Revised Information of Our First Flag Raised in Victory of Mt. Suribachi at Iwo Jima on 23 February

Comments: First Flag Raised On The Japanese Homeland In WW II At Mt. Suribachi, Iwo Jima on 23 February 1943 Ray Fornof wrote on 17 August 2008

Comments: The Iwo Jima USMC Memorial Association, Inc. is an IRS 501 (c) 3, Non Profit, Volunteer Organization, Incorporated in the Great State of Hawaii. Our Mission is to finally Honor and Recognize the U. S. Marine Corps Patrol who Raised Our Colors in the Victory of Mt. Suribachi in Iwo Jima on 23 February 1943. Historically, the First Foreign Flag ever raised on the Japanese Homeland in World War Two. Iwo Jima was, and yet is, a Prefecture (County) of Tokyo, Japan. The Officer in Charge was First Lt. Harold G. Schrier. The Platoon Leader was Sgt. Ernie "Boots" Thomas and the Patrol Guide Sgt. Henry "The Saint" Hansen. The Patrol Leader, with a Flamethrower, was Cpl. Charles "Chuck" Lindberg. Communications was Radioman PFC, Raymond "Ray" Jacobs, Riflemen, PFC, James "Jim" Michels, and Pvt. Philip "Phil" Ward. Corpsman was PM, 2nd Class, John "Doc" Bradley. Leatherneck Magazine Photographer, Staff Sgt. Louis "Lou" Lowery. On 27 April of 2006, our Most Honorable Hawaii U. S. Congressman Ed Case, read into the Congressional Records, on the Floor of Our U. S. House of Representatives, of the Heroism of this Marine Patrol's accomplishments and of their "UNCOMMON VALOR A COMMON VIRTUE". Marines are Often Challenged, Always Faithful, and Brother's & Sister's Forever. "Semper Fidelis", Ray "Doc" Fornof Section Leader of the USMC 666th Platoon, Chairman Iwo Jima USMC Memorial Fund Drive (An IRS 501 (c) 3, Non Profit Organization) P. O. Box 662, Pepe'ekeo, Big Island of Hawaii HI 96783-0662 Phone: (808) 964-3244 E-mail: Doc666USMC1@AOL.Com

Keywords: aka: Doc

Keywords: Iwo Jima USMC Memorial Association, Inc. An IRS 501 (c) 3, Non Profit, Volunteer Organization Incorporated here in The Great State of Hawaii

COMM SECTION FMAW K-3 KOREA

Comments: I Was in Radio Repair Comm Section H&HS FMAW at K-3 from October '53 to November '54. I would like to hear from any of the old guys, like Frank Cermak, Peter Christensen, Rod Nelson, Ron Kerr, Jerry Hepsen, Vic Lindenhan, Glen Falkenham, Jim Ballard, etc. Especially the guys who came looking for me the time I was riding with Major Dickey and we rolled the radio jeep over in a rice paddy. That was a long walk home and I appreciated the lift, let alone help with the grief the MPs at the gate gave me.

And "Nelly" served with me later in Station Electronics at El Toro. Would love to hear from any/all of you. I have a few snap shots of the old place and some of you. "Stew"

Keywords: K-3 H&HS Radio Repair Shop Comm Section

Looking for members of VMA121 MAG 13

Comments: My late father, Sgt. J.R. Gaffney served from March of 1951 to July of 1952 as an aircraft line tech. My Dad passed 11 years ago on Fathers Day. True to form as a Marine, he rarely mentioned any of his experiences there. I am trying to compile a report to give to the rest of my siblings (I am the youngest of his seven children). Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Keywords: Looking for members of VMA 121 MAG 13 out of Glenview, Il. (1951)

PIO Photographer

Comments: Captain Ted Williams in his off time used our photo lab at K3 Headquarters for the First Marine Air Wing.

Made a few trips to the Naval Hospital in Yokohama taking documentation photos of medal award presentations to Marines injured in combat.

