jack brooks, dmor „86, receives french legion of honor

Transcription

jack brooks, dmor „86, receives french legion of honor
Dagwood DISPATCHES
February 2011
  
  
JACK BROOKS, DMOR „86, RECEIVES
FRENCH LEGION OF HONOR
On 7 January 2011, family,
friends, 16th Infantry soldiers,
and members of the US and
other nations’ armed services
gathered to honor Colonel
(Ret.) John M. ―Jack‖ Brooks, a
distinguished and well-known
member of the 16th Infantry
Regiment at ceremonies held in
Lewis and Clark Hall, Fort
Leavenworth, KS. The occasion
was the award of the National
Order of the Legion of Honor to
Colonel Brooks by the French
government in recognition of
his contributions to liberate
France in World War II. Presenting the award was Colonel
Jean-Claude Brejot, the French
Army Liaison Officer to the
Combined Arms Center (CAC)
at Fort Leavenworth. Hosting
16 Infantry Soliders from Fort Riley and regimental DMORs with Jack Brooks after the ceremony.
the event was the CAC comLeft to right: Steve Clay, 1LT Alex Bulluck, MAJ Kenneth Braeger, Jack Brooks, SFC Michael
manding general, Lieutenant
McQuality, SPC Kyle Wasko, SPC Ian Willams, and Bill Orlov
General Robert L. Caslen, Jr.
The History of
The Legion of Honor
The French National Order of the Le
-gion of Honor was founded in 1802 by
Napoleon Bonaparte to recognize service to the nation. From the begin-ning,
it has been conferred on illustri-ous individuals in all walks of life—the military, as well as men and women of distinguished achievement in government,
the arts and industry. It has a long history of being awarded to individuals for
great deeds, achievements, bravery, sacrifice, and progress in all branches of
human activities. Today it is held in
high esteem by the people of France, as
well as nations around the world.
The French people are very much
aware of the significant contribution that
American service members made to the
liberation of their country from the Nazis in 1944-45. French Consult General
(French LOH — Continued on page 5)
MA. He fought
In accepting the
with the regiment
award, during his
through North Afremarks Colonel
Brooks recalled the
rica and Sicily during part of which he
irony of the fact that
commanded the
the first enemies he
faced in World War
regiment’s AntiTank Company.
II were members of
Shortly after the Dthe French Foreign
Day landings at
Legion during the
Omaha Beach, he
landings in North
took command of
Africa. He then reHeadquarters Comminded all of the
pany, 1st Battalion
Americans present
of the contributions Colonel Jean Jean-Claude Brejot pins the and later, in 1945,
of Major General
was assigned as the
Legion of Honor on Jack Brooks as LTG
regimental S4. AlGilbert du Motier,
Caslen Looks on.
though eligible on
Marquis de La Fayette, the French officer who assisted Gen- points to go home, Brooks remained with
eral George Washington with crafting the the regiment until 1947 when he returned
final plan for victory over the British army to the states. Colonel Brooks went on to
command the 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry
at Yorktown which ultimately led to
in Korea and the 3rd Brigade, 1st Infantry
America’s independence.
Division in 1964. In 1965, he headed the
Colonel Brooks joined C Company,
Big Red One’s Advance Plans Group and
16th Infantry in June 1941 at Fort Devens,
(Brooks — Continued on page 5)
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Dagwood DISPATCHES
February 2011
ASSOCIATION OFFICERS (Voting Members of the Board of Directors)
PRESIDENT
Dennis Moorehead
2171 Pauline Lane
Blairsville, GA 30512
ranger216@aol.com
H 706-745-4790
C 404-915-0067
1ST VICE PRESIDENT
Robert ―Bob‖ Humphries
1734 Ellenwood Dr.
Roswell, GA 30075-3145
bhumphries@cobbchamber.org
H 770-993-8312
2ND VICE PRESIDENT
Phil Hall
208 Hunters Glen Lane
Johnson Creek, WI 53038
pjatlarge@yahoo.com
920-699-2862
SECRETARY
John Marfia
1090 Drexel Way
San Jose, California 95121
jonybgde@hotmail.com
408-469-7847
TREASURER
Don Oberkiser
200 Lane 110B
West Otter Lake
Angola In 46703
doberkiser@locl.net
H 260-624-3979
HONORARY OFFICERS (Non Voting Members)
HONORARY COLONEL
Sidney ―Skip‖ Baker
205 Cottonwood DR
Harker Heights, TX 76548
bakersf@embarqmail.com
H 254-690-7099
C 254-702-7571
HONORARY SGT. MAJOR
Alfredo ―Al‖ Herrera
2625 SW Riggs Road
Beaverton, OR 97007-8401
dangerforward@comcast.net
Home Ph. 503-591-8638
ADVISOR
Ron Watts, LTG.(ret)
1512 Raphis Royale Blvd.
Englewood, FL 34223
ronwatts@aol.com
H 941-460-8431
C 941-416-0489
ASSOCIATION REPS (Not Part of the Board of Directors)
1ST DIVISION
REPRESENTATIVE
Edmund K. ―Mick‖ Daley
976 N Quantico St.
Arlington, VA 22205-1653
mickdaley@aol.com
703-536-3986
MEMBERSHIP
Chas. J Richards
869 Williams DR.
Quincy MI 49082-9655
cjrichards@charter.net
517-6397192
QUARTERMASTER
Phil Hall
208 Hunters Glen Lane
Johnson Creek, WI 53038
pjatlarge@yahoo.com
920-699-2862
SR SPECIAL CONSULTANT
Gerald K. Griffin
Unit 209
19350 Magnolia Grove Sq.
Landsdowne, VA 20176-5181
gkgpag@msn.com
703-723-9669
DAGWOOD
DISPATCHES EDITOR
Ron Morgan
6319 Veteran’s Place SE
Salem, OR 97317
rhmorgan@usa.net
503-931-9555
ASSOCIATION
WEBMASTER
John Marfia
1090 Drexel Way
San Jose, CA 95121
jonybgde@hotmail.com
408-482-7946
ARCHIVIST
Buzz Tiffany
299 Putter Circle
Winterhaven, FL 33881
804-467-8542
HISTORIAN
Steven Clay
307 N Broadway
Leavenworth, KS 66048
steven.clay@leavenworth.army.mil
FROM THE EDITOR
We would like stories from each company of both battalions. Stories, or essays,
can be about individual or company accomplishments. Topics could be about
humorous events, adventurous experiences, or just about anything else — as
long as it is in good taste.
Every member of this Association has a
story to tell about his time with the Regiment. This is your opportunity to see your
tale in print.
All contributions should be kept to 500
words or less. Contributions may be edited
because of space limitations.
This Regiment has a rich history of
experiences and they should be shared.
Also, this will immortalize your stories.
SPECIAL CONSULTANT:
Kenneth Alderson
25830 Hidden Acres Dr
Westlake, OH 44145-4711
kalderson@ameritech.net
440-892-8358
Ron Morgan
We want your photos. Photos from the
members of the Regiment can be included
with stories. Or, if you have interesting or
humorous shots, send them in. Be sure to
provide description of the scene and IDs of
subjects. Make sure every recognizable
person has authorized in writing willingness to have his likeness published.
Perhaps later we could have contests
where members can vote on essays or photos that have been published. We’ll discover the budding journalists and photographers in our midst.
Email your stories and JPG photo files
to: rhmorgan@usa.net
Lastly, if you are still receiving the
print version of the Dispatches and would
Dagwood Dispatches is the official publication of
the 16th Infantry Regiment Association. It is published three times per year.
Editing & Production by:
Ron Morgan
6319 VETERAN’S PLACE SE
Salem, OR 97317
(rhmorgan@usa.net)
This is your organization and we are interested in
your suggestions and recommendations. Simply contact one of the Association’s Officers.
E-mail addresses listed, in the online version, are
clickable hotlinks.
  
like to save the Association some money, email
me and just say, ―I opt
for the e-version of the
Dagwood Dispatches‖.
To opt for the eversion of the Dispatches, use this address:
jonybgde@hotmail.com
The addresses above
are clickable and have the Subject line
already filled in.
Thank you for your sacrifice and service.
NEWSLETTER CONTENT
The Dagwood Dispatches is about YOU!
I don‟t write the stories — the readers do.
It is easier than ever to get your story published.
Write it up and email it to me at: rhmorgan@usa.net
Notice embedded links in a PDF are clickable.
Deadlines to remember:
Content for the February issue is due January 1st.
Content for the June issue is due —— April 1st.
Content for the October issue are due September 1st.
  
