Fifteenth Infantry Regiment · Fifteenth Infantry Regiment ... ranging from M4 carbine and M9...

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July 2014 Fifteenth Infantry Regiment “The Old China Hands” www.15thinfantry.org DRAGON 6 SITREP In our last newsletter, we were ecstatic about our upcoming rotation to the National Training Center. No sooner had the newsletter gone to print that we learned the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team would NOT be going to the NTC and would continue to focus on our missions in support of NORTHCOM. The Soldiers of 1-15IN responded with our normal “CAN DO!” and continued mission. In addition to maintaining our rapid reaction force capabilities, we were able to shoot tank and Bradley gunnery, infantry squad live fires, and mortar sustainment gunnery. The past few months have seen a wide variety of traditional training, ranging from M4 carbine and M9 pistol ranges, tank and Bradley gunneries, and finally Heavy Mortar Platoon sustainment live fires. In preparation for crew-level gunnery, our Abrams and Bradley crewmen conducted a rigorous battery of training and testing known as the Gunnery Skills Test, followed by over 30 scenarios in simulations, to prepare for live fire qualification. As our Infantrymen prepare for upcoming EIB training and testing, our Armor crewmen build on the success of crew-level gunnery to train and prepare for section-level maneuver training leading into platoon live-fires. As U.S. Northern Command’s (U.S. NORTHCOM) regionally-aligned force (RAF), the battalion is prepared to deploy in support of contingency operations within NORTHCOM’s area of operations. As part of this Soldiers from our Infantry and Armor companies conduct regular rapid reaction force sustainment training to keep these non-traditional skills sharp in the event that we are called upon to support emergencies. To ensure deployment readiness, we conduct emergency deployment readiness exercises (EDREs), which take select companies through an N-hour sequence starting with a no-notice alert and executing the procedures to quickly and safely deploy in support of NORTHCOM. To keep deployment readiness from atrophying, the battalion staff conducts periodic checks of Soldier Readiness Packets that identifies and corrects deficiencies. The past month has also allowed us to take a step back from the high operational tempo to build resiliency within our formations through events such as the 15th Association Dinner, where five generations of CAN DO veterans and alumni gathered in fellowship and camaraderie. In addition to this, CSM Barretto and I were honored to attend the monument dedication at the Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield, honoring the 15th, 16th, 18th, and 19th Regiments on the 150th anniversary of the Civil War battle. Adding to these events, nearly 200 CAN DO Soldiers attended the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team Ball, celebrating with a night of good food, good company and good dancing. Lastly, over the next several weeks, Soldiers will be given the opportunity to take leave and enjoy a much needed period of relief with friends and families. CSM Barretto and I are proud to serve this great Battalion in our historic regiment where we will continue to build on the traditions and legacy of the 15th Infantry. CAN DO! DRAGON 6 & DRAGON 7 Photos begin on page 12 1

Transcript of Fifteenth Infantry Regiment · Fifteenth Infantry Regiment ... ranging from M4 carbine and M9...

July 2014

Fifteenth Infantry Regiment “The Old China Hands”

www.15thinfantry.org

DRAGON 6 SITREP In our last newsletter, we were ecstatic about our upcoming rotation to the National Training Center. No sooner had the newsletter gone to print that we learned the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team would NOT be going to the NTC and would continue to focus on our missions in support of NORTHCOM. The Soldiers of 1-15IN responded with our normal “CAN DO!” and continued mission. In addition to maintaining our rapid reaction force capabilities, we were able to shoot tank and Bradley gunnery, infantry squad live fires, and mortar sustainment gunnery.

The past few months have seen a wide variety of traditional training, ranging from M4 carbine and M9 pistol ranges, tank and Bradley gunneries, and finally Heavy Mortar Platoon sustainment live fires. In preparation for crew-level gunnery, our Abrams and Bradley crewmen conducted a rigorous battery of training and testing known as the Gunnery Skills Test, followed by over 30 scenarios in simulations, to prepare for live fire qualification. As our Infantrymen prepare for upcoming EIB training and testing, our Armor crewmen build on the success of crew-level gunnery to train and prepare for section-level maneuver training leading into platoon live-fires.