Keywords: Photo assignments took me north to the MLR to do photo assignments. Front line living conditions for marines at the MLR. photos of marines hit by mortar fragments, and many plain Joe Blow photographs sent to Headquarters for release to their home towns.

What happened to MACS-3

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First Flag Raised On The Japanese Homeland In WW II At Mt. Suribachi, Iwo Jima on 23 February 1943

Comments: The Iwo Jima USMC Memorial Association, Inc. is an IRS 501 (c) 3, Non Profit, Volunteer Organization, Incorporated in the Great State of Hawaii. Our Mission is to finally Honor and Recognize the U. S. Marine Corps Patrol who Raised Our Colors in the Victory of Mt. Suribachi in Iwo Jima on 23 February 1943. Historically, the First Foreign Flag ever raised on the Japanese Homeland in World War Two. Iwo Jima was, and yet is, a Prefecture (County) of Tokyo, Japan. The Officer in Charge was First Lt. Harold G. Schrier. The Platoon Leader was Sgt. Ernie "Boots" Thomas and the Patrol Guide Sgt. Henry "The Saint" Hansen. The Patrol Leader, with a Flamethrower, was Cpl. Charles "Chuck" Lindberg. Communications was Radioman PFC, Raymond "Ray" Jacobs, Riflemen, PFC, James "Jim" Michels, and Pvt. Philip "Phil" Ward. Corpsman was PM, 2nd Class, John "Doc" Bradley. Leatherneck Magazine Photographer, Staff Sgt. Louis "Lou" Lowery. On 27 April of 2006, our Most Honorable Hawaii U. S. Congressman Ed Case, read into the Congressional Records, on the Floor of Our U. S. House of Representatives, of the Heroism of this Marine Patrol's accomplishments and of their "UNCOMMON VALOR A COMMON VIRTUE". Marines are Often Challenged, Always Faithful, and Brother's & Sister's Forever. "Semper Fidelis", Ray "Doc" Fornof Section Leader of the USMC 666th Platoon Chairman Iwo Jima USMC Memorial Fund Drive (An IRS 501 (c) 3, Non Profit Organization) P. O. Box 4783, Hilo, Big Island of Hawaii HI 96720-0783 Phone: (808) 959-3162 E-mail: Doc666USMC@AOL.Com

Keywords: aka: Doc

ANYONE REMEMBER RADIO METEOR?

Comments: Anyone remember a lone Army Cpl. working on the 1st Marine Air Wing base from about Dec. 1953 to Dec. 1954?

I was the broadcast engineer at AFKN Radio Meteor during that period. I'd enjoy an email from anyone who worked at or remembers listening to the station. Best to all, Cpl. Joseph Mente US ARMY ret.

Keywords: AMERICAN FORCES KOREAN NETWORK METEOR

Capt. Mervyn T. Schuermann, VMF-311

Comments: Comments: As a member of VMF-311, my father was awarded a DFC for extraordinary achievement against the enemy in KOREA.

On 24 January 1953, Captain Schuermann led a flight of Marine jet fighter bombers against a heavily defended battery of enemy automatic weapons and the caves sheltering their ammunition supply. Quickly locating the obscure objective in mountainous terrain, he initiated an individual dive bombing assault to mark the target for the remainder of the flight. Exercising extreme caution because of friendly troops only fifty yards from the enemy position, he scored a direct hit on the hostile battery and then led a high speed bombing attack that silenced two automatic weapons , sealed five supply caves and inflicted numerous casualties on the enemy. Captain Schuermann's exceptional accuracy in delivering his own attacks and his exemplary leadership in organizing and directing the assault were largely responsible for the success of a mission that substantially relieved enemy pressure on front line elements of the 1st Marine Division. His courageous conduct, outstanding professional skill and steadfast devotion to duty throughout reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

V.E. Megee Major General U.S. Marine Corps

A GOLD STAR in lieu of the second DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS TO CAPTAIN MERVY T. SCHUERMANN

For extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against the enemy as a member of a Marine fighter squadron in KOREA from 10 January 1953 to 15 January 1953, during a series of massed aerial assualts on a heavily defended bridge complex in the vicinity of SINANJU. Confronted by intest automatic weapons fire and under constant threat of attack by superior jet interceptors, Captain Schuermann participated in three successive bombinb missions to suppress hostile antiaircraft fire directed at the main striking force. On one of these strikes, he was directed to engage a camoflaged position consisting of four heavy antiaircraft guns that had previously inflicted serious damage on attacking aircraft. Successfully locating the concealed target, Captain SCHUERMANN dived through a barrage of hostile fire to score direct bomb hits that silenced the enemy weapons and clearly defined the objective for the remainder of the flight. Captain SCHUERMANN's aggressive initiative and exceptional bombinb accuracy were largely responsible for the success of a mission that substantially reduced enemy opposition during succeeding attacks on the vital target. His courageous conduct, superb airmanship and steadfast devotion to duty throughout reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

V.E. Megee Major General U.S. Marine Corps

Keywords: M.T. Schuermann (Cotton) Captain, USMCR Veteran of World War II & Korea Squadron: VMF-311 Awarded 2 Distinguished Flying Cross & 2 Air Medals

Keywords: Captain M.T. Schuerman, USMCR VMF-311 Tomcats F9F Panther Awarded 2 Distinguished Flying Crosses & 2 Air Medals

Pohang 1952-53

Comments: I was headquarters Adjuntant and Personnel Officer for MAG 33... 1st Marine Air Wing. Then transferred to VMJ1 (same job - same place...but across the runway!)1952-1953.

Anyone still out there from that time and place?

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LOOKING FOR INFORMATION ABOUT MY LATE FATHER

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Keywords: MY FATHERS NAME WAS CHARLES WILLIAM MATTINGLY

k13 suwon 319th f.i.squadron jan-aug. 54

Comments: I was at k13 jan. 54-aug 54 with the 319th f.i.s., when a f-94b crashed and burned just after takeoff and the h19 copter from the field hovered close to the fire and a fuel tank exploded, destroying the copter and all in it.I've never heard from any other guys that were there that night, does anyone remember it?

Keywords: 319th fighter intercepter squadron k13 airbase suwon korea

ROBERT FRANKLIN CHANCE 613871

Comments: Looking for any information about my father. Was in 2nd MAW, Cherry Point, N.C.

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1st. Marine Airwing 1950-51

Comments: My father was in the Korean conflict. USMC, 1st Air Wing. I'm looking for anyone who might have memories of that unit in Korea. Dad says he was in a construction unit, constructing runways.

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Headquarters Com

Comments: Served at K-3 in Headquarters Com Replaced Pigg and later replaced by Lynch ? . Served with Col Ahee and Col Winton H Miller. and all the good guys. Maj Fris Capt Buthe, and guys like Partane and Sgt Fitzgerald, BUT THE USMC should decorate Capt DICKOVER Highly. SEMPER FI DIGGER

Keywords: Just DIGGER

I represent the HONOR of the USN in the return of the USS Hamilton and USS Scourge to their fleet base at SACKETS HARBOR NY. 1812ers.

The USMC guys from OHIO helped preserved Madison Barracks and got the US Army's 10 Mt Div at Fy Drum NY

K3 - Pohang - AFKN Radio Station Meteor

Comments: I went to 1st MAW in Nov. 1953 to Hdqtrs Bldg. Spent almost 12 months at AFKN Radio Station Meteor sometimes doing "Mail from Home" broadcast. Would like to hear from anyone from the station or the base from Nov 53 to Dec 54.

Keywords: AFKN Radio Station Meteor

Iwo Jima USMC Memorial

Comments: Officer in Charge, 1st Lt. Harold G. Schrier, his Platoon Leader, Sgt. Eugene "Boots" Thomas, Platoon Guide, Sgt. Henry "The Count" Hansen, Flame Thrower, Cpl. Charles W. Lindberg, BAR Rifleman, Pfc. James R. Michels, Radioman, Pfc. Raymond E. Jacobs, Rifleman, Pvt. Phillip L. Ward and Corpsman, PhMac John H. Bradley.

