Jul2012 - Two Eagles #842

Volume 3, Issue 7
Two-Eagles Detachment #842
Marine Corps League
Midwest Division
Department of Minnesota
Meeting the 3rd Thursday of each
month @ 19:00
Dan Patch American Legion
12375 Princeton Ave
Savage, MN
Officers
Commandant
Pete Williams
Commandant@TwoEagles-MCL.org
Sr. Vice Commandant
Karl Gahlin
SrVice@TwoEagles-MCL.org
Jr. Vice Commandant
King Cole
JrVice@TwoEagles-MCL.org
Judge Advocate
Ken Williams
JAG@TwoEagles-MCL.org
Junior Past Commandant
Mike Trudeau
Paymaster
Josh Kleckner
Paymaster@TwoEagles-MCL.org
Adjutant
Chris Brandt
Adjutant@TwoEagles-MCL.org
Sergeant-at-Arms
Patrick Toring
July 2012
Greetings Marines of Two Eagles!
I hope you are all well, and enjoying your summer.
The fishing event went exceptionally well! Everyone who attended had a great
time on the lake, a great meal, and some even caught some fish. We can mark
that as a success and, look for it to happen again next year.
Our next two upcoming events are our spaghetti feed fundraiser the evening of
July 14. Including set up and clean-up we will need members there from 18002100. The more members present the more we successful we can make this.
The other event is our Detachment BBQ. This will be at my house on the 28 of
July. Plan on food somewhere between 1700 and 1800. Bring your family, and
a side dish and beverage of your choice. There will be pulled pork, brisket, and
we may even get some ribs smoked-up.
We are in need of a couple of volunteers for Sara Care in July. It is on the 19th,
and we meet at the Legion at 1030 and head over to the facility, and are done
between 1130 and noon. Please email me to let me know if you’re available to
go. We will be playing Pictionary this month.
There are new Detachment t-shirts available. Look for information on them
further in the issue.
I hope you continue to enjoy your summer, and look forward to seeing you all
throughout the month.
Pete Williams
Commandant – Two-Eagles Detachment
SgtAtArms@TwoEagles-MCL.org
Chaplain
Steve Grossohme
Chaplain@TwoEagles-MCL.org
Web Sergeant
Ken Williams
WebSergeant@TwoEagles-MCL.org
Find us at:
Web site: http://www.TwoEagles-MCL.org/ | Facebook: Two-Eagles-Detachment-Marine-Corps-League
Editor: Ken Williams – Newsletter@TwoEagles-MCL.org / (952) 457-2983
Past Issues: http://www.TwoEagles-MCL.org/TwoEagles_Admin.htm
Volume 3, Issue 7
Senior
Vice-Commandant
The Eyrie
July 2012
Junior
Vice-Commandant
Take a Vet Fishing Day held on June
Could I get your attention? Or as us
23, 2012 for elderly and disabled
Marines say, LISTEN UP! I have just
veterans was a huge success!
recently been railroaded, I mean
Eighteen enthusiastic anglers hit the
elected, into being the detachment’s
cool waters of Prior Lake for a
Jr Vice. Who said threats do not
chance at catching a prized
work? Anyway, one of the duties
northern, walleye or sunfish. The
(and I hope it’s the only one) is
two pontoons of fisherman hauled
membership. I’m the guy who will
in more than a dozen fish during
be sending out a notice when your
their three-hour long outing.
dues are coming up and one when
Afterward, the veterans returned to
you go past due. (Also one when we
the Dan Patch American Legion
are booting you for not paying. DO
where they were greeted by scores
NOT GET THIS ONE!) I am not very
of Beyond the Yellow Ribbon
good at paperwork so I really need
volunteers who served a sumptuous
your help. Please pay before I have
lunch of salmon, baked potatoes
to figure out how to send the
and salad. The conversation during
notices.
Incoherent Ramblings from our
their meal consisted of current Senior and Junior Vice-Commandants
Also, recruiting is everyone’s job
events and of course lies and
here. Do not leave it up to a few
exaggerations which fishermen are so famous for. The
people. At the next meeting please pick up our cards
gathering concluded with the expressed appreciation
and give them to any Marine (or Corpsman) you run
from all participants and initiated planning for next
across (or over). Tell them how cool we are, lie if you
year’s event!
have to, just get them to a meeting with their DD214
The Marine Corps League Two-Eagles detachment will
and a check or cash. Just think of it as the more people
be hosting an all you can eat spaghetti dinner fundraiser
we have the less work we will be asking you to do. We
on Saturday, July 14, at the Savage Dan Patch American
all want our detachment to grow so please get into
Legion. The dinner will run from 1900 – 2100 and tickets
looking for new people. Who knows, maybe some of
for adults (over age 14) will be $7 per person, $5 for
the new folks will actually buy a round or two.
children 6 – 13 and kids 5 or younger will eat free. The
That is all, carry on!
meals will consist of spaghetti, garlic bread, salad,
cookies and kool-aid. Volunteers will need to arrive by
1800 for set-up and stay until 2200 for take-down.
(It’s Good To Be) King
Karl Gahlin
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Volume 3, Issue 7
Dept Convention A Wrap
For those of you unable to attend the Department
Convention in Rochester, and there were many, here’s a brief
summary.
First, and most directly affecting our Detachment, our
Detachment Commandant defied tradition and ran for
Department Junior Vice-Commandant. Unfortunately, he fell
short in the votes. (Check-out my opinion in “Sound-Off"
about ‘running the chairs’). He was, however, elected
Department Judge Advocate.
