I remained on CLUTCH until I was assigned to 3rd Platoon, Company M, 3rd Bn/9th Marines in January 1969. One of my 2 Purple Hearts was earned while at FLC.
Thank you Billy for the invite to this site. As you mentioned, I hope I find someone I served with here. It's been many years for sure. Semper Fi, Brother "DEEP" Dennis R. DiPentino Cpl, USMC Veteran
My squad leader was Hal W. Davis. Served with Lucas, Mc Kinney, Purdon, Lewis, Mellin, Duran,. Forgot many of the guys names, but will never forget the times and faces. Welcome home Marines.
Billy, I'm just checking in again to see what is going on here in our website, and to let everyone know that I have a new email address. It is: gyrene58@cableone.net -- if anyone wants to contact me and shoot the bull about the good ol' days ...... SF Dutch
Just wanted to mention that one of us (Capt Don W. Griffis) wrote a book about the good bad old days called "EAGLE DAYS". He was the red headed officer that led us out to the islands and hedge rows in the northern sector of our T.A.O.R. on a company size search and destroy operation. "Ski" Kozdranski told me about it and I thought some of you might want to pick it up. Semper Fi... Welcome Home!
I'm on my last military assignment Concord Cal. Pulling the pin End of June.
Just checking in with a new e-mail address. Nice to read all of the new and updated entries. Semper Fi, Hunt
battle in danang first day of tet. battle of namo city second day of tet. squad leader 4/68--11/68.like to hear from brothers who served.
I was also on volunteered for perimeter guard duty for the month of September '67. This happened to be the first time I was told back then that the base ever got hit with rockets. OH Yes? Those Goal Posts (Radio Towers). I was a Baker at the Bakery when I got to 'nam. volunteered for anything at the time that seemed exciting then to a 20 year old. also been on "shot gun" duty for many convoys going out with supplies. Semper Fi! Welcome new members!
Just checking in again, Billy. Once again, thank you for all the hard work you have put/and are putting into the Provisional Rifle Company website. You have done a great job with it and I am sure we all appreciate your efforts. Every so often I break out the "Clutch, the Movie" CD you sent me and watch it again. Those were the "bad-old, good old days." Welcome home everyone .... Dutch White Prescott Valley, Arizona
Im sorry but I cant remember my platoon but it also seems I am having trouble remembering names also, could be old age. Upon arriving to Clutch I was assigned the radio. I do remember a few names like Chenoweth, Taylor and Lopez. I would love to hear from anyone who was with Clutch.
Cell number (850) 512-4648
I arrived in Viet Nam on January 1, 1968 at 0530 Da Nang air field. Was assigned to Supply Bn. when I arrived at Red Beach. I immediately was sent TAD to ASP-1 for 60 days to guard duty. When I returned to Red Beach was assigned to Open Storage Lot. When I joined Clutch Sgt. Nelson was the squad leader. I was appointed a Fire Team Leader with my fire team pulling rear guard. When Sgt. Nelson rotated home he made me the Squad Leader. I had White as my point man until he rotated home the Clark volentered for the position. Gross was my M-79 man. Others in my squad were Jendreka, Nesbit, Sutton, Hoseman, sorry that all I can remember. However I do remenber Johnny Knott, J. Diaz, J. McCaffery, Biazo, Yaney, C. Howard, Hettle, W. Sharp, Shaughnessy, Anderson, Beardsley, Blackledge, Burns, G. Day, A Donta, Karczewski T., Yickerman, Burciaga, English J., Gillespie L., F. Morrow, A. Moore, F. Neely, and R. Ogren. I left Viet Nam on January 21, 1969 came back to the States and served 20 years in the Corps. I retired in 1986.