Dagwood DISPATCHES
February 2011
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
Here’s hoping your holiday
season was filled with happiness
and love and that the new year will
be bright and prosperous. May God
look after all our soldiers in harm’s
way and bring them all home
safely.
Dennis Moorehead
Ranger-Assist Committee
The Association is forming a committee to provide asse istancadvisers for veterans in a financial crunch or in need of assistance with VA matters.
We have some financial resources to provide temporary help
to these veterans. Our advisors could help direct veterans to loIn case you have not heard,
cal certified service officers who will assist them in initiating
LTC James Smith and the 1/16 has
service connected disability claims.
deployed to Afghanistan in our
fight against terrorism and insurAnyone interested in chairing Ranger-Assist Committee or
gency. They deployed during the
serving on the RAC, please notify Dennis Moorehead, President,
first part of January. During my
ranger216@aol.com, H 706-745-4790 or C 404-915-0067.
conversation with LTC Smith, he
said they would be running squad
size patrols from numerous base camp
Our annual reunion, as you all may
Tennessee, and the 2013 reunion will be
sites. Please keep these warriors in your
know, will be held in Buffalo, NY, during held in Jacksonville, Florida. Both will be
prayers and pray for their safe return. The the month of August. We always have a
held during the summer — dates to follow.
new LTC, Keith Lambert, is the new com- great time at these functions with our speth
manding officer of the 2/16 . You can
A reminder to you all that our allecial camaraderie, our rekindling old friendlook for his updates in the coming DD
giance is to the 16th Infantry. Yes, we are
ships and our meeting of new warrior
issues. We do not know at this time if the
friends. It is an occasion that so many of us made up of various units, but we are no
2/16th will deploy overseas. LTC Smith
stronger as a regiment than our weakest
look forward to each year and hope you
will be sending me a list of things that the will invest in being with us. It will be
link. Let’s strive to make all our links
troops on the ground in Afghanistan need, memorable! During this year’s Associastronger in their support of the 16 th.
and I will let you know what you can do to tion reunion, we will, once again, have
Again, here’s to a wonderful new year
help.
elections for your officers of the associaand please accept my sincerest appreciation. The positions available are president, tion for all that you give/do for the associaCharles Richards, a WWII vet and
two vice-presidents, secretary and treasDMOR, has taken over the membership
tion.
urer. If you have an interest or desire to
chairman position and is working dili~Dennis Moorehead
serve your association, please attend the
gently to bring new and old members to
President
the association. We feel Charlie is a great reunion in Buffalo and place your name on
the ballot. If you cannot attend and would
fit for this position and would appreciate
still like to serve in some capacity, please
any help and support that you can give
let me know. As a point of information, the
him.
2012 reunion will be held in Memphis,
RANGER DONATIONS
Donations to your 16th Infantry Regiment Association can
earn you a listing in the Dagwood Dispatches.
Dues help, but donations are needed to fund many of the
things the Association does for the benefit of its soldiers and
their families.
In future issues, we will list donors, unless the individual
donor wishes to remain anonymous, on a special ―Donations‖
section.
You can have your donation listed ―in memory of…‖ or any
homage you wish to express.
Our program for recognizing donors is still developing.
Any ideas you might have to honor those that donate so selflessly, should be sent to one of your Association officers listed
on page 2.
THE DONATION RANGER LEVELS
Donations $250 and up, are ―Platinum Ranger‖
THE DONATION RANGERS
“Platinum Ranger”
“Gold Ranger”
“Silver Ranger”
Donations $100 — $249 are ―Gold Ranger‖
Donations $50 — $99 are ―Silver Ranger‖
  
  
Dagwood DISPATCHES
February 2011
Relevant questions, and or, random thoughts to ponder…
1. I think part of a best friend's job
should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.
2. Nothing sucks more than that moment
during an argument when you realize
you're wrong.
3. I totally take back all those times I
didn't want to nap when I was younger.
4. There is great need for a sarcasm font.
5. How the hell are you supposed to fold
a fitted sheet?
6. Was learning cursive really necessary?
7. Map Quest really needs to start their
directions on # 5. I'm pretty sure I know
how to get out of my neighborhood.
8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person
died.
9. I can't remember the last time I wasn't
at least kind of tired.
10. Bad decisions make good stories.
11. You never know when it will strike,
but there comes a moment at work when
you know that you just aren't going to do
anything productive for the rest of the day.
12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don't want to
have to restart my collection again —
ever.
13. I'm always slightly terrified when I
exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to
save any changes to my ten-page technical
report that I swear I did not make any
changes to.
14. I keep some people's phone numbers
in my phone just so I know not to answer
when they call.
15. I think the freezer deserves a light as
well.
16. I disagree with Kay’s Jewelers. I
would bet on any given Friday or Saturday
night more kisses begin with Miller Lite
than Kay’s.
17. I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid
Ghetto" routing option.
18. I have a hard time deciphering the
fine line between boredom and hunger.
19. How many times is it appropriate to
say "What?" before you just nod and smile
because you still didn't hear or understand
a word they said?
20. I love the sense of camaraderie when
an entire line of cars team up to prevent a
jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay
strong, brothers and sisters!
21. Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty.
Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can
wear them forever.
22. Sometimes I'll look down at my
watch 3 consecutive times and still not
know what time it is.
23. Even under ideal conditions people
have trouble locating their car keys in a
pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey — but I'd bet
everyone can find and
push the snooze button
Long, long ago, far, far away...
from 3 feet away, in
In the Republic of Vietnam, Ron Morgan (Right) and team mate Dan about 1.7 seconds,
eyes closed, first time,
Woolard, rest between missions during the 1968 Tet Offensive.
every time.
24. The first testicular
guard, the "Cup," was
used in Hockey in
1874 and the first helmet was used in 1974.
That means it only
took 100 years for men
to realize that their
brain is also important. Ladies — quit
laughing.
2011 DISTINGUISHED MEMBER OF THE REGIMENT CEREMONY
This year, the DMOR will be held in conjunction with Victory Week, June 14th—17th.
NEW MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN
Having been just appointed as
a new member to this office, I find
it to be quite challenging. Being a
WW II Veteran of the 1st ID’s 1st
Battalion, Dog Co 16th INF RGT.
We are working on a change
in the New/or Renewal Application, which you will find in this
issue. Through our Association
Web Master, we are working on
our Membership list to help in
contacting members who may be
in arrears in their dues paying to
the extent if there is a health problem or anything that holds the
payment of yearly dues.
All organized bodies have
found it hard to retain membership due to the downturn
in the economy. This we all
can understand. I see Light at
the End Of The Tunnel and
my objective is to Retain—
Obtain & Regain Membership.
I will be working with 16th
Inf. HHC, letting them know
that we are very interested in
promoting membership with
the On Duty Servicemen.
  