As U.S. Northern Command’s (U.S. NORTHCOM) regionally-aligned force (RAF), the battalion is prepared to deploy in support of contingency operations within NORTHCOM’s area of operations. As part of this Soldiers from our Infantry and Armor companies conduct regular rapid reaction force sustainment training to keep these non-traditional skills sharp in the event that we are called upon to support emergencies. To ensure deployment readiness, we conduct emergency deployment readiness exercises (EDREs), which take select companies through an N-hour sequence starting with a no-notice alert and executing the procedures to quickly and safely deploy in support of NORTHCOM. To keep deployment readiness from atrophying, the battalion staff conducts periodic checks of Soldier Readiness Packets that identifies and corrects deficiencies.

The past month has also allowed us to take a step back from the high operational tempo to build resiliency within our formations through events such as the 15th Association Dinner, where five generations of CAN DO veterans and alumni gathered in fellowship and camaraderie. In addition to this, CSM Barretto and I were honored to attend the monument dedication at the Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield, honoring the 15th, 16th, 18th, and 19th Regiments on the 150th anniversary of the Civil War battle. Adding to these events, nearly 200 CAN DO Soldiers attended the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team Ball, celebrating with a night of good food, good company and good dancing. Lastly, over the next several weeks, Soldiers will be given the opportunity to take leave and enjoy a much needed period of relief with friends and families. CSM Barretto and I are proud to serve this great Battalion in our historic regiment where we will continue to build on the traditions and legacy of the 15th Infantry. CAN DO!

DRAGON 6 & DRAGON 7 Photos begin on page 12

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OFFICERS AND STAFF PRESIDENT COMMANDER 1ST BN EDITOR, THE DRAGON LTC Timothy R. Stoy LTC Scotty W. Mueller MSG Ed Holt 6531 Milva Lane 8747 Marne Road 17200 Park Circle Springfield, VA 22150 Ft. Benning, GA 31905 Eden Prairie, MN 55346 703-912-4218 706-544-1633 952-937-8116 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] VICE PRESIDENT COMMANDER 3RD BN TRUSTEES Addison D (Tad) Davis IV LTC Nathan Minami Richard N. McKiddy 140 Pitman Street Apt 202 594 Vanguard Road Ste 3071 12105 East Court Providence, RI 02906 Ft. Stewart, GA 31314 Kansas City, MO 64133 401-270-0315 912-435-7697 816-509-7633 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] SECRETARY CSM 1ST BN Joseph W. Herron CSM Phil K. Barretto Leonard L. Lassor PO Box 179 8747 Marne Road 690 Salman Fall Road Lakeville, CT 06039 Ft. Benning, GA 31905 Rochester, NH 03868 860-985-6174 706-544-1228 603-335-3554 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] TREASURER CSM 3RD BN Bart Viruso CSM Shawn Carns Warren E. Sessler 116 Harriett Road 594 Vanguard Road Ste 3071 PO Box 778426 North Babylon, NY 11703 Ft. Stewart, GA 31314 Henderson, NV 89077 631-587-0587 912-435-7698 909-392-5996 [email protected] [email protected] MEMBERSHIP CHAPLAIN Michael W. Friend Charles C. Trout Michael J. Horn 6018 Old Dominion Road 10191 Birchwood Drive 1833 Walker Ridge Drive Columbus, GA 31909 Huntington Beach, CA 92646 Marietta, GA 30064 706-568-6436 706-544-1735 678-581-0392 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] HSGMOR HISTORIAN DATABASE ADMINISTRATOR Mark T. Baker LTC Timothy R. Stoy Tom R. Heitzer 5415 Roaring Branch Road 6531 Milva Lane 231 Normandie Drive Columbus, GA 31904 Springfield, VA 22150 Bonne Terre, MO 63628 706-566-5165 703-912-4218 573-358-1830 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] HCOR WEBMASTER CHINA ROOM CUSTODIAN Jerry Bates Michael J. Horn LTC Scotty W. Mueller 3017 Margaret Jones Lane 1833 Walker Ridge Drive 8747 Marne Road Williamsburg VA 23185 Marietta, GA 30064 Ft. Benning, GA 31905 757-645-4765 678-581-0392 706-544-0392 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