Changed my Email again. pathfinder1968_@yahoo.com I was squad leader 68-69 with clutch. Served with Tarzan, Buffy, Weird Harold, Leech, Snake, Mongoose, Branch, Chicken man, Guaderramma, Anderson, Gatz, SST. Hoffman, Pops Harrington, Nordick, R.D. Litteral, Sandalvol, and of course Alvin Derrick who died shortly before I left. There were others from summer 68 to Feb 22nd 1969 the day I left but time has worn away the names if not the faces. Semper Fi Marines Pathfinder
DEAR BROTHERS: ITS BEEN A VERY LONG TIME SINCE I HAVE CHECKED IN AND LIKE GUNNY ADAMSEN I FELT IT WAS TIME THAT I DID. FIRST I WANT TO THANK BROTHER BILLY FOR PROVIDING THIS WEB SITE FOR THOSE OF US WHO SERVED WITH PROVISIONAL RIFLE COMPANY DURING ITS TENURE IN THE VIETNAM CONFLICT. SECONDLY, I NEED TO THANK BROTHERS TRACY AND "POLI" POLISZCZUK FOR DIRECTING ME TO BILLY'S WEB PAGE BACK IN 2003. TRACY AND POLI HAVE A WEB PAGE DEDICATED TO THE ORIGINS OF FORCE LOGISTICS COMMAND AND CAMP BOOKS. IT WAS IN THEIR SCRAPBOOK THAT I FOUND TWO PHOTOS WITH TOM COLATO, VINCE CREME AND JEFF HEH THAT PIECES OF MY LIFE BEGAN TO COME TOGETHER. I IMMEDIATELY E-MAILED POLI WHO REMEMBERED ME WHO THEN PUT ME IN TOUCH WITH BILLY'S WEB SITE. FOR THAT I AM ETERNALLY GRATEFUL. MY MOS WAS 3051 WAREHOUSMEN AND WORKED IN ONE OF THE WAREHOUSES IN CAMP BOOKS. I LANDED IN CLUTCH BECAUSE I HAD DISRESPECT A GREEN 2ND LIEUTENANT BY NOT SALUTING HIM. HE INFORMED OUR CAPTAIN OF THE SITUATION AND I FOUND MYSELF IN FRONT OF HIM THE FOLLOWING DAY. AFTER ASKING ME WHAT WAS THE PROBLEM I MENTIONED TO HIM THAT I DID NOT COME TO VIETNAM TO WORK IN WAREHOUSES AND THAT I WANTED TO FIGHT. SO HE SENT ME TO CLUTCH. I SERVED WITH 3 PLATOON 2ND SQUAD FOR A LITTLE OVER 4 MONTHS AND HAD VARIOUS DUTIES, ONE OF WHICH WAS HUMPING AMMO FOR HUNT HOLDEN'S M60 MACHINE GUN. OTHER TIMES I HUMPED THE TRIPOD FOR THE 60 AND ALSO HANDLED THE GRENADE LAUNCHER AS PICTURED WITH BROTHER JACK WILSON. FOR THOSE OF YOU THAT DON'T KNOW ME I AM IN OUR SQUAD PICTURE ON BILLY'S WEB SITE. YOU'LL RECOGNIZE ME BY THE WHITE SOCKS AND THE M60 AMMO UNDER MY RIGHT LEG. AFTER MY TIME WITH PROVISIONAL RIFLE COMPANY I WAS SENT TO LZ BALDY AND SERVED WITH LOGISTICS SUPPORT UNIT 3 (LSU #3. WHILE THERE I WORKED IN SUPPLY AND THEY WAS PUT IN CHARGE OF THE ENLISTED MEN'S CLUB BETTER KNOWN AS "YE OLE PIGG." MY TOUR OF DUTY ENDED IN DECEMBER 1970 AND ROTATED BACK TO THE STATES. PRESENTLY I AM A PASTOR SERVING TWO CHURCHES THAT I PLANTED AND FOUNDED IN THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AREA. ONE OF MY CHURCHES WAS ESTABLISHED IN THE CITY OF SAN PEDRO, CALIFORNIA, LA COUNTY AND THE NEWEST ONE IS IN THE CITY OF PERRIS, CALIFORNIA, RIVERSIDE COUNTY. MY WIFE CECILIA AND I LIVE IN MORENO VALLEY, CALIFORNIA, IN RIVERSIDE COUNTY. I'VE BEEN A PASTOR FOR TWENTY FIVE YEARS. AFTER VIETNAM I GOT ADDICTED TO HEROIN IN NEW YORK CITY AND I USED HEROIN ON AND OFF FOR ABOUT 11 YEARS UNTIL I GAVE MY LIFE TO THE LORD JESUS IN 1981. I RIDE A 2004 HD ELECTRA GLIDE CLASSIC AND HOPE TO TAKE A RIDE FROM CALIFORNIA TO NEW YORK SOMETIME THIS YEAR OR IN 2009. I WOULD LOVE TO MEET SOME OF YOU GUYS AND I PROMISE NOT TO SPRING ANY JESUS STUFF ON YOU (I MEAN THAT!) SINCE I HAVEN'T WRITTEN IN A LONG TIME I FELT IT WAS TIME THAT YOU SHOULD KNOW A BIT MORE OF WHO I AM. I AM PROUD TO HAVE SERVED WITH PROVISIONAL RIFLE COMPANY AND AS A UNITED STATES MARINE. YOU HAVE MY E-MAIL ADDRESS IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO CONTACT ME. SEMPER FI EMIL (POP) CEDENO, USMC SGT.