If there would be any suggestions that
would be helpful, Please let me know.
My contact information is:
Chas. J. Richards
869 Williams Dr
Quincy MI 49082
cjrichards@charter.net
Or, call 517-639-7192
  
Dagwood DISPATCHES
February 2011
LETTER FROM THE HSGMOR
For those of you who are not aware,
the Rangers are once again deployed. LTC
James Smith and the entire 1st Battalion of
the 16th Infantry Regiment are in Afghanistan. The battalion arrived in that Country
in January, 2011. Lead elements of Bandido Charlie arrived in December, 2010 on
a reconnaissance mission for the battalion.
Upon receipt, dates and /or news of the
deployment will be disseminated to the
membership.
Al Herrera
at the BRO reunion in San Antonio, Texas.
And on November 3, 2010 the Regiment
lost another fine gentleman and soldier,
CSM John W. Long, who passed away in
Florida.
Landin and John
Long. The respect they commanded is not
learned; they
were born with
While in the BRO, the impact CSM
it. When Luis
Landin and CSM Long made on the veter- and John was the
th
ans of the 16 Infantry Regiment was sig- ―Top‖ the unit
nificant. The careers of these two men
usually excelled,
were dedicated to the professional develdue in large part
opment of soldiers in their command.
to their leaderThe BRO lost several members of the They attained their personal rank through ship qualities.
Division in 2010. Some of these losses
diligence and hard work. They served
We will miss
made a remarkable impact on the Regialongside their men, as mentors but mostly these two warriment. When this happens, the loss beas an example to the men. Their leadership ors. They were my personal friends, my
comes personal to an organization. This
was above reproach, leadership that was
contemporaries, and two of the best exampast year three significant veterans of the
obvious to those with whom they came in ples of gentlemen soldiers that I know.
th
Division passed away. He wasn’t a 16
contact. Naturally, their superiors saw
God Bless them both.
Infantry veteran but the Big Red One lost them in the same light, because they
Al Herrera, HSGMOR/DMOR
Ed Burke. In addition, the Regiment lost
climbed the ladder of success well above
two of its finest Senior Non Commissioned their contemporaries. We were all better
Officers. On August 26, 2010, CSM Luis
soldiers because we had the opportunity to
J. Landin passed away while in attendance know and travel among the ranks with Luis
(Brooks — Continued from page 1)
preceded the division to Vietnam in order to plan for the
division’s reception there that
spring and summer. He retired
from the Army in 1966. His
other awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star (4
OLC), the Army Commendation Medal (2 OLC), and the
Combat Infantryman’s Badge
(with star). Additionally,
Colonel Brooks was invested
as a Distinguished Member of
the Regiment (DMOR) for the Colonel Brooks shares
his appreciation and
16th Infantry in 1986.
experiences with the
(French LOH — Continued from page 1)
Francois Gauthier
once said "What
more eminent service can we find as
the one these men
performed: young
men, they crossed the
ocean to come to a
country they hardly
knew and never visited, and fought to
liberate it from
oppression and
tyranny. You liberated our people.
The republic is
forever grateful to
you for this."
Since 2004, the
French consulates
have been recognizing American service
members who served
during the liberation of
France during the
Second World War.
Applications are reviewed in France
and only those
deemed worthy are
awarded the
medal.
  
Colonel (RET) John M. Brooks
John M. Brooks was born 6 May 1920, in Fort Shafter, Hawaii. He was first assigned to Company C 16th Infantry as a
second lieutenant in July 1941 and remained with the 16th Infantry until 1947 participating in all 8 campaigns and the D-Day
landings in North Africa, Sicily and Normandy. He commanded
Anti-Tank Company and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion
and in September 1945 became regimental S-4.
Following his return to the United States he married Ingeborg
Schulz of Bamberg, Germany. They are parents of twin daughters
and a son. He was integrated into the Regular Army in 1947 in
the grade of major. He graduated from the University of Nebraska-Omaha and earned a master's degree from George Washington University. He commanded the 3rd Bn, 21st Infantry, 24th
Infantry Division in Korea and in Vietnam he was the Senior
Advisor to the 5th Vietnamese Division. Returning to the Big
Red One in 1964, he commanded the 3rd Brigade. He took the
Advance Plans Group of the 1st Division to Vietnam in 1965 to
prepare for the reception of the division.
He is a 1955 graduate of the Command and General Staff
College and graduated from the Army War College in 1964.
Decorations include the Legion of
Merit, Bronze Star (4 OLC), Commendation Medal (2OLC),
Combat Infantry Badge with Star.
The Commanding General, 1st Division designated him a distinguished member of the 16th Infantry in 1986. Following his
retirement in 1966 he joined the University of Missouri as the
Associate Director of Admissions and Registrar. He retired from
the University in 1982.
———————————————————
This biography was furnished by the US Army Combined Arms
Center, FT Leavenworth, Kansas, for the French Legion of Honor
Ceremony of Colonel John M. Brooks, US Army (RET). This event
was hosted by Lieutenant General Robert L. Caslen, Jr.
  
Dagwood DISPATCHES
February 2011
2ND BN 16TH INF RGT
Gentlemen,
It has been almost a month since I
changed command and it has been a very
hectic time with the November holidays
and establishing myself as the 4th Brigade
DCO. I handed over the reins to LTC
Kevin Lambert on 3 November. Phil,
Mack, and Cliff Poris attended the ceremony. It was great to have DMORs present to make the day even more special.
Kevin and CSM Mark Belda (Hutch’s
replacement) are doing a great job with the
Rangers. We could not have picked better
replacements to continue the legacy that
you built. Also, many other Ranger Officers and Noncommissioned Officers are
now spread throughout the Brigade Combat Team, 1st ID, and the Army, particularly Captains that are now Company (or
Troop) Commanders in other formations. They are taking our brand of leadership and determination to others that need
it. Some of these great folks are:
 CSM Wiley Hutchison is now the Brigade CSM (as of today)
 MAJ Ted Leonard (formerly Ranger 3)
is now the Brigade S3. He has CPTs
Johnson (A/2-16 IN and HHC/2-16 IN)
and Shane (A/2-16 IN and D/2-16 IN)
working for him, as well as SSG Miller
(D/2-16 IN)
LTC Paul Kreis, Immediate Past CDR
 SFC Maria Estremera (formerly Ranger
Personnel NCOIC) is now the Brigade
Personnel NCOIC.
tance of their
relationship
with 16th Infantry Regiment
 MAJ Mike Volpe (formerly Ranger 5) is and take that
st
now the 1 Brigade (Provisional) XO.
with them as
they move on
 MAJ (now) Mike Isbell (formerly C/2to other
16 IN Commander) commands the 4th
units. We conBrigade’s Headquarters Company.
tinue to make a
 CPT Paul Godson (formerly D/2-16 IN mark outside
the Regiment.
Commander) commands C/1-4 CAV
(the Brigade’s Long Range Recon ComI attached
pany)
the last two
 CPT Bryan Crossman (formerly Ranger Battalion
2) commands the Special Troops Battal- Newsletters
(while I was in
ion Headquarters Company (a host of
command) to
leadership challenges).
share the experiences of the Battalion with
 CPT Steve Ackerson (formerly the
you. Feel free to post to the Regiment’s
Ranger FSO) commands A/2-32 FA, he web site.
will depart in the Spring to 7th SFG as a
Although I am no longer Ranger 6, I
Battalion FSO.
am still here to serve the Regiment as a
 CPT Josh Hunsucker (formerly B/2-16
lifetime member. I value your continued
IN and E/2-16 IN Commander) is now
mentorship and friendship. Let me know if
the Brigade Public Affairs Officer (until Kelly or I can do anything for you. Please
he departs the Army for Law School)
treat Kevin and his wife, Shannon, the
same as you have Kelly and I. They are
 CPT Ed Furlong (formerly a Platoon
great people and will have a positive imLeader in B and D/2-16 IN, and Ranger pact on the 2nd Battalion and the Regiment.
1) is now in AG School, but will become
the 3rd Ranger Battalion S1 when he
~Paul
graduates.
 SGM Todd Ziegler (formerly the Ranger
This was not intended to bore you;
OPS SGM) will soon become the Brirather, these leaders believe in the imporgade OPS SGM.
16TH INF RGT CREST FOUND
Quincy Aulisio, Mesa, Arizona, correctly
identified the location of the 16th INF RGT crest
on the right track cover of the APC (photo right).
In a random drawing, Quincy’s name was
pulled from the hat. Association President, Dennis Morehead, has already contacted him to give
him the news. Congratulations, Quincy.
MISSING M16
This rifle,
pages.
, is on one of this issue’s
Your mission is to locate and report its location.
It will be exactly the same size as shown above,
but may be rotated to a different orientation.
The winning entry, correctly identifying the
location, will be randomly drawn from all entries
submitted on April 15th. The prize is a 1st or 2nd
BN blue Regimental ball cap.
E-mail your report to Dennis Morehead at:
ranger216@aol.com.
Gotta hate it when this happens!
This is after the mine sweepers went through too.
How did they miss something this big?
Good luck, and happy hunting.
Photo and comments submitted by Gilbert “Doc” Thompson, Vietnam Vet
  