As with each convention, there are elections for new officers
for the Department. This year’s election results are:
Dept Commandant: Mel Roiger, Forrest G. James Det.
Sr. Vice Commandant: Vinnie Howard, North Star Det.
Jr. Vice Commandant: C. P. Gilmore, Thor Det.
Judge Advocate: Pete Williams, Two-Eagles Det.
Paymaster: Mike Lindberg, North Star Det.
The business of the convention was fairly typical, with no
unexpected or unusual items to address. There was a fair
amount of discussion around the suggestion to put forth a
summary of the proposed amendments to the National
Bylaws for discussion at the Department Convention, as a
matter of business. The consensus seemed to favor this and
it will be discussed and decided at the next Department Staff
Meeting. While we’re on that topic, we did discuss the
proposed amendment to modify the membership
requirements to include successful completion of boot camp
or OCS as a requirement for membership. While the intent of
the proposed change was understood, the amendment was
not well written to account for all possible situations where
someone could honorably serve without graduating from
boot camp. A motion was approved to instruct our National
Delegates to vote against this amendment.
There was also discussion of the next convention. The North
Region will be responsible for hosting and arranging the
convention. It was suggested that a fund be established to
provide start-up funds for the convention at the Department
level. This also seemed to receive a favorable response and
will be discussed further at the next Department Staff
Meeting.
Heated discussion followed the announcement by the
Department Paymaster that the budget will include an
additional fee of $100 per detachment to supplement the
Department Commandant’s travel expenses.
This is
effectively a surcharge on each detachment without regard to
the size or financial stability of a detachment. Discussion
centered on the unfair nature against smaller detachments.
It was suggested that instead of a fee for each Detachment,
that there be a fee based upon the membership of each
detachment, such as $2/member. The proposed budget was
approved, with significant dissension, but it was unclear what
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July 2012
was actually approved; the $100/detachment fee, or,
$2/member surcharge.
The entire South Region deserves a hearty “Semper Fi” for
putting on a great convention. The site was the Clarion Inn,
on the southern strip coming into Rochester. The hotel and
the entire staff was extremely accommodating and gracious.
The speaker was LtGen. Samuel T. Helland, USMC (Ret).
General Helland spoke off the cuff about the condition and
status of today’s Marine Corps, with an eye to where we
came from, and looking forward to where we are going. He
fielded a variety of questions from the floor. He provided an
interesting and engaging presentation as the convention
wrapped-up on Saturday night.
We do not yet know the site of next year’s convention, but,
as indicated, it will be in the North Region. We’re looking
forward to getting on the road to the woods.
America’s Got Stolen Valor
By now you have certainly heard about the allegations
surrounding the service claims of Tim Poe. Tim is a
contestant on America’s Got Talent 2012, a network
television show.
Similar to American Idol, AGT pits
contestants against
one-another
to
compete for the
title and a variety
of awards. They
find
contestants
through auditions
held
in
major
American
cities.
During his audition
in Austin, Poe told
about having been
in the military for 14 years. That his career ended in 2009
when he was hit by a grenade in Afghanistan.
He told a heart-wrenching story, full of heavy stuttering, of
having volunteered with a team to clear buildings and help
with the wounded. While doing this he saw a man approach
with an RPG. He yelled ‘grenade’ as he “went to jump on top
of my guys.” The blast broke his back and caused a brain
injury, the alleged source of his stuttering. He claimed this
th
happened while serving with the 114 Transportation
Company, part of the Minnesota National Guard. Poe also
claimed he never sang before the injury, but was encouraged
to sing in the shower by his speech pathologist.
In other material, Poe claims to have been awarded the
Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge and more.
He also submitted the photo of another soldier, on duty in
Afghanistan from 2006, as part of his AGT material.
Almost immediately after airing the show, calls poured-in,
and postings were made on web sites touting his story, that
Page 3 of 11
Volume 3, Issue 7
The Eyrie
July 2012
his was a lie. It got to the point where the Minnesota
National Guard issued this statement:
Strange Bedfellows
“Sgt. Timothy Michael Poe served in the Minnesota
Army National Guard from Dec. 3, 2002 until May 26,
2011, and performed as a supply specialist.
In an unusual development, no matter which era you are
talking about, the U.S. is attempting to establish a military
presence in a communist country. The Pentagon is seeking to
return to Vietnam – and the Vietnamese government may be
OK with it.
His military records indicate that he served with the
Minnesota National Guard in Kosovo from Oct. 10,
2007 until July 15, 2008, and was deployed to
Afghanistan from July 28, 2009 to Aug. 30, 2009.
Sgt. Poe’s official military records do not indicate that
he was injured by a grenade in combat while serving
in Afghanistan in 2009, as he reports. The Minnesota
National Guard can also confirm that he was not
awarded the Purple Heart Medal for wounds
sustained in combat.”
th
Posts from other members of the 114 , in Afghanistan at that
time, clearly questioned the veracity of Poe’s claims. One
stated; “He was not in Afganistan (sp) very long and was sent
home for an ear infection, he never got hurt overseas.”
Another stated; “We had about 120 people in our unit, 118
can prove he is a liar! Only one’s who can’t are Poe and our
one true hero who was killed there, George Cauley.”
On Friday, 9 June, during an interview with WFAA TV News,
he said he was sorry and never meant to hurt anyone. But he
also stopped short at admitting he lied, saying; “I don't feel
like I've lied. That's what's driving me crazy, because I truly
thought things have happened to me.” Not taking the
opportunity to admit a lapse in judgment, he manifested the
problem by stating; “In 2005 I was in Iraq. My truck got hit by
an IED. I got out in the firefight and took a bullet in the leg.”