JUST STOPPED IN TO SAY HIGH TO ALL MY FELLOW MARINES. BEEN AWHILE SINCE I SAID ANYTHING. WOULD STILL LIKE TO SET UP A RE-UNION. I LIVE IN PEORIA ARIZONA....HOT AS HELL BUT THE CLIMATE IN GENERAL IS SWEET. ANYBODY EVER NEAR ME CALL MY CELL 602-810-2230 YOU HAVE A FRIEND HERE THAT CAN MAKE YOUR STAY EASIER..............SEMPER FI MARINES..............GUNNY A
I arrived at FLC on October 28,1969, and was assigned to Communications Company, H&S Battalion, 1st FSR, FLC. I was a radio repairman (2841). Since I could fix them, I could operate them and was assigned to Prov Rifle Company almost immediately as a radio operator. I got rid of the PRC-25 ( Ten foot whip antenna made me a big target) and became a fire team leader of 2nd platoon/2nd Squad and became squad leader when my squad leader rotated out. His name was Cpl Chionsini. I was injured in October 1970(either a booby trap or unexploded ordinance). Nonetheless, I received the purple heart went back to Communications company after a short hospital stay at the Navel Hospital in Da Nang and rotated out. I was discharged early at Camp Pendelton and joined the Marine Corps Reserve in San Jose California. The reserve unit was anti aircraft and most of the time I spent my time on guard duty. I switched to the California Army National Guard (armor and infantry) and retired in 1994 as a 1st Sgt with 2/160th Infantry. I am currently a small school superintendent (Plainsburg Elementary School) in Merced California. I am retiring next year when I can start collecting my military retirement and school retirement. Vern Snodderly
Merry Christmas Marines. Wanted to also correct my profile. After talking to Sandoval, Hoerauf, Kozdranski and Carr, they pointed out that I walked point for the 1st squad but was Squad Leader for the 2nd and then the 3rd. Sorry guys... Lack of memory cells. Too much latte... not enough beer. Want to mention that I located Sgt. Ron Eggleston on togetherweserved.com website. He was Platoon Sgt. for the 1st Plt and squad leader there also. Retired with the rank of Captain just like Dutch White. Two very squared away and smart Marines. Semper Fi to all.
Mary Christmas men.
I was in truck co, I drove tanker trucks,& hauled mogas, on convoys up north, went on patrols north of camp brooks, looking for anyone in the motor pool.aug67/68. semper fi, god bless.
I was with the G-3 section and then the augmentation platoon (Reactionary Platoon) my squad ran perimeter patrols every 3rd night. We would reinforce CAP at Namo every so often. Also participated in the TET 68 in the Namo area. In addition would rough ride convoys to Dong Ha and Phu Bai. Received John Kerry wounds one night and refused Purple Heart (should have taken it). Welcome Home.
WAS PLATOON CORPSMAN TAKING OVER FOR DOC. STONE WHEN HE ROTATED OUT FEB. OR MARCH I BELIEVE. WOW WHAT MEMORIES. NEVER HAVE FOUND ANYBODY WHOM I SERVED WITH. THIS IS GREAT. DOC WELLS. WISH I STILL HAD MY GREASE GUN
I spent continual 30 days on and 30 days off augmentation of Clutch over a 20 month period, December 68 to August 70. Perimeter sweeps, ammo dump perimeter duty, convoy security to Phu Loc 6, An Hoa, DongHa and others. Continual re-assignment has blurred most names, glad for any contact if anyone recalls. Semper Fi Going to the Wall with Rolling Thunder this year.