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The Dragon is the quarterly publication of the 15th Infantry Regiment Association. It is published in January, April, July and October. Neither its editorial nor articles content carry official endorsement of the Association. Input for the Dragon is due the 15th of each month prior to publishing. ASSOCIATION OBJECTIVES To perpetuate and foster the history and traditions of the Regiment. To provide opportunities for uniting past and present members of the Regiment into a close and cooperative alliance. To promote morale and high espirit de corps among members of the Regiment. To acquire and maintain a repository of Regimental historical memorabilia To assist in the maintenance of monuments dedicated to the units of the 15th Infantry Regiment

15th INF Regiment Association Founders – 22 Founding Members

Jesse Anderson Donald Chase Ramon Clark Charles Crain Jerry Cunningham

Edward Dojutrek* George Doyle* Tom Godfrey* Andrew Gunderson* Michael Halik

Jack Jordan Maurice Kendall Leonard Lassor Norman MacIntyre* George Mohr*

Whitney Mullen Lindsey Nelms* James O’Dell Sr.* Howard Palm* Howard Quick*

Raymond T. Taylor* Frank Yokum*

*Astrick denotes deceased member

Chaplain’s Message

The United States declared war on Britain in 1812. In 1814, the British captured Washington. D.C. burning the White House and the Capitol. The British marched south to Maryland, taking hostages as they went. The hostages were held prisoner on British ships in Baltimore harbor.

Francis Scott Key, a thirty- five- year- old attorney, was charged with negotiating for the American prisoner's. While negotiating, on board of a British ship, the British fleet lobbed 1,800 shells into the Fort McHenry. After the battle, Francis Scott Key waited anxiously on deck for the sun to rise. To his delight, he saw the American flag being raised over the Fort. He wrote some words on a piece of paper. Those words became "The Star Spangled Banner."

Let's pray that during the Fourth of July parades and department store sales that we all take a moment to thank those who keep that flag waving today.

May God continue to bless America! Your chaplain,

Chuck Trout

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TAPS

JOHN M BIELING-LM Westport, CT SGT, A CO, 1 BN, KW 1950 - 1952 DOD – Mar 20, 2012 Reported by Tom Heitzer

OLA L. MIZE-DM MOH Gadsen, AL COL, K CO, 3 BN, KW 1953 - 1954 DOD – Mar 12, 2014 Reported by David Mills to Rich Heller.

BROCK C. LIPPITT Kingsburg, CA 1 LT, K CO, 3 BN, KW 1951 - 1953 DOD – Mar 6, 2014 Reported by Rich Heller

CARL A. FUNTAL Conneautville, PA PFC, C CO, 1 BN, WWII Apr 1943 – Oct 1945 DOD – May 14, 2014 Reported by nephew to Michael Friend

MURPHY L. DAVIS Hampton, VA 1SGT, K CO, 3 BN, KW Dec 1951 – Feb 1953 DOD – May 22, 2014 Reported by Rich Heller

MARIO ROCCABRUNA New City, NY SGT, H CO, 2 BN, WWII DOD – Dec 6, 2013 Reported by Rich Heller

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NEW MEMBERS

Listed in the chart below is an update of the 15th Association Founders list.

Chaplain’s message

“We fought to obtain our freedom: now we should vote to keep it”

Regardless of your political association, there are certain facts that you should know before you vote. You should review and understand the principles on which this nation was founded. Our fore-fathers were brilliant men. I researched several historical records to find the following statements made by some of the writers of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and early Statesmen.

CHINA 6 SITREP Hello! This is my first note as China 6, we have had many changes in the Battalion’s leadership over the past

two months as we said goodbye to LTC Smith and family. First, I would like to introduce myself to you as the new 3-15IN Battalion Commander. I am extremely honored to become the new leader of this historic Battalion. I previously served at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii; Schweinfurt, Germany; and Fort Drum; New York. I’ve been lucky to be part of