The Army has no record of his claimed deployment to Iraq,
nor his extreme heroism in Afghanistan.
His ex-wife told the New York Post during an interview;
“There were no combat injuries,” said Ballard from her Texas
home. “I think he developed a ‘feel sorry for me’ stutter.”
She, and former band members, also told of his attempts to
have a musical career years earlier with a band called
‘Crawlspace’.
Poe, also during an interview with the New York Post, is still
attempting to salvage something. He is quoted as saying; “It
may not have happened exactly like I said it did,” (referring to
his injury) ”I really do not remember a lot of things since the
accident. I remember a blast going off by my head and being
in Afghanistan and telling one of the sergeants. It is like a
dream . . . I can’t remember things exactly how it happened”
(maybe because it didn’t). He also provided a document to
the Post, but the document has no indication of the specific
injuries or the severity.
Coincidentally, the top prize in the contest is $1 million. But
I’m sure that doesn’t play a part in his fabrications. It’s not
like he was hurting anyone, right?
In an effort to counter a growing Chinese military presence
and power throughout the region, the Pentagon is pursuing
closer ties with countries on China’s periphery. One of those
countries is Vietnam. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta
recently visited Cam Ranh Bay as part of these efforts.
Cam Ranh Bay is a deep water port, with sheltered
anchorage, ideally positioned for this strategy. While U.S.
warships have called on Vietnamese ports since 2003, and
the Vietnamese have even provided maintenance and repair
to some unarmed ships, there has been no large American
Naval presence here in the form of a base facility manned by
American military personnel since the withdrawal of
American forces in the early 70s.
The reassertion of U.S. naval power in the Pacific as a
counter-balance to the Chinese makes ports such as Cam
Ranh Bay essential for the rotation of American personnel
equipment and ships.
The Vietnamese remain reluctant to allow U.S. military back
into the country. While seeing advantages to this as a
counter-balance to China’s historic attempts to dominate
Southeast Asia, with more at stake considering the recent oil
explorations in that area. There is, of course, a bit of history
with us as well, and the risk of antagonizing China by getting
too close to Washington.
The Pentagon is also considering approaching the Philippines
to reopen Subic Bay and/or Clark air base as alternatives.
Flag Donation to Savage
Recently, the Chief Sauer,
Savage Chief of Police,
approached us about the
shabby condition of the U.S.
Flag displayed in the City
Council chambers. He thought
it may be a good gesture for
Two-Eagles to offset the cost of a new flag for the city. We
heartily agreed and donated $280 to help offset the cost of a
new flag and flag poles for the Council Chambers.
On Monday, 16 July 2012, at 1900, we will be making a formal
presentation of the new flag to the City Council. All members
are encouraged to be there by 1845, in uniform would be
great, but any way we can get you is just as good.
We will be removing the old flag and replacing it with the
new flag.
Page 4 of 11
Volume 3, Issue 7
History of the Corps
Ralph “Iggy” Ignatowski
Those of you who have seen Flags of Our Fathers, and Letters
from Iwo Jima, and I can’t imagine there are too many of you
who haven’t, may recall scenes referencing
“Iggy”. Iggy was the Marine sharing the
fighting hole with Corpsman John Bradley.
The area was pinned-down by enemy fire,
but Bradley ran to help someone who was
wounded. When Bradley returned to the
hole, Iggy was gone. He couldn’t see any
evidence of where he had gone, and
nobody had seen him leave. He effectively
disappeared.
Iggy was Private First Class Ralph Anthony
“Iggy” Ignatowski. He was born 8 April
1926 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was
killed between 4 – 7 March 1945 by the
Japanese on Iwo Jima. It isn’t so much that
he was a Marine killed on Iwo Jima. There
were 6,820 other Marines that died on that
island with him. It is how he was killed that
stands-out. And even in this, he wasn’t alone. I forgot to
mention, in the casualty statistics, there were two Marines
known to have been captured by the Japanese. PFC
Ignatowski was one of them.
Iggy was an eighteen-year-old Marine who almost wasn’t.
When he first tried to enlist in the Marines in 1943, Ralph
failed the physical. He again tried to enlist, bringing with him
a urine sample from a friend, and this time was successful.
Upon completion of boot camp, he was assigned to what was
to become one of the most notable units in the Marine Corps
nd
during WWII. Ignatowski was assigned to Easy Company, 2
th
Battalion, 28 Marines. Easy company produced the five
Marines, and one Corpsman, who raised the second flag over
Mt. Suribachi.
After some brief stops in the Marshall and the Marianas
Islands, Iggy arrived on Iwo Jima, along with the rest of Easy
Company, on board LST-481, on 19 February 1945. The next
day, he was wounded in the jaw by shrapnel. It must have
been a “relative scratch”, because he returned to duty that
same day. Undoubtedly to some good natured jibes about
goldbricking from his best buddy John “Doc” Bradley, the
Corpsman from Easy Company who was also a flag-raiser.
While we don’t, and will never, know any detail surrounding
his capture and eventual death, we do know that he
disappeared 4 March 1945 in the vicinity of Hill 215 at
approximately 1845, and was believed to have been
captured. About an hour and forty-five minutes later,
another report came in that a Marine Lieutenant, 2ndLt
Leonard Sokol, was killed and his body was taken by
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July 2012
Japanese. About a half hour after that, another report came
in that Japanese were observed “grabbing a man into a cave”
nd
at about the same time and location where 2 Lt. Sokol was
supposedly killed.
