PRESERVING A MILITARY LEGACY FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS
The following Reflections represents CAPT LaVerne Arndt’s legacy of his military service from 1963 to 1969. If you are a Veteran, consider preserving a record of your own military service, including your memories and photographs, on Togetherweserved.com (TWS), the leading archive of living military history. The following Service Reflections is an easy-to-complete self-interview, located on your TWS Military Service Page, which enables you to remember key people and events from your military service and the impact they made on your life. Start recording your own Military Memories HERE.
Please describe who or what influenced your decision to join the Marine Corps.
Military draft at age 22 into the Army. Enlisted in the USMC after talking with the Navy and AF recruiters. Fast-talking USMC Gunny Sgt. Culp, who was my girlfriend’s brother-in-law.
I wanted to get toughened up as an individual man, and the Marines were my best choice.
The Marine training at Parris Island and later at Quantico provided me with confidence in my abilities. I was very successful at PI, winning almost every award a recruit could win, including the American Spirit of Honor Medal: Leatherneck award, PFC, and rifle expert out of boot camp. I extended a year at boot camp to get Sea Duty because I wanted to travel. After two years of Sea Duty, I was selected meritoriously for OCS. At Quantico, I also did very well and finished 19th out of a class of 541 Officers. I selected the 0302 Infantry Officer MOS.
Whether you were in the service for several years or as a career, please describe the direction or path you took. What was your reason for leaving?
I was drafted into the Army at age 22 and enlisted in the Marines before induction. Parris Island boot camp for 13 weeks. Accolades at PI. Awarded the American Spirit of Honor Medal, Leatherneck Award, and Private First Class. I wanted to travel. I extended one year for Sea duty. I have served aboard the carrier USS Independence. CVA-62, for 2 yrs. Gulf of Tonkin for five months, Equator crossing, Far East tour to Subic Bay, Philippines, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Med cruise, NATO cruise, North Atlantic Blue nose certificate.
Meritorious NCO selection for OCS, 41st class, commissioned 2nd Lt. in Oct 1966. TBS Class 3-1967at Quantico, Selected Infantry Officer. 0302 Infantry Lt. assigned as 1st Platoon Commander, Golf Co. 2nd. Bn. 5th Marines, 1st Mar. Div. based at An Hoa Vietnam, seven months, May 24, 1967- Dec 19, 1967. Selection for Aerial Observer, Mar 1. Div, out of Marble Mtn. for seven months. Left ‘Nam in July 1968 after logging 430 combat flight hrs. Did a 15-month tour at Camp Pendleton ITR as M Company Cmdr. and lastly S-3 Officer. 6 years of total service.
I left active duty in Oct 1969. I decided to leave the service because I did not want to go back to Vietnam; I had had enough of war in a political fiasco that took over 58,400 lives! Politicians should be ashamed!
Promoted to Captain. Nov.1, 1969, in the reserves.
If you participated in any military operations, including combat, humanitarian and peacekeeping operations, please describe those which made a lasting impact on you and, if life-changing, in what way?
Yes, 19 months of combat assignment. Five months aboard the USS Independence in the Gulf of Tonkin conducting Flight Operations. Seven months as an 0302 Infantry Officer assigned to Golf Co. 2nd bn 5th Marines. Seven months as an 0805 Aerial Observer assigned to the AO Unit at Marble Mtn.
All combat was significant. At any time, you could wind up a statistic. I did my utmost to protect my men yet accomplish the mission or task at hand. War is hell!
Operation Calhoun June 1967- My Platoon logged the only enemy KIA. I was with the individual squad that got the KIA.
Operation Essex Nov. 1967– the unwise decision to search and destroy the Antenna Valley south of An Hoa. Very poor intelligence and tactical maneuvering in this Operation. We lost four men the first day in an ambush, and we lost another nine days later by an enemy mortar. Several men were wounded.
I was selected for Aerial Observer duty.TET offensive. I was assigned to Phu Bai for a month, Feb 25, 1968, through March 1968, for Hue City area support.
Crashlanding in an Air Force piloted 02 Skymaster south of Que Son Mtns. Twenty-five miles southwest of Danang on May 24, 1968, at coordinates AT810548. Rescued by two Army Huey’s. No harm to the pilot or myself.
An enemy bullet was retrieved from the radio under my seat in an O1C Bird Dog in another troop-support mission.
Flight in an F4 Phantom on July 1, 1968, to AAA position just north of the DMZ. Coordinates YD144796. USMC Captain Larry Nowak, pilot, VHFA 122. Awesome ride!
I left Vietnam on July 14, 1968! I am a lucky man! Some men are not so lucky! RIP!
Marines afforded me a leadership role in the business community.
Did you encounter any situation during your military service when you believed there was a possibility you might not survive? If so, please describe what happened and what was the outcome.
Combat service 19 months in close combat situations in the infant and aerial reconnaissance. We crash-landed in an O2 Skymaster Aircraft in enemy-held territory.
Seven months in Infantry capacity as a Platoon Commander. Daily patrols and ambushes. Search and destroy missions and battalion-sized Operations in Calhoun and Essex. I did my best to protect my men, but unfortunately, my platoon lost eight men KIA, and many were wounded during my 7-month tour as Plt. Cmdr. We were lucky in that respect, as the losses could have been worse. It was the luck of the draw in many situations in Nam. It just wasn’t my time! Amen!
Of all your duty stations or assignments, which one do you have fondest memories of and why? Which was your least favorite?
Parris Island, I experienced a lifetime bringing out the best in me. I won just about every award a recruit could win and was very proud of my accomplishments.
Sea Duty- Traveled the world in two years: Far East, Med, Arctic, and the Caribbean.