CHRISTOPHER R. KANE MUHAMMAD S. GLASS BRANDON W. BRAGG ALEXANDER C. BARRON Phenix City, AL Phenix City AL Phenix City, AL Columbus, GA MAJ, HHC, 1 BN, RF 1SGT. HHC. 1 BN. RF CPT, HHC, 1 BN, RF CPT, HHC, 1 BN, RF October 2013 - November 2013 - September 2013 - July 2013 - DALE L. BOX WILLIAM J. JARREL WILLIAM B. HARRINGTON JOHN P. RUIZ-LM Phenix City, AL Fortson, GA Fort Benning, GA Columbus, GA 1 SGT, D CO, 1 BN, RF SFC, HHC, 1 BN, RF MAJ, HHC, 1 BN, RF 1 SGT, B CO, 1 BN, RF March 2014 - February 2013 - July 2013 - January 2013 - CHARLES E. LOGAN MATTHEW M. SHIRKEY WILL J. JANOTKA DAVID L. PETERS Fort Mitchell, AL Midland, GA Fort Benning, GA Columbus, GA SFC, F CO, 1 BN, RF CPT, HHC, 1 BN, RF CPT, C CO, 1 BN, RF SFC, A CO, 1 BN, RF December 2011 - June 11 – July 2014 November 2013 - May 1997 – Oct 1998 JOHNATHAN E. JACKSON CLINTON G. GRIFFIN STEFAN L. CARR WARREN E.COLLINS-LM Columbus, GA JBLM, WA Fort Benning, GA Sarasota, FL 1LT, C CO, 1 BN, RF SGT, HHC, B & D CO, 3 BN SSG, C CO, 1 BN, RF SFC, MED CO, 3BN, KW October 2011 - May 2010 – February 2014 September 2012 - Oct 1952 – Sep 1953 MARK P. ADAMS JOHN M. CARRIA EDWART O. PALMER ELIZABETH E.BEZINQUE Fort Benning, GA Columbus, GA Columbus, GA Columbus, GA CPT, D CO, 1 BN, RF CPT, F CO, 1 BN, RF 1SGT, F CO, 1 BN, RF 2 LT, F CO, 1 BN, RF August 2013 - January 2013 - May 2013 - March 2013 - MATTHEW RAINES CLIFFORD T. JOHNSON ALLEN R. BYRNE CLIFF R. PARSONS Phenix City, AL Phenix City, AL Columbus, GA Phenix City, AL 1 BN, RF 1 SGT, F CO, 1 BN, RF CPT, HHC, 1 BN, RF 1 LT, D CO, 1 BN, RF May 2013 - February 2014 - June 2012 - November 2013 – KRISTOPHER M. ITALIANO STEPHEN J. COLLINS BOBBY P. ALLEN HECTOR J, VAZQUEZ CRUZ Fort Benning, GA Phenix, City, AL Cataula, GA Midland, GA 2 LT, D CO, 1 BN, RF SGT, HHC, 1 BN, RF SSG, B CO, 1 BN, RF 1 LT, D CO, 1 BN, RF April 2014 - August 2013 - December 2011 - September 2013 – IAN YOUNG JEARAMIE R. BEEBE JAMES C. NASON SEAN M. WALLACE Columbus, GA Hamilton, GA Columbus, GA Columbus, GA 2 LT, D CO, 1 BN, RF SFC, B CO,1 BN, RF 2 LT, B CO, 1 BN, RF 2 LT, A CO, 1 BN, RF April 2014 - December 2012 - July 2012 - August 2014 –

NATAN T. GELINAS JEREMIAH R. WATSON STEVE ROJAS BRENT E. EASTER Columbus, GA Columbus, GA Phenix City, AL Salem, AL 1 LT, A CO, 1 BN, RF 1 LT, C CO, 1 BN, RF SFC. A CO, 1 BN, RF SFC, A CO, 1 BN, RF May 2014 - August 2013 - December 2013 - June 2013 -

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New Members (Continued)

ALEXANDRIA M. NIEVES CONNER D. ROWLADER MAX R. WATSON NATHAN P. REYNOLDS Columbus, GA Columbus, GA Columbus, GA Fort Benning, GA CPT, HHC, 1 BN, RF 1 LT, A CO, 1 BN, RF 2 LT, A CO, 1 BN, RF 1 LT, C CO, 1 BN, RF January 2014 - November 2013 - January 2014 - September 2013 –