It wasn’t until 7 March 1945, at 1900, that PFC Ignatowski’s
body was discovered in a cave, with Lt. Sokol’s nearby. They
were in a cave 450 yards north of Hill
362. Although some of the details and
sequence can never be established or
confirmed, there were no CSI
investigators on Iwo Jima at that time to
determine if wounds were pre or postmortem, there is some information
known for certain. We cannot confirm
with certainty whether he was
captured, tortured then killed, or
captured, killed then his body
mutilated. Some ‘eyewitness’ accounts
indicate he was tortured by the
Japanese over a three-day period.
What has been confirmed is the
condition of his corpse and specific
wounds and injuries:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Both arms fractured.
Multiple bayonet wounds – some punctures having
bled (indicating pre-mortem)
Fingernails missing.
Tongue cut out.
Back of his head smashed.
Ears cut-off.
Eyes cut-out.
Teeth smashed.
Genitalia cut-off (and according to one account,
stuffed into his mouth).
It is uncertain, but Lieutenant Sokol may have been
attempting to find or rescue Iggy when he was taken
prisoner. There
is no detailed
information
about
Lieutenant
Sokol’s
confirmed
cause of death;
however,
a
report indicates
his body was
mutilated
by
one of our own flame throwers.
Both bodies were evacuated 8 March 1945. PFC Ignatowski
was ultimately interred at the National Cemetery, Rock
Island, Illinois.
Page 5 of 11
Volume 3, Issue 7
The Eyrie
July 2012
Bird could apply for the post. The other candidates were;
Colonel Waller (not viable because of the Administration’s
Philippine strategy and that fact he was court martialed, but
acquitted, for inhumane treatment to Filipinos); LtCol Lejeune
(favored by SecNav Daniels but eliminated due to his rank)
and Colonel Karmany (eliminated over a highly publicized and
messy divorce). Barnett was appointed Major General
Commandant of the Marine Corps on 25 February 1914.
12 – George Barnett
25 Feb 1914 – 30 Jun 1920
Commandant Barnett served during a pivotal time for the
Corps as Commandant during the Vera Cruz deployment and
WWI, which was also the basis for the first significant
expansion of Marine Air. This was the defining moment for
the public opinion of the Marine Corps in the “modern era.”
He was also the first Commandant to serve the four-year
term limit.
George Barnett was a drunken ‘Sconnie. OK, so not the
“drunken” part, but he was born in Wisconsin (on 9
December 1859, in Lancaster). He was part of the first Naval
Academy graduating class to provide officers to the Marine
Corps (1881). He opted for the Marine Corps, not because of
his love of the Corps, but, because of the reduction of ships in
the post-Civil War Navy, there was no vacancy for him. It was
either join the Corps or find a job in rural Wisconsin (yuk!).
He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in July 1883. Of
course, he spent the first few years making rounds to various
shore and shipboard assignments, which we won’t detail.
During the Spanish-American War he commanded the Marine
Detachment on the USS New Orleans, which supported
landings in Cuba and Puerto Rico with bombardments.
After the war he commanded battalions in Panama,
Philippines and China, reacting to various periods of unrest
and threats to Americans or American interests. He also did a
couple stints at HQMC. During one of his Washington stops,
he met, and after laying siege, eventually married, an
exceptionally wealth and beautiful woman (every Marine’s
dream). Shortly after their marriage in January 1908, he took
his wife to Peking, China, where he commanded the Legation
Guard. In 1910 he returned to the States and took command
of MB, Philadelphia. At this time, he was one of the three
final candidates for Commandant when Elliot retired.
Barnett went to Cuba each of the next three years as
commander of the First Regiment of Marines, which was
repeatedly sent to address serious domestic disturbances.
During this time he also took command of the First Advanced
Base Brigade of Marines, organized in Philadelphia. He
planned the first major maneuver involving Advanced Base
Force on the island of Culebra, PR.
Upon the retirement of Commandant Biddle, Barnett again
became a candidate for CMC. At the time, any LtCol or full
He was the first Commandant appointed to the Navy’s
General Board to represent Marine Corps interests. Barnett
also used Navy ties to reduce a lot of the antagonism that
existed between the Navy and the Marine Corps, primarily
fueled by Fullum’s efforts to remove Marines from ships. This
was also a time when Administration policy and the
expansion of American interests and possessions overseas
were placing increasing demands on the Marine Corps for
expeditionary tasks. His first major military event was the
sending of a reinforced brigade to Vera Cruz, Mexico, in 1914.
This was followed by sending a brigade to both Haiti and
Santo Domingo, which remained there for quite a few years.
The largest and most rapid expansion of the Marine Corps todate came with World War I. The strength of the Corps
increased to more than 3,000 officers and about 75,000
enlisted Marines. During the war, the Marine Corps
continued to provide occupation forces for Haiti and the
Dominican Republic as-well-as Cuba. Two brigades were
deployed to France. This almost did not happen, except for
the aggressive pursuit by Barnett to including Marines in the
force. Attempts to deploy a full Marine Division were
effectively blocked by Pershing and others. By the end of the
war, the Marine Corps expanded to more than three
thousand officers and approximately 75,500 enlisted men.
BrigGen Barnett was relieved as Commandant of the Marine
Corps on 30 June 1920, by order of SecNav Josephus Daniels.