None really, Often wonder where everyone is located now and how they are doing; Served in Prov Rifles spring and fall of 1970 as best as I can remember
My nick-name was brother C.B. and I also was sent to the 3rd math brig for a short time. If any one out there remembers me please contact me at the email address above. If this can help you to remember, the Co. Commanding officer was Major Davis and top gunnery s/sg Stllner of Provisional Riffle Co. or Security Co. at FLC north OF DaNang.
Hospital Corpsman, Because of my service with you guys in Clutch, I came to love The Corps.. A privilege and honor to have served with you. Semper Fi. Paul Leatherman and Larry Wheeler WHERE ARE YOU. Got rated for PTSD May 2006. I am the Corpsman that went to graves registration and id'd Bewley and Schrand after they were KIA.
we were first squad in to retake namo on second day of tet. i was squad leader from 5/68 -11/68.
I would like to hear from anyone that has photo's of me or remembers me, I had to go Dan Nang Hospital a number of time with a ear fungus I got in the field. I was with a marine named Al Schmidt and a guy named Dietrich, Parrish, Bollinger these are the only names that are coming to me now. Any response would be appreciated!
Served as squad leader with Gary "Pathfinder" Hoerauf, Dale Sandoval, SSgt Chuck "Papason" Hoffman, Curt Oman, Joe "Mongoose" House, Walt "Ski" Kowsdranski, "AL DERRICK", Doyle "Leech" Carr, "Snake" Neely, "JW" Parker, Mick "Crazy Kraut" Freimuller, "Weird Harold", "Buffy", Mike Anderson and many more great Marines. I miss all you guys and hope that life has treated you kindly. Semper Fi My Brothers!
I was recently informed by Norman "Doc" Wade that the corpsman on the far right of this picture is Paul Leatherman. He treated Weppleman when he was bitten on the scrotum by a leech, and nearly bled out..!
It has been a while since i've posted my last message. Still looking for my friend that served in the clutch unit. He was transferred from EngrMaintCoMaintBn1stFSR/FLC around Sep or Oct of 1969 to PLC. He went by Frenchy. And it isn't Marc Adamsen. Although it could be his twin. His first name was Mark. He was from San Clemente, Ca. Out 15 Marines it was him and I then ended up going to the Nam. If u can help me in any way I'd appreciate it
Just checking in and to say thanks to bill for the Clutch movie. Well done Bill, I really enjoyed looking at all those photos in that format. Semper Fi, Hunt
Would like to hear from anyone from clutch while I was there. Thanks
I'm looking for anyone that I served with, while at FLC. My nick name was Cool Breeze from Philadelphia, Guys form Truck Co. and a specially, Greg ( Muff ) Williams and Eugene Watkins.
I'm looking for anyone I served with either in the commcenter or with Prov rifle co., in country from August 70 to Sept 70, 2542 commcenter
If this link actually opens, you will see the Google Earth view of Camp books area. If it doesn't open, go to Google Earth and search, you will be amazed at what's there.
Hello Marines! Semper Fi!
looking for pat mcdonough whitash killey.. miss you guys
I served as 1st squad leader under Sgt. Hoffman. Tarzan was 3rd squad leader. I graduated from boot camp with Dick Jeffreys aka "Tarzan" he was our platoon guide. I was with Al Derick coming back from a night ambush when he steped on a booby trap and was kia. I'm in contact with "Pathfinder" and "Tarzan" by e-mail.
Glad everything is coming back together on here. Served with Tarzan and all the others he mentioned and many more all great guy and lots of memories are pouring back in to my brain housing group... Once again Billy Joe thanks for all your hard work on this site... Semper Fi Marines and welcome home to the land of the big PX. Doyle "Leech" Carr Sgt.
