STORY BEHIND THE PLAQUE
Service Reflections of CPL Michael Hall, U.S. Marine Corps (1968-1971)

My very good childhood friend, Ray Cagle, enlisted in the Marine Corps in mid-67 (at a Local Judge’s firm recommendation), almost a year before I did. Yes, we could be mischievous teenage boys. So, the Marine Corps was an excellent choice for both of us.

I met up with Ray after he had completed Boot Camp at Parris Island and Infantry Training at Camp Geiger, N.C. Ray was home for a visit before going to Radioman School and then on to Vietnam. His comments and his suggestion on The Marine Corps sold me. On enlisting. when I turned 18. But my 18th Birthday fell on a Sunday, so when I tried to enlist on Saturday, August 3, afternoon—one day prior to turning 18. The Recruiter said I would need to get my Parents’ signature or come back Monday AM to enlist. I did return at 9:30 AM Monday, August 5, 1968, and enlisted on the 3-Year Enlistment plan—a suggestion the Recruiter made.

Sadly, I never saw or heard from Ray again, and I found his Obituary in a northeast coastal Florida City shortly after he passed away. I did speak with his Widow. And I had a good conversation with her on Ray.

After speaking with Ray’s Widow, it was very apparent that Ray had a very engaging Combat Tour of Duty in Nam. Many close Friends and Fellow Marines were lost or wounded.

Semper Fidelis My Friend.

My reasons for leaving the Marine Corps are very clear to me. First, I had a great MOS that is now obsolete or changed to a different MOS. It was a highly specialized and exciting MOS, and I was totally surprised when I was finally told what my MOS entailed. I loved the Marine Corps and my job.

The Vietnam War was winding down. The Marine Corps was promoting early discharges for enlisted personnel, and the urgency seemed to increase. If you have not already re-enlisted, you were being parked at the 2nd Radio Battalion at Camp Geiger, N.C., and mostly doing nothing or picking up cigarette butts. Luckily, I was picked to go on a TAD assignment to Asmara, Ethiopia (now Eritrea). I had never been to that area of the world. So, I was eager to go on this assignment.

Racial strife made things very tense. Middle-grade NCOs were leaving The Marine Corps for many reasons.

The Senior NCOs were totally annoyed and perplexed by the Marines they had raised through the ’50s and ‘60s. At times, it was almost comical.

We needed very good Mentoring from those leaving, not indifference. This is a sad time for our beloved Marine Corps and other Armed Services.

Example: Lastly, the Marine Corps never sat me down and asked me the question:

What do you want out of and want to accomplish in the Marine Corps? Based on my Civilian Job history. I believe I would have done well if I had decided to stay in The Marine Corps…

The only selling point I heard was that it was going to be hard to get a good job when you left The Marine Corps. It was not. I found a great company and job that lasted 40 years.

But I will say that The Marine Corps gave me a damn good platform to spring off into civilian life.

My MOS was a specialized MOS that required at least a very High (Need to Know) Top Secret Security Clearance. It involved gathering and handling Intelligence gathered by very specific means. Then, it was quickly analyzed and disseminated to the right channels of “Need to know.”

If it was felt to be highly critical, Intel. We provided it to our “In-Harms Way” Military and Civilian personnel in an extremely timely and expedited manner. No matter where you served, it could be fast happening and critical whether it was in Vietnam or other strategic localities and bases around the World. You felt a constant sense of tension and urgency. I was always amazed at the amount of responsibility and Trust a low-level PFC, Lance Corporal, or Corporal was given.

We had Southeast Asia still hot even though Vietnam was winding down.

Cambodia was headed down a very Evil path. With China poised to come onto the World scene in just a few years. While Russia was still the leading Adversary of the US and the rest of the Free World, they were showing signs of loss of Power and Internal strife. The Middle East continues to explode with local Wars and growing local Terrorism. But it also was looking for a uniting leader. And there were many ready to fill that role. Current and accurate Intel was growing in importance. We always needed faster and better Intel. To support those out on the front line of the War.