During 1918, when his 4-year term expired, he was
reappointed because it was felt continuity of the war effort
trumped any term limit. However, he was asked to sign an
undated letter of resignation by Daniels, which Barnett
refused. His logic was that he served at the pleasure of the
President, who only needed only to let him know he was no
longer welcome. Something else that was widely known was
his friction with SecNav Daniels and Rep. Thomas Butler
(Smedley’s old man). What was not widely reported were the
back-room efforts by Daniels and Butler to remove Barnett as
Commandant, with involvement by Butler’s son, allegedly
impatient with the slow pace of rank.
Daniels met with Lejeune in September 1919 informing him
of his intention to remove Barnett and appoint Lejeune
Commandant. The plan was delayed until 1920. In May
1920, Daniels told Lejeune he approved a tour of the west
coast for Barnett to get him out of town. On 17 June 1920,
Daniels met with ailing President Wilson, gaining his approval.
Daniels dictated a letter of dismissal, then left town with
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Volume 3, Issue 7
instructions to deliver the letter to the Commandant two
days later. Later, during the change of command ceremony,
it was reported by Butler’s aide-de-camp that Smedley Butler
sat in a car parked across the street to observe the exit.
Rather than retire, though, Barnett chose to stay-on. This
created a bit of discomfort about what to do with a formerCommandant. He was assigned to command the Department
of the Pacific in October 1920. On 5 March 1921, he was
given the regular rank of Major General, and retired in 1923,
having reached the statutory age limit of sixty-four years.
Before retiring, he stirred-up some controversy, and initiated
a Congressional investigation, when a personal letter that
was made part of official records stated that Marines had
been responsible for the “indiscriminate killing” of Haitians.
Barnett later attempted to modify his statements, but the
damage was done. The reputation of the Marine Corps was
cleared by a Navy Court of Inquiry and Congressional
Investigation. While General Barnett was not censured or
disciplined, it was stated this was because the published
records more than adequately indicted his statements and
actions.
Commandant Barnett died on 30 April 1930 in Washington,
D.C., and was buried in the Arlington, in a section reserved for
the members of the Naval Academy Class of 1881. Mrs.
Barnett survived her husband by 29 years, and continued to
attack Daniels, while attempting to salvage her husband’s
reputation. Commandant Barnett oversaw a pivotal period of
the Marine Corps. While fraught with contention, he proved
to be an effective leader and established a strong foundation
for the lean years to come.
Tools of the Trade:
Entrenching (E)-Tool
“Unlike a rifle, a shovel doesn’t jam.”
The entrenching tool, or E-Tool as it is commonly called, has
been used in one form or another back to Roman Legions
(yes, everything dates back to ‘Roman Times’.) Since we
don’t really care about Roman Times, we’ll focus on the last
couple hundred years. Originally, it was intended to be what
you think it is at first sight; a tool to dig holes and build-up
berms. It inspires just-about as much loyalty as the P-38 can
opener.
During the Civil War, there were plenty of digging tools, but
none were part of the standard issue to the individual soldier
or Marine.
The first record of a military entrenching tool in the U.S. is
with the introduction in 1868 of the
‘Trowel Bayonet’. It looks just like it
name implies; like a trowel, but
with sharpened edges. There were
different models introduced each
M1873 - Trowel Bayonet
year, each bearing the year as their
model number. In a move that was foresightful, It was
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July 2012
intended to be both a tool and a weapon (much like The
Corps uses the modern E-Tool). Although it was intended to
fill the role as a bayonet as well, evidence indicates it was
probably never employed in this capacity, due to the barrel
damage caused by attaching it to the rifle for leverage when
using it as a digging and excavating tool. There is no record of
the Marine Corps ever including this item as an authorized or
issued piece of equipment, and it was never readily accepted
for use by soldiers. The design was phased-out by the late
1870’s.
It wasn’t until just before WWI that an entrenching tool,
resembling a small shovel, was introduced. The M1910
entrenching tool became standard equipment for the Army
just prior to WWI. It became a
staple
during
WWI
and
obviously
resembled
a
miniature spade. The handle
M1910
design had some variations,
with the standard ‘T’ shape being the most common. These
were used obviously for digging, and enhancing trenches,
fighting positions, latrines and graves.
During World War I, German and American troops favored
the entrenching spade being as a weapon. Rifles with fixed
bayonets were often too long to be effective in trenches for
close quarter fighting. Entrenching tools were
often used in place of bayonets and knives,
and even sharpened for this purpose.
By WWII, the E-Tool was redesigned to be
more compact and lighter. The M-1943 was
based upon the German design. It provided
for the blade to be locked fully open for
digging, or, at a 90-degree angle to be used as
M-1945
a pick, which was also the favored position as
a weapon. Later WWII designs incorporated both the digging
blade and a pick blade. This design was used through Korea
and into Vietnam.
The E-Tool with which most of us are familiar today is
basically the same design that came-about
during Vietnam, in the 1970s. You can see
the direct lineage in the designs from the
M1910 through WWII. Today it has the ‘D’
handle and incorporates a tri-fold design.
While it is capable of being used as a
weapon, and has a steel blade with a
serrated edge on one side, those familiar
with the usage in a field environment
complain it lacks the sturdiness of the WWII design and the
aluminum handle often collapses particularly when swung
against an object with firm resistance.
Most recently, a light weight plastic design is being tested.
Though it weighs 30% less than the steel version, my guess is
you probably won’t want to be using it as a weapon.
Page 7 of 11
Volume 3, Issue 7
Marine Corps Medals of Honor
This series starts the Vera Cruz recipients. In
this group are two future Commandants. The
Vera Cruz awards diminished the prestige at bit
at the time. There was one Army Medal
awarded, nine Marine Corps and forty-six to
Navy personnel for the Vera Cruz operation.