Welcome home Marines. I was squad leader of the 1st and 3rd squads that ran "Search & Destroy" patrols in the northern sector of our TAOR. Was there when Al Derrick hit trip wire crossing edge of Temple Island. Served on "Clutch" with Chuck "Papason" Hoffman, Gary "Pathfinder" Hoerauf, Dale "Sandy" Sandoval, Curt "Blooper" Oman, Walt "Ski" Kosdranski, Fred "Snake" Neely, Joe "Mongoose" House, Weird Harold, Al Guaderama, Buffy, Doyle "Leech" Carr, Robert Snell and many others. The craziest and bravest bunch of guys I've ever known. Life has a flavor the protected never taste. Semper Fi
I was a 2542 - Comm Center, assigned to Comm Co, H&S Bn, September 1968 to April 1969, then transferred to 1/9. The faces are still fresh in my mind but the names that go with them are quickly fading away. Hans Zeiger, if you read this, give me a shout.
Corporal Regan here,, just checking in. I served with the 1st Prov. company from July 1968 to April 1969. I was than transferred to the 5th Comm. Bn. My mos was 2511 {wireman} Still remember that place like it was just yesterday. Don't miss the incoming. Semper fi!
TO ALL MY RECON BROTHERS KILL EM ALL.......
this is the first time since i left the corps that i've attempted to find clutch. i was a l/cpl, cpl and sgt during my tour
Sorry you lost everything, but, just remember, you aren't the first and you will never be the last. I look in occasionally to see any new people and/or pictures appear or to show others what we were doing 35 years ago. Semper Fi all, Hunt
I worked at the Rations Warehouse from Dec. 27, 1967. From May 1968 I was assigned to Clutch and for a while I was still at the warehouse plus going out on patrols, I didn't get much sleep during that time. I was with the 3rd platoon 3rd squad. Most of the time I took up the rear to protect our ass. I left Clutch about Aptil 1969 and went back to Rations working at the reefer banks until June '69 when I was assigned to Camp Tien Sha with a Marine Laison Team in which I was with until the end of Aug '69 when I left country. While with Clutch I was with Sgt. Harrington and Cpl. Welsh and other fine Marines whose name I can't recall at the moment. I want to thank you Billy Joe for setting up this site and I want to say Welcome Home to all Marines here who served with Clutch.
would like to hear from marines with clutch/prc flsg-a during jan 67 trying to find proof of an ambush i was in the early morning of 3 jan 67 saved by arty and anyone els that did op's for prc & flc cap and attached cap units semper fi Gary L Bolter cpl usmc clutch/truck co/prc jan 67 then chu lai tafds mag-13 and group guard/prc till jan68
Pat King, Radio Platoon 69-70 July 23, 2004 Hello Billie Joe, and all former Clutch Marines, It was a real treat to find this site, and see what a fine job you have done with it. I have been going through my old photos and trying to pull together names, faces, places, events, etc. I will try to share photos, in some manner, in the next month or so. Following is a roster of names I have been able to remember. These guys were all from 2nd platoon, which was primarily from H&S Battalion. Maybe you’ll see a few familiar names, and help me out with more. Roger “Mel” Ansell (M60), Rollie Armbruster, Paxton (point), Stinnet, Backhaus, "Duck" Linton, Bowles, Bollinger, Pat Brannon, Cordona, Fitzpatrick(M60a), Farmer, O’Connor, McPhee(M79), Mike Zagyva, Rex & Marlow (K9), Scott Kallum (M60a), Steve Berar (M60), Bob Green, Hodge, Sgt. Dave Kerr, Sgt. Spielman, Sgt. Yarborough, Weppelman, Hope to hear from some of these turds real soon.
Looking for people that were in the provisional rifle company, perimeter guard, day and night patrols in this time period or later. I rotated in late March of 1969. I'm just now registering with the VA and will probably need help with some of this stuff.
I used to carry a radio with prov rifle plt, I don't remember what platoon or squad, was on perimeter duty and in comcenter.
I was in Vietnam at 1st FLC, 1st FSR, Supply Bn, Ration Co, Bakery Plt. from July 1967 - July 1968 at "Red Beach" Camp Brooks. I remember a Sgt. Harrington, Sgt. Rose; can't seem to remember much else except "Tet" '68. Semper-Fi to all my buddies whom served in Vietnam.
Served with clutch until I was assigned to be the Chaplains driver. We were at Maint. Battalion (Dog Patch)
Welcome home Marines.