  
Dagwood DISPATCHES
February 2011
Kevin J. Lambert, LTC, IN, Commanding, 2-16 IN Rangers, sent the letter, below, to Dennis Morehead, President, 16INFRA.
Dennis asked that the COL’s letter be printed in the Dagwood Dispatches, for members to read.
Subject: RE: officers of the 16th association
Sir,
I wanted to send you a quick update. I have been in command just under 90 days now
and am sincerely enjoying it. Today's Soldiers are living up to the high standards set
by generations of Rangers that have come before.
Last week we welcomed the 1st ID HQ back from Iraq with an uncasing ceremony. It is
good to have our higher HQ back. With the DIV HQ, COL Kauzlarich returned (he is currently serving on the Division Staff). COL "K" and I served together in 3rd Ranger Battalion in 1997. It is good to have him and Paul Kreis here to provide me with much
needed mentorship.
I was fortunate to be able to spend time with two DMORs last week that came in for
the uncasing ceremony. BG Gibbs hosted me, COL Wawro (the BDE CDR), CSM (R) Ryan, and
COL (R) Gripkey at his quarters for an outstanding dinner prepared by Mrs. Gibbs.
As part of a lecture series, K-State will be hosting the author of "The Good Soldiers" by David Finkel o/a the first week in March. Working with K-State, we are going
to make this a first class event supported by the BN and invite any members of the association that would like to attend. Our outreach officer will get in touch with the association soon with the details.
Finally, I wanted to give you an update on what the BN is doing with the generous
gifts we received from the Association and Bandido Charlie. We are hosting two family
events, at no cost to the Soldiers (Valentine's Day and Easter). Each event will be
open to both Soldiers and family members and will include a meal, children's activities,
and a raffle. I look forward to sharing the success of the events with you (complete
with pictures that you can share with the association).
I will submit my membership 16th Infantry Regiment Association application soon and
will use it to launch a recruiting drive for association membership within the battalion. With the battalion's Afghanistan deployment rapidly approaching I would like to see
as many members of 2-16 as possible connect with the veterans that came before us by
joining the association.
November 5th 2010
Respectfully,
Dennis; Al; Mac; Skip;
LTC Kevin Lambert
Kevin J. Lambert
LTC, IN
Commanding
2-16 IN Rangers "Always Prepared"
Duty First!
Please pass on our heartfelt thanks to
all members of the 16th Infantry Regiment Association for your kind donation
to support our Soldiers and their families.
With these funds, we are able to provide
64 young Soldiers and their families with
food baskets for Thanksgiving. Without
the Association's assistance many Soldiers would have very little to give thanks
for this year.
Thanks,
WEBSITES OF INTEREST
16th Infantry Regiment Website www.16thinfantry-regiment.org
First Infantry Division
www.1stID.org
Bandido Charlie Company
www.bandidocharlies.org
Band of Brothers–Ghost Riders
www.bandofbrothers.ghostriders.org
Disabled American Veterans
www.dav.org
DD-214’s
www.vetrecs.archives.gov/
  
VR,
JAMES J. SMITH
LTC, IN
Commanding
IRON RANGERS!
1ST BATTALION, 16TH INF RGT
(O) 785-239-8035
(BB) 785-250-2239
BLDG 7218
FT RILEY, KS 66442
  
Dagwood DISPATCHES
February 2011
TAPS HAVE SOUNDED
JOHN WILLIAM LONG
U.S. Army & ROTC Instructor
everyone has done and prayers and phone
calls. The funeral service was nice and
following it we had a grave
side service where the
honor guard from Ft. Stewart Ga was there. I have
been to many military and
law enforcement funerals I
will say the honor guard
was very good, my father
would have been proud,
except they did not police
up their brass, hahaha. I
know the Sgt Maj would
have jumped on them. But
the way I was raised I
picked them all up. After
the grave side we had a
reception where many of
my father’s friends and
family attended. The one
thing my father instructed
me to do for years was at
his funeral there must be
good food, good music (we played his favorites Willie Nelson, Elvis and Jazz), and
last and the most important he said was
good liquor (my wife Michelle and I
brought his favorite drink Jack Daniels).
My father said if you have a cup, using his
hands for reference, that was four fingers
tall then the cup must be filled to 3 finger
of Jack and one finger of coke or water, as
the night goes on use less coke because the
coke was just to keep you awake and get
you started. Throughout the reception that
was how all drinks were fixed.
Sgt Lloyd Harris of Summerlin Academy said that he was honoring my father at
the Veterans’ day parade last weekend.
The Polk County Democrat will be doing
an article on him also. I will be keeping
my father’s email active but if anyone is
interested my email is ridingbroncs@hotmail.com
Thanks again, my father was very
proud of his friends and his military career.
Below is my fathers obituary.
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/
theledger/obituary.aspx?n=john-williamlong&pid=146421147&fhid=3927
LAKELAND - Mr.
John William Long, 79,
died November 3, 2010,
due to leukemia. Born
December 6, 1930, in
Jacksonville Beach.
He was a decorated
veteran, a beloved husband and father, and a
revered teacher.
He had a wonderful
childhood on the beach
and developed his lifelong love of hunting with
his father and brother at
an early age with his father and brother.
At 17 he enlisted in
the U.S. Army after his
father passed away unexpectedly. He wanted to be part of WWII;
however, early basic training took too long
and the war ended.
He became an active participant in the
Korean Conflict and completed two tours
of duty in Vietnam where he received
the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star.
His long career with the military
earned him many other honors with the last
(just days ago) being named a Distinguished Member of the 16th Infantry Regiment. After 26 years of active duty he retired and became one of the three founding
fathers of Bartow High's ROTC program
where he was one of the primary leaders
and founder of the Rifle Team.
When he retired from Bartow's ROTC
he went on to his 3rd career as an employee of Lakeland's Gunshed where he
enjoyed many long years and the making
of new friends. He was a long-time member of the Lakeland Gun & Rifle Club
where he was a past president. He also ran
the Sporting Clays program for many
years. He greatest loves were his church,
his family & friends and his dogs.
He is survived by his wife Renee
Long, his two step-sons, Eric & Dirk Wil~Dirk Williamson.
liamson, daughter-in-law, Michelle Williamson, grandson, John Bradley, brother,
Curtis Long, sister-in-law, Mary Ann
Long, his niece, Michele Price & husband,
Bryan, & nephew, Spike DuVall.
Viewing was held at Heath Funeral
Chapel, (Fri) Nov. 5, 5 - 7 PM. Services
TWO VIETNAM VETERANS,
were at First United Methodist Church,
RON WADAS, SGT
(Sat) Nov. 6, 10:00 AM.
&
JOHN LONG,1SG,
John Long’s son, Dirk Williamson,
FADE AWAY
sent a message to Dan McFee, expressing
thanks to everyone things done and for
Bravo Company 2/16th has lost two
their thoughts, prayers, and phone calls.
great men. Ron Wadas, SGT, serving in
The family appreciates everything
Vietnam April 1968 — April 1969 and
  