85. Captain Walter Newell Hill
DOB: 29 Sep 1881, Haverhill. Commissioned:
1904. Sep Date: Sep 1938, Retired. DOD: 29
Jun 1955, New York, NY.
Unit: Unknown. Date(s) of Action: 21 Apr 1914.
Citation: “For distinguished conduct in battle, engagements
of Vera Cruz, 21 and 22 April 1914. Capt. Hill was in both
days fighting at the head of his company, and was eminent
and conspicuous in his conduct, leading his men with skill and
courage.”
86. Major Randolph Carter Berkeley
DOB: 9 Jan 1875, Staunton. Commissioned: 8 Aug 1898. Sep
Date: Jan 1939, Retired. DOD: 31 Jan 1960, Beaufort, SC.
nd
Unit: 1stBn, 2 Advance Base Regiment. Date(s) of Action:
21 Apr 1914 – 22 Apr 1914.
Citation: “For distinguished conduct in battle, engagements
of VERA CRUZ, April 21, and 22nd, 1914; was eminent and
conspicuous in command of his battalion; was in the fighting
of both days, and exhibited courage and his skill in leading his
men through action. His cool judgment and courage and his
skill in handling his men in encountering and overcoming the
machine gun and rifle fire down Cinco de Mayo and parallel
streets accounts for the small percentage of the losses of
Marines under his command.”
87. Captain Jesse Farley Dyer
DOB: 2 Dec 1877, St. Paul, MN. Commissioned: 1903. Sep
Date: 1937, Retired. DOD: 31 Mar 1955, Coronado Naval
Hospital, CA.
Unit: Unknown. Date(s) of Action: 21 Apr 1914 – 22 Apr
1914.
Citation: “For distinguished conduct in battle, engagements
of Vera Cruz, 21 and 22 April 1914; was in both days fighting
at the head of his company, and was eminent and
conspicuous in his conduct, leading his men with skill and
courage.”
88. Captain Eli Thompson Fryer
DOB: 22 Aug 1878, Highstown. Commissioned: 21 Mar
1900. Sep Date: 1 Oct 1934, Retired. DOD: 6 Jun 1963.
nd
Unit: 2 Advance Base Regiment. Date(s) of Action: 21 Apr
1914 – 22 Apr 1914.
Citations: “For distinguished conduct in battle, engagements
of Vera Cruz, 21 and 22 April 1914. Was in both days fighting
at the head of his company, and was eminent and
conspicuous in his conduct, leading his men with skill and
courage.”
The Eyrie
July 2012
89. Captain John Arthur Hughes
DOB: 2 Nov 1880, New York, NY. Commissioned: Dec 1901.
Sep Date: 31 Jul 1919, Retired - Medical. DOD: 25 May
1942
nd
Unit: 2 Advance Base Regiment. Date(s) of Action: 21 Apr
1914 – 22 Apr 1914.
Citation: “For distinguished conduct in battle, engagements
of Vera Cruz, 21 and 22 April 1914. Capt. Hughes was in both
days' fighting at the head of his company, and was eminent
and conspicuous in his conduct, leading his men with skill
and courage.”
90. Lieutenant Colonel Wendell Cushing Neville
DOB: 12 May 1870, Portsmouth. Commissioned: 1892. Sep
Date: 8 Jul 1930, Died In Service.
nd
Unit: 2 Advance Base Regiment. Date(s) of Action: 21 Apr
1914 – 22 Apr 1914.
Citation: “For distinguished conduct in battle engagements of
Vera Cruz 21 and April 22, 1914. In command of the Second
Regiment Marines, Lieutenant Colonel Neville was in both
days' fighting and almost continually under fire from soon
after landing, about noon on the 21st, until we were in
possession of the city, about noon of the 22d. His duties
required him to be at points of great danger in directing his
officers and men, and he exhibited conspicuous courage,
coolness and skill in his conduct of the fighting. Upon his
courage and skill depended, in great measure, success or
failure. His responsibilities were great and he met them in a
manner worthy of commendation.”
91. Major George Croghan Reid
DOB: 9 Dec 1876, Lorain. Commissioned: 20 May 1898. Sep
Date: 1 Sep 1930, Retired.
nd
Unit: 2 Advance Base Regiment. Date(s) of Action: 21 Apr
1914 – 22 Apr 1914.
Citation: “For distinguished conduct in battle, engagements
of Vera Cruz, 21 and 22 April 1914; was eminent and
conspicuous in command of his battalion; was in the fighting
of both days and exhibited courage and skill in leading his
men through action. His cool judgment and courage and his
skill in handling his men in encountering and overcoming the
machinegun and rifle fire down Cinco de Mayo and parallel
streets account for the small percentage of the losses of
marines under his command.”
92. Major Smedley Darlington Butler
DOB: 30 Jul 1881, West Chester. Commissioned: 20 May
1898. Sep Date: 1 Oct 1931, Retired.
rd
Unit: 3 Marines. Date(s) of Action: 22 Apr 1914.
Citation: “For distinguished conduct in battle, engagement of
Vera Cruz, 22 April 1914. Major Butler was eminent and
conspicuous in command of his battalion. He exhibited
courage and skill in leading his men through the action of the
22d and in the final occupation of the city.”
Note: This is the Medal of Honor General Butler attempted to return.
Page 8 of 11
Volume 3, Issue 7
The Eyrie
July 2012
a process that places the most qualified person in the
appropriate office; rather, the most patient.
In an open election, where multiple candidates are not just
encouraged but welcomed for each position, the membership
has the opportunity to assess each candidate’s qualifications.