I was very fortunate to have been sent TAD around the World to several locations that provided me an opportunity to observe and serve with all branches of the U.S. Armed Services. Looking back, I am certainly glad I got that opportunity.

My introduction to several lasting impacts:
Yankee station in the South China Sea for 3 1/2 months. Aboard a refurbished WWII Aircraft Carrier. The USS Shangri-La. (CVA-38) was my very First of several TAD deployments. The absolute (you pick your adjective to use ) What the Jet Pilots of all of the different types of Jets we had aboard. Most Flying Bombing Missions and some fighter support. Everyone one of them Exhibited to me what I felt was unbelievable Flying Skills and Undaunted Courage to complete their mission.

I loved to observe if I had a few minutes of break time off during recovery. I loved doing it from different high locations. During the daytime and nighttime, Both were very thrilling. They could come back from their Bombing Missions shot up and damaged. The pilots had to use all of their flying skills to keep the Jets aloft and flying. I remember a few times they had to put the Arresting Nets up to stop and land the Jets into the large Nets. Or the Pilot may not have been able to land at all.

Fear of loss of my life. That happened in Boot Camp every day on Parris Island for the first 4 to 5 weeks of training.

Sure. Everyone has thoughts about it. But I never was truly fearful of being killed or wounded.

However, by this time, Intelligence-gathering personnel were becoming fair game to attack or capture by many Rogue Countries.

The North Koreans had shot down an EC-121 flying over International Waters off the Korean Coast. It was a highly sophisticated Intel gathering plane. Then, the North Koreans made their boldest move to date. Capturing the USS Pueblo in International Waters. And interrogating and brutally beating the ship crew, Intel Sailors, and Marines. With one KIA. The North Koreans still possess The USS Pueblo, an American Vessel. And I believe it is still listed by the U.S. Navy as an “Active” U.S. Navy ship.

The Israeli Air Force attacked and shot up the USS Liberty. Killing many Navy Sailors, Navy Spooks, and crew members. Seems we got too close to the 6-Day War to suit the Israeli Military. Again, we were in International Waters, flying an oversized American Flag. To Help identify who they were. A Total of 34 were killed, and 171 were wounded in Action defending the Ship. The KIA included 2 Marines and 1 NSA Civilian Officer.

And a few other attacks that have remained under the info Radar. It was a “don’t ask because we ain’t telling who and what happened.”

To me, my concern in my MOS was not necessarily death. It was being captured, detained, and/or interrogated, which could possibly result in the extraction of very sensitive information that may be harmful to our intelligence community and combat forces. We all took it very seriously. As it was very serious and vital, I didn’t want to know anything that I might not “Need to Know.” Remember The WWII Slogan. “Loss Lips sink ships.”

My Last TAD Assignment of several.

If I remember correctly, there was a bit of a stare-down that did happen while traveling on a flight out of AdidasAbba Ethiopia to Athens, Greece, on the Ethiopian National Airlines. Ethiopia was considered the sovereign Territory of Ethiopia, where we had just left. So we were under their (Ethiopian Government) International treaty and recognized Legal international flying Protocols, etc.

At that time, Egypt was in The Russian Sphere of influence. The Russian Air Force and Army had liberal and heavy use of the Cairo Egyptian Airport and surrounding land. It looked about as covered in Cairo by Russians and their planes and SAMs. Almost as much as we covered DaNang. Airport during The Vietnam War.

As the plane needed to be refueled before flying across the Mediterranean Sea to Athens, Greece. About 25-30 civilians, plus our Detachment of 20-25 Marines, were also in civilian clothes, which was customary for the U.S. military if you were traveling into or through unfriendly Countries.

The Marines on the plane were ordered by our 1st Lt. to close our Window shades when the plane entered Egyptian Air Space. And not to open the Window shades or try to use a Camera of any type to take photos. Until the plane was out of Egyptian Air Space. Ok, no big deal. But we peeked coming into Cairo.