John Long, CSM (RET), service in Vietnam included 1SG, January 1967— January 1968. Ron left us on October 24th and
John departed November 3rd.
All of bravo company as well as everyone that ever knew these two great soldiers will miss them. It was my privilege to
have served with Ron Wadas in the RVN
and trust me, there was no better soldier or
better human being. We bonded in Vietnam and remained friends for the next 42
years. As all men that fight a war together
know, there is no stronger ties than being
in battle together. John Long was the First
Sergeant of Bravo Company prior to my
arrival and I was fortunate to know
him through our Big Red One reunions.
Many of the men that John served
with attended these reunions and to say
they were happy and proud to see John is a
vast understatement. In their minds John
Long will always be ―Top‖.
Both of these men were great soldiers and great citizens as well. They were
proud to serve and protect their country —
even when it was not popular to do
so. These two great human beings will be
missed by all whose lives they ever
touched.
They walked the walk and talked the
talk. I know they are somewhere on patrol
together as I write this, checking the wire
and making sure no one is getting in the
NDP without going thru them.
I can just hear them, shouting, ―saddle
up you line doggies we have one more
patrol‖.
You will be missed.
~Raymond S. Hahn
and Richard Airoldi,
Bravo Company, 2/16th, „68 — „69
ARTHUR BETANCOURT, 89
U.S. ARMY (RET)
DIED MAY 9, 2010
LAKELAND - Arthur Betancourt,
Captain, United States Army, ret., 89 of
Lakeland, died May 9, 2010 due to complications with Parkinson's Disease.
Arthur was born August 12, 1920 in
New York, NY to Michel and Clara
(Wolff) Betancourt and moved to Lakeland
in 1988 from New Jersey. Arthur is a retired Captain with the United States Army
with over 20 years service to his country.
(TAPS — Continued on page 9)
  
Dagwood DISPATCHES
February 2011
Larry spent summers in Chicago enjoying golf with his sons, Cubs games with
his daughters, going to neighborhood festivals and the beautiful Lakefront. He wintered at his gulf-front home in Padre Island, TX, and had great fun telling everyone to "get off his beach". He was an avid
bowler and golfer, and enjoyed music,
Arthur was united in marriage on Nodancing and storytelling. Proud of his Polvember 21, 1943 to his wife, Adeline who ish heritage, Larry loved life and was a
resides in Lakeland. He is also survived by true original. Anyone who met him had a
his four daughters, Cheryl Beckman of
life-long friend.
Bradenton, FL, Lorraine Nielsen of Spotswood, NJ, Linda Gillen of Oviedo, FL and
He will be deeply missed, but never
Virginia Stockman of The Villages, FL.
forgotten.
Eleven grandchildren and eight great
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mr.
grandchildren also survive.
Ciessau's name may be made to the MD
Friends will be received from 10-11am Anderson Cancer Center, Mantle Cell ReThursday at the Gentry-Morrison Funeral search, PO Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210,
Homes, Dukes-Steen Chapel, 1833 S. Flor- 1-800-525-5841, http://
ida Ave., where funeral services were held www.mdanderson.org/how-you-can-help/
at 11am. Interment with full military hon- make-a-donation/index.html.
ors took place 2pm that day at the Florida
Funeral Info. 847-966-7302 or
National Cemetery.
www.skajafuneralhomes.com.
(TAPS — Continued from page 8)
During his career, Arthur served in two
wars, WWII and Korea, during which he
received the Distinguished Service Cross,
Silver Star, Purple Heart and Bronze Star.
He is a member of the American Legion,
Post #253, Spotswood, NJ.
JIM ALTER PASSED
ON OCTOBER 2ND 2010
It is with great sadness and heartbreak
that I tell you of Jim's passing on Saturday,
October 2, 2010. Services were Wednesday at the Mass-Hinitt Funeral Home, 805
Caroline Avenue, Junction City, Kansas
66441.
Burial will be in the new Kansas Veteran's Cemetery.
Jim was a fighter but the lung cancer
finally took him away from us.
He had lost a lot of weight just this last
month and was on oxygen full time for the
last month and using a walker.
To you DMOR's He certainly enjoyed
the many reunions held here in Junction
City.
To the rest of you I know Jim is in
the hands of God. Wish you could be here
with me but I know you can't.
Donna
~Charles E. Silk, DMOR
MG Calvert P. Benedict, USA
(RET), USMA 1946,
Cullum #15691,
LAWRENCE JOSEPH
CIESSAU
SERVED WITH HQ CO 16TH
INF. 1948-1949, COLD WAR
ROSARIO “RENZY” NOCERO
Cal Benedict died February 21, 2011 in
Washington, D. C.
“RANGER”
AND PROFESSIONAL BOXER
The next of kin is his widow, Mrs.
Lawrence Joseph Ciessau, age 80. Formerly of
Chicago. Retired O'Hare
Watch Sergeant, Chicago
Police Dept. (31 years).
On June 18th, 2010, Alzheimer’s Disease and heart disease claimed the life of
79 year old Rosario ―Renzy‖ Nocero.
Beloved Husband of
14 years to Mary Lou; loving father of
Matthew A. (Cynthia), Susan E. (Robert)
Smith, Sharon L. Ciessau-Atcher (Robert
W. Atcher) and Mark A. Ciessau; grandfather of Robert W. Smith, Nicole E. Smith,
Alexander H. Ciessau, Margretta O. Ciessau and R. Andrew Atcher; dear stepfather
of Jimmy (Michelle) Freeman, Linda
Cucinello and Mary Ann Stout; cherished
step grandfather of Adam (Portlyn) Freeman, Brook (Jeremiah) Pettigrew, Matthew
(Kristie) Stout, Shelly Cucinello and stepgreat grandfather of Dona, Jakob, and
Teresa Pettigrew, and Hardy Freeman.
Lifelong Friend of Robert Wirkus, Godfather of Becky Wirkus Daley, and leaves
many dear relatives and friends.
Visitation Tuesday, March 30, 3 to 9
p.m. at Skaja Terrace Funeral Home 7812
N. Milwaukee Ave. Niles. Procession
Wednesday, March 31, 2010 at 9 a.m.
from Skaja to the Funeral, at St Stanislaus
Kostka Church, 1300 N. Noble Street Chicago, for 10 a.m. Mass. Interment at St.
Adalbert Cemetery, 6800 Milwaukee Ave,
Niles.
Originally from Covington, Kentucky,
Renzy was currently residing in Hollywood, Florida.
Renzy served with the 16th Infantry
Regiment in Germany 1949—1952. He
was the ―EUCOM Welterweight Champion‖, fighting in all Army bouts held at
Fort Lee, Virginia at that time.
Gene Benedict.
Cal Benedict former commander of 116th Inf in Viet Nam 67-68 and later CG
of 1st Infantry Division 76-78.
Classmates, family, and friends are
invited to post and read eulogies at the link
below: http://www.west-point.org/users/
usma1946/15691
After his discharge from the Army,
Rinzy turned professional and fought out
of the same New York camp as Sugar Ray
Robinson. His pro record was 29 wins, 9
KO’s, and 11 losses. He fought several
―main event‖ bouts at Madison Square
Garden and St Nick’s Arena.
During his boxing career, he opened
―Rinzy’s Steak House‖ in the Bayside section of Brooklyn, New York.
He was also inducted into the
―Kentucky Boxing Hall of Fame‖ in 2007.
Rinzy is survived by his loving wife
Penny and a son, Rinzy Jr.
  