DAVID K. CORBETT BEN T. CARRICK BRIAN S. PHIPPS WILLIE M. CALDWELL Columbus, GA Columbus, GA Fort Benning, GA Smiths Station, AL 2 LT, HHC, 1 BN, RF CPT, B CO, 1 BN, RF 1 LT, HHC, 1 BN, RF SFC, B CO, 1 BN, RF May 2014 - June 2013 - May 2014 - April 2013 –

MARK C. MALEY THOMAS H. EUCKER THOMAS T. BULLER CHRISTOPHER A. MITCHELL Columbus, GA Columbus, GA Fort Benning, GA Fort Benning, GA 2 LT, C CO, 1 BN, RF 2 LT, D CO, 1 BN, RF CPT, B CO, 1 BN, RF SSG, B CO, 1 BN, RF April 2014 - April 2014 - May 2013 - December 2013 –

MATTHEW K. PHILLIPS ROBERT S. POYDASHEFF LORA DAVIS WARREN Columbus, GA Columbus, GA Columbus, GA SSG, B CO, 1 BN, RF January 2014 –

Membership Report

Members By Period Members By Type China Hands 1 Regular Life 255 WWII 53 Regular Annual 152 Korea 159 Associate Life 11 Cold War 70 Associate Annual 5 OIF/OEF 25 Total 421 Associate 16 Total 421 1st Battalion Active Duty Members - 68 3rd Battalion Active Duty Members - 7

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CHINA 6 SITREP Hello!

We are writing this letter from the United States Military Academy at West Point, where our Soldiers have been given the critical task of providing tactical and leadership training, and training support, to over 4600 cadets this summer. Our Soldiers are doing an amazing job on every level across the Battalion both at West Point and for some back at Fort Stewart, and our families remain strong and resilient at home.

First, we want to announce the arrival of our new Command Sergeant Major (China 7), CSM Shawn Carns. CSM Carns comes to us with a breadth of experience that includes both light and mechanized infantry assignments as well as four combat tours including both Afghanistan and Iraq. His wife, Theresa, is another tremendous addition to our team and together they have already made a great impact across the Battalion. We also welcomed the arrival of 1SG Condra to Bravo Company who brings a wealth of experience from his most recent assignment at 5th Ranger Training Brigade. Finally, we said farewell to 1SG Vernon in HHC and 1SG Pegues made the lateral move to HHC from B CO.

At USMA (West Point) all of our Soldiers are receiving constant accolades from the West Point community for their exceptional duty performance, which we all know is simply the every-day CAN DO attitude of the 15th Infantry Regiment. Our Trainers/Mentors have been working 24 hour shifts, walking up and down large mountains, sometimes in the rain, all the while sharing their inspiration, experience and insights with cadets to help improve their tactical and leadership abilities. Charlie Company conducted a great deal of training at USMA, including short range marksmanship, team live fires, and Squad STX lanes. Meanwhile, HHC Soldiers are providing medical support to the cadets and oversee sustainment services for running Patrol Base China (our FOB here at USMA). Echo Company is also accomplishing herculean feats, last week alone conducting over 155 sustainment missions across a 30 kilometer wide area. This included in just one week the safe transport of more than 1,400 cadets.

Back at Fort Stewart, our Soldiers and leaders have been working hard to complete the final tasks to refurbish all of our equipment after the deployment to Afghanistan and to update all of our supply and personnel systems. This included identifying and turning in millions of dollars of excess equipment that our Battalion accumulated during 11 years of war. All of our companies have also been taking advantage of training opportunities, including marksmanship ranges and squad maneuver training. Apache Company will be joining us here at USMA soon and Charlie Company will be returning to FSGA in the comings weeks.

We could not be more proud of the outstanding job that the Soldiers of 3-15 IN do every day and the support that we receive from our families on the home front. It is a tremendous honor and privilege to serve in this outstanding regiment and we strive every day to uphold the amazing legacy that our predecessors established. CAN DO! CSM Shawn Carns LTC Nate Minami China 7 China 6

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Left Above: PFC Bobby Sledge (Douglasville, GA), a Team Leader from 2nd Platoon, Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 15 Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, provides cover while he and PFC Tyler Mayo (Atlanta, GA) bound during Charlie Companies LFX, May 22, 2014, on West Point, NY.