After the Plane landed at the Cairo, Egypt Airport, it was normal safety protocol for all passengers to disembark the plane while refueling took place. The Marines were not allowed to disembark the plane. Our accompanying Senior Marine Officer ordered us to remain in our seats and not to stand up from our seats for ANY reason, even if we needed to go to the Head or stand and stretch. Things were a little tense.

As soon as the other traveling passengers disembarked the plane. An equal number of Egyptian Soldiers as our Marine Detachment. Entered the “plane with AK-47 rifles at the ready to use. Although not pointing them directly at us. They knew who we were (American Military). what we were doing there and where we had just left from.

The “Big Stare” was on. There was no movement at all. It lasted a good while, maybe 30 minutes to 1 hour. Then, the Egyptian Soldiers withdrew and disembarked from the plane. The disembarked Passengers returned to their previous seats.

As the plane took off. We opened our closed Window Shades. We just wanted to see some of the ancient Pyramids before the plane reached too high of an altitude.

Lastly, there was an incident in the Athens Airport that required us to board our U.S. Air Carrier plane early. I can not remember exactly what happened, but I think it involved one of the Marines in our Detachment. The U.S. Air Carrier was under the U.S. Flag and protection. So, if we had to return to the Athens Terminal, our Embassy could now, hopefully, negotiate the Terms. Plus, we were all provided with Specific U.S. Documentation. That would have given us much protection.

It now seems I spent my entire time after Communications Intelligence School and on-site training traveling somewhere on TAD service, which I haven’t thought too much about for many, many years.

All of this was very intriguing and a wonderful experience for me.

Semper Fidelis to all who served somewhere in any capacity. And a big Hoorah!!

Hands down, San Miguel Communications Base, Philippines. I loved the Filipino people and the very rural countryside in the late ’60s and early ’70s. I really felt welcomed by the Filipino people and also felt a lot of appreciation and love for the American Military in the Philippines. This was mostly due to the American Military personnel who fought, suffered, and died alongside the Filipino people during WWII. The bond was strong.

Asmara, Eritrea (then Ethiopia), was the most hospitable country I encountered over my three years of service. However, their culture, Religion, and overall attitude toward Americans seemed to be unfriendly and, at times, hostile.

Easy, my fellow Marines. They came from all across America. Different customs, different dialects, and colloquial English. Different shades of skin, different religions, and different upbringings.

For a Deep South, never out of the Southern states of Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida. Raised boy. Whew, was it ever a change? I loved it; a total shock and an education everyone should experience.

At Heart, we were all the same. My best two friends were a damn Yankee from Long Island, New York. Michael J. Dwyer. A great 1st generation Irish descendant who was American-born. I had never met or known a Yankee until I entered The Marine Corp. Lastly, the Marine that was to become my good friend Arthur J. Hill Jr. The very first Black or African American male I had ever had a conversation with. (Hell, have you ever spoken to for any reason) I got to know as a person, and eventually, I came to call A.J. a very good friend.

It was all life-changing for me.

My time on Active Duty in The Marine Corps was a great experience and a wonderful learning Journey.

Receiving The Good Conduct Medal. To me, it said I was a good Marine.

The Eagle, Globe, and Anchor were on my uniform. It said I was a United States Marine.

Both of my parents were there for Boot Camp Graduation on Parris Island.

Both of my parents were extremely Proud Parents that day.

All of my 4 Drill Instructors over Platoon 1051, Parris Island, South Carolina November 6, 1968, until mid to late January 1969. They worked hard to ensure that I succeeded and that I Got It.

One person was until his passing: my best friend and fellow Marine, Michael Dwyer. He was a Long Island, N.Y. Irish Yankee and a Southern Country Boy (me). We clicked. My other friend, Arthur J. Hill Jr., is from St. Louis, MO. A.J. educated me. I truly wish I could locate him. I have spent 25+ years trying to locate him. A.J. Was a wonderful Human Being.