Rest in Peace, Rinzy
  
Dagwood DISPATCHES
February 2011
  
  
Dagwood DISPATCHES
February 2011
GENTLE THOUGHTS FOR TODAY:












Birds of a feather flock together and then poop on
your car.
A penny saved is a government oversight.
The older you get, the tougher it is to lose weight,
because by then your body and your fat have
gotten to be really good friends.
The easiest way to find something lost
around the house is to buy a replacement.
He who hesitates is probably right.
Did you ever notice: The Roman Numerals
for forty (40) are XL.
If you can smile when things go wrong, you
have someone in mind to blame.
The sole purpose of a child's middle name is
so he can tell when he's really in trouble.
Did you ever notice: When you put the 2
words 'The' and 'IRS' together it spells
'Theirs...'
Aging: Eventually you will reach a point
when you stop lying about your age and start
bragging about it.
Some people try to turn back their odometers. Not me, I want people to know 'why' I
look this way. I've traveled a long way and
some of the roads weren't paved.
When you are dissatisfied and would like to
go back to your youth, think of Algebra.
You know you are getting old when everything either dries up or leaks.
 One of the many things no one tells you about aging
is that it is such a nice change from being
young. Ah, being young is beautiful, but being old
is comfortable.

The Zen of Sarcasm
1. Do not walk behind me, for I may not
lead. Do not walk ahead of me, for I may
not follow. Do not walk beside
me either. Just pretty much leave me
alone.
8. Before you criticize someone, you
should walk a mile in their shoes. That
way, when you criticize them, you're a
mile away and you have their shoes.
money is to fold it in half and put it back in
your pocket..
16. A closed mouth gathers no foot.
17. Duct tape is like 'The Force'. It has a
9. If at first you don't succeed, skydiving
light side and a dark side, and it holds the
is probably not for you.
universe together.
10. Give a man a fish and he will eat for
18. There are two theories to arguing
a day. Teach him how to fish, and he will
with women. Neither one works.
3. It's always darkest before dawn. So if sit in a boat all day.
you're going to steal your neighbor's news19. Generally speaking, you
11. If you lend someone $20 and never
paper, that's the time to do it.
aren't learning much when your lips are
see that person again, it was probably
moving.
4. Don't be irreplaceable… If you can't
a wise investment.
be replaced, you can't be promoted.
20. Experience is something you don't
12. If you tell the truth, you don't have to
get until just after you need it.
5. Always remember that you're
remember anything.
unique. Just like everyone else.
21. Never miss a good chance to shut up.
13. Some days you're the bug; some days
6. Never test the depth of the water with you're the windshield.
22. Never, under any circumstances,
both feet.
take
a sleeping pill and a laxative on the
14. Everyone seems normal until you get
same night.
7. If you think nobody cares if you're
to know them.
alive, try missing a couple of car pay15.The quickest way to double your
ments.
2. The journey of a thousand
miles begins with a broken fan belt and
leaky tire.
  
