SwiftVets.com

Wuzthere2 · Founder Joined: 12 Aug 2004 Posts: 13

First – by way of introduction let me say I was the EN on the 23 boat in Song Bay Hap on March 13, 1969.
Secondly, I thought I had left all this behind 35 years ago when I (thankfully) returned to the states and got on with my life. For me, that was finishing college and raising a family. Others I know did the same. With the exception of voting, I’ve never been politically active but I have paid attention. Again, like most I would hope, my vote has been based on what I knew of the individual not political party affiliation. So why speak out now? Because I can’t go anywhere (including this site) without reading someone’s version of the truth and knowing it’s wrong! They can’t even get the number of guys on a swift crew right most of the time. But, perhaps, the most annoying assertion is that you had to be a member of the crew of the 94 boat to know (and apparently be entitled to talk about) what happened on the Bay Hap, March 13th. That alone lets you know someone doesn’t have a clue. That’s like saying you had to be a member of the Bulls to experience Michael Jordan canning a 3-pointer at the buzzer. The truth is Kerry’s third Purple Heart etc. happened in broad daylight in front of at least 24 other guys. Some, myself included, actually had a way better view of the action than the guys on the 94. But, that’s another story and I don’t really want to get into it right now. Suffice it to say you can believe Van’s account and not be too far from the truth. That brings me to the real reason for this post. History is being written here whether we like it or not. Our reputations are being kicked around by talking heads. If it’s going to be recorded for posterity, wouldn’t you like it to be the truth?
What about it Charlie? Howdy? Don Adams? Any of you guys tired of the lies? I don’t care much for the politics, but I would like to set the record straight

Navy_Navy_Navy · Admin Joined: 07 May 2004 Posts: 5777

Welcome Aboard, wuzthere2!

Thanks for joining us!
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~ Echo Juliet ~
Altering course to starboard - On Fire, Keep Clear
Navy woman, Navy wife, Navy mother

ASPB · Posted: Fri Aug 13, 2004 12:50 am Post subject:

Then you need to get in touch with O'dell or Thurston, or any of the guys active in our organization who were in COSDIV 11 then.

Go to the main website, look up the numbers and call. Far as I can tell there had to be 18 swiftees there on 13 March 69. Tommy B is dead.

We know where the guys on 94 and Rassman stand but that's not everyone. By the way, Do you know when Alston served with Kerry on 94? I though he was wounded and hospitalized with Ted Beck on 29 Jan 69
Any recollection?

Make the call, BZ, and thanks for your service Bro.

Tom Mortensen,

Boat Captain/Patrol Officer - ASPBs Nov 68-Nov 69
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On Sale! Order in lots of 100 now at velero@rcn.com Free for the cost of shipping All profits (if any, especially now) go to Swiftvets. The author of "Sink Kerry Swiftly" ---ASPB

Wuzthere2 · Founder Joined: 12 Aug 2004 Posts: 13

As far as I remember Alston was the twin gunner. The catch is Kerry didn't train with that crew...he was a floater. Unlike the rest of us who trained together at Coronado and went over together, he had no real attachment to the crew of the 94 until he arrived in An Thoi. And, I'm pretty sure he didn't keep "in touch" with any of them until recently. What bothers me is how they are dividing us again. Just want to shine a little light of truth on their history lesson. No one mentions what happened to his "crew" after he left country.

ASPB · Posted: Fri Aug 13, 2004 1:45 am Post subject: Re: Alston was his gunner

kate · Posted: Fri Aug 13, 2004 1:55 am Post subject: Re: Alston was his gunner

Wuzthere2 · Founder Joined: 12 Aug 2004 Posts: 13

kate--you've asked a question someone else will have to answer. The account you quote sounds a bit embellished but I can't say it didn't happen. I do know the crew that took over the 94 after his departure and we continued to patro with them. I think most of Kerry's band of brothers were at the end of their 1 year tour when he joined them. I just assumed they moved on. It is possible some were reassigned to "safer" areas like Qui Nhon or Cam Rhan. You could request that after 6 months in AnThoi.

Beatrice1000 · Posted: Fri Aug 13, 2004 2:33 am Post subject: Re: Looking for Bay Hap alumni

[quote="Wuzthere2"]..History is being written here whether we like it or not. Our reputations are being kicked around by talking heads. If it’s going to be recorded for posterity, wouldn’t you like it to be the truth? I don’t care much for the politics, but I would like to set the record straight/quote]

History being made? Exactly. And boy oh boy are some powerful folks trying hard NOT to let that happen! If Kerry's not stopped, he will soon be the Commander-in-Chief of this country. I just shudder! --[I can't imagine how that makes all of you who knew him feel.....especially when he ran home & then proclaimed to the whole world that you were "ravaging the countryside like Genghis Khan!"] He took your honor away and now claims it all for himself. This cannot stand....

I'm so proud of all of you! (sister of a vet)

If not us, who? If not now, when?

ASPB · Posted: Fri Aug 13, 2004 2:34 am Post subject: Re: I really don't know

Wuzthere2 · Founder Joined: 12 Aug 2004 Posts: 13

ASPB- Jan of 69 til July. Our crew broke up after John Chenoweth OinC went to admin. ODell and I saw a chance to get the hell outta town and we headed for Qui Nhon. I'm not sure about Alston but I do remember one very shot up gun tub just after we arrived in country. I hate to admit it but I didn't always try to put a name with a face...superstition kind of thing like making long range plans or being short. We were pretty tight with the new enlisted on the 94 (Bogart, Dallas and gang). Still have some nice pictures of those guys. I'm getting out of here for now but will answer any more questions tomorrow. Enjoyed "meeting" you all. You've helped my soul.