They can judge a person’s abilities by past performance and,
make a true choice of the person felt to be most qualified.
But the electorate is presented with a real choice, not simply
falling-in to vote based on tradition.
“Running the Chairs”
Submitted by Detachment member Ken Williams
Running the chairs is not a reference, or similar, to Running
the bulls; however there may be bull involved.
During June we had the Department Convention for
Minnesota. At the convention the Department Officer
elections were held. As indicated elsewhere in this issue, our
Detachment Commandant, Pete Williams, had the audacity to
challenge convention and stand as a candidate for the office
of Junior Vice-Commandant for the Department of
Minnesota.
Pete had made people aware of his intent and his candidacy
throughout the state and sought the advice and counsel of
current and former Department officers. A theme was
repeated to him many times as he spoke with others, and,
during the election itself; You need to “Run the Chairs”. The
meaning was it is tradition to enter the Department Trustees
as Judge Advocate, then, as you desired to move up the
chairs you would stand for election to the next officer
position; Junior Vice-Commandant. After that, Senior ViceCommandant, until ultimately, it was your turn to be
Commandant. Unless you were convicted of several axe
murders (and until recent National Bylaws changes went into
effect regarding membership qualifications and felonies, I
wouldn’t have ruled that out), you were practically
guaranteed rubber-stamp approval to the next office.
While this practice is encouraged by National, there is no
requirement. It is felt this practice allows one to gain the
experience, knowledge and wisdom essential to effectively
performing as a leader.
Now, let’s be clear; this is not a statement about the quality
and effectiveness of any former Department officers, current
Department officers or those just elected to office. In my
limited experience with the League, it appears we have been
blessed relative to our officers. This new batch is no
exception and promises to effectively perform the
responsibilities of their office.
The issue is; unless one wants to be Department Judge
Advocate, the current process is simply a test of tolerance
and endurance, or, at the very least, do no harm until you get
to the chair you really want and/or are qualified to fill. It isn’t
When you think about it, the way a candidate is ‘endorsed’ by
Department, is counter to the principles upon which our
country, our Corps and our League are founded and charged
to defend. If we cannot, or will not, embrace true democracy
at the smallest level, how can we have any credibility with
issues of greater scope?
Running the Chairs is an anachronism, a throw-back to
backroom politics where decisions were made before the
vote. The vote was held only as window dressing to give
public endorsement to something already decided.
As indicated, the practice of “running the chairs” is not
mandated by National or Department Bylaws. We owe it to
ourselves and to our League to put into each and every
election our best efforts to identify and elect the persons
most qualified to do the job, not occupy a space. We should
expect nothing less.
Running the Chairs is playing Russian Roulette with the future
of our Marine Corps League in the State of Minnesota. When
will our luck run out?
Count on a proposed amendment to the Department Bylaws
at next year’s convention to reject ‘running the chairs’ as a
strategy to leading our Department.
Please accept my apologies in advance if this has offended
you, that certainly was not my intention. I truly believe,
though, that public discourse allows all of us to engage
publicly in a dialogue about issues important to our
organization. This can only make us stronger.
I look forward to your input and feedback on this issue, and
will gladly print rebuttals and responses.
Letters or emails regarding this, or any topic you with to
Sound Off! about, may be addressed to:
•
•
Snail Mail:
Two-Eagles Detachment, ATTN:
Newsletter Editor, P.O. Box 302, Savage, MN 55378
Email: Newsletter@TwoEagles-MCL.org (please use
the subject: “Editorial” or “Editorial Response”
I look forward to hearing from you.
As always, Semper Fidelis!
-Editor
Page 9 of 11
Volume 3, Issue 7
The Eyrie
July 2012
VA Care Extended to Camp Lejeune Water Victims
Have an announcement about a member, event or something of interest?
Send it to: Newsletter@TwoEagles-MCL.org, subject: Now Hear This. We
accept announcements from other Detachments and organizations.
Cover Your … Head
Each new detachment member will receive a Marine Corps
League cover upon joining the detachment. The member has
to first attend 3 detachment business meetings and one
detachment event.
Grow a Pair – or Three
Any member who brings in three or more new members (that
apply and are accepted) during any fiscal year will have their
dues paid by the detachment for their next membership year.
Detachment Calendar
Send important dates and events for inclusion on the
Detachment Calendar. The calendar is on the web site, and,
may be printed in PDF. Forward any key event date
Event
information to:
Incoming@TwoEagles-MCL.org.
information from other Detachments and veterans groups or
is welcome.
New Honor/Color Guard Incentives
The Detachment will provide up to 50% of the cost of a new
uniform for any Detachment member; however, that
member has to commit to at least one Honor Guard or Color
Guard detail each year for their entire membership at TwoEagles. This covers only the uniform (shirt, shoes, trousers,
belt), and does not include the cost of ribbons, badges,
devices, and, does not include tailoring expenses. Email
Commandant@TwoEagles-MCL.org for more information or
to make your commitment.
Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser
Saturday, 14 July, Two-Eagles is holding a Spaghetti Dinner at
the Dan Patch American Legion, 12375 Princeton, Savage.
The dinner will run from 1900-2100. Tickets are $7/person
age 14 and up, $5/person age 6-12, kids younger than 6 eat
free. There will be games for the kids.
VA Hospital Visit
1 July is the Monthly VA Hospital Visit, 1800-2000. Your cover
is the Uniform of the Day. Bring any books, magazines or
games you think the patients would like. For the Marines
also bring any old Semper Fi, Leatherneck or Marine Corps
Gazette magazines. Make sure you check-in and give your
Detachment name at the desk.