"Often Challenged, Always Faithful, Brother's Forever" "Once a Marine, Always a Marine" "Semper Fidelis"

Keywords: Iwo Jima USMC Memorial of the First Flag raised in Victory of Mt. Suribachi in Iwo Jima on 23 February 1945. Historically, The First Foreign Flag ever raised on the Japanese homeland in World War Two. As Iwo Jima is a Prefecture (County) of Tokyo, Japan. Some Two Hours later, a larger, replacement Flag was raised that received all of the attention, as was photographed by Joe Rosenthal, of Associated Press. This Second and Larger 48 Star Flag of ours is what the U. S. Marine Corps Memorial at Arlington Ridge, is of and in Honoring all those United States Marine that served on Iwo Jima. "Uncommon Valor, was a Common Virtue".

K-3 Korea 1953-1954

Comments: Would like to contact any medical personnel stationed at K-3; Itami, Japan; Iwakuni, Japan; or El Yoro between 1953-1955.

Keywords: HM3

MACS-1 1956 to 58

Comments: Served with 1stLt. Jim Baisley, when he was Electronics Officer in MACS-1 Can't remember our CO's name. We had the dubious honor of having Lee Harvey Oswald serve in our motor pool section. A real yard bird, and our 1st Sgt. elected to take care of him by letting us give him a sand shower. That only squared him away for a short time. Love to hear from any guys who served in MACS-1.

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Request for Information

Comments: I recently learned that I am eligible for the Korean Defense Service Medal based on my service in Korea for more than 30 days in 1956. I arrived at K-3 on or about June 5,1956. We returned to Japan in the late summer or early Fall of 1956.Our return coincided with giving K-3 to the Koreans. Can anyone help me ascertain the date on which K-3 was given to the Koreans and the remaining units of MAG 11 returned to Iwakuni? It would help me to make my affidavit for the application for the medal to be more precise. Semper fi, JIM

Keywords: K-3

Sgt. John (Tex) H. Gaddis looking for?

Comments: I am looking for bubbies from 1951/52 of the 1ST MAW HQSQ K3 Pohang, Korea, Maintenance Company and/or Commissary guys. I worked with Smokey Thompson and Bill Bowers and others. Please pass this info around and I can be reached at email: cmetcalf11@yahoo.com.

Keywords: tex, cook, welder, maintenance, marine, bill, bowers, vitali, chief clerk, 13th draft, replacement, squadron, pohang, k3, k-3, harold, smokey, thompson, peterson, chenoweth, chenowith, jim, corp, corps, 1951, 1952, korea,

K-3

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Seeking old comrads from MABS 12 Security 1957

Comments: Would like to hear from any of the unit members.

Keywords: Froze our tails off on far side of the runway, MAW Iwakuni

VMF 312 Info

Comments: Looking for any memorabilia ie..patches, decals....from original checkerboard squad VMF 312. My father,John Abram, served in Unit and would like to make a scrap book for him.

Keywords: John Abram VMF312 Checkerboard

K-3 1956

Comments: I recently learned that I may be eligible for the Korean Defense Medal, based on a few months of service at K-3. My recollection is that I arrived at K-3 in June of 1956. I was there when the base was given to the Koreans and the units stationed there returned to Iwakuni, Japan. To be eligible for the medal, I would have to had been in Korea for more than 30 days. 1. Does anyone know when K-3 was turned over to the Koreans? If I can determine that date I would be able to calculate how long I was there. 2.Is there some way for me to get a copy of my service record? My DD214 simply states that I was transferred to the inactive reserve on 8SEP57 and that my foreign service was 1 year 2 months and 23 days. I spent most of my time overseas as the Electronics Officer of MACS-1 in Atsugi, Japan Jim Baisley

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