  
Dagwood DISPATCHES
A BRIEF HISTORY OF
TWO BATTALIONS.
Reprinted with the permission of
GlobalSecurity.org
1st BN, 16th INF RGT
"Iron Rangers"
The 16th Infantry were originally
formed in 1869. They carried 12 campaign streamers from the Civil War
through their lineage with the 11th Infantry. The
11th and 34th Infantry Regiments consolidated
into the 16th Infantry Regiment on 3 March 1869.
The 11th Infantry, organized 4 May 1861, had
battle streamers for Gaines Mill, Bull Run, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Wilderness, Lauren Hill, Spottsylvania Courthouse, Cold
Harbor, Petersburg, Weldon Railroad and Chapel
House. The 34th Infantry (which had been the 3rd
Battalion of the Civil War 16th Infantry) had banners for Shiloh, Murfeesboro, Chickamuaga, Missionary Ridge, New Hope Church, Kenesaw
Mountain, Neal Dow Station, Peach Tree Creek,
Atlanta and Joesboro. Both Regiments were
doomed to lose their designations for the new
Regiment was numbered the 16th, and were consolidated by merging the enlisted men of one Regiment with the company of the same letter of the
other, and assigning the officers by rank as provided by the order of consolidation.
The new Regiment thus formed was stationed at
6 different posts, engaging in assisting the civil
authorities in carrying out the provisions of the
Reconstruction Act of Congress. The headquarters
of the Regiment, with Companies D and I, was at
Grenada, Mississippi. The lieutenant colonel was
located with Companies B, E and G at Jackson,
Mississippi. The major was located with Companies C and F at Vicksburg, Mississippi. Company
A was located at Nanchez, Mississippi, H at
Lauderdale, Mississippi, and K at Corinth, Tennessee.
Reconstruction duty was considered by most of
the Regimental soldiers as a disagreeable task from
1869 to 1877. The companies of the Regiment
were called upon to act in unison only 3 times
during the period mentioned. Once when Companies B, E, F, G, I and K made a march in October,
November and December, 1870 through Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina for the suppression of the Ku Klux Klan. Again, when Companies C and I, under the command of Captain Thomas Rose during the Brooks-Baxter political imbroglio at Little Rock, prevented what threatened at
one time to become a most serious outbreak. This
occurrence attracted, at the time, the attention of the
nation. Fears were entertained that it might prove to
be a national disaster, but the determined and energetic action of the commander, who already had a
national reputation for energy, skill and nerve,
averted the calamity without bloodshed. The third
time was when all of the Regiment, except Company H, was concentrated at New Orleans during
the Packard-Nichols troubles in 1876.
In 1877 the Regiment was for the first time
called to leave the Southern States and all the political complications involved in service there, it
crossed the Mississippi and commenced a new
career in Indian country. Headquarters, with Companies A, C and H were stationed at Fort Riley,
February 2011
Kansas; K at Fort Gibson, Indian Territory; B and
D at Fort Sill, Indian Territory; E and I at Fort
Reno, Indian Territory; F at Fort Wallace, Kansas
and G at Fort Hayes first and subsequently at Fort
Wallace. For 3 more years the Regiment was stationed as above, except that I and K exchanged
stations. During this time, companies D and H
went with General Buell in the Victory campaign
through New Mexico. Company H was detached
and went as escort with a railroad surveying party
through Arizona. Companies F and G were engaged in the pursuit of Cheyenne Indians who
escaped from the Indian Territories and were not
captured till they got to the sand hills near Ft. Robinson, Nebraska. Company A was engaged with
these same Indians below Ft. Dodge, Kansas.
Companies C and G were with General Ronald
Mackenzie in the campaign of 1870-80 and Company F made a campaign against the Utes into
middle Colorado.
In 1880 the Regiment was ordered to Texas and
was stationed as follows: Headquarters and Company F first at San Antonio, but soon afterward
with D, E, G, H, I, and K at Ft. McKavett; A, B, C,
and I at Ft. Concho.
In June 1888 the Regiment was moved to the
Department of the Platte. Headquarters, with B, D,
E, G, H, and I being stationed at Ft. Douglas and
A, C, F, and K at Ft. Duchesne, Utah. While stationed at these posts Companies D, E, G, and H
were engaged in the campaign against the Sioux
Indians in 1891.
With peace restored in the West, elements of
three Regiments were scattered about various garrisons throughout the newly settled West. Garrison
life with its monotony filled the years until the
outbreak of the Spanish-American War.
Battalions and companies were assembled at
Tampa, Florida in May of 1898. Very shortly it
was one of the first American organizations to
disembark at Siboney, Cuba. Almost immediately
the Regiment plunged into the short, bloody Cuban
campaign. On 1 July 1898 it lost 7 officers and 112
enlisted men at the "Bloody Ford" at the base of
San Juan Hill. Despite severe losses, the 16th Infantry assaulted the famous ridge and it was 2 of its
first men who planted the first American flag to fly
from the Spanish blockhouse on the hill.
Decimated by the roll of many battles and feverridden, the 16th returned to Montauk Point, Long
Island, New York, in August 1898. Less than half
its strength remained available for duty. The Regiment went into camp. Duration-of-war men were
discharged. Recruiting began and full time peace
strength was built up. A move was made to originally camp in Alabama, then sent piecemeal to
Fort Crook, Leavenworth, and Jefferson Barracks.
Training of the new men went on at this station
until the summer of 1899 when the 16th Infantry
embarked for its first tour of duty in the Philippines.
In these tropic islands the Spaniards had relinquished their rule, but fierce Filipino insurgents
battled for release not only from domination by the
Spaniards, but also from any hint of government
by the United States. For 2 years the 16th trekked
over tortuous mountain trails and hacked its way
through thick tropical jungles. In that time, it fought
27 engagements.
Back to the United States in 1901, the normal
course of garrison duties was resumed at Ft.
MacPherson, GA. The campaigns in the Spanish  
American War, the Philippine Insurrection, and the
Mexican expedition resulted in an additional 7
campaign streamers being added to the Regimental
standard.
With the US entry into World War I the 16th
began its association with the 1st Infantry Division.
The 16th was one of the 4 original Infantry Regiments used to form the Division in June 1917. The
16th became the first unit to engage the enemy in
battle and was the first to spill its blood on French
soil. On 3 November 1917 the first 3 Americans
killed by the enemy were Corporal James B.
Gresham, PVT Thomas F. Enright and PVT Mark
D. Hay, all of F Company, 16th Infantry. In addition 1 sergeant and 10 privates were taken prisoners.
During the battle for Cantigny in May 1918,
which was the first major offensive action for the
American army, the 16th Infantry was called upon
to relieve the 28th and 18th Regiments and to consolidate the new front in spite of determined efforts
by the Germans to recapture the town. This action
cost the 16th Infantry 372 casualties. Near Fleville,
France, the 16th gained 7 miles in a single day and
was the only Allied unit to take its objective during
the opening drive of the Meuse-Argonne Campaign. Despite the vicious German counterattacks
to retake the town on 4 October, the 16th Infantry
was able to hold on.
With the armistice going into effect at 1100, 11
November 1918, the war to end all wars was over.
The 1st Division, along with the 16th Infantry,
would remain as occupational forces. On 1 December 1918, the 1st Infantry Division for the first
time marched on German soil. The march
into Germany took 27 days, during which a distance of more than 200 miles was covered.
Returning home in September 1919, the Regiment was stationed at Fort Jay, New York on Governer's Island. During the war the 16th Infantry
took part in every major campaign that the 1st
Division conducted and added seven more campaign streamers to its colors.
The breakout of war in Europe in September
1939 found the 1st Division scattered among the
various garrisons of the Atlantic seaboard. In February 1941 the Division was brought together at
Fort Devens, Massachusetts for maneuvers and
training. Following the Japanese bombing of Pearl
Harbor on 7 December 1941, the 1st Infantry Division's training intensified. The 16th Infantry and the
rest of the Division moved to Camp Blanding,
Florida for amphibious training and then to Ft.
Benning, Georgia for additional division level
training.
The Regiment sailed to England and then
to Scotland in August 1942 for training in preparation of the first major offensive operation of the
European theatre. The 16th Infantry received their
baptism of fire during Operation Torch, the invasion of North Africa, on 8 November 1942. The
city of Oran, Algeria was the original objective of
the Regiment and after 3 days of fighting it was
secured. For the next 6 months, the 1st Division
participated in the Allied effort to force the Axis
out of North Africa, and participated in several key
actions to include Kasserine Pass and the Tunisian
Campaign. Due to its heroic stand at Kasserine, the
16th Infantry received the French Croix de Guerre,
(1/16 History — Continued on page 13)
  