We have been following this story for several years now and
periodically print updates. A compromise bill, which should
be ready for the President’s signature by 4 July, provides VA
treatment for veterans and their families exposed to
contaminated well water at Camp Lejeune from the 1950s –
1980s. This affects up to 75,000 Navy and Marine Corps
personnel. Until recently, the VA has resisted because they
traditionally provide care to veterans, not their families,
contending the DoD owned the base. To be covered, you
must have lived or worked on Camp Lejeune for at least 30
days between 1 Jan 1957 through 31 Dec 1987.
Defenders of Democracy Day
The Minnesota History Center is hosting Defenders of
Democracy Day on 2 July 2012. AARP is sponsoring a free and
private showing of the United States Constitution and the Bill
of Rights. These are not photocopies, friends, but the real
deal. The Minnesota History Center is located at 345 Kellogg
Blvd., St. Paul. The time is 1000-1400, in the main floor
auditorium. It is limited to Active-Duty military, veterans,
AARP members, and their families. Prior registration is
required by calling 1-877-926-8300, or, online at
AARP.CVENT.Com/MNDefenderDemocracy
VA and Dept of Labor Program to Employ 99,000 Vets
A new program was launched 15 May for unemployed
veterans between the ages of 35 and 60. The VA and Dept of
Labor launched a program and web site intended to provide
retraining opportunities for up to 99,000 unemployed
veterans. The Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (part
of the Hire Heroes Act of 2011), allows qualifying veterans to
receive up to 12 months of assistance equal to the full-time
Montgomery GI Bill rate. There are conditions that apply.
View the program specifics at www.benefits.va.gov/VOW or
call the VA at 1-800-827-1000.
More Fishy Business
You’ve read a lot about the Take a Vet Fishing Event
sponsored by Two-Eagles and the American Legion. We were
also supported by Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, and
professional guides Gene Boyer (detachment member) and
Chris Henkels (a Marine). Check-out the story and photos at
the Savage Pacer:
http://www.savagepacer.com/multimedia/photos_and_slide
shows/gone-fishin/article_b43f5527-183a-5ff5-b30620623fd90490.html
Page 10 of 11
Volume 3, Issue 7
The Eyrie
Dates & Events
July 2012
The Back Page
Detachment Meetings:
(All Meeting Locations are at the Savage American Legion unless otherwise
noted. Board of Trustees meets @ 18:00 the same date/place)
•
•
•
Thursday, 19 Jul 2012, Dan Patch American Legion, Savage.
Thursday, 16 Aug 2012, Dan Patch American Legion, Savage
Thursday, 15 Sep 2012, Dan Patch American Legion, Savage
Events:
Monday, 2 July: Defenders of Democracy at MN History
Center, 1000-1400.
Saturday, 14 July: Spaghetti Dinner, Dan Patch American
Legion, 1900-2100
Monday, 16 July: 1845 – Flag Presentation to City of
Savage, City Council chambers.
Saturday, 28 July: Detachment Picnic, Pete’s House.
Member Anniversaries:
A friendly reminder; ensure your dues are current not later than 30 days after
your anniversary date to avoid loss of privileges.
July
August
September
King Cole
Eric Satersmoen
Chris Brandt
LoWayne Nelson
Curtis Brandt
James Graff
Mike Trudeau
Ken Williams
Pete Williams
Check This Out:
There was a brief meeting of generals from each of the services
and an admiral from the Navy. The Air Force General said, "I
think I have finally found a way to show you true guts; "Airman,
come here!"
The airman trotted over and came to attention with a brisk,
"Yes, sir?"
The Air force General said, "Airman, climb to the top of that
flag pole".
"Yes, Sir", came the quick response and up the pole he went.
Submit ads via the detachment email address: Newsletter@TwoEagles-MCL.org
with the subject: “Classified Ads”. Personals not accepted.
Marine-Friendly Businesses
SemperFiMarinesS:
SemperFiMariness.com offers USMC
apparel, uniform and equipment items and a variety of unique
gift items. Owner/operator, Bill Schmidt, is an Associate
Member of the North Star Detachment. Check-out their web
site http://semperfimariness.com/.
For Sale
Digital Cameras – Got a good deal on brand new digital
cameras from a US Treasury Auction. Wanted one - had to buy
all five. All brand-new, in the box, never been opened/used.
Olympus TG-310; waterproof to 10ft, shockproof from 5ft,
14.0mp, 3.6x wide-angle/zoom, 2.7inch LCD. Comes with USB cable
and charger, manual, software CD,
a/v cable, wrist strap and warranty
card. Blue only color. Just $120
(avail locally $149-$179.
MSP
$179). Ken_williams_@yahoo.com,
(952) 457-2983.
Parting Shot: (Contributed by Norm Spilleth)
When the airman reached the top, the General told him to
jump. The airman shouted, "Yes, Sir", and dropped to his death.
The General turned to his peers and said, "now that is guts."
The Army General did the same and the Admiral did too, with
the same results as the poor Air Force airman.
The Marine General told them they were all full of shit and
called a Marine Private over. "Private, climb that flag pole!"
"Sir, yes, Sir!" accompanied by a sharp salute was the quick
response and up the pole he went. The Marine General than
told him to jump. The Marine Private looked down, then looked
at the Marine General and said; "Sir, just how stupid do you
think I am? You're going to have to get your ass up this pole
yourself and throw me off!"
The General than turned to his peers and said, "Now that's
guts."
Page 11 of 11