I have found a few of the Marines I trained and serviced with during my active duty time.

Owen Hagovsky- Columbus, Ohio
Joe Lichniak -Sheffield Village, Ohio
Joe Petrossi- New Orleans, Louisiana
Warren Heatwole-Austin, Texas
Rodney Murchison- Shreveport, Louisiana
Gene Roberts-Tulare, California
Michael J. Dwyer-Winter Springs, Florida
Randy Verrett-Lake Charles, La.

Sadly, some of the guys you served with. You only knew them by their Nicknames. Or you can’t remember the town, city, or State they were from. And when your time to go stateside or to be separated from Active Duty came. You walked the squad bay or opened your Hooch, yelled back, waved bye, and yelled something out to those still there. And that was it.

A lifetime of memories compacted to be reflected on the rest of your life. Little did we think to get mailing addresses or a good Contact phone number or address. A Big mistake.

I would love to find Arthur J. Hill Jr.-St. Louis, Mo.?
Gary Ginka, Chicago, Ill.
Rudy Flores, Arizona or New Mexico. I think he was an Apache and Navaho Native American.
Doug Courtney, Joplin, Mo.
E.O. Thew, Idaho
Joe Howard, Phenix City, Alabama

Well, I just want to say that there were some “very wrong” pranks we pulled on other branches of the U.S. Military Services, especially the Navy guys.

Sales – Liquor, Beer, and Wine retail and on-premise sales Rep. for a large Multi-State Wholesale Distributor

After reentering Civilian life in Columbus, Georgia, I spent a month or so reacquainting myself with a totally different America than I had left when I was inducted into the Marines.

I took a janitor’s Job. It lasted for a few weeks. Then, I was promoted to warehouse Worker. A few months later, I was promoted to Delivery Driver.

About 14 months later, I was promoted to a sales job and moved to St. Simons Island, GA. I covered the southeast and coast of Georgia.

Six years later, I was promoted and moved to Mobile, Ala., as a Sales Manager.

A couple of years later, I was Promoted to The Operations V.P. And General Manager over all aspects of the Mobile, Al. Distribution Center.

Lastly, I was promoted to Corporate V. P. Overall Sales of our Non-Alcoholic Products in Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee. I traveled a lot.

After several years later, my wife was diagnosed with Small Cell Lung Cancer. I retired a year later to be with my wife and take care of my wife the last year of her life.

Now, I am happily retired from employment and Married to a high school friend.

I will never be Retired from being a United States Marine, Though.

Semper Fi My Brothers and Comrades. Hoorah!!

The Marine Corps League. Purpose and association with some Old Salts and Grumpy Former NCOs. Not really; they are dedicated, decent, Patriotic, Inactive Marines.

The influence was that there really are things so much greater and more important than you ever could have imagined. Friendships and experiences that people who did not serve in the military probably will never understand and/or experience.

That there were people who had the same values, desires, and patriotism that I did. Exposure to Great American Individuals from across this wonderful country. The camaraderie with new strangers that quickly becomes friends and comrades. Some became lifelong friends. Even if we never saw or spoke to them again. They are still close and lifelong friends.

I have met and spoken to many Inactive Marines in the last 55 years since I was discharged from active duty on Nov. 6. 1971. No one ever indicated or said they made a mistake by enlisting in the Marine Corps. Although I have met many older men who said they thought about enlisting, who now still wish they had enlisted. But did not for one reason or many reasons. They deeply regret that they didn’t. Enlisting in the Marine Corps was the First major decision I made in my 73-year life. 1 of 4 or 5 lifetime major decisions I have made so far. Semper Fidelis.

Be the Best Marine from within and beyond your knowledge, strength, and current character. You will not regret it.

They refreshed my memory. There are events, people, or places we all experienced that we swore we would never forget. At 73, I still remember them, but not the details completely and accurately.