Right Above: NCOs from 3-15 Infantry conduct practical exercises of the basic tactics that they will grade Cadets on during CLDT. From Right to Left: SFC Daniel Navaro (San Antonio, TX) Bravo Company 2nd Platoon Sergeant, 1SG Christopher Condra (Jacksonville, Alaska), Bravo Company 1SG, and SSG Andre Harris (Lakewood, CA), Alpha Company 2nd Platoon Weapons Squad Leader, 3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, May 13, 2014, on West Point, NY

A Charlie Company Team lead by PFC Bobby Sledge (Douglasville, GA), a Team Leader in 2nd Platoon, Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division prepares to enter a shoot house, May 22, 2014, on West Point, NY.

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Medal of Honor awarded to World War II Soldier The following note was received by the Editor of the Dragon:

Earlier this year Donald Schwab, a member of the 15th Infantry Regiment during WWII, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. The formal ceremony took place at the White House with President Obama presenting the medal to his family on 18 March.

Don Schwab is a Nebraskan, having been born, raised, and lived his entire life, with the exception of his WWII military service, in Hooper. On 7 June we honored his achievement in a special ceremony at the State Capital organized and hosted by Senator Deb Fischer. The entire congressional delegation will be in attendance along with the governor, key state directors, and veterans’ organizations.

I would like to borrow a 15th Infantry Regiment flag to be part of the ceremony ( I am also working on getting a 3rd ID flag).

Roger P. Lempke

Director of Military and Veterans Affairs

Office of Senator Deb Fischer

The family of 1st Lt. Donald K. Schwab holds the Medal of Honor (The Citation is printed in its entirety on page 10)

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Medal of Honor Citation For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty:

First Lieutenant Donald K. Schwab distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving as the Commander of Company E, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, during combat operations against an armed enemy near Lure, France on September 17, 1944.

That afternoon, as First Lieutenant Schwab led his company across four hundred yards of exposed ground, an intense, grazing burst of machinegun and machine-pistol fire sprung forth without warning from a fringe of woods directly in front of the American force. First Lieutenant Schwab quickly extricated his men from the attempted ambush and led them back to a defiladed position. Soon after, he was ordered to overwhelm the enemy line. He rapidly organized his men into a skirmish line and, with indomitable courage, again led them forward into the lethal enemy fire.

When halted a second time, First Lieutenant Schwab moved from man to man to supervise collection of the wounded and organize his company’s withdrawal. From defilade, he rallied his decimated force for a third charge on the hostile strong point and successfully worked his way to within fifty yards of the Germans before ordering his men to hit the dirt. While automatic weapons fire blazed around him, he rushed forward alone, firing his carbine at the German foxholes, aiming for the vital enemy machine-pistol nest which had sparked the German resistance and caused heavy casualties among his men.

Silhouetted through the mist and rain by enemy flares, he charged to the German emplacement, ripped the half-cover off the hostile firing pit, struck the German gunner on the head with his carbine butt and dragged the German back through a hail of fire to friendly lines. First Lieutenant Schwab’s action so disorganized hostile infantry resistance that the enemy forces withdrew, abandoning their formidable defensive line.

First Lieutenant Schwab’s extraordinary heroism and selflessness above and beyond the call of duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

Citation represents Soldier's rank at time of action.