Dagwood DISPATCHES
(1/16 History — Continued from page 12)
February 2011
2000 as part of Operation Joint Force, under
NATO's Stabilization Force 6 (SFOR 6).
The 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry particiapted in
the initial operations in Iraq as part of Operation
Iraqi Freedom beginning in March 2003. During
this deployment, 1-16th Infantry was attached to
the 3rd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division.
In March 2006 elements of Headquarters and
Headquarters Company and A Company, 1st
Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment deployed as part
of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa
(CJTF-HOA). The rest of the Battalion remained
at Fort Riley where it continued to participate in the
1st Brigade's training mission.
In 2007 elements of the 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry were deployed to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi
Freedom.
America in World War I. The Regiment distinguished itself at Cantigny, Coullemelle, Soissons ,
St. Mihiel, Argonne, and finally Sedan before the
Armistice was called.
Prior to departing for Europe again to participate
in World War II, the 16th Infantry Regiment became known as "New York's Own" as it spent
over 20 years at Fort Jay, Governor's Island, New
York training, conducting ceremonies and other
various garrison activities.
In World War II, the Regiment served as part of
the "Big Red One" 1st Infantry Division and conducted amphibious assaults on Northern Africa,
defeating Rommel's Afrika Corps, Sicily defeating
Hermann Goering's Panzer Division, and finally its
most famous assault on Omaha Beach, Normandy, France, during D-Day, on 6 June 1944. It
was on Omaha Beach that the 2-16th Infantry
earned its nickname "Rangers" as it secured the
2nd Ranger Battalion's eastern flank, while the
Rangers assaulted the cliffs of Point du Hoc. The
Germans could not tell the difference between the
2 units as both were disciplined in the face of murderous fire and fought with absolute tenacity. Over
the course of the next year, the 16th Infantry Regiment distinguished itself in battles throughout
France, Belgium, Germany and finally in Czechoslovakia.
Missing the Korean War, 2-16th Infantry provided service as an occupation force in Germany.
The unit was inactivated on 15 February 1957 at
Fort Riley, Kansas, and relieved from assignment
to the 1st Infantry Division. It was concurrently,
redesignated
as Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd
Battle Group, 16th Infantry. It was assigned on 1
October 1963 to the 1st Infantry Division. The unit
was activated at Fort Riley, Kansas wit its organic
elements concurrently constituted and activated,
before being reorganized and redesignated on 2
March 1964 as the 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry.
The Regiment's next major fight during the Cold
War was in Vietnam. After serving there with the
1st Infantry Division, the unit was inactivated on
19 August 1974 at Fort Riley, Kansas. It was again
activated on 1 May 1976 at Fort Riley, Kansas
before being inactivated on 21 September 1976 at
Fort Riley, Kansas. It was activated again on 16
December 1979 at Fort Riley, Kansas.
2-16th Infantry went on to serve in the deserts of
Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Iraq. After 115 years of
active service to the United States, the 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment was inactivated at Fort
Riley, Kansas on 10 April 1996.
The unit was redesignated on 1 October 2005 as
the 2d Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment. On 16
January 16, 2006 the 2nd Brigade 16th Infantry
Regiment was reactivated along with the activation
and reactivation of the rest of
the 4th Brigade Combat Team, as part of the
Army's transformation towards a modular force.
As part of the modular transformation the US
Army would add a fourth brigade to its active
divisions. The unit was activated with a force of
682 soldiers and as one of 2 infantry battalions in
the 4th Brigade.
and also received its first Presidential Unit Citation
for actions at Mateur, Tunisia.
With Sicily secured, the 16th returned to England where it prepared for its third amphibious
assault landing of the war—Operation Overlord,
the landing at Omaha Beach.
On D Day, 6 June 1944, soon after the 11th hour
the 16th Infantry was fighting for its very life on a
strip of beach marked East Red. By early evening
the Regiment had obtained its objective after suffering heavy casualties, but was preparing to push
forward. The day was truly the longest day and
individual courage was the mark of the 16th Infantry. By nightfall, the 16th Infantry had earned its
third Presidential Unit Citation, its second Croix de
Guerre and 2 soldiers (1LT Jimmie Montieth and
Tech 5 John Pinder) had earned the Medal of
2nd BN, 16th INF RGT
Honor.
"Rangers"
During the weeks that followed, the 16th InfanThe 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry was
try moved through the Normandy hedgerows,
first constituted on 3 May 1861 in the
raced across France and Belgium, breached the
Regular Army as Company B, 1st BatSiegfried Line on 15 September 1944 and attacked
the first major German city. After days of fighting talion, 11th Infantry. It was organized on 4 May
the German commander surrendered the rubble of 1861 at Fort Independence, Boston, Massachusetts
in response to the Southern States' aggression to the
Achen to 1st Division on 21 October 1944.
On 16 December 1944 the Germans launched a North. The unit distinguished itself at Antietam,
massive counter-attack in the Ardennes Sector. On Petersburg and Gettysburg. At Gettysburg it lost 50
15 January 1945 the 16th Infantry was once again percent of its strength. The unit was reorganized
on the attack. This time the Regiment would con- and redesignated on 5 December 1866 as Comtinue its drive across Germany, crossing the Rhine pany B, 11th Infantry. The unit wasconsolidated on 31 March 1869 with Company B, 34th
River for the second time in its history on 16
Infantry and the consolidated unit was redesignated
March 1945. On 8 April 1945 the Regiment
as Company B, 16th Infantry. Company B, 34th
crossed the Weser River into Czecholslovakia.
Infantry was first constituted on 3 May 1861 in the
On 8 May 1945, the war ended for the 16th
Regular Army as Company B, 3rd Battalion, 16th
Infantry after 443 days of combat. In addition to
those already noted, the Regiment was awarded 6 Infantry and organized in April 1864 at Madison
Barracks, New York. That unit was reorganized
more combat streamers. Additionally, the 16th
Infantry was awarded the Medaille Militaire with and redesignated on 21 September 1866 as Company B, 34th Infantry.
streamer embroidered "France," the French
After 3 years of Southern pacification duties, the
Medaille Militaire Fourragere and the Belgium
Fourragere. Two more Presidential Unit Citations 16th Infantry Regiment went west to participate in
a grueling 3 year Indian Wars campaign. In 1898,
for Hurtgen Forest and Hamich Germany were
the Regiment moved from west of the Mississippi
awarded to the Regiment.
Post war, the 16th Infantry was once again part to Tampa, Florida, where it boarded a transport and
set sail to Cuba where it participated in the Spanish
of the Occupation Force. In 1948 the Regiment
assembled at Grafenwoehr for division maneuvers. -American War. Assaulting San Juan Hill, 2 men
from the 16th Infantry Regiment planted Old
In the summer of 1955 the 1st Division was replaced by the 10th Mountain Division in Operation Glory on the top of the block house that sat on the
Gyroscope, and after 13 years of overseas duty the Hill. After a short stint back at Long Island, New
16th Infantry would again call Fort Riley its home. York and Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, the RegiThe growing conflict in Vietnam lead to the 16th ment was called to arms again the summer of 1899
Infantry's deployment once again with the Big Red and set sail for the Philippines where it fought for 2
years against the Spaniards and Filipino insurgents.
One to a combat theater. In 5 years of conflict,
In 1901 it returned to the United States to train and
elements of the 16th Infantry Regiment participated in 11 campaigns and was awarded the Viet- conduct garrison duties. What had become, the
namese Cross of Gallantry with Palm and the Viet- 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry was then sent to Leyte
in the South Pacific from August 1906 until March
namese Civil Action Honor Medal. From the return of the 1st Infantry Division from Vietnam in 1907 to fight the Pulajanes. In 1912, the 16th InApril 1970 until the deployment to Saudi Arabia in fantry Regiment joined forced with Brig. General
November 1990 the 16th Infantry was at Fort Ri- "Black Jack" Pershing to capture Poncho Villa.
After Mexican border duty for 5 years, the Regiley enjoying 20 years of peace. During the 1970s
ment
was one of the first called for duty to France
and 1980s, the Regiment participated in training
in World War I. The 16th Infantry was assigned on
within the United States and REFORGER exer8 June 1917 to the 1st Expeditionary Division
cises in Germany. Also, during this time active
Battalions expanded to 5 under the new US Army (later redesignated as the 1st Division and then as
Regimental System. The 1st Battalion, along with the 1st Infantry Division). On 17 October 1917, the
2nd Battalion became the first American
the 4th Battalion in Germany as part of the 1st
Doughboys to occupy French trenches and after a
Infantry Division (Forward).
Elements of the 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry de- German trench raid on 3 November 1917, 3 2-16th
ployed to Bosnia-Herzegovina between 1999 and Infantry soldiers were the first killed inaction for
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Dagwood DISPATCHES
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2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment
“Rangers”
1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment
“Iron Rangers”
Why join the 16th Infantry Regiment Association?
We care for active duty soldiers and their families.
We provide a support system to the 16th Infantry soldier’s family, while his company is deployed.
Continuing your association with the 16th Infantry Regiment Association means you stand
shoulder to shoulder with comrades-in-arms in the Army’s longest serving regiment,
which has been in continuous service since 1861.
16TH INF RGT ASS’N
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Make your check payable to: 16th Infantry Regiment Association
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Chas. J. Richards, New Membership / cjrichards@charter.net / phone: 517.639.7192
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Total Enclosed $ _____________
Check the address label on the back page for
dues expiration date. If you are paying next
year‟s dues, please make note on your check.
Send completed form and check to:
Mr. Donald Oberkiser, Treasurer
200 Lane 110B, West Otter Lake
Angola, IN 46703
(phone: 260.624.3979)
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(Order form Continues on the back of this page)
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16TH
INF RGT ASSN
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IN THIS ISSUE
Brooks’ French Legion of Honor 01
History of French Legion of Honor 01
Association Staff Contact Info 02
Letter from the President 03
Donation Rangers 03
Membership Chair Comments 04
Letter from the HSGMOR 05
Letter from the Immediate past 2/16 CDR 06
Taps Have Sounded 08
Association Financial Reports 10
A Brief History of Two Battalions 12
Membership Application/Renewal Form 14
Association PX Products and Order Form 15
(Order form Begins on the back of this page)
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