Vietnam Combat infantry – the worst feeling is the loss of lives. The best feeling is surviving the odds! I did my best for my men and myself!
Camp Pendleton– Meeting the future Commandant of the Corps, General James L. Jones, Jr. My friend.
AO Reunion in San Diego picture attached from August 2000.
Golf 2/5 Reunion in Wash, DC, in 2004. I met the Chairman Of the Joint Chiefs, General Peter Pace, and his wife Lynn, and connected again with my platoon Marines from 1967. Especially friends, Lt Col. Bill Harvey and Lt Col. J. Dan Moore. Hooking up with other Nam troops and officers via email and Facebook contact.
From your entire military service, describe any memories you still reflect back on to this day.
All memories! Parris Island boot camp! Ship travel all over the world. Many ports!
Liberty Call! Live General quarters in the Gulf of Tonkin. OCS and The Basic School at Quantico.
Vietnam-The men I lost in combat. Crashlanding in an O2 Aircraft in hostile territory! My flight in an F4 Phantom as RIO on a mission to bomb an AAA position just north of the DMZ. The friends I acquired in 6 years of military service. My survival.
I often reflect on these experiences because I attend weekly Vietnam PTSD meetings at a local VA facility. We discuss issues relative to our service and Agent Orange’s impact on our health and lives.
What professional achievements are you most proud of from your military career?
American Spirit of Honor Medal at Parris Island. The 430 combat flight hrs as an Aerial Observer in Vietnam, Dec 1967 – July 1968. Survival of airplane crashes in enemy territory. Ride in an F4 Phantom on a bombing mission to North Vietnam. AAA position.
OCS and TBS completion at Quantico and getting my commission.
Survival in combat, period. As a grunt, 2/LT.
Military training, bearing, and experience afforded me opportunities in business and personal life for my entire life.
Of all the medals, awards, formal presentations and qualification badges you received, or other memorabilia, which one is the most meaningful to you and why?
Spirit of Honor Medal at Parris Island for Series Honor Man! 100 Percent application of what the DI’s were teaching us recruits! It’s an award I can’t wear but only display in my shadow box at home. I gained confidence and assurance from my achievements at PI and during my entire service period of 6 years.
Meritorious NCO selection to OCS at Quantico. 8 Air Medals for 430 combat flight hours.
My survival of 19 months of combat!
Which individual(s) from your time in the military stand out as having the most positive impact on you and why?
Senior Drill Instructor, SSGT Charles D. Mortis, and Captain Russell L. Hanthorn, my CO aboard the ship, promoted my application to OCS. Retired Colonel Russ Hanthorn, USMC.
Both men led by example. Both encouraged and recognized undeveloped abilities in me and other individuals.
I attempted contact with my senior Drill Instructor to find out that he had expired a few years before locating him.
Col. Russ Hanthorn flew in from CA to surprise me at my presentation at my military service’s Upper Milford Historical Society on May 25, 2017.
List the names of old friends you served with, at which locations, and recount what you remember most about them. Indicate those you are already in touch with and those you would like to make contact with.
Established contact with each other via Internet media.
Col. Russ Hanthorn- USS Independence
Sgt Jim Gervasio- USS Independence
Sgt Robert Tibbs- USS Independence
Lt. Col. Jack Maxwell-TBS Quantico
Lt. Col. Bill Harvey- Golf 2/5
Lt. Col. Dan Moore-Golf 2/5 41st OCS
Capt. Tracy Alton- Golf 2/5
Sergeant Major Ervin Lee Walker -Plt. Guide in Vietnam Golf 1, 2/5
Capt. Tom Domogala-TBS Quantico F1 Platoon member
Capt. Rich Andrews-TBS Quantico F1 roommate
Capt, Lionel Raymond- TBS Quantico
Col. Carl McClain -TBS
Lost contact with General James Logan Jones- Camp Pendleton ITR, friend.
Can you recount a particular incident from your service which may or may not have been funny at the time but still makes you laugh?
Crossing the equator initiation. I earned that Shellback patch with pride.
What profession did you follow after your military service, and what are you doing now? If you are currently serving, what is your present occupational specialty?
Management positions in Information Technology Systems and Operations for 35 years. Retired in 2003.
Handyman activities in my local housing development.
Participate in Patriot Guard and Toys for Tots activities.
American Legion member.
PTSD Meetings at the local VA facility.
What military associations are you a member of, if any? What specific benefits do you derive from your memberships?
American Legion Post 304
Patriot Guard – Respect for fallen heroes, their families, and continued Troop Support.
PTSD Meetings at local VA facility– Understanding VA benefits and a cathartic exchange with other Vietnam Vets and a VA Psychologist.
Attended several Rolling Thunder events in Wash, DC. POW/MIA.
In what ways has serving in the military influenced the way you have approached your life and your career? What do you miss most about your time in the service?
Strive for excellence, perseverance, respect, integrity, and honor. Semper Fidelis!
The discipline and organization in general. Attitude!
Based on your own experiences, what advice would you give to those who have recently joined the Marine Corps?
Stay off the ridgeline! God bless! Thank you for your service! Your answer to the guy in the mirror and your God! Be true to thine self!
In what ways has togetherweserved.com helped you remember your military service and the friends you served with.
Reflection and Connection!
TWS has afforded me the means to record my military experience and the ability to connect with others with similar desires. Scanning all the pictures and organizing them is quite a chore, and it has taken many years to accomplish. I made a PowerPoint of my military service, which was uploaded to a website dedicated to Vietnam Vets and their stories.
It is not quite intact on their website, but it shows except for a couple of videos I had included and some sound effects of our War. The link is here, and it is also available on One Drive if anyone is interested. You must contact me directly about that.
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