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Dear Fellow Old China Hands, Greetings from the Land of the Morning Calm, South Korea! Our Regiment has every reason to be proud of its outstanding combat service in the Korean War which helped to preserve the freedom of South Korea and enabled the country to become the modern society it is today. Our Regiment and our parent 3rd Infantry Division had been denuded of its most experienced personnel while still at Fort Benning in 1950 to fill other units fighting in Korea. It was a great achievement by the chain of command from top to bottom to rebuild the Regiment before its commitment to combat in November 1950. I want to thank Tad Davis for his usual outstanding job in organizing a memorable Regimental dinner on 20 June. I would also like to thank 1-15 IN and LTC Mueller for providing outstanding support for the event, as well as to LTC Minami for sending Sergeant Major Lester to deliver the 3-15 IN update. John Burke, Tom Heitzer, and Bart Viruso are also due gratitude for their hard work supporting the dinner. Many thanks to Mike Horn for his great work on the Regular Brigade monument and its 27 June dedication at Kennesaw Mountain! We now have monuments honoring our Regiment at each of our Civil War great battlefields – Shiloh, Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, and Atlanta! What a great way to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War this year. Some of you may not have heard that a World War II Distinguished Service Cross recipient from E Company, 2nd Battalion, 1LT Donald Schwab, had his award upgraded to the Medal of Honor. His action occurred near Lure, France on 18 September 1944. Another great Can Do soldier! More recent good news arrived with the nomination in May of former 1st Battalion Commander, COL Gary Brito, to Brigadier General! Well deserved! He is currently undertaking an effort to have SFC Alwyn Cashe’s Silver Star from 1-15 IN’s Iraq deployment in 2005 upgraded to the Medal of Honor. Once you read SFC Cashe’s actions on page 14, you will all agree he well deserves the CMH! While here in Korea conducting historical research I had the opportunity to interview a former KATUSA who served in E Company, 2nd Battalion and the Can Do Raider Company from October 1950 until being wounded in mid-April 1951 – Professor Sohn, Tae Won. He had great praise for his American fellow soldiers, especially LT Joe Steffy, under whom he served as platoon runner. He shared his story of being “press ganged” by ROK security forces on the way home from school, rudimentary training in Busan, being shipped to Japan for unit training and integration with the 15th Infantry, the landing at Wonsan, the combat outside Hamhung, evacuation from Hungnam, fight north from the landing in Busan January 1951, the crossing of the Han River and final liberation of Seoul in March 1951, and the fighting near Uijongbu during which he was wounded. I know he is not the only KATUSA with such a story. I will close with another thank you, this one to Mike Friend, our membership chairman. Mike has asked to step down due to health problems. Thanks for your hard work on the Association’s behalf. With Mike’s stepping down we need a new membership chairman. This position is critical as our Association needs new members to continue upholding our Regiment’s traditions and history. We have numerous other positions which have been unfilled for a long time. Please step to the plate and continue to be “Can Do” men! CAN DO! Tim

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Continued from Page 1

An M1A2 Abrams tank from Destroyer Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division drives downrange at the Digital Multi-Purpose Range Complex (DMPRC) at Fort Benning, Georgia. Despite the dust and the smoke, the crews can engage various targets at long ranges with precision. DMPRC is large enough to allow the vehicles to maneuver to multiple battle positions and simulate real-world situations.

Infantry companies executed Squad Live Fire Exercises on Galloway Range on Fort Benning this month. Initially, Squad Leaders conducted movements through wooded terrain, followed by and assault on an enemy OP manned by two enemy Soldiers. Upon completion of this, Squads executed Battle Drill 1A (Squad Attack) on a team sized enemy element and prepared for enemy counterattacks. Each Squad conducted dry and blank runs prior to executing the live iterations during the day and during hours of limited visibility.

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A M2 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle, from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, fires its first round of the day from its 25mm Bushmaster main gun at Caramouche Range on Fort Benning, Georgia during Gunnery training. Gunnery is the culmination of months of training and preparation by the crews of each vehicle. Each vehicle must undergo intensive maintenance to ensure it is fully prepared for the rigorous event and each crew must undertake countless hours of simulator training to qualify. All this work pays off in the end when the vehicles are loaded with live ammo and the crews can do what they do best, engage targets with live rounds.

The 15th Infantry Regiment Association dedicated a monument at the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park on the 150th Anniversary of the Battle "In Honor of the Officers, Noncommissioned Officers, and Men of the 15th US Infantry, 16th US Infantry, 18th US Infantry, and 19th Infantry who fought near here in 1864 and whose legacy continues to serve the US Army." Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment currently serving on active duty provided the honor platoon for the event. The monument serves as a way to remember the Soldiers that sacrificed during the Atlanta Campaign of the Civil War and honor the units that still exist today. See more at http://www.15thinfantry.org/monumentproject.html

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Troops, vets campaign to award MoH to fallen SFC Article from the Army Times

Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn Cashe and his soldiers were on patrol in Samarra, Iraq, on Oct. 17, 2005, when their Bradley Fighting Vehicle hit an IED. Drenched in fuel, his uniform burned off his body, Cashe crawled out of the Bradley. Ignoring the flames searing his flesh and the rattle of enemy gunfire, Cashe went back into the vehicle again and again, pulling out every one of his six soldiers from the wreckage. Three weeks later, on Nov. 8, with second and third-degree burns over more than 70 percent of his body, Cashe died at San Antonio Military Medical Center in Texas. For his actions that day in Iraq, Cashe was awarded the Silver Star, the third-highest award for valor. Now, almost nine years after his death, Cashe’s former battalion commander, Col. Gary Brito, and a growing number of steadfast supporters are pushing for the fallen soldier to receive the Medal of Honor. Brito nominated Cashe for the Silver Star because, early on, the details of Cashe’s heroism were still unclear. Many of the men who witnessed Cashe’s actions were severely wounded and

had been evacuated out of theater. In addition to Cashe, three other soldiers died from their wounds from that day. The soldiers’ Iraqi interpreter also was killed. Cashe “assisted in evacuating them out of the burning vehicle,” Brito told Army Times.“ They were all evacuated to the United States alive, and that’s when they started to succumb to their wounds.” Two more soldiers were wounded — but survived. Sgt. 1st Class Douglas Dodge is one of those soldiers. Dodge, who was a squad leader under Cashe’s leadership, was in the back of the Bradley when he heard the explosion. The blast knocked Dodge unconscious. “I woke up and I was on fire,” he said. The bomb had penetrated the fuel cell underneath the Bradley, igniting the fuel and spewing it into the vehicle and all over the soldiers, Dodge said. Dodge fought to breathe as he tried to put out the flames on his uniform. Then he heard someone yell that the ramp to the troop compartment was stuck. “The ramp couldn’t go down, and people were yelling for the ramp to go down,” he said. Dodge managed to open the smaller personnel door and pushed out of the burning Bradley. “I got out and got myself fully extinguished, and Sgt. Cashe showed up next to me,” he said. “All of his uniform was burned away, except for where his boots and his body armor and helmet were. He asked me where everybody else was, but I didn’t know because I was so dazed. He said, ‘We’ve got to get the boys out,’ and we started pulling people out.” As he learned more about Cashe’s actions, Brito said, he made a personal decision to fight for Cashe to earn the MoH. “What didn’t strike you the first time is you couldn’t have imagined the pain and the suffering,” he said. Brito is working with Army Human Resources Command’s awards branch to submit a request for an upgrade. “They helped me refocus on what the Army needs, and I need to look at witness statements and get new statements,” Brito said. “They’ve been very helpful.”

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Dodge said he, too, believes Cashe deserves the MoH. “I know not a lot of us survived, but maybe none of us would have survived if not for him,” Dodge said. Harry Conner never met Cashe, but he feels a connection to him. He sees parallels between his eight years in the Army, from 1972 to 1980, to Cashe’s military career. Both were drill sergeants, and both served in the 3rd Infantry Division. Cashe was a platoon leader with 3rd Infantry’s Divisions, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry, while Conner, a field artillery soldier, served as a liaison to the same unit. Conner is a co-founder of the Facebook group “SFC Alwyn C. Cashe Deserves the Medal of Honor,” which has more than 2,300 members. To further raise awareness, Conner, 62, recently completed a 1,200-mile bicycle trip. Conner began his “Duty, Honor, Country Bike Ride” April 27 in Sanford, Florida, where Cashe was laid to rest. He reached his goal, New York City, on June 12. Conner has made it a mission to share Cashe’s story, but it’s not always an easy one. “Sometimes I get flat pissed off, thinking, ‘why do I even have to do this? Sgt. Cashe should have received the Medal of Honor seven years ago.’ Or sometimes I wonder if I’m making a difference.”

WINNERS OF THE RAFFLE

$300 Jerry Cunningham

$200 Stephen Twitty

$100 Richard Dugan Thanks to all who participated in this fund raiser.

Pictures and stories on the Regimental Dinner at Fort Benning will be in the October issue of the DRAGON.

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15th Infantry Regiment Association Tom Heitzer, Database Administrator 231 Normandie Bonne Terre, MO 63628 Address Service Requested

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage Paid

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